Annual Fund Parent Giving

Under the dedicated leadership of Carolyn and Steve Taylor and their team of Class Chairs, Harpeth Hall family participation in the Annual Fund was 70 percent. This success reflects the vital partnership Harpeth Hall enjoys with our parent community. Their enthusiastic support of the Annual Fund underscores their commitment to our students, faculty, and mission.

100%

80%

60%

40%

20%

0%

2019–2020 Parent Participation: 70% Parent Giving: $509,806

72% 5th 92% 6th 68% 7th 72% 8th 79% 9th 79% 10th 72% 11th

68%

Congratulations and thanks to Parent Chairs Carolyn and Steve Taylor and Class Chairs:

5th – Miller and Jason Callen 6th – Susan John and John Benjamin 7th – Michelle and Jim Wojciechowski 8th – Jennifer and Jake Myers 9th – Page and Matt Kisber 10th – Rowanne and Jay McKnight 11th – Lyn and Frank Downey 12th – Sacha and Charles Robert Bone

12th

Varina Frazer Buntin ’61 and Family

Although I have a long history with Harpeth Hall as an alumna, a Trustee, a parent of an alumna and now as a grandparent, I am most interested in the Harpeth Hall of today. Whenever anyone asks me about Harpeth Hall I am quick to use the words “cutting edge education” but then I immediately want to talk about all the other important aspects of our school too. I want to talk about the faculty who have such strong relationships with the girls, who are passionate about their subjects, and who spark curiosity in learning. I want to talk about the traditions that bind all of Harpeth Hall’s alumnae together. I want to talk about the amazing art, music, dance, drama, sports, clubs, mock trial, debate, service projects, robotics, STEM, Honor Code and study abroad programs. I always talk about the impressive SEEK program where Middle School girls can choose to do an independent study outside of class. They pick the most unique and interesting subjects. On a personal level, I want to talk about Latin. My mother taught Latin at Harpeth Hall from 1962 to 1969, and I’m glad that students still study this ancient language that is mentally challenging, helps develop writing skills and is the foundation of other languages.

We all know that Harpeth Hall students learn how to write beautifully and speak confidently. Also essential for today’s world, they learn to collaborate, to be open-minded, and to have a global perspective. Winterim is one of the remember years ago when there was a push to end the Winterim program in favor of more classroom time spent on Advanced Placement courses, and I am thankful the value of those travel and internship opportunities has continued to be a signature aspect of the curriculum. It is those kinds of tough, forwardthinking decisions that have earned Harpeth Hall the reputation of being on the leading edge of girls’ education nationally and internationally. I also appreciate Harpeth Hall’s focus on balance and wellness. All over campus the round signs with a red slash through the word “perfect” are a powerful message. Our single- gender environment lets girls learn who they are and find their voices early. It is important for girls to be grounded and confident in themselves and the value of their opinions. My respect and appreciation for our faculty led me to chair the Search Committee that brought Ann Teaff to Harpeth Hall as Head of School. Her sixteen-year tenure saw increased enrollment, state of the art campus facilities and growth in the endowment. I firmly believe that a strong endowment is a vital indicator of the stability and sustainability of a school. While there are many ways to support Harpeth Hall, giving to the endowment allows the school and the Board to direct the income where it is most needed. Now Harpeth Hall is thriving under the outstanding leadership of Jess Hill as Head of School. From her experience as a teacher, a parent, Upper School Director and Interim Head, Jess has her finger on the pulse of girls’ education and

experiences that contributes to these skills. I can understands every aspect of the school, including how to teach during a pandemic. After reading any and all of her communications, I always stop and marvel “She can write like that and she is a math teacher!”

I am grateful for my “cutting edge” Harpeth Hall education, and I am grateful that I have a daughter, and will have granddaughters, who think critically, lead confidently and live honorably. Thank you, Harpeth Hall. P.S. A special thank you to the anonymous donor who brought to Harpeth Hall Luke Jerram’s incredible “Museum of the Moon.”

Jeffrey and Honorory Trustee Varina Frazer Buntin ’61 with Varina Buntin Willse ’95, Neely Buntin ’27, Pierson Willse ’27 and Mary Varina Willse ’27