Blueprint Magazine | Summer 2023

2023-24

Administrative Team

Head of School

Megan D. Cover

Head of Upper School

Beth Creswell Wilson ’96

Interim Head of Middle School

Kathryn Outlaw

Chief Advancement Officer

Ali Gant

Chief Financial Officer

Mark Vosskamp

Director of Athletics

Jay Watts

Director of Belonging and Community Engagement

Lauren Lawrence Swanson ’09

Director of College Counseling

Andrew Reich

Director of Communications and Marketing

Caitlin Riddle

Director of Development

Lisa Reynolds Shanahan ’83

Director of Enrollment and Financial Aid

Alice Smith Harris ’03

Senior Communications

Specialist

Pamela Hammonds

Editorial Staff

Lucy Morris Blancett ’09

Pamela Hammonds

Rachael Land ’12

Caitlin Riddle Contributing

Photographers

Emily Lester

Deanna Luna

On the Cover Students visited New York City for a Winterim trip full of history, art, and iconic landmarks.

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MESSAGE FROM OUR HEAD OF SCHOOL | MEGAN D. COVER

THIS SUMMER

THE GPS CAMPUS was bustling with myriad camps and clinics while our facilities team tackled several projects, including Upper School renovations of humanities classrooms and a muchneeded new roof on the Tennis Center. If you haven’t seen the recent transformation of the Mills Complex lobby and The Bow, our school store, please see page 10 for the stunning photos. Our continued care of our buildings and grounds helps reflect the innovative teaching and learning happening inside them.

This coming school year promises to be another step forward in the GPS journey. I am proud to announce that the Board of Trustees unanimously approved our new strategic plan for 2023-28. Throughout this process, we remained forward-thinking and innovative, embracing our strengths in liberal arts education while seeking authentic opportunities for competencybased and experiential learning.

While staying true to our legacy of academic excellence, this plan will lift up our girls to think critically and learn joyfully with an expanded focus on essential lifelong skills such as agency, advocacy, creativity, problem-solving, collaboration, communication, resilience, and adaptability on a campus that reflects our commitment to the whole girl. Our intent is to empower each girl to ensure her success beyond GPS. The focus of our work will be Empowering Girls for a

Changing World: Investing in the Future of GPS. I am grateful for the talents, hard work, and efforts of all our Strategic Planning Committee members who helped to capture various perspectives of the GPS experience.

When we return to school to begin our 118th year of preparing girls for their bright futures, we will welcome the largest sixth-grade class in five years. I believe this renewed commitment to our school is a testament to the good work we are doing to create a culture of acceptance and belonging that lifts up each girl in mind, body, and spirit so she can find her place and discover her potential with confidence and joy for dynamic engagement within a rapidly changing world.

Also this fall, we will welcome our alumnae for Reunion Weekend, September 29 and 30. The Development Team and Reunion Committees have been hard at work planning activities and celebrations in coordination with events also happening at McCallie. We look forward to seeing these amazing women return to campus as we celebrate their notable contributions to the world.

As the mother of two newly minted GPS alumnae, I am always impressed when I meet with our former students to hear how our school not only prepared them for life beyond high school but also supported them as they made their way into the world. I hope you will continue to support our school in all we do.

Here’s to the girls and the women they become!

2023-24

Board of Trustees

Executive Committee Board Chair

Amy Arrowsmith

Vice-Chair

Ashley Rowland Davenport ’97 Secretary

Dori Thornton Waller '99

Treasurer/Finance Chair

Jimmy Scotchie

Ex Officio

Clay Watson

At-Large Member

Ashley Moore Palmer ’99

Trustees

Caroline Caulkins Bentley ’83

Glenn Breazeale Jr.

Jeff Burns

Elouise Busby, DPT

Blair Bennington Cannon ’93

Laurel H. Carney ’79, PhD

Allison Cowan Carroll ’89

Carolyn Chandler

Allen Coffman, MD

Aimee Owings Harvey ’93

Hamp Johnston Jr.

Jennifer Kline

Beth Steele Newbold ’84

Andrea Saul Nosbusch ’00

Mary P. Tanner, PhD

Stephen Thomas

Austin Watson

Karen Welborn

Megan D. Cover Head of School

EMPOWERING GIRLS FOR A CHANGING WORLD

Investing in the Future of GPS

At GPS, we believe that learning goes beyond the classroom. Our learner-centered community supports each girl’s unique path to success, prioritizing personalized learning and wellbeing. With a focus on essential lifelong skills, our programming encourages critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration while empowering our students to become agents of change. Our partnerships with McCallie and the greater Chattanooga community provide GPS girls with diverse experiences and engagement with people who foster connection and individual growth. We take pride in our school, honoring our Founders’ legacy and planning for a vibrant future. With empathy, respect, and civility, we champion and challenge each student, helping her discover and develop her passions and potential. Join us as we embark on our next chapter and continue to make GPS the best school for girls.

We will focus on three goals over the next five years:

GOAL 1

Celebrate the Whole Girl

Encourage her joy of learning, spirit of discovery, and confidence in herself

• Create a learner-centered school program that fosters academic excellence and curiosity by appropriately challenging each girl.

• Prioritize the development of each girl’s wellness, character, and individuality.

• Expand belonging efforts to intentionally celebrate each girl and her contributions to the GPS community and beyond.

GOAL 2

Celebrate Community and Connection

Deepen reciprocal partnerships within our community and world

• Engage meaningfully in the Chattanooga community through relationship building and service.

• Offer authentic experiences with real-world connections.

• Build students’ awareness and understanding of the wider world and their places in it.

GOAL 3

Celebrate and Steward GPS for a Robust Future

Secure our institutional health for today and tomorrow

• Invest in faculty and staff as our primary resource for creating a strong learnercentered community and culture.

• Reimagine buildings and grounds to support curricular and programmatic needs.

• Build and extend financial and philanthropic models to ensure long-term sustainability.

Joining the Sisterhood

AT GPS, WE BELIEVE STUDENTS THRIVE in a school designed for their success, and finding the right place for girls is vital to their social and emotional development. When it comes to building each class, there’s so much more to learn about a prospective student than her grades, test scores, and teacher recommendations. We meet each girl, learn more about her passions, strengths, interests, and challenges, and get to know her holistically. We provide ample opportunities for her and her family to learn more about our innovative program, competitive athletics, robust arts, leadership opportunities, and character development. And we encourage our incoming families to see and learn what GPS is all about!

Throughout the process, we help prospective students see themselves as GPS girls—members of a diverse community built upon a range of aptitudes, interests, and personalities. The strength of GPS comes from the fact that there is no one “GPS girl.” We build classes with mission-appropriate students that celebrate their differences as much as their similarities.

As we look forward to the new school year, we are thrilled to welcome our largest sixth-grade class in years—80 girls and growing! Kathryn Outlaw, Interim Head of Middle School, says, “We could not be more excited to usher in this new class of leaders, adventurers, athletes, artists, and passionate learners. We are confident in their abilities and know they will enliven our campus as they grow into young women ready to take on the world.”

Of course, whether a student joins GPS in sixth grade or her junior year, our goal remains the same: to enrich and educate her in an environment dedicated to the whole girl.

A LOOK AHEAD 111 NEW STUDENTS (AND GROWING!)

TOTAL ENROLLMENT 511 students (and growing!)

TOTAL ZIP CODES 26

ELEMENTARY SENDING SCHOOLS 28 (for sixth grade)

OUR 2023-24 BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Commitment to Leadership

CLAY WATSON CONCLUDES TERM AS CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES | 2021-23

WITNESSING CLAY WATSON serve as the Chair of the GPS Board of Trustees is a little like watching Rory McIlroy swing a golf club. Effortless, professional, skillful. Or perhaps he just made it look that way. Nevertheless, Watson successfully led the school and its board through a season of transition as GPS found its footing on the other side of a years-long pandemic and the changeover from an interim head of school to 10th Head of School Megan D. Cover.

Familiar in the Big Blue environment as a McCallie alumnus from the Class of 1992 and father of GPS twins in the Class of 2022, Watson’s board service since 2016 has included Finance Chair, Buildings and Grounds Chair, Vice Chair of the Board, and Co-Chair of the Head of School Search Committee before becoming Chair of the Board of Trustees in 2021. “Clay is a humble and wise leader who is thoughtful, intentional, and strategic in his leadership. He has been incredibly generous to GPS in consistently sharing his time, treasure, and talents. Fortunately for us, Clay will continue on the board next year for his final term,” Cover says.

The Watson family name is synonymous with service. Clay’s father, David Watson, served on the GPS Board of Trustees from 2006 to 2009, beginning three years after Clay’s sister, Katie, graduated as the first Bruiser in the family. “My dad told me to continue to be a good listener,” Watson says of his father’s advice. “I’ve always felt that the best leaders were the best listeners, and that’s helped me to learn from previous chairs and board members.”

He counts leading the Board through the transition of a new head of school to be his greatest accomplishment and says, “I really think that we hit a home run with Megan and continue to see the fruits of her hire.” But he’ll always count being on stage with his daughters during their Commencement as the highlight of his tenure. “That was a big moment,” he recalls. “The reason I wanted to become a trustee was to be able to somewhat affect the leadership of the school, be a part of the direction of the school, and benefit not only my girls but hundreds of others.”

Serving on the board, especially as Chair, warrants a significant time commitment, so Watson was grateful for the moment in his career that afforded him the opportunity to step into a role that carried the additional responsibility of transitioning in a new head of school. “Just like with my business, I surround myself with people who are better than I am,” he says of his fellow board members, who have been instrumental to his successful term.

As Watson prepares to hand the proverbial torch to his vice-chair, Amy Arrowsmith, he says he’s confident in the future of the board and the school. His advice to Arrowsmith? “Be a good listener—to fellow trustees and to Megan—and continue to do what is right for the school,” Watson says. “Be there for Megan and support the school’s leadership. Keep the school and the girls in the forefront with the decisions that are being made.”

To cap his term he says, “I never dreamed I’d be the father of twin GPS girls, and serving as Board Chair is an honor I’ll never forget.”

WATSON’S HOPES FOR THE FUTURE OF GPS

“I hope that GPS continues to be innovative and teach the girls how to think and how to continuously be prepared for what comes their way when they leave Island Avenue. I hope that the community continues to stay behind Megan and allow her to continue to lead the school and maintain the positive momentum. Not only is the community behind Megan, but we have a positive product to present to prospective students. Our current families see the positivity as well and, by virtue of their having a good experience, that sells the value of GPS throughout Chattanooga. Happy customers! It’s a harbinger of good things to come.”

Welcome Aboard!

UPDATES TO THE GPS BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE 2023-24 SCHOOL YEAR

Joining us as we begin our 2023-24 school year are four new board members whose connections to our school and varied backgrounds will enhance our Board of Trustees.

CAROLYN CHANDLER

BLAIR BENNINGTON CANNON ’93

Blair Cannon is a Senior Staff Attorney with Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., handling insurance defense litigation in Tennessee. She graduated from the University of Tennessee with a BA in Theatre and American Studies. In 2001, she earned a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Tennessee College of Law. Cannon was a GPS Trustee 2012–19 and served as Board Secretary 2017–19. In addition to her work on the Board, she has volunteered in various other roles at GPS, including as Chair of the 2006 Career Mentor Committee, 2007 Alumnae Advisory Council, and 2013–14 Annual Fund Chair. She is married to Eddie Cannon (McCallie ’92). They have two daughters who attend GPS, Grace ’24 and Addie ’28.

A graduate of Vanderbilt University, with an MA in secondary education/ mathematics from UTC, Carolyn Chandler taught English and French at Lookout Valley Middle/High School before pivoting to full-time motherhood when sons Dan and Richard came along. Later, she returned to the workforce to teach Upper School mathematics at GPS for 19 years, working in administration for the last five years of her tenure. In 2003, she left GPS to assume the position of Assistant Head of School at Metairie Park Country Day School in New Orleans, Louisiana, where she later became Head of School before retiring in 2017. Chandler has served on the boards of two New Orleans charter schools, ISAS, NAIS, and The Heads’ Network faculty and board, and she served as a field instructor for the Klingenstein Center at Columbia University. She presently serves on the Center’s Advisory Committee and on the board of Madison Country Day School, Madison, Wisconsin. Chandler is a partner in Strategic School Leadership LLC, a consultancy serving boards and heads of school.

