Holland Hall School Magazine - 2025

Laying the foundation for excellence

A committee of faculty, administrators, parents, and students dug into what makes the best learning environment for middle school students. The results? Meaningful learning and a path to a newly designed building.

Holland Hall faculty member Cassie Gray summited a 14,000+-foot mountain for Parkinson’s research. She recounts her travels here.

Dancing Dutch

The yearbook staff and the Holland Hall photographer captured all the work that goes into Dutch Weekend and highlighted the stunning fashions.

our

Take

Primary

“Take

picture!

our picture!”

school students shout for school photographer Chris McConnell in the playground.

At Right: Caroline Dunn enjoys the PreK outdoor picnic.

HOLLAND HALL MAGAZINE TEAM

JP Culley, Head of School

Ashley Parrish ’93, Director of Communications and Marketing

Brandon Fox, Marketing Manager – Graphic Design

Chris McConnell, Promotions and Digital Marketing Manager

Greg Spencer ’99, Sports Information Director

YEARBOOK AND SENIOR SECTION

Maren Hettler ’25, Editor

Shirley Sokolosky, Yearbook Advisor

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jennifer Whisenhunt White ’89, Assistant Head of School and Head of Middle School

Steve Dyer, Director of the Walter Arts Center and Fine Arts

Richard Hart, Director of Alumni and Family Engagement

Steve Heldebrand, Assistant Head for Athletics

Richard Spencer

2024-25 Yearbook Staff

DESIGNER

Brandon Fox

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Chris McConnell

2024-25 Yearbook Staff

HAVE A STORY IDEA?

Send it to news@hollandhall.org

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Want to update your email, phone number, or address, or have news to share in Class Notes? Send it to rhart@hollandhall.org

MISSION

Holland Hall provides a challenging, comprehensive educational experience grounded in a rigorous liberal arts, college preparatory curriculum that promotes critical thinking and lifelong learning. A PreK-12 Episcopal school, we seek to foster in each student a strong moral foundation and a deep sense of social responsibility.

NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

Holland Hall provides equal opportunity in education and employment for all qualified persons without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, military status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable state or federal laws, except where a bona fide occupational qualification applies. Holland Hall does not discriminate in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

Signs, signs everywhere signs

From hastily scribbled sticky notes to word art, these are the messages Holland Hall students see every day.

Community met challenges with resilience and connection

Dear Holland Hall Friends and Families,

In a year defined by disruption, resilience, and discovery, our community rose to meet challenges of every kind — academic, emotional, spiritual, and relational. Under the banner of this year’s theme, Accept the Challenge, our students, faculty, and families demonstrated that challenge is not always something to avoid or merely endure. It is something to engage — sometimes in response to unimaginable difficulty, sometimes in pursuit of something better.

Across the campus, our students stretched themselves not only in classrooms and labs, but also in their relationships with one another, in moments of self-reflection, and in efforts to navigate a world that continues to test young people’s sense of purpose, identity, and connection. Our faculty responded with care, creativity, and clarity of purpose — walking alongside students with the kind of steady presence that defines the best teaching.

As a school, we faced more than a few difficult decisions this year. The challenges were real, and at times, deeply human. But even in complexity, we were reminded of our Episcopal identity — one that calls us to affirm the worth and dignity of every person in our community. That work, while not always easy, is essential.

But challenge doesn’t always emerge from hardship. Sometimes it emerges from vision — from the audacity to imagine something new. Looking ahead, we accept the challenge of deepening and reimagining the middle school learning experience. With hopes of soon beginning truly transformative construction based on leading research on the promise and needs of the adolescent mind, we are poised to make our program even more student-centered, engaging, and inspiring. These efforts are not just about facilities — they are about futures and about liberating our teachers. About ensuring that every child is met with opportunity, curiosity, and a deep sense of connectedness at each stage of their Holland Hall journey.

Thank you for walking this path with us — through difficulty, through change, and toward a future full of possibility. Your support sustains this work. Your belief in our mission makes it real.

With gratitude and hope,

JP Culley Head of School

Primary School

Front-row seat to primary school traditions is an honor and privilege

Seeing my kids’ primary school years through the lens of a camera is a privilege I don’t take lightly.

SmugMug and even the pages of this magazine feel like flipping through nostalgic family albums.

The mini moments that happen all year long become the traditions that generations of Holland Hall students never forget.

CHRIS MCCONNELL Promotions and Digital Marketing Manager

And I get to be at them all, as a photographer and as a proud parent watching from the stands.

Some of my family’s favorites:

» The PreK Occupation Parade — students with construction paper police badges, astronaut helmets, and serious faces visiting every classroom.

» The classroom birthday parties, handing out sweets and treats to my son Elliott and daughter Morgan’s classmates.

» The Halloween Parade where kids in dinosaur, superhero, and princess costumes wobble past teachers and loved ones on their way to the all-you-can-pick-up candy and trinket lines.

Even the daily choreography of drop-off and pick-up has its own rhythm that brings me joy — the smiling teachers, the loud music to get everyone pumped for the day. Plus, I sometimes get to sneak in quick hugs and waves as my kids and I pass each other. It’s a comforting sense that Holland Hall is just an extension of home.

These traditions aren’t just events; they’re life markers. They teach our children how to show up for themselves and for others one small ritual at a time. The routines are simple, but the message is big: Our community matters, curiosity is celebrated, and kindness is a skill you practice. As a parent, I can see confidence building in layers — glitter glue, library visits, near-weekly trips to Nurse Seabolt’s office for bandages and ice packs. All those experiences are stacking into something steady and real.

Mostly, I’m grateful that our children will add their own pages to Holland Hall’s story, adding value for the Dutch that follow. That’s the quiet magic of Holland Hall: traditions that hold you, and enough open space to leave your mark. My wife, Kacey, and I are thrilled to watch them and every child at Holland Hall grow forward rooted in history, reaching for what’s next. H

THE BUILDING Beyond

Holland Hall delves deep into what middle school could be

BY JENNIFER WHISENHUNT WHITE ’89 | HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL AND ASSISTANT HEAD OF SCHOOL

The middle school years are often characterized by profound physical, emotional, social, and cognitive change, representing one of the most intense periods of growth in human development. Students are transitioning from childhood into adolescence, seeking independence while still craving structure and guidance. They are asking big questions about who they are and how they belong. For educators, this developmental stage presents both tremendous opportunity and great responsibility. At Holland Hall, the question is clear: How can we design a learning environment that not only meets students where they are, but also launches them toward their full potential?

The answer is taking shape in the form of a new, state-of-the-art middle school building, one that is the result of years of research, deep reflection, and collaborative planning. The building, set to open its doors in the coming years, is envisioned as more than a construction project. It represents a bold investment in the future of learning and reinforces Holland Hall’s commitment to transformative education.

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Committee with a vision

The process began with the formation of a design committee: a cross-functional team of educators, administrators, parents, and students charged with researching, dreaming, and planning. This committee didn’t begin with blueprints or budgets. It began with questions about learning.

» “What do middle school students need, not just academically, but developmentally, emotionally, and socially?”

» “How can a building support our teaching philosophy?”

» “What kind of space can be designed to allow students to feel seen, safe, and inspired?”

These questions sparked months of deep exploration. The committee members immersed themselves in readings, research, and conversations, continually refining their ideas and sharing insights. From this work emerged a vision of exemplary middle-level learning: personalized, relevant, joyful, and profoundly engaging.

Priorities for exemplary middle-level learning

The committee identified three major priorities that continue to guide every design and curricular decision:

» STUDENTS are actively engaged in their own learning; learning is personal, relevant, joyous, innovative, and valuable to each student.

» CURRICULUM is creative, intentional, connected, relevant, and purposeful; with elements of choice, a focus on skills, critical thinking, and collaboration.

» SPACE is conducive to the desired learning environment, flexible for students and curriculum.

Each of these priorities is supported by specific structures and strategies. Strong relationships between students and adults form the foundation of personal learning. Social-emotional development is woven into daily routines. Students are offered meaningful choices in their work and encouraged

A preliminary rendering of the outside of a new middle school building shows glimpses of the mid-century architecture Holland Hall is known for. All renderings are subject to change.

to contribute to the life of the school.

Understanding how adolescent brains develop helps guide everything from classroom pacing to support systems.

Importantly, these priorities aren’t just about philosophy. They are about practice, and they will be embedded into the very design of any new building.

Program and space intertwined

A building and a middle school curriculum must be designed hand-in-hand.

The Portrait of a Middle School Learner began with a committee of teachers and was then vetted by a broad cross-section of our community: students, faculty, parents, board members, and alumni. This guiding document aims to identify and describe the eight key qualities we believe are necessary for student success. These eight characteristics collectively define Holland Hall’s vision for middle

school education: nurturing capable, compassionate, and engaged learners prepared for the world ahead of them.

Additionally, our deep work with Mind, Brain, and Education (MBE) and Competency-Based Learning (CBL) guides the way we intentionally engage students during these critical middle school years.

» MBE connects research from neuroscience, psychology, and education to help us better understand how students learn, what motivates them, and how their developing brains process information. This understanding allows us to design learning experiences that are aligned with how the brain learns best, through relevance, social connection, emotional safety, and opportunities for reflection and mastery.

» Paired with CBL, which emphasizes

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transparency in learning goals and empowers students to demonstrate their understanding through meaningful, individualized pathways, our approach ensures that learning is both personal and purposeful. By integrating these two frameworks, we are working to create classrooms where students are not only challenged but also deeply engaged, where they know what they’re learning, why it matters, and how they can grow. This work affirms our belief that middle school should be a time of discovery, empowerment, and authentic learning, guided by both research and compassion.

And while rigor remains a core value, challenge doesn’t have to come at the expense of joy. Students should feel excited to come to school. They should feel that their voices matter. They should be able to explore big ideas in ways that are personal and purposeful.

Student voices

Throughout the design process, Holland Hall made a deliberate choice to center the student experience. Surveys, focus groups, and informal conversations with middle schoolers helped guide decisions. Students shared where they felt most comfortable and where spaces tend to be overlooked. They described what helps them focus, what distracts them, and what kinds of spaces inspire creativity

and connection.

One student suggestion, offered with both hope and conviction — a slide. A real, zoomdown-from-one-floor-to-another slide. Who knows? Maybe it will actually be incorporated into a new building.

These insights have informed every plan to date — from locker placement to hallway design. The goal? A building that will feel human-scaled, designed with students, not just for them.

A building to support our values

The committee knew that any new building had to reflect the school’s deepest values about teaching and learning. That meant rejecting the old model of long corridors lined with identical classrooms. Instead, the new middle school is envisioned as a dynamic, versatile environment, one that serves as a living expression of Holland Hall’s commitment to adolescent learners.

Flexible furniture and learning surfaces would allow teachers to shift between direct instruction, collaborative projects, independent study, and hands-on exploration. Transitional and versatile spaces could be built into the design, providing areas for small group discussion, quiet reflection, creativity, movement, and even play. These aren’t just “extras;” they’re essential to supporting a range

of student needs throughout the day.

Natural light should flood the classrooms and common areas, complemented by color palettes and materials chosen to promote calm, creativity, and focus. Safety and visibility will always be key considerations in the design, giving teachers clear sight lines while ensuring that students feel secure, supported, and known.

Importantly, the building is not just for the students; it will be built for the educators who guide them. Faculty spaces promote collaboration and professional growth. Offices and meeting rooms are positioned to allow easy access to students while also preserving moments for reflection, planning, and collegial support.

Learning beyond the building

While much attention is focused on the interior of the building, the committee also emphasized the importance of learning that extends beyond four walls. Outdoor spaces, areas for socialization, relaxing, and collaborating, are all part of the plan. These spaces will provide opportunities for cross-disciplinary learning and give students a chance to connect with nature, something research has shown to be vital for adolescent health and development.

This emphasis on learning beyond the

A vision for the middle school learning space includes flexible furniture, space for collaborative projects, independent study, and hands-on exploration. Above, an example of what a middle school library could look like. All renderings subject to change.

traditional classroom also reflects Holland Hall’s broader vision for middle school that includes experiences that are already embedded in the curriculum, and the new facility will allow for these experiences to expand and evolve.

Looking ahead

Holland Hall’s new middle school building will be more than a construction project. It will be a declaration — that middle school matters, that young adolescents deserve spaces that reflect who they are and who they’re becoming, and that thoughtful design can be a catalyst for deeper relationships, richer learning, and greater joy.

As schools around the world continue to grapple with how best to meet the complex needs of middle schoolers, Holland Hall is

presented with a unique opportunity to do just that, boldly, thoughtfully, and differently. This vision is grounded in research, led by dedicated educators, and rooted in a deep commitment to students. It’s a model that says: Let’s build something better, not just for today’s learners, but for generations to come.

And in that way, the most exciting thing about Holland Hall’s new building may not be its walls, windows, or even a slide (though that’s a pretty close second!). It’s the people inside. Students who are curious, capable, and ready to rise. Educators who know that, with the right space and support, middle school isn’t just a bridge between childhood and adolescence; it’s a launching pad for a lifetime of learning, belonging, and becoming. H

Middle School

At the heart of learning:

Teaching 7th grade science

When Hoa Lesselroth took over seventh grade science, she knew she wanted to make it more hands-on.

“Nobody wants to know about mitosis and meiosis,” teacher Hoa Lesselroth said after helping her students complete a sheep heart dissection. “You have to get students interested. You have to hook them. They need to be able to know what’s going on with diseases, because that’s what they care about.”

The sheep dissection was part of a unit on the organ system.

Students paired up at their desks and got to work on the hearts. There are no lab stations, just pans and scalpels on desks, with parent volunteers close by to help supervise.

Students were intensely focused on their task as the lesson unfolded, seeing the diagrams in their science textbooks come to life.

When the students got to their systems unit, they repeated the procedure with a rat dissection.

What they’re doing with the current middle school building is working. But Ms. Lesselroth is overjoyed by the thought of the curriculum she could grow with a proper lab space, which will be possible with a reimagined middle school space.

“These kids right now are at that age where I think you can excite them about science,” she said. “I think this is where it's at.” H

Difficult lessons

Seventh grade explores a haunting part of history for important Downtown Tulsa Studies unit

Acore piece of the seventh grade curriculum happens well outside the classroom. Students spend weeks preparing for Downtown Tulsa Studies, a hands-on, immersive lesson that combines lessons from all of their classes.

But the emphasis has expanded.

“Given the changes in curriculum, combined with new faculty on the seventh grade team, we felt it was prudent to take a fresh look at what we were teaching now to see how it relates to the core of what had been implemented in previous Downtown Tulsa Studies iterations,” said social studies teacher Ryon Stirling.

With an emphasis on civics and government in social studies, the seventh-graders study an “essential unit” on civil rights in America, he said.

And one of the biggest lessons in the unit happened just a few miles from campus.

From the students’ first lessons, they then learn about court decisions including Dred Scott v. Sandford. Then they learn about post–Civil War Constitutional amendments that outlawed slavery, expanded citizenship, and gave voting rights to Black males. They learn about segregation, Jim Crow laws, Black Wall Street, and the Tulsa Race Massacre.

“This unit logically dovetails well with the story of Greenwood,” Stirling said.

“... I was still so surprised on how it just all went down in like 12 hours. It was there, and then it was just gone.”

— Alex Hanna ’30

Students learn about O.W. Gurley and J.B. Stradford, who helped develop the Greenwood District, which was known as “Black Wall Street,” a prosperous Black business district with grocery stores, barber shops, tailors, hotels, theaters, schools, and churches.

And then they learn about the spark that ignited an event that resulted in scores of deaths and the destruction of a culture.

They read “Dreamland Burning,” a fictional account of the Massacre, in their literature class and “Across the Tracks,” along with other historical documents in social studies to get a better understanding of what happened in Greenwood.

“The weeks surrounding spring break, we took a third of the seventh grade class on three consecutive Wednesdays to John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park for a docent-led tour of both the park and part of the surrounding district; better appreciating the neighborhood, as it was then, and comparing it to now. Then lunch at Guthrie Green.

Followed by a powerful and captivating tour of Greenwood Rising,” he said.

The students then take what they’ve learned and create an in-depth project with stories, headlines, drawings, and photos that are displayed for the rest of the year in the library.

For seventh-grader Alex Hanna ’30, he had a vague idea about the history of his hometown.

“I just knew that it was the biggest, thriving Black community in the world at that time,” he said. “But I was still so surprised on how it just all went down in like 12 hours. It was there, and then it was just gone.”

One particularly violent image from the museum stuck with Alex long after the unit was over.

“It’s such a big part of our history,” he said. “It should just never stop being talked about.” H

Photos by Chris McConnell

Upper School

Student Voices

Instead of publishing a spring supplement to the yearbook, the student staff wrote stories for Holland Hall Magazine to give parents and alumni a chance to hear student voices, and also to give the staff the time and space to write longer, more in-depth pieces. H

Editors in Chief

» Maren Hettler ’25

» Allie Lowry ’25

Team Leaders

» Ashlyn Brown ’27

» Karter Flournoy ’26

» Nellie Gillingham ’27

» Stella Hughes ’26

» Ella Mahan ’26

» Naomie Steele ’26

» Hunter Woodard ’27

Reference Section

Editor

» Stella Hughes ’26

Ad Manager

» Ava Khorgami ’25

Directors of Fun

» Rania Mahfooz ’27

» Pari Patel ’27

Staff

» Vivian Alderman ’26

» Annasten Basener ’28

» Holland Craft ’28

» Nealy Groves ’28

» Olivia Hudson ’28

» Laura Hughes ’28

» Maddie Lee ’28

» Safurah Mahfooz ’28

» Kayla McAnulty ’28

» Joslyn Parker ’28

» Megan Paul ’28

» Kacky Schenk ’28

» Sarah Solomon ’28

» Aubrey Stirling ’28

» Vaishu Vipperla ’28

» Beatrix Winton ’28

Advisor

» Shirley Sokolosky

UPPER SCHOOL | STUDENT VOICES

Dutch Weekend

BY NAOMIE STEELE ’26, ELLA MAHAN ’26, AND STELLA HUGHES ’26

With input from the student body and social committee and months of coordination by student council advisors Elizabeth Morgan and Philippa Kelly, Dutch Weekend 2025 was planned down to every detail — music, venue, catering, and more.

August 25, 2024

Mrs. Kelly booked the DJ. “DJs can be really hard to book so I booked all the positions needed at the start of the school year,” she said.

October 23, 2024

The social committee brainstormed ideas for venues and themes at the first planning meeting. “We all worked together to come up with themes, decorations, setting up, and music. The majority of our time is spent collaborating ideas for the dances,” Sofia Parducci ’25 said.

February 5, 2025

Mrs. Morgan and Mrs. Kelly booked the The Mansion at Woodward Park for the night of Dutch Weekend.

March 10, 2025

Sofia sent an email to upper school students to give input on song ideas to Jake Trimble ’25. “I curate the music by starting with songs I personally enjoy, then I add student suggested songs before working with the DJ to match the vibe,” Jake said.

April 9, 2025

Mrs. Morgan and Mrs. Kelly booked the catering company and decided what to order for the night of DW.

April 14, 2025

Tickets went on sale for $35 per person. “The budget for the dance is based on how many tickets we sold in the past, and the budget we have. This year the venue is more expensive, and we are keeping the ticket prices the same, which is great,” Mrs. Morgan said.

April 26, 2025

On the day of the dance, advisors Mrs. Morgan and Mrs. Kelly arrived at the venue hours ahead of time to begin the set up and meet with the professionals making the event happen. “Planning and executing these activities was very hands-on and very much a labor of love,” Mrs. Kelly said.

Once the planning was over, it was time to dance — and dress up. Turn the page for a look at some of this year’s best Dutch Weekend looks. H

Dressed to Impress

Students showed off their style on the biggest night of the semester

1. E Moseman ’26

2. Devyne Ramey ’26 and Passion Pierre ’26

3. Taylar Carroll ’25 and Beau Broermann ’25

4. Naomie Steele ’26

5. AJ Bitting ’26 and Isabel Jamelarin ’26

6. Asher Riddle ’28

7. Landry Nowlin ’26

8. Blayze Buchanan ’27

9. Rachel Bowman ’26 and Case Rowland ’26

10. Marley Wilkerson ’26

11. Bergen Bolz ’26 and Oliver Aaronson ’27

12. Addie Manly ’26

13. Elizabeth Mundell ’25

14. Weston Brookhart ’25

15. Lizzie Cameron ’26

Disconnected or reconnected?

Students weigh in on the upper school’s new phone policy

BY BEATRIX WINTON ’28 AND SAFURAH MAHFOOZ ’28

During unscheduled time, clusters of upper school students spill into the Commons and settle into the library with friends.

But there’s something missing.

No one is scrolling through Instagram. No one is texting under the table. The glow of phone screens is nowhere to be found.

That’s because, for the first time, the upper school has implemented a new policy that brings an end to the use of cell phones during school hours unless given permission by a teacher.

This initiative came after what Director of Counseling and Wellness Ryan Myers described as “compulsive use of phones” became a growing concern.

The phone policy removes “distractions that can get in the way of productive and creative work,” he said.

Dean of Student Life Philippa Kelly said the policy emerged from “quite a lot of discussions with students and faculty” on how much phones were impacting the culture of the upper school.

“People were on them so much and not engaging in conversation or using their free mods wisely,” she said. “It’s made a difference to how well some students are doing academically now compared to how they were when

they just had free use of their phones.”

Mrs. Kelly acknowledged that the policy isn’t perfect. “I think that sometimes if you're all caught up with work and just want to hang out on your phone for a while, it can be frustrating,” she said. But she also believes that the gains outweigh the drawbacks. “The hope is that students are more socially aware and are more present.”

While faculty members and administrators emphasize the benefits of the policy, student reactions are mixed.

Freshman Cash Bevins ’28 said he sees both sides of the issue. “This phone policy is a nice change because you can have actual conversations with people and walk around on the campus. You also aren’t distracted from doing work during school,” he said. “But I wish we could use it to text, and use it in class more.”

Cash noted that the policy lowers screen time, but ultimately said that he is “against the phone ban.”

Other students pointed out how communication during the school day has become more challenging.

“I feel like this policy kind of just disconnected and made everything harder, like trying to go to get lunch or go to the weight room with somebody,” Logan Zamarin ’26 said. “Before, you could just pull out your phone and text to see if they're in class. Now you have to pull a laptop out and it's a lot harder to communicate with people.”

Students like Libbie Peters ’27 say they’ve

seen a shift in student behavior, but not in the ways the policy intended. “People are more secretive towards the teachers now,” she said. “Because your computer doesn't have everything that your phone does, sometimes you need your phone to do things.”

She also noticed an increase in face-to-face interaction. “People are more social in the Commons now,” she said.

Junior Alex Mokhtee ’26 said that while students are spending less time on their phones, it doesn’t mean they’re off screens altogether. “People are using their laptops instead to play video games. It didn’t make a huge difference.”

While some students continue to find loopholes, the administration is hoping the policy has a long-term effect — both in and out of the classroom. The new policy is in line with statewide efforts to limit cell phone use during school hours. House Bill 1276 and Senate Bill 139 set the foundation for the one-year “bell-to-bell” ban in public schools. It will be enforced during the 2025-26 school year, and it will be optional for districts the following year.

As an independent school, Holland Hall has autonomy to establish its own cell phone policy. Still, Mr. Myers said he believes “the discomfort that our phone policy creates for some people is a good thing.” He explained that many students use their phones “like a safety blanket when they don’t know what else to do, particularly in social situations.

“Having a restrictive phone policy pushes folks out of their comfort zones and presents unique opportunities to connect in different ways.” H

Students demonstrate what not to do in the Commons. Photo by CHRIS MCCONNELL

Alumni, what was your class prank? Let us know on Facebook or Instagram, or send it to news@hollandhall.org, and we’ll report back on the best ones! H

And there have been a couple of pranks involving cars in the Commons. Urban legend only has one successful attempt.

Sometime in the late ’80s, an -indus trious senior class took all of the furniture from the upper school and put it out on the practice field, only to show up hours later to find out that maintenance had put everything to rights again before anyone got to campus, former Dean Richard Spencer remembers.

Several seniors woke up early and made their way to the Commons. Over the next hour, they yarn bombed the Commons and left to get breakfast, happy with their work,” remembers Caroline Holmes ’13. “By the time they returned to school for Morning Meeting, the Commons had been completely cleaned of all their handiwork. In retaliation, at the very end of announcements a long list of summer birthdays were announced to make Morning Meeting go long.”

“Our first prank was an homage to the Field Day tradition of the Octopi Toss.

the years. In 2013, the class that ended up making Senior Lot into a beach originally had a different plan.

everal pranks have been disrupted by conscientious staff and faculty over

SPranks no one ever saw

Google Earth took a satellite picture of the Holland Hall campus,” she said. “So -when ever the topic of senior pranks came up our freshmen year of college, we dutifully pulled up Google Maps and showed off our great prank.” H

“Our beach day happened to be the day that

That prank made it into Google Earth’s satellite imagery of the campus, Holmes added, allowing them to show off their work years later.

“In the Senior Lot, we emptied bags and bags of sand, set up kiddie pools, laid out our beach towels and lawn chairs, and filled up a senior’s truck bed with water to make a ‘redneck’ hot tub. The seniors spent the day at the beach.”

Caroline Holmes ’13 remembers her class prank fondly.

That was a prank that should never be repeated, he warned.

They put it in the dean’s office and closed the door. The next day, he had “quite a -sur prise when he opened the door.”

Mr. Spencer said. “A couple of senior boys, they went back there one night and they got one of those goats and now they brought it up to the upper school.”

“The director of maintenance was really frugal. He wasn’t about to spend a bunch of money on lawnmowers and things like that. So he bought three goats to keep the grass down,”

Other pranks have been absurd. In the early 1980s, a group of seniors managed to sneak a goat into the dean’s office.

Coach Phil Muir, current upper school dean, also remembers the car prank vividly. “Mr. Dyer had a convertible Miata, and somehow they drove his car into the Commons,” he said. Some pranks stand out for their sheer scale.

“We had several classes try and put cars into the Commons,” Mr. Spencer said. “They -actu ally got one in one time. When I was dean, I caught them trying to come in through the side door, and I said, ‘No, no, we’re not doing this.’”

In recent years, pranks have included beach scenes in the senior parking lot and attempts to sneak cars into the Commons.

a playful, final mark left by seniors on their school and peers. No two pranks are the same, and they reflect each graduating class’s unique personality and sense of humor. Though seniors have historically embraced the opportunity to prank the school, pulling off a successful prank has always required a few ground rules. “Nobody can get hurt. It can’t cost money. You can’t break stuff,” said longtime faculty member Richard Spencer.

pranks are immortalized in photos, like this

rom mechanical bulls to goats in offices, the Holland allH senior prank -incor porates creativity and chaos, leaving unforgettable memories for both students and faculty alike. This long-standing tradition has been a hallmark of senior year, serving as

FBY MADDIE LEE ’28 AND LAURA HUGHES ’28

“They took every single piece of furniture out of the classrooms, and they stacked them on all the steps so that you couldn’t walk up the steps. And then they stacked it into a pyramid until it almost reached the ceiling in the Commons,” said Mr. Spencer, describing the Class of 2007’s infamous prank. “It was the most impressive bit of engineering and ingenuity. Nothing was broken and nobody was hurt. I did drop one of the tables on my toe and broke my toe.”

Memorable senior pranks over the decades turn school upside down

Honoring Holland Hall hijinks

Spencer

And the Teacher Oscar goes to …

This year’s seniors carry on beloved tradition

BY AUBREY STIRLING ’28, JOSLYN PARKER ’28, AND MEGAN PAUL ’28

Afan-favorite upper school tradition, the Teacher Oscars is a student-led event where faculty member are nominated for superlatives.

Organized by the student life committee, the planning process is almost as fun as the event itself. Committee members brainstorm category ideas, often pulling from current TikTok trends or popular slang, then pitch nominees during student council meetings.

From rehearsals and work nights to decorating the Commons the night before, the Teacher Oscars is a full production — with formal gowns and tuxes, acceptance speeches and the coveted gold trophies. It’s a final chance for the senior class to celebrate the teachers. H

The 2025 Teacher Oscars were presented to …

Most Likely to Win a Nobel Prize Dr. Keri Shingleton Biology

Someone You Can Count On to Say Hi

Mr. Anthony Cherry History

Most Aura

Mr. Byron Shen Visual Arts

Prom King and Queen

Mr. Byron Shen and Mrs. Diane Shen Visual Arts and Advancement

Most Likely to be a Secret Agent

Ms. Ann Savage ’15 Math

Most Likely to Present at Fashion Week

Dr. Shane Gilley Librarian

Most Likely to Accidentally Explode Something

Mrs. Emily Lim Chemistry

Biggest Coffee Addict and Best Sense of Humor

Mrs. Heather Weilacher Math

Most Likely to Go to Honor Council and Most Lore

Ms. Grace Weber ’12 Science

Most Sassy

Mr. Matt Campbell ’00 Social Studies

Most Likely to Survive the Hunger Games

Mother Sarah Smith Chaplain

Best Duo

Mr. Jamie Reichard and

Mrs. Emma Van De Wiele Global Studies

Most Likely to be Mistaken as a Student

Ms. Noa Schumann Spanish

Biggest Yapper

Mr. David Parks Head of Upper School

Most Beautiful Baldie

Mr. JP Culley /

Mr. David Parks

Head of School/ Head of Upper School

Best Mom and Most Fun Office

Mrs. Philippa Kelly Upper School Dean

Biggest Rule Follower

Mr. Neil Bergenroth Science and Technology

Most Likely to Answer Your Open-Ended Question with Yes and Most Nonchalant

Dr. Dan Bloom Science

Best Dad Jokes

Mr. Paige Arnold Science

Best Behind the Scenes

Mrs. Jenna Alford US Attendance

GPA Crusher

Mr. Greg Carey Social Studies

Notable Teacher Oscars from the past

Karen Holmes received multiple, consecutive Oscars for being named “GPA Crusher.” Since her retirement, American Studies teacher Greg Carey has proudly assumed the honor.

Rookie of the Year

Mrs. Emma Van De Wiele Social Studies

Most Likely to be Abducted by Aliens

Mrs. Nancy Baumann Science

Former faculty member Richard Spencer was awarded four consecutive Oscars for being “The Most Reasonable Man,” while he was upper school dean of students.

Upper school teacher Joe Ford was the perennial winner of “Longest Morning Meeting Announcement” until his retirement, when current Upper School Head David Parks took over the title of “Biggest Yapper.”

Technology teacher Neil Bergenroth has been crowned “Most Humorous” by several classes, until 2025 when he was narrowly defeated for “Best Dad Jokes” by Paige Arnold. But don’t worry about Mr. Bergenroth, because he did pick up this year’s “Biggest Rule Follower” for his persistent habit of picking up cell phones in the Commons. H

Officer Eric Palmer arrests Mr. David Parks.

BY MADDIE LEE ’28 AND BEATRIX WINTON ’28

Leaving aSpark

“I started teaching driver education at Holland Hall in fall 1979 and finished in December 2024. That's 44 and ½ years. Approximately 2,000 students took driver’s ed from me. I taught in Oklahoma City at Heritage Hall for eight years — counting both schools I probably taught close to 2,500 students. That's a lot of miles and hours and great kids.

“My favorite memory was the conversation we had while we drove. He was always really funny.”

