The Webb School Magazine

WEBB

THE WEBB SCHOOL

Fall-Winter

2023-2024

MAGAZINE

W.I.L.D.!

Wilderness Instruction and Leadership Development

WEBB THE WEBB SCHOOL

MAGAZINE

Strategic Plan 2022 Page 3

Note from the Head of School

Page 4

D.E.I. Pillar

Page 5

SAIS Reaccreditation

Kenneth C. Cheeseman Head of School

WEBB COMMUNICATIONS EDITOR:

Rita Mitchell

Director of Communications DESIGN & LAYOUT:

Gary Marino

CONTRIBUTORS:

Leigh Adams

Director of Alumni and Development

Alyce Allen

Director of Advancement Services

Dorothy Elkins

Alumni Research Assistant

Jonathon Hawkins

Associate Director of Alumni and Development

Kristen Linton Alsup ’00

Director of Leadership Annual Giving

Pages 6-7

Fall-Winter 2023-2024 School Year

W.I.L.D.!

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Page 8

Dr. Sullens ’94 Associate Head for Enrollment Management and Marketing

Justice Wenzlick

Assistant Director of the Webb Fund

Pages 9-24

Academics, Arts & Athletics

Leo Qi ’24, Gerry Zhao ’25 Student Photographers

The Webb School Magazine is published biannually in the summer and winter by The Webb School, 319 Webb Road East, Bell Buckle, Tenn. The Webb School is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization: 64-0401875.

The Webb School complies with all applicable anti-discrimination laws and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin in the administration of its educational policies and programs, admissions processes, scholarship and financial aid programs, employment practices, athletic and other school administrative programs.

319 Webb Road East Bell Buckle, Tenn. 37020 1-931-389-9322

Pages 28-29 Reunion 2023

Pages 31-34

Alumni Notes & News

Page 35

In Memoriam

On the cover: Wilderness Instruction and Leadership Development (W.I.L.D./Outdoor Program).

Photo: Digital Ocoee

A note from the Head of School I

f you are reading this Fall/Winter 2023-2024 edition of our Webb magazine, you likely have a deep affection for your experiences at Webb as a student, alumnus/a, parent, grandparent, faculty or staff, or friend of the school. Your connections to Webb have likely been woven by transformative experiences and strengthened by hopes for Webb’s future. The Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, and I approach this moment in Webb’s history in the same way: building upon our storied history AND boldly embracing the future! As you peruse this edition, you will find many examples where we build upon our traditions and press forward excitedly for what is yet to come. This autumn was filled with analysis and ruminations as we prepared for and hosted the Southern Association of Independent Schools’ 5-year accreditation visit and our annual Alumni Reunion Weekend.

An important part of the accreditation process is selecting ways to organize the required improvement cycle. Webb chose to use the strategic planning process. Integral to this planning was asking our constituents to share their opinions on a myriad of Webb programs and distinctives. This was accomplished through surveys, listening sessions, and small-group workshops.

I am happy to share that several core values emerged from this good work. The student-run Honor Council was hailed as transformative, and our constituents overwhelmingly shared that honor, integrity, and character were the key hallmarks of a Webb education. Sawney Webb would be so pleased to know that 150plus years after he founded The Webb School, we still hold fast to the mission and continue to mold young men and women of good character and, through them, the broader culture.

As evident throughout this magazine, we continue to leverage the study of math, science, English, history, world languages and cultures, the arts, athletics, and W.I.L.D. to teach and equip our Webb students with character above all else. Through these modes of learning, our students not only gain a deep understanding of character, but also sharpen their ability to think, problem solve, collaborate, adapt, speak and write effectively, and access and analyze information. They acquire these skills so well because Webb has extraordinary faculty and staff who

Our strategic plan and planning process, affirmed by the visiting accreditation team, has been a gift to our Webb community, allowing us to see more clearly the most important elements of our past and preparing us for future success. There is much in our plan, and we need your help to successfully execute it. In particular, we need alumni support in boarding and day admissions to identify students and families who will both benefit from and forward our mission. We need our alumni, parents, and friends to help fund an ambitious plan that will empower Webb to be among the very best small boarding/day schools in the U.S. As Dr. Tabetha Sullens ’94, Associate Head for Enrollment Management and Marketing, reaches out to you, please engage, and support our important, strategic work. Likewise, as Leigh Adams, Director of Alumni and Development, contacts you, please take her calls and consider how you can support us to achieve the vision for Webb’s future.

I hope your pride and affection for Webb is renewed and strengthened as you read the stories in this edition of our magazine. I wish each of you a wonderful new year, and I hope to see you soon, either here at Webb, on the road, or at one of our alumni and friends gatherings.

Ken Cheeseman Head of School

The Webb School MAGAZINE

Not only is it clear that good character is one of the greatest treasures that alumni take with them from Webb, but these alumni and parents highlighted another hallmark of a Webb education: the combination of hard work and achieving academic excellence.

As I consider this important feedback, I see a Venn diagram wherein these two hallmarks of a Webb education have much overlap. This overlap is confirmed for me as I meet with members of Webb classes from the 1940’s through the 2020’s. These twin pillars of good character and the pursuit of academic excellence have not only been critical to the previous 150 years of Webb but will also light the path to the future.

see their life’s mission as knowing, caring for, nurturing, and challenging their students. The structure of small classes and advisee groups and tight-knit dormitory communities leverage the considerable gifts and talents of our faculty and staff and allow them to invest in our students in transformative ways.

The rich and wide diversity of our student body and of our faculty and staff is another strand woven into Webb’s fabric that makes us strong and better prepared for the future.

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DEI about upholding honor, character, truth in any language, in every color, and in every nationality

Faculty and staff members hired during the last three years join Head of School Ken Cheeseman and Associate Head of School Jim Callis during August pre-service meetings to prepare for the 2023-2024 school year.

One of the Strategic Plan 2022 pillars -- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion -- is to "create a deeper sense of belonging by clarifying Webb's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion purposes."

Fall-Winter 2023-2024 School Year

"The overarching focus of all of the diversity, and equity practices and programming at Webb is to build an inclusive community, where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and supported," said Dr. Tabetha Sullens ’94, associate head for enrollment management and marketing. She chaired the DEI strategic plan faculty/staff committee and is the Diversity Council advisor. Sullens also completed a Yale School of Management Fostering Inclusion and Diversity Course. "By celebrating the diverse student population, we enhance our understanding of all student needs and therefore better equip our students for academic, arts, and athletics success."

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“I truly care about the inclusion of all and the diversity of ideas in the Webb community. I am a new junior to Webb this year, and one of the reasons that I chose this school was because there are so many people from all over the world that I can interact with and that I can learn from,” said Carolyn Raney. “My mother is from Jamaica, and my father is from the United States. So, coming to Webb has given me the opportunity to speak with people who have the same culture as me and many who have different cultures and traditions from mine.”

With a student body that has been consistently diverse through the years, the 2023-2024 school year includes students from five continents, 20 countries and 11 states.

Senior London Sullens added, “My two closest friends come from Jamaica and Vietnam. They, as well as their families, have taught me so much about various cultures. Our friendships now have the ability to encompass over 10,000 miles of distance solely because Webb brought us together and allowed us to empathize with each other’s cultures, personal stories, experiences, and traditions.”

Sullens reiterated the school's diversity saying, "Webb has always been diverse, even when I was a student in the 90s. We were blessed to learn and grow with students from all over the world." However, she added at that time even though students lived it, Webb did not celebrate these practices ‘on paper’ in the way that it is celebrated now. "I honestly get cold chills when I think about how far we have come on paper.

For me, watching the intentional planning and conversations centered Middle School Diversity Council officers include, around DEI work from the Dara Frazier, president, seated center; Jahmai board level all the way Jarret, secretary, left; Tula Sublette, treasurer; down to our sixth graders Katie Miller, vice president. serving on the middle school diversity council, inspires genuine inclusive practices and programming. These educate the student body and faculty alike about who our students really are, their heritage, their history, and their futures," Sullens explained. "We are now able to publicize our

(continued on page 25)

Affirmed by SAIS reaccreditation, Webb on its way to executing Strategic Plan The Southern Association of Independent Schools recently reaccredited The Webb School for the next five years following an 18-month self-study and a SAIS team’s assessment of the school’s compliance with accreditation standards and site visit evaluation.

“Accreditation is crucial to long-term success. Schools like Webb commit to a lengthy and rigorous set of standards, all of which we must meet to be accredited,” said Head of School Ken Cheeseman about the SAIS accreditation. “Additionally, and just as importantly, we are required to develop a continuous cycle of evaluation and improvement. This cycle must consist of the following: A) Development of strategic goals, B) Goals must be reflective of our school’s mission, the standards of accreditation, and input from our community, C) A plan to measure success/failure of those goals, and D) Analysis of how successful attainment of the goals improves the school.”

The team provided commendations and recommendations in the areas of: Teaching and Learning, Sustainability, Programs, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Explaining the process, Cheeseman noted that at each five-year interval, SAIS appoints an external accreditation committee, “Webb challenges you. I’m the person I am today because of The Webb School. I could never repay the school.” Alumna “I said Webb is irreplaceable because our graduate would not have had the breadth of experience or exposure to diversity anywhere else in this area.” Parent “Every teacher knows our children.” Parent

“Our 6th grade child is unrecognizable after just six weeks of school at Webb; he has experienced so much growth and increased confidence.” Parent “Webb students are not afraid to use their voice. And they are not afraid to use their voice on behalf of others.”

Faculty member

Webb began preparing for the October 2023 site visit 18 months in advance with the self-study that was submitted under the direction of Mallory Garcia, Webb’s Learning Center Director, who chaired the school’s reaccreditation committee.

Following the visit, the team unanimously recommended Webb’s reaccreditation that was confirmed by the SAIS Board when the final report was submitted.

The SAIS summary report noted that the visiting team found in The Webb School “a very good school held in high esteem by every stakeholder group. There is a clear sense of pride in The Webb School.”

“... The Advancement and Alumni team has met and exceeded The Webb Fund goal six years in a row and understands how annual giving positively impacts the student experience. ...

They wholeheartedly embody the idea of ’tireless workers,’ and the visiting team found their optimism and aspirations for future inspiring.”

“The W.I.L.D. program differentiates The Webb School on a local, regional, national, and global stage. By providing opportunities for students to explore their passion and take social and emotional risks designed to enhance their personal growth and learning should be commended…”

“We commend the school’s leadership and Board of Trustees for establishing a statement on diversity, equity, and inclusion.”

