4700 CH A PEL
ap
OPENING ARTIST F E AT U R E
Spring / Summer 2019
Mission Statement: Franklin Road Academy provides a challenging educational experience in an inclusive Christian community with an unwavering commitment to develop leaders of integrity and purpose.
2019-20 BOARD OF TRUSTEES Edward Alexander, Board Chair Roger Brown Rafael Calderon Laura Campbell Tobi Jane Frankfather Greg Hagood
NEW TRUSTEES
Steve Halas
Dr. Tamika Hudson is an Instructor in Nursing in the Pre-Specialty Program at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. She has clinical experience in substance use disorders and a background in healthcare and health-related fields. Tamika’s extensive experience in and knowledge of diversity and inclusion, expertise in the healthcare field, and passion for education, along with her external perspective, will be assets to the Board of Trustees.
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Steve Halas brings extensive board experience, including 13 years on the Board of Governors for an independent school in Connecticut, where he was a member of the finance and building and grounds committees. He also served as vice president of the board and was an integral part of the steering committee for the largest capital campaign undertaken by the school in several decades. Steve also has in-depth safety and security experience, serving on the safety task force created in the aftermath of the Sandy Hook School shootings. Since joining the FRA community, he has served as a member of the advancement committee, and he and his wife, Marilynn, have served as class chairs for the FRA Annual Fund. They have four children – Katherine, Elizabeth '18, Alexandra '20, and George '26.
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Daron Hall Patti Hudgins Dr. Tamika Hudson Kimberly Jackson John Larkin Michael Lindseth '88 Steve Maggart Ann McKinney John Mick R. Dale Mitchell Andrew Scarlett '97 Christy Smith Clif Tant '94
E X- O F F I C I O S Sean R. Casey Scott Jungmichel Mark Weeks, Past Board Chair Charley Williamson
LEADERSHIP TEAM Brandon Albright Director of Spiritual Life Sean Casey Head of School Ryan Harris Head of Middle School
John Larkin II is founder and president of Larkin Trade International, a leading provider of trade compliance consulting services in China and the Asia Pacific region. He has a wealth of knowledge in safety and security from serving in the United States Marine Corp, has experience working in multinational companies and small businesses globally, and brings tremendous financial and entrepreneurial expertise to the Board of Trustees. He has also served on the FRA Master Plan Committee and Reaccreditation committee. John, his wife, Amanda, and daughter, Abigail '27, have been part of the FRA community for four years.
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Aaron Howard
Director of Diversity, Inclusion and Community
Brenda Huff
Director of the Center for Philanthropic Studies
Jill Johnson Director of Advancement John Murray Dean of Academic Affairs Kris Palmerton Director of Athletics Prentice Stabler
Head of Upper School / Associate Head of School
Laura Turner
Director of Finance & Operations
Rick West Head of Lower School Courtney Williamson Director of Admission
WELCOME
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On this page, we acknowledge the remarkable contributions of two women who have impacted the lives of countless generations of FRA students. Susan Akers
served as our middle school counselor, taking care of the social and emotional needs of our middle school students while providing a shoulder to lean on with her kind demeanor and wisdom. Diane Perry has been involved in our lower school for generations, welcoming students and parents alike with a kindness and a warmth that is hard to describe. Both women share something in common: they live out their faith by loving their students and colleagues with a generous spirit. I could not be more grateful to these two women! They have been a blessing to so many colleagues and FRA alumni. Please join me in congratulating and thanking them for their service to our school community. As you read through the rest of the 4700, I hope you sense the strength of relationships formed on the FRA campus and the impact our alumni have as they move on to college
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE
Diane Diane Perry has been part of the FRA community for 17.5 years, serving as a first grade teacher during that time. Beloved by her students, their parents, and her fellow coworkers, Diane has touched many lives at FRA . Pre-kindergarten teacher Shannon Hager said, “Diane loves children, all children, in a special way. If you have walked by her room on any given day, you’ve likely heard her singing ‘This is the day, this is the day…’ and you are reminded how special it is that she teaches her students to rejoice in every day because it is a gift from God. We will miss you so much, but there are a lot of people in Virginia who are about to be incredibly blessed as you enter their lives. You are a treasure, and your legacy of faith, hope, and love will be part of this community forever.”
and into their careers. Enjoy reading their stories. I look forward to seeing you on campus soon!
Sincerely,
Susan Susan Akers has been a fixture in the middle
SEAN R. CASEY
school for 14 years, and during that time as middle school counselor, she has been a guiding light to her students and fellow faculty members. Chris Hart, middle school dean, said, “It is impossible to count the number of children Susan has impacted through the years. She has been someone who all of us could go and seek advice, guidance, council, and wisdom. It has been a pleasure to call Susan a colleague all of these years, and, more importantly, it has been an honor to call her a friend.”
Contents FRA CONNECTIONS
INTERIM
1
F E AT U R E
1
FRA Connections
ACADEMICS
15
Robotics State Champions
17
Class of 2019
21
21 Interim
REGION CHAMPIONS
AT H L E T I C S
A P F E AT U R E
42
ARTS
37
2018 Winter Recap
51
Spring Highlights
40
2019 Spring Recap
59
AP Feature
59
47 Signings COPYRIGHTED 2019 BY FRANKLIN ROAD ACADEMY. Franklin Road Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, nationality, religion, or ethnic origin, or the administration of its educational and admission policies, scholarships, athletic, and other school-administered programs. Franklin Road Academy is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Southern Association of Independent Schools. The 4700 is a bi-annual publication of the communications office. EDITOR / Leah Davis Glenn. CREATIVE DIRECTOR / Courtney Williams. PHOTO CREDITS / Jessica McIntosh, Mike Straisinger, Kianush Dixon, Ross Bolen. CONTRIBUTING WRITERS / Chase Gilbert, Andrew Sohr, Hunter Premo, Cameron Premo, Austin Sohr, Mason Mercy, Lisa Dale Daniels, Brandon Albright, Claire Wilkins, Mattie Jackson Selecman, Louise Philips Forbes, Paulie Allen.
4700 SPIRITUAL EMPHASIS WEEK
B U I L D I N G D E D I C AT I O N
27
SPIRITUAL & SERVICE LIFE
35
27
Spiritual Emphasis Week
31
Upper School Mission Trip: Jamaica
ALUMNI PROFILES
F E AT U R E
75
Alumni Profiles
F E AT U R E
35
Building Dedication: Weicker Center for Student Life
ALUMNI WEEKEND
75
ALUMNI
85
79
Class Notes
81
Alumni Announcements, Upcoming Events
85
Alumni Weekend Recap
89
Donor Spotlight
ANDREW SOHR ’07
CHASE GILBERT ’07
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4700 | Spring/ Summer 2019
F E AT U R E
WHEN/HOW DID YOUR CONNECTION BEGIN? AS: We met in the fifth grade at FRA. He invited me on a family trip to Center Hill Lake,
CHASE GILBERT ’07
CHASE & ANDREW
and we have been best friends ever since. We also introduced our parents, and they too became best friends and are best friends to this day. WHAT QUALITIES DID YOU SEE IN EACH OTHER THAT MADE YOU THINK YOU WOULD BE GREAT PARTNERS? AS: Chase has always been a hard worker and has had a drive to be successful. I remember using the AOL dial-up internet where he would log in and review stock performance before we could even drive. CG: I think wanting to build something big became the gravity between us. Andrew and I complement each other because we both have similar views of the future, but we see different ways to get there using our own strengths. For instance, Andrew is extremely organized and never lets the small things fall through the cracks. He’s also
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got a persistence and tenacity to win that makes it easy for me to trust that he’s on top of things and never worry about his side of the equation as I execute on my side of the equation. This trust is unique and has been developed over the past 17+ years. HOW/WHEN DID YOU DECIDE TO GO INTO BUSINESS TOGETHER? AS: When we were 14, our parents told us that if we wanted cars when we turned 16, we had to pay for them ourselves. We decided to start an auto detailing company, Extreme Detailers, where we built a large customer base throughout Nashville/Brentwood. Most weekend and sometimes before school. By the time we turned 16, we were able to afford the cars we wanted. HOW DO YOU THINK YOUR FRIENDSHIP BENEFITS YOU IN THE PROFESSIONAL SETTING AND IN WORKING TOGETHER? CG: We’re able to take our work seriously, but not ourselves. We have a lot of fun working together and building a business that we both believe will change an
ANDREW SOHR ’07
clients were in Chase’s parents’ neighborhood, so we would walk to each client every
entire industry.
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AS: Yes – We know how each other operates both
AS: I learned a lot during my time at FRA, but I think
personally and professionally, and it has allowed us
the biggest thing I learned was the importance of
to work well together. We can play off of each other’s
teamwork. It has been a while, but as I think back to my
strengths and weaknesses and are better because of it.
senior year, many of my classes were focused on group activities, and everyone did a good job of holding each
TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS. AS: Chase and I started Built five years ago (specifically January 2014). I was building houses and was frustrated with the time it took to receive funds from my banking
WHAT FACULTY MEMBER FROM FRA HAD THE BIGGEST IMPACT ON YOU, AND WHY?
relationships. We saw a lack of technology in an
AS: For me, Mark Baker taught me how to write, and
underserved area of banking and said to ourselves, “we
while he was one of my toughest teachers, he is one
can either do something about it or be the ones to say
who I respect and think about frequently. Many others
we saw the opportunity and watched someone else take
had a very positive impact as well. Another one worth
advantage of it.” In a shortened down version, Built
mentioning specifically is Coach Pierce. He was always
is a collateral management tool that allows financial
genuine, loved what he did, and felt more like a friend
institutions to manage their construction loans with
than a teacher.
more efficiency and less risk. We are approaching 100 clients throughout the U.S.A. and soon to be Canada, with some of the top clients being Regions, Synovus, Pinnacle, Franklin Synergy, etc. Built employs over 100 people with the vast majority being located at our headquarters here in Nashville.
