Blueprint Magazine | Summer 2021

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BLUE PRINT T H E M A G A Z I N E of G I R L S P R E PA R AT O R Y S C H O O L

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Meeting Megan Cover Our 10th Head of School

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Legends of the Hall Faculty Emeriti & More

A Year of Learning

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30 Through a Pandemic

BRUISER

Beat

A FRIEND FROM AFAR

GOT A FLAT?

During Chapel, the GPS community heard from Lena Einhorn, our ASSIST scholar from Germany, who spent the year with us learning, growing, and making the most of her time abroad. A reception later followed on Bowman Terrace.

HERE’S TO THE RING!

On Ring Day, a scavenger hunt led the Class of 2022 to The Southern Belle!

The girls received their rings, took lots of selfies, and finished the momentous occasion by singing our “Alma Mater.”

PARTNERSHIPS IN THE COMMUNIT Y

TURKEY DRIVE CELEB SPOKESWOMAN

GPS receptionist Katherine Betts ’76 garnered lots of social media love with her picks of the day to help promote items up for auction to benefit Our Girls | Our GPS through the GPS Impact Fund. It’s no wonder the GPS fleece blanket sold out!

What better way to make physics come to life than to apply it practically?

That’s what Mr. Bryant Haynes’s tire-changing lab for his AP Physics students is all about.

Pressure, torque, simple machines, forces—all of these are at work in this activity.

Thanks to donations from Middle School families and money raised from Upper School students, 102 turkeys (1,262 pounds) were given to the Chattanooga Area Food Bank. With an additional $542 raised in one morning during Middle School drop off, the food bank was able to provide dinner for 85 families in need, equivalent to 3,220 meals!

#LEADLIKEAGIRL

DRESS UP

Congratulations to our presidents-elect for the 2021-22 school year: from left, Frances Crowe, Honor Council; Willa Mirmelstein, Partnerships in the Community; and Mary Kate Johnson, Student Council.

For Decades Day, our faculty alumnae donned their GPS dresses, class rings, sweatshirts, and cardigans. (Ann Hodge Morgan ’81 even had on her shoes from seventh grade!) We adore their enthusiasm and love for their alma mater! Here’s to the Girls of the GPS!

STAY IN THE KNOW Keep up with GPS on social media: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Above are some of the most popular posts from this year. Be sure to follow us for the most up-to-date happenings and share in the Bruiser conversation.

SEARCH @GPSBRUISERS TO FOLLOW ALONG!

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R O T U N D A G I R L S P R E P A R A T O R Y S C H O O L G P S .E D U

Table of Contents

ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM Interim Head of School Dr. Kirk Walker, 2020-21 Head of Upper School Jenise Gordon Head of Middle School Lynne Macziewski Chief Enrollment and Communications Officer Bilda Acuña Small Chief Development Officer Ali Gant Chief Financial Officer Mark Vosskamp Director of Athletics Jay Watts EDITORIAL STAFF Co-Editors Lucy Morris Blancett ’09 Pamela Hammonds Designer Caitlin Riddle Contributing Writers Meg Persinger Brock ’79 Cathie Ault Kasch ’72 Rachael Land ’12 Dr. Erin Montero Rangno Laura Jane Walker Laurel Moore Zahrobsky ’90 Contributing Photographers Jimmy Burgess Emily Lester Lawson Whitaker In an effort to adopt mindful printing practices, GPS mails one magazine per household.

If you would like to receive additional copies, please contact Blueprint@GPS.edu.

Blueprint is published by Girls Preparatory School P.O. Box 4736 Chattanooga, TN 37405 423.634.7600 | GPS.edu Printed by Creative Business Forms

ROTUNDA

The framework of each issue

2 | Bruiser Beat 5 | A Message from Our Board Chair

GALLERY

The recognition and celebration of alumnae

34 | Class Notes 39 | Introducing the GPS Black Alumnae Council 40 | Weddings

COURT YARD

Life at GPS—news and happenings

8 | May Day 10 | Commencement 12 | Around GPS 16 | Athletics

42 | Babies 44 | In Memoriam COLUMNS

The impact of our school

56 | Alumnae Weekend

22 | Fine & Performing Arts 29 | Class Day BRING BLUEPRINT TO LIFE CORNERSTONES

The foundation of leadership, values, and purpose

The digital version at GPS.edu/ GPSMagazine provides additional content through links to our website, videos, and photos.

26 | Meeting Megan 28 | Thank You, Dr. Walker 30 | A gainst the Odds

On the Cover: Madi Clower ’22 wraps the pink maypole. Photo by Emily Lester.

52 | Legends of the Hall G P S .E D U G I R L S P R E P A R A T O R Y S C H O O L R O T U N D A

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R O T U N D A G I R L S P R E P A R A T O R Y S C H O O L G P S .E D U

A MESSAGE FROM OUR BOARD CHAIR

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ne year ago, when I wrote the Board Chair’s message for the last issue of Blueprint, so many questions about the upcoming school year remained unanswered.

Sure, we had a plan and spent hours consulting with medical experts about the safest way to conduct school for our girls, but no one knew how long we might remain on campus— physically distanced, but together.

While these discussions were going on, the Class of 2021 was deciding how they wanted their final GPS school year to be defined. Each summer, the leaders of the rising senior class meet to discuss and determine a theme of the year. Bravely, and with much wisdom and maturity, they chose “Be the Torch.”

The phrase and graphic were printed on stickers for each student to display on her laptop or water bottle. Banners with carefully curated quotes lined the driveways at school. And each Chapel opened with the graphic animated on the screen behind those delivering the announcements.

I’d like to think this constant prompt about leadership and example helped remind each person on campus of the greater goal this year: to be heedful of and adhere to COVID-19 safety measures so that on-campus learning would be possible.

Not only did our students and faculty stay on campus this school year, when many schools remained virtual or hybrid, their academic and athletic accomplishments were incredible. (Please see pages 12 and 16 for details.)

If I might borrow the torch for a moment, I’d like to hand it off, on behalf of Dr. Kirk Walker, our interim Head of School, to our new Head of School, Megan Cover, who began her role on July 1. I’d also like to pass the torch to Clay Watson, as he takes on the role as our Chair of the Board of Trustees. Both of these leaders will undoubtedly shine brightly in their new positions. I am confident we are in great hands.

The fact that we not only survived a pandemic together as a school community but also thrived under unprecedented conditions does not surprise me at all. We are a school founded on the strength of innovators, social change agents, and community leaders. We will continue to strive for greatness no matter what comes our way.

Here’s to the GIRLS!

Dr. Rebecca E. Stimson ’73 Board Chair

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COURTYARD Read all about life at GPS! From athletic and artistic performances to May Day and Commencement, our students took a challenging year and faced it head on with grace and humility.

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MAY DAY

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COMMENCEMENT

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AROUND GPS

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ATHLETICS

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CL ASS DAY

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FINE & PERFORMING ARTS

C O U R T YA R D G I R L S P R E P A R A T O R Y S C H O O L G P S .E D U

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MayDay Each December, the seniors nominate members of the May Court by selecting classmates who … » represent their senior class in the highest sense » are gracious, friendly, and loyal to friends and to GPS » are actively and enthusiastically involved in the life of GPS » eagerly give of their time and their talents » stand for the highest ideals in character and integrity » are respected and admired by fellow schoolmates and faculty alike Following nominations, the entire study body votes for the queen and her court. On April 28, the May Court, alongside their classmates, were presented in front of family and friends in a day of festivity.

An Historic Occasion This year saw the return of May Day—a joyous occasion for the entire GPS community—but with a spin. COVID-19 precautions were put in place so that the celebration could take place, which included moving the fete from the Smith Courtyard to the lower athletic field, distancing students in the viewing areas, and creating seating pods for families.

The larger space also provided an opportunity to expand this year’s maypole dance—an honor typically reserved for only sophomores—to the junior class students who were unable to participate last year. In addition to the traditional blue, pink, and yellow poles, green and purple poles were wrapped, and all were held in place with alumnae faculty and staff.

2021 May Court From left, Lily DuPlooy, Scepter Bearer; Astha Sinha, Crown Bearer; Erin Marshall, Maid of Honor; Addie Youmans, May Queen; Shreena Patel, Train Bearer; Emma Dexter, Train Bearer

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MAY DAY

The Roaring ’20s: Then & Now From the Model T to the Tesla, this year’s May Day theme paid homage to some of history’s most meaningful inventions and events while connecting them to the growth and innovation of today. Eighththrough 11th-grade classes danced to choreography representing the evolution of jazz, the modern flapper, motion pictures, and women’s right to vote. Smiles, cheers, and uproarious applause confirmed this journey through history was well-received.

A Legacy of Sisterhood It’s tradition each year to capture a photo on May Day of the graduating seniors whose mothers (and sometimes grandmothers!) also attended GPS. The Class of 2021 featured 12 legacies whose families were present for the historic celebration on the lower fields.

From left: Stella Newbold ’21, Elizabeth Steele Newbold ’84; Talley Lyons ’21, Cara White Lyons ’84; Laura Peele ’21, Tracey Wright Peele ’81; Julia Betts Brandao ’84, Emma Brandao ’21; Carol Burns Stoney ’85, Alex Kutchins ’21; Claire Hunt McVay ’87, Hunter McVay ’21; Caroline Kelley ’21, Lynn Harlin Shelton ’93; Nancy McCarty ’82, Mia Iannios ’21; Anna Glass Clower ’91, Anabelle Clower ’21, Janie Willingham McNabb ’63 ; Mary Stuart Hornsby ’21, Adrienne Powell ’86; Elizabeth Hebert Day ’87, Katie Day ’21; Mary Stanley Grant ’94, Ashley Grant ’21

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t n e m e c n e Comm Interim Head of School Dr. R. Kirk Walker Jr. delivered a charge to the Class of 2021, reminding them that, while their many accomplishments have been impressive, what truly sets them apart is their character and spirit.

He encouraged them to “work to make a meaningful difference in the world,” to “remain intellectually curious, confident in who you are, and respectful of others,” to be “a builder of positive relationships,” and to “carry the values of honor and gratitude close to your heart.” He concluded, “What will finally matter and significantly characterize your class in the future will not be what you have already done or not done, but what you do at this point with what you have been given.”

To conclude, they offered one last piece of advice from a classmate: “If I’ve learned anything, it’s that you should speak your mind, scream your heart and, above all, when someone stands beside you and does the same, listen. Words mean nothing, but there is such power in them. People love them, and people fear them. Stand your ground. Do not be afraid.”

They did it!

On May 15, 77 seniors of the Class of 2021 graduated in the 115th commencement exercises of Girls Preparatory School.

VALEDICTORY ADDRESS

This year the Ethel B. Poston Valedictorian honor was awarded to two graduating seniors, Lily DuPlooy and Maggie Parsley. They opened their valedictory address by expressing how proud they were of their classmates—how the GPS community would not be the same without each girl’s influence—before sharing snippets from various senior Chapel Talks. From good advice to poignant stories and funny asides, they desired to showcase “both the diversity of our experiences and the common threads that unite us.”

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SENIOR SPEAKER

As is tradition, prior to the ceremony, the members of the senior class select one Chapel Talk they would like to hear again at Commencement. This year, May Olson was awarded the honor.

New to GPS in the ninth grade, May touched on her fears of starting a new school—of change. But these last four years, she said, taught her how to find beautiful things and how to appreciate them. She concluded her talk by saying, “I and all the girls standing up on the Front Lawn with me will be starting new chapters in our lives this fall. And new is very scary, but also beautiful, and that’s why we need change.”

PARTING THOUGHTS

Dr. Rebecca E. Stimson ’73, Chair of the Board of Trustees, offered her final words of wisdom to the class: “Collectively, you are an amazing class. But what I want you to hear today is that individually you are also amazing. You are now and forever a GPS alumna.”

COMMENCEMENT VISIT GPS.EDU/NEWS TO READ MORE ABOUT THE CEREMONY, VIEW PHOTOS, AND WATCH A VIDEO FROM THE SPECIAL DAY.

THE CL ASS OF 2021

22% WILL ATTEND

HONORS COLLEGES

16%

72%

WILL CONTINUE

THEIR SPORTS AT THE

CO L L EG I AT E LEVEL

OF SUBMITTED COLLEGE

APPLICATIONS

WERE ACCEPTED

SUBMITTED

495 COLLEGE

APPLICATIONS

61%

WAS OFFERED NEARLY

$12M IN MERIT,

TALENT, OR ATHLETIC

SCHOLARSHIPS DOES NOT INCLUDE FINANCIAL AID

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AROUNDGPS Welcome to 1

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Cum Laude

Ten seniors from the Class of 2021 were honored with the highest academic accolade bestowed at GPS—induction in Cum Laude. Each student was presented by the faculty member of her choice, who is listed below her college.

2021 CUM LAUDE INDUCTEES 1 MORGAN A MELIA BROWN

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The Ohio State University Dr. Ralph Covino

2 K ATHERINE FRANCES DAY

The University of Alabama in Huntsville Mr. Keith Sanders 4

3 LILY DUPLOOY

Cornell University Mrs. Tracie Marlin Durham ’80 4 MOLLY ANN HATHORNE

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Loyola University Chicago Mrs. Erin Davis Sizemore ’98 5 MIA GIBBS IANNIOS

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George Washington University Mrs. Diane Walker 6 TALLEY ELIZABETH LYONS

Lehigh University Ms. Jenise Gordon 7

7 HUNTER ELIZABETH MCVAY

University of Georgia Mr. Chris Zeller

8 M ARGARET JANE PARSLEY

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University of Southern California Ms. Callie Hamilton

MAYhem Trips Our Middle School students waited all year for a chance to explore and bond as friends and classmates in the great outdoors, and boy, was it worth the wait! In May, our sixth-, seventh-, and eighthgraders enjoyed two days of fun and adventure off campus.

The Class of 2027 spent Wednesday on a farm in Rising Fawn, Georgia, learning about invasive species, making tea and lip balm, hiking, and dancing. On Thursday they went to Camp Skyline in Mentone, Alabama, for a day of swimming, ropes courses, and a color war!

The Class of 2026 spent Wednesday at the Tellus Museum, learning about plate tectonics, fossils, and solar energy. On Thursday they headed to Camp Vesper Point for a day of field games, a color war, and lake front swimming, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding.

The Class of 2025 went to Atlanta on Wednesday and visited the zoo and World of Coke. On Thursday they went to Camp Alpine in Mentone for a day of canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, games, and ropes courses.

9 ASTHA SINHA

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Mr. Bryant Haynes 9

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10 ANNM ARIE LOUISE THRASH

University of Central Florida Ms. Jordan McCarter ’96

WATCH THE VIDEO OF THE VIRTUAL CEREMONY ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL AT YOUTUBE.COM/BRUISERTUBE.

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MAGGIE PARSLEY ’21

Grace McCallie Scholarship Recipient

L AUREN THACKER ’22

Duffy-Jarnagin Scholarship Recipient

AROUND GPS

EMMA & ANNA HENDERSON ’21

Following a rigorous and competitive college application process through Palo Alto-based nonprofit QuestBridge, Anna and Emma Henderson were awarded Match Scholarships, which cover the full cost of attendance, including tuition, room and board, books and supplies, and travel expenses for eight semesters. Anna matched with Rice University in Houston, Texas, and Emma matched with Hamilton College in Clinton, New York.

