St. Andrew’s Sewanee School
More and more students have taken on the challenge of Mountain Biking in recent years, whether that’s with the adventure cycling afternoon program, our middle school and varsity teams, or on an Earth Day outing as pictured. Two brothers, William and Theo Schrader, have even started training year-round with a competitive mountain biking team.
From the Head of School
Dear Alumni and Friends of SAS,
As I read through the pages of this magazine, I am filled with a profound sense of pride and excitement for the future of SAS. We had our first four students graduate last spring with Cumberland Scholar Distinction. Other students won state competitions for essay writing and earned national recognition for musical theater and costume design. We won national radio broadcasting awards, had a state wrestling champion, and a bronze medalist in the state track meet. We are even breaking ground this fall on our first new building on campus in over a decade, the Outdoor Learning Center. These, and scores of other successes, remind me of how SAS is a small school doing big, incredible things!
Of course, it is our remarkable faculty and staff that continue to serve as the bedrock of our community. Their unwavering dedication inspires, challenges, and supports our students into becoming the very best version of themselves. At St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School we don’t teach our students what to think, we teach them how to think, and that’s one of the many reasons this is such an extraordinary place.
In an era when the world seems increasingly divided, we want our community to stand out as a beacon of hope, civility, and compassion. Students, faculty, and staff care for one another, engage in meaningful dialogue, and exemplify the values of respect and kindness. They embody the spirit of disagreeing without being disagreeable, fostering a campus atmosphere that is both warm and welcoming. It is a wonderful school… and a place clearly worthy of our pride and excitement. Without further ado, please enjoy the magazine full of our wins!
Warm regards,
Karl Sjolund Head of School
St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School Magazine
Published annually by St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School
Editor Leah Moore & Lucy Rudman
Photographer David Andrews
Design Jason Chittum, One 32 Design
Head of School Karl J. Sjolund
Director of Advancement Lesley Cole
Director of Enrollment Robert Black
Office of Marketing and Communications
Leah Moore, Director 290 Quintard Road
Sewanee, Tennessee 37375-3000
Phone 931.598.5651
Email lmoore@sasweb.org
Special Thanks to Contributors Cassie Allen, Stephen Brehm, Elizabeth Clark Duncan, Molly Short, Will Eyerly, and Kelley Black.
School Mission Statement Challenge. Balance. Joy. St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School is a private, co-educational, Episcopal, boarding and day college preparatory school serving 215 students in grades 6-12. We CHALLENGE our students to fulfill their greatest potential while helping them to cultivate lives of BALANCE and JOY.
Mission
Honoring its Episcopal heritage as an inclusive Christian community, St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School offers a superior college preparatory education, bringing all students to a richer spiritual, intellectual, social, physical, and aesthetic awareness so that they might lead lives of honor and loving service to God and others.
Vision
St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School inspires students to live lives of active curiosity, lifelong learning, and loving service. We challenge our students to fulfill their greatest potential while teaching them how to cultivate balance and joy.
On the Cover
Our one-of-a-kind climbing program grows more and more every year. Junior James Steffner is pictured here tackling an on-campus bouldering route after training on our moon boards.
New Faces
Robert Black Director of Enrollment Management
We welcome Robert Black as our new Director of Enrollment Management. Robert’s experience in independent schools began as a student at Montgomery Bell Academy (MBA) in Nashville, TN, which led him to a career in teaching, coaching, and administrative leadership. He has served in a number of roles, both on the secondary and collegiate levels. At TMI Episcopal School, Robert served as an Athletic Director, Head Football Coach, Head Baseball Coach, and he also taught English. He then returned to MBA in 2002 where he taught English, coached football and became the Director of Admission and Financial Aid until 2007 when he left Nashville for the University of the South in Sewanee. Since arriving in Sewanee, Robert has served as the Head Football Coach at the University, an Advancement Officer, a Director of Major and Special Gifts, and his most recent role as an Associate Vice President. Robert is also the father of two SAS graduates, Aubrey ‘18 and Jenna ‘21, and, of course, the husband of our Associate Head and Academic Dean, Mrs. Kelley Black. Robert holds a B.A. from the University of the South and an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Concordia University.
Enjoy this letter of introduction from Robert.
Tim Wallace
Humanities Department, Girl’s
Varsity
Soccer Head Coach
Mr. Tim Wallace is both a new member of the SAS Humanities Department and our new Girls’ Varsity Soccer head coach. Mr. Wallace has more than 25 years of experience as a teacher, coach, and administrator at Grace St. Luke’s School, Harpeth Hall, and most recently at The Ensworth School where he has spent the past 20 years serving as a History, English, Art, and Speech teacher, Chair of the History Department, Head of the Middle School, and a very successful coach at various levels in soccer, track, and basketball. He did his undergraduate work at Kenyon College, and he earned his master’s degree in Secondary Social Studies Education from Vanderbilt University. Mr. Wallace is a great school man, and he is bringing a wealth of experience to SAS!
Joe Mahler Physics Teacher
Our newest addition in the Science Department is Mr. Joe Mahler, our new Physics teacher. Mr. Mahler, who will also be the Head Coach of Cross Country, has more than 20 years of teaching experience ranging from middle school to university classrooms. The schools at which he has taught include James Madison University, St. Catherine’s School in Richmond, VA, Providence Day School in Charlotte, NC, and most recently at Sayre School in Lexington, KY. Joe is a graduate of UNC Charlotte, and he earned his Master of Education from Walden University. Mr. Mahler has been the recipient of the Short Award for Excellence in Teaching Math and Science at Sayre School, and he also earned the Outstanding Physics Teacher distinction from The Virginia Association of Science Teachers. He was a Division I athlete in college, and he has coached cross country and track at both the middle and high school levels. Mr. Mahler and his family have spent a lot of time in Sewanee over the years…his mother-in-law is Mary Priestley, curator of the Sewanee Herbarium…and we are thrilled that he’s bringing his many gifts and incredible experience to the Mountain this fall.
John Phillips
Dean of Students
And our new Dean of Students is Mr. John Phillips. Mr. Phillips earned his B.A. in History from Wake Forest University, an M.A. in History from the University of Florida, and an M.Phil. from the University of St. Andrews, Scotland in International Relations and Economics. For the past four years, Mr. Phillips has served as the Associate Head of School at The Phelps School in Malvern, PA. He has also been the Dean of Academics and the Director of Residential Life at San Domenico School in San Anselmo, CA, the Director of Middle and Upper Schools at New York Military Academy in Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY, the Dean of Students at Westtown School in Westtown, PA, the Dean of Students at The Kinkaid School in Houston, TX, and a History teacher at Poughkeepsie Day School in Poughkeepsie, NY. Mr. Phillips has also spent the past 23 years teaching a 6-week American Constitutional Law Summer Seminar at St. Paul’s School in Concord, NH. He too is an outstanding school man, and we are looking forward to him being a part of this wonderful community!
Join the Conversation
instagram “Thank you Mother Short for always representing our school ��!! I’m so proud of you all!” @kikisa79
Facebook Congratulations to all the seniors. No matter where you go - no matter what you do - you will be amazing!!
Facebook Go Mountain Lions !! I played in the mid 70’s / love my school
Facebook SAS does the coolest stuff! So much talent! So much fun! Come to the mountain and see for yourself!
Facebook This is awesome and heartwarming that this little radio station is finally reaching its potential and BEYOND!!
Facebook When I was a student, the school started the interim activities idea as a way of getting the kids outside and into activities that interested the teachers on a personal level and allowed them to share their passions.
Facebook A wonderful experience for our son. We love the way arts are integral to the curriculum at SAS.