CG: Coach Tucker is one of the best people I have ever met. He believed in pushing students, but he did so from a place of genuinely wanting the best for every person he came in contact with. He saw potential in everyone.
CG: To elaborate further, the construction industry
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OUR
is dependent on capital to thrive (it takes a lot of
CURRENT STUDENTS IN TERMS OF FOSTERING
money to build things). Banks are the lifeblood of that
RELATIONSHIPS WHILE IN MIDDLE/UPPER
capital, and our company is focused on helping banks
SCHOOL AND BEYOND?
simplify the way they make and manage construction loans. From here, we will begin to help owners and contractors spend the money more efficiently and with more transparency into costs. It’s a $1 trillion industry that needs a lot of help. WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM FRA THAT YOU CAN STILL APPLY TO BOTH YOUR FRIENDSHIP
AS: I would advise students to take advantage of their summer breaks to intern at companies they find interesting. Be willing to do the work that no one else wants to do and keep asking for ways to help. Not only will they learn about how business/the real world works, they would open doors in the future that would be otherwise competitive or nonexistent. We spent many
AND IN BUSINESS?
of our summer days working while our friends would
CG: FRA further instilled important principles that both
rewarding days of my life. I would not have changed it
Andrew and I were also receiving from our families.
for anything.
Doing the right thing, focusing on creating value for others, working as a team, working hard, creative problem solving, etc. were all things that I learned more about while a student at FRA.
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other accountable.
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hang out at the pool, and they were some of the most
CG: Find people who push you and inspire you to do more. When you have friends who do this, it is a powerful force. I was fortunate to find this in Andrew, and it altered the course of my life.
WHEN/HOW DID YOUR CONNECTION BEGIN? HP: Cameron always says he saw me in the stands
HUNTER PREMO ’12
HUNTER & CAMERON
at a football scrimmage the summer before I started school at FRA, but I don’t remember that! I do remember meeting him for the first time that summer before my freshman year and thinking he was the "cute older guy." The next school year, he switched his classes around so that he could be in my art class, and that’s where we really started to get to know each other. We started dating during my sophomore year when Cameron was a senior. CP: It’s true - The summer before my junior year began, I was at a football scrimmage on The Hill with some of my friends. When I was leaving, I saw
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Hunter sitting in the stands with some of the people from the grade below me. I distinctly remember walking by and noticing her and was a new student, I was going to end up dating her. We became friends but it wasn’t until my senior year, her
CAMERON PREMO ’10
telling myself that if she
sophomore year,
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that we ended up together. She actually helped me
to watch one another mature and change throughout
change my classes around so that I could be in her
different times of your lives.
art class, and that’s where we really got to know each other. The craziest thing about moving my classes is
TELL US ABOUT WHAT YOU ARE DOING NOW
that I didn’t realize I had a creative side until that
PROFESSIONALLY AND PERSONALLY.
class, and that’s where my love for painting, drawing, pottery, and art really came to be. This ended up leading me to pursue a BFA at Belmont in graphic design and photography. WHAT QUALITIES DID YOU SEE IN EACH OTHER THAT MADE YOU THINK YOU WOULD BE GREAT PARTNERS? CP: I could immediately tell that Hunter was such a kind and loving person who truly wanted to help other people. She is so selfless and always had my best interest at heart. She helped me become the person I am today by encouraging me to challenge myself and push the limits I thought I had. We work as a great team and share a lot of the same interests, which makes life a whole lot easier.
content creator. When I started my blog I didn’t even know it could be a job. I started it as a way to share Cameron’s proposal story with our family and friends, and it evolved into a platform to share my fashion and beauty finds, our everyday adventures, and travels around the world. CP: I am a full-time professional freelance photographer and videographer here in Nashville. I also do graphic design work, and I build custom websites. I work with country music artists, photograph weddings, engagements, families, influencers, products and also produce and film music videos and television commercials. I also help Hunter with her business. I take and edit all of her photographs, update her website, create graphics for her social media channels, and many
HP: I have always admired how curious Cameron is
other things. When I do get a break from work, I enjoy
about everything. He is always taking up new hobbies
hunting, hiking, and spending time with our families.
and learning new skills. He reminds me to not take things so seriously and to enjoy little moments each and every day. TELL US ABOUT YOUR RELATIONSHIP TIMELINE. HP: We started off as friends for about a year, started dating in the fall of 2009, and have been together ever since. Cameron went to Belmont here in town, and I went to college at Ole Miss. We broke up for a few months in college, but that didn’t last long! I actually think those few months apart were super important to our relationship and made us appreciate each other more. CP: I knew that we were meant to be together and that I wanted to marry her when she came home from college. When she graduated in 2016, we went on a trip to Florence, Italy, where we got engaged, and one year later we got married on September 9, 2017. HP: The best part about marrying your high school sweetheart is that you truly grow up together and get 5
HP: I’m a fashion, lifestyle, and travel blogger and
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HP: My blog has taken us all over the world to places we probably wouldn’t have seen otherwise. We have had the chance to work with brands like Free People, Dillards, Walmart, Urban Outfitters, and several tourism boards. You can find more of our work at
HunterPremo.com or on our Instagram pages
really reignited my passion for writing. He had an
@HunterPremo and @CameronPremo. I’ve always
unconventional way of teaching that made every class
enjoyed sharing fashion with friends so it was a natural
fun and unique. I went on to study journalism in college
fit, and we wake up every day excited to work on
and now run my own blog and social media platforms
whatever is next. The most rewarding part of the last
on the foundation of writing.
few years has been watching our passions turn into careers and being able to work together.
CP: Same for me. Steve Barnes taught me how to be
Personally, we are in the middle of building a home
truly the limit. Being around him inspired my creativity
together in Brentwood. It has been a fun and exciting
and made me think outside the box.
independent, dream big, and understand that the sky is
time, and we are on track to be done in mid-Septemer. We are excited for all of the home and lifestyle content
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OUR
that we’ll be able to share with the move!
CURRENT STUDENTS IN TERMS OF FOSTERING
DO YOU KNOW OF OTHER COUPLES WHO MET/BEGAN DATING AT FRA WHO ARE STILL TOGETHER?
RELATIONSHIPS WHILE IN LOWER/MIDDLE/UPPER SCHOOL AND BEYOND? HP: You can’t make new old friends. There is something to be cherished about lifelong friends and people
HP: Cameron’s brother LeBraun Premo and his high
who have known you throughout different phases of
school sweetheart Shalan Trotz just got married in Maui
your life. We had eight of our high school friends who
last summer! They were just a few years ahead of us
have been there throughout our entire relationship in
in school.
our wedding party. It was surreal to think about them
CP: Also, I know that Jackson Nunnally and Julia Haffner are still together. WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM FRA THAT YOU CAN STILL APPLY TO BOTH YOUR RELATIONSHIP AND IN YOUR CAREERS? HP: When I got to college, I realized how much FRA prepared me in terms of writing skills. I actually found my freshman year of college workload to be fairly easy compared to some of my senior year courses from FRA. I also learned a lot about time management, which was super helpful throughout my college years and now running our own businesses. CP: FRA taught me great communication skills, how to
being by our side at proms and homecomings and then on one of the most important days of our lives. The community at FRA is something you will carry with you long after high school so make the most of the friendships and relationships while you’re there. Even when it feels like you’re in your everyday routine, you’re making memories that you will grow to cherish. CP: One of the best pieces of advice I can give is to be kind to everyone. Each person has their own experience in life whether it’s good or bad, and how they handle situations are based on their personal understanding of a situation. You never know what someone may be going through so it is always best to be kind and love everyone. A simple smile or conversation might change a person’s whole day, and who knows, you make
truly apply myself to my work, and how to think critically.
become best friends with someone you didn’t think
When I got to college, I quickly realized that I was a lot
you had anything in common with just by starting a
more prepared for the workload than a lot of my peers.
conversation. Hunter always says, “comparison is the thief of joy,” and this quote from Teddy Roosevelt is
WHAT FACULTY MEMBER FROM FRA HAD THE
so true. In a world fueled by social media where we
BIGGEST IMPACT ON YOU, AND WHY?
constantly see the highlights from other people’s lives,
HP: Steve Barnes was one of my favorite teachers.
to unhappiness instead of just being happy for others
I have always loved to write, but his English classes
it becomes easy to compare ourselves, which can lead and their accomplishments. Spring/ Summer 2019 | 4700
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’08 AUSTIN SOHR ’08
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MASON MERCY ’08
AUSTIN & MASON WHEN/HOW DID YOUR CONNECTION BEGIN? AS: We both started in kindergarten together at FRA. Not only did we become best friends at an early age, but our dads became best friends during this timeframe as well. Unfortunately, Mason’s dad passed in a plane crash in 2000, and after that, Mason became an even closer part of our family.
business). Personally, he always prioritizes his closest friends - making an effort to stay in touch with friends near and far. When we were in college, he would make sure to visit me multiple times per year. He even had a New Year’s resolution to visit all his closest friends who live in various cities throughout the country. The importance he’s placed on the “right things” has led to great relationships with his wife, his family, and his
MM: We were fortunate that through FRA, our
friends. Business-wise, there are always 1,000 projects/
families became friends as well, which meant
initiatives that need attention. He is always focused on
plenty of play dates, trips, etc. together. I’ve always
what will drive the most value – hiring the right people,
considered the entire Sohr family to be like a second
creating a “client experience team” to make sure
family to me. Fast forward many years, and we have
they’re successful with our technology, and the list
had countless experiences together from travels
goes on.
around the world, growing a business together, and meeting my wife through Austin’s older brother, Andrew.
