St. Mary's Magazine Winter 2023

Varsity

3

8

16

22

Alumnae

24 Alumnae Gatherings

26 Class Notes

41 Milestones

Director of Communication

Jennifer Parris | jparris@stmarysschool.org

Assistant Director of Communication Ainsley Willis | awillis@stmarysschool.org

Director of Philanthropy

Carrie Vaughan P’20 | cvaughan@stmarysschool.org

Director of Alumnae

Gigi Gould ’70 | ggould@stmarysschool.org

Director of Admission & Financial Aid

Nicole Hernandez P’26’27’33 | nhernandez@stmarysschool.org

Photography

Lisa Buser P’14, Brandon Dill, Gerald Gallik P’23, Brad Vest

Design

Gabrielleschi Creative

Class Notes Editor

Courtney Taylor Humphreys ’01 P’32’34

Contributors

Olivia House ’18, Courtney Shove ’96

Letters to the Editor:

Please address all correspondence to:

Jennifer Parris

St. Mary’s Episcopal School

60 Perkins Extended Memphis, TN 38117

jparris@stmarysschool.org

(901) 537-1426

The mission of St. Mary’s Episcopal School is to provide a superior educational experience for girls which will encourage and enable each student to reach her individual potential.

Soccer kicked off the season at the new and improved Southard Field. Thanks to generous donors, the new artificial turf field and updated Lackie Track provides our teams and athletes with a comprehensive and high-level athletic experience.

HEAD OF SCHOOL

Albert L. Throckmorton

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Timothy E. Davis, Jr. P’20’22, Chair

James H. Barton, Jr. P’25, Vice Chair

Joelle Rogin P’25’27, Treasurer

Roberta Kustoff P’24, Secretary

Wendy Pritchartt Ansbro ’79 P’09

Jeffrey Block P’24’26

Allison Garrott Braswell ’88 P’22

Susan Roberts Colpitts ’75

Mikara Davis P’28’32

Brooke Dishmon P’24

Susan Whitten Graber ’86

James R. Jenkins P’25

Lawrence Jensen P’05’10 G’32’34’36

Hallie Dinkelspiel Label ’94

Stephanie Linkous P’21

Andrew Mathes P’21

Anne-Morgan Brookfield Morgan ’99 P’29’32

Albert Mosley P’32

Elvira R. Ormseth P’24

Monica Skipper P’21

Mary Katherine Stout P’29

Jennilyn Jennings Utkov ’77

Hallie McNeill Ward P’25

At Large Members

Linda McNeil

Ex Officio Members

The Right Reverend Phoebe Roaf Bishop,The Diocese of West Tennessee

The Reverend Alexander H. Webb II Rector, Church of the Holy Communion

Elizabeth Crowder, Senior Warden, Church of the Holy Communion

Albert L. Throckmorton, Head of School

Trustees Emeriti

Thomas M. Garrott III P’83’88 G’08’09’15’22

Barbara R. Hyde P’17

Brooke A. Morrow ’74

Michael D. Rose P’95

ALUMNAE BOARD

Anna Snyder Rojas ’01 President

Elizabeth Middlecoff Allen ’91

Elizabeth Simpson Alrutz ’82

Essie Arrindell-Williams ’98

Morgan Beckford ’06

Jenay Gipson Boggs ’06

Lynn Bledsoe Buhler ’67

McKenzie Aiken Crisp ’85

Madge Logan Deacon ’69

Elizabeth Cashman Dickinson ’86

Beth Brown Dunn ’79

Courtney Ellis Felts ’96

Whitney Baer Foster ’00

Hayley Bower Gerber ’01

Grayce Gordon ’10

Celeste Bailey Herburger ’91

Angie King Keesee ’72

Kristen Thompson Keegan ’90

Sharlene Sidhu Keithley ’96

Emma Less ’13

Bethany Mays Owen ’93

Polly Klyce Pennoyer ’02

Lida Kruchten Ewald ’13

Corinne Friese McLaughlin ’76

Patti Person Ray ’65

Lisa Breazeale Roberts ’85

Amy Reinhardt Robinson ’00

Anna Snyder Rojas ’01

Jordan Upton Schieffler ’12

Courtney Shove ’96

Kate Metcalf Sullivan ’01

Abby Yandell Talbot ’03

Falconer Robbins Warren ’05

Jan Valentine Wiygul ’76

Ex Officio Members

Gigi Gould ’70, Alumnae Relations Manager

Albert L. Throckmorton, Head of School

Dear Friends,

Girls have a distinct benefit from attending a school designed just for them. Typically, girls are ready to learn earlier and learn faster than boys. At St. Mary’s, we take full advantage of this power and potential with a program built for girls and how they learn. From the time we first welcome our two-year-old students, we work to ensure that they are ready for college and the world by the time they graduate. I have had the privilege of knowing 20 graduating classes, and these young women continue to amaze me with their intelligence and maturity. These girl-school advantages make a difference at a young age and propel students into advanced opportunities and recognition later in life. As you will read in the following pages, our high school students are so adept at tackling challenging problems that they can be mistaken for graduate students. Similarly, at a recent alumna gathering in Atlanta, I heard yet another example of how our exceptional college interns were mistaken for career professionals; this is likely why many alumnae include St. Mary’s on their adult résumés.

Of course, academic intelligence is not the only mark of a St. Mary’s student; our students grow in emotional intelligence through our character education programs, most often through Chapel and our Bridge to Caring program. Our community’s emotional intelligence, spirituality, and connectedness heightened our grief but also strengthened our relationships during this past year of bereavement. Our all-school read, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy—a surprising book at a fragile season—drew on these multiple intelligences and brought our community closer together.

In 2022, Dictionary.com named “woman” as their word of the year. I told the students in Chapel that “woman” is St. Mary’s word of forever—not just a year. As we say, “For Girls. For Life.” Unfortunately, our young women still do not enter a world with an even playing field. St. Mary’s purpose, therefore, is as relevant as ever as we send out confident, competent, and compassionate women who are ahead of the curve in study skills, research, scholarship, and social-emotional development. The world needs these women now more than ever.

Light and Life,

Albert L. Throckmorton Head of School

Discovering Her Potential

By Olivia House ’18

A hands-on research program helps students realize their capabilities

suggesting that the rock coating formed from a combination of aerosols and biogenic activity on the rock’s surface.

“It’s unusual for a high school student to participate in this level of research,” said Dowling.

The summer before her senior year, Dowling spent six months working on a research project with a team at Rhodes College. She’s one of nearly a hundred students who, in the last 10 years, have conducted high-level research alongside local experts as part of St. Mary’s Honors Independent Research Study (HIRS).

Dowling studied the chemical origins of a calcium rock coating called calcium oxalate, which can be found worldwide. Dowling and the Rhodes research team wanted to know if the calcium oxalate coating originated from biological processes or interactions of atmospheric aerosols. Understanding this process helps researchers know how calcium oxalate interacts with prehistoric rock art, which is vital for accurately dating these rock artifacts. The team’s findings were in line with a predominant theory

Rhodes College Professor Jon Russ, Ph.D., who served as Dowling’s mentor, said, “Amelia came in and completed a key facet of our studies—the amount of time it takes to complete a particular chemical reaction—which helped immensely.” He added, “Amelia and my undergraduate students meshed well in the laboratory. She was an outstanding research assistant.”

Dowling’s research experience culminated in poster presentations at the American Chemical Society and the National Society of American Archaeologists conferences. She was also credited as a co-author on the team’s published paper. Now in her first year at Birmingham Southern College, Dowling says her experience in HIRS has benefited her in many ways.

“I was asked a couple of times if I was a graduate student,” Amelia Dowling ’22 said. “One person even asked if I was a Ph.D. student.”

Under the guidance of her community mentor Professor Jon Russ, Ph.D., Amelia Dowling ’22 proved to be a valuable member of the research team at Rhodes College.

“I have learned that if you let girls explore what they are interested in, they’re going to come back with some really great stuff.”

Dr. Anna Bess Sorin, Honors Independent Research Study Director

“I’ve found that I can read scientific articles better and pick up on concepts faster than other students in the lab because of my experience and familiarity with the lab tools,” she said.

A Launching Pad

Dowling is one of many St. Mary’s students who have learned how to navigate the research process before heading to college. HIRS students begin to master important skills, like performing literature reviews and formulating and testing strong research questions, propelling them ahead of most of their peers in college.

2023 HIRS Participants

community to identify potential mentors. With the help of Sorin, students meet with their chosen mentors to build a research plan and perform data collection throughout the summer. In the fall, participants present their research at the HIRS Symposium, where they give oral presentations to mimic the presentation style at research conferences.

Alexandra Lafferty ’23 researched “How Group Dynamics Affect Child Learning” in collaboration Dr. Kiren Khan, Department of Psychology at Rhodes College.

Charlie LaMountain ’23 researched the “Effects of Parasitism on Prothonotary Warbler Parental Behavior” in collaboration with Dr. Keith Bowers, Department of Biology at the University of Memphis.

Rachel Larkins ’23 researched “Allelopathic Impacts on Tree Seedling Germination and Growth” in collaboration with Eric Bridges at Overton Park Conservancy.

Shifa Panjwani ’23 researched “The Lack of County Attorneys for the Elderly in Tennessee” in collaboration with Karen Henson at Community Legal Center.

Under the instruction of HIRS Director Anna Bess Sorin, Ph.D., students not only engage in a meaningful research experience with a local organization but also write a research paper and give an oral presentation— experiences that further enhance their skill set before attending college.

Darla Suitt ’23 researched “Education and Workforce Training for People with Disabilities” in collaboration with Noelia Ojea, AMICA (Cantabria, Spain).

Fia Arbelaez ’23 participated in the St. Jude High School Student Summer Fellowship program and presented “The Impact of Genetic Mutations on Pediatric Medulloblastoma.”

The HIRS program started in 2010 with a group of five students. After becoming immersed in the process of scientific research, some of this inaugural group continued on a scientific trajectory after graduating.

HIRS influences participants’ academic paths in college and beyond, providing them with valuable skills to navigate their professional development. Sorin emphasizes the importance of presentation and writing skills. Students learn to create concise PowerPoint slides and develop the skill of presenting the information rather than simply reading the slides.

Students interested in HIRS must apply to the program and interview with Sorin. Approved students begin their work in the spring semester by networking in the Memphis

With these tools, Sorin says, “HIRS students can present or discuss their research at a level equal to what you would see at conferences.” As for writing, Sorin encourages the girls to convey information in an accessible way so that a lay audience can understand the purpose and findings of the research.

2022 HIRS participants and program sponsor Dr. Anna Bess Sorin

“I think these components help prepare them for college and professional life, where they may have to give a talk or summarize some data quickly for a meeting. Knowing how to put that together in an approachable way is so important,” Sorin said. The HIRS experience goes beyond concrete and

technical skill development; it pushes girls out of their comfort zone to step into a world of professional adults.

“HIRS helps girls gain confidence in their ability to interact with adults in a professional capacity,” says Sorin.

A Foundation for Success

For Meg Cornaghie, MD ’11, one of the first HIRS students, participation in the program set her career in motion. Cornaghie is in her fourth year of orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Arkansas in Little Rock.

“The program introduced me to the foundations of conducting research. It taught me the very essence of building a successful research project, and it set the tone for all the further research I have done in my career,” Cornaghie said.

The skills Cornaghie learned during her HIRS experience propelled her to academic success in college and beyond.

“In residency, I have used the skills I learned to further my research aims. I was awarded a podium presentation at an international spine surgery meeting and recently won my program’s research forum competition with the best overall project. I owe the advances I have made in my academic career to the basis of knowledge I gained at St. Mary’s, especially in the HIRS program,” Cornaghie said.

Meg Cornaghie, MD ’11

Meg Cornaghie, MD ’11 is an orthopedic surgery resident at the University of Arkansas in Little Rock. She says St. Mary’s prepared her for academic success in college and beyond.

At the HIRS symposium, Charlie LaMountain ’23 (second from the left) presented findings from her study of the “Effects of Parasitism on Prothonotary Warbler Parental Behavior” to an audience that included her community mentor, Dr. Keith Bowers, and her research team from the University of Memphis Department of Biology.

“St. Mary’s is a one-of-a-kind academic institution. Not only did the science and math classes prepare me to succeed in college, medical school, and residency, the leadership and teamwork experiences shaped me into an effective communicator and dependable colleague.”

