THE MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI, PARENTS, AND FRIENDS | FALL 2025
Going Above and Beyond for Our Wildcats Westminster inspires creativity, passion, and curiosity through unique programs and experiences. The Westminster Fund supports opportunities like JanTerm and MayATL, allowing students to take on new challenges, whether on campus, in Atlanta, or around the world. Your support of the annual fund helps us create even more of these transformative experiences for Wildcats.
Make your gift by visiting westminster.net/giving or scanning this QR code
FALL 2025
CONTENTS
CONTRIBUTORS Executive Editors Liz Ball Emilie Henry
FEATURES
DEPARTMENTS
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Managing Editors Brian A. Lee ’92
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Tracy Lott Art Director & Designer Jenifer Cooper Production Manager Marisa Crissey
Contributors President Keith Evans Jane Lauderdale Armstrong ’74 Andrew Blaisdell ’99 Macy White Pamela Nye Regina Wood Tiffany Wooten
From the President
4
New Leader
6
Wildcat Tracks
30 The Westminster Fund
Editorial Staff Annie Kaser Landon Rowe
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32 Wildcat Den
JanTerm Turns 10! The faculty created it, the staff supported it, Trustees championed it, and the community embraced it— JanTerm, a decade later, continues to help guide Westminster forward.
38 Retired Faculty 40 From the Beck Archives 42 Alumni News 48 Class News
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Art Direction & Design Green Gate Marketing Photography Claire Abel Chris Berry Clyde Click Annie Kaser Landon Rowe Paul Ward Student, faculty, staff, and parent photographers The Lewis H. Beck Archives at Westminster Printing Perfect Image
42 The Team Behind the Thompson Stadium Turnaround Westminster wins field of the year award following an unprecedented recovery effort in the aftermath of flooding from Hurricane Helene.
STAY CONNECTED Address comments to Tracy Lott, Director of Marketing and Communications, at tracylott@westminster.net. Submit class news items online at westminster.net/classnews. Change your address or update your contact information online at westminster.net/updateyourinfo.
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FROM THE PRESIDENT
Dear Westminster Community, “Tell me about your JanTerm résumé.” I have never made this inquiry of one of our juniors or seniors without getting a complete and detailed rundown, in order, of each year of JanTerm and the course or experience that created an indelible memory. Particularly interesting is that often no two years are even remotely similar. Not only do students describe significant differences between a course taken one year and another course the next, JanTerm can also mean internships or domestic and international travel. The résumé of any Upper School student typically includes one or more stories of transformation—the recognition that I have emerged after three weeks of seeing something revealed in myself or the world that I had never imagined. This happens
by design. For Wildcats chosen for their academic horsepower and boundless curiosity, JanTerm is like an intellectual ropes course, challenging students to grow in ways that feel unfamiliar and thrilling at the same time. JanTerm is also an expression of Westminster’s identity, dating back to our founding. In his memoir, The Formative Years, our founder Dr. William Pressly wrote, "For each learner, excellence means working at the very edge of one's ability, until personal limits are stretched and extended." Learning how to fly an airplane, or confronting the history of the Holocaust on the ground in Europe, or diving deep into the complex ecology of the Chattahoochee River, all “work at the very edge of one’s ability” stretching one’s intellect, fortitude, and often courage. However, the first part of Dr. Pressly’s quote is as important as the second. “Excellence means…” From the early days of the Advanced Placement program to more recent disruptions brought about by AI, schools with high academic aspirations like Westminster have understood the products of learning (a “5” on an AP
test for example) as the indicators of excellence. Without dismissing what a student might produce, Dr. Pressly points to an understanding of excellence that is focused on building personal and intellectual capacity— yes, excellence reflected in producing an insightful research paper, but even more so in the “personal limits” that were exceeded by creating it. In this way, JanTerm represents a uniquely Westminster way of thinking about academic excellence. Ten Januaries later—each filled with stretching, extending, and limit exceeding—JanTerm has evolved from an interesting experiment to a highly anticipated tradition to an engine for innovation inside our Upper School. Along the way, we all learned something about ourselves and the thrill of attempting something new with no guarantee of success. That’s a good addition to any résumé. Onward,
Keith Evans President
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ADMINISTRATION Keith A. Evans President Toni Boyd Vice President for Finance and Operations Frank Brown ’04 Director of DEI and Community Engagement Lauren DuPriest Head of Lower School Emilie Henry Vice President for Institutional Advancement Jim Justice Dean of Academics and Curriculum Leslie Ann Little Head of Middle School Marjorie Mitchell Williams ’82 Head of Enrollment Management
Clare H. Draper IV Rand Glenn Hagen ’95 F. Sheffield Hale ’78 Scott D. Hawkins Angela Hsu Ira L. Jackson ’83 Joia M. Johnson ’77 Suja Katarya Stephen S. Lanier ’96 Jenny Pocalyko Latz ’91 Janet M. Lavine William L. Levine ’88 Lisa Olivetti McGahan Richard V. McPhail III Allison Bolch Moran ’86 R. Brand Morgan ’94 Floyd C. Newton III ’73 R. Davis Noell Leslie D. Patterson Natosha Reid Rice Jonathan D. Rodbell ’90 Louise Scott Sams ’75 Dana Weeks Ugwonali D. Scott Weimer Warren C. Wick II Keith A. Evans, President Toni Boyd, Treasurer Kelley Day, Secretary
Danette Morton Executive Director, Center for Teaching
PRESIDENT
Thad Persons ’88 Dean of Faculty
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION REPRESENTATIVE
Chanley Small ’87 Head of Upper School Shannon Soares Director of Athletics 2024-25 BOARD OF TRUSTEES Katharine W. Kelley ’82, Chair J. Donald Childress, Vice Chair Marilyn S. Black Javan T. Bunch ’81 Mahnaz R. Charania David D. Cummings
Keith A. Evans
Andrew G. Blaisdell ’99 EMERITUS TRUSTEES Claire L. Arnold Elizabeth Kilcullen Blake Betsy Barge ’69 Lisa Borders ’75 James E. Bostic Jr. Rosalind G. Brewer Peter M. Candler ’60 Samuel G. Candler William Clarkson IV Richard W. Courts II ’55
Ann Draughon Cousins Suzanne LeCraw Cox ’71 F. T. Davis Jr. ’56 Winifred S. Davis ’57 Harold A. Dawson Jr. ’82 Virginia Gaines Dearborn ’56 (d) Michael J. Egan ’74 W. Douglas Ellis Jr. Dorsey D. Farr ’90 J. Rex Fuqua Lillian Cousins Giornelli ’78 Thomas K. Glenn II ’65 Henry W. Grady III ’80 Allen S. Hardin Doug J. Hertz ’70 Thomas D. Hills ’62 Ronald P. Hogan Barbara Benson Howell W. Stell Huie (d) L. Phillip Humann M. Hill Jeffries Jr. ’73 James C. Kennedy E. Cody Laird Jr. J. Hicks Lanier ’58 William H. Linginfelter David M. Love ’90 Dennis M. Love ’74 James E. Love III ’75 Carolyn Cody McClatchey ’65 Terence F. McGuirk Joel T. Murphy ’76 Rahul Patel William T. Plybon Olga Goizueta Rawls ’73 Kelly A. Regal Margaret Conant Reiser ’73 B. Clayton Rolader ’72 John W. Rooker ’56 S. Stephen Selig ’61 Alana J. Shepherd NAPS ’47 Jeffrey P. Small Jr. ’85 C. Austin Stephens ’93 Andrew M. Taylor ’79 L. Barry Teague George B. Wirth
This listing reflects Westminster’s leadership during the 2024-25 academic year.
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Welcoming Westminster’s Sixth President: Jay Rainey On Friday, May 9, 2025, Westminster Board Chair Katharine Kelley ’82 shared, on behalf of the Board of Trustees, an exciting announcement with the School community: the appointment of Jay Rainey as Westminster's sixth president, effective July 1, 2026. Jay will succeed President Keith Evans who, after twelve years of service to the Westminster community and more than three decades of independent school leadership, will retire at the end of the 2025-26 school year.
The Board of Trustees unanimously selected Jay following a comprehensive five-month, nationwide search led by the Board’s President Search Committee and conducted in partnership with Carney Sandoe & Associates, an internationally recognized educational search and recruitment firm. “Jay is an impressive educator and a proven leader who has demonstrated empathy, integrity, and a deep care for students and community throughout his career. We look forward to welcoming Jay and his family into the Westminster community and are excited for what lies ahead under his leadership,” says Katharine, who served as the Chair of the Westminster Board of Trustees from 2023 to 2025. “His appointment reflects months of thoughtful work by the President Search Committee and the voices of so many across our school community. We are deeply grateful to all who offered their perspectives and support during this important moment for Westminster.” Since 2019 Jay has served as Head of School at Mary Institute and Saint Louis Country Day School, a premier day school in St. Louis known for its academic rigor. At MICDS he leads
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“Jay is an impressive educator and a proven leader who has demonstrated empathy, integrity, and a deep care for students and community throughout his career. We look forward to welcoming Jay and his family into the Westminster community and are excited for what lies ahead under his leadership.” — Katharine Kelley ’82
Chair of the Westminster Board of Trustees, 2023-2025
a community of more than 1,200 students and 160 faculty members, with a strong focus on academic excellence, innovation, and global engagement. Under his leadership, the school has spearheaded a campus development effort totaling nearly $50 million in improvements, launched a dynamic Winter Term program, prioritized diversity among faculty and staff, and achieved high
levels of family engagement and community trust. Prior to his time at MICDS, Jay was Head of School at Randolph School in Huntsville, Alabama, where he guided the school through the development of a new strategic and campus master plan and led the acquisition of a school for dyslexic learners. Jay also spent more than
NEW LEADERS
a decade at Norfolk Academy in Virginia, advancing through roles from teacher and college counselor to Assistant Head for Academic Affairs. A native of Virginia and a graduate of Woodberry Forest School, Jay holds a bachelor’s degree in religion from Princeton University and a master’s in American studies from the College of William & Mary. Jay is a seasoned educator with a strategic mind and strong interpersonal skills. As an active contributor to the broader independent school community, Jay will join the board of the Independent School Data Exchange (INDEX) in 2025 and is also a former board member of the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS). “From the moment I stepped on Westminster’s campus, I felt the same energy and purpose that has defined my most rewarding years in education,” says Jay. “I am honored and excited to serve as the School’s next president. Westminster has a longstanding tradition of excellence, developing leaders who are connected with their community and the world. I look forward to building on the School’s strong foundation and working collaboratively to shape Westminster’s path forward.”
The 2025-26 academic year will offer opportunities for the Westminster community to get to know Jay more fully, as well as to honor the legacy of President Evans. Additional updates on the leadership transition will be shared in the months ahead. Jay and his wife Ruth have two grown children: Jed, a recent graduate of the University of Richmond, and Elizabeth, who currently attends Colgate University where she is a member of the
“I am honored and excited to serve as the School’s next president. Westminster has a longstanding tradition of excellence, developing leaders who are connected with their community and the world. I look forward to building on the School’s strong foundation and working collaboratively to shape Westminster’s path forward.”
university’s swim and dive team. The family looks forward to relocating to Atlanta and becoming an active part of the Westminster community. “My family and I are excited to return to the Southeast and to make Atlanta our home,” Jay added. “Westminster is a special place, and I can’t wait to connect with the members of this impressive community.”
View the full announcement.
— Jay Rainey
Westminster's Sixth President
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Wildcat Tracks
In typical Wildcat fashion, the Westminster community embraced learning, performing, creating, and doing during the fall semester. Soaring to new heights, students pushed the boundaries of the classroom experience through innovative projects, community service, performing arts, athletics, and community-building celebrations. These activities, events, and accomplishments are just a few of the endeavors taken on by industrious Wildcats throughout the semester. By Annie Kaser, Communications Associate
Wildcat Pride at the Pigskin Picnic and Pep Rally Kicking off the school year with pride, Wildcats from all three divisions gathered in Turner Gymnasium for the annual Pigskin Picnic and Pep Rally. From a fierce school-wide Rock, Paper, Scissors competition to chanting in the stands, students turned on the school spirit before heading to the barbecue celebration and big game.
