FALL/WINTER 2021
CONTENTS CONTRIBUTORS Executive Editors Liz Ball Emilie Henry Managing Editors
16
Kathleen Poe Ross ’01 Alyssa Huntt Editorial Staff Caroline Rothschild Contributors President Keith Evans
8
Justin Abraham Jane Lauderdale Armstrong ’74 Catie Chubb ’20 Stacie Davis Rapson ’83
FEATURES
Erin Dentmon
8
Pamela Nye Katie Trainor Bailey Ward Regina Wood Art Direction & Design Green Gate Marketing Photography Dennis Carter
Barge Commons
This new gateway to campus creates spaces where the Westminster community can gather and welcome the world as we look to the future.
16 Post Meridiem When school lets out every day, the classrooms get quiet and the rest of campus comes to life with clubs, practices, rehearsals, and more.
Matthew Warren Student, faculty, staff, and parent photographers The Lewis H. Beck Archives at Westminster
26 Campus Construction New and improved facilities at the heart of our athletics complex create a better experience for athletes and fans alike.
Printing Perfect Image
DEPARTMENTS 2 4 32 38 52 62 70
From the President Wildcat Tracks Wildcat Den Faculty and Staff Class of 2021 Alumni News Class Notes
COMMENTS TO THE EDITOR: Please address comments to:
Mike Glatzer Paul Ward
26
Westminster continues to follow the most up-to-date public health guidelines regarding COVID-19. The majority of photos in this issue were taken during the 2020-21 and 2021-22 school years and reflect the guidelines in place at the time they were taken. Thanks to our student, faculty, staff, and parent photographers for their contributions.
Liz Ball Associate Vice President for Strategic Communications lizball@westminster.net Please direct Class Notes submissions to the Office of Alumni Engagement: classnews@westminster.net For change-of-address requests: advservices@westminster.net
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Dear Westminster Community, A recent morning found the entire fifth grade in Blake Hall, the central gathering space in Barge Commons. They had assembled to kick off the year in a leadership development program aptly named CATapult. On any other morning, Blake Hall would be a coveted space for Upper School students needing to finish up homework or parents attending a PAWS meeting. On this particular morning, it welcomed the fifth grade—a testament to the fact that Barge Commons is our first building that belongs to everyone. Standing in the middle of the room, the fifth graders organized themselves loosely into concentric circles around one classmate in the center. The young man in the middle represented each of us, surrounded by circles of the people we are close to and those on the outer ring who we might only encounter once in a lifetime. The questions for this opening session were timeless and important: As aspiring leaders, how do we think about our obligations and responsibilities to the innermost circle, those closest to us, like family and close friends (and, of course, pets)? How does that change or stay the same as we move to outer circles, where
we might find a first responder or a fellow traveler in an airport or a server in a restaurant or a member of an opposing soccer team? Fifth graders may not have made it to calculus yet, but they can answer these big questions like pros. In this exercise, they located “listening” in their inner circle and “always saying ‘thank you’” no matter the circle. They knew the difference between caring for a loved one and the love for humanity that is evident in treating unknown others with respect. And they were able to connect the empathy and compassion at the heart of family bonds to the empathy and compassion that serves to bind our wider communities together. A couple years ago—before a single brick had even been formed for Barge Commons—I shared a favorite quote in this spot in our magazine from Winston Churchill: “We shape our buildings, and afterwards they shape us.” Our fifth graders circled up in an expansive, light-filled space, surrounded by passersby who stopped to see what they were doing and listen to their ideas. The space inspired ideas that were bigger and more generous than they might have been otherwise. They were shared within earshot of members of our community who would have found a spot on the second or third concentric circle. Indeed, the circles themselves were physically spread out across the ample square footage of Blake Hall,
providing a visual analogue to the real world. The building that was shaped to encourage leadership on display was now shaping a conversation among emerging leaders. In our opening weeks of the school year, our fifth graders were preceded in Barge Commons by eighth graders in a leadership class of their own; returning and new parents greeting one another and a new school year class by class; alumni assembling for a memorial service in the chapel; English classes meeting daily; Trustees governing and leadership teams leading; and an overflowing community gathering in prayer for a student in a long battle against cancer. Needless to say, circles were overlapping and re-forming in each gathering. Behind many different styles of masks, people smiled with their eyes, just like the fifth graders said they should. Spaces free our spirits too. Perhaps the overriding sentiment we all feel in Barge Commons is gratitude. Certainly gratitude for a place that came along at just the right time for all of us to overcome the isolation of a long pandemic and provide a place to restore the connections in our community. But as important, thanksgiving for a front door that welcomes our whole School to its gracious spaces while welcoming the world to Westminster. Best wishes,
Keith Evans President
ADMINISTRATION
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
EMERITUS TRUSTEES
Keith A. Evans President
Joel T. Murphy ’76, Chair Janet M. Lavine, Vice Chair Marilyn S. Black Elizabeth Kilcullen Blake Rosalind G. Brewer J. Donald Childress David D. Cummings Michael J. Egan ’74 Jack N. Halpern ’67 Scott D. Hawkins Angela Hsu Ira L. Jackson ’83 Katharine W. Kelley ’82 Stephen S. Lanier ’96 Sukai Liu David M. Love ’90 Lisa Olivetti McGahan Richard V. McPhail III Allison Bolch Moran ’86 R. Brand Morgan ’94 Floyd C. Newton III ’73 Thomas E. Noonan Rahul Patel William T. Plybon Kelly A. Regal Natosha Reid Rice Louise Scott Sams ’75 Stephen L. Schoen ’80 S. Stephen Selig ’61 Jeffrey P. Small Jr. ’85 C. Austin Stephens ’93 Timothy P. Tassopoulos Dana Weeks Ugwonali D. Scott Weimer
James S. Balloun Betsy Barge Birkholz ’69 Lisa Borders ’75 James E. Bostic Jr. David E. Boyd Peter M. Candler ’60 Samuel G. Candler Richard W. Courts II ’55 Ann Draughon Cousins Suzanne LeCraw Cox ’71 Joseph M. Craver F. T. Davis Jr. ’56 Harold A. Dawson ’82 Virginia Gaines Dearborn ’56 W. Douglas Ellis Jr. Joseph W. Hamilton Jr. Allen S. Hardin Thomas D. Hills ’62 Ronald P. Hogan Barbara Benson Howell W. Stell Huie L. Phillip Humann M. Hill Jeffries Jr. ’73 E. Cody Laird Jr. J. Hicks Lanier ’58 Dennis M. Love ’74 Carolyn Cody McClatchey ’65 Terence F. McGuirk Olga Goizueta Rawls ’73 Margaret Conant Reiser ’73 B. Clayton Rolader ’72 John W. Rooker ’56 L. Barry Teague John A. Wallace James B. Williams George B. Wirth
Toni Boyd Vice President for Finance and Operations Tim Downes Director of Athletics Emilie Henry Vice President for Institutional Advancement Jim Justice Dean of Academics and Curriculum Whit McKnight Head of Lower School Marjorie Dixon Mitchell ’82 Director of Enrollment Management Danette Morton Head of Middle School Thad Persons ’88 Dean of Faculty Bob Ryshke Executive Director, Center for Teaching Chanley Small ’87 Interim Head of Upper School Torrey Williams Chief Information Officer
PRESIDENT Keith A. Evans ALUMNI ASSOCIATION REPRESENTATIVE Wab Kadaba ’87
WESTMINSTER | 3
Wildcat Tracks The second half of the 2020-21 school year was certainly busy! Wildcats found new ways to learn and grow every single day. This selection of campus life activities is only a sample of the lessons learned and the fun experienced.
Lower Schoolers Learn About Those Who Opened the Doors Every Lower School Wildcat got hands-on for Black History Month to create nearly 40 displays that transformed the hallways into a vibrant door-to-door, student-led learning experience spotlighting Black leaders in history and the contemporary Black leaders for whom they “opened the door.” Students took deep dives in homeroom, science, and special area classes to research two iconic Black figures in the same career field—one from the past and one from the present. They shared their learning by creating displays on classroom doors and making video presentations.
What We Do: Lynx 2021 The 2020-21 Lynx staff got creative to cover an unusual year for the yearbook, with a theme of “What We Do.” Upper School Chaplain Rev. David Charney and Performing Arts Department Chair Kate Morgens ’91 received this year’s Lynx yearbook dedication for their positive attitudes and the impacts they’ve had on students’ lives inside and outside the classroom.
Cats Engage with the Community Across divisions, our students stayed involved in the community even when field trips weren’t an option. Through the Glenn Institute, students completed 47 group and individual projects, partnering alongside our community in a variety of ways. On the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, Lower School students packed 20,736 meals for Rise Against Hunger. Middle School students donated 700+ backpacks and luggage to people experiencing homelessness in Atlanta. Upper School students in the Service Corps filled Easter eggs with candy and handwritten notes for the A.G. Rhodes Assisted Living Facility.
4 | Fall/Winter 2021
WILDCAT TRACKS
Animation Innovation! Katherine Su ’28’s animation project The Claw Machine won second place at the Cobb Regional Technology Competition, where students in 3rd through 12th grades living in the areas served by the Cobb County, Marietta City, and Douglas County school systems compete in digital technology categories.
Wildcat Writers Narrative magazine announced Sarah Lao ’21 as the winner of the publication’s sixth annual “Tell Me a Story” High School Contest. Her poem “Triptych” won first place in a competition that received submissions from high school students in 39 states and 19 countries.
National Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Kirsten Liang ’26, Soumia Vellanki ’21, and Alex Wa ’24 each received a silver medal in the national Scholastic Art & Writing Awards competition. Students across the United States submitted nearly 320,000 works of art and writing in 29 categories; out of those, approximately 1,700 students received national medals. At the regional level, 25 Wildcats from the Middle School and Upper School were honored.
16 Middle and Upper School students were selected for All-State Orchestra and Band. Field Day of Play! On their respective Field Days, Lower and Middle School students celebrated the end of the school year with teamwork, competition, and fun! Students participated in indoor and outdoor activities that encouraged a wide variety of interests and skills.
WESTMINSTER | 5
WILDCAT TRACKS
Yash Kadadi
Matthew Spillman
Anand Srinivasan
Neema Salimi
Tim Shabanowitz
STAR Students and Teachers Seniors Yash Kadadi, Matthew Spillman, and Anand Srinivasan were named Westminster’s STAR Students for 2021. Each STAR Student can select a teacher to recognize; Yash chose Tim Shabanowitz, director of the Middle School’s Goizueta Innovation Lab, while Matthew and Anand both chose Upper School math teacher Neema Salimi.
Welcome, New Wildcats! Westminster welcomed our newly enrolled students to campus with a drive-through celebration in the spring, where new students received personalized boxes with Westminster gear and enthusiastic greetings from current families, faculty, and staff. At the start of the 2021-22 school year, we welcomed 241 new students from 35 zip codes.
Masks Couldn’t Stop the StageCats Even in a year like no other, the show must go on. Middle and Upper School students prepared tirelessly for three fantastic productions in spring 2021. The Upper School spring play, All in the Timing, the Middle School musical, Frozen Jr., and the Upper School spring musical, High School Musical 2, featured performances by talented StageCats and were viewed virtually by more than 1,500 friends and family.
6 | Fall/Winter 2021
WILDCAT TRACKS
STAY CONNECTED Christian Emphasis Week During Christian Emphasis Week, Lower, Middle, and Upper School students delved into our Christian mission with service projects, performances, and more. On the theme of justice, mercy, and humility from Lower School motto Micah 6:8b, Lower School students made word clouds, wrote poetry, and held an Easter service. Middle School students joined together for a service project, virtual assemblies, scavenger hunt, and more around the theme of “Livin’ on a Prayer.” The “Resilience and Reflection”-themed Upper School CEW included guest speakers; individual exercises on reflection, gratitude, and positivity; and a Holy Week service.
Want to learn more about what the Wildcats have been up to? Look us up and follow along on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn for the latest news and happenings! @WestminsterATL @WestminsterATL WestminsterATL The Westminster Schools
These were our top Instagram posts of spring 2021! Can you guess which one was shared the most? Answer: Senior Countdown
Class of 2021 Senior Celebration
Class of 2021 Commencement
Upper School Vaccines
Class of 2021 Senior Countdown
Girls Basketball double overtime
WESTMINSTER | 7
WELCOME TO
BARGE COMMONS
8 | Fall/Winter 2021
By Kathleen Poe Ross ’01
T
his summer, Westminster opened Barge Commons, its new official front door. Designed to foster connections and welcome the world to our School, the building has quickly become an essential part of campus life. In December 2019, Westminster broke ground on the final building project within the first phase of the Campus Plan—a center of welcome and connection for the School. Construction fencing covered in green banners separated Askew and Robinson Halls at the top end of Westminster’s main campus from the active construction site. From foundation and frame to bricks and blocks of limestone, a new entryway took form at the head of the quad. Now, nearly two years and one pandemic later, the new building stands as a symbol not just of welcome but of Westminster’s perseverance, proudly welcoming Wildcats back to campus and looking boldly toward the future. The project was first introduced to the community as “Westminster Center,” a multifunctional building intended to serve students and faculty as well as welcome visitors, prospective Wildcats, community partners, and city leaders to campus. Situated at the top of the historic quad, the building was conceptualized as a home for leadership development and community engagement, meant to facilitate the many An aerial view of the Barge Commons construction site in the Spring of 2020. ways a Westminster education is enhanced by deep connections with the city and world beyond our gates. Early in 2021, John Barge ’64 reached out to Westminster looking for meaningful ways to give back to the School, a place that has had a lifelong impact on him. From those conversations, a transformative gift of $10 million emerged—the lead gift earmarked for the building—and “Westminster Center” got a new name: Barge Commons.
WESTMINSTER | 9
Once John and his wife, Olivia, got involved, their contributions went far beyond the financial. They became close partners in clarifying the building’s significance and purpose. In the weeks after their initial discussion with Westminster, the Barges met with the architects, toured the building, reviewed the larger campus plan, and learned more about what the School’s leaders envisioned for the space. “Westminster is a world-class school with a world-class faculty and administration, and it deserves physical facilities to match that,” John said. “I wanted to give this gift before I saw the building, but it’s spectacular.”
