Fall 2025 Magazine

INDIAN SPRINGS A M AG A Z I N E F O R A L U M N I A N D F R I E N D S O F I N D I A N S P R I N G S S C H O O L

FA L L 2 0 2 5

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT:

Indian Springs New and Future Alums Page 4

Celebrating the Completion of the KSCC Campaign Page 26

Alumni Weekend 2025 Page 34

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INDIAN SPRINGS MAGAZINE

HEAD OF SCHOOL

MISSION STATEMENT Guided by our motto, Learning through Living,

SCOTT G. SCHAMBERGER

Indian Springs School fosters a love of learning and creativity, a sense of integrity and moral courage, and an ethic of participatory citizenship with respect for individuality and independent thought.

ACADEMICS

Dr. Jonathan Gray EDITORS

ADMISSION & ADVANCEMENT

Taylor Docking

ADVANCEMENT AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

Erica Richie Jim Simon

Jim Simon

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

ATHLETICS

Ellen S. Padgett

Greg Van Horn

COVER & FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHER

COLLEGE ADVISING

Mallory Barry

Andrew Hughes

PHOTOGRAPHERS

COMMUNICATIONS

Mallory Barry Will Carey Quez Shipman

Dr. Matt Gorum DEVELOPMENT

Dawn Phillips

FINANCE AND OPERATIONS

CONTRIBUTORS

Tanya Yeager

Mallory Barry

FACULTY

Taylor Docking

Weslie Wald

Peggy Fleetwood

RESIDENTIAL LIFE

Matt Gorum

Mike Rowlett

STRATEGY AND SPECIAL PROJECTS

Dawn Phillips

Lauren Wainwright ’88

Charles Robinson ’59

STUDENT LIFE

Pat Russell

Curtis Phillips

BOARD OF GOVERNORS 2025-2026

Leo Kayser, III ’62 Emily Hess Levine ’01 Ellen McElroy ’78 Randall Minor ’99 Hina Patel Scott Pulliam ’85 Hanson Slaughter ’90 Callen Bair Thistle ’01 Sarah Mills Nee ’03,

Ex Officio, Alumni Council

Lindsey Chitwood,

Ex Officio, Parents Association

INDIAN SPRINGS MAGAZINE

Published twice a year. Printed by BPI Media Group in Boaz, Alabama.

CLASS NOTES

classnotes@indiansprings.org At Indian Springs School, we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint. If you would prefer to receive Indian Springs Magazine or other school communications electronically, please let us know via email at indiansprings@indiansprings.org.

©2025 Indian Springs School. All rights reserved.

190 Woodward Drive, Indian Springs, AL 35124 Phone: 205.988.3350 | Website: www.indiansprings.org

NOTICE OF NONDISCIMINATORY POLICY AS TO STUDENTS Indian Springs School, an independent school nationally recognized as a leader in boarding and day

education for grades 8-12, serves a talented and diverse student body and offers its admission to qualified students regardless of race, gender, religion, national origin, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. Located in Indian Springs, Alabama, just south of Birmingham, the school does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, national origin, ethnicity, or sexual orientation in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, or athletic and other school-administered programs.

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Cover and feature photos by Mallory Barry

Lia Rushton Robert Aland ’80 Kelly Bodnar Battles ’85 Martin Damsky ’68 Joe Farley ’81 Jerolyn Ferrari Clara Chung Fleisig Michele Forman Elise May Frohsin ’88 Braxton Goodrich ’93 Elizabeth Goodrich Kyung Han ’85

INDI A N {CONTENTS}

FALL 2025

SPR INGS

I VOLUME TWENTY-THREE, ISSUE ONE

F E AT U R E D

12

On Campus Construction updates and celebrating the Class of 2025.

20

“Doc” Armstrong Remembering Indian Springs School’s founding director.

26

The Completion of the KSCC Campaign A grateful nod to our donors who successfully completed the KSCC Capital Campaign.

34

Alumni Weekend 2025

Cover and feature photos by Mallory Barry

Photos and stories from the weekend

IN EVERY ISSUE

4

FEATURE

STORY

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Student Spotlight A look at some of our new and future alums and their many accomplishments

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WELCOME LETTERS NOTEWORTHY

@ExperienceSprings

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WELCOME

FROM BOARD CHAIR ELIZABETH GOODRICH

M ELIZABETH GOODRICH P ’20, ’23, ’28 Chair, Board of Governors Indian Springs School

y term as chair of the Indian Springs Board of Governors came to an end in May, and, like many endings, this feels bittersweet. Serving Indian Springs School as board chair has been an honor, a privilege, and a source of real joy for me. I want to extend my thanks and appreciation to the members of the Indian Springs community who have offered me their support, counsel, and assistance during these three years. I am especially grateful to the Board of Governors.

They are a wise and committed group of leaders who give considerable time and attention to ensuring the flourishing of the school. They are attentive to the details that fall under their care, and careful not to stray from their lane within our shared governance model. Working with Scott Schamberger and his incredibly talented team has also been a delight, and I never cease to be inspired by the zeal our worldclass faculty bring to their work. But, most of all, it’s gratifying to see the students connect and thrive in a place that is so committed to their learning, growth, and well-being.

If there has been a theme to my three years as board chair, I would say it has been a time of hitting our stride. Some might call these years a return to normal, and, in a sense, that is true. When I took the helm, we were moving from underneath the cloud of COVID. But one of the things I think we can be most proud of is that we did not simply seek to return to what had been, as if that is possible, but, instead, we continued to grow and evolve during a challenging season. We completed the campaign for and the construction of the Kayser/Samford Community Commons. We saw record interest in Indian Springs and record admissions. The boarding program both grew and found new life. Our students won awards and championships and undertook an astonishing variety of courses.

We successfully launched a Capstone program. Our arts and music programs are as strong as they have ever been, and Indian Springs has garnered significant recognition as an excellent independent school. We will soon have a new strategic plan that will help guide the upcoming years at Indian Springs. All of this is because of the strength of this community and its leaders at every level.

There is so much to celebrate, and we can look toward the future at Indian Springs with anticipation and excitement. The board is now in the very capable hands of Lia Rushton, parent of two alums (Tullia ’09 and William ’11) and spouse of Rusty Rushton ’74. Lia was the chair of the search committee that brought Scott Schamberger to Indian Springs, and she has a deep well of experience both as an engaged board member and through her work professionally as an educational consultant.

It is also notable that both Lia and her husband Rusty have a background as classroom teachers.

Without a doubt, the world and this community need what Indian Springs offers now more than ever. As we face much uncertainty from external forces, I feel tremendous hope knowing values like intellectual curiosity, participatory citizenship, and moral courage are still being taught and modeled at Indian Springs. I feel a great sense of satisfaction knowing I had a small part in furthering the mission and impact, and I hope you will feel the same as you support the school in whatever ways you are able.

Fall 2025

speaking at the Directors’ Dinner in April 2025 BOTTOM: Elizabeth, during her tenure as board chair, at the ribbon-cutting for the Kayser/Samford Community Commons with husband, Mike Goodrich ’93 P ’20, ’23, ’28.

Photos by Quez Shipman

TOP: Elizabeth at Harvest Market in October 2024 MIDDLE: Elizabeth

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FROM HEAD OF SCHOOL SCOTT SCHAMBERGER

SCOTT SCHAMBERGER Head of School, Indian Springs School

ABOVE: Scott and Elizabeth

at the Directors’ Dinner in April 2024

Indian Springs

Photos by Quez Shipman

T

he conclusion of the 2024-2025 school year marked several milestones, some for the school and at least one for me personally. First, the Class of 2025 walked across the graduation stage to become members of the Indian Springs Alumni Association. As you enter campus, you will see a lasting reminder of this special class. A permanent new Indian Springs sign now stands just past the guardhouse, with ample space to incorporate the rotating banners on display, welcoming various groups of visitors to campus (see photos on page 5). After a successful fundraising effort fueled by t-shirt sales, the Class of 2025 decided that a structure for rotating signage would add to our curb appeal. The Indian Springs community is grateful for this lasting monument that will forever remind us of the trove of remarkable young people in that class.

Second, June 30, 2025, marked the end of the fiscal year that saw the successful completion of our capital campaign for the Kayser/Samford Community Commons. The generosity of the Indian Springs family has enabled the school to establish a state-of-the-art dining facility, which has become the social hub of the campus. The successful completion of the campaign also means that Indian Springs is a rarity amongst educational institutions, as we operate with zero long-term debt. I am pleased to share that construction funding is fully underwritten by pledges to the campaign.

With the conclusion of each school year, we extend our gratitude to those who generously give of their time, talent, and treasure. This year is no exception, with volunteers at all levels supporting the school’s various initiatives, and an annual fund that surpassed the previous year’s. Additionally, Elizabeth Goodrich concluded her three-year term as Board Chair. Elizabeth has been a shining example of servant leadership for our school community. She has been a stalwart supporter of the school and a true partner to me as head of school. The Indian Springs community benefits every day from the leadership of the entire Board. I am pleased that, although Elizabeth’s tenure as chair has concluded, she remains a member of the Board, and we will continue to benefit from her steady and supportive leadership for years to come. I hope you will join me in thanking Elizabeth for all that she has done for Indian Springs. While you are at it, I would also like to ask that you thank Lia Rushton for agreeing to take on the role of chair moving forward. Lia’s commitment to Indian Springs is longstanding, and I am particularly excited to have her in this role, as she was the first board member I interacted with in the head of school search process that she chaired in 2019. Serving on a board is often a thankless job. I am incredibly grateful to Elizabeth, Lia, and all our current and former board members for their contributions and ongoing efforts on behalf of the Indian Springs Community.

Finally, July 1, 2025, marked my fifth anniversary at Indian Springs. With over 25 years of experience in the education world, spanning both the collegiate level and various secondary schools, I can humbly say that I feel I have found my place here. There is no other school in this state, region, or country that looks and feels like Indian Springs. It has been a professional privilege and personal joy to work alongside the board, faculty, staff, and student leadership in advancing the school’s mission.

Indian Springs is in a strong position, and I remain convinced that our best days are yet to come. As we move to adopt a new strategic plan, we will focus on the People, Program, and sense of Place that make Indian Springs transformative for young people to grow and develop.

Additionally, this year, we will celebrate the school’s 50th anniversary of coeducation by acknowledging the transformational contributions Indian Springs women have made since their arrival on our campus in the fall of 1975. The vision of Indian Springs has been in the making for almost 75 years. Along the way, our community has answered the call, helping us reach our current position. We will once again count on the love and support of the entire Indian Springs family as we move boldly into the future to build a robust endowment that invests in our People, Programs, and sense of Place.

Go Springs!

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CAMPUS NEWS

S T U D E N T S P OT L I G H T

JULIA GALE ’25

Finding Her Voice

BY ERICA RICHIE

Photo by Mallory Barry

Fall 2025

F

or most high school students, navigating politics can feel overwhelming. For new alum Julia Gale ’25, it became the subject of an award-winning poem when inspiration struck during her final year at Indian Springs.

This spring, Julia earned national recognition in the form of the Scholastic Art & Writing American Voices Award for her poem “Polite Politics.” The piece, written on the heels of the 2024 presidential election, blends the intensity and frustration of that moment with the hope of a first-time voter, while also encouraging respectful dialogue across differences.

Julia turned 18 about a week prior to the 2024 presidential election, so it was an especially thoughtful and meaningful time in her young life.

“It was the day after the election, and I just had so many thoughts in my head,” Julia said.

“Usually, I’d turn those thoughts into a song, but this time I opened a voice memo in the car and just started talking about what I was feeling,” she explained.

At that same time, Julia was enrolled in the English elective, Art of the Personal Narrative, taught by Dr. Renee Chow, who had been encouraging her students to submit their work for the Scholastic Awards. Dr. Chow often gave her students time during class to write freely. In one such class, Julia listened back to her voice memo and put pen to paper, and the result was “Polite Politics.”

The poem grapples with big questions: fairness, respect, and how people are treated based on surface-level differences. It’s passionate and emotional, but also carefully measured.

“Even though I was frustrated, I wanted to make it digestible—not just an insult to people,” she explained. “I tried to express my feelings in a way that could spark thoughtful discussion.”

Julia also drew inspiration from alum Alison Goldstein Lebovitz ’88, who came to speak with the students two years prior. Alison had encouraged the students to have difficult conversations with people they disagree with.

“Alison said that it’s really important to have

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INDIAN SPRINGS THEATER difficult conversations with people you disagree with because it makes you better, as in, it exposes you to other points of view, other opinions and perceptions, and further educates you,” Julia recalled. “She said those conversations make you better. That really stuck with me.”

Though poetry is not Julia’s primary medium, it’s deeply connected to her love of songwriting.

“All songs are poems, and all poems are songs,” Julia said with a smile. “When I write poetry, I don’t have music to lean on. The words have to be strong enough on their own.”

