2023 Issue of Excellentia

VO L. 6 | T H E M AGA Z I N E O F H A R D I N G ACA D E M Y | FA LL 2023

7 NEW HEAD

OF SCHOOL Introducing Mike Walker

8 BUILDING

THE FUTURE Campaign Update

12 FRIST GRANT

By Jennifer Weinblatt

FA L L 2 0 2 3

05 LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD

07 LETTER FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

14 ACADEMICS

20 ARTS

24 ATHLETICS

Celebrating curiosity.

Building community.

COMMUNITY

Through time-honored traditions and innovative approaches to learning,

ALUMNI

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opportunities abound for Harding Academy students to get curious, be creative, and make connections that will last a lifetime.

Here, lifelong learners are inspired by a collaborative community of families, faculty, and peers, committed to integrity and EXCELLENTIA · 2023

excellence in all we do.

hardingacademy.org | 615.356.5510

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D EAR HAR D I NG ACAD EM Y COM M UNI TY,

EXCELLENTIA

The Magazine of Harding Academy Fall 2023 THE HARDING ACADEMY MISSION

To Educate and Inspire Young People to Become Thoughtful, Creative, Lifelong Learners and Self-Disciplined, Responsible, Caring Citizens 2022–23 BOARD OF TRUSTEES Meredith Mallard Thompson '94, President Merrie Alexander Ripley Bickerstaff Jessica Martin Darden '96 Will Greathouse Ben Heavrin Denise Jones Cindy Kam Susan Andrews Leschen '83 Thomas McDaniel Jeffrey Moats '94 Whit Moloney Drew Oldham Melanie Paddon Timothy Reynolds Russell Riebeling Patrick Schuermann

CONTRIBUTORS Carly Barringer, Dr. Braden Bell, Jay Codispoti, Nick Coury's (Photography), Mike Delevante, Dr. Eric Fecht, Ruthie Lowney '96, Steve Lowry (Photography), Corby Lucas, Kimberly Manz (Photography), Miles Hartline, Suzanne Nahay, Lauren Prince, Dr. Mike Walker, Jennifer Weinblatt, Misty White

© 2023 Harding Academy All rights reserved to copyright notice.

Meredith Mallard Thompson '94 President, Harding Academy Board of Trustees

EXCELLENTIA · 2023

EXCELLENTIA Magazine is published once a year by Harding Academy, Nashville, TN 37205, and is distributed to its alumni, families, friends, faculty, and staff.

A lot of work happened behind the scenes at Harding Academy this summer, as the Board, Transition Committee, and administrative team ensured a successful transition in leadership to our eighth Head of School, Dr. Mike Walker. As Board President, I have been actively engaged in that work and continue to be impressed by our community’s steadfast commitment to Harding Academy’s mission, core values, and vision. As I write this letter, however, I am just starting to prepare for the new school year as a parent – with my sons entering the fifth and seventh grades at Harding Academy. I also am reflecting on the fact that this spring will mark 30 years since I graduated from the eighth grade at Harding!

Despite my long history with Harding—all of my experience, familiarity, and lasting memories—it feels brand new all over again. Of course, in some significant ways, things are brand new. We are preparing for construction to begin on Phase One of the Campus Master Plan. We are introducing new ways of supporting and honoring our faculty and staff. As always, we are welcoming new students and families. And we enter a new era for the school as we welcome Dr. Walker and his wife, Wendy, to our community.

Throughout the months-long Head of School search—a process I was deeply honored to lead—I had the opportunity to speak with, survey, and listen carefully to the Harding community. I learned a great deal from current and former parents and students, faculty, staff, and other members of the school’s extended family. I learned what our community values most and realized that, despite the necessary changes and growth the school has experienced over the years, what makes Harding Academy so special remains true.

We are unwavering in our commitment to academic excellence, with a focus on the whole-child approach to learning. We love and respect our teachers – and want to provide them with the support they need and deserve. We treasure our one-of-a-kind community and culture, marked by both tradition and innovation, built around a shared Community Code and intent on creating a safe and welcoming environment.

These pillars of the Harding experience bring joy to learning, encourage growth, and foster friendships. It has remained true for generations: The love and support that I felt as a Harding student is something I now experience as a parent – and see my kids experiencing today.

From day one, Dr. Walker has shown that he understands, values, and will champion the special community that our Founders created and that drew each of us to Harding. Our mission references “lifelong learners,” and he is a perfect example. He is genuinely curious and cares what others have to say. He has already made great connections with many families and students, and I encourage the entire Harding community to take advantage of his eagerness to get to know each and every one of you.

Like me, I hope that all of you are filled with enthusiasm and a renewed spirit as we enter this new school year. With open arms to all—long-timers and newcomers alike—I encourage you to join in. Gather, meet, connect, and engage in this incredible community. All the occasions and traditions that bring us together are what set Harding apart, and I cannot wait to see what this year will bring to each child and every family. Welcome, and Go Hawks!

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D EAR HAR D I NG ACAD EM Y L EAR NI NG COM M UNI TY, I am filled with profound gratitude, inspired by the school's aspirations, and appreciative of the gracious welcome since being invited to become Harding Academy’s eighth Head of School. These feelings are amplified as I’ve gotten to know the community, first through the Head of School search process, then as the incoming Head of School, and now as the acting Head of School. I have met with families, faculty, friends, and community members, each providing perspectives that span roles and generations. These conversations and budding relationships affirm Harding is transformative for children, families, and faculty alike. In addition to the depth and breadth of the program, the warm, attentive, caring community is the essence of the school and is what enables the children to thrive. Harding is a school where every child is known and cared for, parents are partners, and every faculty and staff member is committed to the well-being of the children and the school.

The Harding Academy experience is designed to shepherd and support children and families through the formative years of early childhood into adolescence. We are in no hurry to accelerate childhood; we recognize this precious period of life is developmentally crucial. These formative years shape each child's sense of self, establish their relationship to learning, and cultivate friendships that last a lifetime.

Each child’s sense of self is shaped as their innate curiosity is allowed to blossom. Students discover their interests, passions, and talents through their enriched academic experience, extensive co-curricular opportunities, and athletic endeavors. The Harding experience encourages student exploration, precisely what these formative years call for. We want our students to embrace challenges, learn the value of persistence, and confidently seize opportunities. We also want them to be kind, care for others, and contribute positively to their community.

In my first few months at Harding, I have experienced the tremendous sense of community that permeates every aspect of this extraordinary school. Families and faculty love to gather and enjoy each other, be it The Harding Art Show, the all-school musical, an athletic event, or a class gathering; this is true for current families and those that remain connected.

Wendy and I are honored to have been invited to join this incredible community and feel embraced by the warm welcome we have received. I look forward to being involved in the lives of the children and of service to the families as we, in partnership, shepherd the children through their educational journey.

Mike Walker, Ed.D. Head of School

EXCELLENTIA · 2023

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BUILDING THE FUTURE Since our last update to the Harding community, we have made great strides in the Building the Future capital campaign for Harding Academy.

THROUGH OUR FUNDRAISING EFFORTS OVER THE COURSE of this campaign, we have raised more than $11 million in gifts designated to the construction of a new facility which will house classrooms for our Pre­­­­­K and Kindergarten and designated space for our after-school program, Pursuit, which has grown exponentially over the last decade. We know a child’s earliest years are also the most formative – socially, emotionally, developmentally, and academically. This new facility will be an updated, dedicated early learning building, tailored specifically to the needs of our youngest students but will impact the overall student experience for children throughout their journey at Harding Academy. Under the

guidance of our Board of Trustees, we have submitted all necessary permitting for the project and look forward to celebrating this milestone with a groundbreaking ceremony in early 2024.