Director of Advancement Lesley Cole was elected to the District III (Southeast) Cabinet for CASE, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, in July 2023. The 30 Cabinet members represent Advancement professionals from all disciplines who serve more than 400 colleges, universities, independent schools and professional organizations among the District’s member institutions.
OCTOBER 2
Blessing of the Animals
OCTOBER 13
Open House
OCTOBER 19 - 22
Fall Break
NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 1
Thanksgiving Break
DECEMBER 11
Cumberland Christmas
DECEMBER 19 - JANUARY 5
Christmas Break
JANUARY 11
Mountain Top Wrestling
FEBRUARY 10
Winterim Begins
MARCH 6 - 16
Spring Break
MARCH 19
Giving Day
APRIL 20
Easter
APRIL 22
Earth Day
MAY 2 - 4
Spring Play
MAY 18
Commencement
MAY 30 - JUNE 1
Alumni Weekend
JUNE 1
Summer Camps Begin
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Campus News
CLASS OF 2024
The 32 members of the Class of 2024 were accepted to 18 colleges ranked in the top 50 of over 200 National Liberal Arts Colleges and 12 National Universities ranked in the top 150 of over 400 universities. Highlights include William and Mary, University of Tennessee at Knoxville, Middlebury College, Vassar College, Haverford College, Rochester Institute of Technology, Lafayette College, Colgate University, Trinity College (TC), and Sewanee: The University of the South.
TRIP TO HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
Father Jarrod Russell, our very own Sherrill Family, and the entire Holy Trinity community welcomed a group of SAS students to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Nashville. The students attended Divine Liturgy, and were asked to reflect on their experience as a culminating assessment for the Christianity unit in the 12th grade Religious Studies course. We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Holy Trinity congregation, Father Russell, and the Sherill family for their warmth and hospitality.
BISHOP REYNOLDS FORUM
Every year, St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School hosts the Bishop Reynolds Forum. Established in 1993 by family, friends, and associates of the late George Lazenby Reynolds, Jr., former Bishop of Tennessee, the Forum provides an annual setting in which the Episcopal community on the Mountain can explore a variety of life issues by way of a yearly guest lecturer. This year’s speaker was The Very Rev. Marcus G. Halley, Chaplain to the College
and Dean of Spiritual and Religious Life at Trinity College. In his talk, he explored themes of reconciliation, social justice, embodied spiritual practice, and leadership development.
PROCTORS FOR THE 2024-25 SCHOOL YEAR!
The following seniors were selected to serve as proctors for the current year: Luke Bostelman, Charley Buckner, Ben Gueikian, Tom Karanja, Sarah Maleak, Hatch McNabb, Ivy Moser, Prem Patel, Elisabeth Perkins, Margeaux Pierson, Stella Wilson, Emma Wockasen, and Toby Van de Ven, who will be serving as the Proctor President.
They began leadership training with last year’s proctors during the spring semester, which included attending the inaugural Engaged Leadership Retreat on Friday, March 29th and Saturday, March 30th. The retreat was made possible by funding from the Templeton World Charity Foundation and the SMA Leadership Development Fund. The Engaged Leadership Retreat was the first overnight leadership retreat of its kind at SAS. It brought together the outgoing and incoming proctors for two days filled with leadership training, group bonding, and succession planning.
EARTH DAY CELEBRATION
On April 18, following our yearly tradition, the SAS community celebrated Earth Day. The day kicked off with special guest speaker Daniel Fortner of Midway Mushrooms. Then, students participated in a variety of environmental and nature appreciation workshops, a picnic lunch, and Tri-Tree games.
ADVANCED CHEMISTRY STUDENT RESEARCH
Seniors Anja Dombrowski and Onawa Henson presented their research “Progress Towards Identification of
Antimicrobial Compounds in Liquidambar styraciflua,” at the Biennial Conference on Chemical Education that was held this summer at the University of Kentucky. Dr. Tracy Terry, who initiated this project through the Advanced Chemistry course, presented her paper, “Course-Based Research Experiences for the High School Curriculum: Navigating Barriers and Leveraging Opportunities,” at the same conference.
WMTN DEBUTS VIDEO PROGRAMMING
WMTN is proud to report the addition of videos and clips to their programming! The station was recently gifted a video capture system from SCMS Inc. Radio Supply in hopes that our station could add video to our radio shows, similar to the way other stations across the country deliver their broadcasts.
Our student team, led by station manager Sam Weintraub ’26, assembled the components and learned how to operate the system on their own. Their first WMTN audio/video broadcast was an interview with Headmaster Karl Sjolund in “Headmaster’s Corner.” Check it out and see more at sasradio.org.
STRING BLAZERS
Three SAS students, as members of the local ensemble String Blazers, auditioned for the prestigious mid-state orchestra last fall. Toby Van de Ven ’24 played the viola and was selected to perform with the 1112 grade orchestra. Chosen for the 9-10 orchestra were Maddie Van de Ven ’26 on the cello, and Kat Carpenter ’26 on the violin. Kat was also part of the All-State Orchestra this past April.
To make the Mid-State Orchestra, students must go through the audition process in the Fall, which includes three parts: scales, prepared music, and sight reading. The highest scored musicians in each section are selected to be a member of the Mid-State Orchestra, with the top few high school musicians from each section qualifying for All-State. After only a few rehearsals, the concerts were held January 11-13 in Murfreesboro, TN.
SCIENCE DEPARTMENT HOLDS ITS BEAKER RECEPTION, HONORS 18 SENIORS
On Tuesday, May 14th, the Science department held its annual “4+ Years of SAS Science Reception,” honoring the 18 seniors (more than half of the Class of 2024) who chose to go above and beyond the minimum requirement of 3 years of Science by taking at least 4 total years of Science in high school. This is a special tradition, and the Science faculty enjoyed spending time with the graduating seniors who have spent these extra hours in Wade Hall! The recipients were:
4 Years of Science Classes: Ethan Allen, Sarah Brewster, Grayson Cleveland, Cameron Crawford, Drew DeLorme, Victor Dillon, Susanne Morrissey, Sarah Grace Powell
4.5 Years of Science Classes: Hadlee Hale, Onawa Henson, Will Hernandez, Ellie Jenkins, Abbott McDougal, Reese Michaels, Melanie Val
5.5 Years of Science Classes: Anja Dombrowski
6.5 Years of Science Classes: Elliott Benson, Jackson Frazier
IVY MOSER PRESENTS
INDEPENDENT STUDY ON NONEUCLIDEAN GEOMETRY
Ivy Moser ’25 presented her semesterlong independent study on Non-Euclidean Geometry to a room of SAS faculty and students. Like all students who wish to pursue their intellectual passions outside of our usual classwork, Moser had to submit a proposal before the beginning of the semester outlining her goals, meeting times, and means of assessment. With her final paper and presentation, she successfully completed a semester of independent work!
WINTERIM
For one week each winter, the St. Andrew’sSewanee Community shifts its attention from the regular academic routine to intensive courses of study dedicated to experimental and experiential learning, whether that’s in the woods or in the world. We call this week, “Winterim.”
Winterim gives students AND faculty members an opportunity to collaboratively explore, discover, and nurture their passions. Last year’s Winterim Week was February 19th through the 23rd. Course options included, Foraging Wild Food and Art, Knitting Basics, Exploring the Southern Gothic Literary Tradition, Firewood and Chainsaw Maintenance, True Crime and Unsolved Mysteries, Off-Trail Exploring, Board Game Bonanza, Peliculas Animadas y Hispanas, and many more!
STEPHANIE LAYNE
After 37 years of dedication to SAS, Mrs. Layne has retired. Stephanie’s family has a long history with SAS, having had 13 family members who attended either St. Andrew’s or St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School, beginning in 1931 and extending to the present. Her daughter Tonya Ladd Wockasen graduated in ‘94, while her granddaughter Lauren Wockasen graduated in 2021 and her granddaughter Emma Wockasen, ’25, will graduate this spring. Thank you and enjoy your well-deserved retirement!