MM: Austin has always been one of the most driven people I have ever met, and being around him will only help you push yourself. I have never seen someone
One distinct memory that stands out from elementary
who is able to block out any distraction and doubt to
school starts with us working on a homework
push forward in order to accomplish whatever objective
assignment at his house, and it ends with me in the
is ahead. Being around someone like that is not only
hospital and seven stiches in my head. You’ll have to
inspiring, but it sets a great example that you really
ask him for the details on that.
can accomplish whatever you put your mind to. When growing a business, you’re faced with a lot of hurdles
WHAT QUALITIES DID YOU SEE IN EACH
and times of doubt, but I can confidently say that
OTHER THAT MADE YOU THINK YOU
Austin’s drive and perseverance helped not only me,
WOULD BE GREAT BUSINESS PARTNERS?
but the business navigate our way through what has
AS: We were both highly motivated and curious. We’re constantly reading and learning new things – and we both wanted to do something that made a big impact. Mason has an uncanny ability to focus on what’s most important (this applies to both life and
gotten us where we are today. HOW/WHEN DID YOU DECIDE TO GO INTO BUSINESS TOGETHER? MM: I’m not sure if there was an exact moment – For
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as long as I can remember, it has seemed inevitable.
HOW DO YOU THINK YOUR FRIENDSHIP BENEFITS
Starting with graduation, we both chose colleges
YOU IN THE PROFESSIONAL SETTING AND IN
close to one another so we could continue to grow
WORKING TOGETHER?
our friendship. We then chose to study together at the London School of Economics, which is where we started to get serious about life after college. We both took jobs at larger companies right out of school so we could get settled, but within only six months, we were talking almost daily about different business ideas.
together between work and personal time. We probably know each other too well. I wouldn’t suggest that everyone go into business with a friend unless you have a friend who shares your same values and motivation. Luckily, Mason fit that description. It allowed our
AS: My dad, who is entrepreneurial and has started
friendship to grow for a number of reasons. First, it’s
a handful of businesses, became a personal and
enjoyable to watch him at his best, doing something
eventually a business mentor for both of us. His
that impresses you. Secondly, we continually push each
mentorship even led to us taking a week-long trip to
other to be better and think bigger. That mutual growth
San Francisco, where we began our search for our first
has led to countless experiences and memories that are
entrepreneurial endeavor just a year after college. We
unique to any friendship I have. Third, it’s enhanced our
connected with anyone and everyone we could from our
trust in one another. We have to continually count on
limited network. This trip changed our mindset as we
each other.
received great advice from entrepreneurs and venture capitalists in the area. Our biggest takeaway – you both are young, go and learn from smart, talented people and find someone great who will invest in your growth. Although we were both working in corporate jobs, we continued to network over the next few months. We were introduced to our now CEO, Joan Butters, by my uncle, Jim Sohr, who started a Health Care company in the past and who was helping a few of his past employees start businesses. At the time, Joan was just starting XSOLIS, and it was nothing more than a software idea. Joan fit the description that everyone suggested looking for – she was smart, motivated, and looking to transform an industry. It was one of the quickest and most instinctual decisions I’ve made to join. Fast forward a few weeks, Mason and I were some
MM: This is a tough question because I think there are a lot of different ways, but if I had to pick, the trust/honesty that has been built up throughout our friendship has made us both better professionally. We have encountered a lot of uncharted territory over the last six years at XSOLIS that has pushed us outside of our comfort zone. Having a friend in those situations with you who you trust, and can be honest with you when you may need some tough love has been priceless. I’m not sure I would advise anyone to go into business with a friend, but for me, it has been an awesome experience, and I can’t imagine it any other way. TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS.
of the first employees at this healthcare start-up.
AS: XSOLIS is a Health Care Artificial Intelligence (AI)
MM: We decided that we would join together as
company developed to combat the industry’s growing
some of the first employees before the business had a product, customers or much of anything else. It has been the best decision in our professional lives – XSOLIS now has more than 100 employees and has helped both of us grow in more ways than we can count.
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AS: Mason and I spend upwards of 12+ hours per day
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cost issues. Administrative processes in hospitals drive up costs, especially in billing. Also, hospitals are often not paid appropriately for the services they provide leading to thin margins. We automate a billing process within hospitals (called Utilization Review) that ensures hospitals classify a patient in the appropriate status – outpatient or inpatient – ensuring
they are paid appropriately for the services they provide. Currently, more than $6 billion is spent on this administrative process per year, so by automating it, we ensure hospitals get paid appropriately and can shift significant resources back to patient care. WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM FRA THAT YOU CAN STILL APPLY TO BOTH YOUR
“GOOD PEOPLE BEGET GOOD PEOPLE.”
FRIENDSHIP AND IN BUSINESS? AS: I think the importance of integrity and trust. Early in a business you sell a product that doesn’t exist, so it’s important to deliver on that promise you made to your customers. We went through (and still go through) extensive measures to deliver what we promised during our sales process. MM: Over my 13 years at FRA, I learned all about
Unfortunately, my father passed away unexpectedly a few days after my fourth grade graduation. I still have a picture of us from the graduation in my office. Mrs.
accountability. Whether it be homework, being on
Childers was one of the first people at my house that
time to football practice so your teammates wouldn’t
evening. She checked in continuously throughout that
have to run at the end of practice, or whatever other
summer and was always there for me. She showed me
commitment you make, FRA taught me do it, and do it
the importance of showing up and being there for
to the best of your ability. Those same principles still
people in good times and bad and how you can be
hold true today in my personal and professional life.
empathetic and compassionate to everyone you come across. It is a lesson I will never forget.
WHAT FACULTY MEMBER FROM FRA HAD THE BIGGEST IMPACT ON YOU, AND WHY?
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OUR
AS: Jerry Williams improved my writing and my ability
RELATIONSHIPS WHILE IN LOWER/MIDDLE/UPPER
to speak. Being concise and direct is important! Also, Umms and Ahhs have been dramatically reduced from
CURRENT STUDENTS IN TERMS OF FOSTERING SCHOOL AND BEYOND?
my vocabulary, which stemmed from the lessons he
MM: I’ll pass on a quote that my father’s mentor
taught in class. Bill Zepeda and Coach Zab also had
taught him: “Good people beget good people.”
an impact as they both led me toward engineering. Engineering led to a problem-solving mentality that has allowed me to approach the business world in a unique way. MM: Mrs. Childers, my fourth-grade teacher, had the biggest impact on me. Mrs. Childers was an amazing, engaging teacher who knew how to make learning fun. At the time, I was also quiet and shy, and she helped to bring me out of my shell and feel more comfortable being myself.
Surround yourself with people who share your passions, goals, and values, and you will make friendships that last a lifetime. AS: My advice is to find people who share your same values - both in your friendships and your work relationships. Find those people and stay in touch with them (this is harder than you think as people move for college and for work). Being consistent with this has created happiness in all areas of my life – I have great friends, and I work for a great company.
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LISA YONTS ’82
LEA RUTHERFORD ’79
LIN RUTHERFORD ’79
HAL CATO ’83
MELISSA WINCHEL ’82
SCOTT JOHNSON ’83
LISA, LEA, LIN, HAL, MELISSA & SCOTT
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"FRIENDS ARE FRIENDS FOREVER IF THE LORD IS LORD OF THEM" WRITTEN BY
LISA DALE (YONTS) DANIEL
"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."The Gospel of John, 15:13 NIV. The Book of Proverbs tells us, "A friend loves at all times..." Our friendships are vital to our lives, and every now and again, one will find him or herself in an atmosphere that nourishes and fosters the development of lifelong, steadfast, and loyal
’79’83
friends. In the case of the five first graduating classes of Franklin Road Academy, that fertile atmosphere for growing such friendships was our school in those very early years of its existence. My friends and I have often marveled at the unique and special closeness among those first few graduating classes of Franklin Road Academy, as well as the intimacy shared between the individual classes spanning 1979 - 1983. Even though we may not see each other as often as we would like, there is an unbreakable bond that still remains, with the assurance that we are available and there for each other 100% of the time when needed. Just what was the catalyst for our closeness? I spoke with several alumni from that time period and asked them to share their insights regarding the longevity and steadfastness of our continued friendships. LIN AND LEA RUTHERFORD Lin and Lea Rutherford, identical twin sisters also known as the Ruts because few could tell them apart, are graduates from the FRA Class of 1979, the very first class to graduate from these hallowed halls. They became part of FRA's landscape when the school first opened its doors. Lin was quick to remark, “I think that many students realized that something special was happening." She also highlights that a large number of original students came all the way through the school, making the complete journey to graduation, and solidifying those bonds. I can personally say that although my FRA career did not begin until my freshman year in the fall of 1978, I was welcomed into the fold and treated as if I had been there from the beginning, which is rare and wonderful. Lin attributes it to, “The shared experiences at FRA made for a strong bond."
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HAL CATO Hal Cato, class of 1983, and I became acquainted with each other through the FRA spring musicals solidifying not only our deep friendship, but many others. Our group was embarking on the maiden voyages of the school's time honored tradition of musicals. Hal remarks, "It was as if we were part of this great experiment. I remember voting for the first Homecoming Queen and thinking, 'Is this how it's done?'” MELISSA WINCHEL NICHOLS
educators at the helm of our learning experiences. They were so invested in our young lives that they became and continue to be lifelong friends. Several names were mentioned – Ed Zaborowski, Damon Regen, Nancy Howell, Helen Dale, Joe Franklin, Jack Payne, Brenda Gideon, Carol Pieratt, Jim Shapiro, Pat Malone, and Peggy Shook Zeiger were a handful of names happily recalled. This is a vast number for such a small school, and they are credited with making lasting impressions in our lives. "Mrs. Dale (Helen) trusted us with her car! How many students can say that about their teacher,” Lin Rutherford exclaims.
Melissa Winchel Nichols, class of 1982, illustrates that, "We were more of a family than individual classes...
On some personal notes, this past February several
the school's founder, Bill Bradshaw, fostered that
graduates and classmates, went to Parnassus Books to
family unity." This on the job training and the collective
support our fellow alum from the class of 1982, New
experience of all things being new broke down the
York Times Best Selling Author Diane Les Bequets
barriers between individual classes, creating a seamless
(Jacques) as she read from and promoted her latest
unity of one body as a whole. We were a singular group,
best-selling novel, The Last Woman in the Wilderness.
all on an exciting journey together.
