Tiger Roar Spring 2022

TigerRoar

THE MAGAZINE OF THE DUNHAM SCHOOL • SPRING 2022

Dear Dunham Family,

I THANK THE GOOD LORD FOR THE PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFUL men and women who helped to found and sustain The Dunham School. I hope that you will feel the same as you read through this 40th anniversary issue of Tiger Roar, which commemorates our school’s history, celebrates our current achievements, and outlines plans for a bright future. In the words of the late Donald Tabb, pastor emeritus of the Chapel on the Campus, “it is unbelievable what God can do in answering the prayers of the simplest of His saints.” God has truly answered those prayers!

As we celebrate 40 years of excellence in Christian education, we are counting the blessings of many answered prayers. Our students continue to excel academically, and our graduates find success in their colleges and chosen professions. Our fine arts performances are exceptional and consistently display the talent of both our faculty and students. Our athletes play with spirit and integrity and are afforded opportunities to play collegiately and professionally.

What a blessing it is to see God’s provision as we reflect on how far we have come from the small school that opened in 1981. Today, Dunham is considered to be the premier Christian school in Baton Rouge and viewed as the single best option for families seeking to educate their children in accordance with their own Christian values. We continue to lean into the faith exhibited by those who consistently prayed for and dreamed about The Dunham School for their children and now their grandchildren.

I am excited about what God has in store for our school as we continue to educate the minds and hearts of scholars, artists, athletes, and leaders for Christ. As you read the pages herein, be reminded of God’s faithfulness and his plans to prosper us and to give us a hope and a future. Please join me in praying that He will continue to bless The Dunham School for the next 40 years and forever!

Head

HEAD OF SCHOOL

Steven A. Eagleton EDITOR

Marguerite Estes Director of Marketing

CONTRIBUTORS

Phyllis Alexander

Steve Eagleton

Allyson Jones Hingle ’92

Linda Spear

Neil Weiner

PHOTOGRAPHY

Phyllis Alexander

Kelly DeRossette

The Gilbert Family

Aaron Hogan/Eye Wander

Christian Johnson ’11

Don Kadair

Amanda McIlwain

Romaguera Photography

The Scout Guide Baton Rouge

Vanderbilt University Athletics and various Dunham constituents

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Barbara Himber

TigerRoar

SPRING 2022

MISSION

The Dunham School seeks to provide students with the opportunity for a college preparatory education set in the framework of Christian education and example.

Tiger Roar magazine is published twice a year by the Office of Marketing and Communications for alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff, and other friends of the School.

Copyright © 2022 The Dunham School. All rights reserved.

Please forward address changes to:

The Dunham School 11111 Roy Emerson Drive Baton Rouge, LA 70810 or christen.blanchard@dunhamschool.org

Stay Connected with Dunham! dunhamschool.org

Non-discriminatory admissions policy.

Celebrating 40 Years of Excellence in Christian Education

by Linda Spear and Marguerite Estes

There is much to celebrate at the 40-year mark. Like the school’s founders, the board and administration look forward in faith to the goodness they know God has in store for The Dunham School’s future.

THE EARLY YEARS

The Dunham School owes its existence to five Baton Rouge families who, in 1979, sought to educate their children in a strong academic program that was decidedly Christian. As the Koch, Love, Michaelson, Snoddy, and Tabb families prayed for the needs of their own children, it became increasingly clear that God was leading them to start a school.

After months of research, which included visiting and gathering information from strong independent, interdenominational schools with long histories of success, the five families established the Baton Rouge Christian Education Foundation in 1980. As they began the daunting task of founding a school, they identified three pillars of purpose—academics, arts, and athletics— all resting upon a foundation of faith in Christ.

On September 1, 1981, The Chapel School opened with 89 students in kindergarten through fifth grade. The name of the school stemmed from the founders’ fervent belief that the center of a Christian school should be its chapel. It was fitting, too, that the school’s first location was at The Chapel on the Campus at Louisiana State University, where students and teachers met in the church’s Sunday School classrooms.

W. Terry Harrison served as the school’s first headmaster. Under his capable leadership, the vision of the founding families came to life. A year later, the foundation purchased the former Hardwicke-McMasters

School property on Lanier Drive. Anticipation grew as parents pitched in to make sure the campus was ready to welcome students for the first day of classes in August 1982.

A PERMANENT LOCATION AND A NEW NAME

By the fall of 1985, with enrollment at 289, The Chapel School had outgrown the Lanier Drive campus. Board members once again relied on prayer as they sought clear direction in finding a new space that would fit the growing school’s needs. God, as always, was faithful in answering their prayers. In February 1986, the foundation purchased the 23-acre property on Roy Emerson Drive occupied by Trafton Academy, which would be closing at the end of the 1985-1986 school year.

The move to the new campus allowed for the addition of a high school program and also brought about a name change. When The Chapel Schools/Trafton Academy opened in the fall of 1986, new Headmaster Rob Gustafson worked tirelessly to blend the Trafton and

The Chapel School opens at The Chapel on the Campus Church with 89 students in kindergarten through fifth grade and 11 teachers and staff. That same year, Trafton Academy opened its high school on Roy Emerson Drive, the current site of The Dunham School.

The Chapel

Rob Gustafson’s tenure, the motto “educating the mind and the heart” was adopted, and the school’s mission and philosophy of education were further refined into a blueprint for excellence in Christian education.

Central to the school’s philosophy was the assertion that teachers, mature in their Christian faith and professional growth, were the key to fulfilling the school’s mission by serving not only as instructors but as role models and mentors. Addressing issues from a Christian perspective would allow students the opportunity to synthesize information and understand more about themselves and the world around them from a Christian worldview.

In 1988, the school officially became The Chapel Trafton School and received accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). Shortly thereafter, Rob Gustafson accepted the headship at Trinity

then & now

Christian School in Dallas, and the board appointed Upper School Principal Mike Avant as interim head.

A TIME OF TRANSITION

The school’s third headmaster, Dr. J. Robert Mayfield, began his tenure in June 1989. Although enrollment had grown to 354 students, the young school still struggled to meet operational needs and reduce accumulated debt. In early 1990, the board entered into negotiations to reduce the balance of the property debt. God once again was faithful by bringing about an agreement that was acceptable to all involved.

It was at this point that Bob Mayfield approached longtime supporter Katharine O. Dunham who generously agreed to make a substantial donation that would significantly reduce the school’s debt. Chapel Trafton families responded faithfully to make up the difference between Mrs. Dunham’s gift and the remaining debt balance—plus

The Chapel School moves to the former Hardwicke-McMasters School property on Lanier Drive.

The Chapel School purchases the Trafton Academy campus on Roy Emerson Drive in February and opens in the fall as The Chapel Schools/Trafton Academy.

School families without compromising the founders’ original mission and Christian identity. During

The Chapel School’s original mascot was a lion. The mascot was changed to a tiger in 1986, after the purchase of the Trafton Academy campus.

Statement of Faith

Since its founding, The Dunham School’s statement of faith has been based upon the following seven biblical holdings:

1. We believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments in the original languages to be the inspired Word of God, the final authority for faith and life, inerrant and infallible. (Matthew 5:18; II Timothy 3:16-17)

2. We believe in one Triune God, eternally existing in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, co-eternal in being, co-identical in nature, and co-equal in power and glory. (Genesis 1:1; Matthew 3:16-17; 2 Corinthians 13:14)

3. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ became man without ceasing to be God, having been conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin, Mary, in order that He might reveal God and redeem sinful men.

(John 1:1-2, 14:18; Acts 4:10-12)

4. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ accomplished our redemption through His death on the cross as our vicarious sacrifice and that our justification is made sure by his literal physical resurrection from the dead.

(Romans 3:24-25; Hebrews 9:21-22)

5. We believe that salvation is the free gift of God brought to man by grace and received by personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, whose precious blood was shed on Calvary for the forgiveness of our sins.

(Ephesians 2:9-10; 2 Peter 1:18-19)

6. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ ascended into heaven, is now exalted at the right hand of God and that He is coming again visibly and bodily. (Acts 1:9-11)

7. We believe in the bodily resurrection of all men; the saved to eternal life and the unsaved to judgment and everlasting punishment. (John 11:25-26; Revelation 20:11-15)

an additional $26.31 contributed by students, including one lower school boy who emptied his piggy bank in support of his school. His touching gesture remains representative of the sacrifice willingly exhibited by loyal families throughout the school’s history.

When Dr. Mayfield resigned in 1991, the board decided to operate the school through an administrative leadership team composed of Ken Worsham, Connie Bradford, and Linda Spear. Following Bradford’s departure, Dr. Melanie Ezell joined the team. A successful

capital campaign allowed the school to make muchneeded repairs and improvements to the aging campus while another considerable gift provided the seed money for a new library and computer center, the first major capital project to be completed on the Roy Emerson campus.