The vision this master campus plan sets for the future of Harding is both bold in its scope and exciting for the possibilities it presents. In order to complete fundraising for Phase 1 and move into Phase 2, a new center for visual and performing arts, we will need the full support of the Harding Academy community. Thank you to all who have supported the Building the Future campaign for Harding Academy and all of those considering making a commitment to this exciting endeavor.

EXCELLENTIA · 2023

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HEALTH AND WELLNESS The Health and Wellness pillar from the Harding Academy Strategic Plan continues to thrive and grow in the Harding Community.

FOR FACULTY AND STAFF, WELLNESS WEDNESDAYS HOSTED by the Harding Academy business office have become a favorite day to relax and refocus their bodies and mind for the week. Human Resources Manager Elizabeth Fioravanti concludes every Wellness Wednesday with Just for the Health of It, an employee wellness newsletter that features healthy habits, recipes, and more ways to refocus mind and body.

The Harding Academy faculty health and wellness

committee partnered with the Harding facility team and human resources office to create the Faculty Wellness Room. With ambient lighting, books, reading corners, and a massage chair, this space serves as a quiet and peaceful oasis for faculty and staff. The health and wellness committee also provides small group fitness classes led by a fitness instructor, allowing faculty and staff a free on-campus opportunity to focus on their health.

“A genuine culture of community has been formed between those that regularly attend the morning workouts. It's a supportive, positive, encouraging, and uplifting environment. It's been an extremely enjoyable addition to my life and the

“I love to enjoy the health and

prospects of it potentially continuing

wellness room after a walk in

into next year would be something

Kever Park. It is the perfect room

that would excite me.”

on campus to refocus my mind and body after a busy day. I tell all of

BRUCE MELAN Pre-K Teacher

our teachers, “you have to try the massage chair at least once!”

BRÍGIDA DERRICK Middle School Spanish Teacher

“The morning workouts with Josh will build your confidence in your abilities and challenge you to be a better you. It takes a bit of sacrifice and

“The wellness room gives me a calm place on campus to retreat to during hectic days. I’ve enjoyed catching up on reading and grading papers in a calm and quiet space.”

We are all in this together, so we have laughed, cried, encouraged, and filled the space with good breathing!”

PAM RHETT Director of Lower School Music

EXCELLENTIA · 2023

KENNETH STEPHENS Seventh-Grade History Teacher

inconvenience, but it is totally worth it.

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ALASKA

IRELAND NEWFOUNDLAND

FRANCE SPAIN

FOR THE LOVE OF IT:

ITALY

HAWAII

FRIST GRANT 2022

JENNIFER WEINBLATT REFLECTS ON HOW HER LOVE OF LEARNING TOOK HER BACK TO FRANCE

By Jennifer Weinblatt, 6th Grade Middle School English

Jake Madden - Ireland Jennifer Weinblatt - Bordeaux, France Patti Wright - Italy

IN ONE OF MY FAVORITE SHORT stories to teach, “Eleven,” by Sandra

I could go on loving all things French no matter what my work, and I imagined I’d get back to France again one way or another.

It took a little longer than I thought it would, but thanks to the Faculty Enrichment Fund, I finally did get back. I chose to go to Bordeaux, a part of France I had not previously been to, and to go as part of a small tour group. I was traveling by myself and didn’t want to worry about getting lost. The company I went with, France Off the Beaten Path, offered a series of excursions and day trips in and around Bordeaux, with incredible experiences built in. We spent a morning at the home of a master chef making a meal in his kitchen (and then eating it!); we went on private tours of local vineyards; we visited the seaside town of Arcachon, known for oyster harvesting, and the medieval town of Saint-Émilion.

We were an extremely small group (several people had ended up canceling, still wary of traveling with Covid lurking), which allowed for great flexibility and spontaneity. The tour lasted six days, and I had arranged to remain in Bordeaux for an additional two nights afterwards in order to explore the city further on my own.

Taking part in a luxurious private tour of Bordeaux is hardly an adventure fraught with risk, but the trip involved a kind of risk-taking for me nonetheless.

I tend to play things safe in my life, and traveling far from all the people I love when it wasn’t necessary and when

Anne Zuberer - Newfoundland, Canada

NEW ZEALAND

Andrew Ballow - New Zealand Brenda Trimble - Barcelona, Spain Tara Taylor - Alaska Sara Neuss - French Alps Courtney Mankin - Hawaii

the world was still reeling from the effects of Covid-19 caused me no small amount of worry. I wondered if I was being reckless. But my family could not have been more supportive, and the pandemic had primed me to step out of my comfort zone.

My trip was pure joy. While perhaps a less carefree traveler than I was in my twenties, I was a more confident one, and I was determined to speak as much French as possible. I spoke to train passengers, taxi drivers, shopkeepers, hotel staff, servers, everyone I interacted with in the course of my days. My French bounced back quickly, and I felt again the magic of being able to communicate in a language that I did not grow up speaking. Language in general has

always fascinated me. That we can learn a new one, essentially a set of sounds and words, and with them access people— their nuanced thoughts and feelings— from whom we would otherwise be shut out, seems miraculous to me. Talking to a shop proprietor in Saint-Émilion. about teaching, to a taxi driver about his escape to France from the Khmer Rouge as a child, I felt at once how small and how large the world is. Being able to connect with someone in another language is one of the most humanity-affirming experiences I know.

My love of France does not play a useful role in my life, which is perhaps why, as I got older and the responsibilities of adult life multiplied, it was easy to neglect. Going back to France

reminded me that that there is value in loving something simply for its own sake. Our personal passions can energize everything we do. As a teacher, I hope I model that for my students. I hope that I convey to them my excitement about language—spoken and written—and its ability to connect us to all kinds of people leading all kinds of lives. I hope I demonstrate enthusiasm for learning and knowing things for the pleasure of it. And I hope I model gratefulness for all kinds of generosity, from someone’s sharing a personal experience that demonstrates trust in me, to Melissa and Bobby Frist’s gift allowing me (and my younger selves) to return to a place I have always loved.

EXCELLENTIA · 2023

Cisneros, the narrator, telling about turning 11 years old, says, What they don’t understand about birthdays and what they never tell you is that when you’re eleven, you’re also ten, and nine, and eight, and seven, and six, and five, and four, and three, and two, and one… Because the way you grow old is kind of like an onion or like the rings inside a tree trunk or like my little wooden dolls that fit one inside the other, each year inside the next one.

I thought of this story as I made my way through Charles de Gaulle Airport in France in June of 2022. The last time I had been in France, I was 24 years old, coming to spend a week with a friend who was living in Paris. She was away for the weekend, so I had two nights on my own before I would meet up with her. I had no hotel reservation but had earmarked a page in Cheap Sleeps in Paris listing hotels near the Rodin Museum, the place I most wanted to return to. I had spent a year in France as a junior in college, and the Rodin Museum was one of my favorite places in Paris. Returning alone a few years later, I was nervous and excited, both thrilled and somewhat terrified by the prospect of being completely on my own for a stint in this spectacular city.

All of this came back to me with visceral force as I walked through the airport last June, reminding me why I love “Eleven.” I have always experienced time and memory the way this narrator

describes it; for better or worse, my younger selves seem to live coiled inside me, and they emerge—sometimes uninvited—when circumstances revive them. Wheeling my suitcase through Charles de Gaulle, I experienced again the nervous thrill of coming to France alone, the absurd pleasure of hearing announcements in French, of making myself understood in French. The 20-year-old on her junior year abroad and the 24-year-old who returned a few years later were right there with me, and we were all in heaven.

I am not sure how my love affair with France began; it might have been my wonderful sixth-grade teacher, Geraldine Charney, who launched it with her French Club. But when I started studying a foreign language in seventh grade, there was no question it would be French, and when it came time to look at colleges, one of my top priorities was a study abroad program. I majored in French (and comparative literature) without much thought of what I would do after college. My parents indulged me.