— Ava Baker ’28

“I’ll always remember when he taught me how to parallel park, because I will use it a lot.”

— Hallie Polson ’27

“My favorite memory was when I would bring some of my friends with me and we would all go to get Starbucks since my lessons were always first thing in the morning.”

— Alexa Clark ’27

“When we drove together the only radio station that was ever played was 106.1 the ‘oldies’ station. There was no other option for music.”

— Nan Winton ’91

Spark

The last few years were full of kids whose parents also took driver’s ed from me. Also pretty neat — most of the faculty children took driver’s education from me. Luckily over the 50 years of teaching, only one wreck occurred. Someone ran a light and hit us at 61st and Sheridan. No one was hurt but some damage to the driver’s ed car." H

“He told me I just needed to relax while driving, and that will always stick with me because it helped me drive.”

— Will Toole ’28

“Coach Grober was very knowledgeable and kind, even though he seemed very intimidating to me as a 15-year-old.”

— Tyne Shillingford ’03

“We had great conversations and the music was always good. The time with him was nice.”

— Halling Smith ’26

“He was an overall great teacher, he gave us breaks to hang out and was super patient.”

— Liam Cross ’28

LAYOUT BY ALLIE LOWRY ’25

Alumni and students who took Driver’s Ed with Sparky Grober gather for a photo after he announced his last class.

Camp job

BY ANNASTEN BASENER ’28 AND VAISHNAVI VIPPERLA ’28

Whether helping young readers find their confidence, leading cheers on the field, or guiding tennis drills, upper school students stepped up to serve as leaders for Holland Hall’s wide range of summer programs. While the job came with a paycheck, it also gave them something even more valuable — real-world experience and lasting memories.

These experiences stuck with Rachel Bowman ’26, a junior who worked at Reader’s Beach, Camp Read-A-Lot, jaws and dinosaur camp. During her time as a counselor, she didn’t just help the kids — she grew too.

“My favorite part of Camp Read-A-Lot was seeing the kids grow in their reading. When I was little, I wasn’t the best reader, so it was really healing for me to help the younger kids who didn’t know how to read because I was in their same position,” Rachel said.

Peyton Short ’25, a senior who worked at tennis camp, had a similar experience. Braving the heat and long hours, Peyton discovered that her favorite part of tennis camp wasn’t the sport but the connections she made with the campers.

Upper school students made money and memories working at Holland Hall summer programs

“I really enjoyed building relationships with the kids. It was awesome seeing how excited they’d get when they saw me, and just knowing I was part of their experience,” she said.

For Merrick Phillips ’26, a junior who worked at soccer camp, stepping into a counselor role was a full-circle moment.

“My favorite part was teaching all the kids. I went to the soccer camp for a long time, so it was fun to be a coach for them and see what it was like for the camp counselors I grew up with,” Merrick said.

Georgia Monks ’26, who worked at cheer camp, enjoyed being able to work with students from all grade levels. “I loved watching them get better as the camp went on,” she said.

Georgia didn’t get paid for her experience but still felt she benefited from it. “It was more about the experience and being able to help out, honestly,” she said.

Ella Mahan ’26 described cheer camp as one of her “favorite parts of summer.” This year, she worked with second graders.

“Getting to teach them the basics and watch their personalities shine was so rewarding,” she said. “Their energy and excitement made every day fun, and I always look forward to coming back each year to share my love for cheer with the younger girls.”

Deborah Almohandis, the director of auxiliary programs, hires the counselors and sees firsthand how much of a difference they make.

“We’ve had several people that have come to our school just because they came to summer programs,” she said.

She also believes the work experience helps students grow in ways the classroom can’t. Counselors learn important skills like teamwork, responsibility, and financial management, like setting up a bank account and getting money deposited.

“For many, it’s their first job experience, helping them walk out of school with job experience on their resume and a better understanding of life beyond school,” she said. H

Students attending Camp Read-A-Lot enjoy books of their choice, learning to love reading.

DeNiah Williams ’27 and Ella Mahan ’26 help out at Holland Hall Summer Programs Cheer Camp.

From inspired to inspiring

Lizzie Cameron ’26 leads District 7

BY RANIA MAHFOOZ ’27 AND PARI PATEL ’27

Student council members spent the day running breakout sessions and leading service projects at the spring district convention.

This year, those conventions will be shaped by Lizzie Cameron ’26, incoming Holland Hall senior and the newly elected District 7 president. The Oklahoma Association of Student Councils is divided into 14 districts determined by geography. Holland Hall is a member of District 7.

Lizzie was inspired by Gina Parducci ’22.

“Gina was District 7 president when I was in middle school,” Lizzie said. “Hearing her talk about it made it sound so fun and interesting. As soon as I got into high school, I started getting involved in OASC and student council, and my passion just kept growing.”

Now leading the same conventions that once inspired her, Lizzie is focused on connecting student councils across Tulsa.

“One of the key goals I mentioned in my District 7 campaign speech was to create more unity among the schools in the greater Tulsa area,” she said. “Sometimes, it feels like individual student councils are doing amazing things, but it goes unnoticed or stays isolated within their own schools. I want to help build a stronger network where councils feel connected and supported by each other.”

Leadership at Holland Hall and through District 7 has pushed Lizzie out of her comfort zone.

“It’s inspired me to reach out to new people

Study spots

Students find spaces to study, socialize between classes

BY KAYLA MCANULTY ’28

Balancing school work and social lives isn’t easy, but upper school students have found their favorite places to hang out with friends, prepare for a big test, or both.

For Holland Muret ’28, the Commons is the go-to destination.

“I like hanging out in the Commons because everyone just plays games and hangs out. It's really just chill. And if you're stressed out, you

more,” she said. “The more that I started talking to new people and making new connections it just became easier. The more that you practice getting out of your comfort zone, the easier it gets.”

That sense of connection and growth isn’t just a goal for Lizzie, “it’s something students are already experiencing firsthand. For freshman Connor Higgins ’28, attending his first district convention at Holland Hall showed him what student leadership could

can just talk to your friends,” she said. For her, the Commons is a relaxing getaway from the stress of the classroom.

Other students prefer spaces with fewer distractions.

“I hang out in the mini commons because my friends are here. I think that it's just a quieter space than in the Commons, and I feel more relaxed here and that I can focus more. It's also smaller, so it's nicer and not as loud,” Keira Phillips ’28 said about the space in the STEM wing. She likes to hang out in a smaller area with closer friends. For her, it’s easier to focus in a quieter environment.

Tucked inside the mini Commons is a corner for juniors who want to play games, catch up, and quiz each other for tests away from the noise.

“It's just a spot where my friends and I kind

look like in action. In the fall, Holland Hall welcomed 18 philanthropies and 576 people from District 7 to learn about leadership and service.

“Setting everything up definitely took some time and effort. It was a whole process but in the end, everything ran smoothly,” he said. “I think all the planning paid off because the event was well-organized, and people really seemed to enjoy it. It felt good to be part of something that turned out so well.” H

of like to relax and have deeper conversations,” said Meica Sharp ’26.

While the mini commons provides a quiet environment for students to hang out with close friends, the library’s split design gives students options: one side for group work and social time, and the other for quiet study.

“It's fun, there are some good places to hang out and talk to people. Dr. Gilley is pretty great and it's a chill space,” Seeme Tiwana ’25 said.

Meanwhile, sophomores have claimed a space of their own upstairs.

“I like hanging out here because I can hear all of the conversations from the Commons, which is pretty fun, and we can decorate this area and hang out in groups,” Callee Ford ’27 said. H

Lizzie Cameron ’26 speaks to student council members at the spring district convention.

Ninth graders explored the Wichita Mountains during the first few weeks of April during Freshman Orientation, an upper school tradition.

Usually held in the first few weeks of school, the three-day, two-night program feature. Students camped in groups of six to 10 students, building camp fires and going on hikes. On the last day of the trip, students wrote letters to their senior selves, describing their time at Freshman O and the goals they hope to achieve by the time they are seniors.

“With the way teenagers are, both biologically and just because of the culture of America, it's a really tough time socially,” said upper school science teacher and Freshman O coordinator Grace Weber ’12. “This allows them to be themselves and figure out who they want to be. It also allows them to get to know teachers in a different way.” H

“Freshman O was essential to the feeling of community and connectedness I felt at Holland Hall.”

— Leah Beakey ’25

“Freshman O is a program at Holland Hall that I am so thankful for,” said Kingsley Craft ’25 (left), a senior leader on the first session of Freshman O. “I valued the program so much that I wanted to give back and become a leader. Going back as a senior is something I will always cherish, it was such a full-circle experience.”

Junior and senior leaders for the second session form a pyramid. Each group gets to have two or three upperclassman leaders in their group. The time they spend together and the activities they complete allow the freshmen to get to know other students from older grades better. “We typically take three male and three female juniors just so we have a couple of people the following year who know what's going on. But other than that, we take 12 female and 12 male leaders,” Grace Weber ’12 said.

Students on the second session of Freshman O unload their gear out of a U-Haul truck.

Emily Lim (right), upper school science teacher and Freshman O faculty leader, explains how the group should set up their camp.

The blue group embarks on a bouldering hike.

BY KACKY SCHENK ’28

Going into Freshman O, I was very nervous but excited for a camping experience with my classmates and teachers. The trip was originally supposed to be in October, but because of wildfires in the Wichita Mountains, it was postponed until April. As soon as we got there, all of the freshmen started unloading their bags out of the U-Haul truck.

We were divided into five separate groups: green team, pink team, yellow team, blue team, and red team. My group, the pink team, quickly started by putting up our tent and tarp. We struggled to put up the tent because it was so windy, and some of the parts started to fly away. We finally set up the tent after a few hours. My group and I put on our backpacks and set off for a hike. The hike lasted about two hours until we returned to the campsite to get started on cooking dinner. We ended up making chili that was a little too spicy and quesadillas that were burnt. We had a campfire and competed against the other teams in multiple competitions and made lots of fun memories. My group was tired out by the end of the day and immediately fell asleep.

People around me woke up in the middle of the night because their sleeping bags got rained on and were completely soaked. We woke up with everything soaking wet; some people had to borrow our leaders’ clothes because their clothes were wet. The second day went smoothly, waking up to eat breakfast, going on hikes, talking with friends, and having a bonfire.

That night, we were woken up abruptly in the middle of the night, either by lightning or our leaders shining a flashlight in our faces, telling us we had to evacuate because of the wind and rain. We ran to the bus, only carrying our sleeping bags. The bus quickly filled up, and some people had to sleep in the U-Haul truck. People who were in the bus even said that the bus started tilting and swaying because of the extremely strong winds outside. We woke up the next morning and saw that our tarps had blown away and our tents were in critical condition.

We packed what was left of our personal belongings and left the campsite. H

BY SARAH SOLOMON ’28

My friends and I were looking forward to Freshman O. Upperclassmen would tell stories of what to do and what not to do, and how they loved or hated the experience. Originally, Freshman O was going to take place in October, when the weather was warm and freshmen were new to the upper school. Because of the wildfires in the Wichita Mountains, the trip was postponed until April. A lot of us were devastated. Freshman O had been the topic of discussion for weeks.

Freshman O is divided into two sessions, so the delay meant my friends and I no longer knew if we would be in the same session. The first group leaves and then stays at the camp for three days and two nights. The second group departs for the camp the day after the first group gets back so, of course, we called our first group friends to get all the details.

When the first group arrived back home on Saturday at noon, I immediately called one of my friends, Maddie Lee ’28. “What did you wish you had packed?” “Was there any drama?” I asked her. Maddie and I talked for half an hour, then I decided to pack my bag. The second group had to be at Holland Hall by 6:30 the next morning to get on the buses. Just as I was checking my list of supplies once again, my mom came into my room and informed me that my Freshman O trip was postponed once again, and that the second session would now leave on Monday at 6:30 a.m. My session was moved back one day due to a blizzard, which was expected on Sunday. I was so frustrated. Dreading having to wake up so early to only camp for one night, I left my house by 6 a.m. and headed to the school. When I arrived at the upper school, my friends and I talked about how cold it was and how we wished we had gotten an extra day. I was lucky to be in a session with many of my close friends, but I still was nervous about my group.

As they started to call out the group colors and students, I started to feel even more nervous. I was put into the blue group. My leaders were two seniors, Asher Cole ’25 and Leah Beaky ’25, and a junior, Landry Nowlin ’26. The blue group was also a group of only boys and me, so I was devastated.

When we first got on the bus, my group was very quiet. After an hour of almost complete silence, we started to play charades and Would You Rather. Suddenly, I found myself laughing and enjoying my group. After we arrived at the campsite and unpacked our bags, my group had a quick lunch, then decided we should start our hike. Our group had the second-hardest hike, which was supposed to last four hours with bouldering. I was not sure what bouldering was, but it was 70 degrees outside and sunny, so I assumed it would be fun.

We made it to the top of Eagle Mountain in less than an hour and a half. At this point, we could no longer read the map, but we thought we knew where to go. We continued down a path of steep rocks, sliding with every step. As we got towards the bottom of the rocky trail, it turned out to be a dead end. I started to become anxious.

I wondered if we were truly stuck in the middle of this 1,800-foot mountain. My group stayed calm and navigated the way to the bottom and towards Treasure Lake, our pick-up destination.

In the evening, we made our way to the campfire and had a blast playing games and creating skits with the other groups. We visited and stargazed until eventually heading back to our group campsite. My group stayed up late playing multiple rounds of Mafia and didn’t go to bed until 2:30 a.m. On the four-hour bus ride back, I thought of what a fun and memorable experience the trip was, and how my allboys group and I created inside jokes that crack us up. I wouldn't have missed it for the world. H

Circular thinking

Guided Harkness discussions at center of American Studies class

BY VIVIAN ALDERMAN ’26

Of all the challenges Holland Hall upper school students face, no class is as feared and loved as American Studies. Known by its nickname “Amstud,” the course combines English and history into one class, co-taught by teachers from both departments.

“Working with an English teacher has allowed us to do some really cool stuff, and to go to places that we might not be able to if it was just a history class or just an English class,” said Dr. Austin Miller, a new addition to the Amstud team.

The duality of the course offers many benefits.

“Blurring some of those disciplinary boundaries is really good for students,” Dr. Miller said. “One of the things that is really important about classical education is breaking down some of those barriers and being fluent across those boundaries.”

With two subjects taught in one course, the workload for Amstud is often demanding. It's not uncommon to see students in the library

writing an Amstud paper or annotating texts.

“I love being pushed with my workload,” said Rachel Bowman ’26. “It's been hard, but I feel better prepared for college.”

One of Amstud’s defining features is the Harkness discussions — a round-table style conversation where students discuss class readings and their takeaways.

“I like being pushed in my thinking and getting outside the box in terms of perspective,” said Case Rowland ’26

to appreciate the experience.

“I think Harknesses are special because you are able to speak your mind in a great setting,” Rachel said. “I think it is really essential for success later in life to be able to communicate what you're saying in your own way that makes sense. Being able to build off other people's ideas is a very important skill that every job is going to have, so being able to craft those skills now in high school is why Holland Hall students have an advantage in college.”

The sense of community and growth is part of what makes the class — and Holland Hall — so unique.

Before most discussions, students play a quick warm-up called the ABC game. Everyone takes turns saying letters of the alphabet, but if two people speak at the same time, the class starts over. The goal of the game is to find the delicate balance between talking and listening that can make or break a discussion.

Dr. Miller said that when done properly, the Harkness takes the class “somewhere new — somewhere that nobody really expected to go — and that's a really cool feeling.”

While participating in graded discussions can be nerve-wracking, many students come

“I think the discussions really bring out the community aspect of learning, and that is really important,” Sadie Smith ’26 said. “Honestly, I didn’t love doing Harkness at first but I definitely learned a lot from them about how to be vocal.”

Learning how to speak up is one of the biggest challenges for many Amstud students, but it’s one of the most meaningful parts of the class.

“At Holland Hall, our discussions are special because students have the courage to say something they’re unsure of, and they know they won’t get attacked or put down for that,” Dr. Miller said. “That's really important, because that's a luxury that we’re not afforded in the outside world.” H

American Studies students stand with their teachers Greg Carey and Lauren Grewe around the Harkness table, the heart of many deep Amstud discussions.

Shining examples

Students volunteer time to feed the homeless for City Lights

BY ASHLYN BROWN ’27, HUNTER WOODARD ’27, AND NELLIE GILLINGHAM ’27

The tables were set, filled with pasta, meatballs, salad, breadsticks, and brownies. Holland Hall students stood ready to serve, not for extra credit or recognition, but because they cared.

On Easter evening, The Holland Hall SPUD Club (Students Participating in Unselfish Deeds) provided dinner to the homeless community at the Tulsa Day Center in partnership with Tulsa City Lights, a local nonprofit that works directly with the homeless community through clothing drives, meals, and consistent community presence.

Every Thursday night, City Lights volunteers gather under a bridge in downtown Tulsa to serve those in need. Holland Hall has formed a strong and lasting partnership with the organization, allowing students to regularly contribute through donations, food service, or clothing distribution.

“A lot of our Holland Hall community has joined us at Tulsa City Lights,” said Leah Beakey ’25, SPUD Club president. “The whole community donated $1,000 for us to sponsor a dinner for Tulsa City Lights back in January. So many Holland Hall community members came and served that night. I hope this relationship will continue with more volunteers serving on Thursday nights.”

During the Easter dinner, students took on a variety of roles. Some carried trays, others helped to prepare the food, but they all shared the same goal: to help and build connections with the homeless community.

Caleb Parks ’27, a volunteer at City Lights, enjoys that it’s a different experience every time.

“There's all kinds of people that you can meet. There are some people who are super quiet, some who are super loud, some who are with a group of people, some solo,” he said. “You can do multiple different jobs, so you can keep going back without getting bored.”

Nights like these often see strong turnout from both students and faculty. “There was a good community there and all the homeless people were really nice,” said Henry Sherburn ’27, who volunteered at the Easter dinner. “It was a really great experience.”

One of Holland Hall SPUD Club’s long-term goals is to deepen their involvement with City Lights and continue creating meaningful community connections.

“I hope that we can sponsor a dinner every year,” Leah said. “I think that would be a great goal for our school. This Easter dinner is part of us trying to accomplish that mission.” H

Setting up success

BY NEALY GROVES ’28, OLIVIA HUDSON ’28, AND HOLLAND CRAFT ’28

On the quiet side of the upper school library, juniors type out rough drafts of personal statements while seniors refresh college portals with nervous anticipation. Amid the chaos of test scores, transcripts, and deadlines, Holland Hall’s College Counseling Office provides guidance and support.

For many students, that journey begins in College Seminar, a second-semester junior course designed to introduce the application process. Students build resumes, write essays, explore the Common Application, and begin to identify potential colleges. The course, led by the college counselors, is an important tool for setting students up for success in their senior year.

“If students complete the assignments in College Seminar, the beginning of senior year can be a less stressful time,” College Counselor Ashlee Lowry said. “We work ahead so they’re not overwhelmed when the real deadlines hit.”

Former Director of College Counseling Ben Brown said that managing dates and deadlines seems to be the most overwhelming part of the process for students. “Senior year should be holistically savored, not a year dominated by college applications,” he explained. “We remind students that they are seniors first and applicants second.”

The college counselors made a real impact on Michael Cameron ’25, who just went through the college application process.

“College counseling was extremely supportive of my ambitions and was super helpful,” he said. “They helped me find

schools that matched what I wanted and kept me on top of everything I needed to do. They also recommended summer programs like Boys State that really boosted my application.”

The counselors often encourage students to seek out those kinds of summer experiences, Lowry said.

“Colleges really value work experience. It shows commitment, curiosity, and relatability. Summer programs allow students to explore academic areas they are curious about and gain a sense of independence by living away from home for a week or more.”

As students start the process of thinking about college, they should go into college counseling during free mods and just talk to them. “They’ll learn a lot about you, and you can learn a lot from them,” Michael said.

Senior year can be hard to manage, said Haley Wagner ’25, but her experience with college counseling helped her feel prepared. “The transition for me from junior to senior year was pretty seamless.”

Still, the process isn’t without its challenges.

“My easiest time with the counseling office was when I was applying for regional schools like OU and Arkansas that have strong relationships with Holland Hall,” she explained. “But it was harder with other schools where the application process wasn’t as clear. And then there’s the emotional roller coaster of waiting.”

Despite those difficulties, Haley emphasized how much she gained from the experience. “Truly, I don't have any regrets about being involved with college counseling,” she said. “It really helped me strive through my high school experience, and I'm excited to see what I can continue in college.” H

College Counselor Ashlee Lowry goes over a student’s course selections for the 2025-26 school year.

homa | Tulsa Community College | University of Tulsa |

Baylor University | University of North Carolina at Chapel

Hill | Wichita State University | Oklahoma State Univer

sity | Loyola University Chicago | Oklahoma Christian

University | Lewis University | University of Arkansas |

Case Western Reserve University | Cornell University |

University of Kansas | Missouri University of Science and Technology | University of California at Los Angeles | St. Olaf College | Boston University | Arizona State University

University of Missouri-Kansas City | Saint Mary’s College

University of Missouri | Southern Methodist University |

Tulane University | University of Pennsylvania | University of Minnesota | Texas A&M University | Tufts University |

Langston University | Olin College of Engineering | Uni

versity of Florida | Wheaton College | Williams College |

University of Notre Dame | Villanova University | Univer sity of Georgia | George Washington University | Webster

University | Monmouth University | Michigan State Uni

Congratulations to our seniors! Class of 2025

versity | Concordia College | Texas Christian University

Claremont McKenna College | University of Tennessee

Missouri Southern State University | Trinity Universi

ty | Northwestern University | Colorado State University

Loyola Marymount University | University of Arizona |

Johnson County Community College | University of Okla

homa | Tulsa Community College | University of Tulsa |

Baylor University | University of North Carolina at Chapel

Hill | Wichita State University | Oklahoma State University

Loyola University Chicago | Oklahoma Christian Universi

ty | Lewis University | University of Arkansas | Case West

ern Reserve University | Cornell University | University of Kansas | Missouri University of Science and Technology |

University of California at Los Angeles | St. Olaf College |

Boston University | Arizona State University | University of Missouri-Kansas City | Saint Mary’s College | University of Missouri | Southern Methodist University | Tulane Uni

versity | University of Pennsylvania | University of Minne

sota | Texas A&M University | Tufts University | Langston

University | Olin College of Engineering | University of Florida | Wheaton College | Williams College | University of Notre Dame | Villanova University | University of Georgia |

George Washington University | Webster University | Mon

mouth University | Michigan State University | Concordia College | Texas Christian University | Claremont McKenna

College | University of Tennessee | Missouri Southern State University | Trinity University | Northwestern University |

Colorado State University | Loyola Marymount University | University of Arizona | Johnson County Community Col

lege | University of Oklahoma | Tulsa Community College

University of Tulsa | Baylor University | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Wichita State University |

Oklahoma State University | Loyola University Chicago | Oklahoma Christian University | Lewis University | Univer

Mia Adams

Johnson County Community College

Virtues: You're hardworking, kind, and devoted

Megan Bare-Scott

University of Tulsa

Virtues: You're thoughtful, persevering, and trustworthy

Jillian Beckwith

University of Tulsa

Virtues: You're authentic, creative, and empathetic

Reagan Bieligk

Loyola University Chicago

Virtues: You're resilient, friendly, and strong

Canaan Brice

Oklahoma Christian University

Virtues: You're respectful, trustworthy, and kind

Taylor Brumble

University of Arkansas

Virtues: You're competitive, caring, and loyal

Taylar Carroll

University of Kansas

Virtues: You're tenacious, driven, and passionate

Asher Cole

St. Olaf College

Virtues: You're generous, kind, and curious

Natali Aguila

University of Oklahoma

Virtues: You're creative, confident, and authentic

William Barron

Baylor University

Virtues: You're humorous, determined, and knowledgeable

Luke Beeler

Wichita State University

Virtues: You're courteous, respectful, and driven

Charlotte Boggio

University of Oklahoma

Virtues: You're bold, kind, and funny

Beau Broermann

Lewis University

Virtues: You're gregarious, friendly, and caring

Jackson Bucholtz

Case Western Reserve University

Virtues: You're humble, tenacious, and wise

Ava Casper

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Virtues: You're motivated, independent, and disciplined

Kingsley Craft

Boston University

Virtues: You're friendly, joyful, and creative

Kelly Arnold

Tulsa Community College

Virtues: You're kind, responsible, and sincere

Leah Beakey

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Virtues: You're welcoming, caring, and a leader

Scarlett Bennett

Oklahoma State University

Virtues: You're thoughtful, kind, and creative

Owen Boots-Marshall

University of Oklahoma

Virtues: You're charismatic, kind, and dependable

Weston Brookhart

University of Arkansas

Virtues: You're joyful, disciplined, and thoughtful

Michael Cameron

Cornell University

Virtues: You're authentic, intelligent, and respectful

Zachary Chalkin

University of California, Los Angeles

Virtues: You're mature, friendly, and compassionate

Grace Crandall

University of Mississippi

Virtues: You're hardworking, dedicated, and focused

Aspen Ertugrul

University of MissouriKansas City

Virtues: You're considerate, passionate, and cheerful

Maren Hettler

University of Missouri

Virtues: You're responsible, kind, and disciplined

Lily Houston

University of Oklahoma

Virtues: You're authentic, kind, and diligent

Jackson Josserand

University of Tulsa

Virtues: You're friendly, mature, and tenacious

Lillian Koontz

Tulane University

Virtues: You're authentic, earnest, and advocate for others

Nelson Liu

University of Pennsylvania

Virtues: You're confident, diligent, and intellectual

Ty Mabrey

University of Minnesota

Virtues: You're reliable, earnest, and insightful

Cam’Ron Maxwell Langston University

Virtues: You're talented, kind, and polite

Harper Fox

University of Kansas

Virtues: You're grounded, kind, and authentic

Opal Hobbs

University of Oklahoma

Virtues: You're persistent, kind, and passionate

Hatim Hussain

Southern Methodist University

Virtues: You're funny, enthusiastic, and a deep thinker

Vincent Keyan

University of Tulsa

Virtues: You're a problemsolver, kind, and tenacious

Avinash Kumar

University of Oklahoma

Virtues: You're thoughtful, gentle, and driven

Xander Loosvelt

University of Kansas

Virtues: You're authentic, disciplined, and respectful

Lane Mack

Texas A&M University

Virtues: You're faithful, honest, and wise

Maximilian McCall

Olin College of Engineering

Virtues: You're curious, altruistic, and engaging

Caroline Herman

Saint Mary’s College

Virtues: You're courageous, friendly, and persistent

Caden Hoffman

University of Oklahoma

Virtues: You're friendly, big hearted, and kind

Makayia Johnson

Johnson County Community College

Virtues: You're tenacious, kind, and hardworking

Ava Khorgami

University of California, Los Angeles

Virtues: You're inclusive, teachable, and dedicated

Ryan Levine

University of Kansas

Virtues: You're sincere, humorous, and a team player

Allie Lowry

University of Oklahoma

Virtues: You're a leader, tenacious, and dedicated

Logan Mahan

Tufts University

Virtues: You're driven, dedicated, and focused

Truett Meier

University of Florida

Virtues: You're polite, hardworking, and determined

Cole Muir

Wheaton College

Virtues: You're devoted, genuine, and passionate

John Myers

Williams College

Virtues: You're enthusiastic, curious, and supportive

Sofia Parducci

University of Michigan

Virtues: You're a go-getter, compassionate, and a leader

Madeleine Phillips

George Washington University

Virtues: You're honorable, bold, and generous

Candance Ranel

Oklahoma State University

Virtues: You're focused, hardworking, and joyful

Lauren Roberds

University of Oklahoma

Virtues: You're determined, capable, and reliable

Peyton Short

Baylor University

Virtues: You're a leader, tenacious, and caring

Ethan Taber

University of Oklahoma

Virtues: You're dedicated, gracious, and kind

Elizabeth Mundell

University of Florida

Virtues: You're joyful, selfdisciplined, and hardworking

Ella O'Sullivan

University of Notre Dame

Virtues: You're cheerful, respectful, and self-disciplined

William Paul Oklahoma State University

Virtues: You're humble, strong, and responsible

Addison Price

Webster University

Virtues: You're dedicated, kind, and have grit

Isabella Ricci

Michigan State University

Virtues: You're a quiet leader, devoted, and intellectually curious

Eshan Salimi

University of Oklahoma

Virtues: You're wise, authentic, and compassionate

Kate Smith

Texas Christian University

Virtues: You're empathetic, cheerful, and intelligent

Jaya Tarver

Oklahoma Christian University

Virtues: You're a good friend, determined, and are fair minded

Lauren Muret

Oklahoma State University

Virtues: You're independent, creative, and intellectual

Sophia Parchuri

Villanova University

Virtues: You're dependable, loyal, and humble

Landon Peterson

University of Tulsa

Virtues: You're kind, accepting, and joyful

Ryan Rampey

Monmouth University

Virtues: You're friendly, honest, and good humored

Julia Roark

Concordia College

Virtues: You're expressive, creative, and kind

Samuel Schutz

University of Kansas

Virtues: You're driven, curious, and respectful

Samantha Smith

Wichita State University

Virtues: You're intelligent, determined, and dedicated

Alexa Terry

Oklahoma State University

Virtues: You're kind, cheerful, and intelligent

Grayden

Thomas Claremont McKenna College

Virtues: You're a gifted writer, thoughtful, and authentic

Tyler Toole

University of Oklahoma

Virtues: You're driven, noble, and respectful

Matthew Underwood

Missouri Southern State University

Virtues: You're patient, faithful, and kind

Natalie Westfall

Baylor University

Virtues: You're hardworking, a good friend, and tenacious

Harsimar Tiwana

Southern Methodist University

Virtues: You're personable, confident, and sincere

Allison Nicole Torres

Baylor University

Virtues: You're authentic, hardworking, and driven

Zayna Usman

Trinity University

Virtues: You're resilient, welcoming, and driven

Emerson Younger Loyola Marymount University

Virtues: You're creative, compassionate, and adventurous

Class of 2025 Lifers

Kelly Arnold PreK

Megan Bare-Scott K

William Barron EPK

Leah Beakey EPK

Jillian Beckwith EPK

Luke Beeler EPK

Scarlett Bennett EPK

Reagan Bieligk JK

Owen Boots-Marshall EPK

Beau Broermann EPK

Jackson Bucholtz K

Michael Cameron EPK

Zach Chalkin K

Kingsley Craft EPK

Caroline Herman EPK

Lily Koontz JK

Ty Mabrey 1st

Logan Mahan EPK

Truett Meier K

Cole Muir EPK

Ella O’Sullivan EPK

William Paul EPK

Landon Peterson EPK

Maddie Phillips EPK

Ryan Rampey PreK

Julia Roark K

Lauren Roberds K

Eshan Salimi PreK

Peyton Short K

Kate Smith K

Jake Trimble PreK

Matthew Underwood EPK

Parker Zahn EPK

Andrew Tolar

University of Tennessee

Virtues: You're funny, innovative, and curious

Jacob Trimble

Texas Christian University

Virtues: You're friendly, dynamic and confident

Haley Wagner

Northwestern University

Virtues: You're optimistic, joyful, and driven

John White

Colorado State University

Virtues: You're hardworking, insightful, and proactive

William White

Oklahoma State University

Virtues: You're steady, sincere, and friendly

Parker Zahn

University of Arizona

Virtues: You're devoted to people, driven, and a leader

* Cum Laude Society Member

† National Merit Recognition

◊ Oklahoma Academic Scholars

∫ College Board National Recognition Program for African-American, Hispanic, Indigenous, and First Generation Students

º Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education Academic Scholars

‘ I found my place’

Senior reflects on her time at Holland Hall

BY MAREN HETTLER ’25

When I think about my time at Holland Hall, I think about community. It’s what has defined my experience here since I moved from Jenks in fifth grade. Being at such a small school means you don’t just pass people in the hallways — you truly know them. You know which teachers have the best snacks in their offices and who always has something to announce in Morning Meeting.

