The Webb Magazine Spring-Summer 2015

WEBB THE WEBB SCHOOL

Magazine

SPRing - SUmmER 2015

It's Happening Inside: 2015 Commencement

Spring-Summer 2015

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WEBB

The Webb School

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2015 Commencement Thirty-nine seniors in the Class of 2015 each received a Bible and diploma at the 145th Commencement ceremony on May 30. Ginny Hunt '99 was the guest speaker.

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History is carved at Webb

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Webb is Byrd family tradition;

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The origin of the Senior Board tradition is explained in a Dec. 2, 1940 Alumni Bulletin.

Sherrill Byrd remembered with gift to Residential Village

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When the Residential Village project was announced last year, Hugh Hunter Byrd '56 and his two sons, Nelson '99 and Hudson '05 were among the first to show support. They chose to honor their late mother, Sherrill M. Byrd by naming a patio on one of the new dormitories in her memory.

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Reunion 2015 The annual reunion drew 162 people to campus Saturday for the brunch, afternoon activities, and dinner. Class parties were hosted Friday at several locations.

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The Webb School Magazine

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On the cover:

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Spring Recap Leaders of all three Webb schools gather in Bell Buckle Wayne M. Rogers Matching Scholarship first fully endowed boarding scholarship

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Spring Athletics

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Class Notes

"It's Happening" captures all the energy and advancements in every aspect of the Webb community.

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WEBB

The Webb School

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Raymond S. Broadhead Head of School Joe Iorio Assistant Head of School and Business Manager WEBB COMMUNICATIONS Editor: Rita Mitchell Director of Communications Design & Layout: Gayle K. McClanahan Graphic Designer Julie Harris ’95 Director of Admissions Matt Wilson Director of Alumni & Development CONTRIBUTORS Alyce Allen Database Coordinator Meredith Crockett Director of Special Events and Outreach Dorothy Elkins Alumni Research Assistant 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: 620401875.

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

It’s Happening!

Our new “buzz phrase” at Webb is “It’s Happening!” What does that mean? It means that Webb is a vibrant, energetic, and evolving environment where learning takes place in many forms and in many places – classrooms, athletic fields, dorms, clubs, or just hanging out with friends. As I finish my fifth year at Webb I want to briefly describe how “It’s Happening” at Webb.

In academics, we are working to develop our students’ abilities to think critically, to analyze data and relevant readings, to use an inquiry approach to problem solving, and to write accurately with proper depth. Our Emerging Voices Program (declamations, orations, junior performances, and senior paper presentations) gives students an opportunity to speak and write about meaningful experiences and passions. We have committed ourselves to the Advanced Placement Program as one external means of measuring our success. Five years ago we had 12 AP classes. For the 2015-2016 school year we will have 22 AP classes. For the past three years, students at Webb have averaged a 90% pass rate, while the number of exams taken has increased from 116 in 2011 to 210 in 2014 – an increase of 81%.

In faculty professional development, the Board of Trustees made a commitment five years ago to increase the budget for faculty professional growth. Conferences, courses, and other growth opportunities are available more than ever before to the Webb faculty. Teachers without an education background are required to take education courses.

Teachers with a Bachelor’s degree are encouraged to earn a Master’s degree. We support lifelong learning! Last year we received a large gift from the Meadows Foundation to endow the Jon A. Frere Grant for summer study for faculty.

Athletics at Webb often presents unique challenges because of our size. The strength of our teams varies from year to year.

In the face of this obstacle, we manage to produce some very competitive teams. In recent years we had State Champions in Boys’ Lacrosse and 8-Man Football. Girls’ Lacrosse made the “Sweet Sixteen” twice (2013, 2014), and Boys’ Soccer went deep into the tournament in two of the last three years. The Middle School has produced some strong teams in recent years as we build for the future. Our facilities, including Barton Athletic Center and Lagler Field, are outstanding for a school of our size. The weight room in Barton has new equipment thanks to the generosity of PAWS. The future is bright.

The vision for the school is to increase the boarding population to 150 by 2022, while maintaining our present day population of about 200. To do this, we need more dormitory space, and we are creating a “Residential Village” to house 20 students each in a new Boys’ Dorm (Meadows Hall) and a new Girls’ Dorm.

A new Student Center to serve all students will complete the residential village. Construction is underway, and we eagerly await the completion of these new buildings.

Webb has a great history, which we honor in many ways each day. At the same time, as we forge ahead, we need to “stay relevant” to the changing times. Webb is moving forward with vision, responsibility, passion, and careful thought. We want all of our stakeholders – students, faculty, parents, and alumni – to share our enthusiasm for the future. “It’s happening!”

Spring-Summer 2015

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A note from the Head of School

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Curtis Jenkins '92 and daughter Tatiana Jenkins '15

Walker Gordon '15, Nick Tilton '15, Manny Wright '15 and Mubarak Yahyah '15

Ginny Hunt '99 and Head of School Ray Broadhead

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Jasmine Ilarde '15

Joe, Grace '06, Thomas, Tony '15, Michelle '08 and daughter Mia, and Leslie Iorio

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Syra Khan '15, Eden Koller '15, Josephine Hardin '15 and Poppie Grant '15

Grey Anderson '14, Jack Anderson '15, Julie Newton Anderson '90 and James Anderson '89

Class of 2015 Webb graduates 39 in 145th

commencement ceremony

Ginny Hunt '99 guest speaker The Webb School celebrated the 145th commencement ceremony with 39 graduates each receiving a Bible and diploma on May 30.

Family and friends joined faculty and staff in honoring the class.

Graduation was preceded by Baccalaureate with the Rev. David Adams, Bell Buckle United Methodist Church minister, as the speaker.

He added, “Your academic accomplishments include a National Merit Scholar, Matthew Cooper, many winners of national academic awards, and strong performances on the national Advanced Placement Exams.

Your class includes talented musicians, actors, artists, and singers. Athletes have been named to All-District and All-Region teams while working with teammates to produce competitive sports teams, including a Boys’ Soccer Team that made it to sub-state. Your leadership and accomplishments as a class have been strong in so many areas. Collectively the class of 2015

“The faculty and I congratulate the class of 2015 for all of their accomplishments and for having achieved this important milestone in their lives.”

Ginny Hunt '99, who recently joined the White House to develop new technology initiatives, was the commencement speaker.

“Class of 2015 congratulations, and I’m thrilled for the adventures life has in store for you,” Hunt said. “You’re about to embark on one of the most incredible parts of your lives -- the chance to continue to figure out who you are, what matters to you, what you’re good at doing, maybe what you’re not so good at doing.”

At the same time, she noted, there will be pressures, expectations and perceptions of who they should be, what choices they should make, and what success looks like. “Being honest with yourself is one of the hardest and best lessons we learned here at Webb. Every day we had constant reminders to help foster a personal sense of integrity -- whether we were signing the honor pledge, walking into chapel or learning from our teachers.”

Spring-Summer 2015

Head of School Ray Broadhead welcomed those attending commencement and said, “The class of 2015, with 39 students, may be the smallest graduating class in recent years, but they may also be the most spirited. In addition to spirit, they are a very close group. Thirty-one of 39 have been at Webb for four years or more, and the class often travels in large clumps. I am very certain that many of them will be friends for life.”

earned $1,187,000 in four-year scholarships to the schools to which you will attend next year. That is an average of almost $30,500 per student.

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more than 30 countries used by over 500 million people.

Hunt served as a Fellow at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government and on the founding task force of the Open Government Partnership, a coalition of 65 countries committed to transparency and accountability. She currently serves as an advisory board member to Code for All, Code for America’s global network, and regularly advises startups, policy leaders and organizations on how to use data and technology to solve public problems. Hunt is a graduate of Middlebury College, where she served as student body president.

Sophia Akatue, LaVergne, Tenn., gave the student address during the ceremony.

Josephine Hardin '15, Geetha Gowda '15, Parker Hyde '15, and Matthew Cooper '15

Hunt added, “Now while we’re on the topic of honesty -- mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa. I said that phrase a few more times than I would have liked back in the day.” The alumnus noted that Webb was a great place to learn how to make mistakes … and added that she was surprised to discover that many places don’t support the “mistake maker in all of us.” Hunt said she was lucky to land at Google, a place that assumes tackling tough problems often means making mistakes and where everyone is encouraged to think beyond the possible.

“Webb taught us that being afraid of failure or making mistakes shouldn’t stop you from trying to do the right thing. And that doesn’t mean flying blind or assuming you have all the answers. Great teachers help us turn mistakes into wisdom. As you know, we’re lucky to have incredible teachers at Webb. Great teachers stretch us beyond ourselves.”