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WILDCAT TRACKS Hispanic Heritage Month September 15 through October 15, 2024 was packed with assemblies, events, and performances to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. The month kicked off with a special performance from México en el Corazón at the Pigskin Picnic Pep Rally, featuring vibrant traditional dances and mariachi music that delighted the crowd.
Later in the month, Lower School students learned about Hispanic history and culture as they danced and sang alongside Café con Leche, the Upper School’s Hispanic affinity group. Middle and Upper Schools joined in on the fun with assemblies highlighting Hispanic and Latino cultures through song and dance.
Ancient History Comes to Life Celebrating the myths and legends of ancient civilizations, fifth-grade students sported togas, armor, flower crowns, and their biggest smiles as they marched through Love Hall to the new Love Hall Green Space. There, each student recited his or her self-written monologue to friends and family members. Fifth graders then headed to a grand feast fit for these legendary deities and creatures.
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WILDCAT TRACKS Creative Cats Take On the Big City StudioW, Westminster’s filmmaking team, said “hello” to the Big Apple for the American High School Film Festival. During their trip, the students filmed, produced, and edited a short film, following the adventures of a suitcase throughout the city, before attending the festival to view all of the official selections. Festival selections included works from Westminster’s very own WCAT and StudioW, including WCAT’s Football Hype and Hawks-Knicks postgame coverage and Rewind and Mitosis, directed by StudioW’s Caroline Chu ’24.
Titanic: The Musical Bringing the story of the Titanic to life, the StageCats captivated the audience with a riveting portrayal of the tragic experiences of those aboard the legendary ship. From love to fear and heartbreak, the cast of Upper School students conveyed the real emotions of the upper- and lower-class voyagers through musical performance.
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WILDCAT TRACKS Middle School Students in the Shark Tank Eighth-grade students dove into the Shark Tank, putting their entrepreneurial skills to the test. From natural homesickness remedies to canes that carry personal items, students brainstormed innovative solutions and products. After developing business plans and proposals, they pitched their potential business ideas to an esteemed panel of alumni and faculty judges.
Wildcats in the Windy City The Middle School Orchestra traveled north to Chicago to attend the Midwest Orchestra Clinic. The prestigious event, welcoming some of the most outstanding ensembles from around the globe, featured renowned musical professionals, music educational exhibits, and live orchestral performances. “Being invited to perform at the Midwest Clinic is truly one of the highest honors for any musical organization. Ensembles are selected through a rigorous and highly competitive process, with only the best chosen to perform,” commented Middle School orchestra director Bo Na.
Westminster students delivered an incredible performance of Sandpiper Dreams, a piece composed by Will Pitts, Upper School band director, that featured McKinley Stinson, Upper and Middle School band director, on percussion. Earning a standing ovation, the Middle School Orchestra represented Westminster with excellence and pride.
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The Festival of Lights The Upper School’s South Asian Affinity Group (SAAG) lit up Taylor Auditorium with its vibrant Diwali celebration, featuring skits, energetic dances, delicious food, and fascinating tales from the festival’s origin. Celebrating in style, students and their families attended in colorful, traditional Hindu attire. It was a fun night of culture, joy, and community!
Love Is in the Air in Love Hall Love Hall felt the love during the fourth annual Lovestock event. Adorned in flower crowns, tie-dye, and fringe, the third-grade students filled Taylor Auditorium to watch talented singer-songwriters from Atlanta and Nashville perform songs written by their peers. In addition to inspiring live performances from the professional musicians and young amateur Wildcats, the event featured handmade merch, photo opportunities, and parents cheering proudly in the stands. Watch Lovestock 2024 on our YouTube channel (@WestminsterATL).
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WILDCAT TRACKS Wildcats on Parade From pigs in a blanket to baseball players and everything in between, Lower School Wildcats strutted along the Westminster sidewalks in their most creative attire for the annual Halloween Parade. Upper School students, third through fifth graders, faculty, and parents joined in on the fun, walking alongside the pre-first through second graders and supporting from afar. Following the parade, pre-first students kept the celebration going, gathering with their parents to carve pumpkins together.
These were a few of our top Instagram posts of the fall semester. Can you guess which one was the most popular? Homecoming King and Queen
Honoring the Grounds Crew
Kicking Off the School Year
Answer: Honoring the Grounds Crew
Campus Snow Day
Pigskin Picnic Pep Rally
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WILDCAT TRACKS
Celebrating Our National Merit Semifinalists Last fall, the National Merit Scholarship Program named 26 Upper School students National Merit Semifinalists for scoring among the top 16,000 students out of 1.3 million PSAT/NMSQT test-takers. Congratulations to these students for this most impressive academic achievement!
View the full list of National Merit Semifinalists.
Middle School Science Fair Eighth-grade students put their hypotheses to the test with innovative science fair projects. From assessing the performance of different brands of golf balls to exploring the impacts of flavor on the brain, students dove into hands-on experiments to answer their burning questions. The eighth graders presented their findings to sixth and seventh graders, along with a team of faculty and alumni judges.
Gratitude and Community Service In the spirit of Thanksgiving, students from each division gathered at separate holiday services for reflection, community, and gratitude. Rejoicing in song and praise, students celebrated the many blessings we share as members of the Wildcat community. Going beyond the Westminster walls to express gratitude, EngageATL and Leadership students visited the Atlanta Community Food Bank to give back to our local community. Packaging more than 20,000 pounds of food, the students spent the Friday before Thanksgiving Break assembling meals for those dealing with food insecurity.
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WILDCAT TRACKS
’Tis the Season of Tradition Our Westminster community embraced tradition this Christmas season by singing carols, selling handcrafted holiday gifts, and sharing scripture and stories. Ahead of the break, Lower School students had their annual Christmas Pageant, Upper School students gave a captivating performance of Handel's Messiah, and the Middle School orchestra showcased their talents through an enchanting holiday concert. Wildcats also spread holiday cheer in Barge Commons at the 18th annual Alternative Gift Fair, selling handmade crafts to benefit various charities.
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JAN TERM TURNS 10! Thirty buses. 17,000 miles. Three weeks.
One big idea. By Brian A. Lee ’92, Writing Manager
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When Westminster’s Upper School launched its JanTerm program in 2015, it wasn’t just adding a new academic term—it was rethinking what school could be. In place of traditional lectures and group projects came fieldwork, experimentation, team teaching, and bold ideas that didn’t fit neatly into any one subject. A decade later, JanTerm has become a proving ground for future-forward learning. The Road to JanTerm In 2012, before the JanTerm buses ventured off campus, a question was posed to Westminster’s academic leaders: What will academic excellence look like in the future? That inquiry sparked Westminster’s “Learning for Life” Strategic Vision, a bold commitment to shaping servant-leaders who don’t just succeed in the world, but understand it, contribute to it, and help reimagine it. If leadership and learning are inseparable, then the city itself has to become part of the classroom.
“If Westminster is built to build leaders for Atlanta and the world,” Dean of Academics and Curriculum Jim Justice explains, “then our students need to engage with that world firsthand—to see the city, meet its people, understand its systems, and recognize their own agency within it.” JanTerm was the physical manifestation of that idea—learning that was on the move. Students explored poverty and policy, robotics and restoration, storytelling and science, food systems and foreign policy. It was school made elastic: expansive in subject, interdisciplinary in method, and intensely real. The path to JanTerm began with a reimagining of time. In fall 2013, Westminster’s Upper School replaced its traditional six-period day with a four-course block schedule, allowing for longer, deeper academic sessions and a lunch period providing enough time to do more than eat—students could lead clubs, work in design labs, and launch projects. It was more than a tweak to the calendar; it was a transformational shift that created new space JanTerm would eventually fill.
The “Housing Design and Community Development” course included students exploring different Atlanta communities to see how residential planning and architecture address housing challenges.
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a new way of thinking school made elastic interdisciplinary in method
“Southern Visions: Folk Art” taught students how to create meaningful art projects out of everyday reusable materials while taking inspiration from visionary artists across the Southeast.
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Part of the team that helped bring JanTerm to Westminster (left to right): Val Causevic, Spanish teacher and current JanTerm Coordinator; Jim Justice, Dean of Academics and Curriculum; and Dr. Chanley Small, Head of Upper School and former JanTerm Coordinator
The level of support was extraordinary. This wasn’t just about a new schedule. It was about a new way of thinking. That only works if the whole community leans in.” – Jim Justice Dean of Academics and Curriculum
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“JanTerm was born from that reimagining,” says Dr. Chanley Small, now Head of Upper School, who once served as JanTerm coordinator. “We asked, ‘What kind of structure will help students learn best—not just memorize, but experience, build, reflect, and connect?’” It was a big question, and it needed big thinkers. President Bill Clarkson (who served as the School’s president from 1991 to 2014) was one of them. Together with Ross Peters, then Head of Upper School and a principal architect of Westminster’s 2012 Strategic Plan, Bill helped chart a course for a more dynamic, missionaligned academic model. The Time Task Force, a team of faculty members led by Jim Justice and joined by students, traveled the country visiting top independent schools, looking for inspiration and collecting ideas. Though the students on the trip wouldn’t ever get to take a JanTerm class, their designthinking mindset would help shape every course that followed.
The result of that research went beyond the fruition of a new academic program. As Ross would later reflect, “It was the single biggest curricular step forward for the Upper School since its founding.” In the decade since that first ambitious rollout, JanTerm has matured into a hallmark of the Westminster student experience. It’s where students stretch beyond their transcripts, and ideas and interests get field-tested in the real world.
The AP Chemistry JanTerm course continues students’ yearlong curriculum requirement while adding a special chemistry in art focus.
Turning the Vision into a Reality For all the planning and philosophy, the successful launch of that first JanTerm still came down to execution. Thirty borrowed buses. Seventeen thousand miles traveled during off-campus excursions. Thousands of meals. Faculty members turning into logistics coordinators. It was a massive and complex undertaking. The effort required an all-hands, all-in effort—from the Boardroom to the Business Office, from faculty lounges to Facilities teams. The Physical Plant team became travel coordinators. The Business Office ran logistics like a startup. Trustees and donors didn’t just greenlight the idea—they fueled it. “The level of support was extraordinary,” says Jim. “This wasn’t just about a new schedule. It was about a new way of thinking. That only works if the whole community leans in.” The genesis of JanTerm’s curriculum was a creative crowdsourcing of ideas from the Upper School faculty. They pulled from their expertise, life experiences, passions, and curiosities. “JanTerm’s beginning was pure creative energy—teachers gathered in Turner Gym, surrounded by giant white Post-its, dreaming up courses that were experiential, interdisciplinary, and project-based,” Chanley reflects. “There was excitement, a bit of chaos, and a shared sense that we were building something new, something truly special.” Tiffany Boozer, Dean of Policy and Programs, adds, “We were asked to write our dreams on these notes, and then everyone was invited to comment or add to those creatively imagined classes. Out of that exercise came the first JanTerm courses.” The resulting curriculum was as diverse and dynamic as the students themselves. The offerings invited crosspollination between subjects and experiences. Students explored everything from cooking and chemistry to history and physics, business and sports, and Shakespeare and music. Classes like “Introduction to Engineering and Design,” “Cultural Immersion in Atlanta,” “Spanish and Journalism,” and “Bible and the Civil Rights Movement in the U.S.” were emblematic of the vision: learning that is interdisciplinary, experiential, and deeply personal. (top to bottom) Upper School students chose from more than 40 courses at the 2015 JanTerm Fair. The 2016 “Global Education: India–An Exploration of Global Citizenship” course took Wildcats to Karnataka, India, where they supported local sanitation initiatives. Students explore how the “worlds” of Walt Disney affect the cultural landscape and nature of identity in contemporary society in the “Disney: Imagineering Identity” course.