I remember being in middle school and looking forward to the day I would get to wear the upper school uniform. It felt like a distant milestone reserved for the older kids I looked up to so much. Now that I’m a senior, it’s strange to think how fast it all went.

Middle school brought more change than I expected. Seventh grade brought Covid, and with it, disruption. Remote learning, social distancing, and the uncertainty of everything around us became the new normal. Eighth grade was filled with plexiglass, masks, and long walks around campus during our new extended class periods. Even when things started to feel normal again freshman year, I had a mask on and the sense that things still weren’t the same.

In the past seven years, I learned a lot about communication, not just in English but in French too. I wrote essays, gave presentations, and found ways to express myself in two languages. I discovered how powerful words can be, whether I was writing a caption for the yearbook or a poem in English class.

In upper school, I found my place in room 121B. Yearbook gave me something to look forward to every day. Whether we were celebrating a deadline with ice cream or debating which colors to use for the hundredth time, I loved being in that room. Working as both a staff member and editor helped me grow in and outside of the classroom. I learned how to lead a team, manage deadlines, and tell stories that mattered to our community.

I heard it over and over again senior year: “You must be so stressed. You must have so much work, and on top of that you’re applying to colleges.” And honestly, I was. But more than that, I felt supported by my friends, my teachers, and the community here.

I’ll miss saying hi to teachers in the hallways, the random Morning Meeting announcements, and the feeling of familiarity everywhere I go. Holland Hall has been my home for a long time, and while I’m excited to move on to college, I know I’m leaving with lessons, memories, and friendships that will stick with me for life. H

Maren Hettler was the 2024-25 editor-in-chief of the yearbook, Eight Acres. She also served her senior internship and a summer internship in the Marketing/Communications office of Holland Hall. She plans to study journalism at the University of Missouri in the fall.

“You can’t run away from ideas or texts or conversations that make you uncomfortable.”

— Jamie Reichard

“We’ve probably caused lots of uncomfortable moments around dinner tables … no regrets!”

— Greg Carey

Greg Carey and Jamie Reichard reflect on 20 years of Amstud

BY ASHLEY PARRISH ’93

Holland Hall

Jamie Reichard remembers the phone call from Head of School Mark Desjardins but not the exact year it came. A really big curriculum change was coming.

As a college preparatory school, Holland Hall was offering as many Advanced Placement courses as it could, recruiting faculty who could teach the wide breadth of college-level material while also helping students learn to think critically.

“I think part of the backstory is that for me as an AP European History teacher, with the collapse of the Soviet Union, the AP people kept adding more and more content to what I had to teach,” remembers Greg Carey, who was hired from California to teach AP classes in the early ’90s. “It was the same for Phil (Sweeney) too, but they weren't giving us any more time to do that.”

At the same time, area schools were ramping up their own Advanced Placement programs.

“We prided ourselves on how many AP courses we were able to offer the students,” Carey said. “The problem was that from 1990 when I first got here, to the early 2000s, Union and Jenks started to expand their programs, and we got into this kind-of arms race. We didn't have the faculty to keep up. There was no way we could do that.”

So what should the school do instead? That was the question the Head of School wanted his faculty to answer.

“He called us in in the summer, and he said that this is going to happen, and you've got a year to figure out how to make it work and what it looks like,” Reichard said.

Six of the most respected faculty members on campus were called together that summer to plan something new to take the place of AP English and the AP history courses. Among them were Reichard and Carey, and also Sharon Irvine and Phil Sweeney.

What came out of the time together was American Studies — or Amstud as several generations of Holland Hall students know it.

The course debuted in 2006, and it’s still going strong some 20 years later.

“Greg and I are the only ones left from those conversations that happened in that first year, and the sort of origination of the program,” Reichard said. “But it's funny, you know, we're historians, so we are trained to look backwards and make sense out of things.”

And both can say with hindsight that “it was the right decision.”

American Studies isn’t a history course, and it’s not a writing course. It’s both and a third thing altogether, Carey and Reichard said.

Those first years, the courseloads were brutal, Reichard said ruefully. The teachers expected students to immerse themselves in text after text and make all of the connections. There was no humanities course in college that had the types of assignments a Holland Hall student hadn’t already experienced, he said.

“Going in, teachers thought that

they would just combine their previous courses to produce Amstud — like peanut butter and jelly,” Reichard said. “We thought that we would simply weave the existing history and English curriculums together. Easy as that. We assumed that the courses would remain intact — just joined — but it was naive, because there wasn't enough time or space to cover everything that we felt needed to be covered in standard, junior-level college-prep history and English courses.

“Eventually, our initial effort proved frustrating because neither teacher felt that they could cover everything that they wanted their students to learn in their respective subject areas. There were a lot of turf wars being fought early in the process. Something — a lot of somethings — had to give! Eventually, the Amstud teams had to create something new that was neither history nor English but both of those things at the same time and in a completely different form.”

Through different iterations and different

sets of teaching partners, the class came together in a compelling way.

“The essential question was always, ‘What does it mean to be an American?’ That's been true throughout,” Reichard said.

An early course correction was adding American History back to the curriculum — this time in sophomore year.

Reintroducing that broad survey prior to American Studies provided better context for the sorts of questions and exploration that the current course features.

“We could not do what we do without the foundation of Global Issues and American History,” Reichard added. “They dig into U.S. history in the 10th grade, and then encourage the kids to engage with it and build projects around it, and to understand it at a level that allows the American Studies teachers then to do this kind of skipping and jumping, because they've already got the narrative. So then we can do a deep dive.”

The objective of the class is to “embolden students to build knowledge together by engaging different texts that require close reading and analysis,” Carey added. "If it's not cited in the text, it may be a good theory or opinion, but that's all it is."

At the center of Amstud is the Harkness table and what it represents. The large wooden table and chairs take up most of Room 214.

Everything is on the table, so to speak, for discussion in the Amstud classroom.

“We give them permission to be comfortable with their uncomfortableness,” Reichard said. “You can't run away from ideas or texts or conversations that make you uncomfortable.”

From the beginning “there were controversial subjects, and we did not dodge those; we ran straight into them.”

Those uncomfortable moments lead to more thoughtful analysis. The faculty don’t care what you think but why you think it.

“We’ve probably caused lots of

uncomfortable moments around dinner tables in Tulsa over the past 20 years,” Carey said with a laugh, “no regrets!”

And at the end of the day, that is the value of a Holland Hall education.

“I would argue that Holland Hall graduates are extraordinarily advanced thinkers.”

And, looking back with 20 years of experience, Carey and Reichard can say that American Studies not only transformed the way junior English and U.S. history were taught, but it also permitted faculty in other departments to reimagine and transform their courses in ways that challenged students’ imaginations and pushed them to think more critically and deeply.

Traditional courses based on broad surveys gave way to courses that embraced thematic issues or dramatic events. The ripple effect caused by the creation of American Studies continues to reverberate down to the present. H

Students sitting around the Amstud Harkness table engage in a lively discussion. Shane Bevel for Holland Hall

Academics

Students recognized for academic excellence

The 2024-25 Academic Team brought home the Regional Championship in January, securing a spot at the 4A State Championship. The team had a historic 16 game-win streak across two seasons in the playoffs.

Led by Coach Dan Bloom, team members were Tucker Brown ’26,

Gray Thomas ’25, Johnny Myers ’25, William Barron ’25, and Chase Wilson ’27

Sixteen Holland Hall students were honored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, Hispanic National Recognition Program, National African American Recognition Program, National Indigenous Recognition Award, or National FirstGeneration Award.

This year, six students were recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation and 11 were College Board National Recognition Scholars. H

National Merit Recognition

Michael Cameron ’25

Ava Khorgami ’25

Nelson Liu ’25

Xander Loosvelt ’25

Elizabeth Mundell ’25

Eshan Salimi ’25

National Hispanic Recognition Award

Maren Hettler ’25

Sophia Parchuri ’25

Nicolle Torres ’25

Haley Wagner ’25

National Indigenous Recognition Award

Reagan Bieligk ’25

Truett Meier ’25

Ethan Taber ’25

National First-Generation Award

Nelson Liu ’25

Nicolle Torres ’25

National African American Recognition Award

Jayda Cherry ’26

Passion Pierre ’26

Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education Academic Scholars Program

Eshan Salimi ’25

The Cum Laude Society, a national organization that recognizes outstanding academic achievement and leadership in high school students, inducted a new class in 2025. Holland Hall is the only Tulsa high school with a Cum Laude chapter. The group was honored during an April ceremony with Paula Marshall ’71 giving the address. H

2024-25 CUM LAUDE SOCIETY HONOREES

» Leah Beakey

» Michael Cameron

» Asher Cole

» Claire Esmond

» Maren Hettler

» Ava Khorgami

» Avinash Kumar

» Nelson Liu

» Xander Loosvelt

» Ty Mabrey

Oklahoma Academic Scholars

Natali Aguila ’25

Leah Beakey ’25

Jillian Beckwith ’25

Reagan Bieligk ’25

Jackson Bucholtz ’25

Michael Cameron ’25

Ava Casper ’25

Asher Cole ’25

Caroline Herman ’25

Maren Hettler ’25

Opal Hobbs ’25

Lily Houston ’25

Hatim Hussain ’25

Ava Khorgami ’25

Avinash Kumar ’25

Nelson Liu ’25

Xander Loosvelt ’25

Ty Mabrey ’25

» Lane Mack

» Max McCall

» Truett Meier

» John Myers

» Ella O’Sullivan

» Sophia Parchuri

» Madeleine Phillips

» Kate Smith

» Jacob Trimble

» Haley Wagner

Lane Mack ’25

Max McCall ’25

Truett Meier ’25

Elizabeth Mundell ’25

Lauren Muret ’25

John Myers ’25

Ella O’Sullivan ’25

Sophia Parchuri ’25

Sofia Parducci ’25

Madeleine Phillips ’25

Samuel Schutz ’25

Kate Smith ’25

Ethan Taber ’25

Grayden Thomas ’25

Seeme Tiwana ’25

Jacob Trimble ’25

Zayna Usman ’25

Haley Wagner ’25

Parker Zahn ’25

Athletics Academic State Champions

This year Holland Hall had three Academic State Champion teams. To win the award team members must have the highest team average GPA in the sport.

3A Cross Country Academic State Champs Boys Cross Country

4A Soccer Academic State Champs Girls Soccer

5A Tennis Academic State Champs Boys Tennis

Arts

BY STEVE DYER Director of the Walter Arts Center & Fine Arts

This school year in the performing and visual arts has been a vibrant and inspiring journey of creativity, growth, and collaboration. Marked by bold experimentation, deepened technical skill, and a strong sense of community, each project and performance reflected the unique voices and visions of our students.

We learned about the secret life of “The Bugs,” the surprises that could be found by spending a “Night at the Wax Museum,” and how the themes in “Alice in Wonderland” could help a young girl survive the London underground during the blitz of 1941. Each of these stories were skillfully and enthusiastically brought to life by middle and upper school theater students.

From the imaginative explorations of our youngest artists to the refined, portfolio-ready work of our upper school students, the visual arts program has flourished. Students engaged with a wide range of media and techniques — drawing, painting, ceramics, photography, and digital art — while developing their skills, personal voice, and critical thinking.

Starting with our students in primary school learning the foundations of rhythm and melody to the advanced performances of our upper school band, choir, and string programs, our music students demonstrated remarkable growth and artistry. Middle and upper school dance students captivated audiences with original choreography while demonstrating exceptional confidence and teamwork as they brought their creations to life on Branch and Newman Theatre stages.

Through dedicated instruction and passionate student engagement, the arts programs nurture artistic excellence and foster confidence, empathy, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts. This year has proven that the arts are not only a vital part of our students’ education but a powerful force that unites and inspires our Holland Hall community. H

Who is that man in the booth?

Jody Ely

is the ‘magician’

behind the arts performances on campus

BY STEVE DYER Director of the Walter Arts Center & Fine Arts

For the past 25 years, Jody Ely has quietly made sure EVERY performance in the Walter Arts Center can be seen, heard and, enjoyed.

Using a language that few outside the theater understand — Gobo, Flat, Spike, Legs, Traveler, and Gaffers Tape — he educates students and teachers alike every day. Gobo is not the name of a band from the ’80s but a thin metal-etched plate that is projected from a lighting instrument to create a specific image or effect. And, while a Traveler can be a member of a community traditionally having an itinerant way of life, it can also mean a curtain operating on a horizontal track, positioned at midstage of a theater.

Mr. Ely, technical director of the Walter Arts Center, has been behind the scenes and in the technical booth for all of the middle and upper school theatrical productions, commencements, convocations, Fairy Tale plays, Reptile plays, concerts, dance programs, rentals, guest speakers, and faculty meetings since he came to Holland Hall in 1999.

It is safe to say Mr. Ely has facilitated hundreds of events and performances on the Branch and Newman Theatre stages, each needing different levels of technical assistance and support.

After getting his degree from Ottawa University in Ottawa, Kan., Mr. Ely started graduate work at Pittsburg State University, where he met his future wife and followed her to Tulsa.

He joined Holland Hall after a stint as the stage manager for the Tulsa Philharmonic and working with the IATSE, a theatrical stage employee union.

Mr. Ely's responsibilities provide him the opportunity to work with students, faculty, and parent volunteers from every branch of the school, maintain and operate close to 1,000 different technical lighting instruments, AND enough sound equipment to stage a rock concert.

He also teaches courses in Technical

Theatre, which equip students with the skills needed to assist with the running of lights, sound, and technical aspects of our onstage productions. Some of these students have gone on to pursue technical theater as a profession and are working at colleges, professional theaters, or touring with performing artists. If you are not a “theater person,” you probably don't realize the complexity of lights and sound cues required for even the most basic of productions, or the amount of planning and precautions that need to be taken to make performance venues a safe environment for students of all ages.

“He’s the invisible man,” said longtime faculty member Richard Spencer, who Mr. Ely calls a favorite co-worker. “He is the force behind everything that happens in the WAC. He’s the magician who allows the magic to happen.”

The Walter Arts Center is a space utilized by every student and branch on campus during the school year, and Mr. Ely is the driving force behind making these spaces a place where all can feel free to give their best performance. You might not always see him, but you can always count on him being in the booth! H

Get to know

Jody Ely

FAMILY

A wife of 40 years and two grown children.

MEMORABLE STUDENT

Josh Boatman ’16, who is currently on tour with “Hamilton.”

FAVORITE MEAL

Crab legs with a baked potato and salad at White River Fish Market.

FAVORITE MOVIES

“Ocean’s 11,” “Ocean’s 12” “Ocean’s 13.” “John Wick” 1-4, and “eagerly awaiting ‘John Wick 5’.” Any Pixar movie and most Disney animated movies.

FAVORITE MOVIE SNACK Caramel corn and black coffee.

CURRENTLY READING

“Last Argument of Kings,” book three in a series from Joe Abercrombie.

FAVORITE BAND

Chicago

CURRENTLY LISTENING TO Jazz, especially The Rippingtons.

FAVORITE SPORT

Formula1, Williams Racing – UK, Mercedes AMG, Ferrari and McLaren.

FAVORITE SPORTS TEAMS OKC Thunder, Denver Broncos, and the Kansas City Royals.

FAVORITE TRICK TO MAKE A PERFORMANCE SHINE Making LEDs do special effects.

BEST PLACE ON CAMPUS

“The catwalks are where you can find me,” high above the theaters of the Walter Arts Center. “It’s always quiet, and there’s always something to do.”

Immersed in art

Students take in whirlwind weekend of museums and galleries

BY MAZEN ABUFADIL Upper School Photography Instructor

In lieu of the annual ISAS Arts Festival, advanced visual art students were provided with the opportunity to travel to Kansas City and experience two world-renowned museums and visit several arts galleries at the Crossroads Arts District

Our first stop was at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art where the collections by contemporary and historic artists complemented our classroom explorations, and the antiquity on exhibit provided timeless inspiration. Students enjoyed lunch and camaraderie in a 15th-century Italian style courtyard and spent time in the sunshine contemplating the 18-foot-tall sculptures of Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen. They viewed works by a range of artists from North America, Africa, Europe, and Asia, and were able to get a closer look at the works of familiar names, such as Andy Warhol and Claude Monet.

Following our visit to the Nelson-Atkins, we were hosted by the Kansas City Art Institute, where we visited studios of all forms of media, a spectacular fabrication shop, and a state-of-the-art animation facility. We were all left emboldened with much to think about and ideas to take home. Great weather and dinner at the open-air Country Club Plaza provided us with a pleasant atmosphere and an

opportunity to have stimulating conversations about some of the magnificent artwork we had seen.

The next day of our adventure started with the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art and culminated with an exploration of the Crossroads Arts District. The Kemper immersed us in several multimedia experiences, featuring video, sound, and kinetic installation artworks. Also featured was a massive mural by Mexican artist Lucía Vidales, exploring the significance of unseen and unacknowledged labor of females in Latin American culture in the context of the Last Supper and a gathering about the dinner family table.

We put a couple more miles on foot exploring the many galleries of the Crossroads Arts District, starting with the Leedy-Voulkos Art Center. On exhibit, works by Richard Mattsson evoked a contemporary impressionism, inspiring more than a few of us. After having a bite to eat, and by early afternoon, we were ready for a nap on the bus ride home.

For our students, Holland Hall always provides an enriching, complete educational experience, of which the arts is such a vital component. We invest in this way, so that when students graduate and leave our campus they are not only equipped with the tools for success in higher education, but are also empowered to lead holistic lives, drawing upon an exceptional experiential foundation. H

KUe the lights

Students experience theater arts at the college level

BY LESLIE LONG Upper School Theatre Director

One bus, two teachers, three days, eight kids. For a non-ISAS Arts Festival year, it sure felt close! In lieu of our yearly ISAS trip, this year I had the wonderful opportunity to take the Upper School Advanced Acting class to the University of Kansas for a full three-day theater arts experience.

On Thursday, our first day on campus, the students attended and participated in four intensive performing arts classes — Acting I, Acting II, Acting for the Camera, and Musical Theatre Dance. A lot of high school students who were suddenly thrown into a class with college students might stand back and just watch, but not our students. They enjoyed talking with the college students and professors and were not shy about asking questions of both. In fact, the professors commented on how impressed they were that our students had the confidence to just jump right in and fully participate in the classes.

On Thursday night, we enjoyed an evening of bowling with some of our Holland Hall alumni. Believe me when I say my heart was full of joy watching how much fun they were all having!

On Friday morning, we were able to spend some time downtown. If you know Lawrence or KU, you know Mass Street is a huge part of that town. The students loved shopping, eating, checking out local stores, and getting a feel for the city and “college town” atmosphere. On Friday afternoon, the students performed a few of the scenes they also performed later at the Upper School Theatre Night. The performances were set up just like they would have been at the ISAS Arts Festival, complete with costumes, set pieces, props, and transitions. Three KU graduate students volunteered to adjudicate and were so impressed with how well the students knew their material, were able to commit to their characters, and their knowledge of acting techniques and skills. The adjudicators provided some insightful individual and ensemble feedback and took the time to discuss their scenes and answer all their questions. The students felt incredibly proud and confident of their work and talents as high school actors. After performing, we were treated to a tour of Murphy Hall (KU’s performing

arts building). We were able to see classroom spaces, performance venues and get a backstage tour and peek at their current production. Being an alumnus of KU and graduating from the theater department, it was so special for me to get to see all of these familiar places again where I once had classes and rehearsed, and then getting to see the students enjoy it as well. On Friday night, we had a wonderful dinner downtown and attended the opening night of the KU production of “Pippin.” What an amazing performance! The students were incredibly engaged, thoughtful, and inquisitive about all aspects of the production. The staging, choreography, costuming, and lighting design were all carefully woven together to create an exciting performance. We all loved the show and were so impressed by the level of talent on that stage.

Our drive home the next day was the quietest I’ve heard them all weekend, possibly all year, which means they were both happy and exhausted.

A big thank you to Mother Sarah Smith for being our extra chaperone. She loved getting to know the students better, having meaningful conversations with them, and watching their talents onstage. And a special thanks to school photographer Chris McConnell, who was able to join us Friday and capture such wonderful moments. As always, I want to thank Holland Hall for this opportunity and note how fortunate we are to be able to provide our students with such a positive, meaningful, and creative experience where they were able to learn, grow, and showcase their talents. I was so proud of our students and the manner in which they represented our theatre program and Holland Hall. H

Unbreakable passion

Alum gives back through the art of glassblowing

BY STEVE DYER

Director of the Walter Arts Center and Fine Arts

Glassblowing furnaces typically operate between 2000°F and 2300°F depending on the type of glass and the specific stage of the process. It is in this environment that Jonathan Bolivar ’11 has forged his love for the art of glassblowing and kindled his desire to empower youth by helping provide an outlet for creativity and self-expression.

Much as molten glass can be molded into countless forms, Jonathan uses his position as Outreach Coordinator and Glass Instructor at the Tulsa Glassblowing School (TGS) as an opportunity to teach students to think differently and look at the world through a lens that will allow them to see multiple opportunities. TGS is a nonprofit arts organization whose mission is to empower self-esteem and promote positive change in the lives of vulnerable youths and adults within the Tulsa community through participation in the creative processes of hot glass art.

Enrolling at Holland Hall as a ninth-grade student, Jonathan credits the school's requirement that all students participate in arts and athletics, in addition to their academic studies, as helping shape his outlook on life and the path he wanted to pursue as he moved forward.

“Teachers and coaches alike met me where I was and took the time to provide me with the encouragement, tools, and instruction to be able to think for myself.”

Jonathan's path to glassblowing began when he took an extension course through Tulsa Community College at TGS and soon discovered his newfound passion for

the physicality and creative process of shaping glass. He credits native Tulsan Cedric Mitchell, who was his first instructor and mentor at TGS and is now a prominent glass artist in Los Angeles, with instilling in him an interest in bringing art to underserved communities that have historically not had access to art education.

Continuing to build upon this interest, Jonathan relocated to Tacoma, Wash., where he taught at the Hilltop Artists (Hilltop Heritage Middle School) from 2021-23. Co-founded by world-renowned and Tacomaborn artist Dale Chihuly, the Hilltop Artists were created to provide local youth with an alternative to being recruited by the groups proliferating violence in the Hilltop neighborhood of Tacoma.

Now back in Tulsa, Jonathan's connections to Holland Hall remain strong as his first solo art exhibit was in the Holliman Gallery, and earlier this year he was able to lead a workshop at TGS for a group of advanced visual arts students and faculty.

“I am so appreciative of the opportunity to give back to the school that helped and supported me in so many ways." H

Athletics

Full circle

The

Ostroski brothers reunite on the gridiron

BY STEVE HELDEBRAND Assistant Head of School for Athletics

For Jackson ’18 and Owen Ostroski ’21, football is more than just a sport — it’s a family legacy. The brothers grew up side-by-side, chasing each other around the backyard in countless tackle football games, always competing, never teammates. Their dream was born early, shaped by the example of their father, Jerry Ostroski, a first-team All-American at the University of Tulsa and a nine-year NFL veteran with the Buffalo Bills. That dream finally materialized in the fall of 2017, the one and only season the Ostroski brothers shared the same uniform on the same field. Jackson, a senior, and Owen, a rising freshman, were both key contributors to a special Dutch squad that was not only coached by their father but also marked Holland Hall’s transition from the SPC to the OSSAA. That year, Jackson helped lead the team to a perfect 12-0 start before an overtime loss in the 2A state quarterfinals ended their title run. Jackson’s journey continued at Drake University, where he earned a presidential scholarship and played football while pursuing his academic goals. After his playing

days ended, he joined the Drake coaching staff, mentoring tight ends and assisting the offensive line from 2022 to 2023. His passion for coaching deepened, and in 2024 he accepted a graduate assistant position at Eastern Illinois before landing a new opportunity at the University of Northern Iowa under newly appointed head coach Todd Stepsis, Jackson’s former coach at Drake.

Owen, meanwhile, etched his own legacy at Holland Hall by helping lead the Dutch to their first OSSAA state football title in 2020. Like his father, he committed to the University of Tulsa. After redshirting his first year, Owen became a mainstay on the Hurricane defense, starting over 30 games across three seasons. He earned a finance degree in December 2024 but still had a year of eligibility left and a hunger for a new challenge.

The transfer portal quickly lit up with interest — Group of 5 programs like Memphis and UNLV called but Owen was drawn to a different path. He had long been intrigued by the FCS level, its playoff format, and the proud traditions of powerhouse programs like the Dakota schools. In late December, he committed to South Dakota State University.

Then came one of those twists that only college football can script.

Just days after Owen committed to SDSU, the entire coaching staff was hired away to Washington State and offered Owen a spot. He reopened his recruitment, taking visits to North Dakota State, South Dakota, and finally, to Northern Iowa, where his brother, Jackson, was now coaching.

It was during that visit, walking the UNI campus with Jackson, talking football, reliving memories that something deeper clicked for Owen. The idea of finishing his college career beside his brother was too special to ignore, even though they’d be on opposite sides: Jackson coaching the offensive line and Owen rushing the passer from defensive end. It was an opportunity neither brother could pass up.

Since reuniting in Cedar Falls, Iowa, the Ostroski brothers have made the most of their time together fishing, taking in UNI wrestling matches, attending bull riding competitions, and, of course, talking football. The bond that had stretched across years and miles has been rekindled with a new purpose.

In May, Jackson married fellow Holland Hall alum Mikalea Zahn ’19, with Owen once again standing by his side, this time not just as a best man, but as a teammate.

For the Ostroskis, football has always been about more than wins and losses. It’s about family, shared dreams, and moments that come full circle. H

The steady hand behind the scenes

Jim Mansfield dedicates 28 years to Holland Hall athletics

BY STEVE HELDEBRAND Assistant Head of School for Athletics

For nearly three decades, Jim Mansfield has been the quiet, consistent presence behind Holland Hall athletics. Since joining the school in 1997, Mansfield has cared for hundreds — if not thousands — of student-athletes, treating everything from minor sprains to serious injuries with the same level of dedication and care.

Originally from Slatington, Pa., Jim found his way to Oklahoma to attend the University of Tulsa. He earned his degree in biology in 1986, followed by a Master of Science in health and physical education from Oklahoma State University in 1994. His journey in athletic training began as a freshman at TU, and it quickly became clear he had found his calling.

After graduation, Jim went to work at Central States Orthopedics while also beginning a part-time athletic training role at Holland Hall in the early 1990s. In 1997, former Head of School Bob Graves officially brought Jim on board — and the rest is history.

Jim’s passion lies in helping athletes recover and return to the game they love.

“My favorite part of the job is seeing athletes get healthy and back on the field or court,” he said. Whether it’s handing out a bag of ice or evaluating a more serious injury, Jim gives every student the same level of care and attention.

His days are long — often arriving before anyone else and leaving well after the last athlete has gone home. On average, Jim sees around 30 student-athletes daily, providing treatments, evaluations, and support. His responsibilities also include managing water and supplies at all practice locations, communicating with parents and physicians when needed, and overseeing Holland Hall’s concussion protocol and Return to Participation program.

When asked what advice he’d give to others in the field, Jim keeps it simple: “Show up every day and have fun.”

For 28 years — and hopefully a few more to come — Jim Mansfield has done exactly that: showing up, giving his best, and quietly making a difference in the lives of countless Holland Hall athletes. H

Individual State Champions

Megan Kalupura 4A Girls Golf

Kainon Gibson, Rhett Gibson, Weston Brookhart, Truitt Meier Boys 4x100

Mia Adams 3A Long Jump

Canaan Brice

5A 100m Freestyle and 5A 100m Breaststroke

James Brice 5A 50m Freestyle

Blayze Buchanan, Roman Lepak, Kainon Gibson, Weston Brookhart Boys 4x400

Senior making waves in new home

BY STEVE HELDEBRAND Assistant Head of School for Athletics

When Canaan Brice ’25 moved to the United States from South Africa last August, he brought more than just his suitcase; he carried with him a quiet determination and an unstoppable drive.

Canaan and his younger brother, James ’27, enrolled at Holland Hall, ready to embrace a new culture, new classmates, and, for Canaan, a new chapter in his swimming career.

Although Holland Hall does not field a traditional swim team, competitive swimmers like Canaan are allowed to submit qualifying times from recognized meets to earn a place at regionals, with the ultimate goal of competing at the OSSAA State Swimming Championships. The Dutch swimmers train under the support of Head of School JP Culley, who leads the program with enthusiasm and encouragement.

Canaan wasted no time making his mark. At the 5A State Swimming Championships at the Jenks Trojan Aquatic Center, he

turned heads across the pool deck and made history. Canaan captured two gold medals, winning both the 100-meter freestyle and the 100-meter breaststroke.

But his performance in the breaststroke is what etched his name into the record books. In the preliminaries, Canaan shattered a 15-year-old Oklahoma state record in the 100-meter breaststroke, clocking in at an astonishing 55.47 seconds — more than a full second faster than the previous mark. The next day, in the championship finals, all eyes in the aquatics center were fixed on lane four. Once again, Canaan delivered, lowering his own state record with an even faster time of 55.20 seconds, securing his place as the best in Oklahoma history in the event.

This fall, Canaan will continue his swimming career at Oklahoma Christian University in Edmond, where he plans to build on his success in the pool while pursuing his education.

From South Africa to Tulsa to the top of the state podium, Canaan Brice has proven that no matter where you come from, determination, talent, and hard work can carry you farther than you ever imagined — and faster, too. H

... Canaan shattered a 15-year-old Oklahoma state record in the 100-meter breaststroke, clocking in at an astonishing 55.47 seconds — more than a full second faster than the previous mark.

James Brice ’27 (left) and Canaan Brice ’25 pose for a celebration photo.

Faculty & Staff

‘ HIGH POINT’

POINT’

Counselor scales Mt. Whitney in honor of her father

BY CASSIE GRAY Associate Director of Counseling and Wellness, PreK-6th Grade

Have you ever done something on a whim — taken a chance on something unexpected — that ended up changing your life? That’s exactly what happened when I applied to climb Mount Whitney with the Michael J. Fox Foundation. And then, spoiler alert: I actually did it. But there’s so much more to the story.

Most people know me as one of the school counselors at Holland Hall, a job I truly love. I care deeply about our school, our students, and our community. What many may not know is that my dad died from Parkinson’s Disease in 2018. Walking alongside him through that battle taught me a lot about resilience and fighting battles, and it truly made me who I am. Since then, I’ve wanted to honor him and raise awareness for Parkinson’s — but I struggled to figure out how.

