FROM SOLD OUT SHOWS TO SAFER AT HOME
FALL 2020
UNIVERSITY SCHOOL of JACKSON
232/240 McClellan Road Jackson, TN 38305 731.664.0812 • usjbruins.org
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
USJ’s Mission
Caroline Campbell
We instill a passion for academic, artistic, and athletic excellence, while committing to personal integrity, mutual respect, and lifelong learning.
Jennifer Craig Brian Dougan Matt Fite Anita Hamilton
Identity Statement
Darrell King
USJ is a non-denominational, non-sectarian, college preparatory school dedicated to academic excellence and to our founding principles of faith, service, and scholarship. Based on a heritage grounded in Judeo-Christian values, we provide an educational environment where students of all ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds are valued and respected. The faculty, administration, and students are empowered to nurture and embrace the Judeo-Christian values and our operating principles. Through the fulfillment of our mission and adherence to these core principles and values, we prepare our graduates to be responsible and informed world citizens.
James Kirkland Geoffrey Lindley Steve Maroney Preston Miller James Robinson Ashby Scott Trey Teague Kathryn Tucker John Whybrew
ADMINISTRATION
FAL L 2020 CONTENTS Development.. ................ Community..................... Academics.. ..................... Athletics.......................... Faculty............................. Arts.. ................................. Alumni.. ............................ 2
4 8 10 18 20 24 28
Don Roe Head of School Jim Hardegree Associate Head of School Dean of Students David Suber Upper School Director Margaret Livingston Middle School Director Louise Dunn Lower School Director Laura Moore Admissions Director
John Whybrew Named Board Chairman John Whybrew, USJ parent and longtime member of the Board of Trustees, accepted the significant role of Chairman in July. Over the last several years, John served as Vice Chairman. He has also completed terms as Treasurer, Finance Committee Chairman, and as a member of the Executive Committee. Head of School Don Roe said, “Working with John has proven invaluable for me and USJ. Like me, John is a native Jacksonian who is “all in” as it relates to being a Bruin. He has served the Board in multiple roles, and I am so proud to partner with him as we quickly grow into our new roles together.” The Board of Trustees grows its leadership through time spent working on committees, which often leads to work as a committee chairman. Further development comes by completing terms as officers. Time spent volunteering with the Board of Trustees includes countless hours of service combined with business acumen to oversee the school’s management. John has served in these roles and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Board of Trustees. Mr. Whybrew is a Certified Public Accountant, as well as a Certified Fraud Examiner. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting from Lambuth University and his Master of Accountancy degree from the University of Tennessee Martin. John has served on the Tennessee Certified Public Accountants’ Board of Directors and is Past-President of the West Tennessee Chapter. He is also a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. A 2007 Leadership Jackson Graduate and past member of the Leadership University board, John has served the community through Relay for Life and various events with other nonprofits. He is also an active member of Fellowship Bible Church. John and his wife, Jennifer, have two children at USJ. Claire is a freshman in the Upper School, and Sophie is currently in the seventh grade. The couple often gives their time and energy to the school. Many of you have probably served alongside one of them in a volunteer capacity over the years. On the subject of service to the school, Mr. Roe continued, “John’s expertise and work behind the scenes has richly benefited the school in the past, and I could not feel more blessed in working with John in leading USJ into our next 50 years.” Understanding the workings of our many support groups and volunteering his time to the school is part of what makes John an excellent choice as Chairman. He truly understands and supports the mission of the school on a deep level. We are incredibly excited that John will be USJ’s Chairman over the next two years and look forward to his guidance and leadership.
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DEVELOPMENT NEWS Campus Master Plan Project Updates In late May of 2019, we officially broke ground on the first of many Campus Master Plan improvements, funded through our capital campaign Imagine More. We persisted through what seemed to be never-ending rain, construction delays, and, most recently, a pandemic. Our Lower School playgrounds were built, improvements were made to the soccer and softball complexes as well as the football stadium, and fencing with gated entrances was completed. Over the summer, canopies were added to the Upper and Middle School entrances, and a new outdoor eating area was installed outside of the cafeteria. When the school closed in the spring, it allowed for the entrance improvements to start earlier than planned. These projects were completed in early fall. The Lady Bruins Facility held its groundbreaking ceremony in November 2019, and construction began in the spring. The building was completed in early September, and the girls are currently enjoying the facility. An open house was held in early October for the USJ community with socially distanced tours. We are incredibly excited for our Lady Bruins to use the $1 million facility and have a space of their own! In the next few months, directional signage will be added to the campus so that visitors and newcomers will know where each building and facility is located. These planned improvements are also part of the Campus Master Plan. Thank you to all of the workers, board members, and USJ family members who worked many late hours and donated their time, money, and materials to make these projects possible. We could not have accomplished so much without you! To learn more about the development of these facilities and the Campus Master Plan, contact Chief Development Officer Russ Ellis at rellis@usjbruins.org. Russ is exceptionally generous with his time and is always willing to talk to anyone in the USJ community about our ongoing and future projects.
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Up Next on the Campus Master Plan What’s next on the Campus Master Plan? The Arbor Project will be launched this fall, with the goal of adding several hundred trees over the next few years. Work on relocating the tennis courts is scheduled to begin next spring. Also on the horizon is a state of the art indoor golf facility and upgrades to our baseball complex. If you would like to support these projects through in-kind or monetary donations or would like to hear more about these or future projects on the Campus Master Plan, contact Chief Development Officer Russ Ellis at rellis@usjbruins.org.
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USJ BASEBALL PRESS BOX JACKSON, TN
SHEET TITLE Warning: It is a violation of the law for any person, unless, acting under the direction of a licensed architect/engineer, to alter an item in any way
The Fund for Excellence Needs Your Support The USJ Fund for Excellence (formerly the Annual Fund) is a collaboration of giving, shared between parents, grandparents, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends. It serves as a necessary bridge over the small gap between tuition revenue and the actual cost of educating our students. Currently, tuition covers 91 percent of our budgetary needs. Tuition has remained relatively low compared to similar schools in Tennessee, due in part to contributions to the Fund for Excellence. When considering a gift to USJ, please consider this as a primary option. In addition to meeting budgetary needs, supporting the Fund for Excellence helps us retain the best teachers and coaches, ensures financial stability for future generations of students, and continues to build on our culture of giving. Your gift can be unrestricted and support the general budget, or you can designate your gift to a specific program. Whether it be academics, athletics, the fine arts, our libraries, the Jones Academic Center, and more, please feel free to direct your dollars to the area that stirs your passion.
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50 Security Drive, Jackson, Tennessee 38305 Telephone:(731) 664-6300, Fax:(731) 664-6339
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PLOT DATE 4/3/2020 2:47:11 PM
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THE USJ ARBOR PROJECT Beautifying our campus. Taking the classroom outdoors. If you would like to donate a tree for the USJ campus as part of the Arbor Project, please contact Russ Ellis at rellis@usjbruins.org or call 731.300.3645.
Please join us with a gift today. Tax-deductible donations may be made online at usjbruins.org/give. You may also mail or drop off your pledge or donation to Assistant Development Director Cathy Garrett at the Middle and Upper School building at 232 McClellan Road in Jackson. You can also reach Cathy at cgarrett@usjbruins.org or (731) 300-3687. In the spirit of giving – thank you!
USJBRUIN S .ORG /GIV E • 731. 300. 3645 5
GREASE
It’s been 48 years since Grease opened on Broadway, and this iconic show was the perfect last musical for our Class of 2020 seniors. The cast of USJ’s musical Grease performed to three sold-out audiences over the last weekend in February, earning an abundance of rave reviews. This hilariously funny musical followed Danny and Sandy, who met over the summer, and again at her new school in the fall. The two struggled to find their way back to “those summer nights,” while Danny tried to continue his tough-guy image with the T-Birds and the Pink Ladies. USJ’s Musical Director, Dr. Tammy Grant, shared this about the experience. “Grease was one of the highlights of my time at USJ because it was the final musical performance of a group of extremely talented students. It was a joy watching them grow and develop through the years. The singing, dancing, and acting were great, but more importantly, this group of kids worked well with each other and were kind to each other. They constantly encouraged one another and worked hard on their individual and group character development. In my opinion, every member was perfectly 6
cast and a vital part of the show’s success. They truly performed as an ensemble cast!” Those who attended were treated to an incredible performance by our talented students and faculty members and received a meet and greet afterward in the foyer with cast members. The 55-member cast included seniors Jake Booher as Roger, Olivia Cherry as Rizzo, Gabrielle Evans as Frenchy, Lili Mahalati as Patty, Madison Maroney as Sandy, Keaton Miller as Danny, Chidera Nwokolo as Vince Fontaine, Lily Richardson as Marty, Ethan Schlegel as Doody, McKenna Smith as Jan, and Seth Spry as Kenickie. The ensemble cast also included seniors Libby Basham, Carter Craig, Grace Hudson, Adit Patel, Hope Smith, Cade Taylor, Abby Wheeler, Caleb Willis, and Mary Helen Woods. These accomplished students danced and sang their way through all of our favorites, including Greased Lightnin’, Summer Nights, and Beauty School Dropout. Faculty members included Erica Davidson as Miss Lynch, Kyle Williams as Johnny Casino, and Jimmy Glosson as the Teen Angel.
Upper School Advanced Theatre Director Erica Davidson had much to say about the cast. “I don’t think there is a single person out there who couldn’t see how very talented the seniors were in 2019-2020. Grease was the perfect musical to showcase all of them in many different ways. The students had the time of their life, and so did I. To have one of the most talented groups of students perform one of the most iconic shows was a great way to end their senior year. We were very fortunate to be able to perform Grease.” Dr. Grant was thankful to those who helped to make the production a big success. “As always, Erica Davidson did a phenomenal job with the choreography. She also supervised the building of the sets, designed the lights, and created and taught all of the choreography. Tom Grant worked with the student musicians. The Arts Guild provided a great deal of help behind the scenes. I am very proud to be a part of the Arts Department at USJ!” Grease was indeed a memorable weekend that featured so many of our talented students. The show was absolutely fantastic! Parent Holly Maroney said, “I love these seniors. I have loved every show they’ve been in together, and I will miss seeing them on the Blankenship Theater stage!” Thank you to Dr. Tammy Grant and Mrs. Erica Davidson for all of the work you put into making this show unforgettable. The students will always remember their time together with you.