“We’ve often heard the story of Little Brown Jug and the call to pedigree your ancestors -- that if you work hard and put your mind to it, anything is possible regardless of the circumstances in which you were born. But circumstances do matter and can give you a leg up -- the fact that you’re sitting here today makes you more privileged than 99.999% of the world.”

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She added, “Today you’re surrounded by people who love you and gave a lot of themselves to help you get this far in life. They’ll continue to be your lifeboat along the way. In the years to come, I can’t wait to hear about your adventures. Congratulations, enjoy every minute, and I have no doubt that you’ll make new traditions.”

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Prior to her current position, Hunt was a Strategy Principal at Google, where she cofounded Google’s Public Sector engineering team that launched programs and products in

As part of the commencement ceremony, Ron Gao, Dalian, China, received the highest academic honor in the class, the Anna Landis Hightower Award, which honors the student with the highest grade-point average for four years at Webb, and the John Hardin Highest Scholastic Award for achieving the highest scholastic average in his senior year.

McKenna Hoover, Manchester, Tenn., received the John Lewis Morgan Award, which is presented annually to the student who has maintained a high standard of excellence in his or her academic work and who has demonstrated the highest qualities of good citizenship in the service of the school.

Also recognized was L.R. Smith, history faculty member, chapel director and trap and skeet coach, who received the David Newton McQuiddy Award. The winner of the award is selected by a vote of the student body.

The David Newton McQuiddy Award is given by the family of David Newton McQuiddy to honor a teacher who has integrity, is loyal to Webb and its ideals, is dedicated to the profession, and who encourages sound character development and academic excellence.

“This year’s recipient needs little introduction to our audience. He is completing his 37th year at Webb. In that time, his wit, wisdom, and discipline, have both intimidated and warmed the hearts of thousands of students in history classes,” said Broadhead. “Additionally, as our school historian, he tells great stories about Sawney and the founding of the school, none more entertaining than “Little Brown Jug”.

“He is a schoolmaster. It is a vanishing breed. He is lover of life, and he is the Tennessee version of a Renaissance Man – Scholar, Hunter, and Farmer.”

As part of the ceremony, Broadhead recognized the Webb faculty as a group. There was special recognition given to faculty and staff who will reach five-, 10-, 15- and 30-year milestones when the 2015-2016 school year begins. Also recognized were departing faculty and staff, including Bill Rice, Ron Smith and Linda Williams, who have a combined 87 years of Webb experience and have been honored at previous school events.

For complete coverage of the 2015 Graduation – videos, photos and full story, visit the website at www.thewebbschool.com

Award winner Ron Gao with parents, Yang Gao and Yang Lu

spring Recap...

Kudos & news

Class of 2015 members plant trees on campus

The Class of 2015 chose to plant trees this spring as a special project to enhance the campus. Leone Broadhead, Webb science teacher, helped determine the type and location of trees. The purchase was made possible with special funds pledged for this purpose by an anonymous donor.

“Webb has provided so much for not only our class but the entire school the whole time I've been here. By the Class of 2015 just giving this small token of appreciation back to Webb means the world to me,” said Nick Tilton, Student Council president, who participated. “I know whenever we come back for reunions we will be able to immediately recognize the trees we planted and be thankful we donated such a long-lasting gift.” Syra Khan added, “It was really fun to give back to Webb as a class in a way that will benefit the school as well as the environment.”

Others assisting with the project were Head of School Ray Broadhead, senior adviser Hannah Little, the maintenance staff and alumni and development staff. Cheryl Khan of the 82 Market provided refreshments to the group.

“Simply by participating, the class has set a terrific example,” said Matt Wilson, director of alumni and development, who assisted with planting.

The Schoolmaker included in summer reading and coursework

Members of the Class of 2015 (L-R) McKenna Hoover, Dwayne Young, Syra Khan, Eden Koller and Tatiana Jenkins plant trees on campus.

Middle School and Upper School Book Awards

Webb recently purchased 200 copies of the book that also will be given to new faculty members.

Geetha Gowda '15 and Ulysses Yu '16 after Upper School Book Awards.

Eavan McNabb '19 and Caroline Coleman '19 celebrate Middle School awards night.

Spring-Summer 2015

Carrying on a longstanding tradition, faculty members L.R. Smith and Neil Barrett will include assignments based on The Schoolmaker as part of the summer reading list and fall coursework. Smith will use the book in his sophomore ethics class, and Barrett assigned the book for summer reading and will use it in a classroom assignment for his senior English students.

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Cooper named National Merit Scholarship Finalist Senior Matthew Cooper was named a National Merit Scholarship Finalist.

In recognition of the achievement, Cooper received a Certificate of Merit presented by Head of School Ray Broadhead in chapel earlier this year.

Cooper, a Smithville resident, was among the top 1 percent of 2014-15 U.S. high school seniors to achieve semifinalist distinction in September 2014. Of the 16,000 students nationwide selected as semifinalists, 90 percent (roughly 15,000) Matthew Cooper '15 were chosen to be finalists and were eligible to receive one of 8,300 Merit Scholarship awards. Cooper received a scholarship to the University of Alabama Honors College.

“Matthew is among the best scholars in the nation, and he is also a great contributor to the community,” said Broadhead.

“We are very proud of all that he does.”

Head of School attends annual TAIS retreat

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Head of School Ray Broadhead attended a Tennessee Association of Independent Schools Board of Directors retreat at Monteagle May 31-June 1. He began a three-year term as the Middle Tennessee Grand Division director-at-large on July 1, 2014.

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Qu wins Scholastic Action magazine's January writing contest English Language Learner student Medusa Qu ’18 of Changzhou, China, won Scholastic Action magazine’s January writing contest for her essay “Mo’ne Davis: Remember My Name”. She responded to the following prompt about the student-athlete: What do you find most inspiring about Mo’ne Davis? What would you say to Mo’ne if you met her? Davis is a 13-year-old baseball superstar. She is a role model for girl athletes, she pitched the 2014 Little League World Series, and she has appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine.

First piece in commissioned art series celebrated with program, dedication

A sculpture featuring Tennessee wildlife and plants that was created by Nan Jacobsohn, a Tennessee artist, is the first piece in a commissioned art series for the Webb campus.

"Tennessee Wild" is on loan to the school for three years.

Members of the Webb community, area artists and other guests attended a May 12 presentation by Jacobsohn in the school’s Follin Chapel, followed by the dedication of the artwork located between the Frank G. Barton, Jr. Athletic Center and the Lundin Fine Arts Center.

“The Webb School would like to thank The Cornelia Hodges Fund for the inspiration and generous support of this project,” said Head of School Ray Broadhead. “Art is such an A panel of "Tennessee Wild" important part of our lives. To have this daily reminder of the strength of the creative spirit facing us each day is very special. I am in awe of the talent of Nan Jacobsohn.”

Webb's pottery teacher Sue Wood added, “This is a dream fulfilled for me for Webb. I appreciate so much our forward-thinking leaders for supporting and making this happen for our campus. It is my wish that this work of art will bring joy to the many people who live and work on our campus and also to those who visit."

Life, accomplishments of Dr. John M. Webb subject of new book; author signed copies at Reunion The Gentle Scholar, a new book on the life and accomplishments of Dr. John M. Webb, co-founder of The Webb School in Bell Buckle, Tenn., was written by Terry Barkley. Poet Laureate of Tennessee Margaret Britton Vaughn, a resident of Bell Buckle, provided the foreword, and school Library Director Hannah Little and school Archivist Susan Howell are listed in the acknowledgements. Barkley recently presented Head of School Ray Broadhead with a copy of the book, and an interview with Barkley was filmed at Webb for WSMV-TV’s “More at Midday” show in Nashville.

Barkley and Vaughn were on hand to sign copies purchased during Reunion 2015.

Webb brings Dracula to life as spring production Dracula, adapted from the Bram Stoker novel by John Balderston, Hamilton Deane and Bram Stoker, was presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc. by the Webb Company Players. The cast included: Miss Wells, Sarah Beth Menck; Jonathan Harker, Clem Smith; Dr. Seward, Rohan Kaza; Abraham Van Helsing, Jim Sherwood; Van Helsing’s exotic assistant, Doobee Tarhule; R.M. Renfield, Dwayne Young; Elizabeth-Patient in Sanatorium, Meredith Miller; Butterworth, Lucas Wiesemann; Mina, M’Kenzy Cannon; Dracula, Parker Hyde; Maid /Attendants, Danielle Brown, Linsy Lawson; and Vampires, Ashleigh King and Emily St. John. Stage managers were Caroline Campbell and Aly Edwards.

The tech crew included: Chloe Blansett, Katie Carter, Dayton M'Kenzy Cannon '16 and Parker Hyde '15 Hasty, Collin Jones, Jackson Jones, Jordan McAndrew, Zoe Speer and Will Watson. Ruth Cordell was the director, and Ralph Jones, the tech director.

