Hallways 2016 Summer

HALLWAYS A PUBLICATION OF THE HARPETH HALL SCHOOL

Celebrating Class of 2016 P. 24

150th Anniversary Success P. 30

SUMMER 2016

Reconnecting at Reunion P. 36

— PLANNED GIVING —

From Pat Moran’s Front Porch

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he robust corn, squash, and tomato plants in Clovercroft Garden, located on an idyllic seven-acre farm in Franklin, flourish today thanks to years of thoughtful care by owner Pat Neblett Moran ’51.

At age 85, legendary Harpeth Hall coach, teacher, and favorite class sponsor, Mrs. Moran, has turned over the heavy lifting to her neighbors, yet she still enjoys the fruits (and vegetables) of her labors. Although diminished eyesight now prevents her from driving her beloved tractor, she is still fit and agile, able to touch her toes as nimbly as today’s Harpeth Hall students. Her favorite moments include enjoying good conversation on the wide front porch of her pre-Civil War home.

much about life as she did about the fundamentals of the sports she coached. “I wanted my teams to be the best they could be, and that didn’t always mean that they would win everything.”

She encouraged her students to find satisfaction in their hard work and in giving their all.

After years of instructing physical education and health classes and coaching middle and upper school volleyball, basketball, and tennis teams, Mrs. Moran became chair of the Physical Education Department in 1981, following the retirement of her colleague and fellow WardBelmont alumna Miss Patty Chadwell ’35.

Mrs. Moran was born in Bardstown, Kentucky to parents who valued the importance of hard work and a good education — her father was the superintendent of schools there. Following in the footsteps of her older sister, Mrs. Moran left home to attend Ward-Belmont in Nashville. “My roommate was a girl I knew from first grade in Kentucky. It was hard, and I worked like a dog to catch up with the other students, but I wasn’t going to give up,” she reflected.

At one point, Mrs. Moran was offered a prestigious opportunity to coach at Vanderbilt. She turned it down. She recalled the tenuous years during which her husband was gravely ill. She was ultimately widowed at an early age — left to raise, on her own, their 5-year-old daughter Georgianne ’78. “When I needed help the most, Harpeth Hall was there for me. I had to be out sometimes to take care of Bill and Georgianne, but my paycheck always came — every month.

After that, there was no question in my mind that I was going to give Harpeth Hall everything I could. I’ve never regretted it.”

Mrs. Moran graduated from Ward-Belmont in 1951, the same year it closed and its college preparatory division re-opened as The Harpeth Hall School. She received an advanced degree at Peabody and joined the Harpeth Hall faculty in 1956 where she taught and coached until her retirement in 1996.

This mutual loyalty is what led Mrs. Moran to include Harpeth Hall in her estate planning. “I’m not a wealthy woman,” she says, “but I want give back because I’m so proud of Harpeth Hall. Harpeth Hall cares about its students, and Harpeth Hall stood by me when it counted most.”

During her 40-year tenure, Coach Moran inspired, educated, and mentored hundreds of Harpeth Hall students who all developed a healthy fear of her signature whistle as well as a love for her vivacious laugh and optimism. Mrs. Moran taught her students as

If you would like to include Harpeth Hall in your estate plans, please contact Susan Moll, Director of Advancement, at 615-346-0087 or moll@harpethhall.org. Harpeth Hall would be honored to recognize you as a member of our Founders Society.

pg. 23

CONTENTS In This Issue:

Features 14 Exceptional Educators Three teachers recognized for excellence in teaching.

19 New Middle School Director Meet Judi O’Brien, our new middle school director.

30 150th Anniversary Success Year-long celebration ends on high note. pg. 40

pg. 8

33 New Website Check out the new features at www.harpethhall.org.

36 Reunion Reconnections Hundreds of alumnae returned to campus for Reunion 2016.

Departments pg. 17

pg. 9

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Observations

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Accolades

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Athletics

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Visual Arts

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Performing Arts

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End-of-Year Celebrations

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Class Notes pg. 30

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Joanne Mamenta, Editor Lauren Finney, Designer Photographers: Peyton Hoge, Joanne Mamenta, Marie Dodson Maxwell ’64, Michael Strasinger, and Uchida Photography Hallways is published twice a year by The Harpeth Hall School 3801 Hobbs Road, Nashville, TN 37215 www.harpethhall.org This magazine is printed on FSC certified paper made up of 50% recycled content including 25% post consumer waste.

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HEAD OF SCHOOL OBSERVATIONS 2016

Commencement Remarks, May 30, 2016 (Excerpt from the 65th Graduation Ceremony on the Harpeth Hall campus.)

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ongratulations Class of 2016! There is so

much energy this weekend around the events celebrating your class, and your excitement is palpable! It is as rewarding for us — your parents, families, faculty, staff, and friends — to see you reach this important milestone, and it is with great joy that we celebrate you this evening.

Tonight marks an important transition as you will leave the comfort of Harpeth Hall and will begin again in unfamiliar places. My wish for you — may you possess passion, personal courage, perseverance, and perspective as you anticipate your next chapters.

First — passion. This is a widely debated word at present, as today’s emphasis on having a passion can require early specialization, talent, time and often financial resources — you may have learned about this debate as you moved through your college searches. The many speakers who addressed our community this year including Reese Witherspoon, Scott Hamilton, Sybril Bennett, and Jon Meacham share a palpable passion for what they do, whether their work is selecting and producing films, fostering hope out of adversity, navigating social media and developing personal brands, or researching and writing the histories and biographies of American presidents. Indeed, most successful and satisfied people have followed their hearts and found a way to use their unique talents and interests to make a difference in the world. All of us who teach and serve at Harpeth Hall are fortunate to have chosen a profession that allows us to be part of, what we hope has been, a transformative period in your lives. You are growing up during a time of tremendous change and persistent inequity, yet incredible opportunity. I hope many of you will embrace Mr. Meacham’s challenge “to make a history to be proud of.”

For you to pursue your passions and make history, you will need personal courage. The Class of 2016 knows what it means to have personal courage, for there are plenty of your classmates who have displayed tremendous courage during their Harpeth Hall years.

Each of you here this evening could share your own personal examples 2

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of courage— taking a course you knew would be an academic stretch; delivering your senior speech; coping with a family or personal crisis; trying out for a team; performing in the Spring Dance Concert for the first time; asking someone to prom; managing a conflict with a classmate or a friend; or returning to school after an illness or injury.

Unfortunately, as some of you have learned, personal courage does not always guarantee success, which is why the third trait that I hope you’ll take from Harpeth Hall is perseverance.

Think for a moment about your own experiences here. The most academically successful students in your class are among the hardest working; the finest athletes are the ones who stayed after practice to shoot free throws, run laps, practice their swings, or perfect their shots; the sharpest litigators defended complex cases, and the exceptional dancers and musicians found the time, despite Harpeth Hall’s busy pace, to practice daily. As you anticipate college, remember that the surest way to succeed is to try hard – not just once or twice, but always. Perseverance is also particularly important in overcoming life’s inevitable setbacks.

Last, but by no means least, in addition to passion, personal courage, and perseverance, I hope you’re leaving Harpeth Hall with a broadened perspective—the ability to see beyond yourself and put yourself in others’ positions and circumstances. I expect that each of you has gained perspective during your time at Harpeth Hall, not only in the classroom or lab, but also in the pods, through your many community service involvements, co-curricular and extra-curricular experiences, Winterim internships and travel, and in your informal interactions with classmates and friends.

Remember your discussions—both planned and spontaneous—about what matters to you and why. Think about how those enriching and powerful experiences have broadened your understanding of the world, of each other, and of yourself. To thrive in the world in which you will live, learn, and work, you will need to be able to have honest and open conversations and debates, to interact comfortably with people from backgrounds different from your own, and to leverage the wisdom, insights and hard work of many people to achieve lasting solutions to the complex issues that will confront your generation.

I imagine that some of your most meaningful and memorable conversations with faculty and friends have happened during a long rehearsal in McMurry, working on your Global Scholars project, preparing a case, during a long bus ride to an away game, or in some other informal setting. Never underestimate the power and importance of friendship and fellowship and taking time to listen to others. Be present — this is a gift to your family, your friends, and to yourselves.

You are equipped with a powerful education and have made a lasting impression on our special school. We look forward with anticipation and excitement to watching you grow, evolve, and soar, Class of 2016.

Congratulations and best wishes.

All the best,

Stephanie Balmer, Ed.D.

“1989 ”

By Keely Hendricks National Silver Medal for Poetry Its Moscow in 1989 You’re standing on a large balcony, A throng of bustling Russians blurred in the background You’re 29 years old, no make-up In an oversized brown leather jacket and bangs.

You’ve been traveling the world for five years, And I know—although you didn’t at the time— That you’ll be traveling for five more.

Always wandering, bright-faced and benign, unafraid of rude men, foreign maps, and loneliness.

Are you afraid now that I have made the same choice?

Afraid of the people I may encounter, Of the wrong turns I may take, Of the stifling quietness that I’ll leave behind?

You forget how much of you is in me. You forget your own strength of will.

The straps of my backpack pinch my hips I reek of Deet and moxie You keep touching my cheeks, reminding me of all the dangers The drug cartels, the carnivorous plants, jungles that only spit up the bones You snap a picture before I board the plane, when I’m not really looking, And I wonder If you see yourself, instead: Blonde and ambitious, Rash and uncoiled, Stupidly young I wonder if you are just now realizing How much you broke your mother’s heart.

ACCOLADES

Scholastic Art and Writing Awards Four seniors received National Scholastic Art & Writing Awards this year: • Kate Capizzi ’16 won a National Gold Medal for a critical essay. Kate was the only student from the state of Tennessee to win a National Scholastic Gold Medal in any writing category this year. Kate was invited to a ceremony at Carnegie Hall in June to receive her National Gold Medal for writing.

• Keely Hendricks ’16 won two National Silver Medals — one for poetry and one for a film review.

• Sadie Paczosa ’16 won a National Silver Medal for photography.

Kate Capizzi ‘16

• Kelly Short ’16 won a National Silver Medal for poetry.

Only 10 national writing awards were given statewide (1 gold, 9 silver), and four of the 10 writing awards went to Harpeth Hall students. Regionally, 35 Harpeth Hall artists garnered 48 awards in the Scholastic Regional Arts Competition. In the writing competition, 68 Harpeth Hall writers garnered 161 writing awards in the Scholastic Writing Awards competition. The program, established in 1923, reviewed more than 250,000 national submissions in both writing and art. “Our student performance in the Scholastics writing competition is a natural outgrowth of our writing program. Harpeth Hall students write well, and they are passionate about writing,” added Jackie Powers, former chair of the upper school English Department.

Cum Laude Inductees

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wenty students were inducted into the Harpeth Hall Chapter of the Cum Laude Society on April 4 at an allschool assembly. The primary purpose of the Cum Laude Society is to recognize scholastic achievement of students while simultaneously striving to encourage qualities of excellence, justice, and honor. Junior inductees included Alaina Grace Baird, Zsofia Hanna Biegl, Mary Caroline Daniel, Sara Dawn Hanson, Grace Anne Holladay, Emily Adelaide Jenkins, Anna Paige Owens, Elizabeth Anne Singleton, Claire Rhodes Smith, Mary Grace Triplett, and Georgia Grace Weathers. Seniors inductees included Catherine Janine Baker, Michelle Sarah Biesman, Taylor Nichols Cobb, Ashlyn Jennifer Dentz, Sarah Sloane Fuller, Taylor Griffin Link, Sarah Elizabeth Perlin, Eleanor Lambeth Smith, and Sara Marietta Swords.

