GPS Magazine | Summer 2012 by Girls Preparatory School

S u m m e r ’12 • Volume 25, No. 2

In This Issue: A YEAR OF CHANGES AHEAD: • iPads in Middle School • Engineering Courses • Brand New Schedule

t he headmaster ’s desk

here is an old English ballad that has great meaning for an American history teacher like me. Its name is “The World Turned Upside Down,” and it was well-known by English children in the 1700’s. American folklore reports the song was played by the British band when British General Cornwallis surrendered his army to George Washington at Yorktown and thus ended the American Revolution. I can’t be sure if the lore is based in fact, but it makes for a good story. With that bit of history in mind, I wonder if the GPS orchestra should learn to play that tune this summer so that when our new 6th graders arrive with their iPads, we could properly mark the dramatic changes that will be occurring to a GPS education.

Education Revolution

OK. I know that is a bit of a historical reach. My family’s eyes are rolling as I read this to them, but things really are on the path toward changes we have long discussed. Textbooks are going to become interactive learning devices. Definitions to new words are on the tip of your electronic finger. Backpacks are going to be replaced by something much smaller and lighter. Drill and practice are going to take place within software that provides instantaneous feedback. Teachers will record explanations (once known as “lectures”) to be watched at night so that class time can be used for application. Robotics and engineering are taking their places beside world history and Latin. The GPS world is turning upside down as the educational revolution of the 21st century finally gets some legs. Even though it doesn’t sound like it, I don’t want to sell the revolution too hard quite yet. We are still struggling to get textbook publishers to move with us, and faculty must determine how to make it all work. We think the electronic textbooks will improve reading and learning, but we must prove it. What happens when you don’t have an Internet connection? Can a girl avoid the distractions? How will the girls REALLY annotate their textbooks? These are critical questions, and to answer them we must move into a world of great promise and great discomfort. And a truism always hangs over our heads: We humans really don’t like change. But the revolution moves forward regardless, and it moves on many fronts. In addition to the textbook initiative, GPS is aggressively adding opportunities for students in the areas of robotics, introduction to engineering, and experiential education. Both at the middle and upper school levels, interest in these critical arenas is spreading. Having obtained initial funding with the help of a VISIONS special project, we are expanding our STEM offerings and encouraging the girls to become involved. Our approaches to robotics and engineering will be experiential so that the girls can sense the excitement of exploration and problem solving. The GPS Garden is going to be enlarged dramatically to include a working greenhouse. Funded by the Class of 2012 and other philanthropic sources, the garden will be an operational garden maintained by the girls. Time spent there will provide experiences in organic gardening, cross pollination, and the simple act of being a good servant/leader when the food from the garden is delivered to the Community Kitchen. The garden can become an educational hothouse!! I think you can sense that it is such an exciting time to be at GPS! There is no standing pat while we rest on our laurels. The world is changing and so must we. We have magical technology, we have wonderful teachers, and we have inspired students. The question is: How do we get the best from all of them? Playing “The World Turned Upside Down” at chapel might be overly dramatic, I guess, but there is little doubt a revolution is finally under way in American education. It is humbling to realize GPS is providing the guns and the butter to make it a successful revolution.

GPS

GPS Magazine is published by Girls Preparatory School P.O. Box 4736 • Chattanooga, TN 37405 (423) 634-7600 • www.gps.edu Headmaster Stanley R. Tucker, Jr. Assistant Head, Upper School Principal Jessica Good Assistant Head, Middle School Principal Elaine Milazzo

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pg. 2

Assistant Headmaster/ Institutional Advancement Thomas P. Hudgins Jr. Controller Liz Thompson Admissions Debbie B. Young ’79 Alumnae/Events Katherine Betts ’76 Annual Giving Bess Steverson Capital Campaigns Maria K. Matthews ’75 Communications Anne N. Exum VISIONS Ann Burton Evans ’75 Girls Preparatory School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in any of its policies, practices or procedures.

