2016 Winter Ensights

ENSIGHTS I N S E ARC H OF T RU T H

WINTER 2016

K–12 EDUCATION Cultivating Education Across 13 Years Service: The Journey to Understanding Language Lessons: Chinese, French, Latin, Spanish

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2015-2016 President Philip D. Krebs Vice President Julie Frist Secretary Trisha F. Elcan Treasurer Phil Hertik Counsel John Jacobson Edie McBride Bass* Kathryn C. Brown Jeffrey Buntin, Jr..

Laura F. Chadwick

In Search of Truth ENSWORTH Mission Statement Ensworth is a kindergarten through twelfth grade, coeducational independent school. The School promotes academic excellence and inspires students to be intellectually curious, to use their talents to the fullest, to be people of integrity, and to be contributors to society.

Amy Christiansen Sandy Cochran Bruce Crosby Jonathan N. Dyke Alec Estes Amanda Farnsworth Persephone Felder-Fentress Trish C. Frist* Kerry Graham Alice I. Hooker* H. Hill McAlister A. Bruce Moore, Jr. Anne W. Nesbitt Neal Patel, M.D. Margaret Ann Robinson* Reed E. Trickett

Administrative Team David Braemer Head of School Dr. Sarah Buchanan Associate Head and Director of Enrollment Management David Morgan Associate Head and Head of High School Ricky Bowers Associate Head and Director of Athletics Bruce Libonn Head of Lower School Chan Gammill Head of Middle School

Toby S. (T.J.) Wilt

Darrell Wells Director of Finance and Operations

Head of School David Braemer, ex officio

Jenny Hannon Director of Institutional Advancement

President Ensworth Parent Association Shannon McGuffin, ex officio

Bobby Mirzaie Director of Curriculum and Instruction

Christi Turner

President-Elect Ensworth Parent Association Candy Bass, ex officio President Ensworth Alumni Council Maury Woolwine, ex officio

Jason Hiett Director of Technology

Right Harper Hudson is welcomed on her first day of kindergarten by

*Indicates Permanent Trustee

Katie Buttarazzi, Grade 8

10

18

3

40

Contents

ACADEMICS 8 13-Year Language Program

2 K-12 Education Message from the Head of School

12 Grade 8 Week

FEATURES

13 Life Lessons

3 Cultivating Education Across 13 Years

14 Summer Grants

10 The Journey to Understanding A spotlight on Ensworth’s Service Learning Program

ARTS 19 Step by Step: Choreography of Ensworth’s Dance Program 20 Bye Bye Birdie, Jr. Middle School Play 22 Almost, Maine High School Play ATHLETICS 24 High School Athletics 26 Middle School Athletics

COMMUNITY 16 For the Record 18 Aquatics Program 28 Grandparents Days 30 Lower/Middle School Events 32 High School Events 34 Parent Association 44 Evolution of Ensworth’s K-12 Education ALUMNI 35 Robert Inman Golf Tourn.

36 Alumni Class Notes 39 Alumni Focus 40 Alumni Basketball Tourn.

FACULTY 41 Faculty News / Faculty Bookshelf 42 Faculty Focus

Inside Pages: 70lb Text Cascades Rolland 100 Enviro Satin Cover: 80lb Anthem Plus Matte Cover (Made in the USA)

Copyrighted 2016 by Ensworth School. It is the policy of Ensworth to administer its educational programs, including admission and financial aid, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or national origin. 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 Tiffany Townsend EDITORIAL STAFF Mary Byrne Dailey, Jasmine Davis, Polly Bibb Douse, Jenny Hannon, Alli Hicks, Leigh Ivey DESIGN Mary Byrne Dailey, Lynn Vincent CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Christian Bahr, David Braemer, Hayley Brantley, Jasmine Davis, Polly Bibb Douse, Alli Hicks, Tiffany Townsend PHOTOGRAPHY Mary Byrne Dailey, Jasmine Davis, Adrienne Parker, John Picklesimer, Mike Strasinger, Chris Tuley

2016 WINTER | 1

MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

K-12 Education As a student in high school, United States History was probably my favorite course. While Mr. Putnam, my teacher, might not have been the most dynamic instructor, he was a thoughtful, earnest man who valued both his students and the content he taught with equal measure.

As a result, I developed a genuine interest in this subject, leading to U.S. History being the course that I have found the greatest enjoyment in teaching throughout my career.

Of the many topics in American history that I was exposed to as a high school student, there were some that clearly stood out to me more than others. In these cases, it was because the topic revealed a perspective or a concept which was new to me and which I could then apply to other situations. A memorable example of this came when I studied the rise of late 19th century industrialists such as Morgan, Rockefeller, and Vanderbilt.

While history views these individuals in many different ways for many different reasons, I found the strategies that they employed to create their empires to be quite interesting. In particular, I was fascinated by the concept of vertical integration.

For Andrew Carnegie and the others who employed the strategy of vertical integration, the goal was to manage each step in the production process, resulting in greater efficiencies and a competitive advantage relative to one’s peers. In the case of the Carnegie Steel Company, this meant owning coal and iron mines as a source of raw materials, shipping and train lines for transporting these materials, and the most technologically advanced smelting and refining plants to ultimately produce steel.

The result was that Carnegie quickly became the industry leader. My takeaway from all of this was an appreciation for the value of a longitudinal process and the realization that involvement in each step of a multi-step process not only creates greater efficiencies but also a more sophisticated understanding of the end product.

In many ways, this concept of vertical integration can be applied to what we accomplish at Ensworth as a kindergarten through twelfth grade school. While the educa2 | ENSWORTH ENSIGHTS

tional process at Ensworth is not a closed system, as there will always be students who come to Ensworth at different entry points and there will inevitably be others who leave along the way, the fact that we view teaching and learning through the lens of a K-12 continuum allows us to foster the growth of each student with greater efficacy. Whether it is the development of writing skills, information literacy, or any of the other cognitive and non-cognitive threads that run through our program, we understand the process by which students gain mastery of core competencies. This knowledge informs our approach to education and leads to the development of capable, confident graduates.

For example, the foundational skill of data analysis begins in a lower school classroom with a student creating a simple bar graph to illustrate information gained from a survey of his/her peers. A few years later, that same student will analyze both individual and aggregate data obtained from experiments in middle school science class to arrive at a deeper understanding of the properties of matter. In high school, this student will be engaged in higher-level analysis through taking Advanced Placement Statistics and working alongside researchers in a Vanderbilt laboratory as part of a self-designed Capstone project. At each step along the way, this student is building upon previous experience in an increasingly sophisticated manner, guided by teachers who recognize the importance of this journey.

Helping each student forge his or her own unique identity built upon a foundation of core skills is at the heart of the Ensworth experience. Being a kindergarten through twelfth grade school only enhances our ability to do this effectively and to best prepare students for their future.

David Braemer HEAD OF SCHOOL

K - 1 2 E D U C AT I O N :

Educating the Whole Child 2015 WINTER | 3

AC AD E M I C S

Mission Statement Ensworth is a

kindergarten through twelfth grade, coeducational independent school.

The School promotes

Cultivating Education Across 13 Years Step onto Ensworth’s

the outside community, and

Lower/Middle School

senior citizens. If you take a

Campus, and you will find

stroll past the Dance Studio,

to be intellectually

artwork created by students

you will see students from

curious, to use their

from kindergarten through

various grade levels dancing

8th grade dotting the halls.

to the beat. Ensworth has the

Walk into the lunch room,

unique benefit of providing

and you will see children

a K-12 learning environment

and to be contributors

of different grades sitting

that nurtures, educates, and

to society.

together and chatting over

encourages students during

popcorn chicken and grilled

their developmental years.

vegetables. Visit the High

While the program welcomes

School Campus, and the

students at all entry points,

atmosphere is similar. On

students who embrace the

any given afternoon, the

school for 13 years benefit

Natatorium hosts classes for

from a progressive, all-

infants, Ensworth students,

encompassing curriculum.

academic excellence and inspires students

talents to the fullest, to be people of integrity,

Polly Bibb Douse Communications Specialist 4 | ENSWORTH ENSIGHTS

AC AD E M I C S

W

e live in a fast-paced world of prepare them for the upcoming year. The instant media and life-changing core curriculum builds like a staircase technology. Between the ages of five rather than a checklist. While our and 18, which constitute some of the teachers focus on educating the child for most important developmental years the next level, they are also committed to of a young person’s life, it is important creating a nurturing and joyful environto ensure that academic excellence is ment where they can follow the student achieved and that our students receive over the next few years. the highest level of education in the most “A kindergarten through Grade 12 effective manner. curriculum is well-aligned because Across the K-12 educational continuum, you have teachers across grade levels our faculty focus on developing critical that collaborate and fully understand skills that span grade levels while at what skills and knowledge students the same time building relationships developed in previous grades. This that will carry throughout a student’s enables teachers to be better informed time at Ensworth and beyond. Faculty about their students’ prior learning members collaborate with each other experiences and about what lies ahead and parents to ensure that they are at the next phase in their education. building a foundation within their own Also, we can look at the progress of classroom that prepares the student for critical skills for students over multiple the next grade level. The Parent Associ- grade levels, and teachers are equipped ation hosts educational opportunities for to advance the development of these our parents to join administrators and skills in an appropriate progression,” have discussions on a variety of topics comments Bobby Mirzaie, Director of such as ERB tests, legalities with social Curriculum and Instruction. media, and Life Class curriculum.

Another key factor in K-12 education is Lesson plans are created based on the the idea of efficiency. Students benefit foundation that the students received from a specially-tailored education. from a previous Ensworth class to They do not run the risk of having to

“A kindergarten through Grade 12 curriculum is well-aligned because you have teachers across grade levels who collaborate and fully understand what skills and knowledge students developed in previous grades.”

Bobby Mirzaie Director of Curriculum and Instruction

2016 WINTER | 5

AC AD E M I C S

repeat unnecessary stages or levels of a previous curriculum in an Ensworth class. Our teachers know exactly where each student’s learning level is before he or she advances to the next level and can work with the next teacher to ensure that our student will have key components to master a core educational skill.

their laptops home. By the time students reach their senior year, using a laptop for educational purposes is what a Trapper Keeper was to older generations, and it becomes second nature.

Describing how technology is integrated into our classrooms across younger grade levels, Jason Hiett, Director of Technology states, “Orig“If you have a kindergarten through inally, we put over 200 iPads in Grade 12 program, you can approach the kindergarten through Grade 4 student learning from the perspective rooms, and it was designed to be a of desired long-term outcomes. We 1-to-2 program, one iPad for every are in a position where we can move two students. This was due in part students along a continuum toward to finding the appropriate balance of these learning goals across grade levels devices with younger students. What and divisions within the context of one we have found is that it is not enough. overarching program,” comments Head Our teachers immediately incorpoof School, David Braemer. rated them into their curriculum. This is encouraging, and as a result, in Take the Technology department for certain grades, we have moved closer example. Each grade level builds off to a 1-to-1 program where the impact the previous year to provide appropriate amplifies our amazing K–5 curriculum. technology for that skill level. In kinder- However, at no point do our kindergarten through Grade 4, students have garten through Grade 4 students take access to iPads and computers in the these iPads or laptops home. We start classroom. As these students continue like we have with any division. We to Grade 5, they have a 1-to-1 laptop work with our faculty first and provide program in the classroom. Each Grade significant in-house education and 5 student has a personal laptop that collaboration. Then we implement the remains at school. When our students equipment in the classroom, and follow enter Middle School, they are equipped that up with the Middle School 1-to-1 with 1-to-1 skills and are ready to take laptop program.”