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ACCOLADES

Upper School End-of-Year Awards JUNIOR BOOK AWARDS University of Chicago Book Award

JUNIOR AWARD Spanish Award

Georgia Weathers

Anna Owens

Harvard University Book Award

SOPHOMORE BOOK AWARDS Rhodes College Book Award

Grace Anne Holladay

Hollins College Book Award

Marimac McRae

Wesleyan College Book Award

University of Pennsylvania Book Award

Kaili Wang

Princeton University Book Award

FRESHMAN AWARD Eta Sigma Phi Latin Award (2nd year)

Karen Dordor Zsozso Biegl

Randolph College Book Award

Jordyn Lesh

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Medal

Olivia Krueger

University of Rochester Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award

Emily Jenkins

Jane Flautt

END-OF-YEAR AWARDS

FRESHMEN • SOPHOMORES JUNIORS All senior award recipients on page 28 Elizabeth Pope Evans Award Recipients for Highest Grade Point Average (GPA)

Sewanee: The University of the South Book Award

Juniors: Zsozso Biegl, Sara Hanson, Grace Anne Holladay, Claire Smith, Mary Triplett

Vanderbilt University Book Award

Sophomores: Sunni Luo, Maya Misra, Halle Petrie, Stella Vujic, Kaili Wang

Vivian Herzog

Elizabeth Singleton

University of Virginia – Jefferson Book Award

Alix Albright

Washington and Lee University Book Award

Kelsey Kay Herring

Wellesley College Book Award

Grace Ann Robertson

Yale University Book Award

Anna Owens

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Margaret Gaw

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Freshmen: Annmarie Allos, Caleigh Dennis, Jane Flautt, Olivia Leu, Catherine Smith, Holland Strang SPIRIT OF SERVICE AWARDS

Freshman — Ellie Edwards Sophomore — Avery Taylor Junior — Jordyn Lesh

CLASS SPIRIT AWARDS

Freshman — Tess Herzog Sophomore — McKenzie Darnell Junior — Bitsy Pendleton

ACCOLADES

Journalism Awards

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t the Tennessee High School Press Association’s (THSPA) annual state-wide awards ceremony in March, Keely Hendricks ’16 won the H.L. Hall Outstanding Student Journalist Award. This award, named for the former THSPA director, goes to the student exhibiting strengths in various journalistic areas and strong leadership skills. Since her freshman year, Keely has worked on Logos, the upper school newspaper, producing high quality articles. She served as editor-in-chief overseeing the 22-person staff her senior year. She is majoring in journalism at University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

Keely relishes all aspects of newspaper writing and design and brings a strong work ethic and curious mind to her role with Logos. Additional accolades include third best overall high school newspaper to Logos, and second best overall literary magazine in the state to Hallmarks, the upper school literary magazine.

Alix Albright in Morocco

Language Travel Awards

• Alix Albright ’17 was awarded the NSLI-Y scholarship for study abroad in Morocco this summer. Sponsored by the U.S Department of State, the NSLI-Y provides merit-based scholarships for eligible high school students and recent high school graduates to learn less commonly taught languages in summer and academic-year overseas immersion programs. For more than five years, Harpeth Hall students have participated in the state department program.

• Anna Owens ’17 was awarded the National Spanish Exam 2016 Junior Travel Award to Spain.

This national award is given to 24 students from across the United States who became eligible by earning high scores on the National Spanish Examinations. Students then submit samples of their written and oral work in Spanish to a selection committee.

Service Accolades

• Prudential Spirit of Community Award: Kate Capizzi ’16 was recognized in April by the Prudential Spirit of Community Award as a Distinguished Finalist for her four years tutoring and mentoring 150 children in The Afterschool Program for at-risk children in North Nashville. Her work to continue the program after other volunteers dropped out provided support to help the children reach their grade level in math and reading.

STEM Stars

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he following students received recognition and accolades at the Middle TN Science and Engineering Fair, the 64th Middle Tennessee Science and Engineering Fair, and the Middle TN STEM Expo for their STEM research from left: Ellie Fitzpatrick ’16 (computer science), Kaili Wang ’18 (behavioral and social sciences), Michelle Biesman ’16 (engineering), and Molly Power ’17 (engineering).

• Strobel Award Finalist: Laura Catherine Harrell ’16 was recognized in April as a Mary Catherine Strobel Volunteer Award finalist for her work serving as president of Kids 4 Kids at Harpeth Hall, an organization that works with Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. She also helped start a program to connect teens with children at TriStar Centennial’s children’s hospital.

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ACCOLADES SERVICE

Filling Empty Bowls to Fight Hunger

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nder the leadership of art teacher Joan Curry, Harpeth Hall students created hundreds of bowls for the school’s first annual Empty Bowl Fundraiser in February. More than $2,000 was raised for the Nashville Food Project. Tallu Schuyler Quinn ’98, executive director of the Nashville Food Project, and Jeremy Barlow, owner of Sloco and current Harpeth Hall parent, provided the soups for the fundraiser.

Dodgeball Tournament Supports Lwala Initiative

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n February, more than 200 serious dodgeball competitors from 28 teams gathered from all over Nashville to face off in the annual tournament benefiting Lwala Community Alliance. $5,000 was raised for the Lwala Uniform Initiative. Harpeth Hall students raise more than $10,000 annually to provide new uniforms for school-age girls in Lwala, Kenya.

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ACCOLADES SPEAKERS

Rev. Dr. Judy Cummings The Rev. Dr. Judy Cummings, senior pastor of the historic New Covenant Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Nashville, served as our Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Assembly speaker on January 15. Her speech focused on Dr. King’s message of unity. “My question for you today is what kind of house are you building? You may have dreams to be a doctor, a lawyer, a teacher, a pastor. Whatever you do, you are building the house; you are building the community that you and your family will live in tomorrow . . . And there are no shortcuts in building this kind of community — as Dr. King would call it, the beloved community. We can all work to build the beloved community, where everyone is equal and has access to opportunities.”

Author/Educator Lisa Damour Lisa Damour, author of Untangled: Guiding Teenage Girls Through the Seven Transitions into Adulthood, spoke to the community on February 17 about these seven transitions.

She wove together solid research, real-life examples and anecdotes from her years of experience counseling teen girls and their parents to provide advice and techniques to help navigate girls through these stages in life. Her message to parents, “There is not a perfect parent on the planet. You don’t have to be better as a parent, you have to be honest.”

Author Ann Patchett From the mechanics of writing her first novel to immersing herself in research for her third novel to the pure joy of writing novels as her profession, acclaimed novelist Ann Patchett turned back the pages on the craft of writing during an all-school assembly presentation on February 22. Ms. Patchett reminded students that “creativity and inspiration” are muscles that need to be exercised regularly.

“My happiest time is when I’m making up a book,” she added.

Carell Artist and Writers in Residence

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arpeth Hall hosted both a visual artist and writers last winter as part of the Carell Artist and Writer Residency Program. Writers from Southern Word visited campus to work with sophomore English classes and other interested students. Through the literary and performing arts, Southern Word offers creative solutions for youth to build literacy and presentation skills, reconnect to their education and to their lives, and act as leaders in the improvement of their communities. Lesley Patterson-Marx, well-known local artist and community volunteer, worked with students in visual art to explore diverse ways of seeing and being, gathering collections, and forming connections. Students created prints that were in incorporated into an approximately 45-inch by 60-inch semi-transparent paper work of art. The Carell Artist and Writer in Residency Program was

established by the late Ann and Monroe Carell, Jr. and their daughters, Julie Carell Stadler, ’77, Edie Carell Johnson, ’80, and Kathryn Carell Brown, to support an artist, musician or writer for a week’s residency of workshops.

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ATHLETICS

Top Athletic Stories FOR 2O15-2O16 1 4 Olympic Hopefuls: 3 current students and 1 alumna competed in the Olympic Swimming Trials in June.

They were Ella Nelson ’19, Elizabeth Stinson ’15, Alex Walsh ’20, and Gretchen Walsh ’21. At 25.96 seconds, Gretchen Walsh ‘21 became the nation’s youngest U.S. Olympic Trials swim qualifier. In an earlier summer competition, Alex Walsh took down a major name in the sport as she broke the 13-14 National Age Group record in the women’s 200-yard IM previously held by Olympic gold medalist Missy Franklin.

2 Varsity State Championships: swimming & diving and track & field.

3 5 Middle School Harpeth Valley Association

Conference (HVAC) Championships: Cross country, soccer, swimming & diving, tennis, and volleyball.

4 Middle School Athletic Program earned its seventh Robert Inman Trophy by the HVAC. The trophy is presented annually to the girls and boys schools accumulating the most points in a school year, across a wide slate of team sports.

5 Coach Jim Romero was named Track Coach of the Year by The Tennessean for leading the Honeybears to its 17th team championship.

6 Jordyn Lesh won her third state championship in the triple jump.

8 8 HALLWAYS HALLWAYS

2016 TRACK & FIELD STATE CHAMPIONS

College Bound Student Athletes

2016 SWIMMING & DIVING STATE CHAMPIONS SUMMER SUMMER2016 2016

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ATHLETICS

TSSAA Recognition

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arpeth Hall Athletic Director Karen Sutton was recognized by the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) as its distinguished service honoree as an administrator. During her tenure as athletic director, Coach Sutton implemented a no-cut policy in the middle school athletic program, ensuring more girls have the opportunity to develop their love of athletics, added rowing and riflery to the list of 13 varsity sports available, and served as a part the visioning team that planned the new 60,000-square-foot Athletic and Wellness Center that opened in January 2015. At Harpeth Hall, she has served as both the varsity basketball and volleyball coach, earning a state championship and coach of the year honor in 2001 for volleyball and earning two state championships and two coaches of the year honors in 2003 and 2005 for basketball. Additionally, at Harpeth Hall, 85% of middle school girls and 65% of upper school girls participate in one or more sports. “TSSAA is proud to salute Karen Sutton for her many years of dedication to the student-athletes at Harpeth Hall and high school athletics in general in Tennessee.”

Former NBA Player to Coach Girls’ Basketball Team

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ormer NBA player for the Milwaukee Bucks and Vanderbilt University standout, Frank Kornet was appointed Harpeth Hall’s varsity basketball coach in April. Kornet served as Harpeth Hall’s assistant basketball coach for the last two seasons under the leadership of Head Coach Anne Johnston.

“Coach Kornet is a tremendous asset to our athletic program, and his experience as a player, coach, and parent of collegiate athletes brings a wealth of knowledge to our basketball program. His values and ideals of coaching are aligned with Harpeth Hall’s mission, and we are excited about the program continuing to move forward under his leadership,” said Athletic Director Karen Sutton.

Following four years at Vanderbilt University (1985-1989) where he was named All-Southeastern Conference his senior year, Kornet was selected by the Milwaukee Bucks in the second round (30th overall) of the 1989 NBA Draft. He played two seasons in the NBA, both with the Bucks, and also played two seasons in Italy. Coach Kornet served as a physical education instructor for Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic School in Tempe, Arizona, and served as a varsity head basketball coach at Liberty Christian School in Argyle, Texas. He and his wife, Tracy Kornet, an anchor with WSMV-TV-Channel 4, have three children, two of whom play collegiate basketball. Luke competes for Vanderbilt, and Nicole competes for UCLA.

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VISUAL ARTS

Visual Arts

ceramics • drawing • painting • sculpture • printmaking • design • crafts • photography • video • filmmaking • architecture

ceramics • drawing • painting • sculpture • printmaking • design • crafts • photography • video • filmmaking • architecture SUMMER 2016

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PERFORMING ARTS

Upper School Drama Radium Girls

Middle School Choir

One Acts

Spring Dance Upper School One Acts Spring Dance Concert

Performing Arts

choral • dance • orchestra • theatre

Upper School Music Concert

Upper School Choir

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Spring Dance Concert Upper School Orchestra

Spring Dance Concert

Middle School Musical Seussical Jr.

Spring Dance Upper School Drama, SMASH

Middle School Orchestra

Middle School Musical, Wizard of OZ

Upper School Music Concert

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FACULTY

EXCEPTIONAL HEATH JONES PRIZE FOR THE PROMISE OF EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING

Pia Chocklett, Middle School Counselor

Faculty

About Pia Chocklett: “Through her creativity and proactive approach, she ensures that each

lesson she teaches is applicable to the daily lives of her students. She is able to take topics that are typically difficult to discuss or teach and create a safe environment for her students. With her deep commitment to diversity, inclusion, and counseling, we are fortunate to have her at Harpeth Hall.”