In July of 1996, the board voted to rename the school The Dunham School in honor of Mrs. Dunham’s generosity and began a search for a new head of school. James Adare, the school’s fourth headmaster, arrived in

1987

The Tigers win the school’s first state championship titles in basketball and baseball.

1988

The name of the school changes to The Chapel Trafton School.

then & now

1997. During his tenure, he raised the bar for academic excellence by initiating a stronger writing program and making changes to the math and world language curricula. The addition of the Harkness Method of instruction as well as the advisory and prefect programs further refined The Dunham School’s distinctive approach to education.

Following Jim Adare’s departure in 2003, Dr. Melanie Ezell served as interim head for the next three years. In 2005, The Dunham School was one of only four kindergarten through 12th-grade private schools in the nation to be recognized as a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by the U.S. Department of Education.

AN ERA OF GROWTH AND TRANSFORMATION

In June of 2006, Bobby Welch arrived as the sixth head of school and ushered in an era of tremendous growth. Much-needed campus improvements, including

The school is renamed The Dunham School in honor of longtime supporter Mrs. Katharine O. Dunham.

the construction of the McKay Academic Center, the Brown-Holt Chapel Arts Center, a new lower school, and a competition gym, resulted in a transformation of the school’s fine arts, athletic, and academic programs.

Expanded fine arts offerings in theatre, band, choir, art, and dance provided students with the opportunity to flourish under the tutelage of talented professional arts instructors and brought Broadway-caliber productions to the main stage in the Brown-Holt Chapel Arts Center. Students on any one of the 13 varsity sport teams were able to train and compete in athletic facilities that grew to include two full-size gymnasiums, a 12,000 square foot athletic center with weight and training rooms, a football and soccer stadium, a baseball complex with an indoor batting pavilion, and a softball field.

In 2009, the school entered into a partnership with Apple, Inc. to implement a 1-to-1 technology program and in 2011 received the first of seven consecutive Apple

1999

1997

Harkness learning, a student-centered and discussion-based teaching method, is implemented.

1996

A new library and computer center opens, the first major capital project completed on the Roy Emerson campus.

Distinguished School Awards—a distinction held by only a few other schools nationally and abroad. A continued commitment to academic excellence led to the growth of the Advanced Placement® (AP) program, and the addition of the McKay Academic Center for Excellence provided students with learning differences access to the type of individualized support needed for academic success.

By the time current Head of School Steven A. Eagleton was appointed in May of 2015, the average ACT score for Dunham students had increased to 26, with the top 20 percent of the senior class earning an average score of 31.3. The school’s strong college preparatory program combined with an individualized approach to college placement resulted in students gaining admission into the college or university of their choice, with many of them earning substantial scholarship offers to attend.

STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM TITLES

1987

BOYS BASKETBALL BASEBALL

1998

BOYS BASKETBALL

2003

GIRLS TENNIS

2004

FOOTBALL

2005

VOLLEYBALL

2015

BOYS GOLF

2018

BOYS BASKETBALL BOYS TENNIS

2019

BOYS TENNIS

2020

BOYS BASKETBALL

2021

BOYS BASKETBALL BOYS TENNIS

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY

The Robinson Administration Building and the McKay Academic Center for Excellence are completed. Since its inception, the MAC has helped students with learning differences receive the support they need to succeed academically.

2005

The U.S. Department of Education names The Dunham School a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence.

2007

Headmaster Jim Adare reinstituted the prefect program in the late 1990s. Each summer these senior student leaders take an annual trip to prepare for the upcoming school year.

THE DUNHAM SCHOOL TODAY

In 1981, The Dunham School was founded with a singular mission—to educate the mind and heart for Christ. That mission has been at the center of everything the school has done since its humble beginnings with 89 students to where it stands today, 785 students strong with more the 2,000 alumni across the country.

academic program that now includes STEM, robotics, coding, and virtual reality.

Under Steve Eagleton’s skillful and visionary leadership, the school has gained recognition not only as a leader in Christian education but also as one of the most innovative and technologically advanced schools in the country—one that prides itself on meeting the needs of the individual student while delivering a high-quality

A new state-of-the art lower school building is constructed to house students in prekindergarten through fourth grade. Through a partnership with Apple, Inc., a 1-to-1 technology initiative is implemented, leading to a transformation of the school’s teaching and learning environment.

Small classes mean students receive personal attention from talented teachers who know and pray for them by name. A focus on student safety, health, and wellbeing has led to increased safety training for faculty and staff as well as the addition of an athletic trainer, a school nurse, and two school counselors.

Dunham students continue to receive recognition each year from the College Board’s AP Scholar Program and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. With

The Dunham School receives its first Apple Distinguished School Award for the use of innovation in learning and becomes a model for other schools looking to grow their technology programs.

graduates now attending some of the finest colleges across the country and abroad, the impact of their Dunham experience can be felt far and wide as they find success in their chosen fields and make a difference in their communities.

The school’s outstanding fine arts program sparks creativity and reflects the beauty of God’s world. A strong athletic program unleashes confidence and trains students to compete and win at the highest levels with honor and integrity, resulting in a record number team or individual state championship titles in basketball, cross country, golf, swimming, and tennis in the last two years.

While there is much to celebrate at the 40-year mark, a review of the current strategic plan makes it clear that the school has no intention of sitting still, as evidenced by the successful launch of the Dunham Early Learning Center earlier this year. Additional plans are in place to upgrade facilities, enhance program offerings, and provide ongoing faculty support. Like the school’s founders, the board and administration look forward in faith to the goodness they know God has in store for The Dunham School.

then & now

2014

The Brown-Holt Chapel Arts Center opens, housing a 600-seat theater, a black box theater, and band, choir, and studio art spaces. In addition to hosting fine arts performances, the Brown-Holt serves as a place for community worship and prayer.

The competition gym is completed. Since that time, the varsity boys basketball team has claimed three Division III state titles, and the girls basketball and volleyball teams have won district championships.

Dunham seniors gain acceptances to a wide range of colleges and universities, including the Ivy Leagues.

Cited as one of the most innovative schools in the country, the school is selected to participate in national research projects by Gallup, Inc., and Apple.

The school receives its seventh consecutive Apple Distinguished School Award. Dunham is the only school in Louisiana, and one of only a few in the nation, to hold seven awards.

Students and alumni launch confetti cannons as part of a yearlong celebration of The Dunham School’s 40th Anniversary.

School Founders & Heads of School

SCHOOL FOUNDERS

HEADS OF SCHOOL

The Dunham School was founded by a visionary group of leaders who believed Baton Rouge was in need of a new kind of school, one that was both unabashedly Christian and academically demanding.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the school quickly transitions to distance learning in March. Over the summer, the administration works in partnership with Ochsner Medical to develop health protocols that allow the school to reopen safely for face-to-face learning in August.

The launch of the Dunham Early Childhood Center for two-year-olds is announced. The Dunham School opens the 2021-2022 school year with an enrollment of 785 students and begins a yearlong celebration to commemorate its 40th anniversary.

John Koch

Dr. Fred Michaelson

Reverend Dicky Love

Reverend Donald Tabb

Richard Snoddy

Bobby Welch 2006–2015

Steve Eagleton 2015–Present

Terry Harrison 1981–1986

Bob Mayfield 1989–1991

Rob Gustafson 1986–1989

Jim Adare 1997–2003

Melanie Ezell 2003–2006

Current and Former Trustees

Thank you to our current and former board members for their years of faithful service.

CURRENT BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Scott Bardwell ’91

Board Chair

Blair Gremillion

Vice Chair

Carli Nesheiwat

Secretary

John Miller

Treasurer

Taylor Bennett

Brian Dantin ’96

Gerrit Dawson

Brad Dutruch

David Fleshman ’04

Chris Hicks

Tory Johnson

Melissa Mann

Courtney Murphy

Scott Quirk

Sophia Riley

FORMER TRUSTEES

Phyllis Alexander

Princeton Bardwell

Dewitt Bateman

Kathy Biedenharn

St. Clair Bienvenu

Gary Black*

Deborah Blume

Leslie Bostick

Chris Bourgeois*

David Brantley

Pete Broussard

Lee Burns*

Charles Clary

Randy Collard

Tom Cook

Leo D’Aubin

Loyd Daniel

Layne Dodd

Lee Domingue

Victor Donald

Chad Dudley

Bucky Elofson

James Emery

Leigh Ann Evans

Bryan Evans

Sean Fagan

Janet FaKouri

Andy Farris*

Gerald Garrison

Stanley Gavin*

Gary Gilbert*

Jerry Goss

Lawrence Green

Craig Greene

Jack Hart

Weldon Hill

Kenneth Hornsby*

Al Jones

Trudy Kiggans

Johnny Koch

Steve Lagarde*

Dicky Love

Phelps Madison

Frank Manale

Tonni McCollister

Julio Melara

Freddy Michaelson*

John P. Miller

John M. Miller

Henry Mills

Mike Montalbano

Bill Myers*

James Perry

Bill Peters

Gary Phillips

Sandra Prewitt

Louis Quinn

Ronnie Richard

Larry Roedel

Jack Rome*

Tom Senyard

Charlotte Smith

Richard Snoddy*

Donald Tabb

Jeff Tanguis

Tommy Teepell

John Temple

Jeff Tessier

Stephen Wallace*

Robert Welch

Brent Yoes

Members of the 2021-2022 Board of Trustees include (front row, from left) Gerrit Dawson, Melissa Mann, Courtney Murphy, Scott Quirk, (second row) Carli Nesheiwat, Sophia Riley, (third row) John Miller, Brian Dantin ’96, David Fleshman ’04, Brad Dutruch, (fourth row) Tory Johnson, Blair Gremillion, Head of School Steve Eagleton (ex-officio), and Scott Bardwell ’91. Not pictured: Taylor Bennett and Chris Hicks.

