EXCELLENTIA: Summer 2017 (Vol. I)

T H E M AGA Z I N E O F H A R D I N G ACA D E M Y | S U M M ER 20 1 7

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A LIFELONG LEARNER’S ROADMAP

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THE HARDING SCHOLAR

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A TEAM MENTALITY

CAMILLE GIFT ~ A Dedication in Memoriam ~

Excellentia SUMMER 2017

03 LETTER FROM THE BOARD PRESIDENT

FOR NINETEEN YEARS, FOURTH GRADE

teacher Camille Gift’s warm smile and contagious laugh provided a constant source of comfort and joy to everyone at Harding Academy. Generations of children and their parents were inspired by the literature they encountered in her standing-room-only book clubs and by the intellect and enthusiasm she brought to her work.

Current students and alumni alike credit their creative writing skills to Camille’s instruction and encouragement, and many share the whimsical memories of turning in their work to “Puffy,” her life-sized, manatee-shaped, seasonallycostumed mailbox.

Her luminous presence has been greatly missed since her passing in March, 2017. With great respect and appreciation, we dedicate the inaugural issue of the Harding Academy magazine in her memory.

Camille Gift demonstrated undeniable passion for teaching.

She loved listening to children read their original stories, cheering them on as they gathered courage and shared their unique voices. She was committed to creating positive experiences in the classroom and to having fun and finding joy even in challenging work. In a June, 2009, profile, Camille said, “The relationship I have with my students is so important. School must be a happy place.”

She strived to build a sense of class community: “It is amazing to see children grow and learn when they feel respected and appreciated by their peers,” she said. “It is like magic! As a teacher, you can’t just expect the magic to happen. It takes work, but it is so worth it.”

Camille was best known for her love of books and reading, especially children’s literature. For many of Harding’s current students and alumni, memories of the book-related projects done in Camille’s class will endure—maybe none more famously than the poster they were required to prepare for the very first week of school based on their selection of either Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo or Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor.

Others may also recall that when acclaimed Wonder author R. J. Palacio issued a nationwide call for students to submit “precepts” (words to live by) for a sequel called 365 Days of Wonder, Camille responded by asking her students to be “unique, or daring, or especially beautiful and to write something you’d like to share with the world.”

After Camille submitted her students’ work to the author, the letter she received in return from Ms. Palacio said, “Thousands of precepts were entered by children from all over the world, and only about 75 were selected for inclusion in the book, so that’s quite an accomplishment!”

The accomplishment? Three of the 75 selected precepts were written by Harding students. Words of wisdom from students Cate Frist, Rosemary Frederiksen, and Elizabeth Allen were included in 365 Days of Wonder: Mr. Browne’s Book of Precepts, which was published in September, 2014. All three girls are now eighth graders at Harding Academy.

During her nearly two decades at Harding Academy, Camille expressed appreciation not only for her students, but also the faculty and administration. She called her fellow fourth grade teachers: “my teammates, my best friends, and my support system,” and praised the administration for “providing incredible professional development opportunities.”

The Harding community is determined to honor Camille— their teammate and friend—in ways that capture her spirit and passion. First, we will create a new reading nook outside of Camille’s classroom, which will feature Puffy, the manatee mailbox. Second, we have established the Camille Gift Fourth Grade Reading Award, which will be presented each year to “the student who has displayed not only a passion for reading, but the ability to inspire others to share a love of reading just as she did.”

While we will continue to remember Camille in many other everyday ways, we hope these tributes serve to pass her legacy on to the next generations of Harding Academy students.

04 ON OUR WAY:

A LIFELONG LEARNER’S ROADMAP FOR HARDING ACADEMY

08 ACADEMICS

16 ARTS

22 ATHLETICS

30 COMMUNITY

38 FACULTY

42 ALUMNI

D EAR HAR D I NG ACAD EM Y COM M UNI TY 4 A PATH MOVING FORWARD 12 THE HEART OF THE MISSION 25 YEAR ROUND SPORTS AND AWARDS

EXCELLENTIA The Magazine of Harding Academy Summer 2017 THE HARDING ACADEMY MISSION

To Educate and Inspire Young People to Become Thoughtful, Creative, Lifelong Learners and Self-Disciplined, Responsible, Caring Citizens

STAFF Dave Skeen Deb Anderson Faulkner CONTRIBUTORS Claire Corby, Meredith Hollomon, Shayna Humphrey, Susan Leschen, Katherine Lay Miller, Suzanne Nahay, Fran Scott, David Skeen, Cameron Sweeting ’01, Tom Weir PHOTOGRAPHY Becca Arnold, Stephanie Bacon, Steve Lowry, Kimberly Manz, Katherine Lay Miller CONCEPT, STRATEGY AND DESIGN Delevante Creative

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Welcome to the inaugural edition of the Harding Academy magazine, Excellentia! This magazine was created to honor the invaluable work of educating children at Harding Academy. For decades to come, may the pages of Excellentia showcase the many ways that our students are inspired, nurtured, and encouraged to be their best.

The 2016–17 year was significant for our school as we welcomed Dave Skeen, the seventh Head of School, to the Harding Academy community. Having Dave join our community has led to a year full of many conversations across all of our constituencies. As you’ll find in the main article, these hundreds of conversations have connected him to Harding’s history and founding values as well as given him ideas for stretching and innovating the Harding experience. I am extremely excited for the future of Harding Academy.

At the same time, this year has been one of great reflection for me personally as I’ve taken my last drive through the hookup line, cheered at my last Harding athletic event, applauded at my final theatrical performance, and completed my last Harding Art Show volunteer shift as a current parent. While I will remain on the board for an additional year, my 11-year journey has come to a close.

As a new kindergarten parent, I distinctly recall the parents of middle school students sharing their wisdom and their anecdotes related to the Harding experience. The experiences they shared were exciting and inspiring but, frankly, seemed so far away for us.

Now our family has our own earned wisdom and our own memorable stories, all wrapped into the wonderful fold of an excellent education from Harding Academy. My children each experienced nine years of full exploration of talents and potential. So much credit for their growth and confidence today is due to the wise guidance and daily encouragement of a community of committed faculty, staff, and administrators. These educators give their all everyday to help shape our children into the best people they can be.

There are so many stories that can and should be shared as we celebrate both individual and collective accomplishments, large and small victories. These are the stories that reveal what it truly means to be part of this tight-knit, inspiring, and nurturing community that beautifully guides our children through their first decade of education.

Meredith Hollomon President

Stephanie Maxwell

Matt Abrams

David Moore

Mirna Caldwell

Michael Moschel

Vance Derryberry ’85

Greg Powell

Doug Franck

Wade Rick

Melissa Frist

Marissa Moses Russ ’94

Vic Gatto

Stephanie Tant

Byron D. Hall

• Excited for what lies ahead as Dave Skeen outlines his plan for the upcoming year; and, most of all, that you feel

Cindy Kam

Meredith Mallard Thompson ’94

• Thankful for being part of this wonderful community.

Burk Lindsey

Dave Vreeland

Betsy Malone

William R. Deloache, Jr. President Emeritus

Coleigh McKay

© 2017 Harding Academy All rights reserved to copyright notice.

• Inspired by the impressive work completed this past year by our dedicated faculty, staff, administration, and our vibrant students;

Meredith Hollomon Board President

EXCELLENTIA · 2017

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

As you read the following pages, I hope you are...

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ON OUR WAY in need of innovation.”

Skeen is careful to note that not all priorities are new, but instead fit within tenets of the 2015–2020 Strategic Plan.

“Over time, priorities for the school within the existing strategic plan became pretty plain. By listening, it wasn’t MY plan I would try and fit to the school, it was the community’s plan that I merely articulated.”

ON OUR WAY:

A LIFELONG LEARNER’S ROADMAP FOR HARDING ACADEMY LISTEN TO THE MUSTN’TS Shel Silverstein Listen to the MUSTN’TS, child, Listen to the DON’TS Listen to the SHOULDN’TS The IMPOSSIBLES, the WONT’S Listen to the NEVER HAVES Then listen close to meAnything can happen, child, ANYTHING can be

Spend a day at Harding Academy, and you’re likely to notice an emphasis around the notion of lifelong learning. Encouraging lifelong learners is central to the school’s mission, with great value placed upon inquiry, experience, discovery, and the courage to try: To pursue any interest, any curiosity. listening tour. From July through November, Skeen sought to observe, listen, and build relationships not just through his daily work within the school, but through an intense schedule of meetings with every member of the leadership team, faculty, staff, and board, along with former faculty, alumni, five of the school’s seven founders, and more than 100 current parents.

He cites one main motivation for the listening tour: “Data collection. I asked the same questions, in the same order, of everyone I sat down with. With over 250 of these meetings, that is a lot of data.”

This insistence on listening and learning was fruitful. Skeen says he “gained a clear sense of what matters to the people of our community. What is working, what is time-honored, what is

1. What does it mean to grow up in a flat world?

2. What does it mean to live in an age of insecurity?

3. What does it mean to be an educator in the 21st century?

4. What is the future of independent schools?

5. How will the exponential rate of change in technology impact our lives?

6. What does it mean to raise good kids who will come of age in 2035?

7. How does Harding Academy educate and inspire young people to become thoughtful, creative, lifelong learners and selfdisciplined, responsible, caring citizens?

“Ultimately,” says Skeen, “what I’m after is this: What does it mean to educate a child for 21st-century citizenship?”

THE ROAD AHEAD Throughout spring and summer 2017, Skeen has worked with his leadership and communications teams to synthesize and share his observations and recommendations with the Harding Academy community.

“The priorities I outlined will be used

Marketing

and new and improved communications architecture, and the creation of tangible communications tools including a new website and the inaugural Harding magazine, Excellentia.

Skeen values a strong marketing and communications program as “an opportunity to position the school to live into its goal of establishing itself as a premier, national PreK–8 program.

“It also clarifies the narrative around the school, focusing it on our core values and differentiators.”

We will continue to successfully position Harding Academy as the school of choice Governance for families in the Nashville Harding Academy will area and as a national lead“WHAT I’M continue to maintain and er in PreK–8 education. prove sustainable an efAFTER IS THIS: By now, many have likely fective governance model noticed a key persuasive WHAT DOES to ensure that each trustee sentiment woven throughIT MEAN TO and the head of school are out the school’s internal engaged keepers of the EDUCATE A and external marketing mission, and guardians of communications. In some CHILD FOR the school’s core values. form or another, Harding 21ST-CENTURY The theme of commuAcademy has sought and nication continues as key CITIZENSHIP?” will continue to seek to to success when considDave Skeen express and demonstrate ering the governance of Head of School this core brand truth: Harding Academy. With We believe that children a transition in leadership in primary and middle school should be and subsequent changes afoot, healthy both nurtured and challenged. We carefulrelationship-building and the establishly orchestrate this critical balance to align ment of reciprocal trust between Skeen, with the students’ needs and capabilities at the board of trustees, and school faculty each grade level. The outcome is more than and staff was essential. preparation for rigorous high school. Rather, “Intentional leadership around the it is children with a deeper understanding of future of the school remains a key material, the self-assuredness to conquer any goal,” Skeen says. challenge, and the ability to think critically He suggests this intentionality will and independently for a lifetime. be demonstrated through the campus Ways in which Skeen and team have master planning process and engaging established a foundation to better posiin conversations about Harding Acadtion Harding Academy as the “school of emy’s optimal size and the financial choice” include a contract relationship sustainability of the school. with a highly experienced marketing consultant (and dedicated Harding parPrograms & People ent) who helped organize and calibrate Harding Academy will continue to be a the direction for the school’s strategic leader in PreK–8 education and will be communications. defined by its challenging and develAdditionally, a productive partnership opmentally appropriate integration of with the creative team at Delevante has academics, arts, athletics, wellness, and seen the development of brand guidecharacter development. lines, the establishment of best practices

EXCELLENTIA · 2017

What’s perhaps most notable about this shared value is the way in which administrators, faculty, and staff demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning themselves. They walk the walk. Challenge themselves. Ask questions, seek answers, and light the way for their peers and students.

Head of School Dave Skeen entered Harding Academy in July 2016 with wide eyes and an open mind, and ears ready to listen. His goal for Year One: “To listen, learn, and live the life cycle of the school, while delving deep to identify the core values to preserve, and areas for growth.”

Skeen says he challenged himself to “engage in all of it and let myself live in the moment and not be too reactive.”

With this in mind, he embarked almost immediately on a dedicated

ONLY THE ESSENTIALS Coupled with lessons learned during his listening tour is an essential philosophy, or filter, that guides Skeen’s approach to education and his analysis of those 250+ conversations. This philosophy is captured by seven core questions that, as Skeen describes, “came about as a result of reflection on various stages of my career or personal life; questions that drive and create context.”

Skeen defines an “essential” question as one that is open-ended, continual, inquiry-based, and requires higher order thinking. His essential questions include:

to frame conversations for the 2017–18 school year,” he explains, “out of which should come objective, measurable, programmatic ideas that we can begin to implement in the 2018–19 school year.”

Again, Skeen notes that his ideas are not his alone but rather informed by insights gained during his extensive conversations and applications of what he learned in synchronization with the five pillars of the existing strategic plan. These include:

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While this is the area where strategies lead to tactics in a more accelerated and actionable way, nothing will be rushed, and strategic priorities will underscore every decision. Skeen has organized his priorities in the following way: DEVELOPING THE GLOBAL SENSIBILITIES OF HARDING ACADEMY STUDENTS Skeen asks: “In a world that is flat and where our children are competing on a global scale, how do we provide an education that prepares them to be citizens of the world?”

His ideas, shaped and refined by his listening and learning throughout the year, include: –Cultivating global experiences –Considering experiential education in all its forms –Developing deep and relational service experiences from PreK–8 –Reviewing the curriculum through a global lens The Harding Academy community as a whole plays a significant role in this development, too. By building upon existing programs such as the Frist Professional Development Grant for faculty enrichment and through dreams of an endowed speaker series—and more— Skeen and his leadership team promote ongoing professional and personal development.