Meg Cornaghie, MD ’11

Beyond the Sciences

The HIRS program expanded in recent years to include all fields of research, not just classically scientific fields. Ruby Liles ’20 worked with Slingshot Memphis, a nonprofit that helps local poverty-alleviation nonprofits assess their community impact. She researched the effectiveness of different impact assessment methods used to maximize nonprofit efficiency.

“At Slingshot, I was first exposed to impact assessments and how nonprofits across the country are bringing the standards and rigor of the for-profit industry to the philanthropic sector,” Liles said.

Liles says her HIRS experience not only gave her valuable data analysis tools but also taught her about her community.

“My favorite part of my HIRS project was that in conducting my research, I got to understand my home, Memphis, so much better. One of the statistics that has stuck with me the most is that Memphis is simultaneously one of the most impoverished and most charitable cities in the nation,” she said.

Liles dove deep into the data to understand this paradox, uncovering a disconnect between philanthropic decisionmaking and the actual needs of the community being served. To prepare for a career in the nonprofit sector, Liles added a minor in nonprofit leadership and social innovation to her major in philosophy, politics, and economics at the University of Maryland.

“I’m so grateful for my HIRS experience because it broadened my horizons by showing me that research is crucial in all fields. I include my HIRS research on my resume. I credit my data-driven background for helping me land positions with organizations like the Children’s Defense Fund, the SEED Foundation, and Teach for America,” Liles said.

Interacting with adults in a professional setting shaped the research experience for recent HIRS student Shifa Panjwani ’23.

Panjwani worked with attorneys at Community Legal Center (CLC) to study how the state of Tennessee can improve conservatorship care for the elderly. She and her mentor, Attorney Karen Henson, examined Kentucky’s statutes on free county attorneys in conservatorship cases.

“I want to introduce legislation in Tennessee that mirrors legislation in Kentucky, but I never stopped to think about how that research begins,” Henson said. “Shifa helped me focus my topic. I was impressed by Shifa’s ability to manage her independent study over the summer.”

As part of her research, Panjwani worked in an online legal database to study Kentucky legislation. “In my data collection, I looked at increases in elder abuse and changes in legislation over the years in Kentucky,” she said.

For Panjwani, some of the most defining aspects of her HIRS experience revolved around her interactions with professionals.

“I learned valuable social skills in my HIRS experience, especially while interacting with the other attorneys at the CLC,” Panjwani

Ruby Liles ’20

“I’m so grateful for the HIRS experience because it broadened my horizons by showing me that research is crucial in all fields.”

Ruby Liles ’20

and fueled her desire to attend law school.

From tackling complex research questions to navigating the professional world, the HIRS experience challenges students in ways unique to most 17- and 18-year-olds. For Sorin, the most rewarding part of leading the program is witnessing the students realize their capabilities and potential to affect change in the real world.

“I love seeing the excitement in their discovery—both from the research and of their own abilities. The girls really rise to the challenge. They put in the work and appreciate the challenge, even when it’s a little scary,” she said.

said. “My favorite part of HIRS was sitting in on meetings between lawyers and clients.” Panjwani’s experience greatly influenced her future academic and career plans

Olivia House ’18 graduated from Rhodes College, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience. At Rhodes, she was a member of the Women’s Soccer team. House works at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in the Marketing and Communications Department.

While completing her research project with Community Legal Center, Shifa Panjwani ’23 (above with Anna Bess Sorin, Ph.D.) learned how to navigate a professional work environment while earning experience that will help her as she pursues a career in law.

Beyond conducting high-level research, HIRS participants like Darla Suitt ’23 must present their research in a professional and accessible manner, developing critical public speaking, communication, and presentation skills.

Early Science Classes Lead to Discovery

St. Mary’s Alumna Tackles Critical Health Disparity

Joy Jackson ’19 was recently recognized for her innovative work to address a critical health disparity for patients of color who require electroencephalograms (EEGs). Jackson, a senior, Singer Scholar, and biomedical engineering major at the University of Miami, led a team of undergraduates to design an electrode holder that improves EEG readings for people with textured hair. The design earned Jackson and her team honorable mention recognition at the 2022 National Institutes of Health DEBUT Challenge among the 73 entries from 43 universities. The competition challenges students to provide technology solutions for unmet healthcare needs.

“EEGs are useful tests for recording the electrical activity of the brain and are used to diagnose abnormalities such as epilepsy or brain tumors. However, there are certain drawbacks to the traditional EEG setup,” shared Jackson. “Namely, EEGs rely on small metal electrodes to be in close contact with the scalp for signal detection. For those with tightly curled or coiled hair, characteristics that are particularly consistent with Afro-textured hair, recordings may suffer due to poor electrode-to-scalp adherence.”

Although there is little research on the topic, it was clear that the disparity can be consequential to a large number of medical patients, particularly patients of color,

including Jackson herself.

“When my hair is not in braids or straightened, it’s tightly curled. So, if I needed an EEG, this could be an issue that affects me,” she added.

Jackson began working on a design to accommodate different hair textures.

“During my junior year, I started designing prototypes and testing the fit on myself. Over time, I found a design that worked and brought in teammates to help me see it through,” Jackson said. “The final design is a custom electrode holder with two components that fit together as an assembly: a housing, which holds the electrode during the recording, and a hairpin inserted into the housing. The operator can slide the device onto parted hair and insert the electrode into the housing to complete the setup.”

At Miami, Jackson holds leadership roles with the Engineering Student Ambassadors and the National Society of Black Engineers. She is also an active member of the Society of Women Engineers and the Biomedical

“There are so many faculty and staff at St. Mary’s who helped shape me into the person I am today, and I couldn’t be more grateful.”

Joy Jackson ’19

Joy Jackson ’19

Engineering Society. After graduation, Jackson hopes to work in design or instrumentation at a medical device company.

Jackson credits her teachers at St. Mary’s for her ability to listen, communicate, and think critically, as well as for sparking her interest in STEM.

“I had my first formal glimpse into engineering at St. Mary’s. I was a student in the inaugural Introduction to Engineering class with Dr. Laura Leathers (former Upper School Science Teacher and Assistant Head of School).

This class and a few others helped solidify my interest in the area,” Jackson said. She also mentioned that AP Chemistry with Ms. Rose Dunlap and AP Biology with Dr. Anna Bess Sorin helped shape her interest in science. “Even early in Middle School, we completed Independent Study projects that taught me how to understand the scientific method and conduct proper research,” she said Jackson added, “Honestly, there are so many faculty and staff at St. Mary’s who helped shape me into the person I am today, and I couldn’t be more grateful.”

You make discovery possible.

Jackson earned honorable mention honors at the 2022 National Institutes of Health DEBUT Challenge for her innovative work to address a critical health disparity for patients of color who require electroencephalograms (EEGs).

When you support the St. Mary’s Fund, you’re making an investment in tomorrow. Your gift helps students make discoveries in the classroom today that open the door for a bright future.

A Book for All

All-school read comforts, delights, and challenges

Last January, Director of Libraries Jeanine Akers and Chair of the English Department Shari Ray started what felt like an impossible task. Their goal: selecting a title for an all-school summer read. Identifying a book that would resonate with all members of the St. Mary’s community—from 1st graders to faculty and staff—was a challenge.

Akers began by pulling popular titles. She’d then share them with Ray, who would read and consider how to apply the book in the classroom. The pair crossed book after book off the list until they found the right fit.

“We realized if we wanted to meet our goal of building community through an all-school read, we had to choose a book that would be meaningful to the largest group of people possible and not one that took us through sadness to redemption,” Akers said. “We didn’t want to get stuck in sadness.”

After the social isolation caused by COVID and the death of two students during the 2021-2022 school year, the community needed an uplifting and unifying book. Where Akers and Ray landed, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy, proved to be a providential choice as tragedy struck the St. Mary’s community again this fall. The book’s illustrations and wise words became an anchor as St. Mary’s mourned the death of former Middle School Teacher Shannon Bettis and the abduction and murder of Junior Kindergarten Teacher Liza Fletcher. When grief washed over the community and words were hard to find, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse was a guide on how to take the next steps. “We don’t know about tomorrow,” said the horse, “all we need to know is that we love each other.”

Mackesy’s comforting words and unique illustrations seemed to resonate with members of the community who shared images and quotes from the book on social media.

“Books help us process all these complicated things in life, even if we’re not dealing with the same complicated things,” Akers said.

In September, author Mackesy reached out to St. Mary’s after learning that his book impacted our community. Several students and Ray had the opportunity to talk

with Mackesy via Zoom. A recording of their conversation about responding to grief and tragedy is available at StMarysSchool.org/ All-School-Read

Teachers across campus integrated The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse into the curriculum.

In 7th-grade literature class, Sally Lyon says her students were confused about why they were reading and talking about a children’s book. Lyon says using a children’s book to discuss topics like mood, tone, rising action, climax, and inferences can be a launch pad into more complex literature.

In her class, Lyon also asks students to create their ideal bookshelf. “I ask the girls to include the ten most important

books in their lives so far. Some of them will include children’s books that stuck with them. I think this book will make our students’ lists in years to come,” Lyon said.

In Pat McFadden’s Upper School Latin class, students translated segments of the book into Latin. Junior Caroline Hunt shared, “Many English phrases can’t translate into Latin word for word. So, we first talked through the true meaning of each sentence in order to better render it into Latin. In one example, we decided to use the word ‘amicus,’ meaning friend, because we felt it most embodied what the word ‘kind’ meant in the text.”

One of the pages Hunt translated read:

Inspired by the theme of “the wild,” 5th grade students were challenged to create their own representation using the artistic skill of mark-making.

Fifth grader Savannah Rai Martin shows off her interpretation of “the wild.”

“I am so small,” said the mole. “Yes,” said the boy, “but you make a huge difference.”

“What do you want to be when you grow up?”

“Kind,” said the boy. The Latin translation reads:

“Sum adeo improcerus,” dixit talpa. “Ita vero,” puer dixit, “sed facis immane discrimen.”

“Quis desideres esse cum adolesces?”

“Amicus” puer respondit.

That exact page also stood out to Molly Logan’s 2nd-grade art class. Inspired by the quote, Logan asked each girl to draw symbols and write words encapsulating ways she could make a “huge difference” inside her own life-size silhouette.

Logan also found that her fourth graders were delighted by how Mackesy used a tea cup stain in the book’s illustration. She asked them to transform tea cup stains into other objects, including sunsets, flowers, swings, monsters, and more.

and providing a sense of balance and unity,” Logan said. “Each girl was solely responsible for how she met the challenge. It was no easy task and required a higher level of thinking about the book and the artistic skills.”

Akers and Ray hope the all-school read selections can continue to impact and inspire the community. They have already started looking for this summer’s book or books.

“We’re dedicated to finding the right book at the right time for our community. It’s a lot of trial and error and honest conversations. There are no shortcuts,” Akers said.

Logan took a deeper dive into the book with 5th-grade students. The students discussed the story’s themes, including “the wild,” and explored artistic skills like mark-making that Mackesy uses throughout the book.

“I challenged the girls to create a work of art that illustrated the theme, ‘the wild,’ incorporating a variety of marks, revealing an understanding of the artistic element value,

Do you have a favorite book to recommend for the all-school read? Email communications@stmarysschool.org with your recommendation.

Last summer, all students from 1st grade through 12th grade read The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy. The New York Times best-selling book follows the adventures of the four friends as they share their fears and hopes along the journey home.

“Each girl was solely responsible for how she met the challenge. It was no easy task and required a higher level of thinking about the book and the artistic skills.”

Molly Logan, Lower School Art Teacher

A Sense of Wonder

Upper School English Teacher Publishes Book About Life and Faith

In her Upper School English literature classes, Shari Ray asks her students to examine the characters’ choices.

“What did the character choose to do? Was it good? Was that bad? Do we know? What would have been a better decision?” Ray asks. “Pay attention to the choices. Every choice we make branches off to another choice. A choice of integrity or kindness is going to beget, going to birth, more integrity and kindness.”

About 25 years ago, Ray made a choice to start writing about her life and faith. The routine practice of writing gave birth to a collection of essays published last year. Ray’s creation, Surprised by Imperfection: Essays and Stories on Wonder, includes 70 essays about finding beauty and wonder in the ordinary seasons of life.

While Ray has shared her writing over the years—through a blog and in a few periodicals— most of her work remained hidden in folders. She thought she would eventually publish a novel, but former Assistant Head of School Leigh Mansberg shifted Ray’s thinking.

