Ensights Summer 2026

PAID

Nashville, TN Permit No. 2630

Ensworth School 211 ENSWORTH PLACE NASHVILLE, TN 37205-1997

ENSWORTH SCHOOL ENSIGHTS

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage

In Se arch of Truth SUMMER 2026

www.ensworth.com

CONGRATULATIONS , ENSWORTH CLASS OF 2026

CELEBRATING THE CLASS OF 2026 SUMMER 2026

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GRADE 5 LAND BETWEEN THE LAKES TRIP

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: BRETT BARNETT '16

6/16/26 12:08 PM

Ensworth is a kindergarten through twelfth grade, coeducational independent school. The School promotes academic excellence and inspires students to be intellectually integrity, and to be contributors to society.

thank you

ENSWORTH

ensures that every student at

curious, to use their talents to the fullest, to be people of

MISSION STATEMENT

Your philanthropic support

Ensworth continues to benefit from an exceptional education rooted in intellectual curiosity, love, and joy.

By the Numbers

$3,252,157 TOTAL ENSWORTH FUND GIFTS FOR 2025-2026

1,248 TOTAL DONORS

127

YOUNG

ALUMNI

DONORS

ALUMNI DONORS

404

135 NEW DONORS

* Information reflects unaudited gifts made to the Ensworth Fund as of May 31, 2026

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Ensworth is a kindergarten through twelfth grade, coeducational independent school. The School promotes academic excellence and inspires students to be intellectually integrity, and to be contributors to society.

thank you

ENSWORTH

ensures that every student at

curious, to use their talents to the fullest, to be people of

MISSION STATEMENT

Your philanthropic support

Ensworth continues to benefit from an exceptional education rooted in intellectual curiosity, love, and joy.

By the Numbers

$3,252,157 TOTAL ENSWORTH FUND GIFTS FOR 2025-2026

1,248 TOTAL DONORS

127

YOUNG

ALUMNI

DONORS

ALUMNI DONORS

404

135 NEW DONORS

* Information reflects unaudited gifts made to the Ensworth Fund as of May 31, 2026

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A letter from the

Head of School This spring, our campuses were alive with discovery,

High School musical production in a decade and an

creativity, achievement, and connection. Through

inspiring author visit, these stories reflect the depth,

meaningful experiences both inside and outside the

innovation, and vibrancy of our community.

classroom, our students embraced opportunities to learn, grow, collaborate, and lead.

Thank you for your continued support and for the many ways you enrich the life of our school. I hope this

As we celebrate the conclusion of another

issue of Ensights offers an opportunity to reflect on

exceptional school year, the energy, purpose, and

a year filled with achievement, discovery, and joy —

achievements of our community continue to shine.

and to look ahead with excitement to all that is still to come.

In this edition of Ensights, we celebrate the Class of 2026 and highlight many of the distinctive

Go Tigers!

experiences that bring an Ensworth education to life.

From the cherished Grade 5 Land Between the Lakes trip and a student’s reflection on the role of

Prentice Stabler

artificial intelligence in the classroom, to our largest

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2026–2027

LEADERSHIP TEAM

Table of Contents

Prentice Stabler, Head of School Heather Caponi, Associate Head of School Rebekah Armstrong, Director of Enrollment Management Angela Claxton, Director of Marketing and Communications Josh LeRoy, Head of High School Doug Magee, Head of Middle School

6

Jason Maxwell, Director of Athletics Bobby Mirzaie, Director of Curriculum and Instruction

16

Beth Pollard, Chief Financial Officer

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Shervin Eftekhari, Vice-President

John Jacobson, Legal Counsel Bruce Moore, Inman Trustee

STUDENT LIFE

40

VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS

50

Tom Cowhey Julie Dretler '85 Harrison Frist '98

College Arts Signing VISIBLE K-12 Art Show

ATHLETICS

College Signings High School Accolades Middle School Accolades

Charlie Cox Amanda Farnsworth

Student Leadership

First-Year Success: Film Studio

Cynthia Arnholt

Sandy Cochran

College Counseling: Finding the Right Fit

High School Musical: Guys & Dolls

Kathryn Brown, Inman Trustee

Daphne Butler

Land Between the Lakes

30

Rob McCabe, Inman Trustee

Teresa Broyles-Aplin

ACADEMICS

Writing Workshop with Sheila Turnage

Empowering Student Voice

Alex Ryerson, Treasurer Gerard Bullock, Secretary

Graduation Speaker Spotlight

Minds, Machines, and Morality

David Whitfield, Director of Community Engagement & Inclusion

Jim Bowen '90, President

Celebrating the Class of 2026 Capstone Scholars

Kiersten Marich, Director of Institutional Advancement Kerry Ann Masoner, Head of Lower School

FEATURE

62

ALUMNI

74

COMMUNITY

Alumni Spotlight: Brett Barnett ,16 Class Notes

Frank Gordon '77 Kailey Hand Rob Hull Lauren Elcan Ingram '13 Don Orr

Parent Education: Navigating Phones & Media Facility Upgrades Community Event Calendar

Tree Paine Louis Upkins John Vidalakis Stephaine Walker EX-OFFICIOS

Prentice Stabler, Head of School Lindsay Wells, Parent Association President Aubrie Hutzel, Parent Association President-Elect Laurie Spradley '03, Alumni Board President Hayden Sohr '11, National Advisory Council Chair

Copyrighted 2026 by Ensworth School. Ensworth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or national origin in its admissions or its hiring policies. Ensworth is a member of NAIS, CASE, SACS, SAIS, and the Tennessee Association of Independent Schools. ENSIGHTS is a bi-annual publication of Ensworth’s Office of Institutional Advancement.

EDITOR MC Claverie EDITORIAL STAFF MC Claverie, Aubrie Hutzel, Ellen Ives, JC Johnson, Shawn Knight, Sutton Korn ’27, Bobby Mirzaie DESIGN Angela Claxton, Mary Byrne Dailey PHOTOGRAPHY Michelle Bradshaw, Peter Bryant ’26, Michelle Chang, MC Claverie, Angela Claxton, Mary Byrne Dailey, Oren Goldring, Tim Jones, Morgan Matens, Logan O'Connor, Sydne Richardson, Brian Shaffrey, Mike Strasinger, Evan Webb, Zach Whittaker ON THE COVER Grade 5 Land Between the Lakes Trip (Wren Bartholomew ’33, Talia Witt ’33, Jackson Hand ’33, and Matthew Choma ’33)

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farewell SHARING GRATITUDE AND A FOND

Notes of gratitude poured in to honor and thank Michelle Chang, Debbie May, and Susan Ott as they celebrated their retirement this spring.

Celebrating

MICHELLE CHANG

"Michelle, you have taught us that being a teacher is more than a vocation, it is a mission. Your legacy at Ensworth is boundless. It lives on in the curriculum you built, the teachers you mentored, and the hundreds of students who are better people because they spent a year in your classroom. Congratulations Michelle, and thank you for every single year."

Celebrating

DEBBIE MAY

"A legend in the hallways of the Lower School, Debbie poured her life and love into our community for decades. She is perhaps most famous for her legendary kumbaya therapy sessions, involving a small circle of children linked hand-in-hand with her, discussing how to be a kind friend or making amends after a squabble. She touched so many young

lives with her understanding, compassion, and patience. Students in Debbie's class truly feel seen and loved by her."

Celebrating

SUSAN OTT

"Susan is fierce in her pursuit of knowledge and perfection in her work.

Good enough was never an option. Working behind the scenes, without any fanfare, she has been a selfless servant who has given her all to Ensworth and doing all she can for the place that she loves. Thank you for sharing your mastery. Thank you for thinking outside the box. Thank you for overworking a problem to find a solution we didn’t know existed.

Ensworth is better because you were here, and so are we."

2026 SUMMER | 5

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CELEBRATING the Class of 2026

AN EXCERPT FROM THE OPENING REMARKS BY HEAD OF SCHOOL PRENTICE STABLER

Seniors, you are the first group that I’ve had the

And while feeling at home and feeling a strong

privilege to watch for the entirety of your High School

sense of belonging is undoubtedly wonderful and

experience. You and I began our High School careers at

something to be celebrated in and of itself, it is

Ensworth together and navigated learning this place,

particularly important at a school like Ensworth, a

its traditions, and its culture. Along the way, you’ve

school where we expect you to come to your classes

established yourselves as a class that is both fiercely

fully engaged and ready to dive in and shoulder the

independent and capable of stepping out on your own.

cognitive load. Ensworth is not a passive education.

You’re also one that shows up for one another. You’re a

It is an active, participatory space that requires each

group of 123 that is bold and individualistic enough to

of you to articulate your own core values, beliefs, and

go to almost 80 different colleges and universities.

ideas, to defend those thoughts in the face of critique and counterargument, and to have ears to hear those

Your combination of rugged individualism and

who differ from you.

cohesive group mentality shows up in the jawdropping statistic that 38 of you will either play

An Ensworth education is different. It both builds

collegiate sports or pursue fine arts at the college

and requires confidence and a strong sense of who

level and that the theater and student section are

you are and what you value. It pushes you to put your

consistently packed for you to cheer on the Tigers,

thoughts and ideas out on the center of the literal and

watch dancers drop out of the ceiling, or hear Encore

proverbial table in a way that can feel vulnerable and

blend with Chamber Singers on stage. For all of your

unsettling. It requires you to be flexible, introspective,

unique talents and interests, there is an Ensworthian

and deeply human.

joy that has emerged as you’ve grown closer over the years here. You have found a place to belong, both

As you prepare to leave, though, the world you are

within our larger school and within the smaller groups

entering looks very different from this campus. Rather

of friendships, clubs, and teams that have formed

than the unity through diversity that we seek to foster

within it.

here, you’re stepping onto many campuses that are

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FROM 2025: fractured...into communities where fights over political One of my favorite parts of Ensworth’s graduation redistricting, cancel culture, and politics are splintering is that we don’t bring in an outside keynote speaker many schools. or even an adult from within our community for a longer formal address. Fittingly, at Ensworth, our My charge to all of you is to embrace the role that you students are center stage, and they will deliver our may be uniquely prepared to play at your colleges and remarks this morning. When we say we are proud universities. You’re far more comfortable sitting in the of our seniors, we mean it, and we believe that their midst of disagreement than the peers who will join you words and their presence are the most powerful from other high schools. You are far more comfortable things we can share as we celebrate this class. debating with those who are ideological opposites and then going and sharing awarmth meal together.

You are There is a unique, easy-going to your class far more curious about might over differ from and an Ensworthian joy why that people has emerged youyears. and far less likely to quickly someone the You have found a placedismiss to belong, both from

to celebrate in and of itself, it is particularly important build the muscle of being true critical thinkers. You at a school like Ensworth, where we expect you to have human abilities that no technology can replace. come to your classes fully engaged and ready dive in and shoulder the cognitive load. Ensworth is not a At your best, you can be the people your campuses passive education. It is an active, participatory space need to create the belonging and home-like that requires each of you to articulate your own core atmosphere that you fostered here, whether cooking values, beliefs, and ideas, to defend those thoughts in breakfast on the quad at 5:00 a.m. or staying late to the face of critique and counterargument, and to have cheer for one another underfrom the lights. ears to hear those who differ you. That type of community won’t happen by accident. Go build it.

An Ensworth education is different. It builds and Ensworth Class of 2026, our school.

Go requires confidence and ayou’ve strongshaped sense of who you are forth andyou do value. the same on your new campuses.

You’re and what It pushes you to put your thou ready. ■

across our the larger aisle. In the age many smaller students offloading within school andofwithin groups of their work to AI, you’ve gathered around the table friends, clubs, and teams.

And while a strong senseto of belonging is undoubtedly wonderful and something

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ENSWORTH CLASS OF 2026

Reuben Joseph Allen Sadie Elise Anderson Charles Leman Atwood Thomas Hobson Atwood Ilyana O’Neal Bachmann Eliza Caroline Baggott Audrey Ryan Bailey Judah Mitchell Bambic Margaret Cliffe Banks Margaret Cate Barfield Akeem Monet Batey Camden Haynes Billups Frank Williamson Blair V Rhodes Owen Bodart Ethan N. Boone Thatcher Curtis Borden Stefano Boschi Asbun Nora Ann Brennan Peter Kennedy Bryant Gabriella Salazar Bullock Brooke Nadia LeeMae Butler Nelson Wood Butler Hunter Chase Byington Ana Camila Cabrera Gutierrez Jeniah Mechae Cauthen Christopher James Roman Cavolo Hayden Mabry Cherry David Rajan Choma Kimberly Cooper Edward Holcomb Coppeans Michael Robert Cowhey Elliott Bradford Darr Gabriel George Dean Matthew Giacomo DeCamillo Evelyn Grace Denbo Jonathan Brooks Drobny Frances Claire Duvall Alexander Rhys Dyer Claiborne McIlwaine Elam Cecilia Louise Elliott Truitt Clayton Ellis Jr.

