Gryphon Gazette 2013-14, Issue 1

Page 1

The

Gryphon Gazette

September 2013

The Newspaper of St. George’s Independent School •

Volume XII, Issue I

The position is filled

Top

Stories Opinion

• Summer reading takes its toll

Features • New administration: Who is doing what?

• Carter steps up as new head coach

• Mrs. Majuri brings

change to co-curriculars

Entertainment • Students rock out to summer concerts

Student Life • Getting to know

your new prefects

St. George’s welcomes new associate head

Dagny Vaughn ’14

O

n an exceptionally humid day at the beginning of August, I sat in the upper school office contemplating the somewhat ominous aura the chairs have about them, caused by the important meetings most of their inhabitants await. Lucky for me, however, my pre-meeting jitters soon subsided when the subject of my particular meeting approached me. With a warm smile and a slightly offbalance handshake due to the computer perched on one arm, Mr. William Bladt greeted me, inquiring if I was a senior and motioning towards his office—a room most of us remember being covered with the face of graduate Ian John during the senior prank not too long ago. Ever since the announced departure of former Associate Head, Mr. J.P. Culley, there has been a buzz about how the school will change without him and, most importantly, who will fill his position. This year students have noted the presence of the mysterious man who seems to appear on campus every once in a while hurried and busy, but never forgetting to address students by name when he sees them. Mr. Bladt, who began working at St. George’s in early July, has been eagerly exploring and learning about every aspect of the school. “This is a dream job for me,” he exclaimed when asked about what sparked his interest applying for the position. “After spending six days here, I fell in love with the people, programs, and culture. This is the kind of education I want my own child to have.” Mr. Bladt is the father of sixteen-month old Allison. Recently from California, the new ad-

Mr. Bladt in his natural habitat.

ministrator and his family have comfortably settled in Memphis and met friendly acceptance from their new community. “Everyone has been thoughtful, generous, and kind in a really authentic way. California is a more fend for yourself type place.” So far, the Bladt’s have been to the Levitt Shell, a Redbird’s game, Majestic Grille, and a majority of the barbeque restaurants Memphis has to offer. Though such a move may seem daunt-

“This is a

dream job for me.”

Photo: Lindsey Cayce

ing to some, Mr. Bladt is not new to adventure. This summer, the family stayed in a small cabin without running water in Vermont. Also, he credits his career in education to the adventurous side of him. Growing up in a rural part of Philadelphia, Mr. Bladt spent lots of time outdoors, often participating in outdoors programs and eventually became a science teacher. When asked if he was planning on becoming involved in SGGO, he eagerly replied, “Oh, I know I will.”

Cont. on Page 6

New dean on the scene Student launches city-wide

Photo: Lindsey Cayce

New dean of students hard at work.

Regan Hewitt ‘14

I

t is one of those sweltering July afternoons, and I am on school grounds, a concept with which I am not entirely comfortable, given that I still have a month before I’m required to be here. However, Ia m here on a mission: to get the truth on the new Upper School Dean of Students, Ms. Jill Reilly.

As I stand in the foyer of St. George’s, I am expecting a lady in heels, ready to give me a short, quick and somewhat rehearsed interview. Instead, I get a woman in khaki shorts and running shoes, with a backpack slung over her shoulder and a firm handshake, who apologizes for the fact that the interview cannot last more than thirty minutes because she has to get over to the St. George’s pool to go swimming with Ms. Kristi Schulz. This is Ms. Reilly, our new Upper School Dean of Students, a job title which she is only confident of because her “business cards came in yesterday.” Known by former students as “strict but fair” and self-described as “nosy, but in a nice way,” Ms. Reilly is all smiles and large hand gestures during the interview, often stopping to refer to her children or poke fun at her former students. However, she is also serious and interested, often giving lengthy answers when a simple word was expected. Above all, Ms. Reilly was quick to assure me that there is no need for alarm: Mr. Tom Densford and his lovely Gryphon puppet will remain on school grounds, but as the Middle School Dean of Students.

Cont. on Page 7

literary magazine Taylor Owens ’15

I

magine this: an online haven for students of all ages and all schools in the greater Memphis area where students can submit their artwork and written work just for the sake of art and literature. This is the imaginative and revolutionary vision of senior Dagny Vaughn. Vaughn wants to break down the barriers between schools by providing a virtual space for students to submit their works to the area’s very first online literary magazine. This digital literary magazine does not call for any specific type of media, is open to all, and exists entirely online. This idea was brought forth from Vaughn’s artistically geared outlook and point of view. Her enthusiasm and determination to create an online world that does not hold judgment and allows artistic and literary freedom has generated a following that is eager to submit their creations.

“My inspiration was the work that I have done with the St. George’s literary magazine and my love for art and literature,” she said. Her hope is “to create a place for people who need an artistic outlet but don’t have the ability to publish their work.” Vaughn has been very active in the St. George’s literary magazine, “Sculpture Garden,” during her junior and current senior year, serving as the art submissions manager and co-editor. “A literary magazine brings together a community of people through their thoughts, and gives them a way to express those thoughts,” said Vaughn. “All artists and writers have the same passion for expression. It is a way to unify this group of people while enriching the community.”

Cont. on Page 4


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Gryphon Gazette 2013-14, Issue 1 by The Lodge - Issuu