“Leigh encouraged me that it’s OK to be an essayist. She gave me the freedom and permission to explore and love non-fiction, and in the essay form, I found a liberty that I struggled with in my fiction. In writing these essays, I found my truest voice,” Ray said.

Ray simply did what she teaches her students—to do what your heart loves.

“I love writing. I like all the processes of writing. I like reading my students’ writing and helping them to become better writers. I like having an essay that’s too long and cutting and cutting until it’s ready,” she said.

“If you love drawing, you should draw. If you love singing, you should sing. If the world comes to know about it, that’s great. It doesn’t matter if

you’re not the best at it—you’re doing what you like to do.”

Ray reminds her students that they will make mistakes and that she does too.

“We’re surprised by our own imperfections or weaknesses, and we’re also surprised about it in others,” she said. “There is some mercy we can miss in dealing with each other. If I know I’m not perfect and you’re not, maybe our common ground would be a little grace and a little mercy.”

winter solstice

Next for Ray: a book of essays encouraging the reader to be present, advice she gives her students.

“We think grandly about our lives—what am I going to do when I grow up? Having ambition is great. Making plans for the future is important and vital. But I ask my students to think about today. How are we living in the halls of this school today? How am I living in my family? And you, my student, what am I doing with you, right now?”

An excerpt from Surprised by Imperfection: Essays and Stories on Wonder by Shari Brand Ray

On this day at a precise mathematical point in time—7:59 a.m. in the year of our Lord 2021—the northernmost point of the Earth will tilt farther from the sun, farther from the light, than any other day of the year. The winter solstice for the Northern Hemisphere. The shortest day, the longest night.

Today the weak sun’s rays will illuminate the icy streets of Helsinki for less than six hours, a remarkable thirteen hours and a handful of minutes fewer than these same Helsinkians will enjoy at the summer solstice in June.

And the citizenry of Utqiagvik, which sits a cozy 320 miles north of the Arctic Circle and 515 south of the North Pole, will sit and walk and read and play and shop and hunt and prepare dinner for their families in the semi-darkness all this livelong day, for the sun hides at the edges of their Alaskan horizon on this, the shortest of all our days, and refuses to leave his hiding place for up to two months.

We dwell in a land of extremes. Great moments of light and darkness remind us that Nature reveals as well as conceals, as does her Maker, and not to acknowledge both is not to believe our own eyes.

Winter’s morning bird must work for her breakfast crumbs for they lie hidden beneath the winter’s cold snow, yet nonetheless, the steadfast wren sings her morning song with courageous abandon. Go outside and listen; can you hear her? I listen now as she sings her steadfast song: “No matter how long the night lasts, the morning is sure to come.”

The poet Thomas Hardy writes of a such a bird, an old, darkling thrush who dares to sing of joy in the dark!—what courage! “At once a voice arose among / The bleak twigs overhead, / In a full-hearted evensong / Of joy illimited. / An aged thrush, frail, gaunt and small, / With blast-beruffled plume, / Had chosen thus to fling his soul / Upon the growing gloom…”

Do I dare sing in the dark? What might happen if I, like an aging bird, flung my soul upon the growing gloom?

The angels sang “Glory to God in the Highest” in the darkest of dark night to a clutch of poor working-class men, a bedraggled bunch of shepherds, and those guys had the gumption to listen in the darkness and flee their flocks in the darkness of pure faith. And the rest is miracle.

Perhaps miracles happen most in the darkness; maybe in the brightness of day, we think we need no miracle.

It is rare to find folk who achieve great things without first spending some time in the dark.

It is true that the fine folk of Utqiagvik will go a couple of months without seeing the sun, but this they know, this they also know: The sun returns, and come May the “midnight sun” will bring months and months and months of warm light, as long as this old world continues to spin.

Tomorrow the days will begin again to lengthen; the Earth will start to lean back toward the light. Nature brings us to brightness only through the dark—there is no other way. For if there is light, there must also be shadows.

Amos 5:8—“He who made the Pleiades and Orion, / Who turns midnight into dawn / And darkens day into night, / Who calls for the waters of the sea / And pours out over the face of the land—The LORD is his name.”

“Perhaps miracles happen most in the darkness; maybe in the brightness of day, we think we need no miracle.”

CAMPUS NEWS

2022-23 Awards and Honors

Congratulations to National African American Recognition Award recipients Bianca Dishmon ’24, Eva Ogbeide ’23, and Rebecca Schweitzer ’24. Through the National African American Recognition Program, the College Board recognizes students who achieve outstanding performance on the PSAT/ NMSQT, PSAT 10, or AP Exams.

Congratulations to our National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists, seniors Charlie LaMountain and Naisha Gaur. Students who score in the top 1% of PSAT/NMSQT test-takers qualify as National Merit Semifinalists.

Congrats to our seven National Merit Commended Scholars: seniors Fia Arbelaez, Cam Hart, Michelle Jun, Emery Lindy, Anna Douglas Piper, Angela Roberts, and Callie Wittmann. Students who score in the top 3-4% of PSAT/NMSQT test-takers qualify as National Merit Commended Students.

Forty-three Upper School students traveled to Murfreesboro to participate in the Model UN conference organized by the Tennessee YMCA’s Center for Civic Engagement. Students from all over Tennessee learn about the real-world operation of the United Nations by participating in a reenactment of the organization’s activities. Several of our students served as officers, won multiple cases in the International Court of Justice, and received Outstanding Delegate, Outstanding Resolution, and Outstanding Written Argument awards.

This year, juniors Lily Karnes and Anum Raza served as General Assembly Vice Presidents. Both were elected to serve in leadership roles again next year.

Our seventh and eighth grade students had an impressive showing at the Middle School Model UN conference this year. The participants spent the day at Memphis City Hall debating, resolving conflict, and negotiating while developing and exercising public speaking and leadership skills.

Events

Founders’ Day

We celebrated our inaugural Founders’ Day, an annual event to honor St. Mary’s legacy, perseverance, and resiliency over 176 years. This special day honors the people who brought St. Mary’s into being and those who played a key role in fostering its growth over time. This year, we dedicated Founders’ Day to former Lower School Principal and First Grade Teacher Gilmore Lynn and the class of 1961. Lynn was responsible for keeping St. Mary’s alive following World War II when the school only had four grades. Under Lynn’s leadership, St. Mary’s moved to Church of the Holy Communion’s campus and grew into the school we love today. The class of 1961 was the first graduating class at St. Mary’s since 1949 and the first to graduate from the campus at Perkins and Walnut Grove.

Students and guests learned more about the legacy of Lynn and the class of 1961 in a special Chapel, highlighted by Lynn Hitchings Albano ’77, Lynn’s granddaughter and the event’s guest speaker.

Theater

Bravo to the fourth and fifth grade cast of 101 Dalmatians. The Lower School play, directed by Performing Arts Teacher Taylor Ragan ’07, was “pawsitively” smashing.

This fall, Upper School thespians wowed audiences with their performance of the Jane Austen classic Pride and Prejudice. The play follows the story of the turbulent relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy and tackles complicated issues such as upbringing, morality, education, and marriage.

CAMPUS NEWS Events

Turkeys on the Turf

Bulb Planting Day

St. Mary’s Early Childhood students revived a tradition this fall by planting over 350 flower bulbs with their parents, including annual and perennial flowers. We look forward to seeing these bulbs bloom for years to come.

We celebrated our new and improved Southard Field and Lackie Track at the Turkeys on the Turf event. It was great to have St. Mary’s families on campus for an afternoon of fun and a showcase for our fall athletes. Thanks to all of our donors who made this project a reality.

Grandparents Day

Our fourth grade and senior kindergarten students enjoyed celebrating our long-standing tradition of Grandparents Day. The girls taught their grandparents about the Bridge to Caring, St. Mary’s character education program, through a performance of original songs. After the program, students welcomed grandparents into their classrooms to show off what they have accomplished this year.

Christmas Pageant

Our second, third, and twelfth-grade students moved audiences with beautiful performances of St. Mary’s oldest tradition, the Christmas Pageant. Seniors who have attended St. Mary’s for 12 or more years had the honor of appearing in the tableaux, recreating famous paintings of the birth of Jesus. The younger students provided the event’s soundtrack with beautiful hymns. Music Director Terri Theil led the chorus of students from the classes of 2032 and 2033. We are thankful for all the faculty, staff, volunteers, and parents who make the pageant possible each year.

CAMPUS NEWS Athletics

Soccer

Our soccer teams were the first to launch their season on the new turf at Southard Field. The Middle School soccer teams enjoyed successful seasons. In particular, the Middle School Blue Team dominated the field, finishing the season as Shelby League Champions.

After a strong season, three Varsity soccer players were named to All-Region Teams. Congratulations to Bronwyn Saatkamp ’24, Laurel Lund ’24, and McNaron Gray ’26.

Varsity Soccer

Basketball

Our four Middle School teams excelled on the court this season. The Middle School White and Fifth Grade Teams played for a Shelby League Championship, finishing as runners-up in their league. The Middle School Blue Team finished the season as Shelby League Champions.

Varsity Basketball had an exciting season, including a memorable double-overtime victory against rival St. Agnes.

Volleyball

Our volleyball teams spiked and served their way through the fall season. The Middle School Blue Volleyball team finished as the runner-up in the Shelby League Championship.

Varsity volleyball players

Kayla Gurley ’23, Carroline Robinson ’24, Shelby Williams ’24, and Landry Boswell ’26 were named to All-Region teams.

Bronwyn Saatkamp ’24

Carroline Robinson ’24

Landry Boswell ’26

Middle School Blue Basketball

Golf

Fore! Our golf teams found success on the course this season. The Middle School team placed second in the Shelby League Tournament. The Varsity team tied for third in the Regional Tournament, where Hana Barber ’25 placed third as an individual and qualified for the State Tournament in Sevierville.

Cross Country

The Cross Country teams were the first to practice and prepare for their season on the brand-new Lackie Track. The Middle School team had a fantastic season, winning the Shelby League Championship. Our Varsity Cross Country team also had a great season, finishing as runner-up in the Regional Championship.

Tennis

Middle School Tennis had a great fall and ended the season with a strong showing at the Shelby League Championship. The team finished as runner-up, and partners Helen Garrett ’27 and Kate Witherington ’27 were the runners-up in doubles.

Bowling

We had another fun season of Varsity Bowling. The team hit their stride later in their eight-match season, recording big wins against Hutchison and Briarcrest.

Swimming

Our Middle and Upper School Swim teams had excellent seasons. Varsity Swim placed fourth in the County Championship. Swimmers Grace Ciaramitaro ’23, Claire Chauhan ’25, Quinn Ferebee ’26, and Riley Stewart ’24 qualified for the State Meet in Knoxville.

Middle School Swim team raced their way to first place in the Middle School Championship.

The future is bright for St. Mary’s Swimming. The new Lower School Swim team, open to students in senior kindergarten through fifth grade, is training our youngest Turkey swimmers to excel in the pool.

Swim Standout Headed to Vanderbilt Turkey swimmer Grace Ciaramitaro ’23 will continue her athletic and academic career at Vanderbilt University. Ciaramitaro has had an accomplished swim career at St. Mary’s, earning seven first-place medals. She has been recognized by area media outlets for her excellence in athletics, including multiple nominations for The Commercial Appeal Swimmer of the Year and Daily Memphian Swimmer of the Year. Congratulations! We look forward to cheering her on as she competes for Vanderbilt.

Grace Ciaramitaro ’23

Middle School Golf

Middle School Cross Country

Doubles partners Kate Witherington ’27 and Helen Garrett ’27

Varsity Bowling

Middle School Swimming

ONCE A ST. MARY’S GIRL…

Lawrence and her older sister spent their formative years at St. Mary’s. Lawrence attended the school from kindergarten through sixth grade and remained close to her classmates as she progressed through junior high and high school. She remains grateful for her time at St. Mary’s and the friendships that

began there.

“I am still so connected to them today. Those are the friendships that I hold the dearest,” she said.

Lawrence also adds that she is grateful for the academic foundation that St. Mary’s provided her. Lawrence shared that “at St. Mary’s, I learned

Peggy Wilson Lawrence didn’t graduate from St. Mary’s, but you couldn’t tell that to Lawrence or any of her classmates from the class of 1973, who consider her a fellow alumna.

something in every single grade— something that has remained with me and been instrumental in further developing my gifts.”