Dunham Seniors Earn National Merit Recognition

by Phyllis Alexander

The Dunham School is pleased to announce that seniors Joshua Harris and Devyani Vij have been named finalists in this year’s National Merit Scholarship Program. In addition, seniors Maddie Benton, Sydney Boudreaux, Connor Eagleton, and Patrick Murphy have been named National Merit Commended Students.

“Congratulations to these six academically talented seniors who embody the pursuit of excellence in all things, which we value greatly at Dunham. Each of these students is an accomplished scholar; they also are talented artists and musicians, highly competitive athletes, and servant leaders on our campus. We are extremely proud of them and their well-earned National Merit recognition,” said Head of Upper School Amanda McIlwain

As finalists, Joshua and Devyani have the opportunity to continue in the competition to receive one of the 7,500 National Merit Scholarships, worth nearly $31 million, that will be awarded later this spring.

High school students enter the National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT-NMSQT) in the fall of their junior year. Of the nearly 1.7 million high school juniors who took the PSAT last October, approximately three percent qualified as National Merit Commended Students or Semifinalists. The nationwide pool of 16,000 semifinalists represents less than one percent of current high school seniors.

Maddie Benton ’22

Sydney Boudreaux ’22

Connor Eagleton ’22

Joshua Harris ’22

Patrick Murphy ’22

Devyani Vij ’22

Upper School Students Honored for Academic Excellence

by Phyllis Alexander

Four Upper School students have been designated as National African American Recognition Program Scholars by the College Board. Congratulations to Gabriel Bostick ’22, Taylor Fitch ’22, Kennedy Morgan ’22, and Grace Robvais ’23, who earned this recognition as a result of their overall academic achievements and outstanding performance on the PSAT/ NMSQT and/or Advanced Placement® exams.

This program recognizes academically exceptional African American students who have scored in the top 10 percent of the state on the PSAT or earned a score of 3 or higher on two or more Advanced Placement exams by their junior year. In addition, they also must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.

Young Writers Win State Award

Over the summer, we learned that three current fifth-graders wrote winning pieces for the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act’s Wetlands Writing Contest as fourth-graders. Jenna Parsons ’29 and Charlotte Comeaux ’29 placed second and third respectively for their personal narratives

while Ryan Leach ’29 won third place for his fictional story.

The contest, which was open to kindergarteners through fourth-graders statewide, asked students to write a poem, a personal narrative, or a fictional story centered on the beauty and importance of Louisiana’s coastal wetlands.

Gabriel Bostick ’22

Taylor Fitch ’22

Kennedy Morgan ’22

Grace Robvais ’23

2021 AP Scholars

ELEVEN CURRENT UPPER SCHOOL STUDENTS

and eight graduates from the Class of 2021 have been nationally recognized as 2021 Advanced Placement® (AP) Scholars by the College Board based on their outstanding performances on AP exams. In May 2021, 51 Dunham students sat for 92 AP exams with 86 percent earning a score of 3 or higher on a five-point scale, making them eligible to receive college credit, upper-level placement, or both. The average score of all tests taken by Dunham students was 3.5.

The College Board created the AP program in 1955 to provide students with the opportunity to earn college credit for coursework completed during their high school careers.

AP SCHOLAR WITH DISTINCTION

Awarded to students who earn an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on five or more exams.

Maddie Benton ’22

Sydney Boudreaux ’22

Reagan Courville ’21

Rhett Greer ’21

Joshua Harris ’22

Charles Roemer ’21

Devyani Vij ’22

Raveena Vij ’21

AP SCHOLAR WITH HONOR

Awarded to students earning an average score of 3.25 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more exams.

Henry Hays ’21

Campbell Smith ’21

Aubrey Sorrells ’22

AP SCHOLAR

Awarded to students who earn scores of 3 or more on at least three exams.

Gabriel Bostick ’22

Taylor Fitch ’22

Jackson Ford ’23

Logan Fox ’22

Kennedy Morgan ’22

Patrick Murphy ’22

Miles Pelton ’21

Maddie Benton ’22

Gabriel Bostick ’22

Miles Pelton ’21

Charles Roemer ’21

Logan Fox ’22

Rhett Greer ’21

Sydney Boudreaux ’22

Taylor Fitch ’22

Reagan Courville ’21

Jackson Ford ’23

Campbell Smith ’21

Devyani Vij ’22

Aubrey Sorrells ’22

Raveena Vij ’21

Joshua Harris ’22

Kennedy Morgan ’22

Henry Hays ’21

Patrick Murphy ’22

Mathletes

Achievements

Members of Mu Alpha

Theta gather after the math tournament at Baton Rouge Magnet High School. Pictured are (front, from left)

Grace Robvais ’23, Elizabeth McDonald ’23, (middle) Kari

Johnson ’23, Adrian

Raymond ’24, Amelia Farguson ’23, (back)

Josh Harris ’22, Ben Barton ’24, Mallory Golightly ’24, Katie Harris ’24, and Kai Washington ’24

MATH SCHOLARS DEMONSTRATE THEIR WINNING SKILLS

Dunham’s Mu Alpha Theta team demonstrated their sizzling math skills at three winter competitions. At the Baton Rouge Magnet High School Math Tournament, Josh Harris ’22 and Devyani Vij ’22 placed second in Calculus B, while Ben Barton ’24 and Adrian Raymond ’24 earned Honorable Mention in PreCalculus.

At the Catholic High Math Tournament, Josh and Devyani, along with Samy Mirpuri ’24, took second place in both the team Calculus B event and the Upper Interschool competition. Josh also placed third in Calculus BC, and Samay received Honorable Mention in Calculus AB.

Selected eighth-grade mathletes also competed in the

Catholic High Tournament with Andrew Bardwell ’26, Sadie Snyder ’26, and Samantha Talbot ’26 placing third in the Algebra 1 event. Andrew, Sadie, Samantha, Camille Istre ’26, Londyn Thibodeaux ’26, and Elliot Trahan ’26 also captured third place in the Middle School Interschool competition.

Upper and Middle School students also participated in the Episcopal Math Tournament, where Aiden Fee ’26 took home first place in Geometry; Josh Harris placed third in Calculus B; Neil Singh ’26 was awarded Honorable Mention in Algebra 1; and the team of Fee and Ryland Carruth ’26 placed second in Geometry.

National Junior Honor Society Officers

The 2021-2022 National Junior Honor Society officers are (from left) An Nguyen ’26, secretary, Camille Istre ’26, vice president, and Aiden Fee ’26, president.

Andrew Bardwell ’26, Elliott Trahan ’26, Sadie Snyder ’26, Samantha Talbot ’26, Londyn Thibodeaux ’26, and Camille Istre ’26

Josh Harris ’22, Samy Mirpuri ’24, and Devyani Vij ’22

TIGERBOTS

The fifth- and sixth-grade Tigerbots team brought their A-game to the First Lego League Robotics Challenge held at LSU in the fall. As a result of their performance on a variety of challenges, the Tigerbots qualified to advance to the regionals in New Orleans. Pictured above are (from left) Liam Bumpus

, Cash

Alex

SENIOR CREATES FINANCIAL APP FOR TEENS

After her acceptance into the Young Entrepreneurs Academy of Baton Rouge last fall, Devyani Vij ’22 developed a business plan to launch Moola, a financial literacy app she created for teenagers. In March, she participated in the academy’s Community Pitch where a Shark Tank-like panel of investors awarded her $2,000 to start up her business. Devyani plans to study financial engineering at Columbia University next year.

LITERARY JOURNAL

Original student fiction, poetry, and artwork is featured in the latest issue of The Dunham Literary Journal. The 2021–2022 Literary Journal staff pictured are (seated, from left) Catherine Van Haute ’22, Maddie Benton ’22, Laine Sullivan ’22, Aubrey Sorrells ’22, Suhi Rachamallu ’22, (standing) Anna Dodd ’23, Adele Talbot ’22, Lyndsy Joseph ’23, Elizabeth McDonald ’23, Katie Harris ’23, and Rachel Stanger ’23. To view the online publication, visit bit.ly/LiteraryJournal0222.

