Westminster Magazine Spring 2020

The Westminster Schools Non-Profit Organization

1424 West Paces Ferry Road NW Atlanta, Georgia 30327 westminster.net

U.S. Postage Paid Permit No. 1083 Atlanta, GA

THE MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI, PARENTS, AND FRIENDS | SPRING 2020

SPRING 2020

Stay connected to the alumni network—no matter where you are.

Wildcats Connect, our new online alumni directory, lets you connect with friends and classmates, meet alumni in your city, and access career data by signing in with your LinkedIn account.

Alumni Chapters in Washington, DC, New York City, and San Francisco are a valuable resource, whether you’re new in town, seeking a career connection, or simply looking to meet friends with a shared passion for Westminster.

Be sure to read the Wildcat Wire, our everyother-month alumni email newsletter, to stay up-to-date about happenings on campus and throughout the alumni community!

Visit westminster.net/connect to learn more and get started.

How timeless lessons prepare today’s students to thrive in tomorrow’s world

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Bravo for our

You make extraordinary moments possible.

A single moment at Westminster holds extraordinary potential for students to learn, discover, create, and lead. The Westminster Fund helps prepare these students to grow into leaders of conscience who make a difference in communities throughout Atlanta and the world. Your gift helps every Wildcat seize the potential of a moment—every day.

Be a catalyst for more Westminster moments. Make a gift to The Westminster Fund today.

MAKE YOUR GIFT BY VISITING WESTMINSTER.NET/GIVING

Opportunities we’ve envisioned for years are drawing closer as construction progresses on the first projects of our campus plan—thanks to visionary support from community members.

We look forward to learning through discovery inside Campbell Hall and Hawkins Hall, cultivating connections on the Community Plaza, and making Wildcat memories in the stands of Thompson Stadium.

SPRING 2020

CONTENTS CONTRIBUTORS Executive Editors Liz Ball Emilie Henry Managing Editor

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Erin Dentmon Production Manager Jennifer Liu Editorial Staff Justin Abraham Laura Breslin Molly Morris

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Stacie Davis Rapson ’83 Caroline Rothschild

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Contributors

FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

President Keith Evans

14 Decoding the Future

2 From the President 4 Wildcat Tracks 36 Faculty and Staff 38 New Trustees 40 Wildcat Den 44 Westminster Fund Volunteers 46 Alumni News 56 Class Notes

Jane Lauderdale Armstrong ’74 Brooke Boothby Lyse Herrera Pamela Nye

In a computer-driven era that shows no signs of slowing down, how do we help our students thrive?

Katie Trainor Bailey Ward Regina Wood Art Direction & Design Green Gate Marketing Photography Dennis Carter Gemshots Matthew Spaulding

24 Seven Cats Predict What’s Next A few Wildcats give us their best guesses about what the future might look like.

26 The Inventor’s Mindset John Lert ’64 is on a quest to reinvent the grocery store.

COMMENTS TO THE EDITOR: Please address postal correspondence to:

Student, faculty, staff, and parent photographers

Liz Ball Associate Vice President for Strategic Communications Westminster 1424 West Paces Ferry Road, NW Atlanta, Georgia 30327

The Lewis H. Beck Archives at Westminster

Email: lizball@westminster.net Phone: 404-609-6259

Paul Ward Matthew Warren

Printing Perfect Image

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 Friends, Westminster is in the futures business. We are blessed to spend our days with students who are constantly leaning forward, thinking about the next milestone in a class or the next grade level’s privileges, or the next step beyond their beloved school community. They, and we, come by that obsession honestly. It turns out humans are wired that way.

In a research study a couple years ago, 500 subjects were randomly and repeatedly contacted over time to report on their immediate thoughts at that moment. The results: the participants were pondering the future three times as often as

they were considering the past.

Further, when subjects did recall some event or interaction in the past, they tended to think about it in terms of its implications for the future. We are, all of us, seers and predictors, oddsmakers and fortune tellers.

Exercising our muscles as futurists is essential—and exciting—at Westminster. Our 1,860 students bring with them a nearly bottomless reservoir of potential to be realized on our campus each day.

By analyzing trends and identifying patterns, we can anticipate many of the challenges and opportunities of their futures. As we imagine and reimagine the world our students will one day lead, some of the predictive factors that emerge are sweeping and disruptive, like the digital revolution.

But often, they are little more than signals in the atmosphere: small bets, experiments, and ideas that are emerging but not yet fully mature.

For example, as ever-advancing technology has led to exponential growth in the understanding of the human brain, neuroscience is becoming part of the toolbox of everyday life. Retailers use brain imaging instead of surveys and focus groups to determine what packaging is most effective. Professional athletes design sleep regimens that optimize their focusing power.

What do these activities mean for us? They’re a signal that our students will likely need a basic understanding of neuroscience principles in a wide range of future endeavors. What was our “signal response?” To create a new mini-course for sixth graders, Meet Your Brain. Now in its third year, this well-received class has unlocked the mysteries of the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex for Wildcats just starting Middle School.

Our challenge goes well beyond preparing our students to adapt to change in the future. What makes a Westminster education unique is our graduates’ capacity and confidence to do more than that. They are the ones who will create the change that shifts the very trajectory of their communities. We aspire to build breakthrough thinkers, trend definers, and signal producers. And after they cross the Pressly Hall stage and their Westminster years become part of their past, we want them to look at their time here like those research subjects, interpreting and reinterpreting it through the lens of what it means for what’s around each new corner.

That those reflections would inspire them to lead boldly and with courageous character is our hope for their future.

Best Wishes,

Keith Evans President

2 | Spring 2020

ADMINISTRATION

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

EMERITUS TRUSTEES

Keith A. Evans President

Bob Ryshke Executive Director, Center for Teaching

Joel T. Murphy ’76, Chair Elizabeth Kilcullen Blake, Vice Chair Rosalind G. Brewer Samuel G. Candler William Clarkson IV Michael J. Egan ’74 Jason Fritz Rand Glenn Hagen ’95 Jack N. Halpern ’67 Scott D. Hawkins Katharine W. Kelley ’82 Stephen S. Lanier ’96 Janet M. Lavine 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 B. Clayton Rolader ’72 Louise Scott Sams ’75 Stephen L. Schoen ’80 S. Stephen Selig ’61 Jeffrey P. Small Jr. ’85 C. Austin Stephens ’93 Dana Weeks Ugwonali Jay Yadav

Cindy Trask Head of Upper School

WESTMINSTER FUND REPRESENTATIVE

James S. Balloun Betsy Barge Birkholz ’69 Lisa Borders ’75 James E. Bostic Jr. David E. Boyd Peter M. Candler ’60 Richard W. Courts II ’55 Ann Draughon Cousins Suzanne LeCraw Cox ’71 Joseph M. Craver F. T. Davis Jr. ’56 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. George H. Lane III* J. Hicks Lanier ’58 Dennis M. Love ’74 Gay McLawhorn Love Carolyn Cody McClatchey ’65 Terence F. McGuirk Olga Goizueta Rawls ’73 Margaret Conant Reiser ’73 John W. Rooker ’56 Kenneth S. Taratus L. Barry Teague John A. Wallace D. Scott Weimer 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

Allen S. Moseley ’87 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION REPRESENTATIVE

*deceased

Sarah Hawkins Warren ’00

WESTMINSTER | 3

Wildcat Tracks Giving the Gift of Music

Greek Parade and Living Museum

Middle School students and faculty unveiled “Iris,” a public piano designed by eighth grade art students, at Plaza Fiesta in Chamblee. The students partnered with Play Me Again Pianos, a nonprofit organization that installs and promotes public pianos across metro Atlanta. During the design process, students interviewed vendors at the mall to ensure the piano would fit well with the culture of the space. They named the piano “Iris” for the Spanish phrase for rainbow, arco iris (arco meaning arch), which is reflected in the design.

Fifth graders transformed into Greek gods and goddesses to grace mere mortals with their presence during the annual Greek Parade and Living Museum.

There’s a New Cat in Town A new Wildcat mascot, designed with input from student leaders, was unveiled at the Pigskin Picnic!

JanTerm: Exploring the World From learning to build racecars to studying sustainability in Costa Rica, JanTerm20 brought three weeks of new opportunities for our Upper Schoolers. Field trips, guest speakers, and in-depth studies all made up an unforgettable learning experience.

See some of the adventures our students had during JanTerm20 at westminster.net/magazine.

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WILDCAT TRACKS 64 Seniors Honored by National Merit Scholarship Program The National Merit Scholarship Program recently honored 64 members of the Class of 2020. Twenty-six students were selected as National Merit semifinalists and 37 received letters of commendation. Five seniors were recognized for the National Hispanic Recognition Program.

To see a list of students honored, please visit westminster.net/magazine.

Mamma Mia! Alice is Love/Sick The Westminster Players and Junior Players delighted audiences throughout the fall season. We all went mad for the Middle School’s production of Alice in Wonderland, got in the mood for a dance as the Upper School performed Mamma Mia! to a packed house, and laughed and cried as Love/Sick told stories about the pain and joy of being in love.

Striking Up the All-National Concert Band Clarinetist Jonas Du ’21 played in the 2019 AllNational Concert Band at the All-National Honor Ensembles program in Orlando, Florida. The band includes the top high school musicians in the country, led by collegiate and professional conductors and organized by the National Association for Music Education.

WESTMINSTER | 5

WILDCAT TRACKS

Lighting up the BeltLine!

Wildcats on Air

After designing and crafting their own lanterns, the Creating Community cohort and some of our Lower Schoolers joined more than 70,000 participants and spectators for the annual Atlanta BeltLine Lantern Parade!

Westminster launched “Inside the Growing Mind” in the fall, a podcast that connects listeners with Westminster’s faculty experts in student support. Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or SoundCloud for episodes about topics like setting a family mission, exam prep, and more!

Find episodes and show notes at westminster.net/podcast!

28th Habitat Home Completed

A Parade + Pumpkins The Lower School Halloween Parade included everything from Disney characters to superheroes.

After showing off their costumes, first graders carved jack-o’-lanterns with their dads and special friends.

Students and faculty partnered with other Atlantaarea schools to build the School’s 28th Habitat for Humanity home! The home build is a schoolwide effort: Lower School students sign door frames that are placed in the home, and students from all divisions raise funds for Habitat for Humanity.

8

Build Days

500+ 64

6 | Spring 2020

Hours Volunteered

Student, Faculty, and Staff Volunteers

WILDCAT TRACKS

HOMECOMING WEEK ON CAMPUS Seniors vs. Faculty on the Court

Homecoming Royalty

Despite a valiant effort, the faculty could not overcome a strong Class of 2020 team in the faculty vs. seniors basketball game—a tradition in its second year—during the Homecoming pep rally.

William Buhay ’20 was crowned Homecoming King at the Upper School pep rally and Morgan Moore ’20 received her Homecoming Queen crown at halftime during the Wildcats’ 51-6 win over Towers High School.

Seniors Dine and Dash

A Sweet Treat

Why walk when you can be chauffeured to class?

Seniors received breakfast sandwiches and golf cart rides around the quad thanks to their parents hitting their Westminster Fund giving goal during the EveryCat Challenge!

Tenth grade chemistry students and pre-firsters teamed up to make (and eat) ice cream. The tasty experiment helped students learn about different freezing points.

WESTMINSTER | 7

WILDCAT TRACKS

Math Team Wins University of Georgia Tournament The Upper School math team won the University of Georgia high school mathematics tournament, besting more than 300 students from 42 schools. The team was boosted by four members placing in the top 20 during the individual rounds: Aaron Yu ’21 finished in first place, Johnny Fang ’20 in sixth, Anup Bottu ’20 in seventh, and Ethan Gao ’23 in 13th. The tournament consists of three rounds—a ciphering round, a written test, and a team round—and no calculators are allowed during competition.

Could you win the UGA tournament?

Test your knowledge by trying to answer this problem from the competition: Tank A is a vertical cylinder with a radius of two feet; tank B is a vertical cylinder with a radius of three feet. Water is drained from tank A into tank B. If the depth of the water in tank A is decreasing at a constant rate of one foot per hour, at what rate is the depth of the water in tank B increasing?

(A) 1 foot per hour (B) 2/3 foot per hour (C) 3/2 foot per hour (D) 4/9 foot per hour (E) 9/4 foot per hour Solution: If the height in tank A is decreasing at a constant rate of one foot per hour, then the volume lost per hour is π x 22 x 1 = 4π ft3/hr. So the volume gained in tank B is 4π ft3/hr, which is enough to fill a cylinder of radius 3 and height 4/9 every hour (D).

Lights, Camera, Action!

Alternative Gift Fair

Student production group StudioW showed two short films at the 2019 All American High School Film Festival, the world’s largest school film, photography, and media arts festival, in New York City.

More than 500 parents, students, and friends attended the 13th annual Alternative Gift Fair to shop for gifts that give back to the community.

The fair featured dozens of student-led and local nonprofits offering holiday goods—and Santa and the Grinch made appearances!

8 | Spring 2020

WILDCAT TRACKS

NOTEBOOK

Campus Life Tidbits

Policy Debate: It’s More Than Just Fast Talking Our policy debate team

English Teacher Named Georgia Author of the Year Upper School English teacher Mario Chard was named a 2019 Georgia Author of the Year. Mario was recognized in the Poetry Full-Length Book category for his recently-published book, Land of Fire. First given in 1964, Georgia Author of the Year Awards, organized by the Georgia Writers Association, recognize commercially published authors from Georgia. Previous notable winners include President Jimmy Carter and Rep. John Lewis.

Listen to Mario reading one of his poems at westminster.net/magazine.

Eighth Grade Science Fair Eighth graders impressed faculty, parents, alumni, and fellow students with their research and experiments during the Middle School science fair.

spends hundreds of hours on academic and legal research each year to prepare for their tournaments. This year, they’re researching and debating whether the United States should reduce its military arms sales to other nations. Students compete in pairs and must be prepared to defend either side of that question on the fly, using knowledge and quotations about specific arms sales programs and relevant international relations, domestic politics, economic issues, and other considerations.

The team has competed in nearly a dozen states this school year and ended the fall semester with more bids to the 2020 Tournament of Champions than any other school in the nation. Pairs qualify for the championship by twice reaching a designated depth of elimination rounds at national tournaments. Three pairs of debaters earned four bids each in the fall: George Alford ’20 and Holland Bald ’21; Sara Ann Brackett ’20 and Benjamin Sayers ’22; and Sam Pavur ’21 and Rishi Manghat ’21. In addition, Connor Li ’21 has earned one bid with Aaron Yu ’21 and another with Charlotte Baugher ’22.

Competitive policy debate is not persuasive speaking for spectators— these 90-minute debate rounds take place at 250 words per minute (the average person speaks 100-130 words per minute), with experienced judges who follow along and take notes in real time before providing extensive feedback to the competitors. This critical thinking game teaches students to listen, analyze, and answer quickly, concisely, and effectively. One side effect? Ordinary discussions often seem to move in slow motion!

WESTMINSTER | 9

WILDCAT TRACKS

New Spaces Coming into Focus The first phase of projects outlined in our campus plan—the historic renovation of Campbell Hall, construction of the new Upper School academic building Hawkins Hall, and enhancements to Alfred E. Thompson Sr. Stadium—is well under way. Detailed planning, generous philanthropic support from the Westminster community, and favorable weather conditions have kept projects on track up to this point.