Lawrence thanks former Kindergarten Teacher Maxine Stevens for unlocking her musical ability, former First Grade Teacher Gilmore Lynn for fostering a love of books and reading, former Second Grade Teacher Shelley Fraser for emphasizing the importance of phonics, former Middle School Math Teacher Carolyn Parrish for encouraging her to be analytical, daily Chapel with Dr. Eric Greenwood for providing a strong foundation for her relationship with the Lord, and many more.

“All my St. Mary’s teachers played an important part in leading me to purposes that I have pursued in my life,” she said.

Lawrence relied on the knowledge and skills she gained at St. Mary’s when she attended the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and launched a successful career in investor relations and corporate communications for publicly traded companies. She eventually settled in Nashville, TN. Now retired, Lawrence is focused on writing her memoir and reigniting a love of writing that began at St. Mary’s.

Writing her memoir required Lawrence to spend time reflecting on her life.

“I encourage everyone to think about the people and places in your life that contributed to who you

are today and are a big part of your story,” she said.

Looking back, Lawrence was incredibly grateful for all her parents did to send her and her sister to St. Mary’s. She recalled that while cleaning out her parents’ attic, she came across financial documents, including a bill for tuition. “I realized my parents made many sacrifices for us and never complained about it. But what if they couldn’t do that for us? What if there was a girl who really needed the education and environment at St. Mary’s and couldn’t afford it?”

Lawrence considered how much St. Mary’s was a part of her story and was inspired to give to the place that gave her so much. She decided to include St. Mary’s in her estate plans, becoming a member of the Margaret R. Hyde Society. “If I can do something to support someone else, I want to do that because I know how much it meant to have that provided for me,” she shared.

Lawrence hopes her gift will help provide the St. Mary’s experience to any girl who needs it.

“I hope that every girl of every age will find a safe haven at St. Mary’s—that St. Mary’s continues to grow as a place where girls can explore and develop their gifts,” she said. “When our girls step out of the haven, they can serve the world with confidence, a strong spiritual scaffolding, and the courage of their convictions.”

MARGARET R. HYDE SOCIETY AND MAKE A LASTING GIFT TO ST. MARY’S

We invite you to join the Margaret R. Hyde Society and further the mission of St. Mary’s with a future gift through your will and other estate plans. By including St. Mary’s in your estate plans, you can ensure future generations of girls reach their full potential.

Named in memory of Margaret Ruffin “Teeter” Hyde, this distinguished group recognizes alumnae, former teachers and staff, and friends of the school who are devoted supporters of St. Mary’s like her.

The generosity of members of the Margaret R. Hyde Society ensures that St. Mary’s will make a difference in the lives of girls for years to come. For more information or to discuss how you can make a lasting impact, please contact Director of Philanthropy Carrie Vaughan at cvaughan@stmarysschool.org or (901) 537-1424. If you have already included St. Mary’s in your plans, please let us know so we may show our appreciation.

alumnae gatherings

We traveled from Richmond to New Orleans with stops in between. We’d love to come to your area and reconnect with St. Mary’s friends. Contact Gigi Gould ’70 at ggould@stmarysschool.org to schedule a gathering in your area.

Atlanta

We loved seeing so many alumnae in 2022.

Natalie Lyon Horne ’93, Susan Roberts Colpitts ’75, host Nupur Sidhu Bal ’98, Kate Messenger Mendez ’05, Laura Wilson Wild ’06, and McKenzie Carson ’06

Head of School Albert Throckmorton visited with Kemper Kelso Brennan ’01, Ginger Hicks Smith ’73, and Mary Long Merritt ’82.

Kate Foster Lindsey ’07, Mary Long Merritt ’82, Emily Piovarcy Carlson ’88, and Laura Halle Nunnally ’87

Many thanks to our Atlanta host committee: Mary Long Merritt ’82, Anna Morten ’11, Nelie Zanca Lynch ’03, Claire Arnett Sumner ’05, host Charlotte Day ’72, and Nancy Liddon Billings ’99.

Class of 2012 alumnae Lauren Pate, Ellery Ammons, host Carson Mullins Pigg, Lauren Petrin Troiani, and Sutton MacQueen served as the host committee in Washington, D.C.

alumnae gatherings

New Orleans

Carey King Slocum ’01, Bonnie Bolton Lopez ’83, Mershon Sneed Bergeron ’00, and Ann Chaney ’78 Piper Gray ’04 and Carey King Slocum ’01

Mershon Sneed Bergeron ’00, Lynn Schadt Thomas ’70, host Missy Kramer Taranto ’90, Tanya Sibai Race ’01, and Anne Thrasher Lloyd ’85

Lindsey Pearson Smith ’11, Lauren Harrington Stubblefield ’11, Lucy Wade Shapiro ’11, and Lizzie Holt ’08

Associate Head of School Hilary Davis Robinson ’90, Wyeth Outlan Burgess ’76, and Head of School Albert Throckmorton

Kudos to our gracious Nashville host committee: Clare Levy Clarke ’97, Jean Phillips Lorton ’69, host Betsy Carnesale Wiseman ’88, Natalie Meeks ’14, Ariel Mason Kelly ’08, and Hayley Bower Gerber ’01.

What a wonderful group of alumnae at our Nashville gathering!

Lizzie Holt ’08, Lucy Wade Shapiro ’11, and Ellen Coleman ’04

DIANE TAYLOR NEWTON

Jeanne Stevenson-Moessner

invited our class to visit her condo in Destin, FL. Five lucky ladies were able to spend a week together at the Silver Dunes condo. We are looking at our photos and wondering, “Did this really happen?” Jeanne and daughter Jean remodeled and decorated the Silver Dunes, the most beautiful spot with a magnificent view. Jeanne’s mom and dad bought the condo when Silver Dunes, the first condo complex in Destin, was built. Jeanne hosts family and friends and also rents it through management. Ree Wilson Cantrell worked up a schedule of events. On our first night, Diane Taylor Newton prepared Jeanne’s favorite shrimp dinner. Walks on the beach, reading under the umbrellas at the water’s edge, and picnic lunches on the sand filled our days with relaxation. Dinners were wonderful—original Destin restaurants. Dewey Destin’s at the bridge was delicious. The exciting part was watching Ree and Jeanne parasail over the gulf. They were dunked a few times for some added excitement but

returned safe and very excited from the experience. Another highlight was Jeanne leading a discussion of her newest book, Women with 2020 Vision: American Theologians on the Voice, Vote, and Vision of Women. Our class enjoyed our time together like it was yesterday. I felt like I was in 6th grade again. As our week ended, we looked for a place to display “The Glass Mermaid,” a fused glass piece by Christy Stratton Moody ’71. All the class has enjoyed catching up through email. Diane is traveling with “Patti Ray Travels” to Ireland on the SMS Alumnae and Friends Trip in October; she also is attending Learning for Life, a new program of interesting classes at St. Mary’s from Calligraphy

to Poetry, Book Talks, and Remarkable Journey history of St. Mary’s by Patti Person Ray ’65. Check out all classes offered. Cissy Lansing Moriarty and husband Charles are visiting Presidential Libraries—they’ve seen Harry S. Truman and Eisenhower so far. Mary Lawrence Hughes Flinn has performed on piano for the Art and Garden Club December luncheon and meeting.

~ 1970 ~

CRISTINA BRESCIA MICHTA

The Class of 1970 has been busy. We had a lovely dinner in September hosted by Linda Stratton Hancock I was in town from Germany, and it was wonderful to get together. We reminisced, and each of us shared our news! Present at that gathering were hostess Linda Hancock, Helen Donelson Brafford, Bette Gordon, Gigi Gould, Cristina Brescia Michta, Mary Edna Parish, Charlotte Turner Peck, Elaine Summer Travis, Susan Hall Wilson, and Linda’s sister-in-law, Pam Stratton. Everyone shared a St. Mary’s

Nancy Whitman Manire ’64, Lynn Bledsoe Buhler ’67, Lynn Schadt Thomas ’70, and Susan Hall Wilson ’70 at the Founders’ Day reception

The Belles are still ringing for Class of 1966 classmates: Ree Wilson Cantrell, Foxy Von Lackum Walker, Jeanne Stevenson-Moessner, Charlotte Dabbs Algood, and Diane Taylor Newton.

Class of 1969 friends Jean Phillips Lorton and Ellen Topp Toplon at the Nashville alumnae gathering

memory. We all have so many memories that it was difficult to choose one! Gigi continues her work at St. Mary’s, where she meets so many incredibly talented alumnae. She looks forward to traveling to Ireland on the Alumnae and Friends trip. Life with the four grands is the best! They are just growing up too fast! Jill Tanner Flournoy still works with husband Tom, in their family business, Tom’s Tiny Kitchen. When she’s not working, she gets therapy through cooking at home and for her kids when she’s with them. Son Ross in Los Angeles has a 1-year-old daughter. Daughter McKenzie has an 11-year-old son and is expecting son #2 in May. Jill also wrote a research paper recently for a

study group she is in. (Yes, she ended that sentence with a preposition!) She said she found the paper much more fun than when she had to do term papers at SMS! Susan and husband Bubba are enjoying every moment as grandparents to Sam Harris (7) and Charlotte (5). Susan and Bubba are looking forward to their annual trip to Santa Fe, one of their favorite destinations. She wishes all her classmates a great 2023! Cary Pridgen Slatery is returning to Knoxville, as her husband has completed his terms of office. Unfortunately, she could not attend the recent Nashville Reunion. She says it has been an honor and an amazing adventure to serve the great state of Tennessee. As for me, my

family has enjoyed visiting Christmas markets and traveling after the pandemic. Daughter Chelsea is now working for the U.S. Military in intelligence and is based in Wiesbaden, Germany. The Class of 1970 wishes everyone a happy and healthy 2023!

~ 1972 ~

ANNE REMMERS PHILLIPS

The Class of ’72 celebrated part of the 50th reunion with bellies full and satisfied from Meg Jemison Bartlett’s son, Marshall Bartlett’s Home Place Pastures. Revelers reminisced on her front porch for hours. Meg and husband Mike have purchased a second home in upstate NY near the grandchildren. Susan Ossorio shared old tales of treehouse rules and regulations (wisely excluding boys) from days long ago. Suzanne Hauser Schlittenhart spread Christmas cheer in Long Beach after visiting the spa in Azure Palm Hot Springs, CA and Butchart Gardens, Canada, earlier. Jane Gordon Simmons now has 10 grandchildren. Renowned as THE PICKLE LADY, Jane stays busy filling orders year-round. Christine Mayer Todd was awarded the Bishop’s Cross for her tireless and faithful service to unsheltered neighbors. She traveled to the majestic temple Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Ashley Moore Remmers completed years of service as Chair for Teach For America. She remains the Past Chair of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra. She rang in the new year as an event planner with a fabulous Remmers family reunion. Musette Sprunt Morgan continues to promote

Getting ready for the Alumnae Trip to Ireland: Former Head of School Marlene Shaw, Diane Taylor Newton ’66, and Former Head of Upper School Patti Person Ray ’65

world peace with young leaders of faith in Israel. Jennifer Wilde Lovejoy works with clay and stone carves. Two of her sculptures will be displayed in the Olin Gallery at Roanoke College,VA, Jan. 28-March 26th. Daughter Lauren is the author of two children’s books, The Little Regenerative Farmer and The Dairy Farm. Mandy Richards Vogel and husband Pate McCartney split their time between Nashville, her lake home in Louisville, TN, and Satellite Beach, FL. She has two sons with fabulous wives and three spirited and fun granddaughters. He has two daughters with families in CA. The last time she was in Memphis, she attended a small ceremony for her mother at Elmwood and had a blast visiting Graceland. Melinda Fields’ crop of tomatoes,

Concord grapes, black-eyed peas, and peonies grow in ME. She’s in a band, Balkan Fields, playing the accordion! Jackie Pentz Watkins volunteered at Operation Christmas Child’s Dallas processing plant, getting boxes ready for international shipping. In May, she will take her first cruise since covid to Alaska (a favorite). She daily bird counts and has seen 51 species in her backyard. Tempe Brown Garriott retired and colored pencil paints. She said it was below freezing in FL for Christmas and will replant. Karen Adelson Strauss, in Park City, UT, is shoveling snow to welcome us to visit. She invites us to come west in the spring or summer. Malinda Allen Lewis will come to Memphis in February for the start of the Lenten Service at Calvary. Let’s plan to

~ 1974 ~

DESI FRANKLIN

Lots of year-end news from the Class of 1974! If I knew how to use Excel, I would have built a spreadsheet to keep track of it all. Generally, our news falls into four categories: travel, grandchildren, recovery from orthopedic injuries (enough said about that), and retirement activities or, for some, continuing to work. On the 2022 travel front, Kathy Bell Adams and Cindi Acree Marshall had a fun trip to Lake Como, Italy with Jane Genette Slatery ’75 and

attend and eat at the famous Waffle Shop! Condolences to Boo Ruch on the death of her lovely mother.