6 | ENSWORTH ENSIGHTS

While our curriculum clearly addresses academic skills, there is also the theme of community service that weaves throughout our students’ development at Ensworth. This begins in kindergarten with educating our students about the importance of service and continues through Grade 12 with individual senior projects. Several times a year, Grade 7 and Grade 1 gather to read stories together, and this winter these reading buddies collected hats, gloves, and mittens for the Martha O’Bryan Early Learning Center. This past November, Grade 5 students dedicated their time and energy to teaching students at Gateway Elementary School how to read. This fall, Grade 8 spent several afternoons preparing for a special service learning day. On Service Project Friday, they prepared lunches that were served to clients of the Nashville Rescue Mission. Then, the students split up into different groups to serve the community. Some students gave a hand at Caldwell Elementary, and other students worked on the trail at Radnor Lake. Another group of students assisted Hands on Nashville Urban Farm, while other students worked in St. Luke’s Community House.

And it does not stop there. High School students are deeply involved in service

AC AD E M I C S

“You really cannot find a better place than Ensworth.

I have spent my entire life going to Ensworth, and it has given me so much more than just an education.

The relationships and experiences I have had because of Ensworth are truly incredible.”

Gray McClellan Class of 2016

learning projects too. In the fall, Grade five-year-old students all the way to 10 hosted a Special Olympics Sports 18-year old students and faculty as well.

Festival for our community. In Grade 12, Ensworth is not only about teaching each student is tasked with completing subjects but also focusing on the growth and implementing his or her own of the whole individual across the service learning project. Lilly Enoch continuum of 13 years. As seniors reflect is a senior who has been at Ensworth on their experiences at Ensworth, they since kindergarten. She created Pearl often share fond memories about more than their time in the classroom.

Potential to raise money and awareness for Cystic Fibrosis research. Lilly creates beautiful necklaces and gives “You really cannot find a better place 100% of the proceeds to the Cystic than Ensworth. I have spent my entire life going to Ensworth, and it has given Fibrosis Family. me so much more than just an education.

“The change that I wish to see in the The relationships and experiences I world is this: I want CF [Cystic Fibrosis] have had because of Ensworth are truly to go the way of polio. I want it to be incredible,” states Grade 12 student Gray something that my friends’ children McClellan. never have to think about. Pearl Potential is my effort to help fund the “I entered Ensworth in kindergarten. research that will find a cure, sooner Being at Ensworth for 13 years has been so amazing, and I have so many great rather than later. It can be done! The research is in the pipeline” (pearlpo- memories. Ensworth is such a close community with such nice and caring tential.org). people. I would strongly encourage other From the first day of kindergarten, a day students to come to Ensworth,” states when Grade 8 students come and walk Grade 12 student Charlie Clifton. their kindergarten buddies into school, to high school captains welcoming Ensworth is here to create a dynamic Grade 9 students onto campus, as well as academic experience that stretches cross-grade collaboration with service across 13 years and equips students to learning projects integrated throughout serve the community well beyond their every year, the Ensworth experience time as students. To learn more visit fosters learning and creativity for www.ensworth.com.

2016 WINTER | 7

AC AD E M I C S

Language Lessons

Chinese, French, Latin, and Spanish 中文, Français, Latin, and Español Jasmine Davis Communications Coordinator

A

s you walk through the Lower School halls at Ensworth, you may hear kindergarten students singing in Spanish.

In Ms. Tseng’s classroom, Middle School students play “Simon Says” in Chinese to

“One of the great contradictions of our time is that we have never been more connected, and yet there are increasing sentiments of isolation. Learning another language and studying another culture breaks down these barriers and encourages empathy and selflessness.”

– Rob Herring

High School Foreign Language Department Chair

develop rapid cognition. On the High School Campus, you will find seniors studying Latin Epigraphy and translating inscriptions to gain a deeper understanding of ancient Roman civilization. At every grade level, foreign language is integrated into the core curriculum, and students have the opportunity to learn Chinese, French, Latin, and Spanish and to develop core language skills and delve deeper into the study of humanities behind foreign languages.

their other projects. Grade 1 students study animal vocabulary to prepare for the Grade 1 Pet Show. In addition to studying language structure, Grade 7 Latin students study Roman history and celebrate the founding of Rome with Toga Day. Upper-level Spanish students in High School explore developments facing the Hispanic world by reading and discussing news reports and literature.

“One of the great contradictions of our time is that we have never been more connected, and yet there are increasing sentiments of isolation. Learning another language and studying another culture breaks down these barriers and encourages empathy and selflessness,” comments Rob Herring, High School Foreign Language Department Chair.

“There are multiple opportunities for collaboration with other disciplines.

Whether it is in Library, Art, Music, History, Science, or other classes, there are always connections to explore, and the ‘Aha!’ moments are priceless,” comments Nancy Scoville, Lower/ Middle School Foreign Language Department Chair.

With early exposure to the sounds and language structure, students develop Ensworth students experience first- strong oral techniques, aural skills, and hand how their language lessons impact a confidence as speakers. Kindergarten

“There are multiple opportunities for collaboration with other disciplines.

Whether it is in Library, Art, Music, History, Science, or other classes, there are always connections to explore, and the ‘Aha!’ moments are priceless!”

– Nancy Scoville Lower/Middle School Foreign Language Department Chair 8 | ENSWORTH ENSIGHTS

AC AD E M I C S

What’s New with STEM? “Thanks to Ensworth, I was able to test into the 3rd year Chinese language course as the only (college) Freshman in my class. Ensworth’s dedication to providing me with the best opportunity and environment for learning allowed me to feel ahead of the game when I got to college.”

– Erica Gray, Class of 2012

is a time to experience the joy of speaking another language in a low-pressure environment. As students continue to progress through the grades, important high-frequency words are added to their bank of knowledge and a deeper understanding of a foreign culture is explored.

Erica Gray is a senior at the University of Michigan, where she is majoring in Asian Studies with a concentration in Chinese. She talks about how Ensworth equipped her for collegiate language classes, “I went to the University of Michigan largely for their respected Chinese department, and thanks to Ensworth, I was able to test into the third year Chinese language course, and I was the only freshman in my class. Ensworth’s dedication to providing me with the best opportunity and environment for learning allowed me to feel ahead of the game when I came to college.

The encouragement (and requirement) to practice speaking in class gave me the courage to contribute in my college classes with students that were sometimes as old as graduate students. I’ve learned how fortunate I was to be able to start Chinese at a young age, as Chinese is a tonal language, and that is difficult to learn.”

Foreign language faculty strive to use the “target” language exclusively in their classrooms to facilitate the development of meaningful and essential communication skills. This engaging curriculum builds oral and aural proficiency, and students develop confidence and fluency over time in the same way that a native speaker learns his/her own language. Fluency in foreign languages equips Ensworth students to be more effective global citizens with a deeper understanding of the world around them.

As season three of STEM starts, approximately 150 kids have taken advantage of more than 200 after school activities in Mathcounts, Computer Programming, Engineering and Design, and Robotics. STEM shifts Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics learning away from the traditional teacher-centered model and centers around problem-solving, discovery, and exploratory learning. Students develop deeper understandings by engaging in a situation in order to find a solution.

The robotics program continues to have a strong after-school presence. For the third year, Ensworth hosted the First Lego® League Nashville Qualifier with 150 students and 30 coaches participating. An additional 150 friends and family were also present to cheer on the competitors.

Two teams from Ensworth will advance to the State Championship Tournament, held in Cookeville this February.

“The STEM program on the Lower/ Middle School Campus remains strong as we reach the mid-point of the 2015-16 school year. Students are excited and engaged, and participation in our after-school STEM and competitive robotics teams is higher than ever.”

– Keith Crowe

Middle School Science and Math Department Chair

2015 WINTER | 9

AC AD E M I C S

The Journey to Understanding Service Learning Across the K–12 Continuum

the SERVICE LEARNING process

Ensworth has established traditions of service that have become iconic experiences for students: kindergarten students collecting pennies for Habitat; Grade 1 hosting a Pet Show and gathering pet food and supplies for the Humane Association; Grade 4 students ice skating with special needs students at Harris Hillman; the sophomore class hosting Special Olympic athletes for a day of enriching activities. These events are not disparate acts of service; they are part of a larger curriculum that guides students on their journey to becoming active contributors to society.

Middle School Service Learning Coordinator and teacher Hayley Brantley explains, “As students move from lower school into middle and high school, they are exposed to more complex concepts in service and given more autonomy in the service learning they do. In the lower school, students are exposed to a wide variety of topics related to service, and teachers carefully guide students through the process of developing empathy and taking steps to serve others. In the middle school, this exposure continues but with more complex topics. Students are often asked to do research on a given topic and have 10 | ENSWORTH ENSIGHTS

discussions in their advisory groups about sustainable solutions to issues facing our community. By eighth grade, students are allowed to choose which issues to research, discuss, and address, and the element of reflection is integrated into the service learning experience.”

At the high school level, students encounter eight different service projects through the quarterly service learning days during their freshman and sophomore years. Juniors are then able to choose which service activities they want to participate in during the service days. As seniors, students select their own individual service projects based on their interests and passions, and they dedicate hours of study and service to their project throughout the year.

“True service learning involves student voice and student choice. It starts with identification of and investigation into a social issue; then, students find organizations that work with that issue and determine how they can get involved and contribute. Reflection is incorporated before, after and throughout the process. This is how service learning differs from community service,” explains Service Learning Coordinator Greg Eubanks.

AC AD E M I C S

When senior Sage Loh talks about her experience with service learning during her 13 years at Ensworth, her observations ref lect the developmental journey.

“Throughout my time at Ensworth, I have discovered the difference between ‘helping’ and ‘serving.’ As a child, an interest in helping others was instilled in me. This interest was somewhat blind, however. In the service I performed, from collecting pennies to pet food to toiletries, all I knew was that through my actions, I was helping people. I didn’t necessarily know whom I was helping or the role I played in the grand scheme of things. Over the years, however, my interest in helping others has become a passion for serving others. I have learned that serving is not merely giving a helping hand. Serving is giving who you are - your time, your energy, your talents—to a cause larger than yourself.”

To further enhance the service learning experience, the Service Scholar program was introduced last spring, and 17 seniors have taken advantage of the opportunity in the program’s inaugural year. Similar to the way that Capstone Scholars explore an academic passion that goes above and beyond courses offered at Ensworth, Service Scholars pursue a deeper involvement in a service project of their choice. Service Scholars complete at least 20 additional hours of service on their Grade 12 projects beyond what is otherwise required. They also work with a faculty member to do intensive research into their topic and present a research paper that provides insight and personal reflection on the issues relevant to their project.