“We can establish ourselves as a go-to source,” says Skeen, “and further ‘walk the walk’ of our mission by demonstrating a lifelong commitment to learning and contributing as citizens of a global society.”

“All of the ideas and programs/pilots that come out of these conversations necessarily deserve our most precious resource in schools: time,” Skeen says. “So, I would be prepared for the schedule to reflect these ideas in terms of how we allocate time in the school day.”

IDENTIFYING INITIATIVES THAT SUPPORT THE HEALTH AND WELLNESS OF STUDENTS, FACULTY, AND STAFF Harding Academy is reinvigorating health and wellness as a priority.

Skeen observes: “In a time where many of our students may spend up to ten hours a day at school—if they are participating in Pursuit, sports, theater, after–school clubs—and assuming they are getting eight hours of sleep a night, that only leaves six hours during the day to spend with family during the week.”

He then ponders: “So what is our responsibility as it relates to the health and wellness of our people?”

Informed by conversations and observations throughout the year, he proposes an approach to nutrition that acknowledges that healthy bodies lead to healthy minds: What Harding Academy students and faculty eat fuels the learning process.

Skeen points to research around exercise and learning as he considers how best to embed habits of fitness— and the need for general physicality—in

Diversity

Harding Academy students.

Anxiety management, resilience development, and mindfulness in classrooms, too, are front-of-mind priorities for Skeen and company, as is parent education, asking: “How can we partner with families to leverage our daily experiences and observations and our expertise to inform and advise in meaningful and accessible ways?”

“The key for me here is to focus on this framework and to acknowledge that this is a conversation that won’t end in 18 months or even 18 years, but will be ongoing.”

The Board of Trustees’ formerly ad hoc Diversity Committee is now a standing committee, with an intentional change of name, to reflect its goal: Access and Inclusivity.

“The work of the Access and Inclusivity Committee to outline the framework provides key discussion points that will help move the school towards diversity in all its forms.”

Skeen challenges himself, the committee, and the Harding community

MANAGING TIME AROUND NEW PRIORITIES Incorporating and managing the new priorities within Harding Academy’s current infrastructure and schedule will no doubt require a balance of strategy and flexibility.

We will engage with and continue to build a community that is reflective of our broader society in terms of race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, gender, family structure, native language, and socio-economic level.

Harding Academy is a Nashville institution with aims to reflect, engage with, and inform a rapidly evolving global society. This desire was clearly and often communicated during Dave’s listening tour conversations.

“It is front of mind for me, too,” Skeen says.

“We’re eager to look further at issues of diversity according to a four-part framework of access, inclusion, public purpose, and success.

at-large to consider: “Who knows about Harding Academy and how do they know about it?

How are we being strategic in the face of rapidly shifting demographics of a booming Nashville?

“What does it feel like for someone to walk into Harding Academy for the first time? How do they see pieces of themselves reflected in the Harding Academy experience?”

These considerations also implicate affordability and prompt an examination of how Harding Academy outlines the value added for an independent school education—specifically one at Harding Academy.

An examination of how the community defines and measures “success” is also key. Skeen asks: “How do we all

know we have achieved what was laid out for us as we chose Harding Academy? How does that translate across many different backgrounds and prior experiences?”

Big-picture impact and considerations of public purpose round out the framework for a more diverse future.

“I want to examine how Harding Academy itself models what it is to be an engaged and contributing member of the community,” Skeen says. “Then we can ask: How does that attract families to our learning community?”

Finance We will continue to manage the financial resources of Harding Academy to favorably position our school and sustain its longterm growth.

Harding Academy is thriving, with good financial health and responsible stewards at the helm.

Skeen’s focus now is on the campus master plan, which is the first comprehensive master plan since 1999.

“My intention,” Skeen says, “is to arrive at a series of phased plans for the campus that reflect the needs of a well-established yet innovative program and provides a road map for the future of the school.”

‘ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN… ANYTHING CAN BE‘ As Skeen considers the friendships he has gained, lessons he has learned, and progress he has witnessed in just one year, he is struck by the parallels between Harding Academy’s mission and his own personal and professional experience.

“We seek to inspire thoughtfulness, creativity, self-discipline, and responsibility in our students,” he says.

“Yet I have clearly been educated, inspired, and challenged this year as well.”

And as he reflects with gratitude on the Harding Academy community—one that participates and collaborates—he notes: “Perhaps my most exciting discovery this year was seeing and understanding that Harding families are all in this together. It is all about the kids, hence there’s a complete lack of pretension amongst the people of this school. I think this is what most attractedme to the place.”

Harding Academy is a center of innovation and tradition. The love and the enthusiasm for learning and for others is palpable. And as Dave Skeen listened to and learned from so many this year, he gained a sense of the challenges ahead.

And the opportunities. And he is filled with a sense of optimism for all that’s to come… the “anything” that can be.

EXCELLENTIA · 2017

ARTICULATING THE PURPOSE AND VISION OF LEARNING EFFECTIVENESS AT HARDING ACADEMY Another key priority is acknowledging and honoring the full learning spectrum of Harding Academy students, with a commitment to better dedicate resources to students who need support and/or enrichment.

“Understanding that we maintain high admissions standards, we also rec-

ognize that students grow and change,” Skeen says. “What we know about how a specific child learns changes from when they are five or nine or 12 or 14.

We need to be able to articulate how we address that growth and provide for support and challenge when needed and in equal measure.”

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ACADEMICS

ACADEMICS

MISSION DRIVEN A Look at Harding Academy’s Persistent Promise

DEEP IN THE DOG DAYS OF SUMMER, AS MANY ADULTS AND

More than an abstract statement, Harding Academy's mission characterizes the actionable philosophy that enlivens everything from curriculum development to relationships between staff, parents, and students.

Skeen observes, “We are lucky in that we have incredible faculty, who are professional and as such, are motivated to reflect on and improve each lesson. When a teacher feels connected to a place and its mission, that mission and purpose will manifest itself through the ways they engage their students.”

MISSION EXEMPLAR Recently, teachers schoolwide were asked to provide examples of their Mission Exemplars: model practices, processes, and programs that illustrate Harding Academy’s mission and unique commitment to inspiring curiosity, courage, and cooperation by balancing academic rigor with personal care.

Highlights included: Project: Roxaboxen Teacher: Anne Swift Grade: Kindergarten In this effort, children create and govern their own town.

Laws are created, and mock town meetings resolve conflict

EXCELLENTIA · 2017

children alike experience seasonal sluggishness and fatigue, there’s anything but a sense of slowing down on the Harding Academy campus.

The teachers and administration keep pace with the rising temperatures and humidity, as dreams and visions for the year ahead accelerate and take shape, and an infectious energy fills the halls and classrooms.

Within that kinetic atmosphere, though, Head of School David Skeen points to a disciplined sense of focus amongst his entire team as they plan for the year ahead.

“Our teachers are incredibly committed to the mission of Harding Academy,” he says. “A mission ‘to educate and inspire young people to become thoughtful, creative, lifelong learners and self-disciplined, responsible, caring citizens.’”

Along with Skeen, Lower School Director Laura Underwood and Middle School Director Jay Codispoti encourage serious reflection on this mission statement.

“We begin the year by reading the mission aloud to the faculty and the students,” Codispoti says.

Likewise, Underwood says she meets “with teachers individually and by grade level to discuss programming and instruction. Their enthusiasm for the children and the curriculum shines through, so it is always an exciting experience.”

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ACADEMICS

AWARD RECIPIENTS 2017 GRADUATION within community. The need for self-discipline is acquired in a child-centered way. Students’ fellow “citizens” hold them responsible for their actions. A caring community evolves and leads to a learning experience they remember for a lifetime.

CAROL CHAMBERS ART AWARD Rachel Westerfield BAND AWARD Ruben Boero CHORUS AWARD Claire Humphrey REESE WITHERSPOON DRAMA AWARD Madelina Huffman & Max Keller ANDREW POTANIN CREATIVE WRITING AWARD Caroline Humphrey

Project: Fractured masterpiece Teacher: Karen Kwarciak Grade: Fourth grade Fourth grade art students begin “fractured masterpiece” projects by engaging in conversation and discussion around three artists and artworks.

Students are challenged to observe, question, and share thoughts about these works before each class is given one of the works to literally dissect by dividing the piece of artwork into squares then working together in small groups to draw and recreate the piece.

This project fosters engagement, community, and a supportive classroom environment as students encourage each other through challenging work.

Project: “Trench warfare” lesson Teacher: Meridith Dyer Grade: Eighth grade

and exploring the reality that they will soon have a voice in our government.

PAM P. MCKNIGHT FRENCH AWARD Macy Gilmour LATIN AWARD Greydon Franck SPANISH AWARD Alice Scarpero HISTORY AWARD William Myers

LEGACY FAMILY PROFILE

MATH AWARD William Myers SCIENCE AWARD Alice Scarpero

Maggie Faber and John ’86 and Robin Jackson Faber ’85

SCHOOL SPIRIT AWARD Laura Grace Brothers & Drew Lancaster

JOHN AND ROBIN FIRST MET AS HARDING ACADEMY MIDDLE SCHOOLERS

ALUMNI CITIZENSHIP AWARD Natalie Wright

in the early eighties, and have now been married for 19 years. In May they watched their second child, Maggie, graduate. Their eldest daughter Ellie graduated in 2014 and their youngest daughter, Sarah Kate, is a sixth grader.

John says, “Harding helped me become who I am today, and it is also the place I happened to meet my wife, who is also my closest friend.

It is also the place that has helped shape my three daughters' lives.

Watching my girls graduate from Harding is truly an exciting time as I know that they are more than prepared to take their next step in life.”

Robin, an active volunteer and former Parent Association president, says regarding her graduation day: “As foggy as my memories are these days, I will always remember holding tight to my dear friends while sobbing my eyes out just knowing life was changing! The teachers loved us unconditionally, our friendships were so special, and our class was so close.” On seeing her second child graduate, she says the experience was unbelievable. “How lucky we are to have all spent these years being educated and nurtured in this amazing place. Seeing Ellie thrive at Ensworth after her years at Harding, there is no doubt in my mind that Harding Academy prepares their students in every possible way. I am so excited to see what the high school years have in store for Maggie. With Sarah Kate starting middle school in the fall, we have just three years left before we are ALL Harding alumni!”

SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD Lindsey Hollomon & Andrew Garrett

HARDING SCHOLAR Alice Scarpero

NINE-YEAR AWARDS Katherine Isabelle Arnold

Andrew William Lancaster

Zachary James Bell

Eleanor Miles Leschen

Keaton Abney Bright

Allison Lee Lindsey

Laura Grace Brothers

Mason Bedford McKee

William Reid Buschmann

William Robinson Meyer, Jr.

Charles Morton Crumbo

Jackson Alexander Miller

Taylor Devillier Dawson

Felix Hutchison Morel

Margaret Gwynne Faber

William Ward Morrison

Greydon Douglas Franck

Abigail Fay Moschel

Margaret Elaine Garside

John William Myers, III

Luke Bennett Haley

Riley Brooks Norris

Archer Edward Heeren

Alice Beirne Scarpero

Douglas Cornelius Henry, Jr.

Emma Elizabeth Sitarich

Taylor Jennings Hillenmeyer

Ann-Farris Weatherly Spence

Lindsey Caroline Hollomon

William Perritt Stanley

Cole Edwin Howard

William Roland Vreeland

Claire Elizabeth Humphrey

Rachel Lisa Westerfield

Caroline Davis Humphrey

Natalie Pamela Wright

David Gist Key, Jr.

EXCELLENTIA · 2017

Empathy and visualization are key themes of this project. Students explore, through essay writing, how certain groups of people are targeted or treated unfairly throughout history—slaves, Jews, Slavs—and how we as citizens can try to stop this history from repeating.

This project requires rigorous research in tandem with thoughtful considerations of ethics and our place in the global community.

This year, students engaged further by viewing the presidential inauguration

GERALDINE SWYSTUN ENGLISH AWARD Ruben Boero

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AWARD RECIPIENTS 2017 AWARDS ASSEMBLY FOR GRADES K–4 ACCELERATED READER SPECIAL AWARD 1ST PLACE: Katherine Thomas 2ND PLACE: Davis Arnold

ACCELERATED READER CERTIFICATES Meghan Abrams, Will Glover, Harper Jacobs, Alex Maddox, Maia McCourt, Mia Sjursen, Meg Winston

CAMILLE GIFT FOURTH GRADE READING AWARD

HARDING LEGACIES

Ellie Leschen & Susan Andrews Leschen ’83

C.H. Henry & Ashley Weigel Henry ’82

Julianna Dougherty and Holly Phillips Dougherty ’88

Katherine Thomas

CONTINENTAL MATH LEAGUE MEDAL WINNERS Daniel Maumus, Diem Schneider, Davis Dove CERTIFICATES Elizabeth Eyler, Connor Frazier, Molly Glover, Luke Jones, Eliza Mason, Charlie Carson, Max Dougherty, Leah Fremont, Lulu Kohler, Garrett Lee, Will Glover, Brian Tierney

PHYSICAL EDUCATION AWARDS Marcelo Prado Diaz Barreiro, George Boero, Bielle Brandes, Eliya Brandes, Cian Corby, Hudson Drake, Thomas Freeman, Hilary Fremont, Ruby Gunnels, Charlee Joy Hodges, Elijah Johnson, Garrett Lee, Claire McDaniel, Charlotte Mikos, Henry Mikos, Vivi Mills, Aiden Nick, Marcus Ross, Graham Sauer, Tessa Stankiewicz, Lauren Sullivan, Holden Thomas, Annie Thurman, Olivia Zanetti

SPANISH Emme Fawcett, Carter Floyd, Connor Frazier, Hilary Fremont, Jack McDaniel, Sebastian Muller, Caroline Vrettos, Graham Sauer

TECHNOLOGY

ALICE SCARPERO

Ryan Britt, Narcissa Broome, Luke Fields, Connor Frazier, Margaret Greathouse, Lucy Hermann, Crawford Huber, Mack Kearns, Adah Malone, Matthew Moore, Margaret Rick, Caroline Vrettos

THE HARDING SCHOLAR

FOURTH GRADE OUTSTANDING STUDENT AWARDS ENGLISH Katherine Thomas Brian Tierney

SCIENCE Davis Arnold

SOCIAL STUDIES WRITING Evie Frist Sam Atlas SPANISH Paulina Prado Maia McCourt Diaz Barreiro Katherine Thomas MATH TECHNOLOGY Buren Bradley Emaline Cash Grace Lucas Witt Maxwell MUSIC Katherine Thomas Brian Tierney

Taylor Dawson and Carter Murray Dawson ’85

Laura Grace Brothers and Jay Brothers ’81

OUTSTANDING CITIZEN Sawyer Beckwith

PHYSICAL EDUCATION Owen Hall Mia Sjursen

Brigida Derrick said, “The expression ‘bloom where you

who, during the middle school years, earned the highest grade point average. But more than that, it goes to a person who has made the commitment to be the best version of him/herself by observing the tenets of the school’s Community Code, and has gone above and beyond to get the most from his/her Harding education. This year that person is Alice Scarpero ’17.