Class of 1970 friends: Helen Donelson Brafford, Linda Stratton Hancock, Elaine Summers Travis, Susan Hall Wilson, Charlotte Turner Peck, Cristina Brescia Michta, Gigi Gould, Bette Gordon, and Mary Edna Parish

Laine Erb Park ’75. Cindi looks forward to being back in Italy in 2023 for her son’s wedding. Sue Anne Turpin Davis and husband spent two enjoyable months exploring old buildings and villages in France (Brittany and the Loire Valley). Cheryl Cape West and her husband took two trips to France (Brittany/Normandy and Bordeaux). Desi Franklin visited London and the surrounding areas with the Calvary Church Memphis choir. Lucy Gerald Cook and family had a wonderful adventure visiting South Africa. Donna Osborne Bradley spent time with her family seeing the sites in Orlando and plans to visit Kenya in 2023 on a church mission trip and Anna Puckett Paccone and husband enjoyed hiking trips to Northwest AR. The consensus of those with grandchildren is that we love visiting with our little buddies whenever we can, and we miss them when they’re gone! It was fun to hear from Hayes Harrison, Minette Allen Kinney, and Kristi Hoffman Jones on our class email thread. Many have retired recently: Carrie Love Hackett is retired from pediatric nursing and lives at Pickwick with her (newish) husband, Charles Day (MUS 1974); Mary Hills Baker Powell is retired from teaching high school art and spends her time painting and playing a little golf; Sally Minor Cook enjoys her days in retirement, happily gardening, reading, and eating; Doris French Jones retired but is still writing and recently moved with her husband to SC to be near her four grandchildren; and Sue Anne is retired but still substitute teaches on occasion (and loves ninth graders!). Some of us are still at it in the working world: Cindi runs the retail store at Lisa Mallory Interiors in Memphis; Cheryl

teaches French in Memphis (hence the trip to France opportunities!); Ruth Gordon White is principal of the award-winning Lookout Mountain School in Chattanooga; Anna works in digital marketing in the hotel industry in Dallas; Desi practices law in Memphis; Beth Williford Carson-Wallace works at Trezevant Manor in Memphis (with the added perk of regularly seeing several of our classmates’ parents); and Donna continues to astound with her accomplishments, the latest of which is her Ed.D. in Higher Education. Donna also carries a full teaching load at several local post-secondary schools. As Robert Browning wrote, “Grow old along with me—the best is yet to be.” The Class of 1974 is here to test that theory—bring it on!

~ 1976 ~

ALLISON BROWN COATES

“Honor the friendships that allow you to pick up from where you last left off, regardless of how long it’s been since you connected.” Kathy Lammons Rose will be in town soon! Daughter Whitney and son-in-law Jeff are expecting their third child. Kathy will be in Memphis to help with Charlotte and Tripper. Let me just say that we had Charlotte in our St. Mary’s Place class last year. She is so precious and fun and loves her Bootsie! Martha Flowers will be busy this year planning a fall wedding for son Bucker and his fabulous fiancée, Rachael. Congratulations! Martha’s daughter, Austin Hasenmueller ’12, loves working at MUS in the Alumni Development Office. Martha is still at First Horizon, which has been acquired by TD Bank.

Theresa Alissandratos Schnepf and George visited Spain for a bicycle tour in Andalusia with local cultural highlights. Later, they joined a different bicycle group and peddled through several parks in southern UT, which is magnificent Red Rock Country. That is such an accomplishment! I am still teaching at St. Mary’s in the two- and three-year-old program. I love hugging former students who come back through the doors with their little ones. It is such a gift in so many ways. Sam and Annie are the proud parents of Charlie Coates. He has all of us wrapped around his finger, including his aunt and uncle, Lindsey Coates Horvatich ’02 and Tim. As Michel de Montaigne said, “If you press me to say why I loved (my friend), I can say no more than because he was he, and I was I.”

~ 1978 ~ SHELIA DAVIS

Andrea Gilliom Anderson reports that she and Ben moved to Sarasota, FL and love retirement in the sunshine. They recently returned to Memphis for a visit and enjoyed spending time with dear friends and seeing the city through the eyes of a tourist, which included a trip to Graceland! They loved visiting daughters Rebecca Anderson Eby ’06, Elizabeth Anderson ’09, and Meg Anderson ’14. She especially enjoys being Noni to three grandbabies, Amelia, Anderson, and Charles. Sunita Sheth has a new post-retirement hobby—after finishing the diploma-level certification last year, she joined PhillyWine as an instructor and received her certification as an educator for WSET (Wine &

Spirit Education Trust). She is also hoping to launch a wine blog with a friend, so stay tuned. She will be in Sarasota, FL (snowbirding) and looks forward to pickleball with Andrea and Ben. Margot Bell Roberts says: “We moved to Charlotte, NC, four years ago and are happy to be back in the South. My two daughters live here, and we are about to have our fourth grandbaby any day. My son lives in NYC, so we get back there to see him and our friends from 25 years in NJ. In Charlotte, I see Carol Fri Robinson and Bailey Johnston Farrin!”

Tabitha Francisco McNabb has lived in the same house for 26 years and is still mostly retired. She made several trips to NC to help Lee with a move to Matthews, NC and celebrate her grandson’s third birthday. She retired from coaching Mock Trial at SMS and keeps in touch with Jekka Ashman

Pinckney and Sunita. She gets to see Christy Smith Mestemacher, Kathy Daniel Patterson, and Lynn Hitchings Albano ’77 at dinner. I heard from Meredith Goad via Christmas letter. She left ME and relocated to Smyrna, TN to stay with her mom. Her dad turned 90 and lives at the Village at Germantown. Kate Wellford Gould is a granny to Joseph Walker Hughes, born October 6! She retired from teaching and enjoys life as a granny, volunteer, and road warrior to Birmingham. This year has been a tough one with the loss of her niece Liza, but the Class of 1978 has been the best support system! Let’s keep Memphis pushing forward with protecting women and supporting our police force. Carese Clarke Bott has graduated from teaching kindergarten and middle school and is now in her third year of teaching high school in the

English department (thank you, SMS!) and teaching a reading and writing class to at-risk juniors and seniors. Her son moved from NYC to LA this summer. Katie is a nurse at Baylor and just passed her ICU test. She’s in the middle of a house remodel. Dee Dee Clay Wike writes that she still works and enjoys life in VA. She made two bucket list trips this year, visiting Niagara Falls and New York City, where she enjoyed the sights and sounds of Christmas.

~ 1980 ~

CHALMERS PEYTON VALENTINE

Well, I have heard from Kathy Welch Campbell, and she has had a lot going on in FL. Kathy is a new grandmother to Hayden Rose Campbell, born in England! Her son is a Marine Corps pilot stationed overseas, so her new granddaughter is a Brit, so to speak. Hayden’s picture with Kathy’s Mom, remember Mrs.Yolande Welch? She looks just the same! Also, Kathy’s house was hit by Hurricane Ian in Sanibel, so

Alumnae Chapel Speaker Kyra Rice Duffey ’12 with mother Melanie Rice Fisher ’79

Celebrating St. Mary’s first Founders’ Day: Lucy Walt Wepfer ’77, guest speaker Lynn Hitchings Albano ’77, Margaret Stone Graham ’80, and Kathy Daniel Patterson ’78

they are temporarily displaced while the cleanup and repairs take place. Wow, Kathy, your hands are full! Helene Norcross Rayder just bought a condo in Memphis, right across from the one Dorothy Halliday Butler has in the Woodlands! Susan McCaull

Schaefer is now selling real estate with daughter Carrie, so if you’re looking to relocate to the Memphis area, I know a great agent. Margaret Stone

Graham’s son, Nelson, got married. Nice to have another girl in the family, I bet! We were able to connect with several classmates last spring at Alumnae Weekend when Kathy Buckman

Gibson was named Outstanding

Alumna 2022! Margaret Graham, Molly Francis Roberts, Josie Gilliland Williams, Madeline

Genette, Helene, Alex Eddings

Walter, Elisa Brock, and I were there to be with Kathy on this big day! Kathy also has her hands extra full right now, as husband J.W. Gibson is running for mayor of Memphis (to be decided in the fall). No time to take it easy at the Gibson household! I was able to visit Amy Clifton Anderson in Marietta in the summer, and she is doing great. She and husband David are also empty nesters and, during COVID, moved her mother to Atlanta as well. Josie left Michelin and has a new job teaching. She and Russ remain in Greenville, SC and are avid fans of the Furman Paladin basketball team. I continue to work but have been able to spend some time traveling. Steve and I are heading to Ghana in late February to work with Living Waters for the World, which installs water purification systems around the world and is a “Teach the Teacher” partnership with in-country partners. My best to the Class of 1980 in 2023!

OLIVIA BRUCE HURLOCK

What a fabulous reunion last April! We had an impressive turnout—including even Jean McLeod Roche from Canada—to celebrate our 40th and SMS’s 175th. Many thanks to Marlin and Catherine Robilio Womack for hosting the most spectacular class dinner and to Tom and Sarah Willmott Cowens for the fun gathering after the gala on Saturday. We missed those who couldn’t join us and hope to see you next time!

Carol Gilliland Jordan has another wedding to report: “My big news is that my daughter got married in June. After very hot weather in early June, the wedding weekend cooled off, and the high on the big day was 80 degrees! It was a wonderful day with friends and family. Cecile Williams Leggett made the trip from Memphis to join us!” To celebrate afterward, Carol had a fabulous trip to Italy. Lisa Moore Cook writes: “It was so wonderful to see all at our 40th and for Jean McLeod to come. One more highlight of my year was meeting Jean for her teacher’s conference in D.C. this summer. We shared a room at the Sofitel and spent the weekend at the Mall and Museums! So grateful to reconnect with Jean and our wonderful Class of ’82! I am also doting on my niece, Claire Moore Lankford, and my great-niece, Tallulah Jane Lankford.Very proud of Claire for getting her Ph.D. in psychology from Drexel. We recently met in Tupelo, MS to see mom.” My own news is that my son Charles was married on Nantucket in June and completed his MBA at

Babson in December. Daughter Lucy is in her third year at Penn Vet, and my youngest, Sarah Katharine, is a junior at Middlebury. Please come visit me up here in Boston!

~ 1984 ~

VANESSA ALLEN DOBBINS

Alison Potts Hollewand still works in mindfulness/mental health/ embodiment/trauma healing and had a year of fun-filled travel to the U.S., U.K., and France. The highlight of her travels was visiting Molly Brown and her parents in OR. The two of them spent countless hours catching up, laughing, and playing with Molly’s poodles. They also met up with Ally Burr-Harris for a day of hiking. Ally noted that she is a rock-hounding nerd and enjoys digging for thundereggs in eastern OR. Cathey Turner Alexander is looking forward to a vacation in Costa Rica with her family, and Kelly O’Shields Klinke recently

Terry Lupo Lebedevs ’79 and Alumnae Chapel Speaker Kim Lupo ’93

returned from a visit to Apalachicola, FL. Both of her sons are employed in Memphis, and Kelly is teaching 3K at EUMK three days a week. Kelly spent a delightful weekend with Clare Halle Brown at the Conference on the Front Porch in Taylor, MS. Sadly, Leslie Darling’s father passed away this year. She splits time between Nashville and NYC and headed to the British Virgin Islands for a relaxing vacation. She and Kelly McCracken have met up for lunch in Memphis a few times. The two of them and Anne Crocker Hefter are helping to spearhead a get-together in Nashville for our classmates soon. Anne and her husband are splitting time between Lyme, CT, and NYC.  She is happy to have her youngest son living near them in Chelsea. Their daughter plans to move to Boston from San Diego, and oldest son is the QB coach at Dayton. Anne continues to work with the League of Women Voters, and Scott does consulting work. She visits D.C. monthly to visit her mom. Kristine Griffith Williams enjoys her pediatric work and taking care of sick children, and in her spare time, she has picked up a few new hobbies: bread baking, road cycling, and hiking. Her oldest daughter graduates from Georgetown soon; her second daughter is a junior at Boston College; her third daughter will head to Notre Dame in the fall; and the youngest is a sophomore in high school, ready to be an only child. Retired teacher Carrie Jaeger Carpenter and Stephen have been renovating and moving into his childhood home. Her time has been packed full of taking care of their younger four children, who are still in the home; spending time with grandchildren; supporting her dad after having to put her mom in memory

care; and having a wedding for their third oldest. Martin and I are doing well and hoping to get out of town for a much-needed travel adventure.