HAMP JOHNSTON JR.

Hamp Johnston helped found and is President and CEO of RockPointBank, NA. He grew up in Chattanooga and graduated from McCallie in 1989. After earning a BA from Washington and Lee University, he began his banking career in Memphis and subsequently moved back home. Johnston has been engaged in the Chattanooga community since returning in 1994 and has served as President of the McCallie Alumni Council, President of the Board at Chattanooga Golf and Country Club, and President of the Board of Bridge Scholars. Current community activities include serving as an executive committee member of the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce, board member of Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy, and member of the Downtown Chattanooga Rotary. He and his wife, Jenny, are proud parents of recent GPS alumna Frances ’23.

AUSTIN WATSON

Austin Watson is a managing partner of Mountain View Auto Group and a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He serves on the Chattanooga Young Life Committee and formerly served on the board of trustees at Brainerd Baptist School. Watson is a proud supporter of many local nonprofits and causes, including Young Life, Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer, and United Way of Greater Chattanooga. Watson and his wife, Lara, have three daughters who are GPS students: Carly ’24, Avery ’26, and Liza Blake ’28.

In Appreciation of Service

As our school year came to a close on June 30, we bid farewell to three of our board members as they concluded their tenure. Their service to our school leaves a lasting impact on our students, faculty, and staff. We are most appreciative of their selfless contributions.

STACY EISELSTEIN | BOARD SERVICE: 2017–23

Stacy Eiselstein began her board service as a member of the Risk Committee (2017–18) and then served primarily with Buildings and Grounds (2018–23), spending this past year as its committee chair. She also served on the Risk: Audit, Insurance & Compliance Committee; with groups focused on enrollment and strategic communications; and as a Board Admission Ambassador (2020–21). A parent of two GPS alumnae, Kylie ’19 and Jane ’21, and a McCallie School alumnus, Nelson ’16, Eiselstein and her husband, Kyle, volunteered for years on GPS Parent Council and consistently and generously supported the school’s Impact Fund. Eiselstein also served on the boards of the Lookout Mountain Fairyland Club, the Fairyland Elementary School PTO, Emily’s Power for a Cure, and the Chattanooga Area Swim League and remains an active volunteer with various community organizations.

CRAIG HOLLEY | BOARD SERVICE: 2004–10, 2020–23

With two terms of service totalling nearly a decade, Craig Holley has faithfully served his daughters’ alma mater. Holley and his wife, Terri, are parents of two GPS alumnae, Ann Elizabeth ’09 and Sara ’12. During his most recent board tenure, Holley worked on the Endowment (2020–21) and Finance Committees (2021–23), a natural fit for his talent and expertise; he’s Chairman of Pinnacle Financial Partners in Chattanooga and the Founder of CapitalMark Bank & Trust. Holley has served on numerous boards in Chattanooga, most recently as Chairman of the Board for the Hunter Museum of American Art and the Campaign Chair for the United Way; he was the 2021–22 Rotary Club President. He has co-chaired a number of fundraising campaigns and events including Siskin Star Night, the Community Kitchen Fast Day campaign, the ArtsBuild annual campaign, and the Hunter Museum Spectrum Gala.

BEN VANCE | BOARD SERVICE: 2017–23

Ben Vance concluded his long term on the GPS Board of Directors as its Treasurer/Finance Chair (2021–23), having previously served as the Endowment Committee Chair (2018–21). Vance was also instrumental to the board through his service on the Head of School Transition Team (2021–22) and as a Board Admission Ambassador (2020–21). He served on the GPS Board’s 2016–17 Endowment Committee before becoming a Trustee. Vance and his wife, Jan, are parents to three GPS alumnae: Caroline ’14, Mimi ’17, and Charlotte ’19. He is a past board member of Make-AWish East Tennessee and was appointed by Mayor Andy Berke to serve on the Chattanooga City Task Force on Police and Fire Pension.

A Campus

Reimagined

FROM RENDERINGS TO RENOVATION, RECENT UPDATES REFLECT PART OF THE SCHOOL’S MASTER PLAN.

When Megan Cover began her headship at GPS in 2021, three institutional goals guided the school year. One goal, “A Campus Reimagined,” inspired Cover to explore how our buildings and grounds meet our mission to foster a culture of curiosity, exploration, pride, and lifelong learning. Consideration of the school’s master plan guided much-needed renovations while research as to how current interior and exterior spaces best serve our students and faculty galvanized future projects.

For the 2022-23 school year, one of three new institutional goals, “Pride in Our School,” perfectly dovetailed with the prior year’s objectives. While instilling pride in our school certainly extends beyond updating the buildings and grounds, campus improvements can significantly impact the experience of each girl. Cover explained, “By respecting our environment, we realize our collective responsibility to leave our spaces better than we found them for our girls and future generations of GPS students. Through our renovations, we ensure that each space reflects a learner-centered culture that optimizes teaching and learning.”

THE MILLS COMPLEX LOBBY

Certainly the most dramatic transformation, the sleek updated Mills Complex Lobby reflects the commitment to common spaces that celebrate community and connection and features a new main entrance, a relocated welcome reception area for all guests and students, a redesigned theater entrance, dedicated student art installation spaces, a historical showcase, Chapel Talk reception area, Advancement reception area, and updated restrooms.

HEALTH & WELLNESS CENTER

Led by the Dean of Health and Wellness, Beverly Blackwell, our new Health and Wellness Center serves as a place where students can find balance and support. Our school nurse, Melissa Nati, has met the challenge of offering a welcoming space that focuses on the wellbeing of each girl, and our Middle and Upper School Counselors are available as resources for any and all students.

HUMANITIES CLASSROOMS

This summer, significant improvements were made to the Upper School humanities classrooms. With walls deconstructed to allow room for social distancing during the pandemic and outdated flooring, furnishing, and lighting, the spaces lacked the aesthetics to promote a love of teaching and learning. Students will return this fall to renovated classrooms that better reflect innovative and inspired discussions.

THE BOW

The official spirit store for GPS, The Bow was previously situated in the Upper School off the Rotunda. Last summer, ground broke on a new location for the store, now a welcome addition to the Athletic Commons just outside the Main Gym, which allows better access for all. In early 2023, The Bow reopened with extended hours and expanded merchandise offerings.

LADY WITH THE UMBRELLA

Sometimes campus improvements aren’t necessarily planned, but kismet. A second institutional goal for 2022-23 called for “Community, Connection, and Engagement.” Naturally, this goal prompted Cover to outline a plan to “build connections within the greater Chattanooga community to grow a vested culture of partnership, service, generosity, and responsible citizenship.” So, when Chattanooga community members and GPS | McCallie family Franklin and Tresa McCallie reached out to Cover with a proposition, she was eager to listen.

The pair generously offered to gift the school with one of their prized possessions—a bright yellow sculpture of a young woman holding a parasol. Cover immediately said yes. “We were so thrilled that she accepted,” said Franklin McCallie. “We knew GPS was the perfect home for her.”

McCallie (as you can surmise from the surname) has a special connection to GPS: his great aunts were Grace McCallie and Eula Jarnagin, two of the original Founders; Grace’s brothers, Spencer and Park, founded McCallie School in 1905.

After graduating college and marrying, the couple moved out of state for more than two decades. While living in St. Louis, Missouri,

McCallie’s sister, Helen, GPS Class of ’67, introduced the McCallies to friends Peg and Blanton Whitmire. McCallie said, “The Whitmires graciously invited us to their Kirkwood home for dinner. As we walked in their backyard, Tresa and I exclaimed over a beautiful statue that reigned over their garden. This, of course, was the ‘Lady with the Umbrella.’” For another 20 years, they would continue to visit the Whitmires and the sculpture by Brother Mel Meyer, a Marianist brother and nationally recognized St. Louis artist.

Imagine their shock when, after having returned to Chattanooga, the McCallie were informed the sculpture had been bequeathed to them following the passing of the Whitmires. “We immediately said that we could not accept,” McCallie said. “But Richard Whitmire was adamant that, since his family was spread all over the world, the sculpture required a loving home, and his mother and father had determined we were that home.”

Following years at their Southside abode, the McCallies moved to Alexian Village last year, thus needing to rehome the sculpture. In gifting it to the school, McCallie’s one request was “to dedicate the sculpture to the three Founders who made their mark on Chattanooga, on education, and on young Southern women who would follow them in living productive lives.” We think she looks right at home here.

May Day

SOMETIMES YOU PICK THE PERFECT

SONG without even realizing it. That was certainly true for this year’s May Day pageant, where dances were performed to songs from hit Broadway musicals. The serendipitous tune? “Don’t Rain on My Parade” from Funny Girl. Although May Day is traditionally held on Wednesday, a dreary weather forecast called for showers then and on the following two rain dates. So a last-minute adjustment to the schedule—moving to Tuesday—was the only option. While the change could have dampened the spirits of our seniors as well as the rest of the school community, everything was handled with grace, flexibility, and positivity. We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day. Along with the presentation of the May Court and seniors and the traditional maypole dance, attendees enjoyed a pre-pageant festival plus dances from underclassmen to songs from Annie, Hamilton, Grease, and more—all against the backdrop of a bright, beautiful, sunny day!

Celebrating Our Seniors

BACCALAUREATE AND COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES HONOR THE CLASS OF 2023.

BACCALAUREATE

On Thursday, May 11, members of the Class of 2023 processed into Patten Chapel on The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga's campus for a baccalaureate ceremony—the first for GPS. This nondenominational service, featuring student and faculty speakers welcomed friends and family to celebrate the closing of one chapter and the beginning of another with performances by Tango and senior choir members.

Upper School Dean of Students Erin Davis Sizemore ’98 was selected by the senior class to offer the Baccalaureate Address. She encouraged the girls to embrace challenges, be confident, stay connected to their roots, and never let anyone tell them their dreams are too big. “As you move forward, know that you are not alone. You have a community of strong, intelligent, and powerful women behind you. You have the support of your families, your friends, and your teachers. And you have the power of your own voice and your own convictions.”

COMMENCEMENT

On Saturday, May 13, GPS graduated 88 seniors in the 117th Commencement exercises. In her address, Head of School Megan Cover, whose twins were members of the graduating class, touched on the bittersweet feeling of wishing the graduates could stay here forever, but recognized the importance of letting them go out into the world to become strong and independent women. She said, “You are ready for this next journey. You’ve worked hard. You’ve studied and practiced and worked out and rehearsed and performed to the best of your abilities. You’ve tried new things— some you discovered you were good at and others taught you that your strengths lie elsewhere. You’ve recovered from setbacks and disappointments and learned that, while sometimes life might not seem fair, it is always an adventure. So my wish for you is that joy follows you every step of the way. And when you do return to Chattanooga, I hope you feel welcome here and visit often. More importantly, know that GPS is a place where you are seen, heard, known, and loved and you can always call home.”

Valedictorian Anisha Phade (left), and classmate Anya Parambath (right), who was voted the senior class speaker, both offered words of wisdom during the ceremony.