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COMMUNITY NEWS
Faculty Showed Their Commitment While Teaching Online In January, Head of School Stuart Hirstein and Head of School Elect Don Roe knew that closing the school could be a possibility due to COVID-19. A contingency plan was developed with the teachers in February to have lessons in place that could be accomplished online, not knowing when or if the plans would be necessary. Technology issues at home were addressed, and teachers made sure they had whatever they needed to conduct classes online. When Safer at Home orders due to COVID-19 forced the school to close in mid-March, USJ was in the middle of its planned spring break. The break was extended into the following week to give teachers time to prepare. When Mr. Hirstein and Mr. Roe addressed the school on March 23, plans were shared. Roe said, “School will continue. We are committed to a structured online learning environment. This is an opportunity for our school to get through this and grow together.� On March 25, students had a soft-start to online learning, and the official first day back was Monday, March 30. The teachers were prepared, but it proved to be a challenging period in the life of the school. The online program was difficult for all, and many changes were made over those nine weeks. However, learning continued. Lower School students received daily announcements from fifth grade students through recorded videos. Musicals and choirs held their performances online. English, foreign language, science, math, and art all continued online, and the students learned. The school year ended with unusual outdoor parades and ceremonies to keep some sense of normal. Our caring faculty went above and beyond to enhance learning through those times. We are in awe of their commitment to their students. The 2020-2021 school year began with in-person learning in Social Distancing mode. This mode involves wearing masks in common areas, cleaning surfaces after each use, frequent handwashing, and spacing student desks six feet apart. The first quarter went well and the students and teachers were happy to be back in class. We cannot thank our teachers and parents enough for working together through this time to achieve the goal of continuing to grow your children.
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Messages of Thanks Poured in During Teacher Appreciation Week In 1985, the National PTA established Teacher Appreciation Week as the first full week of May. This year’s Teacher Appreciation Week was May 4-8. Although school was being held online, the students and parents blessed our teachers with notes, photos, and words of appreciation. TJ Stanfield Head
“Mrs. Anderson and all the enrichment teachers have done an amazing job with the online learning. We are blessed to have them and love them all!!”
Brittney Campbell Sellers
“We love Ms. Regina Scates Sills! She has been so wonderful during this transition!!! Could not ask for a better teacher at USJ!”
Jane Hopkins
“My grandchildren love their teachers, Mrs. Jennifer Sammons and Mrs. Lisa Marley!! They have been absolutely wonderful during the regular school year and now online!”
Heather Pruitt Moore
“Our teacher went above and beyond all year long. Not only helping me when things were stressful or we needed help. She did everything to make my daughter’s second grade year as best as possible in multiple ways. We love Kristin Clinton Horner and feel so blessed to have had her this year!”
Allison Badgett
“I would like to show my appreciation for all the MS and HS teachers. Although the big kids don’t always show it, they respect their teachers and will always remember them as role models in their lives.”
Carol Tritt Venable
“We appreciate the sophomore teachers for being awesome and creative during online classes!”
Sharyn Douglas Thompson
“We love our teachers! Lee Lynn Whitlow Campbell, Regina Scates Sills, Sally Rowland Rogers, Kathy Brandt, Christy Travis Glenn, Lauren Yancey.”
Lori Johnson Williams
We love our teachers!! Kristin Clinton Horner and Summer Edwards Ferguson have been amazing and I am so thankful for their guidance and patience during the crazy ending of this year! Y’all are the very best!”
Thank you to the many parents who volunteer each year to make this week so memorable. A special thank you goes out to all of the current and past parents and students who sent notes of gratitude this year and spent time posting photos and messages on our Facebook page. It truly meant so much to the teachers to hear from each of you!
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ACADEMIC NEWS GOOD MORNING, USJ! When Jackson was under Safer at Home orders last March, USJ shifted to its first-ever Online Academy. Not only was school different for our Lower School students, but it also didn’t feel right to start the day without morning announcements. Thankfully, our fifth-grade students volunteered to carry on the tradition! Each morning, one of our fifth-grade students recited the Pledge of Allegiance, the mission statement, and delivered the announcements to the Lower School. Sometimes they also introduced their pet or shared what was going on in their lives. It was a lot of fun for the students, and it was an excellent way for the kids to feel connected to the school. Maryam Batool led the way for fifth grade and was the first to show the younger Bruins how it’s done. You’ll find these video greetings on our Facebook page from last spring. We cannot thank our parents enough for being willing to help their children film the segments and submit them to our marketing department. The videos helped so many start the day on a positive note. We are so proud of these students for their leadership and look forward to seeing what they accomplish in Middle School this year!
STUDENTS BENEFIT FROM ON CAMPUS NURSE Mary Ann Giampapa serves as the head of our Student Health Services. Nurse Giampapa can often be found in her office or elsewhere on campus with children who need her. However, when she has the opportunity, she visits the classrooms to talk to the students. Mrs. Mary Ann visited the Jr. Cubs classes in late February and they discussed and learned more about nurses and the letter N. As many of you may remember, Mrs. Giampapa also sent videos through email to our families while the school was closed. She discussed how to stay healthy, how to deal with the stress of being at home and not being able to see friends or extended family. She is an excellent resource and always strives to shape policy into the safest for our students and the community. Mary Ann was instrumental in gathering the necessary safety supplies and equipment for the start of the school year. If you see her in the hallways, please thank her for her time and efforts.
FIFTH GRADE CELEBRATION PARADE Usually, the last day of fifth grade is marked with a class celebration together off-campus. This year, fifth grade was honored by the faculty with a parade to mark their last day at the Lower School. On May 13, the students came with their families in separate cars, trucks, and golf carts decorated in school colors and drove around the Lower School campus while the faculty and staff cheered them on. Signs for the Class of 2027 were provided to make the occasion fun. We are thankful that our future sixth-graders were able to visit the Middle School in January to get acquainted with the building and the routine before the Safer at Home orders went into effect. Middle School brings much more freedom, many more classes, and of course, an entirely new experience in the big cafeteria. Congratulations to our students on accomplishing this milestone! Last year didn’t exactly end as planned, but we are proud of each of you. We are so happy to have you all in Middle School this year! 10
STUDENTS RECOGNIZED AS ROTARY SCHOLARS Two of our Junior Rotarians were recognized this spring as Rotary Scholars by the Jackson Rotary Club and were selected to receive a scholarship. Anika Mahajan (’20) and Keaton Miller (’20) both served as Junior Rotarians during their senior year. Junior Rotarians are selected by their area schools to attend Rotary Club meetings to learn how Rotary impacts the community. For the last 22 years, Rotary Club of Jackson has awarded a $2,000 scholarship to several of that year’s Junior Rotarians to assist them with the cost of higher education. This year, two students from USJ were selected. Keaton Miller was also the recipient of the Thomas Aud Scholarship Award, which was recently established to honor the longtime member who passed away in 2019.
EAGLE SCOUT MOHID TANVEER BUILDS FOOD PANTRY USJ Senior Mohid Tanveer completed his Eagle Scout project last year with the goal of making a difference in the lives of others. Food insecurity is a problem for many in West Tennessee, especially for children. According to feedingamerica.org, more than 267,000 children in Tennessee struggle with hunger. Compound those numbers by recent job losses due to COVID-19, and there is a need more than ever for access to food. Mohid wanted to collect food for those in need and initially thought that holding a food drive should be his Eagle Scout project. He spoke to those at Regional Interfaith Association (RIFA) about his desire to collect food items. Boy Scouts and RIFA Board Member Dan Brooks had visited North Side High School and overheard conversations between students who needed food at home. Mr. Brooks suggested going a step further with his idea and build and stock a food pantry at North Side High School. Mohid agreed that it would be a worthy cause for his Eagle Scout project, and a better way to serve the community. Tanveer said, “Just thinking about kids my age, not having the security of having food every day, is not a good feeling. They need it to perform well in school, sports too. They need the nourishment to do everything everyone else can. It’s our responsibility to help everyone else who is less fortunate.” The food pantry was completed and stocked last fall with the help of his Scout troop and through donations collected from the Islamic Center of Jackson, Northside Church, and individual donations collected by Scouts from North Side and USJ. RIFA has pledged to keep the pantry stocked. The Scouts also plan on holding food drives each year. We are so proud of Mohid for his service to the Jackson community. If you see him, please commend this Eagle Scout on his commitment to serving others.
JACKSON WOMAN’S CLUB POETRY CONTEST WINNERS Congratulations to our Jackson Woman’s Club Annual Poetry Contest winners! Eighth-grader Kamryn DePriest won third place with her submission in the seventh to ninth division, while sixth-grader Maggie Norris won second place in the fourth to sixth division. Poetry pieces are submitted to the annual contest in grades first through twelfth, and a committee of teachers selects the final award winners. The awardees read their poems at a recognition ceremony where they receive a check and certificate signed by the City Mayor. Congratulations, Kamryn and Maggie.