After months of planning, creative collaboration, and whole-school coordination, JanTerm officially launched in January 2015. More than 40 courses were offered, and students found themselves learning in museums, kitchens, music halls, national parks, and city streets. Classes traveled across Georgia, the Southeast, and as far as California and Guatemala.
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Parents and students quickly embraced the new approach to January in Upper School. A survey after the inaugural term showed that 87 percent of parents were satisfied or very satisfied with their child’s JanTerm experience, and 90 percent felt positively about JanTerm as a concept. Students responded with even greater enthusiasm. “In a school that likes to be wholesomely intense, there was a wide degree of agreement,” Jim recalls. “That was very satisfying to all the teachers. They created something that unified the community and did so because it was so deeply engaging.”
Inspiration Through Interdisciplinary Learning At the heart of JanTerm is a simple but transformative idea: real learning happens at the edges—where disciplines overlap, where minds collide, and where curiosity leads. Westminster students have always been known for asking big questions and making meaning beyond the margins of a textbook. Those instincts thrive in an academic environment that values deep understanding, critical thinking, and creativity. Few structures serve those values better than interdisciplinary learning. “The power of JanTerm comes through the cross-disciplinary connections,” says Chanley, who has co-taught JanTerm courses with colleagues in the arts and seen firsthand how students light up when the approach to teaching is immersive and engaging. “When teachers from different fields collaborate, students gain perspectives they wouldn’t otherwise encounter. They start to see how abstract ideas have real-world applications. That curiosity doesn’t stop after JanTerm—it carries into everything.” Interdisciplinary thinking is one of the six “essential actions” of Westminster’s “Learning for Life” vision— an approach that prioritizes connection over compartmentalization. Whether it’s teachers working in teams or students applying knowledge across fields, the goal is the same: help learners make sense of an increasingly complex world by preparing them to think in complex, connected ways.
(top) The “Chattahoochee River” course offered students multiple perspectives of Atlanta’s main waterway. (bottom) The “Voices of Resilience” course, part of JanTerm’s Global Education series, takes students to Poland and the Czech Republic to learn firsthand about Jewish culture, antisemitism, and the “psychology of hate.”
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That approach captivated Rick Byrd*, a beloved history teacher who spent 36 years at Westminster before retiring in 2018. In 2016, he teamed up with physics teacher Akwetee Watkins—also a member of the original Time Task Force—for a JanTerm course titled “The History and Physics of Flight.” Part historical analysis, part engineering challenge, the course asked students to study the evolution of aviation before designing and building flying machines of their own.
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field trips beyond the gates
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courses in arts & culture, math and science, technology, and business
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courses explore Atlanta
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internships throughout Georgia
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“In high school, students often don’t see that what happens in math class has anything to do with what happens in English,” Rick said. “JanTerm lets them experience those crossovers. We reached a lot of students by showing them how knowledge lives between the lines.” That cross-functional structure doesn’t just benefit students—it revitalizes teachers, too. Chanley calls it “a powerful source of professional growth,” a chance for faculty to step outside their academic silos and see their subjects—and their colleagues—in a new light. Rick agreed: “It was fascinating to exchange ideas about how you think in your discipline versus how another teacher thinks in theirs. I gained a deeper appreciation for physics, and it changed how I taught history.” After working with Akwetee, Rick began applying scientific concepts to his ancient history curriculum— like using physics to explore the mechanics of irrigation in ancient Egypt. And in Jim Justice’s JanTerm course “The Literature and Ecology of Fly Fishing,” co-taught with physics teacher Evan Munger, the lines between science and story blurred in ways even Jim didn’t expect. “What a revelation to find myself far more interested in the science than I thought I’d be,” Jim says.
Helping Hands Know No Borders Fifo Chlopek ’24 GUATEMALA:
“Global Education: Guatemala–Learn, Build, Connect”
“The Guatemala trip opened my eyes further to a persistent problem across the world: inadequate housing and its far-reaching effects,” says Fifo Chlopek ’24. “I knew that Central America had this problem, but I did not grasp the true reality of it until witnessing the living conditions firsthand.” The 2022 JanTerm course, “Global Education: Guatemala–Learn, Build, Connect,” invited students not only to study a problem but to put hammer to nail in response to it. In partnership with local families and From Houses to Homes, a nonprofit grounded in sustainable support, Westminster students helped build practical, enduring homes in the highlands of Guatemala—structures designed to be not just functional, but also culturally respectful and resilient. Each morning, the group rode a school bus along perilous mountain roads—“roads that you would never expect to see a school bus drive on,” Fifo recalls. At the journey’s end: a steep hike to the worksite and a makeshift compound where three structures stood: one for sleeping, one for cooking, and a third, cobbled together with plastic sheeting and logs, serving as the bathroom. “Being there all day, building the family a new home, and having to use the existing structures firsthand
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was very impactful for me,” Fifo says. “It is one thing to see poverty, but another to actually experience a small part of its effects.” His time in Guatemala set the tone for the rest of his high school years. In 2023, he enrolled in “Voices of Resilience: Jewish Culture, Antisemitism & the Psychology of Hate”—a JanTerm course that led him through the stark winters of Poland, where history chills the air. Then came “Leadership Encounter,” where he navigated the corridors of power and policy in Atlanta.
“I think it is important to always try something a little bit different because that is where personal growth occurs,” says Fifo, who participated in a "London Scholars" study-abroad program during his first year of college. Fifo Chlopek is a sophomore at Northeastern University majoring in business.
ideas and interests get field tested in the world
Students toured art galleries around Atlanta as part of JanTerm 2020’s “Art History” course.
This is the JanTerm effect: it reshapes how people think—students and teachers alike. It shows that isolated disciplines don’t solve real-world problems, which require an integrated skill set and perspective. “There are the core subjects we all recognize—math, science, literature—but in the real world, those things are deeply connected,” Jim says. “To stretch across your discipline and work with someone else changes how you see the world. It opens new avenues and new ways of thinking.” Language teachers, too, have embraced this model, folding art history, science, and even math into lessons to create more meaningful cultural contexts. “The world we’re preparing our students for is more interconnected than it’s ever been,” says Val Causevic, a Spanish teacher and current JanTerm coordinator. “So our classrooms have to reflect that. It’s how we make language come alive.” Interdisciplinary learning is a mindset—one that fosters curiosity, cultivates empathy, and supports learners. It helps make sense of our world, which doesn’t come neatly divided into subjects.
In high school, students often don’t see that what happens in math class has anything to do with what happens in English. JanTerm lets them experience those crossovers. We reached a lot of students by showing them how knowledge lives between the lines.” – Rick Byrd* History teacher (retired)
*We were blessed to have the opportunity to interview longtime history teacher and coach Rick Byrd in the spring of 2025 prior to his passing on July 7, 2025. The former Upper School Director of Studies was a beloved faculty member for 36 years, retiring from Westminster in 2018. Rick’s legacy will be honored in the winter edition of Westminster Magazine. WESTMINSTER | 23
In 2016’s “Painting with a Purpose” course, students created art focused on social activism.
Beyond January Though JanTerm occupies just a few weeks on the calendar, its influence stretches much farther. Teachers regularly hear from former students who continue their JanTerm-inspired learning long after they leave Westminster. “Isn’t that what JanTerm is really about—how to do lifelong learning?” asks Ellen Vesey, Upper School math teacher and Time Task Force member. Nearly a year after co-teaching the 2024 JanTerm course “Campaigns & Elections,” her phone buzzed with messages from former students across the country who had taken their passion for civic engagement with them to college campuses. Another enduring course is “Leadership Encounters,” taught by President Keith Evans. In the class, students study leadership theory and meet face to face with business and civic leaders from around Atlanta. In the last two years alone, “Leadership Encounters” students have connected with Alex Anthopoulos, General Manager and President of Baseball Operations for the Atlanta Braves; Cox Enterprises Chairman and
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Chief Executive Officer Alex Taylor; Brooke Baldwin ’97, American journalist and former CNN host; Kate McLeod, Assistant Director of Education at High Museum of Art; and Jannard Wade ’72, Westminster’s first African American football player. Last January, Bryan Leach ’96, founder of the performance marketing platform Ibotta, spoke to the class. Less than a year after his company’s $660 million IPO, the Westminster alum focused on different numbers—how to best make a difference in people’s lives. “We want our students to see that leadership isn’t a title—it’s a responsibility,” says President Keith Evans. “Leadership is about empathy, courage, and the willingness to act for others.” Leadership is both the input and output of JanTerm. The School’s intensive, three-week academic period illustrates the power of generosity to fuel innovation and enable students to try new things, discover passions, and forge a path of greater engagement and eventual servant leadership. “When JanTerm was started in 2015, unrestricted support for The Westminster Fund allowed us to dream it and
knowledge lives between the lines Conceived by history teacher and cross country coach Joe Tribble, the “Running Through History” course took students to various historic sites in Europe, including Great Britain (above) and Florence, Italy (below).
GOING GLOBAL
Canada
JanTerm Global Education courses are offered each year, allowing students to pursue once-in-a-lifetime educational opportunities around the world.
Czech Republic
England
France
Greece
Guatemala
India
Israel
begin it,” says Emilie Henry, Westminster’s Vice President for Institutional Advancement. “We didn’t have to wait to raise money—we were able to offer the experience to students immediately.” Inspired by their children’s JanTerm experiences, Westminster donors then stepped up and established endowment funds to ensure that these life-changing opportunities would be available to students in perpetuity. JanTerm has inspired—and the School’s community has supported—the very spaces and schedules that “Learning for Life” deems essential for twenty-first century learning. MayATL, a mini-elective taken by all middle schoolers following spring exams, also engages the curiosity and interests of Westminster students with authentic, experiential learning beyond the standard curriculum and classroom walls. With courses such as “Beltline and Bikes,” “A Bite of China,” and “Sew Fashionable,” students leverage the bounty of resources within the City of Atlanta to achieve a deeper, more hands-on understanding of a subject. Slated for completion in 2026, The Blake Center will bring together varied disciplines under one roof in the heart of campus, supporting student creativity in all its forms. Thanks to generous supporters facilitating Westminster’s commitment to pursuing excellence across a wide range of subjects, students will be able to enjoy engineering and building spaces, light-filled art labs, a film and broadcast production studio, and many other innovative spaces.
The world we’re preparing our students for is more interconnected than it’s ever been. So our classrooms have to reflect that. It’s how we make language come alive.” – Val Causevic, Spanish teacher and JanTerm Coordinator
Italy
26 | Fall 2025
Kenya
Global Experience, Personal Growth Nigel Shoyoye ’25 PARIS:
“The Culture of Clothing”
As an eighth grader, Nigel Shoyoye ’25 looked forward to a middle school study abroad program—until the pandemic swept it off the calendar. Four years later, he found himself walking the boulevards of Paris as part of his senior year JanTerm course on fashion and culture. “At its core, I think JanTerm is an opportunity for students to really grow and stretch themselves while honing in on their unique interests,” Nigel says. The JanTerm course “The Culture of Clothing” examined how fashion intersects with identity, history, and social norms. The course was co-taught by Tiffany Boozer, Dr. Elizabeth Hanson, and Christine Chen and culminated in five immersive days in Paris. “Being able to walk through the streets of Paris and see how the
architecture was different, how the people dressed differently, what they put more focus on compared to what we do here—seeing that contrast always makes you look at yourself,” Nigel says. “Maybe I can put more interest in this because it’s something I care about more. It’s about experiencing different cultures and gaining a different mindset from seeing yourself in new places.” Nigel’s JanTerm journey started in music production and synthesis, then pivoted to crime scene investigation in his sophomore year. By junior year, he was studying Black culture and heritage, traveling to Washington, Charleston, and Savannah to explore the living legacies of African American history. That course, “Roots, Legacies, & Traditions: The DNA of the African American Experience,” also marked a turning point in his personal growth.