Agnes Scott College

Appalachian State University

Auburn University

Austin Peay State University

Baldwin Wallace University

Ball State University

Baylor University

Belmont Abbey College

Belmont University

Berry College

Binghamton University

Birmingham-Southern College

Boston University

Brandeis University

Carnegie Mellon University

Carson-Newman University

Case Western Reserve University

Centre College

Clemson University

Coastal Carolina University

College of Charleston

College of Coastal Georgia

Colorado College

Dalton State College

Davidson College

Dickinson College

Drexel University

East Carolina University

East Tennessee State University

Eckerd College

Elon University

Emory & Henry College

Emory University

Flagler College

Fordham University

Furman University

George Mason University

George Washington University

Georgetown University

Georgia College

Georgia Institute of Technology

Georgia Southern University

Georgia State University

Gettysburg College

CLASS OF 2023

College Admittances*

Goucher College

High Point University

Howard University

Illinois Wesleyan University

Indiana University (Bloomington)

Jacksonville University

James Madison University

Johns Hopkins University

Kennesaw State University

Lake Forest College

Lee University

Lewis & Clark College

Louisiana State University

Loyola University Chicago

Loyola University New Orleans

Maryville College

Massachusetts College of Art and Design

Mercer University

Miami University (Oxford)

Michigan State University

Middle Tennessee State University

Mississippi State University

Missouri State University (Springfield)

Molloy University

Montclair State University

Nebraska Wesleyan University

Northeastern University

Northwestern University

Norwich University

Oglethorpe University

Ohio University (Main Campus)

Oklahoma City University

Parsons School of Design at The New School

Penn State University (University Park)

Prescott College

Princeton University

Queens University of Charlotte

Quinnipiac University

Randolph-Macon College

Rhodes College

Rider University

Roanoke College

Rollins College

Roosevelt University

Saint Leo University

Samford University

San Diego State University

Savannah College of Art and Design

School of Visual Arts

School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Seattle University

Sewanee: The University of the South

Shenandoah University

Southern Methodist University

St. John's College (Annapolis)

St. Lawrence University

Stonehill College

Suffolk University

Susquehanna University

Temple University

Tennessee College of Applied Technology (Knoxville)

Tennessee Technological University

Tennessee Wesleyan University

Texas Christian University

Texas State University

The American University of Paris

The University of Alabama

The University of Edinburgh

The University of Tampa

The University of Tennessee (Chattanooga)

The University of Tennessee (Knoxville)

Trinity College

Tulane University of Louisiana

Tusculum University

United States Coast Guard Academy

United States Merchant Marine Academy

University of Alabama at Birmingham

University of Alabama in Huntsville

University of Arizona

University of Arkansas

University of California (Riverside)

University of California (Santa Barbara)

University of California (Santa Cruz)

University of Cincinnati (Main Campus)

University of Georgia

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

University of Kansas

University of Kentucky

University of Memphis

University of Miami

University of Mississippi

University of Nevada (Las Vegas)

University of North Carolina Wilmington

University of North Carolina at Asheville

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

University of North Florida

University of North Georgia

University of Oregon

University of Richmond

University of South Alabama

University of South Carolina

University of South Carolina (Beaufort)

University of Southern California

University of Utah

University of Vermont

University of Virginia (Main Campus)

Valdosta State University

Vanderbilt University

Villanova University

Virginia Military Institute

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Viterbo University

Wake Forest University

Warren Wilson College

Washington and Lee University

Webster University

West Virginia University

Western Carolina University

Wittenberg University

Wofford College

Young Harris College *Bold

University of Colorado Boulder

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

MIDDLE SCHOOL AWARDS

SIXTH-GRADE AWARD

Margaret Wheland Cate Award

Amalia Coleman ’29

SEVENTH-GRADE AWARD

Schmidt-Thedford Award

Bea Burbank ’28

EIGHTH-GRADE AWARDS

Janet Lea Jackson Award

Molly Ransom ’27

Joan Haley Frierson Award

Emma Virginia Birnbaum ’27

DAR Citizenship Award

Amiya Phade ’27

UPPER SCHOOL AWARDS

Character Awards

Marilyn Sherman Center Award

Svenyarose Friebner-Mueller ’26

Freshman Cup

Paulina Proshkin ’26

Dora Maclellan Brown

Christian Leadership Award

Amelia Claire Anderson ’26

CLASS DAY

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

Sophomore Bowl

Gwyneth Parks ’25

Dorris Chapin Wells Award

Ella Beth Wiedmer ’25

Duffy-Jarnagin Scholar

Charlotte Parsley ’25

Battle Award

Emma Leinberger ’24

Palmer Griffin Award

Sofia Bean ’24

Grace McCallie Scholar

Lucie DeGaetano ’24 and Ella Harris ’24

DAR Award

Hannah Grace Kornberg ’23

ATHLETIC AWARDS

Robinson Sportsmanship Cup

Kennedy Ball ’23

Mary Alice Hood Chambers Award

Haylee Breaux ’27

Elizabeth Collier Farmer Award

Gilly Shumate ’25

Laura Holt Outstanding Athlete Award

Gracie Pritchett ’24

Sandra Martin Award

McKamey Bratcher ’23

Peggy Thomas Award

Keller Williamson ’23

FINE & PERFORMING ARTS AWARDS

Award for Excellence in Choral Arts

Caroline Rowe ’23 and Colette Smith ’23

Terpsichord Award

Anya Parambath ’23

Award for Excellence in the Visual Art

Ellie Odle ’23

Award for Excellence in Dramatic Arts

Morgan Hubbard ’23

Award for Excellence in Technical Theater

Jack Falco ’23

Fletcher Bright Fellowship

Julia Steffner ’24

SENIOR AWARDS

Ethel B. Poston Valedictorian Award

Anisha Phade ’23

Rickie Pierce Salutatorian Award

Meghan Gardner ’23

Mary Hannah Tucker Faculty Award

Caroline Clark ’23

Founders Award

Hannah Grace Kornberg ’23

Pete Wood Award

Anabel Wilson ’23

Jane Henegar Noble Christian Award

Keller Williamson ’23

Laura Handly Award

Rowan Espy ’23

Betsy Chisolm Silberman Award

Erin Ensign ’23

Roberta Moore Award

Soree Kim ’23

Barbara Johnson Prickett Award

Kennedy Ball ’23

ACADEMIC AWARDS

Mildred Peters Award for English

Lauren Hammontree ’23

Eula Lea Jarnagin Love of Language Award

Lydia Long ’23, French

McKamey Bratcher ’23, Latin

Anya Parambath ’23, Spanish

Award for Excellence in History

Evelyn Lytle ’23

Award for Excellence in Mathematics

Meghan Gardner ’23

Anisha Phade ’23

Award for Excellence in Computer Science & Engineering

Ally McVay ’23

Award for Excellence in Science

Morgan Summerlin ’23

PUBLICATIONS AWARD

William C. McKenzie Award

Hannah Grace Kornberg ’23

BLACK & BLUE THE REVIEW

A look at this year's honors, accolades, events, and more!

Academics

18 seniors were honored with the highest academic accolade bestowed at GPS— induction into Cum Laude.

Meghan Boehm

Margaret Cover

Sophie Cover

Erin Ensign

Rowan Espy

Meghan Gardner

Lauren Hammontree

Mary Chapman

Hayes

Soree Kim

Hannah Grace Kornberg

Evelyn Lytle

Abigail Mann

Sophie McGee

Claire Mitchell

Anya Parambath

Anisha Phade

Morgan Summerlin

Anabel Wilson

Anisha Phade ’23 was named a candidate in the 2023 United States Presidential Scholars Program. Candidates are selected based on their outstanding performance on the ACT or SAT or a nomination by their Chief State School Officer or a partner recognition organization. Of the nearly 3.6 million high school seniors graduating this year, Anisha is one of approximately 5,000 students to receive this invitation to apply.

Zella Stockman ’24 was accepted to Vanderbilt's Summer Academy to study the Microscopy of Nanomaterials. She will learn about nanoparticles, their properties, and how scientists synthesize and manipulate them to solve some of the biggest problems in medicine, science, and engineering.

GPS Upper School students competed and placed at the Regional Science Olympiad Competition.

• Chemistry Lab | Second Place

Morgan Summerlin ’23 and Rowan Espy ’23

• Rocks and Minerals | Third Place

Anya Parambath ’23 and Morgan Summerlin

• Experimental Design | Third Place

Anya Parambath, Morgan Summerlin, and Rowan Espy

• Forensics | Fourth Place

Sara Wright ’25

• Dynamic Planet |

Fifth Place

Anya Parambath and Rowan Espy.

Upper and Middle School students competed and found success at Tennessee's History Day Regional Competition.

Meghan Gardner and Rowan Espy, members of the Class of 2023, were awarded scholarships in the National Merit Scholarship Program. Anisha Phade ’23 was named a Finalist.

Abby Simpson ’29 won the 2023 GPS Middle School Spelling Bee and advanced to the Tennessee Titans Regional Spelling Bee in Nashville.

GPS Honors Chemistry students participated in the ISEF Chattanooga Regional Science and Engineering Fair at UTC, with individual honors presented to sophomores Ellison Ball, Eileen Nash, McCall Roach, and Gilly Shumate, as well as senior AP Chemistry student Anya Parambath, whose project garnered her first place overall and an invitation to the 2023 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair—her second year in a row!—in Dallas.

Louise Brock ’23 was a recipient of a MaryEllen Locher College scholarship from CHI Memorial Foundation. The fund is a scholarship program for children who have either lost a parent to breast cancer, have a parent who is a breast cancer survivor, or have a parent who is currently in treatment.

• Junior Individual Paper | First Place Bea Burbank '28

• Junior Individual Performance

First Place | Emma Virginia Birnbaum ’27

• Junior Group Documentary

Second Place | Areli Vincent ’27, Stephanie Zhong ’27, and Victoria Schmidlin ’27

• Junior Group Documentary | First Place

Amiya Phade ’27 and Grayson Friddell ’27

• Senior Group Exhibit | First Place

Farah House ’26 and Lauren Gardner ’26

• Senior Group Performance | Second Place

Mia Brunetz ’26, Caroline Carpenter ’26, and Ella Wiley ’26

• Senior Individual Exhibit | Second Place

Lenore Sanders ’26

• Senior Individual Documentary

Third Place | Sophie Jackson ’26

BLACK & BLUE THE REVIEW

The Middle School Robotics Team won the Motivation Award at the First Lego League regional tournament.

The French and Spanish Honor Societies inducted new members to the GPS chapters.

French Honor Society Inductees:

Brooke Adams

Aster Coffman

Mabry Cook

Ebba Cox

Arts

Cat Feeney

Arysa Kayasit

Evelyn Towns

Spanish Honor Society Inductees:

Hannah Wise

Lawson Barrueta

Charlotte Parsley

Gwyneth Parks

Kendall Ownby

Jolee Smith

Anika Bhushan

Layan Siyam

National French Exam, sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of French; 17 students earned honors and awards:

• 4 silver medals

• 1 bronze medal

• 12 honorable mentions

National Spanish Exam, sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of Spanish & Portuguese; 22 students earned honors and awards:

• 1 gold medal

• 4 silver medals

• 5 bronze medals

• 12 honorable mentions

National Spanish Exam, sponsored by the American Classical League; both students earned awards:

• 1 gold medal

• 1 silver medal

Atlee Elliott ’23 and Hoda Alameddine ’24 were honored at the local chapter of the American Chemical Society’s banquet held at GPS. They have been researching under the supervision of Dr. Jared Pienkos and UTC students. Atlee, who began her work last year, synthesized a new iridium compound with properties that potentially can be used as a bioimaging reagent due to its luminescent properties. Hoda is beginning her work and will continue next year.

Colette Smith ’23 won the top vocal prize (the Opal Rhea Swaity Scholarship) and placed second overall at the Chattanooga Music Club annual scholarship competition.

Fletcher Bright Fellow

A committee of judges awarded the 2023-24 Fletcher Bright Fellowship to Julia Steffner ’24. Julia, a talented dancer and member of GPS’s modern dance company Terpsichord, plans to host an art exhibit pertaining to the topic of women's reproductive health and featuring pieces from adolescent and adult artists in the community.

Victoria Schmidlin ’27 won the state division of the Tennessee Music Teachers Association Honors Competition.

Bea Burbank ’28 was accepted to Interlochen’s six-week Musical Theatre Production Summer Arts Camp for grades six through nine. Bea was also the recipient of a meritbased award given by Interlochen to a limited number of its most qualified candidates.

Jenna Naik ’24 and Julia Steffner ’24 were elected as President and Vice President of Terpsichord for the 2023-24 school year! Joining them will be new members Lauren Gardner, Ella Wiley, Evie Crutchfield, and Madeline Hudson.

Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

Established by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, this award recognition program is the nation’s longest-running program for creative teens and considered the most prestigious.