Construction on a 400-spot parking deck began in December and is scheduled to open in time for the 2020-21 school year.

An enormous amount of work has taken place since the beginning of the school year, with new signs of progress popping up all the time. It is hard to imagine that when we begin the 2020-21 school year, Campbell Hall, Hawkins Hall, the new parking deck, and the upgraded Thompson Stadium and Community Plaza will be open and operational.

It is also hard to imagine the myriad ways these new spaces will inspire our students and faculty, foster even stronger bonds of community and connection, and put learning on display for our community and for our city.

“Campuses grow and develop through the generosity of their communities. Early investors in this effort are partners in transforming the student experience and in ensuring that a Westminster education both remains relevant and provides a substantive advantage in an ever-changing and competitive world. We are deeply grateful for their leadership and belief in our vision for the future,” says Vice President for Institutional Advancement Emilie Henry.

Spaces Designed to Connect Our Community The generosity of our community will transform our campus in countless ways, including building spaces designed to strengthen connections across campus. We are pleased to celebrate the extraordinary leadership gifts made by Stephen ’80 and Melanie Schoen and Roz and John Brewer.

The Stephen ’80 and Melanie Schoen Dining Plaza will serve as a community hub and allow Wildcats to delight in our beautiful campus. Many students will pass through the multipurpose outdoor plaza between classes; others will spend a free period at a picnic table studying and connecting with friends. Faculty will meet to share curriculum or scope out a quiet corner to grade papers. The broader community will use the space to gather for memorable events. The Schoen Dining Plaza will bring Wildcats closer together, every day.

Brewer Cafe in Hawkins Hall is an apt nod to Roz Brewer’s current role as Chief Operating Officer

Want to know more?

Students had an opportunity to make their mark on Hawkins Hall this fall. Wildcats from across campus added their names to beams for the new building before they were installed in the Hawkins Hall frame.

10 | Spring 2020

You can find the full campus plan, a timeline and renderings of planned projects, and up-to-date construction information on Westminster’s website.

Visit westminster.net/campus-plan.

WILDCAT TRACKS

Brewer Cafe, on the ground floor of Hawkins Hall, and the Stephen ’80 and Melanie Schoen Dining Plaza, seen to the left of the building in this rendering, are both spaces where Wildcats will come together in community.

at Starbucks and her and her husband John’s experience as current and past parents of busy, hungry Upper Schoolers. The Brewer Cafe will relieve the crowds in nearby Malone Dining Hall during peak lunch hours and offer grab-and-go snacks throughout the day. A casual seating area will facilitate meaningful conversations among students and faculty. Whether enjoying a coffee

or a panini, the Brewer Cafe will remind all our Wildcats of the visionary generosity it takes truly transform the student experience.

“There are four generations of Schoens that have graduated and thus have benefitted from a Westminster education, as well as from the lifelong relationships that were built there. It is our belief that over food so much of life is lived, so it is particularly meaningful to us to name the Dining Plaza, which we believe will offer students and faculty alike many chances to connect in community. With that said, we are excited to give back to an institution that has given us so much. So many others have come before us to make our experiences possible — we hope that the Westminster community will join us in our support for this critical effort and seize a wonderful opportunity to say ‘thank you’ for the remarkable impact of this special place in all our lives.”

“As a family, we are grounded in the power of education and the impact of giving.

As we make this commitment, we think of the education our two children, John ’13 and Camryn ’21, have received and are reminded of a favorite quote from Maya Angelou: ‘When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.’”

The Westminster community is deeply grateful to the Schoen and Brewer families for their generosity, partnership, and investment in literally and metaphorically fueling the daily experience in Campbell and Hawkins Hall.

– Roz and John Brewer

– Stephen ’80 and Melanie Schoen

WESTMINSTER | 11

WILDCAT TRACKS

Ground Breaks on Westminster Center The fourth project within the campus plan broke ground just as students and faculty left campus for Christmas break. Westminster Center will be a truly multifunctional building, serving as the campus’s official “front door” and providing muchneeded spaces that accommodate a variety of activities. The new 46,000-square-foot building is intentionally designed to address the School’s immediate need for flexible meeting space that serves all our students and faculty and welcomes visitors and community partners to campus.

Westminster Center does not belong to any one program or division. It will serve as an intersection of activity for everyone on campus. The 11 flexible classrooms/meeting spaces will facilitate crossdivisional learning and partnerships and provide a meeting place for groups like PAWS and alumni volunteers. Special events like Middle School’s Shark Tank and science fair, visits by speakers during JanTerm, student government meetings, and cross-divisional student mentoring luncheons can now happen in a central, conveniently located

As the new “front door” to campus, Westminster Center will be a point of connection between Westminster and our partners from across the city and the world. Windows on the opposite side showcase sweeping views of the quad.

12 | Spring 2020

space. “Currently, we have to create event space, shift programming, and even displace students to accommodate impactful special programming.

Westminster Center will empower us to say ‘yes’ to opportunities we may have had to forgo in the past due to space constraints,” explains Danette Morton, Head of Middle School.

In addition to strengthening connections across campus, Westminster Center will play a vital role in enhancing our tradition of civic engagement.

Hosting our city’s leaders on campus provides invaluable opportunities for our students to make meaningful connections and expand their worldview. As Westminster continues to broaden its reach across the city of Atlanta, Westminster Center will enable us to cultivate deeper partnerships with community organizations, worldclass businesses, and educational leaders from across the globe. “Westminster Center gives us the ability to offer the kinds of experiences we’ve found so valuable during JanTerm throughout the entire academic year,” says Upper School Dean

WILDCAT TRACKS

of Students Brooks Batcheller. “Connecting our students with industry experts gives students a clear understanding of what it means to be a leader of conscience and see the direct impact they can have in the world. Westminster Center opens up limitless opportunities for transformational experiences that help our kids expand their horizons and dream bigger about the adults they want to be.”

The prospective family taking their first campus tour, the member of the Class of 1996 volunteering for their reunion committee, and the guest speaker for the Glenn Institute’s Philanthropy 101 course will all find a warm welcome when they arrive at Westminster Center. Westminster’s new “front door” will be home to many of the School’s externally facing operations including The Office for Admissions and Enrollment Management,

The Office for Institutional Advancement, the Center for Teaching, the Glenn Institute for Philanthropy and Service Learning, and Odyssey, Westminster’s partnership with Atlanta Public Schools.

Westminster’s campus plan lays a very clear path for evolving campus in order to meet our students’ needs both today and well into the future. New spaces must express our founding values, empower us to offer a unique student experience, help strengthen our sense of community, provide flexible learning spaces, and enable us to bring partners from Atlanta and beyond to campus.

When Westminster Center opens its doors in August 2021, it will meet these goals in tangible and immediate ways by providing our entire community with a common space to learn from one another and welcome the world to our home.

A two-story great room will hold up to 355 people for myriad special events.

What’s Inside Westminster Center?

Great Room

Up to 355 people can attend functions such as meetings, lectures, presentations, and events.

Flexible Rooms

These can be configured for classes or meetings.

Lobby

Campus guests will be greeted with a warm welcome.

Cafe

In this cozy spot, parents, alums, and visitors can enjoy coffee and conversation.

Art Gallery

We’ll be celebrating student work!

Chapel

This space for reflection will overlook the historic quad.

Spirit Shop

A place for Wildcat pride!

WESTMINSTER | 13

How timeless lessons prepare today’s students to thrive in tomorrow’s world

By Erin Dentmon, Advancement Writer

ducation is a long game. A school that prepares students for the world they already live in isn’t giving those students everything they deserve.

Westminster’s call, instead, is to prepare our young people to lead in a world that is yet to be realized. “In a fast-moving, digital, globalizing world where ideas are the currency, our students need to be not just college-ready; they need to be innovation-ready,” says Head of Upper School Cindy Trask.

To be ready for a future characterized by relentless innovation, our students must be able to embrace the complexities of technology, of humanity, and of the interplay between the two. As we work to decipher how the world will change in the coming years and decades and what that means for our students’ lives, the Westminster experience is imbued with lessons in leadership, engagement, and design, helping our young people develop skills that will empower them to thrive as humans in the era of machines.

In a 2016 study on the future of work from the World Economic Forum, executives predicted the highest growth in demand for three types of skills: cognitive abilities, systems skills, and complex problem-solving skills. And when it comes to leaders specifically, 81 percent of CEOs in a 2019 Deloitte survey said the next generation will need to be able to lead in increasingly complex and ambiguous situations. These are skills that can’t be learned from a book or proven on a test. A future-ready student is one who can think and act with agility.

Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) have the potential to shift society in seismic ways. And soon. Dr. Kai-Fu Lee, an AI pioneer with previous leadership roles at Apple, Google, and Microsoft, predicts technology that uses machine learning could

replace up to 40 percent of jobs in the next 15 years, generating enormous efficiencies while upending the economy as we know it.

But technology only works when it’s backed up by people who can solve problems. For a computer to learn and predict its user’s preferences, a person first has to teach it which patterns are meaningful.

Preparing our students to be agile problem-solvers starts the day they walk into Love Hall. It means nurturing what’s already inside our students—they’re innately curious, creative, and imaginative. When we nurture their “inventor’s perspective,” our students see that it’s important to ask questions and worthy to develop ideas.

In the Design Thinking labs and all over Love Hall, young learners go beyond growing their intellect.

They apply it every day. When first graders learn how to program a simple robot, they don’t just move

on to the next concept. They ask more questions: What kind of problems could I solve with this?

Could it make art? Why does it sound like that? Can I use it to help someone? Can I create a better version?

“Design Thinking mindsets and behaviors create a petri dish where a child’s natural curiosity can thrive and grow,” says Julia Myrick ’75, who teaches Design Thinking and art in the Lower School. “They learn to push through frustrating moments in problem solving. They learn to listen and ask their user to ‘tell me more.’ They understand that a design that is beautiful on the outside but doesn’t solve for the needs of their ‘user’ is not an example of good design. They learn to work on a team, to communicate, and listen to ideas.”

Learning “what” is not adequate when your future, and even your present, is a time defined by infor-

WESTMINSTER | 15

We’ve prioritized opportunities for every student to be a designer and an innovator—because that’s what they’ll need to be in the future.

Sometimes, we can see the future coming. What begins as a whisper of change grows steadily louder and louder. Consider the internet’s early years: first, businesses adopt versions of the new technology, then college students and young people, then more and more of the population. Early pioneers decide to use this internet thing to sell books. It works. People love it. Then the booksellers realize customers might want to buy other things online, too. The particulars could have worked out in any number of ways, but the steps to Amazon’s retail dominance are clear.

Other times, the future sneaks up when our attention is turned elsewhere. Take the iPad for example. Ever heard of the AT&T Eo440 or the WinPad? These, and quite a few others, didn’t make even a small dent in society. Those are only two in a long line of tablet

16 | Spring 2020

computers that missed marketplace success in the decades before the iPad’s release. But in the first quarter of sales, Apple had sold 3.3 million units.

Two things happened to make the iPad a success where its predecessors failed: Wireless internet became ubiquitous, and social media infiltrated the lives of millions of people the world over. Only then was the world really ready for the tablet computer.

Either as part of long-term trends or as pop-up signals, the precursors to major societal change are everywhere. Westminster’s challenge is in discerning, with the right timing, what these signs mean for our students’ lives. After all, the emerging business and technology trends of today might be the very things that drive society when our Wildcats are adults.

mation overload. The “so what?” of every learning experience matters. Our students, as adults, will be called to do more than know facts—they’ll need to come up with new ideas and put them into practice.

Part of preparing our students for the future is helping them understand both the joy and messiness of the human experience. After all, even the most innovative developments in technology are ultimately only useful if they serve a purpose for people. CATapult, a yearlong fifth grade leadership experience, puts students in the middle of making purposeful choices, both in Love Hall and around Atlanta.

The year starts with special guest speakers giving a series of leadership talks. Then students learn the foundations of advocacy work and practice advocating for changes they’d like to see in Love Hall.

Each homeroom then partners with an Atlanta nonprofit such as Hirsch Academy, a school for neurodivergent students, or Full Radius Dance, an inter-ability dance company. In every interaction with these partner agencies, CATapult holds tight to a theme of “connecting across difference.”

CATapult gives students the chance to meet people who live in other neighborhoods, come

from different countries, speak a different first language, are members of other generations, or have lived through other experiences our students may not have seen previously.

Throughout the year, CATapult activities are designed so students look at themselves—and stretch themselves—in their roles as learners, friends, citizens, and influencers.

Think about the potential impact an experience like dancing with people using wheelchairs could have on a young student’s imagination. That student could grow up to invent easier-to-use household appliances or write policies that ensure people with

disabilities can access information as easily as people without disabilities. That kind of empathy cannot be taught inside a bubble.

Because our students will grow up to be decision-makers in our city and world, it is essential for them to engage deeply in the community.

Once students get to know people whose perspectives are different from their own, they see needs and opportunities they didn’t know existed. Students then design projects that help the people they’ve met, whether through advocacy or direct service.

“What has made us the most proud is seeing our students build compassion and people skills,” says fifth grade teacher Taylor Stegall. “They are showing care, empathy, courage, and comfort with people who are different from them. When they build those comfortable relationships, and they build a network, it’s then that we can ask the students to design a plan.”

The real magic of CATapult is how students combine the three pillars of leadership, community engagement, and design in their learning experience. Community engagement opens their eyes to society’s needs and awakens a desire to lead in making a difference. This

desire results in students thinking critically about how to solve problems they’ve seen—and designing ways to do just that.

When our students leave fifth grade, these budding leadership skills continue to develop for the rest of their Westminster journey. It is central to our mission to continue to challenge and support them as they take on greater responsibilities within the School and beyond.

“There’s an urgency to raising leaders,” says Head of Middle School Danette Morton. “They can grow up to be the people who wrestle with the problems

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Experiences like working with Fiesta de Libros at Plaza Fiesta along Buford Highway help students understand the role cultural forces play in an increasingly globalizing world.

and differences we struggle with as adults. We have a moral imperative to make sure they are equipped to harness changes that bring about the greatest advantage for all while realizing their own potential and creating joyful lives for themselves.”

Imagine walking into a Spanish class a few weeks into your seventh grade year. Your teacher gives you an assignment: You will work with a Spanish-speaking student attending a nearby elementary school to write a bilingual children’s book.

You can look up the vocabulary words in your textbook (or use Google Translate), but learning cultural nuance is a bit trickier.

Working with someone who has lived in a different country, you can learn what names are popular,

18 | Spring 2020

what foods kids really like to eat, whether kids play with stuffed animals, or what kinds of games they like to play outside.

Seventh and eighth graders in Spanish I classes have worked with native Spanish speakers at a few nearby elementary schools over the last eight years to write 150 bilingual books used by Atlanta literacy agency Fiesta de Libros to help other young children learn to read. Each student teaches their native language and culture while learning another language from someone who’s spoken it their entire life. “Both sets of students need each other in order to write a successful book,” says Middle School language teacher Kristen Orsini.

These experiences help students build crucial capacities for connecting with people around the world. In a workplace where you might have to code software alongside co-workers in Japan,

India, France, and Peru, knowing what cultural forces affect each person’s work style will be almost as important as knowing the right programming language.