I was struck not only by the former students there to encourage Diane, but also by the number of parents
SCOTT JOHNSON
in attendance representing their children who were
Scott Johnson, class of 1983, echoes the sentiment of
burgeoning of our friendships as they supported us, the
family, and Mr. Bradshaw's sense if cohesiveness and
school, and each other.
unable to attend. Our parents were also integral in the
closeness."Remember when he called an assembly and gathered us into the gym to watch the 1980 Presidential
From an even deeper personal experience, during
Inauguration? We will never forget that," he recalls
the darkest hours in my family's and my life, my FRA
fondly. As he and I sat over lunch and reminisced, my
family has given us unwavering support. Once the
mind traveled to the time Mr. Bradshaw collected some
alarm sounds, these friends batten down the hatches,
of us from our classes to travel to a farm in order to
circle the wagons, and proceed to shoulder part of our
share in the experience of driving to a farm and cutting
burden. They actively walk out their faith and actions of
down an enormous Christmas tree for the high school
Christ, by doing whatever necessary to ease our pain.
commons area, which the student body gleefully went
Through good times and bad, health and sickness, loss
on to decorate. He also took students caroling on
of family members, good fortune or financial unrest,
Christmas Eve.
they have subsequently offered prayer, shelter, food, financial assistance if needed, and vehicles. You know
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It was not just the students who developed this trust
who you are, and I thank you. It is a truly unique school
and solidarity, but the teaching staff did so as well,
that can not only prepare students for college, but
connecting us with each other and them. They were a
also teach them how to be exceptional human beings,
team in the purest sense of the word. We were beyond
and Franklin Road Academy has firmly established that
blessed to have these incredibly gifted and dedicated
legacy. It is just as God's word states in The Book of
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Ruth, when Ruth says to her Israelite mother in law,
time to invest in each other's lives. Furthermore, never
"Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will
break the confidence of a friend. If something is meant
stay." Ruth 1:16 - 17.
for your ears alone, keep it that way.
In closing, there is great peace and comfort in having
Yes, as we sang through tears for our families and
friendships as steadfast as ours. What advice do my
friends gathered at our 1982 Graduation Ceremony on
fellow alums offer to current and future students
June 4, 1982, "Friends Are Friends Forever, If the Lord
regarding friendship? It is simple. To have a good
Is Lord of Them,� and I'm so glad that I have you,
friend, be one. Once trust is established, that trust must
my friends.
be protected with every ounce of integrity. Take the
Friends Are Friends Forever: Lyrics and music by Michael W. Smith.
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2 0 1 9
15
State State Champions Champions
Ch Ch
FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, OUR ROBOTICS TEAM, OR THE R O B O PA N T H E R S A S T H E Y L I K E T O B E C A L L E D , W E R E C R O W N E D S TAT E C H A M P I O N S .
State State Champions Champions
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ACADEMICS
C C
R O B O PA N T H E R S
This year, 42 teams from across the state
included Langston Harold, Ryan Holman, and RJ
vyed for their chance to advance to the
Harding, were tournament finalists and won the
Robotics World Championship. To even
Sportsmanship Award.
qualify to compete at the Championship level, each team must compete to secure one of the
"This is a great moment for our program and our
11 coveted upper school team spots. So it was no small
school," James Weeks, head robotics coach, said. "This
feat that FRA's Team W, consisting of Campbell Jeffrey,
state title showcases the incredible amount of growth
Thomas Hohnholt, Addy Carroll, and Summer Vo, was
and commitment our kids have put in the last several
the last team standing.
years in our robotics program. It also demonstrates the high value of establishing a student-led campus-wide
This is the third year an FRA team has advanced to the
culture of innovation."
World Championship, its first time as a State Champion. The success of the robotics program can be attributed With four teams total in the State Championship
to hard work put in by our students and faculty who
tournament, this is, to date, the most successful
support it, along with the 2017 opening of the state-of-
robotics season in its four-year existence. In addition
the-art Innovation Lab. "We are thankful for the Scarlett
to Team W's title run, Team U, which included Garrison
Family Foundation for its vision of innovation and
Harold, Christopher May, Olivia Maki, and Georgia
providing us the Innovation Lab, a space that allows us
Austin, and Team X, consisting of Caleb Huddleston,
to teach and learn using the most innovative and state-
William Roberts, and Alexandra Halas, partnered and
of-the-art equipment," Weeks said. "Because we have
made it to the quarterfinal round.
an area dedicated to robotics, we now have the space and equipment to really hone those skills and compete
And, for the first time ever, a middle school team
with other top teams in the world."
represented FRA in a state match. Team Y, which
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FRANKLIN ROAD ACADEMY
CLASS OF
2019
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CONGRATULATIONS
LORENA SILVA First recipient of The Troy Gentry Music Scholarship About The Troy Gentry Music Scholarship: The mission of The Troy Gentry Foundation is to continue Troy’s personal beliefs: Love God, Love Others. Our goal is to strive to continue in his work by providing financial support to organizations that aid in cancer research, assist military families as well as families in need, and help provide music education-through scholarship- to future generations. His love for others was reflected in everything that he did. By continuing his work in these areas, we hope to keep his spirit of giving alive.
CONGRATULATIONS
ANGELINA CHAN First recipient of the
PICTURED ABOVE / Lorena Silva (top), Angelina Chan (bottom) with Prentice Stabler, head of upper school and Sean Casey, head of school
Rydburg Military Scholarship About the Rydburg Military Scholarship: This scholarship recognizes the pillars of a Franklin Road Academy education – leadership, academic excellence, self-sacrifice, and commitment to God and country. This scholarship will be given to each FRA senior who is accepted, enrolls in, and attends one of the three major military academies – US Naval Academy, US Air Force Academy, and US West Point Academy.
PICTURED ABOVE / Seniors who have spent at least 12 years as part of our community BACK (L-R): Josh Holtschlag, Anna Hooker, Isabella Daniels, Price Jones, Tucker Smith, Carson Jungmichel, Katie Sykes, Jack Kendrick, Cameron Cropper, Ben Spicer, Grant Weeks, Sheila Nazemi / FRONT (L-R): Jake Slipkovich, Elizabeth Munn, Paige Fryer, Alyssa Meko, Becca Morency, Julie Williams, Peyton Christian, Maggie Nelson, Sherwin Nazemi
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England United States of America Matriculations Acceptances
COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES Abilene Christian University Arizona State University Auburn University Austin Peay State University Baylor University Bellarmine University Belmont University Berry College Bryant University Bryn Mawr College Bucknell University Butler University Cairn University California Polytechnic State University Centre College Chapman University Clemson University Colgate University College of Charleston Colorado State University Columbia College Chicago Covenant College DePaul University DePauw University East Tennessee State University Eckerd College Elon University Florida Gulf Coast University Florida Southern College Florida State University Fordham University Furman University George Mason University Haverford College High Point University Hofstra University Lipscomb University Louisiana State University Loyola Marymount University Loyola University, Chicago Loyola University, New Orleans Miami University, Oxford
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Middle Tennessee State University Middlebury College Millsaps College Mississippi State University New York University North Carolina State University Ohio State University Pace University Pacific Northwest College of Art Pennsylvania State University Pepperdine University Purdue University Quinnipiac University Reed College Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rhodes College Rochester Institute of Technology Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Samford University Santa Clara University Savannah College of Art and Design School of the Art Institute of Chicago Sewanee: The University of the South Southeastern University Southern Methodist University St. Edward’s University Stony Brook University Tennessee State University Tennessee Technological University Texas A&M University Texas Christian University The College of Wooster The State University of New York, Buffalo Tulane University Union University United States Naval Academy University of Alabama University of Alabama, Birmingham University of Arkansas University of California, San Diego University of California, Santa Barbara University of Central Florida
University of Cincinnati University of Colorado, Boulder University of Florida University of Georgia University of Kentucky University of Louisiana University of Louisville University of Maryland, College Park University of Memphis University of Miami University of Mississippi University of Missouri, Columbia University of North Alabama University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill University of North Carolina, Charlotte University of North Carolina, Wilmington University of Oklahoma University of Oregon University of Redlands University of Richmond University of San Francisco University of South Carolina University of Tampa University of Tennessee, Chattanooga University of Tennessee, Knoxville University of the Arts London University of Virginia University of Wisconsin, Madison Vanderbilt University Vassar College Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia Tech Wagner College Washington University in St. Louis Wellesley College West Texas A&M University Western Kentucky University Whittier College Woodbury University Xavier University Yale University
S
LEE ANNA CHEN
V
ANGELINA CHAN VALEDICTORIAN
SALUTATORIAN
MATRICULATIONS BY STATE ALABAMA
INDIANA
OKLAHOMA
Auburn University Samford University University of North Alabama
DePauw University
University of Oklahoma
KENTUCKY
OREGON University of Oregon
Arizona State University
Bellarmine University Centre College Western Kentucky University
ARKANSAS
LOUISIANA
University of Arkansas
Louisiana State University Tulane University
ARIZONA
CALIFORNIA Chapman University Loyola Marymount University Pepperdine University University of California, Santa Barbara
COLORADO Colorado State University
CONNECTICUT Yale University
MARYLAND United States Naval Academy
MISSISSIPPI University of Mississippi
MISSOURI Washington University
NEW YORK
University of Georgia
Fordham University Pace University Stony Brook University Wagner College North Carolina Elon University High Point University
ILLINOIS
OHIO
FLORIDA Florida State University University of Miami
GEORGIA
Columbia College Chicago DePaul University
PENNSYLVANIA Bucknell University Cairn University Haverford College
SOUTH CAROLINA Clemson University
TENNESSEE Austin Peay State University Belmont University Middle Tennessee State University Sewanee: The University of the South Tennessee State University University of Tennessee, Knoxville University of Tennessee, Chattanooga
TEXAS Baylor University St. Edward’s University Texas Christian University West Texas A&M University
The College of Wooster
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I n t e r i m
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Lower School Lower school students enjoyed spending the week outside of their normal classrooms as they participated in anything from learning about other countries, exploring the ocean, going on safaris, and traveling through time to creating art, making jewelry, hiking, and escaping the escape room.