SCIENCE LAB AT HOME Many of our fourth graders were sad to miss out on their fish dissection in the Science Lab last spring. Mrs. Maloan decided to package the fish and the dissection materials in April and had them ready to go if the students wanted to conduct the experiment at home. We are so proud of our teachers’ commitment to continuing the educational experiences of our students. Thank you, Mrs. Maloan! 11
STUDENTS VISIT LOCAL MAKERSPACE In early March, the fifth grade enjoyed a visit to theCO, a local organization that opened in 2014 to help entrepreneurs and students create new ideas and projects. Our fifth graders learned about virtual reality and the makerspace theCO has available to area entrepreneurs. They were also able to learn more about robotics, 3-D printing, and CNC routers. Our Head of School, Don Roe, even tried his hand at virtual reality while on the field trip! One project hosted at theCO specific to our students includes Dev Catalyst, which seeks to develop student coders to become marketable in today’s workforce. The project supports an annual coding competition where our Upper School students compete for an all-expense-paid San Francisco tech tour. Another project, Driving Innovation, seeks to advance STEAM education in rural areas by taking a mobile lab to visit communities and area schools. TheCO also hosts various classes and workshops for children and adults alike. We are very fortunate to have this local resource to develop the minds of our students through field trips, workshops, and classes. We are also grateful to our amazing fifth-grade teachers who organized this trip to develop the curriculum further and facilitate learning outside of the classroom.
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FAMILY NIGHT AT THE LOWER SCHOOL In late February, the Lower School held its annual Family Night and Chili Supper. The event included dinner, a book fair, and the fourth and fifth-grade talent show. The Scholastic Book Fair was held at school all week, and this was an excellent opportunity for the kids to shop with their families. The Chili Supper has become a Lower School tradition and is spearheaded by a number of staff members, including Lower School Assistant Lisa Cates. The faculty and staff volunteer to cook, serve, and prepare homemade desserts for all to enjoy. The Talent Show is a recent addition. Seeing our fourth and fifth-graders perform during the dinner has become a highlight of this annual event. Retired second-grade teacher and grandparent Phyllis Gayton commented afterward on the event. “It was another great chili supper and book fair! There were many talented students in the talent show. Always great to see so many USJ faculty friends, students, and parents.” Thank you to the many parent and faculty volunteers who go the extra mile to make this event fun and successful. Family Night is typically held early in the spring semester, and all proceeds benefit the programs and reading libraries of our Lower School classrooms. We hope you will make plans to join us when the next one is possible. Grandparents are always welcome too!
FIRST GRADE CELEBRATED DR. SEUSS WEEK To kick off Dr. Seuss Week, all of our first graders dressed up as their favorite Dr. Seuss characters! We had a BUNCH of wild things (1 and 2) running around! What a fun day!
FOURTH GRADE BRINGS AMERICAN REVOLUTION TO LIFE Our fourth-grade students celebrated the end of their unit on the American Revolution in late February by bringing the colonies to life in the halls of USJ. The morning began with colonial debates and book presentations. The students also dressed as colonists and shared their research on an American Revolution subtopic with friends and families as members of a living wax museum. The celebration ended with a special lunch of colonial favorites. Thank you to all of our parents who helped make this day unforgettable for our students. Grandparent and retired second-grade teacher Phyllis Gayton attended the event and said afterward, “It was a wonderful celebration. The children did an awesome job, and their costumes were amazing. Thank you to our fourth-grade teachers, and for all of their hard work and dedication to this project.” Our fourth-grade teachers are just a few of many who strive to make USJ such a substantial educational environment. We thank them for their love and dedication to our students!
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SIXTH GRADE MUSIC CLASSES LEARN THROUGH TECHNOLOGY In April, another great lesson via technology came from Middle School music teacher, Dian Eddleman. “Sixth Grade Music has been working on the concept of melodies based on chord progressions,” said Eddleman. Students composed the chord accompaniment using a loop-based program, saved it as an MP3, uploaded it to a composition app, and then composed the melody to the chord accompaniment loop. This photo is of a composition created by student Hayden Craig with melody and composed chord accompaniment. To see the video, you’ll find it on our Facebook page on April 8. We are so proud of our extraordinary faculty like Mrs. Eddleman, for keeping our students engaged and learning this spring. Great work, Bruins!
MIDDLE SCHOOL AWARDS PROGRAM WENT VIRTUAL Each year, the Middle School holds an end-of-the-year awards program marking the last day of school before exams. Although the school was closed last spring due to COVID-19 during the fourth quarter and an in-person awards program was not possible, the faculty still wanted to honor the students and their hard work. The initial question was, how? Once a plan was developed, the decision was made to hold the program virtually. With the help of a number of faculty members, each teacher was able to record his or her segment in Blankenship Theater in a socially-distanced manner. Certificates of outstanding academic achievement were presented to those students with the highest scores in each subject. Once all of the segments were recorded, they were compiled into a video that was emailed to our families. The students were able to see their awards, as well as their teachers, one last time. We love how the faculty and staff put this together to make sure that our students still had some sense of normalcy. The dedication of our educators to their students is what sets USJ apart. A huge thank you to Becky Baskin, Dian Eddleman, Tom Grant, Pam Stanfield, Scott Tinker, and Shay Young for helping the Middle School put this important piece of history together. 14
MIDDLE SCHOOL SCIENCE LAB AT WORK Eighth-graders were busy in the science lab in late February when these photos were taken. Experimentation in the lab capped off an entire unit on buoyancy. For this experiment, the students’ objective was to build a boat from aluminum foil and see how long it would float as the students added marbles. The students also partnered with each other and tried out different boat designs to see which would hold the most marbles. Middle School Science teacher Sherri Brauss explained, “It’s all part of the learning process. Using their hands and seeing the effects of buoyant forces while experimenting helps them understand what they learned. It also reinforces the science behind how to make the experiment work, or how it can fail.” We cannot wait to see what Middle School Science will be up to this year!
MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT COUNCIL Families that are new to the Middle School might be interested to know that leadership opportunities are offered through the Student Council beginning in the sixth grade. The council oversees and participates in various community service projects during the year, and assists in student body events such as Homecoming week. At the beginning of each school year, interested students submit their application, and representatives are elected for each A-period class. They meet twice a month and communicate decisions that the group has made to the rest of the student body. The council also has the opportunity to gather new ideas for fundraisers and community service projects through an annual workshop, as well as learn how to be better leaders and a more productive council member. The council helps the faculty organize multiple fundraisers. Each year the entire Middle School participates in RIFA’s Backpack Program, collecting needed food items for RIFA to send home with needy children over the weekend. They also collect pop tabs as part of their Pop Tab Palooza to raise money for a donation to the Ronald McDonald House. Further, Middle School students compete in “quarter wars” each year to see which grade will bring the most quarters to benefit the March of Dimes. The Student Council goes to Hands Up! Preschool each year, where they read to and play games with the kids, and help complete tasks such as painting furniture, serving food, and cleaning up the playground. They also oversee the live wreath Christmas fundraiser and use the money raised for any need for the Middle School, such as our annual Field Day and volleyball game. Middle School faculty sponsor Mary Claire Hancock says, “Having a Student Council in the Middle School is important because it allows a wide range of students to begin to develop confidence in their leadership skills. While serving, students also gain skills and knowledge that apply to similar high school leadership roles within their Student Government Association. I feel that serving on the council is an important tool for student development, as well as learning how to work together as a group toward school and community service goals.” We are so thankful to have faculty sponsors such as Mrs. Hancock to help shape the development of these young leaders!
This year’s council officers include: Josie Dougan (President), Carmen Biggs (Vice-President), Winn Crook (Secretary), Jane Claire Ragon (Treasurer) and Luke Sullivan (Chaplain).
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VALEDICTORIAN, SALUTATORIAN, AND ESSAYIST PARADE April 29 was a fun afternoon to be a Bruin! More than twenty cars with faculty and staff joined in and celebrated our Class of 2020 Valedictorian Anika Mahajan, Salutatorian Felix Nnaji, and Essayist Elisa Kapunan. Each was visited outdoors at their homes and honored for their hard work with a Bruin parade! Head of School Stuart Hirstein and Director of College Advising Carol Ryan led the parade, and faculty members Sherri Brauss and Elizabeth Atkins twirled batons. Members of the Bruin Band led the procession of vehicles. Each student was surprised, and their families enjoyed celebrating while faculty, staff, and administrators drove by to honk and wish them well. Thank you so much to Director of College Advising Carol Ryan and Upper School Director David Suber for making the announcement so special for these students.
SGA OFFICERS ELECTED ONLINE Upper School students elected new Student Government Association officers for the 2020-2021 school year in our first-ever online election! Congratulations to the following new officers: Savannah Tabor, President; Ethan Persons, Vice President; Jenna Box, Corresponding Secretary; Aliza Horn, Treasurer; Sarah Hanna, Chaplain; Sawyer Phipps, Parliamentarian; Sydney Sellers, Recording Secretary; and Meg Miller, Historian.
50TH GRADUATION CEREMONY HELD ON KIRKLAND FIELD AT CARLOCK STADIUM
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2020!