An Enduring Gift On a sunny morning at the end of June, the Barge family and more than 100 guests—friends and extended family, members of the Board of Trustees and the Alumni Association Governing Board, and many of the donors who helped build Barge Commons—gathered on campus to officially open Westminster’s new front door. A wide Westminster-green ribbon stretched across the entrance to the building. On the plaza, a string quartet of student musicians played as a live-scene painter captured the event on canvas. The ribbon-cutting ceremony and coffee reception celebrated the generosity of John and Olivia Barge and their fellow donors, the vision that catalyzed the project, and all the possibilities of the new space. “Barge Commons is classrooms and meeting spaces, offices, and a chapel,” Westminster President Keith Evans told the crowd outside the building. “But more than any single function, 10 | Fall/Winter 2021
Barge Commons is the place our Westminster community both gathers and reaches out to our city and the wider world.” After President Evans’ welcome, John Barge approached the podium to speak. He flashed back to 1958 when, as a skinny 11-year-old boy, he first walked into Jack Shields’ seventh
“When I learned about this building that welcomes the world to Westminster, I knew right away that I wanted to be part of it. It gave me a welcome chance to express my appreciation and to help Westminster grow even stronger.” —John Barge grade classroom and began what he called his “wonderful adventure as a Westminster student.” Outside of his home, he said, it was the most formative experience of his life. John noted how Westminster students already excelled in academics and athletics in those early days, but they also made sure to balance out the challenging atmosphere with a little fun. When he was in high school, he recalled, the boys had to wear a coat and tie on Fridays, and as a prank one week, John and his classmates secretly planned Ugly Tie Day. John’s homemade tie—a strip of raw bacon wrapped in cellophane—was easily the ugliest accessory on campus, and
it quickly became the stuff of campus legend. Returning to the present, John explained what drew him to this project. “When I learned about this building that welcomes the world to Westminster, I knew right away that I wanted to be part of it. It gave me a welcome chance to express my appreciation and to help Westminster grow even stronger,” he said. “It also gave Olivia and me a welcome opportunity to honor our precious daughter, Britney Barge, who was an active student here for nine years and loved Westminster. Olivia and I made our gift in loving memory of Britney.” Following his remarks, John and Olivia walked over to the doors of Barge Commons and picked up the ceremonial golden scissors. With one snip, they cut the ribbon. John waved everyone inside the building for a breakfast reception featuring a champagne toast and, in a nod to John’s infamous ugly tie, a tree hung with pieces of (cooked) bacon. Staffers working in Barge Commons—members of the Admissions Office, the Office for Top Photo: John ’64 and Olivia Barge cut the ceremonial green ribbon and welcome their guests into Barge Commons. Middle Left Photo: Fellow alumni Hayward McEver ’99, Brooks Barge ’99, Sarah Hawkins Warren ’00, and Preston Moister ’99 joined in celebrating the newest building on campus. Middle Right Photo: Westminster Trustees Scott Hawkins, Mike Egan, Dana Ugwonali, and Joel Murphy were among the many Trustees who attended the event. Bottom Photo: John Barge ’64 and Westminster Board of Trustees Chairman Joel Murphy ’76 enjoy breakfast from the “Bacon Tree” in honor of one of John’s favorite pranks from his high school days.
“An entrance at the head of our quad facing outward reflects our commitment to being part of the fabric of Atlanta. An entrance facing inward reflects our commitment to inviting our students to engage with each other and with their extended community. A spacious lobby, a warm receptionist, admissions office, and great hall speak to our commitment to hospitality—to extending Westminster’s welcome to Wildcats and soon-to-be Wildcats alike. Our commitment to service is represented in the offices of the Glenn Institute and Odyssey, our commitment to excellence in teaching in the Center for Teaching, our commitment to our relationships and connection within the Wildcat community in the Office for Institutional Advancement. And at the very highest point in the center of it all, a Chapel speaks to our commitment to our Christian values and our mission to educate the mind, body, and spirit of our students.”
— President Keith Evans E xcerpt from remarks at Barge Commons ribbon-cutting
Institutional Advancement, and the Center for Teaching, among others— cheered from the second floor of the atrium as the guests streamed in for refreshments and self-guided tours of the new building. Joel Murphy ’76, Chair of the Board of Trustees, invited everyone to raise their glasses to John and Olivia, their generosity and care for Westminster, and their vision for a bright future.
A Grand Reopening Six weeks later, another celebration of new beginnings took place on campus: the first day of the 202122 school year. With updated COVID-19 health and safety protocols thanks to the widespread availability and uptake of vaccines, masks were now optional outdoors. Parents and visitors were once again allowed to join the festivities, adding another dimension of excitement. An arch of green and white balloons spanned the campus road, and upbeat music welcomed cars onto campus. Students and families driving through the front gate were greeted by seniors lining the street, dressed in matching T-shirts and waving homemade signs that said “Class of ’22” and “Honk if you love Seniors!” Dogs barked from car windows and drivers honked their
horns in cheerful response. “The atmosphere was really joyful!” said Charlotte Baugher ’22. “Just being able to cheer everyone in at the front gate—it felt like a little piece of normal had come back. And I think everyone was excited to see each other and see their full faces with no masks.” After the seniors had ushered all the cars through the front gate, they walked together across campus to Barge Commons. The Class of 2022 gathered on the back steps of the building, facing the quad, for a class photo to commemorate their last first day of school. Behind them stood a new gateway connecting past, present, and future, the Westminster community, and the world beyond. This building, meticulously designed to make meaningful connections, was already fulfilling its promise.
A Place of Possibility While Barge Commons now greets Upper School students every day, the School made a point of inviting families across all divisions to see the new building as the academic year got underway. The first weeks of school saw several groups of parents come through the building for informal
grade-level coffees and self-guided tours of the common spaces. At the gathering for eighth grade parents, President Evans spoke from the steps of the atrium about the intentional design of Barge Commons and the opportunities ahead for their children at Westminster. “The transparency and ability to see through the building were important because we want what happens in this building to be on display,” President Evans said. “We want to stimulate curiosity in this building. We want Top Photo: After cheering on their fellow classmates at the main entrance to campus, members of the Class of 2022 made their way to the steps of the newly opened Barge Commons for their first official picture as seniors. Middle Left Photo: President Keith Evans greeted senior parents in the Glenn Family Atrium in Barge Commons after their kids headed off to their first day of classes. Parents of students in all grade levels were invited for similar events in Barge Commons throughout the fall—welcome invitations after being unable to visit campus for more than a year. Middle Right and Bottom Photos: Members of the Class of 2022 lined the entrance to campus to celebrate the start of their senior year and welcome the community back to campus on the first day of classes for the 2021-22 school year.
THE BI-LINE: WHAT’S IN A NAME? Barge Commons is not the first lasting feature of Westminster campus life to be named by John Barge ’64. In 1963, Westminster formed a new student newspaper, and John, the head editor from the Boys’ School, was asked to work with co-editor Donna Evans Brown ’64 from the Girls’ School to title the publication. They came up with The Westminster Bi-Line, a play on both the newspaper term and the merging of two schools that operated separately at the time. The name has stuck for 58 years and counting. “I think the extent of Mr. Barge’s influence on the Bi-Line—and the School—is amazing. It’s over 50 years later, and we still use the name that he created during his time as editor,” says Khushi Niyyar ’22, co-editor of the Bi-Line. “He’s definitely inspiring to me, and I love how he was able to make such a
long-lasting influence starting when he was a senior, just like us.” That legacy now extends through Barge Commons, which, like the Bi-Line, serves to bring the School community together. The students have wasted no time settling into the building, whether taking a coffee break, visiting the art gallery, or doing homework in a quiet spot with a view. “After school when I don’t have practice for sports, I’ll come here and just sit on the top floor and work,” says Noah Turbes ’22, Bi-Line co-editor. “It feels like this building has it all.” Read more about the Bi-Line and other student newspapers throughout our history in School Days on pages 50-53.
WESTMINSTER | 13
kids to come in, see a gathering here in Blake Hall, and stop and look and see what’s going on.” President Evans emphasized to the group that Barge Commons and its spaces were designed to maximize the potential of students, aid in their development, and encourage them to learn and grow beyond the walls of our classrooms. Head of Middle School Danette Morton felt the architects, builders, and designers of Barge Commons successfully captured the essence of this vision. The building was meant, she said, to “embrace the visitors to this campus, embrace the community outside of Westminster, and have a gathering space for the adults that support the student community— but also for the student community itself.” When students of all ages come to Barge Commons, they have access to casual spaces to study, socialize, and eat a snack or drink coffee from the Guan Café. They might have a class or club meeting, or maybe they’ve come to volunteer in the Admissions Office or check out the lobby gallery showcasing Westminster’s talented visual arts students. “When I first walked into Barge Commons, I saw the art gallery,” said Nishka Bahl ’22. “I thought that was a very nice way to greet people— being able to see students’ artwork that people wouldn’t otherwise be able to celebrate or see.” Students can also come to Barge Commons to learn more about service opportunities available to them in the office of the Glenn Institute for Philanthropy and Service Learning. Meghan James, director of the Glenn Institute, is already seeing a few of the ways Barge Commons can bring the community together. “I’ve hosted, along with my colleagues, two different multigrade events, including one for the new Civic Engagement Fellows Program,”
James said. “The open space gives us an opportunity to be both inside and outside, to have collaborative conversations, for us not to be isolated but to really feel like we are an integral and important part of the community here at Westminster.” Since Barge Commons opened its doors, the building has hosted a wide array of events for both students and the broader School community. The Chapel has welcomed weekly Friday Morning Fellowship, hosted a remembrance service to honor the 20th anniversary of 9/11, and provided a meaningful space for a memorial service for Jack Shields, the beloved teacher who made such an impression on John Barge as a student. Blake Hall and the Glenn Family Atrium have seen PAWS meetings, a luncheon for retiring faculty and staff, and the 2021 Breithaupt Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony, among many other events. Around and in between all of these events, the building is abuzz with the energy of minds at work. And there’s much more to come. The plan for Barge Commons includes cultivating partnerships with local schools around Atlanta, hosting conferences and leadership events, and supporting nonprofit initiatives that serve our community and beyond. “If this campus is an expression of our values, Barge Commons makes a powerful statement about courage, leadership, curiosity, and optimism for a future characterized by collective impact,” says Emilie Henry, Vice President for Institutional Advancement. “Philanthropy fuels the hopes and dreams of our students as well as our greatest aspirations. Together, with Olivia and John Barge leading the way, donors to this project made Westminster a philanthropic priority. We are deeply grateful for their vision and partnership and, importantly, their care for this place
and its people.” After a disruptive two years, the desire for connection is palpable The Westminster community is eager to gather again in new and meaningful ways. Barge Commons links campus and community, serving as a reminder of where we’ve been and a guide for where we’re going. The opening of our new front door signifies a poignant and triumphant moment in the history of Westminster—a celebration of the strength of our community and our vision for the future. Top Left Photo: The Pannu Family Admissions Suite welcomes prospective Wildcats and their families into a welldefined lobby designed to celebrate all stages of the Westminster experience. Adjacent offices and a conference room enable the cross-divisional admissions team to engage in the critical strategic work of identifying future Wildcats. Top Right Photo: The Glenn Family Atrium has already hosted many Westminster events. The space offers a warm welcome to visitors and community members alike and features a dynamic 14-by-24-foot video wall displaying content celebrating Westminster and the city we serve. Middle Left Photo: This conference room near the Chapel on the third floor of Barge Commons is given by the Fraser-Parker Foundation in honor of Reverend Woody Barnes, with gratitude for his 39 years of service to the School’s founding Christian mission and for serving as its first chaplain. Middle Right Photo: The Guan Café, offering made-to-order specialty drinks, pastries, and other quality grab-and-go options, is designed to meet the needs— and taste buds—of today’s students, faculty, staff, and guests of Westminster. Bottom Photo: Blake Hall is the epitome of a flexible, modern space. On any given day, it transforms from a coveted hangout and study space for students to a conference room hosting professional development for faculty and staff to a special event space for gatherings. INSPIRED DESIGN Some of the graphic elements in this story are pulled from the walls of Barge Commons. Come visit and see if you can spot them in the building!
WESTMINSTER | 15
Post Meridiem
16 | Fall/Winter 2021
What do you remember about your Westminster days? Classes and hard work, of course. But probably also a few bus rides to and from sporting events or performances. And almost certainly the hours spent with classmates in the Hut or on the Pressly steps or in Turner Gym waiting for your next activity to start—which turned out to be the very hours when lifelong friendships formed. Some of the spaces and activities have changed, but the Westminster experience still extends far beyond classroom hours. Each day when the final afternoon bell rings, hundreds of Westminster students fan out across campus to participate in a variety of activities. The following is just a small snapshot of the extracurriculars that Wildcats take part in after the school day ends.
WESTMINSTER | 17
2:45 p.m. School’s Out!
The Westminster experience doesn’t end when the final bell rings. Middle School students spend time with their friends before heading to carpool, clubs, or athletics.
3:00 p.m. ASK!
The After School Kids! program offers a nurturing environment that fosters curiosity and creativity in Lower School children after the school day ends. Students spend time playing, learning, and having a blast each day.
18 | Fall/Winter 2021
3:15 p.m. Student Life
Students wasted no time getting comfortable in all the study and hangout spaces in Barge Commons. At Guan Café students—and faculty, parents, and visitors—can grab freshly brewed coffee and to-go snacks throughout the day. Blake Hall and various seating areas provide ample space for Wildcats getting an early start on homework.
3:30 p.m. Robotics Club
The Middle School Robotics Club boasts a robust roster of 80 WiredCats who meet after school three times a week. Competing within the VEX Robotics program, students work in teams to design and create their own robots. In 2021, two Middle School WiredCats teams competed virtually at the VEX Robotics World Championship!
WESTMINSTER | 19
4:00 p.m. WCAT Game Day Prep
The WCAT crew meets hours before every Friday night football game. Students begin planning the broadcast, completing their rundown, and creating on-air graphics. At the same time, the tech crew starts setting up cameras and equipment in Thompson Stadium. By 7 p.m., it’s “lights, camera, action!” as WCAT goes live for pregame commentary.
4:30 p.m. Play Rehearsal
There’s always something going on in Kellett Theatre! StageCats use the space for rehearsal after school most days in the fall. The casts of this season’s productions, Museum and Hamlet, spend time running lines and learning blocking with their directors as they prepare for each opening night.
5:00 p.m. Volleyball Game
The state champion VolleyCats know how to bring the energy— and the crowds—to Turner Gym. The varsity squad, coached by Catherine Monroe, routinely makes deep state playoff runs and won the program’s 12th state championship in 2020.
20 | Fall/Winter 2021
5:30 p.m. Softball Practice
The softball team has a new home on campus at the heart of the School’s athletics ecosystem: The newly dedicated Mildred Neal Scott Field at KCB Stadium sits between Turner Gym and Thompson Stadium. This facility provides our softball BatCats with a home to match the caliber of our program and its studentathletes.
6:00 p.m. Open Studio
Our talented Upper School visual arts students have the opportunity to create after school hours during Open Studio. Students come to work at their own pace, often assisted by faculty. At Open Studio, you’ll see a wide variety of projects coming to life, including ceramics, design projects, paintings, and more.
WESTMINSTER | 21
6:30 p.m. Fans On Campus
Friday nights are for the fans! In the hours leading up to kickoff, spectators walk through our beautiful campus on their way to the stadium.
7:00 p.m. Catbackers in Concessions It wouldn’t be a football game without stadium snacks. Thanks to Catbackers, the School’s parent athletic booster group, the new Kellett Concession Stand is open for nearly every athletic competition in the stadium.
7:30 p.m. Game On!
It’s the moment the football team, cheerleaders, and WCAT crew have prepared for: game time! With each completed pass and tackle, the Wildcat supporters in the stadium erupt in cheers, while the WCAT crew provides live commentary and analysis for families, alumni, and friends watching from home.
22 | Fall/Winter 2021
WESTMINSTER | 23
10:00 p.m. Barge Commons at Night
As fans and families return to their cars in the parking deck after the game, they pass Barge Commons again. Our campus is home to myriad Wildcat accomplishments, limitless student growth, and a vibrant community—and our new front door ties it all together. Go Cats, and good night!