Lillian Norvet Fleming Paige McKennon Fogaros Jacob Andrew Francy Avery Nicole Franklin Jackson Fisher Gallimore Hattie Grey Garner Charlotte Martha Garza Lela Rose George William Robert Gerken Alex Vivian Glenn Taylor Kate Gordon Roland Humphrey Grant Caroline Elizabeth Greer Paige Alexandra Haas Elizabeth Brooke Hadley Margaret Frances Hardin Beau Collins Harrison Taylor Thomas Hasselbeck James Andrew Heinrichs Thomas Ervin Hicks Sumner Grace Hiett Andrew Noel Hogan Hudson Alexander Honeybone William Trexler Hooper Justin Shawn Hopkins Brandon David Horn Caleb Hamilton Ingram Lila Allison Jackoboice Foster Hubbard James Nori Alexis Jamison Sydney Elizabeth Johnson Anna Catherine Jones Mya Marie Jones Harrison Tate Kilgore Claire Boxley Kintz Juliette Melissa Laffer Julia Grace Linn Sage Marks Sophie Sianeh Musu Massaquoi Mia Maria McDermott Corinne Copeland McGehee

Ashton Marquis Moore Sampson Aubrey Neyman Cameron Elijah Obee Ohoyo Tashka Imaiya Owns Different Horses Kelsy Haven Parker Mary Nell Myers Pettigrew Layton Thomas Pewitt Virginia Elizabeth Powell Jayden Orr Pyant Terrance Ricco Reynolds III Luke Richards James Van Roberts Jack Nicholas Ross Katarina Carmen Santiago Jordan Grace Scott Steven Sherman Caroline Spears Sifford Elena Leigh Sipe Lillian Tolar Sites Alaena Jeanette Smith Emerson Kathleen Smith Weston Myong-Ho Smith Lila Rose Solimine Lily Elise Sonnenschein John Collin Armour Spitzer Mihir Aadi Srivastava Bishop Miguel Starling Blake Michael Surratt Demarii Jamond Thompson Jackson David Tompkins Henry Junkins Topping Henry Edward Turberfield Brayden John Vallejo Jose Diego Villegas-Mendez Alana Jordyn Wells Ryleigh Isabella Wescott Elijah Thompson Wilt John Cullen Womble Harper Louise Cameron Woolley Elizabeth Hartman Sterling Wright William Benton Wright 2026 SUMMER | 9

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GRADUATION SPEAKERS

SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT

HONORING THE CLASS OF 2026 A n Exc e r pt f rom G ab i Bul l o ck's G ra du ation Spe e ch Over the past few months, as graduation was approaching, I’ve found myself thinking a lot about what it actually

GABI BULLOCK

Student Government President

means for someone to have life figured out. And so I turned to Ensworth’s motto, In Search of Truth. I have always wondered what that phrase really meant. Ever since I was in the third grade, I always assumed that one day I would figure out exactly what truth we were looking for. While Ensworth has told me a lot of things since the third grade, it didn’t tell me directly what this “truth” was. I was kinda hoping that by the time I gave this speech, I would be able to give you all the answers.

However, I was still trying to figure it out, and a few weeks ago as I often do, I turned to my classmates for help.

I also decided to ask our grade one simple question: “If

LEE ATWOOD

Chosen by the Senior Class

you could thank Ensworth for one thing, what would it be?” I was expecting answers like the amazing academics, college preparation, or achievements, but almost no one brought any of that up. People instead answered with “I

"As we depart from Ensworth, I know many of

am thankful for the friendships,” “I am thankful for a

us, myself included, feel a mixture of optimism

place I am going to miss,” “I am thankful for a community

and anxiety as we set out in different directions.

of people, teachers, and coaches who believed me,” “I

While our futures may look different, I truly

am thankful Ensworth gave me the ability to finally

believe that if every member of the Class of

feel confident in myself,” and “I am thankful for the

2026 continues to leave an impact similar to one

opportunities that helped me grow into someone who I

they have left on the Ensworth community, they

am proud to be.”

will create meaningful change in our world. No matter where these 123 stories go next, I know

Our class did not have one, single answer to my question

that every single one will continue to matter

— we had a collection of answers that was based on each

in their respective communities. As we leave

of our personal experiences at this place — personal

Ensworth today, I hope you all will join me in

experiences based on the people, the moments, and the

recognizing all of our accomplishments during

memories we made in this place.

our time together, and that we continue to use our talents to the fullest, be people of integrity, and be contributors to society."

Our answers came from the small, ordinary yet slightly chaotic moments that only make sense when you’ve

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lived them together. One of my favorite quotes of all time is from the Disney movie Soul. Before Joe returns to his human form, a soul guide asks him, “So what are you going to do, how are you going to live your life?” and Joe

CLAYTON ELLIS

Senior Class Speaker

responds with, “I don’t know, but I do know I’m gonna live

"Truthfully, it’s impossible to fully prepare

every minute of it.” Without even realizing it, that’s what

for all the change ahead — because no one

we have all been doing here. Living. We didn’t always have

really knows what’s coming. Even when we

the answers, and we definitely didn’t always get it right.

can’t predict what’s next, we can rely on what

But we found our truth by living it. It didn’t happen in

we’ve gained here at Ensworth: the academic

one big movie-worthy moment — it happened slowly in

lessons, the life lessons, the perseverance,

the life we were living together every day. The life we are

and the connections. Though we don’t know

thankful for.

what’s coming, I know we will be able to handle whatever is thrown our way."

Out of all the responses, one person said, “I am thankful Ensworth has given me a place and people I am going to miss so much.” It’s one I have returned to over and over the last few weeks. It captures how many of us are feeling right now. In what are now minutes, we will be moving our tassels from right to left, going headfirst into a future of who knows what and leaving behind a place that has felt like home and given us people who have become family. A lot of us don’t just feel sad, we feel full. And that feeling runs this deep because the joy that came before it did too.

Maybe we didn't see it at the time, but we all found our truths here. We didn’t just “go to school together,” we grew up here together, we changed here together, we became the people we are proud of to this day, together.

We had something really, really great. And now, we have to learn how to carry it with us instead of just living in it.

This whole idea of being “In Search of Truth” was never about one right answer. It was about a journey and a collection of experiences. The answer was in the people, in the moments, in all the versions of ourselves we became along the way, and the pieces of ourselves we leave behind in each other. Class of 2026, I love you all so much and I am forever grateful to have experienced this journey with

CAROLINE GREER

Chosen by the Senior Class "That’s how I see high school: a collection of ordinary moments that become meaningful without us even realizing it. For years, we were all just trying to make it through high school, but somewhere along the way, we also became part of each other's lives. As we leave this place, I hope we remember that the best parts of these past four years were never just the milestones we counted down to, but the moments we almost overlooked."

you. Congratulations, thank you, and Go Tigers. ■

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CLASS OF 2026 COLLEGE MATRICULATIONS

Appalachian State University

LaGrange College

University of Kentucky

Arizona State University

Lipscomb University

University of Miami

Auburn University (5)

Loyola Marymount University

University of Minnesota

Austin Peay State University

Loyola University Chicago

University of Mississippi (7)

Babson College

Miami University

University of Missouri

Barnard College

Middle Tennessee State University

University of Oregon

Baylor University

Missouri Western State University

University of Rhode Island

Belmont University (2)

Morehead State University

University of Richmond

Berry College

Northeastern University (2)

University of San Francisco

Boston College

Pepperdine University

University of St. Andrews

Boston University

Princeton University (2)

University of Tennessee (10)

Butler University

Rollins College

University of Utah

Case Western Reserve University

Savannah College of Art and Design

University of Virginia

Claremont McKenna College

Sewanee: The University of the South (2)

University of Wisconsin (2)

Clemson University

Southern Methodist University (2)

University of Wyoming

Dartmouth College

Southern University (New Orleans)

Vanderbilt University (8)

Davidson College (2)

Spelman College

Virginia Tech (2)

Elon University

Stevenson University

Wake Forest University (3)

Fordham University

SUNY Alfred State

Washington and Lee University (2)

Fort Valley State University

Texas Christian University (8)

Washington University in St. Louis

George Washington University

University of Alabama (2)

Wesleyan University

Georgetown College

University of Arizona

Western Kentucky University (2)

Georgetown University

University of British Columbia

Wofford College

Howard University

University of Florida

Xavier University of Louisiana

Iona University

University of Georgia

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HUDSON HONEYBONE Designing a Custom Solar Solution to Power Ensworth's Natatorium

Capstone Scholars WRITTEN BY MC CLAVERIE,

Communications Manager

H

udson Honeybone ’26 always knew he wanted to pursue engineering after graduation. However, because the field of engineering is so broad, he wasn’t quite sure which aspect he wanted to focus on. In the fall semester of his junior year, he decided to apply to the Capstone Program to further explore engineering before heading off to college.

Ensworth’s Capstone Program offers upperclassmen the opportunity to explore an academic passion that goes above and beyond courses offered at Frist Campus. Following the investigation and approval process during their junior year for a specific Capstone project, scholars conduct independent research in their senior year, which may also include participation in internship programs, workshops, or seminars related to the topic of interest. Each Capstone project is supervised by a faculty sponsor, providing another avenue for educators to serve as mentors and invest in the lives of Ensworth students.

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Past Capstone scholars have explored a wide range of topics, from “In Vitro Exploration of Brain Injuries: Analyzing GFAP Expression in Cultured Neural Cells” to “Creating a One-Woman Show: Expressions of Motherhood in Western Theatre.”

With help from his faculty sponsor, Dr. Crystal Miller, Honeybone decided to center his project on renewable energy.

“As I was brainstorming ideas, I came across

HUDSON HONEYBONE '26 Designing a Custom Solar Solution to Power Ensworth's Natatorium

renewable and solar energy. It was very interesting to me, especially the electrical and chemical principles that are actually behind the solar panel,” he said.

“We are running out of fossil fuels, so we're looking towards alternative fuel sources, such as renewables, energy, and solar. I gravitated towards that because it

"Hudson led the work with remarkable creativity, returning to our meetings with

is a problem with such scale and impact.”

discoveries, inventive ideas, and questions

Honeybone spent the summer before his senior year

that often pushed me to deepen my own

deepening his understanding of solar panels and

scientific thinking. He once joked that he

batteries, which were the primary components of his

had probably asked me more questions

project. He also had the opportunity to meet with

than any student in Ensworth history — and

Nashville Electric Service engineers to learn how solar

he may be right — a remark that perfectly

power works and how the electric grid operates. After

captures both the depth of his intellectual

he mastered the basics, he began drafting potential

curiosity and the spirit of Ensworth’s

designs. Once school started in the fall, he dove into

Capstone Program.

the math portion of the project.

My greatest challenge has been helping

The project did not attempt to create a full-scale

him distill months of exploration into a ten-

solar panel system for the Natatorium. Instead,

minute presentation, reflecting the scope of

Honeybone took a theoretical look at off-grid solar

his thinking, his passion for the project, and

panels on the International Space Station and

the seriousness with which he approaches

scaled them down to create a version for Ensworth.

meaningful scientific work. I am incredibly

Through this process, he had to account for system

proud of Hudson and deeply grateful to have

inefficiencies and calculate how much energy would

had the opportunity to work alongside him."

- DR. CRYSTAL MILLER High School Science Faculty & Capstone Sponsor

need to be input to the system to theoretically power the Natatorium.

“The coolest part for me was that I took all of this conceptual stuff that I'd been learning in the classroom and applied it to something practical,” he

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said. “I got to see all of the classroom stuff — all of those

“My goal of narrowing down a career worked,” he said.

AP Chemistry principles — and apply those to a real

"I've decided that renewables, energies, and batteries are

project and deliver a real product. Seeing everything

a path that I want to pursue. I hope to be a part of that

I've learned culminate in a workplace-esque project

vanguard that's helping solve the energy question later

was really awesome for me.”

on in my life.” ■

Honeybone will attend the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. There, he plans to study engineering and continue working on solar power energy.