EMPTY BOWLS EXHIBITION IN THE SAS GALLERY
The SAS Gallery on the campus of St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School hosted the end-of-year exhibition Empty Bowls, which featured vessels created from a variety of media, including papier-mâché, clay, string, and resin, by SAS students in grades 6-12. The show opened on April 6 and remained on exhibition until Monday, April 25. The bowls were also available for purchase, with all proceeds going to Sewanee’s Community Action Committee (CAC), an outreach program of St. Mark & St. Paul Parish Church. CAC is dedicated to combating poverty and hunger in and around Sewanee through a number of programs including a food bank, tutoring program, and monthly community meals.
Campus News
SAS SOLAR ECLIPSE VIEWING ON APRIL 8
On April 8th, a total solar eclipse made its way across North America. With such a monumental phenomenon occurring during the school day, we conducted a viewing of the eclipse for students, faculty, and staff members. To ensure that each community member was safe, SAS supplied students, faculty, and staff with a pair of glasses specifically designed for eclipse viewing. During Community Announcements on the morning of April 8, the Science Department gave a presentation, emphasizing important safety protocols and explaining the science of eclipses. At 1:30 p.m., students and teachers congregated in the field between Wade Hall and Simmonds for the viewing.
COMING IN 2025
NEW OUTDOOR LEARNING COMPLEX
SAS is excited to announce the addition of a 3,600 square foot Outdoor Learning Complex. The complex will have bouldering and climbing areas as well as a mountain biking hub for middle school and varsity teams. It will house “The Lab” (Local Area Biking shop for on-site maintenance.) It will also have bike storage towers, a paved all-weather outdoor pump track, a camping gear storage area, and an outdoor learning coordinator’s office.
“This facility represents SAS’s firm commitment to our signature Outdoor programs and is directly tied to our goal of capitalizing on our unique geographic assets. For a school filled with students who love the outdoors, it’s hard to imagine a more exciting facility for us to build. We have some of the best climbers and mountain bikers in the South and this new complex is certain to attract even more athletes to our wonderful campus!”
– Karl J. Sjolund, Head of School
THIRD ANNUAL 8TH GRADE WASHINGTON, DC TRIP
On Wednesday, April 3 through Friday, April 5, the 8th grade class explored the United States’ capital and US history through its buildings, monuments, and memorials. On Wednesday, they visited the Smithsonian Museums of Natural History and American History, the National Mall, and the World War II Memorial. Thursday, they visited the Lincoln Memorial, Korean War Memorial, and Vietnam Wall War Memorial. A special moment at the Vietnam Memorial involved dividing up into COMPASS advisory groups and locating the names of 3 Sewanee Military Academy graduates who lost their lives in the Vietnam War. Next the group visited Arlington National Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for the changing of the guard, George Washington’s home Mount Vernon for a tour of the grounds, the enslaved peoples’ quarters, and the house, and Old Town Alexandria for a ghost tour in the evening. Friday was yet another full day with a visit to the outside of the White House and Lafayette Square, a Capitol Tour, and a walking tour of the Tidal Basin that incorporated stops at the Jefferson Memorial, Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial, and Martin Luther King Memorial. They ended Friday with a stop at Ford’s Theater, site of President Lincoln’s assassination, and a final stop at the base of the Washington Monument. It was another great trip! Thank you to our 8th grade advisors for chaperoning.
CHOCOLATE BELLS
A beautiful tradition at St. Andrew’s-Sewanee is The Chocolate Bells, which takes place every Veterans Day. One of our parent schools, St. Andrew’s, was founded in 1905. The St. Andrew’s Chapel was built 10 years later. By the time of its consecration in 1915, funding had run out and the school was unable to purchase any bells for the exquisite bell tower. During World War I, an American chocolate fund was established to send actual chocolate to the troops overseas to boost morale and energy. The story has it that an Episcopal church in New Jersey raised money to send chocolate as their small way to help mitigate such a tragic time. By the end of the war, their private Wartime Chocolate Fund had amassed $2,000 that was unspent. They decided to donate their money to a worthy and charitable cause, and they learned of a tiny school in rural
Tennessee that was run by the monks of the Order of the Holy Cross whose mission was to educate impoverished mountain boys. They found out that the school had built a beautiful mission-style chapel but was unable to furnish bells for its bell tower. The New Jersey parish decided to give their remaining chocolate money to St. Andrew’s School as an Armistice Thanksgiving. In return, they offered the stipulation that the bells be dedicated to the archangels Michael, Uriel and Raphael, and that they be rung every Armistice Day @ 11:11 for 11 minutes in memory of those who died during the war and as a prayer for peace.
Each of our three bells at SAS were cast in 1920 and have unique inscriptions that read: “I ring to the glory of God and in honor of St Uriel, Kings with their armies did flee”; “I ring to the glory of God and in honor of St. Raphael in whose intercession we trust”; and “I ring to the glory of God and in honor of St. Michael the Archangel in memory of the soldiers and sailors who gave their lives for our country in the Great War.”
Now in its 103rd year, the SAS community takes time out each Veterans Day to gather at the Chapel and ring the bells promptly at 11:11 a.m., for a minimum of 11 minutesoftentimes much longer to accommodate all bell-ringers who fill the stairwell and line up outside. We ring out for peace, and in honor and memory of those who have served or died for this great country.
Awards
WMTN-LP 93.1&103.1 NAMED “BEST IN THE NATION!”
Seven St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School students and faculty sponsor J.R. Ankney traveled to New York City to attend the Intercollegiate Broadcasting Radio Conference on March 1st and 2nd. In addition to attending radio broadcasting workshops with industry professionals, the St. Andrew’s-Sewanee radio station WMTN, 93.1 & 103.1, also was nominated for fifteen Best In the Nation awards!
WMTN collaborated with our Spanish 5 class to create “Nuestra Herencia Hispana,” where students interviewed our international students about art, music, and food. “Nuestra Herenica Hispana” won Best in the Nation in the “Best Foreign Language Show” category!
The other nominations included Best Radio Drama, Best Documentary, Best Public Affairs Program, Best Morning Show, Best Spot News Interview, Best Show Promotional Poster, Best Website, Best Podcast, Best Station or Event Promo, Best Show Promo, Best Public Service Announcement, Best use of Sound Effects, Best Liner/Sweeper and Best Station ID!
2024 HONORS DAY
Major Award Recipients:
(L-R) Mary Ming Lynch, Reese Michaels, Ellie Jenkins, Alex Colon, Hadlee Hale, Mel Val, Ethan Allen, Onawa Henson
AMELIA POND ’26 AND ELIZA GRIFFEY ’26 TAKE HOME SUPERIORS FOR COSTUME DESIGN AND SOLO MUSICAL PERFORMANCE!
Performing Arts Director, Dr. Will Eyerly chartered Troupe #11474 at St. Andrew’s Sewanee, and for the first time in its long history, SAS is now a member of the International Thespian Society. Established in 1927, the International Thespian Society (ITS) is the flagship program of the Educational Theatre Association. ITS honors scholarship in core classes with special emphasis on achievement in middle and high school theatre. In the Thespy’s Award program, theatre students compete in nearly every state in the US and around the world, performing at the district, regional, and state level in both theatrical performance and technical events for a chance to advance to the International Thespian Festival at Indiana University in Bloomington.
poor, fair, good, excellent, or superior. Superiors are qualified to move on to the International Thespian Festival Thespys competition.