24 | Fall/Winter 2021
WESTMINSTER | 25
Campus Construction Update:
Enhancing the Athlete and Fan Experience When Westminster’s current campus plan was first envisioned, no one could have imagined how timely the opening of spaces specifically designed to bring our community together would be. For more than a year—and four full athletic seasons—Wildcat fans were unable to cheer on their favorite teams in person as the campus remained mostly closed to parents, alumni, and other visitors in order to ensure the safest environment possible for students, faculty, and staff due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to the generosity of the Westminster community, spaces throughout the School’s athletics complex have now been transformed to support our student-athletes and create an engaging experience for Wildcat fans. Spectators have returned to the stands for the 2021-22 athletic seasons in full force and are finally able to experience these dynamic new spaces meant to bring the Wildcat Nation together.
ALFRED E. THOMPSON STADIUM As home to Wildcat football, soccer, lacrosse, track and field, cross country, and cheerleading, Alfred E. Thompson Stadium serves nearly 1,000 student-athletes each year. It is a space that witnesses the joy of winning and the learning of loss, along with the life lessons fostered through teamwork, individual perseverance, and camaraderie between athletes and their coaches. In addition to our own Westminster community, the stadium hosts thousands of visitors from across Georgia and beyond each year. The enhancements to the stadium include renovated home team spectator seating, new halftime locker rooms for the home and away teams, an athletic training room, new entryways into the stands, and new restrooms. Another critical feature is the incorporation of ADA-compliant accessibility throughout the athletics complex, which ensures all Wildcats and guests coming to campus can access the stadium and fields to cheer on their team.
26 | Fall/Winter 2021
CAMPUS CONSTRUCTION UPDATE COMMUNITY PLAZA The 8,643-square-foot gathering space between Hawkins Hall and Alfred E. Thompson Stadium has quickly become the destination for a variety of community events. From faculty and staff luncheons to end-of-season celebrations for Middle and Upper School athletics teams and gatherings in honor of leadership donors to the annual Westminster Fund (like the one pictured at right), the flexible outdoor space provides myriad opportunities for Wildcats to connect.
MCGAHAN FAMILY PRESS BOX When Wildcat fans and guests enter Alfred E. Thompson Stadium for a football game, soccer match, or track and field meet, they are welcomed by commentators calling plays and celebrating on-field successes from the McGahan Family Press Box. The McGahan Family Press Box has been transformed to incorporate technology and space for home and visiting coaches as well as our student-led and Emmy Award-winning WCAT.
WESTMINSTER | 27
CAMPUS CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
THE KELLETT CONCESSION STAND The new Kellett Concession Stand, recognizing the generosity of Carol and Stiles Kellett, is a favorite destination for Wildcat fans attending any number of sporting events throughout the year. Catbackers, Westminster’s parent athletics booster group, manages the concession stand and coordinates schedules with more than 1,000 parent volunteers annually. Funds raised through food and beverage sales (including more than 125 Chick-fil-A sandwiches and 200 servings of Dippin’ Dots during Friday night football alone!) help maintain the excellence of Wildcat athletics. The Kellett Concession Stand incorporates enhanced technology and offers volunteers an opportunity to catch every play while serving the Westminster community.
28 | Fall/Winter 2021
CAMPUS CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
KCB STADIUM Our softball BatCats now have a home stadium to match the caliber of our athletes and program! The new Mildred Neal Scott Field at KCB Stadium brings our softball program into the heart of Westminster’s athletics ecosystem, nestled between Turner Gym and Alfred E. Thompson Stadium. KCB Stadium is dedicated in memory of Kathie Capano Bekkers, loving mother of Charlotte Farley ’14, Annabel Farley ’16, and McKenna Bekkers ’26. At the dedication of the new stadium in August (pictured below), Director of Athletics Tim Downes reflected on the impact of the new space. “We are deeply grateful to all who have invested in this vision for our softball program,” he said. “Seeing Westminster’s commitment to this project, to nurturing talents of our players, and to empowering our female student-athletes gives me a great sense of appreciation and pride.”
WESTMINSTER | 29
THANK YOU! Your support makes the difference.
At this time last year life was full of unknowns, but one thing was certain: We were making our way through a year like no other. During the 2020-21 school year, Westminster not only survived but thrived amid myriad constraints and challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to the generous support of our community. We were able to welcome students back to campus with rigorous safety protocols in place as well as provide remote and hybrid instruction. Sports, performing arts, clubs, and other extracurricular activities resumed as we reimagined all aspects of campus life and learning. In the midst of so much change, our students experienced countless moments that mattered—moments that could only happen at Westminster. Your dedication to the School ensured a rich, engaging experience for Wildcats in every division.
Through it all, we had a record-breaking year of philanthropic support. We can’t say it enough: Thank you.
COMING SOON We look forward to sharing more about the impact of your generosity in the 2020-21 Report on Philanthropy. Be on the lookout for this digital report later this winter.
30 | Fall/Winter 2021
2020-21
Philanthropic Highlights A Record-Breaking Year!
56% increase in philanthropic commitments year over year
$4.68M in Westminster Fund giving
$34.5M in total philanthropic commitments
WILDCAT DEN
WINTER 2020 Boys Swimming & Diving Standout stat: Swimmers and divers secured the program’s 28th state title after earning 14 top-10 finishes at the state meet.
Student-athlete achievements: The 200-yard freestyle relay team of Saavan Shah ’22, Charlie Bollwerk ’22, Tobias Liu ’22, and Ashwin Pillai ’21 took home gold and earned All-American honors, and Zachary Walpole ’21, Charlie Bollwerk, Tobias Liu, and Miles Clayton ’22 placed first in the 400-yard freestyle relay.
Girls Swimming & Diving Standout stat: The Wildcats crushed the competition, winning 8 of the 11 swimming events at the state championship and picking up the program’s 25th state title.
Student-athlete achievements: Caroline Blankenbecler ’22 earned silver in the diving finals, and Annie Jardina ’22 and Gigi Johnson ’22 each won four event titles; Gigi Johnson was named Georgia High School Swimming Coaches Association Class A-3A Swimmer of the Year.
Boys Basketball
Standout stat: The Wildcats battled to a 55-51 overtime win in a thrilling match against Redan High School. Student-athlete achievements: Bryce Mackson ’21 and Jayson Longacre ’21 earned All-Region honors.
Girls Basketball
Standout stat: The HoopCats ended the season with a 17-3 record and a spot in the state quarterfinals. Student-athlete achievements: Courtney Ogden ’23 broke the School’s single-game scoring record with 41 points and was named Region Player of the Year. Stella Chartrand ’24, Ella Freeman ’22, Elle Shores ’21, Evelyn Shores ’23, Kiera Staude ’23, and Hallie Schiff ’21 were all named to All-Region teams.
Wrestling
Standout stat: The program had six wrestlers—Robert Crim ’24, Spencer Gosden ’22, Lowell Jones ’21, Kerrick McDonald ’21, Daniel Nunez ’22, and Sam Reavis ’23— qualify for the state tournament. Student-athlete achievements: Lowell Jones led the squad with a fourth-place finish in the 195-pound weight class at the state tournament and earned All-State honors.
32 | Fall/Winter 2021
Boys and Girls Squash
An unusual season: Typically, the Wildcat squash program travels up and down the East Coast to compete in tournaments against the nation’s best squash programs. Unable to travel this year due to the pandemic, the teams participated in skill development exercises and intrasquad practices four days a week led by boys and girls captains Carl Kassabian ’21, Alex Rankin ’21, Stephen Shin ’22, Sara Kapasi ’22, and Dallas Clement ’21. The team’s partnership with Atlanta Community Squash provided extra coaching and court space. The Wildcats look forward to returning to the competition circuit during the 2021-22 season.
SPRING 2021 Boys Tennis
Standout stat: The Wildcats defeated Greater Atlanta Christian School to earn the program’s 47th title. Student-athlete achievements: Led by captain Kiran Gadde ’21, the Wildcats cruised through their state tournament opponents, winning every match without losing a single set.
Girls Tennis
Standout stat: The Cats swept Greater Atlanta Christian School in the final to win the 48th state title in program history. Student-athlete achievements: The team is retaining much of its talented roster for the next season, including first and second singles players Ann Wright Guerry ’22 and Ashley Piedad ’23.
Boys Track & Field
Standout stat: The team clinched its fifth state title in program history with gold medals going to Phillips Moore ’24 (discus and shot put), Matthew Fernando ’22 (1,600-meter run), and the relay team of Matthew Fernando, Jack Ramsey ’22, Ryan Githuku ’21, and Matthew Propp ’21 (4x800-meter relay). Student-athlete achievements: Matthew Fernando was named a MileSplit US All-American for his outstanding efforts this season, which included two first-place finishes at the state meet.
Girls Track & Field
Standout stat: The girls team ended its season as Class AAA state runners-up in a competitive field and had five first-place finishes at the state meet. Student-athlete achievements: Kelsey Chambers ’23, Grace Smith ’24, Cate Stevens ’22, and Palmer Walstad ’23 all earned MileSplit US All-American honors. Additionally, Katherine Farr ’24 won two state titles in the ambulatory 100- and 200-meter dash races.
WESTMINSTER | 33
WILDCAT DEN
Boys Lacrosse
Standout stat: Head Coach Tony Souza surpassed 300 career wins this season as he led the Wildcats to the semifinals in the state tournament. Student-athlete achievements: All-Americans Dylan Farley ’21 and Taji Flynn ’21 led the Wildcats this season. Dylan finished his career as the program and state record holder for faceoff wins. Additionally, Steven Crawford ’21, Jim Davis ’22, Drew Downes ’21, Dylan Farley, Taji Flynn, and Max Fritz ’21 earned All-State honors, while George Corbin ’21 was honored as an Academic All-American for his efforts in the classroom and on the field.
Girls Lacrosse
Standout stat: The LaxCats had an undefeated regular season in area play, including big wins over Lovett and Pace, and battled their way to the semifinals of the state tournament. Student-athlete achievements: The Cats had nine players earn All-Area honors for their regular season play: Olivia Bontempo ’21, Jenna Brown ’21, Eleanor Carroll ’21, Carter Frieden ’23, Mille Normark ’23, Kate Quigley ’24, Julia Rhee ’21, Maddie Van Slyke ’21, and Allie Woods ’21.
Boys Golf
Standout stat: Westminster’s boys golfers brought home the program’s third straight state title and 11th overall. They beat runner-up Richmond Academy by 27 strokes. Student-athlete achievements: Harris Barth ’22 led the field at the state championship, earning low medalist honors for the individual title. William Love ’22 was named the 3A Player of the Year and was joined by Price Miller ’22 and Harris Barth on the 3A All-State Team.
Girls Golf
Standout stat: The Wildcats had a strong end to the season, finishing fourth at the state championship. Student-athlete achievements: The team was led by Kyra Dube ’23, who finished in third place at the state championship and earned All-State honors.
Baseball
Standout stat: The Wildcats finished fourth in the competitive 5-AAA region, which earned them a spot in the state tournament. Highlights of the season included big region wins over Redan and Sandy Creek as well as a 2-1 Battle of Buckhead win over Lovett. Student-athlete achievements: Jayson Longacre ’21, Nick O’Reilly ’21, and Wyatt Stevenson ’21 picked up All-Region honors.
34 | Fall/Winter 2021
Gymnastics
Standout stat: The Wildcats finished fourth at the state championship meet. Student-athlete achievements: Westminster was led by captains Emme Payne ’21, Caroline Blankenbecler ’22, and Peyton Townsend ’22.
Boys Soccer
Standout stat: The Wildcats finished the season as the Class AAA state runners-up after a hard-fought overtime loss to Coahulla Creek High School in the championship game. Student-athlete achievements: Led by team captains Weyimi Agbeyegbe ’21, Carl Kassabian ’21, Alex Lee ’22, and Edward Rendle ’22, the team finished the season ranked ninth in Georgia across all high school classifications and 20th nationally.
Girls Soccer
Standout stat: The Cats handily defeated Greater Atlanta Christian School 7-0 to earn the program’s sixth consecutive title and 15th overall. The victory also cemented the program’s undefeated season— its first since 1984. Westminster finished ranked number one in Georgia for all classifications. Student-athlete achievements: The Cats set new program records for most goals scored in a single season (154) and goal differential in a single season (+147).
Rowing
The CrewCats didn’t compete in spring 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic because their races typically take place out of state. (Archival photo)
Esports
In its inaugural season, the Westminster Esports Team brought home its first state title. Cody Wang ’23, Lawrence Marks ’23, and Luca Fleury ’22 beat East Paulding in the GHSA’s Smash Bros. Ultimate League to win the event championship. The Madden NFL 21 team also had a stellar run to the semifinals.
WESTMINSTER | 35
WILDCAT DEN
Wildcats Win Director’s Cup The Wildcats clinched 10 state championships—volleyball, boys and girls cross country, boys and girls swimming, boys track, boys golf, girls soccer, and boys and girls tennis—during the 2020-21 school year and made a total of 21 playoff or state meet appearances in the Georgia High School Association’s 26 championship sports. Because of our student-athletes’ incredible performances, Westminster was honored with the Regions Bank Director’s Cup, awarded annually to the athletics department that excels in all three seasons.
36 | Fall/Winter 2021
GIRLS SOCCER The girls soccer team once again dominated the competition this spring, finishing the season undefeated and as state champions. Earning six consecutive titles set a new state record for any GHSA classification. It’s no surprise that United Soccer Coaches, the largest soccer coaches organization in the world, ranked the Wildcats as the number one team in the nation!
WESTMINSTER | 37
Faculty and Staff Farewells The seven faculty and staff members who retired during the 2020-21 year represent the relationships that make Westminster a very special community for so many. This group has guided and served students from their first days in the Lower School all the way through making the leap to college. We give thanks for the myriad ways they have shaped the Westminster experience, and we wish them the best as they pursue new adventures.
Marlene Getzendanner
we can see even more clearly than ever the impact that she had on Love Hall and indeed all of our students.
Design Thinking Teacher, 25 years
Marlene has expertly served as Love Hall’s innovation leader, out in front of the charge to incorporate design thinking and STEAM instruction into our youngest learners’ curriculum. She inspired one cohort after another of experimenters, inventors, entrepreneurs, and designers who progressed through our Love Hall labs and led to the creation of new
Creating a dynamic and vibrant teaching career—one that includes 25 years at Love Hall—is a feat in itself. Initiating consequential change right in the middle of that career is even more impressive. Marlene Getzendanner did just that and more at Westminster. Now, as she retires,
38 | Fall/Winter 2021
innovation spaces in the Middle and Upper Schools. Marlene brought the right balance of patience and inspiration to the effort, guiding both students and colleagues alike. Now we say a well-earned “Congratulations” and offer our gratitude and appreciation for all that Marlene has done for generations of students. Thank you, Marlene, and may your next chapter be just as creative and dynamic as your time here at Westminster!
FACULTY AND STAFF
Cheryle Kirk Middle School Administration, 18 years A Middle School does not thrive—or even survive—without someone like Cheryle who knows everything: every announcement, every trick to make the copier work, every chronically late student, and every pathway through a complex school to make what needs to happen, happen. Cheryle has been willing to do what is needed, whether in the job description or not, to support her colleagues and students and the infinite array of activities that make our Middle School hum. In doing so, she earned the unshakeable confidence and appreciation of Clarkson Hall. She won hearts along the way, serving as a source of encouragement to teachers and students needing a break.