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pg. 28

Editorial Staff

General Editor Anne N. Exum Writers:

Katie Archambault Tracie Durham ‘80 Jessica Good Jane Henegar Betty Jo Horton Peggy Michaels

Photography: Katherine Betts ’76 Jimmy Burgess Anne N. Exum David Humber Kendall Jacobs ’04 Alex McMahan Lifetouch Photography Gina Wells

features

departments

2 EXTRAORDINARY TEACHERS

8 Alum News

1 7 WELCOME TO ENGINEERING

New courses in design, discovery, and application.

2 4 SPEAKERS SEASON THE SCHOOL DAYS We were fed by their wisdom,

28 Athletics 32

Around School

36 Weddings 38 Babies

experience, and perspective.

30 SHAKING THINGS UP

No bells, no passing time, a new schedule... what a year ahead!

Cover: Hand printed quotes such as these in Jane Henegar’s classroom have been inspired by students and the teacher, and the ever-changing array has decorated her room for many years.

c over story I retirement b y Pe g g y M i c h a e l s , Tr a c i e M a r l i n D u r h a m ‘ 8 0 , a n d B e t t y J o H o r t o n

Three EXTRAORDINARY TEACHERS Step into Retirement “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”

Matthew 12:34 Jane What a joy and privilege to write about my friend Jane Henegar’s Henegar

years of devoted service to GPS and the Chattanooga community at large. She is the ultimate master of quotes, thoughts, and words, some of which are on this issue’s cover! God’s word and the words of loved ones and friends tell a story of this remarkable and Godly woman. Sara Gahan, a former GPS teacher and editor of a newly published book of Jane’s prayers, starts us off with this observation: “Jane’s bulletin board in her classroom covered with photos of former and current students says it all: she is all about others. She loves her students, her friends, her family, and her God with selfless devotion that is superhuman.”

by Peggy M

Opposite page: Jane Henegar, concluding 30 years of teaching at GPS, is pictured in front of her classroom wall decorated with the images of the students she’s enjoyed and who have treasured her. Weesie Glendenning Cook ’95, the GPS Community Service Director and an experienced classroom teacher, will be leading The Hebrew Text course for Middle School and the New Testament Life & Letters elective.

S u m m e r 2 0 12

ichaels

Jane Henegar’s kindness, wisdom, steadfast love, and gracious instruction have been received by hundreds of GPS girls, faculty, staff, and patrons over three decades of exceptional service to the school she calls home and a community she calls family. At each year’s opening faculty meeting, Mr. Tucker graciously says to Jane “open us in prayer.” My colleagues and I sit in awe as we experience Jane’s gift of praise, intercession, and compassion woven into a story of love for the girls we have been entrusted to teach and to grow into young women of character and grace.

Jane and her years at GPS can be described with the Book she so closely follows. Many who shared with me made reference to Proverbs 31 as they described their association with Jane. The woman in this passage is described as a strong, dignified, multitalented, caring woman who is wise, kind, generous, caring, resourceful, compassionate, and sensitive – a portrait of Jane. Proverbs 31:10 asks, “Who can find a woman of worth? Far beyond jewels is her value.” When Nat Hughes, former Head of School, was seeking a Bible teacher, Jane was recommended for the position and Nat found that “woman of worth.” Jane had no teaching experience or credentials but willingly accepted the offer and began a career in which she has artfully mastered the teaching of the history of Old and New Testament as well as Gender Studies, Changes and Choices, and Global Issues. Her friend Betsy Silberman ’63 shared that “Jane has

put the welfare of GPS ahead of her own desires time after time. She has been a source of encouragement to me and countless others since the beginning of her career.” She is clothed with strength and dignity, and laughs (anticipates the future with joy) at days to come. Prov. 31:25 Katie Archambault, GPS assistant librarian, says, “Jane is fearless. She quickly admits that she is not the most tech-savvy person and yet she is the one leading her classes to Skype women in brothels in India, missions in Viet Nam, to the jungles in Lima, Peru. She is a super encourager. She anchored our faculty committee, supported us, and brought us together for Friday think-tanks and fun faculty outings. Jane arranged for free sitters for our children so that we could enjoy our gatherings knowing that our little ones were in good hands and our tight budgets were protected. At Rebecca Davenport’s request, she led a six-week lunchtime study on the