Terry Barkley, Dorothy Elkins, Maggi Vaughn

Webb claims second place in Tennessee Math League competition

On one of the most recent exams, 10th grader Mindy Li and 12th grader Ron Gao each made a perfect score. In addition to Li and Gao, the Webb team also included Jim Sherwood, Alex Wang, Anna Claire Tuma, Ulysses Yu, Lily Li, Jessie Song, Carol Zhou, David Han, Cara Campbell, Andrey Shults, Geetha Gowda, Yash Mansharmani and Legend Zhou.

Sandy Truitt is the group's sponsor.

The cast of Dracula

Rodriguez attends "Counsellors Conference 2015" in Scotland Chris Rodriguez, assistant director of college counseling and recently named director, traveled in March to the University of St. Andrews, founded in 1413 and the No. 3-ranked university in the U.K., for the “Counsellors Conference 2015.” Rodriguez joined approximately 50 counselors from all over the world, including Canada, Australia, Thailand, Belgium, and the United States, at the event.

Spring-Summer 2015

Webb’s Upper School Math League team recently placed second in statewide competition. Webb was in first place after five of the six contests in March as the annual competition was winding down for the school year.

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Secretary of State Hargett, Sen. Tracy, Rep. Marsh at Webb for presentation of libraries/archives grant Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett visited Webb on Feb. 27 to present a library archives grant that will assist with the preservation, processing and storage of historical records. The $2,000 grant to the school’s Library and Archives Department will fund archival supplies and equipment. Sen. Jim Tracy and Rep. Pat Marsh joined Hargett at the presentation in The Bond Library on campus.

(L-R) Secretary of State Tre Hargett, Sen. Jim Tracy, Rep. Pat Marsh, Susan Howell, Hannah Little and Joe Iorio, Assistant Head of School.

The Tennessee State Library and Archives Direct Grants to NonGovernment Archives are open to Tennessee museums,

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Boston Trip

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Canyonlands National Park Trip

Quebec City Trip

libraries, historical societies, non-profit organizations, religious archives, colleges and universities, and other repositories of historical records. Grants can be used for the acquisition of archival supplies, devices, furnishings or services that directly help to salvage, restore, preserve or improve access to significant historical archival collections held within the state of Tennessee.

“Our archivist, Susan Coop Howell, was integral in writing for this grant,” said Library Director Hannah Little.

Peru Trip

Peru Trip

Boston Trip

Groups extend classrooms with travel, service The spring semester was a time for travel by several groups that included students, faculty/staff and parents. During winter

break, a group made the school’s first trip to Quebec City, Canada. Two groups used spring break to travel to Peru and to

Canyonlands National Park in Utah. The annual Middle School trip took a large group to Massachusetts.

Art by seven students selected for Art on the Rise exhibit

Opal, by Emory Hutchens '16

Artwork selections by seven students was included in Art on the Rise: A Celebration of Young Artists, a regional student art exhibit in the St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School Gallery. Students and their works that were submitted

by Mike Quinn, art teacher, included the following: Jon Darling, Celestial Cells; Grace Archibald, Grin and Bare It and Natural Beauty; Willow Dickey, Spoiled Rotten; Amber Jared, Dancing Ayis; Meredith Miller, Women in the Media - Beauty vs. Brains; Cara Campbell, Peace Somewhere, T.J. Eckleburg, and Bloop; and Emory Hutchens, Opal.

Webb part of Bell Buckle photo feature in Southern Lady Webb was included in a Southern Lady magazine spring photo feature.

Photographer John O’Hagen spent two days in Bell Buckle in spring 2014 capturing the photos for the four-page spread included in a spring 2015 edition.

Class of 2015 enjoys traditional Senior Survival Members of the Class of 2015 departed May 22 for Senior Survival, an annual Webb tradition led by Brian Wofford, Webb’s Outdoor Program director. The group returned from the camping/hiking trip on May 28.

WSPA Appreciation Bags filled with treats for faculty and staff Webb School Parents’ Association presented faculty and staff with Appreciation Bags filled with all sorts of goodies from homemade bread, cookies and brownies to pens, markers, soda, candy and other snacks. Each year, parents provide the unique treats for the bags, and they are assembled and delivered by a WSPA group. A total of 108 bags were delivered this spring under the direction of Ashley Segroves, WSPA president who chaired the project. Other WSPA volunteers included: Nancy Coleman, Martha Cooper, Lisa Fiala, Christa King, Melanie Kiser, Kimberly Miller, Natalie Townes, Susan Van Buskirk, Youngyee Waddell and Laura Watson.

Newbery Honor award recipient is Webb speaker Vince Vawter, who retired after a 40-year career in newspapers and won a Newbery Honor Award in 2014 for his debut novel Paperboy, spoke during chapel and again to Middle School classes in Vince Vawter and Hannah Little May. His visit was arranged by Webb Library Director Hannah Little.

King qualifies for state level of National Geographic Bee Spring-Summer 2015

Kaleb King '20 qualified as a semifinalist eligible to compete in the 2015 Tennessee National Geographic Bee in March sponsored by Google and Plum Creek.

This was the second level of the National Geographic Bee competition. King, of Murfreesboro, won the 2015 school-level competition in January, then took a qualifying test, which was submitted to the National Geographic Society. The society invited the students with the top 100 scores in each of the 50 states, District of Columbia, Department of Defense Dependents Schools and U.S. territories to compete at the state level.

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Dean helps family celebrate relative, folk legend Lead Belly, at The Kennedy Center Aysha Dean, an eighth grade student, attended a sold-out performance at The Kennedy Center honoring her greatgreat-great uncle, Huddie Ledbetter, better known as legendary musician Lead Belly.

“Lead Belly at 125: A Tribute to an American Songster” took place on April 25, and featured artists were Robert Plant and Allison Krauss, among others.

Aysha’s mother, Terika Dean, serves on the Lead Belly Foundation and worked on the tribute for a year.

Aysha's trip to Washington, DC, began with a visit to the Library of Congress. She and her siblings were treated to a tour, where not many have access, of the area where Lead Belly's archives are stored. The last day of her visit to Washington ended with a White House Garden Tour. Aysha said that the highlight of her weekend was getting on stage with all the artists to sing the encore of “Goodnight Irene”, one of Lead Belly’s most famous songs.

Robert Plant with Webb eighth grader, Aysha Dean, and her brothers, Alexis Dean II and Alijah Dean

Students, faculty inducted into Cum Laude Society Ten students and two faculty members were inducted into the Cum Laude Society in an April ceremony. Webb faculty member, Ron Smith, chairholder of the G. Webb Follin, Jr. Chair of English and Cum Laude Society member, was guest speaker. A reception followed the ceremony. Students joining the Cum Laude Society included seniors, Nick Tilton, Ee Jung Son, Tony Ahn and Paige Schoonover; and juniors, Andrew Cooper, Ulysses Yu, Willow Dickey, Aly Edwards, David Han and Ethan McNabb. Two faculty members, English teacher Neil Barrett and Latin teacher Kelly Northrup, were also inducted. Math teacher Sandy Truitt is the organization’s sponsor.

Science fiction author Allen Steele '77 is Follin Speaker Allen Steele '77, award-winning science fiction author, was a guest speaker in the Follin Speaker Series in March. Originally a journalist who had worked for newspapers and magazines in several states, he decided to return to science fiction, the genre that made him decide to be a writer in the first place.

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In addition to his Follin presentation, Steele discussed writing as a profession with some of Webb's budding student writers and spoke to students in several classes.

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Steele and students talked more about writing over lunch.

Steele has published 18 novels and nearly 100 short stories.

His work has received numerous awards, including three Hugos, and has been translated worldwide, mainly in languages he can’t read. He serves on the Board of Advisors for the

Space Frontier Foundation and the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. He also belongs to Sigma, a group of SF writers who frequently serve as unpaid consultants on matters regarding technology and security.

Allen Steele is a lifelong space buff, and this interest has not only influenced his writing, but also taken him to some interesting places. He has witnessed numerous space shuttle launches Allen Steele '7 7 from Kennedy Space Center and has flown NASA’s shuttle cockpit simulator at the Johnson Space Center. In 2001, he testified before the U.S. House of Representatives in hearings regarding the future of space exploration. He would like very much to go into orbit, and hopes that one day he’ll to be able to afford to do so.

Steele lives in western Massachusetts with his wife Linda and a continual procession of adopted dogs.

Origin of the trad ition

History is carved at Webb

Alumni Bulletin Dec. 2, 1940

Spring-Summer 2015

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Webb is Byrd family tradition

The Webb School Magazine

Sherrill Byrd remembered with gift to Residential Village

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When the Residential Village project was announced last year, Hugh Hunter Byrd '56 and his two sons, Nelson '99 and Hudson '05 were among the first to show support. They chose to honor their late mother, Sherrill M. Byrd by naming a patio on one of the new dormitories in her memory.