This year, two SAS students made the commitment to go through the grueling alternate qualifier. Amelia Pond chose to design and construct Belle’s iconic “Blue Dress” from the opening of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast musical. Her technical presentation in the “Costume Construction” was praised by the judges for its attention to detail, including hand embroidery, as well as functionality for actor comfort and quick changes. She was honored with a top score of SUPERIOR for her efforts.
This year, SAS was one of 7 schools selected to perform a one act in Thescon at MTSU. However, since Tennessee does not yet have a Thespy’s qualifier, students must submit to an alternate qualification and adjudication by uploading performances and technical presentations into the ITS portal. The submitted videos are adjudicated by a panel of three theatre professionals. Each performance or presentation is scored on a rubric as either
Eliza Griffey chose the highly competitive “Solo Musical Theatre” performance category and sang a challenging piece from the musical Light in the Piazza entitled “The Beauty Is.” The judges noted her focus and commitment to the blocking of the scene as well as the maturity and control of her voice. Eliza’s performance also earned a top score of SUPERIOR from all three judges.
Both Amelia and Eliza are now qualified to move on to International competition at the International Thespian Festival at Indiana University in Bloomington June 23-28th.
CONGRATULATIONS SAS THEATER STUDENTS!
SAS Thespian Troupe #11474 was one of only 7 schools in Tennessee to perform at the State Thescon Thespian festival at MTSU. In addition to participating in master classes for dance, aerial stage acrobatics, singing, special effects makeup, auditions, and more, SAS students, under the direction of Performing Arts Director Dr. Will Eyerly, performed their awardwinning one act #Viral at the Tucker Theatre Black box to an overflow, standingroom only audience as the festival finale.
CONGRATULATIONS!
THE TENNESSEE MAGAZINE highlighted the victors of the “Poet’s Playground: Inspiring Words from Your Neighbors.”
Adeline Pond ’28 claimed the top spot in her age group as the first-place winner with her poem “Tennessee River.”
SAS student Eliza Griffey ’26 has been chosen from hundreds of applications nationwide for the prestigious Songbook Academy summer music program!
A rising junior, Eliza was one of two students selected from Tennessee, and she’d join 39 other students from around the nation for the program in July.
Hosted by 5-time GRAMMY nominee Michael Feinstein, Songbook Academy is a weeklong summer intensive that immerses young performers in America’s musical heritage and helps them develop as artists under the guidance of Broadway stars and other entertainment professionals and music educators.
MVP - MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
MIP
Winter Athletic Awards
SWIM
BOYS TEAM
GIRLS TEAM
MVP Jackson Frazier
MIP Augustin Tabacaru
CA Toby Van de Ven
MVP Reese Michaels
MIP Carlota Rosety
CA Madison Rogers
WRESTLING
MVP Tom Karanja
MIP Jack Hale
CA Dimitri Sherril
MVP Mel Val
MIP Leonora Pate
BASKETBALL
BOYS TEAM
GIRLS TEAM
MVP Ethan Allen
MIP Harper Thompson
CA Elijah Stark
MVP Sarah Maleak
MIP Keely Kendrick
CA Annabelle Close
GIRLS TEAM GIRLS TEAM
CA Hadlee Hale MVP Mel Val
TEAM BOYS TEAM BOYS TEAM
Spring Athletic Awards
TRACK AND FIELD
TEAM
MVP Kiran Malde
MIP Arthur Glacet
CA Tom Karanja
SOCCER
MVP Toby Van de Ven
MIP
Mark Rogers
CA Dimitri Sherril
TENNIS
MVP Elijah Stark
MIP Lowell Brainerd
CA Will Hernandez
GIRLS TEAM
MVP Carlota Diez-Rosety
MIP
Top L-R: Reese Michaels swim, Tom Karanja wrestling, Ethan Allen basketball, Bottom: Mel Val wrestling, Sarah Maleak basketball, Jackson Frazier swim
Top L-R: Jack Hale wrestling, Harper Thompson basketball, Augustin Tabacaru swim, Keely Kendrick basketball Bottom: Leonora Pate wrestling, Carlota Rosety-Diaz swim
Top L-R: Dimitri Sherrill wrestling, Elijah Stark basketball, Toby Van de Ven swim Bottom: Hadlee Hale wrestling Madison Rogers swim, Annabelle Close basketball
Lowell Brainerd tennis, Arthur Glacet track and field, Mark Rogers soccer, Charley Buckner track and field, Sydney Brown tennis
Mel Val track and field, Toby Van de Ven soccer, Elijah Stark ennis Kiran Malde track and field, Carlota Rosety-Diaz ennis
Annabelle Close tennis, Will Hernandez tennis, Tom Karanja track and field, Dimitri Sherrill soccer, Sarah Maleak track and field
“There are no bad trails here”
William Schrader
When William Schrader came to St. Andrew’sSewanee School in 6th grade, he’d never ridden a bike on a trail before. Now, William is ranked in the top 100 riders in his age group in the nation, and he’s fresh off of his first Junior National Biking competition, where he finished 70th out of 140 riders in the 17-18 age group.
Last year, after completing a successful season with the SAS Mountain Biking Team, William joined the Gravity Academy team to begin racing year round under the UCI Racing umbrella. This made it possible for him to compete in Arkansas, Tennessee, Alabama, and Pennsylvania, where he has raced and trained with some of the best mountain bikers from across the country.
While he races with Gravity Academy, William trains on his own schedule, following the Gravity Academy training plans. “I ride by myself,” he explained, “But it gets boring on long rides, so, sometimes, Theo and my dad join me.” His younger brother Theo also qualified for Nationals in the 14-15 age group, but was unable to race due to a previous injury. Theo hopes to be fully healed in time for the SAS season.
William trains on the Mountain Goat Trail, the University trails, and, of course, his home trails at St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School. He appreciates the access, and says, “There are no bad trails here, I enjoy training on all of them.”
Mountain biking can be intense and intimidating, and William tells the story about getting a flat tire in his first UCI race, which made him unable to complete the course. And yet, he got right back on his bike, trained hard, and finished in the top 50 at his next race.
Students on campus during PEAK times might see William zipping through the Quad, drifting on the gravel road that leads to the Res, or popping expert-level wheelies on his way down Betsy’s Path. He plans to ride on the collegiate level once he graduates from SAS. After all, there’s nothing like it according to William…“There are no rules when you ride by yourself,” he said, “There’s this freedom that comes with cycling; you can go anywhere.”
Sports Highlights
Two time state champion (2022, 2024) Mel Val signed to wrestle for Cedar Crest College in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Over the course of her wrestling career, Mel has won 103 matches, putting her in the Centurion club.
SAS SWIMMERS HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL THIS SEASON!
SAS swimmers Jackson Frazier, Sienna Barry, Loulie Frazier, Sarah Russell Leonard, Reese Michaels, and Lara Stahl traveled to Nashville for the TISCA State Championships. Senior Jackson Frazier made B finals in the 100 Breaststroke, and five team records were broken. On the middle school side, thirteen MS swimmers traveled to compete in the MTHSSA Championship meet. There were best times across the board, but our MS Boys team finished 4th out of 40 teams!
MIDDLE SCHOOL BOYS SOCCER SEASON WRAP-UP
The St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School Boys Middle School Soccer Team finished a successful season with a final record of 6-2-1.
SENIORS JACKSON FRAZIER AND MEL VAL SIGN LETTERS OF INTENT
On Friday, May 3, St. Andrew’s-Sewanee senior Jackson Frazier signed his National Letter of Intent, committing to swim at Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, New York.
MIDDLE SCHOOL GIRLS VOLLEYBALL SEASON FINISH SECOND
The middle school girls’ volleyball season came to an exciting end when the team placed second in the Mountain Valley Volleyball Tournament. The Mountain Lions finished the season 105. For their outstanding play during the season, Aubrey and Savannah Blosser as well as Maggie Mayo received AllConference awards.