--SAIS Team Commendations

---Constituent Comments (continued on page 26)

The Webb School MAGAZINE

“Our teachers try to create connection with their students. I even feel comfortable telling my teachers when I am not being challenged.” Student

consisting of a chair, often a current or former head of school at another independent school, and three or four members from other independent schools throughout the Southeast United States. These members are chosen for their experience and expertise in the areas that are highlighted in the school’s strategic goals. This committee, led by the chair, follow rigorous standards of assessment set by SAIS for the evaluation of Webb. The chair visits the school at least six months in advance of the team’s visit to assess the school’s compliance with the accreditation standards. The team’s visit includes 2.5 intense days, with members talking to various constituent groups, looking for evidence that the strategic plan is in process, visiting classes, touring campus, and understanding adherence to best practices in independent school education.

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W.I.L.D.

Griggs leads program he enjoyed as student

Fall-Winter 2023-2024 School Year

Serving as Outdoor Program Director and Wilderness Instruction and Leadership Development, (W.I.L.D.) class teacher has truly come full circle for Joe Griggs ’05, who began his passion for outdoor activities as a student under the tutelage of Brian Wofford, retired director that he succeeded. Building off what he learned through the program, he backpacked 1,450 miles of the Appalachian Trail, from Georgia to Connecticut, the summer between his junior and senior year of Webb. His interest continued to increase, serving for four years as a member of the Mountaineering staff at Camp Mondamin in North Carolina during his summers as a student at Centre College, where he received B.S. degree and earned his Wilderness First Responder certification.

He would go on to complete the entire 2,158 miles of the Appalachian Trail and for the past nine years, he has lived on campus with his wife, Ana, and they now have three small children, leading more than 150 trips for the program to date. In addition to leading the outdoor program, he has taught mathematics and is a Team Leader for the residential community.

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Webb’s Outdoor Program, according to Director Joe Griggs, is about letting nature be the classroom, where lessons learned have more to do with life than the wilderness, where seemingly insurmountable challenges are conquered by putting one foot in front of the other.

Wilderness Instruction and Leadership Development (W.I.L.D.) is one of several programs at Webb that help students find the intersection between their passions and their gifts -- helping them to thrive in college and life beyond.

Griggs’ mission is “to enhance the lives of youth through profound outdoor experiences wherein group exploration of the natural world enhances effective leadership, teamwork, and community-based decision-making; to teach the skills necessary to safely execute wilderness excursions; to instill courage, self-discovery, self-reliance and grit to seek adventure and push comfort limits in order to hone critical thinking skills, problem-solving strategies, and resilience, which will empower them to make wise choices and overcome obstacles in all aspects of life.”

“Everything we do is practice in overcoming obstacles and dealing with uncomfortable situations,” Griggs explained. “That is a big part of life, and developing a strong mental core is the key to not being derailed when things get tough. It’s really easy to understand these lessons in the physical world, which is what we’re doing in this program and on these trips.”

The W.I.L.D. program executes all types of trips all year long in every conceivable weather condition. Winterfreeze, a 4-day backpacking trip every December, heads high into the Appalachian Mountains, where temperatures are often in the

teens. Undaunted, Griggs reminds students in chapel, “There is no such thing as bad weather, only unprepared people.” It’s a quote he has inherited from Brian Wofford, retired Webb Outdoor Director. This has become one of the mantras of the program.

You can do hard things in life, if you prepare, and know how to prepare.

The recent SAIS Reaccreditation Report extolled the value of the W.I.L.D. program noting that it, “differentiates The Webb School on a local, regional, national, and global stage. By providing opportunities for students to explore their passion and take social and emotional risks designed to enhance their personal growth and learning should be commended… .”

For students who seek a deeper background in outdoor living, Webb offers semester W.I.L.D. academic classes in which camping, survival, and leadership skills are demonstrated and taught -- hands-on -- in the classroom and on Webb’s 150-acre campus with facilities including a climbing wall and low- and highropes courses. As part of their grade, students are required to meet a trip quota each semester (the equivalent of 3 days in the outdoors, one of which must be an overnight). Students learn how

Griggs leads hallmark program that offers life lessons along with outdoor skills to use and set up gear, plan, prepare and execute trips such as those in nearby state parks or longer excursions in other states.

These students become program ambassadors.

The outdoor program classroom/ trail room is another strong asset filled with all the gear anyone would need for Webb’s trips. “It would be hard to find a better-equipped gear room in a college institution, let alone on the high school level,” Griggs noted. “It’s important to me that a student can come with nothing and go on any trip we offer. So, you can walk in .... (and say) I don’t have anything. We’ve got wool socks, boots, if you need them, backpacks, sleeping bags, tents, cooking equipment and every piece of gear to outfit you for any trip. That’s just a really powerful gift we can give to the student body.”

Another huge resource to the W.I.L.D. program is the faculty and staff that accompany the students on the trips. Griggs recognizes the multitude and magnitude of the varying types of trips could not be accomplished by one man alone. “It takes English teachers and alumni & development staff and art teachers and alumni willing to give up their breaks, leave their families, and head into the mountains. And why do they do it? Because they know the payoff is worth it. They see the difference it makes in the students involved and understand the value of the mission of the program

and feel compelled to help make it happen for the next generation.”

Donors are also a strong asset year after year in continuing to make the Outdoor Program one of Webb’s hallmark “differences.”

The W.I.L.D. program offers about 20-25 trips to the entire student body ranging from day trips to six-day trips and includes activities such as rock climbing, caving, kayaking, canoeing, backpacking, and camping. The program also provides a series of annual class trips starting in sixth grade that are outdoor-based, team-building experiences aimed at promoting a greater sense of what the Webb community is all about and creating shared memories and opportunities to come together in a positive and cohesive way as a student body.

“We have big trips on the Appalachian Trail, we go down the Santa Fe River in Florida, we’ve been to the Boundary Waters on the Canadian Border, to Utah a couple of times, and Cumberland Island off the coast of Georgia. When we have enough days, we go far and wide and really get an intense college-level, if not beyond college-level, experience.”

“What I’ve come to realize is that the true magic of Senior Survival lies in the atmosphere created during that week when we get to step away from the world, free of distraction, and immerse ourselves in nature and classmates who have been on their shared Webb journey. At the end of their senior year, they’ve got (continued on page 26)

The Webb School MAGAZINE

The class trips culminate in Senior Survival, a seven-day excursion during the final week of their time at Webb where they canoe, whitewater raft and go on a four-day backpacking trip in the Appalachian Mountains. Senior Survival is a rite of passage for Webb students that goes back decades. It represents their “initiation” into The Webb School alumni community and continues to provide an opportunity to practice resilience, adaptability, accountability, interdependence, and courage on a scale unattainable in the classroom.

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Sullens named Associate Head for Enrollment Management and Marketing

Dr. Tabetha Sullens ’94

Dr. Tabetha Sullens, a 1994 graduate of The Webb School, has been appointed as the school’s new Associate Head of School for Enrollment Management and Marketing. Sullens joined Webb nine years ago as the Middle School Head of School, later becoming the Assistant Head of School for Student Affairs. In her new role, Sullens is responsible for overseeing the school’s enrollment management and marketing efforts.

Sullens has a wealth of experience in education and leadership.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English/Secondary Education and an Education Specialists Degree from MTSU in Culture, Cognition, and the Learning Process, from Middle Tennessee State University, a Master of Science from Purdue Global, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Vanderbilt University.

Prior to joining Webb, she worked as Head of School for F. C. Boyd Christian School.

Fall-Winter 2023-2024 School Year

During her time at Webb, Sullens has made significant contributions to the school’s community. As the Middle School Head, she was responsible for overseeing the academic and social development of students in grades 6-8. In her role as Assistant Head of School for Student Affairs, she directed student life and discipline.

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“Dr. Sullens is known for her commitment to student success and her ability to build strong relationships with students, parents, and faculty members,” said Head of School Ken Cheeseman. “She is passionate about education and believes that every student deserves a high-quality education that prepares them for success in college and beyond.”

As Associate Head of School for Enrollment Management and Marketing, Sullens will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies to attract new students to Webb. She will work closely with the school’s admissions team to identify prospective students and develop marketing plans that highlight the school’s strengths.

“Dr. Sullens' appointment as Associate Head of School for Enrollment Management and Marketing is a testament to her leadership skills and her commitment to The Webb School’s mission,” Cheeseman said. “Her experience in education and her passion for student success make her an excellent choice for this important role. The Webb School is thrilled to have such a wonderful asset developing our community and projecting what it means to be a tireless worker.”

“As I reflect on my time at Webb, I am filled with humility and gratitude” said Sullens. There is no greater privilege than the ability to recruit students and impart the transformation of the Webb journey upon them.” c

Academics, Arts & Athletics Webb’s 154th Senior Class continues Blazer Day Tradition

Chris and Colleen Enea ’12

The Webb School continued a longstanding tradition of honoring seniors during the annual Senior Blazer Day. On Nov. 10, the South’s oldest, continuously operating boarding school hosted the ceremony, and 75 members of the Class of 2024 were presented their Webb blazers.

Colleen Enea, a 2012 graduate, was the guest speaker.

Head of School Ken Cheeseman, in his fourth year at Webb, opened the ceremony. “Welcome to the families and friends of our esteemed seniors. Thank you for investing in them so well;

Medling National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalist

“This is a great honor for Cooper and very well-deserved. He is not only a scholar, but also further exemplifies our vision for Webb students by becoming a leader. He serves the student body and faculty as the chair of our student-run honor system. Being a National Merit Semifinalist will open many doors and significant scholarship dollars for him in the college admissions process,” said Head of School Ken Cheeseman. c

For more news, go to www.thewebbschool.com.

Click or scan QR code for story, photo gallery, video, and remarks by Colleen Enea ’12.