• Meri-Madeline Sanders ’27

Honorable Mention in Illustration/Painting

“Paintbrush Perception and Confusion”

• Emma Maynard ’23

Honorable Mention in Digital Art

"Music City Skyline"

• Lauren Hammontree ’23

Silver Key in Photography

"Stuck. For Now"

• Lily Kate Botts ’23

Silver Key in Digital Art

"School Traditions"

Athletics

Kennedy Ball ’23 was selected to the 2022 Fall High School AllAmerican Team. This distinction, awarded by the United Soccer Coaches, is given to the best soccer players in the nation. She is the first female soccer athlete from Chattanooga to receive the award. In addition, she received the BOP Girls Soccer Award and was one of six finalists for the Scrappy Moore Female Athlete of the Year Award at the Chattanooga Times Free Press Best of Preps banquet.

McKamey Bratcher ’23 was named to the TSWA Division II AA AllState Softball Team.

Reagan Ziegler ’23 was named a USA Lacrosse High School All-American for the 2023 season.

TSSAA designated all nine fall, winter, and spring TSSAA sports teams with its Distinguished Scholastic Achievement Award for maintaining at least a 3.25 or higher GPA during their season. Individual athletes were also recognized for completing the season semester with a GPA of 3.5 or higher. In the fall, 46 student-athletes reached this mark with 19 earning a GPA of at least 4.0, and in the spring, 81 individual athletes qualified for the merit-based award with 41 having reaching or surpassing a 4.0 GPA.

Cocurricular

Caroline Barnes '24 was accepted to the Naval Academy Summer Seminar, a highly selective program that mimics life at the Academy, with students participating in academic and leadership workshops as well as a variety of other activities on campus.

Anya Parambath ’23 was featured by the Chattanooga Times Free Press as one of seven Chattanooga teenagers who are "blazing the way to a brighter future,” thanks to her success in and out of the classroom, with feats such as being voted as Governor of American Legion Auxiliary Volunteer Girls State and impressive wins at Regional Science Fairs and Mock Trials.

Amelia Claire Anderson ’26 was selected as a staff member/committee chair for ALTMUN, a Chattanooga-based annual Model UN conference.

This year’s three GPS Mock Trial teams won numerous honors:

Ebba Cox ’25, best attorney x2

Ella Brandon ’25, best witness x2

Lucie DeGaetano ’24, best witness x2

Abigail Carpenter ’24, best witness x2

Gwyneth Parks ’25, best attorney

Soleigh Kueter '26, best witness x2

Lauren Hammontree ’23, best witness x2

Lola Lawless ’26, best attorney x2

The Class of 2027’s Roee Chapin, Emma Virginia Birnbaum, Zora Hammond, Lily Ownby, and Meri-Madeline Sanders were inducted into Tucker River Fellows and will join upperclassmen in their efforts to understand and impact the conservation of the Tennessee River.

Upper-Schoolers traveled to Rhodes College to participate in the Mid-South Model UN Conference. Several students won awards for their committee work: Anisha Phade ’23 won Best Delegate, Hannah Grace Korngerg ’23 won Honorable Mention, and both Rebecca Hayslett ’23 and Macy Poole ’26 won Best Position Paper.

Seven rising juniors and seniors were accepted to Tennessee Governor's School programs this summer:

Bella Durst ’24, Rin Nichols ’24, Sara Wright ’25 | Governor's School of the Arts

Ash Day ’24 | Governor's School for International Studies

Caiden Williams ’25 | Governor's School for Prospective Teachers

Mabry Cook ’25 and Zoe Byers ’24 | Governor's School for Scientific Exploration and Tennessee Heritage

Team GPS Wildfire advanced to the final four in the region.

Faculty & Staff Recognitions

Tennis Coach Sue Bartlett placed first at the British Open Masters Indoor Tournament in Wrexham, Great Britain. Coach Bartlett won her quarterfinal and semifinal matches 6-0, 6-0. She then won the singles championship 7-5, 6-0 and has qualified for the ITF World Cup competition in Majorca, Spain, in the fall.

Coach Beverly Blackwell was named one of “Eight Local Women You Should Know” by Chattanooga Lifestyle magazine for her career trifecta at GPS: a championship coach, Physical Education Department Chair, and Dean of Health & Wellness.

Head of School Megan Cover presented this summer at the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools Conference on the topic of Mind, Body & Spirit: Reimagining Your Campus to Support the Whole Girl.

Kathryn Outlaw, Ralph Covino, and Katye Adams Couch '92 also presented at the ICGS conference.

Dr. Ralph Covino was chosen to be a member of the Global Action Research Collaborative by the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools. Over a twoyear period, he will study GPS and its programs in order to further our knowledge of girls and how they learn best. He and his fellow cohort members will also explore how to find joy in the process of learning rather than from the outcomes or the grades.

Janna Eichelberger, Assistant Director of Athletics and Head Varsity Basketball Coach, published her first book, Girls Play Sports Too!

Beth Flint Gaffney '79 was featured by The Chattanoogan for her gregarious and energetic personality, which makes her the perfect fit for the joint role as Director of Coordinate Programs for McCallie and GPS.

Callie Hamilton participated in the Statesmanship in American History Seminar at Princeton University in Princeton, New Jersey, in July. Selection for this seminar was very competitive and designed to deepen knowledge of Statesmanship and American history.

The GPS Marketing and Communications Team received several international awards this school year including a CASE (Council for Advancement and Support of Education) Circle of Excellence gold award for the admission calendar for future students and two InspirED School Marketers’ awards—gold for the Upper School viewbook and bronze for the admission futures calendar. Each of these pieces was produced in-house by the MarComm Team and printed locally.

Andrew Reich, Director of College Counseling, was asked to serve on the Southern Consortium of Colleges’ first-ever advisory board. Reich attended the event in June at Amelia Island, Florida, weighing in on the future of college admissions—from outreach to communication and beneficial ways to help students as they manage their college applications and selection. The Southern Consortium includes 19 colleges and universities, and the deans and directors meet annually to discuss ideas and issues that influence the work of recruiting and enrolling future students at their institutions.

April Ross, computer science and engineering teacher, working with Anna Wineland from the STEM School, was awarded first place at the Research and Arts Conference and the College of Engineering and Computer Science Technology Symposium held at UTC for their work looking at drone applications. Their project focused on using a drone with a light attached to go into an area after a natural disaster, such as flooding or a tornado. This will help crews determine the needs and prioritize where to send equipment and manpower.

Events & Happenings

Junior Ring Day | Juniors made the whole school shimmer as they were “bejeweled” with their class rings!

A Talented Crew | The Middle School Talent Show provided no shortage of talent (and fun and giggles)!

AANHPI Potluck | Members of our community celebrated Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with a potluck and showcase organized by art teacher Ms. Diane Yu and Soree Kim ’23. The event was a tasty and festive way to honor the contributions and influence of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States.

Senior Fun Day | The last day of school for seniors is always filled with sisterhood and fun! The girls continued the traditions of decorating their uniforms with their new colleges and jumping in the pool at the end of the day.

Faculty & Staff Appreciation | The appreciation from our parents is felt throughout the year, but Faculty and Staff Appreciation Week is always a favorite! Parent Council graciously organizes this special week of celebration.

A Festival of Colors | We hosted our very own Holi, a traditional Hindu festival, on Smith Courtyard to celebrate the changing seasons from winter to spring.

Hip-Hop | Ryan Roberts visited campus to teach hip-hop classes for middle- and upper-schoolers!

“1, 2, 3, I am SHE!” | As part of our community partnership, sophomores and seniors visited Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy for a poetry slam. The event, hosted by Rhyme-N-Chatt, encouraged girls to step out of their comfort zones and read aloud their original poetry.

’Tis the Season | The annual GPS | McCallie Young Alumni Holiday Party for the Classes of 2018 through 2022 provided the perfect opportunity for former students to reminisce with faculty and friends.

Giving the Gift of Life | The Health Club partnered with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive at GPS, and students, faculty, and staff, many of whom were first-time donors, signed up to give the lifesaving gift of blood. For her work on the project, Health Club President Kennedy Ball ’23 was awarded a $250 scholarship by the Red Cross.

Class Sweatshirts | One of the perks of being a junior at GPS is having a sweatshirt unique to your class. This year’s official presentation, organized by their Class Leadership Council, included mini cupcakes, lemonade, and photo ops with friends. The adorable design was a collaboration by Sadie Pacenti, Gracie Pritchett, and Lizzie Brown.

Eighth-Grade Celebration | Next stop: Upper School! With friends and family in attendance, our eighth-graders received certificates to signify their successful completion of Middle School.

Sixth-Grade May Celebration | The final Thursday of school for sixth-graders featured an interdisciplinary event with displays and performances to highlight various classes and opportunities they’ve had this year.

NOTHING BRINGS A COMMUNITY TOGETHER LIKE cheering for the same team. When you stand shoulder-to-shoulder or share a bleacher with someone as excited as you about what’s happening on the field or court, nothing else matters in that moment. Together you can celebrate the amazing shots, agonize over the close calls, and share that sense of camaraderie that only happens in athletics.

Sports unite people from all walks of life with varying interests and outside pursuits. This year we provided unique opportunities to come together and cheer on our Bruisers throughout the school year. From fall and spring tailgates on our lower fields to restructuring our booster club with a new name, Bruiser Club, we created a community to better support our girls in all of their athletic pursuits.

Our booster organization was started four years ago and, in that time, we have accomplished a great deal as we raised money to buy a wide range of tools to better support our girls—two new AEDs, a new scoreboard at the stadium, strength equipment for the weight room, and spirit gear for our athletes. We also funded professional development for our coaches.

As we take another step forward with our support organization to increase parent involvement and give everyone more input into some future plans, Bruiser Club offers two separate ways

to support GPS Athletics. Sponsors will have the opportunity to advertise with signage, as they have in the past; members can participate in additional social opportunities and have input in helping design and create the best facilities for our girls. Joe Feeney has volunteered to be the first president of Bruiser Club, with a term that will run through the end of the 2023-24 school year. We welcome parents and grandparents who want to be involved in other positions with a goal to have a representative from each of our varsity sports.

We are thankful for the support we receive as we strive to deliver the very best programming for our girls. Earlier this spring, Niche.com ranked GPS as the best high school for female athletes in the Chattanooga area; the rankings include both public and private schools. Statewide, GPS ranked sixth out of 580 total schools, ahead of Harpeth Hall and Hutchison. Four of the five Tennessee schools ahead of GPS were all-boys schools. While rankings like this are not the main goal of what we do, recognition from third-party sources is always reaffirming of our efforts.

Thank you for all of your support of our girls and our coaches. No matter if you are cheering in person or following a game online, it is always an honor to have such great fans on our team and pride in our school.

Go, Bruisers!

Jay Watts, CMAA Director of Athletics

A Recap of Our Year in Athletics

BRUISERS Play to Win

The Bruisers were off to an impressive start this fall with the state championship win from our VARSITY SOCCER TEAM. After amassing a 14–2–1 record this season, with another top 10 ranking in the country from MaxPreps.com, the GPS Bruisers defeated the Briarcrest Christian School Lady Saints from Memphis 4–1 in the final game in October to capture the state title.

GPS welcomed Alfie Dodd back to the sidelines for VARSITY VOLLEYBALL. Coach Dodd previously led the Bruisers in 2016 and 2017, and he returned this year to take charge of a program full of potential. The varsity team battled a challenging schedule throughout the fall and the JV team gave GPS fans reasons for optimism in the years ahead.

Katherine Potts qualified for the Division II AA State Golf tournament as an individual and represented the Bruisers at the championship in Sevierville. As a freshman, Potts gained valuable experience for future seasons on the VARSITY GOLF TEAM.

Our VARSITY BLUE CREW supported McCallie with a deep run into the Division II AAA football playoffs. While the Blue Tornado finished one game short of reaching their third straight state finals, our girls were a big part of another memorable season on the gridiron.

Athletes from our MIDDLE SCHOOL TENNIS program won the USTA Middle School State Championship in October, marking the second year in the row that the Bruisers have garnered this title.

Our VARSITY CROSS COUNTRY

TEAM finished fourth in the state meet in Hendersonville, Tennessee, and two Bruisers—Gilly Shumate and Frances Bohner— were recognized as all-state runners after their finish in the top 15.