Roy Lovell
Cheryle worked to make a home at Westminster for students, faculty, and parents, providing a calming presence and contagious optimism for our Middle School community. There was no crisis too large or task too small to escape Cheryle’s notice and dedication. We relied on her wisdom and compassion and are a better school for it.
when I needed it most,” she said. Westminster is fortunate to have had Cheryle Kirk pass on this feeling to all students, parents, and faculty in her path for the last 18 years. Thank you and congratulations to Cheryle on a well-deserved retirement!
Cheryle speaks about her years in Westminster’s Middle School as a defining time in her life. She expresses that her Middle School colleagues often used a particular saying that speaks to the nurturing culture in Clarkson Hall. That saying, “Circle the wagons,” refers to a group of people gathering in a protective way. The saying is used as a code when a student needs the support of faculty and staff. Cheryle experienced this care firsthand. “The Middle School put their arms around me
Upper School Science Teacher, 39 years
to be a source of encouragement and an uplifting influence has made him a beloved teacher and friend during these decades of service.
Roy Lovell came to Westminster’s Upper School Science Department in 1982 after receiving his MS in physics from Georgia Tech. For 39 years, Roy excelled in the classroom while expanding his role at Westminster well beyond it. Roy can be counted on for an unerring institutional memory for all things Westminster. This includes his favorite tradition, which occurs during our Thanksgiving Service: the high note in “The Lord Bless You and Keep You.” He is both captivating to his students and a connector among his Robinson Hall colleagues. In his own quiet and unassuming way, no one escapes his notice or his care. Roy’s outreach to others is at least partly due to his thirst for learning. He is a reader of literature, history, and modern physics as well as a recent devotee of sailing. His instinct
When asked to name the most significant change Roy has experienced in his 39 years of teaching at Westminster, Roy replied, “That’s easy—the World Wide Web in 1991. Had someone informed me as a young teacher in the 1980s that I would live through an information revolution more all-encompassing than the invention of the printing press, I would have scoffed mightily.”
The portrait used for this article is a beautiful example of Roy’s appreciation for his students. “Alex Wa ’24 (physics student) drew this incredible portrait from a recent yearbook photo in celebration of my retirement, and I would love to use this as my headshot,” Roy explained. The portrait was presented to him by his physics classes in honor of his retirement at the end of the 2020-21 school year.
For his parting words, Roy fondly reflected a beloved saying from Jim Patton, the first teacher hired by Dr. Pressly in 1951. Jim was like a father to Roy and influenced him greatly. On rainy days, Jim used to sign off the morning announcements over the loudspeaker by saying “Have a good day, you ducks.”
WESTMINSTER | 39
FACULTY AND STAFF
Freddy Martin Upper School Director of Bands, 20 years As Westminster’s Director of Bands for the past 20 years, Freddy Martin is first and foremost a teacher who has always been committed to the young musicians in his program and to helping them realize their unique potential. One colleague and fellow musician noted that his ability to create beautiful sound is Freddy’s “superpower.” It certainly explains the significant and sustained growth of the Westminster Band program over the past two decades. Freddy’s accomplishments extend well past the boundaries of our campus as founding director and director emeritus of the Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps and an active adjudicator for Bands of America for the past 25 years. He is a member of the Drum Corps
Leigh Anne Schlafly First Grade Teacher, 20 years Leigh Anne Schlafly is completing her career in Love Hall’s first grade—an impactful year in which children gain their footing in reading and math as they enjoy increasing independence that relies on an array of new social skills. “I have loved every minute of my time teaching first grade at Westminster,” says Leigh Anne. “There is such joy and laughter every day in a first grade classroom. Best of all, they laughed at the same jokes I told every year!” Leigh Anne has not only accepted the challenge of launching the academic careers of these young learners; she has made us a better school along the way. She has been a champion for many of the most important initiatives at Love Hall over her 20
40 | Fall/Winter 2021
International Hall of Fame and the Spirit of Atlanta Hall of Fame and holds an honorary doctorate from the Vandercook College of Music, an institution focused specifically on training music educators. Freddy has been instrumental in teaching our students not only how to play but also how to appreciate speakers, music, and one another in a large social setting. Freddy says with delight, “It is truly a thrill to see our students in the Easter assembly listening to great music from wonderful composers and the only sound is the page turns as they follow the text in the programs. Amazing!”
leave my wonderful ‘Big W,’ I think of Scoot [Dimon] and his influence on us all. He had an innate ability to make us all into one family. I hope the wonderful family of Westminster will continue to be kind and warm and gently good to each other.” Congratulations, Freddy! Know that our good wishes go with you as you retire and devote yourself to your beloved family.
Freddy reflects on the many colleagues who have significantly impacted his years at Westminster, including Linda Cherniavsky, Dr. Scott Stewart, Tim Howard, Kate Morgens, Jack Morgan, and Paige Barber, with whom he shares a teaching philosophy and a bond of love and friendship that will be with him always. In his parting words, he says, “As I
years—Singapore Math, our inclusive Christian mission, differentiated instruction, and our efforts in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her legacy will live on in these important changes, and while she enjoys her retirement our students will continue to thrive because of her thoughtful work on their behalf. Westminster has been a family affair for the Schlaflys as Leigh Anne and her husband, John, have watched their two children, Maddie ’14 and Jack ’17, attend and graduate. “My favorite memories from my time here involve my own children making connections with my students and watching Maddie and Jack participate in everything Westminster has to offer,” Leigh Anne says. “We are truly a Westminster family.” Along the way, our Alumni Association named Leigh Anne an Alumni Fellow—a distinct
honor that recognized her faithful devotion to Westminster. We honor that devotion today and wish Leigh Anne every good thing in her welldeserved retirement.
FACULTY AND STAFF
Sally Starr Lower School Admissions, 31 years Sally Starr began her career at Westminster 31 years ago in what was then known as the George and Irene Woodruff Elementary School. From then until now, she has occupied addresses in Campbell Hall, Love Hall, and, most recently, Scott Hall. Sally’s special set of talents meant that her role evolved through those transitions from supporting a number of different departments to focusing solely on admissions. In time, her three sons became Wildcats, and the depth of her dedication to Westminster only grew. We are honored now to celebrate Sally’s retirement and thank Julie Williams ’73, Sally Starr her for each stop along her path over “My favorite Westminster tradition more than three decades. was the singing of the Lower School Bible verse (Micah 6:8) at assemblies,” Sally not only built a career at Sally reflects. “When the children Westminster, she helped to build our sang ‘What Does the Lord Require of culture. She has personified hosYou?’ under the direction of Maxine pitality and kindness as one of the Smith and Becky Doster, their sweet first people that prospective families voices inevitably brought tears to my meet in our school. Her flexibility and eyes.” willingness to pitch in—no matter the project or problem—has won her a devoted following among her colleagues. And everyone who knows Sally knows that a witty sense of humor lies just beneath the surface of her calm and competent demeanor.
Perhaps most revealing, even as Sally relocated to Scott Hall she continued to be part of the team that reads to pre-first students who arrive early each morning. It is that kind of dedication that won her the Schoen Staff Excellence Award in 2011 and
Julie Williams ’73
After a varied career including a stint in television, Julie returned as a parent to Westminster in 2003 and then as a part-time admissions assistant in 2004. As Julie cheekily puts it, “I rode in on my son Brad’s coattails.” In time, her calming effect on parents combined with sharp technical skills landed her in the assistant director’s seat. We owe much of the credit for our sophisticated database and platform to Julie’s leadership and persistence.
Admissions Systems Manager, 18 years In at least one important way, Julie Williams looks forward to her retirement having completed a circle. In 1960, she began her Westminster career as a pre-firster in Scott Hall. She celebrated her retirement 61 years later from our Scott Hall Admissions Office. The story bracketed by 1960 and 2021 is one of devotion to her alma mater and dedication to its success.
Along the way, Julie has been known for her warm welcome to applicants and parents alike. There have been
continues to win the hearts of colleagues, students, and parents. Reflecting on her decision to retire, Sally says, “Many friends who retired before me said that I would know when it was time to leave. They were right. I know it’s time, and while I will miss so much about Westminster, I take with me countless lifelong friendships and treasured memories that are forever preserved for me in the color green.” Please join us in congratulating Sally on her outstanding career and well-deserved retirement!
countless working weekends and holidays required, but Julie cheerfully did what was necessary to put Westminster’s best foot forward. She has always taken great joy in celebrating traditions at Westminster, especially watching the new seniors cheer everyone in at the front gate on the first day of school. For her joyful spirit and inexhaustible work ethic, she was awarded the Schoen Staff Excellence Award in 2014. We owe our thanks to Julie for a school full of amazing students and offer our best wishes for a restful retirement!
WESTMINSTER | 41
FACULTY AND STAFF
Welcome, New Faculty! We welcomed 21 new Wildcats to our faculty in August. The anecdotes they offer here show just a glimpse of their adventurous spirits and vast career experiences. JENNY BARCH Pre-First
NIKITA JASANI Upper School Math
I’m a total foodie, so I love trying new foods and restaurants, especially when traveling to new places. Renting a VW van and spending the summer driving across the country is on my bucket list.
I really enjoy cooking. I am currently learning to cook some Indian dishes that my mom used to make for me as a kid.
JORDAN DOPP Upper School Latin
AGNES MATHESON Upper School Language
I was in an a cappella group in college (the FUtones, for Furman University), and we did a cover of the song from Pitch Perfect that went viral! The performance of the song has almost a million views on YouTube.
I taught at Westminster from 1999 to 2012 and then moved to Minnesota. When I recently moved back to Georgia, I made a beeline for Westminster.
SCOTT DOUGLAS Upper School Physics
LAYNE MCLAUGHLIN Coordinator of Student Athlete Development; Middle School PE
I am an amateur woodturner and love reclaiming fallen tree limbs and broken furniture to turn into beautiful, useful objects.
I love to spend time with my dogs, family, and friends, all while watching some type of sporting event. I have also rescued and re-homed around 10 dogs.
HANNAH GARRISON First Grade
DAVID MITCHEM Second Grade
I was co-captain for the Florida Southern women’s golf team my senior year of college.
I am an avid foodie, and I love trying local restaurants in the Atlanta area!
JENNIFER HOGAN Middle School History
SUMANA MOUDGAL Associate Director of College Counseling
I am a trained ballet and contemporary dancer and am on the board of Dance Canvas.
42 | Fall/Winter 2021
I love to upcycle and refinish furniture. I only recently got started on it, and I am looking forward to learning new techniques.
FACULTY AND STAFF
JEREMIAH NEAL Upper School Counselor
BEN SMITH Second Grade
I am a sports fanatic in every sense of the word, especially in support of the Ohio State Buckeyes.
I’m working toward visiting all the US National Parks. I’m halfway there as of this past summer.
MEREDITH PETERSON Fourth Grade
TORI SPARKS Upper School History
I enjoy attending concerts and shows and traveling. Copenhagen is one of my favorite places to travel to, and I am fascinated by Danish culture. From time to time, you can find me on Duolingo, trying to learn Danish. I’m not very good at it, though!
I recently accomplished a major bucket list goal of traveling to 30 countries before I turn 30. While I am figuring out what the next big bucket list goal is, I do have plans to travel to all seven continents. I should be crossing off doing a polar plunge in Antarctica in 2022!
WILLIAM PITTS Upper School Band
JENNIFER SPEIR Middle School Language
I won the Drum Corps International World Championship as the conductor of the Phantom Regiment in 2008, and Mr. Freddy Martin (retired faculty) was on the corps’ instructional staff!
I created an educational program during college at Middlebury, connecting language students (all languages offered) to rural elementary students in Vermont. We offered exploration into languages and cultures twice a week for a semester.
TRAVIS RUTKIEWICZ Middle School Permanent Substitute; Coach
MARGUERITE SPIOTTA Upper School Counselor
I enjoy attending sporting events and have a passion for grilling.
I love identifying birds and have logged 74 species so far this year.
ELIZABETH SACHA Fifth Grade
STARRISSA WINTERS Upper School Science
In my spare time I love to spend time with family, run, play tennis, work on house projects, and cook!
I was a biomedical scientist before I became a teacher, which afforded me the opportunity to travel to Valencia, Spain, and stay for close to a month working on a collaborative research project using intestinal 3D organoids derived from mice stem cells.
CAROLINE SAVIO-RAMOS Upper School Science I am a native speaker of Spanish and am also fluent in Portuguese. I love to travel and learn about different cultures; everyone has a unique story to tell.
WESTMINSTER | 43
FACULTY AND STAFF
2021 Faculty and Staff Award Recipients Our faculty and staff bring their best selves to help our students grow every day. Through endowed funds established by generous friends of Westminster, annual awards recognize faculty and staff excellence. We extend our congratulations to this year’s recipients and our heartfelt thanks to the donors who invest in our teachers, coaches, and staff members.
44 | Fall/Winter 2021
FACULTY AND STAFF
Alumni Fellows Award
Paige Barber, Eric Khong, Jason Maynard, Allison Zacks
The Bobo Family Award Maury Hitchcock
The Bromley Professorship in English Clare Costello
The James Bunnell Chair
The William A. Parker, Sr. Mentoring Faculty Award (7th Grade Student) Carter Thomas ’98
The William A. Parker, Sr. Mentoring Faculty Award (8th Grade Student) Catherine Zidow
The William A. Parker, Sr. Mentoring Faculty Award (9th Grade Student)
Laura Drewicz Ewing ’00
Raynard Oliver
The Gwen Cleghorn Distinguished Chair
The William A. Parker, Sr. Mentoring Faculty Award (10th Grade Student)
Kate Guyton Morgens ’91
The Joseph and Amelia Craver Endowed Professorship Courtney Cox
The Eddie DuPriest Professorship for Excellence in Teaching Susan McMillan
The Mary DuPriest Award for Staff Excellence
Ellen Duncan LaGrone ’75, Ashley McCauley, Melanie Peterman, Frances Seminara
Daniel Searl
The William A. Parker, Sr. Mentoring Faculty Award (11th Grade Student) Mitchell Griest
The William A. Parker, Sr. Exceptional Service Award
Dione Davis, Kelly Fitzgerald, Victoria Frangoulis, Florence Sumner
The O. Wayne Rollins Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching
The Goizueta Foundation Faculty of Distinction Jill McCarden
Juan Acosta, Audra Brown Ward, Cason Wilson Given ’05, Erin Horner, Carolina Matheson Mares ’08, Christopher McSweeney, Amanda Meagher, Stephanie Mesloh, Sonya Peebles
Goizueta Foundation Professorship
The Schoen Faculty Excellence Award
Stacy Chalmers
Debbie McCurdy Cushing ’83, Matt Pelot, Chris Walters
Goizueta Foundation Professorship in Language
The Schoen Staff Excellence Award
Anna Major
Goizueta Foundation Professorship in Spanish William Carvajal
The McGuirk Family Professorship Lauren Carter
Trisha Dodt
The Wildcat Way Coaches Award Chris White
The David, Helen, and Marian Woodward Professorship Tai Hart
The Merrill Award
Doug Boomer, Sophie Daniels, Walter DuPriest ’99, Julie Pace
WESTMINSTER | 45
Catching Up
with Retired Faculty: Stan Moor by Jane Lauderdale Armstrong ’74
SERVICE TO OTHERS HAS LONG BEEN A CHERISHED PART OF THE WESTMINSTER EXPERIENCE. While
this ethos goes back to the School’s earliest years, Stan Moor helped usher in a more comprehensive approach in the early 1990s. The fruit of Stan’s work can be seen in the School’s sustained efforts to support community organizations across Atlanta and in the career choices and community leadership of literally thousands of alumni.