Beyond the basic ability to write sentences in Spanish, students gain cultural competence while making a difference through donating the finished books.

“Our students have to know how to interact with people and how to be resourceful,” Kristen adds.

“It’s more about being agile as a learner and being culturally fluid.”

Whether it’s as an athletic team captain, a section leader in the orchestra, or a member of a leadership group like the Christian Life Council, our students have long been able to discover their interests and lead in those areas.

It should come as no surprise that once we introduce our students

to engineering and computer science, the next step for the Wildcats who find their passion there is to lead their peers in discovering and using new technologies.

Eighth grader Fifo Chlopek, a member of the Middle School STEAM Council, says he enjoys the extra privileges and responsibilities of the role, including advanced technical training that means he can use some of the more sophisticated tools in The Roberto C. Goizueta Innovation Lab without direct supervision.

He’s also eager to talk about the ways the STEAM Council helps other students, like leading monthly workshops where any student who’s interested can come to the Innovation Space and complete a quick project that teaches them how to use one or more of the specialized tools, such as building locker shelves with the miter saw.

“I’ve learned how to be a better leader,” Fifo reflects. “Sometimes, I’ve been a bit bossy, but

with STEAM Council and other activities, I’ve learned how to be someone people enjoy being taught by.”

The members of the STEAM Council might go on to pioneer new solar energy systems as adults. They might develop more efficient recycling methods. Or invent more affordable dental care.

They might also be tomorrow’s teachers and pastors and lawyers.

In Thank You for Being Late, author Thomas Friedman suggests leaders of the future will need to innovate and empathize.

They will need to be able to shut out the increasing “noise” of the world to assess and act according to their own values in order to cope with the dizzying rates of change in technology, the economy, and the natural environment.

Whenever our students step into leadership roles, we encourage them to develop these capacities and help them realize it’s okay to struggle along the way—that’s part of learning.

As digital technologies accelerate the business world’s move toward distributed leadership, it’s important for every person to feel comfortable leading. That’s why you won’t find club presidents in the Middle School. Leadership groups like Chapel Council and Service Club use a team model that allows each member

At first look, a room in Askew Hall with hot tea, living-room-style seating, and bookshelves full of style guides and poetry volumes may not seem like the most futuristic setting. But researchers from the Center for Creative Leadership and Teachers College, Columbia University, say a concept they call “learning agility” is key for leading effectively in a global, connected, super-speed society.

And the Upper School Writing Center is a place our young writers wrestle with ambiguity and learn to lead others who are doing the same.

Writing Fellows, a group of 13 seniors and juniors selected by application, serve as a workshop group to help each other through the writing process. They also coach fellow Upper School students working on any kind of writing assignment through 30-minute, one-on-one appointments in the Writing Center.

Both aspects of the Writing Fellows program are designed

incremental growth opportunities. Team leads take charge of specific areas like selecting assembly speakers or gathering supplies for service projects and lead a team of their peers in doing so. Team leads from all different areas collaborate with one another and pitch in to help each other where needed.

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to help students through productive struggle. Writing Fellows are prepped with intense training before the school year starts and guided throughout the year by Writing Center director and English teacher Jen Dracos-Tice.

Writing Fellow Marisa Gu ’20 says she became part of the group

We expect brain science to play a larger and larger role in everyday life as technologies for researching what’s really going on inside our heads become more and more sophisticated.

But we aren’t waiting for this future to be fully mapped out.

As we’ve learned more about how the brain works and what that means for education, we’ve grown our student support team to 17 people across all three divisions.

because she needed a place and people to help her keep a consistent personal writing practice.

“Maybe I don’t want to be an English major, but it’s an interest I want to pursue, and we have really great resources here, so why not just try it? Taking what Westminster offers as a school and pushing my limits is something I want to practice in life—it’s pushing my boundaries,” she says.

As a group, the Writing Fellows challenge each other to write more deeply, critiquing pieces and bouncing ideas off one another. The intense—and often deeply personal—work each Writing Fellow does during these sessions informs how they help other students become better at forming and communicating their ideas during mentoring sessions.

“I had no idea how to mentor someone or help someone better their writing. I was nervous, but I knew it was something I had to do to get out of my comfort zone,” Marisa says.

Being agile in the face of personal uncertainty and guiding

others facing ambiguity is critical as computers take on more and more of the mundane and predictable. In sectors as wide-ranging as manufacturing and medicine, work is about troubleshooting and specialized problem-solving rather than routine action. While technology has the power to make life more pleasant and more efficient, living alongside it brings new cognitive, emotional, and interpersonal demands.

When future leaders are asked to solve the increasingly complex problems headed our way, they’ll need to connect disparate concepts to come up with solutions.

Learning how to do that starts with connecting things in class—like the ancient Greek hero Odysseus and present-day Ecuadorian migrants.

When eighth grade boys in Alan Goodrow’s English class read The Odyssey this year, they turned talk about xenia, the ancient Greek practice of hospitality, into a look at today’s immigrant experience.

Our innovation spaces are about more than shiny technology.

Places like The Roberto C. Goizueta Innovation Lab in Clarkson Hall are where students take their critical thinking to the next level across all subject areas.

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During a first-grade unit about wheat, students explored the humble crop from every angle, even using wheat they’d ground themselves to make pasta and dog biscuits.

From orthopedics to photography, each student-designed JanTerm internship is a deep dive into a student’s area of interest.

Everything is personalized these days.

You can rent clothing by the month tailored to your specifications. Creating a wackybut-tasty off-menu drink at Starbucks is a badge of honor that may result in a little bit of Snapchat clout among your followers.

This taste for something personalized applies at school, too. Our independent study program had its highest enrollment ever in fall 2019—14 seniors and one junior taking on research projects to deepen their knowledge in subjects from biochemistry to interior design to gospel music.

During JanTerm, more than 40 Upper Schoolers choose to design and complete their own internships.

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Students who join Writing Fellows form a workshop group for one another, and each Fellow also serves the Upper School as a peer tutor in the Writing Center, a converted office space in Askew Hall.

Students grouped up to craft their own epic tales based on refugee stories they’d researched and used the Goizueta Innovation Lab’s tools and materials to create maps to illustrate their journeys.

Students have to think critically about the trade-offs they make during these experiences. If the right image isn’t available under public domain, can someone create an effective illustration? If an interactive element breaks when people touch it, how else can people experience the piece? If the group disagrees about whether a story from the Middle East or from South America is more interesting, how does everyone come to an agreement?

These trade-offs, approached with an inventor’s mindset, are lowstakes practice for the decisions our students will be making as they grow up. Students can experiment with making data-based decisions—and they can begin to

22 | Spring 2020

learn the nuances at play when data fails.

Teaching The Odyssey in a way that connects the book’s theme to current events, reaches across disciplines, and calls on students to bring their creative selves to class is only one example of the learning that happens every day at Westminster. Our classrooms are places where teachers create opportunities that spark curiosity and uncover creativity, empowering our students to increasingly work through difficult, complex problems like those our world will continue to face. This work is everywhere on our campus.

As technology’s lightning-speed development continues, facts are simply not enough. Our students will thrive now, and in the future, when they embrace their human abilities to cultivate deep relationships, lead others around them, and think critically to design solutions to problems.

“Leadership of conscience” for the decades ahead lies in the ways our students will innovate with humanity in mind. It is creative minds making bold leaps for the betterment of all. To educate our students with any lesser optimism and belief in their potential is to shortchange not only them, but the future itself.

It’s impossible to walk around campus and not see students innovating. That’s especially true during each division’s Innovation Fair. No subject area goes uninvestigated during these events—students learn through activities like trying their hand at a giant Rube Goldberg machine, building 3D fractals together, and collaborative poetry writing.

W

estminster’s history of defining academic excellence is also a history of innovation—of pursuing promising ideas without an absolute guarantee of success on the first try. The Goizueta Foundation has made a significant investment in the future of innovation at the School so our students can continue to learn through discovery. The Foundation’s latest philanthropic contributions will fuel innovative programs through the creation of The Roberto C. Goizueta Center for Innovation.

“My father, Roberto Goizueta, considered the pursuit of excellence to be an imperative. Since its beginnings, Westminster has established itself as one of the nation’s premier independent schools, with excellence and innovation as hallmarks of its programs,” says Olga Goizueta Rawls, Chair and CEO of The Goizueta Foundation. “The Goizueta Foundation’s investment seeks to provide programmatic support for interdisciplinary and collaborative STEAM learning, as well as the creation of spaces to catalyze innovation and build upon Westminster’s tradition of excellence.

Westminster’s commitment to these principles has benefitted my family—and all Westminster alumni. The School also has enormous potential to elevate other educational institutions in Atlanta and beyond.”

The Goizueta Foundation’s visionary gifts celebrate the innovative thinking and doing that already permeate our campus while ensuring our students and faculty will have the opportunity to teach and learn in new ways for generations to come.

The Goizueta Center for Innovation is not a typical “center.” It is neither defined by nor confined to a physical location. Instead, it is naturally integrated within the School, encompassing dynamic programming for students, relevant professional development for faculty, and strategic spaces across campus.

Specific spaces funded by The Goizueta Foundation that empower Wildcats to pursue innovation include: • The Innovation Village A stage and play area designed by pre-first students in 2015 give our young learners outdoor spaces to let their imaginations run wild on the Love Hall playground.

• The Roberto C. Goizueta Innovation Lab This lab in Clarkson Hall, filled with tools like laser cutters and 3D printers, is a place where Middle Schoolers think critically and creatively as they take ideas from dream to reality.

• The Roberto C. Goizueta Innovation Hub, anchored by The Roberto C. Goizueta Catalyst Lab Set to open in Hawkins Hall in August, this Upper School innovation hub is where students will learn across the spectrum of design thinking, computing and coding, and even virtual reality.

This investment across our campus—both in physical spaces and in the intangibles that create a culture of forward-thinking innovators—underscores the Foundation’s belief that teaching students to innovate is a journey that includes every academic discipline and every age group.

“At every turn, the school has fostered and nurtured innovation, with a focus on producing leaders to help propel the city of Atlanta, the nation, and the world forward. Innovation is not this or that, but a thousand things, every single day. The Roberto C. Goizueta Center for Innovation will allow us to knit those thousand things together more tightly and serve as the flywheel that will propel our students’ ideas forward— and in so doing propel their city forward,” says Jim Justice, Dean of Academics and Curriculum.

It is clear that The Goizueta Center for Innovation will have an immeasurable impact on the Westminster student experience for generations to come. We are grateful to The Goizueta Foundation for its longstanding partnership with Westminster, as well as the confidence and belief in our mission that has driven the Foundation to continue helping us fulfill our mission by establishing The Roberto C. Goizueta Center for Innovation.

From robotics to economics and everything in between, The Roberto C. Goizueta Innovation Lab has been a catalyst for innovative teaching and deep learning since opening in Clarkson Hall in 2015.

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We asked seven Wildcats to tell us what the future might hold for music, food, marketing, and more.

By Justin Abraham Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications

24 | Spring 2020

The future of food and beverages can be summed up in one word: personalization. Consumers are looking for their brand in their package (or not) delivered when it is convenient for them—The Coca-Cola Company is responding through Freestyle beverage machines with 104+ flavor combinations.

The demand for personalization is increasing in sophistication: people are starting to consider their own genetic make-up when choosing what they should eat and drink.

The combination of knowledge obtained through DNA testing and personal preference is leading to consumers wanting to customize and be involved in the creation of foods and beverages to suit their lifestyles. The Coca-Cola Company is responding by transforming the way we do business, as are other food and beverage companies who sell to many people. Personalized beverages won’t likely mean a separate product for every individual on the planet, but it will mean new business models that deliver products targeted at specific needs of individuals.

Denise Hendrix P ’23 ’27 Strategic Planning Senior Director The Coca-Cola Company

In the next 20 years, there will be a closer intersection of culture and commerce, where interactive social media marketing, using voice and video, will become the main way consumers are learning about products. Companies and marketers will move away from using celebrities and focus on the micro level—using you and me as influencers—because we care more about what our friends say rather than celebrities. Everyone is an influencer, and brands will utilize voice and video technology to tap into that personal level.

Tree McGlown P ’32 Chief Relationship Officer and Co-Founder Sideqik

Thirty years down the line, due to our increasing interconnectedness internationally and digitally, global engagement and travel will be a broadly accepted and needed practice in preparation for life and career. Empowering students to embrace global learning and to become globally competent will no longer be a luxury but rather part of the fabric and DNA of every institution around the world, leading to profound personal transformation for each and every student and their global impact.

Zeke Hoyos P ’29 Middle School Spanish Teacher and Global Education Programs Coordinator

In the next 20 years, look for the use of robots to expand outside very constrained environments like car manufacturing and have a larger impact on everyday life. Robotics engineers will continue to integrate recent advances in image understanding, natural language processing, and other machine learning fields to make robots smarter, more flexible, and require less human intervention. Hot fields in robotics right now include autonomous vehicles, warehouse automation, and drone inspection. In all these fields, expect robots to work side by side with humans, rather than displace them. For example, while fully autonomous vehicles are still a long way away, robotic technology advances will make cars safer for human drivers. Don't be surprised when a robot shows up at your doorstep to deliver pizza!

Rick Shanor ’11 Roboticist Boston Dynamics

I don’t think flying cars will happen.

Inventors will have to work really hard because cars are heavy. But maybe with ginormous wings or something. I do think jetpacks could happen. Maybe the playground of the future could have more and bigger swings. The girls like to play bumper cars on them—we need more so more kids could play on them. The guys also like to play football, so maybe they could have a kid football area.

The music industry is changing so quickly, I would be a fool to try and predict what it'll be like five years from now, let alone 20 to 30! Great songs that speak truth or reflect culture will still resonate, as they always have; they will just be presented in different incarnations.

Business-wise, I think we will see companies morphing and adapting their roles to adjust to new distribution and marketing and promotion methods, whether that be labels, management companies, or artists.

Rohan Kohli ’04 Director of A&R Warner Music

As technology evolves, from artificial intelligence to nanobots, scientists of the future will be able to explore the human body from a completely different perspective, which I think is definitely where research is headed.

In addition, the spread of access to technology and resources through the internet will definitely help facilitate collaboration between countries, labs, and even fields of study.

Rhea Niyyar ’20 Member of HOSA Circle of Women Science Olympiad Pre-med Club

Drayton Kopecky ’31 First grader; lover of learning and the Lower School playground

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HOW JOHN LERT ’64 IMAGINED TECHNOLOGY TO CHANGE THE GROCERY INDUSTRY—AND IS BRINGING IT TO REALITY

By Erin Dentmon, Advancement Writer

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28 | Spring 2020

It only takes a few minutes of talking to John, an inventor and entrepreneur living in the Boston area, to realize he has one of those minds that works differently than everyone else’s. He asks more questions.

He doesn’t stop until he has an answer.

“What separates a practicing inventor from other people is the act of will it takes to go out and invest the time and effort to test the idea and see if you can make it work,” he says. “My becoming an entrepreneur is essentially a way of trying to bring my inventions to life and creating value for shoppers and retailers.”

The power of original thinking to improve lives across the globe captivated John when he read the works of inventor and futurist Buckminster Fuller as a young adult—and he wanted to be an original thinker, too, using his own ideas to improve the world. Remarkably, he’s already succeeded several times over.