TENNESSEE SOUTHEAST REGIONAL CONTEST OF NATIONAL HISTORY DAY 25 GPS STUDENTS CAME HOME WITH EITHER A FIRST-, SECOND-, OR THIRD-PLACE MEDAL. 9 GPS PROJECTS WERE AWARDED PRIZES. 4 TEAMS WENT ON TO PLACE IN THE STATE COMPETITION, WHERE GPS STUDENTS AMASSED MORE PRIZES IN THE SENIOR DIVISION THAN ANY OTHER SCHOOL.

AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY VOLUNTEER GIRLS STATE

SWENext Competition Three GPS teams participated in the Society of Women Engineers - Next Generation annual Test of Engineering Aptitude in Math and Science. This year’s theme was “Engineering Solutions During a Pandemic,” and students competed in three sections: multiple choice, essay, and a building competition. EVELYN LY TLE ’23, MCKAMEY BRATCHER ’23, and MORGAN SUMMERLIN ’23, took first place in the state in the ninth- and 10thgrade division.

Four juniors represented GPS at the American Legion Auxiliary Volunteer Girls State, a weeklong, nonpartisan program centered on citizenship, teamwork, and fostering a love of God and country. Rising seniors across the state elect city, county, and state officials, engage in party politics, debate legislation, and collaborate in various activities. During this year’s virtual event, JULIA COMBS ’22 was honored with the Best Citizen Award and was an essay winner, ELLIE FIVAS ’22 was elected City Mayor and State Senator, CHLOE NEWMAN ’22 was elected City Councilwoman and State Senator, and L AUREN THACKER ’22 was elected City Judge and Supreme Court Justice and also received a Best Citizen Award.

ASTHA SINHA ’21 received recognition for her dance

and academic achievements from the National Honor Society for Dance Arts. As a member of Terpsichord, our modern dance troupe, Astha was praised for her artistic merit, academics, and leadership. Her award also mentioned the dedication of her dance teacher, Laurel Moore Zahrobsky ’90.

ASTHA SINHA ’21

EighthGrade Celebration It’s official—the Class of 2025 is ready for Upper School! On a bright Monday evening, friends and family looked on as the members of the eighth-grade class received certificates to signify the successful completion of their Middle School coursework. The ceremony included student speeches as well as remarks from Head of Middle School Lynne Macziewski, who encouraged students to hold tightly to relationships they have formed but to also branch out and form new ones in the coming years, and a charge from Dean of the EighthGrade Class Jordan McCarter ’96.

Mock Trial Wins State Championship

Following an impressive season fielding five teams—the most in school history—GPS secured the first Mock Trial State Championship for the school when GPS 1 defeated second-place finisher Montgomery Bell Academy. GPS 2 took third to round out the winner’s circle. Juniors L AUREN THACKER (GPS 1) and ELLIE FIVAS (GPS 2) were voted MVPs. In May, GPS 1 went on to compete at the national level for the first time.

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AROUND GPS

GPS STUDENTS SHOW KNOWLEDGE OF WORLD LANGUAGES* NATIONAL SPANISH EXAM,

sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of Spanish & Porteguese: » 4 0 students earned honors and awards » 2 gold medalists » 6 silver medalists » 6 bronze medalists FRENCH CONTEST/LE GRAND CONCOURS, sponsored by the

American Association of Teachers of French » 21 students earned honors and awards » 1 silver medalist » 3 bronze medalists *Results from the National Latin Exam were not yet available at press date.

Chattanooga Regional Science and Engineering Fair GPS honors chemistry students participated in the Chattanooga Regional Science and Engineering Fair at UTC. For the second year in a row, GPS won the participation award for the most entries in the senior division as well as the achievement award for the most awards earned. Individual honors were presented to 19 sophomores across 11 categories.

ALYCE COAKLEY ’22 was awarded the ACE Scholarship for her mobile COVID-19 testing center. She received a $4,000 college scholarship to pursue a career in architecture, engineering, or construction.

ALYCE COAKLEY ’22

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Middle School May Celebrations Sixth- and seventh-grade families visited campus the last Friday of school to experience what their daughters had been up to all year! The sixth-grade event included an art display, musical performance, global cultures exhibit, and dance performance, and the seventh-grade event, which also showcased art, music, and dance, included a STEM demonstration and creative writing student readings.

Cat-Rat Just before the school year officially kicked off, incoming sixth-graders identified their senior sisters through their matching headbands at the CatRat reveal. The endearing Cat-Rat tradition serves as a great way for seasoned veterans to show new students the ropes. Additional Cat-Rat events throughout the year included a parade, cookie party, breakfast, and more.

GPS alumnae often report lifelong friendships that started with their Cat-Rat pairings.

AROUND GPS ALEX BRUMLEY ’26 ALEX BRUMLEY ’26 was chosen as the Youth Winner of Hamilton County’s 2020 Governor’s Volunteer Star Awards for her work with the Chattanooga Community Kitchen. She was honored alongside winners from other Tennessee counties at the virtual award program in February.

Photo by Julie Hailey Clark ’81

TEACHER RECOGNITIONS DR. BRANDON NOEL, science teacher, was accepted into The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga NSF Research Experiences for Teachers Program: Engineering and Data Analytics in Smart Cities. Together with the university’s research mentors, he will participate in authentic research experiences and receive year-long opportunities for professional development, project-based learning module development, activities to support students’ readiness for college and employment, and teacher-to-teacher exchanges of knowledge and experiences.

DR. RALPH COVINO, history, social sciences, and Latin teacher, received the 2021 Tom and Stella Mullane Geography Teacher of the Year Award at the virtual Tennessee Council for the Social Studies annual conference. The Mullane award is bestowed for excellence in geographic education in grades seven through 12. Dr. Covino received a plaque and a cash award from the Tennessee Geographic Alliance.

For her Tucker River Fellows project, MARY KATE JOHNSON ’22 designed and welded a sculpture under the mentorship of Julie Hailey Clark ’81. The GPS-raised sturgeon Freckles was the inspiration for the piece and, upon completion, Mary Kate made the decision to donate it to the school for future generations to see and enjoy. It was installed on Bowman Terrace, overlooking the river that sparked the idea.

Junior Ring Day A little rain could never stop this beloved tradition! Dressed as leprechauns (fitting, as it was St. Patrick’s Day!), the junior members of the Class Leadership Council surprised their classmates with a scavenger hunt around the school, followed by an afternoon cruise on the historic Southern Belle. Joy emanated as the girls began to turn each others’ rings—all working toward the illustrious 122 spins!

ERIN SEGROVES, world languages teacher and ASSIST Scholars Representative, was selected as the Best of Tennessee for 2019 for her presentation at the annual Tennessee Foreign Language Teaching Association conference. Segroves was chosen to present her session, “So I Bought a Class Set of Novels. Now What?: Designing a Cultural Unit Around a CI Novel,” again at the Southern Conference on Language Teaching event March 2021 in Atlanta.

REED DILL ARD, history and social sciences teacher was awarded the Patricia Bering Educator of the Year award (Senior Division) by the Tennessee Historical Society for his work in integrating National History Day into the curriculum.

L AUREN L AWRENCE SWANSON ’09,

DEI Student Support and Community Engagement Coordinator, received her second consecutive nomination for the Black Excellence Awards in the Best Teacher category.

She was also accepted into the Diverse Leaders Network of Tennessee, which will fully fund her master’s degree in educational leadership. She begins her program with Austin Peay State University this fall.

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O n !

Ga m e

By Pamela Hammonds

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typical sports team is composed of coaches, trainers, and athletes.

However this year, due to the pandemic, our facilities team (who kept equipment, workout areas, and buses sanitized) and COVID coordinator became key players in keeping our girls competitive.

Since more than 60 percent of our Upper School student population participates in Bruiser athletics, being able to play and compete is vital to the GPS experience for most girls. So, GPS Director of Athletics Jay Watts worked with onsite COVID Coordinator Kimberly Reid ’13 to establish protocols for everything from practices and team photos to travel and spectator capacity while adhering to (and oftentimes exceeding) guidelines from the state and local health officials as well as TSSAA. Varsity Soccer Coach Patrick Winecoff began no-contact soccer practices at the start of the fall season, hosting training sessions that kept the 35 girls on the team working in pods of about nine who didn’t interact with the others.

“I’m a little stunned we were able to keep them apart,” Winecoff says, “but the girls—particularly the nine seniors—were determined to do whatever necessary to play their entire season.”

Like soccer, all GPS teams implemented safety precautions, including making each girl responsible for her own water bottle and its refills, wearing masks except when in play, reducing bus capacity, and eliminating team dinners and activities that traditionally add to the camaraderie of being teammates.

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CHAMPIONING ATHLETICS DURING A WORLDWIDE HEALTH CRISIS

“While athletics are challenging, girls are naturally social, so the water breaks, the time outs, the after-meet times were also hard because they want to hang out with each other,” Watts says.

Out of an abundance of caution, locker rooms were not used and girls wore their practice gear under their school uniforms.

(The exception was swim and dive, with coaches monitoring locker room traffic.)

The number of spectators for indoor and outdoor events was limited, with visitors required to mask and complete a screening.

“Every time I attended an event, I thought, this could be our last game,” Watts says. “I anticipated a lot of disruption, but it never happened. Kimberly Reid has been awesome. Having someone monitor COVID and then advise us on what to do kept us ahead of what even TSSAA required of us.”

“Our coaches also did an amazing job with encouraging athletes to diligently monitor symptoms and practice safety precautions outside of school,” Reid adds, “which allowed them to stay healthy and involved in their respective sports.”

Head Varsity Coach Katie Outlaw and Assistant Hugh Enicks led the Bruiser cross country team to a state win this fall.

Perhaps missing their spring 2020 track season due to COVID provided the girls the motivation to do whatever it took to complete their fall cross country season.

In particular, senior Jane Eiselstein was determined to finish her last season as a Bruiser strong.

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“Jane has been running since sixth grade and worked so hard to have a personal best, a state championship, and an entire season, and she accomplished all those goals,” Outlaw says. Even at the state meet, the girls lined up with their masks on, only to take them off once the starting gun sounded. “Even though they didn’t have to, they insisted on doing so.”

Our commitment has always been to the well-being of our students. To this effect, Reid stayed abreast of the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine and TSSAA recommendations to have athletes medically evaluated before returning to play after COVID-19 infection.

“I cannot thank our students and families enough for their partnership,” Reid says.

“By keeping us informed on symptoms, positive test results, and known exposures to COVID-19, our athletes and families helped us prevent further exposure within our teams.”

“All in all, our year went better than we had hoped,” Watts says. Cross country won state, three teams had runner-up finishes at state—soccer, softball, and track and field—and three varsity teams—bowling, soccer, and lacrosse—had undefeated regular seasons. Six seniors also went on to sign to continue their sport in college.

Watts expresses his great appreciation for our parents. “They wanted their girls to be able to compete and play and were super supportive and understanding of our policies.”

ATHLETICS

FALL SPORTS

Our CROSS COUNTRY team won the Division II-AA State Championship in early November. The Bruisers did not just win the race; they crushed the competition with a team score of 147— 76 points better than runner-up Father Ryan. GPS finished with five runners in the top 14, including Jane Eiselstein ’21 who finished fourth overall with a time of 19:28.29. The other four from that top five were all eighth-graders, leaving the program in good shape for the future. For Jane, this was her second state title in her high school career, having won previously with the varsity team in 2017.

Ava and Olivia Scotchie ’22 both qualified for the state GOLF tournament as individuals. The junior duo gained valuable experience that will hopefully help improve their standing for their senior season.

SOCCER had a phenomenal fall season that ended just short of a state title, but the Bruisers set new standards for the program with an undefeated regular season and a national ranking from MaxPreps. com that was consistently in the top three in the U.S. throughout the fall. Seven players on varsity were named to the All-East Region team, and another player was named Honorable Mention All-East Region.

In the spring, Jessie Salisbury ’21 was named to the Tennessee roster for the TN-GA All-Star Girls Soccer game.

VOLLEYBALL finished with a winning record that included a victory over Baylor and a first-place finish in the Bronze Bracket at the Sunsphere Tournament in Knoxville. Chapel Cunningham ’21 was named to the Division II-AA All-East Region Team.

Our ROWING team was the one GPS program that was most impacted by COVID-19 as all in-person regattas on our schedule were canceled. The team was able to compete virtually in a couple of events, including the Head of the Hooch, where our U19 8+ and U17 8+ came in first and second, respectively, and our U19 4+ entries came in second and third behind a very speedy group from the Asheville Youth Association.

Our GPS | McCallie Blue Crew CHEERLEADERS were able to cheer on McCallie as they took the state football title.

Our MIDDLE SCHOOL TEA MS all represented the school well. Both of our soccer teams defeated Baylor twice during their seasons. Cross Country competed in the state meet in Knoxville in October. It is worth noting that their results were even more remarkable when you consider their top four eighth-graders were all competing with the varsity this fall. Our softball team showed significant improvements throughout the season, and our Blue Crew was a part of McCallie’s fall season on the gridiron.

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WINTER SPORTS Our BASKETBALL team dropped a tough game against Pope John Paul II on the road in the Division II State Quarterfinals, but the Bruisers had a tremendous season that included a win over Baylor on the road, two wins over CCS, and two wins over Ooltewah. Our basketball roster is loaded with returning players as we had only two seniors on the roster this season. We look forward to the continued growth of our program next year.

Our varsity BOWLERS represented GPS well at the TSSAA State Championship after winning the Division II East Region bowling championship for the second straight year. GPS defeated St. Agnes in the quarterfinals 21.5-5.5 but lost in the state semifinal match to the eventual state champion.

Allie Foropoulos ’21 and Katelyn Beach ’21 finished seventh and eighth respectively in the individual competition.

GPS SWIMMING AND DIVING had an unusual season after COVID-19 wreaked havoc with swimming programs around the state, and the Bruisers were only able to have three dual meets during the regular winter season. Our swimmers and divers were able to make the most of their opportunities, however, with big victories over Dalton and the eventual Georgia State Champion, Westminster from Atlanta.

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Our CLIMBING team was unable to have its normal competition schedule this winter, but completed a series of training sessions, both indoors on campus and outdoors on some of Chattanooga’s great natural climbing sites. At the end of the season, Dr. Sean Caulfield announced his retirement from the classroom but will continue to coach the team.

This year, the GPS Bruiser Boosters boasts 40 members who have contributed a total of $8,700 to GPS Athletics.

In the winter, some funds from the Booster Club were combined with other resources to give every single athlete on campus a GPS beanie that was a huge hit in the cold weather. Over the winter, our coaches also continued to benefit from the professional development opportunities at the National All-Sport Coaches Summit. The Boosters provided access to all of our coaches for a series of online training sessions that will benefit our program for years to come. Their support has made our amazing athletic program even stronger.