Alice began her Harding education as a kindergartner.

According to Lower School Director Laura Underwood, “Alice was conscientious and hard working from the very start.

She always gave her teachers her best effort and took every advantage of Harding’s challenging curriculum to reach her academic potential.”

Her teachers agree that among the qualities that Alice possesses that have earned her the distinction as a Harding Scholar include being well spoken and articulate; kind, respectful, and thoughtful to everyone she encounters; and curious about every subject she studies. Spanish teacher

are planted’ makes me think of Alice. She is the kind of student that would be successful anywhere. However, I believe that at Harding she was able to explore her passion for the things she was interested in and loved. At Harding, Alice found a nurturing, yet challenging environment to help her reach her goals.”

One of many attributes earning her high praise among the Harding faculty is that Alice is always willing to help those around her even when she has her own needs to attend to. Many times she was observed taking the time to help other students with an assignment despite the fact that she had plenty to do for herself.

Every student has the potential to become a Harding Scholar in terms of achieving the superlatives related to the school’s Community Code: Be Kind, Be Honest, Be Respectful, Be Open, Be Dependable, Be a Learner, and Be My Best. Alice Scarpero has proven to be a role model to all who aspire to become an exemplar—a Harding Scholar.

EXCELLENTIA · 2017

Weatherly Spence and Meredith Weigel Henderson ’87

Macy Gilmour with French teacher Laurine Ferreira (Anne Breinig Gilmore ’84 not pictured)

THE HARDING SCHOLAR IS AWARDED TO THE EIGHTH GRADER

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AWARD RECIPIENTS 2017 AWARDS ASSEMBLY FOR GRADES 5–8 ACCELERATED READER 3RD PLACE: Alex Wang

CONTINENTAL MATH LEAGUE MEDAL WINNERS: Greydon Franck, Cate Frist, Vishi Parikh, Alex Wang, Natalie Wright CERTIFICATES: Zachary Bell, Juliana Dougherty, Rosemary Frederikson, Eli Galentino, Margaret Grobmyer, William Grobmyer, Clarke Johnson, Walker Lindsey, Raleigh Maxwell, William Myers, Cole Patterson, Ryan Schmadtke, Chase Thor, Luke Venable

NATIONAL FRENCH EXAM MENTION D’HONNEUR: Cate Frist (6th in State of TN), Caroline Humphrey, Ian Jaffe, Ellie Leschen, Jackson Miller, Abby Moschel, Rachel Westerfield

Connor Frazier, Luke Fields, and Margaret Rick

MEDAILLE D’ARGENT: Juliana Dougherty (7th in State of TN), Macy Gilmour (5th in State of TN), Claire Humphrey (6th in State of TN), Lillie Waddell (6th in State of TN)

NATIONAL LATIN EXAM LATIN CERTIFICATE OF OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT: Ryan Estrin, Rosemary Frederiksen, William Grobmyer, Darin Hall, Mallie Higgins, Billy Jones, Asher Maxwell, Caroline McGuire, Olivia Morrison, Criss Portis, Ryan Schmadtke CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT: Jack Moschel, Holly Powell SUMMA CUM LAUDE Greydon Franck (Perfect Score), Natalie Wright MAXIMA CUM LAUDE: Josephine Lampka, Mason McKee, Emma Sitarich MAGNA CUM LAUDE Cameron Philpott CUM LAUDE: Reid Buschmann

NATIONAL SPANISH EXAM MENCION HONORIFICA: Aidan Call, Lola Daniel, Maggie Faber, Andrew Garrett, C.H. Henry, Lindsey Hollomon, Falcon Hudson, Clarke Johnson, Drew Lancaster, Will Meyer, Brandon Pensinger, Krishin Parikh, Weatherly Spence PREMIO DE ORO: Isabelle Arnold, William Myers, Maria Weir PRIMIO DE BRONCE: Lainey Garside, Sasha Mason, Will Morrison PREMIO DE PLATA: Ruben Boero, Madelina Huffman, Alice Scarpero

Jonathan Chung-Bruehl

Maria Weir

Ryan Estrin

Alumni Board President Vance Derryberry ’85 and Natalie Wright

The first recipient of the Camille Gift Fourth Grade Reading Award, Katherine Thomas

DUKE TIP RECOGNITION—FOR ACHIEVEMENT ON SAT AND ACT IN THE SEVENTH GRADE STATE RECOGNITION: Lola Daniel, Ryan Estrin, Cate Frist, William Grobmyer, Billy Jones, Asher Maxwell, Crissa Portis, Ryan Schmadtke

PRESIDENT’S AWARD OF EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE FIFTH GRADE: Campbell Bodzy, Grace Boero, Bruno Borger Gilligan, Walker Derryberry, Carly Frist, Eli Galentino, Kenya Gothard, Margaret Grobmyer, Bella Infante, Riley Jones, Max Kohler, Henry Leschen, Raleigh Maxwell, Cole Patterson, Lauren Payton, Hannah Reeder, Sydney Strnad, Ava Van Dyke, Lilly Vickerman, Haami Yassin EIGHTH GRADE: Isabelle Arnold, Zachary Bell, Ruben Boero, Juliana Dougherty, Greydon Franck, Lainey Garside, Macy Gilmour, C.H. Henry, Caroline Humphrey, Claire Humphrey, Josephine Lampka, Allison Lindsey, Mason McKee, William Myers, Alice Scarpero, Natalie Wright

PRESIDENT’S ACADEMIC EFFORT AWARD FIFTH GRADE: Sarah Kate Faber, Lucas Herring EIGHTH GRADE: Gist Key, Sasha Mason, Josh Rohricht

OUTSTANDING STUDENT AWARDS

from left, Fourth Grade teacher Derek Reinhold, Davis Dove, Will Glover, and Brian Tierney.

Pictured with middle school English teacher Ray Berry, Ruben Boero received both the Geraldine Swystun English Award and the Band Award.

EXCELLENTIA · 2017

BAND: Mary Haley, Tyler Raiman, Ryan Schmadtke CHORUS: Maine Billings, Layla Perkins, Whitney Sanders Maria Weir ENGLISH : Jonathan Chung-Bruehl, Cate Frist, Margaret Grobmyer WRITING: Anna Lindsley, William Grobmyer, Sophi Stankiewicz FRENCH: Cate Frist LATIN: Ryan Schmadtke SPANISH: Lucas Herring, Maria Weir HISTORY: Ryan Estrin, Raleigh Maxwell, Ava Sjursen MATH: Cole Patterson, Alex Wang, Ryan Schmadtke PHYSICAL EDUCATION: Liam Eadie, Reese Turner SCIENCE: Conor Corby, Cate Frist, Lilya Zouaoui TECHNOLOGY: Lucas Herring, Gennie Philpott CODING: Henry Leschen, Margaret Grobmyer OUTSTANDING CITIZEN: Liam Eadie, Ryan Estrin, Gennie Philpott, Miles Scarpero

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ARTS

ARTS

FROM THE BEGINNING Students experience the theater and find their passion

“TALE AS OLD AS TIME, SONG AS OLD AS RHYME.”

Thus begins the title song from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, which was the February all-school musical. All-school is an apt descriptor, as one of the goals each year is to give as many students as possible the opportunity to play a role. For many, it is a first-time experience that turns into a passion.

The following is an excerpt from a Radio Harding broadcast recording with two of the school’s most avid theater participants (and now alumni), Claire Humphrey, who played Belle, and C.H. Henry, who played the Beast.

They discussed what participating can mean for a Harding student.

How long have you each been involved in Harding theater?

Claire: I’ve been in every Harding play I could have participated in since first grade. My first was Annie. I got to be an orphan. Since then, I’ve never missed a chance to be a part of the Harding musical. As a fifth grader, I had my first large part as one of the narrators in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

C.H.: I was so eager to start in first grade.

C.H.: Hitting the low notes in my solos and maybe wearing the headpiece.

Claire: I had never seen the movie, so when I was cast as Belle, I really didn’t know what to expect. The whole experience has been full of surprises for me, and everyone in the cast was incredibly supportive of me.

And the most enjoyable part?

C.H.: I like how my character changed from an angry beast to an unselfish prince. And I have to say, I like working with Claire. We had a lot of fun being two goofy, slapstick spies in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and now we are a totally different pair in this play.

Claire: For me, it’s the friendships that have been created or deepened because of shared involvement in the play. The friends that I have made this year through the play are people that I hope to stay close with for a lifetime.

One of the most amazing things about these February productions is the number of students who are able to participate. Beauty and the Beast boasted about 160 in the cast, and another 15 or 20 behind the scenes. Seeing the potential in these young performers and what that will mean for those who tried something new that they might love to do for years to come, is all part of the Harding adventure.

EXCELLENTIA · 2017

Claire Humphrey (Belle) and C.H. Henry (Beast)

My first audition song was the Beatles song “All Together Now.” In second grade I loved being a munchkin in the Lollipop Guild in Wizard of Oz. I had my first solo as the Pharaoh, or Elvis, in Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat. Dr. Bell had me practice my costume changes with a stopwatch. I finally got it by opening night.

You both put in many, many hours in preparation for these parts. What else was difficult about playing your respective roles?

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ARTS

BAND TOGETHER FROM ROCK BAND PR ACTICES TO DR A M ATIC CONCERT

performances of favorite movie themes, some of the most notable moments from the 2016-17 school year aren’t so outof-the-ordinary for Harding Academy’s acclaimed band program.

As with all of the school’s arts, academic, and athletic programs, the goal of band participation goes beyond mastery of technical skills or rote memorization and demonstration. Its aims are much higher: Understanding. Appreciation. Joy. Essential to this model of instruction and inspi-

PART OF THE FAMILY From left, Henry Leschen (Kurt), Allison Lindsey (Maria), C.H. Henry (Friedrich), Bella McKay (Liesl), Zach Bell (Captain Von Trapp), Margaret Rick (Gretl), Lola Daniel (Louisa), Bennett Doerflinger (Marta), and Sasha Mason (Brigita)

LAST FALL, NEW FIFTH GRADE STUDENT, BENNETT DOERFLINGER,

Arnold, who brings to her role an invaluable combina-

made her stage debut as part of the school’s production of

tion of intuition, careful listening, and commitment to both

The Sound of Music, one of the most beloved musicals in the

challenging and nurturing students long before families

Rodgers and Hammerstein catalog. In the role of Marta,

even make their final decision to join the Harding commu-

Bennett helped bring to life the experience of the Von Trapp

nity, made note of Bennett’s enthusiasm. She reached out

family and their escape from Austria after Hitler’s 1938 con-

to Bennett months later with news that the fall play would

quest of the nation.

be The Sound of Music and encouraged her to audition. With

For the cast and production crew of more than 80 fifth

support from her parents, and everything she needed to

grade and middle school students, led by Director Braden

know about getting an audition slot, Bennett signed up with

Bell, this was an ambitious production that juxtaposed seri-

a winning attitude: “You got this, don’t give up.”

ous subject matter with a delightful songbook.

Bennett was in essence a rookie amongst many veteran

No matter their experience (or lack of), students are encouraged to try new things at Harding Academy, and they

actors of previous Harding productions. But from day one

feel safe to do so. Reflecting on her first foray into Harding’s

of her experience at Harding Academy, dating back nearly a

drama program, Bennett admits it was a lot of work (they

year prior to the production, she knew that the opportunity

practiced three to four times a week, and more as opening

was hers to embrace.

night got closer). Yet Bennett also recalls: “My favorite part

During her tour of the school with Admission Director production posters that line the entrances to Harding’s Henderson Theater and expressed interest.

“I love singing,” Bennett said. “I had never been in a real play, just very small ones at my grade school for fun.”

about being cast was meeting new friends and being able to act with them. They are like family now.

“I now love theater. I feel very lucky to have gotten to work with and learn from Dr. Bell, and hope to get other parts in the future. New people coming to Harding should try theater. Everyone is so friendly and loving.”

and eighth grade discover a host of musical opportunities available to them. During a clinic last spring, they were treated to lessons from highly skilled musicians—musicians whose “real world” experience inspired the students’ curiosity and determination.

“Guest clinicians like Daniel Salley, who stressed the importance of dynamics, and Thomas McIntire, who worked with the brass and reviewed not just lip slur exercises, helped take our band to a new level of musicianship,” Taylor said.

The journey is an always evolving, always satisfying one for Taylor. With the rare opportunity to work with many of the same students for four years, he is in a unique position to learn, consider, and respond accordingly to what each student needs. That individualized attention and instruction is key to growth, as is collaboration.

Every student is accountable to know his or her instrument and to come together with classmates to orchestrate a cohesive performance—an experience that teaches teamwork and accountability and often results in a great deal of pride.

Whether or not students continue to pursue music after middle school, everyone carries with them great memories, from rocking out with their friends, to discovering musical traditions once unknown, to mastering songs they never thought possible. And all agree: Remembering how much fun it was to play and make music together is beyond wonderful, but the value of the self-confidence students will take with them is almost immeasurable and certainly worth a rousing standing ovation.

