4700 Spring/Summer 2021

4700 ALUMNI

PROFILES HONORING THE

CLASS OF 2021

Spring/Summer 2021

Franklin Road Academy provides a challenging educational experience in an inclusive Christian community with an unwavering commitment to develop leaders of integrity and purpose.

M IS SIO N STAT E M E N T

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A LETTER FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL As you read this issue of the 4700, I hope you enjoy hearing about the fullness of the year through the multiple stories that highlight the accomplishments of our alumni, students, and faculty. Our alumni continue to impress us with their professional achievements while also having a positive impact in their communities. Throughout the year, our students demonstrated tremendous grit and resilience even in the midst of the most challenging of circumstances, and our faculty members were truly remarkable, figuring out every detail along the way to create the best educational experience for each of our families.

I am especially grateful to the seniors for their leadership and the positive example they set for the entire student body. This past year is a reminder of the strength of our community and the amazing story God continues to write on our campus.

As we look ahead to the fall, I would like to invite you to attend several events as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of FRA. Please mark your calendar and join us to reconnect with friends, celebrate the last 50 years, and look ahead to the future. A full list of events is available on page 18.

I look forward to seeing you in person on campus once again this fall!

Sincerely,

Sean R. Casey

SPECIAL THANK YOU TO PAM GARDNER Pam started at FRA in 2009, and we recently celebrated her retirement at the end of the 2020-21 school year. "Pam has always worked extremely hard to prepare her lessons to meet the needs of her students. Invariably, each summer would arrive, and she would take just a few weeks to recuperate and recharge her own batteries before very quickly turning her attention to the upcoming year," said Head of Lower School Dr. Rick West. "She just couldn’t help herself as she would get so excited thinking about her new students and what the upcoming year would hold. I would often find her back in her classroom in the middle of summer setting things up and asking if I had her class list available so she could get started on labeling and preparing for the new group. She is a dedicated professional that has served her students very well during an illustrious career."

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TA BLE OF

CONTENTS

7

17

19

39

45

55

FEATURE Honoring the Class of 2021 The 12-Year Club

STUDENT LIFE Spiritual Emphasis Week Wellness Feature: An Exercise in the Art of Acceptance

50TH ANNIVERSARY Join us as we celebrate our 50th Anniversary

FINE & PERFORMING ARTS Art Gallery Spotlight: Students Who Create Annie Jr.

FEATURED ALUMNI Whitney Forstner '94 Martin Penny '03 Melodie Malone '05

ATHLETICS College Signings Season Highlights and Accolades

COPYRIGHTED 2021 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.

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2020-21 BOARD OF TRUSTEES

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FEATURE STORY A Tribute to 9/11: Reflections, Emotions, and Memories Shared

35

ROBOTICS Inaugural Robotics Meet RoboPanthers Capture State Championship

Jared Allen Jeb Beasley Victor Berrios Laura Campbell Matthew Denmark Steve Halas Patti Hudgins Dr. Tamika Hudson Kimberly Jackson John S. Larkin II Michael Lindseth, Jr. ’88 Steve Maggart R. Dale Mitchell Rosemary Plorin Jaimie Robinson Andrew Scarlett ’97 Christy Smith Clif Tant ’94, Board Chair EX-OFFICIOS Edward Alexander, Past Board Chair Sean Casey Joc Collignon ’00 Charley Williamson ’88

LEADERSHIP TEAM Brandon Albright, Director of Spiritual Life Sean Casey, Head of School Angela Claxton, Director of Marketing and Communications Steve Compton, Director of Technology Georgie Goldthorpe, Health Services Administrator

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ALUMNI Class Notes Family Additions Alumni Award Winners

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WHY WE GIVE The Robinson Family

Ryan Harris, Assistant Head for External Affairs Channing McCullough, Head of Middle School Dr. John Murray, Dean of Academic Affairs Kris Palmerton, Director of Athletics Jay Salato ’03, Head of Upper School Prentice Stabler, Associate Head of School Dr. Brodrick Thomas, Director of Diversity, Community, and Inclusion Laura Turner, Assistant Head for Finance and Operations

EDITORS Angela Claxton and Lindsey McAlister. ART DIRECTOR Angela Claxton. PHOTO CREDITS Lindsey McAlister and Mike Straisinger '80. COPY EDITORS Elizabeth Moore. CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Caleb Huddleston '21, Dr. Fred Frawley, Allison Kaufman, Jay Salato '03, Whitney Forstner '94, Martin Penny '03, Melodie Malone '05, Khalia Sanders '21, Josh Rohricht '21, Brandon Albright, Allison Hammat, Jaimie and Jon Robinson, and Mia Wisinski.

Dr. Rick West, Head of Lower School Courtney Williamson, Director of Admission FranklinRoadAcademy.com | 4

Welcoming our newest

TRU ST EE S ROGER BROWN Roger has a remarkable track record as an investor, entrepreneur, and corporate CEO. He has a unique ability to grow value in evolving marketplaces, joining commerce with technology. Growing companies is an innate skill demonstrated throughout his life from an early age. Roger served in the U.S. Army and the Alabama National Guard. He studied at the University of North Alabama, where he received a degree in finance.

Roger has been the principal deal maker in the purchases and growth of multiple companies including Alstate Apparel, Crabar, Segway, Sequiam Biometrics, Wired Red, Bentec Medical, EPDI, Government Acquisitions, and Inc. Today, he has invested in and manages over 2 million square feet of commercial, office, and warehouse real estate.

Roger and Jennifer Brown joined the FRA community in 2010 and have three children, Madisyn '18, Rachel '19, and Ben who will be in the 10th grade this year at FRA.

RANDY CHASE Randy graduated from Auburn University with a degree in mechanical engineering and has spent his entire career in the mechanical contracting business. He has been with Nashville Machine Co. in Nashville for over 30 years, where he started his career as an assistant project manager in 1986. Randy is now vice president and part owner of the company. Nashville Machine Co. is one of the largest mechanical contractors in the state of Tennessee specializing in large commercial projects. Randy is on the State of Tennessee Contractors Licensing Board and a member of the Auburn Alumni Engineering Council.

Randy has two children who graduated from FRA, Alex '15 and Morgan '12. Randy is married to Beth Chase who has two sons, Cris and Clay Goddard who graduated from FRA in 2010.

NEW BOARD MEMBERS

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KARLA CALDERON Karla is former vice president of merchandising for Kirkland’s, Inc. In this role, Karla was responsible for the development and execution of the merchandising strategies for over 400 brick and mortar locations and all ecommerce. During her 18 years with Kirkland’s, she also served as vice president of product development and trend, director of product development, and senior buyer. Karla has experience in global sourcing, product development, trend analysis, visual merchandising, ecommerce, profit and loss management, and strategic planning. She also served on the board for STARS Nashville (Students Taking a Right Stand) and volunteered four years on the committee for their largest annual fundraiser, Cherish the Night. She also served on the board for Make-A-Wish Middle Tennessee and recently rolled off in 2020.

Karla and Rafael Calderon have been active members of the FRA community since 2008 when their first child, Alex, started in first grade. They also have twins, Rafael and Karolina, who started at FRA at age three. Alex graduated in May and Rafael and Karolina are in 5th grade.

GABRIELLE WESLEY Gabrielle is a senior director of marketing at Mars, Inc. She serves on the marketing leadership team of the petcare division and leads global brands such as Pedigree, Cesar, Nutro, and Iams. She is a champion of identifying and validating new ways to reach consumers in an ever-changing marketplace. Prior to Mars, Gabrielle enjoyed an extensive career in brand management at General Mills and ConAgra Foods. Gabrielle earned her MBA from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and a Bachelors in Business Administration from Tennessee State University.

Gabrielle and Brian Wesley joined the FRA family in the fall of 2018 after relocating to Nashville from Missouri. They wanted an education for their children rooted in the word of God that reinforces the message heard at home and at church. BJ is in the 10th grade and Elle is in the 8th grade.

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F E AT U R E

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Honoring the Class of 2021 COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS WRITTEN BY CALEB HUDDLESTON, Valedictorian

I

It might surprise some of you to know that I had been putting off writing this speech for quite a while. Throughout the past few weeks, I’ve had a number of perfectly good opportunities to sit

down for a couple hours and at least plan what I was going to say. Instead, I postponed working on this speech by watching a 5-hour long YouTube video critiquing the latest seasons of Doctor Who, playing the same level of Portal 2 over and over again in an attempt to speed-run it, and even by cleaning my room unprompted (among other things). In fact, I really just wrote this in a couple of days this week, so you might want to lower your expectations a bit.

I guess I thought that, by composing something so culminating in nature, I’d finally be conceding to the inevitable fact that this is the end, a notion that I’m not too mentally keen on addressing. I’ve spent the vast majority of my life at FRA, and I do not exaggerate when I say that I could cut off one or two of my fingers and still be able to count on one hand the number of memories I have from before my time here. This place is home to me, and it’s for that reason that I was in no hurry to write something commemorating my own departure.

That, and, I don’t necessarily feel qualified to give a speech so historically tied to the idea of giving one’s peers advice for college as a sending-off message. I am unable to give you all practical and trustworthy advice on “how to succeed in college” or “how to make friends in college” because, well,

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I’ve never actually been to college before. That kind of advice has and will come from far more experienced and reliable sources than myself. So, I suppose the best I can do instead is to give you all advice regarding something that I am somewhat of an expert in: being weird.

For those of you who don’t know, I am an inherently very weird person. For instance, earlier in this speech, I could have simply said that I only have three or four memories from my childhood before going to FRA; instead, I made an unnecessarily strange analogy involving severed fingers for the sake of being weird.

I may be entirely off my rocker, but I wholeheartedly believe that being weird is vastly underrated. Of course, weirdness often manifests differently for different people, but I think the end result is often the same: it’s just fun.

I spent a lot of time trying to think of how I could make a convincing and pragmatic argument in favor of the expression of weirdness before realizing how oxymoronic such a pursuit was; I would be trying to rationalize what is by nature irrational for the sake of persuasion. But I think more often than not, at least in my experience, the purpose of my weirdness is just to have fun. Strange and harmless fun, simple as that.

And I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that.