He’s aiming to do it again as the founder and CEO of Alert Innovation and inventor of the Alphabot, a robotic order-picking system that uses automation to select groceries for shoppers.

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Each Alphabot robot is about the size of the large basket of a shopping cart.

WHEN JOHN WALKED across the stage at his

Westminster commencement in 1964, his plans for life were uncertain. He enjoyed his history classes with Emmett Wright as the teacher, so he majored in history when he arrived at the University of Virginia.

Maybe he’d be an attorney, he thought. But after graduating from UVA and spending a few years working as an Army courier, John realized he wanted a career in which he could create.

“That was the inspiration of Buckminster Fuller: Create. Solve problems. Add value,” John says.

“I saw business as a possible way to do that.”

He went to business school and, in his second job after earning a master’s degree, he worked in finance for a company that owned television stations. It didn’t take long for a problem to grab his imagination.

He soon learned television stations were essentially only bound by an “honor code” to air commercials when they accepted payments. There was no way to track their activity. That wasn’t good enough for John.

So he did what he does best: he investigated.

“I kept thinking about it, and I kept talking to our station engineer and learning about the television signal and what it would take to monitor it,” John remembers. “I ended up inventing a solution that I thought was better than anything that had been attempted before; I left my job and started pursuing that solution.”

30 | Spring 2020

After spending a few years in day jobs while working on the side with engineers and consultants to build a prototype of a system to verify commercials had aired, John eventually sold his patent to the A. C. Nielsen television ratings division and led the development of the technology and the Nielsen Monitor-Plus service, which is still used today.

John admits that the story of a financial analyst who decided to solve an engineering problem is a wild one. “Leaving my job and pursuing this invention—I had no business doing that. I was not an engineer. I had never studied technology. I had no idea what I was doing,” he says. “Why should I think I could come up with an answer that teams of engineers had not yet solved? Most people would not want to take that risk, but I had learned not to put limits on myself. I felt I had a contribution to make and that I should go ahead and try to do it.”

BUT LET’S GET BACK to the grocery store.

After leaving Nielsen, John worked in marketing research, where he started to learn about supermarket retailing. He realized something: the supermarket was ripe for innovation. He asked himself what the perfect supermarket shopping experience might look like and came up with the idea for a store in which an automation system could dispense paackaged goods from the “center store,” like a giant vending machine. He envisioned this system giving customers the flexibility to order electronically, either from home or from an in-store kiosk.

Alphabot robots carry groceries in three dimensions on a customized track.

The robots deliver orders to stationary store employees, who handle the final steps of order fulfillment.

The idea of freeing up the time millions of people spend at the grocery store captivated him. He continued working for various companies to earn a living, all the while imagining the possibility of automating the supermarket. So, he kept learning as much as he could.

He studied retailers’ problems. He studied his own shopping trips. He studied the history of the grocery industry.

When he worked as a product manager for a company that supplied barcode scanners to food retailers, he learned about supply chains and how technology products are developed. He also attended numerous trade shows and realized there really was no technology that existed that could automate the grocery store.

He later worked for a company that developed customer technologies like self-checkout systems, a job he describes as “better than a graduate-level program studying store and merchandising operations.”

John secured funding from the country’s largest grocery wholesaler in 2007 to solve a similar problem: automating the distribution center with mobile robots. The company successfully developed this “case-picking” technology, but during the 2009 financial crisis, John sold his stake in the company, now known as Symbotic, to his investor/partner.

In 2011, armed with much deeper knowledge about manufacturing, technology development, and the role of leading a company as CEO, John returned to the problem of your grocery-store headache.

John’s passion for solving the problems of the grocery store becomes even more evident when he starts talking about the last big grocery innovation.

John’s voice picks up when he talks about Clarence Saunders, who in 1916 pioneered a self-serve store where customers didn’t have to wait for a clerk to

Each of these jobs helped him put together the puzzle pieces of retail automation. In 2001, he arrived at an approach in which small mobile robots would bring containers to a centralized workstation where a store employee (or maybe even another robot) would consolidate the ordered products and bag them for the customer. Since no one else was working on this kind of solution, John started working on designs himself.

John and the other employees of Alert Innovation are working to solve a problem that has bothered John for years: how to make grocery shopping more enjoyable.

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select their purchases—an operating model that let him slash his prices by 20 percent and quadruple his product assortment. It didn’t take long for food retailers everywhere to adopt the model, unable to attract customers using the old model.

“He created a dramatically better customer experience with more choice, better prices, and at the same time, a more efficient operation for the store. That’s what shifted the paradigm,” John says. “I thought that if I could design a system that was low enough in cost and met the requirements for speed, reliability, storage density, and those kinds of things, I could shift the paradigm again. It could improve the both the customer experience and retailer profitability in a quantum way.”

A store employing Alphabot technology can eliminate some of the least pleasant aspects of your trip to the grocery store, like navigating up and down the middle aisles, where you might need to turn around for something you forgot seven aisles over while dodging all the other shoppers and their carts.

The Alphabot doesn’t pick fresh produce or meats since each customer has his own preferences—avocados that are ready to eat versus those that need a few more days on the counter. But with most items from the middle aisles taken care of, customers can make their own fresh selections in the store and receive their robot-picked shelf-stable items at checkout or have their fresh orders fulfilled by store employees for pickup or delivery.

The road to creating the Alphabot was anything but straight. But John’s belief in his idea, and his love for inventing, kept him going. “Every time I got to a dead end, I still felt like I had advanced the state of the art,” he remarks.

And that’s the part that really excites him: doing something that could actually change the world.

“When I think about ‘What would you like to do when you grow up?’ for me, that was all about what kind of contribution I can make,” he says. “I found something I could do that could change the world.

How many times does an opportunity like that come around?”

So how do the robots come into play? John thinks his robotic system, the Alphabot, can take on the chore of getting most of your groceries for you. John and Bill Fosnight, another accomplished inventor with extensive automation experience, invented Alphabot in 2015.

The robots fetch items at a rate of 800 per hour (a 10-fold increase in efficiency!) and deliver them to an employee, who takes care of the final steps to fulfill your order, though John’s company is developing technology to handle those final steps as well.

While he was “throwing away one design after another” in search of the one that could solve the core problem without creating new ones, John also looked for a financial investor. Turned off by previous venture capital experience, he sought a strategic partner who would find value in his inventions beyond equity growth.

John came close to signing contracts with retailers twice in the early 2010s. Just barely missing out on a contract with a German retailer tanked John’s motivation for several months.

Walmart entered the picture in 2016. John secured funding from the retail giant, officially establishing Alert Innovation. John and Bill grew a team of talented engineers to develop the highly complex tehnology that runs the Alphabot system. After less than three years of development, Alphabot debuted in a Walmart Supercenter in Salem, New Hampshire, in mid-2019.

Now in partnership with America’s largest grocer, Alphabot puts Walmart at the forefront of automated grocery technology when forecasters are projecting exponential growth in online ordering. Right now, online orders represent about 3 percent of total grocery spending. Within five years, that share is

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Alphabot makes it possible to create a new kind of automated supermarket, which Alert Innovation calls Novastore.

The first floor of this rendered example is a self-service fresh market, with no checkout lanes, “center store,” or freezers. All packaged goods are ordered by customers electronically either remotely or in the store and picked by the Alphabot system. Customers can opt to shop for their fresh goods or have the Alphabot select those as well, enabling an efficient model for in-person shopping, store pickup, or delivery.

expected to grow to 20 percent. Those online orders can be filled quicker and more accurately using Alphabot robots.

“As CEO, I try to enable my employees to find meaning through work like I’ve been able to find,” he says.

“This is going to be a transformative impact to Walmart’s supply chain,” Walmart’s senior manager of pickup automation and digital operations Brian Roth said in a statement about the launch of the Alphabot. “Alphabot is what we think of as micro-fulfillment—an inventive merger of e-commerce and brick and mortar methods.”

When John talks about what might be next for Alert Innovation, he’s drawn back to what invigorated his career as an inventor in the first place: the ability to change the world.

Walmart’s senior vice president of digital operations, Tom Ward, told the Los Angeles Times that the company plans to continue growing its use of alternative fulfillment methods like Alphabot: “You cannot grow by picking one order in one shopping cart at a time.”

AS JOHN AND THE 190 EMPLOYEES at

Alert Innovation continue refining the Alphabot’s design, he’s focused on continuing to scale the company while preserving a culture where employees meet high expectations while finding fulfillment in the work.

34 | Spring 2020

The way he sees it, his company’s mission only starts with retail picking. Maybe the next thing is coffee.

John roasts coffee for his employees and has been daydreaming about how he can use robots to bring fresh roasts to more people. Maybe it’s something else entirely. Whatever happens, know this: it will be innovative. It will solve a problem. And John is the kind of guy who will stick to solving that problem until it gets done.

“We want to continue innovating and stretching the company. I’m not certain how we’re going to do it, but I have faith we’re going to get it done.”

John in his senior photo in the 1964 Lynx.

50 Years—and a Lot of Life—Later

Classmates from the Class of 1964 George Wiley, Gardner Neely, and John Lert celebrate 50 years during Reunion Weekend in 2014.

Westminster, John says, is the first place he learned to avoid setting arbitrary limits on himself.

“It was a meaningful experience to reconnect with people who had not been part of my life for decades,” John says. “Westminster was such an important part of my formative years.”

“Being with faculty who are such great teachers and among students who were so smart—those two things made me develop a self-confidence not to put limits on what I could do,” he says. “I stopped questioning if I was capable or ‘smart enough.’

Those thoughts only put limitations on what I was able to accomplish.”

The class’s 50th Reunion chairs, Susie Soper ’64 and John Barge ’64, continue to plan yearly informal reunions after seeing how their classmates connected because of the 50th Reunion events and the candid, sometimes vulnerable, stories people revealed about themselves in the class’s Reunion book.

In the 50-plus years since graduating, he and his classmates—born in the first years marked as the Baby Boomer generation—have now lived through some of the most pivotal moments in modern history. President John F. Kennedy was assassinated during their senior year, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act the summer after graduation, and the United States entered the Vietnam War during their college years.

“We were children in 1964. It has been great getting to know people on a level we didn’t before,” Susie says. “When people have aged, everyone has so much empathy for what everyone else is going through.”

Fifty years after leaving Westminster, John reconnected with many of the classmates he’d lost touch with over the years at their 50th Reunion in April 2014. Memories like Mr. Wright’s history class, time on the football field, and hanging out in The Hut came flooding back. Friendships were formed and re-formed.

For John Lert, the weekend spent catching up over careers and children (John has three, all grown), high points and heartaches, and the memories of classmates now gone launched a new appreciation for Westminster. Every year since the 50th Reunion, he’s made the trip back to Atlanta for the informal class reunion. He often catches the Golden Wildcat reception, a party for all alumni who graduated from Westminster more than 50 years prior, while he’s here.

Robert Nash, pictured during his career at Westminster at left and now at right, started working at Westminster part-time as a teenager and eventually oversaw all auxiliary services before retiring in 2012.

Catching Up

with Retired Faculty and Staff: Robert Nash

by Jane Lauderdale Armstrong ’74

“Would do anything asked in order to benefit Westminster students.”

“A great friend.”

“Made the world’s best fried chicken!”

“Knew the students well and had a deep interest in their activities.”

“Would get up early to go to the farmers’ market at 5:30 a.m. to get fresh food for the day.”

“A smiling face to go along with great food—his hot wing sauce was one of my favorites!”

“Most supportive track and field parent EVER!” “He fed stranded motorists walking on campus from Interstate 75 during Snow Jam 1982.”

“An exemplary father and grandfather.”

“When a beloved Westminster family recently suffered a tragic loss, Robert was one of the first to appear at their doorstep laden with his famous fried chicken and all the ‘fixins.’”

“Represents everything that is best about Westminster.”

36 | Spring 2020

IT SEEMS EVERYONE CAN RECALL A MEMORY ABOUT ROBERT NASH! During his 45 years in ever-expanding roles at Westminster, Robert connected with students, parents, faculty, and staff in a personal way, inspiring them with his self-effacing leadership and kindness. More than the connection that each person felt with him, he was a conduit that connected different parts of the Westminster family to one another. “When I think of Robert, the first thing that comes to mind is his smile and the genuine warmth that radiates from him. His love and dedication to Westminster was evident in everything he did, every person he encountered, and every meal he made,” Admissions Assistant Lydia Hansen ’87 says.

Eventually overseeing all of auxiliary services, Robert became a Wildcat when his talents aligned with an unexpected opportunity.

One of six children, Robert grew up in southwest Atlanta.

He reminisces that his sister, the only girl in the family, quickly had to learn to hold her own among five brothers.

Robert attended Price High School for one year but felt that he needed to go work at the end of that year.

FACULTY AND STAFF

When the Sequoyah High School dietician’s daughter became engaged, the dietician asked her friend Sara Lewis, the Director of Food Service at Westminster, to cater the wedding.

Sara said she would need some help.

Knowing how capable Robert was, the dietician passed along his name.

After working together to cater the wedding, Sara offered Robert a job preparing meals for dorm students on Friday evenings, Saturdays, and Sundays. For a period of time, Robert was working at Sequoyah during the weekdays, working at Westminster on the weekends, and going to school weeknights.

Robert also knew the parents’ side of the house, as sons Dominic ’87 and Kelsey ’90 are Westminster grads.

Although he received a number of recognitions through the years, Robert says he was particularly touched when the Class of 1985 girls voted to dedicate the Lynx to him. It was the first time the yearbook was dedicated to a member of the staff. In the citation, they wrote: “You will not find him behind a desk, or lecturing a class, or giving detentions. Instead, he is a ‘behind the scenes’ man. Without him here, where would we be?”

Robert retired from Westminster in 2012. Almost immediately, his longtime friend Charlie Pero asked him to come help out at his restaurant.

On weekdays at Pero’s, you can see Robert there, managing lunch service.

Recognizing Robert’s talent, Sara soon He also continued his catering busifound a way to bring him on full-time. ness until 2019.

Sara proved to be an excellent teacher, Robert’s legacy is still felt in many and he was a quick learner. Before long, Robert was promoted to Kitchen ways on campus—alumni still talk about his famous fried chicken, which Manager, and when Sara retired, he inspires the menu for the Alumni became the Director of Food Service.

Homecoming Dinner to this day.

Over the years, he took on management of housekeeping, special events, A competitive bowler since 1969, and upon Gladys Collier’s retirement, he now plays on two teams. The first team, known as the “Young at Heart,” the Campus Center, fondly known plays in a senior league that meets as the “Hut.” With his expanding responsibilities, he was named Director Monday mornings. The second, “Nash Production,” plays on Thursday of Auxiliary Services. Robert, who says he was surrounded by supportive nights and includes his brother Ron, son Dominic, and granddaughter co-workers, is quick to give credit to Jasmine. They bowl in tournaments Robert Jackson, who oversaw housekeeping, and Mary Harris, who was so around the Southeast. Speaking of family, his eighth great-grandchild effective in food service. was born in January!