book, A Praying Life. The group continues to meet weekly to pray for each other, our students, and our school.” She opens her mouth in wisdom; kindly instruction is on her tongue. Prov. 31:26 Some of my most treasured gifts from Jane include works of faith, words of celebration, and documents of spiritual depth. She has delivered more cum laude addresses than most. She is called upon to pray and/or speak on a regular basis during assemblies, luncheons, and special gatherings at times of sorrow and times of joy. Laura Brown Clark ’91 wrote to Jane to say, “Your room along the hall of GPS was like a tree where many of us found respite, shade, and refreshment for our souls. The thread of your influence in my life, along with others who have pointed me to Christ is gold. Thank you for weaving the golden truth into my life at such an impressionable age and for serving so many of us at GPS for all these years.”

No Limits I Prepared for Life

c over story I retirement

She reaches out her hands to the poor, and extends her arms to the needy. Prov. 31:20 In addition to the many meals she cooks and serves and the flowers she arranges for many occasions, her heart is for the needy, the hungry, and the unloved. Her colleague David Cook says, “When Jane educates herself and then leads her students in their own discovery and exploration involving global issues, they encounter suffering. Jane, being Jane—responds, organizes, and acts. “

“

She prays and plans her

lessons and does her flower arrangements while she exercises. She treats family like company

”

and company like family.

Henry Henegar

She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Proverbs 31:27 Emily Henegar Estep ’88, Jane’s daughter, says, “My mom rises before dawn most days, prays her way down the mountain with her husband of nearly 44 years and spends eight hours showing her students who they are and why they matter in the fabric of history, the Bible, and global issues. Her afternoons are filled – appointments with friends, preparations for school, phone calls to far-flung family (when she can find her cell phone), gatherings for church, and often preparing a meal for a friend in need of comfort or celebration.” Henry’s comment to this verse of scripture is, “Idle? Her motor is always running high. She does not stop. She prays and plans her lessons and does her flower arrangements while she exercises. She makes time to cook and deliver meals to special people. She treats family like company and company like family.” Together, Jane and Henry were a part of the first Young Life committee in Chattanooga, have taught Sunday school classes, hosted numerous small group Bible studies in their home, and were instrumental in the establishment of a new church plant in their Hinkle Community on Lookout Mountain. Her children (and grandchildren) rise up and call her blessed; her

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husband, too, praises her. Prov. 31:28 Son Walter shares, “One of the things our family has teased Mom about for years is her creative use of containers for leftover food. After her famously sumptuous meals, she will fill a vitamin bottle with iced tea, a lemonade canister with grilled chicken, or a pasta jar with green beans, precariously sealed with Saran-wrap-and rubber-band lid. I’m beginning to think that this is not just a funny quirk, but an emblem of the way she lives. For Mama, the only containers that matter are people. Jesus said, ‘Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will put in your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you’ (Luke 6:38). That sounds like one of my Mama’s meals, doesn’t it? -- Also her classes, her letters, her prayers, her gifts.” Son Alexander says his mother has “the stamina of a hummingbird if not a hurricane.” As with containers for leftovers, Jane is creative with the written word. Alex says, “She will scribble a prayer, a note of affection, or an encouragement on any material she can find: a fine sheet of stationery, an ornately engraved card, the margin of a torn newspaper article, a fragment of a cardboard box, an almost unused napkin. Discarded things cannot slow her expressions of love one bit. “Nor can retirement. Mama will surely remain faithful to the thousands of GPS students and friends whose names and talents she can recall immediately – and for whom she has prayed devotedly.” Jane, in all of our collective thoughts and words, Henry says it best, “She is extraordinary!” Our final scripture from Proverbs 31 proclaims the abundant truth. “Many are the women of proven worth, but you have excelled them all.” Prov. 31:29