Service Scholar Cate Elcan is focusing on early childhood education at Grace Eaton Preschool. “The childcare center that I work with for my Service Scholar project is very special to me, and being the first Ensworth student to go there and form relationships between the organization and Ensworth has been something that has taken a lot of time and work. Volunteering there and building relationships with the faculty and kids inspired me to want to do more for them. I fell in love with the childcare center and wanted to expand my knowledge and research in early childhood education in order to do as much as I could for them. Ensworth has taught me it’s not about the quantity of the time spent doing service, but the quality and the relationships formed within it.”

The experiences that students have through the service learning program instill knowledge and understanding of the greater community and emphasize the important role students play in improving the world around them, which inspires action beyond their time at Ensworth. Service Scholar and 13-year student John Hudson Alarcon states, “The love and inspiration for service learning I have acquired at Ensworth have pushed me to consider colleges for their commitment to service along with their other offerings. I can only imagine what opportunities for giving back to the community will be available to me because of my love for service.”

Tiffany Townsend Director of Marketing & Communications

2016 WINTER | 11

AC AD E M I C S

A New Tradition: Grade 8 Week TYPICALLY, AN AFTERNOON VISIT TO THE LOWER/MIDDLE SCHOOL CAMPUS IS FILLED WITH THE QUIET BUZZ OF STUDENTS IN CLASSES, LABS, OR ART STUDIOS. DURING A WEEK IN SEPTEMBER, HOWEVER, VISITORS MIGHT HAVE HEARD THE SOUNDS OF ROBOTS MOVING, YOGA POSITIONS BEING ATTEMPTED, LOGIC GAMES BEING WON AND LOST, AND TEENAGE VOICES COACHING YOUNGER STUDENTS IN P.E. CLASSES. THESE SOUNDS AND OTHERS WERE THE BACKGROUND MUSIC TO A SPECIAL GRADE 8 WEEK ON CAMPUS.

While Grade 6 and 7 students were on their class trips, Grade 8 students combined regular academics with elective and service enrichment courses to create a truly memorable and meaningful experience for all. Monday through Thursday of the week, students attended their regular classes in the mornings and then met in issue groups to research and discuss one of five issues facing the Nashville community: homelessness, hunger, environmental issues, early childhood education, and literacy.

The rest of the school day was devoted to one of nine electives offered by members of the faculty and staff and parents.

These included: yoga, coding, marketing and design, hiking and reflection in nature, logic games, Chinese culture, care of animals, coaching fundamentals, and philosophy.

12 | ENSWORTH ENSIGHTS

The marketing and design group worked with the Communications Office to develop social media and other marketing materials for the school. The care of animals class went to a different location each day to learn about organizations, such as the Nashville Humane Association. The hiking group explored the Warner and Radnor Lake parks each day for two hours.

“Hiking [at Radnor Lake] made me realize how blessed I am to go to such an amazing school with incredible opportunities like these. Ensworth is so unique, and everything we do as a class is either adventurous or just simply fun. So many of us get along with each other, no matter what day or setting it is,” remarked Grade 8 student Ellis Hardie.

The week culminated on Friday with a Grade 8 service day. First, students made sack lunches that were served to clients of the Nashville Rescue Mission. Then they broke into their issue groups to serve at a site devoted to a particular topic. The early childhood education group worked in the classrooms of the St. Luke’s Community House, the hunger group harvested and planted vegetables at the Hands On Nashville Urban Farm, the literacy group helped Caldwell Elementary file books in their new library, the environment group worked on the trail crew at Radnor Lake, and the homelessness group served on the cleaning crew at the Nashville Rescue Mission.

Ref lecting on the week, Guidance Counselor and Life Department Chair Dr. Ellen Reynolds said, “I loved being outside of the normal day with the eighth graders and exploring their interests,” and Middle School Teacher JK Scott remarked that he “loved seeing

the genuine enthusiasm from our eighthgraders as they learned how much work goes into preparing and executing a practice plan... [and learning] what it takes to be an effective coach.”

C om mu n it y-ba s e d e x p er ient i a l learning was powerful for all who were involved.

“The week created an experience which is difficult to replicate and one that will be remembered by the 8th graders,” reflected Head of Middle School Chan Gammill.

Our Grade 8 Service Learning Week pushed students to explore Ensworth’s mission of and vision for intellectual curiosity, contribution to society, compassion, humor, and joy. It was a special week that they will remember for years to come, and we are excited for this tradition to continue next year.

Hayley Brantley History Faculty & Middle School Service Learning Coordinator

AC AD E M I C S

Life Lessons Ensworth’s Lower/Middle School Life classes and High School Seminar classes promote honest discussion about stages in academic, emotional, physical, and social development. Students are challenged to be analysts of their own thoughts, perceptions, and behaviors, which helps them become more compassionate and respectful members of the community. Below, students share some of the life lessons they have learned through their Life and Seminar classes.

Be true and honest.

Davis Bryant KINDERGARTEN You should do what you’re supposed to do. You shouldn’t do the wrong thing.

Nathan Fletcher KINDERGARTEN It’s important to tell the truth.

Laura Thompson KINDERGARTEN You shouldn’t lie if you’re afraid that you are going to get into trouble. Also, you should treat others how you want to be treated.

Stefano Boschi Asbun GRADE 2 I have learned how to encourage students to follow their dreams and not to listen to people who are judging them. They can do things other people might not think they can do.

Cate Barfield GRADE 2 Be prepared. Don’t be nervous. Try your best. Don’t be afraid to say something. If you make a mistake, you can learn from it.

Addison Hartle GRADE 4 To get good at something, you have to do it a lot. You need to give it your all and do your best on your work.

Spencer Rice GRADE 4

I have learned that you should always try something new. You should take new risks because you will learn more and expand your knowledge. I’ve also learned that you should be an effective student, not just a smart student. And help others if they are not doing so hot in something.

Gates Baxley GRADE 5 This year, we have been learning about how to work better in a group and be a better team member, and not make other people do all of the work.

Sam Moeller GRADE 6 Life has really helped me understand others and myself. Life has helped me see things in different ways. Life may only be once a rotation, but it is one of the most helpful subjects.

Alex Bruno GRADE 6 In Life Class this year, I learned a lot about how to study and prepare for exams and tests.

Since this year was my first time taking exams, this really helped me know when to start studying and what type of material to study each night.

Nell Harris GRADE 7 This year in our Grade 8 Life Class we’ve covered healthy and unhealthy relationships, which has been very informative about the behaviors of individuals. I’ve learned that when individuals are

already hurt going into a relationship, they hurt the person they enter into a relationship with. Individuals should always deal with underlying issues before starting a relationship.

Bry’Nhyia Brazier GRADE 8 In my Grade 9 Seminar class, I learned about other people’s viewpoints on topics such as the following: the purpose of education, citizenship, prejudice and discrimination, and social media precautions.

Maggie Cannata GRADE 9 This year, I learned a lot about what some people have to deal with on a daily basis that others do not. I learned about how mental illnesses and addictions to drugs and alcohol affect not only the people dealing with these issues, but also how they affect their families, and even strangers. Additionally, I learned what stress is, and how to deal with it through a variety of student demonstrations, which included: yoga, meditation, and aromatherapy.

Sarah Crosby GRADE 10 I think one of the most important things I learned this year in Seminar was about myself. We covered a whole unit about the personality and we were able to take tests and draw conclusions, which I enjoyed. I think it is important to learn about yourself, and Seminar really helped me with that!

Asia Charles GRADE 10 2016 WINTER | 13

AC AD E M I C S

Summer Academic Grants

Ensworth Students Share Their Summer Experiences Taking part in the Ensworth India Trip completely revolutionized my perspective on global service efforts. Interacting with and learning from locals in Bangalore and the Timbaktu Collective gave me much more appreciation for the challenges faced – and often overcome – by leaders tirelessly trying to make a noticeable impact in their own communities.

- Elliot Jaffe Service Learning in India

I spent a month living with a host family in Seville, Spain. Even though none of them spoke English, my Spanish improved so much that I was able to build a strong connection with them by the time I went home. As part of the program, we did group activities in the morning (things like Flamenco dancing, Spanish cooking class, bike rides in the parks, or visits to castles) and had class in the evenings for three hours, but other than that we had a lot of free time to explore the city and have fun with our friends. I met all kinds of interesting people from all over the United States, and I also still keep up with some of the Spanish students.

- Hannah Smalley CIEE Spanish - Seville, Spain

Doing a language immersion program in France for two weeks was one of the best things I have ever done, and I would recommend for everyone to take advantage of the grant that Ensworth offers. I learned so much about the people there through the home stays, and I feel like I really improved my French, too!

- Ana Darielle Nunez Study Abroad in France

Ensworth has given me opportunities I never dreamt I would have.

Last summer, I went to Cambridge University and studied sports medicine and medical science. This past summer, I had the opportunity to go on the Ensworth service trip to India. Both trips were two of the best experiences of my life.

The summer grant I received allowed me to go to Spain and experience the Spanish culture and language in a completely different way than ever before.

Immersing myself in the culture of Spain led to a better understanding of the Spanish lifestyle and the use of the language in its native country.

-Kaelene DeCoster Service Learning in India

- Taylor McSpadden Ensworth Spain Trip

While in India, I was able to experience an entirely new culture than what I’ve ever seen, while also being able to work with the community of Timbaktu. Aside from working with them, I learned so much about their culture and their way of life in India.

- Crosslin Archdeacon

14 | ENSWORTH ENSIGHTS

Service Learning in India

AC AD E M I C S

High School students at Ensworth with strong academic records were fortunate to have the opportunity to apply for summer Academic Grants. Qualified students submitted proposals for grants that would allow them to immerse themselves in academic programs across the country and around the world. In addition to the Academic Grants awarded to students, Service Learning grants for programs in Peru and India were also awarded, thanks to the generosity of another supportive member of the Ensworth community.

A

B C

Over three summers, I have studied with renowned universities, traveled around the world, experienced new cultures, and even seen one of the Seven Wonders of the World - all of which would not have been possible without the generosity of Ensworth’s summer grant program.

- Sage Loh

D

Singapore American School - Physiology

I never thought I would get a grant, however, the only thing that held me back was fear of trying. Receiving the grant meant the world, and it turned out that it changed my life, too. I went to India, and it was amazing to see a different culture. It is a world where there are no words for “thank you” or “sorry,” and a culture based on different principles and beliefs. I made new friends, got to know people I never thought I would have the privilege to know, both foreign and from right here.

You don’t have to use the grant for a service trip like I did, you can only dream all the possibilities.

- Marco Mirnics Service Learning in India

This summer, because of the grant I received, I was able to follow my passion for medicine and immerse myself in the Spanish language while working in local hospitals in Cordoba, Argentina. The experience I had is one that will be ingrained in my mind forever. It is hard to describe in such few words, but every second of every day had value in it. I realized the benefit of learning and how much fun it can be, all while helping a community in need and, in turn, improving my own life.

- Hannah Diskin Studied Spanish & Medicine in Argentina

E

F

A & B Isabelle Laffer (Washington U. Pre-Med Clinical) dissects a sheep heart and uses a pipette to put samples into gel to perform gel electrophoresis.

C William Wallace’s TA Group at the Seaperch final competition. Teams worked together to research, design, develop, and build both under and over water robots to drive around a pool and pick up objects.