What she learned from her teachers: “One thing that all of my favorite teachers have in common is their use of humor as an instructional tool. They used humor to relate to students, to make tough concepts approachable, and to keep students engaged with the material. I believe that learning is more fun if we can laugh while doing it, so I try to bring my own sense of humor into the classroom.”

What she hopes her students take away from her class: “As both a teacher and a counselor, what I

mostly hope students take away from my class is a greater understanding of themselves and those around them. In addition, I hope my students walk away from class having felt comfortable sharing their opinions, having had fun, and having thought about something from a new perspective.”

The Heath Jones Prize for the Promise of Excellence in Teaching is dedicated to A. Heath Jones, teacher and academic dean at Harpeth Hall from 1984 to 1996. It is awarded to a full-time teacher who has had five years or fewer of classroom experience and who has taught at Harpeth Hall for two years or more.

Pia Chocklett

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Jennifer Webster

ELLEN BOWERS HOFSTEAD CHAIR IN MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE

About Maureen Hill: “While some think teaching

math to girls requires a complicated formula, this teacher understands it is an opportunity to build authentic confidence in young women. She sends a message to students that math is relevant to their daily lives and that learning to think mathematically can be fun and is an important life skill.

Maureen Hill, Her classroom is evidence of this approach as it is filled with Chair of the walls of colorful math-driven artwork, posters with visuals to make mathematical concepts come to life, and games and Middle School puzzles that lead students to look at patterns in different ways.

Math Department From the Barbie bungi project to scratch and sniff stickers on returned tests, she employs multiple methods to help students see the joy in the study of math and learning in general.”

What lesson did you learn from your teachers? “I had a lot of great teachers. Those whom I remember especially were no-nonsense but caring. They showed me how to recover from mistakes and take responsibility for myself. To a person, the teachers who I recall fondly showed interest in me in and out of the classroom.”

What do you hope your students take away from their experiences in your classroom? “I want my students to leave my classroom knowing more math than when

they entered. I also want students to feel confident in their skills and able to articulate ideas effectively. Seeing problems, whether math or otherwise, as puzzles that can be solved with perseverance and creativity is the ultimate goal in my classroom. Above all, though, I want students to leave my classroom with study skills, grit, and with certainty that I am working for their benefit. The math I teach is important and relevant, regardless of a student’s ultimate path, but the study skills, perseverance and confidence that come from hard work, evident every day in my classroom, are the lessons that will last a lifetime.”

The Ellen Bowers Hofstead Chair was established by James W. Hofstead in loving memory of his wife, Ellen Bowers Hofstead. Mrs. Hofstead was a 1934 graduate of Ward-Belmont Preparatory School and a 1935 graduate of Ward-Belmont Junior College. The Chair is awarded for a period of three years. Candidates will have demonstrated a high level of distinction in learning and teaching, have earned an advanced degree, and have made a full-time commitment to Harpeth Hall for a minimum of five years.

LULU HAMPTON OWEN CHAIR FOR EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING

Jennifer Webster, Upper School Math Teacher

Maureen Hill

About Jennifer Webster: “She is a role model for her students and her colleagues in her strong

work ethic and positive attitude. Beneath the ever calm exterior is a sharp intellect coupled with an eagerness to continue searching for an ever better way to engage her students or clarify a murky point.

She is always seeking to improve her craft, try something new, and become a better teacher.”

What lesson did you learn from one of your favorite teachers that you still use today as a teacher? “I have a favorite teacher from each chapter of my school life. They taught a variety of subjects and had very different teaching styles. It is what they all had in common that drew me to each of them. It was very obvious that they all cared deeply about their students, were passionate about their subjects and loved going in to work each day. This is the kind of teacher I strive to be.”

What do you hope your students take away from their experiences in your classroom?

“I would love to say that students leave my class with a love of mathematics and an appreciation for its beauty, but I understand that the subject does not capture everyone’s heart as it has mine. I do hope however, that students take away a sense of accomplishment.

If they look back over their work at the end of the year I want them to be able to say, ‘Wow, look at what I did! I conquered some challenging mathematics this year!’ ” The Lulu Hampton Owen Chair for Excellence in Teaching is awarded annually to an outstanding member of the Harpeth Hall faculty who demonstrates excellence in scholarship, an unusual ability to communicate with students, excitement about teaching and learning, a commitment to the moral and intellectual development of students, and dedication to the life of the school. The appointment is for one year and carries with it honor, remuneration, and a Harpeth Hall Chair which serves as a symbol of this award.

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HONORING RETIRED FACULTY AND STAFF

Mary Lea Bryant

DIRECTOR OF THE MIDDLE SCHOOL

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ince she was appointed director of the middle school in July 2009, Mary Lea Bryant has drawn upon her deep understanding of Harpeth Hall’s mission of educational excellence for girls and her knowledge of the growth and development of young people in leading the Daugh W. Smith Middle School. She is a leader who does not take the credit. She is selfless in that she wants to do the right thing for the girls and the school, but she never wants the spotlight in return. She is happiest when she is able to watch a student or a teacher grow and learn and stand alone. The breadth and depth of Mrs. Bryant’s commitment to Harpeth Hall is astounding. In addition to her position as middle school director, she is an alumna, class of 1972, a former Harpeth Hall trustee, and a parent of a 2004 graduate. It is her loyalty to and love for this school that provided her with so many opportunities that motivate her to ensure endless opportunities for each middle school girl.

Her dedication to each student and teacher, her exemplary work ethic, her ability to listen and provide wise counsel, and her ability to articulate our mission clearly and with passion are the gifts she shared with us. She embodies living honorably and reminds us to never ever underestimate the power of a middle school girl.

Rosie Paschall

UPPER SCHOOL ADVANCED PLACEMENT ART TEACHER

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osie Paschall joined Harpeth Hall in 1988 as an art teacher and developed our exceptional Advanced Placement Studio Art program. Mrs. Paschall inspires her students to reach their highest potential by fostering their creativity and individuality. Through her instruction, guidance, and encouragement, young artists develop their personal voices through their artwork. In an article for the Hallways magazine, Mrs. Paschall said this about art: “Art develops the whole person. It is where discipline and expression meet. Art is transformative. You see a student’s dedication, intensity, and passion. It’s an evolution. You watch them come and scribble something at first. Then they grow and they realize what they are capable of doing.” For Mrs. Paschall, instilling a love of art in her students long after they leave Harpeth Hall is essential. She says that she “wants them to be patrons of the arts. The experience should not go away when they leave our classes. There should be a thrill when they see a work of art and know what’s going on in that painting or piece of work. They can go into any museum in the world and understand the style and technique and appreciate good art.”

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HALLWAYS

HONORING RETIRED FACULTY AND STAFF

Marie Maxwell UPPER SCHOOL DEAN OF STUDENTS

N

o one could ever doubt the fact that Marie Maxwell is a part of the fabric of this school and its mission. She loves this place and is likely the only alumna, class of 1964, or one of just a few alumnae who can claim being a part of Harpeth Hall with each of our six heads of school. Mrs. Souby was head of school when Mrs. Maxwell arrived as a student at Harpeth Hall; she was a student under Miss McMurry, a Harpeth Hall parent when Mr. Wood was the head of school; she was hired

by Leah Rhys, and she worked with Mrs. Rhys, Ann Teaff, and Stephanie Balmer. After a career as director of advancement at Franklin Road Academy, Mrs. Maxwell was hired to assist the director of the upper school in 1997. Two years later, she became upper school dean of students, the first person to hold that position. She has been instrumental in establishing the broad co-curricular and activity programs in the upper school. From student council to dances to clubs to retreats, she has connected with so many students.

Her recipe for success has been to begin with an appropriate sense of decorum, add plenty of fun and laughter, and don’t forget the peppermint flavor at all times.

Her loyalty and dedication are unsurpassed. Like those who have gone before her and who will come after her, she has embodied the senior pledge, “to transmit this school, not less, but greater, better, and more beautiful than it was transmitted to us.”

Continued on page 18

SUMMER 2016

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HONORING RETIRED FACULTY AND STAFF

Gwen Skelley

UPPER SCHOOL LEARNING SPECIALIST

A

fter a full career in public schools and working in the classroom with a variety of ages, Gwen Skelley decided to bring her expertise in working with students to Harpeth Hall. She came in 2002, and since that time, she has built our learning specialist program into what it is today. She has worked tirelessly in doing one thing — championing the Harpeth Hall student. Mrs. Skelley has helped hundreds of girls tackle mounds of work in seemingly incomprehensible subjects, one small “bite” at a time. Never afraid to speak the hard truth of what it takes to be a more equitable place for our students, Mrs. Skelley has taught every one of us so much through the years, and we owe so much to her. Gwen Skelley understands the heart of the student-teacher relationship — we are not teaching subjects, we are teaching girls and young women.

Martha Lund

UPPER SCHOOL SPANISH TEACHER

M

artha Lund came to Harpeth Hall after a full career as a classroom teacher and foreign language department chair at Father Ryan High School, and we have been fortunate to have Ms. Lund in our upper school World Language Department for the last nine years.

She has enjoyed teaching those who are beginning their journey into the Spanish language, by making it come alive and relevant for them, but she has also taken the advanced Spanish student to the AP Spanish Language exam and has prepared them well each year.

Ms. Lund’s energy and enthusiasm for her native country of Peru and for all of the Spanish-speaking countries are evident when one steps into her classroom. From her affinity for flamenco dancing to being a gifted Spanish teacher and an experienced and well respected Advanced Placement reader each summer, Ms. Lund embraces the study of Spanish and gives it just the right flair for our girls.

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FACULTY

Judi O’Brien with her advisees.

New Middle School Director Named

J

udi O’Brien became the new director of the Daugh W. Smith Middle School starting July 1. She comes to Harpeth Hall from Berkeley Carroll School in Brooklyn, New York, where she served as the middle school dean of students. She brings a strong background in independent school administrative experience, public-private administrative experience in an educational program for underserved students, and administrative experience in several consulting organizations.

Ms. O’Brien understands that the role of the middle school director is to create an atmosphere and structure that is conducive to engaging and educating every student, and ensuring that the educational program, pedagogy, and assessment of learning are based on sound research and the most innovative ideas in the field.

Her mission is to lead and support a community where students develop a deep knowledge of self as well as the confidence, flexibility, and compassion required to thrive and make meaningful contributions to the world,” said head of school Stephanie Balmer.

As a master eighth-grade humanities teacher, she recognizes the importance of the middle school director in empowering and supporting teachers to design programs and curriculum that inspire creative thinking and guide students to deep cognitive engagement with complex and important real world problems.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of New Hampshire where she was in the Honors Program. She is a Klingenstein Fellow from Columbia University’s Teachers College and holds a Master of Arts in private school leadership from Columbia University. Prior to joining the Berkeley Carroll School, she worked as a teacher and program director for Readak Educational Services in Massachusetts, as a teacher, coach, and dorm parent at the Fay School in Massachusetts, and as a teacher and principal for the GO PROJECT, a non-profit academic program serving underserved public school students in New York City.

“It is an honor and privilege to join Harpeth Hall’s inspiring and thoughtful leadership team, and to continue the important and meaningful work that is underway in the middle school. I relish the opportunity to engage in Harpeth Hall’s mission to educate young women ‘to think critically, to lead confidently, and to live honorably.’

I am grateful for the warm welcome I received during my time on campus and was duly impressed by my conversations with faculty, staff, parents, and students. Harpeth Hall provides an inspirational environment where girls can achieve their full academic potential and take the lead, serve as role models, and gain exposure to narratives of female leadership that are not yet part of the mainstream. I am simply thrilled to be joining the dynamic and vibrant Harpeth Hall community,” said Ms. O’Brien.