Linda Dizer by Tracie Marlin Durham ’80

Linda Dizer knew she wanted to be a teacher early in life. She remembers seeing a science book one of her older sisters brought home one day in elementary school. It had the peel-back, clear layers which showed internal structures, and Linda knew then she wanted to understand how life worked. She also knew she wanted to teach, not just understand, but explain to others. Linda came to Chattanooga, and GPS, from upstate New York when her husband took a job with TVA. She once told me that she was ready to leave that area of the country after a winter when they had to shovel snow off the roof! Raised in Virginia, the Southern way of life was much more to her liking. One thing Linda did soon after she got here was to incorporate science projects into her courses and ultimately into the regional science fair, a fair that GPS won in the Junior and Senior Divisions this year. She missed Class Day and Commencement this year because she was accompanying students to the INTEL International Science Fair. I can’t tell you how much time she has spent with the students, helping them develop their ideas, learning new material for the classroom or Science Olympiad, or even just holding their feet to the fire when she knew they could do better. Through the years her enthusiasm and passion for understanding the natural

world never waned. While the biological sciences are her first love, she was always looking for new courses to add to the curriculum. Linda’s interests have resulted in two popular elective science classes. In the summer of 1998, she attended a summer workshop on Andros Island, Bahamas, which led her to develop a marine science course. Not many people know that she has a sand collection. Each beach has a unique composition based on the various types of shells and rocks found in that region. She shared this information with her students in both her marine science and forensic science courses. I have been known to bring sand back from various beaches during my summer vacations just to add to the collection! Because of a family connection to crime investigators, Linda attended a week-long institute in Richmond, VA, in 2001. This helped her develop another popular semester elective – forensic science. Always being ahead of the curve, she did this before these types of courses became the “in thing” for schools to offer. By the time the popular television show CSI started in Oct. 2000, Linda was already planning this innovative experience for her students.

“

I learned how awesome

it could be with such an incredible teacher who is passionate about what she

”

teaches. You inspire me.

GPS student

Maybe everyone doesn’t understand Linda’s passion for science (as opposed to history or literature) but I do. You can hear it in her voice when she talks about Yellowstone and see it in her body language when she enters a classroom. And it isn’t just me who sees this; the students see it, too. Students recognize a passionate, committed teacher. One less-than-enthusiastic student said, “Not going to lie, biology definitely was not my favorite subject in the beginning. After a few short months though, I learned how awesome it could be with such an incredible teacher who is so passionate about what she teaches. You inspire me.”

No Limits I Prepared for Life

c over story I retirement

Above: Jerry Shannon and Linda Dizer, second and third from left, are leaving the classroom and turning over the leadership of their departments to experienced colleagues. Tracie Marlin Durham ’80, left, and Chris Zeller, right, were named mid-year as the new department heads for math and science, respectively.

Another said, “Thank you for staying after school with me so that I could understand biology. Thank you for having faith in me when I had no faith in myself.” The science department would agree with a third former student who said to Linda, “Your excitement for science is contagious.” Always the teacher, Linda has led and encouraged the Science Department to be on the forefront of educational methods. We were encouraged to take advantage of the generosity of GPS and use faculty development funds to deepen our knowledge. Under Linda’s leadership, three department members have completed master’s degrees. Linda also brought an important awareness of safety in the laboratory and classroom.

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Linda was also the department’s biggest cheerleader. She never hesitated to brag on us – whether it was to the Headmaster or principals or parents. It was a rare occurrence that at least one person from the Science Department didn’t receive one of the kudos awarded at the monthly faculty meeting. Not only has Linda enjoyed teaching high school students, she also leads women’s study groups at her church. She says that her love of science has deepened her faith in a loving God. Her husband John recently bought a boat. I know Linda will enjoy fishing and taking her kids and grandkids out on the water – out in the places she loves and wants to understand deeper. I am sure she will not be retiring from teaching but will continue to share her passion for nature with them.