In a world where many of us will move on to work in

FROM THE SALUTATORIAN "I am so grateful to have been a part of this class for the last four years, and I look forward to seeing what God has in store for all of us. As we begin our next chapter, we take with us much more than a strong education­­—we take the experience of what it means to be a part of a compassionate community that knows how to stick together, take care of each other, and overcome."

- ALEXANDRA HALAS

monotonous jobs requiring us to do the same task day after day, a little fun by means of idiosyncratic behavior might be just what we’d need. Many of the times in which I’ve felt unfettered joy are the product of my friends and I simply being strange, and I know everyone here has the ability to feel a similar sense of happiness by embracing whatever oddities they may possess (of course, in a thoughtful and responsible manner).

Weird quirks aren’t something to be judged, but a means by which people can experience joy through

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uniqueness. It encourages me so much to see younger

I would encourage the Class of 2021 to not move on.

students, especially those in robotics, not being afraid to be

Remember what you’ve learned here, treasure the

weird. I would advise them and all of us here today to find

friendships you’ve made, stay in touch with the teachers

what is it that makes you weird, embrace it, and have fun

and parents that have changed our lives. Even after we say

doing so.

goodbye. 

My final, slightly more conventional piece of advice for the

Caleb Huddleston started at FRA in pre-kindergarten in 2007. He

Class of 2021 is to not let this be the end of your FRA-

graduated at the top of his class and was a member of the 12-Year

related journey. I know a lot of you are probably itching for

Club, RoboPanthers World-qualifying robotics team, choir, linguistics

your shot at freedom and the chance to be rid of Nashville,

Olympiad, National Honor Society, and served as president of the

and I get that, but even if that’s the case, you don’t have

International Robotics Honor Society. He will attend Trevecca Nazarene

to move on yet from everything that’s gotten you here. In

University with a major in mathematics and minors in Spanish and

reference to the idea of moving on from something, the

political science.

brilliant biochemist Dr. Jemma Simmons once said, “We don’t move on. We hold that place in our heart, we close

For more graduation photos and videos, please visit:

it off, we lock the door, we visit from time to time, but we

www.franklinroadacademy.com/classof2021

don’t move on. Even after we say goodbye.”

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HONORING THE

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CLASS OF 2021

Miles Daniel Adams

Anna Elizabeth Kaiser

Georgia Grace Austin

David Gist Key, Jr.

Erin Michelle Betty

William Todd Maggart

Michael Warrick Blackburn

Olivia Reeves Maki

William David Braam

Sofia Marie Matosich

Harris Stansell Brim

Isabelle Kelley Matthews

Brooke Ashleigh Broussard

Christopher Miller Howard May

Ethan Alexander Brown

Ava Fontaine McGinty

Aidan Alexander Carrie Call

Parker Lesley Meeks

Addison Leigh Carroll

Alexander John Mick

Campbell Grace Carroll

Conner Blair Moore

Thomas Putnam Cartiglia

Elizabeth Reece Moore

Van Ernest Christian III

Thomas Nash Murphy

Jackson Ryan Cummiskey

Erin Elizabeth Nash

Bradford Hayes Dalton

Jack Landon Norris

Ryan Alexander Dalton

Alexander Thomas Pardue

Thomas Stanley Daniels

Hunter Grace Peterson

Gavin Alistair Dawson

Timothy Jon Pinkston

Gonzalo de Gracia

Tzunami Lain Rodriguez Polito

David Neil DeRocher

Robert DeWitt Reineke

Emma Kathryn Flegel

William Jay Roberts

Amelia Rose Fox

Eli Murray Roddy

Emily Ashley Gardner

Lucas Adrian Rodriguez

Kaylee Alexandra Gentry

Joshua William Rohricht

Grace Lavinia Gills

Khalia Sanders

Cole Duke Glotzer

Aaron Michael Schierbaum

Jada Marie Iman Greer

Kaila Yvonne Scott

Spencer Davis Guy

Elena Estefania Enright Shepherd

Ava Victoria Hagood

Wake Edward Charles Sizemore

Alexandra Erin Halas, Salutatorian

Owen Alexander Smith

Katelyn Marie Harnen

Taylor Lynn Smith

Garrison Avy La Vell Harold

Allison Michelle Sokoloff

Sophia Christine Hart

Quortney Alexandria Solomon

Iris McCall Heldman

Paul Gabriel Sposato

Taylor Jennings Hillenmeyer, Jr.

Alex Kathryn Taylor

Isa Alek Holt

Mattox Meriem Telwar

Caleb J Huddleston, Valedictorian

Stephen Edward Vickers IV

Jessica Delight Huddleston

Elijah Ryan Warrix

William Weakley Johnson IV

Madalyn Grace Wiatr

Hawaii

Matriculations Acceptances

COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES & MATRICULATIONS Appalachian State University Arizona State University Auburn University Baylor University Bellarmine University Belmont University Berry College Birmingham Southern College Boston University Bryan College Butler University California Baptist University California Polytechnic State University Case Western Reserve University Catawba College Cedarville University Centre College Clark Atlanta University Clemson University Coastal Carolina University College of Charleston College of the Holy Cross Colorado School of Mines Colorado State University Columbia College Chicago Dallas Baptist University DePaul University East Tennessee State University Eastern Illinois University Eckerd College Elmhurst College Elon University Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Emerson College Emory University Fisk University Flagler College Florida Atlantic University Florida Southern College Fort Lewis College Furman University George Washington University Guilford College Hampton University High Point University Howard University Indiana University-Bloomington Jacksonville University James Madison University

Kennesaw State University Kentucky Wesleyan College Lake Forest College LeTourneau University Lipscomb University Louisiana State University Loyola University Chicago Loyola University New Orleans Marymount Manhattan College Maryville College Mercer University Miami University-Oxford Middle Tennessee State University Mississippi State University Montclair State University Morehead State University Morgan State University Norfolk State University North Carolina A & T State University Northwestern University Nova Southeastern University Oglethorpe University Ohio State University Pace University Pennsylvania State University Purdue University Queens University of Charlotte Randolph College Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rhodes College Rollins College Rutgers University Saint Louis University Salisbury University Samford University Southern Methodist University Spelman College Spring Hill College St John's University-New York Stetson University Syracuse University Tennessee State University Tennessee Technological University Texas A & M University Texas Christian University The College of Wooster The New School The University of Alabama The University of Arizona

The University of Montana The University of Tampa The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga The University of Tennessee-Knoxville The University of Tennessee-Martin The University of the South: Sewanee Transylvania University Trevecca Nazarene University Tulane University of Louisiana Union University University of Alabama at Birmingham University of Alabama in Huntsville University of Arkansas University of Central Florida University of Cincinnati University of Colorado-Boulder University of Colorado-Denver University of Dayton University of Denver University of Florida University of Georgia University of Hawaii at Manoa University of Houston University of Indianapolis University of Kentucky University of Louisville University of Maryland University of Memphis University of Miami University of Mississippi University of Missouri University of North Carolina at Asheville University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University of Richmond University of Rochester University of San Diego University of South Carolina University of Virginia University of Wisconsin-Madison Vanderbilt University Villanova University Virginia Polytechnic Institute Wake Forest University Washington University in St Louis West Virginia University Western Kentucky University Wofford College Xavier University of Louisiana

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C E L E B R AT I N G T HE

1 2 - Y EAR C L U B Letters to the members of the 12-Year Club for the Class of 2021

F E AT U R E

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WRITTEN BY

ALLISON KAUFMAN, Kindergarten Teacher

W

When I was asked to speak at your 12-Year Club luncheon, I immediately grabbed an old yearbook to look through, and I could not help but smile as I looked at all of your

cute faces. I was also in disbelief that you all are seniors.

It seems like yesterday you all were in kindergarten.

Even if you were in Mrs. Alford, Mrs. Dobbs, Mrs. Self, or Ms. Watson’s classes, I remember each and every one of you. It has been such a joy to watch you all grow up literally right before my eyes. I even remember when Parker and Sophie were born.

What a privilege it has been to cheer for you and support you over the last 12 years. Whether on the stage, a ball field or court, receiving accolades of some sort, or even watching you in the Homecoming parade, I can’t help but beam knowing we had a small fingerprint on your life.

I look back fondly at the pictures of you, but I must admit my favorite memories are more recent. They are the times when you have come back to the lower school over the years to be Panther Pals or Angel Buddies.

I love watching my kindergarten students look up to students who I remember as kindergarteners. It is one of those full circle moments that makes being at a school like this so special.

I could not pass up this opportunity without reminding you of some of the special memories we all shared back in 2008 and 2009. Do you remember your first day of kindergarten or the countless times you might have been told to not pick up sticks or throw rocks on the playground? Do you remember the day when you were finally brave enough to climb across and get off the big green dinosaur by yourself? I know I had to rescue some of you off of it!

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Do you remember the Gingerbread Hunt, or trying to find the perfect pumpkin during our field trip to Gentry’s Farm? Do you remember who you were in the Kindergarten Christmas devotional? How about the first time you were on the middle school stage dressed up in 70s attire singing “Meet the Flintstones” and “The Brady Bunch” for Grandparents Day? And if you were in my class, would you believe I still use the vegetable slicer the class gave me as a Christmas gift after I sliced my thumb and had to get stitches?

To your parents, I want to simply say thank you. Thank you for sharing your child with us and for trusting us with one of your most prized possessions so many years ago.

My prayer for each of you is that you will put your trust and future plans in God’s hands. He has got you no matter what, and His plans for your life will far exceed your expectations. You have been blessed with so much, and I pray that you will continue to be a blessing to others.

WRITTEN BY

JAY SALATO, Head of Upper School

T

This class is special, and it always has been.

You know that you’re special to me because, as I always put it, we graduated eighth grade together. When you were in fourth

grade, I started my FRA career in the middle school, ready to welcome you. So, I’ve known you all since you came to the middle school in fifth grade.

I can say, with 100 percent certainty, that I have taught each of you during your FRA career. I have had the distinct honor and pleasure of being one of the few teachers in this school (in addition to Señora Speck and Dr. Ross) who have taught all of you. Yes, it was in the ever-popular sixth

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grade “exploratory French rotation” in which each of you took exactly nine weeks of an ungraded French class.