C L A S S O F 2026

Capstone Scholars

— David Choma —

— Evie Denbo —

— James Heinrichs —

Looking for Evidence of NHE1 Mutations in Rat C6 Glioma Cells

Comparative Analysis of U.S. Dietary Guidelines and Blue Zone Dietary Practices

An Analytical and Compositional Study of Rock Music

— Mya Jones —

— Claire Kintz —

How You Can Benefit from Gender Equality and How the U.S. Can Achieve It

The Evolution of Architecture in Relation to Politics, Religion, and Culture

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GRADE 4 WRITING WORKSHOP SPARKS

creativity At Ensworth, experiential learning invites students to move beyond the page and engage directly with ideas, people, and creative processes in meaningful ways. Through opportunities that connect classroom learning with realworld experiences, students are encouraged to explore their passions, think imaginatively, and develop confidence in their own voices. This spring, Grade 4 students experienced that kind of hands-on learning firsthand during a special writing workshop with acclaimed author Sheila Turnage.

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T

urnage is an award-winning author celebrated for her engaging middle-grade novels filled with humor, mystery, and memorable Southern characters. She is

best known for the Mo & Dale Mysteries series, which began with Three Times Lucky.

The novel received widespread acclaim and was named a Newbery Honor book. It also earned the E.B. White Read Aloud Honor and was recognized as an ALA Notable Children’s Book. Her books have frequently appeared on state reading lists and have been praised by librarians, educators, and young readers nationwide. Turnage’s visit was facilitated by Ensworth parent Margaret Riley King ’99, a literary agent who worked on Three Times Lucky.

“I like working with students because I appreciated the people who worked with me when I was a student,” Turnage said. “From the students, I am reminded of the value of joy, of reading, and of the importance of reading holographically. It's a tremendous energy exchange working with kids.”

Turnage first realized she wanted to be an author in first grade when she wrote her first story. Throughout her time in school, she was encouraged by her teachers to pursue her passion for writing. While visiting Ensworth, Turnage aimed to instill that same confidence and love of writing in the Grade 4 students through various writing activities and exercises.

“What stood out to me was that she not only satisfied their curiosity about the story, but really helped them crystallize their own thinking about it,” said Grades 4-8 Librarian Monica Williams. “That’s exactly what we hope to do in the library, connect readers to stories and help them see themselves as integral to meaningmaking.”

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The day started in the library, where Turnage spoke about her book Three Times Lucky, which the entire class read earlier this year. Students were able to ask questions and learn more about her writing career.

“I learned that the story chooses the author, the author doesn't choose the story,” said Cooper Berry ’34. “I want to be an author when I grow up, so it was really cool to see how she started out just like us.”

After lunch, students dove into writing exercises. Turnage’s novels are known for using sensory detail to bring her mystery stories to life, so she prompted students to focus on specific aspects of their characters. To kickstart this process, she had all the students close their eyes and imagine different scenarios their characters may experience.

“We learned that all stories are different, and that you just have to reach into your mind, pull out a couple of characters, and make all of their emotions and personalities,” said Mira Seay ’34. “Once you have this character, you can start writing.”

Each student got to create their own original character and storyline in the mystery genre. Stories ranged from Seay’s protagonist, Destiny Davenport, a 15-year-old girl trying to solve a murder mystery, to Berry’s Captain Raven, a pirate searching for the key to Atlantis.

“It is really important for kids to meet authors, to find out we're just people who create books and that is something they can do too,” Turnage said. “It's important to me that they see that and know that they can do that too because I didn't have that when I was a little girl. I want them to see me now, while they're little, so they can start heading that way.” ■ WRITTEN BY MC CLAVERIE

Communications Manager

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Land Lakes WHERE LEARNING MEETS ADVENTURE

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E

very spring, Grade 5 students leave their desks

with unique off-campus learning opportunities and

behind and make the two-hour journey to the

a chance to strengthen friendships through shared

Brandon Spring Group Camp located within the

experiences.

Land Between the Lakes (LBL) Recreation Area near Dover,

Tennessee. For three days, students explore verdant

“I have an older sibling, and he went to LBL,” said Annie

woods, fish in Bards Lake, and gain new skills under the

Saltzman ’33. “He told me all about it and how it is really

guidance of full-time park rangers in a beautiful outdoor

fun and great to be outdoors. All of the activities seemed

classroom setting.

really awesome, and I’d been looking forward to it all year.”

A highlight of the Grade 5 program at Ensworth, the LBL trip helps students develop their independence and

The trip begins at the Woodlands Nature Station. There,

connections before the transition to Middle School.

interpreters introduce students to the rescued wild animals. This enhances the Grade 5 science curriculum,

“When students arrive at Brandon Spring, they are taken

in which students explore food webs and the effects

by the beauty of the lakeside property and the amenities

of changes to ecosystems. Additionally, students hike

available, but when they realize they are free to explore

around Hematite Lake and learn about the iron industry

these places with their classmates, their smiles widen,

that dominated the region in the 1800s.

and their shouts of delight fill the air,” said Grade 5 Teacher Michelle Chang.

After the Nature Station, the group heads to the LBL Recreation Area. Upon arrival, students and teachers

This year, Grade 5 students participated in Ensworth’s

split into teams to engage in different activities. On

22nd LBL trip. Joined by homeroom teachers and Specials

campus, students participate in a Team Building class

faculty, the programming continues to provide students

each week, where they practice their communication

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skills and, at the end of each class, reflect on what went well and how they would do things differently to reach their goals. At LBL, students put these skills into practice and work collaboratively while orienteering, canoeing, and sharing their art installations.

During the art activity, students create nature-inspired pieces in the style of Andy Goldsworthy, the British sculptor,

“IT’S IMPORTANT WE TAKE

photographer, and environmentalist known for site-specific

THIS TRIP BECAUSE WE

works made from natural materials. Guided by Middle School Art Teacher Logan O’Connor, students spread throughout

ARE GOING INTO MIDDLE

the woods, using sticks, branches, moss, and leaves to build

SCHOOL NEXT YEAR AND WE

sculptures such as fairy houses, teepees, and tree-branch

ARE GOING TO HAVE A LOT

figures. Afterward, they visit each project and share feedback.

MORE INDEPENDENCE.”

“It was really cool to make art using nature. It was awesome to see how all the sticks and leaves can be reused and turned into something,” said Turner Graham ’33. “In the classroom, art is

Annie Saltzman ’33

fun, but you can’t simulate a breeze of wind in the classroom and how it impacts your art. It’s nice to be outside and hear birds.”

Other beloved LBL activities are fishing and canoeing. Students learn to bait their hooks with worms and fish from the dock using simple cane poles. They catch and release loads of sunfish as well as the occasional catfish, largemouth bass, striped bass, bluegill, and crappie. When not fishing, students swim in Bards Lake or improve their paddling skills in 15 foot aluminum canoes. These water activities allow students to practice communication, cooperation, and responsibility as they manage their fishing equipment and canoeing instructions.

Additionally, the stream, another water-based activity, connects to the Grade 5 science curriculum. Students catch different species, including crawdads, and rangers help them understand each organism's adaptations for survival.

When students are not at a specific activity, they have free time to play Newcomb, basketball, wiffle ball, kickball, ultimate frisbee, football, or continue enjoying the lake.

This free time is especially valuable because it teaches them how to manage their time and take care of their needs, essential skills needed for success in Middle School.

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“It’s important we take this trip because we are going into Middle School next year and we are going to have a lot more independence,” Saltzman said. “At LBL, we have a lot of free time, and we learn how to manage our time well when doing activities.”

At the end of each night, everyone comes back together for evening activities, which include trivia night with a dance party intermission and a campfire sing-along, complete with s’mores. Then, students head back to their cabins to rest up for the next day.

“My favorite thing about Ensworth is all of the nice people here. It’s important that fifth graders go on this trip because it’s a great way to get to know each other, and I got to know completely new people,” Graham said. “I’ve learned that it’s hard to fall asleep in a cabin full of 12 boys, but also how fun it is to hang out with a bunch of people your age who you are with every day in a place outside the classroom and in nature.”

At the end of the trip, each student receives their LBL t-shirt. On the back of the shirt are the words, “follow me,” which remind the wearer that Ensworth students are WRITTEN BY MC CLAVERIE

Communications Manager

ready to be leaders as they embark on the adventures that await in Middle School.

“From sunrise to lights out, Grade 5 students are outside playing games, exploring, and connecting with friends, old and new,” Chang said. “This trip is truly magical.” ■

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Academics

The Art of Thinking Ensworth prides itself on effective, timeless teaching approaches, alongside experimentation, innovation, and the inclusion of new practices to prepare students for today and the future. Our journey with AI at Ensworth reinforces our values for student-centered approaches to teaching and learning. We believe that technology integration succeeds when it amplifies rather than replaces human, face-to-face learning. Through careful planning, faculty development and exploration, and student-centered design, our faculty are seeking the right ways AI can support critical thinking, creativity, research and writing, Harkness discussions, and other approaches to learning.

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Our approaches have revealed exciting possibilities and important boundaries that preserve essential human, faceto-face experiences in learning. Our integration of AI into our program is lean, but, more importantly, we are including time and space for student reflection and discussion, as well as for the purpose, benefits, and concerns. Our journey is far from complete, but we're confident that our work thus far positions Ensworth students to thrive as contributors to a society being shaped by AI in its present forms and in whatever new arises.

Minds, Machines, and Morality: A LOOK AT HOW ONE CLASS IS EXPLORING HUMANITY AND TECHNOLOGY In our Minds, Machines, and Morality class, we examined how modern inventions, from the nuclear bomb to AI, affect human society. The class offered a unique blend of philosophy and technology that I have yet to explore elsewhere. Not only did I grow intellectually, but I also gained a deeper understanding of the current state of artificial intelligence.

Mrs. Towle designed the curriculum to balance breadth and depth. Looking back at our projects, it can be hard to believe we covered so much ground in a single semester. We started the year discussing our summer reading, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick, a speculative dystopian novel published in 1968. The book launched our debates on consciousness. As a class, we struggled to define consciousness and determine whether a machine or AI could ever develop it. These discussions hurt my brain. Most of us initially insisted that AI could never have a genuine conscious experience. But after reading excerpts from Alan Turing and Isaac Asimov, that argument became much more complicated.

At Ensworth, we often emphasize the importance of

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engaging with beliefs different from our own. Many

creation starts to surpass its creators,” said Ben Rios

people assume those beliefs are political. In Minds,

’27. “Besides the possible problems and dangers of AI,

Machines, and Morality, however, I found myself

the class also exposed me to the positive uses of AI in

wrestling with ideas that challenged my philosophical

different fields — medicine, engineering, law, and more

worldview. At first, that mental clash was uncomfortable.

— and how it can take over mundane tasks, allowing us

Over time, though, I grew more comfortable considering

to explore our own creativity.”

perspectives that differed from my own.

We also experimented with AI's current capabilities In another unit, we debated the responsibilities of

using two tools: EnQuire and EnScribe. Both were

inventors and innovators. Mrs. Towle introduced

custom-built by Ensworth English teachers and

the topic through fiction. We read the Greek myth

Librarian Courtney Bahr to support our curriculum.

of Prometheus and excerpts from Mary Shelley's

EnQuire, the research bot, streamlined the research

Frankenstein to discuss how individuals can alter the

process by recommending sources from Ensworth's

world, for better or worse. We then examined J. Robert

online databases. EnScribe is an editing tool calibrated

Oppenheimer's role in the creation of the atomic bomb

to our writing rubrics.

by watching a 1960s interview with Oppenheimer and reading poetry by Hiroshima survivors.

To use EnScribe effectively, we often split our timed essays into two days. On the first day, we drafted on a

Next, we analyzed the issue through four moral

locked-down browser with no outside assistance and

frameworks: utilitarianism, deontology, virtue ethics,

submitted those original versions to Mrs. Towle. On the

and consequentialism. As a class, we debated who bears

second day, we revised using EnScribe. I appreciated

responsibility for the consequences of inventions. Is

this approach because it encouraged us to use AI

it the inventor? The user? The government? We then

to enhance, not replace, our writing. We still had to

applied those same questions to artificial intelligence.

generate our own ideas and produce our own work,

Who is responsible for unforeseen consequences?

but we also gained experience using tools that are

Should AI development continue before its impacts are

increasingly shaping the modern world.

fully understood? Can we justify slowing research that might also lead to life-saving medical advances?