Nine earn AP Scholars recognition Nine students were named Advanced Placement Scholars in August. The students’ recognition is based on their spring 2023 AP exam scores. Two students claimed AP Scholar with Distinction honors. This recognition is granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken and scores of three or higher on five or more of these exams. Students achieving this honor included Mary-Margaret Mayfield ’24 and Leo Qi ’24. The four students achieving AP Scholar with Honor were Jaycie Bateman ’24, Carley Byford ’23, Winston Dugdale ’24 and Cooper Medling ’24. They each received an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on four or more exams. AP Scholars were Sara Boyd ’24, Aspen Northcutt ’24 and Siena Smith ’24. They each had scores of 3 or higher on three or more exams. c

Jones Foundation makes inaugural gift to new Robotics Club Through startup funding from the Murfreesboro-based Jennings and Rebecca Jones Foundation, The Webb School is creating an after-school robotics program for students interested in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). The program will provide high-achieving students an opportunity to become

The Webb School MAGAZINE

A member of the senior class, Cooper Medling, was named a National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalist. This year is the 68th year of the National Merit Scholarship Program. Medling, a resident of Rutherford County, is among the top 1 percent of 2023-2024 U.S. high school seniors to achieve the semifinalist distinction. He is eligible to continue in the competition and to vie for 7,140 National Merit Scholarships worth approximately $28 million that will be offered next spring.

they are, individually and collectively, a strong class, and I am grateful for them. Seniors, welcome to this important and special moment.” c

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more competitive college applicants as well as successful entrepreneurs and well-rounded individuals. According to Webb’s Head of School Ken Cheeseman, robotics will take the form of a club organized to promote the study and application of life-enhancing modern technology. Once established, the team will use experimentation and competition to learn about technology utilized in the design, construction, and employment of robotics in industry and beyond. Benefits for club members include strengthening STEM skills, meeting like-minded peers, participating in a nontraditional team activity, and increasing the potential for college and university scholarships.

“Two of our new faculty, Anthony Mendez, physics teacher, and Sampson Gyamfi, upper-level math teacher, are collaborating to establish our robotics program,” Cheeseman said. “In the spring semester, they will begin with a robotics club and in the fall of 2024, we will begin our first robotics team at Webb. I am

Anthony Mendez

Sampson Gyamfi

very excited about this addition to our school community. It is an outgrowth of our strategic plan, in particular, the pillar that calls for Webb to design an overall student experience that strengthens character while exploring unique gifts and capacities.” Cheeseman added, “We are grateful to the Jennings and Rebecca Jones Foundation for their generosity in establishing this program and for offering our students an ongoing glimpse into the future.” c

For more news, go to www.thewebbschool.com.

NHS inductees and Alla Webb Scholars recognized

Fall-Winter 2023-2024 School Year

Forty-one Webb 10th-12th graders were inducted into the Sawney Chapter of the National Honor Society with five of the students also recognized as members of the Alla Webb Scholars during fall.

The National Honor Society is the nation’s premier organization established to recognize outstanding high school students. More than just an honor roll, NHS serves to recognize those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, service, leadership, and character. The Webb NHS chapter was

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founded in 1974. The Alla Webb Scholars program was established during the 2021-2022 school year to recognize students who have gone above and beyond the level of excellence of even the NHS members. To be considered for membership in the Alla Webb Scholars program, students must first be a member of the Sawney Chapter of NHS, and then they must complete an application showing their excellence in community service, leadership and school activities. c

Science elective has students birding and learning about avian breeding Students in Missy Harden’s ornithology class recently learned about the world of avian breeding during a field trip to Bell Buckle’s Bryant’s Roost, where Jennifer Bryant provided a tour of her farm. Bryant currently holds a position as a Board Member of the American Coturnix Breeder’s Association, which reflects her significant involvement and expertise in the field of avian breeding. Bryant’s Roost boasts an array of breeder-quality avian specimens.

“During our visit, the students observed and engaged with the birds,” Harden explained. “It was an invaluable opportunity to expand their knowledge and appreciation for each species, as they gained a deeper understanding of avian husbandry and breeding practices.”

Ornithology is this year’s science elective. In the first unit earlier this fall, students learned the basics for birding, parts of binoculars and how to use them, how to identify birds by sight and sound, and practiced the birding code of ethics. To get practical experience with birding, the class often goes on walks or conducts point counts to practice identifying birds by sight and sound. The data is then uploaded to eBird, which is a citizen science online database. c

Zhao attends summer School of AP Environmental students create ecocolumn, monitor The New York Times, UPenn nitrogen cycle Summer Coding Academy A career based in computer science, math or physics seems likely to Shanshui “Gerry” Zhao, as he prepares for the spring semester of his junior year at The Webb School and refines his college search. At the same time, Zhao will continue to nurture his passion for photography, a talent that has benefited Webb for the past year and half as he has been one of two student photographers along with Leo Qi ’24.

Two summer 2023 academies gave Zhao, a boarding student from China, the opportunity to take a deep dive into computer science and photography. He was accepted to attend the Photojournalism Art Course at the School of The New York Times and the UPenn Summer Coding Academy.

He enjoyed the three weeks of coding development, and then immersed himself in two weeks of photojournalism. One opportunity may have helped honed his career choice – the other enhanced a talent he can enjoy in his leisure time. The School of The New York Times photojournalism course included daily classroom instruction, field exercises and site visits to New York City neighborhoods and iconic locations to enhance creativity. Speakers and lecturers included awarding-winning national photojournalists, photo editors, foreign correspondents, columnists, and directors of photography from national and international media companies. The UPenn Summer Coding Academy is described on the website as a “three-week residential introduction to front-end web development”. That was valuable to Zhao in creating his Junior Project – part of Webb’s Emerging Voices Program. He learned how to write code in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and how to use GitHub to collaborate. These were important assets to create his project website that drew on experiences from both his summer academies. c

Scholar, Artist, Student-Athlete of the Month Awards presented during chapel honored Quinn Shibayama, Anne Marie Florida and Chelsea Callis for August, Kylie Singer, London Sullens and Harry Thomas for September, Wyatt Petroka and Opal Domethong for October and Kate Billingsley, Ilana Gunther, and Trey Thomas for November. c For more news, go to www.thewebbschool.com.

“The students spent two months creating these systems and monitoring soil and water characteristics to watch things go through the nitrogen cycle in real time,” said Pamela Seals, teacher and Science Department chair. “It is one of the most comprehensive models we use all year to tie together many concepts of the class in one realistic simulation. The students really enjoy watching things grow, and they become very invested in the life of their fish.” c

Students encouraged with new initiative “Reading by the Foot” Kevin Finn, English Department chair, and Hannah Little, library director, noticed headlines everywhere they looked. Headlines such as: “Why Aren’t We Reading Anymore?”

“Americans are Losing Interest in Books?”

“Don’t People Enjoy Reading Anymore? Leisure reading is on a serious decline. Is that grounds for serious concern?”

These headlines prompted the pair to delve into the data, and they discovered that both national and statewide data were confirming the headlines. Based on their findings, the pair decided to present a reading initiative to the faculty during pre-service meetings, which was followed by a “Book Tasting” activity. The program was rolled out to the students, and Finn helped them understand the importance of reading. Here are some of the top benefits they discussed: Increased sleep quality (and maybe quantity),

The Webb School MAGAZINE

Students honored with Scholar, Artist, Student-Athlete of the Month Awards

Students in AP Environmental Science class in fall created a living model of an ecosystem – an Ecocolumn. Consisting of a threechamber system, the first mimics the terrestrial world with land and plants. The students planted seeds to begin the growth of the land. The middle chamber was made of sand and rocks and filtered water that goes down through the terrestrial chamber. The final chamber is the aquatic chamber, which contained an aquatic ecosystem with rocks, algae and fish.

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30 minutes of reading equals 30 minutes of yoga, and readers live nearly two years longer.

Little invited students to choose a library book to “read for fun.” With this, the “Reading by the Foot” initiative was launched. Starting in September (and roughly two advisories per month thereafter), students had the opportunity to read during advisory. A few parameters were in place: students must read a print book or dedicated e-reader, it should be something they want to read, not something they are supposed to read, and everyone should read for the entire session. c

Fall-Winter 2023-2024 School Year

Ethics students introduced to Webb’s extensive archives

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History is an interpretation of the past. We read about the past in history textbooks and in articles online. We also tell stories about the past, both as individuals and collectives. These stories come in a myriad of forms: parades, memorials, visual arts, letters, and more. Historians often look towards primary sources as they gather information about the time, place, and people about whom they write. Many of these sources come from an archive, which is a collection of materials from the past. Both archive-making and history writing require an element of curation; historians must decide how they will write about the past, and archivists must decide how to curate their collections. They must ask deeply ethical questions such as, "What materials are worth saving? What perspectives are worth remembering? Whose voice can I preserve? Who gets left out?" By choosing what material gets included and what material is discluded, archivists and historians alike shape narratives about the past.

The Webb School boasts extensive collections from Sawney and Son Will in the archives. In a recent unit, ethics students got their first glimpse into the ethical questions archivists and historians ask. How do we talk about the past? What ethical considerations must individuals and institutions deliberate as they write histories?

I’m grateful to the amazing staff at Webb’s Bond Library for preparing documents for students to view. Hands-on learning in a history class is few and far between, but the archives serve as a physical reminder that the past has not left us. c

– Elsa Kunz, Ethics Teacher

Taucare begins term on TAIS Teacher Service Committee Assistant Head for Academics and Arts Nicole Taucare recently began a twoyear term as a member of the Tennessee Association of Independent Schools (TAIS) Teacher Services Committee.

Suggestions for new members are made from current TSC members, heads of school, and other administrators, and members may serve additional terms.

As part of the committee, Taucare can increase leadership, team-building and discussion-facilitation skills, and benefit from a professional network with teachers and administrators from other TAIS schools throughout the state. She will help create and organize professional development programming that meets the needs of teachers at TAIS schools and benefit from ongoing working relationships with colleagues both regionally and statewide. c

Garcia, Burrahm, Finn, participate in professional development

Mallory Garcia, The Learning Center director, and Casey Burrahm, Learning Services / Support Teacher, participated in the Independent School Management (ISM)’s Summer Institute.

Hosted in Philadelphia, Garcia said the Institute The Foundations of a Support Program for Students With Learning Differences workshop allowed participants to thoroughly examine their school’s current academic support model. They contemplated the effectiveness of each individual component to craft an actionable plan tailored to each participant’s school to improve outcomes and facilitate the success of each school’s program.