For two days, Robert even answered every incoming phone call to the Baptized by the late Rev. Ralph David School when overseeing the switchAbernathy, church has always been a board operations became one of his central part of life for Robert, who is a responsibilities. “I decided that if deacon at Providence Missionary Bapsomething came under my area, I tist Church. He enjoys his work there, needed to understand how it worked,” saying, “It is a congregation that really he explains. puts into practice what they preach.”

“

When I think of Robert Nash, I think of someone who says: I will do anything for this school; I will do anything for the kids at this school…so just let me know what I can do for the Cats.

Four-tier wedding cake for a faculty couple? No problem!

Pasta lunch for the football team and coaches? Got it!

Move the entire cafeteria down to Miss Bitsy’s Gym for the summer? Can do!

Create ramps at graduation for an alum using a wheelchair?

We’ll find a way!

Serve lunch in the dark with no electricity for 1,800 kids? We got this!

There is no more faithful, dedicated, or hard-working Wildcat than Robert Nash.

“

He ultimately took a job in the cafeteria at Sequoyah High School and attended Booker T. Washington High School at night.

— Retired Assistant Headmaster Scoot Dimon ’70

In thinking about his relationships at Westminster and the experiences he shared, Robert quickly smiles and cites 1 Thessalonians 5:18 which says: “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Jesus concerning you.”

Certainly, the Westminster family gives thanks for the impact he has had throughout our community over multiple generations.

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.

WESTMINSTER | 37

New Trustees Our class of new trustees includes a Golden Wildcat, a numbers guy in an orange apron, and a Peace Corps alumna. They join the 29 other civic and business leaders who make up our Board of Trustees at an exciting time as the board shepherds us through campus improvements and our continuing quest for excellence.

Jack Halpern ’67 chats with former Alumni Governing Board president Susan Ayres Watson ’83 after receiving the School’s Distinguished Alumni Award at Commencement in 2019.

Dana Ugwonali, left, catches up with fellow PAWS volunteer Robbie Jackson.

Jack Halpern ’67

Dana Ugwonali

Distinguished Alumni Award recipient Jack Halpern ’67 joins the Board of Trustees after recently serving as co-chair of his 50th Reunion committee. Jack, a graduate of both Harvard College and the University of Georgia Law School, is the CEO of family-owned Halpern Enterprises, Inc., which develops and manages shopping centers throughout the southeast.

It seems that new Trustee Dana Ugwonali has put her experience as a competitive high school and college triple jumper and hurdler to good use. From earning her BA with honors from Stanford University to her MBA from Columbia University to a stint in the Peace Corps to her current position as Chief Operations and Innovation Officer at Medtrans Go, Dana leaps with grace from challenge to challenge.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Halpern Enterprises, Inc. Campus Planning and Finance Committees

As for why he chose to spend his career in the family business, Jack shares, “After practicing law for three years, I received an offer from my father to become in-house counsel at Halpern Enterprises. Unfortunately, my father died two years later, and I had to assume greater responsibility.

Real estate proved to be a great way for me to apply both my legal training and analytical skills, and with the help of talented colleagues, our family has been able to build upon the solid foundation that my father created.”

Jack serves on the Campus Planning and Finance committees of Westminster’s board and has served as chairman of the board of The Epstein School and as co-chair of the Marcus Jewish Community Center. He was named Citizen of the Year by the City of Smyrna and was listed in Atlanta Magazine as one of our city’s “500 Most Powerful Leaders.”

Jack’s wife, Lynne, is co-owner of Tassels jewelry store in Buckhead, and the pair are parents to three children—Beth (Dr. Gavin Brown), Benjamin (Caroline), and Rachel (Chris Hoffmeister)—and four grandchildren, Zachary and Zoe Brown and Molly and Reid Halpern, all of whom live in Atlanta and give Jack the joy of being called “Poppa.”

38 | Spring 2020

P ’23, P ’25, P ’27 Chief Operations and Innovation Officer, Medtrans Go Finance Committee and Board Representative to PAWS

And she makes sure she is doing good in the community along the way. Dana and her husband, Dr. Obi Ugwonali of Peachtree Orthopedic Clinic, were founders of Black Angel Tech Fund, which provides funding and resources for black entrepreneurs in the technology sector. At Medtrans Go, Dana and the rest of the staff work to provide safe and reliable transportation and interpretation services for patients undergoing medical procedures. Dana is also an active leader and volunteer for various Stanford and Columbia councils and organizations, as well as a supporter of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Along with her business and nonprofit experience, Dana brings a global perspective to the board. She was born in Danang, Vietnam, and was adopted by her upstate New York parents at 16 months of age. Her parents inspired her passions for education and service, and she followed in their footsteps at both Columbia Business School and in the Peace Corps. Dana says she is excited and honored to join Westminster’s board. “I hope to lend my voice and represent some of the powerful perspectives that our Westminster family affords,” she reflects. “I love that the School is able to incorporate and balance the impressive achievements of the past with the innovation and needs of the future.”

NEW TRUSTEES

A busy mom of three Wildcats, Gabriella ’23, Alex ’25, and Nate ’27, Dana gave her time and talent as a PAWS volunteer even before joining Westminster’s Board of Trustees. She now fills the important role of trustee liaison to PAWS, making sure that information and communication between the School and parents flows vigorously in both directions. In her rare spare time, Dana enjoys traveling, photography, running, and art.

Richard held positions with Wells Fargo Advisors, Arthur Andersen, and Marconi Corporation plc (London).

He joined The Home Depot in 2005, holding various senior-level positions before being named CFO.

Richard McPhail spends some time on the golf course with his son, Walker ’20.

In line with Westminster’s mission, Richard believes that “our children will need to work in different ways than we’re familiar with, but they also need the fundamentals of an education to be delivered at the highest possible standard. Westminster has the opportunity to deliver both outcomes.” Richard hopes to continue being a “doer” on the Westminster board, saying, “I look forward to doing whatever I can to help the school accomplish its mission for our students. I couldn’t imagine a more important thing to support than the education of talented young people, and it’s a true honor to be asked to serve.”

Richard McPhail

P ’20, P ’23, P ’27 Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, The Home Depot, Inc. Audit and Finance Committees True to the Home Depot slogan, new Trustee Richard McPhail is definitely a “doer who gets more done.” As EVP and CFO of The Home Depot, Richard plays a critical role at one of our state’s largest employers and economic catalysts. Now he is poised to be a catalyst for our School as he brings his business and finance experience to the board.

When he’s not overseeing all things financial for the world’s largest home improvement retailer, Richard serves on the boards of Odyssey Atlanta and Zoo Atlanta and spends time with his family, including his wife, Wimberly Shinall McPhail ’91, soon-to-be Westminster graduate Walker ’20, son Phillip ’23, and daughter Hampton ’27.

English golden retriever, Ryder, and maltipoo, Buttercup, round out the McPhail family. Weighing what he will bring to the table as a member of Westminster’s board, Richard shares: “First and foremost, I’ll bring my perspective as a parent of three students and as the husband of an alum who has watched the School evolve since she began pre-first in the late 1970s. Hopefully I will be able to contribute a little from what I’ve learned through my career as well.”

After earning his BA in economics from North Carolina State University and his MBA from Duke University,

Returning to the Board of Trustees this year after brief hiatuses are: Allison Bolch Moran ’86 P ’15, P ’17 Board Member, Herschend Family Entertainment Board Member, Former CEO, RaceTrac

Education and Student Life Committee, Finance Committee

Austin Stephens ’93

Managing Director–Investments, STG Partners/Merrill Private Wealth Advisors Campaign Executive Committee, Governance and Nominating Committee

To read more about these returning trustees, visit westminster.net/magazine.

WESTMINSTER | 39

WILDCAT DEN 40 | Spring 2020

Wildcat Den

By Katie Trainor Assistant Director of Athletics More than 300 student-athletes competed at the varsity level this fall and winter, showing tenacity and determination as they competed against teams from across the region and the state. In both seasons, every varsity program made it into their respective state competitions after regular-season play.

The Cats picked up four state championships, two each in cross country and swimming and diving. Combined, student-athletes in these two sports have earned 111 program titles in school history!

Fall 2019

Boys Cross Country

For the third year in a row, the Wildcats are state champions!

Westminster narrowly bested Pace by two points in one of the closest state championship races in recent history. The Cats were led by Zachary Roe ’20 and Matthew Fernando ’22, who placed fifth and ninth respectively. The efforts of Scott Arbery ’20, J.D. Blitch ’20, and Noah Chen ’22 ensured the team’s first-place finish and 28th championship in the history of the program. Earlier in the season, the Wildcats were victorious at the Kosh Klassic Invitational and the Wendy’s Invitational. For his efforts over the course of the season, Zachary received Atlanta Track Club All-Metro honors.

Girls Cross Country

Lucky number seven! For the seventh consecutive year, the Sisterhood are state champions. Mira Srinivasa ’22 won the individual state championship, finishing ahead of teammate Palmer Walstad ’23. All members of the state team—Janie Cooper ’22, Ella Wallace ’22, Katherine Vuckovic ’20, Cate Stevens ’22, and Alison Wilkinson ’20—finished in the top 30.

The title is the program’s 32nd state championship. Following the season, Mira earned Atlanta Track Club All-Metro honors.

Football

Despite a season of injury setbacks to several key players, the Cats exhibited resilience as they battled to a 6-5 record.

The team shut down strong Pace and Lovett teams to claim Battle of Buckhead bragging rights. The Wildcats finished in second place in region play, earning them a trip to the state tournament. Alex Bacchetta ’22 and Charlie Wickliffe ’20 earned all-metro honors, and Alex was named to the Class AAA all-state team. Nine players earned all-region honors.

Softball

For the eighth straight year, the Wildcats earned an opportunity to play in the state tournament. Despite losing the first game in their first-round series against Lumpkin County, the Cats forced a deciding game three after a convincing 2-0 win in the second game.

The Cats fell short in a hard-fought 5-6 loss. The team was led by Jenna Brown ’21, who earned all-state honors, and Julia Rhee ’21, who was named the region offensive player of the year. Six players earned all-region honors.

Volleyball

The VolleyCats had another stellar season, cruising through the first four rounds of the state tournament without losing a set. They made their ninth straight appearance in the state championship and finished the season as state runners-up after falling short to a strong Pace squad. The VolleyCats were led by Class AAA player of the year Mary Emily Morgan ’21. Additionally, Chloe Emch ’21, Betsy Moore ’20, and Ashley Vincent ’22 were named to the all-region and all-state teams. Over the course of the season, three Cats hit significant career milestones: Chloe’s 2,000th assist, Betsy’s 1,000th dig, and Mary Emily’s 1,000th kill.

Winter 2020 Boys Basketball

The Wildcats earned a spot in the state tournament after finishing as the runner-up in the 5AAA region tournament. Westminster was led

by David Perchik ’20, Cameron Foster ’20, and Jayson Longacre ’21, who earned all-region honors. Season highlights included defeating Cedar Grove for the first time in four years and going 2-1 against Lovett. The victories over the Lions included a buzzer-beating 47-46 win in front of a home crowd and a 66-54 win at Lovett during the region tournament.

Girls Basketball

With 20 wins under their belts in the 2019-20 season, the HoopCats were a competitive force in class AAA. Led by region co-player of the year Courtney Ogden ’23 and all-region honorees Ella Freeman ’22 and Kiera Staude ’23, the Wildcats finished the regular season 11-1 in Region 5AAA. The team’s outstanding performance in the region tournament secured the program a spot in the state tournament for the first time in four years! In addition, the Cats swept the season series with Buckhead rivals Lovett and Pace. With several young players, all signs point to the Wildcats continuing their multi-year streak of improvement next year!

Wrestling

The MatCats had a strong season, with three student-athletes earning the opportunity to compete in the traditional state wrestling championships. Cullen Anthony ’20, Matthew Cha ’20, and Lowell Jones ’21 all advanced to the state championships after qualifying at the sectional tournament. Matthew led the Wildcats with a third-place finish in the 145-pound weight class, and Lowell also medaled with a sixth-place finish in the 195-pound weight class.

WESTMINSTER | 41

Boys Swimming and Diving

The Wildcats repeated as Class 1-3A state champions and secured the program’s 27th title with a nearly 300-point lead over the runner-up. Alex York ’20 paced the divers, finishing in second place. The swimmers were led by Connor Hinkes ’20, who earned state championships in the 50-yard freestyle (and All-American distinction) and impressive first-place finishes in three relays: the 200-yard medley relay with Connor, Daniel Barra ’20, Saavan Shah ’22, and Huntington Stone ’20; the 400yard freestyle relay with Connor, Myles Clayton ’22, Peter Bernot ’20, and Daniel Barr ’20; and the 200-yard freestyle relay as Tobias Liu ’22 and Ashwin Pillai ’21 joined Saavan and Huntington to earn All-American honors for their swim.

Girls Swimming and Diving

The team clinched the state championship for the third consecutive year, picking up the program’s 24th title with a decisive victory at the state meet. Caroline Blankenbecler ’22 led the divers, earning a second-place finish. The swimmers were led by Gigi Johnson ’22 and Annie Jardina ’22, who combined to win three individual events and two relays. Gigi earned gold in the 200-yard individual medley (and picked up All-American honors) and the 100-yard breaststroke while Annie placed first in the 50-yard freestyle. The two combined forces with Genae Horst ’23 and Samantha Bertschi ’21 to win the 200-yard freestyle relay. Gigi, Samantha, Annie, and Amy Zhao ’21 earned All-American honors for their first-place 400-yard freestyle relay swim.

42 | Spring 2020

Boys Squash

The Wildcats finished second in the nation at the 2020 Head US High School Team Championships! The team earned its way to the championship match after defeating three teams from across the nation. The Cats fought hard in the final but came up short against the Hopkins School of Connecticut. Among the many highlights of the seasons was Stephen Shin ’22’s victorious performance in his semifinal match, which propelled the team to the championship.

Girls Squash

The girls squash team had a strong season, competing in tournaments up and down the East Coast. A highlight for the program was going undefeated against Nardin Academy at the Flanagan Tournament in Pennsylvania.

At the 2020 Head US High School Team Championships, captain Dallas Clement ’21 led the Wildcats against a competitive field, and Josephine Conley ’23 registered her first varsity win.

WCAT—Westminster’s student-run webTV station—broadcasts hundreds of hours of Wildcat sports and school events each year for alumni, family, and friends to watch from around the world. For the second time in two years, the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) honored WCAT with a National Student Production Award for Best Sports/Live Event! WCAT won the award for its coverage of the varsity football team’s second-round state playoff win in November 2018.

Since 2014, WCAT has won two national and 11 regional Student Production Awards from NATAS.

To watch WCAT, visit westminster.net/wcat

WILDCAT DEN

WCAT Recognized Nationally for Sports Coverage

WESTMINSTER | 43

Thank You,

Westminster Fund Volunteers Every gift to The Westminster Fund helps propel bright, talented students to explore their curiosities, discover their potential, and grow into leaders who make a difference across Atlanta and throughout the world. We are grateful for the volunteers whose dedication amplifies and extends that impact.