Our MIDDLE SCHOOL ATHLETES competed in basketball, swimming, diving, and volleyball, and each team provided additional highlights for us to enjoy. Our swimming and diving team won the NW Georgia Championships in January.

The Bruisers ended the meet with 316 team points, 37 points ahead of runner-up Jefferson Middle School. Starting next year, our Middle School volleyball team will move its season to the fall, allowing both basketball and volleyball to have a full season of practice and competition, having previously split the winter season and causing both teams to have fewer training opportunities.

C O U R T YA R D G I R L S P R E P A R A T O R Y S C H O O L G P S .E D U

ATHLETICS

COLLEGE SIGNINGS 1 CHAPEL CUNNINGHAM

Softball & Volleyball | Southeastern University Lakeland, Florida

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2 ASHLEY GRANT

Soccer | Wofford College Spartanburg, South Carolina 3 MACKENZIE “KENZIE” GRISAR

Lacrosse | Berry College Rome, Georgia

4 GABBY JOHNSON

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Football Manager | University of Mississippi Oxford, Mississippi

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5 NICOL A VAN DER MERWE

Track & Field | Belmont University Nashville, Tennessee 6 MARY “ADDIE” YOUMANS

Rowing | Indiana University Bloomington, Indiana

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SPRING SPORTS GPS TRACK AND FIELD put together a great final effort at the Division II-AA State Championship, finishing second overall in the team standings. Nicola van der Merwe ’21 won the triple jump with a distance of 36’5”. Our 4x800 Meter Relay team of Jane Eiselstein ’21, Gilly Shumate ’25, Tessie Braman ’25, and Frances Bohner ’25 also finished first in their event with a time of 9:54.97.

On the SOF TBALL field, the Bruisers reached the Division II-AA championship game in Murfreesboro, falling to a talented Baylor team in their final meeting. GPS had wins over Silverdale Baptist, Gibbs, and CCS during the regular season. Four players were named to the Division II-AA All-East Region team: Ansley Blevins ’22, McKamey Bratcher ’23, Chapel Cunningham ’21, and Maddie Grace Hubbard ’22, and Chapel was selected to play in the Tennessee-Georgia Softball All-Star Game.

Our TENNIS team participated in the most competitive region in the state and finished third behind eventual state champion, Knox Catholic. The Bruisers were represented in the state doubles tournament by Caroline Clark ’23 and Mary Kate Johnson ’22, and the duo reached the semifinals of their bracket. With only one senior on the roster this year, GPS is already looking ahead to great potential for the spring of 2022.

GPS L ACROSSE had its best season in the 17-year school history of the sport. The Bruisers finished the regular season 16-0, marking the first undefeated regular season since lacrosse was introduced at GPS. Five players—Anna Beth Coffman ’21, Kenzie Grisar ’21, Evie Jackson ’22, CJ Polk ’22, and Reagan Ziegler ’23—were named to the AllRegion team, and Ziegler was also named an All-State selection by the TGLA. GPS fell to Ensworth in the quarterfinals of the state tournament.

Our ROWING program enjoyed their first season in the new GPS | McCallie Rowing Center and represented the school well at the Mid-South Regatta at Baylor, finishing second. Unfortunately, much of the spring rowing competition schedule was impacted by COVID-19 cancellations, but the team was able to make the most of their opportunities and look forward to a more complete season next year.

Our MIDDLE SCHOOL BRUISERS competed in track, lacrosse, tennis, and golf. Nora Armstrong ’27 finished second in the 800-meter run and third in the 1600-meter run at the end of season city track championships at CCS. Farah House ’26 was third in the shot put. Tennis had a strong effort this spring highlighted by two wins over Dalton Middle. Our lacrosse team had seven wins that included three over Baylor and one each over Seymour and Brentwood. Olivia Center ’26 qualified for the individual district championships in golf and was named to the All-Hamilton County team.

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"I am so proud of all of our studentathletes for their tremendous work in their sports and in the classroom,” said Jay Watts, GPS Director of Athletics. “In the face of so many obstacles and distractions, not the least of which was COVID-19, our girls truly maximized their opportunities this year and achieved at an incredibly high level. I am thankful to be at a place like GPS where girls can have the very best experience in athletics and academics.”

TSSAA

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS All nine of our TSSAA sports were recognized through the TSSAA Academic Achievement Award program for the fall, winter, and spring seasons. In the fall, our soccer, cross country, golf, and volleyball teams all earned Distinguished Scholastic Achievement recognition for having a team GPA of 3.25 or higher. Now that the second semester is complete, we know that our basketball and softball teams have earned Outstanding Scholastic Achievement recognition after completing the spring semester with a team GPA of at least 3.0. Bowling, tennis, and track earned Distinguished Scholastic Achievement after completing the spring with a team GPA of at least 3.25.

In addition to these team awards, the TSSAA also recognizes individual achievement for athletes who complete the semester with a GPA of 3.5 or higher. In the fall, 38 GPS studentathletes reached this mark. In the spring, we had 62. The breakdown by sport is as follows: CROSS COUNTRY - 8

VOLLEYBALL - 4

SOF TBALL - 5

GOLF - 6

BASKETBALL - 4

TENNIS - 18

SOCCER - 20

BOWLING - 10

TRACK AND FIELD - 25

FOLLOW GPS ATHLETICS ON FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, AND TWITTER. @BRUISERATHLETICS

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@GPS_ATHLETICS

@BRUISERSPORTS

GPS CAMPUS HOME TO NEW ROWING CENTER AF TER NEARLY A DECADE in the works, the GPS | McCallie Rowing Center officially opened this spring to house both the GPS rowing and McCallie crew programs.

Situated on the GPS campus at the lower athletic complex, the one-of-a-kind 15,000-square-foot facility features a training room that accommodates 48 ergs and other conditioning equipment as well as three large bays for boat storage, a spacious multipurpose room for team meetings and events, separate locker rooms with showers, and office space for coaches. Outside the center is dedicated parking and, at the water’s edge, a larger dock to accommodate both teams.

The shared rowing center was made possible through a strategic partnership between GPS and McCallie. In 2012, McCallie’s then-headmaster (and GPS interim head of school this year), Kirk Walker, worked with McCallie board members to find a location along the Tennessee River to build a rowing center for the boys’ school’s team.

Conversations ensued about capitalizing on the strong coordinate program between McCallie and GPS and housing both programs under one roof. A committee composed of McCallie and GPS board members was formed and, by 2016, committee participants agreed that housing both programs at GPS was the best option.

After delays in securing building materials related to the pandemic, the structure was finally opened this spring. Also this spring, GPS hired former Division I standout Laura Foster as Head Rowing Coach.

Foster recently served as the assistant varsity head coach for the Princeton National Rowing Association in New Jersey. She rowed for four years at the University of Michigan, was a two-time Academic All-Big Ten, a Collegiate Rowing Coaches’ Association Academic All-American, and a scholar-athlete. After Michigan, Foster attended the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom, where she earned her Master of Philosophy Degree in archaeology and was the head men’s rowing coach at the Queens’ College Boat Club and vicepresident of the Cambridge Women’s Program.

GPS and McCallie jointly announced that Maegan Gossett ’08 will become Rowing Center Coordinator, ensuring that the facility is used at its maximum capacity to serve both rowing programs. She also will serve as an assistant coach to Foster.

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W O R S ’ T LE

Seed money provided from the estate of a McCallie alumnus began the project; Franklin Architects was hired and then, in turn, contracted with Peterson Architects of Cambridge, Massachusetts, to design the building.

In September 2019, a groundbreaking ceremony led by GPS Head of School Dr. Autumn A. Graves officially launched the construction of the new building.

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Madi Clower ’22

Arts

AnnaKate Stipanov ’21

& PERFORMING

Tatum Spears ’21

Cybelle Gable ’21

FINE

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FINE& PERFORMING ARTS

Recognition for Expression SE VEN GPS JUNIORS and seniors were recognized by The Alliance for Young

Artists & Writers for their commitment to excellence in artistry. Founded in 1923, the national nonprofit organization established the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards to highlight teens for their talents and creativity across 28 categories that range from printmaking to novel writing, painting, ceramics, and more. This award recognition program is the nation’s longest-running program for creative teens and considered the most prestigious.

Hundreds of thousands of works are submitted each year from students in every state in the nation. This year, 27 GPS students entered 35 pieces across the 15 visual arts categories to be judged on their originality, technical skill, and emergence of personal vision or voice.

In the Southeastern Region, Lily DuPlooy ’21, Mia Iannios ’21, and Madi Clower ’22 were recognized with Honorable Mentions, and Ellie Paty ’21, AnnaKate Stipanov ’21, Emma-Kate White ’22, and Caroline Farris ’22 were awarded Silver Key Designations.

“I frequently tell my students how good they are, but receiving recognition from outside of GPS is validation of their skill and creativity that comes from someone besides their teacher,” says GPS art teacher Debbie Glasscock. “I’m so proud of how hard my students work, and I’m thrilled so many were recognized this year.”

SEEDS WAITING FOR RAIN

GPS drama teacher Mark Krawczyk was drawn to the poetic theatrical works of Chattanooga native playwright and poet (and former GPS girl!) Peggy Douglas for this year’s spring theater performance. Originally written as standalone monologues, Douglas’s pieces were reworked with the ensemble and Krawczyk to create a sense of dialogue and a community that, although about times from the last 100 years, could have been about the past year. The characters inhabited our region—from Signal Mountain to downtown Chattanooga and beyond—and Douglas’s works acted as a springboard to create original material.

MIDDLE & UPPER SCHOOL SHOWCASES MUSEUM OF THE MUSE

The Terpsichord Thanksgiving Concert featured six pieces and kicked off with a company-wide dance choreographed by Director of Terpsichord Laurel Moore Zahrobsky ’90. Midway through the program, audience members (both in person and those tuning in virtually) enjoyed the traditional senior duet choreographed and performed by President Annsley Kelly ’21 and Vice President AnnaKate Stipanov ’21.

READ MORE ABOUT OUR PRODUCTIONS AT GPS.EDU/NEWS.

During their Chapel showcases, Middle School students performed pieces from Vivaldi, Bach, and Joseph Campello, among others, while the Upper School program featured favorites from Gioachino Rossini’s classic opera “The Barber of Seville,” Tchaikovsky’s worldfamous “Nutcracker” ballet, and Hans Zimmer’s movie masterpiece “Pirates of the Caribbean.”

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FINE& PERFORMING ARTS

CONCERTS IN THE COURT YARD

A LONGSTANDING LESSON

Calling it “a stunning achievement for the musicians,” Instrumental Music Director Mary Baxter planned the first music showcase of the year in only two weeks. Thanks to good weather and an even better idea, nearly 100 Middle and Upper School students performed on Smith Courtyard on a Sunday afternoon, divided into three separate mini-concerts to allow for social distancing among the performers and the audience members.

ELLIPSIS

The Terpsichord Spring Concert featured pieces set by Director of Terpsichord Laurel Moore Zahrobsky ’90, Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education instructor Lonnie E. Davis Jr., and Emory University and Agnes Scott College choreographer Kristin O’Neil.

Faculty Emerita Cathie Ault Kasch ’72 returned to campus to teach her infamous meter study lesson to the ninth-grade choreography class. Excited to learn from one of the greats, the freshman dancers practiced and performed for her later that week.

THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT

GPS students were honored to create a holiday music video for the Tennessee Aquarium. While the students would have loved to perform with the animals on site, they still enjoyed spreading some Christmas cheer with instrumental versions of holiday favorites.

MOTION MAKERS

Thirty Motion Makers dancers expressed their voices and emotions through movement in their spring performance. Motion Makers is a club for Middle School students interested in expanding their knowledge and opportunities with dance.

FROM THE PAGE TO THE STAGE

Each year, with guidance from dance teacher Laurel Moore Zahrobsky ’90, sixth-grade dancers create choreographed pieces based on the book Letters from Rifka. After studying the historical novel in class with their English teacher, Mrs. Suzy McKenna, the girls entered the dance studio to interpret Rifka’s feelings in each country through movement.

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FINE & PERFORMING ARTS

@GPSFINEPERFORMINGARTS

@GPSFINEARTS

@GPSFINEPERFORMINGARTS

Modern Womxn

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Last school year, Emma Dexter ’21 was the second student to be awarded the Fletcher Bright Fellowship for Artistic and Community Engagement. Named for one of the world’s great traditional old-time and bluegrass fiddlers, the late Fletcher Bright, the fellowship enables a student to share her passion with the community.

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An AP History student and member of Terpsichord, Emma expressed disappointment with the level of exposure and praise female artists received historically but was empowered by the strength of the female voice in art today.

As the recipient of the fellowship, she organized an exhibition of Chattanooga-area female artists of all ages, Modern Womxn, to showcase their works to the broader public and receive the exposure they deserve.

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AP ART WORKS (1) Annie Sanford '21 (2) Jennifer Wu '21 (3) Mia Hammonds' 21 (4) Hayden McGregor '21 (5) AnnaKate Stipanov '21 (6) Talley Lyons '21 (7) Emma Henderson '21 (8) Annie Sanford '21 (9) Morgan Brown '21

The mission of the pop-up exhibition at the Association for Visual Arts was to provide a platform for local female artists to showcase work that reflects the diverse story of womanhood.

Featured artists included Kathleen Greeson, Ellie Swann ’19, Ellie Sikes, Ava Echard, Sherry Collins Hogan, Lily DuPlooy ’21, and Olive Smith.

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By Lucy Morris Blancett ’09

Q. HOW DID YOUR TIME AS A STUDENT AT AN ALL-GIRLS SCHOOL SHAPE YOU?

A. My experience at the Agnes Irwin School in Pennsylvania had a very positive influence on me, including my decision to become a teacher.

The culture and environment encouraged me to take chances, be fearless, try new things, and celebrate and support my fellow classmates.

Q. WHAT EXCITES YOU ABOUT THE HEAD OF SCHOOL POSITION AT GPS?

MEETING

MEGAN A Q&A WITH OUR NEW HEAD OF SCHOOL

ON JULY 1, Megan D. Cover began her tenure as the 10th Head of School for

Girls Preparatory School. A career educator, Cover hails from Tower Hill School, an independent college preparatory school in Wilmington, Delaware, where she most recently served as Head of Upper School.

During her 20-year service to Tower Hill, Cover demonstrated excellence in teaching and outstanding initiative and leadership. She was instrumental in launching signature programs, enhancing the experience of rising ninth-graders through summer programs, and facilitating improvements to service learning, environmental initiatives, and social justice and wellness programs for Upper School students.

Cover is joined in Chattanooga by her husband of 22 years, Ted, and daughters Margaret and Sophie, who will join the GPS junior class. Their eldest daughter, Kathryn, will be a college sophomore this fall.

Regarded by her students and peers alike for her collegiality, sincerity, and role as a champion for her school and students, Cover is eager to get to know GPS students, faculty, staff, and broader community better. In the meantime, she offers a glance into her hopes and goals for the school as well as how her experience as a student of an all-girls school informed the trajectory of her future.

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A. There are many things that excite me about GPS—to name a few: its mission of inspiring girls to pursue lives of integrity and purpose; the lasting impact an all-girls education has on developing young women to be confident, resilient, and strong individuals; the importance and value of community; and the incredible legacy of its founders. I can keep going ...