GIRLS WRESTLING TEAM 11TH PLACE AT STATE
Thanks to the senior leadership of State champion Mel Val and Hadlee Hale the Girls Wrestling Team finished 11th at the TSSAA state tournament.
TRACK & FIELD RECORDS FALL AND MEL VAL QUALIFIES FOR THE TSSAA STATE MEET
8th grader Aubrey Blosser (Whitwell, TN) and 7th grader RH Benton (Sewanee, TN) broke two middle school track and field records. Blosser smashed the old shot-put record by 3.5 feet with a throw of 30 feet and 9 inches. Benton broke the 1600m record for the second time this season with a time of 5:38.70.
Senior Mel Val took first in the region in the 400 meter run and set a new school record with a time of 1:00.69. Val finished third at the TSSAA state
meet. Sophomore Micah Moody led the team with a school-record-breaking performance in the 1600m, clocking in at a time of 4:41.51.
SAS VARSITY TENNIS TEAMS CHALK UP WINNING SEASONS
The boys’ and girls’ teams both enjoyed winning seasons at 5 - 4, and they both earned 4th place finishes in District 2, a feat the girls’ team last achieved in 2022 and the boys’ team in 2013. This finish qualified both teams for the Division IIA East Region Team Tournament, and they traveled to Knoxville for the quarterfinal round.
MIDDLE SCHOOL TENNIS TEAMS HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL SEASON
The middle school boys’ and girls’ tennis teams enjoyed highly successful seasons. Not only was this the largest middle school team in program history, it’s only the second time that both teams have finished with winning records. The boys’ team touts an undefeated record at 9-0 while the girls’ team suffered only two losses, finishing 7-2. Several players enjoyed undefeated singles match records: Flynn Allen, Jaxon Rudder, Mason Rudder, and Ella Matthews. Additionally, the doubles duo of Martin Brodsky and Jaxon Rudder were unbeaten while the duo of Catherine Barnett and Ella Matthews dropped only two matches.
The Sewanee Experience
“It’s so beautiful that people who have been there always, one way or another, come back.”
- William Alexander Percy
Sewanee Experience
Life at St. Andrew’sSewanee School is more than an education, it’s an experience
Nestled atop the Cumberland Plateau, surrounded by beautiful foothills in middle Tennessee sits Sewanee, and right next to Sewanee: the University of the South sits St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School.
Because of our special relationship with the University, our students have the unique opportunity to take college classes at the University of the South, providing them with real-word knowledge of how a college classroom operates and what professors expect of their students. Through this process, called the Sewanee Experience, qualified juniors and seniors get to sit in real college classrooms and listen to esteemed professors among college students. 32% of our seniors graduate with college credit. Classes taken in the past couple of years include Principles of Economics, China and the World, Song, Symphony, Stage, Literature and Composition, The Age of Discovery: Encounter of Two Worlds, Intermediate Chinese, Principles of Psychology, Gateway to Latin America, Spanish, and Latinx Studies.
But the Sewanee Experience doesn’t stop in the classroom. The area is full of rich history and fascinating connections, and our current times are no different. Students at St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School enjoy not only our 550 acre campus, but the University’s 13,000 acre domain and the Southern Cumberland network of state parks. Bouldering sites, roped climbing courses, caving caves, rock climbing, hiking trails, biking trails and more are right at our students’ fingertips. And, coming this fall, we have a NEW Outdoor Learning Complex complete with an all-weather pump track, a bike repair lab, and new indoor climbing walls.
Students who choose the Cumberland Scholars path, which can begin in either 9th or 10th grade, integrate their academics and place-based activities with a technical demonstration and a capstone research project their senior year. Past Cumberland Scholars have done demonstrations on everything from proper mountain biking techniques to fly-fishing. Capstone projects for this first year of graduating seniors included a deer population study on SAS’s
campus, a community-wide survey on electric cars, the impact of acid precipitation in the Copper Basin, and a study of crawfish in Gunn Lake and the Res.
SAS students audition and are often chosen to be part of the Sewanee Symphony Orchestra, while others perform each year in “Perpetual Motion,” an annual evening of studentchoreographed dance pieces, featuring diverse styles and skill levels.
SAS students also have numerous opportunities to volunteer at the University, including with the Sleep in Heavenly Peace project, which builds beds for area children in need of a place to sleep, and yard cleanups for area senior citizens.
Our athletic teams are fortunate to call the Sewanee Aquatic Center and the Golf Course at Sewanee as their home venues for swimming and golf. SAS students also have access to the Fowler center weight rooms, basketball courts, and tennis courts for training.
The school’s relationship to the University of the South allows SAS students to have access to incredible resources from one of the most prestigious universities in the United States. And all of it rests in the small Southern village of Sewanee. It’s a place that prides itself on small town hospitality, and where the streets close from time to time for dances, community festivals, and live musical performances.
There’s a reason that famous biographer and University of the South graduate Jon Meacham quotes poet William Alexander Percy when he discusses the verdant green hospitality of Sewanee, “It’s so beautiful that people who have been there always, one way or another, come back.”
Performing Arts Raising the Stakes: SAS Performing Arts on Stage
St. Andrew’s Sewanee School’s music and theatre programs have always been at the heart of the school’s mission. This year, the performing arts ventured into new territory with the charter of SAS’s International Thespian Society Troupe #11474, expanded Creative Expression assemblies, a reimagining of the Christmas Concert, and spectacular musical and play performances. Here is a recap of recent performances and awards.
INTERNATIONAL THESPIAN HONORS
The inaugural year of Thespian Troupe #11474 turned out to be huge. It is a long road to the ultimate competition – the International Thespian Festival at Indiana University in Bloomington.
Troupe member and Vice President, Eliza Griffey, along with fellow troupe member Amelia Pond, elected to enter the regional qualifier under the direction of Performing Arts Director and Thespian Troupe Director, Dr. Will Eyerly. Dr. Eyerly has chartered numerous thespian troupes in Florida and has been a judge at district, state, and international competitions.
Eliza performed “The Beauty Is” from The Light in the Piazza”, and Amelia constructed Belle’s blue dress, a costume for Beauty and the Beast. The panel of judges awarded both girls with “Superior” ratings, the
highest score, which qualified to enter the International “Thespy” award competition at IU Bloomington. Additionally, Troupe President Kendall Elder led the group to Middle Tennessee State University where SAS performing arts students presented a one act play for the state festival entitled #Viral. They performed in a standing room only packed house at the festival.
In June, Kendall, Eliza, and Amelia together with fellow thespians Luke Bostelman and Dylan Bruscato headed to the International Thespian Festival with Dr. Eyerly. Eliza and Amelia competed in musical theatre and costume construction Thespys, and the entire group saw nine Broadway plays and musicals and participated in workshops run by professionals from Broadway and Disney. Dr. Eyerly also served as judge at several
events during the week. Eliza and Amelia both earned Superior awards, and Amelia won a Thespy, the high school equivalent to Broadway’s Tony award, as one of the top high school costumers in the country. For their top achievements, SAS thespians were also awarded a coveted International Thespians trophy.
A CUMBERLAND CHRISTMAS
The “Revels” lessons and carols format was reimagined into a variety show celebrating the variety of holiday traditions celebrated on and around the Cumberland Plateau. The program included a segment that included the Nativity story with traditional carols, continuing to pay homage to our school’s Episcopal heritage.
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
The Disney musical debuted the first weekend of February. The show was played to packed houses who were entertained by the beautiful set, Broadway costumes, as well as the spectacular performances from the cast and crew. Eliza Griffey as Belle sparkled on stage, especially with her beautiful rendition of “Home.” Griff Wilson as the Beast brought a new depth to the character with his haunting performance of “If I Can’t Love Her.”