SUMMER 2016

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HONOR DAY 2O16

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HALLWAYS

HONOR DAY 2O16

Celebrating the Class of 2020

E

ighty-seven eighth-graders successfully completed the Daugh W. Smith Middle School program at Harpeth Hall and were recognized at Honor Day on May 30, in the Frances Bond Davis Theatre. Honor Day began in 1969 to recognize Harpeth Hall’s first eighth-grade class.

Eighth-grader Nisha Ramanna, chosen as the Honor Day speaker, brought laughter to the audience as she shared anecdotes about her dog, Butter Bean. Nisha recounted the hundreds of photos and stories she has shared about her dog to her classmates. “You don’t complain when I’m late to things because I was busy cuddling with my dog, or when I waste your time telling pointless stories about her. You don’t get mad when I keep talking to you about how great ELIZABETH HAUSMAN COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

Parima Prim Wiphatphumiprates POLLY FESSEY AWARD

Katherine Rose Dovan LINDY SAYERS AWARD

Molly Elizabeth Myers DIRECTOR’S AWARD

Camryn Layne Lesh

HEAD’S AWARD

her little paws are, or how the hair on her ears is perfectly crimped.

You guys have been accepting of me no matter what crazy phase I’m going through.”

This support for one another and zeal for life are qualities that Nisha hoped her classmates would retain as they moved on to high school. “Grow older, mature, and experience new things. Every single one of you has so much to offer. You guys are all capable of changing the world for the better. You’ve already done it with me.

You all are a collection of the most unique and outstanding people.

I know now that growing up will not ruin what we have here, and what each and every one of you has inside of yourself.”

CAROL CLARK ELAM HISTORY AWARD

PATTY CHADWELL AWARD

Margaret Ellen Seehorn

Virginia Reese Graves and Molly Elizabeth Myers

Bryden Elizabeth Holladay

DAUGH W. SMITH ENGLISH AWARD

SPIRIT AWARD

Margaret Claire Sullivan

MOST OUTSTANDING ATHLETE AWARD

Skye Michelle Dupree LADY OF THE HALL HERALD

Rebecca Julia Viner HONOR DAY SPEAKER

Nisha Lakshmi Ramanna

LOUISE WILLS ALGEBRA I AWARD

Meghna Chandni Ramaiah

Alexandra Eleanor Massey SPEAKER AT ATHLETIC AWARDS

Sydney Reese Heifner

SUMMER 2016

21

STEP SINGING 2O16

GRADUATION

22

Lady of the Hall

and Class Representatives

Step Singing POETIC EVENING FOR 65TH ANNUAL

T

he hint of rain throughout the week diminished and gave way to a warm, sunny evening for the 65th Step Singing ceremony on May 29, 2016, in the Ann Teaff Quadrangle on Souby Lawn. The only sprinkles that fell upon the crowd were inspiring words by 19th century poets. Lady of the Hall Keely Hendricks drew inspiration for her remarks from Ralph Waldo Emerson’s text on Nature while Step Singing speaker Jackie Powers, upper school English Teacher, drew upon the words of William Butler Yeats’ poem, Song of the Wandering Aengus.

“We all spend our lives, each one of us, chasing our own special visions. Each of us seeks her own version of ‘the silver apples of the moon/the golden apples of the sun.’

“Some of you might find it in travelling the world. Some of you might find it in service to others or by spreading joy, knowledge, and making a difference in the world. Some of you might find it in becoming engineers, singers, artists, or even tight-rope walkers.

“To the class of 2016 — you are our own ‘glimmering girls.’ As we watch you slip away into ‘the brightening air,’ closing the doors of your own childhood rooms behind you, and heading into the vast adventure of life, never forget that you are on a quest, shaping and seeking your own dream,” said Mrs. Powers.

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HALLWAYS

Lady of the Hall

Keely Hendricks 12th Grade Class Representative

Annie Weaver 11th Grade Class Representative

Vivian Herzog 10th Grade Class Representative

Marguerite Trost 9th Grade Class Representative

Mariama Dodd 8th Grade Herald

Bryden Holladay 7th Grade Herald

Lily Ford 6th Grade Crownbearer

Sabrina Russell 5th Grade Crownbearer

Hallie Graham Flower girls:

Fina Welhoelter daughter of Crissy Wieck Welhoelter ’96 and Carrie Young daughter of Neel Webb Young ’02

GRADUATION 2O16

HONORING THE CLASS OF 2O16

Commencement

SUMMER 2016

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GRADUATION 2O16

The class of 2O16

wearing long white dresses and carrying pink roses processed with grace and confidence down Souby lawn on May 30, 2016; they followed in the footsteps of hundreds of alumnae before them. Celebrating the 150th anniversary of Harpeth Hall, tracing our roots back to the opening of Ward Seminary for Young Ladies in 1865, this year’s commencement marked a milestone in the legacy of excellence in girls’ education in Nashville.

Taylor Hardin, chosen as the senior speaker for commencement, remarked about the confidence in the class of 2016. “We are scholars, CEOs, athletes, dancers, sculptors, equestrians, programmers, state champions, writers, philanthropists, composers, researchers, coaches, teachers, best friends. And to think, we haven’t even graduated from high school yet.”

Indeed, members of the class of 2016, like the generations of women who have come before and who will come after them, they are Harpeth Hall.

They are the extraordinary girls who come here to know themselves fully and honestly, and who will realize their dreams. They will lead lives of intention and purpose, lives of profound consequence.

24

HALLWAYS

SUMMER 2016

25

GRADUATION 2O16

26

HALLWAYS

SUMMER 2016

27

GRADUATION 2O16

Senior AWARDS Head’s Award Sloane Fuller

The Chen Jaymin Prize Chinese Award Courtney Dunn

Director’s Award Ellie Fitzpatrick

Róngyù Ji˘ang Ellen Compton, Tess Myers

Susan McKeand Baughman Award Isabel Nygard Patsy White Bradshaw Citizenship Award Lauryn McSpadden Idanelle McMurry Award Sadie Petraitis Elizabeth Pope Evans Award (Highest GPAs) Kristen Barrett,

Corinne Gibson, Keely Hendricks, Lucy Massey, Abby Sparrow Katie Wray Valedictory Award Abby Sparrow Second Honors Lucy Massey Third Honors Keely Hendricks Poet Laureate Award Keely Hendricks Susan Souby Spirit of English Award Lucy Massey, Lauryn McSpadden English Award Kristen Barrett History and Social Sciences Award Lucy Massey Biology Award Corinne Gibson Chemistry Award Abby Sparrow Physics Award Isabel Nygard Pickens Science Award Michelle Biesman Math Award Abby Sparrow Helen Mullins Manning Mathematics Award Ellie Fitzpatrick Eta Sigma Phi Latin Award (4th year) Eleanor Smith Ottarson Latin Award Kristen Barrett Mary Varina Frazer Latin Award Isabel Nygard 28

HALLWAYS

L’Esprit Francais Wynne Briggs, Anne Rajbundit Lucie Fountain French Award Keely Hendricks Espiritu Espanol Award Madi Nunn, Abby Sparrow Global Scholars Courtney Dunn, Sloane Fuller, Taylor Hardin,

Keely Hendricks, Hannah Huth, Maddie Peterson Cum Laude Award Ellie Fitzpatrick Honor Dancer Award Margot Dupuis Spirit of Dance Isabel Nygard Fine Arts Award Anna Warner Outstanding Choral Student Catherine Baker Outstanding Instrumental Student Hannah Huth Best Thespian Award Eliza Trost Best Techie Award Ellie Fitzpatrick Kirkman House Award Callie Jane Simmons Rhode Island School of Design Award Georgia Slattery Cindy Crist Art Purchase Award Lee Lee Johnson Marnie Sheridan Art Award Abbey Snow Outstanding Athlete Award Jordan Burkart Emmons Woolwine Scholar-Athlete Abby Sparrow Pat Moran Sportsmanship Award Griffin Link Susan Russ Competitors Award Shelby Nutter Spirit of Service Laura Catherine Harrell Spirit Award Carrie Brake

CLASS OF 2O16 received offers of admission to 131 colleges and universities from coast to coast and will attend 51 schools in 24 states in the fall.

The

Abby Anderson

Laura Draughn

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Wake Forest University

Mary Britton Anderson

University of San Diego

Catherine Baker

Washington University

Wake Forest University University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Kristen Barrett

University of Virginia

Caroline Bennett

Courtney Dunn Margot Dupuis Emily Edwards

University of Tennessee, Chattanooga

Ellie Fitzpatrick

Samford University

Case Western Reserve University

Michelle Biesman

Bailey Flynn

University of Chicago

Texas Christian University

Grace Bradley

Sloane Fuller

University of Mississippi

Carrie Brake

Trinity University

Wynne Briggs

Auburn University

Kathryn Brown

University of Vermont

Caroline Buffkin

University of Alabama

Mimi Bulow

University of Georgia

Jordan Burkart

United States Naval Academy

Olivia Caldwell

Wake Forest University

Kate Capizzi

Villanova University

Jenny Chung

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Taylor Cobb

University of Virginia

Ellen Compton

Messiah College

Katherine Coode

Southern Methodist University

Sanjaly Geevarghese

Oxford College of Emory University

Corinne Gibson

Shelby Nutter

Abby Skinner

Isabel Nygard

Belmont University

University of Tennessee, Chattanooga

Analise Obremskey

Washington University

Lee Lee Johnson

Priya Patel

University of Virginia

Lillie Penley

University of Alabama

Sarah Perlin

Vanderbilt University

Maddie Peterson

Duke University

Sadie Petraitis

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Gracie Pope

University of Michigan

Raleigh Potts

College of Charleston

Phoebe Powers

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Madeline Jenkins

Texas Christian University

Maggie Jennings

Auburn University

Laurel Jobe

Southern Methodist University Northwestern University University of Georgia

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

University of Michigan

Lara Lillian Johnson

Kenyon College

University of Alabama

Mary Grace Kelley

University of Colorado

Caroline Kohl

Washington University University of North Carolina at Wilmington

Southern Methodist University

Tulane University

Maddie Gilmore

Sewanee: The University of the South

University of San Francisco

Griffin Link

Texas Christian University

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Maggie Kunkel

Isabella Grande

Providence College

Washington and Lee University

Taylor Hardin

Melissa Markham

Auburn University

Vanderbilt University

Laura Catherine Harrell

Lucy Massey

University of Tennessee, Knoxville University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Southern Methodist University

Johns Hopkins University

Caitlin Hatcher

Texas Christian University

University of Kentucky

Claire Heflin

Auburn University

Grace McCaskill

Mary Winston Reames

Carly Henderson

Washington University

University of Alabama DePaul University University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Keely Hendricks

Clemson University

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Caroline Davis

Alexandra Hulme

Tulane University

Texas Christian University

Ashlyn Dentz

Hannah Huth

Bailey McCarthy

Lauryn McSpadden Rachel Miller

University of Georgia

Tess Myers

Anne Rajbundit

Southern Methodist University

Georgia Slattery Eleanor Smith Lucy Smith

Abbey Snow

Abby Sparrow

Leslie Stark

Sara Swords

Whitley Taylor Claire Temple

Elizabeth Tirrill

University of Mississippi

Eliza Trost

College of William and Mary

Graham Vandiver

University of Mississippi

Anna Warner

University of Virginia

Kat Saul

Memphis College of Art

Seattle University Belmont University

Emily Warren

Annie Weaver

Sewanee: The University of the South

Alex Scott

Hendrix College

Furman University

Ally Nawrocki

Caroline Scudder

Belmont University

Katie Nicholson

Caroline Seeley

Carnegie Mellon University

Rhodes College

Furman University

Indiana University

Dasha Didier

DePaul University

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Auburn University

Tulane University

Sellars Huy

Olivia Dobbs

Delaney Jacoway

Madi Nunn

Auburn University

Middlebury College

University of Miami

Alex Slaton

Emma Roke

Washington University

Auburn University

Centre College

Kelly Short

Callie Jane Simmons

Helen Weaver

Sydney Webber

Olivia Wilson

Southern Methodist University

University of Colorado SUMMER 2016

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FEATURE 15Oth ANNIVERSARY

F

rom the early days of Reconstruction to today’s digital age, the founders, faculty, trustees, and heads of Ward Seminary, Ward-Belmont, and Harpeth Hall placed the highest priority on the education of young women. From these three schools have come strong leaders, innovators, and life-long learners who exemplify the motto of Harpeth Hall: Think Critically. Lead Confidently. Live Honorably.