Commencement of USJ’s 50th graduating class was held on Saturday, May 30, and marked an important milestone in the life of the school. The day also brought the school’s first graduation ceremony outdoors on Kirkland Field at Carlock Stadium. Graduation for the Class of 2020 was originally scheduled for Saturday, May 16, but had to be rescheduled to an outdoor venue. Tickets are not usually needed because the ceremony is typically held indoors at nearby West Jackson Baptist Church. This year, each student received six tickets for their family members to attend due to social distancing guidelines. The ceremony was also streamed live so that those who could not attend could watch online. Members of the Class of 2020 were seated in chairs on the football field facing the home stands. During the ceremony, each graduate took the stage to accept their diploma from Head of School Stuart Hirstein and Board Chairman James Kirkland. Upper School Director David Suber read highlights for each student while taking a moment for photographs and recognition by their families. As always, the ceremony came together perfectly. A special thank you to our graduation committee for being so organized and prepared. To the Class of 2020, we are so proud of each of you! We know that you are ready for whatever the future holds beyond the walls of USJ. Stay in touch because we love to hear from our newest members of our Alumni Association. Remember that you are always welcome to visit, and you are a Bruin for life! 16
NATIONAL MERIT FINALISTS We are excited to share that both Anika Mahajan (’20) and Elisa Kapunan (’20) were awarded National Merit Scholarships in May. This award is reserved for the highest-achieving students in the nation, with only 7,600 Finalists out of 1.5 million applicants being selected to receive a Merit Scholarship® award. Congratulations to these two amazing young women! The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships that began in 1955. Students enter the National Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, which serves as an initial screen. Anika and Elisa are the only two students in Jackson who qualified as Semifinalists and Finalists for the 20192020 school year. Elisa Kapunan, Class of 2020 Essayist, is the daughter of Mr. Eleazar and Mrs. Joyce Kapunan. She was the founder and president of the American Red Cross Club at USJ and was treasurer of the Student Government Association. An accomplished violinist, Elisa served as a concertmaster while performing at the 2019 Tennessee Governor’s School for the Arts in Murfreesboro. She was twice selected as a member of Tennessee’s All-State Orchestra, served as assistant concertmaster for the 2017-18 All-West Orchestra, and was a Jackson Symphony Ambassador for four years. Elisa was a Girls State Delegate, a Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Delegate, served as a Junior Marshal, and was the recipient of numerous academic awards including the Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award in Humanities and Social Sciences. She was an AP Scholar and attended USJ for 13 years. Elisa is currently studying neuroscience at the University of Texas in Dallas. Anika Mahajan, Class of 2020 Valedictorian, is the daughter of Mr. Sunny and Dr. Natasha Mahajan and attended USJ for 13 years. She was the founder and president of USJ’s UNICEF Club and served as a yearbook editor for two years. A three-year member of the Honor Council, Anika was elected speaker her senior year. She was also a four-year member of the varsity tennis team and was a two-year Division II-A TSSAA Substate qualifier. An AP Scholar with Distinction, Anika was a member of multiple honor societies and was the recipient of numerous academic awards, including the Yale Book Award. She was a Girls State Delegate, A Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Delegate, a Junior Rotarian, served as a Junior Marshal, and was selected to attend Tennessee Governor’s School for the Sciences and Engineering in Knoxville. Anika is currently studying medicine and Spanish at Vanderbilt University. “These two seniors are part of USJ’s National Merit alumni that dates back to 1973. This program not only provides scholarships, but also aids these students in their acceptance to schools and programs with selective admissions requirements,” says Director of College Advising Carol Ryan. Since 1973, 142 USJ students have received National Merit Recognition awards.
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY INDUCTS NEW MEMBERS On February 13, the Upper School National Honor Society inducted 22 of its newest members. The inductees were: John Dougan, Blair Driver, Sadie Hanna, Mae Howell, Elle Jerge, Madison Maroney, James Mitchell, Lilly Mitchell, Drew Morris, Thomas Ngien, Stephanie Nnaji, Chidera Nwokolo, Mmesoma Nwokolo, Raj Patel, Sawyer Phipps, Gracen Rainey, Josh Roolf, Michael Saridakis, Mallorie Sikes, Reid Venable, Will Venable, Caroline Wilkerson, and Brock Yates. The National Honor Society was established in 1921 to recognize students who personify the values of scholarship, service, leadership, and character. These students have achieved at least a 95 average in their course work. They will also receive an honor cord at graduation as long as they maintain their average and fulfill the chapter’s service requirements.
NATIONAL ENGLISH HONOR SOCIETY INDUCTION CEREMONY Fifteen Upper School students were inducted into the National English Honor Society on February 19. Congratulations to: John Dougan, Blair Driver, Sadie Hanna, Mae Howell, James Mitchell, Lilly Mitchell, Drew Morris, Stephanie Nnaji, Chidera Nwokolo, Mmesoma Nwokolo, Sawyer Phipps, Gracen Rainey, Reid Venable, Julie Wagner, and Caroline Wilkerson. The National English Honor Society is open to high school students who have demonstrated exceptional ability in such areas as literary analysis, media studies, composition, linguistic study, and creative writing. These students will also receive an honor cord at graduation if they complete all of the service requirements. During all four years of high school, they must enroll in and pass all English honors classes and at least one AP English course at USJ. Congratulations to these students! 17
ATHLETIC NEWS
WESLEY CARLOCK SIGNS WITH SAMFORD UNIVERSITY Wesley Carlock (‘20) recently announced his intent to continue his football career at Samford University. A signing ceremony was held on Kirkland Field at Carlock Stadium on the morning of June 18, to mark the memorable occasion. Family and friends looked on as Wesley signed his letter of intent, and Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Michael Stroup said a few words about Wesley’s time at USJ. Congratulations, Wesley!
SAM NEWMAN SIGNS WITH UNION UNIVERSITY Congratulations to Sam Newman, who signed with Union University on June 3 to continue his soccer career with the Union University Bulldogs! The ceremony was held on USJ’s Soccer Field and was attended by family, friends, administrators, and faculty. Head Soccer Coach Paul Conway addressed the group and talked about Sam’s skill and dedication on the field. Sam then spoke to everyone about his time at USJ. We are so proud of your hard work, Sam! We look forward to seeing you play with the Bulldogs!
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EIGHT TEAMS EARNED TSSAA DISTINGUISHED SCHOLASTIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARD We are proud of our 2019 fall athletes for their focus and dedication to academic and athletic excellence. Each season, the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) presents achievement awards based on the team’s academic average to recognize studentathletes who achieve both on and off the field. Eight of our fall teams were recognized with a Distinguished Scholastic Achievement Award through TSSAA. Distinguished is the highest level awarded by TSSAA. Volleyball, Boys and Girls Cross Country and Girls Golf achieved a team Grade Point Average (GPA) over 4.00 for the fall semester. Football, Girls Soccer, Boys Golf and Cheerleading earned a 3.5 GPA or above and also received Individual Academic Achievement certificates. Congratulations to all of these teams and their studentathletes for attaining this distinction!
BASKETBALL SENIOR NIGHT USJ honored its basketball seniors on February 10, with a special ceremony in between games. Senior Night is a long-standing tradition that honors our fall, winter, and spring student-athletes and highlights their time spent playing as a Bruin or Lady Bruin. The seniors honored that evening included Emily Jones, Wesley Carlock, Vin Downing, Chidera Nwokolo, Will Pucek, and Tanner Smith. A special thank you goes to our dedicated Upper School faculty member Christie Golden for coordinating this milestone evening.
JACKSON-MADISON COUNTY SPORTS HALL OF FAME SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
ALL-WEST TENNESSEE HIGH SCHOOL ALL-DECADE TEAMS
Congratulations to four of our Class of 2020 graduates! Maddie Gastador, Grace Hudson, Emily Jones, and Will Pucek were each presented with a specific award by the Jackson-Madison County Sports Hall of Fame.
Congratulations to these alumni who were recently selected by The Jackson Sun to the All-West Tennessee High School All-Decade Teams from 2010-2019!
Emily Jones was honored as the Female High School Athlete of the Year. Will Pucek was also recognized as the Male High School Athlete of the Year. West Tennessee Healthcare sponsors the Male and Female High School Athlete of the Year Award scholarships. Maddie Gastador received the Will Pevahouse Award, which was established to provide a one-time scholarship to a young golfer or athlete who excelled academically and in their sport. Grace Hudson received the Sports, Orthopedics, & Spine Scholar-Athlete Award, which seeks to honor a student-athlete who has excelled in their sport and scholastically while in high school in Madison County. The Jackson-Madison County Sports Hall of Fame Scholarship Foundation exists to help students from Madison County with college expenditures. Each scholarship and award serves to recognize athletes for their academic achievements, as well as their leadership and community service. We are so proud of these four studentathletes and for being acknowledged for their hard work!
BASKETBALL HOMECOMING
BASEBALL Logan Carey (’16), Taylor Howell (’18), Ryan Rolison (’16), and Cade Sammons (’19) BASKETBALL John Ross Glover (’12) and Anna Jones (’17) CROSS COUNTRY Sam Darnall (’15), Audrey Hazlehurst (’11), and Kayla Puzdrakiewicz (’17) FOOTBALL Charles Campbell (‘18), Lee Mayhall (‘12), and Trey Smith (‘17) GOLF Ryan Davis (’17), Chase Harris (’15), and Shelby Hatchett (’17) SOCCER Carrie Cobb (’12), Addison Dunn (’16), Jack Edwards (’18), Honeye Heydari (’12), Shelby Jordan (’12), Will Pucek (’20), and Shelby Williams (’15) SOFTBALL Kallie Pickens (’18) TENNIS Tori Hockaday (’15), George Markos (’16), Colton Norton (’10), Madison Patey (’10), and Cade Reasons (’17) VOLLEYBALL Sara Glassman (’15) and Paige Sheffield (’15)
Homecoming Winter Court left to right: Abe Stonecipher, Morgan English, Drew Morris, Lilly Mitchell, Tyke Tabor, Julie Wagner, Seth Spry, Madison Maroney, Tanner Smith, Olivia Cherry, Chidera Nwokolo, Marimac Ellis, Al Dardas, Meg Miller, Sawyer Phipps, Sadie Hanna, George Allen, Charley Cloud
This year’s Basketball Spirit Week was held January 27-31. The theme for the week was The Road to Victory! Special dress-up days included a western-themed Old Town Road Monday, a rock star/hippie-themed Abbey Road Tuesday, a movie star/fashion-themed Rodeo Drive Wednesday, an America/patriotic-themed Route 66 Thursday, and a USJ spirit day-themed McClellan Road Friday. It was a zany week for the faculty as the students dressed to impress. The week ended with a pep rally, student-faculty basketball game, presentation of the Homecoming Winter Court, and a boys’ varsity game against Evangelical Christian School. After the game, the Upper School students were invited to attend a Winter Dance in the Middle School Gym. A special thank you to all of the class sponsors, dance chaperones, and our faculty for making sure the students had a memorable week.