English Department Chair Kevin Finn attended the Global Online Academy’s Learning Summit 2023: Designing for Agency during the summer at Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Va. The GOA website noted the Summit offered “both classroom educators and school leaders the chance to address recent developments in AI, to learn key research and practice related to agency, and most of all -- to apply, plan, and design for taking action in schools.” c

Class trips create outdoor, team experiences Sixth graders enjoyed their initial Webb class trip to Machine Falls in Tullahoma and Old Stone Fort in Manchester and had their first overnight tent camping experience in the “thicket” on campus. Overnight cabin stays and outdoor activities were provided at New Frontiers in Dowelltown, Tenn., for seventh graders, and at Horton Haven in Lewisburg, Tenn., for eighth graders. Ninth graders traveled to Adventure Ocoee in southeastern Tennessee for outdoor and team activities. The 10th graders toured the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga and stayed overnight at the Ocoee Retreat Center

Signing Honor Pledge continues as tradition at Webb

Hispanic Heritage Month, Mid-Autumn Festival celebrated An all-school celebration with a performance by Mariachi Mexico Canta was part of Webb’s observance of National Hispanic Heritage Month. The Mid-Autumn Festival was also celebrated.

The festival is the second grandest festival in China after the Chinese New Year. c

Faces & Our Cultures brings Guatemalan students to Webb

The Webb School is continuing its partnership with an organization -- Faces & Our Cultures in Guatemala that brings Guatemalan students to Webb. In October, the school welcomed six students to campus for seven weeks. While here as boarding students, they attended classes, joined athletic teams, and enjoyed the Thanksgiving weeklong break with some of the current Webb families. Pictured from left are, front row, Diana Sofia Salazar Molina, Luis Larios Castillo, Joaquin Furlan Estrada, Jesus (Santiago) De LA Torre Escamilla, Joaquin Murga Samayoa and Isabella Rodriguez Sanchez; back row, Ashlee Winton, admissions and enrollment coordinator; Dr. Tabetha Sullens, associate head for enrollment management and marketing; and Sandy Cardona, Faces & Our Cultures general coordinator & founder. c For more news, go to www.thewebbschool.com.

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Continuing the tradition that dates to the early years of The Webb School, students spent several of the early 2023-2024 chapels signing the Honor Pledge Books.

Webb and the Honor Council strive for students to embrace the school’s honor code so that it becomes a part of their lives, even after they graduate. Honor Council faculty sponsor, Jason Simpson, World Languages Department chair, and senior honor council members spoke of the importance of this tradition during the signing days. Faculty and staff also had the opportunity to sign the books. c

for other activities. Juniors traveled to Camp ToknowHim in northern Alabama for the annual class trip, and 12th graders went to Camp YI in La Vergne, Tenn., to get to know themselves and each other better. The trips are under the direction of Joe Griggs, Outdoor Program Director, assisted by faculty and staff. c

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Experiencing culture, strengthening relationships, learning how to better serve families are China trip benefits Webb and its admissions team through the years. Prospective families and students as well as agency representatives met for informational sessions and social gatherings.

“We formally interviewed several of the prospective students. I was impressed by how much they knew about Webb from their research.”

Shanghai

A 10-day fall trip to three cities in China gave Head of School Ken Cheeseman and Development Director Leigh Adams opportunities to experience the Chinese culture, express gratitude to the current families and strengthen those relationships and learn how Webb can better serve the school’s Chinese families and students.

“Leigh and I enjoyed wonderful fellowship with our Chinese parents. It was and is an honor to see these families in their own country,” said Cheeseman. “Additionally, it was such a gift to us to hear the insights of these parents about how Webb is molding and shaping their sons and daughters.”

Beijing

Rounding out the trip, Cheeseman and Adams visited the Leighton School in Shanghai and Shenzhen University.

Fall-Winter 2023-2024 School Year

Michael Qi, father of Leo Qi ’24, noted that it was nice seeing Leigh and Ken in person.

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“It was a great visit for us… we took the opportunities to gather with other parents we had not seen for three years.” He added, “I truly believe that we understand each other better.”

Shenzhen

While in Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen, it was also a time to meet with and thank the professional agencies that have assisted

“The opportunity to visit China with Mr. Cheeseman on behalf of Webb was a professional and personal highlight for me,” said Adams. “It was a privilege to spend time with many of our current families, and for the opportunity to bring our families all together.

We are always looking for ways that we can improve and enhance the student experience, and the insight shared by our Chinese families was invaluable. I am grateful for their hospitality and willingness to share their culture and cities with us.” c

For more news, go to www.thewebbschool.com.

Webb Company Players present “A Christmas Carol – A Live Radio Play”

“A Christmas Carol – A Live Radio Play” was the fall performance in the Black Box Theater in the Lundin Fine Arts Center. Webb’s actors played many parts to fulfill the Christmas 1939 performance on “W.E.B.B. Radio - 1870” on the Dial.

Written by Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol was adapted for the stage by James Egan, with music by Rick Rhodes - a six-time Emmy Award Winner – and lyrics by Vivian Rhodes television writer and published novelist. Dickens has described his lead character, Ebenezer Scrooge, as “a squeezing, scraping,

clutching, covetous old sinner, hard and sharp as flint, from which no steel had ever struck out generous fire; secret, and selfcontained, and solitary as an oyster. His best and only friend in all the world, Jacob Marley, a kindred spirit if ever there was one, was seven years dead.” He is visited by the ghost of Marley, the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. In the adventures of one evening with Marley and the spirits, Scrooge has a good long look at his life’s choices and is thereby transformed. c

Seven students have MTSU Honors Orchestra experience

Theatre program invited, again, to The Fringe Festival in Scotland

Seven Honors Orchestra students recently participated in two days of rehearsals and a final performance on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University as part of MTSU’s Honor Orchestra. Chenyou Fan, Maggie Williams, London Sullens, Hannah Joslin, Nick Allison, Amorri Wilkins and Alora Pearce were nominated by Susan Mullen, Webb’s orchestra director, to participate with other dedicated high school music students from the middle Tennessee region.

MTSU’s Honor Orchestra performed an ambitious program, which included the music from The Lion King, Schindler’s List, and several other popular movies. This concert was held in Hinton Hall in the Wright Music Building on the MTSU campus on Nov. 4.

“I had a great time at MTSU. I learned new techniques and made lots of new talented friends,” Amorri Wilkins said about her participation. Maggie Williams added, “The concert was super fun.

The music was difficult, the people were nice, and everything was really exciting.” c

Once again, The Webb School Theatre program has been invited to the American High School Theatre Festival, part of The Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland, in August 2024. Webb’s production is A Literary Salon featuring Mark Twain and William Shakespeare, which Ruth Cordell, Webb speech and theatre instructor and theatre program director, is specifically adapting for the festival stage. “The first trip to the International Fringe Festival / American High School Theatre Festival was an incredible opportunity,” said Cordell. Webb’s 2011 troupe members were among 21,000 performers from 30 countries, who gave 41,689 performances in 2,542 shows at the festival that year. She saw her troupe mature, gain confidence and hone their acting skills as they staged four performances of The Rivals in a venue where well-known actors have given break-through performances. c

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“The MTSU High School Honors Orchestra is an experience I look forward to every year. Getting to play with such young, talented individuals makes me eager to continue my skills in music throughout my college experience,” said Sullens. “The musicians are friendly, provide excellent feedback, and make every student feel welcomed and prepared to play the rigorous music!”

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First students selected for regional HS Honor Choirs, MS Mass Choir Two upper school students, Natalia Front and Hadassah Stubbs, became the first Webb students to audition for the Middle Tennessee regional honor Natalia Front Hadassah Stubbs choirs in October.

Among more than 800 high school students from the Middle Tennessee area, they were selected to perform. Front secured a spot in the Mid-State SSAA Honor Choir, while Stubbs earned a place in the Freshman SSAA Honor Choir.

“We are proud of Natalia and Hadassah for their remarkable achievements. Their dedication to musical excellence and

their representation of Webb’s values in the broader musical community exemplify the spirit of determination and excellence that we strive to instill in our students,” said Tyler Shaw, music faculty member.

“Additionally, we are also thrilled to celebrate the success of our middle school students who participated in the Middle Tennessee Middle School Mass Choir earlier this fall,” Shaw added. “Avery Payne, Haley Helton, Khloe McSwain, and Caylee Logan, were among more than 500 other students from 18 middle schools in the Middle Tennessee area who showcased their talent.” c

Fall-Winter 2023-2024 School Year

Fine Arts Department, students showcased

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Student artists were showcased during the recent annual Fine Week, with artists displaying their pottery, paintings, drawings, and other work in the Lundin Fine Arts Center Gallery. The string orchestra presented its fall concert featuring a Halloween theme, and students throughout the student body also performed in the annual Webbstock, the school’s fall talent show. Pottery students

completed their vases and other designs during the week using pit-firing with natural materials in a primitive pottery technique. A Human Copy Machine was also a Fine Arts Week feature. During extra help, items were dropped off at the Fine Arts Center and, with a little time, Webb’s talented artists created copies of the items made from random art supplies. c

Elfersy, O’Connell attend UTK Viola Celebration Two violists in the string orchestra participated in the recent University of Tennessee College of Music Viola Celebration, the 17th annual weekend event. Jackson Elfersy and Gillian O’Connell attended to improve their knowledge and skills.

Elfersy of Murfreesboro, Tenn., said he attended the event because of all the classes that were offered and the opportunity to learn more about the viola. “This conference really helped me

improve my skills as a viola player.” He added it also provided other information related to the instrument and being a leader in the orchestra that he can put into practice.

“I decided to attend the viola workshop because it sounded interesting, and I hoped to meet new violists and learn some new skills,” said O’Connell of Sewanee, Tenn. “Learning how to fiddle on the viola was my favorite activity during the workshop.” c

For more news, go to www.thewebbschool.com.

Audiences invited to enjoy and sing at holiday concerts

Lessons and Carols, a Webb tradition for the school and the community, along with the annual String Orchestra Holiday Concert and a new Winter Concert, ushered in the holiday season. All were staged in the Follin Chapel, and audiences were invited to enjoy and join in singing. Leading this year’s events, the Winter Concert included ukulele and guitar ensembles and performances by several choirs that included students, faculty, and staff. Webb’s string orchestras performed in the next holiday offering. Capping the musical events, Lessons and Carols included students, faculty, staff and guests in the choir, string orchestra and as narrators. The service was followed by the inaugural lighting of the Webb Christmas Tree and a holiday reception in the Grace Follin Dining Hall.