"Recently, we decided as a family to honor my late mother ... I know my mom would agree that it is worth keeping the Webb experience going for generations to come," said Hudson '05, a Webb Alumni Board member, in remarks at the 2015 Board of Trustees dinner. He knows that because "giving to Webb is something we have done as a family for as long as I can remember." He added that the new dorms struck a chord with his family. Hudson, his brother, father and uncle, Swayne Byrd '52 all were boarders.

Hudson added that it may seem like a gamble to send a son or daughter to Webb or another boarding school, "but if you know the institution as my parents did and as I do now, you know what there is to be gained from the experience."

He added, "My time as a boarding student was invaluable in both what I learned and how I was taught. My interest in history and politics is due to the unique abilities of L.R. Smith, Ralph Jones and Larry Nichols.

All held high expectations for their students. Linda Williams and Bill Rice both pushed me to work harder and focus on my strengths but improve my weaknesses. These individuals and those like them are educators in lessons that reach far beyond the classroom."

Hudson also credits Cindy Whitaker, an administrative assistant, for keeping his mother updated on his activities and for providing helpful advice throughout his time at Webb.

Washington's home place. He then went on to work at the Chicago Board of Trade where he was involved in trading the grains and managing risk for end users specifically in ethanol and biodiesel production. In 2011, after a historic flood damaged the family's property he returned home to expand and modernize the farming operation. In addition, he helped reopen a restaurant in Sewanee, Tenn. in 2014.

One of his favorite memories of Webb was the first week of school. "Being away from home was such a change in Hugh Hunter Byrd '56 and the late Sherrill Byrd my life. I was alone but never lonely as I met new friends and teachers, who knew my family, opened new ways of thinking and created new memories. It was an adventure which I soon discovered required plenty of work but which was a worthwhile experience. Boarding school lets you both create and find your own identity."

Hudson graduated from the University of the South, spent nearly three years in Washington, DC working for a member of Congress and then returned home to Charleston, Mo., after his uncle's death in 2013 to help manage the farm.

Nelson added his thoughts about Webb's influence. "It is important to give back to Webb because it is a place that I believe in," Nelson said.

"I believe in its ability to change people's lives and it is a place that gives people the opportunity to realize their intellectual capabilities. Webb is rooted in tradition, and it is an environment that nurtures students as they learn inside and outside the classroom.” He added, "Ralph Jones, Linda Williams, L.R. Smith and Bill Rice all had a profound impact."

Nelson also graduated from the University of the South in 2003. He spent two summers working on a reforestation project at Mount Vernon, George

One of his most vivid memories was attending the first dance allowed at Webb. It was held in the original gym, in what is now the maintenance building. "It was an exciting event. We could have dates when it was an all-male school."

Hugh Hunter attended the University of the South but graduated from Vanderbilt University with a degree in biology. After concluding his time in the Air National Guard he returned home to his family and its farming interests, along with Swayne, as the fourth generation.

The late Swayne Byrd '52 went on to earn a degree in architecture from Washington University in St. Louis and founded his own firm Thomas Swayne Byrd Architect in Sikeston, Mo. "Webb is a family tradition," said Hugh Hunter, who served on the Webb Board of Trustees and later was named trustee emeritus. "My time as a board member has given me a great vantage point and further strengthened our ties to the school." From that vantage point, he thinks maintaining the broad-based liberal-arts education, as well as the strong ethics tradition of the school, are important. "Ethics and character are timeless virtues but must be instilled at an early age. In today’s world they are rare and as needed as ever."

Hudson Byrd '05 and Nelson Byrd '99

Spring-Summer 2015

One of Nelson's best memories came as an athlete. "Going to the state semifinals in lacrosse under the coaching of Jon Bloom was something that was truly special," he said. "We were the true underdog with limited resources, and we were able to beat some of the best teams in the state including a home win against Montgomery Bell Academy."

Hugh Hunter followed his brother Swayne to Webb and "found the moral teachings of the school and the friendships with the faculty to be a true gift. John Morgan, Webb Follin and Emma Rosenberg all had lasting impacts." He recalls Mrs. Rosenberg's personal story of fleeing Austria with her husband before being imprisoned by the Nazis. “She was a gracious woman who extended an open invitation to students for tea and a meal every Sunday at her home.”

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Class of 1988 honors Williams, Rice and Smith

The Webb School Magazine

to say thanks!

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Members of the Class of 1988 recently honored some of their favorite faculty members – Ron Smith, Linda Williams and Bill Rice – while all were still on campus.

The alums and faculty members had an informal time with refreshments at Grace Follin Dining Hall that was arranged

by Natalie Sansom on April 10. Those participating included Natalie Sansom, Jodie Richardson, John Richardson, Rebecca Wommack, EnaShea Kohler, Bill Rice, Linda Williams, John McFarland, Adrian Dozier, Ron Smith, Hayden McClurg, Liz Boggan, David Hardman, Angie Burns, Nathan McHardy and Ross Gulla.

Leaders of all three Webb schools gather in Bell Buckle Webb hosted representatives from The Webb Schools in Claremont, Calif., and Webb School of Knoxville, Tenn., on Dec. 8. Thompson Webb, son of Sawney Webb, founded the schools in Claremont in 1922, and Robert "Bob" Webb, Sawney's grandson, founded Webb School of Knoxville in 1955.

Visiting from the Webb Schools in Claremont, were Taylor Stockdale, head of schools; Rahmi Mawjood (Claremont ’90) Alumni Council president; and Laura Wensley, director of development and alumni relations.

Joining the group from Knoxville were Jay Howard, director of development; Taylor Hamilton ’83, alumni council president; and Ashley Stamper, alumni coordinator.

Returning to the Webb campus for the Dec. 8 visit were Julie Webb, Knoxville, and Susie Webb Ries, Nashville, Bob Webb’s wife and daughter, who lived in Bell Buckle before the Knoxville school was founded.

Hosting the event on the Bell Buckle campus were Ray Broadhead, head of schools; Claudia Hazelwood, director of alumni and development; and Matt Wilson, director of annual giving and alumni relations. Also attending from The Webb School in Bell Buckle were Linda and Woody Sims ’42 and trustee emeritus, Nashville; and their son, Wilson Sims ’72, Asheville, N.C., who serves as the Alumni Board president.

Claudia Hazelwood, Susie Ries, Julie Webb and Laura Wensley

Stockdale, Claremont head of school; Taylor Hamilton, 1983 Knoxville graduate and alumni council president; Rahmi Mawjood, 1990 Claremont graduate and alumni council president; Wilson Sims, 1972 Bell Buckle graduate and alumni board president; and Claudia Hazelwood, Bell Buckle director of alumni and development (retired February 2015).

Spring-Summer 2015

Seated, (L-R) are Susie Ries and Julie Webb, whose father and husband, respectively, founded Webb School in Knoxville; Linda and Woody Sims, Webb Bell Buckle 1942 graduate and longtime trustee; standing, Joe Iorio, Bell Buckle, assistant head of school and business manager; Laura Wensley, Claremont director of development and alumni relations; Ashley Stamper, Knoxville alumni coordinator; Jay Howard, Knoxville director of development; Ray Broadhead, Bell Buckle head of school; Taylor

The visit included a tour of campus by Geetha Gowda ’15 (member of the Honor Council), Murfreesboro, Tenn.; and Legend Zhou ’16 (member of Student Council), Harbin, China. Guests also attended chapel, and had the opportunity to see Webb family archival displays created in Webb’s William Bond Library by Hannah Little, library director, and Susan Howell, archivist. The group visited the classes of Webb history teacher L.R. Smith in his classroom located in the Junior Room, a fully restored and nationally registered schoolhouse from the 1800s; and A.P. History teacher Ralph Jones, in his classroom located in the John Webb Library. The group had lunch in the Grace Follin Dining Hall.