I was coming from a large public high school, I had been teaching AP French classes, and I was still learning the idiosyncrasies of the middle school mind. Then Coach Hart said, “Here’s your group of sixth grade clowns.” (As you know, Coach Hart also knows this class particularly well, so when he called you “clowns,” I know that he meant it as a term of endearment.) Then he added, “Oh yeah, and you can’t even give them a grade, so good luck.”

If you guys remember, I developed a “star chart” that was only marginally effective in getting you all to do your classwork and act in a reasonable manner. Do you remember those French skits? I do, and luckily, I still have a few of them recorded on my iPad in case any of you become incredibly famous.

As you transitioned into the upper school, I watched you, with so much pride and joy, become the young women and men that I see walking the halls today. While I will always remember you as your goofy middle school selves, I am so pleased that I’ve been an integral part of your growth in the upper school as well. Thank you for what you have already done to make this school a better place for those behind you. 

The 12-Year Club members for the class of 2021 are Addy Carroll, Campbell Carroll, Thomas Cartiglia, Van Christian, Jackson Cummiskey, Hayes Dalton, Thomas Daniels, Emma Flegel, Kaylee Gentry, Sophie Hart, Iris Heldman, Isa Holt, Caleb Huddleston, Will Maggart, Isabelle Matthews, Parker Meeks, Reece Moore, Alex Mick, Erin Nash, Jack Norris, Taylor Smith, Alex Taylor, Mattox Telwar, and Eli Warrix.

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HOMECOMING and REUNION WEEKEND Please mark your calendar for Homecoming and the All-Alumni Reunion Party set for October 8-9, 2021. The reunion party will be held at The Factory in Franklin. Our 50th Anniversary has given us a unique opportunity to celebrate all reunion years together and this event, in particular, will be a great opportunity to see all your old classmates and friends.

For more details and to RSVP, scan the QR code or visit our website: WWW.FRANKLINROADACADEMY.COM/50TH

50TH ANNIVERSARY

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EVENTS CALENDAR

ALL-COMMUNITY TAILGATE

September 3, 2021 | all fra community members

50TH BIRTHDAY PARTY

September 10, 2021 | faculty and students

GOLF CLASSIC

September 13, 2021 | all fra community members

LEGACY FAMILY BREAKFAST October 6, 2021 | by invitation only

HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY October 8, 2021 | by invitation only

HOMECOMING TAILGATE, FOOTBALL GAME, AND ALUMNI AWARD RECOGNITION October 8, 2021 | all fra community members

ALL-ALUMNI REUNION PARTY October 9, 2021 | all fra alumni

PARENT OF ALUMNI RECEPTION October 21, 2021 | all parents of alumni

HEAD OF SCHOOL GALLERY INSTALLATION CEREMONY December 3, 2021 | by invitation only

YOUNG ALUMNI CHRISTMAS PARTY December 18, 2021 | alumni under age 30

SPIRITUAL EMPHASIS WEEK CHAPEL

February 1-3, 2022 | all fra community members

STARS & GUITARS FUNDRAISING GALA February 26, 2022 | all fra community members

12-YEAR CLUB LUNCHEON

April 5, 2022 | 12-year club members and parents

ANNUAL DAY OF GIVING

April 12, 2022 | all fra community members

ALMOST ALUMNI PRESENTATION April 22, 2022 | senior class and parents

JAZZ CAFÉ & ARTS RECEPTION

May 7, 2022 | all fra community members

50TH ANNIVERSARY END-OF-YEAR CELEBRATION May 14, 2022 | all fra community members

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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 communities. In this section, alumni share their stories about life after graduating from FRA .

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Whitney Forstner '94 I

I took a big leap of faith when I graduated from FRA and decided to travel about 660 miles north to Virginia for college. After college, I settled in Richmond and have been here ever since. I have

two boys in the eighth grade, and manage being a mom, a business owner, and a wife along with all of the things that come with everyday life.

I got my start in corporate America, working for a then credit card company and now, Capital One bank. It was an amazing foundation for understanding how business works. I got to wear so many hats that allowed me to gain experience and the confidence to start something on my own.

Starting my own company was not a goal I had set for myself, but rather, it came about from personal need. When I got pregnant with my twin boys, I thought that was a perfect excuse to sidestep my career and stay home with them. But I realized that I was a much better mom, wife, friend, and human when I had something other than just my family to focus on.

I knew I wanted work to be a part of my life, but I didn't want to give away my life to work. That got me thinking, “Wow, I’ll bet I'm not the only person feeling this way.” But at the time, there were no resources to help me navigate this new world of professional work and motherhood. I stayed at Capital One for about a year after a four-month maternity leave, navigating the waters independently and figuring it out on my own. Then, I left to start a business that helped women find professional, part time, and flexible job opportunities.

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Art for the Home is my current venture that started with a personal passion for art and a grand appreciation for the work that artists do. I've been surrounded by art my whole life. My grandmother was an artist. My mom, who worked hard to provide for us independently, always figured out a way to bring original art into our space. I was surrounded by the beauty of art and wanted to bring that to other people who may have beautiful homes and a great design but whose walls are blank or don’t reflect their taste.

It started off with a blog that was meant to help a few friends find art for their homes. I am not a talented artist, but I do see the beauty that the artist brings forth, and I wanted to share those stories with others. And so, Art for the Home is a business that focuses on not just bringing visual interest into someone’s space but I had to figure out how to help myself so that I could help others be thoughtful, effective moms and employees at the same time. We ended up building a multi-city company that educated people on the value of hiring the right person and managing a work-life balance. We were recognized on the Inc. 500 FastestGrowing Companies list, received some unique recognitions, managed it to an operational status, and then decided to switch gears and move on to something else.

I didn’t set out to be an entrepreneur. I did not know that I liked building and figuring things out. I enjoy following my curiosity, and when I feel like I've accomplished that, or when things get to a place where it's just managing a process instead of building a program, that's when I start to look at different ways to navigate.

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by finding art that tells people's stories and the stories behind the art.

I get to know the artists, understand their inspiration, and analyze the energy they put into it by bringing the pieces into our house or corporate spaces. Art for the Home has evolved over the last two years, and we’re especially busy now. People have been spending a lot of time at home, and they want something pretty behind their Zoom calls. It’s been a fun experience during this time where we are home bound and thinking about our spaces differently.

It's not just about the transaction of art. Instead, we start by discovering what the homeowner wants their space to feel like. Then we find art from various artists across the country that will help tell the homeowner’s story and connect to their space.

I have met thousands of artists and love sharing their stories. The connection between artist and collector is special, and I get to bring those two worlds together by making art accessible to anyone who aspires to have it in their home.

Unlike a chef or a musician who gets to see their audience react to their music or food, a visual artist rarely gets to see where their art ends up. So for me, Art for the Home not only fills space with beauty, but tells the story from inspiration to installation, helping people see the connection between the inspiration and where it goes.

I also talk about color theory with my clients, because it’s important to understand what makes their space feel calming and comforting to them. We talk about whether they prefer to be inside or outside, at the beach or in the mountains. Those preferences don’t necessarily show up directly in the art that’s presented to them, but it might be reflected in the

Homecomings and game days are some of my favorite

colors or in the artist’s identity.

memories. I remember the varsity girls would play before the varsity boys teams, and we would always

What I loved about being a student at FRA was that

cheer for each other. The guys would watch our

we had the opportunity to do and explore everything.

games, and we would watch their games. It was just a

So any time I had the chance to try something, my

part of what we did.

curiosity led me to give it a shot. I was super involved in student government, and I enjoyed volleyball,

Growing up with a Christian foundation as a student

basketball, and the comradery of being on a team.

at FRA was helpful and continues to play out in my

Truthfully, everyone was influential to me in some

life today. The encouragement to try anything and the

way. That's the uniqueness of a small environment.

opportunities that FRA gave me have been embedded

Everybody knew everybody in a loving, caring,

in my other experiences, from what I chose to do

supportive way. FRA is like family, and I look back

in college, to wearing different hats in corporate

on my years at FRA so fondly. They were pivotal and

employment, to starting my own business. Following

transitional years of personal growth and figuring out

my curiosity took root at FRA .

who I was in the midst of teenage angst.

FranklinRoadAcademy.com | 22

I would tell a current student at FRA to follow their joy,

no matter how many years separate my living there,

which is slightly different than following their passion.

feels like home. And my business, Art for the Home,

Your joy does not have to be found in a career, but

has launched in Nashville, which is special to me. 

can be found in supporting the things you want to do outside of work. And then, I would also say, trust in the

Whitney (Kazmerowski) Forstner is the founder of Art for

unknown.

the Home in Richmond, Virginia. She attended FRA from 1988-1994 and was captain of the varsity volleyball and

If you trust that the right things will unfold, and that

varsity basketball teams, student body secretary, and a

God will not lead you where He doesn't want you to go,

member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, YoungLife,

just put one foot in front of the other, and you'll end up

Yearbook, and Girls Service Club. She holds a bachelor's

on the right path.

degree in psychology from Randolph-Macon College and a master's degree in higher education administration from

I read a quote once, and I think it’s true, that says, “Home is not where you live, but it’s where you got your start.” And that's how I feel about Nashville. Nashville,

23 | 4700 Spring/Summer 2021

The College of William & Mary.

Martin Penny '03 I

I came to FRA in middle school. I was drawn here because of my love for football and baseball, and I had attended summer camps with George

Weicker, David Tucker, Ed Zaborowski, and Jerry Williams—four men who ended up being influential in my life. When I transitioned out of the public school setting and into smaller class sizes, I was challenged to take a leadership role among my peers. That helped me academically and gave me a moral compass. At FRA , I was very much prepared academically.

I went to the University of Tennessee for undergrad and got a Master of Public Administration. Then, I received a Master of Sustainability at Lipscomb University, and was pursuing a PhD in Public Administration when I started to have children. My experience at FRA , along with my degrees from the University of Tennessee and Lipscomb University, laid the groundwork for what I do today.

Many teachers at FRA greatly impacted my success in academia and in the business world. For example, I will always be thankful for the classes I took with Jerry Williams. Coach Williams taught me how to write in a way to get my point across clearly. His mentorship in the classroom and in athletics will always stand out to me.

F E AT U R E D A L U M N I

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FRA taught me how to set a schedule, organize for future success, communicate with adults, and connect with individuals from different backgrounds. I was able to develop my leadership skills and hone my preparedness by playing for good leaders and coaches, and those skills have been helpful to me in my career.