I did teach French for one year after graduating college and enjoyed it, but teaching French did not feel like my calling. I loved teaching, but I wanted to teach English – I understood the language and literature in a more intuitive way and thought I would be a better English than French teacher. I went to graduate school and pursued a degree that would better prepare me for a career as an English teacher. I figured

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FORREST SPENCE FUND Eighth-grade students hosted a drive to gather supplies for families with infants. Students collected and packaged pacifiers, diapers, books, and clothes.

MARTHA O'BRYAN In January, eighth-grade students held a school supply drive. During morning drop-off students gathered donated supplies and organized them by grade level. Every donation was organized, sorted, and distributed for immediate use in offices and classrooms.

Harding Middle School students welcomed our community partners back on campus for the second annual Service Learning Fair.

During the fair, eighth grade students met with each partners to learn more about their mission and impact on the Nashville community. Eighth grade students then chose their community partner to support for the year. This year-long partnership is fostered through student led initiatives.

Student Council

Eighth Grade Chili Cook-Off

Anne McCarley '24 Treasurer

House Captains

2023 Middle School Trip to Spain

The Class of 2023 hosted the second-annual Harding Academy Chili Cookoff in January. Teachers, students, and parents competed for the top spot. This tradition was started by the Class of 2020 and has become a community-wide favorite. Eighth-grade students decorated the gym and hosted the community for a night of chili and games.

MODEL UNITED NATIONS TEAM

McNeilly Center for Children

TIME TO RISE Harding eighth-grade students hosted their annual Halloween fair in the fall. Students decorated the middle school, painted faces, and helped their friends from Time to Rise get in the Halloween Spirit.

Backfield in Motion

Helen Rich '23 Vice President Kate Disher '24 Secretary

EIGHTH GRADE CHILI COOK-OFF

MCNEILLY CENTER FOR CHILDREN In the winter, students lead a cold-weather clothing drive to support students and families at the McNeilly Center for Children.

Emmy Woodard '23 President

COMMUNITY

ACADEMICS

Forrest Spence Fund

STUDENT COMMUNITY PARTNERS

2022–2023 STUDENT COUNCIL OFFICERS

Twenty Harding Middle School students took on the roles of international delegates to participate in a Model United Nations conference. Harding delegates discussed world issues such as addressing refugee crises, promoting sustainable energy and reducing harmful OUTSTANDING RESOLUTION: Spencer Rogers '23 emission, combating global organized Griffin Rogers '23 crime, stopping Russian aggression in Ukraine, combatting marine piracy, and OUTSTANDING DELEGATES: Eva Vega '23 providing purified drinking water in parts Samantha Massad '23 of Africa. Two resolutions from Harding Griffin Rogers '23 Helen Rich '23 delegates, Eva Vega ‘23, Spencer Rogers Emmy Woodard '23 ‘23, and Griffin Rogers ‘23 advanced to the Margie Clark '24 General Assembly.

STUDENT COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES CLASS OF 2023 Elliana Galentino, Spencer Rogers, Kendall Speyer, Cooper Wells CLASS OF 2024 Margie Clark, Stella Frisbee CLASS OF 2025 Claire Ellis, Harley Mitchell, Wells Rick, Louisa Smith

2022–2023 HOUSE CAPTAINS The Harding House System is composed of the student body, staff, and faculty.

Each year, eighth graders act as a House Captain for one of the 12 houses. They help lead and organize activities, service efforts, and house celebrations.

LANE: Greer Bodzy SCHWARTZ: Griffin Rogers MCPHERSON: Alaina Bryce Jones FREEMAN: Anders Stabell ANDERSON: Matthew Hillenmeyer BLACK: Sophia Lowney

MIDDLE SCHOOL TRIP TO SPAIN

DEWITT: Chase Embry OLDFIELD: Judge Murphy STUART: Ella Jones STANFORD: Jackson Lucas CRAIG: Daniel Maumus

Time To Rise

Model United Nations

EXCELLENTIA · 2023

In June, 27 students in the seventh and eighth grade explored Spain with their Harding Middle School teachers. Students took a cooking class in Toledo, rode bikes through Seville, and took flamenco lessons in Granada.

DELOACHE: Grant Song

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ACADEMICS

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Harding educators continued mastering their skills with professional development throughout the year. Various grade-level educators, in partnership with the Director of Teaching and Learning Dr. Eric Fecht, embarked on another year of professional development to continue enhancing the Harding Academy teaching and learning experience.

FROM TEACHING FELLOW TO CLASSROOM TEACHER

•

By Carly Barringer, Fifth-Grade Teacher

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•

•

Lower-school Spanish teacher Victoria Bahr attended ACTFL, a conference for language educators and administrators from elementary to graduate work. The sessions provided the opportunity to connect with fellow coworkers to share and reflect on current lessons and themes. Workshops provided the opportunity to implement new lessons that scaffold on current curriculum objectives, especially with cross-curricular work and service learning.

Katie Kivett, kindergarten teacher attended Teach Your Heart Out in Miami, FL, and learned about resources based in the science of reading to be shared across the grade level.

Fourth-grade teacher Katy Stumpf attended the National Association for Gifted Children conference in Indianapolis, IN, with sessions focusing on differentiation in the classroom and best practices to provide support for students in areas of enrichment and extension.

Other sessions explored strategies to promote confidence, resilience, and empathy in the classroom.

Information was shared back

with colleagues to help best serve not only the gifted students in the Harding community, but all students.

•

•

Fifth-grade teachers Lauren Wheelock and Carly Barringer attended the Practical Co-Teaching Strategies: Increasing Students’ Success in Today’s Inclusive Classroom virtual conference held by the Bureau of Education and Research.

The conference discussed the challenges and successes of co-teaching and planning. Along with the conference itself, they gave the teachers access to a resource handbook with various strategies and ideas. Both teachers ended up presenting their findings from the conference to the Harding Academy faculty during an in-service day.

Fourth-grade teacher Grace Wilkinson and second-grade teacher Tandy Perkins attended Learning and the Brain, a research-based conference geared towards bringing together neuroscientists, generation researchers, medical experts, and education leaders to explore ways to help students who are struggling to learn and educators who are struggling to cope. Topics included science-based strategies to reduce stress, burnout, and boredom, and improve mental health, motivation, engagement, learning, and focus for teachers, leaders, and a distressed generation.

PRESIDENT’S AWARDS FOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT Kendall Speyer Elliana Galentino Ruby Gunnels

PHYSICAL EDUCATION AWARD Elliana Galentino Daniel Maumus

CAROL CHAMBERS ART AWARD Kendall Speyer

BAND AWARD Griffin Rogers

CHORUS AWARD Elliana Galentino

REESE WITHERSPOON DRAMA AWARD Emmy Woodard Sunday Urban

ANDREW POTANIN CREATIVE WRITING AWARD Damiloju Adejumobi

GERALDINE SWYSTUN ENGLISH AWARD Ruby Gunnels

PAM P. MCKNIGHT FRENCH AWARD Kate McDonald

LATIN AWARD Eli Russ

SPANISH AWARD Sammy Boylan

HISTORY AWARD Damiloju Adejumobi

MATH AWARD Molly Glover

SCIENCE AWARD Cooper Wells

SCHOOL SPIRIT AWARD Helen Rich Sammy Boylan

SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD Lauren Sullivan Sammy Boylan

ALUMNI CITIZENSHIP AWARD Cooper Wells HARDING SCHOLARS Molly Glover

EXCELLENTIA · 2023

AS A TEACHING FELLOW, I GAINED confidence through my experience and learned new skills that propelled me to have a great year as a first year classroom teacher. I was able to walk into my classroom knowing that I was a familiar face to our fifth graders and that their families and I could continue forming a bond to help guide them. I was able to connect with our fifth-grade team and essentially shadow them in the spring before my first year in the classroom. I felt supported in asking questions and asking for help because of the relationships we had formed prior to my first year as a full-time teacher.