EXCELLENTIA · 2017

Becca Arnold, Bennett and her family saw the many past

ration is an intentional, comprehensive approach that builds upon what students learn from year to year. While the band program officially begins in fifth grade, it takes root in the fourth grade when lower school music teacher Pam Rhett introduces the recorder to all students. Band or strings is then a required weekly feature in each fifth and sixth grade student’s curriculum. This structure affords students the opportunity to strengthen musical skills during the first year with the aim of playing full length concert pieces by the spring of the second year.

Under the direction of band teacher Jay Taylor, students are encouraged to explore new musical paths and attempt a variety of activities that are at once fun and instructional.

This past year, 10 sixth–grade girls attended Taylor’s “Rock Band” sessions during snack time and performed at Spring Arts Day. “The most exciting part was when we first started practicing and then picked the song,” says student Stephanie Wilkinson.

“At first, it was challenging for all of us to remain calm enough to even get through the whole song without messing up. But, we soon met that challenge, and had fun doing it.”

Taylor is also committed to incorporating technology— through music-related apps and software—as well as selecting music that appeals to young performers as a means of motivating them to practice and learn difficult passages. During last year’s spring concert, the sixth grade band celebrated this combining of personal interest with intense challenge as they performed the theme from Pirates of the Caribbean.

Students who choose to continue with band during seventh

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ARTS

ART AWARDS 2017 ART AWARDS RECIPIENTS 2017 HOLIDAY CARD Mills Greene (1) Winter Cardinal 2017 GRANDPARENTS CHOCOLATE INVITATION Charlee Joy Hodges (K) Owl Shapes 2017 GRANDPARENTS CHOCOLATE “FAVOR ART” AWARD Elijah Johnson (1) Corn Still Life HARDING FAMILY CONNECTION CARD Harrison Mabry (7) Impressionist Pastel

2017–18 CALENDAR AWARDS CALENDAR COVER Third Grade Collage Georgia O’Keeffe Flowers

Sixth grader Nicholas Tesauro’s Animal Tempera Painting Etex enim rerum.

Seventh grader Krishin Parikh’s Picasso Self Portrait

SEPTEMBER 2017 Eleanor Lampley (3), Sofia Vickerman (3), Izzy Hogg (3) Chalk Pastel Roosters

Etex enim rerum.

CROSS–CURRICULAR EXPLORATIONS

OCTOBER 2017 Sebastian Muller (K) Pumpkin at Night NOVEMBER 2017 Ava McKamey (7), Jack Moschel (7) Copper Leaf DECEMBER 2017 Faith Urban (K) Polar Bear Texture Painting

Visual arts play an important role in the education of each Harding student.

THE V ISUA L A RTS A R E ONE OF THE

what they will learn in the future.

A culminating project for seventh graders is their exploration of Picasso and Cubism using a combination of acrylic and watercolor paint. The students create a self portrait in his style, and include five symbols representative of their own character.

In order to embrace the strangeness of this style, Penecale has found that it is important that the students know that they will not fail. She says, “Many do not want a piece of art that is wacky, disproportional, or that has several colors throughout the face.

So, I have learned that discussing this in depth is a big key to allowing the students to openly explore a new and different style.”

work in a sketchbook to develop a story, and then create their human with an animal head. They learn to write a name cartouche and to block print their hieroglyphics. Students creatively bring their own unique perspective to the project, while incorporating storytelling, and laying a foundation for

Both teachers agree that Harding provides a daily source of creative inspiration. Their aim is that students will value their time working together, and that it will allow them to grow and feel empowered to have their own ideas and visions no matter what type of life they lead beyond the classroom.

JANUARY 2018 Max James (2) Expressionist Landscape Painting FEBRUARY 2018 Elyana Borek (1), Margaux Brown (1) Love Prints MARCH 2018 Greydon Franck (8), C.H. Henry (8), Lillie Waddell (8) Torn Paper Portraits

Five students were awarded honorable mentions this year for the Middle Tennessee Scholastic Art Awards. The artists, pictured from top left, clockwise, are, Rachel Westerfield (8), Bella McKay (7), Abby Moschel (8), Lillie Waddell (8), and Allison Lindsey (8)

APRIL 2018 Madeleine Merville (5), Ava Van Dyke (5), Margaret Grobmyer (5) Paper Mache Hot Air Balloons MAY 2018 Cate Frist (7) Silk Batik JUNE 2018 Lindsey Parker (6) Animal Tempera Painting JULY 2018 Gracey Ross (4) Great Wave Zentangle AUGUST 2018 Claire Nord (6), Grace Moore (6) Egyptian Tomb Wall

FEATURED ARTISTS KINDERGARTEN Riley Bertelli and Mack Kearns FIRST GRADE Chloe Hogg and Reza Pinyard SECOND GRADE Ethan Moore and Lauren Sullivan THIRD GRADE Slater Galloway and Lulu Kohler FOURTH GRADE Emaline Cash and Henry Gatto FIFTH GRADE Henry Leschen and Hannah Reeder SIXTH GRADE Henry Jacobs and Audrey Wright SEVENTH GRADE Maria Weir and Darin Hall EIGHTH GRADE Natalie Wright and Gist Key

Fifth grader Robiya Sahibnazarova’s Animal Glueline Portrait

Second grader Eliza Mason’s Pastel Raccoon

EXCELLENTIA · 2017

school’s main pillars of learning.

Consequently, lower school teacher Karen Kwarciak and middle school teacher Amanda Penecale have created a program that successfully takes a student from his earliest years of discovery right through the eighth grade. Along the way, Harding students develop a palette of art experiences from which to draw from after graduation.

The path upon which students travel includes cross-curricular connections like the first grade unit on penguins that is coordinated with learning about printmaking and mixed media, the second grade study of pointillism that is tied to their science class study of painted lady butterflies, and a fifth grade math lesson that is used as the basis for learning about Wassily Kandinsky and abstract paintings. Even physical education gets its day in the art room when students are introduced to Edgar Degas and the ballet dancers he sketched, painted, and sculpted. To get students up and moving, Kwarciak

introduces them to gesture drawings by first having them create one by observing each other “striking a pose.”

In middle school art, the focus is on strengthening the creative voice of each individual student. Penecale’s lessons teach both technique and art history, with deep connections to world history. Each project is designed with a component that also allows the student to add some type of detail to tap into a personal interest.

Sixth graders, for instance, in anticipation of what they will learn as seventh graders in World Cultures, create an Egyptian tomb wall. After studying frontalism and the Egyptian proportions of the body, they choose a god or goddess for their piece. They

AUGUST 2017 Claire Humphrey (8), Alice Scarpero (8) Nashville Signs

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ATHLETICS

ATHLETICS

BUILDING CONFIDENCE AND SKILL WITH A TEAM MENTALITY SPORTS AND STATISTICS ARE SO INTERTWINED THAT SOMETIMES

discussions about athletics include more numbers than a math class. But at Harding Academy, the athletic department thrives on three statistics that have nothing to do with speed, power, or even scoring.

The first is 95 percent, which is how many middle school students participate on at least one team at Harding, every year. The second is 80 percent, which reflects how many of our students are two-sport athletes. And the third is 40 percent, Harding’s number of four-sport athletes—the students who are continually engaged in athletics throughout the school year and have maximum participation.

Collectively, those numbers mean that “the kids like what they’re getting and they keep coming back for more,” said Harding Athletic Director Corby Lucas.

That philosophy of inclusiveness doesn’t hamper performance, as results from the 2016–17 school year showed.

Harding had an undefeated football team, a state champion in mountain biking, three all-conference athletes in girls basketball, plus many, many other success stories.

But while it’s always exciting to add another championship to the banners that hang in the school gym, trophies will never be emphasized more than making certain every student gets the chance to compete. Lucas expanded on the school’s athletic philosophy in a Radio Harding interview. Here are excerpts from that conversation.

ON HARDING’S INCLUSIVENESS

EXCELLENTIA · 2017

Girls Varsity Soccer

“I think first and foremost our kids have so many opportunities to be involved given the four athletic seasons and number of athletic offerings we have. We create an environment where they feel safe taking risks such as trying a sport they have never played. They know that, no matter what, they will feel welcome and be given the opportunity to grow while being challenged to be their best, whatever their best is.”

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FALL AWARDS CHEERLEADING MOST VALUABLE PLAYER, Josephine Lampka ’17

KEEPING WINS AND LOSSES IN PERSPECTIVE

COACH’S AWARD, Laura Grace Brothers ’17

“I think you get into a danger zone at the middle school level when you measure success on wins, losses, and championships. For us, wins and losses are a byproduct of ‘the process’ of fundamental skill development and creating a positive sporting environment for our kids. We want them to reflect back on the experience and have fond memories of their time “THEY KNOW THAT, at Harding participating on NO MATTER WHAT, our athletic teams. No one remembers how many games THEY WILL FEEL they won and lost on their WELCOME AND GIVEN middle school teams, but THE OPPORTUNITY they remember the relationships they created with their TO GROW WHILE coaches and teammates.

BEING CHALLENGED Those relationships are what TO BE THEIR BEST, keep kids coming back more than anything.”

WHATEVER THEIR

GIVING EVERY STUDENT A CHANCE

CROSS COUNTRY BOYS MOST VALUABLE RUNNER, Eli Heaney ’19 COACH’S AWARD, Darin Hall ’18

CROSS COUNTRY GIRLS MOST VALUABLE RUNNER, Rosemary Frederiksen ’18 COACH’S AWARD, Lainey Garside ’17

FOOTBALL MOST VALUABLE PLAYER, Ryan Schmadtke ’18 COACH’S AWARD, Andrew Garrett ’17

Holly Powell ’18

Weatherly Spence ’17

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER, Will Meyer ’17 COACH’S AWARD, Harrison Mabry ’18

GIRLS GOLF MOST VALUABLE PLAYER, Weatherly Spence ’17

MOUNTAIN BIKING MOST VALUABLE PLAYER, Max Baudenbacher ’17 COACH’S AWARD, William Vreeland ’17

GIRLS SOCCER MOST VALUABLE PLAYER, Maggie Faber ’17 COACH’S AWARD, Kendall Burch ’18

BOYS SOCCER MOST VALUABLE PLAYER, Reid Buschmann ’17

BEST IS.”

“The great thing about our athletic program is that we have a ‘no-cut’ policy so it doesn’t matter if you have been playing a sport since first grade or if you are trying it for the first time, we will find an appropriate place for you. We have 13 varsity sports, some of which are single gender and some co-ed, and over 15 different junior varsity teams. So there is a place for everyone.”

BOYS GOLF

COACH’S AWARD, Mason McKee ’17

Corby Lucas

VOLLEYBALL

Harding Athletic Director

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER, Ella Craig ’18 COACH’S AWARD, Cate Frist ’18

WRESTLING

Greydon Franck ’17

Volleyball

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER, Nathaniel Nelson ’19 COACH’S AWARD, William Stanley ’17

SPECIAL RECOGNITION INDIVIDUAL HVAC DIVISION A BOYS CROSS-COUNTRY Eli Heaney ’19 Runner-Up HVAC DIVISION A GIRLS CROSS-COUNTRY Rosemary Frederiksen ’16 TOP 10 MEDALIST (6TH PLACE) HVAC GIRLS GOLF RUNNER-UP, Weatherly Spence ’17

THE ULTIMATE GOAL FOR HARDING ATHLETES

2016 EIGHTH GRADE STATE MOUNTAIN BIKING CHAMPION, Max Baudenbacher ’17

“I want them to remember the relationships and connections they created and how important it was to be a dependable teammate. I hope that they are appreciative of the opportunities they had here to be involved, not just in athletics, but all the different extracurriculars we offer. The foundation for many life lessons is built in an educationally based athletic environment, and I hope our kids look back and realize that we began that process in middle school athletics at Harding.”

2016 SIXTH GRADE STATE MOUNTAIN BIKING 3RD PLACE, Eli Heaney ’19 2016 EIGHTH GRADE STATE MOUNTAIN BIKING TOP 10 William Vreeland ’17 HVAC WRESTLING RUNNER-UP, 75 LBS. Eli Heaney ’19 HVAC WRESTLING RUNNER-UP, 90 LBS. Nathaniel Nelson ’19 HVAC WRESTLING RUNNER-UP, 114 LBS. Grayson Soper ’19

HVAC WRESTLING 3RD PLACE, 190 LBS. Luke Venable ’18

Undefeated Varsity Football Team

Boys Varsity Soccer HVAC Division A Champions

TEAM VARSITY FOOTBALL, UNDEFEATED SEASON 6-0 BOYS VARSITY SOCCER HVAC DIVISION A CHAMPIONS

EXCELLENTIA · 2017

HVAC WRESTLING 3RD PLACE, 82 LBS. Kaiden LeAnna ’18

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Ella Craig ’18

Kendall Burch ’18

Athletic Director Corby Lucas

WINTER AWARDS GIRLS BASKETBALL MOST VALUABLE PLAYER Ella Craig ’18 COACH'S AWARD Cate Frist ’18

BOYS BASKETBALL MOST VALUABLE PLAYER Greydon Franck ’17 COACH'S AWARD Andrew Garrett ’17

CHEERLEADING MOST VALUABLE CHEERLEADER Rachel Westerfield ’17 COACH'S AWARD Holly Powell ’18

SWIMMING MOST VALUABLE SWIMMER (FALL) Greydon Franck ’17 MOST VALUABLE SWIMMER (WINTER) William Grobmeyer ’18 COACH'S AWARD (FALL) Asher Maxwell ’18

Girls Basketball

COACH'S AWARD (WINTER) Emmie Maumus ’19

SPECIAL RECOGNITION TEAM 2017 GIRLS VARSITY BASKETBALL GNAC RUNNERS-UP 2017 BOYS VARSITY BASKETBALL GNAC RUNNERS-UP

ALL-CONFERENCE SELECTIONS 1ST TEAM ALL-CONFERENCE GIRLS BASKETBALL Ella Craig ’18 1ST TEAM ALL-CONFERENCE GIRLS BASKETBALL Olivia Craig ’18 HONORABLE MENTION ALL-CONFERENCE GIRLS BASKETBALL Kendall Burch ’18

1ST TEAM ALL-CONFERENCE BOYS BASKETBALL Reid Buschmann ’17 HONORABLE MENTION ALL-CONFERENCE BOYS BASKETBALL Andrew Garrett ’17

Eli Heaney ’19

Coach Emma Cribbs and William Vreeland

Wrestling

EXCELLENTIA · 2017

1ST TEAM ALL-CONFERENCE BOYS BASKETBALL Greydon Franck ’17

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ATHLETICS

SPRING AWARDS BASEBALL MOST VALUABLE PLAYER Will Morrison ’17 COACH'S AWARD William Myers ’17

GIRLS LACROSSE MOST VALUABLE PLAYER Lillie Waddell ’17 COACH'S AWARD Lindsey Hollomon ’17

Fourth graders participate in the Presidential Youth Fitness Program (PYFP)

BOYS LACROSSE MOST VALUABLE PLAYER Evan Cuffe COACH'S AWARD William Stanley ’17

GIRLS TENNIS MOST VALUABLE PLAYER Lainey Garside ’17 COACH'S AWARD Macy Gilmour ’17

BOYS TENNIS MOST VALUABLE PLAYER Owen Irving ’19 COACH'S AWARD Darin Hall ’18

PYFP Phantom Chair challenge

BOYS TRACK AND FIELD MOST VALUABLE PLAYER Ruben Boero ’17 COACH'S AWARD Andrew Garrett ’17

A CHAOTIC BALLET There’s no better place than the charming stampede that marks the start of every Harding Academy lower school cross country race.