GPS wrapped up a successful winter VARSITY SWIM AND DIVE season with a second-place finish at the 2023 TISCA State Meet in Knoxville. The Bruisers finished with 204.5 team points, almost 30 points better than last year’s total that also netted the Bruisers a runner-up finish. Senior Keller Williamson ended the day as the top scorer for GPS with 29 points in individual events; Scout Chapin finished second. Both Williamson and Chapin were part of two high-performing relay teams as well.

For the first time in school history, GPS fielded a VARSITY SQUASH TEAM this winter with a roster of 16 girls who picked up two wins in six varsity competitions. The Bruisers defeated Louisville Collegiate, 6-1, to earn the first win in school history in squash, and promptly followed that up with a gutsy 4-3 win over John Burroughs from St. Louis the following day.

The 2022–23 athletic calendar officially wrapped up in May with Spring Fling in Murfreesboro and the SRAA Nationals taking place in Oak Ridge. Our TRACK AND FIELD TEAM represented the school well at the Division II AA State Track and Field Championship, with nine girls qualifying for the meet in five events. Scarlett Kelch qualified as the Division II AA East Region Champion in the discus and took third place at the state meet. Our 4 x 800 meter relay team, composed of Frances Bohner, Tessie Braman, Mariah Ivery, and Gilly Shumate, also finished first in the region and third at state. Our 4 x 400 meter relay finished fourth in Murfreesboro, while Allie Walley finished tied for fifth in the pole vault.

Bruisers played the role of Cinderella in the TSSAA DIVISION II STATE BOWLING CHAMPIONSHIP. Even though they entered the tournament with a 3-8 season record, GPS was able to knock off Pope Prep in the opening round, 17-6, and then defeat St. Benedict, 14-9, in the state semifinals. The win over St. Benedict was especially impressive when you consider that the Eagles were a perfect 9-0 on the season prior to their meeting with the Bruisers. GPS dropped the title match to a very strong team from Friendship Christian as the Commanders won their third straight state championship.

BASKETBALL played through a rebuilding year that unfortunately included a few injuries to key players on the roster. However, with a lineup that featured two eighth-graders and four freshmen, the future looks bright for these Bruisers. GPS was supported throughout the season by the VARSITY CHEERLEADERS who benefited from the leadership of its four seniors—Lily Kate Botts, Santana Etchison, Lydia Long, and Olivia Noll.

Our CLIMBING PROGRAM competed in the city climbing league once again and fared well against local competition. This team had almost half of its roster composed of seniors, and we are grateful of the contributions that they have made to our program. This was the final year of coaching climbing for Dr. Sean Caulfield, who retired from teaching in the classroom two years ago. Andy Arick will take on the role of varsity climbing coach next year.

Our MIDDLE SCHOOL ATHLETES enjoyed memorable seasons of BASKETBALL, SWIMMING, DIVING, CHEERLEADING, and SOCCER. For the third year in a row, our MIDDLE SCHOOL SWIMMING AND DIVING TEAM won the NW Georgia Championships in Calhoun, Georgia. We enjoyed recognizing them at Chapel and honoring two of their team members— Molly Ransom and Allie O’Donnell—as Athletes of the Week during their season.

Our SOFTBALL TEAM wrapped up a tremendous season under first-year head coach London Cornelius. GPS defeated Ensworth and Lipscomb on the way to Spring Fling, where the Bruisers were eliminated by Chattanooga Christian School. Earlier in the season, the Bruisers won first place in the Silver Bracket at the Hixson High School Softball Tournament in March and finished third in a challenging region that featured three of the top four teams in the state.

We had a fantastic finish to our fall and spring ROWING SEASONS . Our quad entry finished as the top scholastic team in its event on the final day of racing at the Head of the Hooch in the fall. In the spring, the Bruisers’ entry in the JV 4x at the high school nationals finished second against some of the top scholastic rowers in the country! The silver medalwinning boat was composed of a crew of juniors and sophomores—Eileen Nash, Grace Macziewski, Isabel Ponce, and Cat Feeney. Their finish at this event was the best in school history for our program. Emma McDonald ’23 placed 10th in the Varsity 1x.

Our LACROSSE TEAM reached the TGLA State Semifinals for the second year in a row, falling to the eventual state champion, Harpeth Hall. Senior Reagan Ziegler was named to the All-State team and finished her GPS career with more than 300 goals scored.

GPS TENNIS reached the state quarterfinals after defeating Harpeth Hall 4-0 in the opening round. In April, the Bruisers had the top mark at the Chadwell Invitational in Nashville with wins over Ensworth and Hutchison.

The Games Play On

TEN FROM THE CLASS OF 2023 COMMIT TO CONTINUE THEIR ATHLETIC ENDEAVORS IN COLLEGE.

KENNEDY BALL

Soccer | University of Arkansas

MCKAMEY BRATCHER

Softball | University of Alabama in Huntsville

SASHA CARBONE

Soccer | Texas Christian University

MARGARET COVER

Field Hockey | Washington & Lee University

SOPHIE COVER

Field Hockey | Washington & Lee University

ANSLEY GIFFIN

Softball | Sewanee: The University of the South

ISABELLA JENKINS

Softball | Tennessee Wesleyan University

EMMA MCDONALD

Rowing | University of Kansas

JULIA STRIKER

Swimming | U.S. Coast Guard Academy

REAGAN ZIEGLER

Lacrosse | Georgetown University

Our MIDDLE SCHOOL TEAMS also enjoyed a great number of successes this spring. Three of our girls qualified for the Hamilton County Middle School

GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS with one, Harper Wakefield, finishing sixth in the final standings. Our Middle School

VOLLEYBALL TEAM finished second in the ISC regular season and gave us a lot to look forward to with several girls looking to compete for time on the court next fall with the varsity team. LACROSSE, TRACK AND FIELD, and TENNIS also represented GPS well in their events.

CREATIVITY in Bloom

The GPS Fine and Performing Arts Department honed their crafts during the spring semester with learnercentered classroom exercises, performances, projects, and more.

Held at local gallery ClearStory Arts, an impressive exhibit open to family, friends, and the general public allowed students from AP Drawing, AP 2D Art & Design, AP 3D Art & Design, and College Portfolio to showcase their work.

ART SHOW

MAMMA MIA!

Nearly 1,000 people said, “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!” to tickets to the GPS | McCallie Spring Musical, Mamma Mia! Seniors Colette Smith and Caroline Rowe amazed as mother-daughter duo Donna and Sophie during each of the three performances.

MUSIC

Members of the Upper School orchestra, band, and pep band visited Walt Disney World in May for a series of music workshops. Of course, they were able to visit the parks during downtime!

SUNFLOWER FESTIVAL

Emerson Couch ’24 spearheaded an event that celebrated the arts and featured original poetry, theater, musical performances, and art pieces from Upper School students.

O SAY, CAN YOU SEE

Baseball fans had two chances to hear the vocal stylings of our students at Chattanooga Lookouts games this spring with the GPS Singers performing the national anthem with the McCallie Men’s Choir during one game and the Middle School Choir performing at another!

SPRING CONCERTS

The GPS Singers and Middle School Choir performed concerts this spring featuring a variety of arrangements and genres.

TAKES DISNEY!

PIECES FROM SCULPTURE I & II CLASSES

WIZARDING WORLD

PUFFS, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic, a coordinate production performed at McCallie’s Black Box Theater, told the lesser-known story of the House of Hufflepuff.

CHORAL PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT

The GPS | McCallie Coordinate

Choir performed two selections for a panel of judges in Oak Ridge and were scored on their rhythm and sight-reading skills.

10-MINUTE PLAYS

Presented at McCallie this year, 10-Minute Plays written and performed by GPS and McCallie students, faculty, and staff provided the perfect platform for short bursts of creativity.

THROUGHOUT AND WITHIN

The Terpsichord Spring Concert featured pieces set by the company members as well as by Director Laurel Moore Zahrobsky ’90, Assistant Director Amanda Byars ’99, and guest artists Mike Esperanza and Crystal Newson.

CHOREOGRAPHY CONCERT

Students in choreography class demonstrated what they’ve learned this year during their spring concert.

MOTION MAKERS

Middle School Motion Makers expressed their voices and emotions through creative movement in their spring performance.

THE SPACE BETWEEN

Established to foster and instill individual growth, to develop a discerning sense of inquiry, and to explore an area of concentration that brings excitement and sensitivity of wonder in a student, the Fletcher Bright Fellowship for Inspiring Artistic and Community Engagement has been awarded to a rising GPS senior (or seniors) since 2019. Last spring, Rowan Espy ’23 was named the 2022-23 recipient following a rigorous application process. Rowan’s proposal outlined her plan to showcase mental health topics through dance.

SYMPHONIA BRUMALIS

The GPS | McCallie Orchestra performed an end-of-year concert featuring several works of Vivaldi, among others.

Following months of preparation and hard work, Rowan’s curated dance showcase came to life at Barking Legs Theater in March. The Space Between featured dances from organizations such as GPS, Scenic City Dance, Baylor, Ballet Esprit, Center Stage Dance Company, and the Civic Ballet of Chattanooga and included styles from ballet to Bollywood. Proceeds benefited the AIM Center, a local organization that provides psychosocial rehabilitation services featuring a clubhouse program that enhances recovery in living, working, learning, and social environments.

Dancing since age five, Rowan says the art form has always been a source of comfort and refuge for her, and she hopes it can be used to shed light on mental health topics in the community. “The goal of this project was to expose people to the issue of mental health illness, encourage the destigmatization of it, and demonstrate how participation in the arts can be freeing to those who suffer from it.”

ARTWORK FROM ART II & III CLASSES

WINTERIM

EACH YEAR, OUR TEACHERS jump at the chance to plan educational itineraries that encapsulate enrichment experiences you can’t find in the classroom. These offerings, which run the gamut from local volunteer days to worldwide travel, comprise Winterim, a week of learning in February. During Winterim, students are free to participate in the opportunity that interests them, allowing them to experience hands-on learning while also building new relationships and making memories.

This year’s Upper-Schoolers had incredible options to choose from, varying from staying on campus and #adulting (read: learning about money management, legal rights when they turn 18, and car maintenance) to traveling across the country and even abroad!

Students always look forward to Winterim, making the most of their experiences, displaying pride in GPS, and forming lasting bonds with girls across grades.

Service with a smile!

Don’t worry, it’s not only UpperSchoolers who get to enjoy Winterim! Our Middle School students participate in experiences curated at the grade level by class deans. This provides an opportunity for girls to get to know their classmates better while expanding their horizons and taking what they have learned in the classroom and applying it in the real world. Our sixth-graders spent time in and around the Chattanooga area learning all about the heart, the seventh grade class traveled to Gatlinburg for thrills (a trip to Wonderworks), hills (hiking), and chills (fun in the snow!), while our eighthgraders ventured to Atlanta to learn about the civil rights movement.

LOCAL

From full-scale film production to visits to a local fiber farm to a culinary cook-off with VIP judges (hello, Mrs. Cover, Ms. Brotton, and Ms. Betts!), there was no shortage of artistic opportunities for the ladies who chose to stay local for Winterim. But that wasn’t all! Additional opportunities included giving back to the community. Whether hosting a Valentine's Day party at a nursing home, cleaning up a local park, or volunteering at the Food Bank or Lula Lake, girls nurtured their hearts for service during Winterim! There were even options for learning life skills in offerings like driving school, lifeguard training, and learning the ins and outs of being an adult!

Orleans

Winterim 8h

Winterim 8h

Winterim 8h New

Winterim 8h

Yarn and Ewe

Big Apple

SiliconValley

DOMESTIC TRAVEL

From East Coast to West Coast, some of our students chose to travel the U.S. for Winterim. It was all tech, all day for those visiting Silicon Valley, while our Louisiana ladies had a blast down in the bayou learning all about New Orleans' rich history and culture! In Arizona, the dude ranch girls spent time riding horses, biking, herding cattle, and getting to know the landscape, and in NYC, gals dined in Little Italy, rode the subway, saw Broadway's Aladdin, toured Wall Street, walked the Brooklyn Bridge and were even featured on the Today show! Last, but certainly not least, our Disney girls spent the week at the happiest place on Earth!