By analyzing emerging technologies through

These questions led to our Ethics of Creation project.

philosophical and ethical lenses, I learned to apply

Each student selected a recent AI-driven innovation. I

abstract ideas to real-world problems. Just as

chose AlphaFold, a protein structure prediction system

importantly, I learned that there are rarely simple

used in medical research. My classmates explored topics

answers when it comes to technology. Tools like

such as quantum computing, self-driving cars, and

EnQuire and EnScribe gave us the opportunity to

Meta glasses. Through our presentations, we examined

experiment with AI while still prioritizing original

the societal consequences of emerging technologies

thought, discussion, and human judgment. Because

and considered who should be held accountable when

AI is evolving so quickly, many of the questions we

things go wrong. I appreciated the opportunity to study

debated this year may look different for next year's

current AI developments through the moral frameworks

students. New technologies will emerge, new ethical

we discussed in class.

dilemmas will arise, and the course will continue to adapt alongside them. Rather than teaching us what to

“This class really encouraged me to go beyond my

think about AI, Minds, Machines, and Morality taught us

surface-level thinking regarding AI, past just thinking

how to think critically about a future that is still being

about my potential career pursuits, and consider the

written. ■

deeper moral dilemmas that arise when humanity’s own

WRITTEN BY

SUTTON KORN '27

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Empowering Student Voice In Middle School, a time when the spotlight can feel scary, students simultaneously desire to cultivate an authentic voice and exercise agency in their educational experience. Academically, the ability to articulate thoughts and ideas with clarity and impact is a vital skill that grows increasingly significant in our modern world.

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Academics

Through intentional programming across disciplines, the Middle School fosters a supportive environment where students feel safe exploring their unique perspectives, while also challenging them to push the boundaries of their learning and acquire the confidence and communication tools that will serve them through high school and beyond.

Research, Writing, and Public Speaking

Although the Harkness method is at the center of all

Research, Writing, and Public Speaking is a

conversations about Ensworth High School, Middle

semester-long class that all Middle School

School students engage in formal discussions

students take each year. The class aims to provide

throughout many classes that build the foundation

students with research skills, thinking strategies for

for strong Harkness discussions when they get to the

approaching a writing prompt, and the confidence

High School. In English, students have in-depth analysis

to speak on stage.

discussions over a common text, like a novel, short story,

Harkness DIscussions

or poem. Middle School history classes frequently learn When students dive into the public speaking

about historical events from different perspectives

portion of the class, they are instructed about the

and collaborate to have evidence-based discussions in

five steps to make their presentations shine: identify

context.

the story, map it out, use great visuals, be aware of stage presence, and practice. Students in Research, Writing, and Public Speaking learn to connect their research topics to the real world in ways their peers can understand. We utilize Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD) graphic organizers to map out our speeches and writing assignments, and talk about how visuals should enhance your message and stage presence. By emphasizing the importance of practice, we give students the confidence they need to know they are capable of delivering an impactful presentation.

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"Our goal is not simply to teach students how to speak; it's to teach them how to think alongside others. Through discussion-based learning, students learn to listen carefully, consider multiple perspectives, and contribute meaningfully to a shared conversation. Those habits help them become stronger learners, communicators, and community members," said Whitney Ruf, Middle School English Teacher and Department Chair.

Model United Nations and Youth in Government Both of these programs, sponsored by the YMCA’s Center for Civic Engagement, give students the opportunity to take on the roles of ambassadors and legislators and to practice their research, writing, and public speaking skills while simulating the workings of our global community and state government.

“Participating in Model UN and Youth in Government has taught me valuable skills in public speaking, helping me

“Participating in Model UN and Youth in Government has taught me valuable skills in public speaking, helping me find confidence in my opinions and voice,” said Dominic Bachmann ’30.

find confidence in my opinions and voice.”

Students prepare resolutions and bills, use persuasive speaking techniques, debate policies and ideas, and really learn firsthand what it means to be an informed and active citizen.

DOMINIC BACHMANN ’30

“Model UN and Youth in Government have been such an amazing opportunity to grow my speaking abilities and stage confidence. I love how you can speak about whatever you want, which allows you to get really invested in your resolution. Giving kids a way to be passionate about what they are advocating for definitely boosts interest because for me, it is something I genuinely want to do,” said Willie Belott ’30.

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Coffeehouse Performance Singer-Songwriter is a year-round club dedicated to helping students discover their unique songwriting voice and style. At the beginning of each year, students explore the artists they love by listening to and discussing what draws them to certain vocalists, lyrics, and musical styles. From there, students draw inspiration as they brainstorm, collaborate, and work together toward creating a group song.

“Since music has always been such a big part of my life, a Singer-Songwriter gave me the chance to grow even more through collaboration. Working with other people and hearing everyone’s different ideas or styles showed me how powerful music can be when people create something together,” said MK Kidd ’30.

As the year progresses, each singer-songwriter begins developing their own original lyrics and melodies. Once their songs are crafted, the focus shifts to rehearsal and performance — singing with confidence, clarity, expression, and heart.

The Coffeehouse Performance serves as the culminating celebration of the students’ hard work, giving singer-songwriters the opportunity to share their original music and beautiful voices with the people who support and love them. ■

WRITTEN BY THE MIDDLE SCHOOL

LEADERSHIP TEAM

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Finding the Right Fit For many students, the college search begins long before senior year. At Ensworth, it starts on day one. Through the School's four-year college counseling model, each student is paired with a dedicated counselor who serves as an advisor and advocate.

By encouraging students to explore their interests, pursue meaningful opportunities, and challenge themselves both inside and outside the classroom, Ensworth helps students discover the colleges that are the best fit for their goals and aspirations. We asked members of the Class of 2026 to reflect on their college counseling experience and share how it shaped their journey.

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College Counseling

Katarina Santiago PRINCETON UNIVERSITY

major later and take a wide range of

requirements. This balance of

rigorous courses.

structure and exploration will allow me to stay engaged both

I also wanted a school that would

academically and personally.

allow me to stay involved in many different areas. I sing in two

Its location in the Northeast was

ensembles, play two varsity sports,

also important to me. With access

and participate in several clubs and

to nearby cities and family in New

Can you talk about your

conferences focused on dialogue

Jersey and New York, it offers both

relationship with your college

and social impact. I knew my

independence and connection.

counselor and what it looked like

interests were broad, and I wanted

over the last four years?

a college experience that would

Most importantly, though, is the

reflect that.

community. The alumni I have met have been incredibly kind

Mr. Whitehill has always been a friendly face on campus to me, and

One of the best parts of college is

and welcoming, often describing

he was especially helpful during the

the ability to continue exploring

their time at Princeton as one of

college application process. From

what you love, so I knew I needed

the most meaningful experiences

reviewing essays to helping me

a place with many opportunities to

of their lives. Conversations with

organize my extracurriculars, he was

do so. I have lived in Tennessee my

current students — about studying

always open to offering insight in a

entire life and love it here, but I also

abroad, writing senior theses, and

supportive, thoughtful way, and I am

wanted the chance to experience a

taking unique courses — made it

very grateful for that.

new environment. I hoped to attend

clear how passionate and engaged

a school in the Northeast — far

the community is. After visiting

enough to feel new and exciting,

campus and experiencing that

Did you go into the process with any

but close enough to family for a

energy firsthand, I knew it was a

specific goals or particular colleges/

sense of home.

place I could see myself thriving.

programs of interest?

I have participated in the Going into the process, I was unsure

Why did you choose Princeton, and

Architecture, Construction,

about exactly what I wanted, and

what are you planning on studying?

and Engineering Mentorship Program for the past two years,

I am still exploring my academic interests. I did know, however, that

Princeton fulfilled everything I was

which inspired me to pursue civil

I wanted the opportunity to pursue

looking for and more. The university

engineering, with the possibility

my passions and discover how I

allows students time to explore

of exploring architecture as well.

could best serve my community.

before declaring a major, along with

I am also excited to continue

Because of that, I looked for a

hundreds of student organizations

discovering new academic

college where I could declare my

and highly flexible academic

interests along the way.

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Will Blair NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY

the process, she provided steady

How did your college counselor

encouragement and confidence that

support your search for the right

I would find the right fit. I am very

college?

grateful for her guidance and support.

The College Counseling Office was one of the most important resources

What activities have you been

I used throughout the process. My

involved in during high school?

college counselor, Mrs. Stewart,

Did you go into the college search

supported me in many meaningful

Before I came to Ensworth my junior

process with any specific goals or

ways.

year, I was unsure what activities I would be involved in, since I did not

colleges/programs of interest?

She first helped by suggesting

yet know what clubs were available.

When I first began the college

colleges that aligned with my

However, during the enrollment

search process, I hoped to attend the

interests and created a list for me

process, Mrs. Hubert shared that

University of Georgia, since it is where

to consider. Since many of those

the school was launching a Mock

my parents went. It was also the team

schools were in Boston, my mom

Trial team, and I immediately knew I

I cheered for growing up.

and I visited several campuses,

wanted to be part of it.

and I ultimately discovered that My main goal was to determine which

Northeastern was my top choice.

At the club fair, I signed up right away at Dr. Young’s booth. Over the past

academic path would best prepare me to become a lawyer. Because

She also guided me in selecting

two years, our team has traveled to

of that, I initially planned to study

courses and helped me understand

Chicago to compete and placed sixth

criminal justice and eventually attend

which classes and AP options would

in the district, which is especially

law school.

best support my goals. Throughout

impressive for a program that is still in its early years.

Why did you choose Northeastern, and what are you planning on studying?

I chose Northeastern because of its co-op program, which allows students to complete two full semesters of professional internships while still graduating in four years. This structure will give me valuable real-world experience and help me clarify my future career interests.

I plan to study Business Administration and Law, which will give me a strong foundation while allowing me the flexibility to explore different paths.

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Nora Brennan UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN

How did your interactions with your college counselor evolve throughout high school, and what role did they play in your overall experience?

My interactions with my college counselor began with our annual

especially a school with a football

What has been the most valuable

course scheduling meetings during

team and a lively campus atmosphere.

aspect of the Ensworth Experience

freshman and sophomore year. Over

Those preferences shaped the schools

for you?

time, especially during junior year after

I explored and ultimately toured, and

college planning meetings and visits,

while I considered a few that did not

The most valuable aspects of my

I found myself stopping by Dr. Phillips’

fully match them, they helped clarify

Ensworth experience have been

office more often with questions.

what mattered most to me.

tutorial and the Harkness table. Both helped me develop my voice and

By senior year, I would visit almost

confidence in expressing it. I have

every free period to ask anything from

Why did you choose the University of

grown significantly in advocating

one question to several. Even after

Wisconsin, and what do you plan on

for myself, asking for help when

submitting applications, I still stopped

studying?

needed, and communicating

in for help — and, of course, to grab

effectively with others, even when I knew I wanted a school in a city with

I do not fully agree with their ideas.

strong school spirit, and Wisconsin

These experiences have taught

checked those boxes, but it also

me how to listen and engage

What expectations, preferences,

offered so much more. When I visited,

thoughtfully in discussion, skills I will

or ideas did you have going into the

I loved how connected the campus is

carry with me beyond Ensworth.

college planning process, and how

to Madison and all the opportunities

did those shape the options you

that come with being part of the city.

considered?

I also appreciated its location on Lake

What advice would you give to

Mendota. Even the winter culture

incoming freshmen?

some candy.

I knew I wanted to attend a school in

stood out to me, from festivals on the

or near a city. I remember once driving

frozen lake to the way students fully

I would tell incoming freshmen that

through Illinois and seeing miles of

embrace the cold rather than avoid it.

they will change a lot over four years.

cornfields on the way to campus and

Embrace those changes, even

thinking I definitely wanted something

I felt like Wisconsin offered the full

when they feel uncomfortable or

more urban.

college experience with strong

uncertain. Every experience has

academics, school spirit, city life, and a

something to teach you, and each

true sense of community.

one helps shape who you become.

I also wanted strong school spirit,

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Student Leadership

I F YO U R ACT I O N S I NS PIR E OTHE R S TO D R E A M MOR E , LE A R N M ORE , DO MOR E , A ND BECOME MOR E ,

you are a leader.

-J OHN QUINCY ADAMS

Ensworth's programming is intentionally designed to equip students with the skills required to be effective leaders. Through a wide range of leadership opportunities, we empower our students to positively shape and impact the future.