Then in April 2024, while browsing the Michael J. Fox Foundation website, I stumbled upon their “Endurance Events.” One in particular stopped me in my tracks: a summit of Mount Whitney — the tallest peak in the lower 48, standing at 14,505 feet. Team Fox was recruiting people to climb Mount Whitney to raise funds and awareness for Parkinson’s research. It felt like the stars had aligned because hiking is also one of my favorite hobbies and passions. Living in Oklahoma doesn’t make it easy, but that hasn’t stopped me from chasing summits. Every summer, I head to Colorado to hike, especially 14ers — mountains over 14,000 feet in elevation. I’ve set a goal to summit 40 of them before I turn 40. At 38, I’ve climbed 35. Therefore, this challenge seemed tailor-made for me: a way to honor my dad while doing what I love.

Fast-forward through some interviews with the foundation, conversations with friends and family, and eventually acceptance — I was in and officially committed. Then came the hard part — logistics, training, and preparation. I’m used to long-day hikes, but this would be four days and three nights, carrying everything I needed on my back. I trained in Colorado with a pack (we jokingly said it was bigger than a large toddler) and logged miles on my treadmill at home. I shared updates with

friends and family, and from the moment I announced my climb, the support was overwhelming.

Labor Day weekend 2024, our climb began. It’s hard to put the experience into words. We hiked, we camped, we hauled our tents, food, water, clothes — everything.

On Day 3, after a 13-hour effort, our team summited Mount Whitney. I was breathless, speechless, and filled with tears and all the emotions. At the summit, I stood with an incredible team — including two individuals living with Parkinson’s who tackled the mountain with resilience and courage. Watching them push forward through their own obstacles reminded me so much of my dad’s strength.

We were guided by two exceptional leaders. At one point, while clinging to the trail with only a couple of ropes between me and the edge, I admitted, “I’m scared.” One of our guides, Matt, gently responded, “It’s okay to be scared.” His words stuck with me. I knew I wouldn’t quit. I felt safe and cared for while also being pushed out of my comfort zone. Seeing my team summit Mount Whitney was a testament to the power of perseverance and the idea that one can truly LIVE with Parkinson’s, which unfortunately, I didn’t get to see with my dad’s experience.

That summit wasn’t just a physical high point — it was an emotional one. I had raised over $13,000 for Parkinson’s research thanks to the incredible generosity of so many. Every donation, every encouraging word, every step up that mountain felt like a tribute to my dad. I went into this climb hoping to honor him — and came away with something even greater.

A friend later described the experience as “life-giving,” and I couldn’t agree more. Yes, it was hard. Yes, it pushed me in ways I didn’t expect. But the shared determination, the cause we were climbing for, and the emotional and physical triumph made every grueling step worth it.

I left Mount Whitney with a renewed sense of purpose, deep gratitude, and a fire for whatever comes next — more 14ers, more hikes, more moments of resilience, and more opportunities to remember and honor my dad. H

Celebrating Mr. Freeman

A Holland Hall legend turns 100 this year

BY RICHARD HART | DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI AND FAMILY ENGAGEMENT

In a quiet corner of Tulsa, where Southern Hills bridge tables stay full on Thursday afternoons, you might find Tom Freeman — an enduring figure in the story of Holland Hall. Though retired for over three decades, Mr. Freeman's voice still carries the warmth and steadiness that once filled the school’s classrooms, offices, and hallways. His story is one of quiet leadership, accidental opportunities, and lasting dedication.

From New Rochelle to the Midwest

Mr. Freeman's journey to Holland Hall was anything but linear. He grew up in New Rochelle, N.Y., and served as a navigator in the Air Force during World War II. After the war, his father passed away unexpectedly while Mr. Freeman was attending Yale University. With little clarity on his future, he explored different paths — considering law, medicine (until chemistry got in the way), and eventually, education.

A fateful summer in New Hampshire, while working at a camp, proved pivotal. The camp’s director, also the head of the Hawken School in Ohio, asked Mr. Freeman — then a college junior — what he wanted to do after graduation. That question planted the seed. Soon after, he began teaching at Riverdale Country School in New York.

The Midwest called next. With his wife a native of Beloit, Wisc., Mr. Freeman took a teaching position at Mary Institute/St. Louis Country Day School, went on to lead the lower school at Maumee Valley Country Day School in Ohio, and then became head of Evansville Day School in Indiana. Along the way, he built a reputation as a thoughtful, steady educator.

‘Just kind of fell into it’

In 1966, Mr. Freeman arrived in Tulsa to head the lower and middle schools at Holland Hall. He described the move as something he “just kind of fell into,” facilitated by connections between Maumee Valley and then-Holland Hall Headmaster Bert Moore. That same year marked a groundbreaking moment — literally — for Holland Hall’s new 81st Street campus.

At the time, 81st Street was little more than a country road, and the campus bore little resemblance to what it is today. Mr. Freeman’s initial role encompassed leadership for Kindergarten through grade eight on the original Birmingham campus, a position that made him, in Bert Moore's words, a “two-headed administrator” — covering both the primary and middle schools. Mr.

Freeman helped guide the lower school through its transition of adding two grades and moving to the 81st Street campus.

During those formative years, he was not just a steady administrator — he was a recruiter, too. “We were out there trying to get boys into the school,” he says with a laugh, remembering the early efforts as Holland Hall became a coeducational institution.

The human side of school leadership

Though he never coached at Holland Hall (he had earlier, at Maumee Valley and St. Louis Country Day School), Mr. Freeman was a visible and respected presence among students and faculty. He speaks fondly of the early faculty — Jane Pryor, Bobby Walters, Jim Thayer, and John Bennett — calling them "dedicated" and "reliable."

He also has an ear for the absurd, recounting one of his favorite stories: A young student, fed up with school, simply walked home from the old eight-acre Birmingham campus. They later found him calmly perched atop his doghouse. “He said he was sick of school and too many people telling him what to do,” Mr. Freeman recalls, chuckling.

There was also the bright, quiet student sent to the office for talking in class — only to sit down wordlessly on the windowsill. “I couldn’t get mad at him,” Mr. Freeman said. “He’d already made his point.”

Change, growth, and integration

Mr. Freeman witnessed — and helped guide — a remarkable period of transformation at Holland Hall. In 1966, the school had just broken ground on its new campus. Over time, it expanded significantly, and the surrounding area developed rapidly. More students came, more graduated, and more saw opportunities for college not just on the coasts, but in Midwestern universities like OU, OSU, and TU.

One particularly meaningful milestone, he noted, was the school’s integration — recalling the significant impact made when Sandra Alexander was admitted to Holland Hall in the mid-1960s.

By 1984 Mr. Freeman was “kicked upstairs,” as he puts it, transitioning to the upper school, where he juggled alumni relations, edited the school magazine, and filled a variety of roles. He officially retired in 1989 — but in many ways he never really left.

A lasting legacy

All three of Mr. Freeman’s children attended Holland Hall — John ’79, who graduated from Yale University, was a lifer — starting in kindergarten; Andrea ’77, who also graduated from Yale University, joined in second grade, and Cindy ’74 who graduated from Austin College in Texas, entered in seventh.

Today, Mr. Freeman still lives in Tulsa, surrounded by decades of memories and friendships formed in classrooms, boardrooms, and bridge tables. He remains active, intellectually sharp, and quietly proud of the institution he helped shape. But it’s clear that his influence wasn’t an accident — it was the work of a man who knew how to lead by listening, who guided others by example, and who wanted to leave Holland Hall stronger than he found it. H

Faculty News H

PRIMARY

SCHOOL

Primary School Head

Vanessa Jones completed her Ph.D. at Oklahoma State University. Her dissertation won the Nirmal and Tara Sethia Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award, a huge honor.

Kindergarten Teacher

Stephany Ward has a new granddaughter! Ella Sloane joined her sister Leah on March 4.

Lori Swisher had an eventful 2024, with travels that took her from London — to see “Swan Lake” at the Royal Albert Hall (in the round) — to Sicily, where she bought a traditional puppet to share with her primary school music students.

Second-Grade Teacher

Meagan Booker and her family welcomed Evie Sloane Booker on Feb. 6. A huge thank-you to former Middle School Teacher Mary Kay Hobbs for ably filling in for Ms. Booker while she was on maternity leave.

Lori Swisher also continued her work with Covenant Living at Inverness this year, with the program being the main community outreach of primary school music.

Associate Director of Admission for the Primary School Alexandra Frazier welcomed Avery in March. Avery’s big sister, Addie, will be attending Holland Hall this fall.

The residents enjoyed musical performances including:

» Second graders performing a collaborative Veterans Day program in November

» Third graders singing holiday songs in December

» Four separate small class trips to the long-term care area to involve elderly friends with first-grade music activities and songs

“Also (on a personal level), every Sunday morning, I lead a hymn service for the folks,” Ms. Swisher says. “Music is a way for me to connect with my mom, who is a resident, but over the years, many have come to look forward to this encouraging and meaningful time in their week.”

Not only are Ms. Swisher’s parents residents at Inverness, but many other residents have ties to the school.

PreK teacher Becca Updike and her family welcomed baby Brooks Tucker.

Middle

School Physical Education Teacher

Stephanie McCrary was awarded the Oklahoma Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (OAHPERD) Middle School Physical Education Teacher of the Year for 2024!

Middle School Drama Teacher Erin Scarberry is the artistic director of the Clark Youth Theatre, a nonprofit organization in Tulsa. The company was one of six youth theaters selected to perform at the American Association of Community Theatre's (AACT) YouthFest national festival.

Ms. Scarberry traveled with 20 teens — including two Holland Hall students, Emily Bergenroth ’26 and Madison Watts ’27 — in June to present, “Lost Girl,” a play about Wendy Darling coping after her return from Neverland.

UPPER SCHOOL

Anthony Cherry was honored at the Robert A. Katzmann Conference in St. Louis by the Supreme Court, the U.S. Federal Courts, and the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation for work teaching the Constitution and civic engagement. The federal courts are also building learning centers across the country, and Mr. Cherry will be consulting on the development of one in Oklahoma!

Upper School Head David Parks and Director of Teaching and Learning Jane Beckwith presented at the INDEX Academic Conference in Denver in early April. The presentation focused on Holland Hall’s ongoing work with mind, brain, and education science (MBE), competency-based learning (CBL), and Diversity, Belonging, and Inclusion (DBI) efforts. INDEX is a member-driven, not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing data, analysis, networking, and professional development to independent schools like Holland Hall.

Jane Beckwith has also been selected to be part of a cohort attending the inaugural Academic Leadership Summit this June in Jackson Hole, Wyo. The other members of the cohort include academic leaders from the following INDEX schools: Rye Country Day School in New York, Charlotte Latin School in North Carolina and The Episcopal Academy in Pennsylvania. The cohort's proposal, From Portrait to Practice: Expanding Measures of Academic Achievement in INDEX Schools, “stood out for its thoughtfulness, relevance, and potential impact on the broader INDEX community,” according to the acceptance letter she received.

ALL-SCHOOL

just be Tita and Grandpa Zak,” she said.

The following faculty participated in the Center for Transformative Teaching & Learning (CTTL) Science of Teaching & School Leadership Academy on July 14-17. Made possible through the Kistler-Gilliland Center for the Advancement of Learning.

Photography Teacher Mazen Abufadil has had his works displayed across town. The Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition featured Mr. Abufadil as the Spotlight Artist for April 2025 and featured the photo-fresco, “With the Dead in a Dead Language, after Hartmann.” In 2024, the Tulsa Artist Coalition and the Mayfest Invitational Gallery featured Doppelgänger Killer

Upper School French Language Teacher Amy Vargus attended the American Association Teachers of French conference in San Diego last summer, then embarked on a tour of Europe and France with several Upper School students and parents.

» Kristin Lees

» Julie Sims

» Jeni Helmer

» Kristin Gray

» Allison Bilby

» Ryan Crawley

» Hoa Lesselroth

» Christy Zahn

» Mother Sarah Smith

» Bryan Burnham

» Adam Caughern

Tina Helmerich and husband Zak welcomed grandbaby No. 6 on March 5, 2025, and No. 7 was due in June. “Needless to say, it's time to retire and

Vocal Music Teacher Lauren Fogarty had Owen Edward Fogarty on June 17, 2024. He joins 4-year-old brother Harper.

Upper School Social Studies Teacher Austin Miller was hooded for his Ph.D. in May.

Being Betty

Mrs. Dougall retires from Holland Hall after 44 years of caring for students.

BY RICHARD SPENCER | HOLLAND HALL

Betty Dougall has been a Holland Hall mainstay for over 44 years. A New Hampshire native, Betty moved to the Tulsa area in the ’70s to escape the severe winters there and the counterculture that was effecting changes across this country. She and her husband of 52 years, Scott, operated a shoe repair shop in Tulsa until Holland Hall Food Service Manager Doris Krieckhaus reached out to Betty to come work with her on the Holland Hall Birmingham campus in January 1981. Along with providing food service for the middle-schoolers there, Betty and Doris would cook food for the upper school and haul it over to feed the upper schoolers on the 81st Street campus. The middle school building would be finished in 1982, finally bringing everyone to our current location.

Besides food service, Betty has worked for Holland Hall maintenance, served as a classroom substitute, and drove a regular bus route, transporting students from north Tulsa and midtown locations. She is currently a kindergarten assistant; her tenure in that role began with Jan Adams in the old Annex building.

In the summer of 1985, Betty was preparing lunches for Holland Hall summer campers, where she met a young mom who was also working summer camps, Millie Spencer. It was the beginning of a long friendship and partnership. They have been summer camp fixtures ever since the ’80s.

Betty is described as the perfect combination of kindness and sass …

They toyed with a few different offerings before settling on their legendary cooking and adventure camps. Their rosters are full every session, as they expose their charges to a variety of food recipes, arts and crafts, and simply provide an environment where the children can explore and play in a safe and warm environment.

As the first of two recipients of the Tempest Dulany Staff Award last year, Betty is described as the perfect combination of kindness and sass, always a reliable, dedicated friend to colleagues and students alike, instantly ready to offer her love and support to any and all who found themselves in her orbit. When her youngest son, Sam, was playing football for the Dutch, Betty and Scott would sit under the tree on the south side of the home stands, and there would be a constant parade of young students coming by just to get a hug!

While Betty says she is retiring at the end of the 2024-25 school year, she still considers herself a Holland Hall lifer. She will make herself available as a substitute next year, and she will continue her summer programs, offering food, fun, and adventure to a new generation of Holland Hall summer campers.

As a faithful servant, Betty remains one of the reasons that Holland Hall continues to be such a special place – a community that educates, uplifts, accepts, and loves all who find their way here. H

Molding a love for art

Laurie Spencer retires after 31 years

BY BYRON SHEN Upper School Visual Art Teacher

There is an idiom — “the best things come in small packages.” With Laurie Spencer, this is true. She has been that gift to Holland Hall. Upon meeting her, one notices her slight frame; however, do not be fooled by her petite stature, because within her is an enormous wealth of knowledge concerning clay and a powerful, physical strength that belies her size.

From small things come huge results, as seen in her students' work year after year.

Laurie Spencer is passionate about ceramics. She is an incredible teacher. For the past 31 years, she has passed on that love for clay to her students and inspired them in their own art, letting them find themselves in their ever-evolving identity as they grow as artists. With untold patience, Laurie worked with each student in helping them shape their unique vision. She strove to push each of them toward the potential of what they could accomplish and gave them moments of success. In the process of helping them discover who they were and could be, she

assisted them to create what was once imagined into something possible and real! Laurie has shared her passion for clay with countless students. Their words best describe her and the impact she has had.

“Ms. Spencer was able to push, inspire, and care for all of her students, and when it came to balancing those qualities, like many truly impressive individuals, Ms. Spencer never felt compelled to point you to her various accolades. Since I’ve known her she did her best to dodge any mention of her fame in the art world and would steer conversation to what she cared most about – her students.”

— Jake Freudenrich ’10

“Ms. Spencer is the embodiment of everything I love about Holland Hall. The way she could take students of all different backgrounds and talent levels and make them fall in love with art is just one of the reasons why she was so incredible. For three years, ceramics was the best part of my day, and I will always cherish my time in the ceramics room!” — Gabby Gregory ’19

“Without a doubt, Ms. Spencer is an incredible artist. Even more than that, however, she is an amazing person. Whether it’s joking around or having deep conversations, she never fails to connect with students, and I am beyond grateful to have been one of them.”

— Reese Myers ’24

Watch Laurie’s retirement video.

“In Ms. Spencer’s classes I always feel comfortable and safe. She supports me and my ideas for projects no matter what. I’m able to go to the ceramics room and just decompress after a day of classes. It’s something I'll always appreciate about ceramics.”

— Meica Sharp ’26

“Ms. Spencer always made the class environment so fun. Whether it was your entire class in the studio or just you and her, it was always a party. She will be so missed and she really was an amazing teacher.” — Ellory Penn ’28

“Before I came to the upper school, I never thought I would end up taking ceramics as my elective. By some fortune I ended up in two semesters: Ceramics 1 and Ceramics 2. What crazy luck I had doing it. I'm so glad I got to spend my first year at Holland Hall during Ms. Spencer's last. Her stable presence, vitality for life, and goofy demeanor made my freshman year so much better.” — Wyatt Ivins ’28

As Laurie Spencer retires from teaching, she will now have time to devote to her amazing art. So the next time you walk on our campus toward the tennis courts and the outdoor classroom in the woods, you can view a symbol of her enormity and the impact she has had in the form of her sculpture, the calyx, or more affectionately referred to as “the dome.” Like the dome, she has towered over us and been a “giant” amongst us. H

Laurie Spencer stands in front of the calyx dome statue at Holland Hall, surrounded by coworkers and friends. Photo by Chris McConnell

Exponentially better

BY MELISSA STIRLING Middle School Math Teacher

In the fall of 1999, Holland Hall ran a classified ad in the Tulsa World looking for “a dynamic and caring person to work with fifth grade teachers and students. Applicant must have good organization and communication skills as well as an understanding of children and their needs.”

What began as a fifth-grade assistant position quickly grew into something far greater: a teaching career marked by purpose, passion, and relationships. With a master’s in economics from Penn State University and a bachelor’s in economics from Rutgers University, Candace Matthews could have stayed in the corporate world. But like a true Bruce Springsteen lyric, she “followed a different road,” one not always easy but undeniably meaningful.

The theme of Candace’s teaching career is relationships. Of course, there are the numerical relationships. When you get Candace talking math, her hands start moving and her eyes light up — it’s like baseball fans explaining the infield fly rule. You might not

understand it all, but you know it matters.

Candace Matthews shared her gifts with the middle school for more than 20 years

Candace has never met a math textbook she liked — but she would play nicely, take what she wanted, and then ignore her own oft-quoted mantra of “work smarter, not harder,” spending hours curating and creating resources to supplement the textbook.

Watch Candance’s retirement video.

with her students and their families, but most importantly for me, with her colleagues, who always became friends. From my first day to her last days, Candace’s willingness to share resources, her enthusiasm for anything that would help us be better, her desire to learn and grow together, and her passion for math have made me and anyone who works with her better teachers and better people.

Always ready to try something new, Candace dove right into the Downtown Tulsa project when she moved to the upper hall to teach seventh grade math, bringing math to life through architecture, SketchUp models, and later, 3D printing.

Candace has never been just a teacher of math — Candace was a teacher of kids. She didn’t just grade their work — she nurtured their growth. She reached out to families, celebrated successes, checked in years later when she saw their names in news stories. Candace saw potential and nurtured it. She values relationships — with mathematics,

Candace has always taught with a kind of fierce optimism — believing that with enough heart, hard work, and curiosity, anything is figure-out-able. In many ways, she reminds me of two of her passions outside the classroom: Bruce Springsteen and the Philadelphia Phillies.

Like the Boss, Candace believes in the power of stories, of community, and of finding meaning even in the struggle. And like the Phillies, she shows up — season after season, rain or shine, with grit, tenacity, and a belief that this might just be the year we hit it out of the park.

Congratulations, Candace. Like the lyrics say, “Baby, we were born to run.” Thank you for running this race with passion, purpose, and an open heart. We’re all better because of it. H

Top left: Candace Matthews hugs Melissa Stirling after Melissa gave her speech during the Retirement Breakfast. Above: Candace laughs through tears during Melissa’s speech. Bottom left: Candance instructing students.

‘Just breathe’

There were signs Sue Mullican belonged at Holland Hall

BY KERI SHINGLETON Upper School Science Teacher

Well, I cannot believe this day has come … I never intended to be “left behind” when Sue Mullican was ready to retire. It had always been my intention that we would go together.

Overwhelmed with the task of writing a goodbye in celebration of Sue's career –the end of a 30-year teaching career – I didn't know where to start.

I told Sue how worried I was that I would not find the right words to celebrate what she means to me and to our community, and she told me to just consult generative AI. That made some sense given how much generative AI has helped us through the last year, so I tried.

I told ChatGPT exactly what I needed: Something that was short, sweet, and encapsulated Sue's teaching experience. Quickly ChatGPT did exactly what I asked it to. Here is its response: ☺ ������ ������☺

On a more serious note, this one is hard for me. I have admired Sue for much longer than I have had the opportunity to really know her. In the summer of 2006, we were in an AP Biology summer institute, and I quickly identified her as someone I would love to work with and learn from one day. We sat outside for lunch under a tree a few times, and I remembered really enjoying our conversations. Then a decade went by.

When we needed a new biology teacher, I tricked her … yes, I tricked her! She had no intention or reason to leave her job at Jenks, but I convinced her to meet me after school when “everyone else is gone” just to see what Holland Hall is like.

Former Head of the upper school Frances Fondren-Bales — just by accident — was in her office with a big art piece that said “breathe.” Sue later told me that piece of art is what did it for her. She was ready for a new pace and a chance to breathe.

As much as I was excited to welcome her to Holland Hall, I was admittedly a bit nervous, because I knew I would have to up my game to be as good a teacher as she was. Thus started a great friendship with a collaborative partner-in-crime, the likes of which I hope everyone is lucky enough to experience in their lives, though I know few people ever will. We often joked about being two half brains that made a whole, and we definitely got to the point where we could finish each other's thoughts (thank goodness, because sometimes we each needed help with that).

For eight years, Sue has shared with us her wide-open heart, her love for young people, her excitement over learning new things, and her willingness to help anyone who needs her at any time. Now it's time for Sue to sleep a little later, wake up a little slower, cross a few items off of the to-do list that have been piling up for 30 years. It's time for her to see her son Jordan get married, support Grant during his coming adventures in law school, finish a quilt or two she started years ago with her mother, and sit on the back patio watching the birds, breathing fresh air anytime she wants to. H

Watch Sue’s retirement video.

‘Along for the ride’

BY BECCA PARKER AND CHRISTY UTTER ’92 Holland Hall Middle School

Tina (White) Helmerich joined the Holland Hall community in 2001 as a teaching assistant, but her connection to this place runs even deeper, as all four of her children attended school here. From the very beginning, she brought warmth, intelligence, and a quiet strength to everything she did.

In 2003, Tina stepped into a long-term seventh grade history position. Soon after, she was teaming up with the one and only Fred Utter — a true Holland Hall pairing.

Eventually, Tina became the head teacher in eighth grade social studies, where she brought history to life. Who else could convince Mark Johnson to dress up in full Civil War regalia and teach side by side as if they had walked right out of 1863? That’s the kind of magic Tina created. She didn’t just teach history; she lived it and brought us along for the ride.

As a field hockey coach, she led by example.

“The three of us coaches would sit in awe as she would spread out all her lesson plans and papers for grading all over the front seat of the charter bus as we would travel to and from our games in Texas,” said Head Field Hockey Coach and Middle School Chaplain Christy Utter ’92

“Even after our most exciting, rain-soaked, and memorable last SPC game at the time in 2015, Tina celebrated and then got right back to business on what turned out to be an 11-hour bus ride back from Austin! She never slept, ever. She worked. Tirelessly. We still talk about Tina on

our bus trips and marvel at all she would accomplish on our rides home.

“She never wasted a minute. In fact, she never wastes any minutes in her life. Her massive love of her family, of travel, the world, of teaching, our beloved Holland Hall, and all things University of Georgia and the Atlanta Braves has been nothing short of spectacular.

“But she would drop any and everything if someone was in need and it didn’t matter what she might miss … her people always came first. And they were so lucky for it.”

“Beyond the classroom, Tina’s story has its own chapters of greatness. In college, she was an amazing diver — so talented, in fact, that she was chosen to model for FujiFilm during the Olympics. Let that sink in. Some of us teach kids about ancient Greece — Tina basically was an Olympic goddess,” said Eighth Grade Science Teacher Becca Parker.

“And yet, despite these standout achievements, it’s her quiet gestures of kindness that speak volumes. I’ll never forget when she brought flowers to my widowed mother on Mother’s Day — a simple, beautiful act that shows exactly who she is. Thoughtful. Generous. Heart-centered.”

Her students and colleagues have all been on the receiving end of her kindness.

“Tina is kind, compassionate, and an absolute blast to be around. Her laugh is contagious, her spirit is uplifting, and she makes everyone around her feel a little more seen, a little more appreciated,” Parker said.

“Thank you for everything you've given this community. Enjoy every moment of what’s next — you’ve more than earned it.

“We love you. Happy retirement!” H

Tina Helmerich’s joyful energy will be missed by colleagues, students

Watch Tina’s retirement video.

Alumni

The school year is a daily celebration of life

Recently, the school community gathered in the Tandy Wellness Center to celebrate the remarkable life of Frank B. Ward — a man who left an indelible mark on Holland Hall and the greater Tulsa community. Frank was many things: an influential educator, a beloved tennis coach and tournament organizer, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and a lifelong friend and mentor.

The event was not structured as a traditional memorial service. Instead, it was a vibrant celebration of life. Along the south wall of the Tandy rested photos and memorabilia, offering a visual journey through Frank’s long and meaningful life. Friends and family from every chapter of that journey mingled, sharing stories — from middle school history classes peppered with tales of Winston Churchill to youth tennis tournaments where the value of punctuality was instilled. His son Craig offered moving reflections on "F.B. Ward as father," followed by friends still coming to terms with a world that no longer includes Mr. Ward’s presence. Events like these remind us that school at Holland Hall is much more than academics and activities — it is a daily celebration of life, one that binds us together through shared experience, memory, and meaning.

In some educational systems, summer breaks have been shortened and redistributed throughout the year to avoid the learning loss that can come with extended time away. While the research may be sound, I find myself — after the final notes of Commencement — simply missing the rhythm and energy of life on campus.

Thankfully, that rhythm will return soon. Seniors will be decorating the upper school Commons and welcoming incoming ninth-graders to their new branch. Middle-schoolers will be organizing their lockers and swapping summer stories with members of their new advisory group. At the primary school’s Back to School Bash, young students will race around the campus, checking out this year’s playground equipment, meeting their teachers, and exploring the spaces where their next adventures will unfold. Before you know it, Primary School Night at the (American) Football Game will be taking place with the upper school students in face paint and the younger students playing assorted ball games on C.H. Brown Field to the south. There will be Back-to-School Nights, a day for grandparents and special friends, and a Senior Sunrise. Fairy Tale plays, Shark Tank presentations, and a series of eventful Morning Meetings with long announcements by Mr. Parks.

The start of the school year is more than a logistical reset. It is a renewal of community, of curiosity, and of connection. It is a fresh opportunity to honor the past — the legacy of people like Frank B. Ward and the others who have departed from our community during the past year — by investing in the daily lives of those who walk these halls now.

Here’s to the year ahead — full of new stories, new memories, and the quiet, joyful work of learning and living together. H

RICHARD HART Director of Alumni and Family Engagement

FROM THE ALUMNI BOARD INTERIM PRESIDENT

Loyalty, honesty, and excellence — the traits of Dutch alumni

Greetings to the Holland Hall community. I will be serving as interim president of the Holland Hall Alumni Board for the next several months. It is an honor to give back to a school that has continued to play an important role in my life, here in Tulsa, for decades.

My Holland Hall education began in seventh grade at the Birmingham campus. Girls were allowed the basic navy and white sailor suit uniform with knee socks, navy or white, and traditional black and white saddle oxfords. Period. It was the 1970s, and yes, we stood out everywhere we went off campus. At that young age, the attention felt awkward, but I also noticed many adults treated me more favorably than when I wore street clothes.

Throughout upper school at the new campus on 81st Street, the excess attention continued when we were off campus in our uniforms. Again, it was the 1970s, a time in our country of rebellion and culture shock, the likes of which had not been seen since the 1920s. I suspect the sight of school girls in sailor suit uniforms seemed a nod to tradition for adults that needed grounding during those tumultuous times.

My class of 1977 graduated and scattered across the state and country. Absent cell phones, many classmates remained in touch through friends, family, and snail mail. As we connected and compared notes, we found ourselves well prepared to succeed in classes, studies, and projects, at all levels. We began to truly value the education Holland Hall had provided us. After college, I returned to Tulsa for a business opportunity. Once again, the high regard and appreciation for a Holland Hall education continued. I grew to understand that being a Holland Hall alumna reveals qualities about a person without actual words being said. We pledged an Honor Code. We finish what we start. We can create and build the business, write the speech, give the speech, and answer questions afterward.

As alumni, we have been given a comprehensive education, and if willing, are capable of any task put before us. Holland Hall afforded us the necessary tools to succeed. How we use and apply those tools is an individual choice. I encourage our Holland Hall alumni to continue to recognize and celebrate the valuable tools a Holland Hall education has furnished. If you haven’t already, reach out to classmates, friends, or other alumni and continue the traditions of loyalty, honesty, and excellence. The Alumni Board, together with all of the Holland Hall community, would enjoy seeing you at upcoming events. Make time to reconnect!

Holland Hall Alumni Weekend is Sept. 25–27! Remember, this is an ALL-school event, not just for classes celebrating specific five–year benchmarks. The specific celebrations for 2025 are for classes ending in ’0 or ’5. Grab a classmate, friend or join the Alumni Board members and come out to the football game and/or party in the Commons afterward. We look forward to seeing you! H

JULIE YEABOWER ’77

Interim President of the Holland Hall Alumni Board

September

September

School

September

Class

Distinguished Alumni

Mark your calendars for Alumni Weekend 2025. Alumni Weekend is set for Thursday, Sept. 25, through Saturday, Sept. 27! The celebration will kick off with the Distinguished Alumni Awards ceremony on Thursday evening in the A.R. and Marylouise Tandy Dining and Wellness Center.

This year, the Holland Hall Alumni Board will recognize four exceptional graduates: two recipients of the Young Alumni Achievement Award, honoring alumni who have graduated within the past 15 years, and two recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Award.

Read on to learn more about these remarkable individuals and their inspiring accomplishments.

Young Alumni Achievement Award

Julian S. Abhari 2020

Julian Abhari is the founder and chief technology officer of SkinCheck, where he leads the development of cutting-edge AI technology to democratize early skin cancer detection and expedite access to dermatological care. His startup company and mobile app SkinCheck has impacted over 170,000 patients globally by bringing access to timely dermatological care, and his pioneering research in computer vision has resulted in peer-reviewed publications in top computer science journals and patent-pending innovations — creating the first visual AI skin cancer detector designed to work accurately across all skin tones.

Julian's background in technology stems from his time at Holland Hall, where his passion for computer science and engineering was ignited, creating his first mobile apps, game engines, and Machine Learning (ML) simulations throughout middle school and high school. After graduating from Holland Hall, Julian earned degrees in computer science, cyber security, biomedical engineering, and mathematics at The University of Tulsa.

Stephania G. Dulowski 2010

Stephania Dulowski is a film editor, director, and photographer based in New York City. Her work spans independent cinema, commercial campaigns, and music videos, often driven by bold storytelling and striking visuals.