FACULTY NEWS Recent Additions/Promotions Jessica Barton Lower School Receptionist/Digital Communications Specialist/ Student Health Assistant In August, Jessica Barton joined the Lower School front office staff as an assistant to both the Marketing and Student Health Services Departments. At the end of August, Mrs. Sylvia Bell retired after 36 years with USJ. Jessica was appointed as the new Lower School Receptionist on September 1 and will continue with her other duties. Jessica came to USJ in 2018 as a part-time French instructor for the Middle School. In June of 2019, she was added full time to the front office team in the Middle and Upper School building. When asked about what she loves about USJ, Jessica said, “My co-workers – faculty and staff alike – are what makes USJ so special to me. They are all funny, smart, kind, caring, and are really good at their jobs!” Jessica is a Union University graduate who earned a Bachelor of Arts in Inter-cultural Studies and a Bachelor of Arts in French. As part of a missionary family, she also grew up in France, Germany, and the Czech Republic, and calls Richmond, Virginia, home. Please join us in welcoming her to the Lower School Division.
Becky Baskin Assistant to the Head of School In July, former Middle School Assistant Becky Baskin took over as Executive Assistant to our new Head of School, Don Roe. She will also assist the Board of Trustees as their Recording Secretary. Becky has worked at USJ for many years. She began as a sub, and in 2013 was employed full time in the Middle School. She graduated from Evangelical Christian School in Memphis and then went on to attend the University of Memphis. Her straightforward style, coupled with many years of experience with private schools and the business sector, will be beneficial in this position. Becky and her husband, Brent, are originally from Memphis. Their son, Ethan, is currently a junior at the University of Memphis.
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Kelly Breazeale and Leslie Garrett Lower School Librarian and Literacy Instructional Coach Math Instructional Coach for the Lower School Lower School Director Dr. Louise Dunn announced in the spring several new staff appointments for the 2020-2021 school year. Fourth-grade teacher Kelly Breazeale transitioned into the Lower School Librarian and Literacy Instructional Coach role. Leslie Garrett has remained in the classroom as a fifth-grade teacher but took on the additional role of Math Instructional Coach for the Lower School. Kelly and her husband Steve have two children at USJ. Allie is in Kindergarten this year, and Ben is in Jr. Cubs. Leslie and her husband Matt also have two children at USJ. Caleb is in third grade, and Callie is in the first grade. “Both of these ladies have advanced degrees in leadership, curriculum development, assessment, and instruction and understand how to utilize data to support student growth. Assistant Lower School Director Holly Stroup and I are both looking forward to working with them as we continue to meet the strategic plan goal of being the best in class in the Southeast,” said Dr. Dunn.
Bubba Cates Upper School Algebra I and Geometry The Upper School has welcomed Victor “Bubba” Cates as the new Algebra I and Geometry instructor. He earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Education degrees in Mathematics from Delta State University. Mr. Cates has taught high school and college math for the last 38 years, most recently at Peabody High School in Trenton. He also served as Head Baseball Coach for the University of Tennessee Martin, Jackson State Community College, and Kirby High School in Memphis. When asked about his thoughts on coming to USJ, Cates shared, “I am excited about being a part of the
USJ family. I have known the school from a distance over the years and have always been impressed with the people and their commitment to excellence.” Bubba and his wife Ann have three grown sons: Lin, Reid, and Cameron.
Matt Pledger Sixth Grade History Matt Pledger recently joined the Middle School faculty as the new History instructor for sixth grade. He will also assist the coaching staff with the baseball and Middle School basketball teams. Matt has more than 18 years of teaching experience, primarily in Middle School. He most recently taught eighth grade at Northeast Middle and also served as their soccer coach. Matt received his Master of Arts in Education, Instruction, and Curriculum from the University of Memphis. He earned his Bachelor of Science in History from Lambuth University while playing soccer at the collegiate level. Middle School Director Margaret Livingston said, “Matt was excited to have the opportunity to join the USJ community as an educator. One thing that I liked about him during his interview was that his philosophy of education is 100% student-focused. He values student opinions and insights, and he knows how special the USJ community is.” Matt is married to Jamie Pledger, who teaches fifth grade at USJ. They have one son, Ben (‘22), who is a junior this year, and daughter, Molly, who is a freshman at Ole Miss.
Rebecca Rogers Powers Middle School Spanish Rebecca Rogers Powers (’12) is fluent in Spanish and studied under Foreign Language Department Chair Jimmy Glosson during her time at USJ. She is a member of the foreign language membership organization of educators ACTFL, and holds an Advanced-Mid proficiency rating in Spanish. Rebecca earned her master’s degree from Indiana University and earned her bachelor’s degree from Belmont University. When asked about returning to USJ she said, “I am so thankful to have been able to study Spanish at USJ and thrilled to now be joining the Spanish faculty at this great school!” Rebecca is married to Paul Powers, who is from Collierville and works for Union University.
Hayley Wilkerson Middle School Administrative Assistant Longtime substitute Hayley Wilkerson (’94) has finally joined USJ full-time as the new Middle School Assistant to Middle School Director Margaret Livingston. Upon the announcement, Mrs. Livingston shared, “Many of you already know Hayley and know that she is kind-hearted, diligent, organized, and willing to go above and beyond for the USJ community. I think she will be an exceptional addition, and I greatly look forward to working with her.” Hayley graduated from the University of Tennessee Knoxville with a degree in Child Development. She and her husband Chris have two children at USJ, junior Caroline and freshman Jack.
Courtney Winn 2nd Grade Teacher Courtney Winn joined the Lower School faculty in August as a second grade teacher. This is Courtney’s first full-time teaching assignment after earning her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (K-5) from the University of Tennessee Martin in May. While earning her degree, Courtney served as an After School Care instructor for Jackson Christian School. Originally from Sussex, Wisconsin, she worked as an academic assistant for child guidance while initially attending the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
New Middle School Director Margaret Livingston Margaret Livingston was named University School of Jackson’s Middle School Director effective July 1, replacing Don Roe, who assumed his new role as Head of School. Mrs. Livingston most recently held the positions of Learning Coach and English Department Chair for South Side High School. She has experience with curriculum design and served as a faculty mentor, assisting her peers in improving best teaching practices. She was also on South Side’s School Improvement Planning Committee and served as a Districtwide Literacy Council Member. In 2020, Livingston was named the South Side High School Teacher of the Year and JMCSS 9th -12th Grade Teacher of the Year. Head of School Don Roe shared his excitement about Livingston’s addition to USJ’s administrative team, “The search committee was truly impressed with Mrs. Livingston’s professionalism, poise, academic background, and heart for students. I am so honored to add her to our leadership team and have her take up the mantle of leading this vital division. The Middle School clearly holds a dear place in my heart, and I have been so blessed to work so closely with this special group of teachers over the last few years.” Livingston graduated from Lambuth University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in English, with Minors in Education and German. She continued her passion for learning by attaining her Master of Education from Union University and an Educational Specialist Degree in Building Level Administration from Arkansas State University. Throughout her career, Livingston has sought to grow as a teacher and as a leader in education. She is an AP English Literature and Composition training graduate and a JMCSS Aspiring Administrator Academy graduate, during which she served as an administrative intern under Mr. Bob Lay.
Roe continued, “Margaret has not only the professional qualifications but the character, personal values, and work ethic needed for this position and the love for learning and students that our Middle School families and teachers deserve. I am confident the future of our Middle School is bright with Mrs. Livingston at the helm.” Livingston was first drawn to USJ after visiting the school during athletic events, and most recently, after attending our Campus-wide Open House in January. “When I first stepped foot onto USJ’s campus, I understood that it was a special place. After learning more about its core values, impressive academics, and impact on the Jackson community, I knew that this is where I wanted to pursue my passion for school leadership,” commented Livingston. “I am grateful to the outstanding faculty and administration of South Side High School and to the mentors who have guided me throughout my professional journey. Looking to the future, I hope to maintain the current excellence of USJ and contribute to its continued success with the mindset of integrity, communication, adaptability, and hard work.” A native to Germantown, Tennessee, Margaret now resides in Jackson with her husband, Travis. She enjoys working out, triathlons, cooking and baking, traveling, reading, and spending time with her family.
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Bryce King Named Middle School Dean of Students USJ’s own Bryce King was recently promoted to the position of Middle School Dean of Students. In this new role, Coach King will be responsible for monitoring and enhancing the quality of student life in the Middle School, including organizing student events, monitoring behavior, and supporting the development of Middle School students. Mr. King joined USJ in 2014 as a Middle School Algebra teacher. Through the years, he has assumed many new responsibilities within our school community, including Assistant Football Coach, Crisis Management Team Member, Honors Pre-Calculus Instructor, and ACT Math Prep Tutor. Head of School Don Roe shared, “Bryce has been a tremendous asset to our school through his tireless efforts in the classroom and on the field. He has always carried with him a can-do attitude and a heart for helping students and colleagues alike. As he continues in those roles, I am honored that he has accepted the additional responsibility of the Middle School Dean of Students. In this position, he will work with Mrs. Livingston and Mr. Hardegree to continue to improve the culture of our Middle School through coordinating student activities, assemblies, and discipline. Bryce knows the Middle School program, the students, and the faculty, and has a great relationship with the new leadership team.” Bryce graduated from Lambuth University, majoring in Mathematics with a minor in Accounting. He later attained his Master of Arts in Leadership Administration from Bethel University. Bryce lives in Jackson with his wife Meg and son Bennett, a student in the Jr. Cubs program at USJ. “I am excited about the increased positive impact Coach King will have on our school and look forward to how his work will benefit our USJ families. Please join me in welcoming Coach Bryce King to his new role,” said Roe.
Ryan Yeates Appointed Interim Head Basketball Coach Ryan Yeates was recently named Interim Head Basketball Coach for the Bruins. Yeates has served as USJ’s Assistant Upper School Boys Basketball Coach since May 2019 and was named the Boys Head Middle School Coach in April 2020. He will also continue in this role. USJ Athletic Director Michael Stroup said, “We are very proud to have Ryan Yeates lead our boys’ basketball program. Ryan has proven to be a great asset to our team, and we are excited to have his energy leading the charge when the Bruins hit the courts this fall!” Ryan graduated from Henderson State University with a degree in Sports Management while playing NCAA Division II college basketball. Upon graduation, he began coaching AAU basketball before joining the Bruins Basketball program in 2019. In high school, he played with Liberty, whose team won the state championship in 2011. Coach Yeates says, “I look forward to working with the Bruins in this new capacity. While winning is great and the ultimate end goal, it is not my primary focus. Learning, developing, and growing studentathletes is the main objective. Once those things are in process, winning will soon follow.”