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Middle School Our middle school students explored the city, region, and nation for the week. Our fifth grade students spent the week learning about Nasvhille, visiting the Adventure Science Center, Nashville Zoo, Frist Museum, and, of course, took a trolley tour.
Fi ft h
s i x t h
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s e v e n t h
E ig ht h
Sixth grade students spent the week at Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama, and our seventh grade students explored and worked at Camp McDowell in Nauvoo, Alabama. Eighth grade students took their annual trip to Washington, D.C., visiting national landmarks and learning about the history of our country.
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Upper School In the upper school, students chose from a number of options that ranged from local experiences to trips around the region, nation, or around the world. This year, students spent their week with a professional on a work study, participated in campus based activities, backpacked in Tennessee State Parks, learned about
Photography Chattanoga
Sports Business alabama
Broadcasting Belize
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Warriors Kings & Poets England & Scotland
Marine Biology
British Virgin Islands
Wilderness Backpacking Tennessee
F R A m i ly Vacation
Tennessee State Parks
Adventure Nashville Tennessee
Civil Rights Trail Tour Alabama
Law & Order Nashville, TN
Choir Trip
N e w Y o r k C i t y, N Y
Eat Pray Yoga Nashville
Track and Field Trip
San Diego, CA
photography in Chattanooga, toured sports facilities in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and Atlanta, took a Civil Rights tour in Alabama, sang as part of the choir in New York City, studied marine biology in the British Virgin Islands, took a track and field trip to San Diego, traveled through England and Scotland, and learned about broadcast journalism in Belize.
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Beloved
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SPIRITUAL & SERVICE LIFE
Spiritual Emphasis Week 2019 BRANDON ALBRIGHT, director of spiritual life
BY
Spiritual Emphasis Week, known simply as SEW to those in the FRA community, is a week-long event that allows us to focus on and be rejuvenated by the message of Jesus Christ and to live out his example of service. Every year, this week is a special one on campus filled with music, cross-divisional activities, chapels, and culminate in our SEW Service Day. Spiritual Emphasis Week has been a highlight for many over the years, and this year was no different.
Our theme this year was
BELOVED.
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I
In my years of student ministry, one of the main things I have seen in the lives of students is a desire to feel worth, value, and acceptance. We live in a world that
enhances that longing and sells us a false narrative that those things come through success, wealth, followers, or accomplishments. For SEW, we wanted to take the week to remind students of their true worth. To reveal to students that the value and love they desire, they have it in Jesus Christ. God calls us his beloved! And it’s in that deep love where our longings are filled, and we find hope. Ephesians 3:17-19 says, “And I pray that you, being rooted
We were excited to bring to campus a diverse group of
and established in love, may have power, together with
speakers who spoke into the heart of what it means to
all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long
be deeply loved by God. Over the course of the week,
and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this
they shared life stories, revealed truth in scripture, and
love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to
challenged students to live in and live out
the measure of all the fullness of God.”
their belovedness.
That same prayer that Paul prays for the church in
In the lower school, Adam Devries ’00 and Dorena
Ephesians is what we prayed over our students and
Williamson were the chapel speakers. Adam, the
community throughout the week –
Associate Pastor of Youth and their Families at First
that we would get just a glimpse of the incredible love of Jesus, that we would be filled by it, and that we would give that love away to those around us.
Presbyterian Church, talked about how we are God’s beloved by reading the book The Runaway Bunny. He shared that God constantly reminds us of his love for us and no matter how much we run, he constantly pursues us. Adam shared that every heartbeat we have is God calling us beloved. Dorena, an author, speaker, and co-founder of Strong Tower Bible Church, read her book Graceful and talked about how we can be moved to love our neighbor. She returned the following day to challenge students to live out love. She shared that as God’s beloved, we’re called to share that love. In the middle and upper schools, we welcomed Toni Collier, Justin Warner, and Tim Shaw over the course of the week. Toni, a communicator, host, and consultant with North Point Ministries, an on-camera personality at The reThink Group, and an FCA speaker, shared that “broken crayons still color.” She dove into the fact that our weaknesses and brokenness does not keep us from being God’s beloved. Even in our brokenness, God can still use us.
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Justin, a communicator with the Echo Group and staff member at North Point Community Church in Atlanta talked about our how we have a tendency to see ourselves as worth less than we really are. He shared that ultimately what we believe determines who we become. He revealed how Jesus’s death showed us our value to him and how he restores our condition as God’s beloved. Lastly, Tim, a motivational speaker, supporter of ALS awareness, author, and former linebacker and special teams captain for the Tennessee Titans, shared his powerful testimony of battling ALS and finding identity and peace in Jesus and not in his situation. Tim shared that our worth and value don’t come in the things we do, but in who God is. He challenged students to live to their potential and find their identity and peace in Christ. Our speakers throughout the week were incredible and were able to convey to us just how deeply loved we are by God and challenged us to live in and live out that belovedness. While our chapel speakers are one of the main aspects of SEW and left a lasting impression in
the lives of some of our students, the culmination of the week comes on the last day through the SEW Service Day as it’s an opportunity to live out what we’ve learned all week. The sixth annual SEW Service Day was truly a picture of BELOVED being lived out both on and off campus. We partnered with 10 different ministries and organizations across the city to do good together and share the love of Jesus with the greater community through service. From packing boxes at a distribution center to leading a Valentines festival for kids with special needs, our students put love into action in a powerful way. Overall, this year’s Spiritual Emphasis Week was an amazing week, and our continued prayer is that our students and community would find their worth, value, and hope in being God’s beloved, that we would continue to get glimpses of the incredible love of Jesus in our lives, and that we would give that love away to those around us through service.
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Upper school
Mission Trip
jamaica
BY
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CLAIRE WILKINS, upper school English teacher
D
During the first week of June, Josh Flegel and I went to Jamaica with six rising 10th-12th graders. We flew into Montego Bay, and from there we
went to St. Mary, a parish on the eastern coast of Jamaica. We worked with a ministry called ACE (American-Caribbean Experience), who serves Jamaicans by creating microbusinesses that employ Jamaicans. Their biggest microbusiness is a hotel called Galina Breeze, which is where we stayed. It was not the typical mission trip experience, as we had comfortable beds and air conditioning at night. We were so grateful to have such a great place to stay after long days of hard work.
W
We did many different projects and activities while in Jamaica. We spent some time doing manual labor through painting the local infirmary and tearing
down a house for a new building project. We also did more relational activities like helping facilitate P.E. for an elementary school and interacting with residents at the infirmary.
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I
Interacting with the residents at the
the physical conditions, however, we were struck
infirmary was incredibly impactful for our
by both the joy and the sorrow of the residents.
students. The infirmary is a place for elderly
Students spent time talking and playing games with
people, as well as people with physical and
residents, and they were touched to see how people
intellectual disabilities, to go when they have no one to
can maintain a steadfast trust in the Lord despite
care for them, and it was unlike anything any of us had
experiencing such pain and loneliness throughout
ever seen in the United States. The living conditions
their lives. We all were reminded that God is so much
were striking, and we were grateful that we got to
bigger than our visible circumstances.
spend time improving the physical facility. More than
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M
My biggest goals as a chaperone were that we would bring all of our students home in one piece and that
our students would be able to make meaningful connections with people as well as grow in their faith. I was blown away to see how willingly and joyfully they served people, and my faith grew as a result of seeing them trust so fully and deeply in God. A lot was expected of them— from tough manual labor to making meaningful connections with strangers, and they were all in. I was so impressed by how they sought opportunities to be the hands and feet of Jesus without hesitation. I’ve been on a few mission trips with FRA , and I am consistently in awe of how God is
FROM TOUGH MANUAL
working both in the world and in the hearts of
LABOR TO MAKING MEANINGFUL
time with students in this way and to be part
CONNECTIONS WITH STRANGERS
out the Gospel of Jesus. It was an amazing trip,
— THEY WERE ALL IN.
a mission trip while at FRA to see their God at
our students. It is a privilege to be able to spend of a community that is passionate about living and I hope that many more students will go on work in a new way!
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Weicker Center for Student Life
BUILDING DEDICATION
O
Student life
On Sunday, August 11, more than 200 members of our community celebrated the opening of the new Weicker Center for Student Life with a naming dedication ceremony. The Weicker Center for Student Life is named in honor of beloved teacher and coach George Weicker, and we were honored to have members of the Weicker family in attendance.
Speakers at the event were FRA board chair Eddie Alexander, head of school Sean Casey, and Cal Turner III ’89, who spoke on behalf of The Cal Turner Family Foundation, who provided the lead gift in support of the project. Guests had an opportunity to tour the building and its spaces, including new dining hall, commons areas, spirit store, and classrooms, and were able to see the impact the Weicker Center will have on our community. We are excited to open this space and showcase the transformative impact it has on our campus life in the next issue of the 4700.
