CAVALIER CONNECTION
THOMAS JEFFERSON INDEPENDENT DAY SCHOOL’S ALUMNI MAGAZINE
Letter from the Director of Development & Alumni Engagement
Dear TJ Alumni & Alumni Families,
How can it be April already? This school year has proven to be yet another exciting, inspiring year filled with surprises, memory making, and community.
In addition to event recaps and school updates, our third issue of The Cavalier Connection includes information about TJ’s new Head of School, Mr. Garry Hallman, and TJ’s new Director of College Counseling, Mr. Jon Emery. Additionally, we shine a spotlight on Mrs. Mary Arnold’s impact in advance of her retirement at the end of this school year.
As you read through this issue, feel free to connect with me should it jog a happy memory, or you find yourself wanting to find more connection with the school. We are grateful you are a part of our community and hope to see you soon.
GO CAVALIERS!
Warmly,
Lauden
Baker Director of Development & Alumni Engagement alumni@tjeffschool.org | lbaker@tjeffschool.org
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT:
Ms.
Ophelia
Chen – TJ Class of 2013
Our third quarter Alumni Assembly Speaker was Ophelia Chen, Class of 2013, inspiring students with her story of grit, entrepreneurship, and tenacity.
Ophelia started her Cavalier journey as an 8th-grader in the year 2008. In Upper School, she enjoyed participating in Tennis, Cheer, Photography, Art, Math, Science, and Yearbook. Ophelia would graduate from TJ in 2013 before starting the pursuit of her Bachelor’s degree in Business at Washington University of St. Louis.
From 2017 to 2019, Ophelia moved toward a career in the fashion industry, joining Bloomingdale’s as one of their assistant buyers, and later, an assistant planner. From 2019 to 2023, Ophelia launched and operated her own fashion label called Bobblehaus and was featured in “Forbes Next 1000” list in 2021.
Expanding her business acumen with a career pivot in 2024, Ophelia moved to Bentonville, Arkansas, and received her real estate license for Sotheby’s International Realty where she currently lives and works. Ophelia spoke with TJ students about the importance of ongoing learning in pursuit of a dream and how life is full of surprises despite one’s best efforts to plan. She encouraged students to, “keep going on adventures!”
TJ Alumni Advisory Council Steering Committee
• Jacob Gutwillig, Class of 2005 – President
• Kathy Liu, Class of 2000
• Bradley Knapp, Class of 2001
• Doniqua Colbert, Class of 2002
• Cabal Culp, Class of 2005
• Angie Scott, Class of 2005
• Anne Hershewe, Class of 2006
• Mary McDonald, Class of 2008
• Sanjay Jenkins, Class of 2014
• Noah Wells, Class of 2016
Interested in joining the Alumni Advisory Council? Email alumni@tjeffschool.org for more information.
“It is always a great day when one of you comes back to visit. I remember all of you fondly and it is wonderful to hear about your successes and what you have accomplished. Remember, you are always welcome here, and we truly want to see you again.”
— Señora Gelmis Cole
NEWS FROM NEWMAN ROAD
TJ’s Announces
New Head of School
OnJanuary 24, after a unanimous Board vote and extensive search, TJ announced the next Head of School, Mr. Garry Hallman. Garry will fully assume this new role on July 1, 2025.
Garry has over 20 years of experience in education, including more than a decade in senior administrative leadership roles at independent private schools. He currently serves as Assistant Head of School and Dean of Academics at West Nottingham Academy, the nation’s oldest boarding school.
Garry’s character and educational philosophy align deeply with TJ’s Mission. Throughout his career, he has dedicated himself to academic excellence, inspiring students to make the most of their abilities and to find joy in learning. Garry is a true believer in the rigorous classical liberal arts education TJ offers, and he has a personal passion for our western civilization focused curriculum.