’29

Guidroz ’29,

Gustafson ’28, Noah Anders ’28, Christian Smith ’29, and Landon Snyder ’28

MIDDLE SCHOOL HOUSE CAPTAINS Congratulations to our 2021-2022 Middle School House Captains (from left) Megan Harman ’26, Lucy Courter ’26, Georgia Theriot ’26, and Ella Bremer ’26

MARTIN joined the development team as director of annual giving. In this role, she oversees all fundraising efforts for The Dunham Fund. Ciara comes to Dunham from Woman’s Hospital, where she most recently served as a philanthropy officer responsible for coordinating employee giving and working one-on-one with donors to increase support for the hospital’s annual giving campaign.

joined the Dunham staff in Nvember as director of maintenance and operations. He is responsible for managing the day-today operations of the physical plant, including maintenance, facilities management, and campus construction. Wes has more than 20 years of experience in comprehensive plant management and operations and most recently served as industrial and engineering manager at MP Materials in Mountain Pass, Ca.

Thank you, Dunham teachers!

Dunham faculty and staff kicked of the 2021-2022 school year by raising more than $38,000 for The Dunham Fund and once again reaching 100% participation in annual giving. Pictured are (from left) Charlie Turner, Mitch McIlwain ’94, Elizabeth Robin, Amy Dykes

NANCY LITTLE joined the development staff in Mach as director of alumni and corporate fundraising, assuming responsibility for the school’s alumni programming and corporate sponsorship program. Nancy most recently served as assistant director of individual giving for Houston Ballet in Houston, Texas, and brings 20 years of experience in fundraising, volunteer management, and event planning.

KRIS HARRELL Upper School history teacher Kris Harrell has been named an ambassador by Wakelet, an online learning platform that helps teachers and students to organize and curate relevant content from across the web. As a Wakelet ambassador, Kris will have the opportunity to receive advanced training, present at conferences, and share his knowledge with other platform users.

, and Deidra Johnson

CIARA

WES DUNAWAY

LOWER SCHOOL (front row, from left) Maggie Hoover, Maya Doucet, Tiffany Spears, Heather McGrew, (back) Kaitlyn Blough, Suzanne Crawford, Haley LeBlanc, and Mariah Stewart. Not pictured: Angela Mitchell

MIDDLE SCHOOL Haley Carville, Rebecca Graugnard, Calob Linedecker, and Shanel Martin. Not pictured: Sandy Villar

UPPER SCHOOL (front, from left) Suzanne Granger, Meagan Meyers, Calob Lindecker, (back) Charlie Turner, Travis Arledge, and Chris Lopiparo

The Dunham School was excited to start the school year by welcoming a group of talented and dedicated new teachers in each division.

FINE ARTS

Theatre

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

THE UPPER SCHOOL PRODUCTION of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe brought the magic and mystery of C.S. Lewis’ classic tale to life as Lucy (Madeline Murphy ’25), Edmund (Hayden Hingle ’24), Peter (Charlie Dantin ’24), and Susan (Anna Kathryn Slaton ’22) traveled through Narnia and battled the White Witch (Elizabeth McDonald ’23) with Aslan the Great (Jeremiah Blanchard ’24).

Seussical JR

THE POWER OF FRIENDSHIP, LOYALTY, AND LOVE took center stage in the Lower and Middle School production of Seussical JR, where a colorful cast of characters banded together to save the Whos, free Horton, and restore peace and unity to the Jungle of Nool.

FINE Arts VISUAL ARTS • DANCE • MUSIC

ALL STATE ORCHESTRA After a rigorous round of auditions, cellist Adrian Raymond ‘24 earned a place in the All-State Orchestra, sponsored by the Louisiana Music Educators Association (LMEA). In addition, the talented sophomore, who also plays the flute in the Dunham band, was invited to perform with the Louisiana Youth Orchestra.

IMPROV The Upper School Improv Show in December delighted audiences with scenes, quick dialogue, and action made up on the spot.

NUTCRACKER Congratulations to Rachel Stanger ’23, Brooklyn Greene ’30, Lila Grace Badeaux ’24, Genevieve McCullough ’31, Adeline Mann ’31, and Eleanor McCullough ’29 who were selected to perform in Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre’s Nutcracker—A Tale from the Bayou.

FOURTH GRADE Colorful fourth-grade Egyptian art lined the halls as part of the Lower School’s cultural study of art history.

HONOR CHOIR

Kessie Stewart ’24, Alaina McCarthy ’23, Caroline Latuso ’22, Layne Tassin ’22, Simone Riley ’23, and Emmie Stevens ’22, pictured with choir teacher Brittany Carroll, earned spots in the District IV Honor Choir.

CHOIR SWEEPSTAKES TROPHY Congratulations to Dunham choir director Brittany Carroll and her fabulous ensemble of singers who received the Sweepstakes Trophy for their performance at the LMEA District IV Large Ensemble Assessment festival in March.

ALL-STATE CHOIR The Louisiana Music Educators Association (LMEA) selected Kessie Stewart ’24, Alaina McCarthy ’23, Carolina Latuso ’22, and Emmie Stevens ’23 to perform with the All-State Choir in February.

State Champions!

A thletics

CROSS COUNTRY BOYS TEAM WINS STATE CHAMPIONSHIP!

by Phyllis Alexander

IT WAS NOT ONLY THE CLOSEST RACE at the Oschner/LHSAA

Cross Country State meet but a historic one as the Dunham boys team edged Episcopal by one point to win their first Class 2A state title. The win also ended the Knights’ national-best streak of 25 straight titles.

John Walker McDonald ’22 won the 2A individual title for the second consecutive year with a winning time of 16:24.8. McDonald took the lead during the second mile and held a comfortable 12-second lead going into the third mile.

“Winning again as an individual was great … but that feeling is nothing compared to winning as a team,” McDonald said. “Being part of the first state winning team in school history is so special. I am so proud of all of my other teammates who killed it at state.” McDonald added, “Being the team who broke Episcopal’s 25-year streak is super cool. They are the definition of winning for Louisiana cross country regardless of class. We knew they would come out swinging, but we were able to find a way to win. Honestly, it’s the best way to end my Dunham cross country career, and I am grateful for it.”

Last summer, Coach Aaron Nasers cast a vision for the team that finished a close second at the 2020 state meet. “I cannot say enough about my guys. I knew we could compete at state with even more focus and passion if we concentrated on what we could do, not on the other team. I challenged them to become the best we could be, run our race, and do so for the right reasons to give glory and honor to God,” Nasers said.

The Tigers finished the race with three runners in the top ten—McDonald in first place, Antonio Delgado ’22 in fifth place, and Reese Davis ’23 in tenth place. In post-season, several runners received Academic All-State, All-State, and All-Metro honors (see full list on page 32).

THE GIRLS TEAM ALSO HAD THEIR FIRST TOP TEN FINISH EVER placing ninth. Led by three-time All-State runner Riley Ries ’23 (who placed fifth), the

exceeded expectations and laid the groundwork for a strong 2022 season.

John Walker McDonald ’22 won his second individual state championship title.

girls team

The boys cross country team celebrates their state championship win. Pictured are (back) Tyler Thibodeaux ’24, Ethan Courter ’24, Reese Davis ’23, John Walker McDonald ’22, Taylor Brasell ’24, Antonio Delgado 22, Phillip Van Haute ’22, (front) Jax Ott ’24, Mason Elliott ’24, Gus Van Haute ’24, and Aaron Allee ’24

Congratulations to Cross Country Coach Aaron Nasers, the 2021 Advocate All Metro Coach of the Year.

VARSITY SWIMMERS CLAIM SIX

INDIVIDUAL STATE

TITLES

by Phyllis Alexander

Records were set, personal best times achieved, and top individual honors won as Dunham’s small but fierce boys team swam their hearts out to claim six individual titles and capture second place overall at the 2021 Division IV State Swim Meet.

The Aqua Tigers, competing with just eight swimmers, had three double state champions in Tiago Faleiros ’22, (50 and 100 freestyles), Patrick Murphy ’22 (200 individual medley, 100 breaststroke) and Reed Jantzi ’22 (100 backstroke, 100 butterfly). The three state champs, along with Lawrence Watts ’22, also set a division record in the 200-medley relay.

Tiago Faleiros shared Division IV Outstanding Boy Swimmer of the Meet honors with Patrick Murphy, who set who set Division IV records in the 100 breaststroke in the preliminaries

and the 200 individual medley in the finals.

“It was an excellent day, “ Coach Daniel Zielinski said. “I am thrilled that we swam so well in the finals.”

Earlier in the season, the team celebrated a number of wins at the City Meet, where Tiago Faleiros captured first place in the 100 breaststroke and 50 freestyle, and Patrick Murphy took first place in the 100 butterfly and 100 backstroke, while Reed Jantzi placed second in the 100 breastroke and 50 freestyle. The relay team of Faleiros, Jantzi, Murphy, and Watts won both the 200 and 400 freestyle relays.

Post-season honors went to Patrick Murphy and Tiago Faleiros, who were named All-Metro. Patrick was also named Academic All-State.