A native of Marietta, Stan first became acquainted with Westminster when his oldest brother Jimmy ’66 transferred to the School in ninth grade. With the encouragement of family friend Merrilyn Eastham, Stan came to Westminster in 1981 after teaching Spanish in public schools for several years. Stan remembers that department meetings were never dull alongside his first colleagues in the Spanish department, Olimpia Sotolongo and Edith Moritz. Stan also took on responsibility for the Community Service Club in the
46 | Fall/Winter 2021
Boys’ School, helping students raise money for a variety of nonprofits. When Bill Clarkson came to Westminster in 1991, the new president had a vision for a comprehensive service program. He tapped Stan to implement that vision, securing for Stan the time and funding he needed to build the program by developing relationships with students across Westminster’s Upper School and organizations throughout the city. PAWS soon added a VP of Service as well, who worked closely with Stan each year. “I worked with incredible kids with incredible parents—truly a dream job!” Stan says. “Stan had the passion and the heart for helping students understand what it means to give back. He and his office quickly became a magnet for so many students during their free periods. He was a pied piper who took the program to new heights. Quite a man, and quite a gentleman.” —Bill Clarkson, former president As it is now, community service was entirely voluntary in Stan’s time. Stan remembers his colleagues from schools around the country being astounded by the fact that Westminster had a full-time position for a nonrequired program and that participation was so high. Stan was quick to quote Bill Clarkson by
telling them, “We do community service because of who we say we are as a community.” “Stan Moor, ‘Señor,’ has had such an incredible impact on my life and the lives of so many others. As an educator who truly cared about people and serving others, he instilled that passion in us and did it with joy and humor. The opportunities for service, learning, and leadership that I had at Westminster because of Señor shaped the way I look at and act in the world, and I know that I would not be where I am today without his guidance, opportunities, and continued support. I am so grateful to know him.” —Martin Mintz ’07, Education Program Manager for Global Cities Inc. Stan established strong bonds with partner organizations so all students could find ways to participate. When a group of football captains wanted to participate in Westminster’s tutoring program at the Brookhaven Boys & Girls Club but couldn’t due to their practice schedule, Stan and the Boys & Girls Club director helped them make a way. The football team held a day of relay races and water games for the children, along with hosting them for a football game during the season, complete with dinner and fun with the players and cheerleaders. The tradition continued each year for nearly two decades.
FACULTY AND STAFF
Stan was also a pioneer of service learning, creating service experiences that helped students more deeply learn specific academic material. When a group of Stan’s students partnered with the Latin American Association to promote the organization at Plaza Fiesta, a mall used primarily by Latinx shoppers, Stan started a program for students to continue their real-world Spanish practice there. Once a week, students stationed themselves in the food court during lunch to talk with people. They ran ads in Mundo Hispánico and distributed flyers promoting an offer: “I’ll help you with your English if you’ll help me with my Spanish.” Word spread, and a large group began coming each week for the practice. In the late ’90s, Stan’s work took a new turn. Charged with developing a summer course that would explore the ways philanthropic organizations identify and accomplish their goals, Stan collaborated with economics teacher Sally Finch to create Philanthropy 101. The course introduced students to community leaders from a cross-section of foundations and nonprofits from sectors including social services, the environment, education, medical services, the arts, and religious organizations. “That course had the most profound influence on me of anything I have ever done,” Stan says. “Stan Moor, with his servant leader’s heart, built a program for students and their families that made it possible for the entire Westminster community to volunteer in a meaningful way. It was a joy working with Stan and our enthusiastic Philanthropy 101 students, each of whom contributed in a substantial way from their summer stipend to the charity of their choice. We delved into classic works on the history of philanthropy, we learned how to read 990 forms, we had the best speakers
and site visits Atlanta had to offer, and we had a lot of fun doing it! In fact, I do not think it is possible to work with Stan and not have a good time.” —Sally Finch, retired faculty Philanthropy 101, in turn, had a profound influence on Westminster. The summer course, supported by Tom Glenn ’65, was the first seed planted in the development of the Glenn Institute for Philanthropy and Service Learning. The Glenn Institute, officially launched in 2001, plays a key role in pursuit of the School’s mission as Westminster’s community engagement arm. The Glenn Institute provides robust opportunities for students to grow civic leadership skills while learning about themselves and their communities. Since his retirement from Westminster, Stan has continued to serve others. He regularly teaches
English at the Latin American Association. He serves alongside several Westminster alumni and past parents on the board of Global Health Action, a nonprofit that engages communities around the world to improve health and wellbeing for women and children. Stan finds it gratifying to be working with adults who were once his students. He sums up the impact of his years at Westminster this way: “I am so appreciative of Bill Clarkson because he literally changed my life. My work in community service and philanthropy have made me a better person.” Jane Lauderdale Armstrong ’74 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.
Stan Moor, Rev. Carol Osner ’69, Mihika Kohli ’13, and past parent Laurie Jeffay all serve or have served on the board of Global Health Action. This photo was taken at Westminster’s Alternative Gift Fair.
WESTMINSTER | 47
School Days: Extra, Extra!
At Westminster and its predecessor schools, Washington Seminary and North Avenue Presbyterian School, student journalism has long been an important part of school culture. To browse any of these student newspapers now is to be transported to another time through the news of the day, the writing styles, and the accompanying photos, comics, games, and advertisements. By Pamela Nye, Director of Archives
North Avenue Presbyterian School
The article accompanying these photos in the 1946-47 school year, “Camera Fad at N.A.P.S.,” reads in part: “Some of the camera enthusiasts of NAPS are Mickey Haynie, Mary Brooke, Pat Flowers, Laura Andrews, Mary Francis Stubbs, Betty Ann Price, Anne Morrow, June Langford, Ann Thomas, Betsy Pate, Dottie McCowan, Wilma Thompson, June Munday and Margaret Strauss. Any of these may be seen on a sunny day tracking down victims for pictures.”
The very first issue of the Senior Reader debuted in 1931. This masthead was only used for the inaugural issue!
48 | Fall/Winter 2021
Washington Seminary The Missemma often ran articles on extraordinary student news, including this one from 1935 featuring Dorothy Kirby WS ’38, who later became a professional golfer and sportscaster. She was inducted into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 1974 and the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame in 1989.
The accompanying caption for this photo in an issue of the Missemma in spring 1952 reads: “On Wednesday afternoon, February 20, at the Washington Seminary gym, the members of the faculty and mothers challenged the Seminary members of the Tallulah Falls Circle to a basketball game. The winner was debatable but the game was played with spirit and enjoyment.”
Have any copies? If you have copies of past issues of student newspapers from Westminster, Washington Seminary, or North Avenue Presbyterian School, the archives may want them! Email archives@westminster.net if you have copies to donate that may help us complete our collection of these publications.
WESTMINSTER | 49
ALUMNI NEWS
Westminster The Boys’ School newspaper, The Mark Sheet (published 1955-1963), and the Girls’ School paper, The Westminster Chimes (published 1951-1963 under various names and sometimes coed), merged at the start of the 1963-64 school year. The new paper was named The Westminster Bi-Line, a play on newspaper terminology and the two newspapers coming together. “We came up with Bi-Line as the name and thought it was pretty clever. We had a good time creating the newspaper, and I’m so pleased the student newspaper continues today.” —John Barge ’64
The 1956 Lynx yearbook celebrated the creation of the Mark Sheet, a newspaper created for and by the Boys’ School, and included this staff photo. First row: Cy Strickler, Jimmy Dolvin, Tom Pepper, Tommy Rains. Second row: Barry Duggan, Ben Read, Mason Lowance, Ben Sparks, Tread Davis, Jim Kelley, Henry Howell, Vance Lindstrom.
50 | Fall/Winter 2021
From The Westminster Schools Archives
The Westminster Chatterbox, a student newspaper, reported news of grades four through seven and was a coeducational publication. Holdings include only scattered loose issues between 1955 and 1967.
April Fools’! A Student Journalism Tradition The Bi-Line takes a lighter tone every April with a satirical April Fools’ Day issue that gently pokes fun at every aspect of student life. The first full April Fools’ issue was published in 1974. Staff of Washington Seminary’s Missemma also produced an annual April Fools’ issue; this 1936 story reports the tale of a “strange malady” spreading through the school.
WESTMINSTER | 51
Congratulations, Class of 2021!
Leading up to graduation, 100 days of celebrations and events honored the remarkable and resilient Class of 2021.
Senior Celebration
senior class officers a few days Seniors and their parents gathered in Thompson Stadium for a barbecue dinner and speeches from the campus! over display fireworks spectacular a before Commencement. The evening ended with
Dog Day Senior Countdown
The seniors, equipped with water guns and water balloons, counted down the last minute of their senior year on Pressly Plaza.
52 | Fall/Winter 2021
In what is quite paw-ssibly the best day of the year, seniors brought their furry friends to campus for the annual Senior Dog Day! Campus went to the dogs— literally—as students showed off their pups of all sizes.
COMMENCEMENT
Food Galore! 100 Days to Become an Alum
Celebrations kicked off in early February as the Office for Institutional Advancement launched “100 Days to Become an Alum” with cookies and a countdown banner hung on Pressly Hall.
During the weeks leading up to graduation, seniors were frequently treated to special lunches from Pero’s Pizza, The Varsity, The Patty Wagon, and more. In their final week, President Evans hosted a brunch for the class on the Community Plaza.
CLASS OF 2021 SENIOR HONORS Sarah Lao, Anand Srinivasan Valedictorians Soumia Vellanki, Kiran Gadde Salutatorians Holland Bald Forensics Award Aaron Yu Performing Arts Award—Band Award Charlie Zacks Performing Arts Award—Frank Boggs Award for Outstanding Vocal Achievement Anne Marie Alsobrook, Katie Kronauge Performing Arts Award—Theatre Arts Andrew Mao Performing Arts Award—Norma Allen Gaebelein Orchestra Award Mason Harper Visual Arts Award—Three-Dimensional Design Holley Jackson Visual Arts Award—Drawing and Painting Akshadha Lagisetti Visual Arts Award—Digital Imaging Mary Emily Morgan, Elle Shores, Lowell Jones Senior Athlete Award Ashwin Pillai Goizueta Foundation Foreign Language Student Award (Chinese)
Sophia Stahl Goizueta Foundation Foreign Language Student Award (French) Camryn Brewer Goizueta Foundation Foreign Language Student Award (Spanish) Maya Smith George R. Lamplugh Excellence in American History Award Sarah Lao, Grace Armstrong Gwendolyn M. Cleghorn Award Jack Schaaf David T. Lauderdale Jr. Memorial Award Jordan Kopcha, Daniel Bonner Leila Mason Venable Eldridge Memorial Award
Elena Karas Community Service Award Eleanor Carroll, Ryan Hockstein Spirit Award Jasmine Jones, Zachary Walpole Croft Family Service and Fellowship Award Emme Payne Head of Upper School Award Ejike Adele Atlanta Journal-Constitution Cup Julia Rhee Thyrza S. Askew Nobility Award Virginia Hatcher Judith A. Smith Citizenship Award
Soumia Vellanki, Yash Kadadi Robert M. Sims Math/Science Award
Aydin Bandukwala James G. Patton Citizenship Award
Juli Sklenka The Branham Award for Greatest Progress
Jenna Brown Frances Isabelle Outler Memorial Award
Omar Zamora-Aguilar Berry Senior Award
Connor Li Richard L. Hull Memorial Award
Kiran Gadde Dean’s Award Robert Black, Evelyn Hunter Vernon S. Broyles Jr. Christian Leadership Award Julia Dase, Emaad Daya The President’s Volunteer Service Award
WESTMINSTER | 53
Commencement The morning of May 15, the Class of 2021 and their family members gathered for a triumphant Commencement on Pressly Plaza. With an outdoor ceremony and 87 percent of the class having received COVID-19 vaccines at that point, masks were optional and smiles were plentiful.
Tomas Rossant, the architect for Westminster’s recent campus projects, spoke about shared lessons learned from Westminster’s campus as the featured speaker.
54 | Fall/Winter 2021
COMMENCEMENT
Members of the track and field teams competing in the afternoon’s state championship meet in Albany crossed the stage first and received a rousing cheer from all in attendance as they left the ceremony early for the competition!
The ceremony included a special moment of recognition for Head of Upper School Cindy Trask, who began serving as Head of School at St. Catherine’s School in Richmond, Virginia, in summer 2021.
Prom ’21
The Class of 2021 gathered again on graduation day—this time in the evening, under a tent on the Community Plaza—to celebrate together with one of the most iconic high school events: senior prom. It wasn’t exactly the same as a “regular” prom—seniors only, no non-Westminster attendees allowed—but it was a joyous celebration for a deserving group.
WESTMINSTER | 55
CLASS OF 2021
Mapping the
Future
SEATTLE UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO, BOULDER (2)
The Class of 2021 is enrolled at 79 colleges and universities across the United States and internationally. We are cheering them on as they continue their educational journeys!
STANFORD UNIVERSITY (6)
PEPPERDINE UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES (2) LOYOLA MARYMOUNT UNIVERSITY (2) UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (2)
SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY (2) TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY (2)
56 | Fall/Winter 2021
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS, AUSTIN (5)
CLASS OF 2021
WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IN ST. LOUIS (6)
INDIANA UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO (4)
UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME (2)
PURDUE UNIVERSITY (2)
THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY DENISON UNIVERSITY
MIAMI UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
CENTRE COLLEGE
COLGATE UNIVERSITY (2) CORNELL UNIVERSITY SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER
DARTMOUTH COLLEGE (3) VASSAR COLLEGE
WILLIAMS COLLEGE AMHERST COLLEGE BOSTON UNIVERSITY (5) HARVARD UNIVERSITY NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY
YALE UNIVERSITY (4) BARNARD COLLEGE COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY (3) NEW YORK UNIVERSITY (2) MUHLENBERG COLLEGE PRINCETON UNIVERSITY VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (4) GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY (4) GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY AMERICAN UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK LOYOLA UNIVERSITY MARYLAND UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA (13) VIRGINIA TECH WASHINGTON AND LEE UNIVERSITY (6) DAVIDSON COLLEGE WOFFORD COLLEGE CLEMSON UNIVERSITY
DUKE UNIVERSITY (2) ELON UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA, CHAPEL HILL (4) WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY (2)
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA (3) AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF NORTH GEORGIA - OCONEE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA (22) MOREHOUSE COLLEGE EMORY UNIVERSITY (3) GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (14) GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY RHODES COLLEGE (4)
UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI (2) RICE UNIVERSITY
TULANE UNIVERSITY (4)
VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA (4)
AUBURN UNIVERSITY (5)
SEWANEE: THE UNIVERSITY OF THE SOUTH
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA ROLLINS COLLEGE UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI (5)
INTERNATIONAL: UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH (SCOTLAND) UNIVERSITY OF ST ANDREWS (3) (SCOTLAND) MCGILL UNIVERSITY (CANADA)
Ties That Bind A beloved tradition for families with more than one Wildcat is taking a “Ties That Bind” photo after Commencement with new graduates and family members who are alumni of Westminster, Washington Seminary, or NAPS. This year, generations of Wildcats came together in more creative ways to celebrate the strong ties that bind them together!