ZINK: THE MYTH, THE LEGEND, THE ZEBRA
This award-winning play engendered both laughter and tears to the rapt audience with every performance. As the play flipped back and forth between the real world to the imagination of eleven-year-old Becky, portrayed beautifully by 6th grade performing arts student Annabel Weintraub, the audience delighted to the imaginative zebra costumes and characters. The story was simultaneously heartbreaking and uplifting, with its twists and turns, building to the joyful finale.
CREATIVE EXPRESSION
Several performances were held during the J-Block (the “J” stands for “Joy!) during the year, in addition to an opening 2-hour evening performance in September. This year’s shows were packed with a variety of music, dance, and theatrical performances. Next year promises to be even more spectacular as new talent emerges and is developed.
LOOKING AHEAD
The stakes are being raised even higher for the 2024-25 school year. Broadway star Kristen Stokes, widely known for her Broadway and touring role as the original Annabeth Chase in The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, will be on campus working with Dr. Eyerly and the musical theatre cast and crew for three days in January as they produce the show for SAS. All performances will be enhanced by the brand new, state of the art, light and sound system – complete with capability for up to 20 wireless
on stage. Dr. Eyerly has the new system installed and ready to go! The announced spring play will be the Broadway smash mystery based on the board game of the same name, Clue. Get your tickets early and don’t miss out on all the phenomenal performances in the McCrory Hall for the Performing Arts.
AN
EXPERIENCE
UNBELIZEABLE EXPERIENCE
The school year may have ended, but the learning continued for ten St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School students and Academic Dean and Associate Head of School Kelley Black as they embarked in late May on a 9-day adventure to Belize that took them to the jungle and the caye. For this journey, SAS partnered with Ecology Project International (EPI), an organization whose mission is “to improve and inspire science education and conservation efforts worldwide through field-based student-scientist partnerships.” Homebase for the group’s field science research was the Toucan Ridge Ecology and Education Society (T.R.E.E.S.) in the Maya Mountains and the Tobacco Caye Marine Station on Tobacco Caye.
The adventure began at T.R.E.E.S. with an ethno-hike during which the group was introduced to the diversity of flora and fauna in the Maya jungle and the incredible array of medicinal, food, and structural uses of native plants by Belizean people. They sampled Billy Web bark, known as an immune system booster, and the sap of the zapote tree used to make chicle, natural chewing gum, and they gnawed on stalks of sugarcane and the leaves of cinnamon trees. Other delights along the way included starfruit, coconut, and even the high-protein source, termites!
Once acquainted with the landscape, it was time to begin the research projects, which included the monitoring of bats, turtles, and stream macroinvertebrates over several days. The bat monitoring project took them into the jungle late at night where scientists use mist netting to gently capture the bats and then record various data before releasing them back to the night. The group got a close up view of these amazing mammals as they assisted researchers with data collection, learning how to identify species, sex, reproductive status, and age. Dean Kelley Black writes, “Our work helped us grow a greater appreciation of these misunderstood mammals, which serve as critical insect controllers and pollinators.”
During the day, their research took them to the streams of the Maya forest where first they conducted a stream macroinvertebrate survey. Doned in rubber boots and carrying buckets and taxonomic guides, students collected stream water and recorded data on the variety of macroinvertebrates found in the water. These macroinvertebrates serve as bioindicators, giving scientists insight into the health of the waterways. Students’ work revealed a variety of organisms such as caddisflies, mayflies, crayfish, damselflies, dragonflies, and an assortment of larval forms.
The group’s next task was turtle-tracking. Only one species of aquatic turtle resides in T.R.E.E.S., the white-lipped mud turtle, and scientists are working to learn more about its habitat and range. Using radio telemetry, which is a radio antenna and receiver that emits a series of beeps as one approaches a tagged turtle, they tromped upstream searching along stream banks, under vegetation, and in eddies for these evasive turtles. Tracking turtles doesn’t sound too difficult, but they are good at hiding and surprisingly quick when they need to be. Patience and persistence paid off, however, as students successfully tracked five turtles and recorded data on habitat, sex, and activity.
After several days, it was time for the group to leave their Maya mountain home and head for the cayes where they exchanged their long sleeves, long pants, and rubber boots for bathing suits, snorkels and fins. After a two hour van ride east to the coast, they boarded a boat for a 45 minute ride across the bluegreen Caribbean to the tiny island of Tobacco Caye. White sands, colorful thatched roof bungalows, friendly people, and a few pups welcomed them as they arrived at the dock. Right away, they received a snorkel lesson and put their newly
learned skills into practice with a swim around the reef in the clear, warm waters. They honed their snorkeling skills each day as they explored the reefs and mangroves. The SAS student scientists were involved in several research projects while on Tobacco Caye. Their primary research was conducting a coral reef health survey on the Belize Barrier Reef, the second largest reef in the world. In teams of two, they snorkeled the reef and took data on coral types and the amount of coral bleaching present, using a color scale developed by the University of Queensland. Students later entered their data into the project database, which will help scientists assess the health of the reef and monitor bleaching.
While snorkeling, the group kept their eyes open for the invasive lionfish, which is being actively removed due to their threat to reef fish. On their watch, three lionfish were captured. Through a dissection, students were able to expand their understanding of this species. In addition, they learned about the massive amount of plastic that ends up in the world’s oceans and participated in a clean-up of
the reef crest where they collected all kinds of plastic items, sorted them, and recorded the types and weight. Ultimately, this plastic trash will be upcycled into useful items. Then it was time for nurdle patrol as they sifted through sand to find this raw material of plastic production that litters beaches, stream beds, and river banks.
With their field work completed, one of the highlights of the adventure was a night snorkel on their final night on the caye. With no visible moon to offer light, Dean Black and the students slipped into the dark waters, flashlight in hand to light their way. Any trepidation was quickly lost in the excitement of seeing a whole new world filled with the reef’s night creatures. It was an exhilarating experience to see the reef alive with squid, octopus, lobsters, sea cucumbers, moray eels, shrimp, flounder, stingrays, fish, and actively feeding coral!
On their final night in Belize back at T.R.E.E.S., they celebrated by participating in a Sambai drum dance circle led by Emmett Young, drummer and leader of the movement “Drums, No Guns.” Dean Black writes, “Full of laughter and smiles, we danced to the rhythm of the drums. It was the perfect end to an incredible nine days.”
Through this experience, SAS students increased their understanding of stream and marine ecology and ecosystems and the threats to these systems’ health, and they gained perspective as they immersed themselves in Belizean culture. As a completely unplugged experience, free time was spent playing games, journaling, reading, and talking to one another. The opportunity to disconnect and engage fully and completely in their immediate physical surroundings was a real gift and allowed them to take in every “unbelizeable” moment.
“LEADING LIVES OF HONOR AND LOVING SERVICE TO GOD:” EPISCOPAL IDENTITY THROUGH THE EYES OF OUR STUDENTS
As part of the year-long Religious Studies Curriculum, the Class of 2024 was asked to reflect on SAS’s Episcopal Identity. Students touched on themes of community, belonging, compassion, and acceptance.
The following quotations are student responses to the question:
“What do you appreciate most about the Episcopal identity of our school?”
We are delighted to share them with you now.
Community Singing "God be with you til we meet again" in St. Andrew's Chapel before Thanksgiving break
Seniors Hadlee Hale and Sarah Grace Powell in the Chapel Commons
Grey Givens
As a practicing Christian I have found that our school has ignited my understanding and passion for faith in a profound manner. While I’m not exactly following the episcopal path, it has set me on a spiritual journey with the support of the school and my peers.