In my job as a Director of Advocacy for AARP Tennessee, I am working for the betterment of Tennesseans who are 50 years old and older. I work with elected officials at local, state, and federal levels. Each week during Legislative Session, I review legislation, and prepare a calendar for bills AARP Tennessee will support or oppose.

At AARP, we are volunteer driven, so we make sure our volunteers are connected to the issues we are working on and what they might want to engage with. We want to make sure that our elected officials on local, state and federal levels are hearing from us.

I love taking legislation that initially might be partisan and making it bipartisan—something that's difficult but needed—and getting people on the same page whether they be Republican or Democrat. I am working with leaders of all different communities to put their voice out there and getting legislation written in a way that brings everyone on board.

One of my biggest professional wins in a previous role was when I had a client called the Pew Charitable Trusts. We had the National Parks and Infrastructure Bill, which was the last major bill Senator Lamar Alexander passed. It provided funding for the National Parks and Infrastructure backlog. In Tennessee, we have the most visited national park in the country, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which gets about 11 million visitors per year, even through COVID-19. The next largest is the Grand Canyon at six million.

25 | 4700 Spring/Summer 2021

I’m also proud of my involvement with Turner’s Heroes.

Jay Salato and I were in the same class, and I love

In February of 2019, Turner’s Heroes was started by

that he is the head of upper school today. It just

former Vanderbilt University student athlete Cody

proves again how influential those four coaches were

Markel, and I was asked to serve as Chair at the

in our lives and how that has carried into the next

inception of the organization.

generation. We were around them when they were in their 30s and early 40s, and there’s something to

This organization was founded to honor former

be said for the life lessons and characteristics they

Vanderbilt student athlete, Turner Cockrell, who passed

modeled and instilled in us.

away in the fall of 2018 with cancer. Turner's Heroes supports pediatric patients through superhero themed

I was the kind of student who definitely needed FRA .

events at children's hospitals with athletes at all levels,

Being at a smaller school helped me get the additional

as well as funding pediatric cancer research at the

attention that I needed. It was a tough transition at

Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt.

first, but I had teachers who went the extra mile for me. My teachers and coaches helped keep me on the

My oldest daughter spent a week at Vanderbilt

right track. I was surrounded by support and found a

Children’s Hospital, and anyone who has spent time

family here that I know is always going to be there for

at these places knows what a blessing the children are

me. It feels like I’m forever a part of a team.

to others as well as those who care for them. Turner's Heroes is important to Nashville because it helps make

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself, “Slow

pediatric patients feel like heroes while having fun with

down and live in the moment. Do the best you can, and

local athletes.

don’t try to be the best for somebody else.” I would also encourage current students to listen before they speak

Turner's Heroes has grown to work with universities

and embrace the moment. 

across the country, connecting their student athletes to pediatric patients at Vanderbilt, Austin Peay State

Martin is currently serving as the director of advocacy at

University, Georgia State University, Cleveland State

AARP Tennessee. He attended FRA from 1994-2003 and was a

University, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

member of the varsity football team, varsity baseball team, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and the vocal ensemble. He

Turner's Heroes has also honored pediatric patients in

holds a bachelor's in political science and a master's of public

the Nashville area through their connections with NFL

administration from the University of Tennessee as well as a

athletes and PGA tour pros. Finally, Turner's Heroes

master's in environmental science from Lipscomb University.

funds integral and innovative pediatric cancer research to ensure that, one day, no child will lose the fight against pediatric cancer.

Being around Coach Weicker, Coach Tucker, Coach Zab, and Coach Williams through baseball and football was something I loved, knowing that they helped start this school in its early years. I could tell what they put into FRA , and I appreciated feeling like I was a part of the work they put in together.

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Melodie Malone '05

F E AT U R E D A L U M N I

27 | 4700 Spring/Summer 2021

I

I moved to Atlanta in 2009 to work for WinShape camps, and led worship for them until 2014.

Around the time that I moved to Atlanta, Passion City Church was starting. I was looking for a

place to get involved and felt led to be a part of the church. I could tell the Spirit of God was moving there, and I wanted to be involved in that.

I got plugged in, started serving, and God kept opening doors.

I was part of our choir and eventually started leading worship which led me to become a part of what is now Passion Music.

With Passion Music, we get to worship with people across the nation and record records.

I’ve had the privilege of traveling to and worshiping in some incredible places. The two that immediately come to my mind are South Africa and Israel. In Cape Town, we led worship in the soccer stadium, and seeing God bring cultures together through the gospel was one of the most incredible moments of my life. We also got to see the places where Jesus walked and talked in Israel, and that made scripture come to life.

I realized that I loved the way music connects my heart to Jesus in an unexplainable way. I can’t rationalize this out, but God has created music in such a way that it helps us express our heart to Him. That's what I love about what I do. I love that I get to help people encounter Jesus. And at the end of the day, that's why I do what I do because being on a stage and entertaining people is not my idea of a good time. I'm very much an introvert and don’t want to be the center of PHOTO CREDIT/ Austin Bell

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PHOTO CREDITS / Austin Bell and Roxy Moure

29 | 4700 Spring/Summer 2021

attention. But I do what I do because I have found God,

love for music and performing. They believed in me

and encountered Him that way, and so I want to help

so much, and they championed me. I knew that they

other people experience Him like that.

were there for me and excited—I felt so much love from both of them. They helped me walk confidently

Brenda Jewell and Bob Chandler were instrumental

in who I was and be willing to pursue music in

in helping me develop my love for music, educating

college.

me, helping me understand what could be, and just propelling me into that. I grew up loving music and

“Melodie is a solid part of the foundation of our FRA

desiring to pursue it in some form or fashion, but I

Jazz Ensemble program,” Chandler said. “She was one

didn't know what that looked like—especially because

of our first featured vocalists. In our band, she was an

15 years ago, being a worship leader for a living wasn't

excellent saxophonist and clarinetist, a strong group

really an option as it is today. I went to a passion

leader, and inspiring team player. First and foremost,

conference in Nashville in 2006, and my eyes were

Melodie is a down to earth, remarkable person. Her

opened to the possibilities of what could be.

strong faith and heart for others have an energy and spirit that touches anyone around her.”

“I’m proud of Melodie’s continued growth as a musician,” Chandler said. “I am proud that I had the

“When she moved to working with WinShape Camps

opportunity to hear Melodie work on her writing at a

after she graduated, my first thought was how blessed

young age. Reflecting on Melodie’s early passion for

the kids were going to be by her mentoring and

writing and her expression of her faith through music

her personal walk with the Lord, in addition to her

gives me great joy.”

musicianship,” Jewell said. “Seeing her lead in worship as a part of the Passion ministry has been an amazing

“From the first day of middle school choir, Melodie

affirmation of who she is as a believer and as a gifted

stood out as a joyful, committed musician with skills

vocalist/musician—a beautiful fit. As I watched

and a work ethic way beyond her years,” Jewell said.

Melodie’s virtual performance during the National

“She loved making music and was a catalyst and

Christmas Tree Lighting on an internationally

vocal leader for our groups, even at that young age.

televised stage this past year, I was moved to tears.

Melodie wanted to improve at every turn and would

Her unwavering dedication to her Lord and to her

regularly ask for specific feedback which, as both an

craft earned her the accolades and the witness that

instrumentalist and a vocalist, was a key component to

she so passionately continues to share. Melodie was

her continued growth.”

a pure pleasure to teach and now to celebrate. I am blessed to call her a colleague and friend.”

I came to FRA in middle school during seventh grade, and it was my first year in Nashville. In middle school

Music was more of a progressive love of mine. There

and upper school, you're truly trying to figure out who

wasn't one specific moment that I thought, "This is it."

you are, what you love to do, and what God has made

I couldn’t ever imagine anything else that I would do.

you to do. I found that through the vocal ensemble,

I grew up singing in church and singing and playing

musicals like Pippin and Guys and Dolls, and the jazz

piano for our youth group, so it just felt like a natural

and pep bands at FRA .

progression. I thought, “I love doing this. If I could do this for a living, that would be amazing. I don't know

Mrs. Jewell and Mr. Chandler were the ones who

what that looks like, but I'm just going to keep moving

directed those experiences and helped me discover my

in that direction until something becomes clear.”

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I was guided and cared for, and that created a solid foundation for moving forward after I graduated from FRA . I had those specific people that invested in my life, and that made me confident moving forward.

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to take more risks, get outside of my comfort zone, and to not be afraid to fail. I always wanted to do things the right way, and so I wouldn't necessarily take the chance if I didn't think I could succeed. And so, take risks and be willing to fail and learn from your mistakes. Do all of this by looking through the lens of your opportunities.

Don’t look at your own ability, but God’s capability, and realize that He is the one who will carry you through all of those things.

I would tell a current student to choose his or her friends wisely and choose wisely on who you let speak into your life. Make sure you're in the word of God, PHOTO CREDIT/ Roxy Moure

and let that be the ultimate thing that is leading and guiding you.

At FRA , there are high expectations and standards, which was great for me as a student. It helped me rise to the

Where I am today is one thousand percent of the Lord

occasion and instilled a hard work ethic in my life by

because I would have never ever pictured that I would

what was required of me.

be here. Part of that is being faithful with what He puts in your hands and blooming where you're planted. I felt

I have some great memories from the football games and

like I was supposed to be a part of Passion City Church,

the comradery that came from playing with the pep band

so I planted myself there. Whatever God put in my

and just being there together. I loved the opportunity

hands, I wanted to be faithful with it, whether it was

to explore different avenues that I never would have

small or large. I was faithful with the small things, and

discovered on my own. I know that music probably

I started seeing Him open door after door after door. I

wouldn't have been as big of a deal if we hadn’t moved to

had to truly trust and put my faith in Him while letting

Nashville and started attending FRA .

Him guide me, and being obedient and walking in those things daily. 

I thrived in the smaller environment and community at FRA . My experience felt more personal. I knew my

Melodie is a worship leader for Passion Music and Passion

teachers, I had relationships with them, and I got specific

City Church. She attended FRA from 1999-2005 and was

attention. I think I would have felt overwhelmed if I had

involved in choir, jazz band, pep band, Evening with the Arts,

been at a larger public high school. The freedom to talk

Cocoa and Carols, Guys and Dolls, Pippin, Fiddler on the Roof,

about Jesus, regularly going to chapels, and being around

and a member of National Honor Society. Melodie's mom,

that culture was instrumental for me. FRA propelled me

Kathy, teaches pre-algebra in the middle school at FRA.

into being confident enough to pursue what I wanted to pursue.