A

High School Student Government Leadership

Tiger House Captains for 2026-2027

Black Team Wins for 2025-2026

President

House of Integrity

Tom Courtney

Claire Flury

for winning the long-standing

Quinn Taylor

spirited tradition of the Black vs.

House of Morality

Team was led by Captains Dalton

Katie Hooper

Weprin and Hayes Hampton

Vice President Dan McGugin Class Speakers

Orange competition. The Black

Jeremiah Easley Black Team Points

CLASS OF 2027

Christian Kurtz

House of Truth

CLASS OF 2028

Charlotte Figler

Katie Freeman & Annie Spencer

Dain Clark

CLASS OF 2029

Caroline Kurtz

Congratulations to the Black Team

House of Vitality

444,679

Orange Team Points 419,210

Meredith McGee Daniel Maumus

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House of Integrity Wins

College Book Awards

the Devon Cup

Each year, colleges and college alumni groups

Congratulations to the House of Integrity, led by Captains Nori Jamison and Blake Surratt, for winning the Devon Cup this year.

project and present insights about their experience. Some seniors become Service Scholars by completing a research essay, a reflection essay, additional service hours, and a presentation. Service Scholars experience the challenges and rewards of designing and completing a purely independent project outside of any specific Ensworth class.

Matthew DeCamillo

Claire Kintz

Audrey Bailey

Evie Denbo

Mia McDermott

Cate Barfield

Avery Franklin

Cameron Obee

Charlotte Garza

Imaiya Owns Different Horses

Nelson Butler Ana Cabrera Gutierrez David Choma Edward Coppeans Michael Cowhey

Alex Glenn Taylor Gordon

Ensworth juniors were honored for their excellence in various fields of endeavor by 14 colleges and universities.

Sutton Korn

Each Ensworth senior is required to design and complete a service

Nora Brennan

the country with book awards. This year,

The Brown University Book Award

High School Service Scholars

Stefano Boschi Asbun

recognize outstanding students throughout

Luke Richards

Thomas Hicks

Katarina Santiago

Hudson Honeybone

Caroline Sifford

Foster James

Collin Spitzer

Mya Jones

Ryleigh Wescott

The Dartmouth Book Award Soren Sugalski The Harvard Prize Book Lucas Tarquine The Hollins Book Award Adeline Courtney The Jefferson Book Award Christian Kurtz The Princeton Book Award Caroline Cox The Rensselaer Medal Audrey Tan The Saint Michael’s Book Award Avery Domitrovich

Middle School Head of School Award The Head of School Award is given to students in the Grade 8 class who make the School’s highest Honor Roll, the Head of School’s List, for each of the four marking periods of their Grade 8 year.

The Simmons Book Award Thao Le The St. Lawrence University Book Award Anders Damp The Tulane University Book Award

Susan Arnholt

Zigi Haun

Aidan Pinsly

Willie Mo Belott

William Herring

Dixon Riddick

Betsy Blair

Benjamin Hudson

Drew Brennan

Kip Keyser

Everett Rios

The Vermont Citizen Scholar Book Award

Harper Chambless

Peter Kintz

Libby Robinson

Alexandra Mitchell

Tom Courtney

Nalin Sattasiri

Natalie Chick

Eva Lemkin

Miles Damp

Mac Manning

Jack Dorr

Syon Mathur

Stella Eftekhari

David McIntosh

Henry Elam

Ella McLauchlan

Kennedy Wilson

Grace Wells Haeberle

Blakley Murfree

Sean Witt

Hayes Hampton

Lilah Palmer

Mary Wong

Joey Spalluto Ellie Tan Delaney Vallejo

The Wellesley Book Award Sarah Choma The Yale Book Award Duncan Rademacher

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Four-Bar Awards Bar pins are awarded to those students who earn Optime Merens for both semesters of a school year. Students who do so for one year earn one-bar pins. Those who do so for two years earn two-bar pins, and students who earn Optime Merens every semester for all four years earn four-bar pins. Optime Merens recognizes students with a GPA of at least 90 in all their academic courses in a semester.

Congratulations to the following seniors who earned four-bar pins:

Hobs Atwood

Sydney Johnson

Lee Atwood

Mya Jones

Ilyana Bachmann

Claire Kintz

Audrey Bailey

Julia Grace Linn

Camden Billups

Mia McDermott

Stefano Boschi Asbun

Sampson Neyman

Nora Brennan

Cameron Obee

David Choma

Boys and Girls State Selection Ensworth is proud to celebrate five students who have been selected to participate in the prestigious Boys State and Girls State programs this summer: Jack Grippo ’27, Ben Rios ’27, Allie Bernstein ’27, Caroline Cox ’27, and Sutton Korn ’27.

Layton Pewitt

Edward Coppeans

Katarina Santiago

Elliott Darr

Jordan Scott

Evie Denbo Avery Franklin Charlotte Garza

Caroline Sifford

Student Opportunities for

Alaena Smith

Leadership, Inclusivity, &

Alex Glenn

Emerson Smith

Beau Harrison

Lily Sonnenschein

Thomas Hicks

Collin Spitzer

Hudson Honeybone

Betsy Hart Wright

Diversity Conference In February, a group of High School students attended the SOLID (Student Opportunities for Leadership, Inclusivity, & Diversity) Conference alongside student leaders from our peer schools. They tackled important topics, explored social awareness and justice, and

Mya Jones '26, in partnership with our High School Environmental Club, invited Tennessee State Representative Bob Freeman to speak at Frist Campus on environmental policy, public service, and the power of civic engagement, encouraging students to make an impact in their own communities.

built meaningful connections with peers from across our community.

Daniel Aguto ’28

Sophie Massaquoi ’26

Champ Banks ’28

Ella Meade Poe ’27

Dain Clark ’27

Kendall Rucker ’29

Lucy Gichner ’28

Katarina Santiago ’26

Christian Harris ’29

Bishop Starling ’26

Drew Heath ’29

Ethan Starling ’28

Caleb Ingram ’26

Neriah Taylor ’27

Jay Looper ’27

Noel Whitfield ’27

Atia Mansouri ’28

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Middle School Geography Bee The GeoBee tests students on their knowledge of geography, cultures, landmarks, and world events in the National Geographic format. Students advance through school-level competitions with quick recall and deep understanding. We are proud to recognize Luke LaFreniere ’30 who rose to the challenge and excelled in this year’s GeoBee.

Grade 8 Presidential Debate The 2026 Grade 8 Presidential Debate was impressive, insightful, and memorable. The courage to get up in front of the whole Middle School and participate in this type of debate is commendable. This year, our presidential debate champion was Dixon Riddick ’30, representing Harry Truman.

ACE Mentor Program Scholarship Sutton Korn ’27 was awarded a $7,500 scholarship through the ACE Mentorship Program, a national program designed to inspire high school students to explore careers in architecture, construction, and engineering.

Sutton is a member of Ensworth’s ACE chapter, led by High School Science Teacher and Department Chair Mike Ireland, who was named Champion of the Year for greater Nashville.

National Community Service Impact Award Jack Eyler ’29 has been recognized by the United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA) and InnerView as part of the 8th annual Community Service Impact Awards. Through this national program, students are honored for meaningful contributions to their communities and for engaging in service that addresses real-world challenges.

Congressional Award Medal At Ensworth, students are encouraged to pursue meaningful challenges that foster growth, service, and leadership. For Dominic Bachmann ’30, that commitment recently led to an impressive achievement: qualifying for the Bronze Medal level of The Congressional Award Foundation Congressional Award, the nation’s highest honor for young Americans earned through initiative, achievement, and service.

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Art and Writing Awards Sofia Shah ’28 Scholastic Gold Key (Drawing) CJ Cavolo ’26, MTRSAE 1st Place (Video/DVD Production) Gabriel Dean ’26 MTRSAE Best of Video Liv Garrett ’28 MTRSAE 1st Place (Computer Graphics) Isaiah Hasselbeck ’28 MTRSAE 1st Place & Scholastic Gold Key (Photography) Andrew Hogan ’26 MTRSAE 1st Place (Photography) Zigi Haun ’30 MTRSAE 1st Place (Drawing) Kennedy King ’32

Student Speaker Series Cooper Ramsey ’27 presented during our first Student Speaker Series of the semester. In her presentation, “Breaking the Silence: Child and Teenage OCD and Anxiety,” Cooper explored the science behind anxiety and OCD, shared actionable steps that can lead to positive impact, and offered practical tools to support students navigating these challenges. We are incredibly proud of Cooper for addressing such an important topic and for her thoughtful research.

Quinn Taylor ’27 also shared at our Student Speaker Series, sharing his presentation “Will I Still Be the

MTRSAE 1st Place (Mixed Media)

Same? My Epilepsy Experience.” By opening up about

Jay Looper ’27

epilepsy while showing the resilience it takes to keep

MTRSAE 1st Place (Sculpture)

his journey, Quinn helped educate classmates about pursuing the things you love. We are so proud and thankful for his conversation and vulnerability.

Syon Mathur ’30 Scholastic Gold Key (Sculpture) Emma Stearns ’32 MTRSAE 1st Place (Sculpture) Evie Denbo ’26 MTRSAE Best of Photography Coco Dixon ’28 Scholastic Gold Key (Ceramics & Glass)

National Dance Alliance Competition

Cooper Lucy ’27

The High School team captured 1st place in the

Scholastic Gold Key (Sculpture)

Small Varsity Jazz division. In addition, the team was awarded the Technical Excellence Award, recognizing

Sutton Korn ’27 Scholastic Gold Key (Short Story)

the highest level of technical skill across all high school teams and divisions competing in the NDA Bama Regional. Competition Dance team members:

Alana Wells ’26

Sydney Johnson ’26, Maddie Miller ’27, Kelsy Parker

Scholastic Gold Key (Poem)

’26, Nathalie Peete ’27, Sophie Ward ’29, Lucy Stenzel ’29, and Deryn Mason ’29.

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High School Mock Trial Our High School Mock Trial team competed in the Nashville District competition. Both Ensworth teams finished 6th and 7th overall, and Caitlin Hesse ’28 earned the District Best Prosecution Witness Award.

Student Production Award Our High School Film Studio has been named a 2026 Student Production Award recipient by the MidSouth/Nashville chapter of NATAS for their film, In Plain Sight, earning top honors in the Best Director category.

Princeton Prize in Race Relations Katarina Santiago ’26 has been named the 2026 Nashville regional winner of the Princeton Prize in Race Relations, an award recognizing high school students who demonstrate leadership and commitment to advancing racial equity and fostering understanding among diverse groups.

Model United Nations Conference Ensworth students attended a Model United Nations conference hosted by the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where they participated in both the General Assembly and Crisis committees and represented the school with distinction. Nathan Fletcher ’28 received a verbal commendation for his work representing Qatar and Sutton Korn ’27 earned Outstanding Delegate.

National History Day Competition Rae Turberfield ’28 earned 1st place in the Individual Exhibit category at the National History Day regional competition for her project, "Red Lipstick Revolution," which explores the role of makeup and the shifting status of women in the workforce during World War II, examining how lipstick became a symbol of resilience, identity, and cultural change during a pivotal moment in American history. Rae developed the project in her American history course with Dr. Kyla Morgan Young.

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Peter Bryant

CJ Cavolo

Gabriel Dean

University of Missouri

Middle Tennessee State University

Loyola Marymount University

Digital Storytelling

Performing Arts

Film & Television Production

Lily Fleming

Sydney Johnson

Sage Marks

Elon University

Boston University

Austin Peay State University

Acting

Dance

Theater and Music

Kelsy Parker

Luke Richards

Alaena Smith

Southern Methodist University

Texas Christian University

Case Western Reserve University

Communications in Arts & Creative Leadership

Film, TV & Digital Media

Theater and Sociology

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Congrats to our seniors who are pursuing the arts in college

Henry Turberfield Savannah College of Art & Design Immersive Reality and AI

James Heinrichs Washington University in St. Louis Finance and Music

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visible

FROM HERE TO THERE WRITTEN BY JC JOHNSON

High School Director of Visual Arts

VISIBLE is Ensworth's annual K-12 celebration of the visual arts, showcasing artwork in galleries across the Ingram Arts Center on Frist Campus from January through March. This year's theme, From Here to There, inspired the K-12 visual arts teams to examine a wide range of interpretations: time, movement, transportation, and place.

Visitors were invited to explore the Ingram Arts Center, experiencing an interactive gallery spanning multiple spaces.