Stephania’s recent movie editing credits include “Tendaberry,” which premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival in the NEXT category, and “Bunnylovr,” which premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival in the prestigious U.S. Dramatic Competition. She has collaborated with brands such as Apple Watch, Barbie, Adidas, Instagram, American Express, Delta, Nissan, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, and many more. She has edited music videos for artists including Katy Perry, Anthony Ramos, and The Chainsmokers. Her advocacy-driven work includes critical projects for Planned Parenthood, NARAL, and RAINN.

In 2020, she was named a Young Guns finalist by the One Club for Creativity, recognizing her standout work in commercial editing. After graduating from Holland Hall in 2010, Stephania earned her bachelor’s degree from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2014. Her passion for storytelling began at Holland Hall, where she first picked up a camera and found early encouragement to pursue a creative path. She is currently represented with her commercial editing work by Exile Edit.

Distinguished Alumni Award

Elizabeth J. Carstens 2007

In 2011, Elizabeth “Liz” Carstens received her bachelor’s degree in bioengineering at Rice University, during which time she began investigating nucleic acid based cancer drug development and delivery, modifying viruses for RNA therapeutic delivery to ovarian cancer models in collaboration with MD Anderson.

Concurrently, Liz obtained rigorous training in the engineering design process, working in hospitals directly with physicians to understand and iterate biomedical device designs. She continued her research while at medical school at the University of Texas Southwestern and during a competitive research fellowship at the National Institutes of Health, working on cancer immunotherapy. She then completed her internal medicine residency at the Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Based on Liz’s continued desire to optimize cancer therapy, by uniting nucleic acid nano-technologies and immunotherapy, she then completed a hematology/oncology fellowship at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. She is now an instructor at Dana-Farber and Harvard Medical School, where she is working on mRNA for CAR-T and T-cell engager (TCE) therapy for both solid and liquid malignancies in the lab of Eric Smith MD, Ph.D. CAR-T cells and TCE work by redirecting our most potent immune cells against different cancer targets. Some of her work is entering the early phases of clinical development prior to proceeding to clinical trial. She also attends on inpatient oncology services at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.

Barron C. Ryan 2005

Barron Ryan is an internationally renowned concert pianist, composer, and musical storyteller. He has released nine studio albums, published one illustrated storybook, and has been named one of “Ten Innovators to Watch in 2021” by Smithsonian Magazine. Barron continues to tour the country as a performing artist, composes original music, and offers music in the attempt to make the world a more beautiful place.

Throughout his career, Barron has performed in 38 states in the United States (adding two more in the next year). He’s a member of the Recording Academy and has headlined shows at Cain’s Ballroom and Guthrie Green. He has produced five solo albums (Classical with Attitude, The Masters’ Apprentice, First of Its Kind, 5 Flats, There Arises Light in the Darkness), and three additional albums with his father, Donald, as Ryan & Ryan (piano duo), titled “Face to Face,” “Kickin’ the Clouds Away,” and “Adeste Fideles.” Barron is a commissioned composer and an Oklahoma bestselling author.

We hope you’ll join us in honoring these extraordinary alumni and reconnecting with the Holland Hall community. The Distinguished Alumni event and Alumni Weekend are more than a celebration — it's a chance to revisit old friendships, share stories, and get a better sense of all the exciting things going on around campus. Mark your calendars, spread the word, and make a point of joining us. Go Dutch! H

Holland Hall Alumni Class Notes

1976

Mike Rushmore ’76 and his wife, Sue, were named Vail Valley (Colo.) Citizens of the Year for their many contributions to nonprofit organizations.

2000

Corey Babb ’00, a Tulsa gynecologist, just published his first book, “A Practical Guide to Female Sexual Medicine,” from CRC Press. It was released on May 6.

2001

Ravi Kapoor ’01 and Umang Sood ’01 were married on March 1 in Cancun, Mexico. Ashley Watkins ’01 was the maid of honor. Is it a coincidence that Ravi and Umang’s names are next to each other on Holland Hall’s Alumni Walk?

2002

Jason Deck ’02 and his wife, Debbie, just welcomed a fourth child in March. Jackson joins Rachel, 11, Kaylee, 7, and Sarah, 3.

2002

Neha Sangal ’02 recently moved back to Tulsa from Chicago. She and her husband, Sandeep, have two daughters, Aaliya and Kiara, ages 5 and 3. “My husband and I are both practicing ophthalmologists at The Eye Institute and Oklahoma Medical Eye Group. I would love to see familiar faces in the office.”

2003

2005

2005

2006

Spencer Pittman ’06 was appointed by Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt to the Task Force for the study of business courts. He also received the President’s Award from the Tulsa County Bar Association.

2007

Katherine Carter Kirby ’07 and Travis Kirby opened Small Batch Brewtique, 2429 N. Aspen, in Broken Arrow, last May. The store sells supplies to make beer, kombucha, and cheese. Check them out at smallbatchbrewtique.com

Laura Adams-Allen ’03 and Sean Allen had their first son, John Allen “JD,” on Jan. 4.

Mike Adams ’05 and wife, Tabitha, welcomed a new son, Kalan Rory, in February. He joins sisters Kadyn and Ally.

Jordan Cassidy ’05 married Stephen Rodack on March 15 in Scottsdale, Ariz.

2009

Elyse Tomasko-Curtis ’09 and her husband welcomed Ensley Rose Curtis on Jan. 17. She joins big brother Jaxon.

2012

Katherine Jezek Moore ’12 had John Henry Moore in November. He joined big brother Scott, who was born in September 2023.

2013

Caleb Dale ’13 welcomed daughter Rose in July.

2011

In October 2024, Allison Latham ’11 married Carter Bradley in Easton, Md.

2015/2017/2023

Audrey Wise ’15 is in her third year of OB/GYN residency in the Baylor Scott & White Medical Center (Texas). Annie Wise ’17 continues as an assistant tennis coach at Trinity University (Texas). She also recently earned her Doctorate in education at OSU and joined the Air Force Reserves, where she flies a C-5 Galaxy aircraft. Abby Wise ’23 finished her second tennis season at Oral Roberts University, where she earned the 2025 Iron Eagle Award, which is selected by the sports performance staff and goes to individual male and female athletes who are hard-working, tone-setters, consistent, and motivated to be the best that they can be in the weight room.

2021

Matthew Doyle ’21 and Ayden Korn ’21 just graduated from the United States Military Academy.

2022

2020

Daniel Bowers ’20 performed as Sarastro in the International Lyric Academy opera “The Magic Flute” in Vicenza, Italy.

2021

Holland Hall baseball standout Wallace Clark ’21 was drafted on July 14 by the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Cameron Walker ’22 was awarded the Goldwater Scholarship to continue his education beyond the University of Tulsa. “The Department of Defense’s continued partnership with the Goldwater Foundation ensures we are supporting the development of scientific talent essential to maintaining our nation’s competitive advantage,” said Dr. Jagadeesh Pamulapati, deputy assistant secretary of Defense for science and technology foundations, who oversees the NDEP program.

2023

Julian Aaronson ’23, a film student at New York University, was up for a grant with his latest project, a short film titled “Envi, A Coming of Age Horror.”

2023

Rahul Pai ’23 (pictured with Samantha Allen ’04 Renner) had an internship last summer at Ten-Nine Technologies, a battery material startup doing some very cool things.

2021 grad takes unusual path to career in investigative journalism

Garrett Yalch ’21 graduated from Washington University in St. Louis in May 2024 and immediately stepped into what many journalists would call a dream job. He’s an investigative journalist for The Frontier, a nonprofit newsroom based in Tulsa.

And he’s getting a lot of national attention.

“I focus on statewide investigations involving government and corporate accountability, labor, and immigration, as well as projects that involve the Tulsa area,” he said. “A project I began as an intern — investigating the exploitation of immigrant workers and connections to the Chinese government in Oklahoma’s marijuana industry — recently placed in national journalism awards.”

A philosophy major, Yalch originally planned to pursue a career in academia.

“WashU doesn’t have a journalism school, and I got involved in interdisciplinary research in cognitive science, history, and practical ethics,” he said. “But, during the summers, I had the opportunity to intern twice at The Frontier, which was founded by Bobby Lorton, a Holland Hall alum, in 2015 after he sold the Tulsa World.”

What or who at Holland Hall inspired what you pursued in college and what you’re doing now?

I’ve always had an interest in the biggest problems that face the world today — why global inequality persists, how emerging technologies like artificial intelligence might reshape the world, geopolitics and the relationship between the United States and

China, the influence of money in politics. Among many fantastic classes and teachers, I was able to develop these interests in the upper school in American Studies, which I had with Dr. Alexandrov and Mr. Parker, as well as during a semester studying in the Tulsa City Hall at Tulsa Term, with Mrs. Beckwith, Mrs. WilliamsMcKnight, and Dr. Clark.

Those interests lend themselves naturally to journalism, which, at its best, helps us understand at a granular level what problems exist, who or what perpetuates them, and what can be done to solve them.

Why The Frontier?

The Frontier is very unique because its nonprofit model gives us, as reporters, the time to pursue in-depth stories over many months — or even years. We’re not driven by ad revenue or page views, but by donations from people and foundations who care about accountability and public interest journalism. That support allows us to take on ambitious projects that can lead to real outcomes — shady businesses being shut down, corrupt leaders resigning, misspent public funds being returned to taxpayers, or the struggles of underserved people being addressed.

Stories you’re most proud of and why?

During my second summer interning at The Frontier, my editor suggested I look into Oklahoma’s lackluster oversight of its medical marijuana industry. It ended up turning into a year-long collaboration with ProPublica, a national investigative newsroom, and I continued working on it through my senior year of college. Our

reporting revealed that global criminal organizations — some with ties to China’s authoritarian government — have established thousands of industrial-scale illegal marijuana farms across Oklahoma, generating billions in profits and forcing Chinese immigrant laborers to work in conditions that resemble modern slavery.

Our reporting has prompted state and federal investigations and inspired some legislative reforms (though still not enough). The series won top prizes for investigative reporting from the Oklahoma Press Association and the Fort Worth Society of Professional Journalists, and placed in national awards, including Harvard University's Goldsmith Prize and Investigative Reporters and Editors’ Tom Renner Award.

Advice to HH students who might be interested in following in your footsteps? Things they can do now, and what they should be doing in college?

I’m not the best person to answer this because I took a very unusual path into journalism: I wasn’t a journalism major in college and I never took an official journalism class or wrote for my college newspaper. But what helped me the most was focusing on the basics: writing well, reading widely, thinking critically and creatively. In college, take

Links to stories: Save the date

small classes with passionate professors in disciplines like history, public policy, English, economics, contemporary philosophy/political theory, and so on. Try to figure out what specific topics you’re most interested in. Learn how to work with data, too, if you can.

A lot of journalists today also get caught up on whatever’s trending on social media. It has helped me to stay removed from that and to think about what needs attention or scrutiny that isn’t getting it. Also always be charitable. If you are writing a critical story, present the other side of the story in the strongest possible light and let your readers decide.

Another thing to note: There are far fewer investigative journalists working today, especially at the state and local level, than there were even a decade ago. At the same time, our state and our country have only grown more dysfunctional. That means there are many problems today going unreported. When you’re in college, instead of just writing for your school newspaper, there's nothing stopping you from digging into stories yourself. File open records requests with agencies that have jurisdiction over a problem you’re interested in, talk to experts and officials, and pitch a story to an outlet like The Frontier. (The summer before college, I pitched and wrote segments for a local public affairs radio show.) H

Friday, Aug. 29, 7 p.m.

Football vs. Cascia at Holland Hall

Alumni Weekend (Thursday, Sept. 25-Saturday, Sept. 27)

» Thursday, 9/25:

» Distinguished Alumni event

» Friday, 9/26:

» Morning Meeting

» Coffee with Faculty (present & retired)

» Athletic Hall of Fame Induction (5 p.m., location A.R. & Marylouise Tandy Dining and Wellness Center)

» Alumni BBQ on Chapman Green (6 p.m.)

» HH Football vs. the Idabel Warriors (7 p.m.)

» Alumni Party in the US Commons (after halftime of the game)

» Saturday, 9/27:

» Alumni Field Hockey (11 a.m., Lower Field turf)

» Class reunions for ’0s & ’5s in assorted locations around Tulsa

Sunday, Dec. 7

Lessons & Carols and Alumni gathering afterward. NOTE: This is NOT one of the years that ALUMNI will be joining with the Holland Hall choir during the service.

Friday, Feb. 6

Trivia Night

Monday, May 18

Holland Hall Golf Tournament

Opportunities to be connected during the year

» Wednesday, Oct. 15

» Career Panel with the Seniors

» Once a month throughout the school year

» Opportunities to speak at Upper School Morning Meeting

» Senior Internships

» Are you interested in having a Holland Hall Senior joining your business for a week in May 2026?

Clockwise from top: "Afro-Violet" 15 x 20 ft, Plaza Walls, OKC, 2020. Indoor mural located at Pinkberry in Norman, 2024. “Flow” 7 x 21 ft, Bricktown Canal, OKC, 2022. Tiffany and her partner, Kyle Van Osdol, at deadCenter Film Festival in Oklahoma City with the shirts designed by Tiffany.

Tiffany McKnight makes her mark on OKC arts scene

Tiffany McKnight ’06 has become well known in Oklahoma City’s arts community, most notably for her elaborate, colorful murals that adorn the metro.

Influenced by African textiles, Art Nouveau, and Abstract Expressionism, Tiffany’s signature style uses vibrant color palettes and bold patterns that have art lovers taking notice.

She recently participated in the Fifth Annual Sunny Dayz Mural Festival, which featured over 30 artists and more than 26 new murals in Calle Dos Cinco, part of the historic Capitol Hill District in Oklahoma City.

Additionally, Tiffany was selected the 2025 Artist for the deadCenter Film Festival, where she was commissioned to create custom graphics for an artist T-shirt and hat to be sold during the festival. The design, "All Eyes on Film," offered a vibrant collage of eyes that symbolize the vision, perspective, and collective creativity of filmmaking.

In April, she was featured in 405 Magazine and was selected for participation in the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition’s Artist Entrepreneur Program, which gave her in-dept training to become a full-time artist and business owner for her company, People by People (PXPOKC). People by People utilizes public speaking and creative consulting to advocate for artists and empower them to recognize their worth, providing access to funding and educational resources to help them thrive in their industries.

Currently, Tiffany lives and works as a full-time artist in Oklahoma City, where she’s accepting new commercial and residential commissions. You can view her work and send all art-related inquiries to tiffanymcknight.com H

"Semilla de Vida (Seed of Life)," Capitol Hill District, Oklahoma City. Photo: Bryce Bandy

Tiffany speaking at the OVAC Artist Entrepreneur Cohort pitch night.

Tiffany, Melissa Scaramucci, and Stephanie Pena at deadCenter Film Festival.

“Ascension”, With Love Project, OKC, 2020. Photo: Nathan Poppe

“Vibrant Connections” (north wall), by Tiffany McKnight | “Vibrant Connections” (east wall with the glass), by Tiffany McKnight and Aunj Braggs. Natatorium, Adult Wellness & Education Center, Norman, 2023. Image by Crossland Construction Company Inc.

‘On my honor’

BY RICHARD SPENCER

Holland Hall

When the school decided to begin its migration to the 81st Street campus, a variety of changes began to take shape, especially at the upper school, as it became the first branch to settle onto the new 162-acre campus in 1970.

The new Commons allowed for a community building morning meeting, and the modular schedule was created to give students and faculty a wide range of possible curricular activities. In addition to those two transformative elements, a new disciplinary approach was put into place. It was called the Disciplinary Council. It was created to address disciplinary issues that rose above the minor student infractions. These categories included, but were not confined to: alcohol use, harassment, technology abuse, plagiarism, drugs, theft, leaving campus without permission, conduct unbecoming of a Holland Hall student, vandalism, and excessive minor violations.

The Council was composed of the dean of students, several faculty members, and several students, chosen by their peers. The purpose of the council was to hear cases brought to it by the dean. Council members would sit down with the student who had committed

Holland Hall’s Honor Council has storied history

the offense in a conference-like setting. There, they would ask questions trying to identify a rationale for the student’s behavior. It wasn’t a trial, as the student’s guilt was already determined, so these sessions served to determine consequences and allow the student to regain the trust of the community. In other words, it was a process of restorative justice – a chance for the student to reflect on their actions and hopefully make a commitment to learn and grow from their mistakes.

After meeting with the student, the Council

met privately to discuss what consequences might be appropriate. These decisions were universally unanimous. Upon completing that task, the dean of students would take the Council’s decision and suggested consequences to the head of upper school for validation. In most cases, the head would approve the recommendations.

The following day, or shortly thereafter, the dean would stand up in Morning Meeting, identify the student and his/her actions, along with the assigned consequences. The first known

case to be adjudicated was in the spring of 1972. A male student had gone through a number of his classmates’ lockers without permission and “messed with” some of their possessions. His actions were categorized as conduct unbecoming a Holland Hall student. His consequences were as follows: He was placed on disciplinary probation for an undetermined period of time, suspended from school for 10 days, and required to seek “professional help” while out of school.

This was the first time that a Disciplinary Council deliberation/verdict was made public to the student body at large — “in the hope that (it) will break down any false rumors and clarify the school's position in this matter, and that it will be a precedent to be continued in the future.”

Eventually, this disciplinary group would be renamed to the Honor Council. The makeup of the Council consisted of eight faculty members, nominated by and elected by their peers. The student members were also nominated by their classmates, and two students from each class were elected by their peers. The dean of students still directed the Council and called them to order as they deemed appropriate.

The practice of identifying the student publicly held true until November 2013. In a landmark plagiarism case, the parent protested the reading of her daughter's name in the Morning Meeting stating the consequences. It was decided by new Head of School JP Culley that going forward, the student's name would no longer be read in the consequences announcement. As the following year opened, the school’s handbook reflected that change. “To bring closure to an incident, a public announcement is made during Morning Meeting following the final assignment of consequences, announcing the offense and the assigned consequences. A student may choose to have his/her name attached to the announcement or remain anonymous.”

Even as a private school, it was decided that the right to student privacy pertains to education records, as well as extending to admissions and conduct.

In October 2015, two student leaders took on the challenge of composing an honor code for their classmates. It reads as follows: “On my honor, I

promise to be loyal to the mission of Holland Hall. In accordance with the community’s values, I will respect myself, my environment, and those around me. I will be honest in all my interactions and strive to display leadership in all that I undertake. In addition, I will always be thoughtful in my actions, knowing they can’t be undone. The cornerstone of our honor system is self-regulation, for only through that can we grow to meaningfully trust one another and live harmoniously.” Those students were Anna Schale ’16 and Pete Kelly ’16. Anna was a four-year member and president of the Honor Council, and Pete was president of the student body and a three-year member of the Council.

To date, the Council members are nominated in the same manner and continue to meet with students who violate the school’s honor code, as they have for more than 50 years. That said, two major changes have recently been enacted in the process.

First, students who have demonstrated a propensity toward minor violations are given notice that their next infraction will necessitate a meeting with the Council. More substantial though was the decision in 2021 to do away with any public announcement of a student’s violation or consequences.

One must admit that attitudes, processes, and procedures must evolve over time. Still, the Honor Council continues to provide an important service in our community. In addition to providing accountability, it offers a forum for reflection and a chance at redemption for those who misstep. It also offers hope that mistakes don’t have to define who we are.

As James Joyce says, “mistakes … are the portals of discovery.” H

Richard Spencer served as middle school dean of students from 2000 to 2005 and upper school dean of students from 2012 to 2019.

Top Left: The 2007 Disciplinary Council stands with Dean Richard Spencer. Left Middle: The 1979-80 Disciplinary Council was a precursor to the Honor Council.

Above: The 1982-83 Discipline Committee is photographed outside the upper school.

How the Holland Hall upper school gives back

BY MADDIE PHILLIPS ’25

At Holland Hall, community service and outreach are a huge part of who we are as a community. Over the last few years, it’s grown into a schoolwide commitment to making a difference, together. From cofounding our Upper School Day of Service to helping lead SPUD Club, I’ve had the privilege of watching our student body come alive when we serve others.

The Upper School Day of Service

About two years ago, Leah Beakey ’25 and I brought an idea to our administrators: What if we paused classes for a full day and instead sent every single upper school student and faculty member out into the Tulsa community to serve? That dream became a reality the school year before last year — and it’s already become one of our most meaningful traditions.

Our inaugural Day of Service was inspiring. We served 1,731 hours and prepared 13,660 meals in just one day. This year, we took things even further. Across 19 different philanthropies — Emergency Infant Services, Tulsa Dream Center, Happy Hands, Tulsa Hills Youth Ranch, Up With Trees, Oasis Fresh Market, Tulsa Day Center, Ronald McDonald House, Iron Gate Tulsa, Meals on Wheels of Metro Tulsa, Lindsey House, Bixby Outreach Center, Building All Children, Catholic Charities, Crosstown Learning Center, Reading Partners Tulsa, The

Common Good Tulsa, City Lights Foundation, and Holland Hall primary school/campus — we served a combined total of 2,009 hours. It takes a lot of work behind the scenes to pull off something of this scale. Planning starts in October, and by the time late January rolls around, we’ve spent hundreds of hours coordinating logistics, busing, student groupings, and more. Our DOS Planning Committee this year — Harper Jones ’26, Marley Wilkerson ’26, Naomie Steele ’26, Emily Bergenroth ’27, Madison Watts ’27, and Ali Hibbard ’27 — absolutely blew me away with their dedication. Every single one of them applied, interviewed, and committed to something much bigger than themselves. I’ve helped plan a lot of events over the years, but I’ve never worked with a more thoughtful, hardworking group of young leaders. Watching our entire upper school scatter across Tulsa to serve — and then come back with stories of impact, connection, and gratitude — has reminded me why we started this in the first place.

SPUD Club: Students Participating in Unselfish Deeds

One of my favorite parts of Holland Hall is co-leading SPUD Club (Students Participating in Unselfish Deeds) with Leah Beakey ’25 We started SPUD to gather students who are passionate about serving others and give them monthly chances to make a difference — together.

Some of our most memorable moments this

year have been sponsoring a meal with Tulsa City Lights, where more than 40 members of our Holland Hall community served hundreds of people in need with the financial donation of Mr. Culley. On Easter we hosted and served dinner at the Tulsa Day Center, where we shared a holiday meal with over 100 guests.

Community service drives

Another way we bring our community together around service is through our community service drives, led by Kingsley Craft ’25 and the STUCO Community Service Committee. Twice a year, our grades compete to collect the most items for local organizations. This past year, we hosted a Winter Warmth Drive and a Wellness Drive, partnering with groups like Tulsa City Lights, Emergency Infant Services, the Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, and Ronald McDonald House. The Wellness Drive brought in 2,609 donated items, and the Winter Warmth Drive brought in 1,268.

There’s something really special about watching our Commons area fill with sleeping bags, hygiene products, nonperishable food, and more — all donated by students who want to help. It’s a reminder that service doesn’t have to be grand to be meaningful.

Service at Holland Hall isn’t about checking a box of community service hours. We are actively building a culture rooted in something deeper than ourselves, and I am so proud to be part of a school community that values this as much as Holland Hall does. H

Gratitude Report Advancement

Department

Holland Hall accepted the challenge in many ways this year

Dear Dutch,

When Head of School JP Culley invited us to “Accept the Challenge” together this year, we did not know how deeply we would be tested. Throughout the triumphs and heartaches we faced, the strength of the Dutch family remained unmistakable. In times of joy and in times of need, this community shows up — with generosity, compassion, and unwavering support.

Each year, we invite families to Engage, Serve, and Give — and this year, you did just that. Parents, alumni, alumni parents, grandparents, faculty, retirees, and students engaged and helped serve the transformative educational opportunities we offer at Holland Hall. Thank you for your involvement and for giving to support our beloved school!

Thanks to generous donors, we made major progress on several strategic priorities this year — including the Self Family Welcome Center, the All Saints Chapel expansion, and the new turf field. We are grateful for their support and leadership in helping fund the priorities outlined in our strategic plan. Next, we look toward transforming our middle school. The “Beyond the Building” article offers a preview of what’s ahead, and the timeline for the project will depend on continued philanthropic investment from our community.

Another powerful example of our community’s generosity can be seen in Holland Hall Fund support, which we rely on to provide the school’s exceptional academics, arts, athletics, financial aid, and faculty development. That generosity was especially visible during our third annual Giving Day, One Day, One Dutch, when more than 300 donors rallied in just 24 hours to uplift these essential programs. Upper school students also joined in the excitement by participating in the inaugural “Dutch Hunt,” learning about the importance of philanthropy at Holland Hall.

Led by Liz White, the Parents’ Association expanded opportunities for families to volunteer and connect. With more than 70 council members, their work had a meaningful impact. We’re so grateful to them — and to all who gave their time and talents.

The Gratitude Report that follows illustrates the power of philanthropy at Holland Hall. Continued support from both current donors and past benefactors helps shape the future of our school — and we are so thankful for your partnership. H

With gratitude,

Amy England Chief Advancement Officer Parent of Simon ’34 and Elliott ’37

AMY ENGLAND Chief Advancement Officer

Gratitude Report

The difference between good and great is provided by contributions from people like you. Holland Hall excels because of the generosity of our Dutch community. To the Trustees, faculty, alumni, parents, grandparents, parents of alumni, and the many friends who have demonstrated their belief in Holland Hall’s mission by making a gift to the school, thank you!

‘ Lean into the unknown’

Luc Tomasino reflects on life’s journey and giving back

BY KIM TOMLINSON Development Coordinator

Luc Tomasino’s ’81 journey began in Rome, Italy, where he was born. He arrived in Oklahoma because his family moved here for his father’s job at Zebco. In fourth grade he moved from Tulsa’s Barnard Elementary School to Holland Hall.

The transition was challenging, but it was at Holland Hall where his learning journey truly began to take shape. Surrounded by a community that believed in him, Luc found both support and high expectations. “They stayed on me every step of the way,” he says. “The opportunities we had at Holland Hall were too important to waste.”

That belief stuck. Luc graduated cum laude in 1981 and, encouraged by his teachers and the headmaster, applied to Northwestern University. It felt like a long shot — socially, financially, and academically — but he applied anyway.

And he got in.

At Northwestern, Luc didn’t have a lot of

time for fun due to working multiple jobs — cleaning the fraternity for room and board, shelving books at the library, washing dishes, and eventually being a teaching assistant. These experiences taught him grit and responsibility. The values instilled at Holland Hall stayed with him every step of the way.

From dorm cleaner to industry leader

Luc went on to lead private equity-backed international media and tech companies, helping drive growth and successful exits. The ventures he was a part of helped bring independent broadcast television for the first time to Eastern Europe, revolutionized international live sports and news transmission, and built a global leader in dubbing and subtitling for the major international broadcasters and Hollywood film studios. Today, thanks to his leadership, content from major media companies is localized in over 54 languages. Through it all, Luc kept a heart for service and a belief in the power of connection.

Continue on page 96 »

Global impact, local roots

In 2023, Luc joined a convoy with Medical Life Lines Ukraine, delivering ambulances and supplies from London to Kyiv. To date over 100 ambulances have been delivered. The journey was grueling, but the gratitude of the Ukrainian people left a lasting mark.

While in Kyiv, he delivered a flag from Oklahoma’s Thunderbird 45th Infantry Brigade to Kyiv’s main military hospital — a gesture of solidarity and a tribute to his roots.

Giving back

Now living in France with his wife, Bénédicte, and children, Clément and Mathilda, Luc stays closely connected to Holland Hall. Reconnecting with the school inspired him to give back — to help future students find their own way.

Through a planned gift via the James and Leta Chapman Bequest Society, Luc is supporting financial aid and the study of world languages and international relations — reflecting both his gratitude and his global perspective.

“I received financial aid, and it changed my life,” he says. “I want others to have that same chance.”

Luc’s parents, Jeannine and Angelo Tomasino, were foundational influences, teaching him service, perseverance, and compassion.

A message for today’s students

“You hold the pen —or keyboard! — that writes

Bequest Society

your future. Life will challenge you and throw curveballs your way but meet each one with courage and curiosity. Lean into the unknown; that’s where true growth happens. And as you find your way, don’t forget to reach back and lift up others. Their smiles, their wins, and the hope you helped spark will inspire. That’s the part of the journey you’ll carry with you the longest.”

Through his planned gift, Luc honors his family and alma mater — ensuring future generations of Holland Hall students have the same chance to grow, give, and thrive. H

The James and Leta Chapman Bequest Society is named after two of Holland Hall's most ardent champions. Membership in the group is extended to all who have included Holland Hall in their estate plans. To be celebrated as a member of The Chapman Bequest Society, one must simply notify Holland Hall that it has been named as a beneficiary within the individual’s will, retirement or life insurance plan, charitable trust or annuity, or any means that conveys future real or personal property to the school. By directing a gift to Holland Hall, you create a perpetual legacy impacting students for generations to come. To be welcomed into this esteemed group, please contact Lance Ortiz in the Advancement Office, lortiz@hollandhall.org or (539) 476-8085.

Anonymous

Judith Pape Adams ’57

Douglas and Amy Allen

Miriam Parrish Baird ’28 Trust

Horace G. Barnard, Jr.

Bill Bass ’69

Paulette and John Bennett ’70

Margery Mayo Feagin Bird ’33

Annie and Stephen Brady

Ashley N. Bray

Charles H. Brown

Genevieve Alcott Causse ’55

Leta and James Chapman

Ena B. Cochran

Mary and JP Culley

Peter and Margie Harned ’82 Diaz

Rod and Danette ’85 Elliott-Mullens

Karen and Bill Freudenrich

Audra Hewgley Gallegos

Charles Gregory Gephart ’71

Charlie Goddard ’21

Ellen Goddard ’17

Jackson Goddard ’15

Keith ’87 and Beth Lieser ’86 Goddard

Elizabeth Griot Hagans

Ronald G. Harper

Robert Hughes ’84

Alissa and JJ Hurley

Shelley Smith Jackson ’64

Jim Kincaid and Danica Bruce

Courtney Latta Knoblock

Patricia and Richard Lieser

Charles E. Locke, Jr. ’77

Victoria and Wayne MacNaughton ’75

Tammie and J. David Maloney

Eugene L. McCarthy ’77

Jack G. Morris

Lodie Naimeh-Saliba and K. Michael Saliba

Thomas D. Neal ’76

Mary Frances Walter O'Hornett ’35

Grace Porter

Sanford Roberds ’93

Dave Rossetti ’70 and Jan Avent

Hal and Tracy Lorton ’82 Salisbury

Shelby H. Scott

Nancy L. Seay

Leigh Ann Moss and Eric Sherburn

Katherine Q. Sinclair

Edward C. Sloan, Jr.

Joanne L. Farmer Suppes ’39

Luc Tomasino ’81

Ashwini and Atul Vaidya

Jay P. Walker Charitable Trust

Pauline McFarlin Walter Trust

Peter M. Walter

Deborah Weston

Elizabeth and William S. White

‘ Entrenched in the school — in all kinds of good ways’

BY MAREN HETTLER ’25

Robin Flint Ballenger ’63 still remembers the day her classmates started collapsing to the floor around her in junior kindergarten. She thought they were playing a game and pretending to take a nap.