The varsity boys swim team finished the season as the Division IV State Runner Up. Picture are (standing from left) Coach Hilary Morris, Tiago Falieros ’22, Lawrence Watts ’22, Reed Jantzi ’22, Patrick Murphy ’22, Coach Daniel Zielinksi, (front) Lucian Pham ’27, Christian Cowen ’25, Hayden Hingle ’24, and Adrian Raymond ’24

Patrick Murphy ’22 and Tiago Faleiros ’22 share Outstanding Swimmer of the Meet honors at the Division IV State Championship.

Reed Jantzi ’22, Lawrence Watts ’22, Tiago Faleiros ’22, and Patrick Murphy ’22 set a division record in the 200-medley at the state meet and took first place in both the 200 and 400 freestyle relays at the City Meet.

A thletics

FALL 2021 ATHLETIC AWARDS

CROSS COUNTRY

FOOTBALL

The 2021 football Tigers ended their season in the state quarterfinals, losing a hardfought game to the eventual state champions, St. Charles Catholic. A season opening win versus Parkview Baptist, a thrilling overtime homecoming victory over Southern Lab, and 62-9 win against Holy Savior Menard in the regional round of the playoffs were the biggest on-the-field wins. In post-season, Kalante Wilson ’23 was named All-District MVP. Braden Augustus ’23, Colin Boldt ’23, Jordan Dupre ’22, Hayden Hand ’22, Hayden Harman ’23, Jake Rizzo ’23, Kalante Wilson ’22, and Matthew Weiner ’22 received All-District 1st Team recognition, and James Baldwin ’23 and Malachi Jackson ’24 were named to the All-District 2nd Team. All-District Honorable Mention went to Pena Albert ’23, Sione Albert ’24, Michael Bardwell ’22, Collin Franta ’23, Laramie Guidry ’24, Aidan Lambert ’22, and Lawrence Watts ’22

LOOK FOR WINTER AND SPRING SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS IN OUR NEXT ISSUE!

2021 UNDEFEATED VOLLEYBALL DISTRICT CHAMPIONS

It was a historical season for the Lady Tigers volleyball team who served, set, and smashed their way to the Division IV state semifinals. The 2021 undefeated district champions ended the season 34-6, racking up the most wins in school history. Coach Donna Pixley was named District Coach of the Year. Madison Stephens ’23 was named District Defensive MVP, while teammate Ava Ricks ’23 claimed the District Offensive MVP title. Madison, Ava, and Caylin Pixley ’23 were named All-State, All-Metro, and All-District. All-Metro honors went to Rhaia Davey ’23, who also was named to the All-District Team along with Nandi Huggins ’23 and Kennedy Stewart ’24 Jada Hayes ’23 and Sarah Stringfellow ’23 received All-District Honorable Mention.

MVP

John Walker McDonald ’22

Riley Ries ’23

Coach’s Award

Antonio Delgado ’22

Stella Turner ’26

Tiger Tradition

Maddie Benton ’22

Joshua Harris ’22

FOOTBALL

MVP

Colin Boldt ’23

Kalante Wilson ’22

Coach’s Award

Lawrence Watts ’22

Hayden Hand ’22

Tiger Tradition

Matthew Weiner ’22

SWIMMING

MVP

Tiago Falieros ’22

Coach’s Award

Reed Jantzi ’22

Tiger Tradition

Patrick Murphy ’22

VOLLEYBALL

MVP

Caylin Pixley ’23

Ava Ricks ’23

Madison Stephens ’23

Coach’s Award

Rhaia Davey ’23

Tiger Tradition

Nandi Huggins ’23

CONGRATULATIONS to our senior athletes who have signed letters of intent to compete at the collegiate level next year.

Patrick Murphy

Washington and Lee University | Swimming

CROSS COUNTRY

LHSAA CLASS 2A BOYS

TEAM STATE CHAMPIONS

LHSAA Class 2A Individual State Champion

John Walker McDonald ’22

All-Metro Coach of the Year

Aaron Nasers

Academic All-State

Maddie Benton ’22

Antonio Delgado ’22

Joshua Harris ’22

John Walker McDonald ’22

All-State

Antonio Delgado ’22

Reese Davis ’23

John Walker McDonald ’22

Riley Ries ’23

All-Metro

John Walker McDonald ’22

Riley Ries ’23

FOOTBALL

Laine Sullivan

Baton Rouge Community College | Softball

Matthew Weiner

Louisiana Tech | Football

2021 - 2022 ATHLETIC HONORS

Hayden Hand ’22

Academic All-State

Hayden Hand ’22

Lawrence Watts ’22

Matthew Weiner ’22

All-State Honorable Mention

Kalante Wilson ’22

Louisiana Football Coaches Association All-State

Jake Rizzo ’23

Kalante Wilson ’22

Matthew Weiner ’22

Sports Writers All-State Honorable Mention

Matthew Weiner ’22

All-Metro 1st Team

Kalante Wilson ’22

Jake Rizzo ’23

All-District Offensive MVP

Kalante Wilson ’22

All-District 1st Team

Braden Augustus ’23

Colin Boldt ’23

Jordan Dupre ’22

Hayden Harman ’23

Jake Rizzo ’23

Kalante Wilson ’22

Matthew Weiner ’22

All-District 2nd Team

James Baldwin ’23

Malachi Jackson ’24

All-District Honorable Mention

Pena Albert ’23

Sione Albert ’24

Michael Bardwell ’22

Collin Franta ’23

Laramie Guidry ’24

Aidan Lambert ’22

Lawrence Watts ’22

SWIMMING

LHSAA Division IV Boys

Team State Runner Up

LHSAA Division IV State Champion 50m Freestyle

LSHAA Division IV; State Champion 100m Freestyle

Tiago Faleiros ’22

LHSAA Division IV State Champion 100m Backstroke; LHSAA Division IV State Champion 100m Butterfly Reed Jantzi ’22

LHSAA Division IV State Champion 100m Breaststroke; LHSAA Division IV State Champion 200m

Individual Medley

Patrick Murphy ’22

Academic All-State

Patrick Murphy ’22

All-Metro 1st Team

Tiago Falieros ’22

Patrick Murphy ’22

VOLLEYBALL

2021 DISTRICT CHAMPIONS

District Coach of the Year

Donna Pixley

District Defensive MVP

Madison Stephens ’23

District Offensive MVP

Ava Ricks ’23

All-State

Caylin Pixley ’23

Ava Ricks ’23

Madison Stephens ’23

All-Metro Rhaia Davey ’23

Caylin Pixley ’23

Ava Ricks ’23

Madison Stephens ’23

All-District Rhaia Davey ’23

Nandi Huggins ’23

Caylin Pixley ’23

Ava Ricks ’23

Madison Stephens ’23

Kennedy Stewart ’24

All-District Honorable Mention

Jada Hayes ’23

Sarah Stringfellow ’23

Jordan Dupre Southern University | Football

Lane Jarreau William Carey University | Baseball

John Walker McDonald University of Louisiana at Lafayette | Cross Country

Faith and Service

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

— MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

1 Corinthians

CHAPEL THEME

Based on 1 Corinthians 1:10, Unity is the schoolwide chapel theme for 2021–2022.

Blanchard ’26 collects school supplies as part of a special Homecoming project to benefit the children in the St. James Parish school district impacted by Hurricane Ida.

LESSONS

& CAROLS

Students recreate the nativity tableau at the annual Lessons and Carols service in December.

NJHS FOOD DRIVE The Middle School’s NJHS Food Drive collected 2,698 items for The Shepherd’s Pantry at Thanksgiving.

ST. JAMES SUPPLY DRIVE Charlee Mae

MLK CHAPEL Inspired by this quote and a combination of documentaries, as well as the Broadway musical Hamilton, senior Gabe Bostick wrote and directed an original piece performed by Upper School students to honor the life and impact of the late Dr. King.

SERVICE PROJECT Third-graders made scarves as part of an Innovation Lab service project. Made with lots of love, the scarves were distributed through the Healing Place Church Dream Center Homeless Outreach to provide warmth this winter.

Lower

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD Through their Operation Christmas Child project, Middle School students packed 110 shoeboxes filled with toys, treats, and necessities for needy children around the world.

students honor our country’s servicemen and women during the annual Veterans Day Chapel in November.

VETERAN’S DAY CHAPEL

School

Events

TENTH-GRADE MOMS enjoyed a grade-level gathering in the fall. Thank you to the Dunham Parents Association and the grade-level representatives for facilitating these social events for parents.