SPECIAL RECOGNITION INDIVIDUAL

BOYS TENNIS #1 DOUBLES CHAMPIONS Samuel Hanrahan ’18 William Grobmyer ’18 BOYS TENNIS #3 SINGLES CHAMPION Owen Irving ’19 BOYS TENNIS #1 SINGLES RUNNER-UP Grant Gilmour ’19

PYFP Sit-Ups challenge

BOYS TENNIS #2 SINGLES RUNNER-UP Darin Hall ’18 TENNIS #2 SINGLES CHAMPION Lainey Garside ’17 TENNIS #3 SINGLES RUNNER-UP Macy Gilmour ’17 TEAM

2017 GIRLS TENNIS TOURNAMENT RUNNERS-UP 2017 BOYS TENNIS TOURNAMENT RUNNERS-UP

ALL-CONFERENCE SELECTIONS

PYFP Sit and Reach challenge

MTIBL 1ST TEAM ALL-CONFERENCE BASEBALL Parker Wainwright ’18

students on the move there’s no better place than the charming stampede that marks the start of every cross country race.

“Everything in the end works out beautifully, but it is a chaotic ballet,” says coach Catie Caldwell. “It’s inspiring, because you see everything, especially with the kindergartners. You see the kid out there who’s running full tilt; you see the kid out there who’s just an average middle-of-the-pack runner; and you see the kid who’s out there picking daisies. And they all finish.”

For many lower school students, the cross country team is their first entry into athletics at Harding, and there’s never a shortage of participants. During the 2016–17 school year, 130 Harding runners competed. “It’s open to anyone who just wants to try running,” says Caldwell, a first grade teacher who ends every workout with the distribution of popsicles. “All I ask is that you have a decent pair of shoes and a Harding shirt.”

The season lasts five weeks and includes three races in the Overbrook League, which is made up of mostly parochial schools. Races are three-quarters of a mile for kindergarten through second graders, and a mile for third through fifth graders, but race participation is optional. Boys and girls race separately, except for the kindergartners. The only cost is for

parking on race days at Overbrook. Meets typically include more than 20 schools, and Harding has a proud history of usually bringing the largest contingent of competitors.

Five faculty members served as assistant coaches last year, and parents are eagerly recruited to help. “We have to have parents, because we have up to 150 children some years, and 20-plus of those are in kindergarten,” says Caldwell. “The coaches and parents are imperative to our team.”

Caldwell is an experienced distance runner who has won four marathons. She has coached the lower school team for 13 years and sees it as a good starting point, regardless of a child’s ultimate goals in athletics. “There are very few sports that don’t require running,” says Caldwell. “I feel it’s very important that we train the entire athlete, so we spend time doing more than just running. We play games that encourage agility as well as help overall fitness. We do push-ups and core training.” The team motto is: “Some wish for it, we work for it,” which also serves as the team cheer before every practice and meet.

“I don’t care how fast you are, I don’t care if you’re the slowest person out there,” says Caldwell. “If you’re doing your best, and you’re racing for your best time, that’s what is important to me.”

EXCELLENTIA · 2017

MTIBL 1ST TEAM ALL-CONFERENCE BASEBALL Will Morrison ’17

FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS TO SEE HARDING’S LOWER SCHOOL

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COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY GRATITUDE, GENEROSITY, EMPATHY:

COMMUNITY SERVICE AT HARDING ACADEMY Community service is just one important way Harding Academy students learn how to think critically and independently for a lifetime.

WHEN KINDERGARTNERS M AKE CARDS FOR NATIONAL NURSES WEEK,

The Second Harvest Food Drive The Second Harvest Food Drive had another record-setting year. Under the leadership of current parents Suzanne Hicks and Elizabeth Broome, the Harding community brought in 5,094 pounds of food for Middle Tennesseans in need.

EXCELLENTIA · 2017

they learn to appreciate those who devote their lives to the care of others. In partnership with Metro Police, students take the next step and learn what it means to care for others who live under very challenging conditions. First graders donate teddy bears for police to have in squad cars for children in distress; second graders donate toys for the department’s drive for under-served families. Further community partnerships with Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital teach third and fourth graders empathy for families whose children have serious health conditions.

By the time students enter middle school at Harding, they have had many experiences serving others in the Greater Nashville community, and are consequently prepared for service in various Metro Nashville neighborhoods. They read to students in Metro schools and at St. Mary Villa’s pre-school; they serve at Renewal House and Feed the Children; and they participate in beautification efforts at Radnor Lake and on the Cumberland River.

The Cumberland River project partnership began three years ago.

It came about after students became aware of the nonprofit called Save the Cumberland, formed by Vic Scoggins, a U.S. Navy veteran.

Decades ago Scoggins became interested in the environmental degradation he observed on the Cumberland River. To raise awareness, he swam 700 miles down the Cumberland to draw attention to the many problems one might observe in its waters and along its banks. Captain Vic purchased an old Navy vessel, with the intention of using it as a platform for research and education on the Cumberland River. But, preparing the boat to fulfill his dream has proved to be a long, arduous task, which is where Harding students have been so helpful.

They've washed windows and walls, polished brass, and scraped and painted various surfaces. It is their hope that one day, they, too, will participate in saving the Cumberland.

33

COMMUNITY

THE HARDING ART SHOW

Co-Chairs Julie Infante and Misty White

Benefitting student programs, facilities, and arts education

CELEBR ATING ITS 42ND Y E A R, THE

The Harding Art Show Featured Artist Ed Nash spent a day on campus introducing groups of students to his techniques and approaches to creating art.

EXCELLENTIA · 2017

Harding Art Show, held on campus May 4 through 6, hosted 69 talented artists from across the country. One of the aspects of the show that makes the experience unique and gratifying for all involved is that exhibiting artists are present during this event, showcasing their fine art for purchase and interacting and engaging with attendees.

Proceeds from the show benefit Harding Academy student programs, facilities, and arts education.

This year’s Featured Artist was Ed Nash. Born in Letchworth Garden City, England, Ed was inspired by his home town’s amalgamation of urban and rural life and its focus on visual beauty. At age 13, Ed was awarded an art scholarship to Bedford School, England, where his passion for art grew. He went on to study Fine Art and Psychology at Reading University, England, where he graduated with a First Class Honors degree. His dissertation was on the effects of the disembodiment of virtual space on personality.

Ed still explores the world of virtual space, focusing on abstract non-representational work. He currently lives in Nashville, where he is an art dealer, appraiser, and artist. His work can be found in collections across the US and UK and is represented in galleries in New York, Atlanta, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Nashville.

35

COMMUNITY

JUMP & HOOP IT UP Each year on the day before March break, students participate in a fundraising event for a national charity organization.

The organization is selected based on the winning essay by the student who writes the most compelling argument to choose a certain cause. This year’s essay was written by rising seventh grader Anna Lindsley on behalf of the National MS Society.

From left, Andrea Lindsley and rising seventh grader Anna Lindsley proudly handed over a check for $11,341.44 to Mr. David Haddock, Chapter President for the National MS Society.

Songwriters Night

GRANDPARENTS CHOCOLATE

The second annual Songwriter’s Night was a huge success.

Harding parents JT Hodges and Jamie O’Neal took the stage with local musicians Jeffrey Steele and Marv Green. Thank to our chairs Trish James, Angela Nord, and Jamie O’Neal for a great evening.

Anne Byrn Floyd and Melissa Rick headed up Grandparents Chocolate in 2016. More than 450 grandparents and special friends of students in grades kindergarten through fourth attended this time-honored Harding tradition that

Venderitat qui cus

The All-School Picnic The All-School Picnic was a great success despite torrential rains.

Chairs Lindsey Hogg, Linley McCarley, and Debbie Militante planned a fun afternoon of games, bar-b-que, and inflatables at the Green Door Gourmet.

Neither the storm and flooding nor the power outage was enough to dampen Louise Borden (Kaleidoscope) gave presentations to each of Harding’s Pre-K through eighth grade students.

the spirit of the many Harding families who attended.

EXCELLENTIA · 2017

takes place the Tuesday before Thanksgiving each year. According to lower school music teacher Pam Rhett, who plans out the musical program, “This is a great chance for kindergarten through fourth grade students to get a taste of performing in front of a large audience.

For fourth graders, however, they are given the opportunity for leadership roles. Some will read their grandparent essay, some will have speaking parts, and some will act in short skits.”

37

PROGRESS REPORT:

COMMUNITY

HARDING PARENTS GROW RESOURCES, IMPACT SUCCESS

Members of the 2016–17 Harding Parent Association Executive Board are from left: Lara Franck (secretary), Lisa Moschel (president), Amy Hartleroad (treasurer-elect), Kelly Hillenmeyer (parliamentarian), Susan Andrews Leschen ’83 (president-elect), and Karen Dattilo (treasurer)

WELCOME TO

THE 2017–18 HARDING PARENT ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE BOARD PRESIDENT Susan Andrews Leschen ’83

TREASURER Amy Hartleroad

PRESIDENT-ELECT Anne Byrn Floyd

TREASURER-ELECT Brandon Brunden

SECRETARY Catherine Stuart Vrettos ’94

PARLIAMENTARIAN Ashley Heeren

The Harding Parent Association provides volunteer and fundraising support to the school, with an emphasis on participation. The overarching goal is to advance the mission of the school through community-building and to enrich the experience of both students and teachers.

Volunteerism is, therefore, at the very heart of this effort. Parents volunteer in classrooms, in the library, and on many fundraising and event planning committees. With the unflagging support of each member of the community, the HPA is able to reach new heights year in and year out. It is with deepest appreciation that we recognize just a few of the many accomplishments of the HPA.

47

VOLUNTEERS CHAIRED 21 COMMITTEES

300

NEW BOOKS ADDED TO THE LIBRARY DURING TWO-DAY BOOK FAIR

THE HARDING BOOK FAIR Unlike a book sale, at the Harding Book Fair you do not take home the book or books you purchase. This can be difficult for young children to understand, so it’s helpful to explain the process beforehand. Lisa Montgomery and Courtney Mankin, our wonderful librarians, order a selection of books that meet the needs of our students and support the curriculum. These books are then displayed for sale. After purchasing a book, you may dedicate the book to a favorite teacher, friend, or even a beloved pet. The book stays at Harding while the dedication is typed and affixed to the inside cover. Once it’s been cataloged and is ready to go, the child who purchased it gets to be the first to check out the new library book. While it can be disapthe Harding Book Fair has served as a meaningful introduction to the power of giving back to their community. The Book Fair will be held on campus September 23 and 25.

GRANDPARENTS AND SPECIAL FRIENDS ATTENDED K–4 GRANDPARENTS CHOCOLATE EVENT

5000

POUNDS OF FOOD TO SECOND HARVEST

$32,000

RAISED BY THE PARENTS PARTY AUCTION

$598,000 RAISED BY THE HARDING ART SHOW (TO-DATE)

THE GENERAL JAMBOREE

A TRADITION RETURNS TO CAMPUS IN THE VERY EARLY YEARS OF HARDING ACADEMY’S EXISTENCE,

the Women’s Auxiliary, as the Harding Parent Association was then known, organized the annual Harding Arts Festival.

This fundraising event, with carnival games, art stations, plant and toy sales and, of course, popcorn and cotton candy, was the highlight of the year for many families. Over time, the Arts Festival became more focused on fine art and eventually morphed into The Harding Art Show.

In May of 2015, The Harding Art Show chairs, Melissa Frist and Abby Slagle, gave a nod to the event’s roots by incorporating The General Jamboree into the weekend’s schedule.

We are now excited to announce that on September 23, The General Jamboree will return to Harding as a regular tradition with games and food. Chairs Lindsey Hogg, Lynley McCarley, and Debbie Militante have been working for months to plan what will undoubtedly be a great event for our community. The General Jamboree will be an all-handson-deck volunteer event and all members of the community are encouraged to participate. The General Jamboree will replace the All-School Picnic. The annual Harding Book Fair, which will be held in the McPherson-Medwedeff Library, will be folded into the festivities as well.

EXCELLENTIA · 2017

pointing to leave without a book in hand, for countless children

450

39

40

FACULTY

FACULTY

THE SCIENCE OF LIFE

“The privilege of being here,” she says, has left her “in awe” over the years.

And surely her tales of science and history come-to-life in her travels, of the people and places she encountered along the way, will bring an awe-inspiring element to her students’ classroom learning for years to come.

Harding Teacher Explores the Nature, Culture, and History of Scandinavia

Enter Lisa Loper’s middle school classroom, where she teaches sixth grade life science and eighth grade chemistry, and you’re sure to get the sense she is interested in more than just plants and the composition of matter.