D Ana-Darielle Nunez, pictured exploring Paris, participated in a language immersion program in France.

E & F Hannah Diskin studied Spanish and Medicine in Argentina. Here she practices stitches and medical knots (left), and first aid (right).

2016 WINTER | 15

COM MUNI TY

FOR T H E R E C OR D Hannah Smalley does it again!

Hannah Smalley ’17 auditioned along with dozens of other violinists in the region for a spot in the Mid-State and All-state Orchestras. She made both ensembles and was ranked ninth out of the 34 violinists selected from Middle Tennessee.

Sunset Safari at the Nashville Zoo

High school students assisted the Nashville Zoo at the annual Sunset Safari on Thurs., Oct. 1. Dressed in Lion King attire, Sophie Scott, Chloe Abram, McKensie Miller, and Sam Slipkovich greeted guests as they arrived.

Chinese Character Recognition Contest

Eight Ensworth students competed in the 2015 Middle-East Tennessee High School Chinese Character Recognition Contest hosted by Johnson University in Knoxville. The team of Sarah Hooton, Caroline King, Jamen Rollins and Carter Bainbridge placed second overall. Also competing were Asia Charles, Gordon Oliver, Ellie Sipe, and Brenda Carole Oliver. Congrats, Tigers!

National Merit Semifinalists

Congratulations to Ensworth seniors Jake Kirkham, Mitchell Krueger, and Sage Loh, who were named National Merit Semifinalists by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Approximately 16,000 academically talented high school seniors were named Semifinalists.

Model UN Club

At the Pope John Paul II Model UN Conference, Javi Torres, Meier Werthan, and Danielle Chari received awards. On Saturday, October 31, at the Ensworth Model UN Conference, John Smalley, Patricia Hammet, Meier Werthan, Cade Clayton, James Sterchi, and Reed Campbell won awards.

Robotics Teams Turn Up the Heat

All three Ensworth Robotics Teams had great performances at the Nashville Qualifier.

Ensworth Team Operation Green took home a first place finish in the Robot Design category, and Ensworth Team Pro Terra Nova finished with an overall first place finish for the day. Both of these teams will advance to the state robotics tournament in Cookeville.

MATHCOUNTS Finalists

Ensworth middle school students recently participated in the school round of MATHCOUNTS, a national math competition for sixth, seventh, and eighth graders. Students with the top 25 scores then competed in a team round. The top 10 performing Ensworth students moved on to the Chapter Competition which took place at the Tennessee Engineering Center in Cookeville.

Below are the top 10 finalists who competed at the Chapter Level: Tallent Brown, Ryan Crants, Jacqueline Frist, Tommy Gaither, Colin Murray, Paul Park, Takis Patikas, Evan Petty, Dante Rodriguez, Genevieve Schaefer MATHCOUNTS not only focuses on speed and accuracy, but also celebrates critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

The Ensworth Math Club meets weekly during tutorial, year-round, and MATHCOUNTS prep work can also be done during any of the after-school STEM sessions held weekly at the Lower/Middle School. Math Club and STEM activities are open to all middle school students, both inside and outside of the competition arena.

16 | ENSWORTH ENSIGHTS

COM MUNI TY

8th Grade Orange & Black Captains Orange Team: Carrie Elcan & Drew Byers Black Team: Mae Mae Wallace & Dominic Wynn

Tea pot by James Smitherman, Class of 2016, Gold Winner in the Scholastic Art Competition

“Girl with Antlers” by Rebekah Greenberg, Class of 2016, Silver Winner (Scholastic), accepted to MTRSAE (Belmont) & on display at JCC

Scholastic Art Awards With over 1,390 entries, Elliot Jaffe, James

High School House Captains

Smitherman, Rebekah Greenberg, Hannah

House of Integrity:

House of Truth:

Stovall, Iain Zwiebel, Natalie Foster, Greyson

Isabella Johnston

Cate Elcan

Lampley, Lauren Lewis, and Daniel Mayer received recognition in the Scholastic Art Awards.

Wylie Lowe

Patrick Rowan

House of Morality:

House of Vitality:

Gray McClellan

Kathleen Jackson

Sammy Groninger

Greyson Lampley

Arts Students Recognized

Claire Cato, Annie Grace Netterville, Greyson Lampley, Sage Loh, Hannah Stovall, Ian Zwiebel, Isabella Kendall, J.P. Gilliam, and Rebekah Greenberg were accepted into the Middle Tennessee Regional Student Art Exhibition at Belmont. Their work will be exhibited in the Leu Center for the Visual Arts from Monday, February 22 – Friday, March 18. A reception for the show and final awards will be announced on February 25.

Way to go, Rebekah!

Ensworth senior Rebekah Greenberg is taking her photography talent outside of the classroom. She and her father were featured in a joint photography exhibit at the Gordon Jewish Community Center. See above photo for her award-winning work.

2016 WINTER | 17

COM MUNI TY

Aquatics

Ensworth Program Instills Confidence at All Ages

Christian Bahr Director of Aquatics

A

nyone visiting the Natatorium notices quickly that it is BIG, beautiful, wonderfully designed and impeccably maintained. It took me some time to get past what we have with this facility and start to really focus on what we do with it. My hope is that this Natatorium offers Ensworthian programming that truly lives up to the values instilled in our community through the school’s Mission and Vision statements.

Last year, senior Aislynn Murphy led a group of students in an outreach effort to offer free swim lessons to children with Preston Taylor Ministries. “I serve in a community where most families are scared of being in the water,” says Chan Sheppard, Executive Director at Preston Taylor. He says that through the experience, the 15 children served “gained so much confidence in the water from being around caring people and an incredibly clean, safe, and inspiring environment.”

Jane Corcoran is a 64-year-old woman.

She has joint and back issues. But she finds relief through water aerobics classes at the Natatorium each week saying the “deep pool allows me to work with confidence as I rebuild a knee from replacement and strengthen my core which relieves my back pain.”

For Tiffany Townsend, Ensworth’s Director of Marketing and Communications, the pool is something to share with the community because of her position, and also because of what it’s done for her own daughter through the Swim School.

“Clara entered Swim School in the spring 18 | ENSWORTH ENSIGHTS

having only been in a pool a few times in her life. It has been amazing to watch how quickly she has gained both skill and confidence in the water. The teachers were patient yet persistent in helping her work through her initial fears and insecurities. She is now an eager student, and it is fun to see how excited she is to swim and to continue learning new skills.”

coach Jake Madden says, the “facility at Ensworth has allowed my team to grow not only in size but also in skill. I am extremely thankful to Ensworth for its hospitality.” And we are excited to welcome Harding student-athletes to our campus each afternoon during the middle school Swimming & Diving season!

My own daughter, an eager five-year-old swimmer who is in kindergarten at Ensworth, has developed new skills and immeasurable confidence through lessons with the Swim School and is extremely proud to be a very competitive TIGER in the “big” pool.

As the head coach of our high school Swimming & Diving program, I have watched a roster of approximately 10 people during the 2012-2013 season grow into a current squad of more than 30 swimmers and divers. Some are yearround athletes; the majority of students are seasonal athletes who might not The Nashville Dolphins use donated otherwise dive or swim if they didn’t pool space each Thursday evening. have a facility within walking distance They provide year-round swim instruc- of their classrooms. tion and training to children and adults with intellectual disabilities. “Because The programming at the natatorium is Ensworth donates the pool space,” says wide-ranging, and reaches a very wide Beth Scruggs, a coach with the Dolphins, audience. Most importantly, it is a place “we can give these swim lessons at no cost where people are able to work out in good to the families.” humor, coaches can teach with compassion, and everyone involved is able to The Natatorium has been a big boon to the experience the joy of being in this incredHarding Academy swim team. As head ible facility.

To learn more about Ensworth Aquatics, visit www.ensworth.com/swim.

AR T S

Step by Step

The Choreography of Ensworth’s Dance Program

A

n interesting scene unfolds in the Ingram Arts Center on a weekend in mid-April. Three- and four-year-old dancers twirl through the hallway in their tutus, stopping mesmerized as they watch the Middle School Dance Team practice their hip-hop number one last time. In another classroom, members of the varsity football team rehearse the salsa steps for their performance. It’s the first evening of the Spring Dance Concert, the culmination of another year in the Ensworth School of Dance.

Ensworth’s dance program offers classes for students from three years old through senior year in high school. Sophie Scott, a 13-year student and senior at Ensworth, has been involved with the dance program for many years, and she also helps teach the preschool dance class.

“The Ensworth dance program is different than any other dance program I have participated in because of the people that make up the program. It is so special to have teachers that love the art form and bring as much enthusiasm to class as the students do.

Mrs. White has created a very special program where almost every student in the school, athlete or artist, has taken or wants to take a dance class. The love for dance at Ensworth is contagious and spreads through the school, impacting everyone in the most positive way. “ Arts Department Chair Donnie Bryan notes, “Because dance choreography is learned in steps, it is sequential learning at its finest. Proficiency in dance also enhances other areas of a student’s

education. It has been shown that the study of arts builds vocabulary and strengthens test scores as well.” Early level dance classes lay fundamental foundations with understanding alignment, technique, performance quality, and artistry. To engage creativity, younger classes incorporate pantomime and creative movement, progressing into simple improvisation exercises as middle school dancers. At the high school level, dance students are equipped to produce complete choreographic works of their own. The variety of dance classes offered at the high school appeals to students who may have never danced before, as well as the male student population.

“My hope for every dance student is that they leave class feeling a little happier and a little more confident. Whether a student feels like dance is ‘their thing’ or not, it should be a joyful and affirming experience.

Above all, we want to create a space where students feel supported and loved,” comments Lindsay White, Director of Ensworth School of Dance.

Like many other Ensworth alumni, Sophie plans to continue her study of dance after she graduates from Ensworth. “The dance program at Ensworth has not only strengthened my technique in various styles, but has expanded my horizons by introducing me to many new styles that have benefited me beyond words. It has sparked a passion and desire to explore many styles, including jazz, lyrical, and musical theater dance.”

“The Ensworth dance program builds on itself and challenges​dancers ​ in new ways each year.

The teachers know my personal strengths and weaknesses, so they can ​ structure c​ lass​es​to help me and my classmates​ improve​individually and as a group.”

Grace Hall Class of 2018 & long-time Ensworth School of Dance student

Aerial Angels coming to Ensworth!

High School dance students will soar to new heights this semester as they welcome the guest artist troupe, Aerial Angels, for two weeks of intensive training. The troupe will utilize aerial dance techniques to build strength, grace, and flexibility, all culminating in a special performance in the April Dance Concert.

To learn more about the Ensworth School of Dance, visit www.ensworth.com/dance.

2016 WINTER | 19

DIRECTOR’S NOTES

Middle School Drama Club Fall Play November 14, 2015

20 | ENSWORTH ENSIGHTS

This fall the Ensworth middle school musical was Bye Bye Birdie, Jr. This choice was a departure for me! I am always mindful of our kindergarten students when I choose scripts.

The past two years, Free To Be You and Me and Charlotte’s Web were chosen with them in mind. Bye Bye Birdie, Jr. targets an older audience.

There are romantic themes and a campy humor that engaged our middle school students in a way we hadn’t experienced with our previous shows.