Q. WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT GPS?

A. What drew me to GPS is its commitment to educating the whole girl during her formative years and its rich legacy. What I have been increasingly impressed by is the warmth and kindness of the entire GPS community—past and present.

Q. THINKING ABOUT THE FUTURE OF GPS, WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR TANGIBLE HOPES AND GOALS?

A. The future looks very bright for GPS, and I am most looking forward to getting to know each and every community member. My first year will be one of learning and discovery with a focus on celebrating community and connection.

Q. WHY ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT ALLGIRLS EDUCATION?

A. As a mother of three daughters, alumna of an all-girls school, and career educator, I know firsthand how important it is to have a culture that empowers young women, builds their confidence, nurtures and supports them, and lifts them up for achievement. GPS is committed to providing an exceptional experience, where everything begins and ends with what’s best for girls. This positions young women for great success not only in grades six through 12, but also, more importantly, for life.

From left, Sophie, Ted, Megan, Margaret, and Kathryn

Q. WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT INSIDE OF EDUCATION? AND OUTSIDE OF EDUCATION?

A. That would have to be my leadership in shifting the culture at my current school to more of a multilevel focus on the holistic development of each student.

I spearheaded initiatives to better serve our students and community members in several areas, such as creating a formal advisory program, reimagining our schedule, restructuring leadership opportunities, adding more experiential learning, supporting and destigmatizing the Learning and Wellness Centers, and prioritizing global initiatives, service learning, inclusivity, and community time to gather. These efforts did not minimize our stellar academics but helped prioritize student well-being, character education, and leadership development. This has led to a more balanced and healthy culture that keeps evolving.

My proudest accomplishment outside of education would have to be my three daughters. My husband, Ted, has been an incredible partner in raising them, but we cannot take full credit for whom they have become—their teachers, advisors, and coaches have played significant roles in their development and growth.

“My first year will be one of learning and discovery with a focus on celebrating community and connection.”

Q. WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?

A. “Bloom where you are planted.”

Q. WHAT ADVICE DO YOU GIVE TEACHERS AND ASPIRING EDUCATORS?

A. The key to success in education is the connection between teacher and student.

Trusted relationships are essential in the learning process and are especially important in building confidence in girls.

With confidence comes competence, which naturally leads to success. These relationships add to a positive, student-centered culture.

Q. WHAT’S A LITTLE-KNOWN FACT ABOUT YOU?

A. I love to cook. It is a time where I can explore a variety of foods and also immerse myself in a creative process that is new every time. My favorite recipes usually come from Ina Garten or Tyler Florence.

Q. WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST INFLUENCE ON YOUR APPROACH TO EDUCATION?

A. Ensuring that schools prepare students for life beyond the classroom—that we nurture their mind, body, and spirit; help develop passions and interests; and build integrity and kindness so students have no other choice but to thrive both personally and professionally.

COMING TO CHATTANOOGA Certainly the school sells itself, but the beautiful backdrop of Chattanooga did not hurt when it came time for the Covers to make the decision to head south. Here each member of the family shares what they are most looking forward to in the Scenic City: » M EGAN: We are a family who loves

the mountains and the water. I cannot wait to explore Chattanooga by hiking or getting on the river. I also am looking forward to learning more about each of the neighborhoods in Chattanooga and trying out the array of restaurants. » T ED: So many things come to mind, but top of the list has to be the people. I’ve been so impressed with how kind and fun everyone in the Chattanooga and GPS communities have been. » K ATHRYN: I’m looking forward to exploring the city and getting familiar with all the outdoor adventures in the area. » M ARGARET: I love to hike, so I look forward to learning about all the different trails. I am also a big fan of Ben and Jerry’s and happy there is a store in town. » S OPHIE: I’m excited to meet new people, and I am especially excited to meet my new classmates in the coming weeks!

Q. WHAT DO YOU HOPE YOUR TWO YOUNGER DAUGHTERS, MARGARET AND SOPHIE, WILL GAIN FROM THEIR EXPERIENCE AT GPS?

A. I would like Margaret and Sophie to take advantage of all the dynamic offerings at GPS. My hope is that they will try new things, get out of their comfort zones, and explore new areas that may become a passion or interest for them. I am excited for them to experience the sisterhood within the GPS community.

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THANK YOU,

DR. WALKER

A retired McCallie Headmaster, former GPS trustee, and past GPS parent, Dr. Kirk Walker left his mark as Interim Head of School for the 2020-21 school year.

Dr. Walker with his daughter, Caroline.

Dr. Kirk Walker had only months to plan for what could be described as the ultimate challenge: shepherding a school from one head to another during a pandemic. Now, on the other side of schoolwide precautions and with the advantage of hindsight, he made it look easy.

Perhaps his three decades of school administrative experience coupled with his calm, reassuring presence is to be credited for putting the entire GPS community at ease. Who would want to disappoint a leader who modeled such gentle authority during a time when it might be easy to let trepidation take over?

Surely at times he questioned his decision to say yes when GPS Board Chair Dr. Becca Stimson ’73 asked if he would serve as Interim Head of School during the 2020-21 school year. When he was approached in October 2019, the pandemic was months removed from Chattanooga.

But the GPS community is grateful that he did agree to serve and that he did so with such adeptness and grace. Walker had retired as president of the Southern Association of Independent Schools in June 2019. Afterward people had asked him what his plans might be. “I usually replied that I wasn’t sure, but that I knew that it would present itself,” he says.

Once he committed to GPS, Walker made a trip to the local bookstore to buy books about raising and educating girls. His daughter, Caroline Walker ’04, served as his inspiration.

“I was honored to be part of a school community for which I have so much admiration,” he says. “Both through observing my daughter’s experience as a student at GPS and through my work with the school while at McCallie and Bright.”

For Caroline, seeing her father lead the school she has such a fondness for was a special experience.

“It really touched me how proud he was of everyone on campus—the teachers, students, the facilities crew, the admin team,” she says. “He loved the special relationships between everyone on campus and how they came together to focus on the girls and problem-solve to keep the school open.”

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After months of bragging about the school lunches and how much he loved being a part of the school, Walker finally allowed Caroline to visit—but only after COVID-19 restrictions had been lifted to the point he felt comfortable having her on campus. “He was always so proud of not only what he was able to accomplish but also what the girls did,” she says.

“He would brag about the athletic teams and Mock Trial when they won state. And he’s so proud of how bright the future is for GPS and the resiliency that was demonstrated this year.”

Caroline says she got emotional after her visit with her dad. “I’m really glad I got to walk the halls with him. He wanted to show off the school to me from his lens, and it was very special.”

Although she admits to being a bit biased, Caroline believes her father was the right person for the job as interim head.

“He brought a sense of calmness and confidence to the school and was able to bring everyone together. It was a once-in-alifetime opportunity for him.”

Now that Dr. Walker has passed the proverbial torch to the tenth Head of School, Megan Cover, he’s planning to travel with his wife, Patsi, to spend time with family—including a new grandbaby—and to focus on community projects.

“I’m forever grateful he was able to spend this year at GPS,” Caroline says. “From day one, he fell in love with the school the way I did. That meant the world to me, and I’m so proud to be his daughter.”

CLASS DAY Class Day ceremonies recognized students with awards in academics, character, the arts, athletics, and more.

MIDDLE SCHOOL AWARDS SIXTH-GRADE AWARDS

Margaret Wheland Cate Award Nora Cate Armstrong ’27 Joan Haley Frierson Award Molly Ransom ’27 SEVENTH-GRADE AWARDS

Ruth Schmidt Award Emma Rose Pratt ’26 Thedford Award Macy Poole ’26

EIGHTH-GRADE AWARDS

Janet Lea Jackson Award Ella Beth Wiedmer ’25

DAR Youth Citizenship Award Mabry Cook ’25 BL ACK, BLUE, AND WHITE AWARD

White Team

UPPER SCHOOL AWARDS SENIOR AWARDS

Ethel B. Poston Valedictorian Award Lily DuPlooy ’21 Maggie Parsley ’21 Rickie Pierce Salutatorian Award Hunter McVay ’21 Mary Hannah Tucker Faculty Award Mattie Ballentine ’21 Founders Award Maggie Parsley ’21 Daughters of the American Revolution Award Morgan Brown ’21

Roberta Moore Award Addie Youmans ’21 Barbara Johnson Prickett Award Alison Williams ’21 CHARACTER AWARDS

Marilyn Sherman Center Award Ella Harris ’24

VISIT GPS.EDU/ NEWS TO READ MORE ABOUT THE AWARDS PRESENTED.

Frances Wheeler Freshman Cup Abigail Carpenter ’24 Dora Maclellan Brown Christian Leadership Award Caroline Breazeale ’24 Gigi Breazeale ’24 Sophomore Bowl Hannah Grace Kornberg ’23

National Orchestra Award Ellie Paty ’21

Dorris Chapin Wells Award Caroline Clark ’23

National Band Award Katie Day ’21

Battle Award Louisa Bohner ’22

Excellence in Dramatic Arts Talley Lyons ’21

Palmer Griffin Award Evie Jackson ’22

Excellence in Technical Theater Eve Smith ’21 Fletcher W. Bright Fellowship Caroline Farris ’22 Claire Nicola ’22

ATHLETIC AWARDS

Mary Alice Hood Chambers Award Kensley Boyd ’24 Elizabeth Collier Farmer Award McKamey Bratcher ’23

ACADEMIC AWARDS

Laura Holt Outstanding Athlete Award Ansley Blevins ’22 Robinson Sportsmanship Cup Sydney Morris ’21 Sandra Martin Award Chapel Cunningham ’21 Peggy Thomas 100% Award Nicola van der Merwe ’21

Patsy Williams Scott Service Award Talley Lyons ’21

FINE & PERFORMING ARTS AWARDS

Betsy Chisolm Silberman Award Shreena Patel ’21 Laura Handly Award Lily DuPlooy ’21

Eula Lea Jarnagin Love of Language Award Priyanka Sud ’21, French Anna von Kessler ’21, Latin Laila Siyam ’21, Spanish Lois Moyer Award for Mathematics Lily DuPlooy ’21

Pete Wood Award Astha Sinha ’21

Jane Henegar Noble Christian Award Anna Beth Coffman ’21

Mildred Peters Award for English Maggie Parsley ’21

Computer Science & Engineering Award Astha Sinha ’21

Greene-Hanlin Award Reese Miller ’21 Mady Oliver ’21

Lucy Ann Adams Science Cup Lily DuPlooy ’21 Calista Geralds ’21 John Locke History Award for Excellence Alison Williams ’21

Terpsichord Award AnnaKate Stipanov ’21 Award for Excellence in the Visual Arts AnnaKate Stipanov ’21

PUBLICATIONS AWARD

William C. McKenzie Award Maggie Parsley ’21

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Against the Odds

» Kimberly Reid ’13 shows Ella Beth Wiedmer ’25 how to use the screening kiosk.

HOW GPS STAYED SAFE AMID A PANDEMIC « Coverings were constructed for outdoor patio areas to allow students to eat, study, connect, and even have classes without face coverings.

By Pamela Hammonds

IF THE GPS 2020-21 SCHOOL YEAR were a postcard, it might read: Greetings from a Year of COVID-19—where everyone tried really hard to stay safe. And it worked!

Perhaps that’s oversimplifying the hours of planning and execution needed to transform our physical campus and the way we typically conduct school, but the end result was an in-person experience for the entire school year when other schools in our area and across the nation learned mostly from home. » Students primarily ate lunches outdoors, with the senior class having exclusive access to the dining hall seating. In inclement weather, classrooms were used as dining spaces.

Months before school began, our facilities team was hard at work, making changes to campus and classrooms to enhance the safety and learning environment for all students and faculty, and the administration worked to establish guidelines and protocols for the start of school. Fifteen walls were removed, and outdoor structures were added to allow students to be outside even during inclement weather. For students and teachers who preferred to conduct school at home, accommodations including state-of-theart cameras helped everyone learn in real-time.

» Lunchtime remained a favorite time of day, with our chef and Sage associates painstakingly preparing individualized servings to minimize contact.

PL AYING IT SAFE

For more about how our athletic-specific precautions kept us competitive all year, please see page 16.

» Our students and teachers worked so hard to follow our COVID protocols, including wearing face coverings indoors and keeping desks distanced to limit contact.

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To minimize contact with others, the campus was closed to outside visitors, including parents and alumnae, with a very limited number of guests allowed to attend indoor athletic events and Chapel Talks. Later those restrictions were lessened to include athletic signings and other special events. Freestanding kiosks monitored temperatures and the presence of a face covering for everyone who entered the building. And everyone had to answer a series of health screening questions prior to coming on campus.

Those who were exposed to COVID or tested positive were required to remain off campus for a period of time until deemed safe to return by the current health protocols. Key to managing the stipulations associated with an ever-developing pandemic was our COVID Coordinator, Kimberly Reid ’13. She monitored cases, performed close-contact tracing as mandated by local and state health organizations, established guidelines for athletics and other events and, in the spring, set up four on-campus vaccine clinics in partnership with Access Pharmacy. Reid was later featured in CityScope magazine in their “On the Map” section, which highlights area alumni succeeding at the next level.

PICTURE THIS « Martha Hanzelik’s SHAPE classes took to the outdoors for some kayak conditioning.

From the first day of school to the last, our 2020-21 photos and videos were viewed on our SmugMug page more than 2.6 million times! You may download any of our thousands of photos for free or order prints for a small fee at GirlsPreparatorySchool.SmugMug.com.

A BRIEF RESPITE

With concerns about the number of students and teachers spending time with others over the winter holiday break, GPS remained closed an extra week.

“We have been encouraged by the GPS community’s commitment to safety throughout the school year and heartened by the relatively low illness rates on our campus,” Dr. Kirk Walker, Interim Head of School shared in an announcement about the weeklong remote learning.

» In April Ross’s engineering class, students tackled COVID-related projects, designing products and an app.

From January 4-8, students learned off-campus before returning the following Monday. From then on, in-person learning continued with restrictions modified in accordance with health guidelines. « Four on-campus clinics allowed students and employees to be conveniently vaccinated.

Once spring approached and the vaccination was more widely available, plans progressed for a more traditional end to the school year.

May Day was moved from Smith Courtyard to the lower athletic fields to allow the junior Class of 2022 to wrap two additional maypoles since they missed that opportunity the previous year. The additional space also permitted families to attend the event while distanced from others.

Commencement exercises for the Class of 2021 was held on the morning of May 15 in a similar fashion as for the Class of 2020, outdoors on Smith Courtyard. For the remaining school year, lovely weather allowed the Eighth-Grade Celebration and other events, such as the Six- and Seventh-Grade May Celebrations, to be held outdoors.

“If ever there was a reason to celebrate an entire school year, it was this one,” says Lynne Macziewski, Associate Head of School and Head of Middle School. “The consistent efforts of each individual made all the difference in our being able to hold school in a way that benefited our entire community.”

ON WE GO!