Our significant 150th Anniversary year allowed our community to reflect on this important history and to examine the educational values, affection, and camaraderie that span time and generations.

Our students no longer wear saddle oxfords. Buildings have been constructed or remodeled to accommodate growth and the evolution of pedagogy. Our technology inside and outside the classroom continues to advance with each year. Yet much is still the same —each and every one of us is connected to this ongoing community of bright women.

From May 2015 to May 2016, we have celebrated our rich history with inclusive on-campus events, outstanding speakers, special projects, and collaborative performances. In doing so, we have deepened our love for and commitment to Harpeth Hall, and we have gained a greater appreciation of the transformational impact of all-girls education in Nashville and beyond.

We are indebted to the 150th Anniversary Steering Committee for its wisdom and guidance. We are immensely proud of our students, who have learned that they belong to both the past and the future, and we are deeply grateful to the alumnae, parents, and friends who volunteered their time, talent, and energy to make every aspect of our sesquicentennial so memorable.

Key 150th Anniversary events celebrated our school’s significant history and signaled our bright future.

We produced a wonderful book, All Girls Education from Ward Seminary to Harpeth Hall, 1865-2015 by Dr. Mary Ellen Pethel, which was highlighted at last year’s Retrospective Panel at Reunion 2015, and we welcomed former heads of school back to Harpeth Hall for a special Heads Panel at Reunion 2016.

We created an iconic poster of Souby Hall that holds its place in our city’s Spirit of Nashville series. We created an inspirational film that examines the educational values, affection, and camaraderie of Harpeth Hall and our predecessor schools, Ward Seminary and Ward-Belmont.

We installed the original Ward Seminary entrance doors in a permanent display in the Marnie Sheridan Gallery, and we dedicated the new limestone identity wall located at the corner of Hobbs and Estes Roads.

The timeline which follows highlights a few of the events that marked the 150th Anniversary.

30

HALLWAYS

150 th Anniversary CELEBRATION

APRIL/MAY 2016

}The publication of All-Girls Education from Ward Seminary to Harpeth Hall, 1865-2015 by Dr. Mary Ellen Pethel launched our sesquicentennial year and was highlighted at the Retrospective Panel at Reunion 2015.

AUGUST 2016 }We shined the light on three extraordinary alumnae — Anne Dallas Dudley (Ward Seminary), who led the suffrage movement, Cornelia Fort (WB ’36), WWII aviator, and Dr. Mildred Stahlman (WB ’40), the pioneer in the neonatal field at Opening Convocation on August 19.

SEPTEMBER 2016

}John Beasley, chair of the Harpeth Hall Board of Trustees from 1977 to 1981, and Stephanie Rothenberg ’08, actress, inspired us with their remarks, and we unveiled the 150th anniversary video.

John Beasley

Stephanie Rothenberg ’08

Our Leadership Dinner on September 29 recognized the families of Harpeth Hall’s original charter members and founding trustees and the families of Ward Seminary founders, Eliza and William E. Ward.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

OCTOBER 2016

}Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream was presented by the upper school theatre department in honor of the production held at Ward Seminary more than 100 years ago.

FEBRUARY 2016 }We saluted all the former Georges and Marthas at our annual George Washington Celebration on February 24.

George Washington Celebration

SUMMER 2016

31

FEATURE 15Oth ANNIVERSARY

MARCH 2016

MAY 2016

}Under the leadership of parent chairs Lyn Downey, Meredith Griffith, and Phyllis Vandewater, over 600 parents, alumnae and friends of Harpeth Hall attended the 150th Anniversary Celebration on March 5 in the beautifully decorated Athletic and Wellness Center. The highlight of the evening was the moving and heartfelt performance

by Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Amy Grant Gill ’78.

}Metropolitan Council adopted a resolution on May 3 recognizing and honoring The Harpeth Hall School on its sesquicentennial. Special thanks to alumna and Councilwoman Angie Emery Henderson ’91 and current parent Councilman Bob Mendes for spearheading the resolution.

}The Student Anniversary Performance on March 31 in the Frances Bond Davis Theatre featured the talents of our choirs, orchestras, and dancers. In addition, middle and upper school students shared original poetry and spoken word pieces, and the visual artists displayed their works in the gallery.

}Grammy-award winning Christian artist Michael W. Smith performed at the Almost Alumnae Luncheon. }Moderated by Board of Trustee Chair Emily Cate Tidwell ’75, three past heads of school, Ann Teaff, Leah Rhys, and David Wood, and current Head of School Dr. Stephanie Balmer presented their thoughts on a variety of questions, ranging from “As you reflect on 150 years of single gender education in Nashville, what has allowed Harpeth Hall to endure?” to “What do you consider Harpeth Hall’s greatest success during your tenure?”

}The grand entrance doors to Ward Seminary for Young Ladies were installed in a permanent display in the Marnie Sheridan Gallery in May. }Thanks to a generous gift from alumna Mary Alice Quinn ’54, a beautiful limestone identity wall was installed at 32

HALLWAYS

Ward Seminary Doors

the corner of Hobbs and Estes Roads.

The wall was designed by alumna Tara Crenshaw Armistead ’75 and is symbolic of Harpeth Hall’s permanence and significance to the Nashville community.

Trustees, faculty, and alumnae from the classes of 1954 and 2016 joined Dr. Stephanie Balmer for a dedication ceremony in May. The Class of 2016 installed a time capsule in the wall with plans to open it at its 50th Reunion in 2066.

WEBSITE

A NEW WEBSITE

WOW!

Harpeth Hall has launched a new website featuring a mobile-friendly design and a more expansive, contemporary look and feel.

3 Features of the New Site: 1. Responsive design which means you will find the same information and look whether you are using your desktop computer, tablet or smart phone.

2. Contemporary features, including videos and lists, that bring attention to Harpeth Hall’s strong intellectual community, close student-faculty relationships, innovative curriculum, and vibrant student life.

3. Easier navigation with an improved search engine and a focus on making the pages uncluttered and easy to read.

Harpeth Hall

3 Reasons Why Alumnae Will Love the New Site: 1. Looking for an internship, advice on career choice, how to balance work and family life? Check out our Career Connections page where current and former members of the National Advisory Council share their experiences.

2. Traveling across the country or abroad and wondering what to do and see? Log in to the Alumnae Directory and connect with alumnae living and working in 49 states (sorry North Dakota) and 28 countries. C’est formidable!

3. Looking forward to your Reunion? Check out our photo galleries featuring reunions from the last five years — as well as photos from numerous alumnae events here and around the country.

Explore — WWW.HARPETHHALL.ORG SUMMER 2016

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ALUMNAE DAY OF GIVING

SUPPORT

Innovative

Educators

DEVELOP ENHANCE

CULTIVATE

Leaders

VIBRANT

Student Life

ACADEMIC Excellence

APPLAUD

Artists Musicians Singers

CHEER ON Champions On and Off

THE FIELD

DayofGiving APRIL 7, 2016

We THANK you!

271 DONORS RAISED

$57,165

Scottie Fillebrown Coombs ’78 • Director of Alumnae Relations • Coombs@harpethhall.org • 615.346.0090 Tracy D. Campbell • Director of Annual Giving • Campbell@harpethhall.org • 615-346-0083 34

HALLWAYS

ALUMNAE

ALUMNAE CAREER DAY

8th Grade Career Day Recap — February 2O16

O

n February 23, 32 alumnae spanning 40 years of Harpeth Hall education (class of 1971 to the class of 2011) participated in Middle School/8th Grade Career Day. Eighth grade students had an opportunity to attend their choice of three panel sessions covering eight different professional categories including: Business; Design/Construction/Manufacturing; Education; Healthcare; Law/Government;

Music/Entertainment; Nonprofits; and Sales/Marketing/Public Relations/Media. Following the panel sessions, the students and alumnae panelists engaged in a “snowball/speed-dating” format of informal tabletop discussions over cookies in the dining hall.

The afternoon was a huge success, and we enjoyed watching the students and panelists interact over Q&A, stories, and laughter!

SUMMER 2016

35

ALUMNAE REUNION 2O16

Almost Alumnae Luncheon

SENIORS AND THEIR ALUMNAE MOTHERS AND GRANDMOTHERS

36

HALLWAYS

ALUMNAE REUNION 2O16

Panel (L-R): Delphine Sloan Damon ’86, Ginger Osborn ’66, Caroline Anderson ’06, Brianne Frazier ’96, Dacia Beard ’01, and Betsy Shapiro Silverman ’71

Alumnae Panel

SUMMER 2016

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ALUMNAE REUNION 2O16

Head of School Panel From left: Ann Teaff, Leah Rhys, David Wood, and Stephanie Balmer

38

HALLWAYS

ALUMNAE REUNION 2O16

Class of 1966 Celebrating its 50th Reunion

SUMMER 2016

39

ALUMNAE REUNION 2O16

1966 — 5Oth

1971 — 45th

1976 — 4Oth

1981 — 35th

1986 — 3Oth

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HALLWAYS

1991 — 25th

CLASS PARTIES

1996 — 2Oth

2001 — 15th

2006 — 1Oth

2011 — 5th

SUMMER 2016

41

ALUMNAE REUNION 2O16

Cocktails on Campus Celebration

42

HALLWAYS

REGIONAL GATHERINGS

SAN FRANCISCO

SUMMER 2016

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ALUMNAE CLASS NOTES

’56

’51

Pat Neblett Moran was on hand to meet Griffin Link ‘16, this year’s winner of the Pat Moran Award. This annual award is given to the athlete who has a great attitude and contributes positively on a daily basis to her team; leads by example on and off the playing field; is a good citizen within the school community and is respected by her teachers and her peers; always gives 110% effort in practice and in competition; understands her role on the team and is always willing to put her team first; is a good role model for the younger girls on the team; always displays good sportsmanship in practice and in competition both to her own teammates and to her opponents; is someone everyone on the team looks up to; and someone whose loyalty, dedication, and commitment are never doubted.

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HALLWAYS

Nancy Gibson Lardner owns and operates The Music Studio, established in 1981, which provides opportunities for students of all ages to develop their musical talent. Located in St. Augustine, Florida, they teach private lessons in piano, voice, guitar, and music theory. In May, the studio held its 35th annual recital preventing Nancy from attending her 60th Reunion at Harpeth Hall. She hated to miss the festivities and a chance to see old friends. She holds Harpeth Hall close to her heart and attributes it as an important part of her education.

’71

Lisa Morrissey LaVange, director of the Office of Biostatistics in the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has been elected the 113th president of the American Statistical Association (ASA). Lisa will serve a one-year term as president-elect beginning January 1, 2017. Her term as president becomes effective January 1, 2018. At the FDA, Lisa is responsible

for developing policies and procedures to guide statistical review of regulatory submissions in addition to coordinating biometric research to evaluate drugs and therapeutic biologics and providing comprehensive statistical services to CDER scientific and regulatory programs. In doing so, she oversees the work of more than 190 statistical reviewers.

Prior to joining the FDA, Lisa was a professor in the Gillings School of Global Public Health at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and director of the Collaborative Studies Coordinating Center.

She worked in the pharmaceutical industry for 10 years as vice president of biostatistics and data management for Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and vice president of statistics for North American Clinical Development at Quintiles, Inc. She also spent 15 years at the Research Triangle Institute.