There is a reason this musical has stood the test of time.

The music by Charles Strouse is irresistible. My esteemed partner in musical theater, Heidi Wolter (music teacher,

K-3), and I had a wonderful time learning and teaching the songs we love, but they weren’t easy. One of the show-shoppers of Bye Bye Birdie, Jr. “Telephone Hour” is a complicated piece with almost 10 different singing parts. It was a doozy, but our cast was determined. Heidi and I were so impressed with the performance they achieved. Grade 8 student Chaz Lanier brought the house down with his cameo as the amazingly nerdy Harvey Johnson.

Another new aspect for us was that we were able to incorporate dance numbers into our production that showcased all 50 cast members. Many of our students had never learned choreography or danced for an audience before. Ensworth allowed me to take a dance

teacher training course last summer, and I relished the opportunity to exercise my choreographic muscles.

Nothing was more uplifting at the end of a school day than dancing to a 1950’s style pop song with 57 middle school students, and our techies often joined in, just for fun. It was hard for me to resist practicing “Lot of Livin’” or “Put On A Happy Face” one more time, simply for the opportunity to watch these kids let loose and rock away.

For the third year in a row, our middle school dance team, directed by Rachel Tolbert, performed a featured number in our performance. In “Put on a Happy Face” Rachel choreographed a piece reminiscent of Gene Kelly’s famous “Singing in the Rain” number, with

umbrellas. Featuring the dance team always raises the bar of our production and provides an opportunity for the dance team to share their work with our audience.

There is not much subtlety to the dialogue in Bye Bye Birdie, Jr. Liam Frumkin’s portrayal of the neglected boyfriend Hugo Peabody demonstrated his uncanny wit and sense of timing. Sara Kirkham delivered a perfectly dry interpretation of Mae Peterson, the over-bearing mother of Conrad Birdie’s agent, Albert Peterson, played by the incomparable Ari Ruchman. Jude Maloy was a flawless Conrad, and he incorporated his own guitar playing skills into the role.

Jordan Williams and Meghan Bailey charmed us all in their “How Lovely To Be A Woman”

duet, and both Amy Halloran and Audrey McGraw stunned with the title track to open and close out performance.

I wish I could name them all, and tell about each small and large brilliant moment I saw throughout the six weeks of our rehearsal process. It is a great privilege for me to get to teach second grade and spend the afternoons with these Grade 6-8 students. This is the first year that some of my former Grade 2 students are in middle school, and it is fun to be back together four years later and to see the hard working, passionate, enthusiastic performers they are becoming.

And that is just the beginning, because I have had the privilege to work with some of our Grade 8 students for

three years now—some of them for two shows each year.

It astounds me to watch the growth I have seen in them; their poise and confidence, their discipline, and the sheer improvement in the strength and volume of their vocal capabilities have humbled me. I feel so lucky to have the gift of this time with them.

Hope Moeller Drama Club Director Second Grade Teacher

2016 WINTER | 21

AR T S

Almost, Maine

by John Cariani

High School Theater Fall Play November 19–21, 2015

22 | ENSWORTH ENSIGHTS

AR T S

DIRECTOR’S NOTES Almost, Maine was first written and produced for a professional theatre company, but for 10 years it has spread like wildfire through America’s high schools. This makes sense to me. I would rather see a high school production of Almost, Maine than one presented by seasoned professionals.

It is a play that speaks with— perhaps even requires—the voice of youth. It represents, in fact, what is best about that voice. It is honest, direct, sensitive, and unapologetically absolute. It is also very wise. If there is anything that I have come to believe after

working with teenagers for so long it is that, while some wisdom comes with age, some wisdom is [too often] forgotten with the loss of youth. The opportunity to sit in the presence of that wisdom each day is part of the privilege of being a teacher.

That said, I would like to dedicate this production to our students. I am honored to work with you.

Save the Date!

Ensworth presents

AIDA A Timeless Love Story MARCH 10-12

David Berry English & Arts Faculty High School 2016 WINTER | 23

HIGH SCHOOL

24 | ENSWORTH ENSIGHTS

FALL SEASON HIGHLIGHTS CROSS COUNTRY

GIRLS’ SOCCER

It was a great fall for Tiger Cross Country. Highlights included a trip to the Jesse Owens meet in Alabama, where three of our athletes placed in the top 25. In the TSSAA state meet, eight out of our 14 runners completed either a season’s best or a personal best time.

The girls’ soccer team made history this fall by reaching the state semi-finals. The girls finished with a record of 15-2-2.

The team only gave up seven goals the entire season and had 14 shutouts. They placed third in the state with all private and public schools combined in the Top Drawer Soccer poll.

Cate Elcan, Emily Patton, and Jenna Rolfe were named All-Region players in addition to All-State selections. Bella Johnston and Ana Darielle Nunez were given All-Region honorable mention.

FOOTBALL The Varsity Football team showed improvement each week and ended the season with a record of 5-7. All-Region selections included: Darius Morehead, Nicky Clifton, Blake Mitchell, Rodney Owens, and Patrick Rowan. Coleman Goodwin and Jaylon King received Honorable Mentions. Brett Barnett was named to the All-Academic team. Blake Mitchell was named 2nd Team Offense in the All-Mid State Team. Darius Morehead was named 3rd Team Offense in the All-Mid State team. Darius Morehead received the 2015 Tennessee Sports Writers Association All-State DII-AA for offense, and Rodney Owens received the 2015 Tennessee Sports Writers Association All-State DII-AA for defense.

GOLF Both the girls’ team and the boys’ team performed well. The girls’ team finished third in the region and fifth in the state.

The boys’ team attended the state tournament, and Brock Ochsenreiter won the boys’ individual state championship.

VOLLEYBALL The volleyball team had a great season. They finished third in the region and advanced to the State Quarterfinal match. Their regular season record was 11-6.

Tricia Brown shined this year, earning 2nd team all-mid-state and 1st team all-region.

Caroline Morgan received honorable mention all-region.

CONGRATULATIONS! BROCK OCHSENREITER, CLASS OF 2016 Individual State Champion: DII-AA Boys Golf

WINTER SPORTS Winter sports­­—Basketball, Bowling, Ice Hockey, Swimming & Diving, and Wrestling—will be featured in the Summer edition of Ensights magazine.

Congrats, Tigers!

Four Ensworth Seniors signed to play a collegiate sport.

Charlie Clifton signed with

University of Georgia, Diving.

Jordan Bone signed with University of Tennessee, Basketball.

Coleman Goodwin signed with Lipscomb University, Baseball.

Brock Ochsenreiter signed with Indiana University, Golf.

2016 WINTER | 25

MIDDLE SCHOOL

26 | ENSWORTH ENSIGHTS

FALL/WINTER HIGHLIGHTS CROSS COUNTRY

Thanks to the outstanding leadership of eighth graders

Bry’Nhyia Brazier, Jessica Calloway, Emily Brooks Clayton, Kaitlyn Crosby, Mary Hayes Greer, Mary Sparks Lavey, Sara Pickrell, and Lilly Smith,

the 2015 Ensworth girls’ cross country team enjoyed a funfilled and spirited season. The team improved steadily each and every week. The girls ran competitively in each meet and finished second as a team in four of the five meets leading up to the HVAC Finals. In the HVAC Finals, the girls’ team came in fourth place and was led by Gray Fleetwood (10th place), Harper Dale (17th place), Claire McGehee (22nd place), Sara Pickrell (23rd place), and Mary Sparks Lavey (26th place).

With guts and grit, the 2015 Ensworth boys’ cross country team possessed a growth mindset and committed to improving its times in each and every meet. Led by eighth graders Max Moeller and John Noonan, the team worked hard throughout the season, shaving seconds and sometimes even minutes off of their times. In the HVAC Finals, every single boy on the team ran a personal best. Although the team finished in sixth place in the finals, the future looks bright for the Tigers. The top three finishers in the HVAC Finals were sixth graders Jacob Viner (20th place), Bradford Cummins (22nd place), and Max Hastings (23rd place).

GOLF

Both the girls’ and boys’ golf teams had a great season.

Annabel Frist finished 2nd in the individual competition, and the girl’s team (Annabel Frist, Marshall Wilt, and Katherine Dagley) finished 2nd overall in the HVAC tournament.

The boys went undefeated in the HVAC matches throughout the year. DeWitt Thompson was the individual champion, and the team finished as HVAC champs. Sam Banks, DeWitt

Thompson, Edward Hull, and Toby Wilt all received

medals for top 10 low scores in HVAC tournament. Sam Banks placed 2nd overall, Toby Wilt placed 4th overall, and Edward Hull placed 7th overall.

FOOTBALL

The 2015 Ensworth Middle School football team had a very good season. Eighth-grade young men led the way to victories over Waverly, CPA, and Cleveland’s Lake Forest Middle School. This team scored on the ground and in the air. Drew

Byers, Jude Malloy, and Elijah Jenkins excelled scoring

on amazing runs, throws, and laterals. Many seventh graders made their presence felt during the season, and the future looks bright for future Ensworth football teams. All in all, it was a very successful season, and this special group of young men came together as a united team, forming lifelong friendships. In the All-HVAC Jude Malloy was named Most Valuable Offensive Player, Elijah Jenkins was named Most Valuable Defensive Player, and Cal Archdeacon was named Most Valuable Lineman.

SOCCER

A spirited and talented group of girls, the Lady Tigers reached the HVAC finals, falling short to Harpeth Hall. The coaches are immensely proud of the girls.

Their efforts and attitudes all season were outstanding. It was truly a special bunch. The team had four all HVAC selections in Carrie Elcan, Anna

Chambers, Sara Pickrell, and Annabel Frist.

The Ensworth Varsity Boys’ Soccer Team finished the regular season with a solid 4 - 4 record. After falling in the Silver Division championship one year ago, this season’s record earned the team a ticket to the Gold Division playoffs.

Despite 8th grader Evan Cooley’s first goal this season, the Tigers fell in the first round of the tournament. Cooley’s goal, along with a team-leading four assists, earned him a spot on the All-HVAC Team. He is joined on the team by fellow 8th grader Nabeeh Daouk who scored 10 of the team’s 13 total goals this season.

TENNIS

The Girls’ Tennis team had a strong runner-up finish in the HVAC Tennis Tournament.

Avery Smith won the #3 Singles Championship as she defeated Lipscomb 8-0, Brentwood Academy 8-2, and Harpeth Hall 8-6. Other players earning points in the tournament were #1 Singles Anna Chambers, #2 Singles Anna Brock, #1 Doubles Sophie Sundock and Lucy Butler, and #2 Doubles Genevieve Schaefer and Elizabeth Saltsman.

The Boys’ Tennis team place 2nd out of seven teams in the HVAC Tennis Tournament.

Cole Allen and Karim Daouk had singles wins. Finalists were both doubles teams( #1 Team Ryan Crants and Gaits Buntin and #2 Team Alex Bond and Charlie Mahanes).

Coaches Chambers, Decker, Close, and Kanuch were very impressed with the boys’ level of competition and sportsmanship.

VOLLEYBALL

The Ensworth Middle School Varsity Volleyball team finished with an overall record of 10-7, ending their year by winning 1st Place in the Division-A HVAC Tournament.