Music has been part of Julia’s life for as long as she can remember. She picked up a ukulele at age four, filling a small spiral notebook with early songs. By 10th grade, songwriting became serious: three songs released, dozens more written, and regular gigs performing original music.

“I probably have 50 songs fully written now,” said Julia. “I even performed an almost fully original set recently.”

This fall, Julia began her college career at Monmouth University in New Jersey with plans to pursue a music concentration in musical theater. Monmouth’s strong program and proximity to New York City will allow Julia to pursue both independent music and theater.

“Monmouth just checked all the boxes,” they said.

“It has an amazing program, supportive faculty, a recording studio, and even opportunities to get original songs fully produced.”

The decision to study music and performance was a recent but life-changing shift. Originally planning to study nursing, Julia had what she called a “nagging feeling” over this past spring break that her true path was in the arts.

“It felt like my compass needle just shifted,” she explained. “I knew I was meant to do something musical.”

The recognition from the Scholastic Awards was unexpected but affirming.

“I wasn’t expecting anything to come from it,” Julia admitted. “But I’m glad this poem was chosen. People are often afraid to speak out about how they feel about politics, and I hope this encourages others to share their voices too.”

While music, performance, songwriting, and, hopefully, poetry seem to all be a part of Julia’s future, she seems confident in stepping out into the world ready to create, inspire, and spark conversations that matter.

Julia’s passion for music and performance translated to the stage in many productions in the John Badham Theater. The 2024-2025 season was inspiring for both our theater students and audiences, as rave reviews poured in for both our fall and spring offerings. Our fall play, After Juliet, was a contemplative reflection on what life would have been like for those left behind after the deaths of Romeo and Juliet. Our spring musical, The Secret Garden, was a bold, musically challenging masterpiece. We hope you’ll make plans to see a theatre production during the 2025-2026 season!

Indian Springs

Photo by Mallory Barry

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CAMPUS NEWS

S T U D E N T S P OT L I G H T

CARA HUFF ’26

Finding Her Strength

BY ERICA RICHIE

Photos by Mallory Barry

Fall 2025

W

hen Cara Huff ’26 stepped into the throwing ring at the AHSAA Track and Field State Championships this past spring, she wasn’t just competing—she was proving how far determination and unexpected beginnings can carry you.

Her path to becoming a championship athlete started almost by accident. A little nudge from mom as a sixth-grader proved to be more significant than she ever thought possible.

“My little brother (Carter Huff ’29) was signed up for a summer program, and my mom asked if I wanted to join,” she said with a laugh. “I said no, but she told me it was too late, she’d already signed me up. That’s really how it started.”

What began as reluctant participation quickly turned into passion. After trying running and jumping events, she discovered that throwing fit her natural strengths best. By her ninth grade year at Indian Springs, she was competing at a high level, encouraged by her coaches and teammates along the way.

Our small but mighty three-person girls track and field team (including multiple state-title winners in distance running, Elise Picard ’23 and Catherine Hinson ’25) could often be heard shouting encouragement to one another at practices after school under the watchful eyes of coaches George Mange and Chris Tetzlaff.

It turned out to be a breakout year for Cara, placing third overall in the shot put and winning her first state title in discus at the 2023 AHSAA State Championships. She turned heads by breaking a 17-year-old state record with a distance of 132’ 7”, which just so happened to be the longest throw in any classification in the state championships that year.

In 2024, Cara added a state runner-up finish in both the discus and shot put events. The year was filled with a battle through injuries, but it was a disappointment to Cara to be unable to repeat her state championship success.

In her junior year, she approached the sport hungry and determined to be back on top. Competing at the indoor track and field events for her first time, Cara became the AHSAA 4A-5A Girls Shot Put State Champion, gracing the top of the podium once again and breaking yet another state record. At the AHSAA 4A Outdoor Track and Field State Championships in May, she dominated once more, this time claiming the shot put title with a distance of 45’7.5”. Cara was eight feet ahead of second place, and once again threw farther than any competitor in 1A-7A state finals, breaking a 34-year-old state record.

Cara added national competitions to her resume this summer, traveling to the 2025 Adidas Track Nationals held in Greensboro, North Carolina, and bringing home yet another first-place finish! In the National Elite Division for Girls Shot Put, Cara threw for 12.78 meters, securing the top spot on the podium. She also placed 12th overall in the Girls Discus

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with a throw of 36.81 meters.

Cara has been aiming not just for medals but also to catch the eyes of college recruiters.

“I definitely want to keep throwing in college,” she said. “Division I, II, or III doesn’t really matter—I just want the opportunity to compete and earn a scholarship.”

Like so many students at Indian Springs, her journey has been more than one particular passion. Cara has been an active voice in student leadership, serving in multiple student government positions since ninth grade. What began as a spontaneous decision to run for office turned into a deeper appreciation for how Indian Springs functions.

“Being in student government gave me a real respect for the behind-the-scenes work it takes to make events and ideas happen,” she explained. “It changes the way you see our school community.”

In the classroom, she has proven that her drive extends beyond the field.

“I’ve always wanted to show that I’m more than just an athlete,” Cara said. “Classes at Indian Springs really challenge you to think differently.”

As for her future, Cara’s open to many possibilities. She’s drawn to international studies and hopes to build a career that connects her with people across borders. Her love of the French language in particular has sparked a dream of living abroad.

“I’m currently conversational in French,” she said. “By next year, I’m hoping to be fluent.”

For now, she is focused on making the most of her senior year.

“My goal is to finish strong,” she said. “I want to be like a sponge—soak up every experience, every lesson, every opportunity Indian Springs has to offer before I graduate.”

GO SPRINGS! In addition to Cara’s state title, several teams and individual athletes made appearances at their respective AHSAA State Playoffs and/or Championships.

Our girls cross-country team qualified for the state meet for the first time in seven years, and Catherine Hinson ’25 (pictured far left) crossed the finish line as state runner-up in the 4A AHSAA Cross-Country State Championships in November 2024.

Quinn Conroy ’27 was state runner-up in the 3200m race and placed fourth in the 1600m race at the 4A5A ASHAA Boys Indoor Track State Championships in January 2025.

Our girls bowling team made it to the Final Four at the 1A-5A AHSAA Girls Bowling State Championships in February 2025.

Cara brought home a national title from the 2025 Adidas Track Nationals, throwing for 12.78 meters in the National Elite Division for Girls Shot Put, and placed 12th overall in the Girls Discus.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Indian Springs

Photos by Mallory Barry

Ben Simms ’25 will continue his basketball career this fall, signing with Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi. Congratulations Ben!

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CAMPUS NEWS

S T U D E N T S P OT L I G H T

TUAN TRAN ’26

Finding His Fight

BY ERICA RICHIE

F

Fall 2025

Photos by Mallory Barry

or many students, high school science projects mean building the solar system or model volcanoes, but for Tuan Tran ’26, it meant tackling one of the deadliest forms of cancer known in medicine: pancreatic tumors.

Tuan’s project centered on the role of a protein called Midkine (MDK) that acts as a growth factor and is involved in various physiological processes like cell growth, repair, and inflammation. It plays a significant role in the development of the nervous system, but it is also associated with the progression of diseases, especially cancer, where it is often overexpressed and linked to drug resistance and tumor growth.

MDK is known to be highly expressed in several gastrointestinal and brain cancers. Scientists already knew MDK helps cancer cells grow and spread, but its role in pancreatic cancer, the deadliest of all common cancers, was less clear.

“Pancreatic cancer is so difficult to treat because the tumor builds this fibrous wall that blocks chemotherapy and shuts down the immune system,” Tuan explained. “I wanted to see if MDK was part of that process.”

And it turns out, it is. Using advanced single-cell sequencing data, Tuan discovered that MDK encourages cancer-associated fibroblasts

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to build that fibrous barrier while also pushing immune cells into a “silent” mode by binding the receptors, weakening the body’s natural defense that allows cancer to thrive.

After making the discovery, Tuan took his project a step further. Employing computational bioinformatics, he developed a multi-epitope cancer vaccine targeting segments of the MDK protein. To strengthen immune responses, the vaccine design included linkers for stability, a beta-defensin adjuvant to activate immune cells, and rigorous testing through computer simulations.

In other words, it triggers the body’s own immune response to “fight back” against the MDK. Simulations predicted stronger immune responses, more active T-cells and B-cells, and even stronger binding between immune receptors and the vaccine.

“Seeing those results was really exciting,” he said. “It showed that maybe this could one day be a real tool in fighting pancreatic cancer.”

Tuan’s research made quite the impression on judges at the regional, state, and international science fairs this past spring. His project titled “A Novel Multi-Epitope Vaccine Against Midkine – Regulator of Immune Evasion and Fibrosis in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma,” received first place in his division and top honors over all divisions (automatically qualifying him for the international fair) at the Central Alabama Regional Science and Engineering Fair, first place at the Alabama Science and Engineering Fair, and placed fourth at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair.

The passion for medical research runs deep in Tuan’s family.

Growing up in a household of doctors, dinnertime conversations often turned into lively debates about medicine and tough-to-diagnose diseases.

“My dad always said gastrointestinal diseases are often difficult to diagnose, and by the time they’re found, it’s usually too late,” he reflected. “That really stuck with me.”

Tuan also carries a personal connection to the disease as two of his great-aunts have passed away from pancreatic cancer, making his research especially meaningful.

This summer, Tuan was able to continue his research through his internship with Dr. Julienne L. Carstens at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, whose own research is focused on understanding tumor biology. Tuan and Dr. Carstens spent the summer focusing on the microenvironment of pancreatic tumors that have already spread. These metastasized tumors are the most dangerous but also the least studied.

Even with all these accomplishments, Tuan is focused on enjoying his senior year and studying a wide range of interests, including sculpture and international relations, in addition to his advanced science and math classes. Only one core class fails to spark joy.

“I do not like physics,” Tuan admitted with a laugh. “I can tolerate math, but physics isn’t for me.”

As for long-term plans? The path isn’t fully decided. Tuan is torn between following his family’s footsteps into practicing medicine and another part is drawn to the life of a scientist, working in labs across the globe.

“I love the idea of traveling and doing research around the world,” he said with a smile. “It’s harder to do that if you’re practicing medicine in one country. So maybe I’ll lean more toward the science side.”

Whatever he decides, Tuan has already secured a bright future for himself.

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT Indian Springs students collected accolades at the state, national, and even international level in Tuan’s case, during the 2024-2025 school year.

ABOVE, LEFT TO RIGHT: Avina Mehra ’29 was named “Outstand-

ing Girl Delegate” at the state Junior United Nations Convention (JUNA) in January 2025. • Elizabeth Morris ’29 competed at the Great History Challenge Nationals in Orlando, Florida in May 2025 and placed in the top 10 in the nation.

At the state Poetry Out Loud competition held at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival in March, Aarvi Shah ’26 (pictured left) brought home first place in the Social Justice category, with her poem titled “Girlhood.” Abigail White ’27 (pictured right) took second place in the Original Oratory category, where Aarvi placed third. (Both girls pictured with Poetry Out Loud coordinator and English teacher, D’Anthony Allen.)

MORE ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS ON PAGE 14

Indian Springs

Photos by Mallory Barry

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CAMPUS NEWS

S T U D E N T S P OT L I G H T

AVERY BIGA ’25

Finding His Footing

BY ERICA RICHIE

Photo by Mallory Barry

Fall 2025

I

t was a summer of significant changes for Avery Biga ’25.

Graduating from high school and moving away for college is already such a pivotal and transitional point in a young person’s life.

Avery decided to take that up a notch by making the international move to Belgium, where he’s enrolled at KU Leuven to study engineering technology, and also committed to playing for the Royal Sporting Club Anderlecht (RSCA) Futsal U21 team.

Futsal is a fast-paced, five-a-side version of soccer, typically played on a hard court, similar in size to a basketball court, with a heavier, low-bounce ball. It is the only form of indoor soccer endorsed by FIFA and is immensely popular in Europe and South America, but still relatively unknown in the United States.

Avery’s involvement with futsal began simply as a way to stay active when he wasn’t playing his first love: soccer.

“It was just supposed to be something to do in the soccer off-season,” he said with a small laugh. “My parents wanted to keep me active during the winter. But I really enjoyed it and it’s just kind of grown and grown from there.”

In 2018, Avery began training with Birmingham Futsal, Alabama’s first U.S. Youth Futsal program affiliate, which was relatively new at the time. His skills earned him the opportunity to compete with the National Futsal Development Program and later with the U.S. National Youth Futsal team, competing in Argentina, France, and Portugal.

Earlier this year, he traveled to Croatia for the Istria Nations Cup, facing off against national teams from Italy, Latvia, and other European powerhouses.

“It was all FIFA-sponsored — flights, hotels, everything covered,” he recalled. “It felt like a professional event. The level of play and organization is just different over there.”

Thanks to those connections, Avery was able to garner the attention of RSCA Futsal’s coaches and signed a semi-professional agreement with them to play on its under-21 team, a group that competes against adult squads and trains within a professional structure.