Now, in my second year as my role has evolved to teaching reading, I am able to expand my role and be confident in the transition. If I had not had the opportunity to be a teaching fellow, I would be nervous about adding a new subject even in my second year. Nothing better could have prepared me for my classroom than the fellowship. It's an experience I wish every educator could have leading up to their first year of teaching. I am a second-year classroom teacher with the experience of a thirdyear teacher and that is because of the fellowship experience.

The teaching fellow allowed me to immerse myself as a learner and a teacher in the Harding Academy PreK through eighth-grade experience.

This summer, the kindergarten team attended the Educator Summit virtual conference, implemented a new, researchbased resource called “Secret Stories!,” and heard from many other presenters inspiring them with a new outlook on the upcoming school year.

2023 GRADUATION AWARD RECIPIENTS

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MOLLY GLOVER

That bright fire that was sparked as a four year old followed

THE HARDING SCHOLAR

me into my seventh-grade science class. Now, Mr. Folger’s

THE HARDING SCHOLAR IS AWARDED TO THE STUDENT OR STUDENTS WITH THE HIGHEST GRADE POINT AVERAGE DURING THE MIDDLE SCHOOL YEARS.

Ansley Bowron Wells '92 & Cooper Wells '23

LEGACY FAMILY PROFILE ANSLEY BOWRON WELLS '92 CONTINUES THE HARDING TRADITION

science class is notorious for being very difficult and unique.

I, however, was able to turn it into one of my favorite classes, not just because I got to experiment on crickets (three are currently still unaccounted for by the way), but because I had wonderful teachers to fuel my fire and passion.

My fire was fueled again in fifth grade during Ms. Bidez’s Colonial unit. We participated in a reenactment where we

When I look back on this year, one of the first things we

were asked to imagine what it would be like to colonize a

did as eighth graders was go to Camp Nacome for our

new land. We worked in teams of people to try to survive and

eighth-grade retreat. While we were there, we talked about

work around challenges. Before this, I did not really think

discovering our inspiration for learning and leading, and how

American history was that interesting. However, after this

to keep that going and growing during the year. We embraced

activity, which I really enjoyed, a deep genuine interest in the

the metaphor of a tending to a fire. How to fuel our flame and

subject was sparked.

keep it burning throughout the year. What we discovered was that our fires had been sparked and stoked over our many years at Harding and beyond.

Now, in eighth grade, that flame from fifth grade was burning strong during the Washington DC trip, where we created first-person experiences with the learning we had

What is your favorite Harding memory as a graduate and parent?

Experiencing kindergarten through eighth grade as a Harding parent, after experiencing those years as a student, was surreal in many ways but also very fun! I found the parent-teacher interactions with my

They’ve shown us over and over that our relationships are the most

For me, a moment that fueled my fire was my first visit to

done all year. I appreciated and was enthusiastic towards

valuable things in our lives.

Harding. I was four years old at the time, and was on my

what we were learning as we visited monuments, museums,

kindergarten tour. I stepped into the discovery lab and saw

and local neighborhoods.

What is your most treasured Harding moment with your children?

Dr. Holden’s life-sized skeleton replica and I thought, “Woah!

former teachers to be the most impactful experience during Cooper's

The most treasured moment is actually a tie. The first was Charlie’s

nine years at Harding. Witnessing him take part in the Harding

first day of kindergarten. Charlie was so nervous that morning you

traditions that marked my early years was also meaningful because I

could literally see the fear on his face. But when we pulled up to the

about what that class would be like. It inspired me to want to

knew the impact they would have on his life now and into the future.

depot, Cooper (then in fourth grade) took his hand and walked him

learn more about science.

Why was it important for you to send your children to Harding, particularly through the eighth grade?

I always knew that I wanted my children to attend Harding because it is such a special place, and I knew it would provide them with a strong foundation in so many ways. I also always planned for them to stay through eighth-grade because Christopher and I believe in the PreK through eighth-grade model and know how important it is for children to have the opportunity to be leaders in their school community. This played out during Cooper's seventh- and eighthgrade years when he had the opportunity to serve as Student Council Representative.

That’s so cool!” It sparked my interest and made me excited

Another moment that fanned my flame was in fourth grade when I saw my fellow classmates performing songs during field day. I thought, “Woah! That’s so cool.” It added fuel to

all the way to Mrs. Wright’s classroom. That picture is one of my

my flames and inspired me to want to learn and play more

all-time favorites. The second is Cooper’s recent graduation ceremony.

music.

I was so proud of him and surprised by his awards, but his emotion on that day is what really got me.

So many past teachers came up and hugged him and congratulated him afterwards, and he just cried and cried. I was so proud that Christopher and I could give him this amazing nine-year experience and the chance to be impacted by so many wonderful educators who truly care about him.

Four years later, learning to play ukulele then inspired me to make the drastic jump from a stringed instrument to a horn.

From there, my learning of notes allowed me to transfer my knowledge from trombone to bass guitar as well. Thanks to my classmates and teachers, I had enough fuel in my fire to keep me going, even when learning was difficult and frustrating.

We’ve made it through, come so far, and now we’re here;

As a Harding alumna and parent, what has been the most valuable experience your family has taken from the Harding community?

What are some experiences outside of the classroom that specifically prepared your children for life after Harding?

The most valuable experience our family has taken away from this

Lucas has best prepared him for life beyond Harding. Those three

We know there will be times where it will burn brighter than

community is really how amazing it is to be a part of such a vibrant,

years taught Cooper how to push through mentally and physically,

others. However, from our time at Harding with our teachers,

active group. The teachers, administation, fellow volunteers, and

taught him how to be a good teammate, taught him how to be a

family, and classmates, we are ready to tend to that flame

other families have been beside us in good times and bad. They’ve

leader, and really taught him how to be a good man. I will never be

supported me as Art Show Chair and HPA President. They’ve

able to replicate or match the influence Coach Lucas and his staff had

supported my kids when they’ve succeeded and when they’ve failed.

on a young Cooper Wells.

For Cooper, his experience playing football for Harding and Coach

we’re graduating. Soon to be high schoolers. As we walk out today as alumni, we carry our metaphorical torch with us.

EXCELLENTIA · 2023

wherever we may go.

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20 ARTS Alexa McKay '24, Emmy Woodard '23, Luke Anderson '24, Kenzie Miller '23, Anne McCarley '24

Ryan Britt '24 and Emmy Woodard '23

Mateo Lyn-Cook '24

THE POWER OF A SINGLE STORY

MARY POPPINS

OUR JOURNEY OF LEARNING TO SHARE EACH OTHER'S STORIES

IN THE FALL OF 2022, HARDING THEATER PRESENTED Disney’s Moana Junior for the first time. Harding’s theater program provides a place for our whole learning community to embrace the stories of all communities near and far. The cast and crew of Moana Junior shared a story—that is not theirs—with grace and admiration.

Spencer Rogers '23

220 STUDENTS 20 CANS OF SILVER SPRAY PAINT 5 FLYING MAGICIANS 3 SOLDOUT SHOWS

Dr. Braden Bell Associate Middle School Director/Theater and Choral Director for Middle School

EXCELLENTIA · 2023

“This story is about the bonds that tie us to our families and communities. It asks how those bonds strengthen us and how they can also challenge us. This story is about a brave girl and those who love and help her along. It is a story that reminds us that our past—as a person or as a people—does not need to define our future. There are ways to sail even stormy seas. There are ways to navigate new courses. It teaches us that heroes are not perfect and that those we fear and see as dangerous may have wounds we don’t see, but that can be healed and restored. We obviously do not have a cast of people who hail from Oceania. In that sense, these stories do not belong to us, and we are standing on sacred ground.