“When you come in as a freshman— someone who’s a little more reserved and not knowing what to expect in such a big school—being able to step out of the classroom for a little bit, unwind, and find something you truly care about makes JanTerm such an important, unique program,” he says. “Last year, I got to be the spokesperson on all our trips. The fact that my teachers put me up for that gave me a little more confidence in myself.” The confidence stayed with him, as did a belief in the power of new perspectives. He’s since become a JanTerm evangelist to his younger siblings who also attend Westminster, urging them to approach JanTerm with curiosity and commitment. Nigel Shoyoye is a freshman at Howard University studying political science and business administration.
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The Path of Positive Psychology Eleanor Carroll ’21 ATLANTA:
“Happiness”
For some students, JanTerm lights a spark that illuminates a future career. For others, it opens a door to selfdiscovery through unexpected joy. Eleanor Carroll ’21 experienced both. As a student in the 2019 JanTerm course “Happiness,” she found herself laughing through a session of goat yoga. The lighthearted moment was not without deeper meaning. “It seemed a little silly at first,” she recalls, “but I remember laughing so much and feeling completely present for the first time in a while. It was an ‘aha’ moment where I realized how powerful movement could be for mental well-being. This also helped me realize that happiness is something you can actively cultivate through intentional moments.” In “Happiness,” Eleanor was introduced to foundational concepts of positive psychology—gratitude, self-esteem, and mindfulness. The experience invited her to reflect on what fulfillment truly looks like in everyday life. She later enrolled in “Stress: Name It to Tame It,” another JanTerm course taught by Upper School counselor Dr. Meredith Miller, just weeks before the world shut
28 | Fall 2025
down in 2020. That fraught period was, no doubt, a good time to have studied intentional happiness cultivation and stress management strategies. During the pandemic, Eleanor deepened her exploration by enrolling in Yale’s online course “The Science of Well-Being”—a class that inspired Westminster’s own “Happiness” curriculum. She continued her studies in positive psychology while abroad in Copenhagen, all while maintaining a close mentoring relationship with Dr. Miller, whom she describes as “incredibly helpful and influential.” Now a graduate of Wake Forest University with a degree in psychology, Eleanor is pursuing her license as a mental health counselor in graduate school. “Both JanTerm courses were incredibly impactful,” she says. “They encouraged me to reflect on my own life through a psychological lens. These classes helped shape the path that I’m on.” Eleanor Carroll is pursuing her master’s in education, with a specialization in human development counseling, at Vanderbilt University.
(from top to bottom) Part of JanTerm’s Global Education series, the “Holy Land Documentaries” course in 2023 married filmmaking with studying the stories of the Bible in Israel. The “Physics of Sports” course used physical concepts to investigate different sports, including curling in 2019. The “Global Education: Pictura Roma” cultural history course involves students studying visual aspects of the Renaissance, including ancient archaeological sites, such as the Pantheon in Rome.
interdisciplinary learning is a mindset
Students made their own tea bowls using different traditional and modern clay forming techniques in the 2023 “Raku Ceramics and the Japanese Tea Ceremony” course.
A Vision with Momentum From the start, JanTerm has challenged students to be not just learners, but doers—individuals capable of inquiry, adaptability, and impact. It has made classrooms more permeable, disciplines more connected, and students more confident in their ability to navigate the complexities of the world beyond campus. “Project-based learning. Design thinking. Real-world engagement,” says Jim. “These aren’t buzzwords here. They’re the foundation of an education built not just for college, but for life.” Ten years in, JanTerm has served as a compass pointing forward. And, as Westminster looks ahead, the future of learning will require more flexibility, not less—more integration, more experience, more real-world relevance.
“The flexible structure of JanTerm allows it to evolve and adapt to future needs,” says Chanley. “Courses can be designed in response to realworld events, technological change, and emerging opportunities.” It’s an ever-evolving model, but the foundation is solid. JanTerm’s success is owed to a convergence of vision and commitment. Faculty created it. Staff supported it. Trustees championed it. And the community embraced it. “I remember thinking: This really is an incredible place to be,” Jim recalls. “At every moment in the life of the School, and in this moment in particular.”
At its core, I think JanTerm is an opportunity for students to really grow and stretch themselves while honing in on their unique interests.” – Nigel Shoyoye ’25
Rooted in the School’s mission and animated by Dr. William Pressly’s ideal of servant leadership, JanTerm continues to help guide Westminster forward, serving as a reflection of who the Westminster community is and how it aims to positively impact its students, its city, and the world.
WESTMINSTER | 29
Thank You! Westminster Fund Volunteers We are deeply grateful to our alumni and parents who generously volunteer to support The Westminster Fund. Their dedication drives record-breaking fundraising success, directly benefiting students, faculty, and programs. Every effort—big or small— strengthens our community, enriches the student experience, and helps Westminster thrive. Thank you for your generosity, outreach, and the vital role you play in our success!
Campaign Leadership
Alumni Volunteers
Davis Noell Trustee Chair
Leadership Giving Committee
Preston Moister ’99 Alumni Giving Chair Ann Giornelli Woodward ’10 Young Alumni Giving Chair Ellen and Buck Wiley Parent Giving Chairs Carolyn and Joe Patterson Parent Giving Chairs-Elect Susan and Scott Hawkins Grandparent Giving Chairs
Cindy Couch Ferguson ’84 Michael Wallace ’91 Emily Levy Heimermann ’94 Jeff Perry ’96 Walter Plyler ’96 Zibby Stokes Doob ’99 Ellen Persons ’01 Alex Bartko ’04 Henry Bowden ’04 Margaret Mansfield Ale ’06 Stephen Shepherd Jr. ’08 Sallie McSwain Stinnett ’08 Sam Higgins ’11 Grey Notterman ’12 Nigel Walker ’13
270
Westminster Fund Volunteers Class Agents Will Andrews ’04 Catharine Sanders Aguilar ’96 Harrison Anthony ’04 Jimmy Balloun ’17 Stephanie Newton Bedard ’07 Scott Boze ’94 Reid Childers ’01 Steve Crawford ’21 Addie Croft ’16 Blake Culberson ’09 Palmer Dobbs ’03 Lori Lewis Ethridge ’79
Many of the amazing things that define Westminster– exceptional teachers, character-shaping athletics and arts, world-class facilities–are made possible by the generosity of members of the Westminster community. I volunteer with The Westminster Fund to give back to the school that had such a big impact on me and to reengage with a community of inspiring individuals. — Zibby Stokes Doob ’99, P ’32
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THE WESTMINSTER FUND
I volunteer because of my deep connection to Westminster, as a student, alum, and now parent. I'm grateful for the opportunities that Westminster has prepared me for, and enjoy helping the school further its mission. — Will Andrews ’04, P'36, P'38
Austin McDonnell Fulton ’09 Aldyn Goheen ’21 Katie Boyd Grondines ’14 Meg Tawes Herlihy ’01 Mary Beth Farr Hutchison ’92 Jana Dopson Illston ’02 Mark Kaufman ’04 Nathan Kitchens ’98 William Kitchens ’97 Rishav Kohli ’06 Esther Hong Kulp ’99 Kate Lindgren ’19 Liza Linginfelter ’14 Niki Walker McCann ’97 Tom Moak ’09 Natalie Bolch Morhous ’01 Michael Moulton ’14 Claire Hogan Nattans ’06 Andrew Oglesby ’18 Grace O’Gara ’19
More than
7,000
Volunteer Emails Sent
Robbie Ottley ’09 Lee A. Peifer ’02 Ellen W. Richter ’02 Franklin Sacha ’08 Maggie Wellborn ’14 Caroline McKinley Westphal ’09
76%
of Donors Connected with a Volunteer
Parent Volunteers Leadership Giving Committee Ash and Arif Alibhoy P ’28, ’30 Naga Meduri and Sivi Bakthavachalam P ’30 Amy and Jay Harrison P ’30 Denise and Vern Hendrix P ’23, ’27 Stephanie and Ross Kimbel P ’33 Katie and Chris Kirtley P ’29 Ahra and Madison Kitchens P ’35 Henraya and Juan McGruder P ’24, ’25 Benton Routh P ’25, ’26 Nina and Todd Sprinkle P ’27, ’29 Jennifer and Bryan Stewart P ’27, ’30 Lilly Liang and Jason Yuan P ’24, ’25
Class Callers Ash and Arif Alibhoy P ’28, ’30 Naga Meguri and Sivi Bakthavachalam P ’30 Sineet and ChiChi Berhane P ’30, ’36 Katie and Scott Burruss P ’37 Taylor and Michael Butkus P ’32, ’34, ’37 Bliss and Blake Campbell P ’32, ’33 Bethany and James Cavazuti P ’33, ’35
Shelly and Jason Cropper P ’24, ’26 Ashley and Shawn Hall P ’27, ’29 Denise and Vern Hendrix P ’23, ’27 Yuan Xu and Xiao Hu P ’29 Stephanie and Ross Kimbel P ’33, ’35 Katie and Chris Kirtley P ’29 Jessica Pardi and Bobby Lanier P ’27 Henraya and Juan McGruder P ’24, ’25 Michelle and Ryan Murphy P ’32, ’34 Courtney and Neale Nickels P ’35, ’37 Isioma and Chukwuka Okumaubua P ’25, ’28 Christina and Andy Ostrowski P ’37 Angel and Brian Parks P ’27 Benton Routh P ’25, ’26 Emily and Rene Sauerteig P ’29, ’33 Amy and Rob Sherrell P ’33 Deanna and Marvin Shoyoye P ’25, ’29, ’35 Afia and Ernest Smith P ’37 Laura and Bronson Smith P ’36 Sabrina and Chip Stansfield P ’37 Shannon and Jeff Sugarman P ’27, ’34 Maggie and Michael ’91 Wallace P ’28, ’29 Elaine Kim and Jordan Waters P ’37 Lilly Liang and Jason Yuan P ’24, ’25
1,880
Students Supported
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FALL SPORTS 2024 Varsity Boys Cross Country Varsity Boys Cross Country had a great season, culminating in a third-place finish at the GHSA AAAA State Championships. Jacob Jacquot ’26 led the charge with an outstanding fourthplace finish overall, crossing the line in 16:31.02. The team’s hard work and consistency throughout the season paid off, and their performance at State was a testament to their determination and skill.
Varsity Girls Cross Country The Varsity Girls Cross Country team capped off their strong season with an impressive third-place finish at the GHSA AAAA State Championships. Senior Lucy Johnson led the pack with an outstanding performance, placing second overall with a time of 19:20.66, while other teammates had strong showings. Their success at State was a result of the team’s combined hard work and dedication throughout the season.
32 | Fall 2025
Varsity Football Varsity Football dominated Fritz-Orr Field, winning all of their home games and finishing the regular season with a 5-5 record. Despite a tough loss to Cartersville in the first round of the state tournament, the team fought hard on the field, showcasing resilience and determination throughout the season. This year also marked the end of Gerry Romberg’s tenure as Head Coach, as he retired after leading the program with passion and dedication for more than thirty years. His leadership has left a lasting impact on the team, and the legacy he built will continue to guide the team in the seasons to come as Nelson Stewart takes over as Head Coach.
Varsity Softball Varsity Softball had a strong season, finishing with a 10-1-12 record, despite their young roster. The squad showed great determination and growth throughout the year, as they battled their way to the state tournament, where their journey ended in the first round with a tough doubleheader loss to Cartersville. The team’s strong performance this season serves as a solid foundation for growth, as many of their key players will return for a promising season next school year.