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Coach Larry Jones Retires Longtime staff member Larry Jones retired in May after 33 years with USJ. A socially distanced presentation marked the occasion in Blankenship Theater with Head of School Don Roe, Facilities Director Philip Dunn, and Athletic Director Michael Stroup speaking about Coach Larry. A video of the presentation was released this summer to our families through email, where Coach Larry was able to share more of his pearls of wisdom. Coach Larry was hired in July of 1987, which was University School of Jackson’s first year after the consolidation of Episcopal Day School and Old Hickory Academy. For the last 33 years, he could often be found on Kirkland Field at Carlock Stadium, and earlier on Hollywood Drive, coaching and encouraging the Bruins. In the late fall and winter, Larry could be found in the gym cheering on the Bruins and Lady Bruins, encouraging them on their path to victory! Whatever the sport, whatever the circumstance, Larry Jones has been here for our students.
Larry offered many words of wisdom and advice to each of us over the years. He has also mentored a large number of our student-athletes. Current parent, former Board Chairman, and alumni James Kirkland (’94) recently shared his thoughts on Coach Larry. “I’m not sure of the various titles Larry held at USJ over the past 33 years, but I can tell you that those titles don’t compare to the most important role he fulfilled – Coach. Larry has meant a lot to hundreds of USJ students throughout the years. If a student was willing to put in the work, Larry was willing to be right there with them, sometimes even giving kids rides to and from school to practice. Never seeking recognition, he was always encouraging, always kind, and always a mentor. He will forever be loved, and I am blessed to call him friend.” Coach Larry Jones was recently honored for his service to USJ at the home football game against Trinity Christian Academy on September 4. We wish him much health and happiness in the years to come. We also hope that Coach Jones will often visit to continue to encourage and cheer on the Bruins to victory. He’s a Bruin for life!
Sylvia Bell Retires After 36 Years at USJ At the end of August, Sylvia Bell retired after 36 years of service to USJ. Everyone who has ever stepped foot in the Lower School has had the pleasure of being greeted by Mrs. Sylvia. Families who attended USJ have many fond memories of her warm smile at the front desk, “magic mints,” and her unwavering devotion to our school. Current and former parents sent stories, well-wishes, and messages of love to Sylvia through our Facebook page when her retirement was announced. She is the consummate cheerleader who made many children feel happy and safe over the years. Sylvia is exceptionally kind to others and was always willing to help a parent or friend in need. Head of School Don Roe shared, “We have been blessed with her smiling face (and weather reports) for 36 years! She has been a fixture on campus, played an integral role in our USJ family, and positively impacted hundreds of Bruins. She has been an ardent supporter of all things USJ, and we wish her all the best!” We hope to see her on campus in the coming years at Family Night, luncheons, and other events. She will be greatly missed! 23
ARTS NEWS Color of Music Art Show Winners Congratulations to our Middle and Lower School students who placed in The Jackson Symphony League’s 2019-2020 Color of Music art show. Through this annual event, West Tennessee area K-8th students listen to classical music and interpret the works visually. A panel of local artists and musicians considered over 6,000 entries and selected the blue ribbon and top prize winners and optional honorable mention awards. The winners are usually honored at a reception at the Carl Perkins Civic Center each spring. In Middle School, Mary Catherine Campbell won the Fantasia Award, one of the Color of Music’s top awards. Blue Ribbons were awarded to Addie Bazemore, Jane Claire Ragon, Reyn Montgomery, Brilee Davis, and Caitlin Roemen. David Scott, Chase Wimer, and Eady Davenport also received Honorable Mention. Lower School kindergartner Ava Bell Clement earned the Bravo Award, which is the highest award given to any student. The contest guidelines state that the Bravo Award “is given to any student whose work best reflects the spirit of the contest, illustrating music as the universal language.” A Blue Ribbon was awarded to Kindergartener Taylor Daffron. Kindergartener Ava Jane Saliba and first graders Claude Conley, Shayla Patel, and Alex Bell each earned Honorable Mention. Congratulations to all of these talented young Bruins!
Circus Circus! On February 11, the circus was in town, and excitement was in the air! Our Kindergarten performers did an outstanding job with their production of Circus Circus! Parents, grandparents, faculty, and friends gathered in the Lower School Cafetorium for this special evening. Our students sang and performed as clowns, jugglers, dancing bears, lions, and a host of other hilarious performers to help one very sad clown smile again. Grandparent Barbara Bond said, “It is such a cute production. I loved it, and it is so much fun for the children, and of course, the grandparents!” We would like to give a special thank you to Mrs. Leslie Scott for all the time she spent preparing our students, organizing the costumes, and turning our stage into the Big Top! She goes above and beyond to make each performance special for our young Bruins. 24
Congressional Art Competition Regional Winners Congratulations to the following Upper School students who placed at the Regional level of the Congressional Art Competition last spring! Junior Elle Jerge earned second place honors with her Blue Self Portrait, and recent graduate Marimac Ellis (‘20) placed third with Swimmer. The House of Representatives’ Congressional Art Competition is a nationwide visual art competition that seeks to recognize and encourage artistic talent. A special thank you to Visual Arts Department Chair Libby Lynch for inspiring her students to create on a higher level. We are so proud of each of these talented young women!
Destination Rock ‘N’ Roll Students Selected to Perform in ACDA Honor Choir Congratulations to the incredibly talented Upper School Concert Choir students who were selected to perform in the American Choral Directors’ Association Southern Region Honor Choir! Singing in an American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) Southern Division Honor Choir is said to be life-changing, and only occurs once every two years. Through these honor choirs, the finest choral musicians from all over the Southeastern United States meet to rehearse with master conductors and perform choral music at the highest level. USJ students selected include Olivia Cherry, Ashlynn Isbell, Madison Maroney, Keaton Miller, Ethan Schlegel, and Seth Spry. The ACDA Honor Choir Festival was held March 11 through 13, in Mobile, Alabama. Congratulations again to these students and USJ Choral Director Dian Eddleman. We are so proud of your achievement!
Concert Choir Earned Regional Top Honors Congratulations to our Upper School Concert Choir for earning Sweepstakes ratings in the West Tennessee Vocal Music Educators Association’s Regional Choral Festival on March 4. The choir competed in performance and sight-reading, winning top scores in both categories, which qualified them for state competition. We are very proud of these talented students and Director Dian Eddleman for earning top honors! The students that competed include: Libby Basham, Caleb Bell, Jake Booher, Sarah Beth Brauss, Jenna Box, Maddie Buie, Reagan Carney, Olivia Cherry, Gabrielle Evans, Sadie Hanna, Ashlynn Isbell, Kelsa Lunsford, Lili Mahalati, Madison Maroney, Keaton Miller, Meg Miller, Thomas Ngien, Baker Northern, Chidera Nwokolo, Mmesoma Nwokolo, Esosa Odeh, Ethan Persons, Henry Piercey, Emma Richards, Lily Richardson, Michael Saridakis, Ethan Schlegel, Solomon Scott, Channing Sellers, Anne Short, Hope Smith, Seth Spry, Mary Grace Studtmann, Savannah Tabor, Holland van Buuren, Gracyn VanWinkle, and Caroline Wilkerson.
In early March, Lower School Music Director Elizabeth Atkins produced another outstanding show as our fifth-grade class took us on a cross-country tour of America’s most celebrated music! Parents, grandparents, and friends learned all about the history of rock and roll, as they explored the city streets and neighborhoods where music was born. Everyone enjoyed the music, and the costumes were a big hit! Each grade-wide musical in the Lower School helps our students develop confidence while encouraging an appreciation for the arts. Our talented musical faculty, Elizabeth Atkins and Leslie Scott, always go the extra mile to create opportunities for each child to perform. A huge thank you to Amanda King for capturing so many professional photos for our families during the evening.
Choral Students Selected to UT Martin Honor Choir Eighteen of our Upper School Concert Choir students were selected to participate in the University of Tennessee at Martin’s annual Honor Choir held January 16 and 17. Students spent Thursday and Friday working with faculty and guest conductors in preparation for a special performance. The following students earned the opportunity to perform Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with the Jackson Symphony: Caleb Bell, Olivia Cherry, Gabrielle Evans, Ashlynn Isbell, Kelsa Lunsford, Keaton Miller, Lili Mahalati, Madison Maroney, Chidera Nwokolo, Mmesoma Nwokolo, Baker Northern, Lily Richardson, Ethan Persons, Ethan Schlegel, Anne Short, Seth Spry, Gracyn VanWinkle, and Caroline Wilkerson. We are so proud of their achievement!
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USJ Begins Conservatory Programs This summer, as a beginning to our after school and summer conservatory programs, our Performing Arts teachers offered a range of private lessons to students from fifth grade to graduating seniors. Erica Davidson, Dr. Tammy Grant, Tom Grant, student teachers Matthew Hampton and Kaylen Williams, and visiting professor Dr. Sabrina Warren offered lessons including piano, acting and drama, instrumental, guitar, and voice. Although we couldn’t be together on campus, the students Zoomed through the summer with their instructors, and parents received a video of the lesson afterward. A third of the students were enrolled in more than one summer Conservatory class, making the beginning successful. We are thankful that USJ has so many incredible Performing Arts teachers on staff who are willing to create programming and educational opportunities that will benefit students interested in the arts. USJ will offer private lessons after school this year as a continuation of its Conservatory Programs. Signups began in late August, with classes beginning after Labor Day. More information can be found about USJ’s Conservatory Programs at usjbruins.org/camps.