“RSCA’s first team is incredible,” Avery said. “Their goalie won the World Cup with

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GO SPRINGS!

Argentina. A lot of their players come from national teams in Brazil and Europe.”

Despite the excitement surrounding his athletic future, Avery is equally focused on academics. Typically an “A” student during his time at Indian Springs, Avery was named a National Merit Finalist for 2025. The university he’ll attend, KU Leuven, is consistently ranked among the top global universities and is part of a network enrolling more than 120,000 students. Each campus houses highly specialized programs across a series of small, discipline-specific campuses. His home base, Campus T, is centered on engineering technologies.

“It’s definitely not like a liberal arts education,” he explains. “Each campus is really specialized and focused on one area. Campus T is kind of a mashup of all different kinds of engineering, which I really like. I’ve always enjoyed math, physics, and problem-solving, so it feels like the right fit.”

That logical, precise mind finds an unexpected balance through his creative outlet, photography. Avery discovered his passion the summer between his eighth and ninth grade years while enrolled in a photography course at Indian Springs summer programs.

“I liked that it gave me a break,” Avery said with a smile. “When I take photos, I don’t like dealing with people. I’d rather just capture nature, stillness, quiet moments.”

It’s an interesting contrast, the calm observer behind the camera and the fierce competitor on the futsal court. But it suits Avery perfectly. His quiet demeanor allows his achievements to speak loudly even when he doesn’t.

“I guess I just enjoy what I do,” he said with a slight shrug.

After graduation, the Biga family will be relocating to Texas as his mother will be leading the biology department at Texas State University. Yet another major change in a year already full of them. However, Avery takes it all in stride. Between international tournaments, academic achievement, and a creative eye for the world around him, he’s stepping confidently into the next chapter.

Both of our girls and boys soccer teams made the trip to Huntsville for the first time since 2022 for the final four of the AHSAA 5A Soccer State Championships. Our girls team ended their season in a hard-fought semi-final match, while the boys team ended their season with a runner-up trophy. Congrats to both teams!

Congratulations to Erik Ledvina ’25, who committed to the Division III soccer team at the California Institute of Technology.

Erik was celebrated in a ceremony with Coach Tozzi and his teammates in May. Read more about Erik on the next page!

Indian Springs

Photo by Mallory Barry

,

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CAMPUS NEWS

C A M P U S I M P R OV E M E N TS

CONSTRUCTION AHEAD

The Swamp Grill opened this fall, serving snacks and small plates to community members on campus after-hours.

Construction is underway on a new faculty duplex to be completed in early 2026.

Photo of Erik by Mallory Barry; all others by Erica Richie

Fall 2025

Before earning his acceptance to Cal Tech (which includes a full scholarship based on his academic and athletic achievements!), Erik Ledvina ’25 made a lasting mark on the Indian Springs campus. For his Eagle Scout Service Project, Erik constructed a bridge just beyond McLean Lawn that crosses a ditch surrounding the lake. The bridge is primarily self-supporting, inspired by a Leonardo da Vinci design.

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Town Hall Updates: LEFT, TOP TO BOTTOM: The

breezeway outside classrooms 14-17 got a modern upgrade, and the students have an extra place to study with the enclosure at the end of the breezeway, heading into Town Hall.

Students can also visit this area for an additional place to print assignments and to address any technical problems with their devices.

Music Classroom Updates: RIGHT, TOP TO BOTTOM: Updates to

Photo of Eirk by Mallory Barry; all others by Erica Richie

the contemporary music classroom are complete, and students are already enjoying their new space!

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CAMPUS NEWS

ST U D E N T AC H I E V E M E N TS

NATE ALBERT ’25

AVERY BIGA ’25

EVIE FROSHIN ’25

AVIVA GOLDBERG ’25

IBRAHIM HAMO ’25

JOSIE KIM ’25

Twelve members of the Class of 2025 were named National Merit Finalists: Nate Albert ’25, Avery Biga ’25, Evie Frohsin ’25, Aviva Goldberg ’25, Ibrahim Hamo ’25, Josie Kim ’25, Erik Ledvina ’25, Max Lizee ’25, Radyn Moradkhani ’25, Syla Steinman ’25, Audrey Wang ’25, and Samuel White ’25. Approximately 15,000 National Merit Finalists are named each year, representing less than 1% of all graduating seniors nationwide for the Class of 2025, and most are eligible for thousands of dollars in scholarships at their respective colleges.

Max and Samuel were named National Merit Scholars, receiving a $2,500 scholarship to their college of choice (Swarthmore College and the University of Virginia, respectively). Evie was named a National Merit Corporate-sponsored Scholar (Ascension).

Ibrahim and Radyn were both named National Merit CollegeSponsored Scholars by their respective colleges: the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Purdue University.

Only 111 students from Alabama and more than 6,000 students nationwide were selected as candidates for the U.S. Presidential Scholar Program from nearly 3.9 million students expected to graduate from U.S. high schools in 2025. Among those

representing the top 0.16% of high school seniors were Aviva, Alex Hage ’25, Ibrahim, Audrey, and Samuel.

Alex was also named a Commended Student by the National Merit Scholarship Program, placing in the top three percent of all those taking the PSAT during their junior year in high school.

Ellis Carter ’25 and CJ Nwosu ’25 were honored by the College Board National Recognition Program based on their outstanding academic achievement and test scores. They scored in the top 10% of students in the state of Alabama on the PSAT. The College Board National Recognition Programs create pathways to college for underrepresented students by awarding them academic honors and connecting them with universities across the country. To be eligible, students must have a GPA of 3.5 or higher and have excelled on the PSAT or earned a score of 3 or higher on two or more AP Exams. They must also identify as African American or Black, Hispanic American or Latinx, Indigenous, and/or attend school in a rural area or small town.

Congratulations to all of our recent graduates and their many accomplishments! Turn the page to see photos from the Class of 2025 commencement ceremony.

Photos by Quez Shipman

Fall 2025

Members of the Class of 2025 earned national recognition for their excellent academic records and standardized test scores.

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ERIK LEDVINA ’25

MAX LIZEE ’25

RADYN MORADKHANI ’25

SYLA STEINMAN ’25

AUDREY WANG ’25

SAMUEL WHITE ’25

·-, } GEORGIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY

ALEX HAGE ’25

ELLIS CARTER ’25

CJ NWOSU ’25

Indian Springs

Photos by Quez Shipman

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CAMPUS NEWS

G R A D U AT I O N

GRADUATION 2025 “I can say without a shred of doubt that this group of people will be infinitely successful in the future, in whatever definition of success you choose to go by. But there will always be opportunities to make positive changes in your life… Don’t let the good be the enemy of the better.”

—Fall 2024 Mayor Edward Davis ’25

“I believe in the future of Indian Springs, because I know and see the future student leaders this school will have. I recognize the same values in them that our class has embodied.”

—Speaker Rosa Schwebel ’25

Eighty seniors, our largest class in history, walked across the stage and became Indian Springs School’s newest alums at the school’s 71st graduation ceremony held May 19 on McLean Lawn. Speakers from the class shared the individual and collective accomplishments of their classmates, highlighting those who excelled in academic pursuits, showcased their talents on stages in Town Hall, and made memories on our athletic fields. Head of School Scott Schamberger told the graduates, “Thank you to every member of the Class of 2025 for all that you have brought to the school and to my life. I am incredibly proud of each of you. Each of you fills me with hope for the future.”

“I know we’ve all heard it a thousand times, but there is something about this school that resonates in a way that is not easy to find. I can now stand here confidently and say it’s not the beautiful campus or a swan that makes this place so special.

It’s the people.”

“Remember this: every individual you meet is another opportunity to form a connection, to form a bond. Connecting with people upon a common interest or a common love has led to many beautiful relationships. So imagine the strength, beauty, and resilience of a human connection formed upon reconciled differences.”

—Spring 2025 Mayor Ibrahim Hamo ’25

Photos by Quez Shipman

Fall 2025

—Speaker Julia Rosenstiel ’25

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GRADUATION AWARDS Ibrahim Hamo ’25 THE JORDAN MCDAVID AWARD Selected by the faculty based on extraordinary leadership and character exhibited through participation in student activities.

Rosa Schwebel ’25 THE LIBBY PANTAZIS AWARD Selected by the faculty based on exemplary dedication, joy, and passion in service to the school.

Kennedy Doyle ’25 and Ibrahim Hamo ’25 THE SPIRITUAL AWARENESS AWARD

Photos byQuez Shipman

Given in memory of Allan Furniss ’63 and Robert Kartus ’68 to two members of the senior class nominated by classmates who embody the qualities of dignity, humanitarianism, and spiritual awareness.

17ie -YJin'tual..Jh1 1areness .JI wa nt

Indian Springs

Kennedy Doyle

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CAMPUS NEWS

G R A D U AT I O N

Photo by Quez Shipman

Fall 2025

CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2025 18

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,

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- -

-,

H.

Amherst College Appalachian State University Auburn University Barnard College Belmont University Berea College Boston University California Institute of Technology Clarkson University Coe College Colorado College

Colorado School of Mines Columbia University Duquesne University Eckerd College Epic Flight Academy George Washington University Georgetown University Georgia Southern University Jewish Theological Seminary of America

Kenyon College KU Leuven Marymount Manhattan College McGill University Millsaps College Monmouth University New York University Northeastern University Purdue University Rollins College St. Louis University (Spain)

Swarthmore College Texas Christian University Tulane University Universidade Federal do Parana (Brazil) University of Alabama University of Alabama at Birmingham University of Amsterdam University of California, San Diego University of Illinois

Urbana-Champaign University of Mississippi University of St. Andrews (Scotland) University of Vermont University of Virginia Virginia Commonwealth University Washington University (St. Louis) Wofford College Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Indian Springs

Photo by Quez Shipman

COLLEGE MATRICULATIONS CLASS OF 2025

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INDIAN SPRINGS

T H E E A R LY Y E A R S

DR. LOUIS E. “DOC” ARMSTRONG

Founding Director of Indian Springs School

BY CHARLES ROBINSON ’59 with edits by Jim Simon

W

hen Charles Robinson ’59 and his longtime teacher, mentor, school archivist and friend Mac Fleming first embarked upon a research and writing project to chronicle the history of Indian Springs School, they could not have realized that this work would lead them on a decade-long journey. Their manuscript mainly focused on the school’s early years and this third installment of that work examines the life of Dr. Louis “Doc” Armstrong, the school’s founding Director. It was Doc’s dedication and deep philosophical love of teaching and learning that laid the groundwork for what we know Indian Springs to be today. His memory has been kept alive by his students who knew him and admired him, and his pedagogical foundations that still help guide Springs today. Please enjoy this chapter about Doc as we look ahead to the school’s upcoming 75th anniversary of its opening in 2027; we hope to publish Charles’s and Mac’s consolidated school history at that time.­—Jim Simon

Fall 20252024 Spring

“DOC” Dr. Louis E. “Doc” Armstrong was the visionary director of Indian Springs School, one of the nation’s foremost secondary schools. Born and raised in Oklahoma, Doc established a national reputation at Peabody College for Teachers (now part of Vanderbilt University) as a trouble-shooter consultant for beleaguered school systems. Doc chose to leave an established tenured position at Peabody to accept the position of Director of Indian Springs in 1952. This was a venture into the unknown.

Doc was actually the second choice for the founding director of the fledgling enterprise. An academic triumvirate of Dr. Richard C. Crosby, Stephen Bachelder, and Dr. Ian Stewart was appointed by the Board of Governors to find the right leader. Initially, Dr. Ian Stewart was appointed as the initial Director. An ardent Episcopalian, Dr. Stewart was selected but disqualified by his desire to make Indian Springs an Episcopalian day school, counter to the school’s founding benefactor, Harvey G. Woodward’s express religious prohibition in his bequest language.

Doc was a big man… in mind, body, and spirit. He was a personality, but he also had a vision for a unique learning institution. He was so big that his students affectionately characterized him as the “Great White Whale.” This sobriquet aptly described his unique nature and singular devotion to his mission.

Doc was first and foremost a family man. His wife, Margaret Tucker Armstrong, was understanding and supportive of his enigmatic personality, and her steady hand helped to maintain his equilibrium. Doc and his wife were blessed with two attractive, intelligent daughters. Peggy, his oldest, had some reservations about leaving Nashville and moving to rural Alabama.

One humorous aspect of the Armstrong family was the family auto: a red and white Chrysler that sported period fins. The garish auto was parked in the home driveway most of the week, but on Sunday mornings it would transport Doc to his Sunday school teaching duties and church attendance. Doc previously taught Sunday school in the adult division for many years at the First Christian Church of Nashville.

While at Peabody, he would often reference and apply the Judeo-Chris-

tian values which supported the initial moral fabric of Indian Springs.