Campaign Leadership Trustee Chair: Lisa McGahan Parent Giving Chairs: Emi Shaffer Gragnani ’95 and Michael Gragnani Alumni Giving Chair: Allen Moseley ’87 Past Parent Giving Chairs: Linda and Hank Harris Grandparent Giving Chairs: Phyllis and Sidney Rodbell ’64

Alumni Volunteers Leadership Giving Committee

John Adams ’78 Wiley Ballard ’12 Catherine Humann Callaway ’03 Mary Caroline Hunt Davis ’09 Jenny Pocalyko Latz ’91 Steven Menendez ’07 Preston Moister ’99 Allen Moseley ’87 Michael Thomas ’11 Susan Ayres Watson ’83

Class of 1979 Bill Anderson

Class of 1982

Stewart Brann Rich Oglesby Kim Kolze Venter

Class of 1984

Judith Anderson Vanderver

Class of 1986

Laura Rains Draper Andrew Newsom

Class of 1987 Steve Kraus

Class of 1988

Patricia Wilson Batelaan Kim Maziar Hockstein

Class of 1989 Craig Hooper Robert Rearden

44 | Spring 2020

Class of 1991 Jared Ripps

Class of 1993

Rachel Derr Dickert Keleigh Thomas Morgan Andrew Rodbell

Class of 1994

Laura Pennington Fletcher Rob Lathan

Class of 1996 Jeff Perry Wes Scott

Class of 1997

William Kitchens David Nagel Joe Wheatley

Class of 1998

Wade Rakes Anna Margaret Griffin Woods

Class of 1999

Tyler Crain Allison Strueber Dyer Sean Hardin

Class of 2001

Reid Childers Mary Jacob Rankin Harris Meg Tawes Herlihy Barclay Taylor John Thornton Mark Woodward

Class of 2002

Ansley McCarty Craine Meg Strother McCullar Lee Peifer Ellen Richter Julia Woodward Spaht

Class of 2003

Laurie Meyer Brown Morgan Shaw DiOrio Hank Farmer Abigail Pickard Fielding Troutman

Class of 2004

Harrison Anthony Kristen Peifer Dobbs Jonathan Sangster

Class of 2006

Margaret Mansfield Ale McKinley Kane Bandy Erin Callahan Bara Matt Brigman Lindsay McGhee Kaufman

Class of 2007

Stephanie Newton Bedard Cooper Carter Matthew Cutbirth

Class of 2008

Crane Perry Maggie Allen Philpotts Franklin Sacha

Class of 2009

William Bridges Crawford Long Catherine Ellis Lukens

Class of 2011 Baylor Banks

Class of 2012 Dray Ensor Sydney Laseter Natalie Newton Willy Xiao

Class of 2013 Grace Caswell

Parent Volunteers Leadership Giving Committee

Claire Parker and Ibrez Bandukwala JoEllyn and Scott Bass Jen and Paul Bennecke Kelly and Mike Bernot Ingrid Baker and Michael Chlopek Kathleen and Paul Eidbo Amy Kim Gira and John Gira Marie and Chris Graham Denise and Vern Hendrix ’80 Blake and Chris Kopecky Maryna and Charles Murdock Kim Nelson Musierowicz ’93 and Martin Musierowicz Carolyn and Joe Patterson

Chris and Jim Pirouz Kelly and Toby Regal Michele and Jim Reiner Michelle and Benton Routh Emily and Rene Sauerteig Holly and Randy Street Jennifer and David Tetrick Kari and Duncan Wells

Pre-First (Class of 2032)

Carolyn and Joe Patterson Azi Babolian and David Bahrami Bliss and Blake Campbell Darria and Bryce Gillespie Jenn Gillis and Chris Ho Mina and Mo Jooma Carrie Shankle Kitchin ’92 and John Kitchin ’92 Anjeli and Raj Laungani Whitney Walters Woodward ’97

and Ted Woodward ’98

1st Grade (Class of 2031) Anne Muller Weaver ’97 and Price Weaver Virginia Adams and Derek Elmerick Maggie McCune Fuller ’98 and Ross Fuller ’96 Amy and Jay Harrison Kara and Brian Mylod Amanda and Ben Price Rachel and Chris Routledge Anne and Jim Thompson ’97

2nd Grade (Class of 2030) Susannah Frost and Jeff Yost Hannah and Hamilton Powell Mylin Torres and Malik Smith Jennifer and David Tetrick

3rd Grade (Class of 2029) Heather and Tedd Sellers Emily and Rene Sauerteig Jackie and Patrick Wallace

4th Grade (Class of 2028) Wendy and Will Stengel Jennifer Radcliffe and Daniel Daum Courtney and Brian Deitz Emily and Lance Garrison Chambless and Tony Kalka

Alumni from all classes and parents of students across the School volunteer with The Westminster Fund. Annual events are one way we celebrate their dedication and commitment.

“As a new Westminster family, we not only wanted to contribute to the transformative experience Westminster offers our children but also get the opportunity to talk about it with others, to see the full impact of giving, and meet more families across all grades at Westminster. When we read about students’ interests, endeavors, achievements, ideas, and unbridled energy, we hope that our giving—and getting others to give—creates and grows a foundation where more children are inspired to learn and create during some of their most transformative years.”

— Elizabeth and Luke Barton P ’24, ’25 Westminster Fund Grade Chairs for Seventh Grade (Class of 2024)

Lynne and James Rankin Jenn and Boykin Robinson Teresa and Spencer Shell Martine and Andy Weber

Hamid Montazeri Jeannie and Bennett Sands Jennifer and Brian Schumacher

5th Grade (Class of 2027)

Elizabeth and Luke Barton Elizabeth and Andy Ausband Kristin and Bill Buhay Elizabeth and Taylor Fairman Angelina and Leo Loughead Sara and John Nastopoulos ’94 Kim and Spencer Patton Allison and Brad Watkins Kristen and Cliff Willimon

Jessica Pardi and Bobby Lanier Ashley and Shawn Hall Jason Hammer ’92 Smita and Anshul Patel Shannon and Jeff Sugarman ’91

6th Grade (Class of 2026) Michelle and Benton Routh Windsor and Bo Adams Ashley and Lloyd Bell Millay and Bill Chappell Laura Kibler Crim ’95 and Clay Crim Kappy Kellet deButts ’94 and William deButts Gabriela Olivo-Goss and Ryan Goss Kristen and Lee Hunter ’90 Huma and Syed Ishaqui Jessica and Mike Maguire

7th Grade (Class of 2025)

8th Grade (Class of 2024)

Anne and Charlie Henn ’91 Lisa and Randy Alexander Molly Pinkerton Caine ’88 and Matt Caine Lindsay and David Christopherson April and Brian Crow Juliet Asher-Golden ’82 and Mike Golden ’82 Beth and Teague Hunter ’91

Marni and Julian Mohr ’92 Lynn and Charlie Morgan Christine and David Quillian ’85 Jenn and Boykin Robinson Annie Hou and Yandong Su Jessie and Tim Xia Allison and Matt Yungwirth

11th Grade (Class of 2021)

9th Grade (Class of 2023)

Julie and Billy Levine ’88 Sherron and Andy Berg Anne and Jim Blitch Kristin and Kirk Domescik ’86 Peter Fleming Louise Tanner Gracey ’84 and David Gracey Ann Hart Wotton Hunter ’89 and Steve Hunter Megan and Bill McCamey Denise and Scott Miller Christine and Bill Ragland

Denise and Vern Hendrix ’80 Julie and Rich Hall Stacy and Bryan Piedad Myra and Brent Stamps

10th Grade (Class of 2022) Kelly and Mike Bernot Elise and Dan Carbonara Millar Effinger Freeman ’89 and Matt Freeman Tina and Ben Quigley Natalie and Tripp Solomon ’86 Becca and Andrew Stephenson ’92 Julie and Bill Wood

Elizabeth and Scott Bertschi Hollye and Geoffrey Gavin Lacey and Bill Jordan Sonia and Gerry Mize Nancy and James Pavur

12th Grade (Class of 2020)

Grade chairs are listed in bold.

WESTMINSTER | 45

Alumni News Dear Alumni, Last fall brought a few different developments to Westminster’s campus: new construction, new “learning cottages,” and new traffic patterns. You’ve likely heard talk of new buildings, long-term planning, and changes our campus will undergo in the coming months. If you’ve seen or heard these things—whether you’re energized by them or are a bit perplexed—you’ve had a sneak peek into Westminster’s future.

The future has been on everyone’s mind at Westminster. What is the future of teaching? Of school technology? Of learning? Of learning spaces? Of school community? Administrators, teachers, and even students themselves wrestle with these questions daily as they work to ensure that Westminster is prepared for the future—and, just as importantly, that our students are ready for it.

As a parent of a pre-firster, I marvel at how Westminster has evolved since I started pre-first myself more than thirty years ago. From the earliest years, the student experience is designed to encourage growth, leadership, and service—and teachers are ready to help even the youngest students dive right in with opportunities like Design Thinking and problem-based learning in every classroom.

But as an alum, I sometimes wonder how much I would know about our alma mater if I did not have a child enrolled. Would I be able to identify how forward-looking leaders set plans in motion a decade ago, manifesting in positive change today?

Would I be able to recognize and appreciate new leadership development programs in the Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School? Maybe not. I might not even know they are called “Lower, Middle, and Upper School” now!

If you feel like you have been on the sidelines of what’s happening at Westminster since you graduated, I encourage you to find a way to re-engage.

As an alum, you are integral to what Westminster is—and what it will become in the future.

Amazing things are happening at Westminster as today’s students develop into leaders who are creative, compassionate, and eager to find solutions for a better future. I hope you’ll find a way to connect—or reconnect—with the Wildcats.

We’re eager to see what the future holds on campus and beyond.

Go Cats!

Sarah Hawkins Warren ’00

President, Alumni Governing Board

46 | Spring 2020

Dear Alumni, In today’s ever-changing world, the role of the alumni association has changed. We ask ourselves: How do we engage more than 12,000 alumni with diverse backgrounds and needs? How do we respect traditions with a new set of norms?

How do we meaningfully use

technology to connect with each other? In 2016, Westminster’s alumni office conducted a comprehensive alumni survey that helped lay the foundation for the alumni strategic plan. The six goals and strategies developed based on the survey results are designed to expand the

alumni program by leaps and bounds.

I’m pleased to update you about how we’ve been working toward our goals and hope to connect with you soon!

Best Wishes,

Brooke Boothby Director of Alumni and Parent Engagement

Our Alumni Strategic Plan

1 2 3

Engage Westminster’s evolving alumni constituencies by providing targeted and focused opportunities for connection and involvement through common location, identity, interests, and life stage.

Our alumni chapters are a fun way for Wildcats to connect—and a resource for their members!

Turn the page to see our chapters in action.

Enhance opportunities for student-alumni interactions on campus, in communities, and online.

The Student Alumni Council, a student leadership group launched in 2018, invited young alumni back to campus for a “5 under 25” program, where they shared valuable insight into post-college life.

Foster high-quality educational opportunities to extend learning beyond Westminster and to support emerging and established alumni leaders.

By holding our popular Beyond the Gates events off campus at sites like Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Atlanta History Center, alumni are now invited to take an inside look at the places where fellow Wildcats are shaping the city.

4 5 6

Create opportunities for networking, internship, and mentorship through dynamic programming and online platforms.

Our alum-to-alum online directory, Wildcats Connect, launched in 2019 and lets alumni find and post jobs and professional resources.

Celebrate Westminster’s accomplishments, milestones, and traditions through alumni events, award programs, and communication.

We’ve enhanced the reunion volunteer experience with online tools that help volunteers do what really matters–connect and reconnect classmates with one another and Westminster.

Communicate a consistent, compelling, and unique message that aligns Westminster’s goals and values and builds alumni ties to Westminster and the Alumni Association.

The story booth we’ve added to Reunion Weekend gives you the opportunity to tell your Westminster story firsthand!

WESTMINSTER | 47

ALUMNI NEWS

Chapters Our dedicated alumni chapter volunteers help Wildcats all over the country continue pursuing some of what they loved most about Westminster: building friendships, learning new things, and leading and serving in their communities. Each chapter is led by 10 to 12 alumni volunteers, including two co-presidents. The chapter experience couldn’t happen without these volunteers who create opportunities for Wildcats in our three chapter cities to connect through their shared Westminster experiences!

Meet the chapter leaders who help make it happen: NYC Alumni Chapter

Established 2016 | 500+ alumni Connect by emailing nycalumni@westminster.net

Fielding Kidd Jamieson ’07 NYC Chapter Co-President

Michael Russell ’12 NYC Chapter Co-President

Washington, DC Alumni Chapter Established 2017 | 265+ alumni Connect by emailing dcalumni@westminster.net

Angela Tarkenton Cordle ’82 DC Chapter Co-President

Charlie Sherman ’11 DC Chapter Co-President

San Francisco Alumni Chapter Established 2018 | 300+ alumni Connect by emailing sfalumni@westminster.net

Wes French ’07 SF Chapter Co-President

48 | Spring 2020

Julia Hamilton Trost ’01 SF Chapter Co-President

ALUMNI NEWS

Socializing, service, networking, learning— it’s all part of the chapter experience!

Sorting cl at St. Ant othes hony’s

Each chapter helps its members plug into opportunities to give back locally. The San Francisco chapter has partnered with St. Anthony’s, an organization that provides resources for people living in poverty.

Chapter receptions are a great way to meet Wildcats in your city—you might even run into a classmate! Special guests like Nancy Beane attend some receptions, and each one includes an exclusive update about what’s happening on campus.

ge ane g colle Retirin lor Nancy Be e s coun

Your fellow chapter members cheer you on—literally, in the case of the New York City Marathon! Several alumni ran in the race, and New York City chapter members volunteered at fluid stations along the course.

bler ’11

Mary Zack H’Dou

The Sugrue siblin Andrew ’08 and gs, Kelly ’10

WESTMINSTER | 49

ALUMNI NEWS

Events Young Alumni Happy Hour August 22, 2019 The Young Alumni Council hosted the fall Young Alumni Happy Hour at Bar Mercado for the classes of 2005-2015. Alumni had a great time catching up with classmates, friends, and some of their old Westminster teachers!

Homecoming September 27, 2019

ALUMNI EVENTS

Westminster alumni and families gathered together at the annual Homecoming Dinner, held outside on Pressly Patio this year! Alumni enjoyed fried chicken and camaraderie before cheering on the Wildcats.

Breithaupt Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony September 28, 2019 During Homecoming Weekend, we welcomed three talented former Wildcat athletes back to campus for the Breithaupt Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Congratulations to our newest inductees, Maalik Reynolds ’10 (track and field), Jenna Buckley ’08 (soccer), and Stevie Vines ’09 (diving).

50 | Spring 2020

ALUMNI NEWS

Young Alumni Panel November 4, 2019 The Student Alumni Council hosted a panel for current juniors and seniors to hear from young alumni about life after graduating from Westminster. Stephanie Newton Bedard ’07, Piper Ruhmkorff ’13, Emma Reifenberger ’14, and Robert deGolian ’15 shared how Westminster prepared them for college and how the alumni network has influenced their careers.

“Westminster teaches you to be open and try new things. If you want to do something, go for it. Everyone who is doing something incredible is just like you or me. They reached for their dream and worked for it. Don’t sell yourself short.”

– Piper Ruhmkorff ’13

Basketball Alumni Night December 6, 2019 Basketball alumni cheered on both the girls and boys varsity teams to victories against Lovett and were recognized on the court between games.

College Holiday Lunch December 20, 2019

See more photos from our alumni events at westminster.net/magazine.