Jerry Shannon by Betty Jo Horton

You have been blessed if you have been taught by or you have taught with Jerry Shannon. A Master Teacher in the truest sense of the word, Jerry’s mantra during his 44 years of teaching has been the children’s story The Little Engine That Could. As Jerry puts it, can’t is not part of the vocabulary in his math classes. A native of Chattanooga and a graduate of Hixson High School, Jerry knew from an early age that he would teach mathematics and completed his undergraduate studies at MTSU and his graduate work at Trevecca University in Nashville. Beginning his career at Red Bank Junior High School and later moving to Red Bank High School, Jerry spent a total of 33 years in public education before coming to GPS. He served as chairman of the Math Department at Red Bank High School for several years, and his excellence in teaching was honored several times. The Laura Handly Brock (GPS Class of 1954) Memorial Award is presented at each high school in Hamilton County. Jerry earned this award three years in a row! In the early 1990’s, the faculty and students of Red Bank High School honored Jerry with the Teacher of Outstanding Performance award. And in 1988, Jerry was the Hamilton County Teacher of the Year at the secondary level. This award included a trip to Washington, D.C. where Jerry received his award at the White House and was honored to meet President Reagan

Jerry’s life with GPS began in 2001 when math teacher Mary Montague had to return unexpectedly to England. Former department chairman Rita Wilson was fortunate to locate Jerry, who although retired was continuing to teach calculus part time at Red Bank. He stepped in, and learning proceeded in Mary’s classes without a hitch. At the end of the year, Jerry signed on to stay full time at GPS, and the Math Department was in for a treat. Part of the beauty of mathematics is its precision, its organization and its predictability. And as many of us know, Jerry is precise, organized and predictable. The entire department has benefitted from Jerry’s attention to proper delivery of the mathematical concepts we are teaching. During his time at GPS, Jerry offered his expertise to the National Honor Society and Cum Laude committees. In his five years as co-chairman of the Math Department, he was a firm and fair leader, counseling a colleague when appropriate and ready to thank each of us for what we do for the department and the school. Jerry has left his mark on other departments as well. His long list of appreciative students includes GPS teachers and staff members Jenny Bullard, David Cook, Jerry Gillis, Jennifer Williams and Robin Priest, whom he taught at Red Bank, and Kendall Jacobs ’04, whom he taught at GPS. Jerry has spent his career in what he calls the “greatest profession in the world.” But now it is time to step back and enjoy time with his wife Donna. They love to travel, have been to Alaska twice to visit their son Danny, and have bicycled around Vermont. Jerry’s retirement will begin with a bicycling trip around Ireland planned for this summer.

From the students who love Jerry so much that they call him “JerrBear” and from his GPS colleagues, we do understand that there comes a time for the next stage of life.

Two quotes characterize the life of this man, and the life of the two women whom we have profiled on these pages. The first is the inscription on the plaque that accompanied the Laura Handly Brock Memorial Award won by Jerry Shannon. The teacher is recognized as the one… “Who Taught Me The Most Who Most Made Me Want To Learn Who Made Me Proud Of Myself Who Made Me Excited About What I Can Do And What I Can Be” The second is from an op-ed piece by Charles Blow that appeared in the Chattanooga Times Free Press on May 8, 2012. Blow was writing about his mother, who had been a teacher. “She showed what a great teacher looked like: proud, exhausted, underpaid and overjoyed. For great teachers, the job is less a career than a calling. You don’t become a teacher to make a world of money. You become a teacher to make a world of difference.”

Can’t is not part of the vocabulary in Jerry Shannon’s math classes.

Jerry’s faith is very important to him as he acknowledges how his life so far has been guided by his Lord. It will not be surprising to find Jerry involved in some type of community service.