Garry shared his enthusiasm for joining the TJ community:
“I am honored to be selected as your next Head of School. From my first introduction to TJ through the wonderful campus visit in December, I remain impressed with both the quality of the program as well as the character of the people in the community. I look forward to the opportunity to get to know you all better and to help work with you to continue TJ’s long history of excellence as we move into this exciting new chapter together!
To learn more about Garry and to read the Board’s announcement letter in full, please visit the “News & Events” section of the TJ website at www.tjeffschool.org.
TJ’s Announces New Director of College Counseling
We are thrilled to announce Jon Emery as TJ’s new Director of College Counseling. He will officially join the TJ faculty in the summer of 2025, but he is excited to spend the next several months getting to know our families and school community better. Jon grew up in Nevada, MO, and graduated from the University of Missouri. He would go on to work as a TEFL teacher in the US Peace Corps, as well as a college advisor for first-generation students in the federal TRIO Upward Bound Math & Science Program. He also worked for both Crowder College and Idaho State University before working as the Regional Admissions Representative in Southwest Missouri and Oklahoma for the University of Missouri since 2017.
Jon shared, “I’m thrilled to join the TJ community! My wife, Janelle, and I have been married 13 years and have two children. Evelyn (currently in 4th grade) and James (Kindergarten) are equally excited to start their journey at TJ next school year. We also have two dogs, Callie and Charlie, and a couple hermit crabs, Tamatoa and Bernie…I can’t wait to return to Joplin, the city where my wife and I met, and settle into this next chapter of life! And I can’t wait to work with you!”
“Alumni connections are one of my favorite parts of being an educator. When we see or hear from Alumni, and get updates on their lives, it makes everything we do here worth it. Thank you for continuing to stay engaged with the school and your commitment to helping ensure others are connected in the future.” – Coach Chris Myers
TJ ATHLETES EXCEL IN WINTER ATHLETICS
The Missouri Basketball Coaches Association named Junior Kohl Thurman and Sophomore Jack Twiss to the Class 2 District 12 Boys Team, as well as Senior Presley Long and Freshman Anna Hiebert to the Class 1 District 3 Girls Team.
Jack Twiss also set a New School Record, making 76 3-point shots in a season. The previous record of 74 was held by Brian Black, Class of 2003, from the 2002-2003 season.
Senior Natalie Carroll and Sophomores Katerina Pruitt and Lorelei Jones competed at the Missouri State Swim Meet in February.
ESCAPADE: PARTY-GRAS
On Saturday, March 8, Escapade: Party-Gras brought together members of the TJ community and beyond to support the Mission of Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School. Guests were transported to the sights and sounds of Bourbon Street with live jazz music and cocktails and enjoyed a photobooth and a special silent auction. A plated dinner featuring New Orleans-inspired entrees prepared by Crabby’s Seafood Bar & Grill was served. The evening culminated into a live auction and DJ dance party. This year’s event exceeded last year in both funds raised and attendance.
Kohl Thurman
Jack Twiss
Presley Long
Anna Hiebert
Katerina Pruitt, Natalie Carroll, and Lorelei Jones
It was a bittersweet moment when Mrs. Mary Arnold, TJ’s 3rd5th Grade Social Studies teacher, announced her retirement during a fullfaculty meeting in the Concert Hall. After a 40year career in education, and a 30-year career as a Thomas Jefferson teacher (having taught an estimated 2,000 students), Mary, TJ’s longestserving employee, will be retiring at the conclusion of the 2024-2025 school year. Mary graduated from the former Memorial High School in Joplin, attended Missouri Southern State University for undergrad, and Missouri State University for graduate school. She would start her teaching career in 1985 and her TJ journey in 1994.
What year did you start at TJ?