In the 1950s, the student body was primarily composed of “Methobapterian Episcopals” from Mountain Brook, Alabama. Today, the student body is composed of Methobapterian, Jewish, Catholic, Hindu, Islamic, and Shinto students, among others. The later development of cultural diversity among students would enrich the educational experience at Indian Springs, which was always a goal of Doc’s dynamic program. Doc believed the students would achieve depth, understanding, and tolerance from their diverse brethren in an ever-shrinking world.

Indian Springs opened in 1952. Mac Fleming recalled that Doc’s early educational programs would be reengineered every four weeks in an effort to implement his new approaches and concepts to education.

The wiser students learned to disregard their assignments, knowing their efforts would be redirected when their work was scrapped for new assignments. Doc had so many directions he sought to pursue that chaotic equivocation prevailed. Doc soon realized that continuity must be established in the school’s programs and courses, and he became very autocratic in their selection. Fleming recalled, with amusement, the early faculty meetings wherein a faculty member would present his or her proposal for a new program, which represented much thoughtful initiative. At the conclusion of these presentations in faculty meetings, more often than not, Doc would pass judgment by stating: “Naw, we ain’t going to do that.” End of analysis.

More often than not, Doc would answer a serious question with his own question in the Socratic tradition. He also enjoyed keeping his audiences slightly off-balance with his trenchant observations.

Doc’s position on any given academic issue was always unpredictable because he challenged his students and teachers to form their own opinions and find their own way. Doc was a devotee of the development of critical thinking.

Doc did not suffer fools wisely. He was a good listener, but when the speaker made an absurd comment or an ignorant observation, Doc would dismiss the conversation.

Beneath Doc’s gruff nature resided one of the most passionate humanists of our time. Doc was a great inspiration who loved learning, teachers, and learners. He projected the personal image of a critical

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thinker, and he challenged those around him to appreciate intellectual pursuits of all manners, persuasions, and difficulty. The best appreciation of his writing may be gained by a sample of his theme and challenge for all members of the school community. Mere characterization of his writing would in no way do him justice, but this call to action in his “Participation in Creation” is a classic example: “The image of God in man is clear. Man does not have to accept himself or his surroundings as they are; he holds it in his power to change both. The freedom to fashion and refashion ourselves is the divine spark of the human spirit. It is the source of our dreams and

the purpose of our sense of awe and wonder. From the freedom to fashion and refashion ourselves, we have contrived the way of science – the modern witchery – a method of inventing. Possessed of it, with despair challenging hope, we struggle desperately to use it as an instrument of constructive change. Always there is the vision of a brave new world, and always the vision is haunted by the dim sound of the breakers dashing on the rocks ahead. Hope is justified so long as the ideal of freedom – of human worth and dignity – is alive. This ideal, though it has suffered many cruel distortions, is yet a hidden, driving force, haunting men and challenging them to the fulfilment of unrealized dreams.”

Indian Springs

A portrait of Doc painted by William W. S. Wilson in 1971. The painting currently hangs in Kayser Academic Center above the fireplace.

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INDIAN SPRINGS

T H E E A R LY Y E A R S

The faculty at Indian Springs were patient to a fault with students making an honest effort. Doc preached that every person was created in the image of God and must be treated with value and dignity. The administration and faculty had seemingly infinite patience with each and every student’s unique development and maturation. Every student possessed some special talent or interest which would be identified and cultivated in due course. This gave the students the ability to develop self-respect and, in turn, respect for others.

There was a bond established between all the members of the school community to ensure that the experiment in learning must succeed. Participation in creation and the pursuit of excellence were the lodestars for the establishment of the exceptional institution.

The early student body was blessed with outstanding leaders, scholars, and elected mayors. The student government assumed the leadership of participating in creation. There was no tolerance for division between faculty and students when it came to the pursuit of their common goal. In most schools, the customary perspective is the hindering concept of “them” (faculty) and “us” (students).

Indian Springs was different; the students and faculty were family seeking creation as a common goal.

The family of faculty and students was patterned after each of the faculty members’ home families, like Doc’s family, for example. However, this was not an indulgent family atmosphere. Rigorous standards and courtesies were observed.

The occasional bouts of student mischief were tolerated, to a certain extent. Most of the mischief was probably adolescent hormonal imbalances within maturing males. Any wayward or destructive behavior that might have been perceived as detrimental to the school’s ethics and values was simply not tolerated by either the faculty or the peers of the offenders.

There was constant dialogue and interaction among the teaching body and students. Doc once confided that he knew almost everything about what was going on behind closed doors in bull sessions in the student dorms. Doc once confided that his students lived in a “fishbowl” that he could inspect at any given time. He also had numerous student sources to call upon for information, if necessary.

Doc also exerted some control over student discussions at town meetings. If he believed an important issue needed to be addressed, Doc would plant some questions by students to identify and deflate the problem. This surreptitious con-

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trol was not a common occurrence because the students took their self-governance seriously and in good faith. The town meeting was (and still is) a revered and exciting institution. Any subject was fair game, but the speaker proponent had to be prepared to defend his views.

The program he implemented was entirely different from the particulars set forth in the Woodward will and black book. Arguably, Doc was empowered to take his fresh and progressive initiatives, but there was little or no involvement by any of the Board of Governors. The Board was happy to rubber-stamp Doc’s initiatives because the school’s ratings were immensely successful, and it was surpassing all expectations.

The Board of Governors was comprised of preeminent individuals who were legal, medical, industrial, and commercial icons of Birmingham’s elite society. However, the non-involvement of the Board resulted in deference for Doc and a relative lack of personal involvement or leadership on their part. The Board had complete confidence in his judgment.

Once the glee club established itself as one of the premier student choruses in the United States, an important concert was scheduled at the school. Doc personally invited the Board to attend the event. Unfortunately, every

single member declined Doc’s invitation. Doc was openly disappointed that most of the members chose, instead, to play in the tennis tournament at a local country club rather than honor the musical achievement at Indian Springs. In fairness, many members were devoted to their own family charities.

In the early days, Doc was faced with the dilemma of dealing with the elite cotillion society of Mountain Brook’s wealthy and well-to-do, while having to recruit their sons to Indian Springs. Doc had absolutely no reluctance in enlisting the support of the socially and financially elite families to schedule recruitment dinners at the Mountain Brook Country Club. Those parents had the wherewithal to pay the tuition along with the ambition for their sons to gain admission to the upper echelon of the nation’s foremost colleges and universities.

The early student body was heavily weighted by the privileged class of young men from Mountain Brook, and Indian Springs afforded them one of the best secondary educations available. To his credit, Doc never wavered from his egalitarian ideals and devotion to diversity, but he recruited bright young minds wherever he could find them. Doc was also an astute and crafty recruiter of staff and teachers.

The teachers came because they wanted to

be part of the experiment in teaching and learning. These teachers initiated methods and approaches of educating that captivated the imagination of their student charges.

Doc excelled in choosing and vetting his faculty. One of the most valuable contributions to Doc’s success was his wife, Margaret.

She loved the school, loved the students, and was the rudder on Doc’s ship. She understood his volatile genius and was always steady and unstoppable. The powerful contributions of faculty wives cannot be overstated because, after all, Indian Springs was not exactly Tinseltown, and they had to be truly committed to the school’s success.

Doc Armstrong would hold fast to his vision of a school where students governed themselves, motivated and organized themselves to learn independently, all under the leadership of a firstrate and diverse faculty. The academic programs sought to develop critical, independent thinkers and writers freed from the strictures of habit, custom, and provincialism.

Doc built his dream without compromise or committees, and he spent all the money necessary to achieve his goals. When the school’s trust funds were exhausted decades later, a new constituency stepped into the breach as the alumni matured and supported the pursuit of Doc’s dream.

THE FAMILY OF CHARLES ROBINSON ’59

THE FAMILY OF MAC FLEMING

Shortly after Charles Robinson ’59 passed away in 2024, two of his classmates began discussing a more permanent tribute to his memory. The class had just celebrated its 65th reunion, and while Charles’s contributions to Indian Springs were numerous as a longtime board member and board chair, it was his more recent decade of research and writing a comprehensive school history with former teacher Mac Fleming that resonated. Fleming, the last living member of the original Indian Springs faculty, retired from teaching over 30 years ago but remained as the school archivist until his death in 2022.

Thanks to the vision and generosity of classmates Allan Cruse ’59 and Sandy Petrey ’59, as well as the support of several other classmates, friends, and family of Charles, the room in the Indian Springs library that once housed Mac’s office and the school archives was dedicated to honor the memory of Charles Robinson ’59 and Mac Fleming on April 26, 2025.

The space, “commemorates the important conversation sessions that took place in this room (between Mac and Charles) about saving the school’s history,” Allan said in an earlier conversation. “This will still be meaningful generations after the names of Robinson and Fleming no longer resonate, and will invite future activity of a like kind in that same space decades from now.” Sandy wrote, “My living (VIVENDO) has benefited for 66 years from having ‘Charlie Red’ as a roommate senior year. My learning (DISCERE) has been easier from having Mac Fleming as a teacher my senior year. May their room give all students the pleasure and profit these two gave me.”

Among those who attended were Charles Robinson’s two sons, Charles, Jr. and Billy, along with their families; Charles’s sister, Ann Vrocher, with her family; as well as Mac Fleming’s daughter Catherine ’78, his son Robert ’86, and several classmates and friends.

Indian Springs

ROBINSON/FLEMING ROOM DEDICATION

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SUPPORT SPRINGS

ANNUAL FUND

THANK YOU

Indian Springs Family A

big THANK YOU to the extended Indian Springs family for your extraordinary generosity towards the 2024-2025 Annual Fund. Indian Springs would not be the incredible school it is without your deep commitment to our ongoing mission to provide an individualized and unique education for each of our students. We look forward to acknowledging your support in the next issue of Indian Springs Magazine, which will have our 2024-2025 Annual Report.

The 2025-2026 Annual Fund opened on July 1, 2025,

and we hope you will consider renewing your participation by joining the nearly 1,000 donors who support Indian Springs with a gift each year. Our strength and prominence as one of America’s top independent schools is thanks to the leadership of our alumni, parents, grandparents, faculty, staff, and friends who make Indian Springs a philanthropic priority. If you would like to make a gift, please visit www. indiansprings.org/give to make a gift by credit card or call 205.332.0592 to speak with someone in our Advancement Office. Thank you for your generosity and support!

JIM SIMON | Assistant Head of School for Advancement & External Affairs

Fall 2025

james.simon@indiansprings.org | 205.332.0615

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TOWN MEETING LEVEL ($1,500 - $2,499) Sumter and Steve Coleman ’59 Willie Bass, Sr. Jessica Uhl and Michael Payne ’84 MAYORS LEVEL ($500 - $1,499) Loren Gary ’76 and Rebecca DePalma ’80 Laili and Jim Markert

Indian Springs

The last edition of Indian Springs Magazine contained inadvertent omissions in our Annual Report of Giving for which we apologize. The following leadership donors to the 2023-2024 Annual Fund were not listed in their proper giving categories:

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Photo by Yoon S. Byun

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Community Commons Capital Campaign

T

hank you for your incredible support and leadership over the past five years. We are pleased to report that the capital campaign for the Kayser/Samford Community Commons successfully concluded this year. Nearly 300 donors contributed over $13.5 million to fund the construction of this new social hub of the campus. The Community Commons, which replaces the school’s beloved Dining Hall, dramatically expanded the space for our students to dine, socialize, and convene for meetings, special events, and recreation. This beautiful building is named in honor of Board member and alumnus Leo Kayser, III ’62, in recognition of his invaluable support for this project. Leo’s classmate and former fellow board member, Frank Samford, III ’62, is named alongside in honor of their lifelong friendship.

The names listed in these pages represent a comprehensive honor roll of donors whose gifts and pledges from 2020-2025 made this latest addition to the school’s beautiful campus a reality. A special thank you to the Board of Governors and the Capital Campaign Committee for your leadership, guidance, and generosity. Thank you as well to the many alumni and friends who named indoor and outdoor spaces, tables, and those who came together as parents or reunion classes to sponsor naming opportunities. Your giving enhances our school community’s experience in this space every day.

Thank you to Lake Flato Architecture, ArchitectureWorks, and our many other vendors and partners in this endeavor. Thank you as well to Jimmy Lewis ’75 and Scott Pulliam ’85 for your leadership during this project. The work of the Indian Springs Business Office was also greatly appreciated in this and all construction projects on campus.

This capital campaign began during the dark days of a global pandemic, but the Indian Springs community rallied and recognized that this critical project could not wait or be postponed any longer. The many donors who made this and the school a top philanthropic priority won’t be soon forgotten. Many, many thanks to the Indian Springs Advancement Team for their years of dedication and hard work in not only helping to complete this important project but also in continuing to expand support for the Annual Fund, additional campus construction projects, and endowment fundraising.