While we prepare for the fall of 2021 and the start of our 116th year of school, parents have been requested to report their child’s vaccination against COVID-19 and faculty and staff are required to continue wearing masks indoors if not vaccinated. Once data has been examined, the school will determine what protocols will be in place as school begins.

For now, we’ve enjoyed having hundreds of girls on campus this summer for our most successful Summer Camp program to date. If anything inspires us for the future, it’s seeing tomorrow’s Bruisers on campus today.

As always, Here’s to the Girls!

VIRTUAL REALIT Y

To view our senior Chapel Talks, hear from our teachers and students about life at GPS, see special events and hear speakers from this year and more, visit our YouTube channel at YouTube.com/ GPSBruiserTube.

« By the end of the school year, the Class of 2021 enjoyed their special celebrations, including May Day, college decision day, senior dinner, prom, and Commencement.

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GALLERY Once a Bruiser, always a Bruiser. Read about the transformative life experiences and accomplishments of our alumnae and the legacies left behind by those who are no longer with us.

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CL ASS NOTES

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WEDDINGS

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BABIES

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IN MEMORIAM

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Class Notes 1960s M ARJORIE CREWS TELERSKI ’62 was

honored for her work as a board member of the Bishop Griffin Resource Center and Food Pantry by the Columbus, Ohio-based Spirituality Network. Telerski has managed the food pantry garden for more than a decade, providing much-needed and hardto-find produce for people in the area. She also started a day care center and more to serve working mothers in her community.

1970s 1 M ABEL COBB ’75 is a retired flight attendant and community volunteer. After 22 years of traveling the world for Northwest/Delta Airlines, she retired from the skies and is working toward her real estate license in Atlanta, Georgia. Her greatest passion is volunteering, including with Habitat for Humanity, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, and St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

2 DR. CHRIS BENZ SMITH ’72,

Director of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga School of Nursing, was featured in the Chattanooga Times Free Press for guiding the campus response to the COVID-19 outbreak. She serves as Chief Health Affairs Office and led the university’s COVID-19 Campus Support Team.

Smith and her high school sweetheart and husband, Trip, were also featured in a spring edition of CityScope magazine.

U.S. Bankruptcy JUDGE SHELLEY D. RUCKER ’76 was appointed as the chief bankruptcy judge for the Eastern District of Tennessee. Judge Rucker served as a U.S. bankruptcy judge for the Eastern District of Tennessee since 2010. Prior to that appointment she practiced bankruptcy law with Miller & Martin, PLLC for 27 years.

3 LYN HARRIS ’79,

the national archivist for Chi Omega, was named the 2020 recipient of the Chi Omega President’s Award, the organization’s highest award. This recognizes extraordinary service to Chi Omega.

After graduating from Mercer University,

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Harris earned her master’s degree in history at Georgia College & State University. A former high school history teacher and nonprofit executive, today Harris is involved in local nonprofits and serves on the foundation board for Cempa Community Care.

4 CAROL KILLEBREW ’79,

the current Assistant Head of School at Saint Mary’s School, was named Interim Head of School at the Raleigh, North Carolina, school.

Killebrew, who has more than 35 years of experience in all-girls education and six years as a head of school, was a natural fit, according to the current head of school. She has been at Saint Mary’s since 2020 after serving as head of school at Salem Academy (2018-20) and The Ursuline School in New Rochelle, New York (2014-18). Killebrew also served at GPS in various capacities for 28 years (1986-2014).

1980s ANNE EVANS BAYS ’81 is a farmer and entrepreneur-owner of Moonlight Meat, a local meat and food shop in the heart of downtown Williamsburg, Kentucky.

The Moonlight Meat Shop and Moonlight Meat Processing, a USDA-inspected meat process plant, were two out of 108 markets across Kentucky accepted into the 2021 Kentucky Farm Bureau Certified Farm Market Program.

5 ROBIN STILL WINTRINGHA M ’81

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recently graduated from Elon University School of Law. While she does not know the specific type of law she will practice, Wintringham has a passion for public interest law. Presently Wintringham has a fairly keen interest in practicing bankruptcy law. In summer 2020, she served as an intern for the Honorable Shelley D. Rucker ’76 in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee.

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6 NEDRA CA MPBELL ’90

is an attorney for the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. She’s litigated more than 100 cases in federal and state courts and serves on the State Bar of Michigan’s Labor Employment Law Section Council. She published a book, More Justice, More Peace: The Black Person’s Guide to the Legal System.

7 M ARY WILLIA MS GADD ’93, Executive Director of the Tennessee Defense Lawyers Association, received the international Defense Research Institute State and Legal Defense Organization Executive Director award for successfully fostering a relationship between her SLDO and DRI, and for demonstrating exceptional service to the cause of the defense bar and her state organization. Gadd has served as the ED with TDLA since 2015. She joins fellow alumna Jennifer Davis ’84, Georgia Defense Lawyers Association Executive Director, who won this award in 2016.

DR. APRIL JEWELL ’98, microdevices engineer III at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, spoke with her former teacher, Keith Sanders, and members of the GPS Science Club about her work with ultraviolet detectors for astronomy and physics. Today she works with the Advanced Detectors, Systems and Nanoscience Group at the JPL in Pasadena, California.

8 DR. TIA GUSTER ’99

is the OB-GYN Chair at Piedmont Newnan Hospital in Newnan, Georgia. She attended Emory University for her undergraduate degree and completed medical school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

2000s DR. M AITHILEE KUNDA ’02 was featured on a recent “60 Minutes” segment. Dr. Kunda, a computer scientist at the First Cen-

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ter for Autism and Innovation at Vanderbilt University, led Anderson Cooper through a Block Design Test that measures a person’s visuospatial abilities. These abilities are one of the several areas in which people in the autism spectrum show strengths and talents.

12 KELVINA SMITH ’09,

a respiratory therapist at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, traveled to Texas to help with the COVID-19 emergency response. She graduated cum laude from the honors program at Tennessee State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in cardiorespiratory care sciences.

9 L AUREN E . FISHER WHITE ’03

has been elected a partner of Christian & Barton, L.L.P., a civil practice law firm in Richmond, Virginia. She focuses her practice on labor and employment counseling and litigation.

10 PRIYA BOYINGTON ’07 is a consultant for retail tech startups. After igniting her love for startups at GoldieBlox, a company that creates STEM-themed toys for girls, Boyington earned her MBA at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. From there she launched her first product, Stitch Fix Kids, and went on to serve as Vice President of Brands at arfa, a company that develops personal care brands based on close relationships with the people who use them.

11 K ATHERINE CHERRY ARNON ’07

and CHRISTINE ANDERSON COOPER ’09 recently graduated from the same executive MBA program at Georgia State University. They celebrated their graduation in April together.

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2010s 13 NORQUATA ALLEN ’10

is a quality engineer with GE Renewable Energy. She graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology, where she was a leader within the National Society of Black Engineers.

LESLEY BROCK ’10 accepted an offer to

join the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health’s MPH cohort this fall. She looks forward to continuing her research surrounded by such a wonderful group of dedicated public health researchers/advocates. Brock is grateful to her family, friends, recommenders, professors, and the entire Fletcher School at Tufts University community for making this possible.

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CLASS NOTES

AILEEN JOHNSON ’10 was named

April’s AWS Research Resident of the Month by the Association of Women Surgeons. Johnson is a PGY-3 general surgery resident at Emory University, currently in her first year of a research fellowship in transplant immunology. The focus of her research is bringing a systems biology approach to a dimensionality reduction, and multiplex imaging methods to analyze changes in the microbiome, transcriptome, and proteome of kidney and pancreas transplant recipients. Her project characterizing the metagenomic landscape of pancreas transplant recipients was selected for the ASTS Jon Fryer-Natera Resident Research Scholarship. Johnson is also developing a software package to facilitate analysis of HLA matching at the eplet level.

14 DR. CATHERINE HITCHINGS

PL ATING ’10 graduated from Covenant

College with a degree in biology. She worked at the Early Learning Center at

Siskin Children’s Institute and was inspired to pursue her doctorate degree in occupational therapy from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She works as an occupational therapist at Children’s Hospital at Erlanger.

JORDAN LEVESQUE ’11 was promoted to Senior Design Engineer with the Amazon Logistics Engineering team. Over the past few years, Levesque has designed some of the most challenging buildings and designed the most Delivery Stations in AMZL history. She says this position gave her the opportunity to push and challenge design limits, think creatively, and work cross-functionally with some amazing teams.

HANNAH BADGLEY ’12 was promoted to Principal Consultant at ACA Group.

DR. CHADARRYL CL AY ’12 served her

community in Durham, North Carolina, administering doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. In addition to in-office vaccines, Clay gave COVID-19 vaccines to homebound individuals with Central Pharmacy, where she works through the UNC Independent Ownership Residency program. She graduated with her doctor of pharmacy degree from Virginia Commonwealth University.

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15 RAEW YN DUVALL ’12,

Ph.D. candidate in electrical and computer engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, spoke to the GPS Science Club via Zoom.

Duvall works with planetary micro- and nano-rovers and is the Deputy Program Manager for Carnegie Mellon University’s Iris—a nano-rover headed to the moon next year. As well as managing the project deadlines, budget, and team, she will be the Mission Director leading their exploration of the moon in late 2021.

CAROLINE HOLLOWAY ’12 started a new position as Coordinator of Creative Service at Bain & Company.

K ATHERINE NANNEY ’12 joined Merritt Group’s government practice—again!

Nanney will be returning as an account manager to the company that gave her a start in public relations. She was most recently a senior account executive at Finn Partners, where she worked with the exceptional Higher Ed team and the college, university, and #edtech clients.

At Merritt Group her clients will include Deloitte, Elastic, Qlik, and ASRC Federal.

16 DR. ANKITA SHETH ’12 graduated from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry, fulfilling her mom’s lifelong dream of having a doctor in the family!

Her journey is not over yet though. Sheth matched into a residency program in Charleston, South Carolina.

ALEXIS CRUTCHFIELD ’13 joined Miller & Martin PLLC as an associate in the Chattanooga office. Crutchfield concentrates her practice in the firm’s litigation department, primarily working on business litigation and labor and employment matters. Crutchfield holds a law degree from Howard University School of Law in Washington, D.C., and is a member of Miller & Martin’s Women’s Network, a network of attorneys within the firm focused on initiatives that support and elevate women in the legal profession and the communities they serve.

CLASS NOTES

MORGAN YATES CARDWELL ’13 started a new position as Managing Partner at Priority Legal Group.

17 JA ZELYN HOGG ’13 is a mental health therapist in Chattanooga who is also working to complete her doctorate in education and leadership at Trevecca Nazarene University.

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18 SADIE LET T ’13

has spent the past year working in the COVID ICU at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

19 JALESA POINDEXTER ’13

earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing at the University of Kentucky. She’s a nurse in the pediatric intensive care unit at Erlanger Hospital.

20 SHARRON BOCKM AN ’14 is the Assistant Brewer at True Respite Brewing Company in Rockville, Maryland. Bockman says her GPS experience gave her confidence to start in a heavily male-dominant industry. She’s a member of the Pink Boots Society, an organization for women in brewing, and this spring brewed a pink, sparkly beer inspired by women in the industry and Dolly Parton. Part of the proceeds will support PBS and Parton’s Imagination Library. As Bockman says, “GPS is the reason I feel secure being the only woman on the production team and also pitching a beer idea that is totally, unabashedly feminine.”

M ALYNN BERGER ’16 graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, with a bachelor’s degree in biosystems engineering. She recently interned with Signal Energy as a solar estimator and was offered an opportunity to continue her career with Signal as a full-time estimator.

LOT TIE SM ALLEY ’16 shared her experi-

ence in communications as a guest GPS IMPACT speaker, encouraging girls with best practices about developing a personal brand, maintaining a responsible social media presence, and how to overcome failure. She graduated from the University of Georgia with a bachelor’s in public

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relations and works as a digital workplace intern and contractor for Coca-Cola.

EMILY BALLENTINE ’17 graduated from

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Clemson University with a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering and a minor in management.

ents of a full scholarship in the form of tuition remission. Acceptance into the program is highly competitive and based on portfolio review.

BAILEY BRYANT ’17 was promoted to

Project Manager at Douglas C Davis & Associates.

BENNET T CAROLINE BURNS ’17 graduated from Emerson College in Boston with a bachelor’s degree in writing, literature, and publishing.

L AUREN TAYLOR WRIGHT ’17 gradu-

ated from University of Memphis with a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism.

In 2020 she was an intern for Literacy Mid-South, where she specialized in community outreach and data analysis.

A MELIA L AND ’17 graduated from Baylor University in Texas with a bachelor’s degree in health science studies with a focus on premed.

21 HANNAH PRESCOT T ’18

was elected to serve as the Chapter President for Sigma Kappa at the University of Alabama.

22 PHOEBE-AGNÈS MILLS ’18

was accepted into and attended the Summer Residency Program at New York Academy of Art and was one of three recipi-

23 TATIANA POGGI ’18

is an Altman Scholar at Tulane University, pursuing legal studies in business and the international political economy. This summer she will be an intern with the New York City Export Assistance Center, a subunit of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Commercial Service. She will conduct market research and other tasks that support the Export Assistance Center’s mission of helping small- and medium-sized businesses reach international markets.

This opportunity will allow Poggi to gain hands-on experience in the field of international trade that she also can apply to her senior thesis on U.S. value chains in Mexico and China.

2020s EM ALEE NIX ’20 was selected as a recipient of the MaryEllen Locher Scholarship Fund.

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CLASS NOTES

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Athletics

M AEGAN GOSSET T ’08 served as the interim GPS Head Rowing Coach for the 2020-21 seasons and also added LINDSAY WAT TS M AUNEY ’05 to her staff as Assistant Rowing Coach.

She also worked as an on-campus art teaching partner with Debbie Glasscock.

Next year she will serve as the GPS | McCallie Rowing Center Coordinator.

SARAH EVANS ’10 joined GPS as

Assistant Director of Tennis and also as an on-campus PE teaching partner to Susan Crownover.

LILLIE NOLES WOLF ’13 serves as Head

Varsity Cheerleading Coach after coaching the Middle School cheerleading team.

KIMBERLY REID ’13 took over as the

Middle School Cheer Coach and will assist Lillie on the varsity Blue Crew next fall.

KELBY CROWNOVER ’14 joined GPS as Assistant Middle School Softball Coach in the fall.

APRIL FORSTHOFFER ’15 joined GPS

as Middle School Swim Coach in the fall.

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CASEY CALDWELL SANTOS ’08

served as an Assistant Coach for the GPS Middle School Cross Country team under the direction of Head Coach ANNE KEMERER ’01 .

BRIELLE LEARY ’08 served as an

Assistant Coach on the Bruisers’ Varsity Soccer team that reached the Division II-AA State Championship in Murfreesboro in the fall.

L AUREN L AWRENCE SWANSON ’09

was an Assistant Coach for the GPS Middle School Basketball team in the winter. During the same season, DEBBIE BOHNER YOUNG ’79 was an Assistant for our Middle School Volleyball season.

24 CHELSEA JACKSON ’15,

a graduate of and cheerleader for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, was selected to join the 2021 cheerleading squad for the Tennessee Titans.