“I knew I would have so much to share with my students.”

Loper was among the five recipients of the award in 2016, and with funds from the grant, traveled alone for 18 days throughout Scandinavia, with stops in Denmark, Finland, Russia, Norway, Sweden, and Iceland.

“So many scientists I teach about came from this region,” Loper says. She was thrilled at the prospect of being “in the presence of these world-famous scientists, where they studied and lived and worked.”

Beyond the opportunity for personal growth and the value of experiencing new cultures, she wanted to immerse herself in the “environments, landscapes, and flora and fauna” that she has studied for years.

“For 17 years, I’ve been talking about this man,” Loper says. “To be able to walk into his garden and his classroom, I can’t describe it. It was surreal. So meaningful.

“I felt like I knew him as a scientist before because I could talk about him, but when I stepped foot in his gardens and home, it became personal, and it felt like I was getting to know him as a man.”

And for her students? Beyond the photos and drawings on display in her classroom, she shares her travels in a screen presentation and peppers classroom instruction with insights and new knowledge gained on her adventure.

“It’s the coolest thing ever to see them

A PILGRIMAGE TO UPPSALA Near the front of her sun-filled, expansive classroom and lab, Loper has assembled an area dedicated to 18th-century Swedish botanist, physician, and zoologist Carl Linnaeus.

The small shrine includes botanical sketches and photographs of his home and garden in Uppsala, Sweden, which today still features some 1,300 species of plants known to have been cultivated by Linnaeus himself.

VIKINGS, FIORDS, PUFFINS… OH MY! After 18 days immersed in science and nature, history, religion, culture, and everyday life in each locale, Loper could write a comprehensive travel guide for anyone venturing to Scandinavia. But with her young learners in mind, she provides a sampling of highlights: THE VIKING SHIP MUSEUM

Located in Roskidle, Denmark, the national museum features five original Viking ships from prehistoric and medieval periods. Loper has a special interest in Viking history and was astounded at the preservation of the ships on display in the museum.

THE UNIVERSITY OF COPENHAGEN’S NIELS BOHR INSTITUTE

Bohr (1885–1962) was a Nobel Prize-winning physicist and humanitarian. Today, his research center lives on as an international leader in the study of astronomy, climate, quantum physics, biophysics, and more.

ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA

Loper’s one-day stop in Russia’s center of culture and rich history was made possible by a convenient overnight cruise from Helsinki. Loper describes her fewer-than-24 hours there as a “speed-dating” tour of sorts. She joined a motor tour with a small group of fellow travelers, driving to and from many sites across the grand city, with limited time at each site. “But I will go back!” she insists.

BOAT EXCURSIONS THROUGH THE FIORDS OF NORWAY

Oslo, Norway, is “quite phenomenal,” says Loper, with highlights including excursions through the fiords, a visit to the Nobel Peace Center, the visually stunning Oslo Opera House, and Edvard Munch’s original Starry Night over the Rhône on display at the Munch Museum of Art. HISTORICAL TREASURE IN STOCKHOLM

Loper’s fascination with seafaring exploration was further satisfied upon her visit to the Vasa Museum in Stockholm, Sweden, which houses the Vasa, the only almost fully intact 17th-century ship that has ever been salvaged.

The sights, sounds, tastes, new knowledge, and memories of her Scandinavian adventure continue to inspire Loper and, by extension, her students.

She offers a wide-eyed smile when describing not only her reaction to the Frist Grant opportunity, but the support she receives from Harding Academy’s administration and parents in general.

JASON EMBRY, asst. athletic director

and physical education teacher, will be exploring Greece, from Athens to Corinth to Arcadia, to immerse himself in the history of the Olympic Games.

ANNE SWIFT, kindergarten, is heading

to the Lake District, Yorkshire, and the Jurassic Coast of Great Britain to chase the ghosts of Beatrix Potter, the Brontë sisters, and Mary Anning.

TUTTIE DERRICK, middle school

Spanish, will be heading to Cuba in order to explore the Cuban culture and Spanish culture in a country that has only recently opened to American travel.

PAM RHETT, lower school music, will

be spending a week in Chautauqua, New York, at the Chautauqua Institution, which “promotes excellence and creativity in the appreciation, performance, and teaching of the arts, host lectures, and the performing arts.”

JOREN ERICKSON, first grade, will

travel to Spain and indulge in his passion for language and photography while in Seville, Rota, and southern Spain.

CATIE CALDWELL, first grade, will

head to Canyon Ranch for a week-long health and wellness experience ranging from hiking, walking, mindfulness, and the science of fitness.

EXCELLENTIA · 2017

There is a certain warmth and brightness exuding from the veteran teacher herself, along with mementos on display capturing life experiences and world travels—all suggesting she infuses rigorous science instruction with a sincere, sometimes wondrous, human element.

Loper views science as a living, breathing pursuit, to be understood in the context of time and place, in history and the present. And Harding Academy, through the generosity of the Frist family, supports such pursuit through the Frist Grant for Faculty Enrichment.

listening intently and so focused because you’re sharing something so real.”

Loper proclaims the value of helping students connect science—and learning in general—to real people, places, and experiences.

“When I can help put a face to a name, to bring in something so concrete, it makes such a huge impact— not only on their learning, but even their desire to learn and pursue more.”

2017 FRIST GRANT FOR FACULTY ENRICHMENT RECIPIENTS

41

FACULTY

A NEW EXPRESSION

LESSONS FOR A LIFETIME

When math meets creativity with U-Can projects

Middle school English project draws connection between Nashville and Malawi

DURING THE PAST TWO YEARS, PARENTS

specific to fifth grade students, Nave

DURING THE 2016–17 SCHOOL YEAR,

or played with electricity. The feeling

of Harding Academy fifth graders likely

and Neuss strive to meet three key

seventh grade English teacher Patrick

that came out of this was truly a feeling

noticed something out of the ordinary

needs of support, enrichment, and

Noon introduced a new interdisciplinary

of accomplishment. The working light,

as their students prepared for a major

choice with the U-Can Project.

unit combining an inspiring cross-cul-

well, and windmill really just made

The concept of choice is of particular

tural text with a hands-on STEM proj-

my day.”

interest to Nave and Neuss, as research

ect. Students were required to read The

drawing paper and costume props for

shows that choice promotes motivation,

Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, about a boy

whose vision and intentionality

video shoots replaced the occasional

yet it is not always an option in the

who brings electric power to his village

helped guide students to such exciting

moans and groans over typical home-

traditional classroom; choice also

in Malawi, Africa, then challenged to

discovery.

work: All in response to math teacher

directly responds to the needs and

create their own electric wells in Hard-

Sara Neuss’s and language and math

concerns of adolescent development and

ing Academy’s groundbreaking iLab.

specialist Suzanne Nave’s initiation of

adolescent egocentrism in particular.

the U-Can Project and their insistence

“The power of freedom goes a long

math project.

Requests for new colored pencils and

HOW WAS THIS PROJECT CONCEIVED? [The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind] was a

strates Harding Academy’s desire to

great opportunity for kids to examine

that, “You can do it! You can be creative!

way,” says Nave. “We see a lot of

bring a more global perspective to

the intersection of science, math, and

You can share your talents!”

student excitement and motivation

instruction in preparation for 21st-cen-

English. It seemed natural then

when they realize that they get to

tury citizenship and leadership.

to develop a STEM project that would

WHAT IS U-CAN?

do what they want. Students […] are

The U-Can Project was conceived by

allowed to personally connect with the

ferences between the challenges faced

scientific theories and to write about

Nave in 2012 as a response to the call

content in a way that suits them and

by the story’s Malawian protagonist,

their experiences.

for more tailored instruction designed

makes them feel happy and confident.”

William Kamkwamba, and those faced

to address unique learning styles.

“U-Can provides an opportunity Suzanne Nave

Noon’s electric well project demon-

Here’s more from a Q&A with Noon,

One student reflected upon the dif-

by himself and his fellow students: WHAT’S NEXT?

“Our challenges were much different

allow kids to develop and test their

WHY DID YOU WANT TO SHARE THE BOY WHO HARNESSED THE WIND WITH

for students to demonstrate their

After two years as part of the fifth-

than William’s and much easier. [This]

YOUR STUDENTS?

understanding of math concepts

grade curriculum, the U-Can Project

was a simple project with few conse-

After I read the book, I was amazed by

through personal connections and

has had a significantly positive impact

quences,” he says. “The windmill was

William’s ability to overcome the obsta-

creativity,” Nave and Neuss stated in

on students as individuals and as a

critical for providing power and water

cles that he faced and to have had such

a recent presentation to the Middle

learning community, Nave and Neuss

for William’s home […and] a way for

a positive impact on his community and

Tennessee Math Teachers Association

report. Their vision for the future

him to help his family survive.”

beyond. I also hoped that the book (and

(MTMT).

includes enhancing the integration of

The U-Can Project employs an integrated approach, with students assigned to identify a math skill,

Additionally, the electric well project

the project) would inspire students to

written expression specifically into the

encouraged creative problem solving in

persevere in all aspects of their lives

U-Can Project.

a challenging yet supportive and collab-

despite daunting obstacles.

“Math is typically an ‘in your head’

orative environment. (iLab coordinator

such as divisibility rules, prime and

kind of content area,” the team says.

and ’06 alumnus Andrew Ballow helped

composite numbers, and subtracting

“Children work with numbers, symbols,

to implement the project with Noon.)

mixed numbers and demonstrating

and pictures. Reading skills have always

their understanding of that skill

been a part of math curricula in the

ance and the value of effort with this

through artistic expression.

form of word problems.

project. A clear sense of determina-

“What is often missing in math class-

Patrick Noon

The instructors emphasized persever-

tion emerged, and students acted with

es is written self-expression of math

self-discipline and confidence, even

Through their insistence on

processes. In our teaching experienc-

surprising some of the students them-

differentiation and desire to strike a

es, we have found that the process of

selves. One says:

critical balance of challenge and nurture

translating their thinking into written

“Before this assignment, I wasn’t sure

expression takes their understanding

that I would be able to do it, because I

one step further.”

have never really built something before

YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE? “And I try, and I made it.”

[William’s] simple words remind students about the value of hard work and diligence, that they possess the innate ability to overcome or solve many problems with perseverance.

EXCELLENTIA · 2017

THE MOTIVATION

ARE THERE ANY PARTICULARLY INSIGHTFUL QUOTES FROM THE BOOK

43

44

ALUMNI

ALUMNI

OWEN THORNE Class of 2001 Distinguished Alumni Award Winner

houses of the world: The Mariinsky Theatre in Saint Petersburg, Russia; The Royal Opera House in has an annual tradition of recognizing an Covent Garden, London; The National Centre for the outstanding graduate who embodies the ideals set Performing Arts in Beijing, China; and The Kennedy forth in the Harding Academy mission statement: Center in Washington, D.C. to educate and inspire young people to become He encouraged the class to stay in touch with thoughtful, creative, lifelong learners who are one another. The friendships he made at Harding self-disciplined, responsible, caring citizens.

Academy are still his closest, and he still has The 2017 Distinguished Alumni Award winner is the love and support of those who sat alongside 2001 graduate Owen Thorne, who was chosen for him on his Harding graduation stage. He offered his outstanding accomplishments in performing inspirational words of wisdom to the Class of 2017: arts, particularly for his international contribu“Embrace your individuality with courage. Have the tions to ballet. courage to be yourself.” Explaining to them that as In his acceptance speech at this year's graduthey enter their high school years, the temptation ation, Owen explained how he joined the Class of to homogenize and meet the status quo will be 2001 as an energetic sixth grader, who found the there. “Follow your passion. Follow what interests school to be an “incubator.” It was a safe place you, whatever makes you curious. Follow what for him to grow and learn, for which he is incredmakes you an individual. Those that are willing ibly appreciative. He has fond memories of band to be different—to think differently—are the ones class with Mr. Taylor, who often admonished who make a difference.” him for being out of dress code.

Persistence and dedication have The good news is, he said, “I wear ”THOSE THAT ARE carried Owen to where he is today. a belt now.”

WILLING TO BE He first learned this as a Harding From the time he was seven Academy student, where he strugyears old, Owen dreamed of being DIFFERENT–TO gled with learning how to read. a dancer. After graduating from THINK DIFFERENTLY With the support of his family, Harding Academy, he attended –ARE THE ONES and the help and guidance of his Hume Fogg Academic Magnet teachers, he learned to overcome his High School, and then, at only 15 WHO MAKE A dyslexia and through this struggle, years old, he moved away to attend DIFFERENCE.” realized that if he could overcome a professional ballet school. He this, he could overcome anything. trained at San Francisco Ballet He hoped that the class could carry this lesson School, Nashville Ballet, and Central Pennsylforward with whatever they struggle to overcome. vania Youth Ballet. He sees dance as a mode of He said, “Try, try, try again. You can do anything. expressing the human condition. “The road has It may be difficult; but expect the best of yourself. not always been easy for me,” he said, “but, Don’t give up until you can do it.” as my passion, I recognize that it is my path Wishing the graduating Class of 2017 all the best, to take.” His craft has carried him all over the he emphasized to never underestimate the power world, performing for presidents and royalty, of dedication and the power of persistence. “Dream Oscar winners, Grammy winners, and everyone big. Stay curious. The future will surprise you.” in-between. He has performed at the great opera T H E H A R DING AC A DE M Y A LU M N I A SS O C I AT ION

EXCELLENTIA · 2017

45

ALUMNI HARDING ACADEMY

CLASS NOTES

majoring in supply chain management at the University

ultimate frisbee. MARY WINSTON REAMES spent

in the summer of 2016 served with Medlife Mobile Clinic

of Tennessee College of Business where he is a member

her first semester as a Southern Methodist University

in Lima, Peru. BELLA SOHR is studying environmental

of Phi Kappa Alpha. CAROLINE LEWIS is a geology

student studying abroad in Lugano, Switzerland. She is

science at Texas Christian University. JOHN WHEELER is

major at the University of the South-Sewanee. DANIEL

a long jumper on the SMU track team. CLAUDIA RHETT

an English major at the University of the South-Sewanee.