Indian Springs

CELEBRATING THE COMPLETION OF THE

TO THE INDIAN SPRINGS FAMILY:

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CAPITAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE, 2020-2025 Martin Damsky ’68

Ellen McElroy ’78

Alan Engel ’73

Catherine McLean

Braxton Goodrich ’93

Scott Pulliam ’85

Elizabeth Goodrich

Hanson Slaughter ’90

Emily Hess Levine ’01

Scott Schamberger

INDIAN SPRINGS BOARD OF GOVERNORS, 2020-2025 Robert Aland ’80 Myla Calhoun

Leo Kayser, III ’62 Emily Hess Levine ’01

Martin Damsky ’68

Jimmy Lewis ’75

Starr Turner Drum ’02

Ellen McElroy ’78

Alan Engel ’73

Catherine McLean

Heidi Falconer

Randall Minor ’99

Joe Farley ’81

Kazuo Moriya ’84

Jerolyn Ferrari

Rhonda Nabors

Clara Chung Fleisig Michele Forman

Hina Patel Janet Bell Perry

Elise May Frohsin ’88

Eli Phillips

Braxton Goodrich ’93

Scott Pulliam ’85

Elizabeth Goodrich

Lia Rushton

Andrea Engel Haines ’03

Scott Schamberger

Kyung Han ’85

John Simmons ’65*

Connie Hill

Hanson Slaughter ’90

John Hudson, III Ben Hunt ’82

Erin Shaw Street Callen Bair Thistle ’01

Kathryn D’Arcy

Pat Russell

Taylor Docking

Edina Shrestha

Peggy Fleetwood

James Simon

Dawn Phillips

Leah Taylor

Erica Richie

Rachel Wallace-Preskitt

*Deceased

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Photos by Erica Richie

Fall 2025

INDIAN SPRINGS ADVANCEMENT OFFICE, 2020-2025

DONORS TO THE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN 2020-2025 Leo Kayser, III ’62

$1,000,000+ Bill Engel ’75 Gillian and Mike Goodrich ’63 Mary* and Rob Henrikson ’65 Cecilia and Alan* Matthews ’68

$500,000+ Judy* and Hal Abroms Lisa and Alan Engel ’73 Joan and Preston Haskell, III ’56 The Hess Family Catherine and Emmett McLean

$250,000+ Ronne and Donald Hess ’66 Merritt Pizitz*

$100,000+ Susan and John Abbot ’80 Caryn and Steven Corenblum ’75 Allan Cruse ’59 Heidi and Martin Damsky ’68 David Faber ’66 Martha Diefendorf and Bob Hogan ’68 Emily Hess Levine ’01 and Bob Levine Malinda and Jimmy Lewis ’75 Cindi and Michael Routman ’72 Lia and Rusty Rushton, IV ’74 Rene and John* Simmons ’65 Melissa and Hanson Slaughter ’90 Nancy and Jim Tyrone ’73 Irvin “Bucky” Weaver ’68*

Photos by Erica Richie

$50,000 to $100,000 Patricia and Ehney Camp, III ’60 Ellen McElroy ’78 Gail and Chip Gamble ’58 Mary and Braxton Goodrich ’93 Elizabeth and Mike Goodrich, Jr. ’90 Sarah Urist Green ’98 and John Green ’95 Sandy and Wayne* Killion, Jr. ’68 Susanna Myers ’90 and Gerry Pampaloni The Sperling Family Charitable Foundation Alison Steiner ’97 and Brooks Hayes Arnold Steiner

Kimberly and Michael Steiner ’95 Tricia and Troy Wallwork

$25,000 to $49,999 Maud* and William* Belser, Jr. Betsy and William Belser, III ’80 Sami Damsky David Doggett ’68 Jeff Gale ’92 Ginny and Joe Farley, Jr. ’81 Sheri and Jimmy Krell Michael Levine ’74 Lisa Hess Lowrie ’95 Kathy and Mark Myatt ’55 Molly Myers ’92 Mary and Don North Courtney and Jay Pigford Margaret and Kip Porter ’60 Stacy and Scott Pulliam ’85 Sage Dining Tracy and Scott Schamberger Sarah and Will Slaughter ’91 Patricia and Rick Sprague ’66 Rik Tozzi Amy McDaniel Williams ’80 and Steve Williams

$10,000 to $24,999 Barbara and Jack Aland ’75 Kelly and Robert Aland ’80 Elizabeth and Bob Athey, Jr. ’59 Caroline and E. T. Brown, III ’74 Lindsey and Lewis Chitwood Susan and Sid Evans Elise May Frohsin ’88 and Hank Frohsin, Jr. Diane and Tom Gamble ’60 Andrea Engel Haines ’03 and Kent Haines ’03 Kyung Han ’85 Mary and Victor Hanson, III ’74 Connie Hill and Doug Turner Kathy and Wayne Hoar ’68 David Huggin ’59 Scottie and Bruce Lanier, III Judy and Gerson May Kathryn McDonald Chinelo Dike-Minor and Randall Minor ’99 Nancy and Sandy Petrey ’59 Carrie and Richard Pizitz ’75 Sherrie and Bruce Richards ’73 Nolan Richards Lacy and Charles Robinson, Jr. Anne Marie Seibel and Steven Rowe Beth and James Scott ’75 Christy and Swaid Swaid Tom Whitehurst ’68

THE CLASS OF 1965

Lawn and Simmons Path

By JIM SIMON

O

n Saturday, April 26, 2025, members of the Indian Springs Class of 1965 gathered for their milestone 60th reunion.

Their day’s highlight was the dedication of the Class of 1965 Lawn, given in recognition of their reunion thanks to a generous gift from alum and former board member Rob Henrikson ’65, and the Simmons Path, given by alum and former board member John Simmons ’65 and his wife, Rene. Sadly, John passed away last year, but he was represented by Rene and his daughter, Sarah Simmons-Ames ’96.

The reunion was organized by Rob and Burk McWilliams ’65 and included the dedication, a lunch in the R.J. Stegnar Memorial Private Dining Room, and a dinner off campus that evening. “The turnout was better than expected,” Burk remembered. Eight members of the class were in attendance for the reunion, along with spouses of some deceased classmates. Rob was nostalgic about his time as a student. “The ISS experience greatly affected my life in ways that are hard to explain to people unfamiliar with the school,” he said. “In addition to the Class of ’65 gathering, I found the experience on campus during Alumni Weekend particularly moving. Visiting ISS and having the opportunity to converse with a few current students was inspiring.”

Indian Springs

$3,000,000+

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FALL 2021 l~-

.~

L.

DECEMBER 2021

SPRING 2022

Groundbreaking Ceremony

The Community Commons begins to take shape

\

V /u:!\ I r:.,·i~ ~,.'. ·e r -.=.!!!! ~

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Fall 2025

$5,000 to $9,999 Kelly Bodnar Battles ’85 and Brett Battles Carol and Bill Bell ’73 Myla Calhoun Brooke and Tom Carruthers ’78 Kay Armstrong Carter and Frank Carter ’62 Alexee Deep Conroy ’96 and Matthew Conroy Sheri and John Corey ’75 Elizabeth and Bart Crawford Judy Crittenden* and Philippe Lathrop ’73 Mary Lee and David Darby ’61 Leigh and Dee Denson ’73 Starr Turner Drum ’02 and David Drum Betsy Stewart Durst ’09 and Lucas Durst Ilene Engel Jerolyn Ferrari Bruce Gamble Lauren* and Glen Howard ’67 Doug Hunter ’73 Ben Lee ’78 Sharon Kean and Bob Lipson ’68 Cindy and Harvey May ’73 Dawn and Joe McCarty, Jr. Edith and Henry McHenry ’68 Ruth Ann and Jack McSpadden ’64 Heidi Molbak and Rob Verchick

Julie and Mark Nelson ’88 Janet Bell Perry Hina and Rakesh Patel Vicki Vitiello and Jeff Pettus ’73 Kate Konecny Pope ’02 and William Pope Nancy and Paul Roberts ’73 Katherine and Billy Robinson Kari and Gary Rubin ’73 Tullia Rushton ’09 William Rushton ’11 Jerry Shadix ’68 Susan and Tommy Siniard ’73 Galin and Kevin Spicer Jeannie and Ron Stewart ’73 Jane and Kevin Tavakoli ’98 Callen Bair Thistle ’01 and Will Thistle Barbara and Bill Viar, Jr. ’62 Tanya and Scott Yeager

$2,500 to $4,999 Jenni and John Arias ’80 Ray Gildea ’71 Cynthia and Ira Gore ’74 Carla and Larry Hawley ’68 Gabe Matese and Jeff Barton Meredith and Daniel Odrezin ’05 Woodard Peay ’74 Jane and McGehee Porter ’57 Charles Robinson ’59* Margaret and John White-Spunner ’74 David Williams Nicole Williams

$1,000 to $2,499 Amanda Adams ’79 and Paul Weir Kimberley and Mark Addison ’74 Amy and Mike Albert, Jr. Xin and Lou Anders Pris and Eddie Ashworth ’67 Julia and John Badham ’57 Shaheen and Michael Bermudez April and Blake Berry CJ and John* Bigger, Jr. ’56 Marie and Duncan Blair ’75 Adrienne and Julian Brook Doug Brook ’90 Ginger and Larry Brook ’87 Anne and Don Brunson ’64 Camille Stein Butrus Pinkie and Bryan Chace ’74 Yunjung Choi and Minyung Chung Clara Chung and Glenn Fleisig Sumter and Steve Coleman ’59 Jesanna Cooper ’94 and Michael Morris Mia Swier Criss ’03 and Darren Criss Howard Cruse ’62* Taylor and Rick Davis Jen and Conrad De Los Santos Bonnie and Joe Embry, Sr. Peggy and Michael Fleetwood

Candi and Mallory Forbes Michele Forman and Erik Lizee Priscilla Fowler and Keir Breitenfeld Linda and Arthur Freeman ’59 William Gamble ’03 Susan and Jim Gauntt ’74 Sarah and Jonathan Geisen Susan and Wyatt Haskell ’57 Frances Hogg and Carol Rosenstiel Nyya and John Hudson, III Mitch Ives ’70 Nan Jiang and Shun Lu Muff* and Gilbert Johnston, Jr. ’63 Chuck Kelly ’74 Christine and Charles Kim Jennie Kim ’99 and Thomas Rains Kim and KN Kurra Janet and Adam Lichtenstein ’91 Andrea Buchanan and Edwin Marty ’90 Danny Markstein, IV ’92 Carole and Michael Mazer Liz and Brendan McGuire Hanelle Culpepper Meier ’88 and Jeff Meier Carole and Matt Miller Jeanne and Richard Monk, III Bob Montgomery, Jr. ’74 Valerie and James Montgomery ’73

T cla

Timeline Photo 1 by Erica Richie, Photos 2 and 6 by Quez Shipman, and Photos 3, 4, and 5 by Rachel Preskitt

Head of School Scott Schamberger leads the way in the demolition of the old dining hall

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OCTOBER 2022

DECEMBER 2022

The Class of 2022 becomes the first class to share a meal in the Community Commons at their senior picnic

The Bell is installed in its new home after undergoing some restoration

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

Tamara and Kazuo Moriya ’84 Beatrice and Frank Morring ’68 Sarah Mills Nee ’03 and Jon Nee Marcia and Mike Nichols ’70 Jamie and Greg Odrezin Dawn and Curtis Phillips Debbie and Larry Quan ’68 Martha Anne Rich and Bill Craig, IV Sharon and Frank* Samford III ’62 Kiki and Pierre Scalise, III Jane and Lester Seigel ’75 Haili Shao and Zhaorong Ye Andrea and David Simon ’73 Jim Simon Mona Singh ’85 and Trevor Jim Elizabeth and Childs Smith Judy and M. D. Smith ’59 Sue and Allan Solomon ’68 Erin and Shane Street Tracee Strum-Gilliam Leah and Bo Taylor John Trawick Jill and Chip Thuss, Jr. ’74 Marsha and Samuel Tilden Teresa and Mark Underwood, Sr. Anna Clark Velasco ’88 and Eric Velasco

Gareth Vaughan Weslie and Greg Wald Robin Greene Wall ’03 and Michael Wall Fred Wallace ’74 Beth and Bob Yoe ’68

Up to $999 Yueling Bao and Lianguo You Jessica Battle ’02 Diane and Dan Berkowitz Peggy and Chris Biga Lisa and Mason Boyd Joseph Bradley ’02 Cindy Bryan ’02 Nitu Caplash Jenny Carroll and Adam Steinman Cristel Paredes Flores and Napolean Castaneda Beth and Brooks Clark Barbara and Lem Coley ’62 Caroline Wingo Colvin ’95 and Clay Colvin ’95 Helen and Ron Colvin ’68 Bonnie and Jack Dabbs Jim David ’85 Becky and Jim Davis Sheryl and Joe Dunsmore Tricia and Rotem Elgavish ’90 Nedra and Joey Fetterman ’74 Jackie and Chad French Shira and Matthew Goldberg