Madison Rogers
At SAS, inclusion is one of the most important priorities that the students and teachers have. Our motto is YOU belong here- this idea is executed by everyone. No one is alone here and the school makes sure of that, you can join a club or create one, you are required to partake in school activities to encourage school spirit and participation in the community. There are the Tri Team Games, Advisories, grade level programming. These are just some of the few things that bring students together and provide an amazing support system for them. There is no doubt that you will find friends and a home here.
Lydia Andrews
Definitely the community. Everyone is so kind and considerate of one another. I love how it’s easy to talk to teachers, they definitely have made a safe environment for us. I actually like chapel, though I really wish they would bring back the required dress. I know a lot were complaining about it but it was another example of community. Everyone looked so professional and great.
Alex King
I appreciate that no matter what your background is, everyone is treated as an equal and are held up to the same standards.
Onawa Henson
I most appreciate the ways in which our school’s Episoppal identity has allowed for an inclusive community to be formed. I think that this opens student’s minds to the wider world and prepares them for a life in the greater universe
Sarah Grace Powell
The Episcopal church has the mission of acceptance. SAS embodies this goal, and welcomes everyone of all backgrounds with open arms. I love the sense of community that the gatherings in the chapel bring. I appreciate the chapel space, and the ritual of chapel in general. I enjoy having some quiet time in the middle of the week when all I truly have to do is sit and listen.
Grayson Cleveland
I appreciate the center ideology of accepting everyone no matter what. I think that this practice has exposed me to a very diverse group of people that I most likely wouldn’t have been around if I went to any other school, because people feel comfortable going here.
Ellie Jenkins
The charitable, community-centered, openness of the Episcopal church is reflected in our community.
Will Hernandez
I appreciate that there is always a true sense of belonging and that there is so much diversity and different perspectives and opinions.
Jackson Frazier
Loving your neighbor is something that this school (partially because it is so small) really expresses.
Ethan
Allen
I enjoy the sense of community it brings to us. I like how students have roles in the chapel. The traditions like God be with you til we meet again are awesome.
Reese Michaels
The sermons do not only relate to those of the Christian faith but to all of us and how we can live fuller lives.
St. Andrew’s
New Board of Trustees Members
ST. ANDREW’S-SEWANEE SCHOOL WELCOMES NEW TRUSTEES
ANDREW DINSMORE ’02 (CLEVELAND)
A seventeen-year veteran with the company, and with twenty-plus years in the industry, Dinsmore is an Operator and Owner for Publix Super Markets, Inc. An active civic leader, he is the current Board Chair of Junior Achievement for the Ocoee Region, Sergeant-at-Arms for the Rotary Club of Cleveland, the 2023-2024 Campaign Co-Chair for United Way of the Ocoee Region, the vice president for the Cleveland Young Professionals Circle of the Ocoee Region, and serves on the boards for The Epilepsy Foundation of East Tennessee, The Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce, and The Museum and Cultural Center at 5ive Points. He is also president of the St. Andrew’s-Sewanee Alumni Association. Dinsmore received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Entrepreneurship from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School (SAS) is pleased to welcome three members to the Board of Trustees following their election on April 5, 2024. Each is elected to serve a three-year term. The new class includes Andrew Dinsmore, Operator and Owner, Publix Super Markets, Inc.; Molly Schaefer Still, Owner, Schaefer Nursery; and Sarah Metzgar Steffner, freelance writer and editor.
MOLLY SCHAEFER STILL ’07 (WINCHESTER)
Still is the owner and operator of Schaefer Nursery, a wholesale business that grows and sells more than 100 varieties of plants to nurseries across the United States. An alumna of St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School, she dedicated years of her career to education before shifting her focus to local business. Before assuming ownership of Schaefer Nursery, Still directed the Leadership Institute at Parish Episcopal School in Dallas, Texas. She is also a former member of SAS’s humanities faculty. During her tenure at her alma mater, she served as the student leadership program director, director of the art gallery, on the admissions team, and as a coach and dorm parent. Still received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Leadership Studies from the University of Richmond.
(CHATTANOOGA)
Steffner is a freelance writer and editor working across multiple commercial and non-profit industries. She received a bachelor’s degree in history and art history from Sewanee – The University of the South. A current parent at SAS (James ’26), Steffner is the former board president of St. Peter’s Episcopal School (Chattanooga) and retiring president of the Girls Preparatory School Parent Council Executive Committee.
SARAH METZGAR STEFFNER
Class Notes
1970’s
Robert Lundin StA ’74, editor of The Awakenings Review, is set to receive a 2024 Media Award from Mental Health America. Lundin started the Awakenings Project in 1996, and it has since evolved into an award-winning literary journal committed to publishing works by authors, poets, and artists, who live with mental illness.
1980’s
Stephen Alvarez ’83, a professional photographer who primarily works for National Geographic, recently spoke at the East Tennessee History Center about his experience traveling to and photographing the deepest cave in the world. In addition to National Geographic, his work has been featured in Time Magazine, The Nature Conservancy and the New York Times and he has appeared on NPR, PBS and CBS.
2000’s
Old Dominion University Ph.D. candidate Caldwell Buntin ’09 accidentally discovered the tracks of an ancient horseshoe crab species, the first of its kind at this site, while working with an archaeological group assisting in a study of microbial mat structures. Buntin was photographing one-by-one meter sections using his drone when he noticed the familiar pattern of a 95-million-year horseshoe crab.
Congratulations Brian Jordan Alvarez ’05 for his new hit series on FX, English Teacher. Receiving positive reviews as producer, director, and star of the sitcom, which also streams on Hulu, Brian has been featured recently in numerous articles in The Rolling Stone Magazine, New York Times, W Magazine, and the Hollywood Reporter, to name a few. We are incredibly proud of our young alumnus and can’t wait to see what the near future holds!
2010’s
Nicholas W. Evans ’10 and Leonie Rademacher Evans ’10 celebrated their marriage in St. Andrew’s Chapel in May of 2023. The happy couple met during the 2008-2009 school year when Leo attended SAS through the ASSIST program.
Aubrey A. Hobby ’14
In April 2024, Aubrey Hobby began her position as the Chief of Staff for Delegate Amy Laufer in Charlottesville, Virginia.
2020’s
Qiyu “George” Meng ’20 presented his art at Scholarship Sewanee this past spring at the University of the South. Scholarship Sewanee is a celebration of students and faculty mentors across campus who are recognized for their creative works. George did his oral presentation on “Home Beyond the
Horizon”, a photographic composition intended to express the feelings that emerge from multicultural transitions.
SAS GRADUATES CONTINUE ATHLETIC JOURNEY IN COLLEGE!
Macalester women’s track and field senior Sarah Beth Hobby (South Pittsburg, Tenn./St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School) set a new school record in the Pentathlon, scoring 3,192 points, and earning her a third-place finish and All-MIAC honors at the MIAC Indoor Track & Field Championships.
Right now we have five former SAS Track and Field athletes competing at the college level.
Charlie Barron ’22
Wellesley College
Pyunn Ntwari ’22
Birmingham Southern College
Sarah Beth Hobby ’20
Macalester College
Pierra Mutavu ’23
University of the South
Josie Willis ’23
University of the South
TELL US YOUR STORY
Please send us your story or news we’d love to share in our next publication!
Use the form at www.sasweb.org/ alumni/update-your-information
Alumni Weekend
Generations of alumni returned to campus in early June for Alumni Weekend 2024. The St. Andrew’s and Sewanee Academy Classes of 1974 received their 50-year medallions and the Class of 2004 had a huge number in attendance for their 20-year reunion. In attendance were alumni from all across the country, and even as far as Japan and Mexico! Thank you to all who participated, and a special thanks to our reunion leaders for making it a great weekend!