MANGUM spent the summer of 2016 as a financial analyst intern at Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited. He is a computer science and finance major at Washington University in St. Louis, where he is a portfolio manager and education chair for the Wash U Student Investment Fund, the treasury officer for the Wash U Student Union, and a member of Cru St. Louis. MEGHAN MCPHERSON is studying pre-med at Washington College. MADELINE MURPHY is child and family studies major in the University of Tennessee Honors College, where she is a member of Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society, a member of the equestrian team, works at the T-Rec Center, and is a Rec Sports Club manager. PETER SREBNICK is studying integrated marketing and communications, specializing in digital marketing, at the University of Mississippi

is one of 15 freshman at Indiana University earning a

2010

1991

assistant development editor

Distinguished Alumnus MATT PARKER is the producer

for the Journal of Law and

of HBO’s look at the life and work of writer/filmmaker

Politics. She was elected as

Nora Ephron in the documentary Everything is Copy,

secretary of the Student Bar

which was released on March 21, 2016.

Association and to serve as a peer advisor to the

1993

first-year students. MARY

WHITNEY HART SCHICKLING launched Our Sitter List, LLC, to make it easier for families to find quality childcare.

1996 MICHAEL BASS graduated from Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management on July 23, 2016, earning his M.B.A., and is now working as the director of account management at Shearwater Health.

RUTHIE HUGGINS, development director for LEAD public schools, was named one of Nashville’s Top 30 in Their 30’s by the Center for Nonprofit Management.

1997

JOSH ROSENBLATT

as the chief education officer for Kappa Alpha Theta, and

JOSH ROSENBLATT is a member of the Nashville Business Journal’s Top 40 Under 40 Class of 2016. He is quoted as saying, “You cannot advance to your next job if you are truly irreplaceable in your current one.” He is an attorney with Blackline Payments Advisors, LLC, an affiliate of Frost Brown Todd, LLCs.

1999 MAGGIE WALTEMATH ASH was featured in the highly regarded design publication Architectural Digest. The article “A Functional New York Apartment with High Style” details how Maggie, an interior designer, transformed a dated duplex into a single home.

KATHRYN MENCK graduated from Tufts University with LAURA GREGORY a double M.A. in history and museum studies. She works part-time in the human resources office at Harvard University, and as a tour guide at Old North Church. She also serves on the board of directors of Royall House and Slave Quarters Museum. CURTISS TELFER graduated from Washington & Lee University with a B.S. in business administration, and is working in commercial real estate with Lincoln Financial in Greensboro, North Carolina.

2008 EVAN MOSKAL graduated magna cum laude with a B.S. in business and technology management from New York University Tandon School of Engineering. He also received NYU’s University Honors Scholar/Founders Day Award. Evan has been working as a business development analyst with a firm located in Brooklyn, New York. NICK SCANLAN graduated from Baylor University with a degree in international studies and a minor in environmental sciences. During a recent visit to campus, he met with former teachers and Middle School Director Jay Codispodi to gain some insight into what life is like for a Harding Academy middle school teacher.

2009

2011 DONNY ABEL is a junior at the University of the South-Sewanee where he is majoring in psychology and minoring in business. He has continued to enjoy acting since his time at Harding, and has performed in a couple of plays at Sewanee. JO HELEN BAULCH is at Auburn University studying exercise science and plans to go into physical therapy. She is an involvement ambassador, a high school leadership conference counselor, works in the kinesiology building, coaches for a girls U12 Auburn Thunder team (club soccer), and is a peer instructor for a first year seminar class. THOMAS GREINER is

entrepreneurship. She is the recipient of a scholarship from the Jacobs School of Music and a member of the Huttons Honor College. ELEANOR SMITH is studying photography and business at the University of Virginia.

SAM WHEELER is studying aerospace engineering at Auburn University.

2013 SUSANNA ANDREWS was selected for All-Region Girls Lacrosse for Harpeth Hall lacrosse. ANNA CAROLINE BARKER and ELIZA OSSOLINSKI ‘14 performed in the 2017 Harding Academy School of Dance performance at Ensworth High School’s Ingram Theater on April 15. Anna Caroline said of her final

where he is a member of Kappa Alpha. ALI

performance, “I’ve been dancing here for

TELFER is studying elementary education at the University of Mississippi where she is a member of Delta Gamma. BROCK WRIGHT is studying computer science with a concentration in economics at Tulane University.

fifteen years. I don’t know how not to come back there and go to dance practice!

It’s all I have ever known.” Her mother, Margaret, chimed in with: “We love that place, and that school!” MATT CANNATA will attend High Point University. MADDIE

FORBES and EMILY MYERS went to the state volleyball semi-finals. Maddie was named to the 2016 East-Middle All-Region ABBY ANDERSON is studying biomedical team. ANDREW FREELAND will attend engineering in the Honors Engineering Furman University. ISABEL GRANT has Program and the Chancellor’s Honors ELIZA OSSOLINSKI received an athletic scholarship to row for program at the University of Tennessee. the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

She received several scholarships including Her academic achievements earned her the Frederick T. Bonham and the Herbert a Chancellor’s Award scholarship and an and Lillian Duggan named scholarships. invitation to the Commonwealth Honors BRETT BARNETT is studying engiCollege. Isabel plans to pursue a B.S. in neering at Vanderbilt University, where pre-veterinary science. SIMS HERRON he serves as a local volunteer firefighter. will attend Auburn University. JAY KARP WILL BEASLEY is studying real estate will attend Columbia University. WILL business at the University of Mississippi, MCCALL will attend the University of where he is a member of Kappa Alpha. He ANNA CAROLINE Alabama. CONNOR MOLLOY and ADDISON BARKER loves to hunt, fish, play guitar, and play SMITH both lettered in varsity lacrosse at lacrosse. RYAN CARPENTER is studying Montgomery Bell Academy, and have played together electrical engineering at the University of Nevada at for three years. Connor served as team captain this Reno. HUDSON COOMBS is a communication major with a concentration in broadcasting at Mississippi State past year, and Addison was named D1 East All Region First Team Defense and D1 All State First Team University. MARIE DEWITT is majoring in psychology Defense. They were joined by HEDGES HAYWORTH and minoring in French at Tulane University. She has ’16 this past year. LORNA RAMAGE will attend the been volunteering as a tutor with Upward Bound in New University of Georgia. JACKSON REID will attend Orleans, helping disadvantaged college-bound high school students with school work. WILLIAM DISSPAYNE the University of Louisville. He was a GNASH All-star hockey player. ALLIE KATE ROCHE will attend the is enrolled in the Haslam College of Business at the University of San Diego.

University of Tennessee. LAURA DRAUGHN plays

2012

club lacrosse at Wake Forest University. ZANE GRAY is in the English Honors Program at the University of Tennessee. CARLY HENDERSON is a business major at the University of Tennessee, where she is a member of Alpha Delta Pi. SYDNEY HUNT plays soccer for DePaul University women’s soccer team, where she studies biology. BRADFORD JOHNSON is an applied math major at Rice University, where he also serves as a runner and peer academic advisor. HARRISON

KAMINSKY is majoring in economics at the University of Southern California, where he is also focusing on pre-med sciences. JACK KOEHNER is studying business at the University of Tennessee. KATIE MCGUIRE is in the pre-professional studies program at the University of Notre Dame. SARAH BETH MENCK is a biology major at Northeastern University, where she works in one of the dorms, and volunteers tutoring students at a public school. MARCO MIRNICS is studying engineering at the Honors College at Tulane University, where he plays

2014 TY ALLEN, MICHAEL MCGUIRE, AND MONTGOMERY OWEN ‘13 all scored touchdowns for Montgomery Bell Academy in their game against Pearl-Cohn on August 26, 2016, assisting their team to a 49-7 victory. KATE MABRY earned all-state recognition for swimming.

NARISSA MCEVER received a Belmont University Bootstraps Award, earning her $20k in scholarship funds. MCCLAIN PORTIS earned high jump and triple jump recognition at the TSSAA Spring Fling meet, and won the individual high jump and triple jump to help lead MBA to winning the Nashville Track and Field Championships. LIZA SWEETING participated in a service learning project in Peru with 11 other Ensworth High School students and in conjunction with the World Learning School. They were there for 15 days last summer and they worked with one specific community to stucco and renovate classrooms.

ALUMNI GATHERINGS THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION hosted a happy hour meet-and-greet on Tuesday, September 27, at 12th and Porter. Each decade from the 1970s to the 2000s was represented in attendance.

ALUMNI PANEL HEAD OF SCHOOL, DAVE SKEEN hosted his first State of the School event on November 3 in the Gym Lobby.

The event featured a panel of Class of 2013 alumni—all high school seniors who attended Harding Academy through eighth grade. They were Margaret Hayworth of Harpeth Hall, Catherine Disspayne of Franklin Road Academy, Anna Caroline Barker and Lizzie Rohricht of St. Cecilia Academy, John Fioravanti of Montgomery Bell Academy, and Riley McCormick of Ensworth.

EXCELLENTIA · 2017

SARA ABEL was chosen to represent the University of Richmond in an ethics competition. ABBEY BOUNDS is studying integrated marketing communications 2001 at the University of Mississippi. MARY CATHERINE MALLORY ATKINS graduated from South University DAVIDSON is studying early childhood education earning her M.S. as a family nurse practitioner. She at Lipscomb University. ELLIE HITT is studying is working as the nurse manager at Dekalb Medical international relations with a minor in public health at Center in Atlanta, Georgia.

Boston University, where she was the manager of the Alternative Service Breaks Program, 2004 and served on the board for Urban DEDE BEARDEN is the manager of Refuge. MADI HUNT is a neurobiocommunications for the Girl Scouts of logical sciences major at the College Middle Tennessee. FRANCES PHIPPS is the of Wooster, where she also studies events and meeting coordinator for Pi Beta dance. ANDREW KARPOS is studying Phi Fraternity, Foundation and Fraternity finance and statistics at the University Housing Corporation in St. Louis, Missouri. of Virginia, where he plays on the club tennis team. HANK POWERS is 2006 attending the University of Wisconsin MARIANNA WEAVER graduated from HANK POWERS and working on a degree in civil University of Mississippi where she was engineering. He spent the summer of 2016 as an intern recognized in the National Society of Collegiate for the wind turbine installation company Mortenson.

Scholars honor society. She has returned to Nashville Mostly recently, he was accepted into AEC Global Teamwhere she is working as the finance director for Rep. work, a construction competition sponsored by Stanford Jim Cooper. She is an active community volunteer, and University. His team won both the Swinerton Sustaincoaches tee ball for the McCabe Park Little League. ability Challenge and DPR Challenge. CLAY RAMSEY is a business major at the University of Mississippi.

2007 ALEXANDER ROALDSAND is in the master’s program COLLIN BRANNON has joined as Private First Class for nuclear engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Instiof the United States Marine Corps. JOHN DAVIDSON tute. ABBY SCANLAN is a Presidential Scholar and on is a law student at Vanderbilt University Law School. the dean’s list at the University of Georgia, where she LAURA GREGORY is a law student at the University is majoring in psychology and pre-nursing. She serves of Virginia School of Law, where she serves as the

ERIN ANDERSON was accepted into the nursing program at the University of Tennessee where she was inducted into the National Society of Collegiate Scholars.

MATTHEW BARKER is studying integrated marketing communications at the University of Mississippi. JULIE BECHER is a biochemistry major at Dartmouth College where she is the co-head of the Haven After School Program, co-head of Students Fighting Hunger, and serves as a teaching assistant for organic chemistry.

CASON CLOSE is studying elementary education and human and organizational development at Vanderbilt University, where she is the vice president of Next Steps, a Campus Life committee member, and serves in student government. MARY-GRACE COZART is at George Washington University studying international business with a minor in Chinese. HARRISON DAVIS was selected as an Outstanding Sophomore of the College of Math and Science at Auburn University. MAGGIE DRAUGHN works for Nick’s Kids Foundation at the University of Alabama.

ANNE FIORAVANTI is majoring in social entrepreneurship at Belmont University. MEG HENDERSON is a vocal performance major at Belmont University. MCCALL NICKELS is at the University of Tennessee studying biology with a concentration in speech pathology and audiology. She traveled to Florence, Italy, over the summer of 2016, and participated in the study abroad program for five weeks. Her concentration was in nutrition where she learned and studied at the culinary center.

When she returned to Nashville, she volunteered and shadowed audiologists and top ear surgeons at Vanderbilt through the Bill Wilkerson Program. ELLIE POWERS was elected president of Tuft University’s mock trial team.

GREY REAMES is majoring in business and computer science at Washington and Lee University, where he is the starting cornerback on the football team. MARY CLAIRE SMALLEY is studying theater stage management and mathematics at the University of Evansville. GEOFFREY STEWART is studying education at the University of Colorado at Boulder. CHANDLER TELFER is studying accounting and world religion at the University of Mississippi where he is an officer of Kappa Alpha, tutors small children in a weekly reading program, and is a member of reformed University Fellowship. LEAH WADE spent her past semester as a University of South Caro- BEN YAHNIAN lina student studying abroad in Paris, France. BEN YAHNIAN is studying economics at the University of Virginia where he is writing for the school newspaper. He created a news website called aureliusnews.com. and is also enrolled in the Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy for his master’s degree.

bachelor of science in ballet with an outside field in

47

HARDING ACADEMY

CLASS NEWS

KATHRYN DAVIS '06 AND MATT ZELENIK

WEDDINGS MEREDITH WEIGEL ’87 married Kevin Henderson on August 8, 2016, in a private ceremony in Jamaica. Their reception was held in October at her parents’ Belle Meade home.

PAIGE ROADY ’97 married Mike Montegna on June 4, 2016.

ALLISON OLDACRE ’99 married Jake Griffin on April 23, 2016.

CALLIE KESTNER ’02 married Sinclair Myers on April 16, 2016.

ELIZABETH BELK ’04 married Andy Snyder on June 18, 2016. Classmates Dede Bearden and Frances Phipps, along with her brother Forbes Belk ’01, were in the wedding party.

SARAH ANDREWS ’05 married Clark Benton on March 12, 2016.