LEA MULLIGAN ’17 was named AllSportsmanship by the USA South Athletic Conference. The Maryville College Women’s Cross-Country

standout placed eighth in the West Division Final.

Three GPS graduates played college softball on teams in the NCAA Division I Tournament: HANNAH KINCER ’19 with UNC

Greensboro SHELBY WALTERS ’18 with Duke

University; named All-ACC First team, ACC Pitcher of the Week, and pitched Duke’s first no-hitter in March ELIZABETH WARWICK ’20 with

Southern Illinois University Four former GPS rowers’ teams were selected for the NCAA DI Rowing Championships: 25 L ARKIN BROWN ’19

with University of Virginia; ACC Champion (V4) 26 K ATIE NASH ’20

with Duke

University (V4) 27 REAGAN LONG ’19

and LIZZ Y

WALLEY ’19 with the University of

Tennessee, Knoxville (Both 2V8)

GPS BLACK ALUMNAE COUNCIL

By Lucy Blancett

Introducing the GPS Black Alumnae Council IN THE FALL OF 2020, Black GPS alumnae

Chief Development Officer Ali Gant said, “We saw parents, grandparents, alumnae, faculty, and staff really support this initiative.

People communicate their passions through their giving, and our community wants GPS to be a place of belonging and where Black girls can thrive.”

In April, after months of discussion to determine the purpose and goals of the group, BAC launched its first initiative: the GPS Black Alumnae Council Endowed Scholarship. This scholarship would provide tuition assistance to a current or incoming Black GPS student(s).

This scholarship will be added to the current portfolio of more than 80 endowed scholarships that help GPS annually fund $3.5M in financial aid awards. Other funding sources for financial aid include the annual operating Impact Fund and special initiatives like the GPS Bridge Fund for families financially impacted by the pandemic.

came together to form the Black Alumnae Council (BAC) Steering Committee, which serves to connect alumnae and students with shared experiences and to continue building a welcoming and supportive GPS campus community.

With the support and backing of the GPS community, BAC set a goal of $50,000 over three years to fund the scholarship. At this level, the fund would generate income in perpetuity to be used for financial aid for Black GPS girls and would continue to grow in value over time and support Black GPS students for decades to come.

To kick off fundraising, BAC gathered on campus for a phone-a-thon, where their efforts raised $10,000 in only two hours.

The funding opportunity was also part of the Our Girls | Our GPS Week of Giving. Before July, the scholarship was fully funded with more than $50,000 in pledges and donations, and it continues to grow.

With a successful launch and first initiative, BAC looks to the future. Officer elections and a social event with Black alumnae from GPS, McCallie, and Baylor are planned for fall, and additional engagement opportunities are in the works to help create a better community for our alumnae and students of color.

“Our mission is to attract, retain, engage, donate, and serve our Black community,” said Lauren Lawrence Swanson ’09, who led BAC efforts this year and who serves as DEI Student Support and Community Engagement Coordinator. “We hope to build lasting relationships between Black alums and Black students at GPS. The possibilities are endless.”

The steering committee members worked together to establish a mission for BAC, ultimately landing on the following tenets: • Attract: Facilitate programs and partnerships that attract Black students, faculty, and staff to the school • Retain: Support Black students—from admission to Commencement • Engage: Connect current students and alumnae with mentoring and professional development • Donate: “Friend-raising” and fundraising for GPS needs • Serve: Act as GPS ambassadors in the community and to fellow GPS alumnae

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SARAH HICKS BAILEY ’13

to Brayden Bailey

1 CHRISTIAN CALDWELL BLINN ’13

to Charles Blinn

2 PRIYA BOYINGTON ’07

to Tushar Gupta

3 MEREDITH MACLEAN BRADFORD ’08

to Jeremy Bradford

4 STACI THOMPSON BRUCE ’10

to Will Bruce

5 JORDAN SHEPHERD CHATHAM ’10

to Nathan Chatham ALLIE CONN ’09

to Michael Hart-Slattery 6 CORBIN CULLUM CRENSHAW ’12

to Tim Crenshaw

ELIZABETH GRACE RIDDLE DOUGLAS ’15

to Andrew Douglas

RACHEL COBBLE PITTS ’09

to Charlie Pitts

to William Probasco

17 ANI YACOUBIAN RIGGS ’00

to Matt Riggs

JULIA SANFORD ’09

to Marc King

18 NATALIE PITTMAN SHAW ’10

to Graham Shaw

10 CHANNING KIMBALL HURST ’00

to Tyson Hurst

11 MARY MARGARET TAYLOR JAMISON ’12

to Paul Jamison

12 HAILEY ELDREDGE JOHNSTON ’06

to Andrew David Hetzler

13 KATE MYERS KENEMER ’04

to Chase Kenemer

14 SAVANNAH SHUFORD MALERBI ’09

to Thomas Malerbi

COURTNEY TALL ANT MEISSNER ’08

to Allen Meissner

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19 T YLER HASKINS SHERMAN ’07

20 CAROLINE LUNN SIMS ’15

to Wyatt Smith

SAVANNAH-RAYE CAMP SMITH ’15

to Mikel Brian Southerland II

9 HANNAH SHADRICK HUMMEL ’08

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to Keith Sherman

8 KATIE FISHER HAUCK ’11

to Benjamin Hummel

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16 LAURA CARMICHAEL PROBASCO ’08

to Caleb Smith

to Matthew Charles “Matt” Hauck

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to Haddon Mullins

7 MADDY WARD DUNN ’14

to Aaron Dunn

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15 SHELBY DOOLEY MULLINS ’13

21 KENDALL JACOBS SOUTHERLAND ’04

RACHEL HUDSON STOUT ’15

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to Mason Stout

KATE BRENNAN TEW ’03

to Steven Tew

REBECCA QUINTRELL THOMAS ’09

to Drew Thomas

CHAPPEL SHARROCK THORNTON ’13

to Christopher F. Thornton

22 ERIKA BERG WEBER ’13

to Eric Weber

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HALLIE BELLE SMITH WILEY ’13

to Greggory Wiley

23 HALEY HAREN WILKINS ’14

to Conner Wilkins

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WE LOVE HEARING ABOUT YOUR SPECIAL DAY! SEND YOUR PHOTOS TO ALUMNEWS@GPS.EDU. G P S .E D U G I R L S P R E P A R A T O R Y S C H O O L G A L L E R Y

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BRING ON THE BABIES! SHARE BY EMAILING US AT ALUMNEWS@GPS.EDU.

MEL ANIE GOLDBERG ALTHAUS ’10

a daughter, Evelyn Joy Althaus

1 ELIZA CALDWELL BACHHUBER ’08

a son, Bowen James Bachhuber

2 HALEIGH SHERBAK BENNETT ’05

a daughter, Palmer Anne Bennett

CHANNING ADKINS BROGDON ’08

a son, John Gallagher “Jax” Brogdon, Jr.

3 MEREDITH MORROW BROOKS ’10

13 SUSAN GERSCHEFSKI FRIGERIO ’07

a daughter, Sutton Magnuson Frigerio

14 CAROLYN WHITAKER GLASCOCK ’08

a daughter, Susan Corbett Glascock ANNA BARRON GRAY ’01

a son, Henry Paul Gray

a daughter, Caroline “Josephine” Shuler

15 MARGARET SANDERS HART ’08

a son, Ronald Dewey “Ron” Hart

26 PRISCILL A SIMMS-ROBERSON ’00

a son, Charles Everett “Charlie” Roberson

16 HUTTON BAIRD IVEY ’10

a daughter, Elizabeth Mae “Lilla” Ivey

SUSAN KENT BRYANT ’05

ANNE-MARIE WHEELOCK JOLLEY ’02

4 PERRI FINE BULLOCK ’08

a son, Charles Caldwell “Wells” Bullock 5 GRACE ROBINETTE CARRUTHERS ’07

a son, Whit Adcox Carruthers

6 JORDAN SHEPHERD CHATHAM ’10

a daughter, Scout Isabella Chatham

7 AMITA MOHAN CHHABRA ’01

a daughter, Meera Laxmi Chhabra

CAROLINE SNOW COATES ’03

a son, Carter James Coates

8 CHLOE BROOKSHIRE COLEY ’12

a daughter, Harper Ann Coley

9 KELI SHIPLEY COOPER ’10

a daughter, Anne Hazel “Annie” Cooper

17 NICOLE CUPO JOSLYN ’06

a son, Collins Lee Daugherty

VICTORIA SMITH DEARMAN ’12

a son, Raymond Marion “Rames” Dearman IV LINDSEY FROST DODSON ’05

a daughter, Luna James Dodson

12 MARY HOLLAND NOVKOV ELLIS ’10

a son, Campbell Errett Ellis

KELVINA SMITH ’09

ASHLEY LINDEMAN KENT ’11

KELLY JOHNSON SUSEN ’06

a daughter, Sydney Lisa Susen

18 L AUREN LORBERBAUM ’04

a son, Carson Anderson Donohue

28 MANDY GALBRAITH SUTTON ’00

a daughter, Dorothy Jane “Dottie” Sutton

MEREDITH SMITH LLOYD ’09

a daughter, Presley Anne Lloyd

29 EMILY SPEAR TANG ’07

a daughter, Eleanor Harper Tang

19 SALLY BROCK LYNCH ’04

a daughter, Mary Fischer “Polly” Lynch

MADISON JAHN TEMPLETON ’04

20 MCL AIN DOOLEY MACLELL AN ’11

a daughter, Margaret Browne “Margot” Maclellan

ANDREA SAUL NOSBUSCH ’00

23 ANNE HOLT OLLIC ’10

a son, Jackson Holt Ollic

24 VERONICA PESHTERIANU ’02

a son, Meyer Bennett Anderson

RYN FAGER TOMPKINS ’11 KALLEN TRACHSEL ’06

a daughter, Isabelle Louise Gavin 30 DORI THORNTON WALLER ’99

22 MARY ALICE BROCK MITCHELL ’06

a daughter, Elizabeth James “Ellie” Nosbusch

a son, John Whitaker “Whit” Templeton a son, River Tompkins

21 KELLY SPENCER MATHEWS ’06

a daughter, Kruesi James Mitchell

HANNAH FAGER SMITH ’14

a daughter, Marley Tru Smith

a son, Mason William Kent

11 ANNA CONNELL DAUGHERT Y ’07

a daughter, Josephine Louise “Josie” Sollman a son, Shepherd Lewis Smith

a son, Vincent Thomas Joslyn

a daughter, Jacqueline Elizabeth “Lizzy” Mathews

a son, James Andrew Crownover

27 ANNIE LOVELESS SOLLMAN ’02

a daughter, Zelda Claire “Zellie” Jolley

10 MADDIE BOYD CROWNOVER ’12

25 JENNIFER LAUGHLIN SANDERS ’07

a daughter, Margaret McLean “Maggie” Sanders

EMILY HERTZOG SHULER ’01

a daughter, Lolly Joiner Brooks

a son, Carter Robertson Bryant

CHLOE CAUGHMAN READ ’13

a son, Knox John Read

a daughter, Annie Blake Waller CATHERINE WATJEN ’03

a daughter, McLean Watjen

31 KAT Y CASURELL A WHITTLE ’05

a daughter, Rebecca Christine Whittle LILLIE NOLES WOLF ’13

a son, John Rhodes Wolf

COURTNEY RAMSEY WOOD ’06

a son, Jeffrey Ryan “J.R.” Wood, Jr.

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1 CHRISTINE “CHRIS” ROSEBOROUGH GILLEY ’35, of Lookout Mountain, Georgia, died January 17, 2021. A graduate of The Bright School, GPS, and Randolph-Macon Woman’s College, Gilley had a lifelong passion for learning and was an avid reader. She worked for TVA until taking over her husband’s business, Comolli Memorials. While she enjoyed her time as a businesswoman, she considered her work in the community the most rewarding. She served as President of the Board of the Girl Scouts and the YWCA, as well as President of Lookout Mountain Community Aid and The Florence Crittenton Home for Girls.

2 DOROTHY ELIZABETH “PRESH” EVANS PATTEE ’38 died March

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31, 2021. She attended Randolph-Macon College and, after World War II broke out, joined the Women’s Air Raid Defense in Hawaii. In Honolulu she met her husband, Lt. Commander William Burlight Pattee, and later the couple moved to Hillsborough, California. In 1975 she returned to Lookout Mountain and became an active supporter of the Creative Discovery Museum, Siskin Children’s Institute, and the Church of the Good Shepherd.

3 MARIE CATINHOUR WOODS ’43, of Monteagle, Tennessee, died

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August 27, 2020. She attended Randolph Macon Women’s College in Virginia. Married for almost 50 years to the Very Reverend G. Cecil Woods Jr., she was a dedicated, active, and faithful member of the Episcopal Church who always considered Sewanee her true home. Woods was a devoted and loving mother to her four daughters and their families.

4 REBECCA TRAIN STIMSON ’43, of Chattanooga, died January 23,

2021. She was a graduate of Wesleyan College. The mother of four taught generations of fourth-graders in her classes at Rivermont School and The Bright School. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren complemented the last 40 years of her life. She was a voracious reader and lover of history and readily shared this passion with her children.

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5 BETT Y OEHMIG FIELD ’46, of Centreville, Mississippi, died November 11, 2020. She graduated from Sophie Newcomb College of Tulane University and built her life around serving God, supporting her husband’s surgical career, and raising their three children. She was a longtime community advocate, a member of many clubs, and taught a kindergarten class and led youth groups at Thompson Memorial Presbyterian Church.

6 NANCY CARTER JEWELL ’46, of Charlotte, North Carolina, died October 24, 2020. After GPS, she attended Sweet Briar College. Jewell lived in Chickamauga, Georgia, before moving to Atlanta and then Charlotte.

Jewell was involved with St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, where she was active in the soup kitchen. She and her husband travelled extensively.

7 PATRICIA TROTTER FREEMAN ’48, of Hilton Head Island, South

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Carolina, died on August 7, 2020. She attended the University of Georgia and was a mother of two. Freeman was a member of St. Luke’s Church, where she led Bible study. She was also a member of the Junior League of Atlanta.

the lessons, too. Here's to the ring we wear for her hope that we still may be, Proven through every test to the GPS. Here's to the girls of the GPS we wear for her. Here's to the black and blue. Here's through every test, Worthy the school we most rels of the GPS. Here's to the lessons, too. Here's to ck and blue. Here's to the hope that we still may be hool we most revere. Here's to the GPS. Here's to ns, too. Here's to the ring we wear for her. Here's to we still may be, Proven through every test, Wore GPS. Here's to the girls of the GPS. Here's ear for her. Here's to the black and blue. Here's to ough every test, Worthy the school we most revere the GPS. Here's to the lessons, too. Here's to the IN MEMORIAM

8 PATSY WEBB PICKERING ’48, of Chattanooga, died on August 23, 2020. She graduated from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and was a member of Kappa Delta Sorority. In addition to raising her children, Pickering was a social worker for the Chattanooga City School System and advocated for young children for more than 20 years. Pickering and her husband, Earl, traveled extensively in retirement. They were members of First Presbyterian Church.