Ball control contributed by back-row players Kate

Downey, Neely Moorer, Mae Mae Wallace, and Carrie Elcan played a major role in many of the match outcomes. Our top hitters this year were Nsia Gittens,

Alaina Ewing, Lilli Moon, Rylie O’Neil, Carrie Elcan, and Anne Elizabeth Morgan. Assisted by Ellis Hardie in the setter position, the Ensworth Tigers were unstoppable by the end of the season. Carrie Elcan, Nsia Gittens, and Ellis Hardie were named to All-HVAC.

WRESTLING

The Middle School Boys’ Wresting team had a strong season with six young men placing in the HVAC. Alex Bond came in 2nd place at 98 lbs. Andrew Yu came in 3rd place at 114 lbs. Henry Bright came in 3rd place at 122 lbs. Brooks Kangston came in 4th place at 158 lbs.

Cal Archdeacon came in 3rd place at 235 lbs. Gerard Bullock was the HVAC Champion at 106 lbs. and received the Best Match Award.

CONGRATULATIONS! BOYS’ GOLF TEAM HVAC Champions DEWITT THOMPSON Individual HVAC Boys’ Golf Champion 2016 WINTER | 27

COM MUNI TY

Grandparents Day LOWER/MIDDLE SCHOOL

28 | ENSWORTH ENSIGHTS

November 24, 2015

COM MUNI TY

Grandparents Day HIGH SCHOOL

October 9, 2015

2016 WINTER | 29

COM MUNI TY

a

b

Ensworth Events LOWER/MIDDLE SCHOOL

c 30 | ENSWORTH ENSIGHTS

COM MUNI TY

d

e

f

g

h

i

a Mrs. Schuld’s Grade 3 Play b First Grade Pet Show c Halloween Spirit Assembly d Mr. Sherland’s Grade 4 Play e Pumpkin Races f 8th Graders receive their Class of 2020 t-shirts g Mr. Braemer directs traffic on Halloween h, i, j Grade 8 Pancake Breakfast

j 2016 WINTER | 31

COMMUNITY a

b

Ensworth Events HIGH SCHOOL c

d

e

32 | ENSWORTH ENSIGHTS

f

COMMUNITY g

i

h

a & b Student Directed One Act Plays c Ensworth hosts Special Olympics d Student Assembly Performance e Club Fair f Grade 9 Book Signing g Student-Directed One Act Plays (Cast & Crew) h Student Assembly Performance i Students cheer on the Tigers at the Homecoming Football Game 2016 WINTER | 33

COM MUNI TY

ENSWORTH

PARENT ASSOCIATION

“ There is no better, faster or easier way to get involved in our community than through the Parent Association.”

W

hile Ensworth has expanded its educational commitment to include the High School, the Parent Association Board has grown in size and expanded in scope during the last several years. When Ensworth was a K-8 school, the role of the Parent Association was to help teachers organize parties, drive to and from field trips, and welcome new families to the school community. Now that Ensworth is a K-12 community, the Parent Association serves three distinct parent groups: Lower School, Middle School, and High School. Today, multiple volunteers are expected to organize numerous social events per grade, develop programming for parent education, and produce the largest fundraising event—the Ensworth Auction.

Every parent is automatically a member of the Parent Association, which is under the leadership of the 25 member Parent

Association Board. The Parent Association Board is composed of Officers and Representatives who serve as an advisory body and sounding board for the Head of School. The Board meets six times per year and provides parent education, social opportunities, and support for the arts and athletics departments.

Board members are chosen through a nominating process, which is open to every member of the Ensworth community. Nomination forms are available through E News and the school website in the spring. Are you interested in becoming a member of the Parent Association Board or know someone who may have the time, enthusiasm and insight? The Board encourages you to nominate yourself or anyone you think has the energy and dedication necessary to work for the good of Ensworth.

The Parent Association Board shares time, talent, and insight to create a memorable school experience for students and parents. Shannon McGuffin, Parent Association President, shares with enthusiasm, “There is no better, faster, or easier way to get involved in our community than through the Parent Association. Please consider a nomination to the Board and make your involvement in Ensworth even stronger.”

As the second semester progresses, please look for information regarding volunteer positions for the 2016-2017 Board and know that Ensworth welcomes you into the opportunity of building our vibrant community, educating our parents, and supporting our school.

Get involved!

Contact Kristen Smith for information: smithk@ensworth.com

Parent Spotlight

Danielle Whitson

Mike Haney

Lauren Lunsford, PhD

Tiger Club Chair, HS

Lower School Representative-Elect

Parent Education Chair-Elect

• Mother of 3 daughters: 12th grader Morgan, 9th grader McLean, and 4th grader Meredith • Loves working part-time teaching dance and chairing community events.

• Danielle says, “I have met new friends with children in various grades along with business & facilities staff members through volunteering. It has been a great blessing to be Tiger Club Chair.”

• Father of 5th grade son, Hunter, and 3rd grade daughter, Kate • Founder of consulting engineering company focusing on health care design and project management • Mike sees his role as a “conduit from the Lower School parents to the school leadership as a way to facilitate communication regarding the direction of Ensworth.”

• Mother of 2nd grade daughter Mary Nell • Works as the Associate Dean of Belmont’s College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences • Lauren knows the value in the Chair and Chair Elect working together to “be able to represent unique voices for the Lower School, Middle School, and High School.”

34 | ENSWORTH ENSIGHTS

ALU M N I

Upcoming Events Monday, October 26, 2015 The Golf Club of Tennessee CHAIRS Jodi Banks ‘87, Grant Caudill ’10, Chad Greer, and Charley Poe

Thank you to our generous sponsors!

AUCTION The 57th Annual Ensworth E-Vent Auction will be held on February 20, 2016 at the Loveless Barn at 6:30 pm.

Tickets are still available for this festive evening featuring entertainment from Carolina Story and a delicious dinner including Southern comfort foods. Tickets are available online at www. ensworth.com/auction. You can also be a Megastar ($1,500), an Opening Act ($1,000) or Back up Singer ($500) as a Patron and receive a swag bag and recognition. Y’all come on, now!

All Pest Solutions Christie Cookie Covenant Capital Crichton Group Cumberland Transit Dale Inc. Elite Sports Medicine Flipside Groove Inc. Retail Partners Development, LL C McCarthy Jones & Woodard Missy Brower Nat Harris Family Northwestern Mutual—Chad Greer

Renasant Bank Thompson Machinery TOA Global Motorsports Premier Golf Services Chick-Fil-A Sam’s Bar and Grill Taqueria del Sol Nothing Bundt Cakes Dr. and Mrs. Reuben A. Bueno, Jr. Julie and Tommy Frist Jim ‘n Nicks Mira Winery

1st Place: Stephen Johnson, Toby Wilt, Grace Keeble, Julie Frist

SUPER SATURDAY Newly expanded and relocated to the High School Campus, please join friends and family for Super Saturday on May 7, 2016. Enjoy a morning Tiger Trot, games for the little ones, dunking booth for the old ones (8th graders, that is) and a great lunch on a wonderful spring day.

2015 WINTER | 35

ALU M N I

BIRTHS

ENSWORTH

Elizabeth Cherry Barrett ’88 (Charles)

ALU M N I

Sarah Collins Barrett - August 19, 2015

David Berry ’91 (Emily) Joseph “Cooper” Berry - September 13, 2015 Anna Margaret Edwards Brackman ’92 (Dillon) Margaret Lee “Maggie” Brackman - December 7, 2015 Bill McGugin ’92 (Rankin) Frances Hampton McGugin - August 5, 2015 Markell Lewis Miller ’95 (Jason) Isla Zeeva Miller - March 11, 2015

Robert Riley ’95 (Lindsay) Sallyann Morrison Riley - August 25, 2015 Susan McGugin Davis ’96 (Jay) George Alexander Davis - August 25, 2015

1

Elliot Pinsly ’97 (Jessica)

Matthew Parker Pinsly - May 5, 2015

Sarah Ashley Schwaber Rohe ’97 (Ryan)

Jack Rohe - October 6, 2015

Tee Tompkins ’97 (Caroline)

Caroline Wynne Tompkins - March 31, 2015

Elise Howorth Bobrowski ’98 (Michael) John Charles Bobrowski - August 8, 2015

Lauren Martinez Riley ’98 (Michael) Walter James Riley - August 26, 2015

2

3

Katie Tompkins Dick ’99 (Hagan) Ella Tate Dick - August 19, 2015

Christina Hart Brian ’00 (Blake) Sidney Rodes Brian - January 19, 2016 Aly Armistead Greer ’01 (Scott) Nicholas Turner Greer - October 1, 2015 Bryan Frist ’02 (Elizabeth) Amelia Fearn Frist - November 15, 2015

WEDDINGS

4

Timmy Douglas ’98 to Josephine Chan - August 2015 Max Douglas ’00 to Molly Burgess - October 2015 Jonathan Gluck ’00 to Dina Finer - November 7, 2015 Rich Tompkins ’03 to Jenny Sangalis - November 17, 2015 Taylor Francy ’08 to Jonathan Plump - September 12, 2015

1 Class of 2000 Reunion Party 2 Isla Zeeva Miller, daughter of Markell Lewis Miller ‘95 3 Ensworth NFL Alums gather for a photo after a game: KP McDermott ‘08 (Minnesota Vikings) and Orleans Darkwa ‘10 (New York Giants) 4 Young (theater) alumni gathered at Mr. Berry’s house over Winter Break 4 Walter James Riley, son of Lauren Martinez Riley ‘98, pictured with big brother Jack.

IN MEMORIAM Douglass Foote ’69 December 28, 2015 Susan McEntire Corbett Banks ’90 December 30, 2015 Robert Burch ’11 October 6, 2015 36 | ENSWORTH ENSIGHTS

5

ALU M N I

ENSWORTH Alumni

1980 Rashed Fakhruddin ’83 was

recently featured in an article for Neat Nashville about his involvement with the Islamic Center of Nashville. He received the Metro Human Relations Commission’s Gail Kerr Hercules Award for his work in multicultural awareness, and PENCIL Foundation named Rashed Volunteer of the Year in May of 2015.

Luke Davis ’87 is now on

staff at Yale University. Luke is a pulmonary specialist doing research, teaching, and treating patients. His research takes him to Uganda several times a year. His wife, Heidi, is a pediatrician. They have three-yearold twins.

1990 Jean Davis Brosnan ’91 is

living in Pretoria, South Africa with her husband, Andy, and their three children. Jean has her masters in nursing and specializes in critical care.

Andy is career military and serving as a military advisor to the embassy in Pretoria.

George Scoville ’94 is enrolled at the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law as a recipient of the Faculty Emeritus Law Scholarship.

Markell Lewis Miller ’95

and her husband, Jason, had a baby girl in March. Markell lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan and is the Manager of Community Food Programs at Food Gatherers, the local food bank.

C LAS S NOT E S

Morgan Scoville ’96 placed 232nd out of 50,000 runners in his first TCS New York City Marathon.

scientist with Suneris, a biotech company that engineers instant solutions to wound care.

Elliot Pinsly ’97 was recently

Benton Harvey ’03 earned

promoted to Director of Marketing & Business Development with Centerstone, one of the nation’s largest non-profit behavioral healthcare organizations. He is also President and Chairman of the Davidson County Community Advisory Board.