Winter Concert

String Orchestra

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Lessons and Carols

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Bateman 1 of 10 state Best Parents enjoy classroom Buddies Champions of the Year visits, advisory/college A goal to help foster a more counseling conferences, inclusive future for Tennessee’s disabled led Jaycie Bateman to Parent Partnership time form a Best Buddies Chapter at Webb during the 2022-2023 school year that continues to benefit students at a local elementary school this year.

“Once a month, the 15 chapter members travel to Cascade Elementary School and spend time with students in the special education classroom,” said Bateman. “We have the most fun celebrating holidays, playing outside and having birthday parties. For Halloween, we painted pumpkins, and for Thanksgiving, we made turkey hats. We had Christmas presents, and we will also host an Easter egg hunt, and an end-of-the-year water day.” c

Allsup earns Eagle Scout Award

Fall-Winter 2023-2024 School Year

Senior Henry Allsup, a member of Boy Scouts of America Troop 95, Birmingham, Ala., recently completed the requirements for Eagle Scout. Requirements for the Eagle Scout Award consist of three recommendations, 14 required merit badges and seven elective merit badges, with Allsup completing 36 badges, 1-1/2 years of leadership training, an approved service project and finally, successfully passing an Eagle Scout board of review. c

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“Thankfulness” Bags filled with gifts, treats for faculty, staff The Webb School Parents’ Association recently presented faculty and staff with “Thankfulness” Bags filled with all sorts of treats from gifts and homemade bread to specialty items, including a cutting board with engraved school logo, and snacks. Each year, WSPA and parents provide the items for the bags. A total of 165 bags were prepared and delivered this year by students under the direction of the executive committee, and numerous volunteers helped with various aspects of the project. c

Webb parents had a variety of activities to enjoy during Webb’s annual Parents’ Weekend in September. They had the opportunity to attend classes with their children during the morning and a Parent Partnership time to meet leadership, WSPA officers and Alumni & Development staff members. Additionally, they could meet with the school’s college counseling staff and with their children’s advisors. Friday also included lunch with their children and a football game. On Saturday, virtual advisory conferences were available for parents who could not attend Parents’ Weekend in person.

Middle School students recognized with Citizenship Awards August – Cruz Shepard September – Cora Lea, Lily Tennant, Lucas Deaton, Olivia Graves October – James Teeple, Corbin Riley, Katie Miller, Jackson Elfersy November – Parker McCallon, Heidi Neel, Annie Carden

This is what summer is all about!

WEBB CAMP SPORTS CAMP ACT/SAT TEST PREP ALGEBRA BOOSTER WEBB ATHLETIC CAMPS Baseball Camp Football Camp Softball Camp Soccer Camp Basketball Camp

Scan here for more information and to register or go to:

THEWEBBSCHOOL.COM/SUMMER-PROGRAMS

Don’t wait! Spaces fill quickly!

FALL

TSSAA Division II-A REGION MEET

Abby Faith Cheeseman Champion - 5th Consecutive Year

CROSS COUNTRY

All-Region Team Abby Faith Cheeseman – 1st Henley Pritchard – 6th Sydney Davenport- 8th

FOOT LOCKER NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS - San Diego, Calif.

Abby Faith Cheeseman All-American (13th Place) Honors Member of Nationals First-Place Team 3rd Year at Nationals

TEAM

Tennessean Cross Country Girls Runner of the Year and All-MidState Team

VARSITY GIRLS TSSAA Division II-A

STATE MEET Abby Faith Cheeseman Champion – 4th Consecutive Year Cheeseman tied the TSSAA posted state record for most individual wins in cross country.

All-State Team Abby Faith Cheeseman – 1st Henley Pritchard – 4th Sydney Davenport – 7th

Region Runnerup Henley Pritchard - Winner – 2nd Overall Cedars of Lebanon Invitational Abby Faith Cheeseman Winner - Frank Horton Night Classical, Shelby Farms, Memphis, TN, with her 16:27 personal best this run, held the fastest 5k time in Tennessee and third fastest in the nation.

MS GIRLS TEAM

TEAM TSSAA Division II-A State Champions

John Freeman Invitational Champions

Fall-Winter 2023-2024 School Year

First State Championship

Varsity Girls Cross Country Team – from left, front, Mary Myers, Paizley Hodges, Macy Simon, Abby Faith Cheeseman; middle, Neva Redman, Haven Joyner, Annika Spross, Henley Pritchard; back, Christie Thomas, Danica Crowley, Sydney Davenport, Olivia Dugdale and Sasha Decker.

Head Coach – Cathy Cheeseman, Assistant Coaches – Hollis Johnson, 20 Devondra McMillan and Elsa Kunz.

TIAA - Champions All-Conference Team Hailey Gay – 1st Addison Gay – 2nd Mary Myers – 3rd Ellie Holland – 4th Hollyn Hutson – 14th Mackenzie Watkins – 15th

MS BOYS

TEAM TIAA Championship 3rd All-Conference Team Kaleb King – 3rd James Teeple – 8th Jerry Wang – 10th Nicholas Decker – 15th

For more Athletics News, go to;

www.thewebbschool.com/athletics

GOLF

SOCCER

STATE TOURNAMENT Phet Phothong Champion 1st State Championship

Sara Knight All-District Regular Season Team

VARSITY BOYS TSSAA Division II-A

VARSITY GIRLS TSSAA Division II-A

REGION TOURNAMENT Phet Photong – 3rd DISTRICT TOURNAMENT Phet Photong – 3rd TEAM District – 3rd Phet Photong – 2nd - SunDrop Golden Classic, Willowbrook Golf Course Phet Photong - Tennessean All-Midstate Boys Golf Team

MS GIRLS

DISTRICT TOURNAMENT Champions

VARSITY GIRLS TSSAA Division II-A

STATE TOURNAMENT Proud Sriwongngam Runnerup – 2nd Consecutive Year Opal Domethong – 7th Proud Sriwongngam - Tennessean All-Midstate Girls Golf Team

Jayda Frazier, Anne Marie Beard, Alyssa Smith, Ellie Landers All-District Team

VOLLEYBALL TEAM

Champions 2023 Battle of Bedford

Opal Domethong, Proud Sriwongngam, Kennedy Clarkson STATE TOURNAMENT Runnerup REGION TOURNAMENT Runnerup DISTRICT TOURNAMENT Runnerup 1st - SunDrop Golden Classic, Willowbrook Golf Course

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TEAM

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FOOTBALL

CHEER

VARSITY Joel Wyatt

TSSAA DII-AA

1st Team All-Region Wide Receiver

MIDDLE SCHOOL Nathan Brisebois Jason Ekperuoh Gage LeMaster Wyatt Petroka Ramon Arellano All-Region Honorable Mention Sam Bradley - All-Region Scholar-Athlete

Fall-Winter 2023-2024 School Year

CLAY TARGET

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College Commitments

REGION TOURNAMENT

TEAM

Caiden Pyrdum, Owen Aymett, and Paxton McCallon brought home a trophy for 3rd place American Skeet Region 2 SCTP tournament in Nashville in their age division in June 2023.

The first signings for Webb seniors to continue their athletics careers included Proud Sriwongngam, who signed a letter of intent to play golf at Santa Clara University, and Cy Nash, who signed to play lacrosse at Lake Forest College.

Fall Athletes Honored

Middle School Volleyball Best Teammate Award - Ava Anderson Defensive MVP - Caylee Logan Offensive MVP - Addison Gay All Around MVP - Anna Kate Gregory

2023 Fall James Cordero Teammate Award Kennedy Clarkson Austin Smith Middle School Girls Cross Country Most Improved - Hollyn Hutson Most Outstanding Performer - Hailey Gay Coaches Award - Ellie Holland Middle School Boys Cross Country Most Improved - Alex Ford Most Outstanding Performer - Kaleb King Coaches Award - James Teeple

Kennedy Clarkson

High School Boys Cross Country Most Improved - John Ford Most Outstanding Performer - Harry Thomas Coaches Award - Henry Allsup Austin Smith High School Girls Cross Country Most Improved - Sydney Davenport Most Outstanding Performer - Abby Faith Cheeseman Most Outstanding Performer - Henley Pritchard Coaches Award - Mary Myers

Varsity Cross Country Spirit of the Feet Award Most Inspirational and Team Service - Macy Simon Spirit of the Feet Award Most Inspirational and Team Service - Harry Thomas Varsity Football Team MVP - Nathan Brisebois Offensive MVP - Jason Ekperuoh Defensive MVP - Joel Wyatt Scholar Athlete - Sam Bradley Varsity Golf Player of the Year - Phet Phothong Player of the Year - Proud Sriwongngam Player of the Year - Opal Domethong Coach’s Award - Noah Brown Most Improved Player Award - Grayson Anderson

Middle School Girls’ Soccer MVP - Jayda Frazier Captains Award - Emery Potts Most Committed - Anne Marie Beard Most Versatile - Dara Frazier Varsity Volleyball Webb Lady Volleyball Scholar - Abigail Voorhes-Fontenot (4.49 GPA) Co-MVP - Brooks Watson & Carmen Fernandez-Forcen Defensive Player of the Year - Mia Iorio-Foutch Offensive Player of the Year - Charlotte Carkuff

Seniors Gage LeMaster and Jaycie Bateman were crowned 2023 Homecoming King and Queen during halftime of the Oct. 20 football game. Webb’s Homecoming Court was announced in early October and included candidates in grades 6-12, with seniors eligible to be crowned homecoming king and queen.

Court members also included the following seniors - Charlotte Carkuff and Cooper Medling and Mary-Margaret Mayfield and Caleb Powers. Candidates in grades 6-11 included: 6th grade Elizabeth DeJean and Cruz Shephard; 7th grade - Daisye Howell and Hank Lampley; 8th grade - Avery Payne and Kegan Johnson; 9th grade - Shizuku Yanagida and Alexandru Ene; 10th grade Makenzie Haile and Joel Wyatt; and 11th grade - Hedi Faour and Evan Kirby.

Concessions Building Expansion Completed With Paws Funding; Additional Athletics Donations Made PAWS, Parents of Athletes at Webb School, is a diverse group of parents that encourages school spirit and enhances the athletic experience for all Webb athletes, coaches, and fans by building a strong community and pride in The Webb School. Recently, PAWS donated $20,000 for Athletics’ improvements and also initiated the Lagler Field Concessions Building expansion.