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A Tribute to 9/11 REFLECTIONS, EMOTIONS, AND MEMORIES SHARED

WRITTEN BY DR. FRED FRAWLEY, Former Middle School Dean

A

As an American who has been around for almost eight decades and as a combat veteran in Vietnam with 20 years plus military service during the Cold War Era, I have experienced my

share of difficult and tense and compelling situations.

Many emotions ran through my mind and body on September 11, 2001. I spent the day after the attack out of my office with my students in hallways and classrooms and in assembly in prayer, assuring them that they were in a safe place and that we would take care of them.

I presented my strong side to the faculty and students while from time to time returning to my office to privately deal with my own emotions and simply weep for a few moments.

We traveled to New York City on an eighth grade trip every April from 1995-2003. We would load two buses and travel 9,200 miles round trip. The students loved every minute of it.

When we would return home, the bus ride would always be in the top three favorite things mentioned.

I would ride on one bus going up and the other bus returning home, spending time talking to each of my students as we surveyed the beautiful countryside, red birds, and dogwood trees that covered the span of Tennessee, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York.

A TRIBUTE TO 9/11

FranklinRoadAcademy.com | 32

When we arrived in New York City, the first landmark we

After 9/11, the impact on our upper school students and

would see was the World Trade Center. The students and

young alumni who had been to the top of the World Trade

chaperones would always make sure to point out the Twin

Center on that trip was huge because they remembered

Towers.

those views, the doorman who greeted us at the bottom, the waitress inside of the restaurant that was at the top,

We’d spend the first night at a baseball game, whether

and the people they had interacted with in the souvenir

it was the Mets or the Yankees who were in town and

shop. They wondered what had happened to them and if

playing at home. We called our first day of touring the city

they were okay.

our “Day in the Sky.” We went to Battery Park, got on the boat and went out to Liberty Island, headed to the top of

On the day of the attacks, one of our teachers called

the crown of the Statue of Liberty, and to Ellis Island for

me into his classroom during his planning period. He

lunch.

calmly said, “Come here for a minute. I want to show you something.” The first plane had hit the World Trade

After lunch, we would walk to the World Trade Center,

Center. At first I felt shock and sadness, and then anger,

Chinatown, Little Italy, and the Empire State Building. The

particularly from spending 20 years in the military.

view from the top of the World Trade Center was unlike the Empire State Building view. From the World Trade

We held an assembly where I told our middle school

Center, we could see the Hudson River from one side,

students what had happened, and we prayed together.

then walk around to the other side to see the city and look

We had some alumni working in New York City, so I called

to the right and left to see Brooklyn and New Jersey.

their families to confirm that they were okay.

33 | 4700 Spring/Summer 2021

In the following months, conversations surrounding our upcoming eighth grade trip started to buzz. At that point, we had students who had been looking forward to this trip since they were in first grade. I called Mayor Jim Cooper’s office and told him what our trips have looked like in the past and asked him if he thought it was safe. He assured us that New York City was safe and secure, so we started planning.

When we loaded the buses again a couple of months later, it felt like every other trip. However, when we arrived at Liberty Island, everything changed. When we walked from Ground Zero to Battery Park, the group was somber.

The photos truly show the raw emotion. It felt like you were at a funeral. The massive buildings around us were covered in big drapes. We could see an iron cross at the top and could look down in the pit to see the subway tunnels.

Thinking back to that trip that happened 20 years ago and when I see those students or think of them, my mind goes to that event. Mark Winker '99, one of the highest ranked alumni we have in the military, was on one of those trips on top of the World Trade Center. I don’t know if that experience influenced him to go into the military or not, but it may have.

So when I see those students, sometimes they’ll mention it first, or I’ll mention it...that we stood on top of the World Trade Center together. I have seven years of groups of students that I share that memory with. It was such a horrible thing, but it’s almost unifying that we were able to experience that together. It’s a benchmark in my life and in their lives. 

“

"My trip to New York as an eighth grader vividly stands out in my mind. Not only was it my first time to NYC, but it was a trip filled with quintessentially American landmarks and experiences—from Ellis Island to Broadway—a trip shared with friends who have remained some of my closest to this day.

With this trip, FRA provided an exceptional opportunity to not only understand the political climate after 9/11 but also to gain a greater understanding of the construction of our country’s historical narrative. I will never forget visiting Ground Zero— seeing the destruction, the fences decorated with farewell messages, and the outpouring of support for those lost. We all have our own memories of that day; however, personally seeing the physical space and emotional impact of 9/11 in NYC fostered a greater sense of patriotism at an earlier age."

- JACQUELINE BRACKEN FISHER '06

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Robo Panthers HOST INAUGURAL ROBOTICS TOURNAMENT

On Saturday, February 6, the Franklin Road Academy RoboPanthers welcomed 24 of the best teams from across the state to compete in FRA's inaugural robotics tournament.

“I began planning for this two years ago,” VEX Robotics Event Partner and RoboPanther coach Kelly Huddleston said. “I started volunteering in different positions at meets we attended so I could learn the ins and outs of the various roles as judge, scorekeeper referee, running the skills field, running the tournament manager software, and being a judge adviser. I knew that experience would help as we planned our first tournament.”

ROBOTICS

35 | 4700 Spring/Summer 2021

However, the FRA tournament didn’t happen without its fair share of obstacles. Like much of the world, competitive robotics was hit hard due to COVID-19. “When we put this date on our master calendar in 2019, we couldn’t have predicted we’d be planning our first home tournament during a global pandemic complete with lockdowns and quarantines,” Huddleston said. “I am proud to say that our robotics program has maintained stringent COVID-19 precautions throughout the year, and that has allowed us to compete regularly in live tournaments. Many states and countries around the world haven’t been as fortunate as we have,” Huddleston said. “FRA’s COVID-19 response team has taken good care of us.”

Robotics tournaments are “a complete athletics season in one day” according to senior Garrison Harold, who has been a RoboPanther for four years and is a member of the 2021 Tennessee State Championship team. Tournaments are an all-day affair often beginning around 7 a.m. and concluding around 6 p.m. And they are notorious for running late.

“We ran this tournament better than the Swiss train system,” head coach James Weeks said. “We were ahead of schedule the entire tournament and it was a great event with some unbelievably tough competition. Our focus was hosting this tournament safely during an active phase of the pandemic.”

Senior Caleb Huddleston has been a RoboPanther for four years and is his team’s builder and drive team coach. “I was most proud of how much fun all of the other teams seemed to be having and how smoothly the event ran in general,” Huddleston said.

The FRA tournament required more than 12 hours of setup over two days—setting up three competition fields, technology, team pit areas, and live streaming in each team area, judge rooms, and other spaces. “I'm grateful for the

particularly the mass of FRA students who were not even involved with robotics,” Weeks said.

Huddleston added, “In my four years of coaching robotics, I have not yet been to a tournament that was not begging for volunteers up until the day of the meet. I had more student and parent volunteers than I knew what to do with. Our parents are amazing, and the support they provide us is the envy of many teams we know.”

Teams competed in 8-10 qualification matches first, and these determined each team’s ranking going into the elimination matches in the afternoon. Elimination matches run just like an athletic championship bracket. While the RoboPanthers didn’t win the tournament, Team 97934U (seniors Garrison Harold and Christopher May and junior Claire Conley) won the Sportsmanship Award.

“The Sportsmanship Award always means a lot to me,” Huddleston said. “All of the teams vote, and it demonstrates how highly other teams think of our kids.

Garrison and Christopher outdid themselves by helping other teams fix their robots as well as taking time from their own preparations to help repair two field element issues. Our teams compete with respect and integrity, and other programs recognize that.” 

army of parents and students who showed up to help,

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Robo Panthers WIN STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE R

RoboPanther team 97934U, comprised of seniors Garrison Harold and Christopher May and junior Claire Conley, won the 2021 VEX Robotics Tennessee State Championship. The tournament was held on Saturday, April 17 and featured 36 robotics teams from across the state.

“I am so proud of Garrison, Christopher, and Claire. They have spent countless hours preparing, prototyping, iterating, coding, building, driving, and updating their engineering design notebook since last August,” said Kelly Huddleston, robotics coach. “Their work ethic and dedication have paid off with the State Championship title.”

May has been involved in robotics for six years, two in middle school and all four years of high school. “I have always wanted to be an engineer and saw that robotics would be the best place for me to learn and grow by constantly going through the engineering process,” said May. “Winning the State Championship was a lot of hard and tedious work from the very beginning, but it was all worth it in the end.”

37 | 4700 Spring/Summer 2021

Harold has been on the team for four years and serves as the primary builder, coder, and driver. He is no stranger to competing at the highest level possible. In addition to his State Championship win this year, Harold’s team was state runners-up during his freshman and junior years, qualifying them for the World Championship.

“Competing in the World Championship was one of the most exhilarating events of my high school career,” said Harold. “The intensity of the competition combined with all of the effort that everyone put into their robot made for the most fun competition I have ever competed in.”

Conley joined the RoboPanthers last year as a sophomore. “I really love the friendly atmosphere at our competitions. Everyone comes with the attitude of a true sportsman,” said Conley. “People from other schools walk up to me and never shy away from starting a conversation or giving me a compliment on my light-up goggles, and I have never felt more welcome.”

Both Harold and May plan to pursue STEM related programs in college and major in computer science with minors in mechanical engineer. Harold will attend Union University in the fall, and May will attend Clemson University. 

VEX ROBOTICS TENNESSEE TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARD Along with the State Champion title, RoboPanther Coach Kelly Huddleston received the Tennessee VEX Robotics Teacher of the Year Award. “It takes a village to manage all of the parts and paperwork to maintain a high-quality robotics lab, and Kelly is the village. Our teams wouldn’t be winning State Championships without her, and we’re glad to see that the VEX Robotics organization appreciates her as much as we do,” coach Matthew Groves said.

“I never expected this,” said Huddleston.

“I do what I do because I love my students.

The public affirmation is greatly appreciated, especially in such a difficult year, but honestly, watching my students learn and grow and compete with integrity is the best reward.”