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

This year students were able to truly travel abroad again for the first time since 2020, and they sure took advantage of the opportunities! Our Chilean adventurers engaged in a variety of outdoor activities and learning opportunities around the conservation, cultural, and societal impacts of mega-hydropower, while several of our Upper School students took a true Italian adventure! They enjoyed gondola and ferry rides, basked in the incredible architectural design of the city, and worked in some shopping during downtime. We even had ladies head to the Bahamas for a SCUBA expedition upon a research vessel that’s been featured on The Discovery Channel and National Geographic.

Lynne Macziewski

Associate Head of School/Head of Middle School

IF YOU ASK LYNNE MACZIEWSKI

what one can accomplish in six years, you’d better be prepared to stay a while to hear her response. She accepted the role of Head of Middle School in 2017, added Associate Head of School to her title in 2021, and will depart GPS to take the helm as the ninth Head of School of The Baldwin School (Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania) the summer of 2023. When she arrived on our campus, Ms. Mac taught Middle School science classes and began her work, along with her team of faculty and staff, to implement a plan that would move GPS’s program, policies, and procedures from a “junior Upper School” to a full-fledged Middle School. “We worked hard to create our own program that was developmentally appropriate and still prepared girls for the Upper School and life beyond Island Avenue,” she says. “From redesigning our curriculum to offering new classes such as STEM electives, to the sixth-grade interdisciplinary program, recess, Middle School retreats, Winterim trips, and more, everything was designed to enhance the experience for girls.” The result? “I wish I could have gone to school here!”

In her role as Associate Head of School, she led the way to rethinking our grading policies with an eye on equity, consistency, scaffolding, and what is best for girls. Ms. Mac guided our faculty through research, individual and group pilots, gathered feedback, and worked with others to create

all-school assessment policies that allow girls’ grades to truly represent what they know and reflect what they understand and are able to do.

But she made sure to make fond memories along the way. Some of her most impactful experiences happened during Middle School Winterims—spending the night at the McWane Science Museum in Birmingham, Alabama, and taking part in activities and discussions at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta, Georgia. Teaching eighth-grade science also made the list of her favorite GPS moments.

“I was so lucky to have the opportunity to build relationships with amazing young women, be humbled daily by some of the best and brightest students around, and see their confidence, skills, and abilities grow exponentially from sixth to eighth to 12th grade,” she says. “Our dream team of Middle School faculty cares deeply for this school and for the girls, who are at the heart of it all. I will forever know how lucky I am to have had this group of amazing faculty to work with. They have made every year here better than the last.”

With Macziewski through this journey has been her daughter, Grace, who started GPS as a sixth-grader and will finish her last two years of high school at The Baldwin School. “Watching my daughter wrap the maypole this year and to see all she’s accomplished here as a student and an athlete has been incredible,” she says. “I am so very proud of her.”

“ There is no greater honor for those of us in the field of girls' education to foster and launch future leaders. Lynne truly believes in the power of educating the whole girl and embraces all aspects of school life with gusto and optimism. Known for her problem-solving skills, warm smile, and signature phrase, It'll be great!, she is present and committed in all she does for GPS. She has certainly left her legacy on the middle school, creating and building an interdisciplinary program that cultivates curiosity and a joy of discovery among students and her peers. Lucky for us, Lynne will continue her good work at the Baldwin School, where I know our paths will cross again. We wish Lynne, Nate, Grace, and Jack all the best in this next chapter! Here's to you, Ms. Mac!”

—MEGAN D. COVER, HEAD OF SCHOOL

Suzy

McKenna English Teacher

THE GPS TIMELINE is punctuated by quite a few milestones, such as moves from Oak Street to Palmetto Street to Island Avenue. Then in 1999, the school welcomed its first sixth-grade class along with a new contingent of sixth-grade teachers. Suzy McKenna was among that cohort and has remained someone our youngest students can trust.

During her time at GPS, McKenna modeled for her students the joy of lifelong learning when she returned to college for an additional teaching certificate all while still teaching, serving as a grade-level team leader, planning the class trip to Disney World, supporting daughter Brittney during her freshman year, and being a wife to her late husband, David. “I didn’t know if I could handle it all, but I made it!”

Not only did she survive that journey, she came out better for it. Every year, Upper School students tell McKenna how much they enjoyed their Letters from Rifka project. “The girls could act out scenes, cook foods from different European countries in which the protagonist travels, create artwork, share music and dances, and choose other activities pertaining to the novel. One senior actually made a poster of the book in graphic design because she said it was her favorite novel.”

When asked to describe her career at GPS, McKenna had two words: teacher heaven. “Working with the students is by far the best part of my career,” she says. “I think of the girls as my girls and want them to feel comfortable and accepted.”

One of those GPS students was her daughter Brittney, who graduated in 2007. “Everyone knows that GPS builds incredible academic foundations. However, I am always touched by the friendships the girls make,” McKenna says. “My own daughter speaks with her GPS friends every single week! They are more like sisters than friends. I didn’t have that strong bond with classmates and absolutely love the fact that my daughter has these beautiful friends for life.”

Upon retirement, McKenna is looking forward to reading more, volunteering, traveling, and spending time with Brittney and her wife, Mary. But her leaving GPS doesn’t come without a measure of melancholy. “I have been incredibly blessed to work with many wonderful people. No matter what was going on day-to-day, I knew there were always colleagues who were willing to help me or the students. But I will definitely miss the girls.”

“ Suzy will never begin to fully grasp the number of lives that she has touched in her 24 years of service to GPS; even if she could, she would never admit it! Her talent for connecting with her Middle School English students is only matched by her humility and big heart. I first met Suzy in 2001 as my wonderful sixth-grade advisor and English teacher and am now proud to call her a revered colleague and friend. I can truly say that every piece of Suzy is GPS blue! To name a few, we will miss her nurturing spirit, open mind, and ability to make grammar fun. I am better because of the ways that Suzy has touched my life over the last 22 years, and GPS is a brighter place because of her service.”

—CASEY CALDWELL SANTOS ’08, MIDDLE SCHOOL COUNSELOR

Robin Priest

Math Teacher

ROBIN

PRIEST’S GPS TEACHING

CAREER began in 1998, the same year the iMac was released, Titanic swept the box office, Google was founded, and Furbies were the must-have toy. Much has changed since then, but her consistent, kind presence in the classroom has never waivered.

Priest has worked alongside memorable faculty and administrators such as Rita Wilson, her first department chair, and Rickie Pierce. “Rita created a family environment within the math department,” Priest recalls. “As a new teacher to GPS, and later a new mother, I sought her advice on many occasions.” Less than a decade later, Courtney Alexander would become a student in her classroom, and neither could have suspected Courtney would one day return to teach at her alma mater and become Priest’s last department chair.

Some of Priest’s favorite GPS moments include Chapels, where Pierce would address the student body. “She was such an eloquent storyteller and often recited long passages of writings from memory,” Priest says. Other colleagues added to the joy she experienced over the years. “Each administration challenged us to think about education differently but provided support and professional development. I loved

working with my colleagues. We pushed each other to be the best we could be in the classroom—shared ideas, brainstormed best practices, supported one another during personal events in our lives. I could always count on their help if I needed something. Twenty-five years has gone by very quickly.”

Along with helping girls learn math, and oftentimes learn to love math, Priest guided them as the sponsor of Fellowship of Christian Athletes and saw her own daughter, Meg, graduate GPS in 2020. She says she will miss her colleagues and students, particularly at Commencement when her former students take the stage to receive their diplomas. “It is wonderful to witness their growth through the years, and I am always so proud of their accomplishments,” she says. “I am often amazed at all they do—with extracurricular activities and academics—yet they continue to push themselves and strive to meet their goals day after day.”

Priest will go on to teach math at the elementary school level and hopes her legacy is one of being a kind and fair teacher who was dependable and an expert in her field yet could laugh at herself. “I truly wanted every girl to succeed and tried very hard to help them reach their goals in my class.”

“ Numerous students have been lucky enough to experience Robin’s academic knowledge and encouraging patience in the classroom. I’m one of the luckiest, getting to transition from calling her Ms. Priest, my seventh-grade math teacher, to Robin, my trusted colleague. She is consistently willing to share her expertise with colleagues, adapt to the needs of her students, and brainstorm ways to make sure we are preparing each student in our classrooms. She always works hard and is there for her students, providing support outside of class and forming strong relationships through Fellowship of Christian Athletes. I have no doubt that Robin will continue to touch the lives of those she interacts with, and her collegiality and expertise will be missed.”

—COURTNEY ALEXANDER MEISSNER ’08, CHAIR OF THE MATH DEPARTMENT

Keith Sanders Chemistry Teacher

AS A FIRST-YEAR CHEMISTRY AND EIGHTH-GRADE SCIENCE TEACHER, Keith Sanders became awestruck twice— once upon witnessing his first Terpsichord concert and again at the 1991 Cum Laude induction. Fast forward 32 years, and the memorable moments have become too numerous to tally.

What has become indelible in the mind of a guy whose mantra is “If your hair catches on fire in the laboratory, it will ruin your day,” are many memories of his students and colleagues. Sanders describes his decades-long teaching career as getting to do “something I love surrounded by phenomenal people.” His colleagues’ command of their disciplines, dedication to their craft, and creativity of their instruction continue to inspire him. “They bring who they are as people into the classroom.”

While he will miss his students, he is grateful that the learning environment at GPS allowed him to focus on what he was hired to do without the myriad distractions that sometimes afflict so many teachers. “I’m certain that every school wants to address the development of the entire student,” he says. “We are fortunate in the degree to which we have the learning environment and resources to undertake this.”

The girls will certainly miss Mr. Sanders’ famous ice cream lab (where they deliciously learned about chemical reactions). Regardless of the lesson, he says the goal has always been “to prepare students for whatever comes next for them, whether it is a science course here at GPS, a future college course, a career in science, or having an appreciation for the importance and impact of science. I hope I have accomplished this to some degree.”

In return, his students have helped keep him young. Sanders realized a number of years ago that, while the students in his class were always 15 or 16 years old, he, in fact, did get older each year. “It was easy to miss because the energy, enthusiasm, and optimism they bring to school every day is contagious.”

Sanders plans for retirement are still malleable, but he hopes to experiment with new languages and then volunteer in a country where he can put those newfound skills to the test. Wherever his travels take him, he will definitely find time to spend with his sons, Scott and Eric. And perhaps he’ll renew his passion for music, dust off his trombone, and play in the orchestra for one of our upcoming musicals? Wherever his new roads lead him, Mr. Sanders will surely remain a Bruiser for life.

“ Whenever I mention Keith’s name, it never fails that the girls will say, “We love Mr. Sanders!” Keith models being a lifelong learner. In his 32 years at GPS, he constantly researched better teaching methods and was willing to change how he teaches to do what is best for the girls. He is kind and thoughtful with just a hint of sarcasm—maybe a little more than a hint. He will be missed.”

—TRACIE MARLIN DURHAM ’81, SCIENCE DEPARTMENT CHAIR AND COMPUTER SCIENCE & ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT CHAIR

Bilda Acuña Small

Consultant to the Head of School on Strategic Initiatives

BILDA SMALL HAS NEVER MET A CHALLENGE SHE DIDN’T MEET HEAD ON. At GPS for nearly a decade, she used her strategic acumen to improve operations across numerous roles and departments— which isn’t necessarily the most common trajectory at a school. “The mission of a girls' school charmed me. I joined GPS because I believed a girl who is supported and encouraged the way she needs can change the world. GPS had a unique story to tell and my roles in marketing, development, and admission gave me the opportunity to inspire others through the stories of our school and our girls.”

Small joined GPS in 2014 as the Director of Strategic Communications and Marketing, where she led brand strategy for GPS and oversaw the development of traditional and digital marketing materials, advertising campaigns, social media, and the GPS website while helping to create and implement our previous strategic plan. While that may sound like plenty for some, she was ready for more. In 2019, Small stepped in to serve as the Chief Enrollment and Communications Officer after the retirement of a longtime Director of Admissions. During her tenure in this role, she streamlined the operational model of our admission process, cultivated a team that improved customer service and relations, and led the development of a lead generation strategy.