Thank you to Redd’s Heating and Air Co. for donating two, ductless mini-split A/C units, D&R Contractors & Restoration - Raffe Roberts, general contractor, for managing the construction, and Webb’s Allen Hunt, for acting as PAWS’ project liaison. The concessions building expansion funds of more than $60,000, donated by PAWS, were raised by parent and student volunteers, “One popcorn kernel at a time!”

From left are Raffe Roberts, Melanie Kiser - secretary, Jennifer Powers - president, Lisa Crunk - vice president, and Allen Hunt. Julia High – treasurer, is not pictured.

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Varsity Girls’ Soccer MVP - Sara Knight Captain’s Award - Chelsea Callis Most Committed - Anna Vee Stephens Most Versatile - Kate Billingsley

LeMaster, Bateman homecoming king and queen

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WINTER

For more Athletics News, go to;

www.thewebbschool.com/athletics

BASKETBALL

Basketball season is underway for Webb’s varsity and middle school boys and girls teams. The varsity teams kicked off 2023-2024 action in late November with the regular seasons ending in early February. The middle school teams launched their seasons in late October with the regular season ending in late January.

CURRY IN FIRST SEASON AS GIRLS’ BASKETBALL HEAD COACH Webb welcomed Brody Curry in July, and he is in his first season as girls’ basketball head coach. Prior to Webb, he was head women’s basketball coach at Sewanee: The University of the South.

Fall-Winter 2023-2024 School Year

Curry is a cum laude graduate of Sewanee with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and earned a Master of Business Administration from Lee University. He played basketball at Sewanee from 20132017 and was captain of the team through the 2015-2017 seasons.

He was chosen All-Conference in both his junior and senior years.

In his final year, he was selected as the team’s Most Valuable Player and was named All-Region in addition to his All-Conference designation.

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After finishing his playing career, Curry followed his college coach to Lee University, and served as a men’s team graduate assistant coach, helping them earn trips to their conference championship tournament. After completing his master’s at Lee, he returned to Sewanee as an assistant men’s basketball coach and oversaw recruiting,

player development, weight-lifting program, basketball camps and promotional media.

He served in athletic operations and taught a Lifetime Fitness class.

Curry was promoted to head women’s coach, leading all aspects of the program and also served as an athletics diversity representative to help create and maintain equitable environments for his colleagues and students.

“I am very excited to be at The Webb School. The opportunity to compete in high level athletics along with building high level humans is awesome,” said Curry. “I already feel very at home in this community. I look forward to continuing to grow alongside these young women this season and beyond in our pursuit of excellence.”

Director of Athletics Jena Jones noted that the Webb is strong team. “We are excited about the future of our Webb girls’ basketball.”

Curry succeeded Coach Matt Shewmake, whose teams won three consecutive state championships and is girls’ basketball coach at Montverde Academy in Florida.

DEI Pillar story

(continued from page 4)

council has become in our meetings. They are not afraid to speak up, respectfully disagree, or to even ask to reconvene when the work gets clouded. These students are passionate about this work and often more eager than adults to jump into the complex work that is DEI."

“Coming to Webb in January of last school year was something both amazing and terrifying, but one of the things I was most excited about was the diversity of the student body and staff,” said senior Samantha Kirby, whose family had an exchange student stay with them before she enrolled at Webb. … we got to learn about his life in Brazil. He changed the way I thought about the world because I had never known anyone who was from outside the United States.”

Upper School Diversity Council officers are, from left, front, Itali Johnson, vice president; Paige Priestley, president; Proud Sriwongnam. secretary; back, Samantha Kirby, diversity admissions ambassador; Breanna Roberts, middle school diversity mentor; London Sullens, publicity officer; and Bella Griffy, treasurer. Not pictured are Iris Lin, sergeant-at-arms; Myiah Brooks, creative designer; Jorie Miller, middle school diversity mentor.

long-tenured dedication to inclusion and trust in our community.

From the board of trustees to our parents, students, faculty and staff alike, all agree this is who we aspire to be now and in the future."

Specifically, Sullens noted that Webb students are intentionally asked what they want to see, be a part of, and do from chapel programming to dances and trips to have their voices and needs heard and seen. Monthly meetings with students on the diversity council keep leadership, faculty and staff constantly re-evaluating their efforts. And, since students change year-to-year, "the school's efforts in DEI work must be fluid."

One of the ways in which students' voices and needs are being heard and met is through the school's Diversity Council that was created during the 2021-2022 school year. "When I sit down with the council, I paint a broad overview of our calendar needs, noting that I want them to lead, in both the upper and middle schools, with all the planning," Sullens said. "They organically break into cohorts, enthusiastically signing up to chair and support specific months, events, and activities. They prepare chapel presentations, and slideshows, share what they want to see on campus for each event, and what they do not want. They are extremely transparent." She added, "I am proud of the safe community the

• “In the short term, we want to establish affinity groups for the students to meet and build community on a deeper, more organic level that can only happen when walls fall, and we become real with our peers.

• We want to plan trips to celebrate diversity and to correlate these with the homelands of our students.

• We want to continue to diversify our faculty so that they mirror our diverse student body.

• We want to make Diversity Week a bigger and more engaging celebration each year.

• We want to continually evaluate our curriculum to represent diverse authors, places, and literary works.

• I would love to eventually get to a place where we have a parent council that meets a few times a year to discuss ideas.

• Personally, I want to continue to attend conferences and workshops and seek out professional development in this area to serve our community to the best of my ability.”

In expressing what she wants DEI to look like in five or 10 years, Sullens reiterated, “I simply want Webb to continue the ‘welcome’ that we have extended to families for decades. My hope is that we continually celebrate differences in cultures, world languages, beliefs, and experiences.” She added, “This sharing of who we are and where we are from is how we grow and bond. My journey as a Webb student and as a faculty member and administrator now is enriched by those who are different from me. I want Webb to continue to be a diverse community that upholds honor, character, integrity, and truth in any language, in every color, and in every nationality, all encompassed by the word Webb and the ties that bind us together.” c

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“I can see a change in my daughter’s perspective of others,” said Caroline Hulan Smith ’98, mother of seventh-grader Daisye and ninth-grader Jack. She is 12, and she brings different points of view to discussions at home, and I love it.

I attribute this to the diversity at Webb and the classroom discussions that are taking place.”

Sullens understands that sometimes creating and seeing the initial fruits of the work is one thing, but the sustainability of the efforts is another. Because of that understanding, she is quick to clarify short- and long-term goals and offered these plans:

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SAIS reaccreditation (continued from page 5)

W.I.L.D. outdoor program (continued from page 7)

During our time on campus, five areas consistently rose to the forefront in terms of the highly valued strengths: A spirit of growth permeates the community.

A spirit of collaboration among faculty, administration, and staff is driving this “transformative moment” in teaching and learning.

The importance of diversity - alumni, students, parents, administration, board, and faculty place great value in the school’s rich diversity.

Emerging voices – school leaders and faculty place genuine value in student and faculty/staff voices.

Transformative experience – students, alumni, and parents spoke with great passion about the transformative impact of The Webb School on its students.”

The report also included that “the school is to be commended for embracing both the strategic planning and SAIS accreditation process. The School Report is comprehensive and transparent and will provide a clear road map for school improvement over the next five or more years. We made every attempt to be thoughtful with our recommendations, and while we acknowledge that the strategic plan is ambitious, we know the school will make every attempt to fulfill the vision of the plan.”

Fall-Winter 2023-2024 School Year

Cheeseman explained, “The process is both rigorous and healthy, keeping school communities consistent with whom they say they are and held to very high standards and best practices.” He also commended Garcia for her work as chair and thanked all who participated in the reaccreditation process.

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The head of school in his fourth year at Webb added, “I want to thank our Board of Trustees for collaborating with our leadership team and faculty and staff in developing and ratifying a bold and strategic plan for the future of Webb. Strategic Plan 2022 was and is the basis of the school-improvement plan submitted for SAIS accreditation. I also want to thank our students, parents, faculty and staff, alumni, friends of Webb, and Board who responded to our two rounds of surveys that deeply informed this new strategic plan. Affirmed by SAIS accreditation, we are on our way to executing this plan, and I am most grateful.” c

college to think about, they’re getting pulled in a million different directions and are very unsure of their future. What better time to reflect on what got you to this point? We give them a chance to take a step back, unplug all the screens, put everything on hold for a week, and just focus on the people and relationships that have been such a huge part of their identity. Hundreds of graduates share this unique experience as the culmination of their time at Webb. It is so much more than a class trip. It is the perfect environment for camaraderie on a scale they have never experienced before and, for many, provides self-actualization and resolution to their time at Webb.”

Griggs explained, “Other schools do not have the resources and/ or programming to pull off such a unique adventure that also puts Webb’s Enduring Understandings into practice in an immediate and practical way.”

The benefits of the outdoor program include having something physical and demanding accessible to everyone. Griggs said that is vital for this age group. “Anyone can put one foot in front of the other, everyone can put the paddle in the water and pull, you don’t have to be some stellar athlete to do physically demanding things. On the therapeutic side, it’s being able to take a breath -- leave the phones, get off the bus, and go into the unknown. All that matters is we need to get water, we need to cook food, we need to get to our destination and set up our shelters. Having that clarity helps you prioritize what really matters in your life, and when you come back all the frivolous things become a little more apparent after that intense experience. Having both the physical and therapeutic aspects--no other platform provides that as readily as time spent in the woods.”

He added, “There’s something about moving and traveling in a group dynamic of shared experiences. Students begin to understand. It doesn’t matter if I get there. It matters that we all get there. We are very much ’who’s cooking dinner tonight, who’s washing the dishes, who’s going to go get water for everybody, is everyone’s tent set up’. We are a traveling unit, and I think it’s a lot easier to see your place in the community even when you get back.”

During the trips, Griggs sees students’ increased abilities, confidence, and their reflection afterwards, and they can find encouragement in thinking “I did that, and if I can do that, what else can I do? That’s where we see the biggest lessons learned.” c

Save the Date Oct. 25-26, 2024 THE WEBB SCHOOL

ALUMNI REUNION Weekend

www.thewebbschool.com/alumni/reunion-2024

The Webb School MAGAZINE

Celebrating Class Years Ending in 4s and 9s

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Class of 1973

Class of 1978

Gatherings, awards, fall recap and recent SAIS reaccreditation highlight reunion Spending time with classmates and other Webb alumni, faculty and staff filled the 2023 Alumni Reunion Weekend in October for those who traveled from near and as far away as 2,000 miles. Featured were an All-Alumni Social, Atterholt Grove Hangout, Brunch and Awards Ceremony. Also part of the celebration, were campus tours, clay target shooting, pottery class, time to peruse archives in the Bond Library and class parties, including the Golden Guard – Class of 1973 – celebration.