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Annual trustee elections held at April board meeting Executive Committee: Chairman Mr. John E. Sawyer ’88 Vice Chairman Buildings and Grounds Chairman Mr. Keith J. Barton ’75 Finance and Audit Chairman Mr. N. B. Forrest Shoaf ’68 Governance Chairman Mr. William (Bill) H. Huddleston IV ’81 Mr. Phillip G. Coop ’66 Mr. George E. Pine ’68

Trustees: Mr. F. Edward Barker ’57 Mr. J. I. Vance Berry Jr. ’72 Dr. William G. Hardin III ’79 Mr. Paul G. Jennings ’82 Dr. Robert H. Jones Mr. D. Glenn Jones ’76 Mr. David B. LaRoche ’98 Mr. Samuel L. Lasseter ’69 Mr. Paul T. Martin ’88 Mr. John P. Matthews IV ’78 Mr. Joseph W. Mooney ’83 Dr. Mary T. Moss Mr. Matthias B. (Bricke) Murfree IV ’96

Mrs. Kelly M. O’Daniel Mrs. Gwen P. Owen ’75 Mr. Brian D. Singer ’78 Dr. E. Hunter Welles III ’63 Trustee Emeriti: Mr. S. Norfleet Anthony Jr. ’49 Prof. Lewis M. Branscomb ’43 Mr. Hugh Hunter Byrd ’56 Mrs. Eugenia Cammack Mr. Ed R. Davies ’49 Mr. Hugh G. Eldredge Jr. ’48 Mr. R. Walter Hale III ’61 Mr. Thomas J. Lisenby ’47

Mr. James W. McDonnell Jr. ’43 Mr. J. Garner Moore III ’51 Mr. Smith Murphey IV ’55 Mr. Wayne M. Rogers ’50 Mr. Wilson Sims Sr. ’42 Mr. Fred S. Singer ’51 Mr. Charles P. (Pick) Stephens ’56 Mr. R. Blair Stephens ’53 Dr. Paul R. Stumb III ’52 Mr. Bob F. Thompson ’65 Mrs. Adrienne Trousdale Underhill

A&D office completes smooth transition Wilson succeeds Hazelwood and has fully staffed team Following the announcement at the end of 2014 that Claudia Hazelwood would retire in February 2015, Matt Wilson, Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations, was selected to succeed her in the role of Director of Alumni and Development. Since then, two new staff members have been hired to complete the alumni and development team.

“I am excited about how well we have done since Claudia’s retirement. We have had great continuity, and I think we are building on the firm foundation that Claudia established for the office,” said Wilson.

The Webb School Magazine

“We have two new staff members who add tremendous depth to our work at Webb.

Meredith Hilleary is joining us from the Discovery Center in Murfreesboro, Tenn.

She worked there most recently as Director of Advancement and also taught in the science program. She graduated from St. Paul’s Episcopal School, an independent school in Mobile, Ala., graduated from Washington and Lee University with a Bachelor of Arts and from University of Tennessee Knoxville with a Master of Science. Her daughter Laura is enrolled as a sixth grader this fall. I am delighted to

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Matt Wilson

have someone so capable to fill the Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations role,” Wilson said.

“We also have Carmen Greenberg who has been working as a development associate and is focused on our parent giving program. Carmen is another talented staff person who has terrific instincts for development,” said Wilson. “She has helped our office tremendously this academic year, and we are looking forward to having her continue in this role." Carmen received a Master’s in physics and a Ph.D. in polymer science from The University of Akron. Her son Max will be a 10th grader this fall in his second year at Webb, her daughter Louisa is enrolled as an eighth grader, and her son Ben will start in sixth grade. “Carmen is working on engaging our parents in new and exciting ways,” Wilson said.

“This is a fine team, and is talented throughout,” said Head of School Ray Broadhead. “The A&D office functions as a true advancement shop, with communications included in its work. I am excited to work with Matt and his team. We are already having success in our fundraising efforts these past few months."

Rounding out the A&D office are Rita Mitchell, Director of Communications, Gayle McClanahan, Graphic Designer. Alyce Allen, Database Coordinator, Meredith Crockett, Director of Special Events and Outreach, and Dorothy Elkins, research associate, who is in her 58th year at Webb.

Residential Village Construction update Construction is under way on Webb’s Residential Village following the November 2014 groundbreaking ceremony. The project will house 20 students each in a new Boys’ Dorm (Meadows Hall) and a new Girls’ Dorm.

A new Student Center to serve all students will complete the project. Periodic inclement weather since the January start date has interrupted the work, but by the end of the school year, construction was at full speed.

Wayne M. Rogers Matching Scholarship first fully endowed boarding scholarship The Wayne M. Rogers Matching Scholarship, established in 1997 as a merit award given to a boarding student, is now Webb’s first fully endowed boarding scholarship.

James S. Gilliland ’51 and Fred Singer ’51 established the scholarship, and it was first awarded in 1999. In 2013, thanks to the efforts of Rogers’ wife, Amy, $100,000 cash was solicited and received to enhance the scholarship. A Florida land gift from Rogers was also sold and added to the scholarship fund. Kelty Shroyer ’18, a boarding student from Lino Lakes, Minn., is the current recipient.

“We are so grateful to Wayne and Amy Rogers for their generous support of the boarding program and for his years of dedicated service to Webb,” said George E. Pine, ’68, immediate past board chair who served with him for many years.

"This generous scholarship, coupled with our new residential village project, will work in synergy to help us reach our goal of enrolling 150 boarding students by 2022," said Head of School Ray Broadhead.

Rogers, veteran film, stage and television actor, Broadway producer, author, investment strategist and entrepreneur, is a 1950 Webb graduate. He served on the Webb Board of Trustees from 1976-2008 and again from 2010-2015. He was named a trustee emeritus in 2008.

During his long tenure on the Board he served as chairman of the $10 million Capital Funds Campaign in the early 1980s, with the William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust challenge grant match and the Davis-Woosley Computer Science Center as two of the campaign accomplishments. He was named to the Distinguished Alumni Society in 1993. Rogers and Webb classmate, the late George B. Huddleston, Sr., were honored at a 2014 appreciation dinner for their legacy of leadership and service.

Rogers often credits Webb for his love of learning and academic preparation noting, "... It changed my life. I owe my interest in education and books and any intellectual activity to The Webb School."

Webb meets E.E. Ford matching grant early

The challenge drew a broad-based response, including 36 donors. The grant was a 1:1 match whereby

Parker Hyde '15 and General Charles Krulak

Webb had to raise $1 in cash for every $1 given by the Foundation.

As part of the program, ninth graders researched and presented on a select group of leadership types -- advocate, scholar, innovator, researcher, mentor and steward. They also completed background research on General Charles C. Krulak, Birmingham-Southern College president, prior to his January visit and presentation to the Webb community.

The research focused on three areas of his career, military, business and education.

The outcome of this research was that the group elected a speaker to introduce General Krulak to the school community prior to his presentation. Alexander Weitzman '18, was selected for the introduction.

Spring-Summer 2015

Webb met the $50,000 matching challenge grant from the Edward E. Ford Foundation, six months ahead of the July 1 deadline.

The grant supports Fostering Student Initiative, a new leadership curriculum model at Webb to enhance the boarding experience of upper school residential students and to strengthen and promote leadership throughout the student body. The program began last September for the ninth grade with another grade added each year until grades 9-12 are included. The new model also fuses several other existing leadership development programs into one curriculum.

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April 24 - 25

Dorothy Elkins, alumni research assistant, Joe '70 and Brenda Stout and Fred Alexander '70

The Webb School Magazine

Aurora MacDougall '10, Sarah Jennings '07 and Anne Windham '10

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Maggi Vaughn and Ben Blakeley '93

Jerry Bradshaw, Bob Thompson and Steve Graham, all '65, were guests at a dinner at the home of Head of School Ray Broadhead and his wife, Leone.

Members of the Class of 2000 with the Webb Foot

Painting and Pottery with teacher, Sue Wood

1960 Class Party - Front Row (L-R) Bob Wilson, Leconte Haddock, Dan Strauch; Back Row Jay Clark, Henry Whiteside, Earl Hereford, Vane McClurg, Pruitt Fulmer and Stuart Brown Class of 2005 - Front Row (L-R) Matt Davis, Charlie Abernathy, Elizabeth Windham, Regan Rooks, Armando Picciotto and Drew Abernathy; Back Row Adam Koritsanszky, Hudson Byrd, Abhishek Singh, Chase Spurlock, Sarah DeLisle, Joe Griggs, Michael Lochmondy, Adam Lundin

Class of 1980 - First Row (L-R) David Puckett, Terri Lovelace Savage, Melora Wilkins Turner, Jim Lichterman, Beth Cares Smith, Sara Bomar Davis, Second Row Robert Willis, Doug Stephens, Martha Derryberry Condra, Libby Williams Willis, Cindy Tilllis Shorey, Third Row Miles Buntin, Lee Mountcastle, John Cushing, Spike McCurdy and Mary Huddleston Earthman

Edwinna and Ron Smith, English teacher, with Meredith Crockett, Director of Special Events and Outreach

Eddie '75 and Laurie Collins

Spring-Summer 2015

Old Baldy Hike (L-R) Vane McClurg '60, Earl Hereford '60, Stuart Brown '60, Gordon Burkhead '75

Class of 1975 - First Row (L-R) Ward Cammack, Eddie Collins, Holt Hall, Mark Conway, Jane Strobel, Fred Harvey; Second Row Deborah Roberts Horst, Gordon Burkhead, Dee Harlin, Woody Marks, Ed McManus, Mary Lynne Walker, Moe Hill, Robin Fanning Allen, Mike Perry; Third Row Ben Shelton, Tim Fouts, Johnny Johnson, John Witherspoon, Keith Barton, Kelly Neal, Shelby Smith, Anne Derryberry Carter, Abe Cheij, Mary Dement Nadeau, Mike Lundquist, Fourth Row Will Morgan, Cannon Tilford, Sharon Bell and Price Wiley

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Hardin Service Award recipient feels surrounded by "good people"

Jack Bailey ’72 of Nashville, a senior vice president of R.K. Barnes and Associates, Inc., received the John B. Hardin Service Award at the 2015 Reunion, April 24-25.