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S P I R I T UA L

EMPHASIS WEEK BY

BRANDON ALBRIGHT, Director of Spiritual Life

In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul encourages the church in Corinth by detailing what it looks like to have unity and diversity in the body of Christ. He reveals the value of each and every part, the need to honor those who don’t normally receive it, the equal concern that we should have for one another, and the importance of celebrating each other in times of joy and mourning with each other in times of sorrow. Above all, he explicitly reveals in the following chapter the importance of love as the binding agent in a unified body. If we are to be one, we must live out the perfect love modeled to us by Jesus.

While those verses were written to believers long ago, they have tremendous impact and application for us. This year we have seen economies shut down due to a global pandemic, the fight for justice and accountability amidst racial tensions, and political disagreement and division at levels we haven’t seen in our lifetimes.

SPIRITUAL LIFE

39 | 4700 Spring/Summer 2021

We’ve seen Christians on both sides of every argument, and I believe that we have a tremendous opportunity to look back at Paul’s writings and remind ourselves that the body of Christ should be diverse and unified by the love of Jesus, living out his mission in the world.

For this reason, we felt led to dive into a theme of ONE during Spiritual Emphasis Week this year. This theme is one we’ve navigated in chapels and convocations throughout the year and could expound on throughout the week. The tumultuous events of 2020 have allowed us to have authentic discussions regarding issues of race and differences, and to have meaningful conversations about what it looks like be a community that reflects Jesus.

Over the course of the week, our SEW

"Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. So that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it."

-1 Corinthians 12:12, 25-27

speakers addressed various aspects of our theme. I detailed the beautiful diversity in the body of Christ and how Christ-like love leads to unity as revealed in 1 Corinthians 12-13.

Mike Glenn, pastor of Brentwood Baptist Church, explored the importance of loving God and loving others. Dorena Williamson, an author, speaker, and co-founder of Strong Tower Bible Church, dove into the theme verses of 1 Corinthians 12:12, 25-27 with a special emphasis on the importance of giving honor to the parts of the body that doesn’t get special treatment. She encouraged our community to fight for those who are marginalized and to use our power and authority for the benefit of others.

FRA alumna Lindsey Hearington Norton ’07, Director of Nashville YoungLives, shared how her work with YoungLives has transformed

FranklinRoadAcademy.com | 40

how she sees and loves people and challenged us to do the same. Josh Henry, Student Pastor at The Belonging, and Vernon Shaw, Student Pastor at Cross Point Church, had a candid conversation about the importance of unity among believers and how unity was Jesus’s hope and prayer for his followers.

They also shared ways that our students can seek to be ONE with those around them. Finally, author, pastor, and Professor of Intercultural Studies at Cal Baptist DA Horton spoke about what an intentional community seeking oneness looks like and how the unified church is an extension of the work Jesus has been doing to redeem and save the world.

We ended the week with our eighth Annual SEW Service Day. While we were unable to send students out into the community as we typically do, we had the opportunity to meet the needs of some of our longstanding partner ministries and organizations such as Preston Taylor Ministries, West Nashville Dream Center, Legacy Mission Village, Shower the People, The King’s Daughters’ School, Bethlehem Centers of Nashville, American Caribbean Experience, and Lighthouse Family Retreat. During the weeks prior to SEW, every grade level collected supplies and donations to bless our ministry partners. From school supplies and snacks to hygiene items and hospital care packages, our families went above and beyond to donate items to impact our local communities.

While this year was incredibly different in the life of our school, with virtual chapels, cross-divisional activities through Zoom, and an on-campus service day, Spiritual Emphasis Week remained a special week. We were able to speak into and challenge our community to seek oneness. Our hope and prayer is that we can be a model of a diverse and unified community living in and out Jesus’s love. 

41 | 4700 Spring/Summer 2021

of

THE ART ACCEPTANCE BY

ALLISON HAMMAT, Director of Counseling

F

Following quarantine, my family, like many, decided to renovate our home. After finally landing on a contractor and waiting patiently for a place on his schedule, we were given a 10-week timeline and the work began. In the beginning, I looked forward to coming home each day and seeing the notable progress. As the initial weeks passed, progress began to slow due to delays in

deliveries, long lead times, and bad weather.

While I write this, we are entering week 11 and still working on projects listed for week five. Days continue to pass and the original timeline has gone out the window. As I watched the time tick by, I found my stress levels escalating with each passing day. I knew the timeline would not be perfect, yet I began to feel extremely frustrated and helpless by the lack of progress.

I reminded myself that my desire for a more efficient timeline—something that was, for the most part, out

W E L L N E S S F E AT U R E

FranklinRoadAcademy.com | 42

of my control—was causing me more stress than

support, like, or relinquish. Accepting our experience

accepting that this was the way it was going to be.

does not mean condoning it, rather it means

Reaching a place of acceptance means allowing your

completely and totally accepting with our mind,

thoughts and feelings to be as they are, viewing

body, and spirit that we cannot currently change the

them and yourself with kindness and openness.

present facts, even if we do not like them.

Acceptance is the middle ground between

To accept is to give yourself permission to be as you

overidentifying with your feelings and suppressing

are, feel what you feel, or have experienced what

them. For me, by accepting that we needed a new

you've experienced without creating unproductive

timeline and letting go of the original plan, I was

shame, anxiety, or expectation. It is accepting that

able to acknowledge that my own insistence on

you cannot control others. It means accepting

controlling the situation was futile, and my tension

yourself as you are, no matter who that person is.

and stress began to dissipate.

Practicing acceptance removes the added tension In Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), the word

that comes with judging a situation as good or

“dialectic” refers to balancing and comparing

bad or right or wrong. Instead, it allows us to put

two things that seem to be quite different—even

our energy towards assessing our resources in the

contradictory. In DBT, this balance is between

moment. While we cannot change the circumstance,

change and acceptance. Acceptance requires that

we can be in control of how we respond to it. Only

you look upon yourself, others, and the world in an

then can we take clear action on what to do next.

entirely new way.

It means consciously choosing to accept what is happening so that you can move into a place where

You must be willing to let go of your ideas about

you can make needed changes.

how you, the world, or a situation “should be” and simply accept the way that it is in this present

By choosing to fully accept the things that are out

moment. When you radically accept something, you

of our control, we prevent ourselves from becoming

are completely releasing judgment of it and avoiding

stuck in unhappiness, bitterness, anger and sadness,

any attempts to fight against or change it.

and we can stop suffering. Total acceptance can be liberating as it frees up all of the energy we were

This practice can be applied to many scenarios in

using to fight reality, and helps us use it to focus

our lives. You can exercise it toward your current

on how we can effectively cope with the situation

experience or reality, others' beliefs or ideas, your

and take care of ourselves. As psychotherapist Carl

appearance, your emotions, your health, your past,

Rogers said, “The curious paradox is when I accept

your thoughts—the list goes on. When you sit with

myself just as I am, then I can change.”

difficult experiences and give them space, they can become less aversive. When we let go of how we

These are some of the basic but surprisingly difficult

think things “should” be and accept the experience

ways to develop acceptance. My hope is that by using

as it unfolds, we can often find a sense of calm.

these practices, you may find it easier to shift the

However, acceptance does not mean resigning

way you relate to life and that, by doing so, you find

to injustice or harm. To accept does not mean to

more peace and joy in life.

43 | 4700 Spring/Summer 2021

SKILLS FOR DEVELOPING A HEALTHY LEVEL OF ACCEPTANCE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

If you find yourself resisting, complete a pros and cons exercise to better understand the full impact of your choice.

Observe that you are fighting against reality. (Ex: “It shouldn’t be like this.”)

These DBT Distress Tolerance skills can be found in

Remind yourself that the unpleasant reality cannot be changed. (Ex: “It happened.”)

Learning to surrender to acceptance is a gradual

DBT Skills Training Handouts and Worksheets, Second Edition, by Marsha Linehan.

process that develops with practice. Our readiness to accept the unpredictability of life will impact our level of well-being and our ability to find joy and

Acknowledge that something led to this moment. (Ex: “This is how it happened.”)

contentment even in the smallest things we do.

Practice acceptance with not only your mind, but your body and spirit. Be mindful of your breath, posture, and use skills like halfsmiling and willing hands.

of acceptance and feelings of resistance. Make space

List what your behavior would look like if you accepted the facts; then act accordingly.

Remember to be kind to yourself in the process. It's natural to vacillate back and forth between feelings for the spectrum of experience, and notice your internal critic get quieter. When you accept life, you will find that you can choose how to respond to it rather than feel imprisoned by it, and this, in turn, may help you find a connection to joy. 

As a part of the strategic vision for 2020-25, FRA has prioritized enhancing health and wellness training for our

Plan ahead with events that seem unacceptable and think about how you should appropriately cope.

students, faculty, and parents. We have seven counselors serving students across the lower school, middle school, upper school, and ASPIRE program. In addition to the wellness newsletter and ongoing academic programming, the wellness

Remain mindful of physical sensations throughout your body such as tension or stress.

feature in the magazine is one of several resources the counseling department provides throughout the year.

Embrace feelings such as disappointment, sadness, or grief.

Acknowledge that life is worth living even when there might be temporary pain.

FranklinRoadAcademy.com | 44

arts

FINE & PERFORMING ARTS

45 | 4700 Spring/Summer 2021

VISUAL ART SHOW | Lower, middle, and upper school students

showcased their visual artwork this spring with a series of virtual art shows.

FranklinRoadAcademy.com | 46

47 | 4700 Spring/Summer 2021

VISUAL ART SHOW | To see the full show, visit our website at www.franklinroadacademy.com/arts/springartshow

FranklinRoadAcademy.com | 48

Josh Rohricht AP CERAMICS STUDENT, CLASS OF 2021

M

Most of my art is inspired by the nature around me. Nature is the most beautiful art, and trying to replicate it has been a fun challenge. I get my inspiration from

walking around outside and observing my surroundings.

When I focus, I’m able to see a lot of beauty in the small things around us like tree roots and moss that often go unnoticed.

I am passionate about creating pieces that make people stop and take a moment of their day to look at the small details in my creations. Creating art is a stress reliever and a creative outlet for me. I enjoy losing track of time when I am creating, along with the feeling that comes from slowing down to see a piece of art come to life with every detail and piece of clay added.