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F E AT U R E
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SPORTS ACCOLADES WINTER RECAP 2018
BASKETBALL
KINGSTON GARDNER
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AT H L E T I C S
RYAN PIERCE GIRLS INDIVIDUAL
BOYS INDIVIDUAL KINGSTON GARDNER All-District; All-County
(PICTURED)
ZHARIA HUTCHINSON
All-District
IRIS HELDMAN
All-District
RYAN PIERCE
All-District
(PICTURED)
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WRESTLING
JONATHAN STOXSTILL-DIGGS
BOYS INDIVIDUAL DREW WHITE
Region Tournament, 3rd Place; State Tournament, 5th Place (152-pound weight class)
ETHAN RHODEN
Region Tournament, 3rd Place; State Tournament, 6th Place (114-pound weight class)
JONATHAN STOXSTILL-DIGGS
(PICTURED)
Region Tournament, 4th Place (145-pound weight class)
WILL ROBERTS
Region Tournament, 3rd Place (126-pound weight class) 39
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SPORTS ACCOLADES SPRING RECAP 2019
SOFTBALL SUMMER VO
GIRLS INDIVIDUAL SUMMER VO
All-District
(PICTURED)
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BASEBALL BOYS INDIVIDUAL WALKER PALMERTON All-District
JAKE TEMPLIN
All-District
J ROSS (PICTURED)
All-District
J ROSS 41
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TRACK AND FIELD ANDREW COX
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BOYS TRACK TEAM REGION CHAMPIONS; STATE MEET, 3RD PLACE
BOYS TEAM 4x800m Relay, 7th Place
JONATHAN STOXSTILLDIGGS, JORDAN STOXSTILL-DIGGS, HARRISON SHAFER, ETHAN RHODEN 4x200 Relay, 3rd Place
LANDRY MITCHELL, GRANT WEEKS, LANCE WILHOITE, SAM TAYLOR 4x100m Relay, 4th Place 4x400m Relay, 5th Place
BOYS INDIVIDUAL BROGAN WILSON
State Decathlon, 7th Place;
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State Pole Vault, 5th Place; Region 110 Hurdles, 2nd Place; Region Champion, 300m Hurdles
JORDAN STOXSTILL-DIGGS
State Decathlon, 8th Place; State 400m, 7th Place; State Triple Jump, 6th Place; Region Champion, Triple Jump
LANDRY MITCHELL (PICTURED) State Champion, 400m; State Decathlon, 2nd Place; State Long Jump, 5th Place; Region Long Jump, 2nd Place; Region Champion, 400m
ANDREW COX
(PICTURED)
State Champion, 1600m; State 3200m, 4th Place; State 800m, 4th Place; Region 3200m, 2nd Place; Region Champion, 1600m
ETHAN RHODEN State 3200m, 5th Place
WILL WHEELER
State Shot Put, 5th Place; Region Shot Put, 2nd Place
HARRISON SHAFER
State High Jump, 4th Place; Region Champion, High Jump
RILEY SPEED
State Long Jump, 7th Place
ALEX GALES (PICTURED)
State Champion, Pole Vault; Region Champion, Pole Vault
CONNER MOORE
Region High Jump, 2nd Place
WILL JOHNSON
State 100m, 6th Place; Region Champion 100m
LANDRY MITCHELL
ALEX GALES
SABRINA LAFAYE GIRLS TEAM State 4x400m Relay, 7th Place
MIDDLE SCHOOL GIRLS TRACK
(PICTURED)
4x100 and 4x200 district champions
GIRLS INDIVIDUAL SABRINA LAFAYE (PICTURED) State Pole Vault, 4th Place
KEIRA BULLUCK, TANIYA THOMAS, PAIGE ARNOLD, MCKENZIE LOCK
CAMPBELL CARROLL
State Pentathlon, 8th Place
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SOCCER BOYS INDIVIDUAL PABLO RAMOS (PICTURED)
All-District
TASHINGA VHUMISAI
All-District
GONZALO DE GRACIA All-District
BOYS SOCCER TEAM STATE ELITE EIGHT
PABLO RAMOS 45
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GIRLS TENNIS TEAM
REGION RUNNER UP
TENNIS GIRLS TENNIS TEAM Region Runner Up
BOYS INDIVIDUAL PRESTON DEMOUY (PICTURED) State Semifinalist
PRESTON DEMOUY Spring/ Summer 2019 | 4700
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SPORTS ACCOLADES COLLEGE SIGNINGS
SIGNINGS THIS WINTER AND SPRING, SEVEN SENIORS COMMITTED TO CONTINUING THEIR ATHLETIC CAREERS AT THE COLLEGIATE LEVEL. THESE SEVEN ATHLETES JOIN ALEX GALES, JOSH HOLTSCHLAG, AND SAMANTHA SHAFER, WHO SIGNED THEIR LETTERS OF INTENT IN THE FALL. GALES WILL POLE VAULT AT HIGH POINT UNIVERSITY; HOLTSCHLAG WILL PLAY GOLF AT BUCKNELL UNIVERSITY; AND SHAFER WILL BE PLAYING VOLLEYBALL AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH ALABAMA.
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IN THE WINTER SIGNING,TYMON MITCHELL AND LANCE WILHOITE SIGNED THEIR LETTERS OF INTENT TO PLAY FOOTBALL AT THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA AND THE UNIVERSITY OF OREGON, RESPECTIVELY.
1 2 TYMON MITCHELL
LANCE WILHOITE
Mitchell, who played on both sides of the ball, has been named AllDistrict, All-Region, and All-State as a football player and was named Co-Defensive Player of the Year this season. He was a member of The Tennessean’s 2018-19 Dandy Dozen. In addition to football, Mitchell has been an All-State wrestler for the Panthers.
Wilhoite attended FRA for eight years, and during that time, he played on the varsity football, baseball, and track and field teams for the Panthers. He has earned All-District, District MVP, All-Region and All State Honors in Football while playing at FRA. He was also a member of the Tennessean's 20182019 Dandy Dozen Football Squad.
On defense, Mitchell finished his FRA career with 204 tackles, eight sacks, 27 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.
On offense, Wilhoite had more than 150 receptions for over 2,000 yards and 20 touchdowns. He also excelled on defense, finishing his career with nearly 200 tackles, seven tackles for loss, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and four fumble recoveries.
Mitchell, who attended FRA for nine years, was also an annual volunteer for the FRA summer lineman camps. He will continue his football career at the University of Georgia.
Wilhoite was a member of the FRA Best Buddies Club, worked as a Special Olympics Volunteer, and has worked Jr. Football Camps at FRA. He will be playing football at the University of Oregon, where he plans to major in business.
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IN THE FIRST SPRING SIGNING OF 2019, ANGELINA CHAN AND JAKE TEMPLIN SIGNED THEIR LETTERS OF INTENT. CHAN WILL CONTINUE HER GOLF CAREER AT THE UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY, AND TEMPLIN WILL PLAY BASEBALL FOR DEPAUW UNIVERSITY.
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ANGELINA CHAN
JAKE TEMPLIN
A two-time individual state champion (2015 and 2018), two-time team state champion (2017 and 2018), five-time individual region champion (2014-2018), four-time team region champion (2015-2018), and two-time district individual and team champion (2017 and 2018), Chan is the most decorated golfer in FRA history. Chan has also excelled in the classroom and in music during her six years at FRA. She has been secretary of the National Honor Society, member of the Science Olympiad, vice president of the Jazz Ensemble, tutor in the writing center, and a participant in Evening with the Arts, Cocoa & Carols, and this year's fall musical, where she played in the live band. She is also a member of Mu Alpha Theta, Cum Laude Society, Service Club, Gamer Club, and Philosophy Club, and she is an annual FRA Heads List member, AP scholar with distinction and class valedictorian.
Templin has been a member of the varsity baseball and football teams for three years. He is also involved in the FRA community as a member of the FRA Best Buddies program, volunteer for Special Olympics Flag Football State Championships, FRA student ambassador, and as a coach for youth baseball. He has also been named to the FRA Deans List for the past three years. Templin will continue his education and play baseball at DePauw University, where he plans to join the Management Fellows for Business.
She plans to continue her education at the United States Naval Academy and play golf for the Midshipmen.
IN MAY, SENIORS J ROSS, TASHINGS VHUMISAI, AND BROGAN WILSON COMMITTED TO PLAY BASEBALL, SOCCER, AND FOOTBALL, RESPECTIVELY, AT THE COLLEGIATE LEVEL. ROSS WILL BE PLAYING BASEBALL AT CENTRE COLLEGE; VHUMISAI WILL CONTINUE HIS SOCCER CAREER AT SEWANEE: THE UNIVERSITY OF THE SOUTH; AND WILSON WILL PLAY FOOTBALL AT AUSTIN PEAY STATE UNIVERSITY.
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5 6 7 J ROSS
TASHINGA VHUMISAI
BROGAN WILSON
Ross has attended FRA for seven years, and during that time, he has been a member of the varsity baseball and football teams. He has been named All-Region first team in both sports as well as AllRegion second team in football. On the baseball diamond, Ross has a career batting average of 3.17, with 85 hits, five home runs, and 71 RBIs. This season, he earned All-District honors with a .324 batting average, and he led the team with four home runs, 22 RBIs, a .606 slugging percentage, and 1.006 OPS.
Vhumisai has been part of the FRA community for four years. He has been a member of the varsity soccer team all four years and has been the team captain for the past two years.
Wilson has attended FRA for two years, and in addition to success on the football field, he is also 2018 All-State performer in the 300-meter hurdles, finishing state runner and leading the Panthers to a Region title and State runner up finish. He has also played on the varsity basketball and wrestling teams.
Ross is also a member of the National Honor Society, a member of the FRA Deans and Heads Lists, and a volunteer for middle school scoreboard operations. He plans to study engineering and play baseball for the Centre College Colonels.
He has been named All-District, AllRegion, and FRA's offensive player during his upper school career. Vhumisai has also excelled in the classroom and in the community. He is student body president, writing center tutor, member of the philosophy club, and also served as junior class president. Vhumisai has also been named most outstanding freshman and sophomore by his teachers, is a member of the National Honor Society, and has been a member of the FRA Heads and Deans Lists. He will continue his soccer career at Sewanee: The University of the South, where he plans to study medicine.
This season, Wilson led the team on offense with nearly 1,400 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns on 181 carries, along with 12 receptions for 162 yards and a receiving touchdown. On defense, he accumulated 24 total tackles, an interception, and a forced fumble, and on special teams, he had six kickoff returns for 131 yards and three punt returns for 86 yards and a touchdown. Off of the field, Wilson is a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, a Special Olympics volunteer, and he has also volunteered in Coastal Keys Clean-up. He plans to continue his education and football career at Austin Peay University.