It wasn’t a game — it was a gas leak. “We had to evacuate the school. That was a fun day,” she remembers. She had only recently enrolled at Holland Hall after her family moved from Memphis, Tenn., to Tulsa. “I met my friend Gwen, who is still a friend today. Holland Hall has meant lifelong friends.”

Robin’s ties to Holland Hall span four generations. “My aunt graduated, I graduated, my daughter graduated, and I’ve had two grandchildren graduate,” she said. Two more grandchildren, Jude Alderman ’29 and Vivian Alderman ’26, are current students. “We’re kind of entrenched in the school — in all kinds of good ways.”

Charles W. Flint Jr., Robin’s father, was a key figure in the school’s first major capital campaign and was later honored with the naming of the Flint-Williams Gymnasium. He also helped guide the school's physical expansion during the late 1950s and was part of the influential Faith Committee, a group of core trustees who made substantial personal

financial contributions and helped the school take bold steps toward growth.

Years later, Robin became chair of the Board of Trustees, following the footsteps of her father who had served in the same role decades earlier.

The campaign for a new middle school is a full-circle moment for Robin.

“My dad was board chair when the current middle school was built,” she said. “I have had the chance to be on the ground floor of the campaign that will give us the middle school that our students deserve.”

The Flint Family Foundation, where she now serves as president, is a quiet but significant force behind educational initiatives and other worthwhile causes in Tulsa. Over the years, the Flint-Ballenger family has supported key initiatives at the school, reflecting a family commitment to ensuring Holland Hall’s continued growth and excellence.

Robin is quick to downplay her role. “I'm just a regular person who happened to have board experience and got to be able to have the chance to lead the board of this wonderful school and to experience its vibrancy up close.”

Robin graduated in 1963 — the last all-girls class. “There were 15 young ladies in my class,” she said. “That's not very good preparation for the world. It was a pretty unrealistic atmosphere.”

But she credits transformative teachers for helping her develop a broader perspective. “There were things I had never noticed before,” she said. “It was the teachers who helped me see that — who opened the windows to the world for me. I’m so grateful to them.”

The impact her teachers left on her was reflected in her leadership.

“I always tried to think of things from multiple points of view, especially the faculty’s point of view, because really, the faculty and what goes on in the classroom are the heart of Holland Hall,” she said. “The atmosphere of the campus matters, and extracurriculars matter, but the learning that goes on in the classroom is the most important, to me at least.”

As board chair, she made it a priority to ensure that teachers felt supported. “If the faculty doesn’t feel appreciated and cared for, things can go sideways quickly — and that’s not good for anyone. I hope the faculty know that I always had their back.”

As a grandparent, Robin has loved seeing how each generation experiences the school differently, but with the same values. “It's been really fun for me to watch my grandchildren go through Holland Hall, each in a different way, and do really well,” she said. “And leave the school having learned how to be confident and thoughtful good citizens.” H

Robin Ballenger reflects on a lifetime of connection to Holland Hall

Vivian ’26, Tobey ’91, Jude ’30, Jeff, and Sebastian ’23 Alderman stand with former Board Chair Robin Flint Ballenger ’63

Donors make great things happen every day at HH

The Holland Hall Fund provides flexible, annual support that directly impacts academics, arts, athletics, technology, financial aid, and faculty development. Your donation helps keep tuition accessible, attracts outstanding educators, and creates opportunities for curious, engaged students across every division.

“It’s been a privilege to donate to this school, knowing how many people came before us and helped build the learning environment that has meant so much to our family.” — Liz White, Parent ’27

Why does Holland Hall fundraise?

It’s a common question: “If families pay tuition, why does the school still ask for donations?” The answer is simple – but important. Tuition covers a lot, but it doesn’t cover everything. Like most independent schools, Holland Hall intentionally keeps tuition lower than the actual cost to educate each student. Why? To keep our community accessible and diverse.

That’s where fundraising plays a vital role – especially through the Holland Hall Fund. These annual gifts help provide the additional resources needed to deliver the full Holland Hall experience beyond the cost of tuition. As our gratitude report shows, a strong mix of tuition, investment income, and philanthropy ensures we can offer the outstanding education, dedicated teachers, and vibrant programs our community expects – now and for generations to come.

We are especially proud to recognize our Schureman Circle donors. These leadership-level supporters contributed $1,000 or more in the 2024-25 school year, making a powerful investment in Holland Hall. Last year we introduced expanded giving levels within the Circle to better celebrate the generosity of our community and acknowledge the collective effort it takes to move our mission forward.

Each level — Leaders, 1922 Society, Benefactors, Founders, Directors, and Visionaries — reflects a meaningful commitment to sustaining and advancing the Holland Hall experience. Leadership donors are invited to appreciation events and may choose to direct their gift to a particular area or allow the school to use it where it is most needed.

We are grateful to the individuals and families listed below. Your support makes so much possible and helps Holland Hall continue to grow, thrive, and inspire. H

Visionaries

Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma

Cynthia and Ron Hoffman

Tammie and David Maloney

$25,000+

Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies

Pauline McFarlin Walter Trust

Directors

Anonymous

Acworth Foundation

Annie and Stephen Brady

$24,999 – $10,000

Cecil & Virgie Burton Foundation

George and Jennie Collins Foundation

Mollie and J.W. Craft

Sarah and John Graves

Ketchum Charitable Foundation

Patty and Bill Lawson

Linsey and D.J. Lees

Sarah Lees

Betsy and Greg Little

The Oneal Family Fund

D'Ann and Brett Riley

Jan Avent and Dave Rossetti ’70

Brenda Self

Lynn Sprouse and Joe Hanson

Lisa and Dane Tucker

Kori and Dennis Weikle

Kelly and Rick Wilkerson

Bronya and Chad Zamarin

Founders

Robin Ballenger ’63

Nancy and Jay Bird ’67

$9,999 – $5,000

Kate Atkinson Carrier and Matthew Carrier

Mary and JP Culley

Jill Jones ’76 and Jim ’76 Deck

Leslie Berlin ’87 and Rick Dodd ’87

Allan Evans ’99

Jean Ann and Tom Fausser

Flik Independent School Dining

Beth Lieser ’86 and Keith ’87 Goddard

Amber and Scott Graybill

Rian and Mike Guidry

Hank and Nancy Nolley ’62 Harbaugh

Jim Hawkins

Hawkins International

Robert Hughes ’84

Sally Hughes

Alissa and JJ Hurley

Pattie and Kirby Jarolim

Leslie and Keith Kelly

Lisa and Dave Keylor

Leslie and Steve Lake

Dana and Jason Lee ’93

Meredith and Justin Lesher

Mahan Family Foundation

Heather and Doug May

Bob Merrick

Taylor and Robby Merrick ’99

Ruth Nelson Family Foundation

Joe and Jennifer Potts Family Foundation

Jen and TomM Sharpe

Lorna Wood and Don Wehrs ’74

Brooke and James Woods

Donna Yaffe

Maxine and Jack Zarrow Family Foundation

Benefactors $4,999 – $3,000

Annatina and Michael Aaronson ’93

Jan and Roger Adams

Phil ’73 and Julie Tate ’74 Allen

Renea and Rance Dyer

Marnie and John Flegler

Katrine and Ramez Hakim

Laura and Walt Hulse

The Stephen E. and Shelley S. Jackson Family Foundation

JaHannah and Edward Jamelarin

Sarah and David Jankowsky

Ellen and Carlisle Mabrey

Lorrayne and Ted Mauck

Betty and Tom Rains

Allison Sitrin-Warshaw ’79

Karin Crockett Smith ’69

1922 Society $2,999 – $1,922

Chris and Tim Armstrong

Tonya and Richard Atkinson

Lucy and John Barker

Megan Rule Beck ’98

Canon and Luke Bomer

Faye Hutcherson and Dennis Calkins

James Chin

Kalei and Hansen Dirani

Kimberlie Dullye ’83

Amy and Andy England

Lindsay and Ron Fick

John and Elizabeth Lawson ’83 Linehan

Vicki and Patrick McDonie

Jody Parker

Lindsay Patterson, PhD

Laura and Steve Paul

Janelle and Nick Pavlis

Alan Philoon ’73

Shirley and Randall Pogue

Diana and Patrick Pugh ’91

Sandhya and E.P. Reddy

Sanford Roberds ’93

Whitney and Drew Ryan ’93

Sarah Poston and Mark Sanders ’78

Amy and David Schaffer

Molly and Chico Seay ’80

Sally and Richard Sharpe

Chelsea and Anthony Showalter

Sarah and Grant Stewart

Barbara Sturdivant

Dana Weber ’75

Anne and Ty Westfield

Liz and Scott White

Leaders $1,921 – $1,000

Anonymous

Liz and Bob Austin

Bart and Cathy Cloud ’87 Barre

Mary and Bill Bass ’69

Nancy Baumann

Sharon Beckwith

Caroline Berry

Angie and Jeff Boatman

Matthew and Lindsey Hawkins ’95 Bristow

Cristin Bruns and Matt Meyer

Lisa and Dennis Cameron

Mary Ann and Craig Cameron

Elizabeth and Brian Carson

Lori and Tim Carver

Kathie Coyle

Judy Critchfield

Tony and Samantha Weyrauch ’92 Davis

Patti and Wes Dunbar

Diane and Alex Eaton ’81

Susan McCready Edwards ’73

Barbara and Barry Eisen

Camille and Poorya Fazel

Jeni and Bijan Fazel

Barry and Melinda Crockett ’66 Franklin

Jill and Terry Grewe

Alvina and Richard Hart

Lori and Bob Hauge

Whitney and Steve Heldebrand

Tina and Zak Helmerich ’74

Janell Jones ’72 and Rik ’71 Helmerich

Betsy and Bryan Hendershot

Theresa Hill

Diane and Rick Hudson

Ellen and Eugene Ichinose

Nadia and Roy Johnson ’74

Anne and Chris Kappes

Callum Kerr ’00

Linda and Grif Lesher

Carri and Gary Lewis

Caroline and Bryan Lieber ’02

Leslie Daubenberger ’85 and Bobby ’87 Lorton

Alexa and Jason Maloney ’07

Anne Feighner McCarthy and Larry McCarthy

Cynthia and Tim McFerrin

Rachel and George Monks

Daleen and Andrew Nimick

Didi and Tim Noelker

Gay Lyn Parrish ’64

Susan Stuart Peterson ’97

Cyndy and Michael Phillips

Sandie and Donne Pitman

Holland Hall Tribute Gifts

In Honor Of

AVA ABBOTT ’33

Elizabeth and Brian Carson

STELLA ABBOTT ’35

Elizabeth and Brian Carson

GINGER ACEBO

John and Noel O'Haren ’94 Groves

ROGER AND JAN ADAMS

Sean Allen and Laura Adams-Allen ’03

OLIVIA AGRAWAL ’33

Khanh and Neil Agrawal

ALEX ALABBASI ’12

Kathleen and Bob Alabbasi

KATHLEEN ALABBASI

John and Noel O'Haren ’94 Groves

JEFFREY ALDERMAN

Jeanne Hartley-Ballenger and Bob Ballenger

JUDE ALDERMAN ’29

Jeanne Hartley-Ballenger and Bob Ballenger

VIVIAN ALDERMAN ’26

Jeanne Hartley-Ballenger and Bob Ballenger

AARON ARNOLD

Corrine and Wesley Arnold

ANN MARIE ARNOLD ’20

Corrine and Wesley Arnold

KELLY ARNOLD ’25

Corrine and Wesley Arnold

MADELINE ARNOLD ’24

Corrine and Wesley Arnold

MORGAN ARNOLD ’22

Corrine and Wesley Arnold

PAIGE ARNOLD

Corrine and Wesley Arnold

ARIELLE AUERBACH ’26

Elyse and Stuart Auerbach

COREY BABB ’00

Jannelle and Ray Babb

HALEY BABER ’21

Valerie and Gene Baber

SHELLY BAGWELL

Linsey and D.J. Lees

TOBEY BALLENGER ’91

Jeanne Hartley-Ballenger and Bob Ballenger

ANNASTEN BASENER ’28

Amy Hurlburt and Clint Basener

Platinum Mechanical, LLC

Sarah and Madhav Reddy ’03

Maile and Chai Reddy ’97

Bishop Poulson Reed

Will and Sam Allen ’04 Renner

Bard and Julie Johnson ’82 Richmond

Mallory and Alan Roark

Ariel Balter and Roger Roberts ’83

Hannah and Joe Robson

Dave Rogers ’78

Joe Rossetti ’73

Amy and Stephen Santee

Sue and Kent Schobe ’64

Kristi and Doug Self

Diane and Byron Shen

Sandy and Katy Hall ’00 Shurin

Kulsum and Jamal Siddiqui

Georgia and Kenneth Snoke

Shirley and Dee Sokolosky

Dore' and Chad Stanford ’93

Diane and Mike Swartzendruber ’84

Ricky Thomas ’02 and Maureen Beasley

Hang Vo ’90

Carly and Joey Wignarajah ’00

Wanda Wolfkill

DREW BASENER ’31

Amy Hurlburt and Clint Basener

DUNE BEARD ’17

Laura and John Vance

HANNAH BECK

Tempest and Doug Dulany

JANE BECKWITH

Neil Bergenroth and Cathy Rose

JILLIAN BECKWITH ’25

Jane and Chris Beckwith ’88

Sharon Beckwith

PHOEBE BECKWITH ’22

Jane and Chris Beckwith ’88

SUTTON BEESON ’36

Sarah Beeson

Platinum Mechanical

JENSLEY BLACK ’27

Gina and Wes Black

STELLA BLACK ’32

Gina and Wes Black

COLTON BOMER ’32

Jeri and Don Bomer

GRAHAM BOMER ’37

Jeri and Don Bomer

DUKE BRACE ’37

Whitney and Michael Brace

RUBY BRACE ’36

Whitney and Michael Brace

HLINDSEY HAWKINS ’95 BRISTOW

John and Noel O'Haren ’94 Groves

BETSY BROMLEY

Maile and Chai Reddy ’97

CHARLIE BROWN

Ninette and John Ashley ’74

Roux and Jennifer Jones ’93 Carroll

Rosalie Childs

Caroline Crain

Angie and Jon Stolper

ISLA BROWN ’32

Matt ’99 and Erica Joseph ’99 Brown

TUCKER BROWN ’26

Matt ’99 and Erica Joseph ’99 Brown

JACKSON BUCHOLTZ ’25

Tamara and Mike Bucholtz

MADELEINE BUCHOLTZ ’31

Tamara and Mike Bucholtz

KEN BUSBY ’85

Peter and Jill Goff ’85 Wenger

JUSTIN BUTLER ’04

Phil and Jenn Muir

AURORA CAMPBELL ’35

Abi and Matt Campbell ’00

HENRY CAMPBELL ’36

Abi and Matt Campbell ’00

PATRICE CARDIEL

Barbara Reavis

GREG CAREY

Abi and Matt Campbell ’00

Monique and Blake Rollins ’96

EDDIE CAWIEZELL ’37

Laurel Ryan ’03

GILLIAN RYAN ’01 CAWIEZELL

Sharon and Donald Ryan

LAWRENCE CHEN ’33

Molly Cao and Zhou Chen

CLASS OF 1961

Harry and Barbara Vruwink ’61 Lee

CLASS OF 1964

Mark and Tina Dawson ’64 Rollins

Sue and Kent Schobe ’64

CLASS OF 1969

Jack and Judy Berry ’69 Ingraham

CLASS OF 1978

Dave Rogers ’78

CLASS OF 1984

Beth Sneed Sparks ’84

CLASS OF 1985

Rod and Danette ’85 Elliott-Mullens

Suzanne Hale ’85 and Jay Ham

CLASS OF 1988

Mark and Kelly Smith ’88 Bramlett

CLASS OF 1993

Ashley Parrish ’93 and Michael Overall

CLASS OF 1994

Sydney Snyder

CLASS OF 2000

Sandy and Katy Hall ’00 Shurin

CLASS OF 2002

Ricky Thomas ’02 and Maureen Beasley

CLASS OF 2020

Lily Siemens ’20

CLASS OF 2026

Linsey and D.J. Lees

CLASS OF 2031

Leigh Johnson

CLASS OF 2034

Jeni and Brad Helmer

MADISON COCO ’36

Paula and Jack Coco

LARA UTTER ’89 COLE

Kathy Elliott

GARRETT CONNER ’23

Elayna and Mike Conner

JOHN CONNOR ’18

Susan Connor

SUSAN CONNOR

Kylie and Tyler Allred

JILL COULTER

Hilary and Brian Green

SARAH COX

John and Noel O'Haren ’94 Groves

Angela and Matt Jones

CAROLINE CRAIN

Ashley Parrish ’93 and Michael Overall

JP CULLEY

Kema Belcher

Mandy Lam and Kit Folk

John and Noel O'Haren ’94 Groves

ELYSE TOMASKO CURTIS ’09

Norm Rosenberger

MARK CYRUS

Becca and Johnathan Parker

KELLY DANNER

John and Noel O'Haren ’94 Groves

Theresa and Mike Melega

JAMES DARDEN ’14

Dana Phillips

KATIE DARDEN ’18

Dana Phillips

COLTON DAVIS ’37

Julie and Tom Ballard

EMMA DAVIS ’35

Julie and Tom Ballard

BETTY DOUGALL

Laurie Spencer

LEONARD EATON

Diane and Alex Eaton ’81

AMY ENGLAND

Rebecca Nievar

ELLIOTT ENGLAND ’37

Bonnie England

Lindsay Patterson, PhD

SIMON ENGLAND ’34

Bonnie England

Lindsay Patterson, PhD

ARIANA FAZEL ’34

Camille and Poorya Fazel

Jeni and Bijan Fazel

EVERETT FAZEL ’37

Camille and Poorya Fazel

Jeni and Bijan Fazel

ALEX FELTEN ’26

Kim and Scott Felten

SYDNEY FELTEN ’26

Kim and Scott Felten

RHIANNON FOX ’38

Vanessa and Brandon Fox

ANDREW GOLD ’10

Nancy Lamoreux and Robert Gold

CAROLINE GOLD ’12

Nancy Lamoreux and Robert Gold

AUSTIN GRAVES ’33

Sarah and John Graves

HENSLEY GRAVES ’34

Sarah and John Graves

TURNER GRAVES ’38

Abby and Adam Graves

Sarah and John Graves

WHEELER GRAVES ’40

Sarah and John Graves

AMBER GRAYBILL

Diane and Byron Shen

LAUREN GREWE

Jill and Terry Grewe

TY GUNTER

John and Noel O'Haren ’94 Groves

MICHAEL HARRIS ’03

Anita Harris

BECCA HART ’10

Alvina and Richard Hart

JULIA HART ’14

Alvina and Richard Hart

RICHARD HART

John and Noel O'Haren ’94 Groves

Megan and Don Zetik

TOMMY HART ’11

Alvina and Richard Hart

LAUREN HAUGE ’10

Lori and Bob Hauge

HATCHER HELDEBRAND ’31

Whitney and Steve Heldebrand

HOLT HELDEBRAND ’22

Whitney and Steve Heldebrand

HUNT HELDEBRAND ’22

Whitney and Steve Heldebrand

STEVE HELDEBRAND

John and Noel O'Haren ’94 Groves

TINA HELMERICH

John and Noel O'Haren ’94 Groves

SHEPHERD HENDERSON ’37

Leslie and Al Higdon

HOLLAND HALL ADVANCEMENT TEAM

Pat and Gillian Ryan ’01 Cawiezell

Amy and Andy England

HOLLAND HALL ARTS FACULTY

Sarah and Steve Dyer

HOLLAND HALL ATHLETIC COACHES

Cathy and Dave Rowland

HOLLAND HALL BUSINESS OFFICE

Leslie and Keith Kelly

HOLLAND HALL FACULTY AND STAFF

Canon and Luke Bomer

HOLLAND HALL MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL

Leslie and Keith Kelly

HOLLAND HALL PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE FACULTY

Mary Alice and John Bird

HOLLAND HALL PRIMARY SCHOOL FACULTY & STAFF

Vanessa and Chris Jones

HOLLAND HALL SECOND GRADE TEACHING TEAM

Angela and Matt Jones

HOLLAND HALL TECHNOLOGY FACULTY

Leslie and Keith Kelly

HOLLAND HALL UPPER SCHOOL MATH DEPARTMENT

Karen and Olin Holmes

KAREN HOLMES

Ashley Parrish ’93 and Michael Overall

ROSE HOSKINS ’30

Caitlin Dixon

JULIA HOWELL

Chris and Tim Armstrong

NASH HOWELL ’27

Chris and Tim Armstrong

Gloria and Ron Howell

Julia and Paul Howell

LEVI HUDSON ’28

Linda and Mickey Ellis

Diane and Rick Hudson

OLIVIA HUDSON ’28

Linda and Mickey Ellis

Diane and Rick Hudson

MAX HUNT ’24

Liz Hunt

WILL HURLEY ’27

Lindsay and Ron Fick

Alissa and JJ Hurley

ISABELLA ILLNER ’35

Barbara and Thomas Illner

VICTORIA ILLNER ’33

Barbara and Thomas Illner

KELLY JEFFRIES

John and Noel O'Haren ’94 Groves

MAE JENKINS

Deborah Jenkins ’75

GINA JOHNSON

Angie and Jon Stolper

KEVIN JOHNSON ’08

Adair and Jay Johnson

KATELYN JOHNSON ’31

Miranda and Stephen Johnson

VANESSA JONES

John and Noel O'Haren ’94 Groves

CAMPBELL JOSSERAND ’28

Gay and Bill Campbell

JACKSON JOSSERAND ’25

Gay and Bill Campbell

THE KAPPES FAMILY

Susan Morrison

CECILIA KEITH ’32

Emily and Doug Keith

ABIE KOCH ’20

Lara and Brent Koch

LARA KOCH

John and Noel O'Haren ’94 Groves

JENNIFER LAMAR

John and Noel O'Haren ’94 Groves

DAPHNE ROSE LAND ’33

Katie and Matt Land

NINA JANE LAND ’31

Katie and Matt Land

ANNIE LANGLEY ’35

Fred Polizzi

REX LANGLEY ’30

Fred Polizzi

CRYSTAL LAWSON

John and Noel O'Haren ’94 Groves

BILL LAWSON

Anonymous

PATTY AND BILL LAWSON

Amy and Andy England

CONRAD LEES ’33

Ann and Donald Lees

KATE LEES ’31

Ann and Donald Lees

MARGARET LEES ’28

Ann and Donald Lees

ROMAN LEPAK ’27

Sharon and Roy Love

RYAN LEVINE ’25

Laura and Martin Levine

ASHER LINDSAY ’32

Susan and David Johnson

MELLI LINDSAY ’34

Susan and David Johnson

NEVI LINDSAY ’38

Susan and David Johnson

TATE LINDSAY ’39

Susan and David Johnson

KIT LITTLE ’39

Betsy and Greg Little

ROE LITTLE ’34

Betsy and Greg Little

LYNNE LOPEZ

John and Noel O'Haren ’94 Groves

ASHLEE LOWRY

Christy Utter ’92 and Sarah Vizza

CLAIRE MASSARO

Angela and Matt Jones

DAN MARTIN

Sarah Martin ’13

OLIVIA MARTIN ’33

Monica Lind Martin ’01

ROBY MARTIN ’16

Sarah Martin ’13

Sherry Taylor

SARAH MARTIN ’13

Sherry Taylor

ANDY MATSON ’02

Laurie Matson

CHRIS MCCONNELL

Christy Utter ’92 and Sarah Vizza

SCOTT MCCRARY ’36

Stephanie and Eric McCrary

Sue and Bill McCrary

SHANNON MCFADDEN

Amy Hurlburt and Clint Basener

SHELBA MCGOWEN

Mother Sarah Smith

ROMNEY NOWLIN ’94 MCGUIRE

John and Noel O'Haren ’94 Groves

ESTES MCNUTT ’30

Margie Murphy-McNutt and Brad McNutt

Debbie Wheeler

EZRA MEYERS ’37

Marsha Decker

Maggie and Brandon Meyers

ISLA MEYERS ’37

Marsha Decker

Maggie and Brandon Meyers

MAGGIE MEYERS

Kristi and Bryan Norman

LARKYN MILLER ’35

Janice Ray

ANNA MILLIGAN

Anthony Clay

Richard and Nan Hawkins ’91 Winton

DESIRE MIRSAEIDI ’26

Robbie Johnson

Barbara Sturdivant

SUMMER MOLLOY

John and Noel O'Haren ’94 Groves

ANNE MARIE MOORE

Christy Utter ’92 and Sarah Vizza

JEFFREY MOSELEY ’09

Toni Moseley

Elli and Phil Sweeney

E. MOSEMAN ’26

Becky and Scott Moseman

Joan and Joe Sizemore

JENN AND PHIL MUIR

Jennifer Klinkhamer and Justin Butler ’04

JOHNNY MYERS ’25

Anne Feighner McCarthy and Larry McCarthy

SARAH MYERS ’27

Anne Feighner McCarthy and Larry McCarthy

STEPHEN NIMICK ’07

Daleen and Andrew Nimick

ROARK OCEPEK ’34

Cristen and Nick Ocepek

WAVERLEY OCEPEK ’30

Cristen and Nick Ocepek

THE OSTROSKI FAMILY

Judy Critchfield

TEDDY OWENS

John and Noel O'Haren ’94 Groves

FAY PALMA

Ashley Parrish ’93 and Michael Overall

SOFIA PARDUCCI ’25

Liz and Silvano Parducci

BECCA PARKER

Hermien Terpstra

Ashley Parrish ’93 and Michael Overall

ELLI PARKER ’31

Joy and Floyd Richter

JOSLYN PARKER ’28

Joy and Floyd Richter

NICK PARKER ’04

Jody Parker

DAVID PARKS

Neil Bergenroth and Cathy Rose

John and Noel O'Haren ’94 Groves

ASHLEY PARRISH ’93

Christy Utter ’92 and Sarah Vizza

LIDDY PATTERSON ’19

Vanessa and Chris Jones

MASON PATTERSON ’23

Vanessa and Chris Jones

ADA PENROD ’33

Hilary and Nick Penrod

ANSON POHL ’24

Georgia and Kenneth Snoke

HEATHER POHL ’89

Georgia and Kenneth Snoke

HALLIE POLSON ’27

Maxie and Robert Polson

MADISON POTTS ’28

Bob and Lucy Cunningham

Jennifer and Joe Potts ’98

TYLER POTTS ’33

Bob and Lucy Cunningham

Jennifer and Joe Potts ’98

PRIMARY SCHOOL FACULTY AND STAFF

Vanessa and Chris Jones

PROSPECTIVE HOLLAND

HALL STUDENTS

Abby and Trevin Hoffman

PATRICK WHITNEY PUGH ’91

Gretchen and Owen Pugh

AUDREY PYLE ’36

Tara and Tyler Pyle

KISHEN REDDY ’32

Sandhya and E.P. Reddy

LEELA REDDY ’37

Sandhya and E.P. Reddy

MEENA REDDY ’34

Sandhya and E.P. Reddy

NARAYAN REDDY ’39

Sandhya and E.P. Reddy

ANDREA REESE

John and Noel O'Haren ’94 Groves

Emily and Doug Keith

AVEN REGIER ’39

Jeanie and Rod Regier

Penny and Jake Regier

JAMIE REICHARD

Abi and Matt Campbell ’00

Megan and Don Zetik

BIRDIE RENNER ’39

Will and Sam Allen ’04 Renner

HARRISON RENNER ’38

Will and Sam Allen ’04 Renner

PEARCE RENNER ’37

Will and Sam Allen ’04 Renner

JULIA ROARK ’25

Jennifer and Bill Roark

MADISON ROBERTS ’37

Laurie and Jeff Roberts

AXEL ROBSON ’34

Hannah and Joe Robson

WHITNEY ROBSON ’29

Hannah and Joe Robson

CAMPBELL ROGERS ’32

Martha and Raylon Rogers

LILLIAN ROGERS ’36

Martha and Raylon Rogers

THEA ROGERS ’36

Martha and Raylon Rogers

THOMAS ROGERS ’34

Martha and Raylon Rogers

MELISSA TOMASKO RUSSELL ’11

Norm Rosenberger

BARRON RYAN ’05

Sharon and Donald Ryan

LAUREL RYAN ’03

Sharon and Donald Ryan

ALICE SACRA ’30

Nancy Sacra

MARY-CATHERINE SACRA

John and Noel O'Haren ’94 Groves

LIAM SAGE ’35

Christa Sage

Ron Sage

ISAAC SANDLER ’35

Iris and David Sandler

LEO SANDLER ’37

Iris and David Sandler

CAMERON KEYLOR SAXON ’11

Lisa and Dave Keylor

LUKE SCHULTZ ’33

Karen and Rick Dodson

MADISON SCHULTZ ’36

Karen and Rick Dodson

MOLLY AND CHICO SEAY ’80

Diane and Byron Shen

Cristin Bruns and Matt Meyer

BYRON SHEN

Cristin Bruns and Matt Meyer

LILAH SIDDIQUI ’32

Kulsum and Jamal Siddiqui

SERENA SIDDIQUI ’30

Kulsum and Jamal Siddiqui

STAFFORD SIGMON ’33

Dana and Steve Sigmon

AMANDA SOLIVAN

Amy and Gregory Vargus

GREG SPENCER ’99

Christy Utter ’92 and Sarah Vizza

LAURIE SPENCER

Sarah and Steve Dyer

Elizabeth and Dan Martin

Diane and Byron Shen

Megan and Don Zetik

RICHARD SPENCER

Maile and Chai Reddy ’97

SHERYL SPRINGER

Erin and Chad Henderson

ASHLEY BABB ’01 STUDDARD

Jannelle and Ray Babb

GARY SWEENEY

Jessica Beustring ’07

BRANDY SYNAR

John and Noel O'Haren ’94 Groves

TYLER TAN ’20

Jin Guo and Qing Tan

DIANE AND BRIAN THOMPSON

Jennifer Klinkhamer and Justin Butler ’04

STANTON TILLMAN ’33

Heather Tillman

REID TOWNSEND ’37

Beverly and Stephen Townsend

GRIFFIN TUCKER ’23

Linda Ingram

KNOX TUCKER ’29

Linda Ingram

COLLINS TURNER ’32

Donna Yaffe

BRIAN UNDERWOOD

John and Noel O'Haren ’94 Groves

Jennifer and Brad White ’95

UPPER SCHOOL MATH DEPARTMENT

Karen and Olin Holmes

FATHER URMSON-TAYLOR

Diana Beebe

CHRISTY UTTER ’92

Roux and Jennifer Jones ’93 Carroll

Caroline Crain

Kathy Elliott

John and Noel O'Haren ’94 Groves

Ashley Parrish ’93 and Michael Overall

Jennifer and Brad White ’95

JEFF UTTER ’92

Kathy Elliott

JAMES VEASEY

Tucky Rhees Hazen ’63

WESTON VROOMAN ’13

Vicki Vrooman

STACEY WALKINGSTICK

Michelle and Daniel Miller

TONYA WARD

John and Noel O'Haren ’94 Groves

CAMRON WAUGH ’09

Nina Jackson

GRACIE WESTFIELD ’15

Anne and Ty Westfield

CAROLINE WHEELER ’21

Kari and Jerry Wheeler

ANNABELLE WHITE ’22

Adam and Jen Whisenhunt ’89 White

BRITTANY WHITE ’10

Tina and Zak Helmerich ’74

CHRIS WHITE ’07

Tina and Zak Helmerich ’74

GRACIE WHITE ’16

Tina and Zak Helmerich ’74

JENNIFER WHISENHUNT ’89 WHITE

John and Noel O'Haren ’94 Groves

NICK WHITE ’10

Tina and Zak Helmerich ’74

WILLIAM WHITE ’25

Kathryn White and Lela Batcheler

KELLY AND RICK WILKERSON

Amy and Andy England

STEVE WILLIAMSON ’64

Sue and Kent Schobe ’64

CAMRYN WINTERS

Hilary and Brian Green

KROSBY WINTERS ’34

Sarah and Mike Cox

STEVIE WINTERS ’37

Sarah and Mike Cox

JAY WOHLGEMUTH ’88

Kevinn Matthews ’88

JORDAN WOODARD

Janelle and Nick Pavlis

RASHAD WRIGHT

John and Noel O'Haren ’94 Groves

MARY YEAKEY

Amy and Doug Allen ’83

MACY YOUNG ’30

Audrey Sevenoaks

POPPY YOUNG ’32

Audrey Sevenoaks

KENSIE ZAMARIN ’30

Kate and Ron Zamarin

LOGAN ZAMARIN ’26

Kate and Ron Zamarin

AVA ZETIK ’24

Megan and Don Zetik

31st annual golf tournament tees up another big win for Holland Hall

The 31st Annual Holland Hall Golf Tournament, held at Meadowbrook Country Club on May 19, 2025, was once again a swinging success. With generous sponsors and enthusiastic players, the event brought together the community for a day of connection, competition, and support.