9 JOSEPHINE “JOSIE” SIBOLD ’48, of Chattanooga, died November 25, 2020. Sibold’s imagination led her to pen numerous stageplays and lyrics, including a restaging of her Sweetbriar College play from 1952 that she co-wrote; the show was staged at her 65th class reunion. Following graduation from Sweetbriar, Sibold worked in public relations for the California Wine Council. She returned to Chattanooga and worked as an internal publicist for Olan Mills. In the early ’60s, she devoted her work to developing a method of sculpture using concrete. Her cement toadstools, tea ladies, and whimsical creations were inspired by her imagination and children’s literature. She traveled throughout the U.S. and U.K., presenting her art at shows.

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10 BECKY STERCHI PARRY ’49, of Chattanooga, died November 16, 2020. She graduated from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Her grandfather John Calvin Sterchi founded the Sterchi’s furniture store chain with his brother in 1888. With her husband, John Fowler Parry, she raised four children. Parry volunteered until she joined her husband in the furniture business, Fowler Brothers Furniture. Some of their happiest times were spent on the road selling furniture and making new friends.

11 EMMA “EMMY” PATTEN CASEY ’53, of Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, died May 15, 2020. After GPS she attended Vassar and earned a master’s degree from Columbia University. She served as the GPS Alumnae Board President from 1979 until 1982. Emmy was a 50-plus-year member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. She and her husband, Allen, had two daughters.

of Kensington, Georgia, died on September 21, 2020. She graduated from Mary Washington College. For more than 35 years she served as a teacher, principal, and director of personnel for the Walker Board of Education. She was a longtime member of LaFayette First Baptist Church as well as Delta Kappa Gamma Educational Sorority and Beta Sigma Phi Philanthropic Sorority.

12 ANN WALKER ABNEY ’54,

of Knoxville, Tennessee, died October 3, 2020. She attended the University of Tennessee, where she studied education. She raised a family in Knoxville and was an active member of West Hills Presbyterian Church. She loved life, her family, her many friends, and her faith.

13 EMILEE BARNES FRINCKE ’54,

14 SANDRA ALLISON MILLER ’54, of Chattanooga, died November 29, 2020. She graduated from Hollins College and met her husband as her co-star in the Little Theatre production of Bus Stop. They married, had their only child, Elizabeth, and a life on the family farm full of laughter and creative friends who gathered often.

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IN MEMORIAM

15 JANICE SHIPLEY MCAFEE ’57, of Chattanooga, died June 13, 2021. After GPS, she graduated magna cum laude from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where she later received her master’s degree in English education. Her 31-year career as an educator began at Tyner Middle School, where she taught French and continued in later years at GPS, Soddy Daisy Middle School, Red Bank High School, and The Baylor School. After retiring, she volunteered and traveled extensively. She loved spending time with her family, including grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

of Abilene, Texas, died January 29, 2021. She attended Hardin-Simmons University, where she met her husband, Rip. She could be found behind a sewing machine, at a table painting, in the kitchen canning, or outside gardening. Her family considered her a tiny warrior, enduring multiple brain surgeries in her later years. She never complained and demonstrated quietness as a strength.

16 JULIE WILSON L ASATER ’58,

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of Brentwood, Tennessee, died October 2, 2020. Keese was a talented watercolor artist with an equally colorful personality who saw beauty everywhere. She had a gift for hospitality and friendship. She was unfailing in her support for everyone she loved, but most particularly for her husband, Peter, of 57 years.

17 HELEN VANDER HORST KEESE ’59,

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18 NANCY KEESE SIMS ’59, of Mobile, Alabama, died February 28, 2021. After GPS, she attended the University of Alabama. She was a longtime member of Springhill Presbyterian Church, a member of the Junior League, and served on the board of the Salvation Army.

Her gift was caring for and loving people, and she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and aunt.

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19 MARY “MAMIE” ALLISON LEVI ’61, of Chattanooga, died January 16, 2021. She was preceded in death by her sister, Sandra Allison ’54. She owned and operated Dolls and Guys, a children’s clothing store, where she enjoyed dressing countless children for more than 10 years. After retirement, she enjoyed interior decorating and was a lifelong member of The Church of the Good Shepherd.

of Signal Mountain, Tennessee, died on August 23, 2020. A member of the GPS May Court, Moore was a prized member of the soccer and basketball teams, as well as an accomplished tennis and badminton player. After graduating from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, she was an active participant in local organizations, including serving on the board of the Manker Patten Tennis Center, founded in honor of her uncle.

Moore was a sportswoman and won many awards for her prowess in tennis and badminton and played pickleball regularly. She remained lifelong friends with many GPS classmates and 1961 McCallie and Baylor classes.

20 MARY FONTAINE PATTEN MOORE ’61,

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IN MEMORIAM

21 PATRICIA “PAT” FRANKLIN SMITH ’64, of Dallas, Texas, died May 17, 2021. Smith grew up in Chattanooga and attended Rollins College. She was a member of the Junior League of Dallas and the Society of the Friends of St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. Her hobbies were gardening, cooking, interior design, and fashion. Smith was an AAU swimmer and ocean swimming was her favorite pastime.

of Nashville, died January 23, 2021. She graduated with a bachelor’s in psychology from Washington University in St. Louis, where she met her husband. She later pursued a master’s degree in psychology from Peabody College and devoted years to organizations, including Second Harvest Food Bank, the ARC, Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, and the Jewish Federation. In retirement, she travelled widely and volunteered, sharing her love of reading with children and adults through Book’em and the Nashville Adult Literacy Council.

22 JOYCE DUBROV FOX ’65,

23 NICKI GREENBERG L ASKY ’66, of Tucson, Arizona, died December 21, 2020. She raised three children with her husband, Dr. Richard Lasky. She was a well-loved teacher at Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences and was involved with the Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga.

24 NANCY HUDLOW SHANNON ’66,

December 18, 2019.

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of Lexington, Kentucky, died

25 THERESA ANN SWAFFORD ’66, of Chattanooga, died November 2020.

She was a graduate of Vanderbilt University. She celebrated her heritage and ancestors as a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and as a member in two Huguenot societies and the Colonial Dames of the XVII Century. She held various offices at the chapter level in all four societies.

of Coral Springs, Florida, died April 7, 2020. She loved her family dearly and enjoyed being a hostess for family celebrations and holidays.

26 CAROL ROTHBERGER VENTO ’68,

of Ringgold, Georgia, died December 3, 2019. Hutcheson’s main focus in life was her horses. She won multiple amateur world championships in American Saddlebred shows, growing up on her parent’s prestigious horse farm, Happy Valley Farms in Ringgold. After her father’s death in 1980, she followed her family’s passion as a horse breeder and led an extremely successful program. She was honored by the American Saddlebred Horse Association as Breeder of the Year and as a Breeders Hall of Fame inductee. Her greatest joy was selling a Happy Valley horse and watching it go on to do great things. She loved her horses, her homestead, and her friends.

27 MARION “BIT” HUTCHESON ’74,

28 MARJORIE POLK BURNETT ’75, of Monteagle, Tennessee, died on March 15, 2021. An entrepreneur as a young mom, she started a restaurant and four clothing companies, including Mountain Outfitters in Monteagle.

She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother and a lifelong member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. She was known for her warm compassion for others, irrepressible sense of humor, and heartfelt connection with all who knew her. Her beloved twin, Betsy Polk Law ’75, and mother, Shug Cate Polk ’50, preceded her in death.

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Here's to the girls of the P G S. Here's to Here's to the black and blue. Here's to Worthy the school we most revere.

Here's to the lessons, too. Here's to the to the hope that we still may be, P rov Wang vere. Here's toFloy the P G S. Here's to the gir the ring we wear for her. Here's to th P roven through every test, Worthy th the girls of the P G S. Here's to the lesson the black and blue. Here's to the hop thy the school we most revere. Here to the lessons, too. Here's to the ring the hope that we still may be, P roven Here's to the P G S.Here's to the girls of t

IN MEMORIAM

Beloved former faculty member Floy Wang died on August 30, 2020.

Floy founded the GPS Orchestra and served as Orchestra Director and music educator from 1986 until her retirement in 2001. She also founded the GPS Rowing program.

Wang was originally hired to teach one orchestra section of 15 students, but her dedication and enthusiasm attracted many new musicians, soon leading to an Honors Orchestra with McCallie students along with several annual coordinate concerts.

REMEMBERING OUR TRUSTEES

TRUSTEE LLEWELLYN BOYD SR.

died August 9, 2020. He served as GPS Board Chair 1984-86 and as a GPS trustee 1968–2002. His wife, Ann Cullom Boyd ’47, daughter Bobbie Boyd Kwasnik ’74, and granddaughters Molly Boyd ’10 and Lucinda Boyd ’14 are GPS alumnae.

TRUSTEE CARTTER FRIERSON

died November 26, 2020. He served as a trustee from 1976-85. His wife, Patty Browne Frierson ’62, and his two daughters, Jennifer Frierson Walldorf ’86 and Eleanor “Ellie” Frierson Graham-Navarro ’88, are GPS alumnae.

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Rev. Rebecca Nelson Edwards ’97 shares, “She celebrated her students’ successes with her whole heart. Over the years, I have come to recognize that her combination of joy and total dedication is very rare, and I am so grateful for everything she invested in me and every student who crossed her path.”

Jill Pala Pieritz ’97 remembers Wang fondly. “She would do anything for her students and selflessly gave her time outside of school to take students to competitions (in both music and rowing). She also was incredibly dedicated and patient, whether you were a violin virtuoso or your playing sounded like a wounded cat crying. Her Winterim trip with former math department chair Rita Wilson to the Dude Ranch in Texas was famous!

Spots always filled up quickly.”

Wang received her master’s degree in music from the UTC Music Department and taught violin and string methods. Wang was also the Master Teacher of the federally funded UTC String Project.

The Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra and Youth Orchestra also mourned her passing, as she was a former violinist with the symphony and a CSO Youth Orchestra Etude and Prelude Conductor. Discussions are underway to create a Youth Orchestra scholarship in her name.

lessons, too. Here's to the ring we wear for her. that we still may be, Proven through every test, PeggyHere's Evans Thomas he GPS. to the girls of the GPS. ear for her. Here's to the black and blue. Here's ugh every test, Worthy the school we most rethe GPS. Here's to the lessons, too. Here's to d blue. Here's to the hope that we still may be, we most revere. Here's to the GPS. Here's to oo. Here's to the ring we wear for her. Here's to still may be, Proven through every test, WorPS. Here's to the girls of the GPS. Here's for her. Here's to the black and blue. Here's to every test, Worthy the school we most revere.

GPS. Here's to the lessons, too. Here's to the Peggy Evans Thomas passed away on May 5, 2021, at the age of 98. A charter member of the GPS Athletic Hall of Fame, Thomas was named a GPS Faculty Emerita in 2016, received a GPS Teacher of the Year honor, and is the namesake of the Peggy Evans Thomas Dance Studio at GPS and the Peggy Thomas 100% Award, given annually during Class Day ceremonies. After her retirement, she returned to substitute teach for more than 20 years.

Thomas founded Terpsichord, the longest-running high school modern dance company in Tennessee, as well as formed dance clubs for other grade levels to introduce girls to modern dance. She also planned the May Day themes and directed the pageant for 35 years.

Beginning in 1953, Thomas established a rigorous physical education curriculum and implemented varsity programs in basketball, volleyball, tennis, swimming, golf, and track. She also instituted the school’s intramural program.

When Thomas retired from GPS, she left the Terpsichord legacy in the capable hands of Cathie Ault Kasch ’72, her former student. Kasch says much of what we see today at GPS is a result of Peggy’s vision, enthusiasm, and determination. “Her whirlwind energy and focus could overwhelm students one minute and thrill us the next. She was determined that young women would experience the fullness of physical expression—both in athletics and dance.”

Laurel Moore Zahrobsky ’90, who took the reins when Kasch retired and brought Amanda Byars ’99 on board to assist, agrees. “Our program is a beautiful story of GPS women teaching and guiding GPS students in the dance studio,” she says. “It is a true definition of loyalty, legacy, and longevity. And it all began with a woman who saw the importance of physical activity of all kinds in a girl’s life, whether it be through sports or the arts, and her no-nonsense attitude.”

“Peggy Thomas opened my eyes to the creativity that lies in every person and culture,” Kasch says. “She was my inspiration. Though she is missed, her legacy still vibrates with life every day at GPS.”

TO READ MORE ABOUT THE LIVES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF PEGGY EVANS THOMAS AND FLOY WANG, VISIT GPS.EDU/NEWS.

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COLUMNS Each year, the GPS Development team coordinates a reunion for alumnae to gather and reminisce on their time at GPS. During this event, retired faculty are honored for their contributions to our school and alumnae are celebrated for their achievements. Read about these events and more.

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LEGENDS OF THE HALL

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ALUMNAE WEEKEND

C O L U M N S G I R L S P R E P A R A T O R Y S C H O O L G P S .E D U

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LEGENDS of the During Alumnae Weekend, the GPS community celebrates remarkable educators. Since its inception in 2015, the Faculty Emeriti program has honored retired faculty for their exemplary teaching, professional accomplishments, and long-term service to the school and its students. This April, GPS celebrated Ted Tumelaire, Cathie Ault Kash ’72, and Debbie Glasscock.

HALL Ted Tumelaire History Teacher TED TUMEL AIRE began his GPS career in 1990 and shared his

passion for history over the course of 20 years. His honest, sincere expectations of students compelled them to think, question and wonder. Tumelaire guided students through history, psychology, and perhaps more importantly the lessons of life.

Tumelaire’s legacy as a teacher and mentor is legendary. He spent years as a Peace Corps volunteer across South Asia and the Middle East, and he lived his passion and exhibited his love of history and people in the classroom. As longtime friend and colleague Dr. Nick Scharff shares, Tumelaire has a devotion to the truth. His experiences living aboard, including in Nepal, Afghanistan, and Iran, engendered a deep respect for other cultures and enabled Tumelaire to have respect for differences found at home.

His experiences in the Peace Corps prepared him to live and thrive in a foreign culture, including, as he jokes, when he moved from Massachusetts to Tennessee to join the faculty at GPS in 1990.

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Students of Tumelaire saw the same message daily: Studying is hard work. His career was dedicated to helping students discover and master the tools necessary to translate complex concepts and historical events into understandable, meaningful facts. In his classroom, Tumelaire created a space where students were challenged to develop voices based on facts and criticalthinking skills.

There has never been an individual of more consistent or insistent integrity. Devotion to the truth is probably first among Ted’s core values.”

—Dr. Nick Scharff, friend and colleague of Ted Tumelaire

As Linda Moss Mines, faculty emerita and retired Chair of the History and Social Sciences Department at GPS, says, Tumelaire reveled in the success of his students.

“He graciously shared lessons and techniques with colleagues,” Mines says. “His quietly intense exterior begged students and teachers alike to step into his space where integrity, commitment, empathy, and a quest for excellence dwelled.”