ALUMNI EVENTS

Alumni from the classes of 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 caught up with classmates and teachers at the annual College Holiday Lunch in Malone Dining Hall. These alums also took advantage of an opportunity to have professional headshots taken!

WESTMINSTER | 51

ALUMNI NEWS

Pigskin Picnic September 6, 2019 A record number of students and parents (more than 2,300!) enjoyed barbecue and fellowship before the varsity football team’s big win over St. Pius.

Middle School Grandparents and Special Friends Day October 4, 2019 Sixth and seventh graders enjoyed having their grandparents and special friends visit the Middle School for Grandparents and Special Friends Day. Students gave guests the opportunity to experience “a day in the life” of a Westminster student by leading a tour of the Middle School and introducing them to classmates and teachers.

Shark Tank

COMMUNITY EVENTS

December 6, 2019 Bobby Lanier P ’27, Andy Maurer P ’27, Megan Turk P ’27, Terry Currie Banta ’68, and Shac Oren P ’31 participated as judges for the eighth grade Economics for Entrepreneurs class presentations (also known as “Shark Tank”).

EverCats Coffee Reception December 9, 2019 Westminster welcomed EverCats (parents of Westminster alumni) from the classes of 20092019 for a holiday coffee reception with President Keith Evans. This was the EverCats’ first event, and we look forward to expanding programming in the year ahead!

52 | Spring 2020

ALUMNI NEWS

Handel’s Messiah December 20, 2019 The Wildcat community gathered for one of Westminster’s most beloved traditions, the annual performance of Handel’s Messiah.

CELEBRATING GENEROSITY The Pressly Leadership Society Dinner September 18, 2019 Westminster celebrated the leadership and vision of the Pressly Leadership Society with a dinner event for members at Summerour Studio. The Pressly Leadership Society, named for Westminster’s founding president Dr. William L. Pressly, honors members who support the School with a gift of $5,000 or more.

The Cornerstone Society Luncheon November 6, 2019 Westminster honored members of The Cornerstone Society, friends who have included the School in their estate plans, with a luncheon at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. The program included an inside look at Upper School independent study and internship experiences from members of the Class of 2020 and Dean of Academics Dr. Chanley Small ’87.

WESTMINSTER | 53

School Days: Welcoming the World

by Pamela Nye, Director of Archives Westminster’s legacy schools, North Avenue Presbyterian School and Washington Seminary, welcomed exchange students from all over the world beginning as early as the 1920s. Some of the students were long-term boarding students, while others only stayed a single year.

If you have a story or images to share with the school, please send them to archives@westminster.net.

NORTH AVENUE PRESBYTERIAN SCHOOL “The World is at our door.

May we at North Avenue grow broader through contact with the life of other lands and nations.”

— NAPS yearbook Napsonian, 1933

Carla Hoog ’51, seated, was an exchange student from the Netherlands who attended NAPS through Kiwanis International.

Several “senior verses” in the Napsonian throughout the years reference students traveling and living internationally.

54 | Spring 2020

ALUMNI NEWS

WASHINGTON SEMINARY

Yearbooks from both legacy schools, as well as early Westminster yearbooks, make use of illustrations throughout. Travel was particularly highlighted through illustration in Washington Seminary’s 1941 yearbook.

On the Travel Club page in 1940, the yearbook staff featured many of the Cuban students who were attending Washington Seminary.

Cuban sisters Yolanda and Irma Quesada chose to pose together in traditional Spanish mantillas for their 1941 senior portrait. They first came to Washington Seminary as eighth graders in 1936.

“...it has been our purpose to show the bond which links education with travel. We believe that wider travel is a means for broader education and hope to convey this thought to you in the pages of our annual.”

— Washington Seminary yearbook Facts and Fancies, 1941

WESTMINSTER

Some international students attended Westminster through the American Field Service program. Pictured in the 1966 Lynx with Dr. Pressly at a tea he and Mrs. Pressly held are Dorothea (Dorli) Moder of Graz, Austria, Guillermo (Bill) Carjuzaa of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Holmfridur (Holly) Arnadortir of Reykjavik, Iceland.

Exchange students Jeannette Flemming from Denmark and Tomruk Sagun from Turkey point to their home countries on a map in the 1961 Lynx yearbook.

This group of Westminster students all took part in the Experiment in International Living in the summer of 1982. Westminster students still participate in EIL summer programs!

Want to see more about travels to and from Westminster? Our archivist and digital scholarship librarian have created an “International Westminster” story map highlighting international students who have studied at Westminster, as well as Wildcats who lived and learned abroad during their Westminster years. Find the story map at westminster.net/magazine.

WESTMINSTER | 55

Class News From travel to making Wildcat 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 February 7, 2020.

1955

1 A plaque was erected in honor of Dr. Robert

Sanders, late husband of Patricia (Pat) Pelot Sanders, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, in September 2018. Dr. Sanders was a local pediatrician who became known as “Dr. Seat Belt” as a result of his role in the passage of Tennessee’s Child Passenger Protection Act in 1977.

1959

Jerry Smith Gentry writes, “Friends from my years at Westminster are still the best of life. May this be true for others at Westminster!”

our monthly newsletter, work in the library, and volunteer most everywhere I’m needed. We travel as much as we can. We just returned from a transatlantic cruise and a week in Hilton Head. Life is good.”

1962

Laura Lee Humphries writes, “Still serving as consulting child psychiatrist to Nebraska’s Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and watching my children and grandchildren grow in spirit and love.”

her home in Guernsey, England, to Atlanta, where she caught up with fellow alumni Margaret Rains Howell ’60, Henry Howell ’57, Peter Stelling ’60, Ann Lawton Pearce ’60, and Jody Collins Weatherly ’60.

Lindy Howell Rogers writes, “I am busy with my Atlanta grandchildren (Ryley, Peyton, and Ashlyn), transporting them to various activities, watching them play football, softball, basketball, lacrosse, etc.

Jack and I traveled to London and Ireland this past summer, and we visited son Ken in Michigan and grandchildren Lily and Brayden. My daughter Callie and I visited my other daughter Cindy Bishop ’88 in Boston.”

1961

1963

1960

2 Nancy Boynton Dudley-Smith made a trip from

Liz Godbey Ryder writes, “Last year, I served as Mayor of Penney Farms, Florida, and I remain on the city council. We are thoroughly enjoying being retired at the most wonderful retirement community, Penney Retirement Community, started by JC Penney in 1927. I am editor of

Lynn Wilkins Hamilton writes, “Andy and I have been blessed with 11 wonderful grandbabies! They range in age from one to 15. Andy is retired, and we’re staying busy and working on life-changing health habits!”

Memory Lane

Revisiting the Westminster Days of This Year’s Reunion Classes

1970: Wading in the creek

1975: Inside an AP Chemistry class

CLASS NEWS

1

4

3 5

2

1980: A beautiful day on Pressly Patio

1985: Practicing the perfect portrait poses

CLASS NEWS

Johnny Martin writes, “Still practicing part-time in the Georgia Health Department and Good News Clinic in Gainesville. Still playing and singing with the Bluegrass Alliance Band.”

have advanced evidence-based healthcare policy (medical liability reform) at the local and state levels and received endorsement of the new medical liability program by national medical societies.

My research focus is medical liability, healthcare provider burnout, and patient safety. I was so impressed with Tom that I married him in 2016!”

1968

3 Mary Helen Akers Abbott writes, “Classmates

from the Class of 1968 met in Lakemont on Lake Rabun for a fun weekend. What a great get-together we had!”

4 Brad Hayes writes, “I recently published my first

book. Love, God, baseball, family and adventure...

King of the Southern Diamond touches all the bases.

The legendary John Heisman gave Arthur Bradsher (my grandfather) that nickname after he started the 1904 baseball season for Trinity College/Duke University by hurling 25 consecutive no-hit innings.

This is a story of my journey to get to know my grandfather, whom I have never met. You may preview and order my book at arthurbradsher.com.”

Cindy Newberry Martin published her first book, Tidal Flats, in September 2019.

5 Kevin Sims writes, “While coaching and tutoring

1969

Missie Woodruff Pierce writes, “It sure was a super fantastic Class of 1969 50th Reunion in April 2019!”

1975

Florence LeCraw writes, “Things are going well for my family. My son Carter Watts ’07 married Linh Thai on May 19, 2019. My son Alex Watts ’05 is getting married in May 2020. His father, our spouses, and I are thrilled with our new daughtersin-law. I retired as an anesthesiologist in 2019 to pursue my second career as a health economist at Georgia State University full-time. I am blessed to work with a nationally recognized economist, Dr. Tom Mroz, and many other wonderful researchers, policy advocates, and leaders. The different teams

at Charlotte Country Day School, I am also spending 2020 as president of United Soccer Coaches after holding various board and committee positions since 1986. My father, Bob Sims (retired faculty), was a member of the association for 60 years, serving in numerous capacities himself. The largest coaching association in the world, United Soccer Coaches serves coaches at every level of the sport. It was especially fun to participate in honoring classmate Mark Leviton ’75 (National High School Assistant Coach of the Year) and current Wildcat boys coach Scott Snyder (National High School Boys Coach of the Year) with awards at the 2019 convention. Life with wife Janet and stepson Ethan is great. Holler if you are in the area!”

1984

T.K. Kuhlman writes, “My son, Tyler Kuhlman, is working for Marcus & Millichap in Fort Lauderdale. He was awarded Rookie of the Year

by NAIOP Commercial Real Estate Development Association.”

Memory Lane

Revisiting the Westminster Days of This Year’s Reunion Classes

1990: Intense Wildcat spirit

1995: Graduation day

2000: Looking dapper

CLASS NEWS

7

6

8

9

2005: Fifth grade memories

2010: Under construction

CLASS NEWS

1994

6 Susan Rebecca White’s latest novel, We Are All Good

People Here, published by Atria/Simon & Schuster, was recently released in paperback. Centered on two best friends who undergo a political awakening in the early 1960s that ultimately takes them in radically different directions, the book wrestles with questions of politics and morality and how to hold onto those we love, even when we find ourselves on opposite sides of an ideological divide. Library Journal gave the novel a starred review, saying it “perfectly captures the zeitgeist of the 1960s,” while The Atlanta JournalConstitution calls it “masterful.”

1999

George Scheer writes, “I completed my doctorate in communications at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill in May 2019 and will begin a new job as Executive Director of the Contemporary Arts Center New Orleans.”

a clean fantasy adventure perfect for lovers of Goose Girl and the Redwall series. It enjoys five star ratings on both Amazon and Goodreads. Emily loves speak-ing to young readers and writers and would be honored to visit your school, library, bookstore, or writers’ group. To learn more, visit emilyhjeffries.com.

2006

Jensen Hart Hyde writes. “My husband and I moved to Manhattan this past year from our home in Chattanooga. My husband is doing his surgical fellowship in colon and rectal surgery at Cornell and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and I am doing a Masters in Public Health at Columbia University. We welcomed our son, Hart Lanier Hyde, in August.”

2007

to Colorado for a backpacking trip with Trinity Anglican Church. Pictured together are Jess Teague P ’25, Betsy Metcalf P ’31, ’32, Virginia King McCune ’00, Gilllian Mauldin ’96, and Hannah Grady Jones ’08.

After nearly a decade of working in nonprofit fundraising and communications, Heather Karellas started her own company with business partner Emma Weldon. Streetlamp Creative is a small, Decaturbased marketing firm that combines Heather’s writing skills and business acumen with Emma’s knacks for graphic design and marketing. Streetlamp Creative also offers web design, consulting work, content creation, and assistance with print and digital communications.

2003

2012

2000

7 A group of Westminster parents and alumni traveled

Morgan Shaw DiOrio served as a long-term substitute counselor in Westminster’s Lower School this spring. In many ways, this was more of a welcome back for Morgan, a former counselor in the Upper School. Morgan currently runs a successful private practice.

2004

Ashley Loftin has recently joined C+TC Design Studio in Brookhaven as a project architect. Before this position, she worked as an intern architect at the Midtown firm Stanley, Love-Stanley, PC. She received her BA in art history with a minor in architectural history from Duke University. She received a Masters of Architecture from Georgia Institute of Technology in 2011.

2005

8 In September of 2019, Emily Hobgood Jeffries

launched her debut novel, Fyrian’s Fire, in collaboration with Girl Friday Productions. Cover artist and illustrator is Rachel Hobgood Grantham ’06, who is also the owner of Aesthete Studio. Fyrian’s Fire is

60 | Spring 2020

The 24th World Scout Jamboree concluded on August 1, 2019. 45,000 people from more than 120 countries came for 12 days to the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia. As a volunteer on the Executive Committee, Willy Xiao has planned this event since he graduated from Westminster in 2012.

Like the Olympics, the Jamboree occurs every four years in a different country each time. But instead of competing, scouts from ages 14 to 17 zipline, ride BMX, skate, shoot, climb, puzzle over an escape room, collaborate in a Model UN, video-chat the International Space Station, watch a drone show, pilot drones, taste foods, see cultures from all around the world, and sing to a live Disney on Broadway’s performance of Frozen in their own native languages.

Willy found it incredibly fulfilling to give back, to see kids say this was the most exciting two weeks they’ve had (“like ever!”) and to see this vibrant world movement growing. He also serendipitously met two Westminster parents there, and they connected around their shared experiences at the School!

CLASS NEWS

2013 9 Wildcats from the class of 2013 came out to support

classmate Tyler Mitchell, whose first solo show, I Can Make You Feel Good recently opened at New York’s International Center for Photography. Pictured from left to right: Lilly Nunnally, Spencer Izlar, Katherine York, Tyler Mitchell, McClain Newton, Emma Payne, and Caroline Jones.

2014

Isabelle Babb is training to be a jet pilot in the United States Navy. Oliver Babb ’18 is a sophomore at Columbia University and is a varsity rower on the crew team.

Have news to share? Submit it at westminster.net/class-news.

Get Your Wildcat Gear Online!

Our campus store has gone digital!

Visit store.westminster.net to purchase clothing, spirit items, gifts, and more!

Thinking about your legacy?

Estate planning doesn’t have to be daunting.

“It can give you peace of mind. You’re ensuring that all you’ve worked hard for goes somewhere that’s meaningful to you—your family, but also the organizations you want to ensure are able to continue to achieve their mission. Making an estate plan is a way to use your own voice.”

— Mary Lowell Downing Petit ’06 Cornerstone Society member Download two free estate planning kits at westminster.net/estate-planning.

WESTMINSTER | 61

Marriages Congratulations to all Wildcats celebrating recent weddings!

Find each couple’s corresponding photo number to the left of the announcement.

1999

1 Jeremy Oliver and Dawn Tintle, June 15, 2019

2000

2 Jordan Thomas and Madeline Mathews, October 12, 2019

2005

3 Claire Eustis and Adam Simmons, September 22, 2019 4 Susie Fellows and Ross Tulloch, July 13, 2019

2007

5 Gillian Bach and Sepehr Sedigh Haghighat, May 18, 2019 6 Carter Watts and Linh Thai, May 19, 2019

2008

7 Helen Harris and Emery Waddell, October 26, 2019 8 Sam McChesney and Chandler Balentine ’12, August 31, 2019 9 Katherine Stewart and Nathan Merritt, August 3, 2019

2010

10 Rachel Jordan and Matt Payne, September 21, 2019 11 Ann Giornelli and Noah Woodward, November 16, 2019

2012

8 Chandler Balentine and Sam McChesney ’08, August 31, 2019

2013

12 Priyanka Ambekar and Prateek Gadkari, November 24, 2018

1

62 | Spring 2020

2

3

4

6

7

5

8

9

10

12

11

WESTMINSTER | 63

Births and Adoptions Welcome to the Wildcat family, new additions!