Cathy and Fritz Grueter Cathy and Scott Heald David Hill ’02 Kathryn and Edward Hook Marisa Bradford Inge ’02 and Edward Inge ’02 Meleesa and Jason Jack William Martin Evelyn Lewis Miller ’11 and Jordan Miller Susan and George Miller ’75 Leslie and Peter O’Neil Dane Peterson Nancy and John* Poynor ’58 Ginny and Grady Richardson ’57 Andrea and Atticus Rominger Rebecca and Josh Rothman Jamie and Justin Routman ’02 Amy and Michael Saag Mary Helmer and Mark Sabel ’84 Elizabeth and Andy Sachs ’74 Lourdes Sanchez-Lopez and David Taylor Lauren Spira-Savett ’85 and Jonathan Savett Lane and John* Schmitt Yikun and David Schwebel Becky and Jordan Shin ’85 Rebecca Smith ’02 Joyce Solomon and Charles Daniel Magda and Jerzy Szaflarski Hua Tao and Jiong Chen

Lauren and Grey Tilden ’98 Alison and Rhett Walker ’83 Amy and Tim Wammack Rebecca Rutsky White ’91 and Hal White Amy and Chris Williams Leigh Wilson and Alex Khamis Brian Padgett and Cal Woodruff Amanda and Lee Wright

*Deceased

Indian Springs

Timeline Photo 1 by Erica Richie, Photos 2 and 6 by Quez Shipman, and Photos 3, 4, and 5 by Rachel Preskitt

MAY 2022

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KAYSER/SAMFORD COMMUNITY COMMONS

NAMED SPACES HESS PORCH

Given by the Hess Family: Ronne and Donald Hess ’66, Emily ’01 and Bob Levine, Lisa Hess Lowerie ’95, Susanna Myers ’90, and Molly Myers ’92

THE SERVERY

Given in Honor of Mildred and Eduard Faber and Sylvia Blascoer Kohn by David Faber ’66

ENTRANCE BENCHES

The Sperling Family Foundation Patricia and Ehney Camp, III ’60

HOGAN PATH

Given in Memory of Dr. and Mrs. Robert S. Hogan by Martha Diefendorf and Bob Hogan ’68

ROUTMAN PATH

Given in Memory of Rita and Jerry Routman

by Cindi and Michael Routman ’72

LEVINE LAKESIDE TERRACE

Given by Violet ’27, Zoe ’30, Emily ’01, and Bob Levine

GAMBLE TERRACE

5 ENGEL PATIO

Given by Lisa and Alan Engel ’73

5 THE KAYSER/SAMFORD COMMUNITY COMMONS

Given by Leo Kayser, III ’62, and in honor of Frank Samford, III ’62

R.J. STEGNER PRIVATE DINING ROOM

Given by Bill Engel ’75

Given by Given by Gail and Chip Gamble ’58, Diane and Tom Gamble ’60, William Gamble ’03, and Bruce Gamble

RUSHTON DINING TERRACE

Given by Lia and Rusty Rushton ’74, Tulia Rushton ’09, and William Rushton ’11

SIMMONS PATH

Given by Rene and John Simmons ’65

THE WEST DINING BAR

Given by Caryn and Steven Corenblum ’75

LEWIS DINING TERRACE

LAKESIDE GROUNDS AND PLANTINGS - GiVEN IN HONOR OF THE CLASS OF 1959

Given by Malinda and Jimmy Lewis ’75, Evelyn Lewis Miller ’11, Stewart Lewis ’11, and Tyler Lewis

SLAUGHTER DINING AREA

Given by Melissa and Hanson Slaughter ’90

5 THE LAKESIDE GROUNDS AND PLANTINGS

Given in Honor of the Class of 1959

Given by Catherine and Emmett McLean

CLASS OF 1965 LAWN

Given by Rob Henrikson ’65 in honor of the Class of 1965’s 60th Reunion

Photos by

5 McLEAN TERRACE

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CLASS OF 2025 BENCH

Given in Honor of the Class of 2025 by their Parents

THE FLEMING/ROBINSON ARCHIVAL ROOM

OUTDOOR DINING TABLES

Mia Swier Criss ’03, Andrea Engel Haines ’03, Sarah Mills Nee ’03, and Robin Greene Wall ’03

Given in Honor of Charles Robinson ’59 and Mac Fleming by the friends, family, and classmates of Charles and the students of Mac

In Loving Memory of Michael Frank Turner by Starr Turner Drum ’02

CONCRETE BENCHES SURROUNDING THE COMMUNITY COMMONS

Callen Blair Thistle ’01

Heidi Molbak

Maud Belser

Judy and Gerson May, Molly Frohsin ’20, Evie Frohsin ’25, and Elise Frohsin ’88 Mary and Don North Sage Dining Service Scott, Tracy, Mackenzie, and Caleb Schamberger Ada ’26, Sarah, and Will Slaughter ’91 Rik Tozzi

RESTORED TABLES FROM THE DINING HALL

In Loving Memory of Bobby Damsky ’71 by Samantha Damsky

5 CLASS OF 1968

BELL ENCASEMENT

Given by the Class of 1968 in honor of their 55th Reunion

THE “COMMONS ROCKS”

CLASS OF 1974 DINING BAR

INDOOR DINING TABLES

Amy McDaniel Williams ’80

Barbara and Jack Aland ’75, Rachel Aland ’04, Laura Aland ’06, and Maggie Aland ’10

Given by the Class of 1975 in honor of their 50th Reunion

Caroline and E.T. Brown, III ’74, E.T. Brown, IV ’05, and Montgomery Brown ’08

COMMUNITY COMMONS CHESS BOARD

The Class of 2002 ►

Given in Honor of the Class of 2023 by their Parents

BY

Stacy and Scott Pulliam ’85 Patricia and Rick Sprague ’66 ►

CLASS OF 1975 GIFT

G IV l: N

PATRlCIAAND RlC K S PRAGUE '66

Mark L. Myatt ’55

Given by the Class of 1973 in honor of their 50th Reunion Given by the Class of 1974 in honor of their 50th Reunion

Photos by

In Loving Memory of Joseph Seaton Gale, Jr.

by Jeff Gale ’92

NBY OF 2 00

Chinelo Dike-Minor and Randall Minor ’99

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ALUMNI INDIAN&SPRINGS FRIENDS

ALUMNI WEEKEND

OUTSTANDING ALUM OF THE YEAR

Mona Singh ’85

D

r. Mona Singh ’85 received the 2025 Outstanding Alum of the Year Award on Friday, April 25, during Alumni Weekend.

Mona’s passion for research began during her high school days at Indian Springs when she spent two summers working in an immunology lab at UAB. She was intrigued by the lab’s questions in biology and medicine, but realized her true calling was not that of a doctor, but to pursue mathematics. Following her graduation from Indian Springs, Mona earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in computer science from Harvard University. She then completed her Ph.D. in computer science from MIT. Mona currently works as a professor in both computer science and the Lewis-Sigler Institute of Integrative Genomics at Princeton University. A fellow of the International Society for Computational Biology and the Association for Computing Machinery, she has also been honored with the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers. She also serves as editor-in-chief of the Journal of Computational Biology.

Mona’s research group works broadly in computational molecular biology, algorithms, and machine learning, focusing on understanding protein structure, their interactions, and their roles in health and disease. Her lab develops data-driven methods to infer protein interactions, predict the impact of mutations, particularly in cancer, and analyze biological networks to reveal cellular organization and pathways. Mona’s pioneering contributions have helped define a multidisciplinary field that grew from the sequencing of the human genome and now advances rapidly through the power of machine learning.

Fall 2025

TOP RIGHT: Alumni Council member Claire Maples Edwards ’89; Dr. Mona Singh ’85; Elizabeth Goodrich P ’20, ’23, ’28; and Head of School Scott Schamberger. MIDDLE: On Friday afternoon, Mona spent time with fellow alum, William Belser ’80, and his computer science students (along with some visitors). BOTTOM: Mona with several of her friends from the Class of 1985, who came to support her.

To watch the video of Mona’s award ceremony, please visit www.indiansprings.org/alumni.

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............................................................................................................................................................................................

2025 MAYORS’ PANEL

I

ndian Springs had the honor of welcoming back a panel of former mayors who represented five decades of history and knowledge. They graciously shared their experiences and insights during their time as mayor and beyond with our current school community.

The mayors answered questions such as, “What were you like as a student during your time at Indian Springs?”

“What led to your decision to run for mayor?”

“What was something that stood out to you during your time leading student government?”

And finally, “Were there any experiences you had during your time at Indian Springs that continue to shape your life today?”

It was incredible to hear the similarities in their experiences as they spoke about the uniqueness of the community and the lessons they learned from their time at Indian Springs. They also left behind valuable words of wisdom for our current students. Thank you to all of our mayors who participated and to our 2025 mayors who moderated (Edward Davis ’25 and Ibrahim Hamo ’25).

2025 MAYORS’ PANEL GRAY PLOSSER ’63 MIKE NICHOLS ’70 RUSTY RUSHTON ’74 ROBERT ALAND ’80 THOMÉ MATISZ ’80 ALISON GOLDSTEIN LEBOVITZ ’88 MIKE GOODRICH ’90 RANDALL MINOR ’99 SARAH ABROMS KUNIN ’04 To watch the video of the Mayors’ Panel, please visit www.indiansprings.org/mayorspanel.

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ALUMNI & FRIENDS

LASTING TIES

ALUMNI WEEKEND 2025 Alumni–Faculty Reception I Friday, April 25

JACKIE FERRARI ’20 AND BOARD MEMBER JOE FARLEY ’81 P ’14, ’16

WILL GRANGER ’05; CHRISTY PARKER; AND BABY DAVID

FORMER FACULTY MEMBER WILLIAM BLACKERBY ’05; FRAN HUTCHINS ’95; BENJAMIN WALLIS ’10; AMY FINKELSTEIN ’95; AMY TIMMS MILLS ’95; AND JOEY MILLS

GREG HAWLEY ’75 P ’08, ’09; LINDA STEPHENSON; EDWARD STEPHENSON ’65; 3 AND CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON ’65

HEAD OF SCHOOL SCOTT SCHAMBERGER; BOARD MEMBER ELLEN MCELROY ’78; AND SUSAN PIZITZ ’80

JORDAN SHIN ’85; BETSY BELSER P ’20, ’22; BOARD MEMBER JOE FARLEY ’81 P ’14, ’16; LISA COLUMBIA ’81 ; FACULTY MEMBER WILLIAM BELSER ’80 P ’20, ’22; AND EDWARD SHELSWELL-WHITE ’79

DAVID OH ’87; MONA SINGH ’85; AND BOARD MEMBER KYUNG HAN ’85

Photos this page by Quez Shipman, opposite by Mallory Barry

JOHN MICHAEL BODNAR ’88; MARK SABEL ’84, P ’21, ’23; KELLY BODNAR BATTLES ’85; AND DAVID OH ’87

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SATURDAY ON CAMPUS April 26, 2025

1

2

3

HONNEY KIM ’19

5

6

HONNEY KIM ’19 Concertmaster We were thrilled to welcome Honney Kim ’19 back to campus during alumni weekend, who served as concertmaster during our annual choir concert! Honney currently serves as the principal second violinist with the LGT Young Soloists, a world-renowned European string orchestra, and has performed as a soloist in 20 countries across five continents, appearing in some of the world’s most prestigious concert halls.

Honney is also the current concertmaster of the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra and recently spent the summer at the intensive Grafenegg Academy, which offers young, highly talented musicians the unique opportunity to play alongside international mentors.

Honney currently resides in Berlin, Germany, where she is continuing her studies at the Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler.

Indian Springs

Photos this page by Quez Shipman, opposite by Mallory Barry

4

1. Kip Porter ’60; Allan Cruse ’59; Steve Coleman ’59; Grady Richardson ’57; and Ehney Camp ’60 2. Indian Springs Concert Choir performs with members of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra 3. Members of the Class of 1985 toured the lake with science faculty member Dr. Jeffrey Sides ’91 and placed flowers in remembrance of their classmates who have passed away.