Varsity Volleyball The VolleyCats finished second in the GHSA Region 6 AAAA under the remarkable leadership of senior captains Sophia Jo and Lucy Shi and Head Coach Jaime Maxey, who was named AllRegion Coach of the Year. In addition to team success, several individual players received recognition for their talents. Sophia Jo ’25 earned All-Region First Team Defensive Player of the Year, while Toni Odujebe ’27 was named All-Region First Team Offensive Player of the Year. Faith Ahi-Senya ’27, Lucy Shi ’25, and Sophia Alston ’28 were all named to the All-Region First Team, while Sophia Bonadies ’27 received All-Region Honorable Mention. Lucy Shi, Toni Odujebe, and Sophia Jo were also recognized with GVCA All-State Honors.
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WINTER SPORTS 2025 Varsity Wrestling The Varsity Wrestling team excelled on the mat this season with standout performances across the board. Led by captains Luke Baugher ’25, Jackson Bailey ’26, and Louie Gump ’25, the team showed incredible depth and determination, culminating in success at the State Championship. Eight MatCats qualified for the GHSA State Championship meet, where Bailey earned fourth place, Mason Ulzheimer ’25 finished in the top eight, and Baugher and Will Cooper ’28 finished in the top 12 of their respective weight divisions.
Varsity Boys Basketball The Varsity Boys Basketball team dominated the court this season, finishing with an impressive 20-6 record. The HoopCats clinched the GHSA Region 6 AAAA title for the first time in program history with a thrilling victory over Kell. The team also earned multiple Region 6 AAAA honors, including first teamer Zade Elshihabi ’26, second teamers Nico Searl ’26 and Kyle Coleman ’25, and Region Honorable Mention, Jackson Hausner ’25. Senior captains Michael Buhay, Kyle Coleman, and Jackson Hausner led the team to the third round of the State Tournament. The HoopCats triumphed over Cedartown and Midtown before their remarkable journey came to an end in the quarterfinals with a hard-fought loss to McDonough.
Varsity Girls Basketball Brimming with excitement and promise, the Varsity Girls Basketball team’s young roster had a great season, developing together under new leadership. Under the guidance of new Head Coach Alex Richey, who joined the program in 2024 from Oglethorpe University, the team placed second in the GHSA Region 6 AAAA and earned several individual awards. Sophia Israel ’26 was named to the Region First Team; Addie Tsang ’27 was named to the Region Second Team; and Ashley Adams ’26 and Julia Stallworth ’26 were named as Region Honorable Mentions. Despite a loss in the first round of the State Tournament, the team's resilience and development under Coach Richey set a solid foundation for future success.
34 | Fall 2025
WILDCAT DEN Varsity Cheerleading This year marked an exciting transition for the CheerCats as the team began competitive cheer in addition to traditional sideline cheerleading. While the team proudly continued to support our football and basketball teams, it kicked off a new chapter of Westminster Cheerleading as a competitive athletic program. The CheerCats’ season began with intensive training at NCA Camp, where our athletes were coached by professional instructors through a rigorous curriculum. In true Wildcat fashion, standout honors came quickly: Ella Anthony ’25 and Rikki Scarborough ’28 became Westminster’s first All-American Cheerleaders, and Caroline Dolan received the prestigious Leadership Award. Coached by Sarah Mason and assistant Libby McCutchen, the team opened the season with a strong first-place finish at Union Grove High School, ultimately claiming second place in the region. With the team’s new competitive landscape, its debut season performance, and the enhanced skills and choreography brought to their traditional roles, there’s certainly a lot to cheer about.
Varsity Boys Squash The Varsity Boys Squash team turned heads around the country as they traveled throughout Atlanta as well as Philadelphia and St. Louis to compete against some of the most talented teams in the nation. At Nationals in Philadelphia, the SquashCats finished fifth overall in Division V after an upset win in the first round and impressive victories over higher-seeded teams throughout the tournament. This outstanding performance highlighted the team’s resilience, skill, and determination, marking a memorable season for the SquashCats.
Varsity Girls Squash The Varsity Girls Squash team found nationwide success as they competed against schools from across the country, traveling to St. Louis for tournament action and to Philadelphia for the U.S. Squash High School Nationals. At Nationals, the SquashCats finished seventh overall in Division IV, showing their ability, focus, and teamwork.
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Varsity Boys Swimming and Diving The Varsity Boys Swimming and Diving team made a big splash this season, finishing second at the GHSA AAAA State Championships while dominating the podium. Connor Christopherson ’27 set new school records in both the 200-yard freestyle and 500-yard freestyle, while Max Rodbell ’26 also earned a gold medal in the 100yard backstroke and a second-place finish in the 200-yard freestyle. Trevor Dempsey ’25 rounded out the podium finishes with a third-place showing in 1-meter diving. The boys’ relays were equally impressive, with all three earning State podium finishes. Led by senior captains Trevor Dempsey, Graeme Marshall, and Palmer Routh, and junior captains Chase Myers and Max Rodbell, the Catfish finished the season with a 4-3 dual meet record and the inaugural Region 6 AAAA Championship Title.
Varsity Girls Swimming and Diving The Varsity Girls Swimming and Diving team swam their way to success, finishing fourth overall at the GHSA AAAA State Championships. Standout performer Greta Myers ’27 took home the gold in both of her individual events, the 200-yard individual medley and the 100-yard butterfly. Ansley Sgrosso ’26 and Ella Anthony ’25 made their mark on the podium with impressive second-place finishes in the 100-yard freestyle and 1-meter diving, respectively. During the season, the team clinched the AAAA Region 6 Championship title and set numerous personal bests, a testament to their hard work and dedication. Senior team captains Caroline Anderson, Ella Anthony, Lauren Foglesong, Julia Gibney, Hallie Harris, and Mary Margaret Stone provided exceptional leadership, guiding the team to an overall 4-3 dual meet record.
36 | Fall 2025
WILDCAT DEN
FROM FLOODS TO FIELD OF THE YEAR:
THE TEAM BEHIND THE THOMPSON STADIUM TURNAROUND
Confronted with horrendous flooding in the wake of Hurricane Helene last fall, Westminster’s Facilities team restored a submerged athletic complex to playability in only two weeks. The Sports Field Management Association (SFMA) honored those remarkable efforts by recognizing the School’s Fritz-Orr Field at Alfred E. Thompson Sr. Stadium as the 2024 Football Field of the Year. “Our grounds and facilities staff are very proud of this honor, the first time Westminster has been awarded with a field of the year win, and we hope to keep the excellence alive in the future,” says Jake Mays, the School’s Grounds Manager. “There were so many dedicated hands to pull off what some thought would be impossible in such a short amount of time.” On September 27, 2024, Helene’s inland deluge caused Nancy Creek to crest at 22 feet, the second highest total on record. Images of Westminster’s flooded field complex made the national news.
“We had a ton of outreach from people locally, but the biggest factor was the help from our Westminster community,” says Jake. “Having people on the ground and willing to help us get the aftermath cleaned up as quickly as possible gave the field the longest period of recovery.” Aided by good weather after the storm, the massive cleanup effort included removing mounds of debris and washing several inches of silt out of the Fritz-Orr Field grass. The Varsity Football team was back on its home field just 14 days later. The Westminster community celebrated this miracle restoration, recognizing the grounds crew for their efforts at halftime of the home game versus Kell High School. “I cannot thank our Facilities and Athletics departments enough for their unwavering efforts in getting our fields back safe and playable for our Wildcat athletes,” Jake says. “There is no way we could have pulled it off without them. Their impact was truly remarkable.” SFMA awarded Westminster in the Schools and Parks sports field category for football. According to the association, the Field of the Year award honors natural grass fields that exhibit excellent playability and safety and whose managers utilize innovative solutions, effectively use their budgets, and have implemented a comprehensive agronomic program.
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Catching Up with Retired Faculty: Though they came to the School by different roads, George Yacoubian and Woodrow Barnes set a tone for biblical studies at Westminster that was characterized by humor, humility, and devotion to the work they understood as a sacred call. Certainly, they challenged their students to attain proficiency in biblical literacy, but that was not their primary goal. Rather, they cultivated habits of curiosity. They gave their students space to wrestle with questions that took them to the very core of their purpose. They set rigorous standards, yet their style was affirming, supportive, and unwaveringly respectful.
By Jane Lauderdale Armstrong ’74
George Yacoubian COMBINING OLD AND NEW WORLDS
D
r. George Yacoubian grew up in the Old City of Jerusalem. As a member of the Armenian Apostolic Church and the oldest of five sons, it was expected that he would become a priest in that tradition, but a series of events and mentors set his life on an entirely different trajectory. Working in a souvenir shop as a young teen, George met a woman from Alabama, Mrs. Emma Peck, who was looking for some olive wood candlesticks. Knowing where some might be available for a good price, George offered to help and the two exchanged information. They stayed in contact, and with her support and encouragement, George attended the American University of Beirut, graduating with a BS just after the Six-Day Arab-Israeli War broke out in 1967. Concerned that he could be conscripted into the Jordanian army, Mrs. Peck contacted the American Consulate for help, and George arrived in the United States on July 4. 38 | Fall 2025
Initially, George got a job teaching biology, but his dream was to go to seminary. Thanks to an introduction to the Methodist bishop for northern Alabama, George was accepted to Duke Divinity School, receiving a Master of Divinity. Encouraged to continue his theological training, he came to Atlanta to pursue a PhD at Emory.
accident, nor by his own agenda. His respect for God’s hand in the journey was reflected in his teaching philosophy: “God did not need my defense. I was there to model a Christian life. I never chided a student for disagreeing with me. I let them express themselves. My desire was to give them a love for inquiry.”
Aware that George was now in Atlanta, Mrs. Peck’s niece, Merrilyn Eastham, thought it would be a wonderful opportunity for her Westminster Bible students to hear him speak about the political situation in the Middle East. Following his remarks, the two went to the cafeteria for lunch just as Dr. Pressly walked in. After being introduced, the School’s founding president invited George to come to his office and, at the end of the conversation, offered him a teaching position on the spot. That meeting resulted in a 41-year teaching career at Westminster!
His classroom was a place of robust discussion, introspective reflection, and always great fun. Hagan Ramsey ’07 recalls, “I remember the seniors releasing chickens across campus as a prank. Yacoubian promptly rounded the birds up, and we had ‘class pets’ for the day. He is one of a kind!”
Reflecting on the path that brought him to Westminster, George acknowledges that it was not by
To colleagues, George was a reservoir of gentle encouragement and infinite kindness. "George Yacoubian was a profound mentor during my early years at Westminster. [He is] an incredibly articulate man who incorporated faith, academic rigor, and humor into his teaching," says Ralph Geeza, of Westminster's Department of Biblical and Religious Studies.
CATCHING UP George retired from Westminster in 2012, but he has not slowed down. He continued teaching both at his home church in McDonough, Georgia, and as a guest lecturer at Trinity and First
Presbyterian Churches in Atlanta. Recently, Julia and George moved to the Greensboro area, close to two of their children, and have become active in their new church there.
All told, they have six children and 22 grandchildren. George quips, “We have our own congregation!”
Woodrow Barnes “ F O R I K N O W T H E P L A N S I H AV E F O R Y O U ” —Jeremiah 29:11
A
s a boy, Woodrow Barnes could not have imagined the plans that God had for him, but in hindsight it is clear His providence and purpose were guiding every turn—from a small-town orphan in Alabama to Vietnam to ultimately becoming the first chaplain at Westminster. Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Woodrow was adopted at 2 months old, shortly before his father was deployed to Germany in World War II. His postwar upbringing in Alabama with his county sheriff dad included living in a small apartment next to the county jail for several years. “There was always something exciting happening there,” he recalls. A good sheriff and politician, his father was later elected County Probate Judge, and after his father’s death, his mother was also elected to the post.
no longer just a lawyer who wanted to go into politics, but a believer in Jesus Christ,” he says. “I was a sinner who needed a Savior, one who loved me and who died for me.” After earning his Doctor of Ministry at Candler School of Theology, Woodrow served as the young adults pastor at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church, where he met Westminster faculty member Ellen Fleming. She encouraged him to apply to teach at the School. He describes his interview with Donn Gaebelein as “a meeting of minds and purposes.”