Sarah Ashley (Schwaber) Rohe ’97 opened Ashley Rohe Home, an interior design boutique in Belle Meade.

Timmy Douglas ’98 is relo-

cating with Microsoft to their Seattle corporate headquarters where he will be working on the Bing Rewards program.

2000 Max Douglas ’00 has been

with Transit, Inc., an entertainment advertising company, for over four years; he edits movie trailers for major motion picture studios.

Jonathan Gluck ’00 moved

back to Nashville in May 2015 to join his father, Dr. Joel Gluck, at Gluck Orthodontics.

Adair Freeman Morse ’02

graduated from the University of Washington with a masters in Occupational Therapy and now works as an Occupational Therapist in the Nashville area.

Alison Douglas ’02 recently

received her Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Georgia Tech and Emory University and has moved to New York City to serve as the head research

his DVM and MPH degrees in 2015 and will spend 2016 interning at a mixed animal practice in Kentucky.

Rob Leathers ’08 moved

back to Nashville after living in Atlanta for three years.

He’s currently working in the corporate headquarters of Tractor Supply Company as an Inventory Analyst.

Elizabeth Clippard ’08

graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Tennessee College of Law in May. She passed the Tennessee Bar Exam and joined the Nashville law firm of Butler Snow, LLP as part of their Business Services Group specializing in Banking, Corporate Finance, and Securities.

Meg Nelson ’08 is the Founder and Executive Director of Acacia Avenue Designs and lives in Pretoria, South Africa and Kampala, Uganda.

Kat Braswell ’08 started a job in Atlanta with Boston Scientific where she is a Hospital Sales Rep for the Watchman device in Cardiology.

Peyton Davis ’08 is a 1st

Lt. in the Army, stationed at Ft. Benning, GA. He served as a platoon leader, graduated from Pathfinder School, Airborne School, received his Expert Infantry Badge, and he also graduated from Ranger School in November.

Margaret Anne Moore ’08

was recently promoted to Press Secretary for the Homeland Security Committee in Washington, DC.

2010 Bryce Wiatrak ’10 was awarded the 2015 Vinous Young Wine Writers Fellowship. Bryce discovered his passion for wine and writing during a summer internship between his junior and senior years at Yale. That internship led to a column at the Yale Daily News and a full time job after graduation at Bottlenotes, where Bryce held the role of Content & Social Media Manager until his departure earlier this year. Bryce recently passed his Certified Sommelier exam with the American Court of Master Sommeliers and is now studying for a Master of Music in Voice from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.

Morgan Francy ’10 is attending Southern Methodist University’s Dedman School of Law.

Samantha Lale ’10 is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst Certification at Lipscomb University. She is working as a Behavior Therapist for children with Autism and recently partnered with Rodan + Fields as an independent consultant.

Eddie Gore ’11 graduated with Honors from Fordham University in May with a major in Marketing and a minor in Finance. Eddie and his band called Future Generations were signed to French Kiss Records 2016 WINTER | 37

ALU M N I

ENSWORTH Alumni

in 2013, and they are now in the final mixing stages of a fulllength album, which is set to be released in the Spring.

Brittany Jenkins ’11 gradu-

ated from Belmont University in the Spring of 2015 and is now working for HCA.

Lila Davis ’11 is in New York

at Parsons for interior design.

She is on the fast track and will finish at the end of the summer.

Samantha Gaitsch ’11

received her Bachelor of Arts Degrees in Dance and Psychology with a minor in Visual Art from Washington University in St. Louis in May 2015. She is now a professional dancer, choreographer, administrator, and the creative director of Consuming Kinetics Dance Company, as well as a tutor for college-bound students with learning challenges.

Conor McDermott ’11 has

been impressive this season as a left tackle for the UCLA Bruins. Seeing a lot of playing time, Conor recently received All Pac-12 2nd Team Offense honors.

Nantambu Fentress ’11 was

Kobie Jarmon ’13 is a Junior

at the University of Louisville where she is a member of the Ladybirds Dance Team. The Ladybirds have won two NDA D1A Collegiate National Championship titles. She is majoring in Communications with a minor in Sports Administration.

While in school and on the dance team, she coaches the Highland Middle School Dazzler dance team in Georgetown, Indiana.

Katie Slattery ’13 was accepted to the University of Tennessee’s Graduate School of Education.

from Pepperdine University in May 2015 and is currently fulfilling the role of Leadership Fellow in the Office of the President at Pepperdine University. Elam is a certified Yoga instructor and teaches classes in her free time. She will return to Nashville in the summer of 2016 to begin training for her position as a Corp Member with Teach for America.

38 | ENSWORTH ENSIGHTS

is responsible for maintaining the soccer team’s community service outreach.

Richard Rolapp ’14 is spending the year serving a full-time church mission in Taichung, Taiwan.

Daniel Mangum ’15 is a Freshman at Washington University in St. Louis studying computer science and business. He is a member of Delta Sigma Pi Professional Business Fraternity and Cru Campus Ministry.

Alexandra Farnsworth ’14

was named to the 2015 Academic All-American team for her golf and academic achievements at Vanderbilt University.

Gracie Johnson ’15 is attending the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. She is studying Politics and International Relations.

Hunter Merryman ’14 is a sophomore at Harvard and has just declared his concentration as Astrophysics. He’s also in his second year with the a Capella group – The Harvard Radcliffe Veritones.

Becca Rolfe ’14 finished her second soccer season at High Point University, where she was named to the Big South All-Conference First Team.

In addition to playing soccer, Becca is majoring in Exercise Science. Recently, she was named to the Big South Presidential Honor Roll and

accepted to Meharry Medical College.

Elam Mangum ’12 graduated

C LAS S NOT E S

1

SEND US YOU R N E WS !

Keep in touch with your classmates and let them keep up with you.

Send your latest news, moves, and photos to Alli Hicks at alumni@ensworth.com.

2 1 Alums Paul Caudill, Cole Parrish, Grant Caudill, and Creed McClellan team up for the Robert Inman Golf Tournament in October 2 The Alumni Hockey Tournament was held on December 18, 2015 at Centennial Sportsplex

ALU M N I

Two young alumni, both 13-year Ensworth students, share how Ensworth shaped their career paths

William Higgins Class of 2013

Since his 7th grade year at Ensworth, William Higgins ’13 wanted to pursue a career in Biomedical Engineering. “We had a guest come and teach us about modern HIV research and the overall research process.

Coupled with the culmination of opportunities I had, everything from being on the Quiz Bowl Team, to the classes that I took, to working on different shows in Theater, it had an impact on guiding me to the field that I am in now.” William attributes his love for science to each of the teachers within the Ensworth Science department. “Mrs. Aguirre, Dr. Gauchat, Mr. Reveal, Mr. Ireland, Mr. Scott and Dr. Miller—all had a pretty large influence. Even if I didn’t have a class with them, they took the time to help me grow within the realm of the sciences.”

William is now a junior at Georgia Tech studying Biomedical Engineering. Last summer he studied abroad in Galway, Ireland where he took a class focused on wearable devices. Their final exam for this specific class was to send what they had designed to the United Nations Children’s Fund: Wearables for Good Challenge. The goal of this project was to design wearable sensor technology that serves people in resource constrained environments.

William worked with four others to develop a wearable device called Communic-AID. Wearablesforgood.com describes, “[Communic-Aid] facilitates record keeping, aids in the tracking of medications that have been distributed in a post-disaster context and allows the patient to take part in their treatment.” The wristband with NFC communication technology that stores emergency medical information can be accessed and updated by medical professionals quickly and easily.

According to a recent article on Georgia Tech’s website, “Following natural disasters, focus shifts away from maintaining medical records, as aid personnel are surrounded by victims in need of treatment. The conditions necessitate a method to streamline the medical record process and place some responsibility on the patient for their own medical treatment. This allows medical personnel to be able to see as many patients as possible, and to monitor and organize individual patient care, making the aid effort more efficient. It could also provide data on injuries sustained and medications prescribed to allow us to better prepare for future disasters.” With 250 submissions by students, entrepreneurs, engineers, designers and technologists from 46 countries around the world, this project was one of the 10 selected as finalists in the Wearables for Good contest.

Higgins is passionate about what he is studying and is very excited about the impact he can have once he graduates.

“The reason I love what I am doing is because I know the total sum of knowledge that I will have when I am done can be used to help people.

My ideal job would be working with hospitals or somewhere within the healthcare industry to create devices for physician use or to increase the quality of life for patients.”

Claire Glassford Class of 2010

During her 13 years at Ensworth, Class of 2010’s Claire Glassford thrived in the arts.

Claire recalls her K-12 experience, “Ensworth encouraged me to put things in perspective amidst the papers, tests, and speeches, and to value community and social change. In particular, David Berry used dramatic literature to encourage his students to look outside themselves. I’ll never forget him saying in class one day ‘Kids, your blinders are like this, but soon you are going to move away and they are going to drop and you are going to see the world around you.’ His training prepared me for the rigor of a BFA Acting program.”

After graduating from Ensworth, Claire ventured to New York City and majored in Acting at New York University. In May of 2014, she graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting and stayed in New York.

“Ensworth inspires its students to reach their full potential by fostering a community that seeks out challenges. With all of the ‘no’s’ I have received in the acting world, I believe that Ensworth and my family taught me how to put on a coat of armor and “Ensworth face these moments with courage. At the end of the inspires its day, a person is not a ‘no.’ Your integrity as a human being cannot be shaken by rejection and cannot be students to inflated by success,” said Claire.

reach their full potential by fostering a community that seeks out challenges.”

Recently, she finished filming The Family Fang directed by Jason Bateman starring Nicole Kidman and Christopher Walken. She also appeared on the CBS show Limitless as well as Showtime’s The Affair.

- Claire Glassford

2016 WINTER | 39

ALU M N I

1st

nu An

al

ENSWORTH Alumni

BAS KE T BALL G AM E NOVEMBER 23, 2015

Ensworth alumni, faculty, parents and current students gathered for the first annual Alumni Basketball Tournament. Alumni of all ages came back to put on their old numbers and relive the glory days. Each Alumni team was cheered on from the sidelines by dining staff Vicki Bennett and Debbie Corbin along with Dean of Academic Support Kate McGlasson. Nick Rolfe ‘15, Alex Benson ‘11, P.J. Settles ‘15, Anna Bowers ‘08, Jamie Allsmiller ‘10, Trent Wallace ‘08, and Tavarres Jefferson ‘09 were a few of the many familiar faces on the court. There were also several faculty members who played, including Scott Perkinson, Eva Connelly, Tay Brogdon, Jeremy Garrett and Jonas Rodriguez. It was a night full of friendly competition and reminiscing about the years past.