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ARTS
Charlotte's Web | Our upper school students captivated the audience with their interpretation of the story of Charlotte, Wilbur, and the rest of the gang as they learned the importance of friendship, loyalty, and determination.
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Aladdin, Jr. | Middle school students took us on a ride of a lifetime as we soared through the air on a magic carpet ride and traveled with Aladdin in his quest to find a whole new world.
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London Times | With songs from Oliver Twist, Mary Poppins, Peter Pan, and more, our lower school students sang and danced their way through London to capture our hearts in their spring musical.
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Evening with the Arts | Upper school students showcased their instrumental, choral, and performing arts skills at the always-entertaining Evening with the Arts.
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Jazz cafÉ | It’s been 20 years of smooth entertainment! In the 20th Annual Jazz Café, our middle and upper school students rocked out to classics like Livin on a Prayer, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Welcome to the Jungle, and more in one of the most popular musical events of the season.
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ap ARTIST F E AT U R E
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Lee Anna Lee Anna Chen | “I have always loved art. It is a creative journey with no wrong destination, and I have continued to pursue it because of its ability to convey everything – from stories to emotion.” Lee Anna will be attending Yale University to pursue computer science, coding elegant and intuitive platforms.
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Jonathan Jonathan Stoxstill-Diggs
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Maddie Maddie Cunningham
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Cathleen
Cathleen Li
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Sherwin Sherwin Nazemi
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Cameron
Cameron Cropper
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Jake
Jake Slipkovich | “I have been doing art for as long as I could remember. I can’t describe the moment that inspired me to do art; all I know is that I love making art, and I love looking at other people’s artwork. I also never took classes for art until I was a sophomore in high school, and I have not stopped since. I will forever be thankful to FRA for fueling my passion for art, helping me appreciate different styles, and improving my skills.” Jake will attend the University of the Arts London, where he will study sound engineering.
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Sabrina
Sabrina LaFaye | “My interest in art started at a very early age. I naturally loved putting my dreams and ideas down in visual form, and art is a way of comprehending the world around me. It changed from a past time to a full on passion/obsession when my Uncle Jake, an artist and photographer, started giving me lessons in shading, colored pencil, and painting. Two summers ago when I made the cut for governors school of the arts and spent a month immersed with artists taking college courses, it solidified  that art has to be a part of my every day in my profession.� Sabrina will be studying life sciences, fine arts, and architecture at Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana.
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A L U MN I
PROFILES We are always amazed at the work our alumni are doing in their professional lives and in their communities. Louise Phillips Forbes '81and Mattie Jackson Selecman '08 share their stories about life after graduating from FRA.
LOUISE PHILLIPS FORBES '81
and provide creative movement programs for special
Sales Broker, Halstead Real Estate
needs children. It took me a little bit, but I finally left my roots in Tennessee to try the big lights of New York
I was a part of the second graduating class from FRA
City in 1989 with $800 in my pocket.
in 1981 and was prepared and excited to take off to the
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University of Tennessee, where I pursed a career in
My brother Donald was living in New York City working
special education while minoring in Dance. I received
as a real estate agent and running the medical division
a scholarship for dance, which then led to dancing in
for Helmsley Spear. He helped me get a tiny apartment
two small companies and was incredibly fulfilling. In
on Second Avenue where I felt like I had to walk up 900
between all that, I used to do a lot of catering, modeling,
steps to get to my place on the top floor.
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F E AT U R E
After what felt like a million auditions, I found myself with a back injury that forced me to change my dance plans. That’s when I fell into real estate. After entering real estate, I quickly realized that I had found my true passion. In that first year, I made $8,400. Fast forward to today, and I’m the number one sales broker at Halstead Real Estate, the largest privately held real estate company in New York City. With my career sales approaching $4 billion, I feel honored to be considered one of the elite power brokers in Manhattan. I—along with my team—get to serve buyers, sellers, and developers throughout Manhattan, from my Upper West Side neighborhood to Wall Street, and everywhere in between. Whether I’m working in luxury residential sales or a new development project, I enjoy building relationships and being an educator instead of a salesperson. I’m proud to serve as a trusted resource with a reputation for my market knowledge, passion, and professionalism.
PICTURED / Louise Phillips Forbes
FOR ME, IT IS A PRIVILEGE TO PLAY A PART IN THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF SOMEONE’S LIFE.
When I’m not running around the streets of Manhattan negotiating deals, I am a wife and busy mother of two sons, both of whom play hockey. As a family, we love to surf all over the world—especially Montauk—and our motto is, if we can play together then we get to stay together.
Most of all, my fulfillment comes not from the
You can also find me spinning at my local SoulCycle,
fascination of brick and mortar or even the fantastic
where I get to groove to the beats with my celebrity
New York architecture, but because real estate is truly
instructor Stacey Griffith and friends. I’m also an
the business of people. For me, it is a privilege to play
active board member for Change for Kids, a nonprofit
a part in the building blocks of someone’s life. After all,
that provides cultural arts programs for inner-city
your home is the base on which the rest of your life
elementary schools, enriching children’s educational
is built.
experience and path to success.
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MATTIE JACKSON SELECMAN '08 Co-Founder of NaSHEville
The lanes of life have led me in many directions in the 11 years since I walked across the FRA stage, stood with the 13-Year Club, and offered my short-sighted 17-year old wisdom in our class of 2008 commencement speech. From kindergarten to 12th grade, FRA was my home, my life, and in hindsight, the lens through which I would see much of the early years of my adult life. After receiving an undergraduate degree in creative writing from the University of Tennessee, I decided to spread my wings, move across the country, and find out who I was outside of Nashville private school and UT Knoxville. I spent just shy of three years in Austin, Texas, and Napa, California, falling in love with the world of wine and food. In my heart I knew Nashville would always be home,
to get to that road, much less where it was headed, but
so at the close of 2014, I moved back with little
the Lord made it resoundingly clear that was my next
experience and too big of a dream. I opened and ran
exit. Three weeks after shutting it down, I got a call
my own wine bar restaurant, Salt & Vine, for two
from a friend of a friend.
years, fairly unprepared for the grueling work that industry demands. It was an exciting, exhausting, and
“I know I haven’t seen you in forever, but I heard you
perfectly preparatory season: one in which the Lord
closed the restaurant, and you’re wanting to go into
was building muscles I didn’t yet know I needed. He put
ministering to women. Can we have coffee?”
me in a place so unlike where I’d come from – cynical, indulgent, worldy, and so far from the sheltered walls of
Less than one month after closing the doors, the Lord
4700 Franklin Road – to be a light in places that didn’t
blew an unforeseen one open. In the wake of a messy,
ordinarily shine. I learned to be a real leader, a servant
debilitating adoption, Brooke, my co-founder, gave up a
leader, not just the leader of FCA or Student Council or a
successful marketing job to launch a women’s apparel
basketball team. I found heart-changing encouragement
brand, her heart bursting at the seams to advocate for
from walking with young women on our staff through
women and children like her adopted daughter and
everyday darkness my eyes had never seen. I fell in love
her teenage birth mom. In July of 2018, we built the
with shepherding women in whatever daily ways I
NaSHEville, branding, products, financials, blog and
knew how, until the Lord called me in a totally
podcast content, everything. We found non-profit
unforeseen direction.
partners for our three core missions: orphans, widows, and trafficked women — which are and will remain
In spring of 2018, less than a year after I’d gotten
groups for which we advocate and to whom our
married, I was clearly led to close the restaurant
profits go.
and pursue a road toward leading, encouraging, and ministering to women. I had zero understanding of how
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Both having grown up in local private schools, the
powerful union of compassion and resources was
both who we are as individuals and who we serve as
something we had seen yield real change since
a company. Our primary partners for ministering and
childhood. We decided against a non-profit structure for
giving back are: Love One International, End Slavery
NaSHEville, confident in the fact that we could make
Middle Tennessee, and Modern Widows Club.
more, give more, and reach exponentially more women with a successful company than a 501c3. Having never worked in fashion or merchandising, my learning curve was steep, but with our mission to encourage, empower, and embrace women of all walks and all ages, the biblical call to “put on love” proved perfectly suited to our product line, which we often refer to as a “walking billboard” for our deeper mission.
“LEARN TO DO RIGHT; SEEK JUSTICE. DEFEND THE OPPRESSED. TAKE UP THE CAUSE OF THE FATHERLESS; PLEAD THE CASE OF THE WIDOW.” — ISAIAH 1:17”
PICTURED / (L-R) Mattie Jackson Selecman, Co-Founder, Brooke Tometich, Founder
We are one size fits all – built for all women in all NaSHEville goes beyond a brand. We are calling all SHE’S to wear not just a shirt or hat, but to wear a movement — A movement that kindles compassion and brings light to our city. A company that puts service above success. A brand that makes you proud to be a woman living out her true purpose, whatever that purpose is, and proud to lock arms with women from all walks to make a difference. A community that loves on and lends a hand to those who Jesus loved and helped: orphans, widows, and prostitutes. Each of the three groups that make up our core ministries has an intimate place in our own stories, particularly mine having lost my young husband suddenly just eight weeks after starting NaSHEville. Women and children in dire physical, emotional, or spiritual need are the eternal heartbeat of our narrative,
seasons. With our blog and podcast, we get the chance to share the stories of and collaborate with strong, successful women across all industries in Nashville. Through sale of our products, we have the privilege to serve many in need financially, emotionally, and spiritually. We call the SHE’S of our city to step out in courage, step up in support, and join in to give back to hurting women and children. We work to equip the broken, encourage the weary, and empower the weak. We’re tired of accepting others’ struggle and suffering from a removed place of safety and success. We are here to wear NaSHEville on our hearts, and to wear our hearts on our sleeves, for the greater good of women everywhere.
www.nasheville.com @nasheville_ (Instagram) @nashevillebrand (Facebook) She's in the City by NaSHEville (podcast)
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A L U M N I U P D AT E S
ALUMNI
class notes
PICTURED / Left to right: Tripp Waller ’15, Diane (Jacques) Les Becquets ‘82, Mary Partee ’15
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Tripp Waller ’15 was named one of West Point
Mary Partee ’15 spent the summer biking 4,500 miles
University’s Tomorrow’s Leaders. He graduated in May
– from Austin, Texas, to Anchorage, Alaska – as part of the
and will commission as an Army Aviation officer and begin
Texas 4000, a nonprofit organization at the University of
flight school.