The award is given to recognize and honor those alumni and members of the community who have consistently contributed an exceptional amount of time and talent to Webb and whose efforts benefit students, enhance campus life and reaffirm the commitment of the Webb community to the school. He was introduced by G. Webb Follin, III ’73.

“To receive any recognition from The Webb School is truly an honor,” Bailey said after receiving the award. “You know you’re in pretty strong company when you find your name listed among the likes of L.R. Smith, Sandy Truitt, Paul Martin ’88 (last year’s recipient), and my own classmate Bill Abernathy ’72. And, of course, there’s the very first recipient, Dorothy Elkins. She sets the bar at the very highest level.” He added, “All are wonderful people who have given so much time and effort to the school. This is like being inducted into a hall of fame.”

“There’s an old saying, mostly in professions and business – ‘you don’t have to be good in order to be successful. You simply surround yourself with good people,’” Bailey said in accepting the award. He continued by highlighting a few of the “good people” who have surrounded him in his Webb life.

The award recipient said he was fortunate to know John Hardin, and worked with him on two Keenan Challenge phonathons in the 1990’s. “I find it very fitting that his name is associated with service.”

The award recipient continued highlighting some of the good people in his class.

As part of the class of ’72, he was among these: --Six have served on the Alumni Board: Debbie Atterholt, Steve Bonds, Bill Abernathy, John Murrey, Wilson Sims, and himself.

Sims served as president, and Bailey served as vice president.

--Two, Vance Berry and Rusty Vest, have served for many years on the Board of Trustees, and Vance is still serving.

--The class has had one Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, Rusty Vest.

--There has been one other Hardin Award recipient, Bill Abernathy.

“During my terms on the Alumni Board, I got to participate in the interview process for head of school (Ray Broadhead), and Director of Alumni and Development (Claudia Hazelwood). I’d say that all worked out pretty well, wouldn’t you? I didn’t make those decisions, but I got to be a part of the process -surrounding ourselves with good people.

“As the years continue to accrue, I find that I am not quite so much the tireless worker I used to be, although I most certainly still cling to my loyalty to Webb. And I am surrounded by good people.”

Hardin Service Award Recipient Jack Bailey '72 and Webb Follin, III '73

To read more about the award recipients or to watch a video of the award presentations, go to: www.thewebbschool.com, click on the Alumni Page and go to 2015 Reunion.

The Webb School Magazine

Speaking of his class, Bailey said, “I couldn’t and didn’t choose composition of the Class of 72,

but rather chose to be a part of this group, thereby surrounding myself with good people. We were a small class -- 27 graduates -but there were others, as well, who were non-graduates. Four have passed on.”

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Bill Abernathy '72 and Deborah Roberts Horst '75, Tim Fouts '75

History teacher Larry Nichols and Adam Lundin '05

John Macy '50 received the oldest classmate award.

Distinguished Alumni Society Award recipient shares Follin family legacy

Aubrey B. Harwell, Jr. ’60 of Nashville, co-founding and managing partner of Nashville law firm Neal and Harwell, received the Distinguished Alumni Society Award at the 2015 Reunion, April 24-25.

"In the early days of my life, I lived in Bell Buckle with my grandparents, Grace and Webb Follin in their home across from the library. My grandfather went on to become the headmaster of Webb School, and I attended Webb for two years.

The Distinguished Alumni Society recognizes and honors those alumni who demonstrate outstanding leadership beyond the Webb School community. Membership in the Distinguished Alumni Society is awarded by the Alumni Board and the Board of Trustees of The Webb School. Members of the Distinguished Alumni Society include Webb Alumni who, through personal commitment, work ethic, and service, have achieved significant success in their professional careers and have made outstanding contributions to their communities, demonstrating Sawney's mission and bringing honor to themselves and to The Webb School.

He was introduced by his son, Aubrey B. “Trey” Harwell, III.

"Leaving home, going to boarding school in your early teenage years tends to create independence ... as well as create a bond with people who have shared that experience. I certainly have a bond with many of those who attended Webb during the same time I did.”

"I'm grateful to all of you gathered here. This day and this recognition are important to me," said Harwell. He noted that he also was grateful for the attendance of his two sons, Trey and Chris Harwell, daughter-in-law Leah, granddaughter Mattie Ann Harwell and his first cousins Webb Follin, III and Mary Follin Simonsen and her husband Chris. "It is wonderful to have them share this with me and be a part of The Webb School and the legacy of the Follin family."

“I have wonderful memories of friends I made during my days at Webb. Some of those members of my class of 1960 are here, and I want to thank you all, not only for your presence, but for great memories.”

Harwell said he recalls going to the post office downtown every day, hopefully, to receive mail from family and friends and occasionally a gift box, … stopping at Miss Jean’s and getting ice cream or a candy bar and going to church on Sunday followed by a huge meal.

Aubrey B. Harwell, Jr. '60, Distinguished Alumni Society Award Recipient, center, with his son, Aubrey B. "Trey" Harwell, III, and granddaughter, Mattie Ann Harwell, daughter of son, Chris Harwell and wife, Leah.

“Among those memories are the morning chapels, … and of great import, the honor code, which I still believe is one of the finest in the country for a prep school. Two of the best teachers throughout my formal education were Webb School teachers, Emma Rosenberg and Mack Harris Scott. These are great memories indeed.”

Spring-Summer 2015

Members of the Class of 1990 with the Webb Foot

Members of the Class of 2010 with the Webb Foot

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ics t e l h t A g n i r p S All-District Boysʼ Varsity Soccer In Sub Chung Jared Moss B

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Varsity Softball Alex Foutch Kara Brooke Bellenfant Varsity Baseball Manny Wright

The Webb School Magazine

Varsity Boysʼ Basketball Robert Windham

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All-Region Boysʼ Varsity Soccer In Sub Chung Dapo Omitowoju Jared Moss Varsity Girlsʼ Lacrosse Kennady Peek Katherine McMahan Josie Reyes

D A. Varsity Boys' Lacrosse (Murfreesboro Mayhem) B. Middle School Golf C. Varsity Boys' Tennis Team D. Baseball E. Varsity Boys’ Soccer F. Varsity Boys' Basketball G. Middle School Boys' Soccer

H. Varsity Girls' Basketball I. Middle School Girls' Lacrosse J. Softball K. Varsity Girls' Lacrosse L. Middle School Boys' Basketball M. Middle School Girls' Basketball N. Varsity Girls' Tennis

For more pictures, videos, team rosters and to keep up with scores, please visit the athletics page on www.TheWebbSchool.com Photos by Hunter Norris

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Spring-Summer 2015

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thanks to those who attended our first Legacy Event!

A Legacy Event was hosted during the 2015 Reunion Weekend. Those in attendance were (L-R) Hudson Byrd '05, Moe Hill '75, George Johnson '74, Bronwyn Weaver '83, Grace Archibald '16, Webb Follin '73, Anna Claire Tuma '16, Charles Young '72, Josephine Hardin '15, Emma Grace Patterson '18, Jennifer Rupley Smith '93, Dr. Phil Patterson, Ben Blakeley '93, Bill Hardin '79, Deb Atterholt '72, Julie Harris '95, Charlie Palmer '77, Chase Spurlock '05

Make the Webb School a part of your family tradition.

The Webb School Magazine

$5,000-$10,000 Legacy Scholarships are available for boarding students who have had a parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, aunt/uncle, or great-aunt/great-uncle attend Webb.

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Beginning in fall 2016, a new $1,000 Legacy Scholarship will be available to day students.

If you would like to receive an admissions packet or if you would like to schedule a campus visit, please contact Julie Harris '95, director of admissions, at 931-389-6003 or jharris@webbschool.com.

North Carolina student receives four-year honors scholarship Chelsea-Starr Jones, of Matthews, N.C., has received a full scholarship to Webb and will be a freshman in the fall. Webb’s Honors Scholarship Program recognizes exceptional students who excel in academics, extracurricular activities, and leadership.