Distinguish Alumni & SAS Service Award
At alumni weekend this summer, Kate Sheeler StA ’81 received the Distinguished Alumni Award for her amazing career in education. Kate received her bachelor’s degree from William & Mary and her MAT from the University of Virginia. Her impressive career as an educator began in Virginia at Western Albemarle County High School. In 1991, she joined the faculty of National Cathedral School in Washington D8.C. as a Latin teacher and has continued in that role for more than thirty-three years as well as in numerous other capacities including heading the School’s foreign language department.
The 2024 recipient of the School Service Award was Dr. Bruce Baird SMA ’69. He’s an alumnus, a past parent, and a past Board president. Bruce and Sandy joined the SAS Board of Advisors in 1994. They served in that capacity until 1997 when Bruce was named vice president and then president of the SAS Parents’ Council while their children Matt, Erin, and Lauren attended SAS. Bruce became a trustee in 2014 and served as President of the Board from 2018-2021. During his nine years on the Board, Bruce served on the Development Committee, Executive Committee, Committee on Trustees, Finance Committee, Head of School’s Committee, and ByLaws Committee.
May 30 - June 1, 2025
Special Celebrations for years ending in fives and zeros.
Volunteers Needed!
Bob Yarbrough SMA ’69 hugging
Ann Lotti Richardson SMA ’79
RT Moore SMA ’71 in purple
Alumni Weekend Golf Outing
Sewanee Academy Class of 1974
St. Andrews Class of 1974
Mark Lewis ’84 & spouse, Shore Griffing ’84, Paxton DeMent ‘84 & spouse
Doug Cameron SMA ’65
St. Andrew’s-Sewanee Class of 2004
In Memoriam
Sewanee Military Academy St. Andrew’s School
John P. Guerry SMA ’43
January 9, 2024
William M. Bailey SMA ’51
October 16, 2023
Robert A. FreyerSMA ’59
May 6, 2024
Richard A. Martorell, M.D. SMA ’43 March 13, 2019
Tom Ballentine SMA ’51 December 23, 2023
Philip F. Lee III SMA ’59 December 12, 2023
John G. Bratton SMA ’47 November 28, 2023
Albert B. Eargood, Jr. SMA ’52 April 8, 2024
Michael R. Frey SMA ’64
February 10, 2024
Richard C. Roberts SMA ’47 March 13, 2024
Sewanee Academy
William W. Richardson SA ’73 February 7, 2024
St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School
Mark F. Davidheiser ’91 March 22, 2024
Day of Giving
Thank you to our SAS families for your generosity during the SAS Day of Giving! With your help, we raised nearly $80,000 for the SAS Fund, beating our total from last year. Your support will make an immediate impact on the lives of each and every student.
Thank You!
William B. Long, Jr. SMA ’54
June 26, 2024
Steven Pearson SMA ’68
April 4, 2024
Blount H. Grant, Jr. SMA ’50
February 4, 2024
Dr. Robert F. Sharp SMA ’56
July 4. 2024
Richard A. Aycock SMA ’69
May 24, 2024
James F. Adams SMA ’51
April 10, 202
Joseph W. Yerger SMA ’58
August 4, 2023
Daniel A. Currie, Jr. SMA ’69
November 19, 2023
William Tully Morrison SMA ’69
December 16, 2023
Marcus D. Hays StA ’42
July 14, 2022
Robert H. Hood StA ’62
February 14, 2024
John D. “Jack” Agricola StA ’68
June 24, 2024
James W. Lee StA ’48
July 9, 2024
Charles F. Martin StA ’62
November 10, 2023
Joel M. Bank StA ’69
October 4, 2023
John R. Green StA ’54
August 12, 2023
Henry L. Hamman, Ph.D. StA ’64
March 28, 2024
James F. Marquis III StA ’71
November 27, 2023
James B. Thomas, Jr. StA ’72
January 20, 2024
St. Mary’s School
Patricia Schrey Finnegan SMS ’61
June 2, 2023
Kenneth E. Burruss ’05 November 3, 2022
Maryl Miller Baird SMS ’63 January 2, 2024
Thomas M. Brodhead ’85 May 8, 2024
“SAS is such a special place that fosters community, the arts, and academics. Happy to give for SAS!!!”
PARENT ’25
“SAS is a gem in the sea of high-pressure prep schools. We are grateful for the joy our son has experienced at SAS.”
PARENT ’24
We Honor
Our Heritage
In 1857, the Sewanee Mining Company granted 5,000 acres of land to the University of the South with the stipulation the college open within a ten-year timeframe. Sewanee opened one week short of the deadline on September 18, 1868 - not with college-aged young men but rather with nine boys in what was called the Junior Department. By the following summer of 1869, there were enough students to organize the Sewanee Grammar School for younger boys, which in turn became the Sewanee Military Academy in 1908. SMA ran until 1971, at which time it dropped the military component and became Sewanee Academy - a school still owned by the University of the South. In addition to the school run by the University, a school for Mountain Girls was established in 1896 by the Sisters of St. Mary, and St. Andrew’s School for boys was founded in 1905 by monks of the Order of the Holy Cross.
In 1968, St. Mary’s closed with the girls matriculating at both SMA and StA, and In 1981 those two remaining independent schools on the Mountain, Sewanee Academy and St. Andrew’s, combined to form our current St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School. The chosen site was the original St. Andrew’s 550-acre campus. St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School embodies many of the characteristics envisioned for the University of the South by its Board of Trustees in 1857. These include a close affiliation with the Episcopal Church, a central and accessible Southern location, a diverse student body, and isolation from urban centers to create a unique environment. The selection of Sewanee as the site for the school’s legacy schools was influenced by these factors, as well as generous donations of land. The combined educational legacy of these parent institutions of St. Andrew’s-Sewanee spans over 250 years and has made significant contributions to the Sewanee community, the Southern region, and the nation as a whole. SAS and its parent schools have produced a Pulitzer Prize winning author, an Emmy Award winning actor, a Grammy Award winning singer, a Rhodes Scholar, a Nevada governor, a United States Senator, a Higgs Boson engineer, an NFL Pro Bowler, and hundreds of leaders in finance, medicine, military service, Religion, and virtually every other profession or field of endeavor. Our merged school, which is now more than 40 years old, continues to honor the deep heritage of our parent schools through our ongoing vision of being THE Episcopal boarding and day school of choice in the Southeast for college-bound students seeking challenge, balance, and joy in a welcoming, grace-filled community.
Beginning of Something New
by Abigail Stephens ‘26
Driving through such a small town,
All the green trees and all the green grass. Straight off the interstate onto a highway that should barely qualify as one.
Meanwhile, I close my eyes not wanting to see what I was getting myself into.
"We're here!"
I open my eyes and the road seems forever long, Soon welcomed by people that I was frightened by.
Not wanting to show that I'm actually excited but scared.
The feeling of entering for the first time, Confused by the stairs and where the laundry room was.
The taste of the pasta that was made for us, We all piled into a large room with new faces, One familiar sound, Taylor Swift.
The itinerary,
The dad-jokes, The tours,
The dad-jokes, All things I didn't have on my agenda for August 19, 2023
It's a new beginning they said, With new opportunities.
Ripped away from my past life and place in this new life. Both angry and excited. Intimidated and jealous. The new scent of Dior perfume. The beautiful sundresses and beautiful people.
Seven months later, Both comfortable and adjusted.
Three class-assigned books later.
Annoyed with characters but pleased with the literary assignments.
Seven months later, Finally somewhere where I'm okay
Seven months later,
Finally content with coming back. It only took seven months.
DAY CAMPS
begin the first week of June
SAS SUMMER CAMPS 2025
IT’S BETTER THAN CAMP!
offers an overnight camp for one and two weeks for ages 11-15 from July 6 - 20, 2025.
Registration opens November 15, 2024