This year’s tournament welcomed 116 players and 31 corporate sponsors, raising a net gift of $54,580.69.

Thanks to Bill Knight Auto Group, players enjoyed shots at a Hole-in-One for a beautiful SUV sitting on Hole #4. Players stayed hydrated thanks to cold beer from In The Raw restaurants and water from OK Bottling Company.

Charles H. Brown, the organizer of the big event, once again delivered a well-run and memorable experience. Holland Hall is grateful to every sponsor, player, and volunteer who made the event such a success.

The golf tournament remains one of our most cherished traditions—proof that when community and school spirit meet on the green, everyone wins. See you next year! H

SPONSORS

Birdie Sponsors

Cart Sponsor

» Crossland Construction

Hole Sponsors

» A-Best Roofing

» HW Allen Co. LLC Venture Properties

» Braden Shielding

» Community Bank - Arvest

» Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma

» Gorospe Law Group

» Landmark Outdoor Services

» Little Design Company

» OK Bottling Enterprises, LLC

» Platinum Mechanical

» TPS / Team Professional Services

» Mabrey Bank

» Barbara Sturdivant

Par Sponsors

» Advanced Neuro Solutions

» Burton Oil & Gas

» Capital Advisors

» Hellas Construction, Inc.

» ImageNet Consulting

» In the Raw on the Hill

» J D Young

» King Architectural Solutions

» Leanor Financial Services/ Chad Van Norman

» Metro Tulsa Foot & Ankle Specialist

» NextGenRx

» NPI, Inc.

» Oath Law

» Triad Bank

Rising to the challenge: A year of community and success

This year’s theme, “Accept the Challenge,” was truly brought to life by the incredible spirit of the Holland Hall community. With more than 100 dedicated volunteers including parents, grandparents, alumni, and friends supporting dozens of on- and off-campus events, we met each challenge with enthusiasm and purpose. Once again — spoiler alert! — we exceeded all of our fundraising goals due to the generosity of this community.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made this success possible. These opportunities to connect, celebrate, and support our school remind us just how special Holland Hall is. Whether you attended, sponsored, volunteered, or supported us from afar, your generosity and commitment made a lasting impact. Thank you for accepting the challenge with us — we can’t wait to see what we’ll accomplish together next year.

Events

Throughout the year, a variety of events and activities offered meaningful opportunities to celebrate, support, and strengthen the Holland Hall community.

The Parents Association kicked things off

with energy and enthusiasm, hosting the Primary School Back to School Bash and Primary School Night at the Football Game. These events gave families a chance to connect, build friendships, and engage with the wider Holland Hall community. Special thanks to Mandy Alford, Jamie Misner, and Erin Yancy for their outstanding leadership.

In October, we welcomed more than 350 alumni back to campus for a joyful and memorable Alumni Weekend. Shortly after, the 47th annual ARTworks event featured Oklahomabased artist John Hammer. His bold, vibrant pieces sparked creativity across campus, inspiring students to create their own shapeand color-focused masterpieces. Thank you to Leigh Ann Moss and Eric Sherburn for hosting the Patron Reception in their home, and to our ARTworks Patrons for supporting this beloved program and contributing to the arts at Holland Hall:

» Annatina and Michael Aaronson ’93

» Robin Ballenger ’63

» Britani Bowman

» Ken Busby ’85

» Francy and Roger Collins

» Jinny and Stephen Confer

» Sherri and John Duvall

» Jean Ann and Tom Fausser

» Keith ’87 and Beth Lieser ’86 Goddard

» Lynn Sprouse and Joe Hanson

» Holbrook Lawson ’82 and Rick Holder

» Anne and Bruce Jones

» Jay Lawson

» OATH

» Joanna Holliman ’70 Potts

» Eric ’00 and Shannon Green ’02 Richards

» Gail and Kip Richards

» Molly and Chico Seay ’80

» Leigh Ann Moss and Eric Sherburn

» Lisa and Dane Tucker

» Liz and Scott White

» Lars Winter

Grandparents and Special Friends Day remains one of the most cherished traditions at Holland Hall. The day is filled with meaningful moments for our guests, including a warm welcome from Head of School JP Culley, student performances, classroom tours, and more. Students relish the opportunity to share the place they love with the people they love. As one of the busiest days on campus, this event relies heavily on our incredible volunteers — thank you to all the parents who generously gave their time to

help things run seamlessly. We are also deeply grateful to our keynote speaker, alumnus, Trustee Emeritus, alumni parent, and current grandparent Phil Allen ’73, for his heartfelt and inspiring presentation.

Throughout the year, our faculty and staff truly felt the love and appreciation from our incredible parent volunteers. From keeping faculty lounges stocked with healthy snacks and sweet treats to organizing special meals and celebrations during Teacher Appreciation Week, your efforts demonstrated a genuine commitment to honoring and supporting our educators. Thank you for making our teachers feel valued all year long. To Leigh Johnson, Hailey Woodard (PS), Ashley Hughes (PS), Tracy Todd (PS), Kori Weikle (MS), Ellen Curry (MS), Jennifer Lindsay (MS), Mandi Campbell (MS), Ilka Scheferhoff (US), Jinny Confer (US), Amber Reynolds (US), and Amy Koontz (US), your hard work and kindness were greatly appreciated!

Spring semester brought favorites like Giving Day, the Gezellig Online Auction, and a sold-out Trivia Night! Congratulations to our winners, the Know-A-Lots. A special thanks goes to our Trivia Night Sponsors:

» Arvest Bank

» Hopper Dental

» Maxine and Jack Zarrow Family Foundation

» Tammie Maloney

» Tulsa Modern Dental

Our third-annual Giving Day brought big energy and even bigger generosity. As always, “One Day, One Dutch” united our community around a powerful tradition of giving, raising $164,791 from more than 300 donors — an impressive total that included $38,622 in

match and challenge gifts unlocked through community participation. A campus-wide free Dutch Day added to the buzz, and upper school students joined the fun with the firstever Dutch Hunt — a scavenger hunt featuring our lion mascot. Each hidden Dutch was sponsored by a generous donor, and when found, students got to direct the gift to the area of their choosing. Students’ favorite designations this year were financial aid and the arts!

Thank you to the Parents’ Association Board, Rick and Kelly Wilkerson, Taylor and Robby Merrick ’99, Amy and Andy England, and an anonymous donor for fueling the day’s momentum with match and challenge gifts. We’re also grateful to Jim Hawkins; Rian Guidry and Mike Guidry; Susan Stuart Peterson ’97; Lisa and Dane Tucker; and Molly and Chico Seay ’80 for sponsoring the Dutch Hunt lions that made the day extra memorable for students. Here’s to an even bigger Giving Day in 2026!

Our annual online auction, Gezellig, was

once again a shining example of the generosity and spirit of the Holland Hall community. With 64 donors contributing an exciting variety of items and experiences, this year’s event raised over $40,000 in support of our school. From unique getaways to local favorites, Gezellig brought people together in the true spirit of its name — creating a feeling of warmth, fun, and connection.

Thank you to every donor, bidder, and supporter who made this year’s auction a tremendous success! Your generosity directly supports Holland Hall’s mission to provide an exceptional, student-centered education and empowers us to create meaningful opportunities for both students and faculty — from innovative classroom experiences, to enriching extracurricular programs, to professional development initiatives, just to name a few.

We are thrilled to announce that Gezellig will be back in person next year! Madison Graves

Continue on page 106 »

Schureman Circle

and Camille Fazel will take the helm as co-chairs with designer Annie Brady poised to bring a new theme for an evening of surprise and delight. Mark your calendar for Saturday, April 25, and plan to join us for another fantastic evening as we celebrate together and raise funds to support our students and faculty.

Schureman Circle and Founders+

Each semester, we set aside a special evening to celebrate and thank those whose generosity powers our mission — our dedicated supporters of the Holland Hall Annual Fund. These unrestricted gifts impact every aspect of the Holland Hall experience, helping us uphold a standard of excellence each and every day. We’re especially grateful to current parents Shana and Trase Mahan for graciously opening their home to host our Schureman Circle members. We were also proud to honor our Founders+ donors at the award-winning Noche in downtown Tulsa. It’s a privilege to celebrate the kindness and commitment of these exceptional donors. You can see our Schureman Circle members listed on Page 98 H

Parents’ Association Council ’24-’25

PA President

Liz White

PA President Elect

Laura Fawcett

Vice President Primary School

Camille Fazel

Vice President Elect Primary

School

Ashley Hughes

Vice President Middle School

Betsy Hendershot

Vice President Elect Middle School

Mindy Jones

Vice President Upper School

Rachel Monks

Vice President Elect Upper School

Kim Schutz

Dutch Zone

Kristi Norman

Dutch Exchange

Alison Barto

Teacher Appreciation

Leigh Johnson

EPK Class Coordinator

Linsey Lees

Pre K Class Coordinator

Paige Van Norman

JK Class Coordinator

Jennifer Lindsay

Kindergarten Class Co-Coordinator

Hilary Green

Kindergarten Class Co-Coordinator

Megan Henderson

1st Grade Class Co-Coordinator

Canon Bomer

1st Grade Class Co-Coordinator

Sarah Beeson

2nd Grade Class Co-Coordinator

Abi Campbell

2nd Grade Class Co-Coordinator

Kate Pickering

3rd Grade Class CCoordinator

Katie Caillavet

PS Hospitality

Betsy Little

PS Stock the Lounge

Hailey Woodard

PS Teacher Appreciation

Ashley Hughes

PS Teacher Appreciation

Tracy Todd

New Parent Liaison EPK and PK

Meghan Foust

New Parent Liaison K and JK

Pat Cawiezell

New Parent Liaison 1st

Niccole Ferguson

New Parent Liaison 1st

Taylor Merrick

New Parent Liaison 2nd

Laura Hawkins Johnson ’98

New Parent Liaison 3rd

Shannon Green Richards ’02

PS Back to School Party

Mandy Alford

PS Back to School Party

Jamie Misner

PS Night at the Football Game

Erin Yancy

Kids Heart Challenge

Stacy Parks

Health/Wellness

Tiffany Wright

Halloween Parade

Madison Graves

Visiting Author Illustrator

Carla Aurora

Visiting Author Illustrator

Pat Cawiezell

Lunchroom Coordinator

Rian Guidry

4th Grade Class Coordinator

Sunni Wolff

5th Grade Class Co-Coordinator

Taylor Merrick

5th Grade Class Co-Coordinator

Angela Ertugral

6th Grade Class Co-Coordinator

Hayden Ganner Bosworth ’06

6th Grade Class Co-Coordinator

Jessica McNeal

7th Grade Class Coordinator

Tamra Hodge

8th Grade Class Coordinator

Lindsey Hawkins Bristow ’95

8th Grade Dinner Dance

Lisa Tucker

8th Grade Dinner Dance

Krista Herman

8th Grade Dinner Dance

Krystal Williams

8th Grade Graduation

Sara Lockard Franden ’93

8th Grade Graduation

Amy Schaffer

8th Grade Graduation

Carey Baker

New Family Liaison 5th

Kulsum Siddiqui

New Family Liaison 6th

Phyllis Higgins

New Family Liaison 7th and 8th

Krystal Williams

MS Teacher Appreciation

Kori Weikle

MS Teacher Appreciation

Ellen Curry

MS Stock the Lounge

Stephanie Zito

MS Stock the Lounge

Michelle Briggs

MS Fall Hospitality

Jennifer Lindsay

MS Spring Hospitality

Mandi Campbell

9th Grade Class Co-Coordinator

Lee Jones

9th Grade Class Co-Coordinator

Erika Helmerich Massey ’01

10th Grade Class Coordinator

Dana Lee

11th Grade Class Co-Coordinator

Erica Joseph Brown ’99

11th Grade Class Co-Coordinator

Heather May

12th Grade Class Co-Coordinator

Stephanie Meier

12th Grade Class Co-Coordinator

Patti Shaw Chalkin

12th Grade Graduation

Mary Anne Cameron

12th Grade Graduation

Sarah Fox Broermann

12th Grade Dinner Dance

Rae Lynn Toole

12th Grade Dinner Dance

Shana Mahan

New Family Liaison

Carey Baker

New Family Liaison

Heather Smith

US Fall Hospitality

Ilka Scheferhoff

US Spring Hospitality

Amy Koontz

US Spring Hospitality

Sarah Jane Gillett

US Teacher Appreciation

Amber Reynolds

US Teacher Appreciation

Jinny Confer

Holland Hall Tribute Gifts

In Memory Of

SARAH ADAMS ’99

Jan and Roger Adams

Sean Allen and Laura Adams-Allen ’03

Nancy Baumann

Jill and Rod Coulter

Sarah and Steve Dyer

Vanessa and Chris Jones

Callum Kerr ’00

SANDRA ALEXANDER ’69

Phil ’73 and Julie Tate ’74 Allen

Jack and Judy Berry ’69 Ingraham

FRANCES BLOW ’36 ALLEN

Ashley Allen ’72 and Brad Wegner

GLENN BALLARD

MaryKate and Joe Hunt ’05

JOHN BECKWITH

Jane and Chris Beckwith ’88

EDGAR BENARROUS

Chris Coates ’80

Mary Coates

Kathie Coyle

Mark Eckenwiler ’78 and Victoria Lord

William and Gretchen Kucharski ’88 Kurtz

Steve and Melissa Goodman ’80 Peterman

KATHRYN BENSON ’05

Bruce ’05 and Katy Whisenhunt ’05 Townsend

CRAIG BENTON

Anne Marie and Paul Moore

GUY BERRY

Caroline Berry

BILL BROWN

Emily and Jamie Reichard

SANDRA BROWN

Christy Utter ’92 and Sarah Vizza

KAREN WOLFKILL BUFFINGTON

Wanda Wolfkill

MOLLIE BUFFINGTON ’26

Anonymous (6)

Annatina and Michael Aaronson ’93

Phil ’73 and Julie Tate ’74 Allen

Cynthia Au and Ashley Leilani Au

Robin Ballenger ’63

Kathy Balsiger and Jeff Errthum

Brad Barnett

Nancy Baumann

Shona and Kim Blakeley

Britani, Lauren, and Rachel Bowman

Ashley Bray and Robert Heath

Michelle and Jim Bridenstine

Scott Brown

Jere and Gregory Burkemper

Mary Ann and Craig Cameron

Jan and Steve Care

Terry Chase

Maxwell Clark ’27

Jana and Gary Cook

Mary and JP Culley

Kelly and Tim Danner

David and Leslie Daugherty

Sharon and Ivan Dowell

Jewel and Richard Drinkwater

Tempest and Doug Dulany

Andy and Stacey Helmerich ’06 Dunn

Kim and Scott Felten

Linda Gaither

Greg Gephart Fund of Triangle

Community Foundation

Betty and Matt Giffhorn

Mary Lue Goodsell and Terry Lee

John and Noel O'Haren ’94 Groves

Margaret and William Guthrie

Betty and Mark Higgins

Kay Holt

Gloria and Ron Howell

Ashley and Greg Hughes ’84

Laura and Walt Hulse and Grace Riley

Barbara and Thomas Illner

Karen and Steve Johnson

Robbie Johnson

Susan and Stuart Johnson

Karen Kennedy

Janine and Stan Krause

Tom and Toni Lane

Dana and Jason Lee ’93

Linsey and D.J. Lees

Mickey Leslie

Pam and John Lieber

Charles Lorenz

Pam and Terry Malham

Angie Marshall and Paul Jines

Michelle and Daniel Miller

Rachel and George Monks

Arlene McMurtrey

Leigh Ann Moss and Eric Sherburn

Debbie and Rodney Myers

Bea Paul

Roy Parker

Patti and Charles Pitcock

Pets Helping People, Inc.

Barrett Prather

Andrea Pritt

Katie and Jack Rothermel

Leslie Rutherford

Amy and Stephen Santee

Ilka and Michael Scheferhoff

Art Scrutchins

Diane and Byron Shen

Chelsea and Anthony Showalter

Rick Silman

Shirley and Dee Sokolosky

Sheryl and Harold Springer

Sarah and Grant Stewart

Guylene Stoddard

StoneBridge Wealth Management, LLC

Barbara Sturdivant

Gary Sutton

Mary Thomason

Benedicte and Luc Tomasino ’81

Trust Company of Oklahoma

Lisa and Dane Tucker

Christy Utter ’92 and Sarah Vizza

Ashwini and Atul Vaidya

Stephanie and Ronald Vanderslice

Becca and Jason Van Valkenburg

Jamie Wainright

Carla and James Walker

Debbie and John Wyatt

Christy Zahn

Ellen Zimmerman

Zink Family Foundation

JEFF BYERS ’84

Linda Frazier

WILLIAM CALDER

Jasmine and Jonathan Weeks

WAYNE CAMERON

Mary Ann and Craig Cameron

ELEANOR CARMACK

Hang Vo ’90

JACQUIE CARR-LONIAN

A. J. Lonian

JIMMY CHERRY

Anthony Cherry

DOUGLAS COX

Hanley Cox

JEANNE GASKILL CROCKETT ’40

Barry and Melinda Crockett ’66 Franklin

RICHARD DE FABIO

Yvonne and Bryan De Fabio

SCOTT DOUGALL

Betty Dougall

LANCE DULLYE

Kimberlie Dullye ’83

PATTY DULLYE

Kimberlie Dullye ’83

ROSANNE AND DOUG EDWARDS

Rose and Peter Edwards ’71

CLAIRE ESMOND ’26

Brad Barnett

Nancy Baumann

Britani, Lauren, and Rachel Bowman

Scott Brown

John and Noel O'Haren ’94 Groves

Greg Gephart Fund of Triangle Community Foundation

Robbie Johnson

Kay Holt

Linsey and D.J. Lees

Angie Marshall and Paul Jines

Diane and Byron Shen

Chelsea and Anthony Showalter

Barbara Sturdivant

NANCY FOOTE

Kathie Coyle

MARC A. FRAZIER, DDS

Marc and Lynn Frazier ’86 Goldberg

CAROLYN GLENN

Christopher Cameron ’07

Elizabeth Menegay ’12

ROBIN HAWKINS

Matthew and Lindsey Hawkins ’95 Bristow

ROBIE HERMAN

Brent Casey

JIM HEWGLEY ’66

Steven and Gayle Babcock ’57 Smith

ALEC HILL ’77

Lawrence and Kimberly Ho ’77 Schoelen

CHUCK HILL

Christy Utter ’92 and Sarah Vizza

ED HOOKER

Ninette and John Ashley ’74

RON JACKSON

Krista and Tim Childress

JENK JONES JR.

B. J. ’89 and Heather Snoke ’89 Pohl

T. DAVID KRAMER

Kimberlie Dullye ’83

T.C. LANE ’00

Nanette and Tom Lane

EVERETT LEES

Alison and Casey Barto

Tamara and Mike Bucholtz

Molly Cao and Zhou Chen

Fr. Bill Carroll

Donna and Stephen Cropper

Marc and Lynn Frazier ’86 Goldberg

Kristin Lees

Nikki Pratt

Eric ’00 and Shannon Green ’02 Richards

Art Scrutchins

Krissy and Bob White

JOE LOWERY

Roux and Jennifer Jones ’93 Carroll

Sarah and Steve Dyer

Susan and Don Feitel ’01

Carol Lowery

Christy Utter ’92 and Sarah Vizza

CINDY MENN ’73

Alan Philoon ’73

TIM O'HALLORAN

Ryan Crawley

NANCY OVERALL

George Overall

Ashley Parrish ’93 and Michael Overall

RON PALMA

Ariel Balter and Roger Roberts ’83

Ashley Parrish ’93 and Michael Overall

PHIL PARRISH

Ashley Parrish ’93 and Michael Overall

TOM RAY

Janice Ray

DOROTHY VEASEY RHEES 1925

Tucky Rhees Hazen ’63

MATTHEW RICHTER

Joy and Floyd Richter

DAVID ROLLO

Emily Anderson ’93

Peggy and David Bagwell

LUCY TUTTLE ’80 ROSS

Steve and Melissa Goodman ’80 Peterman

DARIS SCHELL ’05

Jennifer Klinkhamer and Justin Butler ’04

RAMONA SCRUTCHINS

Art Scrutchins

EVELYN SHARP

Celia Nesbitt Hasbrook ’48

Pete and Mary Moore ’60 Rabbitt

BETTY SHEPPARD

Paula and Jack Coco

JOHN SHILLINGFORD

Tyne Shillingford ’03

NANCY SIEMERS

Candace and Trani Matthews

TED SLOAN

Amy and Doug Allen ’83

KATHRYN SMITH

Leo and Judee Weinberg

KARL SNIDERMAN

Meg and Noell Michaels ’77

PATRICIA ANN STARK

Jasmine and Jonathan Weeks

SANDY STAVA

Sarah and Grant Stewart

KETTY STEYER

Ron Sage

GLORIA GAY SMITH-STOTTLEMYRE ’71

Angie and Frank Smith ’70

JON STUART ’67

Gail and Kip Richards

Nancy and Richard Sevenoaks

David York ’64

JEAN NEWTON TATE ’47

Liz and Bob Austin

Auxier Asset Management LLC

Kay Bowles ’53

Pamela and Terry Carter

Janet Friskey and Richard Renner

Anne and Bruce Jones

Nancy and Colby King

Helen Santee and Scott Lewis

Tammie and David Maloney

Kate Renner and Ben Mirkin

Mark Rosenbaum

Barbara Sturdivant

JULIE TENNANT

Mel Tennant ’77

ROBERT TEW ’87

Anne Coates ’90

GENE THOMPSON

Diane and Brian Thompson

CARLOS TUTTLE

Mary Alice and John Bird

Steve and Melissa Goodman ’80 Peterman

Charlotte and David Wood

FRANK WARD

Julie and Matthew Beaufort ’69

Kathie Coyle

Buddy McCarty

Susan McCready Edwards ’73

Clark Frailey

Leslie and John Frates

Ann and Ronald Hall

Jody Parker

Bill Walker

Marianne and Buz Walters ’71

Lorna Wood and Don Wehrs ’74

THOMAS ANDREW WEEKS

Jasmine and Jonathan Weeks

DARRELL WHEELER

April and Jack Kueser

AMANDA HARRIS ’05 WINGE

Anita Harris

Diane and Byron Shen

ROBERT YAFFE

Donna Yaffe

JASON ZAHN

Gretchen and Owen Pugh

In Loving Memory

Students

Mollie Buffington ’26 2/13/25, Tulsa, OK

Claire Esmond ’26 2/13/25, Tulsa, OK Sister of Harper Esmond ’29

Alumni

Sandra Alexander ’69 7/18/24, Tulsa, OK Trustee Emerita

Margaret Allison (Peggy Seay Allison ’57) 3/24/25, Dallas, TX

Sister of Kathryn McHugh ’64, Aunt of Katherine Seay ’88

Judith McDonald Barnes ’59 7/10/25, Akron, OH

Kathryn Benson ’05 7/25/2024, Tulsa, OK

Mike Bilbow ’87

4/6/25, Watkinsville, GA Brother of John Bilbow ’90

Fred Daugherty ’70 4/25/25, Frisco, TX

Betty Wilcox Hastings ’43 10/7/24, Tulsa, OK

Geoffrey Thomas Jenson ’08 4/22/2024, Tulsa, OK

Phillip Lieberman ’81 11/5/24, Tulsa, OK

Father of Max Lieberman ’19, Tori Lieberman ’09, Margaret Lieberman; brother of Chris Lieberman ’85, Missy Lieberman Jackson ’93

James C. Meehan, Jr. ’83 6/15/24, Tulsa, OK

Jon Stuart ’67 3/17/25, Tulsa, OK

Husband of Dee Dee Stuart ’67, father of Susan Peterson ’97 and Melissa Nuzum ’99, grandfather of Landon Peterson ’25 and Hannah Peterson ’27, brother of Randi Wightman ’66

Jean Newton Tate ’47 10/1/2024, Tulsa, OK

Sister of Minni Tate ’49 Fleetwood, Mother of Joan Tate ’71 Allen and Julie Tate ’74 (Philip) Allen, grandmother of Ashley Allen ’02 Tulp and Samantha Allen Renner ’04, Great grandmother of Pearce Renner ’37, Harrison Renner ’38 and Birdie Renner ’39

Friends

Mimi Abufadil

3/6/25, Tulsa, OK

Mother of Mazen Abufadil

Stephen Adelson

9/24/24, Tulsa, OK

Father of Jim ’81, grandfather of Joe ’06, Annie ’09 and Peter

Glenn Arlen Ballard 2/3/25, Houston, TX

Head of School (January - June 2004)

Lynne Beeson 10/17/24, Tulsa, OK

Wife of Tony Beeson ’77, grandmother of Sutton Beeson ’36

Edgar Benarrous 12/12/24, Tulsa, OK

Retired teacher; husband of Judy Benarrous, father of David ’88 and Marc ’93

Susie C. Brighton 10/12/23, Red Lodge, MT

Mother of Allison L. Smith-Estelle ’89

Steve Calvin 9/8/24, Tulsa, OK

Father of Baylor Calvin ’16

Tracy Carter 2/25/25, Tulsa, OK

Grandfather to Lily Siemens ’20 and Harper Siemens ’22

Jean Cochran 6/12/24, Pauls Valley, OK

Grandmother of Matthew Stopler ’19 and Nathan Stolper ’17 and Mother of Angie Stolper

William Crommett 5/1/24, Bakersfield, CA Husband of Mary Hall ’47 Crommett

John Coyle 3/13/25, Tulsa, OK

Father of John ’96, Ryan ’98, Tyler ’01; husband of Kathie Coyle

Scott Dougall 10/23/24, Tulsa, OK Husband of Betty Dougall

Elisabeth (Beth) Dunkin 5/24/25, Tulsa, OK Grandmother of Kennedy Baker ’26, Gentry Baker ’29, motherin-law of Brett Baker ’89

Naomi Ely 2/15/25, Limon, CO Mother of Jody Ely

H Memory

Nancy Foote

11/23/24, Tulsa, OK

Former teacher.

Sue Fugitt

7/13/25, Bixby, OK

Mother of Debbie Almohandis

Gary Goforth

9/25/24

Grandfather of Jake Craft ’23, Kingsley Craft ’25, Holland Craft ’28, Lachlan Craft ’30, Windsor Craft ’31

LaDenna Marie Gray

10/12/24, Glenpool, OK

Mother of Jennifer Vale Cohen ’90

Adrian Alexander Hale, Jr.

7/26/24, Tulsa, OK

Father of Leslie Kelly, Grandfather of Peter Kelly ’16 and Caroline Kelly ’19

Suzann Ham

7/17/24, Tulsa, OK

Mother of Lana ’86 and Karen ’88

Dr. Robert Herman

2/6/25, Tulsa, OK

Father of Caroline ’25, Jack ’28, Ella Kate ’29

Herbert L. Hocutt

8/5/24, Brownsboro, AL

Father of Susannah Hocutt ’85 Adelson, Father-in-law, James Adelson ’81, Grandfather of Eve Adelson, Ann E. Adelson ’09, Caroline Adelson ’13

Susan E. Hunt

7/9/20, Broken Arrow, OK

Mother of Joe Hunt ’05 and Kathleen Hunt ’08

Benjamin R. Johannsen

11/5/24, Tulsa, OK

Father of Crosby Johannsen ’31

Everett Lees

9/11/24, Tulsa, OK

Husband of Kristen, father of Maggie ’29, Cate ’31, Conrad ’33

Jesse Franklin Manering

12/3/24, LaPorte, TX

Husband of Barbara Manering (Fine Arts Faculty 1973-1992)

Beverly Merrick

3/7/25, Tulsa, OK

Mother of Tim Merrick ’83, Julie MerrickLanders ’85, Amy Merrick ’87 Merrill, Robby Merrick ’99, Grandmother of Fynley Merrick ’30, Loghan Merrick ’32, and Collins Merrick ’36

Barbara Walker Morris

7/27/24, Tulsa, OK

Mother of Vicki Vrooman, grandmother of Weston Vrooman ’13

Adrian Nearing

2/5/25, Bixby, OK

Father of Normajean Rosenberger, Grandfather of Elyse Tomasko ’09

Curtis, Melissa Tomasko ’11 Russell

Dr. Sara Newell

6/25/25, Tulsa, OK

Mother of Margaret Cone ’05

Alvina O'Brien

3/29/25, St. Paul, MN

Grandmother of Becca Hart ’10, Tommy Hart & Julia Hart ’14

Duggan Phillips

4/6/23, Tulsa, OK

Father of Maddie Phillips ’25

Don Pray

5/26/25, Tulsa, OK

Father of Melissa Pray Easterling ’83 and Susan Pray Rainey ’85

Margaret Pray

10/6/24, Tulsa, OK

Retired from Middle School office; mother of Melissa Pray Easterling ’83 and Susan Pray Rainey ’85

Tom Ray

5/22/24, Tulsa, OK

Grandfather of Larkyn Miller ’35

Richard Renner

2/19/25, Sherborn, MA

Father-in-law of Sam Allen Renner ’04, grandfather of Pearce Renner ’37, Harrison Renner ’38, and Elizabeth Renner ’39

Julie Riddle

8/24/24, Tulsa, OK

Mother of Michael Miller ’20 and JoAnna Miller ’23

Ronald Roderick

4/10/25, Tulsa, OK

Grandfather of Emily Johnson ’31 and Julia Johnson (former student)

Andrew B. Seigel

7/20/24, Tulsa, OK

Husband of Jamie Beard Seigel ’75. Father of Cole Seigel and Anna P. Seigel ’06. Uncle of Jordan Beard ’07 and Dune Beard ’17

Erla Pease Sieler

8/12/24, Tulsa, OK

Mother of Robyn Pease Barr ’91

Rachel Spencer

Before Christmas, Statesville, NC

Grandmother of Lee ’98, Greg ’99, Leslie Spencer ’04 Haughey, Adam ’05, John ’07

Joan Stancati

6/28/24, Hopkins, MN

Mother of Cathy Rowland, grandmother of Alex Rowland ’08

Julie Ann Tenant

8/13/24, Plymouth, MN

Wife of Melvin Tennant ’77

James B. Thayer

3/7/25, Tulsa, OK

Former teacher and head of Upper School

Frank B. Ward

5/20/25, Tulsa, OK

Former teacher and coach; father of Curtis ’80, Gary '81, Nancy Irwin ’84, and Craig ’92

Rev. Theodore "Ted" B. Welsh

2/26/25, Nashville, TN

Father of Mary Culley, Father in law of JP Culley, Grandfather of Louie Culley ’27

Hubert Wickline

2/17/25

Head of Maintenance (early 81st Street campus)

Albert L. Young Beckley, WV Retiree

Jason Zahn

4/29/25, Tulsa, OK

Father of Hunter ’22, Parker ’25

H Obituaries

Remembering a ‘big sis’ whose pioneering Tulsa story changed my own

BY ROY S. JOHNSON ’74

Idon’t recall exactly how the story went, just that it profoundly shifted the arc of my story.