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I

nspiration for this year’s theme came from several

Throughout the main gallery, which featured artwork

sources, including a collaboration with visiting artist

from K-12 students, motion was everywhere. Cars moved

David Wilson, who worked with students during

around architectural columns, and one of the most

the fall semester's "Side Quest" experience. High School

engaging installations — The Interior Train — invited

students created pieces centered on transportation,

viewers to become part of the experience. A series

incorporating watercolor and collage techniques

of student-created landscapes were displayed as if

inspired by his work. Ceramic hot air balloons floated

seen from a train window, allowing visitors to imagine

overhead, surrounded by sculpted feet and shoes from

themselves traveling through each scene.

the Middle School, butterflies from the Lower School, and even tigers. Together, each piece contributed to a

The centerpiece of the show was a service-based

sense of motion and wonder.

installation of student-constructed skyscrapers

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and buildings made from recycled cardboard and

“There is a profound joy in seeing the full range

Styrofoam, creating a cityscape for the trains to pass

of student work — from Kindergarten all the way

through. Alongside these, elevated ceramic skyscrapers

through Grade 12 — displayed together in one

crafted by students added another layer of texture

shared space,” said Lower School Visual Arts Director

and craftsmanship, blending different media into one

Evie Coates. “The progression of skills, the array of

cohesive scene.

individual styles and creative voices becomes visible in a way that happens at no other time during the

In the Lehman-Eskind Black Box Theater, visitors were

school year; it is a delightful event for our community

transported into space, surrounded by glowing moon

and one that is truly unique. We come together

houses and castles created by Lower and High School

to celebrate not only individual artworks, but the

students. It was another interpretation of our theme,

collective expression of our entire vibrant, growing

pushing the idea of movement beyond the physical

community of young artists who are learning

and into something more imaginative.

alongside one another.” ■

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Film Studio

In the Spotlight HIGH SCHOOL FILM WINS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD

In its second year, the High School Film Studio has been named a 2026 Student Production Award recipient by the MidSouth/Nashville chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) for their film In Plain Sight. The film was recognized in the Best Director category, honoring the creative vision and leadership behind the project.

While the award was presented in the directing category, the achievement reflects the collective effort of the entire class. From concept to final cut, students collaborated across every aspect of the production, bringing the story to life through a shared creative process. As part of this honor, In Plain Sight has been automatically submitted for consideration at the national level. Nominees will be announced in October, with national recipients recognized in November.

Watch awardwinning film, In Plain Sight

PICTURED ABOVE (LEFT TO RIGHT): Peter Bryant '26, Alaena Smith '26, Luke Richards '26, Gabriel Dean '26, Hudson

Honeybone '26, CJ Cavolo '26, Imaiya Own Different Horses '26, Kelsy Parker '26 (NOT PICTURED: Eliza Baggott '26)

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Guys &

Dolls

Hailed as the perfect musical comedy, the award-winning classic Guys and Dolls transformed the Ingram Arts Center theater into 1950s New York City.

With a jazz-infused score delivered by the Mission Workers of Times Square, gamblers in a hidden sewer, night club Hot Box Girls, and energetic Havana dancers, the show wowed audiences with its high energy, exciting dance routines, and comedic performances.

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G

uys and Dolls is the largest High School

in their first High School musical to veteran

musical produced at Ensworth in over

performers to seniors taking to the stage for the first

a decade, and students were involved

and last time, the show created a special sense of

at every level and in all aspects of the

community, which further added to the magic of the

production. Overall, Guys and Dolls had 44 cast

production.

members, 25 backstage crew members, 22 musicians, and eight Ensworth faculty members bring the show

“I was proud of everyone involved,” said director Shawn

from script to stage. The monumental undertaking

Knight. “They committed to every wacky character

left the audience in awe of what the Ensworth Arts

and wild scenario. The show took a lot of research to

Department can accomplish, and sent them back out

understand and communicate the world of the play

into the world humming catchy tunes and laughing

in a way that could feel believable, and boy, did they

at the characters’ hijinks.

succeed.”

Because the show had such a large cast, a wide range

“This was my first High School musical, and I had

of students got involved. From freshmen participating

so much fun doing it,” said Vivian Mixon ’29. “The community as a whole is very loving and supportive.

Everyone has so much talent, and there's a lot of hard work and effort that goes into it. It's really amazing to see.”

For Emmy Woodard ’27, getting to work with students across different grade levels was a highlight of the show. “My favorite part of the musical was getting to work with the rest of the cast and the

“The community as a

other leads,” she said. “I enjoyed seeing all the younger underclassmen who were leads and in the

whole is very loving and

ensemble. They got to be really involved and bring

supportive. Everyone

their perspective to the show. It was a lot of fun to get

has so much talent, and

to work with them.”

there's a lot of hard work

Nathan Fletcher ’28, who served on the backstage

and effort that goes into it.

tech crew led by Technical Theater Director Cody

It's really amazing to see.”

Vivian Mixon ’29

Allen, got the opportunity to connect with the cast and crew behind the scenes.

“When I was working with the tech crew, watching all the actors on stage and how happy they were and how much fun they were having, it made me want to start acting and get more involved,” Fletcher said. “I'm trying out for all the plays next year.”

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That joy and community were felt in the orchestra as well.

Students played alongside 18 professional musicians, hired by Director of Instrumental Music Clayton Hamilton, giving them a sense of professional preparation and work environment.

“Being able to play clarinet and saxophone in the pit and also play with professional musicians helped me learn more about my instrument and how to play,” said Gabriel Dean ’26.

Nathalie Peete ’27 also had the opportunity to further develop her dance skills by assisting Leila Jones in reviewing, cleaning, and setting choreography. For Peete, watching the cast grow more confident and seeing dance numbers come together was gratifying.

“Choreographing for the musical as a student has honestly been one of the most fun and exciting things I’ve gotten to do,” she said. “I love the process of turning everything into something you can actually see on stage, and figuring out moves that match the vibe and energy of the moment.

Teaching my friends the choreography makes it even better — it’s a mix of laughing, counting things out a million times, and celebrating when it finally clicks.”

As the show’s musical director, Christina Carter led the vocal rehearsals and conducted the orchestra for the performances.

She is immensely proud of the work that all the singers put into preparing the show and really enjoyed collaborating with this amazing directing team.

“It is an honor to see the Ensworth spirit come to life in Guys and Dolls,” Carter said. “The orchestra was beautifully connected, the crew and performers gave their all both on stage and in the wings, and the joy of performance was never-ending. Our time together created a truly unified community, showcasing the impact of working together toward a shared creative vision.” ■

WRITTEN BY SHAWN KNIGHT

High School Musical Director

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Athletics

AKEEM BATEY Belmont University Track & Field

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JUDE BAMBIC Berry College Golf

CHASE BYINGTON Vanderbilt University Basketball

ANDREW HOGAN Fort Valley State University Football

BRANDON HORN Wesleyan University Diving

NORI JAMISON University of Evansville Basketball

MYA JONES Claremont McKenna College Track & Field

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ASHTON MOORE Georgetown College Football

CAMERON OBEE Xavier University of Louisiana Baseball

LAYTON PEWITT LaGrange College Baseball

JAYDEN PYANT Missouri Western State University Football

STEVEN SHERMAN Univeristy of Rhode Island Basketball

P

S

BLAKE SURRATT

J

H

H

Morehead State University Football

F

G

T

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College Signings

BISHOP STARLING

Vanderbilt University Football

DEMARII THOMPSON

Alf red State College Football

PREVIOUS COMMITMENTS // HAYDEN CHERRY, Golf at Appalachian State University JONATHAN

ELLIOTT DARR, Swimming at Davidson College

DROBNY,

Lacrosse

at

Stevenson

University

BEAU

HARRISON, Football at Washington and Lee University TAYLOR HASSELBECK, Football at University of Wyoming JUSTIN HOPKINS, Football at University of Minnesota TERRANCE REYNOLDS III, Soccer at Georgetown University LILLY SITES, Lacrosse at Wofford College QUINCY

ELENA SIPE Sewanee: The University of the South Volleyball

TOPPING, Swimming at Boston College ALANA WELLS, Basketball at Iona University ELI WILT, Football at Western Kentucky University

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TWO T

COOPER RICE

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S

State Championships

GIRLS' LACROSSE STATE CHAMPIONS

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HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS WINTER & SPRING HIGHLIGHTS

ROBERT INMAN AWARD

The following seniors participated in at least 11 athletic seasons, while the juniors participated in at least eight athletic seasons and received this award: Cate Barfield '26, Evie Denbo '26, Elle Hutcheson '27, Ella Meade Poe '27, and Blake Surratt '26.

GIRLS’ LACROSSE • State Champions

• Region Champions • Betsy Blair ’30 - All Region • Charlotte Figler ’27 - All Region, All State, All American • Lilly Sites ’26 - All Region, All State, All American • Charlotte Williamson ’28 - All Region, All State, All American • Charlotte Garza '26 - All American • Corey Donohoe - USA Lacrosse Coach of the Year

BOYS’ LACROSSE • State Champions

• Region Champions • Davis Blair ’29 - All Region, All State • William Cox ’27 - All Region, All State • Jonathan Drobny ’26 - All Region, All State, Defensive Player of the Year • Teddy Graff ’27 - All Region • Matthew Gray ’27 - All Region, All State • Casey Nuchow ’28 - All Region, All State • Cooper Rice ’27 - All Region, All State, Offensive Player of the Year, MTHSSA Boys' Lacrosse Player of the Year • Ethan Starling ’28 - All Region, All State

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BASEBALL

• Champ Banks ’28 - All Region • Carter Hullett ’27 - All Region

HOCKEY

• Hudson Honeybone ’26 - GNASH All-Star Hockey Team

CARTER HULLETT

MOLLYKATE ORR

TENNIS

• Girls’ Team Region Champions • Boys' Team Region Runners-Up • Avery Franklin ’26 & Aubrey Trusley ’27 - Doubles Region Champions • Yeva Diachenko ’29 - Singles Region Runner-Up • Abby Martin ’29 - State Qualifier • MollyKate Orr ’27 & Elsa Staelin ’27 - Doubles State Qualifier • Edward Coppeans ’26 & Jack Tompkins ’26 - Doubles Region Runners-Up

WRESTLING

• Mason Bonner ’29 - Region Medalist • Finn Castle ’29 - Region Medalist • Tanner Tapp ’27 - Region Medalist, State Medalist

BOYS’ SOCCER

DIEGO VILLEGAS-MENDEZ

• Diego Villegas-Mendez ’26 - All Region

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ALANA WELLS

BASKETBALL

• Steven Sherman ’26 - All Region, All State • Nori Jamison ’26 - All Region • Alana Wells ’26 - All Region, All State

TRACK & FIELD

• Grade 9 Boys’ City Champions • Grade 9 Girls’ City Champions • Akeem Batey ’26 - Region Meet Champion, Long Jump • Gabi Bullock ’26, Bella Stader ’29, Chandler Brinkley ’29, Promise Sawyers ’27 - State Champions, 4x100 Relay

STATE CHAMPIONS

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QUINCY TOPPING

STATE CHAMPIONS

SWIMMING & DIVING • Girls' Swimming & Diving Team Region Champions

• Sandy Finn ’28 - All State

• Boys' Swimming & Diving Team Region Champions

• Alex Glenn ’26 - State Champion (200 Free Relay),

• Combined Team Region Champions

Region Champion (400 Free Relay), All State

• Alex Aplin ’27 - All State

• Brandon Horn ’26 - Region Champion (Diving 1M),

• Salem Bahr ’28 - Region Champion (100 Breaststroke,

Region Diver of the Year, All State

400 Free Relay), All Region, All State, USA 2025 National

• Charlie Jackoboice ’29 - Region Champion (200

Select Camp

Medley Relay, 400 Free Relay)

• Jax Brodoski ’28 - Region Champion (100 Freestyle,

• Emily McWilliams ’28 - Region Champion (400 Free

400 Free Relay, 200 Medley Relay) All Region, All State

Relay)