Class of 1983

Board Chairman Emeritus Vance Berry ’72, Board Chair Farrar Vaughan ’95, Board Vice Chair Chase Spurlock ’05

Jim McConnell ’83 and Robert English ’83

Class of 1988

Fall-Winter 2023-2024 School Year

Johnathon Hershman ’03, Trustee Matt Layman ’03, Stephen Banks ’03

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Hayden McClurg ’88, Nathan McHardy ’88, Liz Boggan ’88, Kevin Merritt ’88, Ransom Jones ’88, Kimberly Jones

Class of 1993

Class of 1998

Robbie Calvo, Pam Harrison ’83, Kathrin McClain Lowery ’83, Trustee Joe Mooney ’83

For more about the 2023 Reunion and to watch the Award Presentations video, visit: Class of 2003

Sam Fuller ’13, Ralph Jones-History Department Faculty (Ret.), Tyler Burns ’13

Alumni Board Member John Earthman ’78, Robert Smith ’70

Pandy Hershman ’03, Hallie Dyer ’04 , Susie Kane ’03

Emily Smith ’03, Collin Smith ’03

Caroline Hulan Smith ’98, Jessie Akin ’98

Trustees Bill Hardin ’79 and Ben Blakeley ’93

J.B. Woodson ’68, Dorothy Elkins

Cove Norvell ’73, David Wiley ’73, Stephen Peters ’73

Karen Mack, Jay Mack ’69

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2023 ALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENTS Claudia Hazelwood and Brian Singer ’78

Lindsey Flexner ’73, Tom Simmons ’73

Fay Binning ’74, Moe Hill ’75 visiting Lexi Sullens’ ’18 English Class

Honorees were introduced by Marion Marks ’66 and Trustee Sandi Jobe ’95, respectively. Head of School Ken Cheeseman made the presentations.

For more about the 2023 Reunion and to watch the Award Presentations video, visit:

The Webb School MAGAZINE

Alumni Board Members Scout Turner ’12 and Pearson Murphy ’12 with Spanish Class students

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Webb Feet in Focus

Since March of 2022, the Alumni & Development Office has created and shared a series of young alumni profiles for Instagram entitled “Webb Feet in Focus.” To date, alumni from all over the world have been featured in this series which asks alums three questions: Where did life take you

after Webb? What are you doing these days? How did Webb prepare you for the future? The biweekly posts have been very popular on Instagram among fellow alumni, parents, current students, faculty and staff.

Where did life tak e you after Webb?

After I graduated from Webb, I went to college in Alabama and majored in finance/accounting and pre-med. Being the overachiever that Webb so very well taught me to be, I was president of a few honors societies, won a couple of pageants, had an on-campus job, and joined many...many clubs while graduating with a 3.6 GPA. I later went to business school at Duke University (Fuqua) and spent 6 months living in China and exploring East Asia.

Toluwa Omitowoju ’12

What are you doing t hese days?

As a rising third year student, I am starting my clinical clerkship rotations.

Throughout my time in medical school, I have been involved in Pediatric Oncology research aimed at improving quality-of-care transitions for childhood cancer survivors, and an Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine project on the benefits of using music as medicine. Outside of academics, I like to attend concerts and go to trivia nights. When I have time, I love to travel.

Fall-Winter 2023-2024 School Year

Keaton Pendergrast ’15

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How did Webb prepare you for t he future?

James Tian ’09

I arrived in Bell Buckle as an international student/clueless kid from China.

The faculty, staff, new friends and teammates immediately made me feel welcomed and that I belonged. I didn’t realize how important and valuable this was until years later, aftering meeting countless other international students, many of whom did not share the same warm and welcoming initial encounter. This sense of belonging, coupled with Webb’s exceptional academic atmosphere have shaped my professional and personal life ever since.

To read more about Toluwa, Keaton and James and other young alumni, visit: https://www.thewebbschool.com/alumni.

Class Not

Life and career updates to keep you connected with your classmates

1950s

1970s

Norfleet Johnston ’52 has been serving the Boy Scouts for 63 years.

Justice Wenzlick, assistant director of the Webb Fund, recently met with Fred Silverstein ’59, Brownsville, Tenn.

1960s

Jack Tannehill ’63 has been inducted into the Mississippi Press Association’s Hall of Fame.

“I never did anything spectacular,” Tannehill told the assembled publishers and editors at the MPA’s 155th annual meeting. “I can’t tell you how honored and humbled I am by having my name alongside this roster of men and women who contributed so much to the well-being of our State and our association,” he said. “It wasn’t always easy, but it was extremely rewarding to know that there were times when we made a real difference in the direction that our communities took. What we did for 2,204 weeks was to always, always work hard to put out a publication that was fair and accurate. Our staff always understood that the most important thing we could do was to never violate the trust of the people who bought and read our newspapers.”

Dr. Charles W. “Bill” Schultz ’65 and his wife, Susan, of Southaven, Miss., visited campus earlier this year. With them is Jonathon Hawkins, associate director of alumni and development.

Dr. Joe Wayne Adcock (Martin, Tenn.), left, Steve Bonds (Little Rock, Ark.), Fleet Rand (St. Louis, Mo.) and Wilson Sims Jr. (Asheville, N.C.) -- all Class of ’72, rendezvoused in Bondsville, Ark., for host Steve Bond’s September dove hunt on his family farm. The group stayed at Steve’s boyhood home, and this photo is from dinner in nearby Wilson, Ark. Rumor has it that Bill Heineke (Chicago, Ill.) is joining next year.

Justice Wenzlick, assistant director of the Webb Fund, met with Steve Bonds ’72 in North Little Rock, Ark., during a fall trip.

Scott Lenoir ’73, Gautier, Miss., Scott writes: “After retiring from more than 30 years as a priest in the Episcopal Church, I wrote a novel to be published by Dogwood Press in Mississippi. It is titled The Amendment and will hit bookstores in 2024 as well as the usual online stores. The sequel to the book is also written, but no contract on it yet, but the editor-in-chief likes it. One book at a time!”

Read more at www.thewebbschool.com/alumni/alumni-news

The Webb School MAGAZINE

Charles D. Williams ’64, Kentucky native, has penned a new haiku collection, Visible Magic. The follow-up to the award-winning, critically acclaimed Echo Ridge, Visible Magic is now available.

Alumni and friends of Webb’s Class of 1972 recently visited via Zoom to share stories, catch up on personal news, and hear the latest from the school. Director of Alumni and Development Leigh Adams had the opportunity to share details about Webb’s strategic plan, which was followed by a robust discussion of future plans. Additional zooms are being planned to continue the conversation.

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David Oates ’74, Athens, Ga., writes “I’ve published a new micro-poetry collection, only thunder: a family journey from Red Moon haiku press. It has a narrative thread going from my parents’ youth through just recently, with special attention to childrearing by my generation and the final year of my dad’s life. My years at Webb and Webb friends mean a lot to me, though I probably don’t say it often enough. Enjoying children and grandchildren when we can. https://redmoonpress.com/product/only-thunder-a-family-journey/

1980s

Fall-Winter 2023-2024 School Year

James D. R. Roberts Jr. ’84, Jim writes: “In 2021, my wife and I purchased a 130-acre farm in Dickson, Tenn. After 25 years of practicing law in downtown Nashville, I moved my office into a L. L. Bean-style “hunting cabin”. This manly cabin a/k/a “The Mabin” is my life dream. My wife Kate and I are busy designing our dream house overlooking the gorgeous Piney River valley. My oldest daughter Grace just started at the University of TennesseeKnoxville, and my younger two (James and Lilly) are getting close.

Every morning I get to stand at the kitchen sink to watch the deer and turkeys stroll by the window.”

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Tiffany Powers-Reid ’89 and her daughter, Raven, recently were in Nashville visiting Vanderbilt University.

While there, Tiffany contacted her advisor, Marilyn Morgan.

The two have kept in touch, usually at Christmastime with cards and photos, but had not seen each other since graduation. They met for dinner in Franklin. Tiffany is a graduate of Boston University and currently lives in Chicago, Ill. She is a Pediatric Occupational Therapist, who has her own private practice and works in the school system as well.

1990

s

Erin Henrick ’94 Peabody lecturer named to Carnegie National Faculty.

Shelby Autrey ’99 from Austin, Texas, and her friend Zach Ritter recently visited campus. This was Shelby’s first return to The Webb School in more than 20 years.

While at Webb, she visited with members of the Alumni and Development Office - Leigh Adams, Alyce Allen and Jonathon Hawkins - as well as Study Center Co-Director Mallory Garcia and Director of Information Technology Raymond Pryor. Hawkins gave a brief tour of campus with stops including the Big Room, OLibraryO, Bond Library, and Chapel.

2000s

Kristen Linton Alsup ’00 and Jonathon Hawkins, from Webb’s Alumni & Development Office, met with Jesseca Khan Glover ’09, Syra Khan ’15 and Cheryl Khan in Nashville recently to share news about the school.

Alumni Board member, Shilpy Dixit ’00, and Webb’s Director of Leadership Annual Giving, Kristen Linton Alsup ’00, met in New Mexico to meet with local alumni and visit schools on behalf of the admissions office. They took a day to take in the sights of Albuquerque and Santa Fe and to celebrate 28 years of friendship, which would not have been possible without The Webb School.

Ronak Shah, left, Chase Spurlock and Abhishek Singh, Class of ’05, got together at the TitansRavens NFL game on Oct. 15 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.

Alsup visits alumni in New York

Matt Wells ’05 and Brian Wofford visited at Matt’s bike shop, Black Burro Bikes in Colorado. Also during the trip, Brian and Ruth Wofford visited with Rogers Franklin ’01, of Colorado.

Kristen Linton Alsup ’00, director of leadership annual giving, recently traveled to New York to visit with Webb alumni. Among those she visited were Robert Thuston ’00, Shiro Burnett ’14, Priscilla Grim ’92, Nathaniel Robinson ’00 and Mark English ’99.