No Limits I Prepared for Life

a lum news Want to stay informed about what’s going on at your alma mater? Be among the many that use social media to stay in touch. We’ve grown to over 1,700 fans on Facebook and 530 on Twitter (@GPSBruisers). Stay connected with GPS. Email anexum@gps.edu to share your latest news and photos.

30s-50s

1. This year’s alumnae weekend brought a first – an alumna joining campus festivities to celebrate her 81st reunion. Margaret Ferrell Finley ’31, center, caught a ride to Alumnae Weekend festivities with 1 Nancy Armstrong Perry ’57 and Tommy Hudgins, Assistant Headmaster for Advancement and golf cart driver for the day. Margaret is the mother of Judy Finley Stone ’54 and Cynthia Finley Anderson ’57 and grandmother of Cindy Stone ’82. 2. Betty Wills Franklin ’40 was a special guest in Jane Henegar’s class this year, talking about her 90 years, her growing-up life, her days at GPS, her travel, and how reading the Bible has shaped her life. During the last week of school, the class walked down the hill to visit Betty at her new apartment!

In Memoriam

Martha Newton Law ’33 Gwendolyn Rogers ’36 Burnett Saunders Bloodworth ’40 Ruth Williams Fritts ’45 Dorris Chapin Wells ’46 Betsy Robertson Smith ’47 Eleanor Stout Quarles ’50 Mary Ann Wilson ’53 Sara Josephine Patrick McClung ’56 Patricia “Patty” Park Johnson ’57 Jody Bacon Law ’59 Linda Joy Wilson Porter ’59 Amy Lynn Hall ’76 Katie Templeton ’93 Christian Moseley Bryant ’12

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60s -70s

3 3. Bea Lyons ’60, left, was presented the DAR Certificate of Award

for Women in American History by the local Nancy Ward chapter. Given to members who have made significant contributions to their community, the award honors “women who have made a difference and been educational innovators.” Lyons, who has 40+ years of active community service on her résumé, has participated for several years in the GPS Career Mentor program for seniors. Retired from Chattanooga State, where she was an expert in education for the deaf, she is an advocate of programs and rights for the deaf. Her DAR award was presented by DAR Chapter Regent Pam McConnell, former GPS science teacher. Biologically Bankrupt, the book written by Anne Clarke Sanders ’70 under the pen name Adair Sanders, has been selected as a finalist in the 2012 CIPA EVVY Awards. Margaret Levine ’73 was profiled in the Chattanooga newspaper for her work in the corporate security world. Levine is vice president of corporate security for Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc. In the article, she attributes her interest in security to a GPS class visit to a criminal trial. Formerly the head of global security for Capital One, she recalls in the profile the tension of waiting for news of the company’s CEO on 9/11 and another instance when a general manager was almost kidnapped. Her top priority, she says, is “guarding against harm to company employees, contractors, and executives.” She serves as chairwoman of the International Security Management Association.

80s

The Craniofacial Foundation of America awarded Tricia Davies ’81 the Terri Farmer Service Award for her outstanding contributions to the organization. The executive director of the CFA said that Tricia was chosen for exemplifying “dedication, compassion, and willingness to make a difference in the lives of children.” Laura Abney Wilhoite ’87 lives with her family in Brentwood, Tennessee, where she works with Amedisys Home Health specializing in wound care and lymphedema. As a physical therapist, Laura says she travels to patients’ homes to help people become more independent and “most of the time I become part of their family.” Laura’s own family includes two boys who play ice hockey and a husband who is a corporate pilot.

4. Longtime GPS teacher Peggy Evans Thomas was honored by Chattanooga’s Girls Inc. as one of the “UnBought and UnBossed” women of Chattanooga. Celebrating this honor with her were, from left, her niece Beth Harper, Ann Mahoney, Jane Tolley Harper ’44, Jeannie Harper, granddaughter Maggie Ruch, Mary Harper Bach ’71, and niece Barbara LeBlanc.