Andrew Abernathy IV ’84, Andrew Hawkins Abernathy V ’21, Margaret Wasson ’57
Gray Aldridge ’21, Gee Aldridge ’86
Ronald ‘RJ’ Anglade Jr. ’21, Alexis Anglade ’19
Holland Bald ’21, Ridings Bald ’20
Hayes Wilson ’77, Taylor Wilson ’13, Will Batelaan ’21, Susan Wilson ’75, Eva Batelaan ’19, Patricia Batelaan ’88
John Beach ’89, Hatcher Beach ’21
Baylor Beck ’14, Matthew Beck ’21
Allie Berg ’21, Drew Berg ’20
George Bird ’88, Dorothy Bird ’21, Presley Bird ’18
Daniel Bonner ’21, Danny Bonner ’86
John Brewer III ’13, Camryn Brewer ’21
Elizabeth Brougher ’18, William Brougher ’21, Charlotte Polly ’20, Miller Polly ’18
58 | Fall/Winter 2021
COMMENCEMENT
Jenna Brown ’21, Lauren Brown ’18
Alexander Carr ’25, James Cannon Carr III ’21, Kathleen Carr, Ryan Carr ’23, James Cannon Carr Jr., ’85, Alice Hurt Carr ’59
Michael Carroll ’96, Thomas Carroll ’92, Eleanor Carroll ’21, John Carroll ’84
Grace Cohn ’19, Sam Cohn ’21, Greg Cohn ’90
Claire Corbin ’17, George Corbin ’21, Rachel Corbin ’13
Woods Curry ’20, Chase Curry ’21
Charlie Edmiston ’19, Beck Edmiston ’21, David Edmiston ’18
Chloe Emch ’21, Claire Emch ’20
John Farley ’16, Dylan Farley ’21
Charlotte Ficery ’21, Meredith Ficery ’18
Kate Gryboski ’19, Daisy Gryboski ’21, Christopher Gryboski ’20
Van Zeiler ’91, Jaquelin Hager ’17, Lucy Hager ’21, Ashley Zeiler Hager ’86
Matt Hagood ’15, Caroline Hagood ’21, Will Hagood ’18, Greg Hagood ’86
Andrew Hamilton ’15, Catherine Hamilton ’21, Mitchell Hamilton ’12
Grace Hardymon ’21, Emma Hardymon ’18
WESTMINSTER | 59
COMMENCEMENT
Tripp O’Connor ’87, Caroline Herzfeld ’19, Robert Herzfeld ’21, Katie O’Connor Herzfeld ’89, Maggie O’Connor ’16, Claire O’Connor ’18
Drew Hockstein ’19, Ryan Hockstein ’21, Kim Maziar Hockstein ’88
Mary Susan Jackson Stacy ’73, Holley Thomas Jackson ’21, Mason Reynolds Arbery ’18
Justin Jones ’19, Jasmine Jones, ’21
Lilly Jordan ’21, Bill Jordan ’19
Rhea Joshi ’17, Dev Joshi ’21
Carl Kassabian ’21, Zander Kassabian ’20, Lara Kassabian ’18
Kevin Anthony Kelly ’16, Kaelan James Kelly ’21
Stuart Wright Kronauge ’88, Kathleen Kronauge ’21, Marion Kronauge ’19
Michael Mahan ’19, Mark Mahan ’21
Missy Kaish ’78, Sydney McGrew ’16, Ann Myrick McGrew ’21, Mac McGrew ’83, Dan McGrew ’76
Benjamin Montag ’21, John Montag ’86
Hannah Morgan ’16, Mary Emily Morgan ’21
Drew Norman ’19, Max Norman ’21
Elisabeth Pavur ’15, Sam Pavur ’21, James Pavur ’13, Gigi Pavur ’16
60 | Fall/Winter 2021
COMMENCEMENT
Olivia Holder ’19, Haden Pennington ’21, Mary Ann Sims Gaines ’62, Sadie Holder ’21
Zoe Evelyn Peterzell ’21, Scott Morris Peterzell ’88
Olivia Pirouz ’21, Alex Pirouz ’18
Athena Qiu ’21, Angela Qiu ’15
Leslie Newsom Rascoe ’84, Christopher Rascoe ’19, Brooke Rascoe ’21, Caroline Rascoe ’25, Chris Rascoe ’84
Will Rothschild ’21, Elizabeth Rothschild ’19
Brantley Simon ’21, Tyree Churchill ’92
Stone Sparkes ’21, Sabrina Sparkes ’16
Collins Speed ’15, Bennett Speed ’18, Mary Locke Speed ’21
Ryan Watson ’13, Elisabeth Ayres ’88, Max Rogers ’16, Benjamin Spinrad ’21, Patricia Ayres ’81, Susan Ayres Watson ’83, David Watson ’82, T Watson ’16
Laura Street ’16, Sarah Street ’21, Julie Street ’18
Ryan Suddath ’18, Colin Suddath ’21
Phillip Sumardi ’17, Annie Sumardi ’21, Izzy Sumardi ’19
Steven Walker ’84, Cole Walker ’19, Staci Walker Lynch ’91, Kennedy Walker ’21, Scott Walker ’82
Sterrett Woods ’13, Emily Woods Harper ’09, Allie Woods ’21, Lara Satterthwaite Woods ’79
WESTMINSTER | 61
Alumni News Dear Alumni, As we find ourselves adapting to our respective new norms, it would be hard to do so without reflecting on the last year. By all accounts, the Westminster community rose to the challenges it faced in a way that again distinguished the School as a leader among its peers. We all owe the administration, Trustees, faculty, and staff a debt of gratitude for the commitment they showed to ensuring the health, safety, and emotional well-being of every member of the Westminster family. This commitment was expressed in a variety of ways, from weekly COVID tests for everyone on campus to ensuring the senior class had a wonderful journey as they joined our alumni ranks and supporting a newly formed Black Alumni Council to reaffirm Westminster’s commitment to an inclusive environment. I hope many of you will have a chance to visit campus during the 2021-22 school year. If you do, you will witness a transformation from a place we have always known and loved to an even more vibrant and inviting campus experience in keeping with Westminster’s commitment to provide each student with a state-of-the-art college preparatory experience. Gone are the “learning cottages,” although they certainly served their purpose when we were in need of additional space for social distancing.
Hawkins Hall now provides students with an extraordinarily inviting venue to learn collaboratively in a modern academic setting befitting the university environment they will soon experience, and the plaza adjacent to Fritz Orr Field provides the entire Westminster community a wonderfully inviting place to gather in celebration of time-honored traditions and to create new ones. And just wait until you experience Barge Commons! Perched at the top of the quad, Barge Commons provides Westminster with a campus center that will be a welcoming and delightful destination for any visitor, whether it’s their first time on campus or they are a seasoned alumnus. As for the Alumni Governing Board, we look forward to serving Westminster’s diverse alumni through meaningful engagement. The pandemic accelerated our adoption of virtual programming, allowing us to reach alums far and wide. At the same time, we know there is great value to congregating in person for those who can, so we will attempt to find a healthy balance between virtual and in-person events. We hope that you will find something of interest and join us in whatever manner suits you. We are extremely fortunate to be associated with a school that promotes leadership development in an inclusive environment, two characteristics of Westminster that I appreciated within the first few weeks of entering the Westminster community as a 10th grader in 1984. Better late than never, as they say—and the opportunity to be a Wildcat certainly changed the arc of my development for the better. As we formulate our agenda for the upcoming year, the Alumni Governing Board will place leadership and inclusivity among its highest priorities. Go Cats!
Wab Kadaba ’87
President, Alumni Governing Board
62 | Fall/Winter 2021
ALUMNI NEWS
Alumni Leadership As leaders within our Alumni Association, the volunteer members of these boards and councils help fulfill Westminster’s alumni strategic plan and are ambassadors for the School. Please join us in thanking them for their service!
2021-22 ALUMNI GOVERNING BOARD Wab Kadaba ’87 President Andrew Blaisdell ’99 President-Elect Catherine Humann Callaway ’03 Alumni Giving Chair Caroline Rawls Strumph ’08 Recording Secretary
Susie Soper ’64 Helen Funk McSwain ’70 Ellen Hale Jones ’81 Kim Maziar Hockstein ’88 Charlie Henn ’91 Bianca Camac Bell ’94 Chris Suh ’95
Dominique Holloman ’97 Walter McClelland ’97 Wade Rakes ’98 Kennedy Hicks ’01 Charles Ralston ’02 Samiyyah Ali ’06 Ross Conway ’09
John Jones ’74 Honorary Member and Board Historian
2021-22 BLACK ALUMNI COUNCIL Dominique Holloman ’97 Chair Corliss Blount Denman ’73 Vic Bolton ’76 Ira Jackson ’83 Maria Elmore Harleston ’84
Andre Sulmers ’95 Bobby Rashad Jones ’97 Lauren Duncan Griffey ’97 Wade Rakes ’98 Jae Scarborough ’99 Matt Bland ’01 Ryland McClendon ’03
Sammiyah Ali ’06 Michael Russell ’12 Julian Mason ’18 Zoë-Grace Hargrove ’19
2021-22 YOUNG ALUMNI COUNCIL Ross Conway ’09 Co-Chair Sarah Grady ’11 Co-Chair Stephanie Newton Bedard ’07 Franklin Sacha ’08
Crawford Long ’09 Louise Cook Morgan ’10 Rachel Jordan Payne ’10 Michael Russell ’12 Nigel Walker ’13 Sam Barkin ’14 Chase Evans ’14
Robert DeGolian ’15 Ruwenne Moodley ’15 Cabell Zakas ’16 Maia Perry ’17 Jimmy Balloun ’17
WESTMINSTER | 63
Alumni Awards
Dr. Steve Redd ’75, Kaki King ’98, Matt Tarkenton ’88
Alumni Service Award
The Alumni Service Award is presented annually to an alumnus who has given exceptional service to the School.
Matt Tarkenton ’88
With a heart for service since his days as a student, Matt has held almost every volunteer leadership role at Westminster, including Class Agent, Reunion Chair, Young Alumni Chair, Parent Fund Chair, Alumni Fund Chair, and Teaching for Tomorrow Campaign
64 | Fall/Winter 2021
Committee Member. He served two terms on the Alumni Association Governing Board and was an ex officio member of the Board of Trustees for three years. But as President Evans shared while presenting Matt with the Alumni Service Award during the 2021 Commencement Ceremony, “these titles don’t tell the full story. In [Matt] we see the embodiment of what it means to lift a whole community and the experience of young people as they too head out into the world to serve something larger than themselves.”
ALUMNI NEWS
Matt, a graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Business School, is part of a long line of Westminster Wildcats. Two of his sisters, Melissa Tarkenton Allen ’89 and Angela Tarkenton Cordle ’82, graduated from Westminster. His daughter Anna graduated from Westminster in 2019, son Robert is in the Class of 2024, and son Peter was a Lower School Wildcat who graduated from Mount Vernon Presbyterian School in 2020. Matt is President of Tarkenton Financial and serves on the boards of Youth Villages and the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl.
Distinguished Alumni Award
Westminster recognizes and honors outstanding personal, business, or professional achievements by alumni with the Distinguished Alumni Award.
Kaki King ’98
Composer and musician Kaki King is considered one of the world’s greatest living guitarists, known both for her technical mastery and for her constant quest to push the boundaries of the instrument. Hailed by Rolling Stone as “a genre unto herself,” Kaki has released 10 albums and toured extensively, performing in such prestigious arts centers as the Kennedy Center, MoMA, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Met, and Smithsonian Design Museum. She has created music for numerous film and television soundtracks, including August Rush and Into the Wild, for which she received a
Golden Globe nomination for Best Original Score. She has performed with symphonies and chamber ensembles and recorded an album in collaboration with the Porta Girevole Chamber Orchestra commissioned by the Berklee College of Music.
Dr. Steve Redd ’75
Rear Admiral Dr. Stephen C. Redd recently retired from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention after 35 years. He was most recently the Deputy Director for Public Health Service and Implementation Science, a role in which he oversaw several CDC divisions: the Center for Preparedness and Response; the Center for Global Health; the Center for State, Tribal, Local, and Territorial Support; and the Office of Minority Health and Health Equity. Dr. Redd became Director for CDC’s Center for Preparedness and Response during the 2014 response to the West Africa Ebola outbreak, where he helped to ensure congressional stakeholders were kept up to date and worked across the agency to prepare for the possibility of additional Ebola cases in the United States. Honored with numerous awards for his work— among them the United States Public Health Service Distinguished Service Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal—Dr. Redd is a three-time nominee and winner of the CDC’s prestigious Charles C. Shepard Science Award for outstanding scientific publication.
“Dr. Redd’s achievements would be more than enough in any given year, but as circumstances would have it, I called him pre-pandemic in 2019 to tell him of this award, planning to present to him this honor at our 2020 commencement ceremony ... which, needless to say, was delayed. Having made this connection, I sought out his advice about opening school during the pandemic, and he soon became a key advisor for us as we navigated a confusing and challenging landscape throughout the year. Every time I called him, he took my call, always willing to offer help and advice.” — President Keith Evans,
2021 Commencement ceremony
WESTMINSTER | 65
Alumni and Community Events Pigskin Picnic SEPTEMBER 17, 2021
Students and their families enjoyed barbecue and fellowship at the annual Pigskin Picnic before cheering on the varsity football team.
Pressly Leadership Giving Society Celebration OCTOBER 7, 2021 Westminster honored the leadership and generosity of our Pressly Leadership Society members during a celebration at Barge Commons.
66 | Fall/Winter 2021
ALUMNI NEWS
San Francisco Happy Hour SEPTEMBER 14, 2021
New York Happy Hour SEPTEMBER 21, 2021
Bay Area alumni enjoyed cocktails and—in traditional The New York Alumni Council kicked off the fall with Wildcat fashion—a friendly competition of putt-putt at a happy hour for new members. Parklab Gardens, a new urban space in Mission Bay.
New York Reception with Keith Evans OCTOBER 5, 2021
New York City-area alumni joined President Keith Evans for an alumni reception at the Harvard Club.
WESTMINSTER | 67
ALUMNI NEWS
Breithaupt Athletic Hall of Fame OCTOBER 1, 2021
We honored the newest members of the Breithaupt Athletic Hall of Fame during a special induction ceremony in Barge Commons ahead of the alumni Homecoming Celebration. Congratulations to this year’s inductees! 2021 Inductees (listed from left to right) Austin Howell ’07 (Basketball) Ted Woodward ’98 (Wrestling) Cynthia Potter, Coach, Retired 2020 (Diving) Smith Haverty ’08 (Soccer and Football) Sandra Lynne Fryhofer ’08 (Volleyball) Matt Koh ’01 (Soccer)
68 | Fall/Winter 2021
ALUMNI NEWS
Homecoming OCTOBER 1, 2021
Alumni and families gathered for Westminster’s first in-person alumni event in two years! Wildcats enjoyed the traditional Homecoming fried chicken dinner, catching up with classmates, and seeing new spaces around campus.