• Ella Cox ’29 - State Champion (200 Free Relay), All State

• Mina Sanford ’28 - State Champion (200 Free Relay),

• Elliott Darr ’26 - Region Champion (50 Freestyle, 100

All State

Backstroke, 200 Medley Relay, 400 Free Relay), All

• Bella Stader ’29 - State Champion (200 Free Relay), All

Region, All State

State

• Avery Domitrovich ’27 - Region Champion (400 Free

• Quincy Topping ’26 - Region Champion (200 Freestyle,

Relay), All Region, All State

100 Breaststroke, 200 Medley Relay, 400 Free Relay), State Champion (50 Free), All Region, All State

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MIDDLE SCHOOL ATHLETICS WINTER & SPRING HIGHLIGHTS

4X100 RELAY CHAMPIONS 4X800 RELAY CHAMPIONS

TRACK & FIELD CHAMPIONS

TRACK & FIELD

Boys' HVAC Team Champions

Girls’ HVAC Team Champions Individual Champions: • Claire Schneider '30 - Shot Put

Individual Champions:

• Nile Taylor '32 - Long Jump

• James Kempf '30, David McIntosh '30, Stephen

• Noelle Taylor '30 - 100 Hurdles

McIntosh '31, Henry Saltzman '31 - 4x800 Relay • Mason Ford '30, David McIntosh '30, Stephen McIntosh '31, Parker Simpson '31 - 4x400 Relay • Mason Ford '30 - High Jump • Jaxon Hopkins '30 - 200, 400 Hurdles

• Grace Wells Haeberle '30 - 1600, 800 • Sydney Calloway '32, Claire Schneider, Nile Taylor, Noelle Taylor '30 - 4x100 Relay • Sydney Calloway '32, Maggie Carney '31, Crislyn Hope '31, Grace Wells Haeberle '30 - 4X400 Relay

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GIRLS’ GOLF • HVAC Team Champions

GIRLS' GOLF CHAMPIONS

SWIMMING & DIVING • Maggie Hundley '30 - HVAC Champion (100 Yard Butterfly, 100 Yard Backstroke)

MAGGIE HUNDLEY

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL • HVAC Junior Champions - Grade 6

BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS

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alumni

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i

W

hen Brett Barnett ’16 was a little kid, he thought firefighting

looked like the best job in the

world. To him, the Nashville firefighters were superheroes.

And while some kids may have eventually let go of their obsession with firefighting, Barnett never did.

ANSWERING THE CALL

“I was that little kid who loved firetrucks and thought it looked awesome,” he said. “They get to run red lights and go save people,

Brett Barnett ’16

and I never grew out of it.”

credits curiosity,

Barnett is a firefighter at Rescue Station 13, an all-

challenge, and

hazards rescue unit of the Nashville Fire Department. The firefighters

lessons learned

at the station handle all responsibilities typically associated with firefighting, such as fire and medical calls, and are also trained in

at Ensworth with

additional technical rescue disciplines, including hazmat, rope, water,

preparing him for a

and confined space calls.

career dedicated to helping others.

“Our rescue truck doesn't have any water on it or any ladders,” he said. “We like to call ourselves the fire department's fire department.

So when a call is outside the normal scope of practice for a standard engine company, you'll get a group like us with some advanced tools and training.”

Though Barnett has been involved with firefighting for almost a decade, his path to the career was anything but linear.

Barnett started at Ensworth as a freshman, and while on campus, he was a three-sport athlete, played the drums in rock band, and even took dance classes. Though he didn’t know it all the time, his exposure to new and challenging situations would eventually be vital to his success as a firefighter.

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“Ensworth did a fantastic job of putting me in situations I probably wouldn't have put myself in on my own,” he said. “Being in

me. I apply my degree and all my education every day I come to work, it’s just not in the route I initially thought it would be. I show up to a scene and have to be a problem solver in any sort of situation.”

those situations, and doing something that's new for you,

In February of 2023, Barnett left the Pegram

something that's challenging,

Department and was hired by Nashville Fire. He re-

transfers to my day-to-day

entered the fire academy and received extra in-house

now too. I'm always in new

training to serve the Nashville area. Since then, he

situations — maybe something

has been stationed at Truck 28 in Donelson and now

that I haven't done before or

at Rescue 13.

something that's new to me — but being exposed to a lot of things and having the

Each day is different for Barnett and his crew.

opportunity to grow in a lot of different areas while I

Nashville is covered by three different shifts

was at Ensworth definitely helped.”

of firefighters who work for 24 hours and then have 48 hours off. Each shift begins by checking

After graduating from Ensworth, Barnett attended

over equipment, such as the truck, batteries, and

Vanderbilt University, where he studied mechanical

medical gear. After equipment and safety checks are

engineering before shifting to civil engineering.

completed, the crew waits for calls to come in and

During his freshman year, he decided to volunteer

responds accordingly.

with the Pegram Fire Department while also still taking classes. Through this volunteer opportunity,

“As calls come in, we take them. Sometimes it can be

he attended the state fire academy and completed the

a really busy day. Sometimes it's a little slower. We

basic training required to become a firefighter.

never really know until we are in it,” he said. “In addition to all that, we're just a big family that lives

Barnett continued to work at the Pegram Fire

together. We train together every day. We work out

Department until he graduated from Vanderbilt

together every day. We cook every meal together and

in 2020. However, instead of pursuing firefighting

sit down to eat together. We’ll also find some time for

full-time, Barnett chose to take his ‘dream job’ in

fun throughout the shift.”

corporate commercial construction. Not long after starting that role, and with encouragement from one

Two of the core skills needed to be a firefighter are

of his professors, he decided to return to firefighting

integrity and a love for service. For Barnett, both of

at the Pegram Department.

these values were instilled in him while at Ensworth.

Whether it was picking up trash in the opposing

“I had a professor in college tell me that my

team’s bleachers after a football game with Coach

engineering degree was just a degree in problem

Ricky Bowers or participating in service learning

solving, and what problems are more important than

days, these lessons are now integral parts of his

the ones people call 911 for,” he said. “That stuck with

everyday life.

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“Integrity is a really big thing. It’s what you do when no one is watching and doing all the little things right and doing the right things for the right reasons.

Taking care of your house, taking care of your place, leaving things better than you found them, impacts how you do the big thing,” he said. “I remember being here for our service learning days and getting out in the community. We always talked about servant leadership and leaving things better than you found them, so that identity was instilled in me when I was at Ensworth.”

It’s been nearly 10 years since Barnett first jumped into the field of firefighting, and although he has learned many lessons along the way, he is proud of staying true to himself and doing what he truly loves.

“My younger self would be the most proud of me for staying true to who I am,” he said. “Following my heart and taking a leap of faith into a career that I knew I wanted to be doing, but had no experience in, and really had no connection to.”

“I remember being here for our service learning days and getting out in the community. We always talked about servant leadership and leaving things better than you found them, so that identity was instilled in me when I was at Ensworth.”

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CLASS

NOTES

Margaret Taylor ’72 and Liz

of speech: prepositions. Advance

Bohannon ’02 have joined

praise from bestselling author,

forces at Fridrich & Clark

Margaret Renkl, calls it a “radiant

Realty. Margaret has returned

book” that will "lead you straight

to selling real estate after

to a wild uncontained God.”

practicing law. She has 25

Varina will be participating in

years of prior experience

various literary festivals this fall,

selling Nashville properties.

including the Southern Festival of Books and Wild

Growing up in a real estate

Goose Festival, and offering readings across the

family, Liz often saw firsthand

South.

from her grandfather the real estate development and

Abby Sinks Spaulding ’99

turnover process, which made her career a natural

spoke to our seniors about

transition. Together, they specialize in selling

practical life skills after

homes in Nashville's premier neighborhoods as

graduation. Abby — owner

well as providing relocation services.

and managing partner of Continuum Planning Partners

Laura Upchurch's ’87 book,

— spoke with students about

My Year with Dame Olivia:

college finances, offering a practical, high-level

Paris, Olivia de Havilland &

overview of topics such as credit, saving, and

the Art of an Extraordinary

investing.

Life, is finished and seeking publication. You can follow her

Hunter Mobley ’99 also spoke to our seniors about

next steps on Instagram @

practical life skills after graduation. Hunter — Chief

lauraupchurchwrites or on her website.

Culture Officer and a Trust & Estate Advisor at Equitable Trust Co., as well as an

Kate Sherrard Chinn ’89 was

author and Enneagram teacher

recently named Managing

— talked to this group about

Partner at Nashville-based

early career steps, including

marketing, advertising, and

networking, internships, college

public relations agency MP&F

transitions, and first jobs.

Strategic Communications.

We said goodbye to Alumni Ensworth alum and former faculty member

Board President Whitney

Varina Buntin Willse ’91 has a book releasing

Haley Kalb ’01. Thank you,

with Broadleaf Books on September 8, titled

Whitney, for two dedicated

Beneath and Between: And Other Overlooked

years of service as Alumni

Words that Illuminate God. The book offers an

Board President and eight

expansive vision of God hidden in a humble part

years on the Alumni Board!

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Thompson Grant ’08 left

Candace Lawrence Reeve ’10 joined Ensworth’s

working in traditional gyms

Business Office team as our new Accounting

to start his own fitness

Manager. In this role, she supports the mission

company. His mobile

of the school by overseeing

training service focuses on

key accounting functions,

strength training, weight

strengthening financial

loss, rehabilitation exercises,

reporting, and ensuring strong

and nutrition. Nashville

internal controls and efficient

Mobile Fitness brings the workout equipment

operations.

and results-driven training sessions right to your home.

Lauren Cummings Johnson ’11 and her postpartum care company, Choose Joy Nursing, were featured Faith Sanford Watson ’08, a

in the May edition of Stroll Belle Meade magazine.

Professor at The University of

“What began as a calling during her time as a nurse

Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys

has grown into a deeply personalized, in-home care

School of Law, recently won the

experience for mothers and newborns. Choose Joy

MLK50 Faculty Service Award,

Nursing goes beyond traditional support, focusing

honoring "a faculty member

on both mom and baby with

that has demonstrated outstanding service

services rooted in nervous

to the University of Memphis, the law school,

system regulation, recovery,

the Memphis legal community, or the broader

lactation support, and gentle

national academic and legal communities."

guidance during those first crucial weeks.”

Kia Lang ’09 received her Master's Degree in

We were thrilled to welcome Mary Elizabeth Colton

Educational Leadership from

’12 to our senior class meeting

Carson Newman University.

on May 1 to speak about the Ensworth alumni network and the

This February, Bryce Wiatrak ’10 earned the title

importance of staying connected

of Master of Wine. The highest distinction for

after graduation.

the global wine trade, the certification involves a famously rigorous four-day

Fletcher Cato Renken ’19 returned to campus to

exam of blind tasting and

speak to our current High School students about

theory papers, followed by a

following their passion and to

years-long research project.

visit with our Tiger Garage Club

Bryce is now the youngest

members. He's been passionate

Master of Wine in North

about racing and cars since a

America, joining just over 60

young age and is now working on

in the United States.

a NASCAR pit crew.

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NOTES

Drake Elcan ’19 stopped by

Ella Talerico ’21 is currently the Artistic Producing

campus to visit with Dr. JJ

Fellow at Studio Theatre in D.C. She has also founded

Anthony, Ensworth’s Associate

a NYC-based production company called Tin Can

Dean of College Counseling &

Contingency that is producing a new play called

Academic Advising.

Dragoness. Additionally, she has produced a short film that she wrote and directed called Wormball,

William Wright ’20 was recently recognized as

and has an original play going up in

one of the six 2-25 Team Award recipients at the

London at Playhouse East.

University of Tennessee, Knoxville Orange & White Spring Game. William was

Gabrielle White ’21 was recently

presented with the Academic

named champion of the 13th Annual

Excellence Award, recognizing

Dean’s Cup Invitational at Belmont

his achievement of earning

University College of Law after six

the highest scholastic average

competitive rounds.

on the team, excelling both on the field and in the classroom.

Evan Petty ’21 graduated from UC Berkeley’s College of Engineering and will begin the Accelerated

Keshawn Lawrence ’20 and Andre Turrentine

Master’s program in Mechanical Engineering this

’21, who are both currently training for the NFL

fall. While at Berkeley, Evan won multiple academic

draft, stopped by Frist

awards, including the Neufeld Scholar Award – the

Campus to catch up

highest cumulative GPA of any graduating male

with History/Seminar

athlete at Berkeley, the Jake Gimbel Prize, awarded

Teacher and CEI

to one graduating male

Program Coordinator

student-athlete for outstanding

Shomari White ’13.

integration of academics and athletics, and was a three-time

Andre Turrentine ’21 was recently recognized as

Golden Bear Award, the highest

one of the six 2-25 Team Award recipients at the

GPA on the men’s swimming

University of Tennessee, Knoxville Orange & White

team.