Chelsea was selected as the school’s Honors Scholar from a field of 14 finalists, all of whom were invited to the Webb campus to compete for the four-year scholarship valued at more than $171,800.

It was during their initial search for a middle school that Chelsea and her mother were first introduced to boarding schools as a viable option. The notion of going away to school dissipated for Chelsea’s middle school years. However, when it came time to consider high schools, she asked her mother to take her to a boarding school fair in Charlotte, N.C., last fall, and it was there that “the idea of going away to a boarding school took deep root and started a new life.”

Donna Mighty-Fageyinbo, Chelsea’s mother, was initially hesitant to encourage the pursuit of boarding schools. “As the prospect of boarding school changed from ‘maybe’ to ‘highly likely’, I became scared!” said Chelsea’s mother. “However, after spending time on campus and speaking with Webb’s staff, students, and families, my fears were allayed. The chance for Chelsea to be nurtured in a small group setting with people who are there to excel, question, explore, and learn while being guided by adults who genuinely Chelsea-Starr Jones and Teal Lynch, associate director of admissions care is definitely

an advantage of attending Webb.” When Chelsea was awarded the scholarship and presented with a certificate at her school, her mother sighed in relief and “felt that we are part of the Webb family now, and Chelsea will be well taken care of while she is away from home.”

“Our Honors Scholarship Program is designed to attract talented students who will be leaders in our school community.

This year’s finalists were exceptional applicants who possessed strong leadership qualities and high moral character,” said Julie Harris, Webb director of admissions.

“We are so excited that Chelsea has accepted our offer and will be joining us this fall.”

Chelsea-Starr Jones

Jones is an eighth grader at Socrates Academy near Charlotte. There, she studies both Greek and Chinese while still finding time to be on the cheerleading squad and run cross-country and track. In addition, she is an avid dancer and plays the clarinet and violin.

“Our scholarship recipient is extremely gifted in many different areas,” said Harris. “She is the true definition of a well-rounded student, and she possesses strong leadership qualities. We look forward to seeing her continue to grow and flourish as a leader in our Webb community.”

The Honors Scholarship program is Webb’s only full-merit scholarship, which includes tuition and boarding for four years.

Awarded once a year, the program recognizes rising ninth grade boarding students who are ready to become leaders in the college preparatory school academic environment.

For more information about the Honors Scholarship program, go to www.thewebbschool.com/admissions/boarding-meritscholarship/index.aspx.

Have you given to the 2014-2015 Webb Fund? If so, THANK YOU! We are striving to make our goal of $550,000 by June 30.

Make your gift today! www.thewebbschool.com/alumni/online-giving.aspx

Spring-Summer 2015

Gifts to the Webb fund support projects and programs across campus, including financial aid.

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Class Notes

1930s

Jim Zoes ’61, Houston, Texas, is a business tax specialist for the state of California. Recently he was elected vice chair for his union bargaining team representing the Service Employee International Union 1000.

Stephen C. Watson ’64, Lakeland, Fla., is a Florida Bar Board Certified Real Estate Attorney, and he has experience in a wide variety of business and real estate activities. Steve’s concentration has been the areas of real estate transactions, land use matters, development, construction and financial transactions. He has served as general counsel to the Lakeland Association of Realtors for more than 30 years and is past Stephen C. Watson '64 chairman of the Florida Association of Realtors Council of Local Board Attorneys. He is a frequent lecturer on commercial and residential real estate and is an adjunct professor of business law at Florida Southern College.

Jordan H. Greengrass ’65, Aspen, Colo., writes: “This photo is of me and part of my ‘front yard’. I have been living off the grid at 10,420 feet above sea level for 44 years.”

Bill Farris ’66, Nashville, Tenn. After 23 years with SunTrust Bank in Nashville, Bill retired Dec. 31, 2009, and was retired for three days when on Jan. 4, 2010, he joined Nashville Bank and Trust Co. (now Truxton Trust).

Andrew Glaze ’38, Birmingham, Ala., Poet Laureate of Alabama, was one of 12 Alabama authors from the 19th and 20th centuries inducted into the Alabama Writers Hall fo Fame during a ceremony on June 8 in Tuscaloosa. Glaze was featured in the Webb Magazine Fall-Winter 2012-2013 issue when he was named peot laureate at the age of 92.

1960s

Jordan H. Greengrass '65

The Webb School Magazine

1970s

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Rozzell honored by hometown as "man of character"

James David Rozzell Jr. ’74, inventor, author and lecturer, was one of “three men of character” honored by his hometown and inducted into the Humboldt, Tenn., Hall of Fame. The ceremony was part of the city’s annual Strawberry Festival in May. In the Humboldt Chronicle coverage of the Hall of Fame ceremony, “Rozzell expressed his thanks and marveled at how different people reacted to his news of being inducted. His mother was very excited, he said. His 12-year-old David Rozzell '74 in Humboldt, Tenn., parade daughter, upon hearing of his honor, said, ‘Why?’ Rozzell said his own thoughts were similar to his daughter’s. But, he noted, Humboldt is a great place to learn.

Like many, he says he enjoys learning but not being taught. Son of a longtime Humboldt doctor, he’s been touched by stories of his father's commitment to his patients and the community. His father died much too young, and young Rozzell learned much from his grandparents, teachers, coaches and friends. Without their influence, he said, ‘I would not have accomplished anything.’”

David was born and raised in Humboldt, the son of Humboldt residents Dr. James David Rozzell and Lois Nicholson Rozzell (now Lois Currie). His grandparents, R. L. and Virginia Nicholson were also longtime residents, moving to Humboldt in the early 1940s. Growing up he attended elementary and junior high schools in Humboldt. He graduated high school at The Webb School in Bell Buckle, Tenn., where he was valedictorian, and then did undergraduate studies at the University of Virginia, earning a B.S. degree in chemistry. He continued his education in chemistry at Harvard University through a National Science Foundation scholarship and teaching fellowship, receiving his Ph.D. in chemistry in 1983.

David started his career in the early days of the biotechnology industry, developing one of the first biotech processes for the production of an important amino acid. He has been a founder or co-founder of four companies in the biotechnology and chemistry industries. More recently his work is focused on two companies. Sustainable Chemistry Solutions, Inc., founded in 2013, provides consulting and expert witness services in the enzyme and biotechnology industries. Catylix, Inc., which he co-founded in 2011, is a developer of new fluorine chemistry. He is the inventor on more than 25 patents and patent applications, mostly devoted to new enzymes and technology for various applications of enzymes.

He has lectured at international symposia in the chemistry and biotechnology fields. He has also authored six books.

David and his wife Teri have five children between them, including a 12-year-old daughter adopted from China in 2004.

1980s David McElroy ’86, Atlanta, Ga., and wife, Elizabeth McCall McElroy, announce the birth of their son, David Bruce "Bru" McElroy Jr., April 7th.

David Hudson ’87, author and legal scholar is Nashville School of Law director of academic affairs and legal writing. Hudson also serves as a NSL faculty member and as the First Amendment ombudsman for the Newseum Institute’s First Amendment Center in Nashville. Hudson, who once served as a senior law clerk for Chief Justice Sharon G. Lee of the Tennessee Supreme Court, was a researcher and scholar at the First Amendment Center for many years. He is the author or coauthor of more than 40 books and a frequent contributor to the ABA Journal. In addition to his position at NSL, he also holds teaching positions at Vanderbilt Law School and Belmont University College of Law. Hudson earned his law degree from Vanderbilt University and his undergraduate degree from Duke University.

Irvin Ashford Jr. ’87 accepted a Leaders in Financial Literacy award on behalf of Comerica Bank from Everfi and the Nasdaq on April 14, 2015.

In December 2014, The Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GDHCC) hosted a special breakfast in honor of Irvin Ashford, Jr., Comerica Bank Senior Vice President responsible for Texas market community development and external affairs.

Top Comerica executives, local community leaders and GDHCC Board members and general members gathered to recognize Ashford’s exceptional leadership Irvin Ashford '87 and commitment to supporting the Chamber’s efforts. One of his many contributions was being a pioneer in the GDHCC’s diversity and inclusion efforts when he joined the Board in 2010. Ashford was the first African American to join the GDHCC’s Board. Since then, the Chamber has continued to make diversity and inclusion a big part of its overall growth strategy. Today, the Chamber’s Board, staff, membership, and strategic partnerships reflect even broader diversity, with the mission remaining the same – to grow and support the Hispanic Business community in North Texas. Ashford’s many contributions during his four-year tenure on the GDHCC Board include making Comerica a significant financial supporter of the Chamber’s Business Assistance Centers (BACs), which provide business development technical assistance and incubator space to microenterprises with less than five employees or people interested in starting a business.