Woodrow’s educational path took him from being a boarding student at Indian Springs School outside of Birmingham to graduating from Auburn University to obtaining a JD from University of Alabama in 1969. While in law school, he met the love of his life, Corinne Ham, and they were married his senior year.
From 1977 until 2016, Woodrow served as a Bible teacher and chaplain. Extracurricular activities such as Friday Morning Fellowship (FMF), Bible studies, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, retreats, and simple conversations with students and faculty further broadened his role at the School. “I rejoiced with students when they excelled and tried to comfort those who were struggling in one area or another—in general to support any and all with whom I was fortunate to come into contact,” he says.
A year later in 1971, his Army ROTC Commission sent him to Vietnam, where his life took an unexpected turn. Although his family had always been active in the Methodist church, Woodrow’s participation in an officers’ fellowship overseas deepened his Christian faith in a new way. “I was
“I think of Woodrow’s encouragement, kindness, and humility,” says Carter Thomas ’98, who’s known the man as both teacher-mentor and fellow faculty member. “This gentle, generous soul always seemed to have a ready smile and a kind word for everyone... and was genuinely interested in you as a
person and took time to ask questions and remember the details, letting you know he cared. When I think about the heart of Westminster being its exceptionally good, caring people, he always surfaces at the top.” Today, Woodrow and Corinne remain very active, including traveling and hosting Bible studies in their home. His gratitude extends from the early days, being adopted by loving parents and raised in a Christian home to being married now for 56 years and having sons and grandchildren of his own. Given “unbelievable opportunities,” Woodrow chose to give back: to Westminster, the Army and Navy reserves, and countless friends and associates from various backgrounds. “I am so thankful for God’s provision in my life,” he reflects. “And to have had the opportunity to explore my relationship with Jesus Christ in my own way and in my own time without controlling demands from others was truly a time of personal development that I can only credit to the love and grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Jane Lauderdale Armstrong ’74 P ’07, ’10 is a lifelong Wildcat—alumna, teacher, and daughter of David Lauderdale, one of our School’s earliest faculty members. She combines her love for Westminster’s history and her penchant for the written word to write profiles about retired faculty members for each issue of Westminster Magazine.
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From the Beck Archives:
International Student Opportunities Study abroad experiences, including the Westminster in Europe Program, have helped expand the worldview of students over many decades. By Pamela Nye, Director of Archives Immersive, experiential learning has been one of the hallmarks of Westminster as we know it today. In addition to smaller class sizes, college-prep academic subjects, involved faculty members, and rigorous standards, students over many decades have traveled internationally during the summer to experience new cultures, improve their language skills, and bring back new ways of looking at the world. The commitment to help students graduate with scholarly integrity and well-rounded outlooks started with Westminster’s predecessor institutions, the North Avenue Presbyterian School (NAPS) and Washington Seminary. International students lived at both schools and enriched the community, sharing their language, culture, and friendship. It is clear that the administrators knew
that international experiences would help continue to strengthen and broaden the community as a whole. Westminster students used to spread their wings in the summer through the American Field Service (now AFS Intercultural Programs), The Experiment for International Living (EIL), and the Westminster in Europe Program. AFS Intercultural Programs began as the American Ambulance Field Service, and after 1946 evolved into an international student exchange to promote peace. By 1950, the Americans Abroad (AA) Summer Program was initiated. Founded in 1932, EIL’s focus has always been to improve understanding across cultures and expand the worldview of U.S. students. In the early 1960s, Peace Corps
1975 American Field Service Officers: Margaret Dykes, President; Elise Watkins, Vice President; Carol Reeves, SecretaryTreasurer; Mrs. Coleman Carter, Adviser; Ann Adams ’75, Westminster AFS Student to Germany in Summer 1974; Eugenia Hernandez, AFS Student from Costa Rica.
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FROM THE BECK ARCHIVES
volunteers trained there before traveling. Westminster created its own enrichment initiatives, including the Westminster in Europe Program. It launched July 1, 1972, when 49 students, accompanied by nine faculty members, left Atlanta International Airport for a study-travel experience overseas.
for a number of years before the 1975 scholarship. On November 2, 1987, Mr. John Wright, Director of the EIL Outbound Ambassador Program, mentioned in a letter that Westminster “continues to be the most active source of Summer Abroad Experimenters among all secondary schools in the country.”
Through the American Field Service, beginning in 1956, Westminster students traveled during the summer. In turn, the school continued welcoming exchange students from abroad through the mid-1970s. Bena Broyles ’57, the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Vernon S. Broyles Jr., traveled to Germany on June 25, 1956, becoming the first student that Westminster sent abroad. In an April 1956 interview in The Westminster Chimes, she was asked how she felt about being away from home all summer and in a foreign country. “Of course, I’ll miss Atlanta and my friends, but it will be a fascinating experience,” she explained.
Students continue to explore new vistas through EIL. In the summer of 2013, Kennedy Copeland ’15 was one of three Westminster students who traveled abroad. She journeyed to Italy, traveling the countryside, meeting new people, and learning about Italian cooking and culture.
Ann Adams also traveled to Germany through AFS in 1974. “The summer was an incredible one for whetting my appetite to discover other lands, cultures, and people,” said the ’75 alum, who later spent a Christmas with her German host family while in college. “I am very grateful to have had this opportunity.” On April 11, 1975, Dr. Emerson Johnson, President of Westminster, announced to the faculty and staff that the School received a $3,000 scholarship grant from the DeWitt Wallace Outbound Ambassador Program, associated with EIL in Putney, Vermont. As a result, five students from the Class of 1976 were able to travel abroad that year through EIL: Ellie Crosby (Greece), Andi Echikson (France), Gloriann Leonaitis (Switzerland), Scott McGinnis (France), and Merrill Wolf (France). Westminster students had taken part in EIL programs
Kennedy Copeland ’15 (right) with her EIL group at the Agenzia di Formazione Professionale delle Colline Astigiane cooking school in Asti, Italy.
She said, "My time in Italy was my first time outside the country by myself. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and led me to find my passion in working for the U.S. Foreign Service." Many more international travel opportunities have been added to the list. Middle School students currently have the chance to visit Canada, Ecuador, France, India, Italy, and Spain. Upper School students can participate in academic and cultural experiences in Argentina, France, Guatemala, Iceland, Italy, Kenya, and Spain, not to mention the multiple global JanTerm classes available.
As part of the ongoing “International Westminster” research project, the School Archives is continually updating this visual map to show where students went and where our visitors came from before arriving on campus. Please provide an update if your name is not included on this map. In addition, the Archives would love to add your international story to its permanent collection if you traveled abroad as a student. This can be accomplished via oral history interview, written account, and/or any images or video that you would like to share.
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Alumni News Greetings, Wildcat Community! It has been an honor to serve as president of Westminster’s Alumni Governing Board for the past two years. There are many different ways to volunteer and give back to our school community, but serving on the Alumni Governing Board comes with the unique privilege of witnessing some truly special moments. The fun of seeing Wildcats rediscover their campus and reconnect with classmates at Reunion Weekend. The energy of participating in thoughtful dialogue with industry-leading alums. The inspiration of seeing our faculty bring the classroom to life. The opportunity to see the joy on the faces of our graduating seniors (and their
Young Alumni and Black Alumni councils, the Office for Institutional Advancement (OIA), and the Alumni Governing Board—have moved with true Wildcat ambition and determination to connect alumni to each other, to connect alumni to students and faculty, to bring alumni home to campus, and to tell inspiring alumni stories. During this time, we have solicited feedback, introduced unique events and programming, reinvigorated beloved traditions, and established a new strategic framework for engaging our more than 12,000 alumni around the world. None of this happens without some exceptional partnerships. I want to thank my fellow alumni who serve on the Alumni Governing Board, Young Alumni Council, and Black Alumni Council for their energy and creativity. Your dedication as volunteer leaders is an example for all. I also want to thank Mallory McKenzie, Director of Alumni Engagement, and our OIA team. They bring a level of tireless commitment and professionalism to their work that is the envy of schools around the country. Together, our alumni volunteers and OIA team make a lasting and memorable impact on the alumni experience. I’m also looking forward to what’s ahead. With an ambitious vision for alumni engagement, we will continue to create new opportunities for connection (and fun!). I’m delighted to share that Caroline Rawls Strumph ’08 will succeed me as president of the Alumni Governing Board (effective July 1, 2025). Her leadership will no doubt accelerate our momentum.
parents!) as they become our newest alumni. A personal highlight was celebrating my 25th reunion with my fellow “99ers.” I’m very proud of the work that has been done over the past two years in service to our alumni community and our school. Our teams—the
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Thank you again for the opportunity to be of service to this wonderful school. I look forward to seeing many of you on campus, around Atlanta, and at future Westminster events. Go Wildcats!
Andrew Blaisdell ’99
President, Alumni Governing Board
Alumni and Community Events Board and Council Press Box Social August 23, 2024 The Alumni Governing Board hosted members of the Black Alumni and Young Alumni Councils in the McGahan Family Press Box during the Varsity Football game against Riverwood International Charter School.
Pigskin Picnic September 13, 2024 More than 2,000 students, parents, and community members attended this year’s Pigskin Picnic on Murphy Plaza, which featured food from Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q, treats from King of Pops, and appearances by the JV cheerleaders leading up to that night’s Varsity Football game in Thompson Stadium. WCAT was on the scene to cover the beloved schoolwide event.
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ALUMNI AND COMMUNITY EVENTS Alumni Admissions Sessions September 10 and 24, 2024 During two sessions, the Admissions team welcomed more than 75 alumni back to campus for an inside look at the admissions process, offering insights and guided tours for those considering Westminster for their children.
Live at Love Hall– Pressly Leadership Society Celebration October 10, 2024 Westminster honored the generosity of Pressly Leadership Society members with a memorable evening at Love Hall, featuring live painting, musical performances, screenings of the Pressly Leadership Society video, and remarks from President Keith Evans.
Homecoming Dinner November 1, 2024 Westminster alumni and their families came back to campus for a Homecoming dinner and football game. Guests of all ages enjoyed seeing friends—old and new—and catching up with fellow alums, while the littlest Wildcats enjoyed spirit activities with the cheerleaders before the football team took on the Centennial Knights.
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ALUMNI AND COMMUNITY EVENTS
Black Alumni Council Homecoming Social November 1, 2024 The Black Alumni Council (BAC) hosted alumni and their families in Pressly Hall for an evening of celebration and connection ahead of the big game. Members of the Black alumni community gathered in the Carlyle Fraser Library to exchange memories, share laughs, and enjoy tasty light bites before heading to the stadium for the football game.
NYC Annual Alumni Reception November 12, 2024 The NYC Alumni Chapter regional reception was an evening filled with great conversations and renewed connections. Alumni across all decades gathered at the Grand Soho Hotel to enjoy tasty bites and beverages and to mingle with friends, both old and new. President Evans joined to share the latest happenings on campus.
Breithaupt Athletic Hall of Fame November 1, 2024 The 2025 Breithaupt Athletic Hall of Fame inductees were honored on Homecoming weekend with a pregame ceremony and an on-field appearance at halftime before a crowd of family, friends, coaches, and alumni to celebrate this remarkable accomplishment. This year’s class included Will Benson ’16 (Baseball and Basketball), Derek Cox ’16 (Swimming and Diving), Erek Cox ’16 (Swimming and Diving), Blake Gillikin ’16 (Football and Soccer), Tyler Gillikin ’16 (Football), Keller Harper ’16 (Golf), Matt Lunati ’08 (Football and Swimming), Hannah Morgan Eads ’16 (Basketball), Caroline Welsh ’16 (Volleyball), Rankin Woley ’16 (Baseball and Football), and former track coach Mark Cutbirth.