4. Members of the Class of 1980 have lunch together in the Community Commons.

5. Members of the Class of 1995 have lunch together in the Community Commons.

6. Members of the Class of 1975 have lunch together in the Community Commons.

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ALUMNI & FRIENDS

LASTING TIES

CLASS REUNIONS

CLASS OF 1959 & FRIENDS

CLASS OF 1960

CLASS OF 1965

CLASS OF 1970

CLASS OF 1975

CLASS OF 1980

Photos by Mallory Barry, Will Carey, and Erica Richie

Saturday, April 26, 2025

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C

Photos by Mallory Barry, Will Carey, and Erica Richie

CLASS OF 1985 & FRIENDS

CLASS OF 1990 & FRIENDS

CLASS OF 1995

CLASS OF 2005

CLASS OF 2010

CLASS OF 2015

CLASS OF 2020 39

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ALUMNI & FRIENDS

N OT E WO R T H Y

TRUTH HOUSE, CIRCA 1970S HANELLE CULPEPPER MEIER ’88

A STRUCTURE KNOWN AS Ttl[ TRU TH

CLASS NOTES

BUILD ING WAS CONSTRUCTED BY STUDENTS AND FACULn' AS AN EXF RCIS F TO AnnRViS T H F I AVv'i O F MAI HlMA I IC~ ANL) l'HYSICS. LIKL MAN Y OF T H E SCHOOL'S EARLY STRUCTURFS. IT U NFORTUNATELY DID NO"J SU IW IVt I HE RA\IA(j ES OF TIME AND IIADTO B~ PU LLED DOWN IN THI 1990S. AN L'iTlR[ GfNl"RATlON OF INDIAN SPRINGS AUJMN l S !"ILL R[ CA LL TIIIS B\JIIOll'sG AND ·1 HEIR Tl,VIE SPENT IN 11 WI LH l·ONDNf~S.

CLASS OF 1988 With the release of Disney’s The Acolyte (Season 1, Episodes 6 and 8) in 2024, Hanelle Culpepper Meier ’88 became the first director to direct for both the Star Wars and Star Trek series. (Hanelle previously directed episodes of Star Trek: Picard and Star Trek: Discovery) Hanelle directed episodes for other popular television series in 2025, including Paradise (Season 1, Episodes 5 and 6); NCIS: Origins (Season 1, Episodes 1, 13, and 15); and the Matlock reboot (Season 1, Episode 17). (Photo shows Hanelle pictured on set with Kathy Bates).

TRUTH HOUSE PLAQUE

Fall 2025

INDIAN SPRINGS “TRUTH HOUSE” In late 2023, Michael Routman ’72 asked whether the school had ever considered erecting a historic marker demarcating the location of the “Truth House,” the unique architectural oddity that once stood behind what is now the art building (at one time the school’s maintenance shed).

This relatively simple question kicked off an intense investigation into the memories of current and past faculty, staff, and alums as to where the precise location of the “Truth House” was, which had to be demolished in the 1990s after severe damage from a tornado. Longtime faculty members Dr. Bob Cooper and Dr. Mac Lacasse weighed in, and finally, it was current Physical Plant Superintendent Blake Berry who confirmed the precise location based on his own memory.

Original landmarks like roads, topography, and landscaping have changed, but the result is a permanent tribute in the form of a plaque that now stands where the “Truth House” was located.

Next time you are on campus, please feel free to find this marker near the road to the Hut and reminisce.

CLASS OF 1995 Clay Colvin ’95 debuted new art at his latest exhibition, Clayton Colvin: The Descent, at Maus Contemporary Art Gallery in downtown Birmingham, April 4 through May 16, 2025.

John Green ’95 released his new book Everything is Tuberculosis in March 2025. He came “home” to Birmingham to speak at the Alys Stephens Center as part of his book tour.

CLASS OF 1997 Willie C. Bass, Jr. ’97 is pictured with his wife, Adina, and their children—Isaac and Nadia, who turned 11 and 8, respectively, this summer.

CLASS OF 1998 Barry Tobias ’98 co-authored Chapter 5, “Environmental Control and Life Support Systems,” in the book Human Spaceflight Operations: Lessons Learned from 60 Years in Space. Barry was kind enough to donate a copy of the book to the Indian Springs School Library, with an inscription to “The ISS Community,” where he says the school’s philosophy to “nurture, support, and grow students in whatever field they choose is an amazing thing.”

Grey Tilden ’98 served as the Indian Springs assistant baseball coach this spring. He is pictured with his sister Katherine ’01, and father Samuel, who is wearing Grey’s original Indian Springs baseball hat from his high school days!

CLASS OF 2002 Starr Turner Drum ’02 and her husband, David, welcomed their son, William, on July 2, 2024.

CLASS OF 2005 Davin Stamp ’05 and Salena Braun Stamp ’05, their son Robin (5), along with Davin’s sister Kassandra Braun Costa ’05, and her husband, Dick Costa, with their daughter Cimorene (6), and Salena and Kassandra’s nephew, Jimmy, had a family gathering in Charlotte, North Carolina, for Easter this spring.

Brittney Bass-Gray ’05 is the founder and CEO of KnowBra, a service using advanced AI to ensure the best mastectomy bra fitting for breast cancer survivors who have undergone breast augmentation surgery, specifically mastectomies and lumpectomies. We were happy to welcome Brittney to campus in May (pictured with math teacher Stephanie Thomas).

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WILLIE C. BASS ’97

STARR TURNER DRUM ’02

JOHN GREEN ’95

GREY TILDEN ’98

DAVIN STAMP ’05, SALENA BRAUN STAMP ’05, AND KASSANDRA BRAUN COSTA ’05

BRITTNEY BASS-GRAY ’05

Indian Springs

CLAY COLVIN ’95

continued on page 42

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ALUMNI & FRIENDS

N OT E WO R T H Y

Fall 2025

ELEANOR LEE ’21 Director of Instrumental Music Dr. Hye-Sook Jung was recently awarded the Swift Moore Teaching Award at the commencement ceremonies of Amherst College.

The awards are given to three outstanding secondary school teachers who challenged, inspired, and moved members of the graduating class. Eleanor Lee ’21 chose to honor Dr. Jung, explaining in her nominating essay that, “Dr. Jung created an environment that was the peak of my learning experience in secondary school – one where I was happily challenged by my innate motivation to grow rather than by external expectations.”

Eleanor went on in her essay to say “her authenticity as both an educator and a musician shines in every interaction, whether she’s guiding me through a difficult piano passage in Korean, or explaining perfect fifth intervals in English for an AP Music Theory class,” and that Dr. Jung, “teaches more than music—she also teaches her students how to hold their heads high, even under pressure. Through her guidance, we learn the art of confidence.”

A nationally recognized pianist while attending Indian Springs, Eleanor flourished further while in college, performing in the orchestra, chamber ensembles, and jazz groups. She graduated from Amherst with her bachelor’s degree in English and psychology.

ADAIR MARTIN SMITH ’09

KATE MASSEY BLOCKER ’10

KIAM MORIYA ’19

CATHERINE BELSER ’20

CLASS OF 2009 Adair Martin Smith ’09 and her husband, John, welcomed their son, Henry, who was born on May 15, 2025. (Henry, pictured with his big sisters, Lee and Sarah).

Kate Massey Blocker ’10 married Joseph Blocker in July 2021 and welcomed their first child, Elijah, in February 2025.

Kiam Moriya ’19 married his wife, Sydney, in January 2025, with several Indian Springs alums in attendance.

CLASS OF 2020 Catherine Belser ’20 graduated from Sewanee: The University of the South with her bachelor’s degree in May 2025 and was welcomed back home at Indian Springs School when she joined the staff of our admission office as our new Admission and Outreach Coordinator in July 2025.

Parker Schell ’20 recently graduated from the University of Virginia with both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Systems Engineering. Parker has moved to Washington state and is now a Control Systems Engineer at PACCAR. CLASS OF 2021 Carina Lim ’21 was awarded the Class of 1868 Prize and was one of four students chosen as a speaker during her graduation ceremony from Bowdoin College in May 2025. Carina’s address during

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............................................................................................................................................................................................ commencement, titled “Persistent Love,” reflected on the smaller, mundane moments during her time at Bowdoin, moments that add up to something much bigger. Carina graduated cum laude from Bowdoin College with a double major in Government & Legal Studies and Economics.

Jordyn Hudson ’21 graduated summa cum laude from Spelman College in May 2025 with her bachelor’s in documentary filmmaking. Jordyn is now pursuing a master’s in education leadership, organizations, and entrepreneurship from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

CLASS OF 2023 Swimming in the SEC Championships this past spring, Mark Underwood ’23 recorded the seventh-best time in University of Alabama history in the 200 breaststroke, finishing 13th overall.

Mark followed that up with a personal best time in the same event at the 2025 U.S. National Championships this summer, held in Madison, Wisconsin.

IN MEMORIAM ALUMNI Cory Gantt Jackson ’56 passed away on February 17, 2025, in Birmingham, Alabama. Cory graduated from Indian Springs School, where he served as mayor and was part of the school’s first four-year class. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama in 1960, where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta. Upon graduation, he received a second lieutenant commission in the U.S. Army Reserves and served two years in active service at Fort Benning, Georgia, and Baumholder, Germany. In 1977, Cory formed his own hotel management and development company and later founded Key West Inns, a chain of small hotels. His sons later joined him at the company, developing and operating hotels across the country. Cory was a member of SCYMP luncheon club and a member of Canterbury United Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; two sons, Cory Jr. (Lee Anne) and Neal (Jennifer); four grandchildren, Cory, III, William, Pierce, and Cecile.

PARKER SCHELL ’20

MARK UNDERWOOD ’23

JORDYN HUDSON ’21

Rufus Hagood Craig ’59 passed away on January 21, 2025, in Montgomery, Alabama. After his graduation from Indian Springs, he earned his bachelor’s degree and his juris doctorate from the University of Alabama. He also graduated from continued on page 44

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Indian Springs

John “Battle” Haslam, II ’57 passed away on February 22, 2025, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1940, he showed early musical talent and met his lifelong partner, Betty Lynn Bryan, as a teenager.

Battle was a graduate of Virginia Military Institute and served as a U.S. Army flight surgeon in Thailand during the Vietnam War. He attended Duke University School of Medicine and specialized in radiation oncology. Battle pioneered the radiation oncology department at Mission Hospital in Asheville, NC, and later built another program in Charleston, WV, before returning to Asheville. After retiring in 2000, he dedicated himself to family, music, and service, recording piano CDs in memory of Betty, who passed in 2004.

Battle met his devoted partner, Elisabeth Davis Wharton, in 2011. For the past 13 years, they lived in Chapel Hill, often traveling to Asheville to be with family and friends. Battle is survived by his partner Elisabeth and their Shih-Poo Mae Belle; son Bryan (Susan), sister Henley, grandchildren Wynn and Katie (Lucas), great-granddaughter Karoline, brother-inlaw Charles Bryan, Jr.; and several nieces and nephews.

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N OT E WO R T H Y

the executive program of The Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia. Rufus practiced law for 35 years, retiring as Vice President, Secretary, and General Counsel of Macmillan Blodel Packaging, Inc. He was a man of deep faith who cherished his family, the opportunity to help and encourage others, and Alabama football. He loved music, played the guitar and sang, wrote and published poetry, and was always quick with a smile and laugh. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Geri. Rufus is survived by his son William Benjamin Craig, IV (Laura); step-son Robert Earl Ellzey, II; grandchildren, William Craig, Hannah Craig, Jackson Craig, and Robert Ellzey, III; and daughters-in-law LouAnn Craig and Rebecca Ellzey.

CHARLES IRVING PLOSSER ’66

BY JIM SIMON

Spring Fall 2025 2024

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ndian Springs is sad to report the passing of Charles Plosser ’66. He died in Amelia Island, Florida, on August 14, 2025. He was 76 years old.

Charles was a longtime supporter of Indian Springs, including having been a lead donor for his class’s 50th reunion endowed scholarship fund, and was awarded the school’s Outstanding Alum of the Year in 2013. Charles was a native of Birmingham and, after attending Indian Springs, earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Vanderbilt University, followed by a master’s and a doctorate from the University of Chicago.

Charles embarked upon a career in academia, first at Stanford University, and then as a tenured professor and, eventually, dean of the business school at the University of Rochester. In 2006, Charles was appointed to lead the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia as its President from 2006 to 2015. During that time, Charles was a vocal proponent of policies promoting low inflation and economic stability in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis.

Following his time at the Philadelphia Fed, Charles served as a visiting fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution and was a visiting scholar at The Bank of England and the Minneapolis Fed. He was co-editor of the Journal of Monetary Economics for nearly two decades and was a longtime member of the Open Market Committee.

His classmates, who are preparing to celebrate their 60th Indian Springs reunion, weighed in quickly upon hearing the sad news about Charles.

“Charles was a great guy, top of our class!” Bill Goodrich ’66 recalled. “I am sad to hear of his passing.”

Bill Blackwell ’66 wrote recently. “He used to pick me up in his old car on Sundays, when we were students, for a pleasant ride out to ISS. I will miss him and our talks.”

And Donald Hess ’66 wrote, “The things I remember most about Charles are his smile, the twinkle in his eyes, and especially his wonderful laugh.”

Charles is survived by his wife of 49 years, Janet, his three children, Matthew, Kevin, and Allison, seven grandchildren, his brothers Gray Plosser ’63, and Don Plosser, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, all in Birmingham, where the Plosser family arrived in 1871.

James “Jim” Boyd May ’64 passed away on September 9, 2024, in Nashville, Tennessee. During his three years at Indian Springs, he was encouraged to cultivate his unique individuality, one that evolved throughout his life. He earned degrees from the University of Georgia and Harvard Divinity School, and in true Jim fashion, he took his passion for theology and turned it into an unexpected yet fitting career as a filmmaker. Jim and his partners at RuckusFilm were among the early members of Nashville’s film community.