WESTMINSTER | 69
Class News From travel to making Westminster connections to exciting career moves, the Wildcat Nation never sits still. Enjoy reading about what your fellow Wildcats have been up to! Be part of the fun—visit westminster.net/class-news to submit your updates for the next issue. This issue reflects Class News submitted on or before July 31, 2021.
1956 Mason Lowance writes, “I continue to write and publish in American studies, history, and literature. My wife, Susan Coltrane Lowance WS ’51, and I live in Amherst and Boston, where she was a dean of the Sloan School of Management for twenty years before retirement. We enjoy returning to Mansfield annually and seeing old schoolmate John Creaser. Cheers, Mason and Susan.”
1957 Nancy Brooks Jones writes, “When we graduated, Westminster was pure white except for the people who kept us clean and neat. Thank goodness that the pictures from these days show a school more diverse. We still have a long way to go as a school and a culture, but at least now our eyes are more open to what and who was missing.”
1958 Bill Darby writes, “Judy and I spend our summers in Stonington, Maine, and have been for the last 30 years. We consider Maine our second home, and it is wonderful in Stonington. This town is the lobster capital of the world—the most poundage of lobsters harvested than any other place. No McDonald’s (closest one is 35 miles away), no condos, and no buildings over two stories high. Like going back in time. Awesome place to spend our summers—four months a year. Life is good!”
1959 Jill Pendergrast MacGlaflin is hosting the first in a continuation of family reunions since the death of her mother, Nan Schwab Pendergrast WS ’37, on December 17, 2018. It will be in the Berkshires and will include all six of her siblings: John Pendergrast ’60, Nan Pendergrast Marshall ’63, Mark Pendergrast ’66, Blair Pendergrast Vickery ’70, Scott Pendergrast ’72,
and Craig Pendergrast ’77, as well as their families. Preceding the reunion, there will be a ceremony at the Peace Memorial Park in Sherborn, Massachusetts, for the dedication of new plaques, including one for John Lewis, sponsored by Jill, and one for Britt and Nan Pendergrast, sponsored by their children. Things go well and actively for the numerous Pendergrast progeny, Jill’s branch of which all live near her in the Boston area.
1962 Tommy and Wally Gay Hills ’63 are proud great-grandparents of Townes and Wylie Dennis. Grandmother is Kathryn Hills Dennis ’80.
1964 Carolyn Young Broce, a member of Peachtree Road United Methodist Church since 1957, was selected to archive the church’s history in September 2018. The Centennial Celebration is Sunday, June 8, 2025.
1965 Jerdone Davis writes, “Moving from my formerly tornado-ravaged home to a beautiful patio home in a retirement community, I look forward to joining the ‘Biker Babes of Bayberry’ riding adult tricycles! This will be my ‘new childhood.’ Still teaching nursing and editing for extra income, but looking forward to this updated lifestyle. I’m selling my house to a young woman, her husband, and their expanding family. I actually used to take care of her when she was a baby; so, in essence, my lovely home ‘stays in the family.’”
1968 This year, Jeff Etchberger published two major works. The first, entitled Beyond Simple Belief, examines God’s transforming process to genuine faith. The second, entitled Am I A Deceived Hypocrite?, examines the
Memory Lane
Revisiting the Westminster Days of This Year’s Reunion Classes
1972
1977
1982
CLASS NEWS difference between genuine and counterfeit faith. Both works are available on Amazon.
1969 1 Wildcats pictured together in Highlands, North Carolina. Front row: Sharon Harris and her husband, Eric Harris; Georgia Hightower Patterson and her husband, Richard Patterson; second row: Bill Millkey and his wife, Jean; David Moore and his wife, Mary; Ike Cobb and his wife, Margaret McEver Cobb; Wendy Hurd Montague ’71 and her husband, Clay Montague; and Helen Davis and her husband, Ren Davis. Larry Hurst writes, “Looking forward to Sandals trips this year to Antigua, Barbados, and Grenada. Still working full time, but will likely go part-time soon. Love trading options, which I have done for years, and watching the grandkids grow up is a pure joy!”
2 Wade Lnenicka is serving a fifth year as Commander of American Legion Post 160 in Smyrna, Georgia, which received the Outstanding Post Award for Georgia in June 2021. In 2020, the Post received three first place National American Legion Awards for having the best website, social media, and newsletter. Wade invites all Westminster veterans to drop by and enjoy food and beverages.
1973 4 Randy Siegel announced his new book, Change Begins Here: Adopt the Mind of Christ and Build a Better World, which “offers inspiration, hope, and practical solutions for these troubled times.” For more information, visit linktorandy.com.
1975 Tim McDowell recently published a collection of poems entitled Wrestling a Blessing from God and a novel entitled The Aspen Grove, both of which are available for purchase on Amazon.
1976 5 Dale Cooper writes, “I retired in July 2019 on my 61st birthday. Moved to Amherst, New York, where my wife grew up, and we are about 12 miles from Niagara Falls. If you are ever in the area, please look me up. We renovated a 120-year-old barn and live with our four dogs and cat on four acres, about one fourth of a mile from the Erie Canal. We do have a guest house to accommodate friends and family. In the meantime, I am on my third
1970 Tom Anderson was recently awarded tenure at Georgia State University, where he develops and teaches online film history and production classes. Scoot Dimon writes, “All is good down here in Naples. Maggie is doing art and yoga; I’m playing plenty of tennis and pickleball ... and trying to learn how to play golf (not easy!). Our oldest son, Philip ’99, got married on the Kenyan coast in late October. Stay tuned for a Westminster photo! Go Cats!
2 1
1972 3 Bruce Bryant joined fellow classmate Kevin Kaufman for a Braves game this spring. Kevin was in town taking a break after the successful run of his three-hour docuseries on ESPN, GOATs: The Greatest of All Time. Kevin, director and executive producer of GOATs, interviewed numerous sports superstars, from Kobe Bryant and Tiger Woods to Joe Montana and Jack Nicklaus.
1987
1992
3
4
1997
CLASS NEWS trip out West on motorcycles with a good friend. This trip is our ‘peak trip,’ riding through Glacier National Park, the Beartooth Pass (top end of Yellowstone Park), and Pikes Peak in Colorado—about 6,500 miles and two weeks when done. The other two trips in 2016 and 2018 were similar in duration. If you love to ride, as I do, it doesn’t get any better than this! Planning on a trip in 2022 hopefully ... over to the East Coast to meet riding buddies, cross into Canada, all the way across to the West Coast and then back down through Washington state to home. Anyone who rides, let me know if you are interested!”
6 Chuck Cordovano writes, “Had a great time working with the class of ’76 Reunion Committee this spring. Last October, Windy and I enjoyed the marriage of our daughter, Taylor, to Doug Mitchell. Taylor is a police officer in Lexington, Kentucky, and Doug is a firefighter/ EMT. Thanks to Chuck Adams ’77 and his wife, Laura for all their help!”
1979 7 As the class of 1979 turns 60 years young, Molly Crawford Ream and husband, Rick, officially retired and are thoroughly enjoying traveling to as many beaches as possible and playing with their six grandchildren!
1984 Emily Johnson Kellar writes, “I continue to serve as the senior minister of the Congregational Church of South Dartmouth, a congregation of the United Church of Christ on the south coast of Massachusetts. My first grandchild, Nathan, was born October 15, 2020, and the adoption was finalized in June of 2021. My daughter, Emma, and her wife, Autumn, are enjoying being new parents and balancing their careers. I am so incredibly grateful for members of the class of ’84 who graciously reached out to me on the occasion of my mother’s death in June. Blessings always!”
1986 Joie Cooney writes, “Still living outside New York with my family and working with healthcare technology companies. I just accepted a position as Chief Commercial Officer with KelaHealth—an AI-enabled surgical intelligence solution—and am about to start traveling again like crazy! My husband and I have enjoyed the COVID break from airports (me) and commuting into NYC (him), but it is all about to start up again. Hope everyone in the Class of 1986 is doing well!”
9 Lezlee Peterzell-Bellanich writes, “I am thrilled to announce that after 18 years of enduring a rare autoimmune disorder that led to cirrhosis, my husband, 1980 Capt. Rob, had a successful liver transplant at Mayo 8 Pat Boomershine Mitchell writes, “My first Super Dooper Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, on September 10, 2020. Kids Books book, one of four, is a hit. Enjoy reading One year later, on the anniversary of Rob’s transplant, my Frannie and the Skunk Who Couldn’t Skunk. Buy for births book entitled Saved by a Stranger: Life-Changing Journeys and birthdays, your own library, and community libraries. of Transplant Patients was published independently All proceeds go to charity—proceeds from Frannie’s book through Giro di Mondo. The book not only tells our are building a new cabin for ‘Frankie and Andy’s Place,’ a story, but includes chapters from other transplant senior dog sanctuary in Winder, Georgia. Buy directly at recipients we met at the Mayo Clinic’s weekly support superdooperkidsbooks.com. It’s Super Dooper!” group who survived and are now thriving after their gift of life as well as professionals in the field. My goals 1983 are to provide hope to others on the organ transplant waitlist, increase organ donor registration, and encourage David Tingue writes, “After nearly 30 years in the transplant centers to have weekly support group sessions, Chicago area, I am headed back to the South. Andrea and which were invaluable to us. You can purchase through I are in Tampa, where our 6th grade daughter, Hayden, my website, www.lezlee.com. Thanks!” will be attending Berkeley Prep. Our older kids, John (26) and Darby (23), are staying in Chicago where they In an effort to continue helping foster children, David are gainfully employed and enjoying life to its fullest. Let White founded a “do-tank” that considers their needs me know if you’re in the area—dtingue@tingue.com.” and develops compelling, community-led solutions to improve their lives. Fostering Great Ideas charity is
Memory Lane
Revisiting the Westminster Days of This Year’s Reunion Classes
2002
2007
2012
CLASS NEWS now 10 years old and serves over 300 children in South Carolina, Georgia, and Colorado.
5
1987 Stuart Baker writes, “I recently retired as a Colonel from the Army Reserve after a 30-year career in the U.S. Army JAG Corps, which included seven years on active duty. When I went off to college and joined Army ROTC after graduating from Westminster in 1987 during the Cold War, I never imagined that it would lead me to staying in the Army for so long or going to war in Iraq. Serving in the Army has given me the opportunity to have experiences and see parts of the world that I otherwise never would have, and the chance to work with a great and diverse group of people who come together from all walks of life to serve the nation and each other. I look back at my career with many fond memories, but am very happy to be closing this chapter of my life so that I can spend more time with my wife and kids, no longer having to share my weekends with Uncle Sam anymore. It’s been a great journey, but home is where the heart truly is.” 10 Jiyon Lee, MD, celebrates three major career milestones: promotion to full Clinical Professor of Radiology at NYU, becoming a Fellow of the American College of Radiology (FACR), and becoming a Fellow of the Society of Breast Imaging (FSBI). Her three children are thriving. Serena is a senior at NYU Stern, Aaron started at NYU Tandon School of Engineering, and Mark is a junior at Scarsdale High School. She welcomes alums to reach out to socially connect. It’s fun to affirm and be affirmed in all good efforts to grow and contribute.
6
7
10
1990 Karen Quinn Anderson writes, “My husband, Jason, and I are expanding our real estate business by reopening Anderson Property Management. Over the last 15+ years of helping homeowners and investors buy and sell their properties as lifetime members of the Atlanta Board of Realtors Top Producers, we noticed that there was an opportunity to offer our clients unique property management services. Our primary focus is to take the burden of the day-to-day work of managing rental properties off of our property owners while keeping tenants happy and hopefully encouraging them to continue renting our clients’ homes. I will still be working primarily as a purchase and sale residential realtor with Dorsey Alston Realtors. As this will be a true family business, my husband will oversee the property management and operational side of the organization while I give my full attention to the homebuying and selling services that my clients have come to expect from me.”
8
9
1992 Justin Dillon is a partner at KaiserDillon PLLC in Washington, DC, and has become nationally recognized for his work defending students in campus misconduct
WESTMINSTER | 73
CLASS NEWS cases. He is the lead co-author of Title IX Hearings and Litigation: A Practitioner’s Guide, which was published in June by the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education.
1994 11 Katherine Pryor Hoogerwerf is excited to share that she has recently joined the Atlanta Area Council, Boy Scouts of America as a Development Director. As the mother of two Scouts and wife of an Eagle Scout, Katherine sees firsthand the values that scouting instills in youth and to appreciate all that the Atlanta Area Council does. Scouting has also uncovered Katherine’s personal love of the outdoors and led her to discover new skills as well.
1996 Ali Burrell Stewart writes, “Hello from London! We have survived our multiple lockdowns and even managed to have a ‘travel school year’ with our girls, Georgia (12), Isabella (10), and Caroline (6). Please let us know when you are traveling again and are headed to London! We would love to see you!”
2007 Matt Cranshaw was inducted into the Georgia Chapter of USA Lacrosse Hall of Fame. Matt played lacrosse during his time at Westminster and went on to play at Williams College. He and his fellow inductees were celebrated at the induction ceremony on August 22.
2010 This spring, Remy Hassett was selected as the STAR teacher at D.M. Therrell High School in southwest Atlanta, part of Atlanta Public Schools. She has taught US and AP US History there for three years and serves as the Junior Class Sponsor. 15 Hart Hyde (left) and Glen Harper Hyde (right), children of Jensen Hart Hyde ’06, pictured with baby Fletcher Montgomery (center), son of Hollis Hart Montgomery.
2012
16 Caroline James started her second year of her MBA at Yale School of Management, where she is focusing on sustainable business. This summer, she completed 2000 an internship at Atlantic Packaging in Wilmington, North Carolina, as a sustainability strategist, where 12 Rebecca Rouse writes, “Our family moved to Sweden she identified options to improve and replace plastic this past year so that I could take a position on the packaging products. At Westminster, Caroline led the faculty of University of Skövde in the Division of Game Campus Conservation Corps, where she promoted Development! Hej hej från Sverige!–Rebecca, Ann, and recycling and other sustainability initiatives. Her interest Charles.” in conservation, waste reduction, and sustainability have clearly stuck! 2004
Alycia Monopoli-Tailhardat Cullen has started her 2013 own business as a professional labor doula and childbirth 17 The Rev. David E. Boyd III was ordained to the Sacred educator. She is passionate about inclusive and patientOrder of Priests in the Episcopal Church on June 26, centered medical care, particularly perinatal health in 2021. He will be serving as the Associate Rector of St. Georgia. Her husband, Ralph Cullen, is leading a team Peter’s Episcopal Church in Rome, Georgia. as a user experience research manager at State Farm. Alycia and Ralph welcomed their third child, Eloise, in 2015 January, and they, along with siblings Everett and Wesley, recently moved to Cobb with their one dog, Finley. 18 Gevin Reynolds was appointed by President Joe Biden to serve as Associate Director of the White House Office of Elizabeth Ezzell Perry writes, “Gena Dennard Inman 13 Management and Administration, effective July 9. In his and I got creative during time spent at home this past role, he oversees special projects related to the operations year. We both reside in Garden Hills and decided to take of the White House. Following the conclusion of his part in a City of Atlanta arts initiative for the various service in the White House, he will begin a JD/MBA traffic signal boxes around the city While I handled the between Yale Law School and the Stanford Graduate paperwork with the City of Atlanta and neighborhood School of Business. organizations, Gena got to work planning the design, colors, and various mediums to be used on the signal 2018 box. Take a look next time you are in Garden Hills! Additionally, I recently joined the Buckhead office of 14 19 David Edmiston writes, “The Annual RB3 Golf Harry Norman Realtors. After a brief work hiatus to Tournament will be held once again during the week of stay home with my sons, Ben (4) and Jack (3), I am December 16th. The tournament honors Raymond thrilled to be in a fast-paced industry where I can put my Baltz, who tragically passed away in an accident in communications background to great use!” March 2020. Proceeds from the event are donated to causes dear to Raymond’s heart. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact me at david.mc.ed@gmail.com.” 74 | Fall/Winter 2021
CLASS NEWS
11
12
15
13
16
14
17
19
18
OIA Intern Spotlight Catie Chubb ’20 worked alongside the Office for Institutional Advancement this summer! We are grateful for her many contributions to this issue of the magazine, The Westminster Fund, alumni engagement, photography coverage, and creative design projects.