Initially, I was not looking forward to taking an art class because I assumed there were better ways to spend my time and more important classes to take. I am thankful FRA gave me the opportunity to take an art class, and I now realize how important it is that art classes stay part of the required curriculum. I had no idea how much I was going to love ceramics and, because of FRA, I have found a lifelong hobby. Art has taught me a new way to relax and express myself. Although I am not studying any form of art in college, I plan to join an art club and would love to continue to create ceramics.

All of my pieces are based around nature in some way.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS

49 | 4700 Spring/Summer 2021

I started out with the trees. My sister gave me a book of trees for Christmas, and I found a lot of inspiration from that. I created the tree and rock first and then added the details like the moss and the texture to the tree. After the trees, I wanted to create an interactive piece. I went to Cheekwood and saw the Chihuly piece with the glass balls in the sand. From this, I came up with the idea for a cactus in sand. After this piece, I wanted to create something that had more meaning behind it and evoked some emotion from the viewer.

I was looking through pictures online and saw an abandoned building that had completely been taken over by nature. This gave me the idea for my After Man piece of the Statue of Liberty. This is one of my favorite pieces because of the meaning behind it. Everyone I have shown it too has mentioned how powerful and symbolic it is.

FRA and Coach Tucker have always made sure I have the supplies I need to create whatever my mind thinks of.

Coach Tucker has been supportive of whatever project I want to pursue. He helps me haul supplies to my car before every break so I can create things at home. He has also spent a few late nights with me at FRA helping me fire my pieces that were ready for display. The ceramics

YOU NEVER KNOW IF YOU WILL LIKE SOMETHING BEFORE YOU TRY IT BECAUSE HOBBIES AND PASSIONS CAN COME FROM ANYTHING, MAYBE EVEN SOMETHING YOU HAVE NEVER CONSIDERED.

room is always open to me whenever I want to work.

Not everyone will be the best at art immediately, and I would love for every student to walk into an art class, or

that is ok, but you will never know what skills you have

really anything, with an open mind.

until you try. If ceramics isn't your thing, try 2D art. I love ceramics because, unlike other art forms, it is hard to mess up. If you place a piece of clay wrong or don't like how something turns out, you can change it immediately, as if it never happened.

I absolutely love our teachers at FRA. They make this school what it is, and I have truly enjoyed every teacher here. Our teachers are great at teaching, but they are also our friends who are there for us inside and outside of the classroom. 

FranklinRoadAcademy.com | 50

Khalia Sanders VISUAL ARTIST, CLASS OF 2021

E

Emotions inspire my art. I always make sure to focus on other people's emotions, and I feel that some kind of emotion can be portrayed in every piece. I am most

passionate about being able to connect with others through my art. Art is subjective, and the best feeling to me is when two people interpret my art in two completely different ways. It's all about how they feel about it.

I am thankful that I graduated from a school that cares for their students' wants and needs. I wasn’t supposed to be in AP art this year because I hadn’t taken the prerequisite classes, but I was able to switch classes and participate.

FRA gave me the opportunity to change my schedule to allow room for additional art classes, and I am so thankful for that.

If it wasn’t for the flexibility of my teachers and leadership, I wouldn’t be at the level I am today. FRA truly cares about what's best for each student. So by allowing me to take AP art this year, I feel like they have given me an amazing opportunity to express myself.

I didn’t know what to expect, but I’m glad Dr. Thornton thought I was skilled enough to take such a class. I just really loved the idea of being able to create what I wanted without any restrictions.

Throughout the year, I taught myself to use a lot of the mediums in the art room. I didn’t take Art III, so I had to catch up a bit, but my process normally starts with a random idea that I have at least two days before I create the piece. After that I sketch out what I want it to look like and start.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS

51 | 4700 Spring/Summer 2021

I love that there is no correct way to create art. Sure, there are many techniques for different types of things, but in the end the only thing that matters is that you created something new. Art can be many things for different people, but to me, it is a way of expression. Another thing that I love about art is that there will always be someone in the world that feels what you are feeling, meaning that there will always be a person that connects with the art you produce.

My theme for this year was eyes and body language and how they correlate with emotion. Since my goal was to touch on a variety of emotions, color also played a big role.

Colors can give the viewer a better understanding of the tone a piece is trying to convey. For example, red can imply angry tones whereas blue implies sadness.

This year I learned two things about myself. The first thing is that art is a form of self expression. It’s also a form of therapy because it gives me an opportunity to let all my emotions out on a canvas or paper. The second thing I learned is that I like detail. I enjoy using mediums like colored pencils because I get to be as detailed as possible.

"FRA TRULY CARES ABOUT WHAT'S BEST FOR EACH STUDENT. SO BY ALLOWING ME TO TAKE AP ART THIS YEAR, I FEEL LIKE THEY HAVE GIVEN ME AN AMAZING OPPORTUNITY TO EXPRESS MYSELF."

With other mediums, I can’t have the photo realism effect that I like.

I do think I will continue art after graduation because it is what I love to do. I have many pieces that are commissioned outside of school that I love doing just as much, and I can’t wait to continue to grow as an artist in the future.

I want to thank the FRA community for all the support that they have given me this year. Everyone always checks up on me to see what my latest piece is, and it makes me happy to know that people want to see more of what I have to create. I am truly thankful that I have the opportunity to share a part of myself. 

FranklinRoadAcademy.com | 52

The Sun'll Come Out Tomorrow MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS SURPASS ALL EXPECTATIONS WITH THEIR PERFORMANCE OF ANNIE JR.

BY

MIA WISINSKI

Director for the middle school musical, Annie Jr. If ever there was a year that taught me the value of believing in a brighter future, this was it. Cliché as it may sound, hope

and faith for a better “tomorrow” are what get us through the darkest of times. The message of this iconic song resonated with audiences in 1977 and still does today.

This show takes place in 1933 during the Great Depression, and here we are in 2021 with many parallels and similar

challenges. Annie is a timely reminder that genuine optimism

is contagious. Even grouchy, jaded Oliver Warbucks can’t help but soften after just a few minutes of Annie’s bubbly, youthful positivity.

Now, I don’t consider myself Warbucks-level grouchy, but I

must say that these middle school students have truly been one of the brightest spots in the past year for me. They

cheerfully filmed their audition videos from home, committed to learning music and choreography over—you guessed

it—Zoom, did an excellent job pre-recording their vocals in

goofy-looking singer’s masks, and never once complained

about the out-of-the-box way in which we had to rehearse and film this production. This FRA cast will go down in history as

the first to pull off a musical in a pandemic, and I think that’s pretty special! 

ANNIE JR.

53 | 4700 Spring/Summer 2021

FranklinRoadAcademy.com | 54

S P O RTS ACCOLADE S COLLEGE SIGNINGS

SIGNINGS

THIS YEAR, SIX OF OUR STUDENT ATHLETES COMMITTED TO CONTINUING THEIR SPORT AT THE COLLEGIATE LEVEL. WE ARE EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THAT WILL BRAAM, EMILY GARDNER, CONNER MOORE, JACK NORRIS, TIMOTHY PINKSTON, AND TZUNAMI POLITO WILL BE ADVANCING THEIR ATHLETIC CAREERS.

AT H L E T I C S

55 | 4700 Spring/Summer 2021

WILL BRAAM

EMILY GARDNER

CONNER MOORE

CROSS COUNTRY AND TRACK AT RHODES COLLEGE

VOLLEYBALL AT CENTRE COLLEGE

FOOTBALL AT SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY

"As a captain, Will led the team by

"Emily's selfless passion and love

"Conner's dedication to his craft in

effort, his hard work ethic, and his

a strong season and into the State

coach and to watch as he has put in

example with his consistent racing diligence in doing everything that was asked of him."

- Coach Zenner

for our team propelled us through tournament. She will be greatly missed, and I'm confident she

will make an immediate impact at Centre College next year."

football and track has been a joy to countless hours to get him into the position he is today."

- Coach Whittemore

- Coach DeRocher

JACK NORRIS

TIMOTHY PINKSTON

TZUNAMI POLITO

FOOTBALL AT HOLY CROSS

GOLF AT UNION UNIVERSITY

GOLF AT LIPSCOMB UNIVERSITY

"Jack is as consistent as they come,

"Timothy is perfectly wired to be a

"Tzunami graduates FRA as one

important quality. I'm excited for the

calm, and intensely competitive.

the school's history with four team

he will make a similar impact at Holy

golf of his caliber and more blessed

and as a kicker/punter, that’s a very

great golfer. He is cerebral, patient,

opportunity he received and know

Union University is blessed to get a

Cross as he did for our program."

to have a leader with his potential."

- Coach Whittemore

- Coach Flegel

of the most decorated athletes in

State championships, an individual

State title, two State runners-up, four Region team titles, and more."

- Coach Flegel

FranklinRoadAcademy.com | 56

S PO RTS ACCOLADE S S P O R TF S A L LARC E CC AO P LADES WINTER + SPRING RECAP

RJ CASEY AT H L E T I C S

45 | 4700 Spring/Summer 57 Fall/Winter 20202021

MACIE MEDES

LEVI COX

BASKETBALL BOYS INDIVIDUAL RJ CASEY TSSAA DII-A All-District and All-State

LEVI COX TSSAA DII-A All-District

GIRLS INDIVIDUAL MACIE MEDES TSSAA DII-A All-District FranklinRoadAcademy.com | 58

LOGAN MAKI

WRESTLING INDIVIDUAL THATCHER FRANKFATHER TSSAA DII-A State Championship Qualifier (fourth place finish) and TSWA All-State

LOGAN MAKI

THATCHER FRANKFATHER 47 | 4700 Spring/Summer 59 Fall/Winter 20202021

TSSAA DII-A State Championship Qualifier

GIRLS TENNIS SHELBY FRANKLIN TSSAA DII-A Singles State Championships Qualifier

TEAM

TSSAA Division II-A District Champions, Region runner-up, advanced to TSSAA State quarterfinals, and secured an undefeated regular season

FranklinRoadAcademy.com | 60

TRACK & FIELD PAYTON CULP

61 | 4700 Spring/Summer 2021

THATCHER FRANKFATHER

BOYS TEAM

TSSAA DII-A Region Champions and State runner-up

BOYS INDIVIDUAL PAYTON CULP Region Champion in Triple Jump, Pole Vault, 110M Hurdles and 300M Hurdles and State Champion in Pole Vault and the Decathlon, TWSA All-State JOE CROCKER Region Champion in Discus JOSIAH JACKSON Region Champion in Shot Put and TWSA All-State THATCHER FRANKFATHER Region and State Champion in 400M and TWSA All-State CONNER MOORE State Champion in High Jump and TWSA All-State GARRETT SMITH TWSA All-State

GIRLS INDIVIDUAL CAMPBELL CARROLL Region Champion in High Jump

CONNER MOORE FranklinRoadAcademy.com | 62

GONZALO DE GRACIA

BOYS SOCCER INDIVIDUAL GONZALO DE GRACIA TSSAA DII-A All-District

JACK NORRIS TSSAA DII-A All-District

JACK NORRIS 63 | 4700 Spring/Summer 2021

BRAX TEMPLIN

TY LIVELY

BASEBALL INDIVIDUAL TY LIVELY TSSAA DII-A All-District

BRAX TEMPLIN TSSAA DII-A All-District

FranklinRoadAcademy.com | 64

ALUMNI

CLASS NOTES KELSIE BOTTIGGI ’07 FRANKLIN ROAD ACADEMY

PODCAST The Franklin Road Academy podcast is hosted by David Tucker and Ed Zaborowski and consists of conversations with faculty, alumni, and friends in celebration of our 50th Anniversary. Visit our website to access all episodes or listen anywhere you get your podcasts.