John and Marie Alexander and their children Paul and Sandra lived across the street from my family on Pine Street in Tulsa, Oklahoma, one of the prominent thoroughfares in the predominantly Black north side of the city. The community ascended from the ashes of the 1921 Race Massacre and became a bustling middle-class community four decades later.

Like many Black parents of that era and beyond, John and Marie — both were massacre survivors, as was my father — poured knowledge into their children, stressing education as the pathway through and beyond an age when Jim still crowed. When women were still deemed unfit for many professions. When many rights were still wrongs.

Black men of that era had few professional options: the military, teacher, train porter, domestic or neighborhood entrepreneurs. Oh, there were physicians, attorneys and successful entrepreneurs — think A.G. Gaston in Birmingham — yet they were few.

John worked as a waiter in the Tulsa Club, one of the local dining facilities that catered to Tulsa’s white elite. People such as the headmaster of Holland Hall, a small private school on the other side of the city, on the white side of town, and many families whose children went there.

One night after working a party at the club hosted by the headmaster, John brought home a Holland Hall brochure. He

and Marie decided Sandy should apply. In the fall of 1967, Sandra Alexender enrolled as a junior and one of the first African American students at the private school.

The cost was paid for with money from a not-blood-related neighbor who died and bequeathed the Alexanders funds to send their two children to college.

I don’t know exactly how this next part of the story went. I just know that the following spring or summer John and Marie suggested to my parents, Roy and Ida Mae, that they have their oldest son, just out of all-Black Paul Laurence Dunbar Elementary School, take the entrance exam to this private school on the other side of town. On the white side of town.

In the fall of ’68, I joined Holland Hall as a seventh grader.

Sandra, who possessed a quirky laugh and was a self-labeled tomboy, became my “big sis” and in 1969 she was Holland Hall’s first Black graduate. She attended prestigious Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania and returned home to graduate from the University of Tulsa Law School, only the third Black female to do so.

Always civic minded — another gift poured into her by John and Marie — Sandra in 1980 became the first Black woman in the city to open her own law practice and was Tulsa’s only Black woman solo practitioner well into the 1980s.

Years later she handled affairs at the passing of my parents. And after her parents died, she found a calendar in

This column was originally published on March 18, 2025. Johnson’s column appears on AL.com, and digital editions of The Birmingham News, Huntsville Times, and Mobile Press-Register.

their basement — the basement of the home that sat across the street from mine. It was from my father’s drug store on Greenwood Avenue in “Black Wall Street.” He produced them every year as marketing giveaways featuring a cute black & white picture of his cute boys.

Those calendars chronicled the early years of my brother and myself until Dad passed when I was 11.

We often don’t think about the people who profoundly change our lives, about the happenstance of the story that shifts our lives.

Had John and Marie (or my father) not survived the massacre. Had they not married and lived across the street on Pine. Had John not eloquently served Tulsa’s white elite. Had he not brought home a brochure from that private school on the other side of town, on the white side of town.

Had Sandy not enrolled.

Had John or Marie not spoken to my mom or my dad, I would not have gone to Holland Hall.

I might not have been exposed every day during six formidable years to whites, whom I rarely saw on our side of town. I might not have discerned so quickly that there are good ones, as well as bad ones; and that none of them are inherently smarter than me.

I might not have learned so soon that I had as much of a right to be in any room as whites, even if some of them thought it was wrong.

I might not have been stretched to see beyond the borders of our city and become the first Holland Hall student from my school to go to Stanford University in California.

No need to dissect the rest of my story here. Too many might not haves to recount.

Just know Sandra and her parents nudged my script’s trajectory — subtly yet profoundly.

Sandra and I saw each other intermittently in recent years, or rarely, really. I saw her maybe more than a decade ago at Holland Hall (She also served 12 years on the school’s Board of Trustees) at an alumna reunion gathering.

She smiled, laughed her quirky laugh and asked how I was doing. Still “big sis.”

I learned over the weekend that Sandra had died. Died in the middle of last year. Although I never met any of the people in her later life, I felt I should have known. Should have known this final page in her story. Sandra was 73.

Sometime soon, pause and thank someone who may have altered your journey — maybe even flipped your script — with some small happenstance that proved to be profound. With a conversation. A suggestion.

With a challenge that sent you beyond the borders that might have otherwise bound you.

Sandra once told a group of students at the school: “In order for there to be change, someone has to be first.”

That script will never flip. H

Much of Holland Hall’s history begins with Sandra Alexander

As the school’s first Black graduate — in 1969 — she was always going to be special. She didn’t have to serve the school for the next 50 years. But she did.

After earning a full scholarship to Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania and graduating from the University of Tulsa Law School, she made Tulsa home again.

Sandra served on Holland Hall’s Board of Trustees for 12 years (1988-92 and 1996-2002) and was its first Black member.

She was a longtime member of the Holland Hall Alumni Board, always there for a current or former student who needed anything from a mentor to a letter of recommendation.

In 2023, she was officially named a Distinguished Alumna, giving a stirring acceptance speech that spoke to her struggles and triumphs during her years at Holland Hall and beyond.

“Holland Hall totally changed the course of my life. I was the first,” she told school historian Ron Palma for the school’s history books. Her firsts continued as she became the first Black woman in Oklahoma to go into private

In the room where it happened

“In order for there to be change, somebody has to be first.”

— Sandra Jeane Alexander ’69

practice as an attorney, and she was the first Black woman to be a municipal judge in Tulsa — in fact, she was the first in any court in eastern Oklahoma.

She was a regular visitor to campus, often attending Board of Trustees meetings as an emeritus trustee. And middle school students are very familiar with her name and biography, especially those in the Alexander House, one of eight houses students are sorted into when they start Holland Hall or enter middle school. She was one of Holland Hall’s best, said Head of School JP Culley.

“Sandra was a steady, governing presence — one of our finest and most committed emeritus trustees. She gave generously of her wisdom, always grounding her service in care for the school and its mission. Her story is woven into the very fabric of Holland Hall's story.” H

The first step toward the integration of Holland Hall took place one evening at the close of a 1968 December holiday faculty party hosted by the then headmaster, Bert Moore, and his wife Martie in their home. The party had ended and several of us lingered around the Moores’ pool table, when we were invited to enjoy an after-dinner drink and a cigar. In the course of enjoying the drinks and cigars, the two Black gentlemen, Mr. John Alexander and Mr. M. C. Parker, who had served as bartenders for the evening were asked to join the group. They were not just bartenders on that evening; they tended bar at the homes of many Holland Hall families, as well as at a downtown club. The conversation quickly turned toward questions about their families and schools their children attended. John Alexander proudly told us about his daughter, Sandra, who was a student at Booker T. Washington High School in Tulsa. Bert then asked one of the most important questions in the history of Holland Hall, “Why don’t you send your daughter to Holland Hall?” In the months that followed, several Black families were influenced to attend Holland Hall by John Alexander and his daughter, Sandra. This simple little story initiated the integration of Holland Hall.

— Charlie Brown, Holland Hall’s longest-tenured employee

Johnson: Remembering a coach, a military man who helped shape me

BY ROY S. JOHNSON ’74

I’m not sure everything I’m about to say is exactly true.

That’s an unusual disclosure for a journalist, I know.

That’s what happens when someone’s life becomes almost mythical, when they become bigger than life. At least seemingly so.

Frank Ward was always bigger — from the onset of our journey.

He was my middle-school football coach and history teacher at Holland Hall High School in Tulsa. He was tall, military fit, befitting his years in the U.S. Air Force. His buzz cut and later shaved dome fit the role, too.

Big. Bigger than big.

This was decades before Michael Jordan made bald heads cool, well before shaved heads on white men were the poster-look for serial killers or generations later, wanna-be Proud Boys.

Coach Frank was the antithesis of all that foolishness. Fact is, he woulda denounced and likely military-drop-kicked anyone who dared espouse such trash. Especially around the chunky Black kid from the city’s still segregated North side who arrived on campus in the fall of 1968 fresh outta Paul Laurence Dunbar Elementary as one of just a handful at the predominantly white secondary school on the other side of town.

Yeah, that’s likely true.

Coach Ward — I digress. Anyone who’s ever played a sport feels me on this: coach is a title for life. Even running into him long after I’d passed AARP status, he was still Coach Ward. Never Frank.

Coach Ward helped shape me. Shape me physically and

intellectually. Shape me into a young man. Shape me and scared the hell out of me. For life.

“Husky” is what I was. That’s the area in the boys’ section of any clothing store I was guided to in my youth. Might as well have had a big ole sign reading: ‘Fat Kids, over here.”

I joined the football team and very soon came to hear Coach Ward’s voice in my sleep. In my nightmares, really.

He pushed us all. Pushed us beyond where most of us had ever been pushed. And loudly.

There was a hill alongside our playing field that was utilized for conditioning —for shaping, mentally and physically.

Sometimes it was deployed as punishment. If you didn’t run a play correctly or lollygagged on a drill, “Hit the hill!”

Sometimes it was deployed just because it was there. There to shape us. There for us to conquer. Or to conquer us.

Either way, it didn’t matter, I dragged my husky self over to that hill, ran/semi-rolled down, then prayed myself back up — as many times as I was told to do. As long as it took before Coach Ward blew the whistle. Or someone threw up, whichever came first. Maybe.

Yeah, that’s true, too.

Here’s a different story, one that is 100% true.

I’ve shared before that my father died when I was 12 years old. It happened on a January Sunday. I chose to go to school the following day rather than stay in a home filled with grief.

I don’t think anyone at the school yet knew what happened, and I kept it quiet. I dragged myself to the hill, as it were, attending classes as if all was well.

Roy S. Johnson’s column appears on AL.com, and digital editions of The Birmingham News, Huntsville Times, and Mobile Press-Register.

I’m not sure if classes is exactly true. I’m not sure in which morning period it was when I began to cry. When tears began to flow down my cheeks. When grief began to roll down my still chubby cheeks. I know this: It was Coach Frank’s history class.

I know this too, know it like it was last week: I sat on an outside row in the middle of the room. I was quiet, but my tears were discernible.

Coach Ward casually asked the class to read a chapter in our book while he stepped outside the room. I’m not sure how long he was gone. Probably not very long. Just long enough to know.

When he returned, he slowed as he walked past my desk. Saying nothing, he simply put his left hand on my shoulder, squeezed and continued towards the front of the room. He carried on. He comforted me and carried on. He taught.

He shaped.

I don’t recall anything else about the rest of that day. Not even sure if I finished the day at school, or if Coach Ward ever said anything more to me.

I do think he remembered the day, too. Maybe as long as I did.

Coach Ward was also bigger than life throughout Tulsa tennis circles. He carried that military discipline into a sport rarely infused with such. He was skilled and unwavering in his teaching there, too.

He raised champions, sent many a young racquet-wielding kid to college and beyond — including a woman who was a schoolmate and is still a dear friend, Connie Lockwood.

Her words:

In the tennis world, there was only one figure that stood above the others, not just in Tulsa and Oklahoma but throughout the entire Missouri Valley. I never called him Frank. He was Mr. Ward. At Tracy Park he never left the registration table; he kept and updated the tourney draw on the fence behind him. He had a bullhorn. When your match was up you would be called to come up to get the new balls from him and proceed to the court. Being late was not an option. One guy was late and Mr. Ward disqualified him from the tournament. I never heard him yell or raise his voice (I’m sure he did as a football or basketball coach) because he didn’t need to. He led by example. He taught all of us at a very young age the importance of discipline, responsibility and respect especially as it related to others.

I ran that hill, crawled up Coach Ward’s hill until I was reshaped, until the pounds came off. Came off that husky kid who still works out rigorously and regularly.

Who still hears Coach Ward’s voice.

He made us all stand up straight each time we saw him throughout his life. For me, the last time was a little over a year ago. He was slightly frail. Okay, that’s not true: Coach Ward was never frail. His head was still shaved, his voice still strong. And I stood up straight.

He was still shaping.

Coach Ward climbed his own hill a few days ago.

As the news circulated among football teammates, we were sad but also smiled. Many said they thought he was immortal.

That’s what happens when someone’s life becomes almost mythical, when they become bigger than life. At least seemingly so.

Let’s be better tomorrow than we are today. H

Frank Ward made mark on the school in the classroom and on the bus

Frank Ward began his Holland Hall career in 1960. For 24 years, he served as a middle school history teacher. Every alumnus from the era has a Frank Ward story, with many still groaning about his infamously difficult seventh grade Constitution test.

During his years at Holland Hall, he was athletic director (1960-64), head varsity boys basketball coach, assistant varsity football coach, as well as head middle school tennis coach. He was inducted into the Holland Hall Athletic Hall of Fame in 2009.

For 30 years, starting in 1964, he also operated the school’s bus service with a “be on time, sit down, and be quiet” policy very few riders misunderstood.

“You often hear people say about a person, ‘He was one of a kind.’ This phrase certainly was applicable to Frank. I never met another man quite like him,” said longtime athletic director Charlie Brown. “Frank was the ultimate disciplinarian. If he told a boy to do something, the boy better do it.

“His messages to both adults and young men would be considered abrupt and direct if it wasn't for the smile that came with it.”

To the Tulsa community, he was known for his contributions to tennis, having served as executive director of the Tulsa Area Tennis Association (TATA). Dubbed “Tulsa’s Mr. Tennis” by the Tulsa World newspaper, he ran tennis tournaments all over the region, including at LaFortune Park for 35 years. A permanent monument was installed at LaFortune Park Tennis Center in his honor.

“Frank's love of tennis and conducting tennis tournaments is legendary,” Coach Brown continued. “If a person enrolled in one of Frank's tennis tournaments, they better be on time, warmed up, ready to take the court. One hot summer afternoon a ranked young player was

Do

all the good

you can.

By all the means you

can.

In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can.

— John Wesley

“Never underestimate the power of a kid.”

— Frank Ward

late to check in. Frank disqualified him. There was a concerted protest. The young man said, ‘I was never warned.’ Frank replied, ‘Your warning came when you read I was the tournament director.’

“Frank took great pride in keeping tennis alive in communities all over eastern Oklahoma by encouraging coaches, donating equipment and balls, along with visiting with city leaders about facilities.”

Mr. Ward was preceded in death by his wife, Betty, who was a Holland Hall primary school teacher’s aide. He leaves behind his wife of 13 years, Peggy, children Curt and Tammy Ward, Gary Ward, Chris and Nancy Irwin, Craig and Jennifer Ward; 11 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

“Frank Ward would be on the Mount Rushmore of Holland Hall,” said Head of School JP Culley. “He loved this place with all of his heart — a sentiment felt often when his former students and student-athletes spoke about his exacting standards, both for them and for himself.

“Frank believed in, and epitomized, excellence, which was also easy to see in how much he served others through his ministry of tennis. Frank will be missed, but his legacy will last for all of Holland Hall's years.” H

‘A special connection’

Remembering trustee, parent, and former faculty member Everett Lees

BY JP CULLEY Head of School

This year, Holland Hall mourned the passing of Everett Lees, a devoted and deeply admired member of our school community. Everett gave generously of his time, wisdom, and spirit — as a trustee, as a teacher, as a minister, and, above all, as a person of uncommon character and grace.

During his time on the Board of Trustees, Everett chaired the Strategic Planning Committee, where he brought clarity, steadiness, and long-range vision to the work of guiding the school forward. His leadership style was never about drawing attention to himself. Rather, he embodied the kind of thoughtful governance that builds lasting strength in an institution. He was a steadying presence — someone who asked insightful questions, listened with intent, and spoke with a quiet authority that reflected both intellect and faith.

Everett also gave of himself beyond board service. For a year he stepped into the Upper School Religion Department, teaching students with both curiosity and conviction. His ability to engage young people in matters of belief and purpose reflected his genuine respect for the questions they carried and his desire to walk alongside them in the search for meaning. On Thursday

mornings, he offered Eucharist services on campus, creating a sacred and welcoming space for reflection, gratitude, and spiritual nourishment.

As vicar of Christ Church, Everett helped cultivate a special connection between the Christ Church family and the Holland Hall family. His dual roles in both communities enriched the spiritual life of the school and strengthened the bonds that unite faith and education.

Rooted in his Episcopal faith, Everett’s contributions to Holland Hall were never performative — they were deeply principled. Whether in a classroom, a boardroom, or a chapel, he brought with him the core values that defined his life: humility, humor, wisdom, and love. His presence reminded us of what it means to lead not just with the head but with the heart.

He was also deeply devoted to his family, and it was clear to all who knew him that his life was centered on love and service. His sense of humor — wry, warm, and well-timed — remained a signature quality, and even in serious moments, he could offer a smile or a quip, lifting a room and bringing people together.

Everett Lees left a lasting impact on Holland Hall, and his absence is felt keenly across our community. Yet his spirit — his calm strength, his generous leadership, his quiet joy — remains with us. We are grateful for his life, and we hold his family in our hearts with deep affection and sympathy. H

Mr. Thayer remembered as a kind teacher, beloved administrator

James “Jim” Thayer, who was a beloved math and geology teacher and one-time head of the upper school, passed away in March at the age of 90.

He is remembered by his former colleagues and students alike for his calm demeanor, fair handling of situations, and a soft spot for those who needed some gentle encouragement.

“I had never struggled academically until I took geometry,” remembers Julie Yeabower ’77. “I love math, but geometry was a different animal. During class, Mr. Thayer made it clear that his office door was always open.

“I would visit his office many times over that semester, and he was helpful, kind, and understanding. Mr. Thayer was a trustworthy, gifted educator.”

With a similar story, Ashley Parrish ’93 remembers weekly tutoring sessions with Mr. Thayer, who patiently explained concepts in multiple ways to make it easier to grasp.

“Knowing how hard I was working on the concepts that didn’t come easily to me, he once offered me bonus points for using my signature purple pen on the final, helping me squeak to a B-,” she said. “That’s the

kind of teacher you don’t forget.”

The faculty members who worked for him also had a great respect for him as a boss and as a colleague.

When retired math teacher Karen Holmes joined Holland Hall in 1985, Mr. Thayer was head of the upper school.

“I remember him as a person who commanded respect but not in a draconian way,” she said. “He was a positive, earnest, wise, effective leader, and I count myself lucky to have worked with him.

“His firm grasp of the upper school was never more evident than when he stepped outside his office, into the Commons. Whatever mischief might have been happening at that moment ceased abruptly, until Mr. Thayer moved on from that space. That is the kind of respect students had for his expectations of them.”

He served as the head of upper school from 197992. Later, as colleagues in the math department, Ms. Holmes said he was always available for advice or to help out.

“I truly owe Jim a debt of gratitude for showing me the Holland Hall way and inspiring me to keep learning every day and be a better version of myself,” she said. H

In Memoriam: Mr. Glenn

Ballard –

A true gentleman and schoolman

BY RICHARD HART Director of Alumni & Family Engagement

Holland Hall remembers with deep gratitude the life and legacy of Mr. Glenn Arlen Ballard, who served as headmaster during the spring semester of the 2003–04 school year. Though his tenure was brief, his impact was profound and lasting.

Originally appointed as interim headmaster, Mr. Ballard’s calm, wise, and student-centered leadership quickly won the hearts of the entire community. At Commencement, in his final month of service, the students announced that the “interim” would be removed from his title — a testament to the deep respect and affection he inspired.

Raised in western Pennsylvania, Mr. Ballard was a standout student-athlete, lettering in four sports before completing a postgraduate year at The Kiski School. He went on to attend Brown University, where he played football until a knee injury altered his path. He returned home to earn degrees in chemistry and mathematics from the University of Pittsburgh, later teaching at his alma mater for 11 years.

Mr. Ballard enjoyed a distinguished career in independent education. He held leadership roles as head

of the upper school at Graland Country Day School (Colo.), and as head of school at Brownell Talbot (Neb.), The Hockaday School (Texas), and The Kinkaid School (Texas). He also served nationally as president of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).

At Holland Hall, Mr. Ballard became a visible and beloved presence — greeting students at the door, attending athletic events and performances, visiting classrooms, and always making time for a kind word or handwritten note. He was known for writing personal birthday cards to every student and faculty member — a simple, thoughtful gesture that reflected his deep care for others. As Ms. Tempest Dulany, former assistant to the head of school, recalled: “Students loved him, and he loved the students.”

One of his lasting contributions was establishing the tradition of faculty and board members wearing academic regalia at Commencement, underscoring the ceremony’s importance in the life of the school.

“Glenn Ballard truly made a big difference at an important time for the school,” reflected Mr. David Johnson, then-head of the Board of Trustees.

We honor the memory of Mr. Glenn Ballard — a remarkable educator, mentor, and gentleman. His legacy lives on in the hearts of all who had the privilege to know him. H

‘A very real difference’

On the pitch or in the classroom, Edgar Bénarrous inspired excellence

BY KEN BUSBY ’85

Monsieur Edgar Bénarrous was an outstanding Upper School French teacher and C-Team soccer coach.

He left an indelible mark on Holland Hall – and me – sharing his passion for the French language and for developing soccer skills.

I remember going into ninth grade – and French 2H –with Monsieur Bénarrous. He taught the class in French, no English. He insisted on correct pronunciation – and if you mispronounced a word, a quick three raps of his pen on his desk would tell you to try again. He was tough, but fair, and gave me a love and appreciation of French that continues to this day. He loved languages and words and the meanings that they had that often shifted over time. I also had Monsieur Bénarrous for French 4, and he loved teaching us various tenses of verbs that aren’t used as often today – like the plusque-parfait and passé simple. We were prepared to read and translate any text!

On the soccer field, Monsieur Bénarrous was a strong believer in developing footwork and calisthenics. We exercised regularly and did a lot of drills, developing our passing and shooting skills. And every time C-Team had a scrimmage with the B-Team – we won!

Monsieur Bénarrous was born in Morocco, and he came to the United States in 1968 with his wife, Judy,

whom he met in Morocco when they were serving in the Peace Corps. They intended to stay in America for only a year – just for him to see the country – but they remained in Tulsa for the rest of his life. I remember a story he once told about driving around Tulsa with Judy shortly after they came to the states, and he couldn’t understand why people were placing signs in their yards advertising their dirty garages – Garage Sale – in French, “sale” means dirty.

Monsieur Bénarrous loved sports. He was a runner, cyclist, swimmer, and tennis player. He taught at Holland Hall and Tulsa Community College for 26 years – impacting hundreds of lives. He also loved to travel – and shared his love of life with Judy and their sons, Marc and David. Monsieur Bénarrous was also very fond of his grandchildren Harmonie, Elie, Renner, and Jude, and delighted in being their grandfather.

Monsieur Bénarrous’ passing leaves a void in the Holland Hall family. He was one of several formative teachers that I had who made a very real difference in my life. Over the years, I was fortunate to spend time with Monsieur Bénarrous and Judy and other French friends where we would enjoy a good meal, some good wine, and a good joke. Nous rendons grâce pour la vie d’Edgar Bénarrous. May his memory be for a blessing. H

Ken Busby is a former Holland Hall Trustee, and is currently the executive director of the Route 66 Alliance. He serves on numerous nonprofit boards focused on arts, culture, and education.

Longtime teacher Nancy Foote remembered

Nancy Frye Foote, who, during her tenure as a primary school teacher taught scores of children to read, died in November.

“Mrs. Foote was a sassy, energetic, and wildly fun primary school teacher, who loved her students and colleagues dearly,” said Middle School Chaplain and Holland Hall lifer Christy Utter ’92. “When she turned 90 a few years ago, a very long line of cars made up of friends, family, alumni, and former colleagues streamed by her house to offer good wishes for another year of an amazing life.”

Proud of her Cherokee heritage, Mrs. Foote spent her childhood in Wewoka and loved teaching with that lens while working in Oklahoma and Arizona.

In addition to teaching at Holland Hall, she was a docent at Gilcrease Museum, was part of the Brookside Book Club, and loved "and all my bridge buddies who put up with me," according to her obituary.

Mrs. Foote was mentioned often in Holland Hall’s history for devoting time in the summer to helping start an educational summer school for students that was sponsored by Holland Hall and Saint Aidan's Episcopal Church.

The program placed an emphasis on reading and math skills, along with games and PE activities.

With a gift for teaching children to read, she was hugely popular with students and parents at the summer program, in first grade at Holland Hall.

"They are so eager to learn," she once said of her young readers.

Longtime primary school teacher Sarah Cox remembers the laughter most of all.

“The years I taught with Nancy Foote were filled with humor and lots of laughing! She was never afraid to speak her mind. She had very strong opinions about everything, so she and I had very lively discussions on many topics! I cherish every day I taught with her!”

She is survived by her children, John Charles (Chas) Foote (married to Julie) and Nancy Ann Gammie (married to John). Nancy is also survived by three grandchildren, Meg Gammie Phan (married to Lu), John Michael Gammie (married to Krysta), and Sally Ann Gammie, as well as three great-grandchildren, Chloe Grace Gammie, John Liam Gammie, and Sloane Amelia Phan. H

Jon Stuart leaves behind a legacy of philanthropy, love of Holland Hall

Jon Stuart, a noted Tulsa leader and one of four generations in his family to have served as a Holland Hall Trustee, died in March.

Born in Oslo, Norway, he was adopted as an infant by Joan and Harold Stuart, who also adopted sister Randi Stuart Wightman.

His mother, Joan Skelly Stuart ’28, was in the second graduating class of Holland Hall, and started a legacy that continues today.

Although he didn’t graduate from Holland Hall, Jon Stuart did attend our school for several years and would later marry Diane “Dee Dee” Lindsey Stuart ’67, although they didn’t know each other when they were in the same grade. Together they adopted two children — Susan ’97 and Melissa ’99, both of whom graduated from Holland Hall.

Jon Stuart served on the Holland Hall Board of Trustees, as did his grandfather, and his daughter, Susan Peterson. The list of family graduates is long and includes his sister, cousins and his two grandchildren, Landon ’25 and Hannah Peterson ’27

The family’s generosity is well known, with The Stuart Family Foundation Alumni Center and Balcony and remodeled All Saints Chapel quickly becoming focal points of the campus.

“Jon Stuart was the definition of a gentleman — gracious, generous, and deeply kind,” said Head of School JP Culley. “As a former trustee and benefactor, he created opportunities for students and faculty that will ripple forward

for generations. Jon loved everybody, and everybody loved Jon.”

After high school, Jon went to the University of Oklahoma, where he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity, and The University of Tulsa. He served in the Air National Guard during the Vietnam War.

After his marriage in 1973, he worked in the real estate business, then returned to Tulsa in 1975 to the family business, First Stuart Corporation, where he worked until his death. Jon's professional endeavors included banking, oil and gas operations, real estate, and investments in various business holdings. He served on the board of directors of no less than seven banks and served Tulsa and other communities in many ways, including, Gilcrease Museum, Philbrook Museum of Art, The Boy Scouts of America, The City of Tulsa-Rogers County Port Authority, Boston Avenue Methodist Church, Committee of One Hundred, the Falcon Foundation at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, the University of Oklahoma Board of Regents, the Merkel Family Foundation, the Edna Gladney Center for Adoption of Ft. Worth, Texas, and the Stuart Family Foundation.

Jon served as the Royal Norwegian Consul for a four-state region for over 30 years. He was an inductee into the Tulsa Hall of Fame, class of 2014, and received an honorary Ph.D. from the University of Oklahoma in 2018.

He was a fourth generation inductee into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, class of 2018, following his great-grandfather, Charles B. Stuart, class of 1933, his grandfather, William G. Skelly, class of 1938, and father, Harold C. Stuart, class of 1983.

But for all his accolades and community engagements, his favorite roles were that of husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was blessed with the love of his wife, Dee Dee, to whom he was married for over 51 years, according to his obituary.

They had three children, son William, who died in infancy, and daughters Susan Stuart Peterson, and Melissa Stuart Nuzum (husband DJ Nuzum). They had three grandchildren, Landon Peterson, Hannah Peterson, and Caroline Nuzum. He lovingly cared for his Swiss Bernese Mountain Dogs, Millie and Heidi.

He treasured spending time with his family, whether it was traveling with Dee Dee, coaching his daughter's softball team, or attending grandparents' days at school. Jon had a special enthusiasm for cars, art, and numerous collections of historical memorabilia.

He had a curious mind and a quick, subtle wit that always kept those around him smiling. He is remembered by those who knew him as generous, kind, and always having a positive outlook on life. Even in the midst of his declining health, Jon would often quip “...no one has been more fortunate than me.” H

Board of Trustees

Robin F. Ballenger ’63 Board Chair

Lori A. Carver Vice Chair

Matthew J. Bristow

Treasurer

Amy M. Santee

Secretary

Annatina B. Aaronson

Past Parents’ Association President 2021-22

Tobey Ballenger ’91 Parents’ Association President

Megan M. Beck ’98

Annie Brady

Ashley Bray

Milford J. Carter

J.W. Craft

Past Board Chair 2017-22

William J. (Jake) Freudenrich ’10 Alumni Association President

Lynn Frazier Goldberg ’86

Ronald L. Hoffman

JJ Hurley

Stephen W. Lake

William C. Lawson ’81

The Rev. Dr. Everett C. Lees †

Amy H. Oneal ’99

Sarah W. Poston

Elizabeth B. Rains

The Rt. Rev. Poulson C. Reed Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma

Shannon L. Richards ’02

David J. Schaffer

Thomas A. Sharpe

Kulsum Siddiqui

Tyrone D. Sterling

Joseph R. Wignarajah ’00

Chad J. Zamarin

Emeritus Board of Trustees

Sandra J. Alexander ’69 †

Philip B. Allen ’73

Katherine G. Coyle

John B. Hawkins

† Remembered friend

David A. Johnson

Tammie L. Maloney

Susan C. Stone

Barbara D. Sturdivant

HOLLAND HALL ADMINISTRATION

JP Culley Head of School

Jane Beckwith Director of Teaching and Learning

Bryan Burnham Director of Belonging and Inclusion

Justin Butler ’04

Assistant Head of School for Enrollment Management

Steve Dyer Director of the Walter Arts Center and Fine Arts

Amy England Chief Advancement Officer

Henry Finch ’76 Chief Technology Officer

Steve Heldebrand

Assistant Head of School for Athletics

Vanessa Jones Head of Primary School

Leslie Kelly

Associate Head of School for Finance and Operations

David Parks

Head of Upper School

Ashley Parrish ’93 Director of Marketing and Communication

Jennifer Whisenhunt White ’89

Assistant Head of School and Middle School

Head

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