ANNA MCQUISTON

Catherine Denton Wilfong celebrated their family’s first wedding. Bennett, her middle child, married Weldon Saunders in December. Christy Reed Simpson just celebrated 23 years at AT&T, and they took a magical 12-day drive along the Pacific Coast Highway from Point Arena to Santa Monica. In May, they were in Memphis and caught up with Lisa Wright Moses Frances Coughlin Fenelon’s youngest, Nora, is a senior at Harpeth Hall and is narrowing down colleges. Frances went to the Nashville

SMS get-together at Betsy Carnesale Wiseman’s. She writes: “It was great to visit with Betsy and others who were at SMS when we were there, but it was hard seeing baby alums who make me realize how old we are.” Amy Weinberg Pearce is two years into her residential real estate career and has two kids in high school. Trey is a senior, and Luke is in 9th grade. Emily Ragen Smith started a new job marketing the freedom clasp—a new interlocking magnetic clasp for jewelry. She is preparing for two graduations in the spring: Becca from UGA and Mateo from high school. Jennifer Hanemann Chandler is the food writer for The Commercial Appeal. She loves the job because she gets to meet so many interesting and amazing people in Memphis. Hannah graduated from UC Boulder, lives in Nashville, and works for the Titans. (She loves to dogsit—hint, hint for all of you in Nashvegas!) Sarah, a sophomore at UT, is headed to London for a semester with their Global Leadership Scholars program. Taylor Uhlhorn Laird is sitting for her clinical license exam. It has been her goal for many years, and she is very excited. She will continue in private practice providing mental health therapy. Oldest son Walker is getting married next August; they will move to Portsmouth,VA, and Walker will start his pediatric residency in the Air Force. Griffin is a 1st year med student, and James is at Mississippi State studying aerospace engineering. Moriah McStay Lee finished her MFA in creative writing last spring and started a Ph.D. in Literature (all at U of M). She was recently the editor of the Pinch Literary Magazine, a biannual magazine that publishes short stories, poetry, and

Lisa Navarra Fikes ’88 and Sara Ottinger ’23 with mother Heather Ottinger Rasch ’88

nonfiction. She also teaches creative writing to undergrads, which she says is super fun. Jennifer Horn Noonan practices corporate and securities law in Nashville. They are adjusting to being empty nesters: Oldest John is a junior at WashU in St Louis, and youngest Emma is a freshman at Haverford College, outside of Philadelphia. I am working on several projects in Memphis right now. One of my favorite projects has me curating a class for emerging real estate developers to encourage women and people of color to enter the field. Caroline is thriving as a junior at SMS, and I am enjoying traveling with her to check out colleges. Hope to see everyone soon at our 35th reunion this year!

~ 1990 ~

MELISSA KRAMER TARANTO

Alexis Zanone is preparing for another exotic trip to the Four Seasons Bangkok and Thailand locations. Anne Copper DiFronzo is teaching daughter Sofia how to drive while her family, including 9-year-old twins, entertained a Chinese student over the winter break. Ellen Rawlins Uzarowicz’s oldest daughter, Harlow, is adjusting to the cold at Boston University. At home, she is renovating her house while working as a costumer. Allison Mallory Morris made a big move from Brentwood, TN to the Hudson Valley in the New York Catskills with eighth-grade twins Marley and Mallory and husband Jay. Missy Kramer Taranto has been able to spend time with Mary Anne

Kish Seibert, whose daughter Zoe is a freshman at Tulane, and Elizabeth Robbins Gwin, whose daughter also attends Tulane. Mary Anne just celebrated her 20th year as the director of counseling services at Hendrix College in Conway, AR. I also spent a lovely afternoon over the winter break in Gulf Shores, AL with Beth Kreamer West, who is an architect living in Orange Beach.

1994

KATHRYN LEIGH DEROSSIT

Sarah Cole-Turner Vincent’s daughter Caroline is at The Hawbridge School, in a funky nearby town, where she was in Seussical the Musical. Son Ben started high school at the nearby public high school, full of tradition and big-school activities. Sarah enjoys being a pre-k speech therapist, and husband Hal looks forward to his sabbatical from Elon University. They finished their porch restoration project, partially funded by a grant from their local preservation society. Sarah was elected

Members of the Class of 1993 join Alumnae Speaker Kim Lupo at Chapel. Back: Price Phillips Massey, Julie Bhattacharya Peak, Bethany Mays Owen; Front: Amelia Treadwell Howard, Kim, and Allison Keltner Musick

secretary of the Alamance Children’s Theatre board and authored a grant for the theater that was approved! Missy Alpert Lurie’s realtor husband, Brian, just helped Sarah Lacy sell her parents’ house in Memphis over the asking price! While home, Sarah stayed with Missy and had a blast. Sarah’s startup, ChairmanMe, doubled its revenue yearover-year! They moved to Palm Springs recently, where Sarah and partner Paul started the town’s first bookstore. They go back to their home in San Francisco in the summer. Sarah also keeps busy decorating a cabin they bought in Idyllwild, CA. Heather Shove is in her 22nd year teaching in Memphis!

Daughters Jane and Claire are now 14 and 16—a driver in the family! Heather says Claire’s very responsible, so her driving helps out with all the numerous extracurricular activities. Laura Foster Gettys reports that life is good. Son Foster is in 6th grade, and son Joseph is in 4th at Grace–St. Luke’s. Laura began serving as clergy at GSL in July 2020

and has been enjoying it immensely. Husband Josh began a position with Slingshot, a local foundation fighting poverty, and is working with great people. Jamie Morano Re and family just got back from Argentina, where they visited her husband’s family and explored mountains and wineries. They were in Argentina when Argentina won the World Cup in soccer! Son Alex, 7, is taking piano and martial arts and finished swimming lessons. Husband Sergio continues to do well at Microsoft. Jamie reports that she continues in telemedicine and is up for full professorship this year. After 13 years in CA, Virginia Ralston Jaramillo and family are relocating to Pittsburgh, PA to support husband Mateo’s company’s investment in regional operations (Form Energy). Daughter Carolina, 14, will start high school. Son August, 11, will start 7th grade, and youngest, Luis Oscar, 7, is in elementary school. Edith Ritterband Goody loves her job as executive director of a reformed Jewish synagogue in Great Neck, NY; she’s been in the position for over a year now. She handles all the bookkeeping, publicity, weekly updates/ emails, and everything that makes the community there run smoothly. When not working or spending time with her daughter, she enjoys singing in a Jewish music choir, the Shireinu Choir of Long Island. I have joined Memphis Area Legal Services as an attorney in its Fair Housing division, advocating for tenants and others at risk of homelessness. I recently produced the documentary “East Memphis Mansion” about a case I appealed as a defense attorney; you can view it on Vimeo.

~ 1996 ~

JAIME NEWSOM

Courtney Shove has been very active, running the Walking Tall 25K Trail Race at Big Hill Pond State Park with friends in October. Her mom, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2021, has been doing really well, and they are all incredibly thankful. Nieces Claire (16) and Jane (14) are thriving at Arlington High. In October 2023, Courtney is traveling to Ireland with the SMS Alumnae and Friends group, and she can’t wait! Lauren Brooks Poindexter’s daughter Emily ’26 is in 9th grade at SMS and stays busy playing soccer and lacrosse. Lauren continues to work as a nurse practitioner at an endocrinology clinic in town. She had a blast having dinner with Courtney Shove, Julia Chesney McDonald, and Sharlene Sidhu Keithley this summer. Sharlene had a fantastic run-in with Melissa Ohsfeldt ’97 at the Hoover Dam, of all places! Sharlene and her family are still in Denver and doing well. Gwyn Fisher is thrilled to report that she has recently started a new job as the Chief Economic Development Officer for the Greater Memphis Chamber. After almost 10 years serving the State of Tennessee, she is really excited to make the transition and work with one of the best teams in the country. She is also heading out to visit Laura Ray Logue in a few weeks. Gwyn and Peter still love their old/new home and are still “slowly renovating and updating the old gal.” My family and I have spent this past year catching up on travel. We have

Alumnae Director Gigi Gould ’70, Head of School Albert Throckmorton, and Board of Trustees member Hallie Dinkelspiel Label ’94 in D.C.

very much enjoyed experiencing and exploring new places. Have a wonderful 2023!

~ 1998 ~

LAURIN MADDUX

Hello, Class of 1998! What a joy it always is to hear of all the things you are up to and to share your news with our larger SMS community! Allison Martin Nolen writes that she still loves her work as an RN in the Infusion Center at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital in CA. She works as the primary investigator on a study as part of a research fellowship conducting a study to determine the efficacy of aromatherapy on the anxiety and pain scores of pediatric oncology patients undergoing port access. Jill Tichy also writes from the oncology field, where she continues to maintain a busy community oncology breast cancer practice. In her free time, Jill enjoyed a ski trip with her family over the holidays and has picked up the hobby of playing the acoustic guitar. It was fun to run into Jill last spring at the 175th celebration at SMS. In good news on the cancer front, Meg Kinnard Hardee rang in the new year cancer-free! She writes how grateful she is to have been loved on by her “SMS crew” the whole way through her journey. Meg was also recently awarded AP’s Gramling Award, the company’s highest internal honor. Meg will use the proceeds from that award to start a foundation to fund second-opinion trips. Erin Wade Ogles is back in Memphis working with the “fabulous” CARES Team at Le Bonheur as a Child

Abuse Pediatrician. She loves being back home and feeling of service to the community. She hopes to reunite with her turkeys, who are here in Memphis, soon. Surekha Murti-Fehr lives in Knoxville, where children Mohan (8) and Jaya (5) attend Webb School. Surekha continues her work as a physical therapist and is a certified lymphedema therapist working exclusively with breast cancer patients. Alicia Daugherty joined Woebot Health, a mental health start-up, as their VP of Strategy this past spring. She gave birth to son Dash David Diamond in November. Congratulations, Alicia and Dan! Monica Wilson Barton and family went on a fabulous trip to Disney World in August. Her children, Erica (6) and Wyatt (8), are in kindergarten and first grade this year! Lauren Webb Mitchell and husband Luke are still in NYC with sons Henry (8) and Charlie (2). Lauren is still in an in-house counsel role at PwC, and they are planning some ski trips and a London visit this year. Amy Sellers is still in her role (and loving it) as chief marketing officer at TomboyX clothing company, making underwear, swim, and

activewear for all bodies. Amy spends a lot of time skiing with husband Keith and daughter Vivian (5). She writes that her parents, Grandma and Grandpa Sellers, are now fully retired and live nearby, so they are able to see one another often. Allyn Jaqua Lowell joined a new firm (Thompson Coburn) several months ago so she can work on more social justice litigation. She loves both being back in “Big Law” as well as the new challenge of practicing constitutional law (in addition to her standard employment practice). She was able to see Erin Wade over Thanksgiving and is excited to meet Erin’s new little girl soon! Nupur Sidhu Bal and family traveled to France, South Africa, and England in 2022. Nupur has recently been named to the Virginia Bar Association Board of Governors for a three-year term! As for me, I moved into a new home this past summer and welcomed a puppy in November. I continue to work part-time in my counseling practice and full-time in a caring role at my church. I hope to see all of you at our (gulp) 25-year reunion on March 31-April 1!