’74

Adell Crowe has relocated from Washington, DC to Morgantown, West Virginia to be the director of student media at West Virginia University. In her new role, she oversees the University’s award-winning student newspaper and radio station and serves as the chief operational officer responsible for strategic planning, fiscal, logistical

and legal operations for each student media outlet.

Beth Bond Davis was remembered with a stone water fountain, three benches, and a brick pathway that were installed at the Sandcastle Playground at Jennings Beach in Fairfield, Connecticut.

In 1994, Beth was part of a team of four friends who came up with the idea for a 12,000 square foot playscape project.

The playground was completed in October 1996 and involved 2,500 volunteers. The pathway that surrounds the new fountain is made of bricks inscribed with messages honoring Beth.

Additionally, the Elizabeth Bond Davis ’ 74 International Exchange Scholarship was established at Harpeth Hall.

’77

Walton Estes relocated her store, Harpeth Gallery, from its original spot to Paddock Place on White Bridge Road. At almost 2,000 square feet, the new location carries an extensive selection of lamps, occasional tables, pillows, glassware, and much more. Harpeth Gallery remains Nashville’s go-to place for wedding gifts.

’78

Amy Grant Gill joined forces with the talented Tori Kelley to produce a new 25th Anniversary

edition of her hit song “Baby Baby.”

’79

Kim Chickey MacQueen was named the 2016 TISCA Coach of the Year. Kim coaches at St. Mary’s in Memphis.

Her daughter, Ali, is an exceptional swimmer, per fellow alumna Katie Groos Nelson ’80.

Martha Stamps, beloved chef, caterer, cookbook author, and food activist, has opened Bergamot Market at 336 White Bridge Road. Named for the exotic citrus fruits that gives Earl Grey tea its distinctive taste, the dine-in or take-out eatery offers a menu of sandwiches, soups, and sweets.

’8O

Betsy Wallace Taylor was featured in Style Blueprint’s FACES of Nashville. Betsy is a longtime fashion consultant, now at H. Audrey, who encourages Nashvillians to shop local as much as they can. Betsy and her husband Dave also own Cedar Valley Canine where they breed and train German shepherds. Their dogs are trained on everything from basic house training to drug and explosive detection.

’82

Emme Nelson Baxter joined Jarrard Phillips Cate & Hancock Inc., a

ALUMNAE CLASS NOTES strategic communications firm for healthcare.

She brings 20-plus years of experience ranging from newsrooms to corporate settings to the thrilling startup world.

Emme focuses on urgent issue-management campaigns as well as longterm transformational initiatives. Deeply rooted in the community, Emme is keenly involved in cultivating Nashville America’s healthcare industry epicenter—as a client. Prior to joining Jarrard, Emme was principal of Nelson Baxter Communications, LLC. She is also former awardwinning business editor at The Tennessean and USA TODAY reporter as well as the past director of corporate communications at HCA.

’85

Lela Hollabaugh was recognized as being among the worlds’ leading product liability defense lawyers in the international Who’s Who Legal: Product Liability Defence 2016. She was also named to the Nashville Business Journal’s 2016 “Best of the Bar” list in the large firm category. Lela currently heads the business litigation group at Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP and is the managing partner of the firm’s Nashville office.

’86

Jennifer Loomis is a professional photographer with studios in Seattle, San Francisco, and New York. Much of Jennifer’s current work focuses on pregnant women and families, and she is working on a new book, Sacred Mother, of fine art portraits exploring the complexities of motherhood. Jennifer also started a small non-profit that recruits, trains, and hires professional photographers to photograph children in foster care in an effort to help place children in loving homes. For more information, visit www.adoptachildphotography.org.

’88

Ramie Smith Hinckley is a Reproductive Endocrinologist with Reproductive Science Center in the San Francisco Bay Area and was inducted as the President of the Bay Area Reproductive Conference.

’89

Katy Dunlop McCain and her husband are moving their household from Pennsylvania to Santa Rosa Beach, Florida to seek warmer weather. While her husband will have to split his time between locations for work, Katy will be starting up a concierge service for Emerald Coast locations.

Look for her to have

things up and running

by Spring break 2017.

’91

Tara Scarlett has been named president and CEO of the Nashvillebased nonprofit Scarlett Family Foundation that provides merit and needbased scholarships to Middle Tennessee students pursuing business-related degrees. The foundation has provided more than $5 million in college scholarships since 2006. Tara has previously held senior positions with both Coca Cola and Mars Petcare.

Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee. She will oversee all of the Federation’s resource development efforts, including the annual campaign and its endowment programs.

Naomi also supervises the marketing and communications coordinator and the community engagement associate.

top music industry members who shared stories, career advice, and emphasized the importance of empowering women in the entertainment industry.

Ginna Maxwell Rauls has fulfilled a lifelong dream as a lead participant in starting Southern Reins in Memphis.

Southern Reins is an equine therapy program for special needs children in the surrounding Memphis area. Ginna’s passion for special needs children dates back to her Harpeth Hall days when she worked at Harris Hillman during Winterim. Ginna is also involved with Joy Prom, a prom for special needs teens.

which provides a smarter way to shop for kids.

Learn more at www. rocketsofawesome.com.

’94

Ashley McAdams started a new apparel brand for kids called Rockets of Awesome

’92

Shannon Simpson Bevins was a Harpeth Hall Honeybear for seven years. Then, she became a Rhodes Lynx. Next, she became a BGA Wildcat. And in August 2016, she became an Episcopal School of Dallas Eagle. Shannon is heading back to the classroom to return to her first loves—reading, writing, and kids—and she couldn’t be happier about it!

Fran Bailey Linley has joined the Harpeth Hall staff as the middle school Learning Specialist after having served in the same capacity at Franklin Road Academy.

Naomi Limor Sedek has been promoted to assistant executive director of the Jewish

Marcie Allen Van Mol, owner of MAC Presents, was a panelist for Who Knew’s Women Who Rock. The panel featured

Emily Hatch Bowman was named to the Nashville Business Journal’s 2016 “Best of the Bar” list in the large firm category. She is also listed in The Best Lawyers in America for Banking and Finance Law and Real Estate Law. Emily is a partner with Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP where she represents financial institutions, including banks and insurance companies, and corporate clients in a variety of commercial and real estate lending SUMMER 2016

45

ALUMNAE CLASS NOTES and other real estate transactional matters.

’97

Hontas McGee Lowrance has joined the Harpeth Hall teaching staff as a middle school math teacher.

Whitney Hart Schickling formed Our Sitter List Nashville in 2015 along with her sisterin-law and best friend, Karly Hart. These two hard-working moms of four active children under the age of seven found themselves constantly struggling to find trustworthy babysitters while juggling busy work and social schedules.

Fueled by the desire to make it easier for families to find great childcare, along with their entrepreneurial spirits and trust in each other, they launched Our Sitter List LLC, the parent of www. oursitterlistnashville.com.

Meghan Tally moved back to the states after teaching English for eight years at The American School in London and serving as Head of English for four of those years. She is now the English Chair at Windward School, a 7-12 co-educational, independent day school in Los Angeles, California.

’98

Kelly Jackson Smith has been awarded membership into The National Trial Lawyers: Top 40 46

HALLWAYS

under 40. This honor is only granted to trial lawyers under the age of forty who focus their practices on criminal defense and civil litigation. Kelly began practicing law in 2007 as an Assistant District Attorney General for the 23rd Judicial District of Tennessee. She resigned her position with the DA’s Office three years ago to begin her private practice in Dickson, Tennessee. Today her practice is focused primarily upon criminal defense and domestic relations law.

Katherine Pace Snyder was named by the Center for Nonprofit Management, in partnership with The Tennessean, one of their “30 in their 30s.”

This award commends a diverse set of individuals who have excelled in community service in Nashville. Katherine is the Chief Operating Officer of Prevent Child Abuse Tennessee. Katherine was also named one of the 2015 Nashville Emerging Leader Award finalists. The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and YP Nashville annually recognize individuals under the age of 40 who have made significant accomplishments professionally and contributions to their community.

’99 Sarah Lodge Tally has joined Bone McAllester

Norton PLLC. Sarah concentrates her practice in general corporate and healthcare matters. She advises business leaders on strategy, execution, and legal requirements of significant business transactions, leadership and ownership decisions, and day-to-day operations. Prior to joining Bone McAllester Norton, Sarah served as in-house counsel for DaVita HealthCare Partners Inc., a Fortune 500 company. A lawyer by vocation and cook by avocation, Sarah can be found cooking for friends and family when she isn’t advising her clients on their business matters or chasing after her two children.

’OO

Bahar Azhdari has joined Brookdale Senior Living Inc. as Senior Corporate Counsel of the Labor and Employment Division.

Ruth Huggins was named by the Center for Nonprofit Management, in partnership with The Tennessean, one of their “30 in their 30s.” This award commends a diverse set of individuals who have excelled in community service in Nashville. Ruthie is the director of development for LEAD Public Schools.

’O2 and ’O3

Congratulations to Graham Barton

Meadors ’03 and Caylan Cheadle Jarman ’02 for co-chairing a very successful late party for this year’s Swan Ball which raises funds for Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art.

’O3

Classmates Maggie Waltemath Ash and Kimia Ferdowsi Kline were both featured in the highly regarded design publication, Architectural Digest, within a week of each other. A Functional New York Apartment with High Style details how Maggie, a New York-based interior designer, transformed a dated duplex into a singular home. Discover Detroit Through the Eyes of an Artist follows Kimia as she shares her favorite spots in the city, from art institutions to BBQ joints. Kimia is a Brooklyn-based painter who is quickly gaining recognition in the art world for her paintings that draw inspiration from her Persian heritage, travels around the world, and stories of Iran told by her parents, who were exiled in the 1980s.

Kendra Abkowitz Brooks is the director of the Office of Policy and Planning at the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and was a panelist on the third annual Alumnae Outcomes Panel, a Harpeth Hall admission event held in February 2016.

’O4

Elizabeth Conrad completed her Ph.D. in molecular physiology at Vanderbilt University and is a junior research associate at Cumberland Pharmaceuticals in Nashville.

Tara Herbert was selected as Durham Public Schools Middle School Counselor of the Year for 2016. She has worked at Githens Middle School for the past seven years. Her principal noted her professionalism, commitment and resourcefulness and described her as a leader throughout the building — and beyond, as she represented DPS as a presenter at the NC Middle School Conference in February. She will also present at the National Schools to Watch conference in Washington, D.C., this summer. Tara facilitates the success of her students in a variety of creative and dynamic ways, and wants them to know they have someone on their side who will advocate for them no matter what. Her students described her as a great listener, trustworthy, proactive, encouraging and compassionate.

Amanda Powell Smith is a consultant with C3 Consulting and was a panelist on the third annual Alumnae Outcomes Panel, a Harpeth Hall admission

ALUMNAE CLASS NOTES event held in February 2016.

’O5

Mary Tom Crozier graduated with a Doctor of Pharmacy from Lipscomb University’s College of Pharmacy in May 2016.

Annie Mulgrew was featured in Styleblueprint, a Nashville Area blog during February 2016. The story highlighted Nashville women that are making their mark in New York City.

Annie lives in New York and is an investor and Company Program Director at CityRow, a high-cardio workout facility that includes intervals of rowing sprints and sculpting strength moves. In her role with CityRow, Annie has also been featured in People Magazine and was interviewed on the TODAY show.

Victoria Schwab launched her latest book, A Gathering of Shadows, at a book signing at Parnassus Books in February 2016. Her new book is the sequel to A Darker Shade of Magic, which has received great reviews. She is now the author of more than a dozen young adult novels, including The Archived and The Near Witch. Her first adult novel, Vicious, debuted to critical praise and reader accolades. The Independent has called Victoria “the natural suc-

cessor to Diana Wynne Jones” and someone who has “an enviable, almost Gaiman-esque ability to switch between styles, genres, and tones.”

’O6

Liza Darwin has developed a newsletter for teen girls called Clover with her good friend Casey Lewis, a former editor at Teen Vogue. The e-mail newsletter, which has already garnered attention in The New York Times and WWD, is delivered electronically five days a week and aims to empower girls and young women. Liza says “we want this to be a platform for smart, need-to-know content for girls ages 15-21.