Spring Game. Andre received the Bill Majors Team Award,

In August, Hart Wilkinson ’21

honoring the player who best

will be returning to her alma

reflects the dedication and

mater, the University of Colorado

commitment to the game of

Boulder, to complete her M.A.

football exemplified by Bill

in Speech-Language Pathology.

Majors.

After graduation, she hopes to work in a pediatric setting.

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Audrey Campbell ’23 is an

Marching Band, becoming the

International Studies major

youngest student ever to hold

at American University’s

the role and the first African

School of International

American to do so. Kennedy

Service. In fall 2025, she

joined the Pitt Band with no prior

studied abroad in Brussels

marching band experience and let

through AU’s European Union

her love of music, determination,

in Action Program, exploring EU institutions

and work ethic guide her journey.

through coursework and site visits across Belgium, Germany, France, Luxembourg, Bosnia

There’s something

& Herzegovina, Serbia, and Moldova. While in

powerful about

Brussels, Audrey also interned with Edelman’s

hearing from those

policy communications team, sparking a strong

just one step ahead.

interest in pursuing a career in communications.

In January, an alumni

She has now visited 34 countries, 20 of them

panel of college

in Europe. After traveling through Switzerland,

freshmen shared

the Netherlands, and the UK over winter break,

honest advice on college life, from academics

Audrey began her spring 2026 semester in

and friendships to getting involved and personal

Berlin. There, she completed an intensive

growth, along with what they’d tell their high

German language program alongside courses on

school selves. Brenna Hanbury ’25 (Davidson

European environmental policy, environmental

College), Tess Staelin ’25 (University of Tennessee),

entrepreneurship, and Europe in crisis, further

Miles Whitfield ’25 (University of Richmond), Brian

building on her international academic and

Tierney ’25 (Vanderbilt University), Sebastian

professional experiences.

Cabrera Gutierrez ’25 (Wake Forest University), Sarah Howard ’25 (LSU), and Braxton Gunn ’25

Silas Bosch ’23 finished his

(Tennessee Tech).

final semester at Liberty University, graduating in

David Berry ’91

three years with a Bachelor of

hosted our annual

Science in Aeronautics. He just

theater alumni

received his Commercial Pilot's

gathering, welcoming

License with a Multi-Engine

nearly 30 folks from

Rating flying a Beechcraft Baron. Silas plans to

a wonderful range of

move back to Nashville in the coming months and

classes from the past

begin instructing students in the area.

15 years, from 2010 to 2025!

Kennedy Aderogba ’24 was selected as the next Drum Major for the University of Pittsburgh

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NOTES

CLASS

Legacy Graduates

Hobs & Lee Atwood ’26

Chad Atwood ’90 Charlotte Callis Atwood ’60 (grandmother)

Edward Coppeans ’26

Ruth Duncan Coppeans ’93

Greta Banks ’26

Jodi Wilt Banks ’87 Joanne Fleming Hayes ’60

Cate Barfield ’26

Cole Barfield ’95

(grandmother)

Lola Elam ’26

Roe Elam ’88 The Late Carol Clark Elam ’62

Clayton Ellis ’26

Taylor Gordon ’26

Carrie Crossman Ellis ’88

Frank Gordon ’77

(grandmother)

Coco McGehee ’26

Bartley McGehee ’89

Caroline Sifford ’26

Dorothy Barfield Sifford ’86

Eli Wilt ’26

TJ Wilt ’91 Joanne Fleming Hayes ’60 (grandmother)

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Alumni Gatherings

Alumni Happy Hours Earlier this year, alumni gathered at Red Gables and in New York City for happy hours hosted by our Alumni Office. We loved catching up with smiling faces and spending time together.

Young Alumni Lunch We loved welcoming our college-aged alums back to campus for lunch in January. Reconnecting with classmates, teachers, and cherished spaces before heading back to their campuses made for the perfect start to our semester.

Class Reunions We had a great time celebrating the Classes of 1996, 2001, 2011, 2016, and 2021.

Please reach out to alumni@ensworth.com if you’re interested in planning a gathering or reunion!

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CLASS

NOTES

Family Additions Matt and Carolyn Riley Von Lunen ’02

Alice Wynne Von Lunen August 30, 2025 Keaton and Caroline Pratt Sloan ’08

Gibson McArthur Sloan January 4, 2026 Tom and Francie Fisher Corcoran ’09

Thomas "Tee" Francis Corcoran, V February 10, 2026

Tee Corcoran

Molly Krebs

Thomas Young and Nakia Lang ’09

August Young February 11, 2026 Kyle and Maggie King Rynd ’09

Mary Margaret Rynd February 13, 2026 Roger and Katie Rush Waynick ’09

Maeve Alena Malone and Lillian Renee Elese Waynick April 4, 2026

Maeve Alena Malone and Lillian Renee Elese Waynick

Hays and Darden Robbins

Austin and Mary Keith Jackson Robbins ’10

Charles "Hays" and Margaret "Darden" Robbins February 10, 2026 Ryan and Abby Scanlan Degnan ’13

Lucas Ryan Degnan August 24, 2025

Mary Margaret Rynd

August Young

Lucas Ryan Degnan

Lexie and Phil Krebs '12

Mary Elizabeth “Molly” Krebs April 6, 2026

Send alumni news to alumni@ensworth.com Alice Wynne Von Lunen

Gibson McArthur Sloan

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Weddings Jeremy Lehman ’08 and Erin Ehrhardt

March 14, 2026 Annie Oldacre ’08 and Lance Rendle

March 19, 2026 Christina Chintanaphol ’09 and Daniel Kim

Christina Chintanaphol ’09

Cole Parrish ’11

January 3, 2026 Miller Reuther ’10 and Natalie Farris

December 12, 2025 Rand Jackson ’11 and Liz Geer ’11

May 3, 2025 Cole Parrish '11 and Taylor Guthans

May 23, 2026 Xavier Forrest ’14 and Nia Cosby

March 28, 2026

Jeremy Lehman ’08

Annie Oldacre ’08

Miller Reuther ’10

Peter Spruill ’14

Becca Smith ’15

Halina Hannon ’16

Alumni pictured: Ashley Slay Glotta, ReJean Rouse White, Shomari White, Trent Holt, Kiambu Fentress, Jarvis Miller, Xavier Forrest

Peter Spruill ’14 and Molly Maroney

January 31, 2026 Becca Smith ’15 and Caleb Tan

August 30, 2025 Halina Hannon ’16 and Hunter Wyatt

April 25, 2026

In Memory Laura Harbison ’09,

daughter of Jim Harbison ’70 Ruth Hagerty

Served in the High School College Counseling office from 2004 to 2010

Rand Jackson ’11 and Liz Geer ’11

Xavier Forrest ’14

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Parent Engagement

NAVIGATING PHONES+MEDIA: What Really Works for Families

The Parent Association welcomed therapist Emily Rate to campus for a Parent Education event.

Raising children in a digital world can feel overwhelming, especially amid the flood of often extreme and unrealistic advice surrounding technology and social media. Through researchbacked insights and relatable anecdotes, Rate encouraged parents to tune out the noise and focus on what truly helps families build healthy relationships with media — and with one another.

Grounded in both research and real-life experience,

or information gaps, while too much can displace

Rate explored practical strategies, common myths,

sleep, physical activity, and face-to-face connection.

and concrete tools parents can use to reduce conflict, increase trust, and support their children’s well-being

The theory also suggests that purposeful, active, or

in a tech-saturated culture.

creative screen use is more beneficial than passive consumption. Rather than treating technology as a

Rate began by encouraging parents to delay

default pastime, Rate advised families to approach

technology and social media access for as long as

digital engagement with intention and mindfulness.

reasonably possible. While many parents may wish they could eliminate technology altogether, studies

To help regulate children’s technology use, Rate

suggest that both excessive use and complete

emphasized the importance of boundaries that protect

avoidance can negatively affect well-being. Moderate,

healthy development. Sleep, exercise, time outdoors,

intentional use, she explained, can actually support

and in-person relationships should remain priorities,

mental health, an idea known as the “Goldilocks

with media use occupying only a limited portion of a

theory.” Too little access may lead to social exclusion

child’s day.

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She described the ideal relationship with technology as “visiting without moving in” or engaging with media while still being able to step away without distress or dependence.

To support this balance, she recommended creating a family media plan that allows every member of the household to contribute to expectations and boundaries surrounding device use.

CHILD engagement affects their mood, behavior, and motivations.

Every child responds differently to technology, making it important to consider how digital

CONTENT aligns with their family’s values. Resources such as Common Sense Media can help families

Parents should pay attention to what is worthy of their child’s attention and seek media that evaluate games, apps, movies, and television content.

CALM help by encouraging healthy coping strategies outside of screens.

Many children and teens turn to technology to escape stress or difficult emotions. Parents can

CROWDING OUT with activities essential to healthy development — such as sports, hobbies, sleep, or social

Families should recognize what screen time may be replacing. If technology begins to interfere interaction — it may be time to reevaluate habits and boundaries.

COMMUNICATION experiences out of fear their devices will be taken away. Creating a supportive environment Open, honest conversations are essential. Many teens hesitate to share difficult online

helps children feel more comfortable seeking guidance and problem-solving alongside parents.

The overarching message of the evening was not to fear technology, but to approach it with intention. Through open communication, thoughtful boundaries, and mindful media

WRITTEN BY AUBRIE HUTZEL

habits, families can help children build healthier relationships

Parent Association President-Elect

with the digital world. ■

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The Power of Place INTENTIONAL SPACES DESIGNED FOR LEARNING + CONNECTION

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, Ensworth expanded and enhanced several key spaces at Frist Campus and Red Gables Campus last year, creating new opportunities for students to learn, connect, and grow.

At the High School, all math and science classrooms in the Academic Building were renovated, along with the adjacent commons area where students and faculty gather throughout the day to study, collaborate, and build community. The new Tiger Cafe provides students with a welcoming space to connect before and after school while offering an additional dining option during lunch. The final phase of improvements to the Elcan Athletics Center was also completed, including the Hand Family Fitness Center. The upgraded facility features new strength and fitness equipment, enhanced technology, and faculty office space, supporting student wellness, athletic development, and community engagement.

To further support hands-on and experiential learning at Red Gables, a new outdoor classroom was added to the courtyard outside the Grade 1 hallway, extending learning beyond the traditional classroom setting.

In addition, Ensworth purchased the Bellevue Baseball facility, creating a dedicated space to support the continued growth of the Middle School baseball and softball programs. The acquisition also expands the School's outdoor footprint, providing additional space and flexibility for future programming and opportunities that will benefit students for years to come.

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Community

Events Calendar FALL / WINTER 2026

THURSDAY, JULY 30 Class of 2026 Yearbook Party Frist Campus

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4 Kindergarten Admission Lunch Red Gables Campus

FRIDAY, AUGUST 21 Tiger Town & Home Football Game Frist Campus

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8 High School Admission Preview ｜ Frist Campus

MONDAY, AUGUST 24 Robert Inman Tiger Classic Golf Tournament Golf Club of Tennessee

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12 SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14 High School Fall Play｜ Frist Campus

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 Inclusivit-E Event oneC1TY SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 High School Creative Coffee Shop Frist Campus WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 Kindergarten Admission Lunch Red Gables Campus FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9 All-Community Homecoming Tailgate & Football Game Frist Campus THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22 Middle School Admission Preview｜ Red Gables Campus SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24 High School Talent Show｜ Frist Campus

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14 Middle School Musical｜ Red Gables Campus FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20 Lower / Middle School Grandparents & Special Friends Day Red Gables Campus FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4 High School Rock & Jazz Band Concert ｜ Frist Campus FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11 Chamber Singers & Orchestra Concert ｜ Frist Campus SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12 Encore Concert ｜ Frist Campus

For more details, visit: www.ensworth.com/calendar

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29 Tiger Trek & Varsity Football Game Red Gables Campus

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PAID

Nashville, TN Permit No. 2630

Ensworth School 211 ENSWORTH PLACE NASHVILLE, TN 37205-1997

ENSWORTH SCHOOL ENSIGHTS

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage

In Se arch of Truth SUMMER 2026

www.ensworth.com

CONGRATULATIONS , ENSWORTH CLASS OF 2026

CELEBRATING THE CLASS OF 2026 SUMMER 2026

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GRADE 5 LAND BETWEEN THE LAKES TRIP

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: BRETT BARNETT '16

6/16/26 12:08 PM