Your Legacy. Their Future. When you make a planned gift to Westminster, you join a network of like-minded peers through membership in The Cornerstone Society and gain comfort in knowing your generosity leaves a lasting impact.
“More than just investing in a large school, you’re investing in preparing citizens who will be critical, creative, and accomplished. Westminster is doing the work—and play—it takes to send these young people out into the world. I wish I could go back and experience it all with them! Nevertheless, I’m proud that my gift will be part of my personal legacy.” — Susie Soper ’64
View our planned giving guide at westminster.planmygift.org WESTMINSTER | 75
Marriages Congratulations to all Wildcats celebrating recent weddings! Find each couple’s corresponding photo number to the left of the announcement.
Alumni 1982
Faculty and Staff 10
Rachel Coleman and Donald Barksdale, May 16, 2021 (Middle School faculty)
11
Kelly Fitzgerald and Chris Heiden, June 12, 2021 (Lower School faculty)
12
Stephanie Daughenbaugh (Lower School faculty) and Scott Mesloh (Middle School faculty), June 2, 2021
1 Jody LeCraw and Kevin O’Shaughnessy,
June 12, 2021
1997 Katie Ray and Jim Conrad, June 19, 2021
1999 2 Jennifer Lowry and Seth Harris, April 17, 2021
2004 3 Kristen Eimer and Andrew Larwood,
January 1, 2021
2009 4 Margaret Sasser and Brady Sumner,
October 24, 2020
2011 5 Grace Beckham and Griffin Knotts, June 26, 2021 6 Holly Joel and Teddy Driscoll, April 2, 2021
2012 7 Virginia Berndt and Chris Greenberg,
June 19, 2021
2014 8 Elizabeth Watkins and Michael Moulton,
June 27, 2020
2015 9 Laura Russell and Connor McCreary,
March 19, 2021
76 | Fall/Winter 2021
1
2
4
3
5
6
7
9
8
10
11
12
Births and Adoptions Welcome to the Wildcat family, new additions! Find each child’s corresponding photo number to the left of the announcement.
1983 1 Maddie Joy Smith, April 30, 2021,
daughter of Kristen and Ted Smith
1992 2 Zoe Rawls Robertson, May 12, 2021,
daughter of Amanda Rawls and Ian Robertson
1997 3 Jackson James Griffey, April 18, 2021,
son of Lauren Duncan Griffey and Jeremy Griffey
1998 4 Caroline Grace Dodd, March 19, 2021,
daughter of Katie Blaska Dodd and Billy Dodd
1999 5 Paul David Muong, June 10, 2021,
son of John and Mary Beth Drake Muong, pictured with proud grandfather and beloved retired faculty member Dave Drake ’61
2000 6 James Spencer Jorgensen, April 13, 2019,
son of Betsy and Blake Jorgenson
2002 7 Charles Henry Dennard, January 30, 2021,
son of Chelsea and Wesley Dennard
8 Pearl Ann Godleski, April 11, 2021,
daughter of Rebecca and Matthew Godleski
9 Barbara “Gray” Prickett, February 10, 2021,
daughter of Ali Gray Prickett ’05 and Clay Prickett
2003 10 Carolyn “Joy” McEver, April 27, 2021,
daughter of Courtney Van Winkle McEver and Taylor McEver
78 | Fall/Winter 2021
11 Charles “Charlie” Benjamin Schwanda,
Ocotober 5, 2020, son of Mimi Hobart Schwanda and Peter Schwanda
2004 12 Ivy Emory Bowden, April 7, 2021,
daughter of Yao Wu and Henry Bowden
13 Parker Daniel Brown, March 30, 2021,
son of Jessica Hayes Brown and Matthew Brown
14 Eloise Marie Cullen, January 23, 2021,
daughter of Alycia Monopoli-Tailhardat Cullen and Ralph Cullen
15 Logan Elizabeth Lochridge, February 7, 2020,
daughter of Miriam McCrackin Lochridge and Andy Lochridge
16 Madison Taylor Plunkett, February 21, 2021,
daughter of Jenny Accarino and Michael Plunkett
17 Leah Eleni Sherman, June 20, 2021,
daughter of Kristen Karellas and Matthew Sherman
2005 18 Lilien Liesl Anderson, May 3, 2021,
daughter of Kelsey Pell Anderson and Lawson Anderson
19 Thomas Collins Beacham, June 27, 2021,
son of Laura and Ben Beacham
9 Barbara “Gray” Prickett, February 10, 2021,
daughter of Ali Gray Prickett and Clay Prickett ’05
1
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
16
2
13
17
14
15
18
19
CLASS NEWS
20
21
Caroline Lee Hamrata, January 29, 2021, daughter of Emily Eckert Hamrata and Drew Hamrata Benjamin Allen Stalla, June 5, 2021, son of Allison Gaston-Enholm Stalla and Zeid Stalla
23 24
32
Sarah Riley Closs, February 10, 2021, daughter of Elizabeth Hogan Closs and Conor Closs
2011 33
Luke Thomas Falconer, February 28, 2021, son of Allison Capper Falconer and Wiley Falconer
34
Tate LeCraw Higgins, May 22, 2021, daughter of Jojo Olsen Higgins and Sam Higgins
35
Isabel Elaine Wolf, March 14, 2021, daughter of Mattie and Daniel Wolf
Marian McCamy Walker, June 6, 2021, daughter of Clare Houk Walker and Thomas Walker
2007
2013
2006 22
2010
Walter “Clayton” Perrin, January 12, 2021, son of Christie and David Perrin Eleanor Stuart Pettit, January 21, 2021, daughter of Mary Lowell Downing Pettit and Gil Pettit
25
Gregory Charles Hammond Jr., May 9, 2021, son of Taylor Hanlon Hammond and Gregory Hammond
26
Charlotte Lynne Menendez, March 27, 2021, daughter of Amy and Steven Menendez
27
Davis Holden Redd, February 15, 2021, son of Taylor Stevens Redd and Walker Redd
28
Frances “Barrett” Woodall, July 16, 2021, daughter of Kara and Ben Woodall
2008 Louise “Isa” Alexis Chapman, March 13, 2021, daughter of Alex and Hunter Chapman 29
Paul Bailey Edwards, May 27, 2021, son of Elizabeth Smith Edwards and Scott Edwards
30
Frances Anne Hutchinson, January 12, 2021, daughter of Robin Attkisson Hutchinson and Patrick Hutchinson
31
Sofia Marie Strumph, June 3, 2021, daughter of Caroline Rawls Strumph and Matt Strumph
80 | Fall/Winter 2021
36
Lily Tazuko Knorr, November 11, 2020, daughter of Alexis Jameson Knorr and David Knorr
Faculty Staff Births 37
Scarlett Stout, February 15, 2021, daughter of Kasey Stout (Lower School faculty) and Jerry Stout
20
21
23
22
24
26
25
27
30
31
34
35
28
32
36
29
33
37
In Memoriam We extend our deepest sympathy to the members of the Westminster community who have lost a loved one.
Washington Seminary 1943 Jane Woodruff, July 29, 2021
1947 Marie Bryson Crimmins, June 19, 2021 Mary Budd George, February 7, 2021, mother of Barton George ’71 Beulah Reeve Heinitsh, April 26, 2021
1948 Tish Sharp Jennings, February 22, 2021, mother of Hunter Jennings ’74, Jack Jennings ’76, and Tish Jennings Spearman ’86 Lucy Crane Jones, August 19, 2020 Mary Charles Fitzpatrick Wilmer, January 15, 2020, mother of Grant Wilmer ’70
1960 Malinda Rymer Grosz, May 30, 2021 Dell Peek Rearden, March 12, 2021, mother of Alison Rearden Murrah ’86 and Robert Rearden ’89 Peter Stelling, July 25, 2021
1961 Irene Weston Croft, Jr., February 23, 2021, sister of Ed Croft ’60, Laurie Croft ’63, Weston Croft ’70, and Mary Croft Ferguson ’75 Gayle Oliver Ide, July 28, 2021, sister of Julie Oliver Freudenstein ’64 and mother of Logan Ide ’86, Jennifer Ide ’87, and Lucie Ide ’93
1963 Sue Tucker, April 8, 2021
1965
1957
Patti Wilhoit Perry, June 27, 2017
Nancy Laird Crosswell, February 28, 2021, sister of Dot Laird Williams ’49
1970
Westminster Alumni 1952 Susan Woodall Fuller, July 10, 2021
1953 Roxie Jones Goble, July 2, 2021
Sidney Quin Clarke, October 24, 2020, sister of Suzanne Quin Fojas ’66
1971 Bill Hamilton, July 26, 2021, brother of Roline Hamilton McGinnis ’78
1974
Marcia Hiatt Sivils, April 30, 2021
Sam Harrison, April 29, 2021, husband of Peggy Carew Harrison ’75
1954
1980
Kay Branch McKenzie, February 20, 2021, mother of Ansley McKenzie Browning ’77, Katherine McKenzie Stegall ’79, and Harold McKenzie ’82
Ben Jennings, May 22, 2021, brother of Comer Jennings ’78
1955 Jane Hawkins Lemon, May 2, 2021
1959 Mary McDowell Elkin, July 6, 2021 Cecil Collins Scanlan, February 11, 2021, sister of Carolyn Collins Mobley ’63 Kathryn Etheridge Thomson, July 25, 2021
82 | Fall/Winter 2021
Westminster Community Baylor Banks, July 2, 2021, father of Baylor Banks, Jr. ’11, and Sam Banks ’14 Frank Boggs (retired faculty), March 23, 2021, father of Catherine Boggs Hoecke ’79 Donna Broadwater, May 18, 2021, mother of Robert Broadwater ’75 and Moya Broadwater Gollaher ’73
CLASS NEWS Jeane White DuBose, February 8, 2021, mother of Meda DuBose Krenson ’68, Ed DuBose, Jr. ’70, Sam DuBose ’73, Palmer DuBose Strickler ’75, and Len DuBose de Rohan ’77 Jessica Eastham Hembree, March 24, 2020, daughter of Pearson Eastham ’77 David Gambrell, May 6, 2021, father of Luck Gambrell Davidson ’73, Alice Gambrell ’78, and Mary Gambrell Robinson ’81 Duncan Gray, Jr., July 4, 2021, father of Julia Gray Smith ’91
Emory Schwall, June 20, 2021, father of Craig Schwall ’81 Charlie Shaffer Jr. (retired staff), March 18, 2021, father of Charles Shaffer III ’85, Caroline Shaffer Vroon ’87, and Emi Shaffer Gragnani ’95 Virginia Shaw, May 3, 2021, mother of Mark Shaw ’72 Jack Shields (retired faculty), December 13, 2020, father of John Shields ‘83 and Hugh Shields ‘86
Sara Anne Johnson, June 5, 2021, mother of Emily Johnson Kellar ’84 Matilee Howard Johnson, December 7, 2020, wife of Emerson Johnson (retired faculty) Belle Lynch, May 13, 2021, mother of Catherine Bennett Bierman ’80 and Virginia Bennett ’83 Walker McCune, February 3, 2021, husband of Rebecca Carpenter McCune ’64 and father of Maggie McCune Fuller ’98 and Jo McCune ’01 Ken Millar, March 8, 2021, father of Peyton Millar Powell ’08 and Schuyler Millar ’12 Beth Monasterski, May 8, 2021, mother of Raymond Monasterski ’12
Susanne Schlaifer, September 2, 2020, mother of Jessica Schlaifer Frankel ’92 and Stephanie Schlaifer ’95
Edward Perry Thomas, Jr., July 21, 2021, father of Carter Thomas ’98 Ed Van Winkle, Jr., March 9, 2021, father of Ed Van Winkle III ’74 and Jennie Van Winkle Curtis ’75 Martha Wayt, April 27, 2021, mother of John Wayt III ’72, Jim Wayt ’76, and Marty Wayt McMullin ’78 Bob Wells, June 15, 2021, father of Jere Wells ’72 and Cathlean Wells Utzig ’79 Sue Wieland (former trustee), June 28, 2021, mother of Jack Wieland ’84 and Lindsey Wieland Parker ’85 Sue Woolf (retired staff), March 31, 2021
Jack Shields: Beloved Teacher and Friend In December 2020, longtime Westminster teacher Jack Shields passed away. Westminster’s resident Renaissance man, he mentored countless young people during his 39 years at the school. In addition to teaching almost every subject to seventh graders, the New Zealand native coached nearly every sport, led the Boys Junior High as principal for 20 years, and served as Director of Fine Arts before his retirement in 1995. A man of many talents, Shields competed in javelin throwing, winning the Worlds Senior Javelin title in 1993, and was also a prolific watercolor artist. Shields was well known for his artwork within the Westminster community and beyond; owning a Jack Shields
piece is a point of pride for many. Late in his life, he dedicated a great deal of time to teaching watercolor workshops around the country, including at Westminster’s alumni Back to School Nights and with patients at Atlanta’s Shepherd Center. “Jack Shields was the most important teacher I ever had,” says John Barge ’64. “He inspired me. Every opportunity I’ve had to continue my education, I trace back to him.” John and his wife, Olivia, still display the original painting Shields gave them for their wedding decades ago. Shortly after Barge Commons opened on campus, a memorial service for Shields took place in the new chapel.
“[My parents] have always been proud of how they had a part in building the School into what it is today, and for that reason we had to come here today,” Hugh Shields ’86 told the gathering. “We couldn’t just have our small, immediate family memorial service because my dad had a bigger family: It’s the family of Westminster, and all of you are a part of it.”
WESTMINSTER | 83
Worth 1,000 Words This fall, the Westminster community celebrated the return of the Pigskin Picnic and the reopening of Broyles Field. After being absent from Wildcat calendars since 2019, the Pigskin Picnic drew hundreds of families, students, faculty, and staff to campus on September 17. Everyone enjoyed delicious barbecue, Dippin’ Dots, music from Men’s A Cappella and Women’s A Cappella, and great conversation with fellow Wildcats! The picnic was the first event held on the newly restored Broyles Field, which served as the site of the “Wildcat Village” of mobile classrooms for the past two school years during construction.