Men’s Club Social Tyler

Carruth, Ron Lim, and Ryan Crane at the Men’s Club Backto-School Social in August

Homecoming Court 2021

Homecoming Queen Sara Kathryn Breland ’22

with members of the court

Madison LeBlanc

, Sarah

Father-Son BBQ Left to right: Joseph Quinlan ’33 and Patrick Quinlan; Brian and Grant Morgan ’25; and Samuel Gendusa ’29 and Chris Gendusa

(front, center)

(front, from left)

’22

Brady ’22, Caroline Latuso ’22, Brooke Houdashelt ’22, (back, from left) Elizabeth McDonald ’23, Jordyn Minor ’23, Rhaia Davey ’23, Caroline Aucoin ’24, Averi Crawford ’24, Sheldon Gremillion ’25, and Mollee Day ’25

Breakfast with Santa

Families returned to the Rollins Family Dining Hall for Breakfast with Santa, hosted by the Dunham Alumni Association.

Above right: Evie Landry ’34, Caroline Jones, and Emma Landry ’35; right: Brian and Lindy Lindenmayer with children Zachary ’33, Ryleigh ’29, and Luke ’31

GRANDPARENTS SOCIAL Dunham grandmothers attend a fall gathering hosted by the Dunham Grandparents Association. Pictured are (seated, from left) Carmie Berry, Weesey Bruce, Betty Tircuit, (standing) Arralee Hays, Kathleen Howell, Marilyn Dykes, Janice Sanders, Becky Harrod, Susan Pecue, Libby McAdams, Lucy Welch, and Kerry Grieff.

Giving

By supporting faculty, scholarships and financial assistance, and the area of greatest need, The Dunham Fund has a direct impact on the lives of our students and teachers.

FACULTY

The Dunham Fund assists the school in hiring and retaining outstanding teachers and in providing ongoing professional development for the individuals who have the greatest impact on our students’ lives.

SCHOLARSHIP

The Dunham Fund assists the school in providing nearly $2,000,000 annually in merit and need-based scholarships to academically talented students who otherwise might not have access to a Dunham education.

AREA OF GREATEST NEED

The Dunham Fund provides the general operating budget with unrestricted funds that are used to support the school’s highest priorities each year in areas such as academics, arts, technology, or small campus improvements.

In celebration of Dunham’s 40th anniversary, we invite you to join our Forty for 40 giving initiative. As always, we are grateful for all contributions, and no gift is too small or too big.

How can you get involved?

• Make a first-time gift of $40

• Increase your annual gift by $40

• Increase your annual gift by 40%

• Increase your annual gift by a multiple of 40

To make a gift to the campaign, please visit dunhamschool.org/giveonline

Thank you for your support of The Dunham Fund!

DUNHAM CUP Golf CLASSIC

The Dunham Cup Golf Classic, hosted by the Alumni Association, raised more than $15,000 in support of upcoming alumni events and programming.

2021 CHAMPIONS

Robby Durham ’86 & Phil Schmitt

LONGEST DRIVE

Blake Whittle

CLOSEST TO THE HOLE

Justin Goings ’16

PUTTING CONTEST

Robert Blankenship

Thank you to the alumni who participated in this year’s tournament. Pictured are (from left) Hayden Dudley ’19, Hunter Kinchen ’10, Robby Durham ’86, Joel D’Aubin ’10, Tyler Moore ’11, Collins Meredith ’06, Sean Owens ’02, Marc Corkern ’03, Allyson Jones Hingle ’92, Mitchell Haynes ’03, Jon Thorning ’04

Chris Broussard ’89

Ryan May ’13

Mitch McIlwain ’94

Miller Maestri ’16

Jimmy Robbins ’87

Kent Wells ’87

Brad Watts ’87

Doug Fernbaugh ’90, and Christian Johnson ’11

Not pictured: Reid May ’16

Justin Goings ’16

Brian Dantin ’96

Austin McCullough ’00

Parker Farris ’15

and Kyle Duhe ’13

Congratulations to Robby Durham ’86 and Phil Schmitt, 2021 Champions

Dunham Jubilee 021

The Dunham community returned to the Capitol Park Museum on November 11 for Jubilee 2021. Thanks to the event committee, our corporate sponsors, and the generosity of our patrons, proceeds from the evening’s live and silent auction raised more than $90,000 for the school’s academic, fine arts, and athletic programs.

Call from the Heart Raises Funds for Covered Lower School Carpool Area

Jubilee’s Call from the Heart appeal raised an initial $18,000 towards the $125,000 goal to fully fund a new covered carpool area to keep Lower School students and faculty dry on rainy days. If you would like to make a gift in support of this project, please visit dunhamschool.org/giveonline or contact Director of Annual Giving Ciara Martin at ciara.martin@dunhamschool.org.

Thank you to the 2021 Jubilee committee for planning a wonderful evening for the Dunham community. Pictured are (from left) Cassie Rice, Joy Ammentorp, Tiffany St. Pierre, Ashley Istre, Allyson Jones Hingle ’92, Krystal Howell, Meschelle Fargason, and Lisa Simpson.

James Peltier, Randi Peltier, Sommer Filasek, and Gavin Filasek

Kwame Haven, Ebony Haven, Rebekah Dantin, and Brian Dantin ’96

Blair and Melissa Gremillion

Lower School teachers Sue Skillman, Valerie Jaques, Ronda Isaminger Morgan Reech, Caroline Breard, Tiffinie Burychka, and Lauren Franzella

Dustin Herbert, Claire Hebert, Lindy Lindenmayer, and Brian Lindenmayer

Victor Howell, Kathleen Howell, and Vic Howell

Charlie and

Paying It Forward: Lisa and Gary Gilbert Invest in the Future

Lisa and Gary Gilbert’s journey with The Dunham School began more than 20 years ago when they enrolled their daughter in kindergarten. Now the parents of two alumni, Claire ’13 and Dylan ’15, the Gilberts are unequivocal in acknowledging that God pointed them to Dunham.

Gary, a practicing architect with Coleman Partners in Baton Rouge, and Lisa, who works in commercial property management, both attended and graduated from public schools. So, when it came time to find a school for Claire and Dylan, they naturally assumed their children would be a part of the public school system as well.

After researching their options, however, they felt something was lacking. Access to strong academics, athletics, and the arts simply wasn’t enough. While they knew they wanted an educational environment where the curriculum would be determined by qualified educators, the couple came to recognize the importance of a biblical worldview as well as the critical role that a community of godly teachers, coaches, and administrators would play in their children’s growth and development, two factors they say they only found at Dunham.

At the same time, they began to look for young men and women whom they felt most closely reflected the type of young adults they desired their children to be. They didn’t have to look too far as many attended their church, The Chapel.

“Ultimately, those kids—no exaggeration—all seemed to be Dunham students or alumni,” says Gary.

Lisa and Gary Gilbert (right) pictured with (from left) daughter Claire ’13, daughter-in-law Maia, and son Dylan ’15

Leave Your

After enrolling first Claire and then Dylan at Dunham, Lisa and Gary became fully engaged in numerous volunteer efforts at the school. In addition, Gary served on the school’s board of trustees, including more than a decade as board chair.

When asked to reflect on what the school has meant to their family, the Gilberts say it has been both a gift and a privilege to be counted among other Dunham families who have been given the tools to live “set apart” in accordance with scripture.

Another word that comes quickly to mind is “faithful.” The Gilberts experienced from day one not only the Lord’s faithfulness to the school, but also the faithfulness of Dunham’s administration and faculty, who came alongside their children right where they were to instruct and encourage them to become exactly who God designed them to be.

And what their children are doing now confirms that.

“Dunham has always been and remains one of the few opportunities for families to educate their children with the heart and mind of Christ and to learn to view the world through a biblical lens rather than a self-serving and individualist lens,” they explain. “When we first enrolled our children at Dunham, we were warned that when they left ‘the Dunham bubble,’ they would not be prepared for the real world. Little did those naysayers know, the biblical worldview our children received has allowed them to confidently step out into the world, recognizing what is real and what is not.”

Claire, who now lives in Dallas, and Dylan, who lives in Cincinnati with wife Maia, concur, reporting that their Dunham experience has given them the confidence to step into any situation without fear, knowing that with reliance upon the one true God who loves them, with diligence, and with commitment, they can achieve anything.

“As their parents, especially now that they’re out in the real world, this means everything,” says Lisa.

Convinced their children will carry the gift of a Dunham education into the next generation, Lisa and Gary were motivated to explore planned and estate giving as a means of ensuring that future generations of students would have the same opportunities. Last year, they became the first members of The Dunham Legacy Society by naming the school as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy.

The legacy giving approach, whether through insurance policies, annuities, bequests, charitable trusts, or other planned giving options, achieves two important goals. First, it leverages today’s dollars for a significantly higher return in the future, and second, it sets aside resources for use by those who will come next—those who may need those resources.

The Gilberts designated their legacy gift in support of pastoral staff children. “You might call it somewhat of a return on The Chapel’s investment,” explains Gary. “The Dunham School began when God placed a desire in the hearts of several families who attended The Chapel decades ago, and the school’s very first location was in the LSU location’s Sunday School rooms. Dunham’s first leaders and teachers were devoted members and staff of that congregation. So, practically speaking, it’s important that ministry families continue to be part of the school’s culture.”