I began tutoring a student at TJ in December of 1994 after a phone call from our founding Head of School, Dr. Leonard Kupersmith. He invited me to join the faculty during the spring of 1995. While tutoring, I spent a great deal of time getting to know everything I could about TJ. It was during this time that I fell in love with TJ’s Mission. However, I had no idea that Dr. Kupersmith’s phone call would lead me 30 years down the road to today.
program that would best educate the students about service to our country and honor our veterans. I also teach my fifth-grade students flag etiquette. They are responsible for raising, lowering, and folding the flag every day TJ is in session. Through these traditions, I begin many lessons on civics – the foundation of our social studies curriculum.
Can you speak to your process or the challenge of adjusting your teaching style amidst changing times? I have always tried to teach honestly and from the heart. I feel that this perspective helps to keep me connected to the TJ community and society. I use the curriculum as my guide, but my focus is always on the family.
Do you have a collection of favorite moments or highlights from working at TJ?
The first day of school Flag Raising Ceremony and the Baccalaureate/ Commencement Ceremony are two outstanding days each year. One of my favorite memories is during the 2011-2012 school year when we opened the new addition. Crossland Construction literally knocked down the wall connecting the old and new buildings, and my students carried their desks into their new classroom. During this time, the students watched as the courtyard was built. So many great lessons were learned from watching this process unfold.
What are some things that you feel the students have taught you over the years?
What inspired you to continue teaching at TJ during your 30+ year career?
Providing a “TJ level” of education to area students has been my driving force. Having a “family” among my colleagues is key to my longevity as well.
What are some of your favorite TJ traditions (that either you started or in general)?
I created the Veterans Day program years ago while Steven McCollum was head of our history department. Mr. McCollum was an Army veteran and a mentor. Together, we decided to design a
Grace, honesty, and love are the most important things students have taught me over the years.
Mary, TJ thanks you for your service and lasting impact. For those wishing to share well-wishes with Mary, please email alumni@tjeffschool.org.
HOMECOMING 2025
OnSaturday, January 11, TJ’s Homecoming festivities featured three basketball games, a special Cheer performance, a Homecoming Coronation, and a special Alumni Reception. Alumni of all ages found themselves back on campus to celebrate the annual event.
Last year’s Homecoming King and Queen, Jack Tyrrell and Mary Draxler, returned to crown this year’s Homecoming King and Queen, Lincoln Miller and Keira Onyango.
This year’s event theme was “Back to the 80s: GAME OVER,” and our Cheerleaders wore Pac-Man inspired T-shirts.
BASKET-BOWL & ALUMNI RECEPTION RECAP
Forthe second year, TJ hosted the special Alumni Event “Basket-Bowl” on December 27, 2024. TJ Alumni had their choice to enjoy pick-up basketball games in the Field House led by Coach Myers or free rounds of Quiz Bowl in the Upper School Library, hosted by TJ Alumnus, Mike Madden. The concession stand was open for all to enjoy, and a lot of laughs were shared.
After Basket-Bowl, Alumni and Alumni Families were invited to attend a special reception at Tropicana Bar & Grill where over 20 years of Cavaliers gathered together over food, drinks, and conversation.
Upcoming Alumni Events
Monday, 04/28 – Upper School Concert
6:30pm
Alumni and Alumni Families are invited back to TJ to enjoy the final Upper School Concert of the year featuring the Upper School Vocal Ensemble and Orchestra.
Friday, 05/02 – Middle School Musical, “Matilda”
7:00pm
Alumni and Alumni Families are invited to enjoy this free, Middle School production of “Matilda” in the TJ Concert Hall. Stay tuned to TJ social media to make seating reservations in advance of the show!
Sunday, 05/18 – Baccalaureate & Commencement
2:00pm
Alumni and Alumni Families are invited back to campus to celebrate the Commencement of the Class of 2025. Additionally, a special address will be given by TJ’s 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient.
Have a special career update? Engagement or wedding announcement? Celebrating a newborn? Please email alumni@tjeffschool.org.
Stay In Touch
Need to update your email, mailing address, or other contact information? Please email alumni@tjeffschool.org with your updates.
Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin, to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its education policies, admissions policies, and other school-administered programs.