USJ Hosted First Visiting Music Professor USJ hosted its first visiting professor of music this summer as a beginning to our future after school and summer conservatory programs. Visiting professor Dr. Sabrina Warren offered online individual vocal coaching sessions for rising grades 8th through graduating seniors. Students met weekly with Dr. Warren for up to eight sessions starting in June, focusing mainly on musical style with some technical concepts. This approach allowed each singer to receive the maximum amount of quality training in a short period without being overloaded by theory. Students were given the option to focus on any genre: classical, musical theatre, worship, contemporary, or opera. An internationally acclaimed soprano, Dr. Warren serves as Assistant Professor of Vocal Studies at Union University. She teaches applied voice, diction, and directs the Opera Workshop Program, all while maintaining a full performance schedule. Although Dr. Warren was only with us for a short time, it was an excellent opportunity for several of our fine arts students, and we are thankful to have them benefit from her expertise. Parent Dr. Elizabeth Montoya said, “We want to thank USJ for employing and hosting high quality professionals in Arts/Voice to help our children grow their talents. The summer Conservatory was truly a nice experience. Even online, my kids were enthusiastic and motivated to continue in voice and the feedback received from Dr. Warren was truly valuable. We want to thank USJ for such great summer lessons.” 26
Go West! Our second grade class treated us to a musical celebration of America’s westward expansion in February on the Lower School Cafetorium’s stage. The students enjoyed singing and dancing as cowpokes and miners, farmers and trappers, gamblers and adventurers of all kinds, as they sang their way west to chase the promise of the American dream. Lower School Director Louise Dunn shared, “The students showcased their talents on the Lower School stage. Despite it being a cold and dreary night, the students played to a packed house for their performance of Go West. The lines were delivered with enthusiasm, and the singing was rousing. Under the guidance of Mrs. Elizabeth Atkins, this was a genuinely heartwarming performance.” Go West combined music history and drama to explore important facts about the westward expansion of the early United States. The entire production taught lessons in project teamwork. A special thank you to Lower School Music Director, Elizabeth Atkins, for directing this fantastic performance and her continual dedication to her students.
Middle School Art Students Take the Getty Museum Challenge In March, the Getty Museum in Los Angeles challenged the world to recreate priceless pieces of artwork. All were invited to dig into their online collection of art to find a piece that could be recreated at home. The instructions were to find the art you love, find three things around the house, recreate the art, and share it with the Getty Museum. Mrs. Anna McPeake’s Middle School Art students accepted the challenge and came up with some pretty uncanny creations! Each student had the freedom to recreate any piece and submitted it with a short article to identify and describe the artwork. As always, our educators go above and beyond to find fun and exciting ways to learn. Thank you, Mrs. McPeake, for wrapping fun into learning more about creating art! We hope you enjoy seeing their creations!
Jr. K Performs Pajama Party Virtually! Like they say in show biz, “the show must go on!” And it absolutely did for our Jr. K class in April! Our students had been working very hard before spring break with Early Childhood Music Director Leslie Scott to prepare for their performance of Pajama Party. It’s time for bed: time to pick up our toys, take a bath, brush our teeth, and put on our PJs at the end of the day. Pajama Party was a musical about how bedtime can be a blast in a creative and cozy twentyminute musical. Learning to work together musically as a class through the years helps to form confidence for the future and promotes teamwork. A special thank you goes to Mrs. Leslie for continuing to prepare them for the show while teaching on Zoom and for finding a way for the children to perform. Although they couldn’t show off their hard work on stage at school, they still had fun giving a virtual performance with their classmates. Way to go, Bruins!
UT Martin High School Art Competition Several hundred works of art were submitted to UT Martin’s annual High School Art Competition in February. Just over fifty pieces were accepted for the final exhibition, and USJ students created eighteen of those accepted works! The recognized entries were exhibited for a week at UT Martin’s Fine Arts Building Art Gallery between February 24 and 28. Congratulations to Visual Arts Department Chair Libby Lynch and these talented students: Zainab Baba, Cassidy Bruno, Madison Bruno (two pieces accepted and 2nd place in Painting/Mixed Media), Alexia Celarie (1st place Sculpture), Marimac Ellis, Maddie Gastador, Emily Hailey, Grace Hudson (two pieces accepted), Rachel Hellums, Elle Jerge, Madeline Miller, Jenna Leigh Sammons (two pieces accepted), Savannah Spencer, Greta Trigony, and Brooklyn White (2nd place Sculpture). Fantastic work, Bruins! 27
ALUMNI NEWS WEDDINGS: We are excited to share the news that Halie Miller (’10) and Dalton Anglin exchanged vows on August 24, 2019, at First Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Jackson. The reception was held at the New Southern Hotel, and the couple enjoyed their honeymoon in Cancun, Mexico. They currently reside in Jackson, where Halie is a project coordinator for Susan Cox Development. Dalton is a regional supervisor for Stacks Fire Protection. Best wishes to Hannah Newmon (‘10) and Andrew Rowan, who were married May 31, 2020, in Destin, Florida, at The Henderson Park Inn, where they also held the reception and stayed on for their honeymoon. They live in Jackson, where Hannah works at West Tennessee Bone and Joint, and Andrew works with the Bartlett Fire Department. Anna Garrett (’13) and Austin Terry were married June 27, 2020, at First Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Jackson, with a reception following at the Jackson Country Club. For their honeymoon, they traveled west through Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and Nevada. They are living in Memphis, where Anna is an Occupational Therapist with Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital. We wish you both much love and happiness! Laura Harmon (‘14) and Patrick Poteet, were married June 6, 2020, at the Dancing Bear Lodge in Townsend, Tennessee. The couple met while attending the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, and they currently reside in Ripley, Tennessee. Laura works as a RN at St. Jude Research Hospital and Patrick is a Scheduling Planner at Komatsu America Corp. Best wishes! Congratulations are in order for Barrett Stover of Durham, North Carolina, who married our own Lindsay Smith (‘13) on July 25, 2020, at First Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Jackson. The reception was held at The New Southern Hotel. They vacationed in Marco Island, Florida, for their honeymoon. Currently, they live in Orlando, Florida, and Lindsay is a Child Life Specialist at AdventHealth for Children.
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USJ Alumni Kaylie Wehner (’13) and Ryan Garner (’13) were married twice this year! After postponing their original date, they got married in an intimate ceremony at their home on March 28, 2020, and again on July 18, at First United Methodist Church in Medina with a reception at White Oak Farms. Ryan and Kaylie are now living in Jackson with a new puppy named Bear. Ryan is working as a medical sales representative with DePuy Synthes. Kaylie is working at the Therapy & Learning Center in Jackson and at Madonna Learning Center in Germantown, Tennessee as an Occupational Therapist. Congratulations to Zach McCraw, who married our own Kayla Rohlwing (‘14) on March 7, 2020, in Taylor, Mississippi. The ceremony was held at The Chapel at Plein Air, and the reception followed at The Mill at Plein Air. The couple lives in Madison, Mississippi, where Kayla teaches kindergarten PE at MadisonRidgeland Academy, and Zach is a financial advisor at Prudential. Emily Sanderson (‘15) and TCA alumnus Kyle Akin were joined by immediate family and their bridal party for an outdoor ceremony on Saturday, June 20, 2020, at Sandy Creek Events in Springville, Tennessee. They currently live in Charleston, South Carolina, where Emily works at Trident Medical Center in the Emergency Department and Level II Trauma Center as a Registered Nurse in the StaRN Residency Program. Best wishes to Emily and Kyle for a long and happy marriage! Congratulations to Matthew Teel (‘15) and Madison Quinn, who were married May 30, 2020, at First Presbyterian Church in Greenwood, Mississippi. The reception was held immediately following in the church’s courtyard. They spent a week in Seaside, Florida, on their honeymoon. The couple met as students at Mississippi State University before Madison transferred to the University of Mississippi Medical Center, where she earned her BSN in May 2020. Madison currently works as an RN in the Emergency Department at St. Dominic’s Hospital in Jackson, Mississippi. Matthew graduated from Mississippi State with a finance degree in May 2019 and currently works for BancorpSouth. The couple lives in Flowood, Mississippi.
BIRTHS: We are excited to announce that Emily Ellis Carr (‘02) and her husband Phillip, along with four-year-old big brother Ellis, welcomed Hayes Warren Carr on May 12, 2020.
Congratulations are in order for Trell Shivley (‘02), his wife Maddie, and big sister Lane, who welcomed Clark Preston Shivley IV on June 4, 2020. Clark weighed 8 lbs. 1 oz. and measured 20 ½ inches long.
It’s a baby boy for Ann Marie Graham Williamson (‘09) and her husband, Parks Williamson (‘03). Edward Parks Williamson, Jr. arrived at 12:50 a.m. on June 11, 2020. Parks weighed 6 lbs. 10 oz. and was 19 inches long.
We are happy to share the news that Sara Jane Kirkland DiCostanzo (‘05) and her husband Andrew welcomed new baby Nora Jane into the world on March 25, 2020. She weighed 6 lbs. 5 oz. and measured 18 inches long.
Congratulations to Nathan Bell (‘07) and his wife Laura, who celebrated the birth of their first child, Cooper Rowdy Bell, on May 8, 2020. Cooper weighed 5 lbs. 6 oz. and was 17 ½ inches long. Nathan is the son of USJ faculty member and librarian Cindy Bell.
Brittney Teel Churchill (‘10) and her husband, Brandon, celebrated the birth of their first child, daughter Palmer Leigh Churchill, on January 3, 2020. Palmer was 6 lbs. 4 oz. and 18 ¼ inches long.
Elizabeth Breeden Sain (‘11) and her husband Brock, along with two-yearold big brother Henry, welcomed Katie Elizabeth Sain on August 7, 2020. Katie weighed 7 lbs. 13 oz. and measured 19 ¾ inches long.
Abbey Orr Wilkins (‘11) and her husband, Mark, welcomed their first child, John David Wilkins, on April 9, 2020. He weighed 6 lbs. 12 oz. and was 21 inches long. We could not be happier for the two of you!