Texas to raise funds for cancer research.
Diane (Jacques) Les Becquets ’82 has a published
Katie Schimmel ’12 was recognized by The Tennessean
novel called THE LAST WOMAN IN THE FOREST, which
for her outstanding entrepreneurship and successful
came out March 5, by Penguin Random House.
jewelry business, JewlyBox.
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ALUMNI
Wesley Holder III ’94 was announced as Assistant District Attorney to the NashvilleDavidson County District Attorney General.
Conner Meeks ’13 signed to work at Lockheed Martin.
Rob Marberry ’14 and Kenny Cooper ’16 helped lead the Lipscomb University men’s basketball team to the NIT Finals at Madison Square Garden.
Mark Campbell ’89 achieved his 600th career win as a collegiate basketball coach.
Kiran Thawardas ’15 represented the University of Michigan in a hackathon at Georgia Tech University, where they were given a Moog synthesizer and asked to build something. They built a way to control this instrument from their phones from anywhere in the world in real time. They were awarded 4th place out of 30 teams.
PICTURED / Top to bottom, left to right: Wesley Holder III ‘94, Connor Meeks ‘13, Kenny and Rob with Alumni Jay Salato and John Pierce, Mark Campbell ‘89, Alumni and friends of FRA gathered together to cheer on fellow FRA alumni in NIT Championship at Madison Square Garden.
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PICTURED / Left to right, top to bottom: Shareef Aminmadani & Desiree Vasquez, Kaissling Akers & Max Anderson, Derica Wyatt & Connor Madole, Trevor Baskin & Annie Smith.
WEDDINGS Derica Wyatt ’13 married Connor Madole on December 27, 2018.
Kaissling Akers ’11 married Max Anderson on March 23, 2019.
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Trevor Baskin ’11 married Annie Smith on April 6, 2019.
Shareef Aminmadani ’09 is engaged to Desiree Vasquez. They will get married August 31, 2019 at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center.
PICTURED / Top to bottom, left to right: Lee Michael Collignon, David Brown Hagler, Brooks Hunter Frazier, Madison Elizabeth Longworth, Samuel Walker McCaslin.
BIRTHS Shannon Williams Frazier ’08
John Adam McCaslin ’09
gave birth to Brooks Hunter Frazier on September 27, 2018.
and wife Carly McCaslin gave birth to Samuel Walker McCaslin on February 12, 2019.
Julianne Murphy Longworth ’09 gave birth to Madison Elizabeth Longworth on February 12, 2010.
IN MEMORY
Mollie Dingler Hagler ’00
Lou Bouldin ’88
gave birth to David Brown Hagler on January 24, 2019.
Joc Collignon ’00
Julie Spain Kirby ’85
and wife Kaitlin Collignon gave birth to son Lee Michael Collignon on January 11, 2019.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
Nikki Simpson OUR NEW DIRECTOR OF A L U M N I R E L AT I O N S
F
FRA is excited to welcome Nikki "Nik" Simpson as its new director of alumni relations. With 24 years of experience, Nik has a diverse background in advancement, including expertise in relationship building, fundraising, and event management, and she brings a passion for education and a true philanthropic approach to life. Nik is a graduate of Indiana State University with a degree in communications theory and research and business administration. A servant leader, she spent more than 18 years with March of Dimes running a division and territory dedicated to moms and babies. In 2014, Nik returned to her alma mater to work with alumni and friends of Indiana State as part of the advancement team where she focused on engagement and fundraising. She has had many milestones during her tenure, and her knowledge and experience in advancement will be an excellent addition to the work already being done at FRA . “The FRAmily has been very welcoming of me, and I am thrilled to join the team of true professionals working at Franklin Road Academy," Simpson said. "From day one I have felt something special on the campus, and I am impressed and inspired by the kindness, dedication, and passion for students and education I have seen since
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becoming part of this community. I am honored to join this team as we look to continue to advance the mission of this school, and I am looking forward to meeting all of the wonderful alumni from FRA .” Nik believes alumni are the cornerstone of a school, and she is excited to connect all 2,485 FRA alumni to each other. “I want to make sure our alumni are able to celebrate being part of the FRA family wherever they call home," Simpson said. "I am excited to visit different cities to meet with our alumni and hear their stories, both from their time as students at FRA and what they are doing now.” She and her husband Gordon have three grown children, Nathan, Nicole, and Nash. Welcome to FRA , Nik!
UPCOMING EVENTS
2019 FALL ALUMN I E VE N TS Wednesday, September 25
Alumni Current Parent & Legacy Breakfast
Friday, September 27
All -Alumni Tailgate | Homecoming
Monday, December 16
Alumni 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament
mark your calendars! FranklinRoadAcademy.com/Alumni
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2019
FRA Golf Classic
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Hall of Excellence This year, the Hall of Excellence recognized Mark Cambell ’89 as distinguished alumni and Jerry Williams as distinguished faculty.
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All-Alumni Event
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why I give Paulie Allen ’90
I
I transferred to FRA in 1988, and from the second I stepped on campus, I absolutely loved this place. Looking back, there are two things I remember most about my time at FRA . First, I remember the quality of friendships I made here. Still today, they are some of the dearest relationships I have. Secondly, I remember how prepared I was for college upon my graduation. It was not easy academically. Because of that, there was never a question of me being prepared to take the next step. Professionally, I can sincerely say that whatever success I have had in my career, I can point back here. FRA has been instrumental in that. I believe in what the school is doing; I believe in the leadership; and I believe that it is a gift for the kids who go through here. Finally, I think this school has been, at the core, instrumental in me getting out and having some success in the business world. So, when I think of giving back to FRA , I want to give back to the place that helped me get to where I am today. Giving is personal, and it is different for everyone. For me, FRA is a place that has been and continues to be so supportive of me and my daughter, Lilli, and I just want to return that because I am so grateful. When I heard about the FRA Capital Campaign, I decided to invest as a leadership donor for a couple of reasons. I am incredibly excited about the leadership here. I admire Sean’s
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leadership and his vision. I admire the Board and the rest of the leaders on the campus for stepping up and taking the risk to do this. The improvements on our campus needed to be done. As I have heard Sean say, the school has been broken up into three different campuses because of the layout of our school and how it grew throughout the years. As we come upon 50 years, this project really allows us to connect all the campuses into one Academy. That is something I think this school was overdue for, so I wanted to participate and be part of it.
we had, but it is just a much more beautiful campus now! My hope for our school moving forward – more important than the buildings – is that we continue to appreciate and value the faculty and leadership we have. They are our core, and I could not be more proud of them.
I believe that what we are currently doing on campus is keeping our competitive advantage. I believe it is going to continue to lift these kids academically, socially, and athletically to help them maximize their potential, and at the end of the day, that is what every parent wants for our children. My hope is all of this will grow the wings of each student to prepare them for success in college and afterwards. That is what this place did for me. I would tell other FRA alumni that when you look at FRA today, obviously you will see all of the physical changes…the new campus, upgraded athletic facilities, and beautiful new buildings. All of those things are wonderful and needed, but what I admire even more is what hasn’t changed. And that is the love, the kindness, and the family feel that is still here for all of us when we come back on campus. All of that holds true for the current students as well. FRA provides the same family experience
Franklin Road Academy has done so much for me and Lilli. It is just very dear to my heart. I want to do everything I can do to show how grateful I am for this school. That is why I continue to invest and support current and future generations of FRA .
This will always be your school . SEAN R. CASEY, HEAD OF SCHOOL
S MALL C L ASS SI Z ES
EXPE R I E N T I A L L E A R N I N G FOR STUDENTS
O PPO RT U N I T I E S F O R
S P I R I T U A L D E VE L O PMENT
THE CAMPUS HAS GROWN AND BUILDINGS HAVE CHANGED, BUT THE HEART OF FRA REMAINS THE SAME.
Thank you Thank you to the 2018-19 donors to the FRA Annual Fund for helping us fulfill our promise to provide a challenging educational experience in an inclusive Christian community.
Join us Your investment in the FRA Annual Fund ensures that current and future generations have a full FRA student experience. To join FRA alumni, parents of alumni, current parents, grandparents, and friends in supporting your school, go to:
FranklinRoadAcademy.com/support/give-now
FRANKLIN ROAD ACADEMY 4700 Franklin Pike Nashville, TN 37220
Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 1093 Nashville, TN
FALL 20 1 9 C OM M UNITY EV ENTS Friday, September 6
All-Community Tailgate | 6 p.m. | Kennon Track & Field
Friday, September 27
Homecoming Game v. RePublic | 7 p.m.
Thursday, November 14 – Saturday, November 16 Upper School Fall Musical Thursday & Friday – 7 p.m. | Saturday – 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. Middle School Theater
Tuesday, November 19
Spaghetti Supper | 5 p.m. | Weicker Center for Student Life
Saturday, November 23
Service Saturday | 9 – 11 a.m.
Tuesday, November 26
Grandparents Day (Lower and Middle Schools) 8:30 a.m. | Weicker Center for Student Life
Friday, December 6
Santa is Coming | 5 p.m. | L.M. Crockett Library Cocoa & Carols | 7 p.m. | Middle School Theater
Monday, December 9
Christmas Band Concert | 7 p.m. | Scarlett Family Chapel
Thursday, December 12
Christmas Choral Concert | 7 p.m. | Scarlett Family Chapel We hope to see you at these community events this fall! Visit our website for a complete list of events