Kelsie is a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in both acute care and primary care. She works in pediatric surgery and was just named Nurse of the Year at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital.

ALLISON CLARK '18 Allison recently won another national title with the University of Tennessee dance team in the game day category at the UDA national dance competition.

They also made history by placing in the top three in all categories.

DRAKE MITCHELL ’16 Drake set two new school records for Belmont University in the men's decathlon and long jump.

LT. TRIPP WALLER '15 Scan above or visit: www.FranklinRoadAcademy.com/podcast

Tripp graduated from the US Army flight school as a UH 60 Blackhawk pilot and was named the Distinguished Honor Graduate.

DAVID ZABOROWSKI '01

65 | 4700 Spring/Summer 2021

Lieutenant Colonel David Zaborowski is an Air Battle Manager serving as Chief of Staff at the 128th Airborne Command and Control Squadron, 116th Air Control Wing, Georgia Air National Guard at Robins AFB, GA.

AMELIA YOUNG '13 This month, Amelia will join NewsChannel 5, Nashville’s #1 station, as a reporter. Her work has been featured on NBC News, ABC News, CBS News, CNN, Fox, the Today Show, Good Morning America, and many more.

WEDDINGS AUSTIN BASKIN ‘09 married Erin Clark on May 22, 2021.

ANNA CANADY '15 married Aston Hutchison on September 12, 2020.

GRACIA SOHR ’12 married Harrison Steen on April 3, 2021.

Mark your calendar and join us for the annual Franklin Road Academy

GOLF CLASSIC Monday, September 13 The Governors Club

PICTURED / Top to bottom, left to right: Gracia Sohr ’12 and Harrison Steen, Austin Baskin ‘09 and Erin Clark, and Anna Canady '15 and Aston Hutchison.

IN MEMORY EMILIE MARCHANT BOTTIGGI (mother of Mackenzie Bottiggi Cissell ’00) passed away on January 19, 2021.

JONATHAN LOWE CLAXTON ’94 passed away on April 7, 2021.

RUTH LINK HESSEY (beloved teacher) passed away on May 2, 2021.

ED HUNT (father of Hallee Hunt ’12 and Sydney Hunt ’16) passed away on March 27, 2021.

To register or become a sponsor, scan above or visit:

www.FranklinRoadAcademy.com/ Support/Golf-Classic

KATHY PIERATT (wife of Jay Pieratt ’80 and daughter-in-law of Carole Pieratt) passed away on April 20, 2021.

LARRY SNEDEKER (parent of FRA alumnus Haymes Snedeker ’94) passed away on June 4, 2021

JAN DAVID VAN EYS ’07 passed away on April 23, 2021.

FranklinRoadAcademy.com | 66

PICTURED / Top to bottom, left to right: Isla Vonn Gregory, Aurelia Nox Trotz Premo, Samuel Pierce Rhodes, Chloe Dean Getter, Crew Gregory Souder, and William Wiley Tarleton III.

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS TANJA GANGWISCH GETTER ’02 and

SHALAN TROTZ PREMO ’08 and LEBRAUN PREMO ’07 welcomed

KALI GREGORY SOUDER ’05 and JOHN SOUDER ’05 welcomed

Aurelia Nox Trotz Premo on November 15, 2020.

Crew Gregory Souder on June 25, 2020.

SINA GANGWISCH GREGORY ’05 and

ALLISON SUTTON RHODES '96 and

WILL TARLETON ’03 and

Brandon Gregory welcomed Isla Vonn Gregory on September 1, 2020.

Scott Rhodes welcomed Samuel Pierce Rhodes on May 12, 2021.

Christie Craig welcomed William Wiley Tarleton III on April 29, 2020.

Nick Getter welcomed Chloe Dean Getter on April 20, 2020.

67 | 4700 Spring/Summer 2021

CLAS S O F 2021 A L UM N I AWARD WIN N ERS

W

While one of these students has been at FRA since the lower school, the other has only been at FRA for two years. Both have contributed to the positive culture in major ways. One has been involved in a variety of sports teams throughout her time at FRA, and the other has made himself invaluable to the fine arts community at FRA. Both are stellar students with GPAs above 4.0, and both have contributed to the FRA community and greater community through their work in the

National Honor Society’s Dance Marathon. One served as band co-president and founder of the Tri-M Music Honor Society at FRA, while the other co-founded the Student Diversity Leadership Team and attended the Student Diversity Leadership Conference as a sophomore in 2018. While their interests are different, they share many of the same qualities. Each is a well-respected leader who serves consistently and leads by example, making FRA a better place on a daily basis. Each is known by friends as loyal, steady, and dependable, and each has earned the utmost respect from our faculty and student body. Their selfless leadership has been a gift to the school.

KAILA SCOTT ’21 Kaila was voted “Most Likely to Succeed” in her senior class as well as Homecoming Queen. She is diligent, focused, and hard-working, all the while exhibiting a friendly and dynamic demeanor that makes her classmates want to share in her successes. Her smile lights up a room, and she is a star in the classroom, contributing to discussions and encouraging her classmates to express themselves. Kaila is an integral member of her senior class, having assumed leadership roles on the basketball and soccer teams, the Student Diversity Leadership Team, Best Buddies, Student Ambassadors, and the National Honor Society. She has impacted almost every area of campus during her years in the upper school, always willing to promote the school and share her excitement and enthusiasm for this place.

PAUL SPOSATO ’21 Paul has only been a member of the FRA community for two years, but he did not waste any time in making an impact on the FRA community. Paul arrived on campus in August, and by May he had won the “Most Outstanding Junior Boy” award and was elected by his classmates to be the Senior Class President. He is known among students and faculty alike as well-rounded, confident, and hard-working. His advisor describes him as “a Renaissance man” who is “smart, respectful, compassionate, and responsible.” As president of his class, he has had his work cut out for him organizing moralebuilding socially-distanced or remote events during a global pandemic, and has brought sorely needed enthusiasm and positivity. He created the Tri-M Music Honor Society on campus, and this is just one example of what Paul has built and how he has left this school a better place than he found it.

FranklinRoadAcademy.com | 68

WHY WE GIVE THE ROBINSON FAMILY

Jaimie, Bailey '27, Taylor '24, and Jon

DONOR STORY

69 | 4700 Spring/Summer 2021

DONOR STOR Y

O

Our daughters started attending FRA in

We love that our girls are involved on the same campus

2016. Taylor was going into fourth grade

and go to the same sporting events. It helps keep our

and Bailey was going into first. When

family together. FRA is a safe place for us and for our

we toured, the facilities were amazing,

girls. We know that their teachers and the staff are

and we remember the politeness of other students. On

doing everything in their power to educate, mentor, and

our tour of the lower school, a student who was walking

grow them into young ladies. We trust them and they

in front of us opened the door for us. I thought it was a

trust us to reinforce the things that they're teaching at

good sign that these children were being taught well,

home.

not only grades wise, but also in manners. That was important to us as well.

Our experience with FRA has been outstanding. We see the time and effort that the faculty and the staff give to

Because we've moved around a lot, the community and

help our children, and we want to give back what God

family aspect of FRA seemed unique from the beginning.

has given us so that families down the road can reap the

We loved the fact that it was pre-kindergarten through

same benefits that our girls are currently reaping from

grade 12 and that our lower school children would mingle

FRA. We hope that future generations of parents and

with the older kids and be role models to the younger

students’ experiences at FRA are even better than ours.

kids. Plus, all the parents and teachers knew our names.

We didn’t feel like we were a number.

You never know how the resources that you give could impact a future child. At FRA, every dollar you give is

It's apparent that the faculty and the staff care about the

allocated toward helping educate a child and changing

success of the school and the success of the students by

their life by putting them on a career path that could—

the hours that they put in. When we come up to campus

who knows—change the world. As a donor, you’re

for extra-curricular after-school activities, this place is

impacting future generations with every dollar you give.

always buzzing with teachers and staff members working extra to make sure that the school and the students'

We love FRA because we can see that everyone

experience is a great one.

who works here loves our kids and wants them to be successful. There is a true passion for students to grow

FRA is challenging scholastically, preparing both of our

and learn and become educated and mature, as well as

daughters for their next step—college. The teachers

a genuine love for kids. 

also communicate expectations and feedback in their progress tailored specifically to our kids so that we can

For more information on how you can support the mission of FRA,

help reinforce the teachers’ instruction.

please visit www.FranklinRoadAcademy.com/Support

"We love FRA because we can see that everyone who works here loves our kids and wants them to be successful. There is a true

passion for students to grow and learn and become educated and mature, as well as a genuine love for kids."

FranklinRoadAcademy.com | 70

FRANKLIN ROAD ACADEMY

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NEED TO UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION? Please email Meredith Fifer at FiferM@franklinroadacademy.com

www.FranklinRoadAcademy.com/50th

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