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LEGENDS OF THE HALL

She shared so many possibilities with me about my future in dance and then she did the one thing I needed the most. She believed in me. Cathie single-handedly changed the course of my life. Terpsichord, in many ways, made me who I am today. It gave me a strong foundation for my sense of self as well as a love and appreciation for the arts, providing a catalyst for my own enduring creativity.”

—Amanda Byars ’99, Dance Teacher & Assistant Terpsichord Director

Cathie Ault Kasch ’72 Director of Terpsichord, Dance Instructor Chair and Coordinator of the Fine and Performing Arts Department

CATHIE AULT K ASCH ’72 spent more than half of her life at GPS, first as a student and then as a teacher. Beginning her GPS career in 1988, Kasch directed the dance curriculum and Terpsichord, the school’s contemporary dance company.

Beyond Terpsichord and GPS, Kasch has been active in the greater dance community as a veteran teacher for choreographers for more than 35 years, serving as President of the Tennessee Association of Dance and Executive Co-Chair of UNITY. Her awards include the 2001 TAD Outstanding Dance Educator, the 2005 GPS Teacher of the Year, the 2007 Margaret Rawlings Lupton Award of Excellence, and the 2008 NDEO Outstanding Dance Educator Award.

As daughter Katie Kasch Bien ’02 says, Kasch’s legacy and impact is vast. Throughout her career Kasch remained deeply dedicated to her students and invested in them beyond high school. She inspired girls to constantly be learning and demonstrated the arts as a vehicle of exploration of life.

Kasch brought students a sense of the trajectory of the international world of dance, inviting guests artists and alumnae to share their experiences with students. She was foundational in building a network for communities to connect. Ever the advocate, she gave voice to her students and their interests.

As colleague Keith Sanders recalls from his first years at GPS, Kasch emanated skill, grace, confidence, and artistry. She guides students to finding their own spark and using that spark to ignite their unique blaze of self-expression through movement in time.

She pours herself into relationships unreservedly. She inspired and taught the GPS community to inspire one another, and her graceful stride down the GPS hallways seemed always to be floating, joyful, and purposeful—a metaphor for navigating life.

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LEGENDS OF THE HALL

“

Every paint swatch she chose for new homes my Dad built, every student artwork she spent her weekends framing and mounting, every email sent from the office of the Middle School Dean, every class project and student trip—Mom applies her unique artistic touch every single day, in everything she does. Her students, coworkers, friends, and family are all her canvas; all works-inprogress made more colorful with each addition.”

—Andrew Glasscock, son of Debbie Glasscock

DEBBIE GL ASSCOCK came to GPS

in 1985. Throughout her 36 years as an art instructor, she was awarded two Lyndhurst grants, one to study papermaking and the other to travel to Japan. In 2004 she served as the sixthgrade team leader and was named the school’s first master teacher.

She taught myriad Middle and Upper School art classes, including Art II, Art III, AP 2D, and AP Drawing. She developed the sixth- and seventh-grade art curriculum with an eye on what was best for young girls. Throughout her tenure, she’s always taught eighth-grade art. As Glasscock shared with Lynne Macziewski, “Teaching eighth-grade girls is like teaching adults without the cynicism.”

“Debbie is someone who knows girls at their core, both as members of the GPS community and as individuals. She knows each girl for who she is and who she has the potential to be,” Macziewski says.

Glasscock has been a stalwart supporter of girls, a seer of artistic talent, and a beloved member of the GPS community.

She has touched the lives of countless girls and colleagues during her time at GPS, and all who know Glasscock will miss her tremendous heart, witty sense of humor, and her uncanny ability to show love and grace to everyone.

Glasscock participated in a national consortium for teaching about Asia and later received a grant to visit China in 2010. Outside of the classroom, Glasscock helped form the GPS/McCallie coordinate choir. She was the self-proclaimed Grand Poobah of all things black, blue, and white, a Middle School-wide competition she created. She brings incredible school spirit to the campus and school community.

As Macziewski shares, Glasscock is at her happiest when she is in her art classroom teaching girls and doing what she loves.

But her other secret talent shared with the community is as a “girl whisperer.”

Debbie Glasscock Art Teacher, Middle School Dean of Students, Grand Poobah of Black, Blue, and White

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Sean Caulfield & Mary Baxter

Exit the Building

By Dr. Erin Montero Rangno, Caulfield’s department chair and colleague HAVE YOU EVER lost something

Dr. Sean Caulfield

and couldn’t find it? You look where you thought you last saw this precious item, you retrace your steps, and come up with nothing. I can only imagine that this is how the GPS community is going to feel as Dr. Sean Caulfield retires after 14 years of teaching Latin and French and seven years of serving as department chair.

No matter how long we search for another Dr. Caulfield, there is no replacement.

Spending time with Sean has always felt like taking a journey through time and space as he leads his students from Roman mythology in his sixth-grade Latin classes to the present day of the Francophone world. What most stands out to me is his intense love of France, for he brings his years of cultural immersion from his time spent as a student at the lycée in Angoulême, his graduate school experience in Strasbourg, teaching English in Poitiers, and vacationing in Paris while eating the best café au lait and croissants for breakfast. Even his leadership as our outdoor club director and climbing coach can be tied to his time spent climbing in the Alps.

World Language Teacher

As department chair, I have spent numerous hours in Sean’s classroom, observing our girls traverse the beauty and surrealism of Rimbaud’s poetry, debating French fashion and the danger of la mode rapide, and engaged with the plot of Gide’s “La symphonie pastorale,” and even as a mere observer I always left feeling that I had not only experienced a different culture, but that my French had also improved. And it appears that I am not alone in my experience of Sean’s classes; when asked, his students all confirmed that Sean brought classic, “old French novels alive” and that their language proficiency had grown by leaps and bounds while exploring literature. It also goes without saying that his cultural knowledge brought so much joy to our girls, as his students unanimously agreed that they loved learning about St. Nicholas Day when Sean left a bag of treats in their shoes that they had placed outside the classroom!

Although I know we will never find another Dr. Caulfield for our department, I am grateful for the foundation of excellence that he created for the World Languages Department in the years that he was an educator and a department chair.

As his co-worker and colleague, I know that if he were to leave his shoes behind for St. Nicholas to fill, they would be overflowing with gratitude from all those whose lives he has touched!

Mary Baxter Instrumental Music Instructor

By Meg Persinger Brock ’79, Baxter’s department chair and longtime colleague IN MY OPINION, there are primarily two types of people in this world: those who give and those who take. We all have a little of both characteristics in us, but one usually outweighs the other. Without a doubt, Mary Baxter is a giver. When she felt our students could reach a broader audience in the Chattanooga community, Mary created Tango String Ensemble, a semi-professional group of students that performs for school and community events. When Mary felt our school community could benefit from guest artists, she brought in groups from across the globe.

Mary felt the students at GPS and our brother school, McCallie, could thrive being a part of an orchestra. So Mary created GPS Senior Orchestra and the Coordinate GPS McCallie Honors Orchestra. The groups excel in competitions both collaboratively and individually and consistently receive awards at Tennessee instrumental music competitions.

Mary’s love of music is indisputable. Her desire to grow her students’ engagement with music is obvious to the observer, but moreover, Mary’s love of music is deep in her soul. Some people simply “do a job.” In Mary’s case, she lives and breathes her role. She knows when to take the lead and when it’s time for others to lead the way. She is a humble person with brilliant skills who is always willing to give of herself—a “star student” who will be greatly missed.

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ALUMNAE WEEKEND

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fter determining that an in-person Alumnae Weekend was again not in the best interest of the well-being of the GPS community this year, a virtual celebration took place on April 16 and 17. The classes ending in ’0s, ’6s, ’1s, and ’5s celebrated their classmates, particularly those who were deemed Notable Alumnae, Rising Notables, and Athletic Hall of Fame inductees. (See next pages.)

A toast was raised to the Classes of 1970 and 1971 in honor of their 50th reunions, with a special gift of a GPS glass, sparkling water, and cocktail (and mocktail) recipe mailed out to those who requested one. We also celebrated, from both 2020 and 2021, our Notable Alumnae and Athletic Hall of Fame inductees. Megan Cover, the GPS incoming Head of School, made a guest appearance through a video interview with Ashley Moore Palmer ’99, and our Faculty Emeriti were also honored. (See page 52.)

For those unable to attend in real time, the videos of the celebrations are posted on the GPS YouTube channel, titled GPS Alumnae Weekend 2021.

INAUGURAL WEEK OF GIVING To support the efforts of giving to our annual Impact Fund, the GPS Development Team had to think creatively. In previous years, a special ticketed event was held each spring, but due to COVID-19, the 2020 and 2021 fundraiser had to be held virtually. Thus, Our Girls | Our GPS was born.

WATCH ALL THE ALUMNAE WEEKEND EVENTS ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL AT YOUTUBE.COM/ GPSBRUISERTUBE.

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The inaugural Week of Giving was made possible by the support of many sponsors, volunteers, friends, and families who pledged sponsorships and purchased items through the online auction. We are so grateful to everyone who made this week a success!

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2020 Notable Alumnae Honorees

ALUMNAE WEEKEND

» ADRIENNE WHITE RHODES, Class of 1950 | Leader, Promoter, Champion of Smiles » BEA RUTLEDGE LYONS, Class of 1960 Teacher, Visionary, Advocate, Role Model » ANNE CL ARKE SANDERS, Class of 1970 | Author, Attorney, Trailblazer » KERRI MARTIN BARTLETT, Class of 1975 | Attorney, Professor » JULIE JOHNSON GARNER, Class of 1980 | Coach, Mentor » TALLEY RHODES GREEN*, Class of 1982 Champion of Smiles, Communications Professional » MARIE GRIFFITH, Class of 1985 | Professor, Author, Editor » JENNIFER JONES, Class of 1990 | Oncologist, Researcher, Investigator » KINNA PATEL CROCKER, Class of 1995 | Attorney, Advocate, Litigator » ALYSSA MISNER, Class of 2000 | Private Investigator » SARAH GREBOWSKI, Class of 2005 | Journalist, Foreign Service Officer » HALLIE HEALD, Class of 2010 | Illustrator, Artist, Author » NIA SANDERS, Class of 2015 | Software Engineer, Choreographer, Dance Performer *Along with her mother and sister

2020 Margaret Rawlings Lupton Award Winner JENNIFER JONES M.D., PH.D. ’90

Oncologist, Researcher, Investigator

Dr. Jones is an investigator in the Laboratory of Pathology at the National Cancer Institute’s Center for Cancer Research. She’s received many notable awards for her research and work, which is currently focused on developing immune-based therapies that synergize with radiation to produce optimal anti-tumor immune responses.

2020 Distinguished Alumna Award Winner KERRI MARTIN BARTLETT ’75

Attorney and Professor

Bartlett, an attorney and professor, worked for more than a decade at the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, where she prosecuted the FBI’s Top Ten Most Wanted Fugitives and received the FBI Director’s Award for outstanding performance as an Assistant United States Attorney.

2021 Margaret Rawlings Lupton Award Winner

2021 Notable Alumnae Honorees

ANJALI ENJETI ’91

» JANE KENNEDY GREENE, Class of 1971 Logistics Leader, Advertising Executive » TENNYSON RHODES DICKINSON, Class of 1976 | Promoter, Champion of Smiles » ROBIN STILL WINTRINGHAM, Class of 1981 | Advocate, Attorney » MELISSA PETERS, Class of 1986 | Physician, Medical Director, Gardner » ANJALI ENJETI, Class of 1991 | Attorney, Journalist, Author » DARRIA LONG GILLESPIE, Class of 1996 | Physician, Author, TV Contributor » CHARLOTTE CALDWELL, Class of 2001 | Artist, Creator » ROBYN SPINK HANDSHUH, Class of 2006 | Medical Physicist, Innovator » MORGAN ELLIOTT, Class of 2011 | Biomedical Engineer » VICTORIA HICKS, Class of 2016 | Combat Engineer Officer

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Attorney, Journalist, and Author Enjeti is a former attorney, award-winning journalist, and the author of two books released this spring: Southbound: Essays on Identity, Inheritance, and Social Change, and a novel, The Parted Earth. Her award-winning writings about politics and social justice and her books have appeared in multiple leading national publications.

2021 Distinguished Alumnae Award Winners THE RHODES FAMILY: ADRIENNE WHITE RHODES ’50, TENNYSON RHODES DICKINSON ’76, AND TALLEY RHODES GREEN ’82

Leaders of Lake Winnepesaukah

The 2021 Distinguished Alumnae Award celebrates three women who have continued their family’s lasting legacy as the owners and operators of Lake Winnepesaukah. The Rhodes family remains committed to the family values the park was founded on, as well as its long history of women in leadership positions.

ALUMNAE WEEKEND

Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees 2020 + 2021 Induction into the GPS Athletic Hall of Fame represents the highest honor the school can bestow upon our former athletes who represented our school with class and excellence during their time at GPS. Congratulations to these alumnae, among them state champions and school record holders, who have earned numerous accolades at the local, state, and national levels in their careers. » AL ANA SMITH ’00 | Basketball One of the most accomplished basketball players in TSSAA history, Smith led the Bruisers to consecutive state championships in 1999 and 2000. » LINDSAY EDMONSON WYATT ’01 | Softball Wyatt was an outstanding Fast Pitch World All-American pitcher for GPS softball, and she led the team to three state championship titles. » LILLIAN HAMMOND ’05 | Softball and Volleyball This incredibly talented multi-sport athlete earned All-State recognition in both softball and volleyball during her junior and senior seasons. She was a three time selection to the TSWA Division II All-State Volleyball team.

Alana Smith ’00

» STEPHANIE HARRIS ’05 | Tennis Ranked as high as No. 6 nationally at one point in her high school tennis career, Harris was a TSSAA Division II Singles Champion in 2002, 2004, and 2005. » EMILY BOYDSTON ’06 | Volleyball, Softball, Basketball, Track & Field This multi-sport athlete dominated the court in volleyball and can still be found in the TSSAA and GPS record book. Boydston was All-State during both her junior and senior years.

Lillian Hamm

Stephanie Harris

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» TORY LEWIS ’10 | Softball, Basketball, Volleyball, Track & Field The four-sport star was a part of seven state championship teams during her time at GPS. Four of those came in softball where she was All-State and MVP of the 2010 Tennessee/Georgia All-Star Game. » JULIANNE WILSON ’10 | Cheerleading, Diving, Track & Field Wilson was an All-American in three sports. She won the TISCA State Diving Meet as a freshman and senior, earning her the Tennessee Swimming and Diving Athlete of the Year Award for both years. » BRONTE GOODHUE ’11 | Tennis This Bruiser was a member of the varsity tennis team from 2009-11, serving as captain of the team her senior year. She was a key member of the State Championship tennis team in 2010.

ilson ’10 Julianne W

TO READ A FULL BIO OF OUR HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES, VISIT GPS.EDU/ATHLETICS.

Tory Lew is

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GIRLS P R E PA R AT O RY SCHOOL

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Start Your Daughter’s

ADMISSION JOURNEY FOR THE 2022-23 SCHOOL YEAR

Learn more about our school and take a peek into our unique and vibrant all-girl culture!

GPS.edu/Inquire