Trying to tell stories that stretch us in new ways is a challenge. Trying to walk the line between respect for the originating cultures and making this show our own has stretched us, but it is a good stretch, and, I believe, one that is required of anyone who wants to be more educated – and more human.

All of us benefit from telling stories, especially if they take us on a journey to places and times we have not lived, and help us realize that all humans everywhere— even those we don't know yet—are very much like us.

Indeed, it seems to me that the greatest errors humans make come when we forget the common humanity we all share, the inherent dignity and value of each person, and the cultures those souls collectively form.”

By the Numbers

Griffin Rogers '23, Elliana Galentino '23, Grayson Margolis '25, Lauren Sullivan '23

21 Emmy Woodard '23

ACADEMICS

ART AWARDS 2023 ART AWARD RECIPIENTS 2023 HOLIDAY CARD Riley Bertelli '25 Grandma Moses Painting 2023 GRANDPARENTS CHOCOLATE INVITATION Josephine Perkinson '28 Cubist Pastel Rooster 2023 GRANDPARENTS CHOCOLATE “FAVOR ART” AWARD Henry Chambers '30, Field Boswell '30, Alex Sweeter '30 Van Gogh Sunflower 2023-24 PURCHASE AWARD Cathleen Vrettos '28 Britto Embossed Heart Claire Ellis '25 Grandma Moses Painting

Calendar Award November, Damilohun Adejumobi '25

Calendar Award October, Annie Thurman '24

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE

2023–24 CALENDAR AWARDS AUGUST 2023 Meemsie Gardner '29, Cartter Gerber '29, Lark Moats '29 Monet Field of Poppies

Harding Academy welcomed its first Artist in Residence, Brittany Curry, to campus in January.

Brittany is a graphic recorder from Savannah, GA. Brittany’s graphic recording and visioning work has been requested across the nation, spanning a range of projects and clients from corporate, to small business, to philanthropic foundations, governmental agencies, public health systems, and the disability advocacy community in Georgia.

SEPTEMBER 2023 Nash Donahue '27, Violet Followill '27 Amate Bark Painting OCTOBER 2023 Margie Clark '24, Kate Disher '24, Annie Thurman '24 Charcoal Haunted House NOVEMBER 2023 Damilohun Adejumobi '25, Ruaire Shaver '25 Etta Vee Painting DECEMBER 2023 Elliott Mangano '26, Harry Thornton '26 Winter Snowman JANUARY 2024 Ottilie Gardner '23, Molly Glover '23, Lauren Song '23 Torn Paper Portrait FEBRUARY 2024 Knox Fulcher '28, Shenandoah LeBlanc '28, Larkin Reynolds '28 Monet Garden Painting

Calendar Award July, Charlie George '24

Calendar Award January, Ottilie Gardner '23

MARCH 2024 Britton Connor '31, Matilda Kaczmarek '31, Laura Nemer '31 Eric Carle Butterfly APRIL 2024 Claire Dehner '25, Grayson Margolis '25, Calista Papaioanu '25 Watercolor Faberge Egg MAY 2024 Eliza Gray Neal '26, Else Nelson '26, Belle Yeagle '26 Blue Dog Painting JUNE 2024 Charlotte Fayard '30, Finley Kivett '30, Molly Manno '30 Watercolor Crocodile

EXCELLENTIA · 2023

JULY 2024 CJ Covington '24, Charlie George '24, Caroline Vrettos '24 Thiebaud Abstract Landscape

Calendar Award April, Calista Papaioanu '25

Brittany led art classes for grades kindergarten through eighth grade. Lower school students explored the process of visual mapping through drawing and writing exercises using the community code. In middle school, Brittany shared how to use visual mapping for taking notes. She shared how to simplify drawings to capture the key idea. It was a simple lesson and drawing exercise!

Brittany created a graphic recording of the school-wide assembly that week. During a late-start Wednesday, faculty and staff created their own graphic recording and brainstormed ideas for application in their content areas.

Throughout her visit Brittany encouraged students and faculty to unbuckle the invisible seatbelt of self-doubt and give ourselves "permission to play without expectation."

AUGUST 2024 Daniel Maumus '23, Kenzie Miller '23, Kipling Miller '23 Endangered Animal Batik

Calendar Award February, Shenandoah LeBlanc '28

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ATHLETICS

ATHLETICS

ATHLETIC LEADERSHIP At Harding Academy, we educate the whole student – not just the mind, but the body, too. Athletics and physical education are important avenues for developing qualities that equip a person for success in any area of life: self-discipline, teamwork, a competitive spirit, and good sportsmanship. The mission of Harding Academy athletics is to provide an opportunity for every student to grow in confidence and character in a supportive, team environment with a focus on fundamental skill development, healthy competition, and building positive, meaningful relationships.

Harding Academy’s Leadership Council is made up of eighth-grade students who demonstrate athletic leadership both on and off the field. The council was formed as a way to give students a voice on how to continue to improve Harding athletics while also honing their leadership skills. Council members met weekly with Athletic Director Corby Lucas and were led throughout the school year by eight students elected to the Leadership Council. The 2022-23 council consisted of Samantha Massad ‘23, Lauren Sullivan ‘23, Quinn Taylor ‘23, Sammy Boylan ‘23, Chase Embry ‘23, Daniel Maumus ‘23, Helen Rich ‘23, and Jackson Lucas ‘23. The Leadership Council attended the Harpeth Valley Athletic Conference in February where students were able to make connections with peers across the HVAC Conferences. Students engaged in discussions around principles of athletic leadership, engaged in panel discussions with coaches, and connected as an athletic community. At the end of March our Harding Athletic Council, in collaboration with the DEI Student Council, hosted a symposium for middle school students focused on honoring women in sports and the impact of title IV. Betty “Belmont Betty” Wiseman, a forerunner in women’s collegiate athletics – both as a basketball coach and administrator, shared her inspiring story with students.

ATHLETIC AWARDS WINTER

GIRLS BASKETBALL MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Hilary Fremont '24 COACH’S AWARD: Margie Clark '24

BOYS BASKETBALL MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Quinn Taylor '23 COACH’S AWARD: Chase Embry '23

Carter Mohr '23

WINTER CHEERLEADING MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Elle Poole '24 COACH’S AWARD: Coco Dixon '24

SWIMMING MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Mina Sanford '24 COACH’S AWARD: Maya Florie '24

ATHLETIC AWARDS

SPRING

GIRLS TRACK AND FIELD MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Hilary Fremont '24 COACH’S AWARD: Claire Dehner '25

FALL

BOYS TRACK AND FIELD MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: George Boero '23 COACH’S AWARD: Sebastian Müller '25

CROSS-COUNTRY MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Hilary Fremont '24 COACH'S AWARD: Sebastian Müller '25

BASEBALL MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Daniel Maumus '23 COACH’S AWARD: Eli Russ '23

CHEERLEADING MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: CeCe Hardin '24 COACH’S AWARD: Domilohun Adejumobi '25

GIRLS LACROSSE

FOOTBALL

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Lauren Sullivan '23 COACH’S AWARD: Sims Thompson '23

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Jackson Lucas '23 COACH'S AWARD: Cooper Wells '23

BOYS LACROSSE

VOLLEYBALL MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Helen Rich '23 COACH’S AWARD: Elliana Galentino '23

Walt Sanders '24

Helen Rich '23

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Jackson Lucas '23 COACH’S AWARD: Cooper Wells '23

GIRLS GOLF

GIRLS TENNIS

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Rylen Militante '25 COACH’S AWARD: Logan Scott '25