Spring-Summer 2015

Ransom Jones ’88, Anchorage, Alaska, writes: “I recently retired from the military after serving more than 21 years in the U.S. Air Force, Reserves, and Air National Guard. Flying to the very end, I accumulated more than 2,000 hours in F-16 and F-22 fighter jets, including three combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

My wife, Kim, and two daughters, Anna (13) and Isla (11) attended my “fini-flight” after which I was ceremonially hosed down by the fire truck. It was a very bittersweet event to shut down the jet for the last time and give up flying fighters. We now live in Anchorage, where I fly long-haul cargo for Fedex all around the world… literally. Often the routing will depart Anchorage and keep moving eastbound Ransom Jones '88 and family around the globe until arriving again in Anchorage 10-14 days later. We all enjoy life in Alaska and are waiting to see what happens next in our life.”

Ashford accepts awards for community work

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1990s

2000s

Chris Dawkins ’92, Portland, Ore., is in the top 1/2% of Portland realtors. He spends his limited spare time kayaking class 5 whitewater and riding horses with wife, Allyson.

Dr. Chase Spurlock ‘05 has founded ICHOR Biotechnologies, Inc., a medical diagnostic testing company based in Nashville, Tenn. The company specializes in researching, developing, and commercializing state-of-the-art diagnostic testing for autoimmune and other life-threatening conditions. ICHOR is focused on offering an extensive portfolio of clinical services and product-based IP in the medical diagnostic industry, including a groundbreaking test for multiple sclerosis (MS). ICHOR’s team is committed to serving the medical community worldwide by decreasing long-term healthcare costs associated with autoimmune conditions through fast, reliable diagnostic tests.

Thomas Anderson ’94 writes: “I am producing a documentary about Tata Kachora, a 101-year-old YaquiMayan Nagual medicine man. He knows over 6,000 medicinal plants ... how to recognize, harvest, process and use them for healing.

You may know some of his stories from the Teachings of Don Juan by Carlos Castaneda, who was once his student. I am a musician with a master’s degree in physics as well as a student of Tata Kachora. Much to my humbled honor, Tata has allowed me to make a film about him ... to share his message and to preserve some of his knowledge. This is an adventure movie ... over four years in the making.”

Erica Wright ’99 writes: “I'm not superstitious, but signing the contract to publish my second crime novel, The Granite Moth, is a pretty stellar way to begin 2015. I'm feeling super lucky to work with the talented folks at Pegasus Books again! (With special thanks to Pennzilla extraordinaire Penn Whaling.)”

The Webb School Magazine

Alumni Party in Houston, Texas

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Dillon Kyle and Sam Lasseter ’69 hosted cocktails in May at their home in Houston, Texas. Head of School Ray Broadhead gave an update about Webb during the evening. Among those attending the event were (LR) Eric Anderson, parent of Connor Anderson ’17; Jill Leuders; Jeff Burbach, husband of Belinda Burbach ’83 (not pictured); Cat Anderson, parent of Connor Anderson ’17; Sam Lasseter ’69; Michael Burbach, son of Belinda Burbach ‘83; Head of School Ray Broadhead; Michael Morgan ’94; Nicole Woodard ’06; Tom ’47 and Ann Lisenby; Bill Smith, son of Webb history faculty member L.R. Smith; and Elizabeth Wheeler.

Picture taken by the Director of Alumni and Development Matt Wilson.

Karen Linton ’07 directed a short film that was included in the 37th Annual Bid Muddy Film Festival at Southern Illinois University Carbondale in February. Part of the “Adult Shorts” category, the film title is “Midnight Munchies.” Also, her monologue “How Not To Get A Work Visa” was accepted for publication on McSweeney’s.

David Windham ’07 and Katie Cole Windham’s daughter, Emily Anne Windham, made her arrival Dec. 17, 2014, around 1 p.m. She weighed 6 lbs.- 12 ozs. and was 18 inches long.

2010s Janine Brown ’10 and Darrell Winfree ’09 were friends for several years at Webb before they started dating in 2009 when he asked her to go to his senior prom. After graduation, they both attended the University of Tennessee at Martin for their undergraduate degrees. Darrell graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, and Janine graduated with a Bachelor of Arts double major in English and History. They married on Dec. 13, 2014, in a private ceremony at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Knoxville, Tenn. Darrell was accepted into UTK law school and will be starting in the fall. Janine currently attends the University of Tennessee at Knoxville for a Master's in Library Science.

Ben Riggs ’11 delivered the baccalaureate address at Berry College on May 6.

Obituaries Following are annotated obituaries of alumni who have passed away. To view the announcements in their entirety, visit www. thewebbschool.com/alumni/alumni-home. The Webb School publishes obituaries as they are received from family and friends of alumni.

Please submit notices to a_dwebb@webbschool.com. (School photos are included when available.)

1930s Dr. Davis Henderson ’31, 99, of Hawthorne, Fla., passed away peacefully in his home on April 1, 2015.

He was memorialized in the First United Methodist Church of Hawthorne Memorial Garden. He was looking forward to his 100th birthday in June. Dr. Henderson ’31 came to Webb for four years from Huntsville, Ala., and was a proud alumnus and supporter for more than 80 years. As the oldest living alumnus to donate to The Webb Fund, Dr. Henderson said in an interview that he had the “sense of owing something to those that invested so much of their time with me, and I want to give back what was handed to me.”

(Williams-Thomas Funeral Homes)

1940s Martha E. Gartzke ’41, age 91, of Blue Earth, Minn., died March 4, 2015, at United Hospital. Memorial services were held on March 11, 2015, at St. Luke's Chapel in Blue Earth. Burial was in Riverside Cemetery, Blue Earth.

Eldon Gaunt ’43, of Leawood, Kan., passed away on April 1, 2015.

Leslie Martin Stratton III ’44, of Memphis, Tenn., passed peacefully Feb. 25, 2015. A memorial service was held at Colonial Park United Methodist Church, Memphis.

(Published in The Commercial Appeal )

Harry T. Walker ’46 Blairsville, Ga., age 85, passed away peacefully at his home on Jan. 10, 2015. A Celebration of Life was held Jan. 17, 2015, at the Union County Community Center Banquet Room, Blairsville.

(Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory of Blairsville)

1950s Jason H. Floyd, Jr. ’51, age 80, passed away Dec. 2, 2013, at Mississippi Veterans Home in Oxford, Miss. Jason requested that his body be given as a gift to the Anatomical Program affiliated with the University of Mississippi Medical Center. A memorial celebration of Jason's life was held at a later date.

(Published in Clarion Ledger) George A.R. Schuster, Jr. ’52, of St. Louis, Mo., died Feb. 20, 2015. The funeral service was held Feb. 25 at Bopp Chapel in Kirkwood, Mo., with a private interment.

Rives Williams Taylor, Jr. ’53, age 84, of Oxford, N.C., passed away April 1, 2015, at Granville Medical Center. A graveside service was held April 6 at Elmwood Cemetery in Oxford.

(Published in The News & Observer on April 3, 2015) John O’Neal Hammons, Sr. ’56, of Memphis, Tenn., passed away at the age of 76 on Dec. 11, 2014, after a brief illness. A memorial service was held at Second Presbyterian Chapel. A graveside service followed at Andrews Chapel in Huntersville, Tenn.

(Published in The Commercial Appeal)

1960s George Charles Manner ’65, died Sept. 4, 2010, at the age of 63 in Baton Rouge, La. A memorial service was held on Sept. 8, 2010, at Rabenhorst Funeral Home in Baton Rouge.

Michael I. Dorman ’66, of Sarasota, Fla., died March 13, 2015. The family held a celebration of his life.

(Published in Herald Tribune)

Spring-Summer 2015

Bruce Veteto ’46, of Rogersville, Mo., passed away on Oct. 28, 2014. The funeral service was Oct. 31 at Greenlawn East in Springfield, Mo. Burial was at Smith Cemetery, Rogersville.

(Published in the News-Leader)

The Rev. Canon George Poffenbarger II ’47 of Durham, N.C., died Feb. 5, 2015. The funeral service was Feb. 7 at St. Matthew's Church, Hillsborough, N.C. Following the service a celebration of life reception was held in the parish hall.

(Published in The News & Observer)

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The Webb School BELL BUCKLE

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

Save the Date WILD Reunion with Brian Wofford October 2-3, 2015

Please help The Webb School Archives put a description, or names with these faces in this photo.

Questions: Meredith Crockett 931-389-5723 or mcrockett@webbschool.com

The Webb School Magazine

The Webb School

32

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The adult is assistant principal Gerald Webb Follin. Students: Front Row (L-R): Jimmy Noe, Bradley Bostick, Pete Bruening, Frank Smith, Alymer Montgomery. Back Row (L-R): Oge Murrey, Ted Houston, Walter Morgan, Billy Goodman, Ted Reams.

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