Lisa and Gary encourage other parents of alumni looking for a way to give back to consider making a legacy gift. “After all,” Gary says, “we’re done paying tuition! Let’s continue to invest in the future.”

For more information on becoming a member of the Dunham Legacy Society, please contact the development office at 225-767-7097 ext. 355 or visit dunhamschool.org/plannedgiving

“ Dunham has always been and remains one of the few opportunities for families to educate their children with the heart and mind of Christ and to learn to view the world through a biblical lens rather than a self-serving and individualist lens.”

— Lisa and Gary Gilbert

2020 - 2021 DUNHAM ALUMNI COUNCIL

Thank you to our Alumni Council for their efforts to promote a spirit of fellowship and community among our alumni.

Ryan Gisclair ’97 President

Amy Evans Broussard ’96 Vice President

Ashley Baxter D’Aubin ’10 Secretary

Chris Broussard ’89

Hayden Clark ’10

Patti Peters Dowling ’92

Hayden Dudley ’19

Loret Wilson Fremin ’89

Justin Goings ’16

Allyson Jones Hingle ’92

Tracy Shean Jantzi ’90

Hunter Kinchen ’10

Cary Koch ’05

Gayden Jones Landry ’97

Rebecca Lunceford ’05

Mitchell Meredith ’08

Chad Myers ’97

Tré Nelson ’14

Sean Owens ’02

Jimmy Robbins ’87

Elizabeth Butts Singletary ’04

Brad Watts ’87

Bailey Wax ’13

Lindsey Wilkerson ’13

Tigers Too

Homecoming 2021

Former Homecoming Queens (from left) Kristen Roth ’91, Amy Evans Broussard ’96, Brooke Landreneau Fair ’98, Amy Weiner Barham ’99, Jennifer Bollinger Franklin ’02, Alexa Haman ’15, Alyssa Barnes ’19, and Suzie Fagan ’21

Dunham students and their alumni parents take the field during the October 22 varsity football game. Sixty-nine alumni children are currently enrolled at Dunham.

Blocker Harvison ’21, Charles Riley ’21, Baron Hingle ’21, James Milton ’21, Gabriel Coates ’21, Jonathan Crump ’21, Jase Augustus ’21, and John Collier Thornton ’21

Chad Myers ’97 and Allyson Jones Hingle ’92 welcome alumni to the 2021 Homecoming Tailgate.

Jarred Coates ’88 and daughter Ireland Coates ’19

Right: Members of the Class of 2016 celebrated their five-year reunion at the Alumni Christmas Party held at Zippy’s.

Below: Alec Duhe ’16, Jancen Brown ’16, Reid May ’16, Chad Myers ’97, and Amber Wright ’16

Aaron Stratman, Lindsey Koch Stratman ’98, Head of School Steve Eagleton, Amy Evans Broussard ’96, Sean Cangelosi ’96, Kacey Cangelosi, Ty Hingle, Allyson Jones Hingle ’92, Bekah Myers, Chad Myers ’97, Gary Black ’96, and Ryan Gisclair ’97

Alyssa Deason ’16, Caroline Safford ’16, and Anna Moody ’16

ALUMNI Class Notes

1992

Patti Peters Dowling is the owner and operator of Baton Rouge Counseling Associates, which celebrated its 10th anniversary on March 3, 2022. Patti and her colleagues provide professional mental health care services for individuals and families, as well as group counseling in the greater Baton Rouge area. The company recently began a partnership with Our Lady of the Lake Pediatrics to operate satellite counseling offices in their outpatient clinics. Beau Dantin ’04 is part of the counseling team. Learn more at brcounselingassociates.com

1993

Jon Abel and his family have spent the last 20 years in Dallas, Texas, where Jon is the worship pastor at Watermark Community Church. They just released their first album called Sing Hallelujah. Go check it out wherever you stream your music!

1997

Filmmaker Jency Griffin Hogan was featured in the November issue of inRegister

Justin Miller owns and operates Millscapes Design, a full landscape and property maintenance company for residential and commercial customers. His services include landscape installation or updates, lighting, irrigation, decking, and fencing.

1998

Dianne Bourgeois Brown owns and operates Suburban Stitcher, a dyed yarn company. Dianne now ships her yarn across the United States and abroad. Learn more about her business at suburbanstitcher.com

Lindsey Hill Cotton and her husband, Neal, welcomed their fourth child, John Parker Hill Cotton, on October 21. He joins siblings Hannah Grace, Wells, and Charles.

1999

Reggie Griffith and his wife, Michelle, welcomed Reagan Michell on October 8, 2021. She joins her three big brothers, Ty (9), Reid (6,) and Dalton (3).

2002

Laura Williams Metcalf and husband Jay welcomed Elizabeth James on May 27, 2021. She joins big sister Olivia (3).

2004

Lauren Bizette Siegfried and husband Will welcomed Ella March Siegfried on April 7, 2021. The Siegfrieds currently live in Lansdale, Pa.

Dianne Bourgeois Brown ’98 owns Suburban Stitcher.

Benjamin, son of Amy Richardson Collins ’05

Jay and Laura Williams Metcalf ’02 with daughters Olivia and Elizabeth James

Will and Lauren Bizette Siegfried ’04 with baby Ella

2005

Amy Richardson Collins and husband Hunter welcomed Benjamin Parry Collins on June 3, 2021. Amy is a healthcare recruiter for Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group where she has worked for the past four years.

2006

Ashleigh Creech opened Ashleigh Creech, LPC, LLC, a private practice

specializing in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. She is part of the Baton Rouge Perinatal Counseling (batonrouge perinatalcounseling.com).

Ainsley Thibodeaux Dreher and husband Daniel welcomed daughter Helen Ruth on February 6, 2022. Helen joins big brother Owen (2). The Dreher family currently lives in Birmingham, Alabama.

2009

Ashleigh Noel Blanchard has been promoted to executive director of marketing - corporate offices for Station Casinos, LLC (Red Rock Resorts, Inc.), based in Las Vegas, Nevada. Ashleigh oversees a team of eight property marketing directors and vice presidents, three database analysists, and database strategy and marketing operations for 19 properties in Las Vegas Valley.

Julie Ngo Do and husband Bryan welcomed Norah on August 12, 2021. Norah joins her big sister Natalie, who attends the new two-year-old program at Dunham.

Milestones

MARRIAGES

Logan Talbert ’11 to Lucas Breaux, November 20, 2021

Madisonne Meredith ’12 to Pablo Isaza, December 31, 2021

Christine Morris ’14 to Rodrigo Martinez, January 29, 2022

Brianna Beall ’15 to Ryan Key, March 20, 2021

Hannah Megison ’15 to Jared Robinson, October, 17, 2019

Emily Jaques ’16 to Parker Daniel Farris ’15, May 8, 2021

Claire Landreneau ’17 to Nathan Poole, July 10, 2021

London Pricer ’17 to Tre Jackson, December 3, 2021

Lauren Weeks ’17 to Tristan Sheehan, February 5, 2022

Jenna Johnson ’18 to Manning Lloyd, October 10, 2021

BIRTHS & ADOPTONS

John Parker Hill Cotton to Neal and Lindsey Hill Cotton ’98, October 21, 2021

Reagan Michell Griffith to Michelle and Reggie Griffith ’99, October 8, 2021

Elizabeth James Metcalf to Jay and Laura Williams Metcalf ’02, May 27, 2021

Ella March Siegfried to Will and Lauren Bizette Siegfried ’04, April 7, 2021

Benjamin Parry Collins to Hunter and Amy Richardson Collins ’05, June 3, 2021

Helen Ruth Dreher to Daniel and Ainsley

Thibodeaux Dreher ’06, February 6, 2022

Norah Do to Bryan and Julie Ngo Do ’09, August 12, 2021

Maddie George Jenkins and Savannah Faye Jenkins to Sarah and Wally Jenkins ’09, August 21, 2021

Andrew Stephen D’Aubin and Micah Lee D’Aubin to Ashley Baxter D’Aubin ’10 and Joel D’Aubin ’10, February 13, 2022

Hazel Grace Clark to Jenée and Hayden Clark ’10, February 5, 2022

Asher Douglas Kinchen to Lauren and Hunter Kinchen ’10, October 27, 2021

Hugo Dean Michael Murillo to Kelsie and Gus Murillo ’10, November 11, 2021

Parker Elizabeth Schoen to Emily and Hunter Schoen ’10, January 25, 2022

Jackson Kalil Cambias to Hope and Nick Cambias ’19, September 7, 2021

Ashleigh Creech ’06

Class Notes

Wally Jenkins and wife Sarah welcomed twin daughters, Maddie George and Savannah Faye, on August 21, 2021. They reside in Alpharetta, Ga., where he works in real estate and is the middle school athletic director at Perimeter School.

2010

Hayden Clark

Jenée welcomed Hazel Grace Clark on February 5, 2022. She joins big brothers Hayden (4) and Harper John (2). In April, Hayden plans to open his second Iron Tribe Fitness location in Baton Rouge. He also has a location in New Orleans.