WHITNEY BAER FOSTER

As always, it is such a joy to hear how everyone is doing. At the start of 2023, I am grateful for the kindness and friendship of the Class of 2000. Mershon Sneed Bergeron continues to teach risk mitigation solutions to commercial clients with Home Bank, managing treasury management for the Greater New Orleans area. Kit just finished high

Nupur Sidhu Bal ’98 with Head of School Albert Throckmorton

school applications and is keeping her busy with her upcoming state robotics tournament, choir tours, school play, and yearbook. She is also expecting a visit from Kat Gordon at the end of January and looking forward to the time together. Lessie Calhoun Rainey is still working at the DA’s office (SVU) in Memphis. She and James (7) are into Nerf guns, Legos, and e-books. Her James is on the same basketball team as Amy Reinhardt Robinson’s son, James, and it has been great fun to see them play together. Ellis Dixon reports that all is well in Lisbon, and the past year has brought many celebrations, including the chance to celebrate birthdays for her mother, her son, and herself—all in 48 hours! In inspirational news, Ellis and four other partners opened Escala25, Lisbon’s first outdoor roped climbing gym. Adding to this success, they have now been approved to build a 6-pitch climb on the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge pillar, which will be the highest artificial climbing wall on the Iberian Peninsula. Jessie Swanson Fila still lives in coastal Connecticut and enjoys the opportunity to have great hiking trails and the beach close at hand. Abbey and Wilder (6) took ice-skating lessons last winter (which Abbey will continue) and played baseball in the spring and fall (which Wilder wants to continue). They adopted their first family pet this year, a Betta fish named Frankie. Kim Fleischhauer Short’s twins, Tess and Reese, are freshmen in high school, and both are taking intro to flying class simulators. Elsa (20) is a sophomore studying Public Policy and Finance at Ole Miss. This summer, she studied at the L’Universite Catholique de L’Ouest in Angers, France, but prior to starting, Kim and the whole family,

including baby Kyle (1), went to Paris for vacation at the end of May. Megha Karkera Kanjia keeps busy with her job, as well as Kish (8), Kiran (6), and Koel (2). She and her family just completed a pandemic build of a new house across from their favorite park in Houston. Coincidentally, she (like Ellis) just celebrated a triple birthday for her dad, husband, and Koel this past year. I continue to enjoy managing operations for St. Jude Global and am traveling a bit more for work this year, which I have loved. Marley Baer Schauer ’02 and her family visited Memphis for my 40th birthday in August, which was fantastic! I hope everyone stays healthy and happy in 2023, and best wishes to all of you and your families!

~ 2002 ~

POLLY KLYCE PENNOYER

Long ago though it seems, it was a treat to see so many folks at our 20th (!) reunion last spring. Many thanks to Whitney Long Neal and Kelsey Freebing for organizing local events. Also in attendance throughout the weekend were Leslie Guinn Jerkins, Michelle Goldwin Kaufman, Anna Traverse Fogle, Emily

May Lequerica, Kate Thornton

Wooldridge, Christina Adney

Mable, Margaret McQuiston, Laura Hettinger, Jennifer Chung

Mason, and Agnes Terry Quiggle

Class of 2003 friends and their children enjoy a day at the Atlanta zoo: Elizabeth Fong Harvey, Carmen Carson Gorospe, and Nelie Zanca Lynch.

Please mark calendars now for our 25th. Leslie is still loving life in ID, where she is PTA-ing, basketball coaching, outdoors adventuring with her family, and maintaining an active book hobby; in October, she and her sibs combined to do a triathlon together—impressive! Lindsey Coates Horvatich continues doing the Lord’s work as a trauma therapist in Orlando and was thrilled to become an aunt this year to baby Charlie. Naree Chan’s family is hitting their stride with both kids off to school (pros = a bit of free time, cons = GERMS), and in addition to her day job as a lawyer for the City of Oakland, she is also running an online business selling Bahá’í inspired jewelry. She also recently published a children’s book—Sing Out the Songs of Joy: Bahá’í Prayers & Writings Wendi Muse still juggles a million things, working on her dissertation, managing outdoor and homeschooling for daughter Harriet, and running a mutual aid mask distribution effort for folks who can’t afford to buy their own. She and her fam were able to travel to see husband Kani’s family in Turkey this summer, and it sounds like they had a great trip. Catherine Ferguson Conger has been weathering all of life’s seasons, the bitter and the sweet, with grace; she writes from Greenville, SC, that her kids are thriving, she has taken volunteering to a near-professional level, and they all enjoyed a lovely monarch butterfly hatching project as a little island of mid-pandemic peace. Ann Burruss Prascher’s big news was the arrival of baby Virginia in July—congrats to the newest ’02 turkey! I’m keeping busy in NYC as a full-time logistics manager for our family while doing banking policy for the State of New

CLASS NOTES

York—I started a new role in the spring. I’m on the Executive Team of the New York State Department of Financial Services, and so far, it’s been interesting, with all connotations of that characterization applicable. The highlight of my season was seeing Marley Baer Schauer when she passed through for a conference in December. I know this city is an awful place to try to connect on a human scale and do normal hang-out things, but if you are passing through, please do let me know. Always a pleasure to hear from this crowd of folks—please keep in touch electronically and/or IRL, as travel permits.

2004

ATINA RIZK STAVROPOULOS

Patricia Blount Mills serves as Room Parent for her daughter’s Pre-K class this year. She enjoyed visiting with Ellen Coleman and Elise Addington Dugger at the Nashville alumnae gathering in October 2022. Atina Rizk Stavropoulos was selected to become a law professor, teaching written advocacy and professional communication at The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School. Piper Gray left New York, moved to New Orleans, and now works as a freelance writer and creative consultant. Blair Carter Tait loves being back at SMS as a parent and was the chair of the Grandparents’ Day committee this year. Shelby Deeney has experienced lots of exciting changes this past year—a new job, a new home (still in Denver), and a baby boy!

~ 2006 ~

MAMIE KOSTKA FINCH

The Class of 2006 welcomes the new year with enthusiasm! We’re so proud of each other in lots of ways and especially love how some of us are giving back to the St. Mary’s community, such as Jenay Gipson Boggs, who thoroughly enjoys serving on the St. Mary’s Alumnae Board and reconnecting with the SMS family. She, husband Alex, and their spunky kids welcomed Henry Leland—a joyful addition to their family of five! We had a FEW new faces join our class this year. Rebecca Anderson Eby welcomed her baby boy, Anderson Marcus Eby, and Elliott Machin Cooper and husband Jon welcomed a second son, Harvey Machin Cooper. Big brother Ben is very proud. There are also some little ones on the way. Madeline Smith Lanigan married Thomas Lanigan, and they are anxiously awaiting the arrival of their first child, Liam, who is due to arrive in April! Katherine Fockler Steele continues to work for a marketing

At the Atlanta alumnae gathering, Paru Rayudu ’06, Wezzie Cannon Finlay ’05, and Claire Arnett Sumner ’05

agency (Epsilon) as client service and strategy lead. Her family is excited to relocate to Memphis early this summer after the arrival of their daughter this winter. Katherine attended Madeline’s beautiful wedding in Memphis alongside Jenay, Jillian Smith ’09, and Chelsey Diffee Currie, who herself celebrated a wedding in 2022. Chelsey married her college sweetheart, Matt Currie, in August and enjoyed seeing some St. Mary’s friends there and at Madeline’s wedding. Chelsey and Matt traveled to Croatia for their honeymoon and saw Europe for the first time. She is still living in Memphis, selling real estate. Neelam Khan Ali enjoys life working as a cosmetic dermatologist in D.C., just two blocks away from the White House. She and her husband welcomed the arrival of baby boy Shah Khan Ali. Katie Camille Friedman and husband Prakhar are so grateful they were finally able to have their Memphis wedding celebration in April 2022, two years after the original wedding date, which began with a beautiful, intimate ceremony in India in early 2020! They had a blast bringing together family and friends, including many ’06-ers, in what felt like a big happy reunion after the pandemic isolation. They are still enjoying life in the Bay Area. Lindsey Edwards Rushing and family moved from Pittsburgh to West Chester, PA this year. Morgan Beckford has also moved around a bit and is thrilled to share she has taken a director role with the Silkroad Ensemble team, where she’s charged with leading a national expansion of the group’s middle-school residency program. Working remotely and traveling are big perks in this position, so she’s looking forward to seeing more of the ’06ers

around the country. Of course, she’s still singing, too! We’re all glad to hear that. Mamie Kostka Finch just wrapped up the first year at her new landscape architecture firm, BFT Land Design (Baker Finch Tessier), which opened in January 2022. She and her business partners enjoy the ownership role of their profession and enjoy both the design and business aspects of landscape architecture. She and husband Dylan try to keep up with their busy baby girl, Ruthie, who will turn one this April.

~ 2008~

EDIE MILLER

Rachel McLemore was awarded the John and Patricia Bailey Family Distinguished Teaching Award at Mount St. Mary Academy, where she teaches AP Social Studies. Victoria Lee relocated to Birmingham, AL with fiancé Stuart Morris and is busy planning a wedding for March 2023 in Savannah, GA. Ariel Mason Kelly and husband relocated to Chicago, IL in the fall of 2022. They enjoy the snow and the unending number of good restaurants. Lizzy Holt moved to Nashville, TN. She now works at Vanderbilt University in Development and Alumni Relations and loves having Kendall Hennessy Rosati ’10 on her team. Margaret Liddon Emley is pursuing an Executive MBA at Vanderbilt University. Outside school and work, she spends time playing outside and playing music with a very busy 3-year-old. Morgan Jordan works as a costume designer for movies and TV shows; she lives in Los Angeles with her precious cat Zsa Zsa. Cristen Garrett Cain is back in Atlanta after

finishing a fellowship in pediatric anesthesia and works at Northside Hospital. She and husband Ryan are getting settled and expecting baby #2 in early 2023. Kathryn Feder Cooper and husband Alex welcomed baby Benjamin David Cooper, joining big sister Ruth and filling the house with even more love. They continue to enjoy life in Atlanta, where Kathryn works as a learning coach, supporting first graders at Mount Vernon School. Ashley Edge Adams enjoys working part-time with her dad and brother at Edge Biologicals, Inc., and stays very busy with her three children, Kyser, Cal, and Browning. Lane Feler and Margarett Frisby Brown caught up during one of Margarett’s whirlwind business trips to NYC. They both work for JP Morgan, where they can instant message like they did in eighth grade. Edie Miller and sweet puppy Rosie are enjoying their beautiful new home in Memphis.

~ 2012 ~

ELLERY AMMONS CHANDLER ROBERTS CUMMINS

Alex Buford Ashby is enjoying newborn snuggles with baby girl Eleanor before returning to work in the spring as an elementary school counselor in Austin. Hannah

Morehead Mageean got married in November and still enjoys working for Lockheed Martin. Julia DeVincenzo Lipari and husband Alex welcomed Miles DayLipari. Frances Hord graduated with an associate’s degree in occupational therapy in September and will start a new career as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant in

January at St. Francis–Bartlett. Linda Fu moved back to Memphis, where she is studying coding, learning how to program computers, and starting a new job in teaching. Maggie Yang recently took a job as Director of Basketball Communications for the Portland Trail Blazers in Portland, OR.

~ 2014 ~ NATALIE MEEKS IQRA SIDDIQ

Gabrielle Taylor works as a Policy Advisor at the White House National Security Council. She still loves Washington, D.C., especially when she gets to hang out with fellow St. Mary’s grads Grace Wetzel, Mackenzie Isom ’13, Lauren Pate ’12, Jasmine Bolton ’07, and Tami Sawyer ’00. Bailey Archey also lives in D.C. and now works in agriculture policy on Capitol Hill. Keila Mumphord will graduate from Emory in the spring with a Master of Divinity with concentrations in religion and race and formation and witness (and so is Adira Polite!). Elle Prosterman Hartness and husband Ralston had a baby girl in October. Her name is Mallie James Hartness, and she is utter perfection (my words, but I know Elle agrees). Katherine Donovan Dean and husband Luke bought a house and moved back to Memphis. She works as an endocrinology pediatric nurse practitioner at a private practice. Dena Frisch also moved back to Memphis and started her job with Tower Ventures as a Senior Accountant in commercial real estate development. And she recently got engaged! In May, Mimi Billings Lindberg

started a new job as a credit analyst for Commercial Bank & Trust Co, and she graduated with honors from the Barret School of Banking. She and Isabel Bannister have been hanging out a lot as well. Nicole Sanford O’Malley and husband just had a baby girl named Scout! Nicole will graduate from medical school this May. I have loved hearing from y’all. So impressed by everyone’s updates but not the least bit surprised!