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ALUMNI AND COMMUNITY EVENTS
Beyond the Gates: State of the Art(s) in Atlanta November 21, 2024 Wildcats took over the High Museum of Art to explore the Idyllic Space exhibit highlighting the work of renowned artist Tyler Mitchell ’13. The evening also featured artists Drew Borders ’16 and Tori Tinsley ’99 in conversation with Westminster faculty Ben Steele and Michael Reese on the Atlanta arts ecosystem and trends on the horizon.
Black Alumni Council Candid Cat Conversation December 5, 2024 The Candid Cat Conversation was a meaningful opportunity for alums to come together, build trust, and explore resources for nurturing mental and emotional wellness. Middle School counselor Saundra Zomalt, LPC, primed the group for the conversation and offered a status update on well-being trends across the School as well as resources and tips for managing wellness. BAC leaders R. Mathews ’15, Cheryl Jones Pappy ’77, and Charles Mason ’01 guided guests through a brave conversation on the topic.
Young Alumni Winter Warmer and Happy Hour December 12, 2024 The Young Alumni Council hosted alumni from the classes of 2009 to 2019 on Boone’s Patio at Bobby Jones Golf Course for a night of fun and holiday cheer! Guests enjoyed connecting with former classmates over drinks and appetizers on the patio.
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ALUMNI AND COMMUNITY EVENTS
Black Alumni Council Holiday Pop Up December 19, 2024 The Black Alumni Council hosted a festive and joyful gathering to bring Black alumni together ahead of the holiday season. Old acquaintances reconnected and new connections were made while guests enjoyed light bites and beverages against the festive backdrop of Industry Tavern.
College Alumni Holiday Brunch December 20, 2024 The Student Alumni Council welcomed more than 100 college-age alumni back to campus for an opportunity to catch up with one another and see former teachers and coaches. The brunch featured raffle items, a campus update from President Evans, and plenty of great conversation!
If you’re interested in participating in these or other programs, let us know! Email us at alumni@westminster.net to get started.
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Class Notes From travel to making connections to exciting career moves, Westminster alumni never sit still. Read on to find out what your fellow Wildcats have been up to! Visit westminster.net/alumni to join in and submit your updates for the next issue. This issue reflects class news submitted by March 17, 2025.
1957
1 Susan Crumbecker Colegrove writes: “I have published
several novels and novellas under the pen name of Augusta Trobaugh. Until now, I have kept my identity hidden (how greatly I treasure my privacy!), but I feel safe in providing my real name to folks at Westminster.” A complete listing of Augusta Trobaugh’s work can be found on Amazon.com. Susan’s novel Sophie and the Rising Sun was adapted into film in 2016. 1
2
1964
3 John Barge shared a photo from a reunion of members
from the Class of 1964. Many from the class met at Maggiano's on Friday, February 28 after the annual Golden Wildcats celebration. Back row L-R: John Lert, John Barge, Bruce Logue, Patricia Thrower Barmeyer, Billy Thurman, Zach Thwaite, Charlie Richards, Mac Smith, Susan Swift Haverstick, Marshall Schreeder, George Lawson, Jim Baria, Kirk Rankin, Susie Soper. Front row L-R: Chatty Harris Stover, Grace Trimble, Dorie Stoessel, Mary Anne Davis James, Betsy Loyless. 3
Photo Credit: The Red & Black
1962
2 Laura Whitner Dorsey writes that her son Thomas
Rains Jr., a former Westminster student, is director of the Judge Frank M. Johnson Civil Institute, a nonpolitical organization in Montgomery, Alabama, working in partnership with the Middle District of Alabama to organize programs that foster understanding of the Constitution.
1963
Connie Bandy Elliot has moved to a senior campus in the Pomona/Claremont, California area. The neighborhood is known for its seven colleges, she reports, with many of her neighbors being former professors or master’s or PhD graduates at one of the colleges. She is already busy volunteering for committees and has been featured with a bio in their monthly newsletter.
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4 A Class of 1964 Girls' Lunch was held at the home of
Patricia Thrower Barmeyer on March 1, 2025—“Fun and lots of chatter!” From left: Starr Moore, Betsy Loyless, Chatty Harris Stover, Mary Anne Davis James, Julie Oliver Freudenstein, Dorie Stoessel, Susie Soper, Jeanney Miller Kutner, Susie Livezey Moreland, in front of Susan Gershon Touriel and Rebecca Carpenter McCune, Lucie Griggs, Susan Swift Haverstick, Grace Trimble, Cathy Booth Chambers. 4
CLASS NEWS
Former Westminster Player and Coach Enter Lacrosse Hall of Fame The Georgia Lacrosse Hall of Fame has inducted a former Westminster player and a former Westminster girls assistant coach into its 2025 class. Fielding Kidd Jamieson ’07 and Janna Kaufman were part of a 12-person Hall of Fame class enshrined in late March. Fielding was recognized for her playing career at Westminster, where she earned First Team All-American and two-time team MVP honors, as well as her collegiate accomplishments at Yale University and continued service to the game as a current member of the USA Lacrosse Board of Directors.
coaching stint that included four consecutive state championships from 2010 to 2013, as well as her international coaching roles with both the Israeli and English national women's lacrosse teams. “Exciting news to share about my former player and colleague from the 2025 Georgia Lacrosse Hall of Fame induction ceremony! I was honored to be asked to introduce both of them,” says Jay Watts, a former Westminster teacher, coach, and assistant athletics director. Fielding and Janna join three other Wildcats—Jay, Coach Tony Souza, and Matt Cranshaw ’07—in the Georgia Lacrosse Hall of Fame.
“I didn’t pick up a lacrosse stick until I was 15, which is a relatively late start for someone who would eventually compete at the Division I level, but I think that fact alone speaks volumes about how extraordinary Westminster is and its holistic support system that empowered me to be the best I could be,” Fielding says. Janna was recognized for her playing career at Walton High School and Goucher College and a Westminster
1966
5 Abi Wilkins Babcock
5
shares, “We had a wonderful afternoon showing classmate Connie Wright Howell’s fabulous watercolors at the beautiful home of Frances and Rucker McCarty. Connie is truly inspiring!”
1967
6 Four Dallas-based alums and members at Piersian Club,
“the oldest book club” in the city, gathered for the Centennial Luncheon: (L-R) Fay Howell Lidji ’73, Len Persons Bourland, book reviewer Jenifer Duggan Flynn ’71, and Mary 6 Elizabeth Howard Schleier ’71. Len writes, “[Former Westminster Girls’ English department chair] Miss Frances Outler would be so proud. Great Westminster minds will always coalesce.”
7
1976
7 Ben Joel writes, “I recently
made a field trip to The Colonnade Restaurant to visit our very own Lewis Jeffries, who now owns and runs the place! Naturally, we had to sample the goods while we were there!”
1981
Alan Clarke made Billboard magazine’s Top Music Lawyers lists for both 2023 and 2024. “This annual accolade highlights attorneys who are vital to the music industry’s success, supporting artists, songwriters, and industry leaders,” he writes.
WESTMINSTER | 49
CLASS NEWS
8 Katherine Boozer
Côté reports that her composer son, Alexandre Côté, won an Emmy Award for “Outstanding Music Direction and Composition for a Live Action Program” for Percy Jackson and the Olympians.
8
1993
11 Jonathan Hartley and Thomas Carroll ’92 are pictured
with their sons Jett Hartley ’24 and Hayes Carroll ’24 (L-R Thomas Carroll, Hayes Carroll, Jett Hartley, and Jonathan Hartley) at the U.S. Military Academy.
11
1983
9 Berry Stubbs’ first book, Stacked Stone Poetry, is
now available in e-book and paperback versions on Amazon. The collection of verse over the last 25 years includes poems about marriage, parenting, children, home, vacation, family pets, love, and death “from the perspective of a redeemed father, husband, and friend." Berry adds, “Having just reached 60 years of age and after 33 years as an English literature/poetry major from UNC-Chapel Hill [I] figured it was time to get started [on getting published].” 9
10
2002
12 Just a half hour from Westminster, Anne B. Johnston
delivered a TEDx talk titled “How to Make Finance Beautiful.” As the founder of Created Wealth Advisory, Anne spoke about the Great Wealth Transfer, in which trillions of dollars are shifting as older American generations pass on their assets to younger ones—many of whom may find finance overwhelming, confusing, or even boring. Anne played a financial rock song and invited the audience to reimagine finance as clear, approachable, and beautiful, using creative tools like visuals, stories, and music. 12
1987
10 Carter Stewart’s career path has taken him from
high school teaching to practicing law for 20 years to filmmaking: “In the summer of 2024, I wrote, directed, and produced my first movie short, Lyrical, which examines conflicts and pressures personally witnessed within the criminal justice system and ties into the impact on family… So far, it’s been accepted to twelve film festivals.” The Stanford alum, who was appointed by President Obama as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio in 2009, credits many Westminster classmates with making his movie debut possible: Stockton Croft and Norma Fiedotin executive produced the film, and Marc Lipsitch, Mark Malaspina, Ted Miller, Allen Mosely, and David McDonald helped fund it.
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2010
13 Celia Quillian is excited to announce the January 2025
release of her first book, AI for Life, from publisher Simon & Schuster. “The book explores how generative AI
CLASS NEWS tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot can be used to improve productivity and enhance daily life, featuring over 100 practical use cases,” she says.
accomplishments and the highest overall GPA. Matt graduated from Georgia Tech in May with a degree in computer science and robotics. He is moving to Boston to start a new job at MathWorks as a software developer.
13 14
15
2016
Catherine Christopher was promoted to senior manager, data analytics - financial services, at ArcBest, a logistics 2024 provider in Fort Smith, Arkansas. She leads a team of 15 From Cats to Cadets (L-R): Stella Chartrand, Hayes analysts focused on data analysis and reporting, process Carroll, Daniel Qiu, and Jett Hartley received optimization, and strategic planning. appointments to West Point upon their 2024 Westminster graduation.
2020
14 Matt Ellis has been named the 2024 J.E. McDaniel
Award winner. This award is given to a Georgia Institute of Technology graduating senior co-op student with great
LEADING WITH YOUR LEGACY Generations of Wildcats have thrived thanks to the generosity of the Westminster community. Through forward-thinking and thoughtful estate planning, members of The Cornerstone Society have created a lasting legacy in support of the School’s future.
Interested in learning how you can lead for our Wildcats? Visit: westminstergiftplanning.org Contact: Katie Laney at 404-609-6230 KatieLaney@westminster.net Please consider joining members of this special group of dedicated Westminster supporters whose vision and generosity through deferred gifts shape the foundation for the School’s future.
Marriages Congratulations to all Wildcats celebrating recent marriages!
2005
Alessia Valentini Waller and Charlie Ricketts October 25, 2024
2006
Kristen Plybon and Harrison Lance March 15, 2025
2011
Natalie Bristow and Michael Thorne March 9, 2024
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CLASS NEWS
2014
Sarah Dyer and Samuel Jones August 24, 2024
2016
Hannah Morgan and Marshall Eads July 27, 2024
2018
Isabel Morgan and Will Crow September 14, 2024
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Births and Adoptions Welcome to the Wildcat family, new additions!