Ashley Baxter D’Aubin and welcomed twin boys, Micah Lee and Andrew Stephen, in February. The twins join their big sister, Charlotte (3), who is in PreK3 at Dunham.

Daniel and Ainsley Thibodeaux Dreher ’06 with children Owen and Helen

Maddie and Savannah, twin daughters of Wally Jenkins ’09

Hazel with big brothers Hayden and Harper John, children of Hayden Clark ’10

Hunter Kinchen and wife Lauren welcomed a son, Asher Douglas Kinchen, on October 27, 2021. He joins big sisters Remi (4) and Piper (1).

Lindsey Deason Minton and husband Jordan welcomed Robert Deason Minton on June 15, 2021.

Gus Murillo and wife Kelsie welcomed Hugo Dean Michael Murillo on November 11, 2021. He joins big sisters Sofia (9), Nora (5), and Penelope (2).

Hunter Schoen and wife Emily welcomed daughter Parker Elizabeth on January 25, 2022.

2011

Logan Talbert married Lucas Breaux on November 20, 2021, at The Country Club of Louisiana. Tigers in the wedding included Anna Talbert ’17, Lauren Talbert Finical ’13, Peyton Finical ’13, and Caroline Mckey Younger ’11. The couple lives in Baton Rouge, where Lucas is an engineer with Louisiana Controls and Logan works as a child life specialist at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital.

Stay connected with the school and fellow alumni by submitting updates about your career, weddings, births, and other important milestones. When submitting photographs, please send a high-resolution file and include a full caption that identifies everyone pictured. Submit updates through Dunham Connect at alumni.dunhamschool.org. Submissions may be edited for length, clarity, and style.

Micah and Andrew, twin sons of Ashely Baxter D’Aubin ’10 and Joel D’Aubin ’10

Hunter and Lauren Kinchen with children Piper, Asher Douglas, and Remi

Lindsey Deason Minton ’10 and her son, Robert

Hugo, son of Gus Murillo ’10

Class Notes

2012

Elizabeth Bilbao graduated from LSU Health Shreveport Physician Assistant Program in August of 2020 with a Master of Physician Assistant Studies. She resides in Baton Rouge and is currently practicing medicine in urgent care.

Langley Dillenberger graduated from medical school.

Madisonne Meredith married Pablo Isaza on December 31, 2021, at The Myrtles

Plantation in St. Francisville. Tigers in the wedding included Collins Meredith ’06, Mitchell Meredith ’08, Mason Meredith ’14, Gabriel Meredith ’33, Fran Ewing Hitt ’12, Caroline Hill Holcomb ’12, and Suzie Fagan ’21

2013

Alys Murray-Davies’ most recent film wrapped production in late 2021. Christmas in the Quarter will premiere on the Lifetime Network in December 2022, starring Patti LaBelle, Keisha Pulliam, and Tim Reid.

2014

Christine Morris married Rodrigo Martinez on January 29, 2022, at the Gheens Foundation Lodge in Louisville, Ky. Tigers in the wedding included Rachel Gravios ’13 and Will Morris ’14

2015

Brianna Beall married Ryan Key on March 20, 2021, at Hemingbough. Londyn Beall ’18 was a bridesmaid in the wedding.

Hannah Megison married Jared Robinson on October, 17, 2019. Hannah enrolled at LSU School of Medicine in August 2021.

Original artwork by Aline Moreaux appeared on the cover of inRegister’s Women with a Cause issue.

Bond Rodriguez played four years of football at Birmingham Southern College before graduating with a chemistry degree. He then went on to obtain a master’s degree in medical sciences from Mississippi College.

2016

Emily Jaques married Parker Daniel Farris ’15 on May 8, 2021, at the Old State Capitol. Tigers in the wedding included Andrea Farris Palmer ’06, Lauren Johnson ’16, Gabrielle Zia ’16, Mallory McClain ’16, Alyssa Deason ’16, Caroline Safford ’16, James Farris ’09, Gray Fagan ’15, Nick Brooks ’15, Trent Miller ’15, Dylan Gilbert ’15, Ryan Robinson ’15, Will Morris ’14, and Bryan Saffell ’15.

Sarah Passman married Landon Carr on December 18, 2021, at Mount Hope Plantation. The wedding party included 2016 classmates Anna Wallace Benedict, Callie Francise, Hannah Passman, Hope Passman, and Samantha Passman

Lucas and Logan Talbert Breaux ’11

Rodrigo and Christine Morris Martinez ’14

Pablo and Madisonne Meredith Isaza ’12

Elizabeth Bilbao ’12

2017

Claire Landreneau married Nathan Poole on July 10, 2021, in St. Andrews, Scotland.

London Pricer married Tre Jackson on December 3, 2021, at Audubon Park in New Orleans. They live in Baton Rouge, where London has worked at Black and Blanc Aesthetics since January 2021. She offers organic and corrective skincare services, including hydrafacials, lash lifts, lash tints, lash extensions, and chemical peels.

Coco Rodriguez graduated from the University of Notre Dame in May with a degree in history and economics. She is now in law school at Tulane.

Lauren Weeks married Tristan Sheehan on February 5, 2022, at Savoie’s Catering Place in Shreveport, La. Tigers in the wedding included classmates Anna Weeks, Coco Rodriguez, and Claire Landreneau Poole.

2018

Jenna Johnson married Manning Lloyd on October 10, 2021, at her uncle’s home in

Baton Rouge. Classmates in the wedding included Anna Claire Saffell, Lilly Erwin, and brother Christian Johnson ’11.

Ana Luisa Rodriguez was celebrated as the queen of Hermes this spring. The crown was passed down by her sister,

Coco Rodriguez ’17, who was queen in 2020. Ana Louisa will graduate from Notre Dame’s Mendoza Business College this spring with a double major in finance and applied and statistical mathematics computation.

Ryan and Brianna Beall Key ’15

Emily Jaques Farris ’16 and Parker Farris ’15

Tre and London Pricer Jackson ’17

Landon and Sarah Passman Carr ’16

Tristan and Lauren Weeks Sheehan ’17

Notes

2019

Nick Cambias and his wife, Hope, welcomed Jackson Kalil Cambias on September 7, 2021.

Derek Stingley, Jr. was named to the 2021 Walter Camp Preseason All-American Team. Dunham retired Derek’s #24 jersey at the beginning of the varsity football jamboree on August 27. Other jerseys retired that night belonged to former varsity football standouts Todd Kinchen ’87 and Sean Cangelosi ’96

2021

Jackson Boswell received a Work Ethic Scholarship from the Mike Rowe Works Foundation, which he applied to his

tuition at Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology.

Baron Hingle swam the two miles from Alcatraz to San Francisco in June 2021. After six years on the Dunham swim team, Baron was looking for a challenge. After researching various open water swims, he chose the icy waters and currents of San Francisco Bay where 30 swimmers were dropped off at the Alcatraz prison to begin their trek to the main shore. Baron was the first swimmer to dive in and was told the importance of completing the swim within two and a half hours due to changing currents. He completed the swim in an impressive 34 minutes.

Manning and Jenna Johnson Lloyd ’18 pictured with her brother, Christian Johnson ’11, and her parents, Jan and Steve Johnson

Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Neil Weiner retires Derek Stingley, Jr.’s jersey in August.

Ana Louisa Rodriguez ’18 (third from left) with siblings Walter, Bond ’15, and Coco ’17, and her parents, Tess and Ricardo Rodriguez

Baron Hingle ’21 swam the two miles from Alcatraz to San Francisco in an impressive 34 minutes!

Hope and Nick Cambias ’19 with son Jackson

Tiger Tracks

Jordan Wright ’19 Named SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year

Remember when: Jordan signed his national letter of intent to play for Vanderbilt University in 2019.

Congratulations to former Dunham Tiger Jordan Wright ’19 who was named the 2022 SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year for men’s basketball. Voted on by the SEC coaches, this award honors a starting player on one SEC team for his academic and athletic achievement.

A standout on and off the court at Vanderbilt University, the junior guard helped lead the Commodores to the quarterfinals of the NIT Tournament this spring while maintaining a 3.53 grade point average as a human and organizational development major. Earlier in the season, Jordan earned CoSIDA Academic All-District distinction and was a candidate for CoSIDA Academic All-American. He is also a nominee for the 2022 Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholars of the Year.

His success comes as no surprise to the Dunham community. An honor student as well as a gifted athlete, Jordan led the Tigers to a 2018 LHSAA Division III state title and two runner-up finishes during his high school career. In addition to being a three-time All-State, All-District All-Metro

and a two-time All-District MVP, he was nominated for the opportunity to play in the 2019 McDonald’s All American Game and was chosen to tour Germany in the spring of 2018 as part of a USA Select team.

Know a Dunham alumna or alumnus who is doing amazing things? Let us know, and they could be featured in the next Tiger Tracks! Email us at alumni@dunhamschool.org.

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Photo courtesy of Vanderbilt University Athletics

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