Find each child’s corresponding photo number to the left of the announcement.

1992

9 Charlotte Marie Thornton,

Georgia Lynn Solomon, December 18, 2018, daughter of Megan Lynn and Wade Solomon (not pictured)

1995

August 23, 2019, son of Chad Laney (Middle School faculty) and Katie Long Laney ’03 (staff)

1997

2 Edward “Everett” Hogg,

October 18, 2019, son of Erin and Paul Hogg

1998

3 William Faucett Creel,

September 11, 2018, son of Adele Reagan Creel and Jay Creel

1999

4 Heidi Joy Abel, July 29, 2019,

daughter of Jenny Robinson Abel and Ben Abel

2000

5 Zachry “Fraser” Iverson,

September 9, 2019, son of Mary Stuart Young Iverson and Joel Iverson

2001

6 Christina Frances Herlihy,

August 29, 2019, daughter of Meg Tawes Herlihy and Reid Herlihy

7 Emerson Virginia Bryenton,

June 24, 2019, daughter of Ellen Persons and Travis Bryenton

8 Ford Colin Smith,

November 25, 2019 and Holt William Smith, August 30, 2018, sons of Renee Keeble Smith and Adam Smith

1

16 Henry Scott Hawkins and Ivy Mae

Hawkins, October 25, 2019, son and daughter of Lindsay and Carter Hawkins

2002

17 Anna Blythe Hogan, June 17, 2019,

August 22, 2019, daughter of Kristie Day Brentz and David Brentz

13 Hanle Love Kraft, July 25, 2019, son

10 Emery Caroline Brentz,

1 Chadwick Hopkins Laney,

64 | Spring 2020

December 21, 2019, daughter of John Thornton and Pierson Bridges Thornton ’09

11 Marion “Mimi” Hudson Butkus,

February 19, 2019, daughter of Taylor Hudson Butkus and Michael Butkus

12 James “William” Dennard,

daughter of Blythe and Will Hogan

of Catherine Love Kraft and Kenny Kraft ’02

18 Vaughn Michael Kraft,

December 15, 2019, son of Jackie Tinsley Kraft and Michael Kraft

1 Chadwick Hopkins Laney,

August 23, 2019, son of Katie Long Laney (staff) and Chad Laney ’95 (Middle School faculty)

November 15, 2018, son of Chelsea and Wesley Dennard

Crawford Jay “Ford” Glenn, October 2, 2019, son of Alison and Aaron Glenn (not pictured) Kathryn Marie Illston, October 17, 2019, daughter of Jana Dopson Illston and James Illston (not pictured)

19 Henry Blackford Larsen and Haley

Katherine Larsen, September 24, 2019, son and daughter of Kate Welch Larsen and Rob Larsen

20

Winifred “Wynne” Page Padgett, October 11, 2019, daughter of Elizabeth and Wesley Padgett

13 Hanle Love Kraft, July 25, 2019,

21

Palmer and Brady Pyles, November 15, 2019, twin daughters of Caelyn and Stephen Pyles

14 Stephen “Greer” Young,

22

Caleb McCall Thompson, September 25, 2019, son of Kelsey Martin Thompson and Allen McCall Thompson

son of Kenny Kraft and Catherine Love Kraft ’03

December 16, 2019, son of Hilary and Zachry Young

2003

15 Elizabeth “Libby” Spilman Crowley,

December 10, 2019, daughter of Elizabeth Robinson Crowley and Andrew Crowley Sallie James Farmer, September 3, 2019, daughter of Christie and Hank Farmer (not pictured)

2

3

4

5

8

9

12

15

19

6

7

10

11

13

16

20

14

17

18

21

22

WESTMINSTER | 65

BIRTHS AND ADOPTIONS

2004

29

23

Connor Thomas Dash, August 21, 2019, son of Emelie and Eliot Dash

30

24

Evelyn Marie Salimi, November 11, 2019, daughter of Annie Heller Salimi (Lower School faculty) and Neema Salimi (Upper School faculty)

Sullivan James Anthony, December 2, 2019, son of Casey and Harrison Anthony (not pictured)

25

26

27

32

2005

George Inman Allen, September 13, 2019, son of Allison Sheats Allen and Beau Allen

Thomas Decker Almquist, September 13, 2019, son of Laura Dopson Almquist and Henry Almquist Andrew Daniel Armstrong, February 8, 2017, son of Anna Martin Armstrong and Daniel Armstrong Thomas “Tommy” Partington DeCamps, September 10, 2019, son of Libby Justice DeCamps and Will DeCamps (not pictured)

28

31

Charlotte Mary Ellithorp, July 6, 2019, daughter of Carolyn and John Ellithorp

33

34

66 | Spring 2020

Smith Nichols Sitterson, November 11, 2019, son of Maureen and Stuart Sitterson

2006

Hart Lanier Hyde, August 5, 2019, son of Jensen Hart Hyde and Alan Hyde

35

Knox William Nattans, July 15, 2019, son of Claire Hogan Nattans and Geoff Nattans

36

Virginia “Ginny” Fitzhugh Wilson, August 14, 2019, daughter of Martha and Charles Wilson

37

Wesley A. French III, August 30, 2019, son of Julia Greenberg French and Wes French

38

23

Susan “Susie” Robertson Given, 2009 September 23, 2019, daughter of 9 Charlotte Marie Thornton, Cason Wilson Given (Middle December 21, 2019, daughter of School faculty) and Christian Given Pierson Bridges Thornton and John Thornton ’01 Sophie Tucker Givens, October 17, 2019, daughter of 39 Arden Elodie Vines, Elisabeth Holby Givens and August 19, 2019, daughter of Jamey Givens Katelyn and Stevie Vines Weldon Forest Johnson, Faculty October 30, 2019, son of Andi and 40 Charles “Charlie” Scott Argall, Charlie Johnson May 31, 2019, son of Katie Argall (Middle School faculty) and Joel Coleman Simons, July 1, 2019, Argall (Lower School faculty) son of Eliza Coleman Simons and Billy Simons

2007

2008

Elizabeth “Elle” Lyle Edwards, September 4, 2019, daughter of Elizabeth Smith Edwards and Scott Edwards

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

32

31

33

34

35

36

39

37

38

40

WESTMINSTER | 67

In Memoriam We extend our deepest sympathy to the members of the Westminster community who have lost a loved one.

NAPS Alumnae

Westminster Alumni

1946

1954

Carolyn Davie Dvorscak, October 18, 2019

Washington Seminary Alumnae 1942

Anne Funke Goldthwaite, October 12, 2019

1943

Bettye Irby Jolley, October 27, 2019, mother of Lane Irby ’66 and Betsy Irby ’68

1944

Polly Porter Sewell Camp, January 20, 2020

Wicke Oliver Chambers, November 22, 2019, mother of Rufus Chambers ’79, Margaret Chambers Young ’81, and Alex Chambers ’83

1955

Dave Roswell Ison III, March 11, 2019

1956

Bob Edward Pope, October 3, 2019 Betty-Jo Ozmer Stephenson, December 9, 2018

1958

Peter Parker Jr., July 2, 2019

1945

1960

1948

1961

1949

1963

E.J. Clifton Shumway, June 4, 2019 Helen Knox O’Callaghan, February 3, 2020 Bobbe Brandt Granger, September 30, 2019 Sue Ann Morgan Lovett, January 24, 2020

1950

Lee Ann Lehr, November 16, 2019 Julie Douglass Spivey, January 9, 2020

1952

Caroline Lamar Mason Gilham, July 24, 2019, mother of Anna Gilham McGarrity ’87 and Jean Gilham Kirby ’90

1953

Retta Shoun Kern, October 24, 2019, mother of Ann Kern Carolin ’79

1954

Sally Gatling Tomlinson, December 6, 2019, mother of Wyn Tomlinson ’76

68 | Spring 2020

Alice Williams Crawford, October 13, 2016 McKee Nunnally, November 15, 2019 Matthew Smith, November 7, 2019, brother of Andrew Smith ’70

1978

Helen Taratus O’Connor, August 29, 2019, daughter of Leila Thompson Taratus WS ’42 and Ken Taratus (Emeritus Trustee), sister of Ken Taratus ’76 and Leila Taratus Evans ’82, and mother of Emily O’Connor Madsen ’08, Jack O’Connor ’10, and Harry O’Connor ’14

1980

Pam Elizabeth Kohn Buie, January 30, 2020 Dick Lindeman (former staff), March 4, 2019, son of Martha Griffin (retired faculty), and brother of Carolyn Griffin Hall ’81, Kenneth Lindeman ’82, Peter Lindeman ’86, and Henry Lindeman ’88

1988

Hayden Vickers, August 23, 2019, son of Jane Vickers (retired faculty) and brother of Lance Vickers ’84 and Caroline Vickers Bill ’90

2008

Kyle Behm, August 27, 2019

1966

Community

1969

David Baker, October 27, 2019, father of Curtis Baker ’86

Curt Bothwell Jamison, September 23, 2019, father of Liza Jamison Davidson ’95 and Bingham Davidson ’98 James Shepherd Jr., December 21, 2019, son of Alana Smith Shepherd NAPS ’47 (former trustee) and father of Jamie Shepherd ’98 and Julie Shepherd ’00

Anne Jentzen Addison, October 20, 2019, mother of Lee Addison Sanford ’69

William Brooks, October 11, 2019, husband of Laura Weathers Brooks ’80

1970

Pat Thomson Clark, November 20, 2019 (retired staff)

1975

Ronnie Cochran, March 21, 2019, husband of Hazel Cochran (retired staff)

Larry Dewberry, August 24, 2019 Jimmy Adams Jr. (former trustee), December 26, 2019, father of Mason Adams ’12 and Carolina Adams ’15

1977

Trina Lou Pound, August 16, 2019, sister of Win Pound ’73 and Kaylin Pound ’75

Benjamin Hayden Cook, November 8, 2019, husband of Iverson Branch Cook ’57 Lonita Davis, February 14, 2019, and Corbin Davis, August 26, 2019, mother and father of Cindy Davis Rackley ’67, Pamela Davis ’72, and Lisa Davis ’74

IN MEMORIAM

Robert Hamilton Green, August 2, 2019, father of Lydia Green Davidson ’77, Edith Green Wyatt ’79, Elizabeth Green Thorne ’80, and Cecelia Green Browne ’88 Riccarda Heising, December 14, 2019, mother of Adam Al-Khayyal ’07 and Sarah AlKhayyal ’12 Pete Nash Higgins (retired faculty), August 21, 2019 Mark Kaish, September 13, 2019, husband of Missy McGrew Kaish ’78

Don Knight Jr., September 24, 2019, father of Catherine Knight ’85 and Jennie Knight ’88 Stephen Kraus, October 28, 2019, father of Steve Kraus ’87 and Mark Kraus ’89 Charles Martin, May 25, 2019, father of Nancy Martin Frantz ’68 Alan Neal, December 27, 2019, father of Pam Neal Fellows ’75 Kitty McChesney Smith, September 27, 2019, mother of Max McChesney ’06 and Sam McChesney ’08

Stacey Smith (Upper School staff), September 22, 2019 Sidney Frank Wheeler, January 21, 2020, father of Bradley Wheeler Kirsch ’85, Molly Wheeler Jackson ’90, and John Wheeler ’90 Craig Woodward, May 1, 2019, father of Mia Woodward ’95, and Ted Woodward ’98 Alex Woollcott,December 12, 2019, father of May Collins Woollcott ’12 Emmett Wright Jr. (former faculty), August 26, 2019, father of Jimmy Wright ’68

Pete Higgins

Emmett Wright

Pete Higgins, a national legend among swimming coaches, died at age 86 on August 21, 2019. In his 56 years coaching at Westminster, he led the swimming and diving teams to state championships 41 times.

Emmett Wright, a history teacher who joined Westminster in its second year and was a beloved mentor to early students in the Boys School, died on August 26, 2019, at age 93. He was instrumental in the creation of the Advanced Placement program, beginning when Westminster was part of a national pilot for the AP curriculum.

1933–2019

Pete, who also taught history, was active in several state and national organizations dedicated to competitive swimming; he was the founding president of the Georgia High School Swimming Coaches Association and a former board member of the International Swimming Hall of Fame.

What many alumni who swam under Pete’s leadership remember, though, is not his accolades, but the way he used care and humor to push each student-athlete to reach his or her personal best in the pool and in life.

Harrison Merrill ’61, a member of Pete’s first team at Westminster, and his family honored Pete by naming the Pete Higgins Natatorium in his honor in 2001. Upon Pete’s retirement in 2017, Harrison summed up his impact in this way: “Pete is a great inspiration to me because he coached and cared about the swimmers with the least ability as much as he cared and coached the swimmers with the most ability.

Pete never gave up, Pete never lost his sense of humor, and Pete will always have an honored place in the hearts and minds of his thousands of swimmers.”

1926–2019

Emmett spent 16 years at Westminster as a teacher, state-championship-winning boys basketball coach, and head of the Boys School. He then went on to headmaster positions at both Metairie Park Country Day School in Metairie, Louisiana, and Woodberry Forest School in Orange, Virginia.

Charismatic but also a firm leader, the Class of 1956 noted his “genuine friendship with the student body, his ready wit and jovial attitude, and his remarkable ability to get along with the members of the senior class” in that year’s Lynx dedication.

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You make extraordinary moments possible.

A single moment at Westminster holds extraordinary potential for students to learn, discover, create, and lead. The Westminster Fund helps prepare these students to grow into leaders of conscience who make a difference in communities throughout Atlanta and the world. Your gift helps every Wildcat seize the potential of a moment—every day.

Be a catalyst for more Westminster moments. Make a gift to The Westminster Fund today.

MAKE YOUR GIFT BY VISITING WESTMINSTER.NET/GIVING

Opportunities we’ve envisioned for years are drawing closer as construction progresses on the first projects of our campus plan—thanks to visionary support from community members.

We look forward to learning through discovery inside Campbell Hall and Hawkins Hall, cultivating connections on the Community Plaza, and making Wildcat memories in the stands of Thompson Stadium.

The Westminster Schools Non-Profit Organization

1424 West Paces Ferry Road NW Atlanta, Georgia 30327 westminster.net

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THE MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI, PARENTS, AND FRIENDS | SPRING 2020

SPRING 2020

Stay connected to the alumni network—no matter where you are.

Wildcats Connect, our new online alumni directory, lets you connect with friends and classmates, meet alumni in your city, and access career data by signing in with your LinkedIn account.

Alumni Chapters in Washington, DC, New York City, and San Francisco are a valuable resource, whether you’re new in town, seeking a career connection, or simply looking to meet friends with a shared passion for Westminster.

Be sure to read the Wildcat Wire, our everyother-month alumni email newsletter, to stay up-to-date about happenings on campus and throughout the alumni community!

Visit westminster.net/connect to learn more and get started.

How timeless lessons prepare today’s students to thrive in tomorrow’s world