It’s a girl for Dustin Hopper (‘12) and wife Ashley, who welcomed daughter Sayla Rain Hopper, on April 1, 2020. Sayla weighed 9 lbs. 4 oz. and was 21 ½ inches long.
Congratulations are in order for Lashlee Randolph Wooldridge (‘12) and her husband Mason, who welcomed their first child, Greer Elizabeth Wooldridge, this past Mother’s Day, on Sunday, May 10. Greer Elizabeth was born at 12:07 p.m. and weighed 8 lbs. 11 oz.
Megan Latimer Phillips (‘07) and husband Tucker welcomed Heath Ford Phillips on Friday, March 13, 2020, at 3:54 a.m. He weighed 8 lbs. 12 oz. and measured 20 inches long. Congratulations on the birth of your new little one!
To update your mailing and email address, or tell us your latest news, please visit usjbruins.org/alumni or contact Cathy Garrett, Director of Alumni Relations at cgarrett@usjbruins.org.
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IN MEMORIAM William Chris Raines (OHA ‘76) passed away on July 25, 2020, in Jackson, TN. He was the President of the former Brady Horne Company. Chris enjoyed life, cooking, and entertaining with friends. Chris is survived by his mother, Zulette Horne Melnick (John) of Knoxville, TN; his children, both USJ alumni, Franklin Raines (‘05) (John) of Austin, TX, Ann Raines Mullhaupt (‘07) (Chris) of Cleveland, OH, and his sisters Jean Kevin Raines Wise (Joe) of Nashville, TN, and Leslie Nolen Raines Campbell (Michael) of Knoxville, TN. His generous heart will be greatly missed. Our prayers are with the family of William Patrick “Pat” McGrath (OHA ‘78), who died on June 14, 2020, at Methodist Hospital in Memphis, TN. He was born on October 27, 1959, in Jackson, TN, to the late Albert Joseph and Daisy Louise Barnes McGrath. Pat graduated from Old Hickory Academy in 1978, where he was involved in track, cross country, and football. In 1982 he graduated with a B.S. from UT Martin with a major in Psychology and minor in Biology. Pat was in Pharmaceutical and Biotech sales for 26 years and achieved Presidents Club seven times in his tenure. His hobbies included golf, running, cycling and attending any sport or activity in which his children were involved. He is survived by his wife of 35 years Donna McGrath, children William Patrick McGrath Jr., Margaret O’Donnell McGrath, and Joseph Allen McGrath (’21), and brother Joe McGrath. Pat was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, George McGrath. We were saddened by the loss of Paula Nace Rushing (OHA ‘82), who passed away peacefully on March 19, 2020, at the Maplewood Health Care Center in Jackson, TN. Paula was born on August 14, 1964, and was the daughter of the late Dr. William H. “Bill” Nace and Roanne Rowlett Nace of Jackson, TN. She graduated from Old Hickory Academy in 1982 and attended Jackson State Community College and Union University. Paula proudly represented Jackson State in the Miss Tennessee pageant in the 1980s. She was on staff at the Kiwanis Center for Child Development and Tennessee’s Early Intervention System for many years. Paula loved the ocean and enjoyed traveling, riding horses, live music, dancing, and, most of all, her family and friends. She is survived by her mother, Roanne Rowlett Nace of Jackson, TN; two daughters, Bailey Reeves of Jackson, TN, and Abbey Reeves of Knoxville, TN; and two grandchildren of Jackson, TN.
Thomas Leon “Thom” Mullen (OHA ‘85) of St. Petersburg, FL, formerly of Jackson, passed away on July 21, 2020, at SunCoast Care Center in St. Petersburg. He was born on June 20, 1966, in Madison County to Charles Leon Mullen and the late Doris Cox Rhinehart. He was in sales for many years. He was preceded in death by his mother, Doris Cox Rhinehart; and his grandparents, Bennie and Alberta Mullen, and James and Bessie Cox. He is survived by his son, Zachary “Zach” Mullen; his father and stepmother, Leon and Dianne Mullen; his loving brothers and sisters, Theresa Sadler (Mike), Linda McClain, Cindy Johnson, Megan Westacott, Cary Mullen (Ashley), Kyle Tuck (Marc), Kurt Mullen (Amanda), and Jeremy Burns (Emily); several nieces and nephews, and a host of friends. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Elizabeth Ford Hohenberg (OHA ‘78) who passed away unexpectedly on September 22, 2020, at the age of 59. Elizabeth, or to most that knew and loved her, Bibi, was an exceptionally rare human being. She was born the fourth child to Sally, former OHA and USJ faculty member, and Jesse Ford in Humboldt, TN, on January 14, 1961. She excelled at Old Hickory Academy earning a scholarship to Yale University and then graduating from Memphis State Law School. When she wasn’t practicing law, Bibi was busy playing guitar and was lead singer of a band, even recording an album with Willie Mitchell. Songwriting provided a much-needed outlet for her poetic gift. She could throw a Frisbee with the best of them, was an accomplished equestrian, and a formidable opponent on the tennis court. A love of tennis is just one of the many things she shared with her lifelong partner and husband, Julien Hohenberg. Julien and Bibi first met at an Alumni party for the Yale-Harvard football game. The unlikely couple made an immediate connection fueled by a love of literature and philosophy. Bibi was a devoted wife to her beloved Julien to the end. As impressive as her resume was, her educational achievements were a footnote in a life that was lived in service to those in need. She possessed rare empathy for those who needed it the most and reserved judgment against those who are most often judged. Bibi spurned a lucrative practice to focus on mediation, and when she did practice traditional law it was for those who typically could not afford representation. Elizabeth is survived by her husband Julien, his children and nine grandchildren, and her brother Charles. She was preceded in death by her brother Jay and sister Sarah. She will be greatly missed by her ten nieces and nephews.
Create a Lasting Legacy with Walkway Bricks Would you like to honor a student, alumni, teacher, volunteer, administrator, or a member of the senior class at USJ? Consider purchasing a brick in his or her name. Walkway bricks are a perfect choice and leave a lasting legacy as they line the Upper School building entrance. Each brick is engraved with a personal message with the option to add a selected design. The eight-inch by four-inch bricks are $100 each and include a mini replica of the original. We hope you and your family will want to be a part of this important campus landmark. For more information, please contact Cathy Garrett at cgarrett@usjbruins.org or 731-300-3687. Thank you for supporting USJ! 30
Trey Smith Honored with Pat Summitt and Jason Witten Awards Trey Smith (’17), son of Henry and the late Dorsetta Smith, was recently presented with the Pat Summitt Ignite Greatness Award from the Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame. A current senior at the University of Tennessee Knoxville, Trey always inspired friendship, teamwork, and loyalty while playing for the Bruins. When Smith won the award in May, he said, “I’m extremely thankful to accept the Pat Summitt Ignite Greatness Award,” Smith said. “I take a lot of pride in being a Tennessean. To receive an award in Coach Summitt’s name is just a tremendous honor. I appreciate the Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame for this incredible recognition.” In February, Trey also received the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award, which is presented annually by Albertsons/Tom Thumb. The award was named after former Tennessee Vols and Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten and seeks to honor a football player each year for their leadership and service on and off the field. Smith is the third player to be honored with this prestigious award. A $10,000 donation was made in Trey’s name to Tennessee’s athletic program by the Jason Witten SCORE Foundation, which operates to place trained staff to work with children in family violence centers. Trey suffered from blood clots in his lungs during his sophomore season and fought his way back onto the field through discipline and hard work. This year he was recognized as a 2019 All-SEC First Team selection. He also took time during his recovery to organize a coat drive for the Knoxville Area Rescue Ministry. Witten said about Smith, “He is a truly impressive young man, who is everything you want in a college football player. He has overcome a lot of adversity to become a true leader on his team, on campus and in the community. He is the perfect example of someone who has devoted himself to becoming the very best person he can be, despite going through great personal struggles.” Trey ended his acceptance speech for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award by saying this. “We have to impact people while we have this time on Earth. That’s what it’s really about, that’s what’s most important.” No matter what the future holds for Trey or how far he goes, we are always proud of his efforts. He will forever be a Bruin!
OHA Alums Travel to Israel Old Hickory Academy alumni David Botter (’82), Denise White Kramer (’82), and Darrell King (’83) traveled together early in the year with Jackson’s Fellowship Bible Church. The ten-day trip to Israel spanned between February 17 and 26. Fellowship’s lead pastor, Eugene Brandt, led the tour. His wife Kathy, who is a USJ Faculty member, also traveled with the group. Darrell said this about the trip, “We spent time in Jerusalem, the Galilee, Nazareth, Bethlehem and all points in between, including the Jordan River and the Dead Sea. To see the Bible come alive and walk where Jesus walked was very meaningful spiritually, but we also learned so much about the culture, history, politics, and archeology of ancient and present Israel.” Denise shared, “The trip was so incredible and truly mind-blowing. Getting to go with our church family was a bonus! To see where Jesus, disciples, and others actually lived was so amazing. We learned so much. In fact, we hope to go back in a couple of years because of the huge amount of information combined with the emotional and spiritual lessons gleaned. It’s definitely a trip of a lifetime, and to share it with my OHA classmates made it even more special.” David Botter and his wife Becky have two children at USJ. Olivia is in the seventh grade, and James is in the third grade. Denise Kramer and her husband Karl have three children, Karissa (‘09), Christian (‘15), and Destini Kramer Pierce (’12), who is married to Will Pierce (’11). Darrell King and his wife Tracey have two grown children, Kathryn and Will. When asked about the included photo, Darrell said, “We took this picture overlooking Jerusalem. We had a great time catching up and talking about our time at OHA. It was a bucket list trip, made even more memorable by sharing it with former OHA classmates.” Thankfully, the group was able to make it home before travel bans were imposed. Have you traveled with alumni friends? If so, send us your stories and photos to alumni@usjbruins.org. We would love to hear more! 31
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