~ 2018 ~

OLIVIA NIELSEN KEITH ELLIS PREST JULIA PRESTON

The Class of 2018 can’t wait to celebrate our five-year reunion this spring! In the meantime, here’s what some of us are up to. Isra Ahmed finished her first semester of dental school at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Baker Baine works as a transaction coordinator for Sands Investment Group, one of the

largest multi-tenant commercial real estate brokerage teams in the country. Our valedictorian, Chelsey Chen, is working as a research tech at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine while applying to MD-PhD programs. Lucy Chancellor and Evie Laney are both pursuing graduate degrees in speech-language pathology at the University of Memphis. Maryanna Couloubaritsis was our first to tie the knot, celebrating her wedding with family and friends over the summer!

Lauren Davis graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and accepted a position as a design engineer for Collins Aerospace. Julia Hirt works in investment banking at Goldman Sachs in Dallas. Olivia House works in the marketing and communications office at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital and is applying to master of journalism programs for the fall. Jenna Joshi graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in neuroscience and now works for Epic Systems as a project manager on the radiology application team. Anna Rose LaMountain started a master’s program for marriage and family therapy at Northwestern University. Samantha Lee traveled to Turkey, Jordan, Egypt, and Greece over the summer and is currently teaching with a Fulbright fellowship in Nha Trang, Vietnam—she’s the globetrotter of the class! Jessica Lewis is in law school at Tulane University, as is Lauren Mabie at the St. Mary’s University of Law. Mallory Macdonald graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in the spring and now works for Radians. Hannah Matthews works at Guidehouse as a defense and security consultant. Adalyn Meeks

The Peeler gang in Europe: Mary ’11, Anna ’13, Melissa Thrasher Peeler ’85 and Margie ’17

is a lab coordinator for the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering at Purdue University and was recently accepted to graduate school for work in cardiovascular imaging and research. Following her internship with Christian Siriano last year, Nayla Nassif worked at St. Mary’s after graduation and is now a design intern at Kontoor Brands. Olivia Nielsen and Paige Nielsen worked together at the Teton Valley Ranch Camp in Wyoming over the summer. Paige accepted a full-time position as the camp’s communications and fundraising director. Keith Ellis Prest works for ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital on the social media team as the Social Media Communications Engagement Specialist. Evelyn Roberts works in business development for WeWork, and Anna Scott continues her studies at the Accelerated BSN Nursing Program at the UT Health Sciences Center. And lastly, Sabrina Spence is pursuing an MFA in creative writing at the University of Memphis and teaching a class through SMS titled “Spilling Ink: Celebrating Your Inner Poet.” If you’re a member of the Class of 2018, we’ll see you at our reunion at the end of March!

~ 2020 ~

SARAH BRATTON GABRIELLA COULOUBARITSIS

Abigail Apple finished her Fall 2022 semester in Washington, D.C., working for Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) and taking night classes. She will graduate in May 2023 from Loyola University Chicago with a degree in political science and studio art. Emmy

CLASS NOTES

La will work as a medical scribe in an emergency pediatrics unit. She is also a student worker for the St. Louis Literary Award, where she will have the opportunity to meet Neil Gaiman, the award recipient for 2023. Kate Stukenborg studied in London for four months before heading back to UNC for her Spring 2023 semester. Gabriella Couloubaritsis presented research at Princeton and co-authored a book chapter with her research professor. She is excited to help run campus programming as president of the 114th Indiana Memorial Union Board.

~ 2022 ~

MAGGIE ROSENBLUM ALEXANDRA TOULIATOS

Ayushi Gaur presented at a virtual biodiversity conference on her environmental work with conservACTION project and The Jane Goodall Institute, specifically Roots and Shoots. She joined the leadership team for Alliance For Planet Earth, The

College of Charleston’s sustainability organization, and helped run a climate strike in September. Ayushi continued her love for dance by performing at the Sottile Theatre as James in an excerpt from the ballet La Sylphide Ryleigh Johnson has served as outreach coordinator for Camp Kesem at The University of Mississippi, a national nonprofit for children impacted by parental cancer. Next semester, she will step into her new role as co-director. Carrington Davis advanced to The University of Virginia’s club lacrosse team this semester. She looks forward to traveling to New Orleans in the spring for her team’s biggest tournament of the year. Maggie Rosenblum and Alexandra Touliatos joined the mock trial teams at The University of North Carolina and The University of Oklahoma, respectively. Maggie has argued as a closing attorney and was thrilled to beat her school’s rival, Duke University. Alexandra played an expert witness in aviation studies and mechanical engineering. Caroline West joined The College of William and Mary’s music sorority, Nu Kappa Epsilon, which supports the Songs for Kids Foundation. She is also the assistant manager on the women’s basketball team and a secretary for her housing complex. Nora James Eikner furthered her acting career and performed in the ensemble for Tuck Everlasting at Northwestern University. Nora James connected with fellow thespians in a neo-futurist group known as TBD, where 10 students create their own short plays about themselves and their past experiences, ranging from deep monologues to interactive dance parties with the audience.

Sutton MacQueen ’12, Ellery Ammons ’12, and Makenzie Lester ’21 meet at the Washington, DC alumnae party.

MILESTONES

Marriages

Sally Fri ’74 to Peter Lawless, December 1, 2022

Anabeth Guthrie ’93 to Jean-Philippe Fournier, July 9, 2022

Sarah Henley ’96 to Bradley Swihart, May 21, 2022

Zoë Kahn ’04 to Amos Vernon, June 18, 2022

Rebecca Harris ’05 to Joe Checkler, December 10, 2022

Katie Camille Friedman ’06 to Prakhar Verma, April 9, 2022

Chelsey Diffee ’06 to Matthew Currie, August 27, 2022

Madeline Smith ’06 to Thomas Lanigan, November 19, 2022

Hannah Morehead ’12 to Conor Mageean, November 19, 2022

Lida Kruchten ’13 to Jess Ewald, June 18, 2022

Mary Tuggle ’13 to Russell Martin, May 29, 2022

Caroline Wellford ’14 to Berry Brooks, October 15, 2022

Maryanna Couloubaritsis ’18 to Franco Storino, July 30, 2022

Births/Adoptions

Dash David Diamond to Alicia Daughtery ’98

November 15, 2022

Cosette Elodie Pelletier to Brittany Blockman Pelletier ’99

October 6, 2022

Philip Herbert Donlin to Caroline Gardner Donlin ’01

November 18, 2022

Virginia Wright Prascher to Ann Burruss Prascher ’02

July 20, 2021

Elizabeth Lenoir Foreman to Lizzie Gill Foreman ’03

October 28, 2022

Hamish Augustus Lindores Potton to Laurence Goodwin ’03

October 18, 2022

Amal Khan Shaikh to Saira Khan Shaikh ’03

July 18, 2022

Honest Sunjay Baulig and Hezekiah Nevious Baulig to Emily Wood Baulig ’04

September 19, 2022

Raymond Francis Hanson to Shelby Deeney ’04

December 13, 2021

James Richard Morrison to Taylor Fisher Morrison ’04

September 7, 2022

Shah Khan Ali to Neelam Khan Ali ’06

August 2, 2022

Henry Leland Boggs to Jenay Gipson Boggs ’06

July 1, 2022

Harvey Machin Cooper to Elliott Machin Cooper ’06

August 5, 2022

Anderson Marcus Eby to Rebecca Anderson Eby ’06

February 4, 2022

Webster “Webb” Thomas Arehart to Mary Grace McQuiston

Arehart ’07

December 15, 2022

Neely Ann Larkins to Ginni Fischer Larkins ’07

August 18, 2022

Joseph Orgill Mallory to Kate Smith Mallory ’07

September 21, 2022

Benjamin David Cooper to Kathryn Feder Cooper ’08

December 14, 2022

Sally Fri ’74 married Peter Lawless in December in Aitutaki, Cook Islands.

Rebecca Harris Checkler with Class of 2005 friends at her wedding

Members of the Class of 2006 at Katie Camille Friedman’s wedding

Madeline Smith Lanigan ’06 and husband Thomas Lanigan

MILESTONES

Joseph Walker Hughes to Estes Gould Hughes ’08 October 6, 2022

Henry Augustus Nielsen and Robert Wortham “Worth” Nielsen to Sarah Wortham Nielsen ’08 August 8, 2022

David Andrew Prescott and Bailey Wade Prescott to Beth Zambetti Prescott ’09 July 20, 2022

Acie Clementine Steiner to Wallis Tosi Steiner ’09 September 20, 2022

Charles Fulton Fronterhouse to Katie Kaelin Fronterhouse ’11 December 30, 2022

Ruth Grace Gatliff to Abby McAtee Gatliff ’11 April 14, 2022

Connor Adam Johnson to Sara Phillips Johnson ’11 December 7, 2022

Eleanor Hampton Ashby to Alex Buford Ashby ’12 November 7, 2022

Miles Day Lipari to Julia DeVincenzo Lipari ’12 August 26, 2022

Mallie James Hartness to Elle Prosterman Hartness ’14 October 8, 2022

Scout Ruth O’Malley to Nicole Sanford O’Malley ’14 October 6, 2022

Professional Updates

Donna Osborne Bradley ’74 Ed.D. in Higher Education, Lindenwood University

December 2022

Tricia Hood Thomas ’90 Community Relations Manager, ARS/Rescue Rooter

Sonia Torrey ’95

Earned her LPC-MHSP (Licensed Professional Counselor with a Mental Health Service Provider Designation) in Tennessee

Nupur Sidhu Bal ’98

Named to the Virginia Bar Association Board of Governors

Meg Kinnard Hardee ’98

2022 Oliver S. Gramling Award, highest internal honor of The Associated Press

Jess Pfeffer ’03

Assistant Director of Science and Health Professions Advising, Smith College

Mary Austin Mays Smith ’03

Staff Dentist at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Shelby Deeney ’04

Criminal Defense Associate at Berg Hill Greenleaf Ruscitti LLP

Anum Minhas ’05

Completed a cardiology fellowship as Chief Fellow in June 2022 and joined as an Assistant Professor of Medicine in July 2022 at Johns Hopkins University

Estes Gould Hughes ’08 Vice President of Talent & Innovation at the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama

Rachel McLemore ’08

2021-22 John and Patricia Bailey Family Distinguished Teaching Award, Mount St. Mary Academy in Little Rock, AR

The Class of 2007 celebrates at the wedding of Erin Fowler.

Lida Kruchten ’13 and husband Jess Ewald

Hayley Roth ’13 married Andy Schilling.

Caroline Wellford ’14 with St. Mary’s friends at her wedding

Son of Laurence Goodwin ’03, Hamish, dressed as Elvis

Natalie Jacewicz Kern ’09

Fellow at NYU Law, where she is co-teaching natural resources law

MILESTONES In Memoriam

Jordan Reeve ’09

Credit Support Manager with Caterpillar Financial in Nashville, TN

Abby McAtee Gatliff ’11

Ordained as a Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and installed as Associate Pastor at South Highland Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, AL

Rachel Chu ’13

Communications Manager for the Southern Environmental Law Center’s Charleston office

Sukriti Mohan ’13

Began an ophthalmology residency at the University of Chicago

Anna Peeler ’13

Post-doctoral fellowship at King’s College in London

Olivia Stevens ’13

School-based mental health therapist in D.C.

Postgraduate Degrees

Moriah McStay Lee ’98

Master of Fine Arts, University of Memphis

Atina Rizk Stavropoulos ’04 LLM, University of Virginia

Sukriti Mohan ’13

Doctor of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California

Anna Peeler ’13

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing, Johns Hopkins University

Olivia Stevens ’13

Master of Clinical Mental Health

Counseling, Vanderbilt University

Anna Stukenborg ’13

Master of Education and Education

Specialist, Clemson University

Jane Hill Hopper ’69

ELIZA WELLFORD FLETCHER

November 9, 1987 - September 2, 2022

We remember Junior Kindergarten teacher Liza, who was a ray of light. She loved and nurtured her students with her whole heart. After her death, woman all over the world gathered to honor her life and run together. Liza is survived by husband Richie and sons James and Ford.

FLOYD TYLER

November 16, 1968 - January 23, 2023

We remember Floyd Tyler, a member of St. Mary’s Board of Trustees. Floyd, father of Rian ’24, was President and CIO of Preserver Partners, LLC. An active member of the community, Floyd generously gave his time and support to nonprofits dedicated to education, economic opportunity, and social justice.

At St. Mary’s Episcopal School, we know girls. We know how they learn best. We know what motivates them. We know how they tackle challenges in the classroom and in life. A St. Mary’s education goes beyond academics. We help girls grow into young women of integrity, compassion, and confidence.