40 | ENSWORTH ENSIGHTS

FAC U LT Y

FAC U LTY N E WS WE DDI NG S

BI RT H S

Matt Kaminski to Jennifer Wray September 19, 2015

Brooke Morgan (Jamaal Haywood) August James Haywood - 8.12.15

David Berry (Emily) Joseph “Cooper” Berry - 9.13.15

Adam Sherland to Ricki Adkins November 21, 2015

Dina Marks (Joshua) Hattie Elise Marks - 8.16.15

Tua Bultje (Galen) Anavie Blaire Rose Bultje - 1.26.16

Heather Hurst to Eddie Creech January 1, 2016

FAC U LTY B O OK S H E LF RICKY BOWERS

ELIAS SALAZAR

The Hardest Peace: Expecting Grace in the Midst of Life’s Hard

Author: Willia m Fif ield Genre: Nonf iction

Associate Head of School; Director of Athletics

Author: Ka ra Tippetts Genre: Inspiration

For those who have children and have dealt or will deal with cancer, this book provides a unique understanding of sickness and death.

Chorus & Orchestra, High School

In Search of Genius

This book is “an investigation of creativity” and seeks to understand what drives art and creativity through intimate conversations with “geniuses” of the 20th century like Pablo Picasso, Jean Cocteau, and Salvador Dalí.

CHRISTIAN BAHR

HEIDI WOLTER

A Man in Full

For the Love: Fighting for Grace in a World of Impossible Standards

Director of Aquatics

Author: Tom Wolfe Genre: Fiction

The novel is colorful though the author is sometimes so caught up with his ability to write that he forgets to keep the narrative moving. Besides that, Charlie Croker is a unique character: boisterous, greedy, funny, and wholly cut from old world Atlanta cloth... a cloth that very quickly unravels.

Music, Lower School

Author: Jen Hatma ker Genre: Relig ion

This hysterically funny book talks about how the majority of our joys and heartbreaks relate to people and how we compare ourselves and judge ourselves by other people. I love how she teaches to practice kindness, grace, and love to ourselves and those around us.

2016 WINTER | 41

FAC U LT Y

FAC U LTY

FOCUS

Leigh Ivey Director of Annual Fund & Stewardship

CAM Y SANC H E Z Kindergarten After working many years in the restaurant and retail fields, I couldn’t ignore my passion to work with children. My brother and both of my parents were teachers—I guess you could say teaching is in my genes.

I went back to college at Florida Atlantic University and earned my elementary education degree. When my husband and I moved to Nashville from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, in 1997, I toured Ensworth and instantly fell in love with the school. I was hired two weeks later as a Grade 1 teacher.

In the fall, I switched from Grade 1 to kindergarten, and it has been a wonderful experience. My new teammates and my intern Emily have been helpful and supportive. They made the transition easy. In kindergarten I am honored to watch children learn a concept for the first time. Right now my favorite classroom moments are watching them learn to read. The happiness you see in their smiles when they realize they have read something on their own is priceless! I have always enjoyed teaching reading and math because of the significant progression a student experiences over the course of an entire year.

At Ensworth I feel that we embrace the idea of lifelong learning and the importance of the educational continuum.

In kindergarten, we are teaching children how to love learning. The hope is they carry that with them for the rest of their lives. Of course we teach them the concepts that other teachers in their academic career will build upon, but to instill the love for learning is something we do especially well at Ensworth.

F U N FAC T S a b o u t C a m y

My husband Sam and I are in the crazy restaurant business.

• I love to ride jet skis really fast! • I’m not very athletic but I can be very competitive when it comes to watching my favorite teams. • Someday I would like to rent a motor home and travel around this beautiful county! • I have two sons at Ensworth. Ethan is 15 years old, and Trent is 13 years old.

42 | ENSWORTH ENSIGHTS

J . K . S C OT T History, Middle School With the utmost confidence, I can genuinely say, I get paid to do what I love. Growing up, I never envisioned myself in the teaching profession, but as fate would have it, I am in my 13th year. My dad was a teacher and coach in the public school system for 35 years. I am sure his joy for teaching and life subconsciously weighed heavily in my pursuit of the profession. My passion for teaching didn’t fully develop until I spent the next four years teaching, coaching, advising, and dorm-parenting at New Hampshire boarding school called New Hampton School. Here, because of great mentors, I was able to truly cultivate a passion for embracing the philosophy of developing the whole child.

For the past seven years, I have tried my very best to carry that holistic approach into my classes at Ensworth. At the end of the day, what I desire most is that the student not only knows I care for his or her learning about the skills of becoming a historian but also experiences what I believe to be the true meaning of success. My greatest mentor, John Wooden said it best, “Success is someone giving their best to become the best they are capable of becoming.” This is what drives me to teach and coach every day.

First and foremost, I believe that energy is essential for a classroom to thrive and that competition is a language most middle school students speak. Maybe it means me dressing up like a caveman and holding court cases about the social issues of pre-historic man. In Grade 6 Ancient World History, students dress up like Egyptians and Greeks for a month and participate in our Olympic games. We finish the year by debating who was the greatest ancient civilization in a March Madness tournament fashion. In Grade 8, U.S. History, the emphasis shifts and students express their mind through debates, Harkness discussions, and navigating research with “history labs.”

F U N FAC T S a b o u t J . K .

I played for the Washington Huskies when they won the 2001 Rose Bowl. • My chair in class is an exercise ball. • I have an alter ego, “DJ Jazzy J”, that does “wrap up” sessions at the end of flipped skills videos. • My family loves to play games all the time. Some of our favorites include, “Settlers of Catan” and “Cards Against Humanity.” • Growing up, I wanted to be a country singer. Now I live in Nashville and get to teach some of my idols’ kids. • The punter from Alabama has stolen my internet fame (actually I am thankful for his rise. Now students have a much more difficult time finding pictures of my frosted tips in college and posting them all over the school as they once did at the boarding school I attended).

FAC U LT Y

C E C I LIA WANG Chinese, High School My family values the importance of education and knowledge, and it was always my parents’ priority to ensure I had the best education possible. My father teaches political science at a university in China, and my mom works for a non-governmental organization that provides medical assistance to African and Latin American countries.

Influenced by my father, I have always been interested in international relations and affairs and was thinking about selecting it as my college major. However, my mind was changed by one of my high school teachers who taught twelfth grade English. He was the best teacher and one of the best people I have ever known. Not only was he well-versed in English and experienced in classroom management, but he truly dedicated himself to the teaching profession and to his students. His classroom was always fun, and his happiness as he watched his students excel and develop was apparent. Being the student of a teacher like that inspired me to pursue pedagogy in college. I came to Nashville three years ago to attend graduate school at Vanderbilt. I began subbing for Dr. Andy Kelley and enjoyed it so much that I decided to come back after graduation!

I love the atmosphere at Ensworth. Everyone is kind, and I feel cared for here. My biggest challenge is the cultural difference between me and my students; my childhood and education in China was very different from what exists in the United States. Chinese and English are such different languages anyway, but the most obvious difference is that Chinese characters are pictographic instead of alphabetic. My favorite part of Chinese instruction is teaching character construction and the history behind it.

When students begin to learn Chinese, they are drawing characters that were created and designed thousands of years ago. Some characters share the same part, which is called a radical, and understanding what the presence of that radical means in a character helps students begin to recognize it in other, unfamiliar characters and grasp their meaning right away. It is so fun to watch and makes me proud to have introduced them to it.

F U N FAC T S a b o u t C e c i l i a

I am an avid reader. My father encouraged reading newspapers and books every day instead of using technology, and that has stuck with me. • I read as many books as I can, no matter the topic: cooking, poetry, house decoration. I encourage my students to do this, too—no matter what it is, just read!

J E R E M Y LE H MAN HS Scheduler, Information Resources Assistant I thoroughly enjoyed my 13 years as a student here and feel that Ensworth helped me develop some amazing relationships along the way.

After Ensworth, I spent a year at Colgate University before transferring to Vanderbilt.

It was when I returned to Nashville that I began to work with the middle and high school football teams, and I found my passion for coaching. I continued to coach throughout my time in college, and then after a year of substitute teaching on the Lower/Middle School Campus, I accepted a full-time position on the High School Campus. As an alumnus from Ensworth’s first high school class, the sense of ownership I feel for this school is amazing, and my role as a faculty member has only served to increase that.

As the Information Resources Assistant, I help facilitate the use of technology and research in our classrooms. By connecting our students and faculty with the amazing resources available in our library, we can both enrich the academic experience around the Harkness table and assist students with their individual academic pursuits.

My new position as Scheduler centers in the idea that we, as an institution, want to do everything in our power to ensure that our students can pursue their academic interests. We don’t set our schedule and force students into it, but instead, create the schedule in such a way that the primary concern is a student’s chosen course of study. This presents a number of logistical challenges, but ultimately is a vital piece of our academic success.

Part of our scheduling process involves helping students plan their high school career as early as their second semester on campus. By having the students plan so far in advance, we can help them understand how their course selections fit together and how they will build on their entire educational career throughout high school and beyond. The flexibility of our schedule and the diversity of our course offerings allow students to tailor their high school curriculum to their interests. Students who have very specific interests can work towards high levels of achievement, while students who want to broaden their academic horizons can explore nearly endless elective opportunities. By the time an Ensworth student graduates, I think he or she will be able to reflect on 13 years of education and see a solid foundation to equip them for the future. That’s our goal.

F U N FAC T S a b o u t J e r e m y

I grew up on Ensworth Avenue right down the street from the Lower/Middle School Campus. • I am an avid ping pong player. • My hidden talent is memorizing song lyrics.

2016 WINTER | 43

COM MUNI TY

OF ENSWORTH’S K-12 EDUCATION

January 1958 Certificate of Incorporation filed for Ensworth

September 1959 Kindergarten added to program and all grades become coed

September 1958 Ensworth opens with Grades 1-8, coed through 6th grade with Grades 7-8 all girls

Fall 1963 Separate Academic Departments established: Math, English, History, Science and Latin; First NAIS evaluation

April 2002 Ensworth announces addition of high school program

Fall 1977 First Endowment Campaign launches

October 2002 Groundbreaking held for new Patton Hall Middle School building and Ingram Library

April 2003 Groundbreaking held for High School Campus on Devon Farm

October 2008 Ensworth earns dual accreditation for K-12 program from SAIS/SACS

Fall 1973 First Annual Fund launches with Faculty Professional Development program as a priority

August 2003 High School Department Chairs hired and begin designing curriculum

May 2008 First High School class graduates

August 2004 High School opens to first class of 82 freshmen

August 2007 Ensworth begins first year as a K-12 school with 1007 students enrolled

Follow Us! I N S TA G R A M EnsworthSchool 44 | ENSWORTH ENSIGHTS

TWITTER @Ensworth

FA C E B O O K The Ensworth School

B LO G ensworth.com/blog

FROM THE

HOW TO ENSURE YOUR CHILD HAS AN EXCITING AND ENRICHING SUMMER: Visit ensworth.com/summer Explore the variety of opportunities for ages 4-18 Sign up, then tell your friends Fall 2003 Ensworth Grade 8 Students visit the High School Campus under construction

Pat yourself on the back for being such a smart parent

Register now for summer!

ENSWORTH.COM/SUMMER

ACA D E M I C S • A R T S • C R E AT I V I T Y

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID

Nashville, TN Permit No. 2630

ENSWORTH SCHOOL 211 ENSWORTH PLACE NASHVILLE, TN 37205-1997

JA N UA RY 2 3 , 2 016

High School Campus Drone photo taken by Jason Robinson, Technology Support Specialist

ensworth.com