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Margaret Greathouse '25 COACH’S AWARD: Hannah Sides '24

BOYS GOLF MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Briggs Waddey '25

BOYS TENNIS MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Armaan Singvhi '25 COACH’S AWARD: Walt Sanders '24

E-SPORTS MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: CJ Covington '24 COACH’S AWARD: Charlie Paddon '25

GIRLS SOCCER MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Louisa Smith '25 COACH’S AWARD: Greer Bodzy '23

BOYS SOCCER MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: George Boero '23 COACH’S AWARD: Daniel Maumus '23 EXCELLENTIA · 2023

MOUNTAIN BIKING COACH’S AWARD: Claire Dehner '25

WRESTLING MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Quinn Taylor '23 COACH’S AWARD: Grant Song '23

Annie Thurman '24

Margaux Brown '24

Luke Fields '23

Coco Dixon '24

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26 COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY EVENTS AT HARDING FALL FESTIVAL Harding families and friends enjoyed an afternoon of activities at the Fall Festival. Parents Mimi Mayo Beaver ‘97 and Megan Jacobs chaired the event. Current and prospective Harding families enjoyed a wide variety of activities from dance-offs, to cookie and pumpkin decorating, to face painting, to bounce houses galore!

There was something for all ages at this fan-favorite event.

GRADE-LEVEL PARTIES Harding families connected during the fall season's on-campus, grade-level parent parties. Parents mingled and enjoyed a night under the stars.

2023 Featured Piece by Artist Kate Roebuck

Artwork by Featured Artist Kate Roebuck

SECOND HARVEST FOOD DRIVE The Harding Academy community collected more than 100 boxes of food for the Second Harvest Food Drive. The generosity of the Harding community helped provide more than 8,000 meals for families in Middle Tennessee.

GRANDPARENTS AND SPECIAL FRIENDS CHOCOLATE Grandparents and special friends filled the Henderson Theater for a special performance by kindergarten through fourth-grade students in November. The day continued with the time-honored tradition of breakfast followed by musical performances and visits to the classroom.

THE HARDING

ART SHOW

ART SHOW By the Numbers

93 ARTISTS 3 DAYS OVER $1.2 MILLION IN SALES OVER 100 PARENT VOLUNTEERS OVER 1,500 ORDERS PLACED

SPRING ART EXHIBIT Harding families enjoyed a night of student artwork in April.

The journey from kindergarten to eighth-grade was on display as families could see a kindergarten family view their child's first watercolor heart piece as well as an eighth-grade family admire the coveted torn paper piece.

TIME TO RISE

2023 Art Show Chairs Hayley Gerber (left) and Whitney Morris (right) with the 2023 Featured Artist Kate Roebuck (middle)

EXCELLENTIA · 2023

Harding Academy hosted Time to Rise this summer. Time to Rise is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping third- to sixth-grade students bridge academic learning through the summer in order to best enable each student to reach their full potential. The program is run by Harding Academy teachers, staff, and alumni. Time to Rise counselors are Harding Academy graduates who attend different high schools in the Nashville area.

27 2023 Featured Artist Kate Roebuck

HARDING PARENTS ASSOCATION

The Harding Parents Association (HPA) helps foster the spirit of community and supports Harding Academy with needed resources. The HPA hosts events for the community throughout the year to help build connections and provide support to our faculty and staff.

BOOK FAIR Book Fair Chairs Martha Brooke Martin and Kristi Reaves partnered with the Harding library team to host the annual book fair! Students selected the perfect book to dedicate to a special teacher, friend, or family member. More than 100 books were donated to the already impressive list of titles available in the Harding Academy Library.

2022– 2023

EXECUTIVE BOARD

FACULTY AND STAFF APPRECIATION

ANGEL TREE PROGRAM

LEIGH ROGERS President

Throughout the year faculty and staff enjoyed delicious meals and treats provided by the HPA. Chairs Stephanie Borek and Caroline West made each event so special!

The Harding Parents Association partnered with Salvation Army Angel Tree to provide gifts for 150 angels ages infant to 12 years old.

HPA AUCTION

SPIRIT GAMES

HPA Auction Chair Beth West included an array of items, from travel experiences to hard-to-find gifts, that excited the Harding community.

The fall and spring Spirit Games were a huge success! The Hawks Nest was filled with Harding spirit during both seasons as the Harding Athletic Department honored their fall and spring sports teams.

SHAILA BANNOCK President Elect ANSLEY BOWRON WELLS '92 Communications JOCELYN CHAMBERS Secretary

PARENTS PARTY

ELIZABETH BLEECKER Treasurer

CHRISTINE PERKINSON Volunteer Coordinator Top (L-R): Christine Perkinison, Janet Hardin, Elizabeth Bleecker, Ansley Wells '92 Bottom (L-R): Leigh Rogers, Shaila Bannock, Jocelyn Chambers

SONGWRITERS NIGHT Harding parents and faculty enjoyed a night of wonderful music at the Bell Tower in downtown Nashville. Songwriters Charles Kelley, Jordan Reynolds, and Justin Ebach serenaded the crowd through the night.

EXCELLENTIA · 2023

The Harding community gathered at GEODIS Park for the 2023 Parents Party. This new venue was perfect for the occasion. It was a great turnout of parents as well as faculty and staff! Thank you to chairs Louise Alexander and Amanda Hardin for all their hard work to make this event come to life!

JANET HARDIN Treasurer Elect

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30 ALUMNI

ALUMNI WINTER LUNCHEON A treat for faculty and staff during a winter in-service, the Alumni Office hosted a luncheon on campus for our college and high school age alumni and their former teachers. Watching Harding graduates update their former teachers on their lives and reminisce on Harding memories was a poignant reminder of how important it is to continue fostering a deep sense of community in our students. A bright point came when several students lamented to Mr. Folger that they were never able to participate in a favorite Harding moment: lighting their hands on fire. Mr. Folger promptly took these alumni to his lab and afforded them a chance to see flames sprout from their hands as they cheered with delight. Like the ringing of the birthday bell in kindergarten, it is moments like this that, even for high school and college age students, will resonate with them for years to come.

WALKER CLAYTON MEMORIAL FISH FRY With 250 friends in attendance, and a beautiful spring day, the first annual Walker Clayton Memorial Fish Fry was a booming success! Funds in excess of $30,000 were raised to support the Harding Academy Alumni Association's commitment to the Building the Future capital campaign. For every kid who ever felt like a fish out of water, the Walker Clayton Memorial Fish Fry hopes to help them find a stream to success.

TITANS GAME In partnership with Amy ‘97 and Kenneth Adams, the Harding Academy Alumni Association hosted the second annual Alumni Day with the Tennessee Titans! It was a perfect fall day for more than 200 alumni, families, and friends of the Harding community to come together for a family-friendly tailgate in Titan Town followed by cheering on the Titans to an exciting win against the Las Vegas Raiders.

GOLF TOURNAMENT EXCELLENTIA · 2023

This annual tournament is played in memory of Alex Martin '04 who passed away while in the fourth grade at Harding in 2000. All proceeds from this commemorative tournament go directly to support the G. Alexander Martin Scholarship Fund designated to financial aid for families who have demonstrated need, as well as help complete funding for the Harding Alumni Association’s commitment to the Building the Future capital campaign.

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ALUMNI HARDING ACADEMY

CLASS NOTES SEMIPE ADEJUMOBI '22 was named Freshman Representative on the Lady of the Hall Court at Harpeth Hall.

GARRETT LEE '22 earned the Latin 3 award at Franklin Road Academy. He also taught FRA STEM camp in summer 2023.

GRACIE MERIWETHER '22 won the 2nd Place Precision Award in riflery from the Civilian Marksmanship Program.