In 2021, it was time to level up again and, as a result of her extensive experience around strategic planning, she transitioned to serve as the Consultant to the Head of School on Strategic Initiatives. In this role, Small was instrumental in working closely with Megan Cover and our consultants on our current strategic planning process, myriad all-school initiatives, and campus master planning, which meant taking lead on a massive renovation project (see page 10) to ensure our grounds actively address the needs of our community in today’s learner-centered environment. The renovation now complete, Small is proud of her role in the process. She says, “Our Founders were visionary in selecting this location by the river. Investing in our campus is important to show the community that girls deserve the best spaces to learn and to thrive. The renovations reflect the energy and innovation that happens at GPS.”

But while Small’s résumé is something to behold, she is most proud of the family she has created with her husband and their three sons. “I am blessed to help my three boys learn to navigate life. And all I’ve learned at GPS about how boys and girls develop mentally, emotionally, and physically has made me a better parent,” she says.

As Small moves on to new adventures, we are eternally grateful for all she has done and brought to GPS and for the ways she has challenged us to think differently about our school and our community.

“ Bilda routinely volunteered herself to take on new responsibilities, challenging GPS and her colleagues to grow and be their best, just as she stretched herself. Regardless of the endeavor, she demonstrated passion, brilliance of mind and a special ability to simultaneously ‘see the forest and the trees.’ When I had a challenging problem to solve, she was always my go-to for strategic guidance and creative thinking. I miss a lot about Bilda—perhaps the every-day, at-all-times sense of humor and uproarious laughter are what I miss most.”

—MARK VOSSKAMP, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Elizabeth Resnick Technology Innovationist and STEM Co-teacher

IF ANYONE KNOWS THEIR WAY AROUND THE NEWEST TECH GADGET,

it’s Elizabeth Resnick. Since 2008, she has modeled for GPS students that interacting with and learning about technology is exciting and that STEM subjects allow girls to take risks and have fun. Whether she and her colleagues were helping the girls design and launch foam airplanes across Smith Courtyard or teaching them to drive remote-controlled cars through an obstacle course via front-mounted cameras, Resnick endeavored to make learning an adventure while her calm demeanor and endless well of patience made teaching look easy.

Her career at GPS took the route that many do—a winding path lined with opportunities to explore and then diverge when warranted. In her first role as a Middle School technology teacher, she taught students how to use Microsoft Office apps. Later she would teach her colleagues all that Google Suite had to offer through hundreds of “Spread the Nerd” columns and technology tutorials.

“My career at GPS has been wonderful and one I could have never imagined,” Resnick says. “At GPS, I was able to transition from a technology teacher to Technology Coordinator and member of the IT department. Later I became the Technology Innovationist and co-teacher of the STEM class with Will Glass.”

Resnick’s unique career path allowed her to teach students and teachers alike, and she wishes the opportunity to take classes had presented itself. “My colleagues are a constant source of inspiration,” she says.

“I honestly wish I could be a student in so many of their classes.”

But her true source of joy has been her students. “My most memorable moments always involve the girls, especially when the STEM students are immersed in and excited about a collaborative project,” Resnick says. “Recently they worked in teams of three in a virtual reality sculpting program. They had so much fun designing and sculpting a park while working in the same virtual space and talking to each other through the VR headsets.”

While we might surmise that her devotion to GPS filled her entire lifetime, Resnick also raised three kind, accomplished children and traveled extensively with her professor husband and family, including two years in Oxford, England. Moving forward, she hopes to hit the road again to visit family in San Francisco, Boston, and New Orleans soon. We wish her nothing but blue skies and smooth roads on her future journeys.

“ Elizabeth’s organizational skills and ability to effectively interact with students play a major role in the success of our STEM classes. She perfectly exemplifies the term “lifelong learner,” and her innate desire to learn has also been beneficial in the development of our classes. From designing large foam airplanes to soldering, Elizabeth is always willing to learn new skills and pass that knowledge on to our students. I will sorely miss my STEM partner, her quick wit, contagious smile, and that little bit of mischievousness, but I am thrilled that she will have more time to spend with family, read, learn new things, and have new experiences. Here’s to Elizabeth Resnick and all she has done for GPS!”

—WILL GLASS, DIRECTOR OF LIBRARY, MEDIA, AND MAKERSPACE

CELEBRATING Sisterhood

At home and across the globe, our alumnae are the greatest testament to the power of sisterhood. Their commitment to their classmates and the legacy of the GPS journey continues to benefit students today and for generations to come.

EVENTS, TRAVEL, NEWS, AND UPDATES FROM OUR TREASURED ALUMNAE

A MESSAGE FROM OUR CHIEF ADVANCEMENT OFFICER

THERE IS MUCH TO CELEBRATE ABOUT GPS as a whole, and the Advancement Team is proud to support the work and community built by our families, faculty, staff, public and private partners, and friends. Here’s a glimpse into what we’ve been up to this spring!

ADMISSION |

The school enjoyed a 30 percent uptick in demonstrated interest and will be welcoming the largest sixth-grade class—resulting in an additional section—since 2017. The Class of 2030 is not the only year that expressed a growing interest, however, as we are excited to welcome more than 100 new GPS girls across all grades this fall. With the help of current student and parent ambassadors, Director of Enrollment and Financial Aid Alice Smith Harris ’03 and the Admission team worked with prospective families through tours, open houses, home meetings, parent conversations, and more to continue to build an incredible student body. I applaud their continued dedication and enthusiasm to the GPS mission.

DEVELOPMENT AND ALUMNAE RELATIONS

| We continue to be blown away by the support of our alumnae, parents, grandparents, friends, and sponsors, and spring was a wonderful time of connection for us. Thank you to Director of Development Lisa Reynolds Shanahan ’83 and team for the countless ways they attract support for this special institution. In March, we had 200+ people visit campus for the Alumnae Egg Hunt, and in April, we welcomed almost 400 grandparents to our campus for Grandparents and Special Friends Day. Bruiser Bash, our signature event, served as the culmination of a wildly successful online auction that raised $296,000 for the annual Impact Fund.

Present at those events and countless others throughout the year, our volunteers remain (in our humble opinion!) the best in the world.

One group in particular—our Parent Council— continues to be the backbone of our campus community and is a model for other parent organizations across the country.

Work reached beyond the Chattanooga area as the Development Team hosted alumnae from coast-tocoast in anticipation of 15+ alumnae chapters opening in cities around the nation. Alumnae can still connect with their GPS sisters in person, even if they’ve left the Chattanooga area!

GPS has always been built on special relationships that span cities, states, and decades, and it shows. This year the school was fortunate to welcome new endowed funds, including the Susan Crownover and Meg O’Neill Cannon ’99 Scholarship Funds. Furthermore, the Black Alumnae Council Endowed Scholarship Fund reached the $100,000 milestone expeditiously and now helps offset a portion of student need.

To further highlight the way the GPS community lifts one another up, an anonymous donor approached the school with a year-end challenge: to raise an additional $100,000 before July 1. The reward? A matching $100,000 gift. Our community stepped up, yet again, helping us earn the match and pushing us over the $1.5 million goal. We celebrate the generosity of many first-time and existing donors!

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

Ali Gant Chief Advancement Officer

| The publication you’re holding, Blueprint, is one of dozens of beautiful pieces the GPS MarComm Team creates each year. Everything and anything printed, posted, and produced for GPS is generated by this small and mighty team. The only independent school marketing team to achieve a Gold Award, they were recognized by the Counsel for Advancement and Support of Education for our prospective student viewbook, competing against higher education institutions from across the world. In addition, they received Bronze for the calendar sent to prospective fourth-graders.

Bruiser Bash

GPS PARENTS, ALUMNAE, FACULTY, STAFF, AND FRIENDS gathered at Common House on the Southside for an evening of fun and frivolity set to everyone’s favorite ’90s tunes, performed by The Communicators.

A Grand Afternoon with the Girls

IN APRIL, WE WELCOMED

NEARLY 400 GRANDPARENTS and special friends to campus for a glimpse into the spirit of GPS. They visited classrooms with their girls, met teachers, posed for photos, and enjoyed refreshments on DeFoor

Patio as well as attended a sneak preview of the spring musical, Mamma Mia!

Alumnae Egg Hunt

IN MARCH, MORE THAN

200 MEMBERS OF THE GPS COMMUNITY hopped over to campus for a special egg hunt for alumnae children and grandchildren. Of course, sweets, treats, and photo ops were available for folks of all ages! We even played host to a special guest— the Easter Bunny—who made an appearance on this beautiful, sunny day!

On the Road Again!

Spring at GPS is a whirlwind (Hello, May Day, Class Day, Commencement, and more!), but it’s also a great time to see alumnae! Head of School Megan Cover and members of the Development Team traveled far and wide this semester to visit with some of our treasured graduates in their current communities.

“It gives me great pride to hear the stories of our alumnae and to share with them the work we have accomplished. Their experiences reinforce the trajectory of GPS: to continue the legacy of inspiring young women to lead lives of integrity and purpose through a learner-centered culture that focuses on the development of the whole girl in mind, body, and spirit.”

—Megan Cover, Head of School

STAY IN TOUCH!

Make sure the Alumnae Office has your current information so you will receive invitations if you live in the area we are headed to next! Email AlumNews@GPS.edu.

SEATTLE

LOS ANGELES

LONDON

Class Notes

1970s

CATHERINE LANDIS ’74 was named to the East Tennessee Writers Hall of Fame.

1 MELISSA DAVIS GEHRIG ’76 will retire as Executive Director from Vision House at the end of January 2024 after 20 years. Located in the Seattle area, Vision House provides temporary housing and a program for families experiencing homelessness as they work to overcome trauma and barriers to long-term stability.

2 LYNDA MINKS HOOD ’76 was honored by the Erlanger Foundation with the Gordon Street Distinguished Community Leadership Award. This annual award is presented to community leaders who have championed the advancement of healthcare in the Chattanooga region, are committed to improving the health of people throughout our community, and are dedicated to the healing mission and values of Erlanger.

1980s

3 JILL EISCHEID SOLIS ’82 recently published her first children's book, Bunny Bart Needs a Heart, available on Amazon.

4 DR. NANCY VINCENT WATTS ’83 is in her 27th year as Director of Pharmacy Programs at Chattanooga State Community College. She serves as Chair of the Hiwassee River Blueway and on the GPS Alumnae Council.

1990s

MARGARET CLEARY DEAN ’93, Commanding Officer, Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron Ten, was in the Mission Operations Center and part of NASA’s DART team when the spacecraft successfully impacted the asteroid Dimorphos, completing the world’s first planetary defense test mission in September 2022.

DR. NAGA BHAVANI MEDURI ’94 opened her own dermatology practice, Modern Dermatology Atlanta, in Woodstock, Georgia.

2000s

5 SOPHIA VOYCHEHOVSKI PRATER ’02 was named to Georgia Tech’s “40 Under 40” list.

VIVIAN PARHAM ’03 recently moved back to Chattanooga from New York City and works as a Dermatology Nurse Practitioner.

6 KARLA CHAMBLESS WOODS ’03 competed in the 15th annual Dare to Dance event for the Kidney Foundation of Greater Chattanooga, winning first place for Top Performer and Dancer’s Choice Awards and raising nearly $30,000; the cast raised over $470,000, all of which helps local kidney patients. Woods, who co-owns Ooltewah Veterinary Hospital with her husband, Dr. Micah Woods (McCallie ’02), also received the Best of the Best Veterinarian award for the third straight year since opening in late 2019.

CAROLINE WALKER ’04 was recently hired by JPMorgan Chase Commercial Banking as an Executive Director and Relationship Executive for its Middle Market Banking and Specialized Industries business to help deliver financial solutions and strategic guidance to companies in Chattanooga. Walker currently serves on the boards of The Tivoli Foundation, Chambliss Center for Children, AVA, Friends of the Public Library, and The Bright School.

LAUREN HARVEY BARLEW ’05 is a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner who has been in practice for 10 years in Chattanooga. She recently opened her own practice, Lotus Center for Women, dedicated to women’s sexual health and wellness and teaches classes on Body Basics for Girls (puberty, hygiene, etc.) and Beyond the Basics for Girls (safe sex ed).