His career spanned more than 50 years, and his work won numerous awards in the fields of advertising, music videos, and television production, including Addys, Clios, and several Emmys. Jim is survived by his three children, Emma Bradley (John), Georgia May Fleming, and Oliver Fleming; siblings, Mary Love Helms (Jim), Bo May, Martha Giardina (Gary), Deanie Fincher (Bill), Marianne May Causey, Tom May (Linda), and Joe May (Liz); and several nieces and nephews.

Donald “Don” Thomas Oglesby ’65 passed away on April 19, 2025, in Miami, Florida. Don had just recently retired from the University of Miami School of Music where he was a professor of choral music for 38 years. He earned his bachelor’s degree in music from Birmingham-Southern College, a master’s in music from the University of Illinois, and his doctorate from Indiana University, where he concentrated in music conducting. Don was a founding member of the Miami Bach Society, where he served as artistic director and conductor. He also served as choir director for Palmetto Presbyterian Church, Plymouth Congregational Church, and St. Andrews

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Berney Leopold Strauss ’69 passed away on March 11, 2025, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Berney grew up in Mobile, Alabama.

At Indian Springs, Berney served as mayor and won an award for his outstanding character. He graduated summa cum laude from Dartmouth College with a bachelor’s in English. Berney earned his master’s degree from Yale University and his juris doctorate from Tulane University. He earned the distinction of being licensed in all five Gulf States and New York, and practiced law for more than 40 years. Specializing in maritime law, he devoted his career to representing clients who were injured while working in dangerous conditions. He was a loving husband and father who dedicated his life to caring for his family, friends, and clients. Berney is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Ebie Taylor Strauss; children John Hammel and Marion; sister Ruth; and soon-to-be daughter-in-law Elizabeth Stephanz.

M. Timothy “Tim” Jones ’73 passed away on April 8, 2024, in Birmingham, Alabama. Tim was born in Orangeburg, South Carolina. After his graduation from Indian Springs, he received his bachelor’s in finance and economics from the University of Alabama. He worked in risk management insurance for most of his professional career. Tim had a passion for Alabama football, and his life outside the office consisted of working out at the gym, family hiking, and vacations all across the U.S. He was happiest spending time at the beach and being with his

family. Tim is survived by his wife of 36 years, Debbie Davis Jones; twin daughters, Laura and Natalie; brother Mark Jones; and sister Tammy Porter.

Silas Wood McCharen ’75 passed away on May 28, 2025, in Jackson, Mississippi.

After graduating from Indian Springs, Silas earned his bachelor’s in history from Millsaps College. He worked as an archivist for the state of Mississippi before earning his law degree from the University of Mississippi School of Law. He practiced law for more than four decades before retiring in 2022. A modern renaissance man, Silas was fluent in French, a wine connoisseur, an amateur guitarist, a triathlete, a world traveler, and an avid scholar of history, the Bible, and anything he could devour to expand his understanding of this world. Silas was a longtime member and past president of Alliance Française. He served as Consul Honoraire de France for ten years, bridging the cultures and people of Mississippi and France. Silas is survived by his wife, Leesa Crim McCharen; daughters Meg Lake (Andrew) and Sarah Lloyd Stevenson (Pete); and grandchildren Will, Caldwell, and Palmer Stevenson.

Clarence “Clancy” Bissell Blair, Jr. ’79 passed away on December 19, 2024, in Nashville, Tennessee. Clancy earned his bachelor’s degree from McGill University and returned home to Birmingham, Alabama, where he earned his M.A., MPH, and Ph.D. from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Clancy spent 24 years in academia, first at Penn State University and then at New York University.

A professor of child development and psychology, his groundbreaking research changed how scientists understood the ways that children are shaped by family, neighborhood, and schools. Clancy was the author of more than 200 scientific articles and has had a lasting effect on both scientific research and public policy.

His students remember him as kind and supportive, a mentor as excited by their ideas as his own. Clancy is survived by his

CONTRIBUTE TO INDIAN SPRINGS MAGAZINE Alumni, did you recently reach a milestone in your career, such as a new position, promotion, or retirement? Did you enjoy big news in your personal life, like a wedding or a new addition to the family? We want to celebrate you in the next issue! Please submit your class notes to classnotes@indiansprings.org.

wife C. Cybele Raver and stepdaughter Natalie Raver-Goldsby; children Zelda Blair, Sheila Ann Blair, and Evan Blair, and their mother Colleen Pike Blair; his parents Clarence and Sheila Blair; his siblings Duncan (Marie) Blair, Betsy (Steve) McGuire, and Tim (Barbara) Blair; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Roby Lemuel Bedford Jr. ’85, lovingly known as “Bubba,” passed away on June 6, 2025, in Birmingham, Alabama. Roby grew up on Indian Crest Drive in Indian Springs, where he rode his motorcycle across the family property and spent countless hours building backyard inventions with his childhood friend Larry.

He developed a strong love for chemistry while attending Indian Springs, and graduated with high honors in aerospace engineering from Auburn University.

Roby worked for more than 30 years at Southern Company, becoming director of computing services and receiving multiple awards for innovation and excellence. He loved spending time with his family, camping, and traveling to Ireland with Connie. He will be remembered for his kindness, humility, sense of humor, intelligence, and the deep love he showed to those closest to him. Roby is survived by his wife, Connie; children Casey (Rebecca), Brandon, Bridget, and Nikki (Ty); granddaughter, Parker; and sisters Trent and Tiffany.

FRIENDS & FAMILY MAUD GISELE COIRIER BELSER March 5, 2025 Mother of William Belser, III ’80; grandmother of Catherine Belser ’20 and Adrienne Belser ’22 PATTI VANN FOWLER CARLTON July 6, 2025 Grandmother of Carlton Wallwork ’23 and Kathryn Wallwork ’25 JOAN LUNSFORD CLARK August 24, 2025 Mother of Alex Clark ’86 and Anna Clark Velasco ’88; grandmother of Leah Velasco ’23 SAMUEL H. FRAZIER, SR. May 12, 2025 Father of Sam Frazier, Jr. ’92 and Sarah Frazier ’90 Indian Springs

Episcopal Church. He was deeply involved in the broader choral community, holding leadership roles including President of the Florida chapter of the American Choral Directors Association and completing three terms as Chair of the Research and Publications Committee for the Association, as well as serving on the Editorial Board of the Choral Journal. Don is survived by his three sons, Thomas, David, and Stephen; and his four grandchildren: Conner, Aidan, James, and Grant.

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ALUMNI & FRIENDS

LASTING TIES

ALUMNI HOLIDAY PARTY December 23, 2024

FRANCES ROSENSTIEL ’25; JULIA ROSENSTIEL ’25; AIDEN MORIYA ’25; AND LONG TRUONG ’25

MARGARET BLACKERBY ’14; ELLIE DAVIS ’14

NIAMH TUOHY ’89; CLAIRE MAPLES EDWARDS ’89; MUKUL MEHRA ’91; AND MICHELE REISNER P ’18

SAWYER IMPELLO ’21 AND BECCA FLETCHER IMPELLO ’91 P ’21, ’23

REEM CONROY ’30 AND ALEXEE DEEP CONROY ’96 P ’27, ’30

NATE STREET ’24; RYAN LE ’24; MARK UNDERWOOD ’23; LAUREL IMPELLO ’23; MADELINE WILLIAMS ’23; HUDSON WANG ’22; AND HEAD OF SCHOOL SCOTT SCHAMBERGER

TOM WOLFE ’93 AND SAM FRAZIER ’92

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Photos byWill Carey

CYNTHIA LI ’23; KAILYN OPPENHEIM ’23; AND VICKIE KIM ’23

FACULTY MEMBER LAUREN WAINWRIGHT ’88; JOSEPH KATZ ’22; AND CAROLINE BEISHER ’22

PRINCE WHATLEY P ’12, ’14; BENJAMIN KITCHENS ’13; VIRGINIA BARR ’12; HOLLY ELLIS WHATLEY ’84 P ’12, ’14; AND 2024-2025 PARENTS ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT KAZUO MORIYA ’84 P ’19, ’25

KAILYN OPPENHEIM ’23; KENNEDY TYSON ’22; CATHERINE BEISHER ’22; AND ADRIENNE BELSER ’22

BETSY BELSER P ’20, ’22; BOARD MEMBER JOE FARLEY ’81 P ’14, ’16; FACULTY MEMBER WILLIAM BELSER ’80 P ’20, ’22; AND BOARD MEMBER KYUNG HAN ’85

Photos byWill Carey

PAUL WEIR ’21; NATHAN FISHER ’18; EVAN BRANDON ’18; AND HENRY GOFF ’18

GIRLS SOCCER COACH JUSTIN PINO AND MEGAN ESKRIDGE PINO ’08

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MOLLY FROHSIN ’20 AND SHAUNA MOORE ’20

ELRIS EDWARDS ’21 AND ALEX MCFADDEN ’20

LONGTIME FACULTY MEMBER DR. BOB COOPER P ’94, ’98 GP ’27, ’29 AND MATTHEW THOMSON ’24

KYLE WILCOX; MADELINE THOMAS WILCOX ’15; ATHLETIC DIRECTOR GREG VAN HORN P ’03, ’05; FACULTY MEMBER STEPHANIE THOMAS P ’15, ’20; NIRMAL ROY ’02; GIRLS SOCCER COACH JUSTIN PINO

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LASTING TIES

BATTLE OF THE BRAINS June 19, 2025

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Photos byErica Richie

Fall 2025

attle of the Brains is back! This fun tradition of an evening of trivia between Indian Springs School and The Altamont School was revived this summer with an epic game of trivia, food, and fun at Cahaba Brewing Company. Indian Springs School claimed both first and third spots on the podium and brought home the new trophy!

Congratulations to our winners, the “Killer Swans” team: Dr. Bob Cooper P ’94, ’98 GP ’27, ’29; Dr. Mac LaCasse P ’88, ’88, ’95; Zach Martin ’09; Michael Morris P ’27, ’29; Josh Rutsky ’89 P ’27, ’30; and Jeff Zanotti ’99 P ’28 .

Special thanks to alumni parent Burton Dunn P ’25, and to our hosts and emcees for the night, Fortunate Sons Trivia, owned

by Indian Springs Latin teacher Buck Crowe, his fellow Altamont alum Robby Ballard, and Indian Springs English teacher James Griffin (not pictured).

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NEW YORK ALUMNI GATHERING IN OCTOBER 2024

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SAVE THE DATE!

ALUMNI EVENTS ALUMNI HOLIDAY PARTY Tuesday, December 23, 2025

NEW YORK GATHERING (to coincide with the annual choir tour) Thursday, February 12, 2026 ALUMNI WEEKEND (celebrating years ending in “1” and “6”) April 23-26, 2026

Photos byErica Richie

7 1. First place team: Zach Martin ’09; Michael Morris P ’27, ’29; longtime history faculty Dr. Bob Cooper P ’94, ’98 GP ’27, ’29; Jeff Zanotti ’99 P ’28; Josh Rutsky ’89 P ’27, ’30; and retired physics and math faculty Dr. Mac LaCasse P ’88, ’88, ’95 2. Third place team: history faculty Dr. Dan Clinkman; Brian Padgett; English faculty Cal Woodruff; Anna Clinkman; Caroline Colvin ’95 P ’23, ’29; associate dean of students and arts faculty Clayton Colvin ’95 P ’23, ’29 3. Sanjiv Bajaj ’98; longtime athletic director Greg Van Horn; Kevin Tavikoli ’98; and John Mauldin ’98 4. Incoming board chair Lia Rushton P ’09, ’11; Assistant Director of Alumni Relations Peggy Fleetwood; Rusty Rushton ’74 P ’09, ’11 5. Alex Robinson ’25; assistant athletic director and science faculty Chris Tetzlaff; Ava Taylor ’24 6. Alumni Council President Andrea Engel Haines ’03; board member Emily Levine ’01 P ’27, ’30; incoming Alumni Council President Sarah Mills Nee ’03 7. Latin faculty Buck Crowe; Altamont alum Robby Ballard; and Dr. Clinkman (making his case for extra points!)

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Learn more at www.indiansprings.org/alumni peggy.fleetwood@indiansprings.org 205.332.0610

ADMISSION EVENTS OPEN HOUSES Sunday, December 7, 2025 Sunday, January 11, 2026* 2026-2027 DEADLINES Day Student Applications: January 24, 2026 Boarding Student Applications: January 31, 2026 *virtual event

Learn more at www.indiansprings.org/admission admission@indiansprings.org 205.332.0563

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Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Birmingham, AL Permit #2287

INDIAN SPRINGS SCHOOL 190 Woodward Drive Indian Springs, AL 35124 205.988.3350 www.IndianSprings.org

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