Readers can sign up at cloverletter.com.

Margaret Walker is the assistant art curator at the Vanderbilt Fine Arts Gallery and was a panelist on the third annual Alumnae Outcomes Panel, a Harpeth Hall admission event held in February 2016.

’O7

Kristie Chang graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine in Memphis in May. Since then, she has moved to Indianapolis and bought a house! She will start her residency training in OB/GYN at Indiana University.

Casey Robinson Horton was named Teacher of

the Year at Glenview Elementary in Nashville.

’O8

Devon Bridgewaters joined the counseling department at Harpeth Hall.

Paige Heinze lives in Dallas, Texas and works at Berkshire Hathaway in the marketing department of the company’s insurance division.

Stephanie Rothenberg appeared as Belle in Beauty and the Beast at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival in Montgomery, Alabama this summer. Recently seen on Broadway in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Stephanie has outstanding regional credits including the Stratford Festival, Denver Center Theater, and Guthrie Theater.

Samantha Williams is in law school at Vanderbilt University and was a panelist on the third annual Alumnae Outcomes Panel, a Harpeth Hall admission event held in February 2016.

’O9

Caroline Winsett says “Harpeth Hall prepared me for college and law school by empowering me to think critically and teaching me that my voice is important — whether I’m in a classroom, boardroom, or courtroom.” Caroline grduated from DePaul

University with a degree in political science and sociology and received her J.D. from DePaul College of Law this past spring. During her time at DePaul, she served as president of the Student Government Association. Her motivation to get involved with student government stemmed from an awareness that some student populations felt invisible to university personnel.

“Once I began my term as president, I forged alliances with these students to better understand their needs, and I challenged the administration to include and recommit its support to these marginalized student populations.”

Caroline is currently working the Cook County State’s Attorney Office in Chicago.

’1O

Grace Stumb Grace Stumb has joined the Harpeth Hall teaching staff as a middle school history and social sciences teacher.

’12

Joy Burkart graduated from NYU with Honors and is going to graduate school at King’s College London for a Masters in Digital Humanities.

Caitlin Casey graduated Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa from Georgetown University and is working for Teach for America as a Lead

3rd Grade teacher in Metairie, Louisiana.

Sheridan Haley graduated from DePaul University with a Bachelor of Arts as a French major with a History of Art and Architecture minor, Magna Cum Laude. In August she was a Shelter Projects Intern at Farm Sanctuary in Orland, California, and has accepted a position as an English Teaching Assistant in France through the program TAPIF during the 2016-17 academic year.

Taylor Heinze completed her nursing boards and started a job in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, North Carolina. Taylor’s interest in pursuing a nursing career began during Winterim when she interned with Vanderbilt’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Taylor is also an artist and recently donated one of her paintings to Harpeth Hall in memory of classmate Margaret Lowe ’12.

The painting is displayed in the upper school language department.

The University of Virginia chapter of Pi Beta Phi has teamed up with Camp Kesem and ADAPT to hold a memorial 5k race, “Miles for Margaret” in memory of Margaret Lowe ’12. Margaret was posthumously awarded the prestigious Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award at University of Virginia Commencement in May 2016.

SUMMER 2016

47

ALUMNAE CLASS NOTES Madison Shankle, having completed two years at Yale University, spent the 2015-16 school year at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand, to focus her studies on geohazard science. During her mid-semester break, she spent three weeks assisting Kathmandubased organization Himalayan Crossroads in relief assessment and aid work in Nepal following the devastating earthquake that struck there last year. Maddie conducted a small survey and wrote reports on conditions in two villages in Sindhupalchowk, (the region containing the earthquake’s epicenter), helped rebuild houses in rural areas, and assisted in a disaster management training workshop held in Kathmandu. Maddie will be in Connecticut this summer working for GZA GeoEnvironmental Inc. and will return to Yale in the fall as a junior geology/environmental engineering double-major. She congratulates all her classmates graduating from college this year and says “come visit!”

spend a month of training in London before she moves to New York City to work at Deutsche Bank in sales and trading. Tina loves to travel and will visit China, the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, and Greece prior to starting her job.

Tina Qian graduated from Harvard with a degree in applied mathematics, with a focus in economics, and a secondary degree in archaeology. She also studied abroad for a semester at St. Andrews in Scotland. She will

Congratulations to singer-songwriter Knylie Freeman on her new song Tennessee.

48

HALLWAYS

Meade Wills graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a bachelor’s degree in international/global studies. She currently serves as a volunteer Arabic interpreter at Siloam Family Health Center and will attend the University of Virginia this fall to earn her master’s degree in commerce.

’13

Taylor Barkley is a junior at High Point University majoring in computer science and game design. She returned to the Harpeth Hall campus in March of 2016 to speak to the computer science class, the CODE club members, the robotics team, and any upper school students interested in computer science and coding.

K.K. Jones is a rising senior at University of Alabama. She joined the Harpeth Hall Advancement Office this summer as one of the summer volunteer interns. K.K.,

a Spanish major, also taught an English as a Second Language (ESL) class at Conexión Américas.

Liza Southwick is majoring in business analytics and technology and minoring in sports management and is the captain of the women’s tennis team at Trinity University. Liza and her doubles partner have received Division III AllAmerica doubles honors from the Intercollegiate Tennis Association for the second consecutive year. Building on a lifelong passion for sports, Liza knew that she wanted to work in the industry upon graduating. She has combined her major and her love for sports by working in a sports analytic group at Trinity and by completing an independent study analyzing professional baseball players and their salaries. She also completed two summer internships, both involved in sports and analytics. In addition to her love for sports, Liza is involved in other on campus activities including Sigma Theta Tau, Reformed University Fellowship, and Omicron Delta Kappa.

Anne Gray Thornburg is a current student at Sewanee: The University of the South and was part of the third annual Alumnae Outcomes Panel, a Harpeth Hall admission event held in February 2016.

Catherine Walton is a student at Swansea University in Wales, United Kingdom where she is majoring in history. She joined the Harpeth Hall Advancement Office this summer as one of the summer volunteer interns.

’15

Annika Brakebill, a freshman at Stanford University, co-founded an online science publication called Fascinate.

The publication is intended to bring interesting and cutting edge science to high school and college students. Annika contributed three of the original articles for the launch of the site: What is El Nino?, The Mysterious California Tiger Salamander, and The Brain Trust: Severe Traumatic Brain Injury Management. Learn more at www.fa-sci-nate.com Laurel Cunningham, a student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, was back on the Harpeth Hall campus in May as a member of the Alumnae Panel that spoke to Harpeth Hall seniors about transitioning to college.

Marliese Dalton is a rising sophomore at the University of Chicago.

She was a summer intern

at the District Attorney’s Office in Nashville.

Noni Marshall, a student at Howard University in Washington, DC, was back on the Harpeth Hall campus in May as a member of the Alumnae Panel that spoke to Harpeth Hall seniors about transitioning to college.

She also ran the early care division for Harpeth Hall Summer Programs.

Congratulations to Elizabeth Stinson for participating in the 2016 Olympic Swimming Trials in both the 400 and the 800 freestyle events.

Claire Tattersfield, a student at the University of Vermont, was back on the Harpeth Hall campus in May as a member of the Alumnae Panel that spoke to Harpeth Hall Seniors about transitioning to college.

Grace Turner, a student at Texas Christian University, was back on the Harpeth Hall campus in May as a member of the Alumnae Panel that spoke to Harpeth Hall Seniors about transitioning to college.

’16

Carrie Brake joined the Harpeth Hall Communications Department this summer as a volunteer.

ALUMNAE CLASS NOTES

BIRTHS Margaret McAllister Buchholz ’90 daughter, Caroline Phelps Buchholz on February 20, 2016 Beth Waltemath ’95 son, William Bruce Waltemath Lewicki on June 17, 2016

Audrey Ball Guest ’02 daughter, Palmer Isabel Guest on January 22, 2016

AUDREY GAYLE MYERS

HARDING MORRIS ADAMS

WARD CHARLES KELLEY

Mary Stengel Bentley ’03 daughter, Lily Elizabeth Bentley on September 27, 2015

Meghann McConnell Myers ’98 daughter, Audrey Gayle Myers on January 12, 2016 Meg Milam Chamblee ’99 son, James Arthur Chamblee on February 11, 2016

Mary-Grace Harvey Robb ’02 daughter, Louise Douglas Robb on December 12, 2015

JOHN EDWARD “JACK” POLLARD

LOUISE DOUGLAS ROBB

LILY ELIZABETH BENTLEY

Marion Granbery Floyd ’03 daughter, Helen Nichols Floyd on May 18, 2016

Jessie Morris Adams ’00 son, Harding Morris Adams on March 4, 2015

Ann Stewart Banker Pendergrass ’01 son, Bradford “Ford” Banker Pendergrass on April 4, 2016

Margaret McNeilly Thompson ’03 daughter, Frances Margaret Thompson on June 17, 2016

Cassie McConnell Kelley ’01 son, Ward Charles Kelley on February 11, 2016

Lauren Trent Pollard ’01 son, John Edward “Jack” Pollard on December 3, 2015

Ellen Davis West ’04 daughter, Dorothy Love West and son, Hansen Jude West on May 18, 2016

CAROLINE PHELPS BUCHHOLZ

HELEN NICHOLS FLOYD

We welcome photos in our Class Notes, Marriages and Births sections.

We prefer high resolution, 300 dpi jpegs. Email your digital photos to Alumnae Coordinator Marion Floyd at marion.floyd@harpethhall.org.

MARRIAGES

Adrienne Thomas ’03 to Keith A. Lamar on December 5, 2015

Weezie Dortch Blair ’67 to Walter Green on May 24, 2016

Megan Turner ’03 to Timothy Patrick Vacek on September 26, 2015

Erin Brewer ’78 to Paula Bruner on May 16, 2016

Lizzie Braswell ’05 to Kyle O’Rourke on April 9, 2016

Lee Crabtree ’96 to Chris Lentz on February 6, 2016

Callie Kestner ’06 to Sinclair Myers on April 16, 2016

Mary Kay Bartek ’98 to Mate Sztipanovits on September 10, 2016

Maddin McCord ’06 to Joseph Henry Hutto, Jr. on June 25, 2016

Katie Koban ’00 to William Braddy on January 23, 2016

Laura Nichols ’06 to Casey Sherwin on May 21, 2016

Rachel Cherney ’00 to John Klaer on July 11, 2015

Ansley Wallace ’06 to Matthew Scott Cire on May 28, 2016

Kate Blackmon ’01 to Tyler Blake Braddy on June 16, 2016

Sarah Feldner ’07 to William Douglass Earthman on May 29, 2016

Paige Roady ’01 to Mike Mantegna on June 4, 2016

Sarah Hollis ’07 to Robert Short on May 13, 2016

Kazzie Zerface ’01 to Theodore ‘Ted’ Crockin on February 27, 2016

Graham Hartong ’07 to Brian Rucker on April 30, 2016

EA Manier ’02 to Robert Homans on May 7, 2016

Elizabeth Belk ’08 to Andy Snyder on June 18, 2016

Allison Oldacre ’03 to Jake Griffin on April 23, 2016

Bethea Patterson ’08 to Richard Schoenfeld on May 28, 2016

Lauren Ezell ’03 to Robert Minear on April 2, 2016

Sarah Andrews ’09 to Clark Benton on March 12, 2016 SUMMER 2016

49

FACULTY IN MEMORIAM

Marian Ross served as the accompanist for Harpeth Hall and Montgomery Bell Academy from 1976 to 2002. The joyful Marian Ross demonstrated her talents and flexibility in accompanying hundreds of concerts and productions throughout the years at Harpeth Hall. Even during her retirement years, Mrs. Ross could easily be convinced to sit the piano and accompany alumnae in singing “The Belles of Ward-Belmont” or the Harpeth Hall alma mater.