ELIZABETH “LIZ” KENNEDY LUCIA ’05 accepted a new role as Director of Integrated Media at Instacart, North America's leading online grocery delivery company, leading strategy and planning for all major paid marketing initiatives for the company.

ANNE BOATNER ’06 was recognized by The Tennessee Bar Association 2023 Public Service Awards as the Ashley Wiltshire Public Service Attorney of the Year.

DR. KRISTINA KYLE ’08 works as an Emergency Medicine Physician in Tacoma, Washington.

DR. JESSICA PHILLIPS STANFIELD '08 works at CHI Memorial in downtown Chattanooga as an Acute Care Physical Therapist.

KELLY WILSON CURRENS ’09 lives in Ventura, California, where she works as a Registered Nurse.

HEATHER PARMAN MILLER ’09 completed her MBA degree and was a two-time meritbased scholarship recipient. She also recently received a promotion to Director of Sales within the first six months with her new employer, Transport Enterprise Leasing.

MIRANDA KELLEY O'DELL ’09, a nurse at Children’s Hospital at Erlanger for eight years, started Family Nurse Practitioner school at Southern Adventist University in August 2021 and anticipates graduating this December.

LUCY HENSON OSETINSKY ’09 is a Sales Manager for Denimist, which is a recently launched brand under the R13 umbrella.

JOSIE RIX ’09 was recently named the Women's Associate Head Soccer Coach at the University of Florida.

2010s

7 RAEWYN DUVALL ’12, Research Associate II at The Robotics Institute at Carnegie Mellon University, served as Commander of the Iris mission. Iris is a tiny, lightweight lunar rover built by CMU students, and the Iris mission is the first American lunar rover, the first studentdeveloped/university-built rover, the smallest, lightest rover, and the first lunar rover not made by a national space agency.

8 MEGHAN POWERS ’12 was promoted to Vice President at The Bliss Group. Powers was also named leader of a specialty practice group focusing on the workplace industry. In her role, Powers will build the Bliss Workplace Specialty Group and is responsible for clients who sit at the intersection of employee experience and the evolving workplace.

9 DR. UNSA SHAFI ARAIN ’12, a Chief Resident for Emergency Medicine at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, plans to do an EMS fellowship next year with aspirations to become a flight physician and practice emergency medicine in the air serving the people of Mississippi.

CAROL PORTERA PROVEAUX ’12 works as a Physical Therapist.

ABBY HORTON ’13 graduated in May 2020 from Richmont Graduate University with a masters of clinical mental counseling and will be a Licensed Professional Counselor. She works in downtown Chattanooga in private practice at Wise Mind Collective.

CHANDLER KEY ’13 started a new job as a Senior Manufacturing Quality Engineer at Roper Corporation, a subsidiary of GE Appliances.

SHELBY DOOLEY MULLINS ’13 started her own business in custom fine jewelry, Studio Mullins.

REBECCA ROSE ’13 co-founded a dog food company, A Bark Above Treats, featuring Zoomie Butters, 100% all-natural peanut butter made especially for dogs.

10 KAY CALDWELL WILSON ’13 accepted a new role as Corporate Controller of Atlanta-based Marketwake LLC.

NICKI BACKUS BOWLBY ’16 was promoted to an Operations Engineer at her company, ONEOK.

KATIE BROWN ’16 is the Social Media Content Coordinator at Lodge Cast Iron.

KAT CURTIS ’16 works at LINQ in K-12 Software Solutions Sales and serves as the Board of Directors Fundraising Committee Chair for FACES: The National Craniofacial Association.

ARABI SPEARS PHILIPS ’16 currently works at Saint Paul's Episcopal School in Mobile, Alabama, as a Second-Grade Teacher.

SOPHIE BECKNELL ’18 works as a Registration Coordinator with Maritz Global Events.

ELLEE JACKSON ’18 has been working on a case study of Chattanooga gun violence and with the goal of turning this research into meaningful policy initiatives that will help support disadvantaged communities and make the city safer.

HANNAH PRESCOTT ’18 is pursuing an MBA in business analytics at The University of Alabama.

ANNA SALISBURY ’18 graduated from Berry College in 2022 and accepted a full-time position as a Paid Media Specialist at The Johnson Group.

2020s

11 LINDSEY CAMPBELL ’20 was sworn in as Student Body Vice President at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The Student Government Association was one of the first organizations Lindsey joined her freshman year, and it has quickly shaped her college experience.

Making Their Marks in Athletics

Former Vanderbilt basketball star and longtime Tennessee State coach and athletic director TERESA LAWRENCE PHILLIPS ’76 was named to the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame's Class of 2023. Phillips has now been added to five halls of fame in the last seven years: Vanderbilt Athletics in 2017, Greater Chattanooga and Girls Preparatory School in 2018, and the Ohio Valley Conference in 2021.

12 ANNAMIEKE MCREYNOLDS BLACKMAN

’96 broke a world record in the 200M breaststroke for her division in Masters Swimming at the 2023 SE BSL Jack Barnacastle Invitational. She is part of the Lifetime Swim Team and completed the race with a time of 2:43.20. Blackman was inducted into the Southeastern Swimming Hall of Fame in 2008 and the GPS Athletic Hall of Fame in 2011.

SHELBY WALTERS ’19 transferred from Duke to Georgia to finish out her college softball career as a graduate student. She made the 2023 NFCA Third Team All-Southeast Region, 2023 First Team All-SEC, and 2023 SEC Softball Community Service Team, and was twice named SEC Pitcher of the Week.

13 LARKIN BROWN ’19 was part of the ACC Champion rowing team at the University of Virginia this spring and was also named Teammate of the Year by her fellow rowers in Charlottesville.

14 LANE LAWRENCE ’19, a senior soccer player at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, received the Ruel Fox Burns Blanket during the 2023 Athletic Honors and Awards Presentation. According to the university, the Ruel Fox Burns Blanket is presented to the department’s top senior male and female athletes as voted by the coaching staff. During her career at Rose-Hulman, Lawrence amassed 24 goals, 23 assists, and 71 points, ranking her as number five in school history in all three categories for teams that won the HCAC and reached NCAA Tournaments in 2019 and 2022.

15 REAGAN LONG ’19 was named All-Big 12 First Team in rowing after powering the University of Tennessee to its best finish in program history at the conference championship regatta in Austin, Texas.

Softball standout ELIZABETH WARWICK ’20 was named 1st Team All-MVC and All-Defensive Team after a sensational junior season for Southern Illinois University.

16 CHAPEL CUNNINGHAM '21 was named 1st Team All-Sun Conference in softball after a sophomore season at Southeastern, where she ranked first in the conference in stolen bases with 32. Cunningham posted a team-high .413 batting average against conference opponents, helping her team to 31 regular season wins. She also made national news during a home game against Grand View University (Iowa) when opponent Kaitlyn Moses hit a grand-slam home run to give Grand View a 5-4 lead. Moses sustained an injury rounding first base and hit the ground, and per the rules, none of her teammates could assist her, so Cunningham and her teammate Leah Conzalez picked her up and carried her from base to base until she crossed home plate.

ANSLEY BLEVINS ’22 finished her first softball season at Middle Tennessee State University with impressive stats: second on the team in homers with six and first on the team in fielding with a .987 record. Blevins and her teammates proceeded to win a program-record 42 games, including the conference tournament, becoming the first C-USA team since Tulane in 2014 to win three games in an NCAA regional. Blevins followed her C-USA all-tournament team selection by making the allregional team in Tuscaloosa, where she hit a home run against Alabama.

17 MADDIE GRACE HUBBARD '22 was named Collegiate Conference of the South Rookie Player of the Year for softball after hitting .461 and driving in 23 runs for Huntingdon College this spring.

ELLIE TALIAFERRO ’22 amassed some impressive results in the pool during her freshman year at Vanderbilt, including posting the Commodores’ top times in the 200 free and 200 IM, meeting the NIC B Standard in both events.

18 From the GPS Tennis Team of 1984, friends and teammates SHOLAR CLARK HOWARD ’85, MELANIE MERCER REYNOLDS ’84, and CELESTE CENTER ’86 reunited in Chattanooga at Gallery 1401 for Celeste’s brother Austin Center’s art opening on March 23.

Weddings

WE LOVE HEARING ABOUT YOUR SPECIAL DAY! SEND YOUR PHOTOS TO ALUMNEWS@GPS.EDU.

1 MADISON ALLEN ’15 to Zack Clonce

2 NICHOLE BACKUS ’16 to Kyle Bowlby

3 KAY CALDWELL ’13 to Beau Wilson

4 SARAH EVATT ’11 to Max Crabtree

5 LAUREN HOOD ’14 to Zach Goodwin

6 SARAH KATE NEALL ’06 to Daniel Kemper

7 CORBIN RACHOR ’10 to Cyrus Maleki

8 ARABI SPEARS ’14 to Hamilton Philips

9 DAILEE WILLARD ’17 to Quinn Smith

10 KELLY WILSON ’09 to Ross Currens

11 LAUREN WINKLER ’14 to Casey Kreis

1 BETSY HARR AKINS ’06, a daughter, Barbara “Babs” Kyle Akins

2 UNSA SHAFI ARAIN ’12, daughters, Aiza Zainab Arain and Amna Gul Arain

3 ELIZA CALDWELL BACHHUBER ’08, a daughter, Collins Felder Bachhuber

4 KARIANNE CHUNG ’04, a son, Owen Duncan

New Arrivals

5 ALLIE CONN ’09, a son, William Henry “Hank” Hart

6 MADISON BOYD CROWNOVER ’12, a daughter, Ella Kate Crownover

7 BESS WALLIS DAVIS ’10, a son, Grafton Yeiser Davis

8 KAITLIN DEWHIRST DETERS ’06, a son, Benjamon Clark Deters

9 KATIE FISHER HAUCK ’11, a daughter, Harper Andrews Hauck

10 CATHERINE HITCHINGS PLATING ’10, a son, Roger Plating

11 LAURA CARMICHAEL PROBASCO ’08, a daughter, Laura “Lollie” Rowland Probasco

12 ANI YACOUBIAN RIGGS ’00, sons, Armen Paul Riggs and Garo John Riggs

13 JESSICA PHILLIPS STANFIELD ’08, a son, Jackson Kayde Stanfield

14 MILLIE EARHART WILLIAMS ’09, a son, Theodore “Theo” Alexander Williams

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

March 12, 2023

IN MEMORIAM

JANET

May 7, 2023

December 24, 2022

January 8, 2023

December 20, 2022

JACKIE

January 10, 2023

DOROTHY

February 26, 2023

MARIANNE PRESCOTT THOMAS ’48

March 29, 2023

SUSAN ELDER MARTIN ’52*

November 20, 2022

CAROLYN REYNOLDS JENSEN ’57

January 31, 2023

STARR KLEIN ’60

February 16, 2023

JUDITH

KINCER ’60

April 19, 2023

CHARLOTTE WYNNS THOMASON ’62

January 23, 2023

ANN ROBINSON DAHL ’64

January 20, 2023

May 10, 2023

April 16, 2023

FORMER BOARD MEMBER

JO ANN CLINE YATES

November 15, 2022

SUSAN “LAURIE” MASSEY MCCALL ’70

December 30, 2022

LINDA CLIFT COUCH ’71

November 25, 2022

KELLY HARLESS LYTLE ’80

December 4, 2022

JACQUELINE “JACKIE” DANIELS KIRSCHE ’89

November 28, 2022

TAYLOR DANTZLER MORRISON ’99

February 18, 2023

*Denotes former board member

JANET PATTEN MOON ’43

MARY “TEENY” BUCHANAN LASSITER ’45

HARRIET CAULKINS MOORE ’45

JOHNSTON STRANG ’45

MARIANN JACOBS DIETRICH ’46

JOHNSTON SMYTH ’47

“DOT” DOTY MANN ’47

MARY “MOLLIE” MCGAULEY ’67

SHIPLEY

KATHLEEN “KATIE” FIELDS BELL ’66