REAGAN MILITANTE '22 earned the Community Service Award at Franklin Road Academy.

ETHAN SIDES '22 earned the Spanish II Honors Award at Montgomery Bell Academy.

MADDIE WHITE '22 earned the Spanish 1 and Biology award at Franklin Road Academy.

DYLAN ANDERSON '21 earned the Drama 1 award at Franklin Road Academy.

ADELAIDE COOK '19 received a National Gold Medal in the 2023 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards for her piece titled, ‘Morning Laundry.’

She was recognized in June at the 100th anniversary award ceremony at Carnegie Hall, New York.

NATHANIEL NELSON '19 was appointed to The U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

LAIN ORNDORFF '19 earned the Jeffrey Buntin Art Scholarship Award, Excellence in Robotics Award at Montgomery Bell Academy.

WHITNEY SANDERS '19 was named MTHSSA Diver of the Year.

Adelaide Cook '19, Morning Laundry

CONOR CORBY '19 earned the Francis E. Carter Award for Service and Achievement at Montgomery Bell Academy, as well as being named a National Merit Scholar.

MARY HALEY '19 a recent graduate of Ensworth High School, was recruited to play lacrosse at Centre College.

SYDNEY MANNON '19 completed a successful winter circuit horse showing in Ocala, FL. She qualified for the Junior Hunter Finals in Traverse City, MI at both 3’3” and 3’6.”

EMMIE MAUMUS '19 was named Herff Jones Heart of the Team winner for her leadership and commitment to Franklin High School’s girls flag football team.

MAX BOYLAN '21 earned the Chemistry, French Honors and AP World History, and Volunteer Service award at Franklin Road Academy.

WITT MAXWELL '21 earned the Entrepreneurial Incubator and Volunteer Service Award at Franklin Road Academy. He also qualified for the State Robotics Championship in December 2022. In Summer 2023, he taught FRA STEM camp.

KIERAN MCCOURT '19 taught STEM Camp at Franklin Road Academy in Summer 2023.

HENRY MIDDLETON '19 was the winner of the Congressional App Challenge in TN 5th District for his “Nashville Newbie” app and showcased the app in D.C. at the U.S. Capitol; won Paschall Award for special contributions to MBA; a member of both honorary MBA fraternities, Totomoi and Martin Luther King Jr Society.

GRACE MOORE '19 was named Senior Representative on the Lady of the Hall Court at Harpeth Hall.

ELI GALENTINO '20 was named a MacMullen Scholar the University School of Nashville.

RALEIGH MAXWELL '20 earned the Zager Debate Scholarship Award at Montgomery Bell Academy.

Emmie Maumus '19

Aliyah Good '18

Singer-Songwriter ALIYAH GOOD '18 unveiled a new music video for her first self-written single “Ending of a First Love.”

PARKER WAINWRIGHT '18 earned TSSAA All Region Honors for the Ensworth men's soccer team as they advanced to the state's Elite-8 during the Spring 2022 season. He also completed a three-year career as a starter on the Ensworth men's basketball team. He recently completed his freshman year at UT-Knoxville where he's studying Business at the Haslam School.

RILEY MCCORMICK '13 is happy to be working on Capitol Hill as a legislative correspondent in a Congressional office.

JO HELEN BAULCH SMITH '11 received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Belmont University in 2022.

CAIN MCCLARY '09 after a transition from medicine (pathology at Stanford), Cain started KdT Ventures, an early-stage science venture capital firm, in 2017. Now with 10 employees and over $200M AUM, Cain is more excited than ever about the future of science and the understanding/programming of the physical layer of the world.

ALEXANDER ROALDSAND '09 is celebrating five years with Entergy as a nuclear reactor engineer in Mississippi and recent engagement to be married to Dr. Cathy Lee Ching.

DIEGO LUIS '06 was hired as an assistant professor of history at Tufts University.

His upcoming book, The First Asians in the Americas: A Transpacific History, will be coming out January 2024 with Harvard University Press.

JESSICA MARTIN DARDEN '96 was named vice president at McNeely Pigott & Fox. ELIZABETH TOWNSEND ECKER '96 lives in New Orleans with her husband Brandon and son Reed (10 years old). She is in her seventh year as Head of Middle School at Isidore Newman School and 19th year as an educator.

BRADLEY COLLINS '93 co-authored an instant New York Times best-selling children's book When I Talk To God, I Talk About You, with his

WEDDINGS

BIRTHS

BLYTHE CATE '05 married Harrison Bryant on October 22, 2022.

LEEANN AND BENNETT '06 CAIN had their second child, Brooks Palmer Cain, on January 19, 2023.

ANDREW FLETCHER '06 married Allison Cunningham (current third grade teacher at Harding Academy) on June 3, 2023.

partner Chrissy Metz. They have started work on a second book with their publisher Penguin Random House.

EMMA LABOUNTY '07 graduated with high honors from the University of Chicago Law School in June 2023. She will be clerking for a federal judge on the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals, after which she plans to work at Sidley Austin LLP in Chicago.

ABBY SCANLAN '09 married Ryan Degnan in Nashville on October 22, 2022. They live

VIRGINIA AND RICHARD '87 FITZGERALD welcomed their son, Avery in the summer of 2022.

Bradley COllins

RUSTI GREENE '84 is working with the Fort Campbell Historical Foundation on a series of mini documentaries and speaking with U.S. military leaders including General (Ret) Petraeus, General (Ret) Cody, General (Ret) Peay, and others to bring the Tennessee Wings of Liberty Museum to fruition. Phase one of the museum will be constructed in 2025 to honor the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division, the 5th Special Forces Group, and the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment.

Brooks Palmer Cain

Avery Fitzgerald

August Cullen Hamelin

Kathryn '06 and Matthew Zelenski with son Reid Lyons

ALEXA AND CULLEN '07 HAMELIN welcomed their daughter, August Cullen Hamelin, on October 5, 2022.

MADELINE HUFFMAN '17, who recently completed her sophomore year at Vanderbilt, helped in the “fab lab” with a Picasso-inspired design project.

LAURA AND GARRETT '03 RAMSEY welcomed their second child, a son, Wilson Ramsey, this past year.

CAROLINE HUMPHREY ‘17 performed in her first professional credit with the Prague Shakespeare Company.

COOPER CRAIG ‘16, who serves in the Navy, is currently stationed on a ship in Japan.

DENEE STEWART FREEMAN ‘14 received the Haslam Scholar award from the University of Tennessee in 2022. She went on to receive her master's degree in human development and education, with a learning and arts concentration, from Harvard University in May 2023. Denee began her role as evaluation and audience specialist for the Creative Discovery Museum in Chattanooga, TN in June 2023.

in Atlanta, GA and she is a pediatric nurse practitioner at Children’s Medical Group, a local pediatrician's office.

WILLIAM ‘08 AND KYNLIE FREEMAN REAMES '09 welcomed Crew Thomas Reames on May 2, 2023.

MATTHEW AND KATHRYN '06 ZELENIK welcomed their son, Reid Lyons Zelenik, on October 23, 2022.

PHILIP AND LAUREN '05 SKIPP welcomed a baby girl, Tilden Louisa Skipp, in November 2022.

IN MEMORIAM

HARRISON AND KARA '05 TUCKER welcomed a baby girl, Virginia Douglass Tucker, on December 8, 2022.

TOMMY FUQUA '97

WES AND BARBARA '03 WHITE welcomed son Tate Martin White on October 10, 2022.

Andrew Fletcher '06 & Allison Cunningham

WARD DEWITT, FOUNDER

KIRK PORTER '78 WILSON PRUITT '07

EXCELLENTIA · 2023

MADELEINE MERVILLE '20 earned the New Testament award at Franklin Road Academy.