“She fit a piano so well, just looked around and smiled and played without a care, pretty white hair bobbing in time,” recalled Marie Maxwell, retired upper school dean of students. In fact, during one production, the stage set fell, but Marian kept on playing while the set was removed. She never missed a beat.

Marian Ross

Mrs. Ross was born in East Liverpool, Ohio, on January 15, 1923, the daughter of the late Bruce and Alice Henry. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church. She served as organist at Woodbine Methodist Church and Glen Leven Presbyterian Church. She was also a member of various musical groups and played for countless weddings and funerals. She touched many lives through her talent. Mrs. Ross was a member of P.E.O., American Guild of Organists, and former member of Woman’s Club of Nashville. Mrs. Ross was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph F. Ross.

HARPETH HALL ACCOMPANIST Survivors include a daughter, Susan Ross Kennedy ‘80, and son-in-law, Ken Kennedy; two grandchildren, 1923 – 2O16 Ross and Katie Kennedy ’19; and a sister and brother-in-law, Susan and Leonard Strobel.

ALUMNAE IN MEMORIAM Lucile Johnson Nelson ’36 of Nashville, Tennessee, passed away March 2, 2016. Lucile was involved in many historical and community organizations and was a lifetime member of Immanuel Baptist Church. She is survived by her daughter Mary Nelson Wade ’65, two granddaughters DeeDee Wade ’95 and Mary Fall Wade ’98, one niece and great-nieces and nephews.

Dartha “Dot” Carver Eason ’37 passed away on March 24, 2016. She enjoyed collecting hats, gardening, and playing the piano. Mrs. Eason is survived by her cousins.

Jean Ewing Love ’38 of Columbia, Tennessee, passed away January 23, 2016. Jean and her late husband lived on Seven Springs Farm in Columbia which was built in 1825 and is on the National Historic Register. She is survived by several cousins.

Betty Wheelock Kennaugh ’43 of Corsicana, Texas, passed away May 30, 2015. She was passionnate about raising and showing Arabian horses. Betty is survived by her daughters, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Ann Elizabeth “Libby” Jones Calk ’44 of Atlanta, Georgia, passed away April 23, 2016. She was a former harpist with the Atlanta Symphony. Libby is survived by one son, four daughters, and 12 grandchildren.

Mary Williams Gant ’44 of Franklin, Tennessee, passed away January 13, 2016. Prior to returning to Franklin, she worked at Independent Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, Alabama where she raised her family. Mary is survived by one daughter, 50

HALLWAYS

three sons, 10 grandchildren, one great-grandson, and many nieces and nephews.

Juanita Reeves Green ’45 of Nashville, Tennessee, passed away March 8, 2016. She had a lifelong love of literature and writing and was a librarian at Vanderbilt Medical School and Nashville Public Library. She is survived by one son, one daughter, three grandsons, and four great-grandchildren.

Marie Brakebill Bellamy ’47 of Nashville, Tennessee, passed away on July 15, 2016. Marie was a tennis and golf player and volunteered with many community organizations. She is survived by her husband, one son, one daughter, one granddaughter and two step-granddaughters.

Ora Eugenia “Oragene” Willson Addis ’48 of Dallas, Texas, passed away May 3, 2016. She retired as associate director of Underwood Law Library of Southern Methodist University in 1997 after 24 years. Oragene is survived by her brother, three daughters, six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Patricia Kirkman Colton ’48 of Nashville, Tennessee, passed away June 29, 2016. A lifelong Nashville resident, Patricia was a dedicated volunteer and served on numerous boards throughout her life including Harpeth Hall, Ensworth, Planned Parenthood, and the West End Home Foundation. She was a passionate reader and theater enthusiast, an avid gardener, world traveler, and Vanderbilt basketball fan. Patricia was the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. P.M. Estes whose former estate included Harpeth

ALUMNAE IN MEMORIAM

Hall’s Souby Hall. Patricia grew up in Kirkman House. She is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Colton Walls ’75, son, and four grandchildren.

Elizabeth “Betty Bryan” Langston Morel ’48 of Thompson Station, Tennessee, passed away March 10, 2016. She is survived by three daughters, including Brenda Morel Resha ‘72, and Betty Morel Burchett ’74, two sons, 17 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

Jeanne Heise Adams ’49 of Wooster, Ohio, passed away December 13, 2015. She graduated Radcliffe College.

Mary Trigg Henegar ’49 of Lewisburg, Tennessee, passed away April 12, 2016. She worked in banking for 40 years and was a member of First United Methodist Church. Mary is survived by her sister, nieces, and nephews.

Elizabeth “Betty” Gant Smith ’49 of San Antonio, Texas, passed away February 12, 2016. Betty was involved in numerous community organizations and a member of the First Presbyterian Church. She is survived by two sons, two daughters, 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Lillian Dobson Dunavant ’50 of Memphis, Tennessee, passed away May 29, 2016. Lil was active in many organizations and was a member of Second Presbyterian Church. She is survived by one brother, two daughters, three sons, 16 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Elizabeth Ann Owens Goodrich ’51 of Fort Worth, Texas, passed away on February 14, 2016. She is survived by two sons, one sister, and nine grandchildren.

Mary Smith Heath ’51 of Denver, Colorado passed away March 26, 2016. She is survived by her husband, one son, and four grandchildren.

Martha McBride Loftin ’51 of Houston, Texas, passed away January 16, 2016. She supported many Houston community organizations and was a member of St. John the Divine Episcopal Church. Martha is survived by her son, one daughter, one granddaughter, three grandsons, and nieces.

Barbara Ann Belisle Titus ’51 of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, passed away May 17, 2016. Barbara was an accomplished pianist, playing in New York City, churches, schools, and other venues.

She also worked as a librarian and bookkeeper for many years and volunteered with Mobile Meals and other noble causes.

Barbara is survived by one sister, two daughters, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

survived by her husband, four sons, one daughter and eight grandchildren.

Joanne Manley Goss ’53 of Scottsdale, Arizona, passed away April 15, 2016. She was a travel agent, real estate agent and enjoyed international travel. She is survived by two brothers, step-children, and nieces and nephews.

Jean Fuller Guy ’53 of Humboldt, Tennessee, passed away January 6, 2016. Jean was an avid reader and gardener and loved to travel. She is survived by her husband, two daughters, one son, two grandsons, one granddaughter, and one greatgranddaughter.

Bebe Larsen Hogue ’54 of Nashville, Tennessee, passed away April 4, 2016. Bebe taught at Ensworth School for 21 years. She is survived by one son, two daughters, including Debbie Hogue Bannister ’78 and Beth Hogue Wilson ’82, 10 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Marcia Lynne Mehser Sanderlin ’64 of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, passed away May 27, 2016. She was a long-time swim coach and chair of the American Red Cross. Marcia is survived by her sister, Vicky Mehser Hatcher ’62, two sons, one daughter, and four grandchildren.

Gene “Berry” Bryan McNair ’88 of Dallas, Georgia, passed away March 16, 2016. She was a gifted artist and art teacher.

Berry is survived by her parents, one son, one brother and two nieces.

Susan Corbett Banks ’94 of Alpine, Wyoming, passed away December 30, 2015. She was devoted to working with teens at the Department of Family Services and passionate about yoga, cooking, family and friends. Susan is survived by her husband, parents, her sister Jennifer Corbett ’90, her twin brother, and nieces and nephews.

Leigh Terry ’00 of Nashville, Tennessee, passed away on May 25, 2016. Leigh is survived by her parents and her sister, Kate Terry Lemon ’94.

Mary Cresap Szarwark ’01 of Boynton Beach, Florida, passed away October 10, 2015. Ms. Szarwark was a counselor and therapist and volunteered for many community organizations. She is survived by her parents and her sister, Case Szarwark Soskin ’03.

Sarah Britt ’02 of Nashville, Tennessee, passed away July 8, 2016. Sarah was a naturalist through and through, loved the outdoors, horseback riding and had a passion for conservation and the environment. She is survived by her daughter, sister, mother, step-father, grandparents, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Mary Sue Miller Heldman ’52 of Nashville, Tennessee, passed away May 4, 2016. Mary Sue taught in Glencliff Elementary and Ensworth School and then had a career as a nurse. She is SUMMER 2016

51

WE NEED YOUR NOMINATIONS! DO YOU KNOW a fellow alumna

who deserves recognition?

Please consider nominating her today for one of the Alumnae Awards DISTINGUISHED ALUMNA AWARD Candidates are women who are trailblazers, display extraordinary gifts of leadership and organizational ability, are moving spirits in health, welfare, cultural, or civic affairs, and have achieved wide recognition for professional excellence and leadership.

SPIRIT OF SERVICE AWARD The recipient of the award is a woman who has gone above and beyond the call to serve her community and the world and who embodies Harpeth Hall’s mission to “develop responsible citizens who have global perspectives and make meaningful contributions to their communities and the world.”

ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME The Athletic Hall of Fame members have displayed outstanding athletic ability by competing at the state level, played on or coached a national or international team, been on a national championship team in college, or represented a country in an Olympic sport.

Honorees may also have exhibited extraordinary courage and perseverance in pursuit of a sport.

STAY CONNECTED More than 6,OOO Reasons to Stay in Touch Harpeth Hall’s social media sites have more than 6,000 participating members.

Join us and stay connected with alumnae from around the globe.

For more information and to find nomination forms go to www.harpethhall.org.

Click on the Alumnae tab

Harpeth Hall 52

HALLWAYS

3801 HOBBS ROAD • NASHVILLE, TN 37215 • 615.297.9543

Last school year, Harpeth Hall celebrated its 150th anniversary since the founding of Ward Seminary for Young Ladies in 1865. In this special milestone year, the Harpeth Hall community rose to the occasion and over 2,500 donors set a record for the Annual Fund:

$1,468,901 in unrestricted gifts and $1,876,295 total

Enthusiastic thanks to Annual Fund Chairs Kerrie and John T. Johnson and their team of over 140 volunteers led by the following Annual Fund Division Chairs: C U R R E N T PA R E N T C H A I R S

WA R D - B E L M O N T C H A I R

Anne and Jim Jenkins

Alice Ann Vaughan Barge ’44

MAJOR GIFTS CHAIRS

PA R E N T S O F A LU M N A E C H A I R S

Jane Anne and Dale Pilkinton A LU M N A E G I F T S C H A I R

Noni Nielsen ’93 R E U N I O N CO - C H A I R S

Anne Wallace Nesbitt ’76 Dede Nesbitt ’06

Jan and Jim Ramsey G R A N D PA R E N T C H A I R S

Stephanie and Jim Hastings FAC U LT Y C H A I R S

Clark Elam Harwell ’90 Legare Vest

We are humbled by and deeply grateful for the commitment and generosity of the volunteers and the thousands of donors who sustain Harpeth Hall’s tradition of excellence in girls education. Here’s to the next 150 years!

O ELM NT • H -B

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6 5 - 2 015

•W ARY ARD IN

Click the Giving tab at www.HarpethHall.org or call Tracy Campbell, Director of Annual Giving, 615-346-0083.

D WAR SEM

2 0 1 5 -2 0 1 6 AN N UAL FU ND — SUPPO R TING WHAT MAT TER S M O ST

L•

PETH HAL AR

Non-Profit U.S. Postage

PAID Nashville, TN Permit No. 1857

The Harpeth Hall School

3801 Hobbs Road Nashville, Tennessee 37215

REUNION 2017

HONE BEAR HOMECOMING

1952 • 1957 • 1962 • 1967 • 1972 • 1977 • 1982 • 1987 • 1992 1997 • 2002 • 2007 • 2012 • 1952 • 1957 • 1962 • 1967 • 1972 1977 • 1982 • 1987 • 1992 • 1997 • 2002 • 2007 • 2012 • 1952 FRIDAY MAY 5 AND SATURDAY MAY 6 Even if it isn’t your year, please come and enjoy the on-campus festivities!