KATHRYN DAVIS ’06 married Matt Zelenik on September 12, 2015. Their Front Porch Farms wedding was featured on the Artfully Wed blog.

Her classmate Olivia Carmichael and brother Harrison Davis ’10 were in the wedding party.

MEGHAN STALLWORTH ’06 married Aaron Schneider on April 29, 2017.

BIRTHS

for the eighth grade students on March 16.

AT RIGHT: Thank

you to Fed-Ex pilot Andrew Hall ’77; Alumni Board reps Jake Nemer ’97, Erin Graves Cypress ’00, and Erin Hirsch Zagnoev ’94; Finance Director for Rep. Jim Cooper, Marianna Weaver ’06; and artist Troy Duff ’87 for spending their morning with the Class of 2017 on Career Day.

TIME TO RISE Harding Academy is once again hosting Time to Rise for the summer with

April 11, 2017.

FRANKLIN GRAHAM LOCKE ’90 passed away on November 5, 2016.

DAVID WELLS LOCKYEAR ’85 died on February 10, 2017.

2016 MEMORIAL GOLF G.A.M.E.

a mission "to provide at-risk youth with the proper guidance, summer

It was a gorgeous day for the 2016 Memorial Golf G.A.M.E. at Westhaven Golf

structure, and year-round academic support to improve their life chances

Club in Franklin, Tenn., on Monday, October 10. The team of Frazier & Deeter,

through academic excellence and character development."

The Annual High School Alumni Basketball Game was held on Sunday,

LLC, took the top spot, with Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. coming in second and

November 20, in the Roberts Gymnasium, and went down as the most

the Witherspoon Team rounding out third place. Winners of the Longest Drive

exciting game in our history. At the end of the first period, the blue team

contest were Brad Stevens and Christy Crutchfield Fields ’84. Bill Thomas

was up 28-5, then 43-22 at the half. At the end of the third, the score was

won the Closest to the Pin contest.

51-38 and in the fourth period, red almost pulled it off by coming back

OBITUARIES DR. HELEN BROWN served as a trustee at Harding Academy from 2004 through 2007. She passed away March 28, 2017.

SARAH ELIZABETH BRITT ‘98 passed away on July 8, surrounded by her loving family after battling a long illness.

PETER HARWOOD CURRY, JR. ‘94 departed peacefully in the company of his family and friends on October 7, 2016.

RICHARD FREEMAN, one of the school’s founders, passed away on

ALUMNI BASKETBALL GAME

The Harding Academy Alumni Association hosted its annual Career Day

to within one point with a final score of 59-58. Coach Jason Embry kept

The G. Alexander Martin Event (G.A.M.E.) originated as a way to pay tribute to

both teams charged. The Harding Pep Band played under band teacher

G. Alexander Martin ’04, who was in the fourth grade when he passed away

Jay Taylor's leadership, and refreshments were provided by FLIK.

in 2000. In December 2015, the Alumni Board unanimously voted to rename

Thanks to everyone who came out to support this event!

their Annual Golf Classic as the Harding Academy Memorial Golf G.A.M.E with proceeds from the event going towards scholarships at Harding Academy.

THANK YOU TO OUR 2016 MEMORIAL GOLF G.A.M.E SPONSORS:

OUR ALUMNI COUNSELORS ARE BOTTOM ROW FROM LEFT:

Luke Haley ’17, Maggie Faber ’17, Lindsey Hollomon ’17, Ellie Faber ’14, Matthew Haley ’15, William Vreeland ’17; MIDDLE ROW FROM LEFT: Jackson Buschmann ’15, Reid Buschmann ’17, Caroline Humphrey ’17, Annie Griffin ’16; BACK ROW FROM LEFT: Zach Bell ’17, Lucy McAndrew ’11, Claire Humphrey ’17, Cooper Mae Cavallo ’16, Brittney Griffin ’16; not pictured: C.H. Henry ’17, Weatherly Spence ’17, Caleb Wilkinson ’15

PAR SPONSOR Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Michael & Meredith Keltner Nowers ’02 The Stephenson Family The Turner Family

PLAYER SPONSORS Barry Booker Michael Hartleroad Jeff & Ashley Heeren Blake Powell Russ Reeder Trey Sutter Elliott Sutter ’04

WOODEN TEES SPONSOR Paycom, Inc.

The largest alumni reunion is held annually at the Harding Art Show.

Chaired by Mimi Mayo Beaver ’97, this year’s event was held on Friday, May 5, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM in the Carol Chambers Art Studio. It was attended by alumni from four different decades, as well as current and former faculty members. A celebration of Cinco de Mayo, dinner was generously provided by Moe's Southwest Grill courtesy of Scott and

Harwood Curry, Jr. '94, Franklin Graham Locke '90, Dr. Helen Brown, Richard Freeman

DINNER SPONSOR Corky’s BBQ

KOOZIE SPONSOR Paradigm Group

ALUMNI ART SHOW REUNION

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Peter

BEVERAGE SPONSOR Oldacre McDonald, LLC

HARDING GIRLS NIGHT OUT

Carol Len Frist Portis ’84 and margaritas were generously poured by

Friends from the Class of 1996 gather for a girl's night: Sara Denbo

our alumni volunteer bartenders. Infinity Hospitality Group provided the

James, MacKenzie McCracken Averbuch, Jessica Martin Darden, Amy

photo booth, which live-uploaded photos throughout the night to the

Campbell Pearson, and Langhorne King Coleman.

Harding Academy Alumni Association’s social media outlets.

TEAM SPONSOR Vance Derryberry ’85 James & Christy Crutchfield Fields ’84 Frazier & Deeter, LLC Allen Huggins ’94 Elliott Kyle ’95 Jeff Moats ’94 The Turner Family John Witherspoon ’87 LUNCH SPONSOR FLIK Independent School Dining

TEE SPONSORS Anderson Piping Co. - William Gilmore ’94 Melanie & David Baker Worth Baker ’04 John Darwin ’04 Golf Management Group Dr. Robert Hutton Jeff’s Fine Rugs and

Tapestries Jet Linx Nashville Lindsey + Amonette, PLLC - Jake Nemer ’97 Phil Martin Affiliates, Inc. Robert Ramsey & Robert

W. Baird Sherrard Roe Voigt &

Harbison, PLC Montgomery Bell Academy NCA - Shooter Stein ’89 Phipps Construction Co. William’s Lawn Care

TOURNAMENT FRIENDS Betty and Fred Anderson Jimmy Anderson ’04 Sara Anderson ’07 IN-KIND DONORS Hand Family Companies Lipman Brothers, LLC – RS Lipman Company Proctor and Graves Service Company - William Gilmore ’94 Smithfield Foods Southern Trophy House THANK YOU TO EVENT CO-CHAIRS Jeff Moats ’94 and William Gilmore ’94, as well as to Hutch Martin ’98 and his family

The 2017 Memorial Golf G.A.M.E will be held on October 23, at Hillwood Country Club. Please visit Harding’s website (click Alumni) to register to play and/or secure your sponsorship opportunity.

EXCELLENTIA · 2017

JANE OSGOOD BROUSSARD ’91 and husband Zan welcomed a daughter, Alice Jane, on July 19, 2016.

CHRISTY COLLIER CAREY ’91 and husband Alex welcomed a son, Isaac Bird, on June 20, 2016.

BETH WALTEMATH ’91 and husband David Lewicki welcomed a son, William Bruce, on June 17, 2016.

ERIN HIRSCH ZAGNOEV ’94 and husband Greg welcomed a daughter, Tali Eden, on June 17, 2016.

ANN STEWART BANKER PENDERGRASS ’97 and husband Bradford welcomed a son, Bradford “Ford” Banker, on April 4, 2016.

MARGARET LIPMAN ORTHWEIN ’97

and husband Steve welcomed a daughter, Hazel Anne, on January 28, 2017.

CAROLINE MOSES SPROUSE ’98 and husband Lee welcomed a daughter, Emilia Clark, on July 10, 2016.

KATHERINE HARRISON BELL ’99 and her husband Jon welcomed a son, Harrison Wesley, on December 8, 2016.

KATIE SEARS FORSYTH ’99 and husband Bryan welcomed a daughter, Camille Dianne, on November 29, 2016.

MARGARET MCNEILLY THOMPSON ’99 and husband John welcomed a daughter, Frances Margaret, on June 17, 2016.

JAMIE KEVER STARNES ’00 and husband Patrick welcomed a son, Emmett James, on October 19, 2016.

KATE REVIERE SCOTT ’03 and husband Ben welcomed a daughter, Ava Winter, on January 26, 2017.

ALUMNI CAREER DAY

49

ALUMNI

HARDING ANNUAL FUND

HIGH SCHOOL CHOICES 2017 ISABELLE ARNOLD Harpeth Hall

LAINEY GARSIDE Ensworth

GIST KEY Franklin Road Academy

RILEY NORRIS Ensworth

MAX BAUDENBACHER Montgomery Bell Academy

MACY GILMOUR Harpeth Hall

JOSEPHINE LAMPKA Harpeth Hall

BRANDON PENSINGER Ensworth

ZACH BELL Ensworth

LUKE HALEY Montgomery Bell Academy

DREW LANCASTER Ensworth

CAMERON PHILPOTT Ensworth

RUBEN BOERO University School Nashville

C.H. HENRY Montgomery Bell Academy

ELLIE LESCHEN Harpeth Hall

JOSH ROHRICHT Franklin Road Academy

KEATON BRIGHT St. Cecilia Academy

ARCHER HEEREN Father Ryan

ALLISON LINDSEY University School Nashville

ALICE SCARPERO Ensworth

LAURA GRACE BROTHERS T.J. HILLENMEYER Ensworth Franklin Road Academy

SASHA MASON Ensworth

LINDSEY HOLLOMON Ensworth

AIDAN CALL Franklin Road Academy

COLE HOWARD Ensworth

CHARLIE CRUMBO Holderness (NH)

FALCON HUDSON Harpeth Hall

TAYLOR DAWSON Montgomery Bell Academy

MADELINA HUFFMAN St. Cecilia Academy

JACKSON MILLER University School Nashville

WILLIAM VREELAND Ensworth

JULIANA DOUGHERTY University School Nashville

CAROLINE HUMPHREY Ensworth

HUTCH MOREL Father Ryan

LILLIE WADDELL Ensworth

MAGGIE FABER Ensworth

CLAIRE HUMPHREY Ensworth

GREYDON FRANCK University School Nashville

IAN JAFFE Ensworth

WILL MORRISON Montgomery Bell Academy

RACHEL WESTERFIELD University School Nashville

ANDREW GARRETT Ensworth

MAX KELLER Ensworth

ABBY MOSCHEL Harpeth Hall

NATALIE WRIGHT University School Nashville

WILL MEYER University School Nashville

WILLIAM STANLEY Ensworth ADDISON VONCOLLN Ensworth

BEN CORWIN

ELEANOR KOCH

MEGAN ROLAPP

Miami University

Warren Wilson College (gap year first)

University of Colorado at Boulder

SUSANNA ANDREWS

Auburn University

ANNIE KYRIAKIDIS

CHANDLER SCHULTZ

University of Miami

Belmont University

Rochester Institute of Technology

SETH KYRIAKIDIS

ADDISON SMITH

University of Michigan

Texas Christian University

COURTNEY DADDARIO

EDWARD LEMASTER

CLEM SMITH

Texas Christian University

University of Southern California

Northeastern University

WILDER MASON

University of Michigan

JACKSON ARNOLD Tulane University

CLARKE ARON Texas Christian University

ANNA CAROLINE BARKER University of Mississippi

NATHAN BAULCH Wittenberg University

AVA BONEY Belmont University

EMILY BOONE

BAILEY CUNNINGHAM

CATHERINE DISSPAYNE Coastal Carolina University

COURTNEY EDINGTON Rhodes College

TAYLOR FARRINGTON University of Georgia

JOHN FIORAVANTI University of Michigan

University of Tennessee

MADDIE FORBES

SARA KENNON CALDWELL

ISABEL GRANT

Wake Forest University

Southern Methodist University

RILEY MCCORMICK Vanderbilt University

NARISSA MCEVER Belmont University

GEORGE MERHOFF

71% SALARIES & BENEFITS

School of the Art Institute of Chicago

MARGARET HAYWORTH

CLAY CLOSE

Washington and Lee University

MONTGOMERY OWEN

RACHAEL JOHNSON

LIZ ROHRICHT

Carnegie Mellon University

Lafayette College

Southern Methodist University

EMILY MYERS University of Tennessee Washington and Lee University

5%

SCHOOL PROGRAMS

EMMIE WADE

Southern Methodist University

University of Tennessee

7%

FINANCIAL AID

University of Kentucky

Babson College

CARTER HANSEN

11%

PLANT

BAILEY VAN METER

CAITLIN WILLIAMSON

CONNOR MULLOY

HARDING ANNUAL FUND PARTICIPATION BY CONSTITUENT

Texas Christian University

AMES MULLENDORE

CAMILLA CALDWELL

Auburn University

TUITION & FEES 92%

LAUREN STRINGFIELD

George Washington University

University of Massachusetts

NATHAN JOHNSON

ANCILLARY ACTIVITIES 4%

LUCY SOHR

Tulane University

University of Alabama

University of Tennessee

ANNUAL GIVING 4%

WILLIAM MYERS Montgomery Bell Academy

PATRICK ANDREEN Southern Methodist University University of Colorado at Boulder

Lupis dita

WEATHERLY SPENCE Harpeth Hall

COLLEGE CHOICES CLASS OF 2013 TATE COX

WHAT DOES YOUR MONEY SUPPORT?

EMMA SITARICH Ensworth

REID BUSCHMANN Ensworth

MASON MCKEE St. Andrew’s (DE)

2016-2017 OPERATING BUDGET

4%

ADMINISTRATION

2%

EMMA WISE

ANCILLARY ACTIVITES

Virginia Tech

EMMA WUERTH Post Graduate Year

MARY YAHNIAN Texas Christian University

AMELIA YOUNG University of California at Santa Cruz

TOTAL CASH AND PLEDGES

$483,069.32