SOPHI STANKIEWICZ '20 shadowed Harding’s lower school faculty during her St. Cecilia Academy interim.

REED SULLIVAN '19 was named a National Merit Scholar.

JAKE FRAZIER '19 was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy, as well as being named a National Merit Scholar.

MAX HOCKER '19 earned the Chinese III Honors Award at Montgomery Bell Academy.

Max Boylan '21

GRAYSON SOPER '19 earned the Lawrence and Stephen Wieck Big Red Spirit Award at Montgomery Bell Academy.

NATHAN JOHNSON '13 graduated from Belmont University with a business degree in entrepreneurship in 2022. He is employed

by Johnson Johnson Crabtree Architects as a project manager.

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HIGH SCHOOL CHOICES 2023 DAMILOJU ADEJUMOBI Father Ryan

LUKE FIELDS Ensworth

LUKE JONES Franklin Road Academy

CARTER MOHR Franklin High School

ELI RUSS Ensworth

GREER BODZY Ensworth

ELLIANA GALENTINO Franklin Road Academy

SOPHIA LOWNEY Franklin Road Academy

GRANT SONG Franklin Road Academy

GEORGE BOERO Ensworth

OTTILIE GARDNER Franklin Road Academy

NADIA BORGER-GILLIGAN Hume-Fogg

MOLLY GLOVER Hume-Fogg

JACKSON LUCAS Montgomery Bell Academy

JULIAN MOORE Montgomery Bell Academy

SAMMY BOYLAN Franklin Road Academy MCKINLEY BRADSHAW Ensworth CHASE EMBRY Ensworth KATHERINE FAST University School of Nashville

RUBY GUNNELS Franklin Road Academy MATTHEW HILLENMEYER Franklin Road Academy

SAMANTHA MASSAD Ensworth DANIEL MAUMUS Ensworth KATE MCDONALD Father Ryan

ALAINA BRYCE JONES University School of Nashville

KENZIE MILLER University School of Nashville

ELLA JONES Franklin Road Academy

KIPLING MILLER Franklin Road Academy

JUDGE MURPHY Father Ryan BENNETT PADDON University School of Nashville LEXI POLAND Franklin Road Academy HELEN RICH Ensworth GRIFFIN ROGERS Ensworth SPENCER ROGERS Ensworth

LAUREN SONG Harpeth Hall KENDALL SPEYER Father Ryan ANDERS STABELL Father Ryan LAUREN SULLIVAN Harpeth Hall QUINN TAYLOR Ensworth

INKA TILL University School of Nashville SUNDAY URBAN Franklin Road Academy EVA VEGA The Bush School (WA) COOPER WELLS Ensworth ANDREW WHITE Montgomery Bell Academy EMMY WOODARD Ensworth

ALEX TESAURO University School of Nashville

HEAD OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE ?

COLLEGE CHOICES CLASS OF 2019 JACKSON ALLEN University of Vermont

CAROLINE DUNCAN Auburn University

OLIVER BEAULIEU Northeastern University

PARKER ELVIDGE Gap Year

CAIDEN BRIGHT Clemson University

CHASE FIELDS University of Colorado at Boulder

JULIA HERMANN University of Colorado Boulder MAX HOCKER College of Charleston ELLA HOWARD Boston College

Jeff Moats '94, Meredith Mallard Thompson '94, Jake Nemer '97 and Jessica Martin Darden '96

CALLIE LEWIS Bard College

GRACE MOORE Vanderbilt University

MILES SCARPERO Auburn University

QUIN LEWIS Occidental College

NATHANIEL NELSON United States Military Academy at West Point

OLIVA SHIRLEY Clemson University

IRIS LI Undecided

CLAIRE NORD University of Richmond

CHASE FRANCK Auburn University

OWEN IRVING Vanderbilt University

EVANS LINDSEY Texas Christian University

MAGGIE CLARK Vanderbilt University

CHARLIE GATTO Tulane University

HENRY JACOBS Furman University

WALKER LINDSEY Amherst College

HOLDEN OLIPHANT SCAD

KENDALL CODISPOTI Florida Gulf Coast University

GRANT GILMOUR University of Mississippi

SADIE JAMES Clemson University

CASSIDY HAJE Tulane University

MICHELLE JOHNSON Pepperdine University

ANNA LINDSLEY United States Air Force Academy

LINDSEY PARKER Texas Christian University

MARY HALEY Centre College

ANNELISE KYZER Undecided

SYDNEY MANNON College of Charleston

RYAN PIPER Gap Year

MARK RYAN HENDERSON Auburn University

GABBY LAND University of Michigan

EMMIE MAUMUS University of Kentucky

QUINN POWERS University of Tennessee

KIERAN MCCOURT Colorado School of Mines

WHITNEY SANDERS Elon University

JONATHAN CHUNGBRUEHL Vanderbilt University

ADELAIDE COOK Northeastern University CONOR CORBY Washington & Lee University FRANCESCA DENISON Sarah Lawrence College

NAOMI NUMBERS University of Louisville

AVA SJURSEN Boston College NICHOLAS TESAURO Vanderbilt University HUSTON THRASHER University of Alabama KENDALL TIERNEY Texas Christian University STEPHANIE WILKINSON University of Kentucky ANDREW WRIGHT University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing

HEAD OF SCHOOL SEARCH COMMITTEE THE FALL OF 2022 BROUGHT WITH IT MANY UNEXPECTED CHALLENGES AND THE POSSIBILITY OF EXCITING NEW opportunities for the Harding Academy community. As the search for a new Head of School began, a search committee was created. Each member of this committee fully embraced the vast responsibility of finding our next Head of School thus ensuring the tradition of excellence seamlessly continued at Harding Academy. These dedicated members of our Board of Trustees volunteered hours, weeks and months of their time and energy pouring over resumes, receiving feedback from our community, researching candidates' backgrounds, getting to know the individuals vying for an opportunity to be our next Head of School.

Many spent more hours than they would care to admit seeing the inside of the Tennessee Room, but in the end, the entire search committee confidently and unanimously announced Mike Walker as the eighth Head of School at Harding Academy.

In appreciation for this commitment to their alma mater, three members of the search committee were collectively named the 2023 Distinguished Alumni for Harding Academy. Jessica Martin Darden ‘96, Jeff Moats ‘94, and Meredith Mallard Thompson ‘94 reaffirmed their commitment to and love for Harding Academy through their dedication to this process. We are profoundly grateful for all of their work to support and continue the mission of Harding Academy.

EXCELLENTIA · 2023

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HARDING ANNUAL FUND

WITH ENDLESS GRATITUDE The Harding Fund provides an opportunity for alumni, families, and friends of our school to invest in the ongoing operations and continued excellence of Harding Academy. These gifts are an extraordinarily meaningful way to become involved and have a direct impact on students' experience. The excellence for which Harding Academy has become known is directly attributed to the meaningful contributions of our donors.

OVERALL CHAIRS Carey '97 and Mark McDonald

SECOND GRADE Ginger Holt and Lauren Gaffney

SIXTH GRADE Ally '96 and Scott Freeman

PREK Lauren '97 and AJ Stark

THIRD GRADE Kristen and Drew Oldham

SEVENTH GRADE Misty and Matt Hardin

KINDERGARTEN April and Jake '97 Nemer

FOURTH GRADE Caldwell Collins and Bill Israel

FIRST GRADE Katie and John Fayard

FIFTH GRADE Kimberly and Damon Drake

EIGHTH GRADE Mary Kay and Richard Galentino

Support the 2023-2024 Harding Fund online at HardingAcademy.org/give or Venmo @HardingAcademy.

Questions? Please contact Ruthie Huggins Lowney '96, Director of Advancement and Marketing, 615-387-6329.

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@HARDINGACADEMY