2006
Edward Donald Pettit, March 7, 2025 Son of Mary Lowell Downing Pettit and William Pettit
2007
Rhett Walter Armstrong, October 7, 2024 Son of Kat Armstrong and David Armstrong
2007
Margot Rene Zimmerman, October 14, 2024 | Daughter of Caldwell Zimmerman Jr. and Kara Zimmerman
2008
Madeline Townsend Strumph, March 13, 2025 Daughter of Caroline Rawls Strumph and Matt Strumph
2010
James Grady Woodward, February 7, 2025 Son of Ann Giornelli Woodward and Noah Woodward 54 | Fall 2025
CLASS NEWS
2010
Stephen Miller Ledrue MacGregor, December 12, 2024 Taylor Ayres MacGregor and Josh MacGregor
2010
Louise Abigail Mlaver, March 13, 2024 Daughter of Robin Rolader and Eli Mlaver
2011
Alice Winslow Whelchel, December 2024 Daughter of John Whelchel and Julia Metzger Whelchel
2011
Lleyton Landon Rogers, December 27, 2024 Son of Sarah Grady Rogers and Landon Rogers
Staff
Josephine Rae McKenzie, February 11, 2025 Daughter of Mallory McKenzie (OIA Director of Alumni and Parent Engagement) and Thomas McKenzie WESTMINSTER | 55
In Memoriam We extend our deepest sympathies to the members of the Westminster community who have recently lost a loved one. Included in these listings are immediate family members of the deceased who graduated from or attended Washington Seminary, NAPS, or Westminster. This issue reflects deaths reported or received by April 23, 2025. Family listings may not be comprehensive.
Washington Seminary and NAPS Alumnae 1944 WS
Mary Louise Hastings Clarke, November 26, 2024, mother of Hal Clarke ’70, Katie Clarke Hamilton ’72, Becky Clarke Morrison ’75
1949 WS
Dorothy “Dot” Laird Williams, November 11, 2024, mother of Laird Williams ’74 and Douglas Williams ’81
1950 WS
Sylvia Sanders Kelley (former faculty), March 8, 2025, mother of Katharine Kelley ’82, Blaine Kelley III ’84, and Alan Kelley ’87
1951 NAPS
Mary Francis Stubbs Howard, April 7, 2023, mother of Mary Elizabeth Howard Schleier ’71 Patricia “Pat” Boles Roberts, January 19, 2025
Westminster Alumni 1957
1964
Lucille “Luc” Glisson Albee, September 20, 2024, mother of Todd Albee ’90 and Ryan Albee Gibson ’94 Patricia Branch, December 3, 2024, sister of John E. Branch Jr. ’66, mother of Jennifer Branch Luallen ’91 Julia Keller Casey, October 28, 2024 Robert “Bob” Redd, December 13, 2024, father of Robert Redd Jr. ’86 and Jimmy Redd ’89
1968
Craig Stuart McKenzie, January 27, 2025, brother of Carol Ann McKenzie Fuller ’66, Nancy “McKenzie” Keenan ’70, Heather McKenzie Myers ’78
1972
Earl William “Billy” Gunn, March 9, 2025, brother of Elizabeth “Bubba” Gunn Berry ’74 and Roby Gunn ’89, father of Sara Gunn Marrone ’01
1975
Richard Gershon, December 9, 2024, brother of Susan Gershon Tourial ’64 Victor “Peter” Serodino III, December 6, 2023
1987
Josephine “Jo” Sibley Shippen, November 13, 2024
Kristine “Kristi” Smith Cavin, April 2025, sister of Ted Smith Jr. ’83
Helen Hallum Graham, March 2025, mother of Shef Rogers ’81, Shawn Burns ’82, Bill Burns ’84, Heidi Rhodes ’84, and Holly Bolte ’84
2000
Harland “Sam” Dye, December 16, 2024
1960
Joseph “Joe” Boland Jr., January 14, 2025, brother of Laura H. Boland ’65
1962
John “Spencer” Atwater Jr., October 5, 2024, brother of Libba Atwater Drewicz ’69 Eric Swanson, November 25, 2024, brother of Bea Swanson ’64
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Westminster Community Members Larry D. Burns, December 19, 2024, father of Brett Burns ’99 and Caroline Burns Richmond ’01 John Dabney Carr, November 23, 2024, husband of Sunny Passmore Carr ’67
CLASS NEWS
Kirk Terry Dornbush, November 21, 2024, father of Laura Dornbush Iarocci ’77 and Kirk Dornbush Jr. ’79 Donn Gaebelein, October 9, 2024, former teacher, department chair, academic dean, principal, and president; father of Frank E. Gaebelein II ’80 Mary Lynne Hamilton, January 2, 2025, wife of Reid Hamilton ’10 (faculty) William “Stell” Huie, November 4, 2024, father of Helen Huie Ashenfelter ’75 and Sarah Huie Coleman ’77
Gary Jones, March 9, 2025, faculty member and coach; father of Justin Jones ’19, Jasmine Jones ’21, and Jason Jones ’27 Nancy Pavur, October 12, 2024, mother of James Pavur ’13, Elisabeth Pavur ’15, Gigi Pavur ’16, and Sam Pavur ’21 Martha M. Stelling, November 12, 2024, mother of William E. “Ed” Stelling ’02, Joseph M. “Daniel” Stelling ’05, and John M. Stelling ’11
In Memoriam: Donn Gaebelein Donn Gaebelein, Westminster’s third president, passed away last fall at the age of 96. His faithful service was marked by an unwavering commitment to the School’s mission and steadfast leadership that enabled Westminster to thrive throughout his tenure and beyond. Donn joined the Westminster community as a faculty member during the School’s second year of operation in 1952, teaching English, history, and Bible. His leadership grew steadily as he took on various roles—first as English Department Chair and Academic Dean, and later as Principal of the Boys School. Donn left the School to serve as headmaster at the Stony Brook School in New York for 13 years, then returned to Westminster in 1976 when he was appointed president. He led the School for 15 years. “Donn was a person of faith and a scholar, a genuinely warm and affectionate man, a builder of our campus, and a leader who created equity between boys’ and girls’ experiences by shifting to a co-ed model in all areas of school life,” says President Keith Evans. “At heart, Donn was a progressive educator establishing several forward-thinking programs that persist to this day at Westminster.”
Known for his open-door leadership, Donn’s presence was felt far beyond the classroom. He and his wife, Norma, regularly opened their home to students for Bible studies and fellowship, reflecting their deep love for the community they served. Donn’s ability to connect with students, faculty, and families alike was genuine and lasting. “Whenever Donn was asked about his leadership style, he would reply, ‘Just be yourself.’ And ‘yourself’ for Donn was not easily reduced to shorthand,” President Evans says. “Despite being removed in time from Donn by over three decades, the lesson of his life and tenure continues to remind me that we all need ample grace to do this work–and Donn was a man of notable and inexhaustible grace.” At a memorial service held during Reunion Weekend, members from across the Westminster community gathered to honor the life and impact of President Gaebelein. In his remembrance during the service, the Rev. Dr. George B. Wirth, former School trustee and parent, shared, “Throughout the 96 years that he lived on God’s good earth, Donn Medd Gaebelein was faithful to
focus his life on the prophecy in Micah 6:8: ‘What does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.’” Donn’s legacy endures in countless ways, including through The Donn M. and Norma L. Gaebelein Learning Commons, located in the lower level of the Carlyle Fraser Library in Pressly Hall.
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REMEMBERING
Gary Jones This past March, the Westminster community came together to mourn the unexpected loss of beloved teacher, coach, and friend Gary Jones. A fixture on campus for more than two decades, Gary passed away after a tragic boating accident. In the days and weeks that followed, students, colleagues, alumni, and families supported the Jones family and one another.
Whether in the classroom or on the sidelines, [Gary] expected and encouraged the very best in all of us. Our community was and will be forever shaped by his infectious laugh, his deep faith, and his abiding love for all things Middle School.” –Leslie Ann Little Head of Middle School
From quiet moments of reflection to schoolwide prayer services, from handwritten notes to the sea of commemorative T-shirts worn by middle schoolers on the final day of Christian Emphasis Week, Gary’s extraordinary legacy was tangible. Westminster grieved together, stood together, and celebrated a life that quietly helped shape so many young lives for nearly a quarter century. Since joining Westminster in 2002, Gary had become a cornerstone of the Middle School. He taught science with energy and great care for his students, drawing on his background in engineering to make chemistry and physics both rigorous and accessible. As Head of Program for Track and Field and Eighth-Grade Basketball Coach, he challenged studentathletes to work hard and believe in themselves—both on and off the field. “Gary stood at the intersection of science and faith,” reflects Head of Middle School Leslie Ann Little. “Whether in the classroom or on the sidelines, he expected and encouraged the very best in all of us. Our community was and will be forever shaped by his infectious laugh, his deep faith, and his abiding love for all things Middle School.” For many who worked alongside him, Gary was more than a colleague—he was family. Bill Caldwell, longtime Middle School math teacher, shared 25 years of friendship with Gary. He taught Gary’s son, Justin ’19, while Gary tutored Bill’s daughter through a tough chemistry course. “He would do anything for his faculty friends and his students,” Bill says. “The kids knew Coach Jones cared about them—as people and as learners. He always had their best interests at heart.” Gary believed that growth came through challenge. He set high expectations—and then helped his students rise to meet them. As a coach, he demanded effort, not perfection; resilience, not excuses.
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LESSONS FROM
Mr. Jones
On April 4, Middle School students, faculty, and staff gathered for the Gary Jones Day Assembly to lift up and celebrate the impact Gary had on our community. Along with prayer and fellowship, the assembly was a time to share stories and memories–including the many lessons Mr. Jones imparted to students. “Gary was proof that when you expect great things from young people, they will often exceed even their own expectations,” says Ted Sadtler, Middle School Spanish teacher and Director of Teaching and Learning, who coached Track and Field alongside Gary for more than two decades. “We are all sowers of seeds, but Gary coached with the tree in mind, not the seed. He saw what his students and athletes could become long before they did.” That long view informed everything Gary did. Chuck Easley, Assistant Track and Field Coach, points to his colleague and friend’s unusual blend of discipline and devotion—Gary’s “data-based decisions” matched only by his “immense, immeasurable, intentional faith.” That balance made him a rare figure: a coach who could motivate through analytics, prayer, and personal example. “Gary’s joy in helping youth was contagious,” Chuck says. “He rekindled my own love of coaching.”
The work you
Gary’s reach extended far beyond the lab and the locker room. He coached Science Fair and Science Bowl teams to national competitions and was a favorite speaker at retreats, including the 2022 Fall Christian Retreat, where students said, “he spoke directly to what we needed to hear.” His legacy lives on in the thousands of students who left his classroom with a deeper understanding of science—and of themselves. In the track athletes who overcame setbacks to become state champions. In the alumni who now coach others, carrying forward his belief that true leadership means responsibility, not authority. “Gary’s absence leaves a hole in the fabric of our community,” says President Keith Evans. “The outpouring of concern and grief speaks to how deeply he was loved and respected. We have lost a great teacher, coach, and role model whose influence here is hard to overstate. His ability to inspire Wildcats of all ages was his unique gift. We are profoundly grateful for his life and legacy.”
(opposite page) Students and faculty filled Clarkson Hall with tributes, scriptures, and memories honoring Gary. (from top image) For Christian Emphasis Week, middle schoolers chose the theme “You Reap What You Sow” based on Gary’s favorite scripture from Galatians 6:7-9. As a coach, Gary challenged student-athletes to work hard and believe in themselves. Gary, pictured with eighth graders at the 2024-25 Middle School Science Fair, coached Science Fair and Science Bowl teams to national competitions. In the classroom, Gary didn’t just teach students about science, he taught them life lessons that they will take with them forever.
put in will ALWAYS outweigh the work you put out.”
Excellence is
doing your best even when you don’t feel like it.”
If I teach you all the fundamental principles of physical science but do not teach you how to be human I have failed you.”
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Worth 1,000 Words What do mayflies and magistrates have in common? They were both part of the “Chattahoochee River: Politics & Science” 2019 JanTerm course, which covered the ecology, history, culture, and legal disputes concerning Atlanta’s main waterway. During the threeweek class, students enjoyed experiential and outdoor learning opportunities from the Chattahoochee River’s source near Helen, Georgia, down to the Gulf of Mexico and St. George Island, which is composed of sediment transported by the river system from as far as the Blue Ridge Mountains. For the past ten years, JanTerm courses like this have connected students with real-world experiences far beyond Westminster's gates. We look forward to seeing what new horizons JanTerm students explore in the next decade.
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