2010s

During fall, Austin Fiala ’14 became the Digital Director for Convergence Media in Washington, DC — helping Republican candidates and their campaigns build winning grassroots fundraising, persuasion, and GOTV efforts, Buck Smith and Austin Fiala online. In 2022, he was the lead digital strategist for Katie Britt’s historic Senate campaign— electing the first female Senator from Alabama. Additionally, Fiala’s work with the Congressional Leadership Fund’s SMS program was recognized as a Reed Award finalist by “Campaigns & Elections.” In recent months, Fiala has been busy with the launch of various 2024 campaigns, as well as leading fundraising efforts for various Party committees. He recently spoke on a panel at Campaign TechEast, in DC, sharing his predictions for digital campaigning trends in the 2024 cycle to a bi-partisan group of industry leaders and strategists.

Robert Thuston ’00

Shiro Burnett ’14

Priscilla Grim ’92

Nathaniel Robinson ’00 and Mark English ’99

Hawkins visits Charlotte alums, friend Associate Director for Alumni and Development Jonathon Hawkins recently traveled to Charlotte, N.C., on behalf of Webb. Hawkins visited with several alumni and friends of the school including Toby Prewitt ’64, Anne Bragg Warren ’96, John Odell ’68, and Beth Hardin, daughter of the late William G. Hardin Jr. ’52.

2020s

Head of School Ken Cheeseman recently had lunch with Victor Shen ’23 in Charlottesville, Va.

Notable International Skeet results from July 2023 competitions include the following: Gracie Hensley ’24 made the USA Shooting Junior Olympic Squad with her 1st-place finish.

Toby Prewitt ’64

Johnathon Savage ’23 made the SCTP - USA National Team with his 1st-place finish.

Miles Simons ’23 made the USA Shooting Junior Olympic Squad with his 2nd-place finish.

John Odell ’68

Read more at www.thewebbschool.com/alumni/ alumni-news Anne Bragg Warren ’96

The Webb School MAGAZINE

Alums place in competition

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Young alumni attend recent social Several young alumni from the classes of 20082018 recently gathered for a Young Alumni Social in Nashville, Tenn.

The event was hosted

by Scout Turner ’12, alumni board member. Also in attendance were Keith Elliot ’14, Diana Skordallos ’13, Colleen Enea ’12, Kaleb Tilton ’12, alumni board vice president; Caroline Tuma Brink ’14, Adam Beach ’14, Taylor Halliburton ’14, Eliza Claire Neese ’14, Max Greenberg ’18, Reid Brown ’13, Webb assistant director of technology; Jami Averwater ’13, alumni board member; Kristen Linton Alsup ’00, director of leadership annual giving. Leigh Adams, director of alumni and development, and Ken Cheeseman, head of school, were also present. Attendees had the opportunity to catch up with one another, share stories, and enjoy delicious food and refreshments at The Dogwood.

Fall-Winter 2023-2024 School Year

2013 MTAC Championship football team celebrated

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The Webb School celebrated the 2013 Middle Tennessee Athletic Conference Championship football team on campus recently.

Several team members were in attendance for a tailgate prior to the Webb Feet’s game against Christ Presbyterian Academy.

The team was recognized during halftime for their championship winning season. Attending were: Kim and Scott Dorsett, Emily Feldbruegge ’11 and Former Coach Adam Feldbruegge, Former Coach David Forrest, Former Coach James Garcia, Joe Griggs ’05, Chase Hullett ’14, Savanna Leach and Alex Hulsey ’14, Houston Jones ’14, Jena Jones, Madeline Rogers and Ben Morris ’14, Branson Popp ’14, Laken Puckett, Richard Stewart, Weldon Stewart ’14, Sydney Langford and Anthony Taylor ’16 and Nick Tilton ’15.

Alums honor Class of 2024 in senior blazers

Alumni faculty and staff members joined family and guests in wearing their senior blazers and congratulating Class of 2024 members on Blazer Day. From left are Joe Griggs ’99, Adam Morgan ’96, Reid Brown ’13, Chilton Smith Sweet ’13, Lexis Sullens ’18, Dr. Tabetha Sullens ’94, Kristen Linton Alsup ’00, Andrew McRady ’86, Nikhil Reddy ’06 and Dr. Seth Roberts ’01.

School update, alumni giving, reunion debrief on Alumni Board fall agenda

Left to right are Alumni & Development staff Justice Wenzlick and Leigh Adams, Alumni Board Members Scout Turner ’12, Clint Hall ’98, Libby Willis ’80, John Earthman ’78, Kaleb Tilton ’12, Deb Roberts Horst ’75, Caroline Smith Pryor ’11, and Jami Averwater ’13. (Not pictured: Jonathon Hawkins (A&D staff), Shilpy Dixit ’00, Garrett King ’10, Pearson Murphy ’12, and Jessica Woosley ’82.)

The Webb School Alumni Board recently met for the annual fall session in the Alumni Center on campus. Highlights of the meeting included an update on the school from Head of School Ken Cheeseman, a discussion on alumni giving and future fundraising initiatives, alumni reunion weekend debrief and conversation about 2024 reunion plans, reviewing alumni board purpose and committee assignments, and consideration of potential new board members. The Board set its calendar for the coming year with plans to meet again at the end of January 2024.

Alumni reunite to make music in fall premier

By Elizabeth Bigham ’18

For more than 15 years, Webb’s String Orchestra has opened the doors for hundreds of students to learn the true value of making music. Many students go on to use the lessons they learn from their time in class and on stage in other fields, but others are inspired to make music their life. One alum, though, has decided to make music in more ways than one.

M. Tucker Jones ’20 is a current junior at East Tennessee State University majoring in viola performance with an emphasis in composing. He is a member of the ETSU Symphony, rising member of the Johnson City Symphony, and has composed pieces for an array of instruments and ensembles.

His recent minimalist composition “The Spot That Lasts the Longest” won top prize in the 2023 Kenton Coe Music Composition Competition, with parts for keyboard, brass, and even rubber band. The piece is lively, dramatic, contemplative, and reflects Jones’s complex sensibilities and talent as a composer. With his newest piece debuting on Nov. 17, he is going back to his roots, both musically and educationally.

Read more at www.thewebbschool.com/alumni/alumni-news

In Memoriam The Webb School offers sincere sympathy to the families of departed classmates and friends.

Trustee Emeritus

Robert Blair Stephens ’53, age 88 of Atlanta, GA, was promoted to glory on Nov. 5, 2023. A memorial service was held at the Sandy Springs Chapel, Sandy Springs, GA, on November 12, 2023.

Former Faculty Members Richard Alonzo Miller, age 65, of Manchester, Tenn., passed from this life on Sept. 8, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. A Celebration of Life Service was held Sept. 17, 2023, at Bell Buckle United Methodist Church.

Loula Heffner Parks ’81, 60, of Leesburg, Fla., former English teacher and daughter of the late Jack Heffner, former Webb headmaster, passed away Dec. 12, 2023, surrounded by her dear siblings, mother, and children in her home. A celebration of life service was held on Friday, Dec. 15, at Embrace Church in Montverde, Fla.

1930’s

Dr. Edward R. Meadows ’39, Birmingham, Ala., passed away on Sept. 12, 2023, at the age of 100. A memorial service was held at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church on Sept. 20, 2023.

(Published by AL.com (Birmingham) from Sept. 14 to Sept. 15, 2023.)

1940’s

Lewis McAdory Branscomb ’43, of La Jolla, Calif., died at the age of 96 of natural causes on May 31, 2023, almost four years after suffering from severe brain trauma.

Carroll Cullen Johnson Jr. ’44, 97 years old, of Orange County, Va., passed away on Aug. 18, 2023. A memorial service was held on Aug. 22, 2023, at St Thomas Episcopal Church in Orange, Va., where he was a member. (Published by Legacy on Aug. 21, 2023) Joseph A.”Jac” Crisler III ’46 of Tuscaloosa, Ala., died April 24, 2023.

Victor Emanuel “Vic” Anderson Jr. ’49, 92, of Whittier, Calif., went home to be with the Lord Aug. 13, 2023, at Whitten Heights Assisted Living in Whittier. The funeral service was held Aug. 20, 2023, at Rose Hill Cemetery in Whittier.

1950’s

John David “Jack” O’Donnell Sr. ’51, 92, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away on Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, at his home surrounded by his family. Mass of Christian Burial was Nov. 3, 2023, at the Cathedral of St. Joseph.

(Published by Legacy on Aug. 24, 2023)

William R. Hendley ’52, of Farmville, Va., passed away in July 2023. A Celebration of Life service was held at Farmville Presbyterian Church on Aug. 5, 2023.

(Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch on Jul. 30, 2023)

Billy Graves “Bill” Benton ’53, age 88, of Chapin, S.C., passed away on July 27, 2023, surrounded by his family at home. The funeral service was held on Aug. 3, 2023, at Riverland Hills Baptist Church, Columbia, S.C. Interment followed at Bush River Memorial Gardens.

1960’s

John A. Turner II ’63 of Prescott, Ariz., passed away on Aug. 9, 2023.

Gaines R. Wilson Jr. ’63 of Casper, Wyo., passed away on June 8, 2023. The family will hold services at a later date.

1970’s

William Bruce Edwards ’74, age 67, of Springfield, Tenn., passed from this life on June 12, 2023, at Centennial Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn.

Mr. Edwards’ wishes were to be cremated, and a Celebration of Life held at a later date.

2000’s

Jake Swafford ’01, age 40, left this earth for his homeland shortly after midnight the morning of Nov. 9, 2023, from his home. A memorial service was held Nov. 13, 2023, at Jennings and Ayers Funeral Home.

The Webb School MAGAZINE

Charles William Fentress ’48 of Nashville, Tenn., 93, passed from this life into eternal rest surrounded by his family on Sept. 18, 2023. The funeral was held at Woodmont Christian Church on Sept. 22, 2023.

John Richard Bruhn ’52, 88, passed away on Aug. 22, 2023, in Panama City, Fla. A memorial service was held on Aug. 28, 2023, at Holy Nativity Episcopal Church in Panama City.

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2023-24 MEMBER

Post Office Box 488 Bell Buckle, TN 37020 Address Service Requested

Take a Hand in the Game!

“...Webb has prepared you to go out into the world and be a light, to make a difference in the lives of those around you, and to always reach out a hand when someone needs your help.”

Caroline Smith Pryor ’11 Senior Blazer Day - Nov. 15, 2021

Give to the Webb Fund

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Text WEBB to 44-321

The Webb Fund P.O. Box 488, Bell Buckle, TN 37020

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