After living and working in Los Angeles for the past 12 years, Susanna Jolly ’88 has headed to the East Coast to study at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in Washington, D.C. She plans to use what she learns to help an organization whose focus is assisting developing nations thrive through education, health care, and sustainable business. She says, “I have been fortunate to travel the world and see and experience firsthand some profound changes that ‘impact investing’ can have. I could not be more thrilled to be starting off in this new direction.” Patrice Glass ’88 has been appointed by Governor Bill Haslam to serve on the Tennessee Sesquicentennial Commission. The group will work to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War actions within Tennessee. “I am excited to work with this statewide group,” says Patrice, “and plan significant events to engage Tennesseans in remembering the events that occurred in the state.”

Birmingham has been the home of Talene Yacoubian, M.D. ’89 and her family for the past five years. She is in the neurology department at UAB, where she divides her time among seeing patients with Parkinson’s, overseeing and teaching residents, and directing the research laboratory. In an email to a former GPS teacher, she says that “having to teach has given me a whole new level of respect for all my teachers!”

6 5. Legacy is important for GPS alumnae as they watch their daughters and granddaughters relive the GPS traditions. On May Day, seniors, mothers, and grandmothers posed for a keepsake photo. Seated from left are Janie Willingham McNabb ’63, Jackie Johnston Smith ’47, Ann Hodge Morgan ’81, and Mary Ruth Davies Venable ’47. On the next row are Meg Glass Bandy ’87, Finley Bandy, Madison Smyth, Sarah Morgan, Kelsey Keef, Robin Hayes Keef ’87, and Maggie Venable. On the third row are Mary Woodruff Griffin, Alisan Brown Taylor ’79, and Mary Margaret Taylor. Behind them are Susan Banks Griffin ’82, Elizabeth Walker Koella ’83, Corbin Cullum, and Becky Buckbee Cullum ’83. At the back are Margaret Koella, Parker Mallchok, and Lori Street Runge ’81.

90s

6. Raewyn Duvall ‘12 was named the recipient of the Counts Technology Award, named for sponsor Lara Counts Magellanes ’92. The aim of the annual financial award is to encourage a graduating senior to enter a career based upon a sincere interest in STEM courses. Duvall, a state winner and national runner-up in recognition by the National Center for Women and Information Technology, will use the Counts Award at Tufts University.

No Limits I Prepared for Life

90 s

Jarra Griffith Snyder ’92 is the principal at Knoxville Christian School, a small, private PreK-12 school that is undergoing many changes to enhance their college preparatory status. The mother of four says she looks back on her time at GPS and wishes she “could develop [the GPS] atmosphere at the school where I am working.” Angie Murillo Nye ’93 is working at Normal Park Museum School in Chattanooga as their Volunteer Coordinator.

7. Five alumnae returned to the GPS campus on Monday, Jan. 16, and spoke to the student body about the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., reflecting upon the impact and influence that Dr. King’s dream and the Civil Rights movement had on their lives. From left are Norquata Allen ’10, Johnel Angel Evans ’92, Joy Allen Altimare ’95, Michelle Lewis ’85, and Teresa Lawrence Phillips ’76. “We are the beneficiaries of Dr. King’s dream in so many ways,” said Lewis. Joy Allen Altimare ’95 is an Associate Director at Condé Nast, a publishing company in NYC whose portfolio includes consumer magazines, business publications, websites, and mobile applications. Beth Creswell Wilson ’96 received the Oscar Blatt ‘19 Master Teacher Award from Darlington School during graduation ceremonies in May. Beth is chair of the English department. Jenny Smith Wright ’97 received the Liberty Bell award from the Chattanooga Bar Association in May. The youngest recipient ever to be recognized, Jenny was especially proud of the honor because her great grandfather won the award in 1979. From left are Sally Smith Crimmins ’76, Ward Crimmins, Frances Street Smith ’48, Chris Benz Smith ’72, Gordon Smith, Jr., the honoree, John Wright, Gordon “Trip” Smith, III, and Gordon “Skip” Smith, IV.

architecture, churches and castles, and it was on those buildings that Ann focused her talk to GPS students.

8. GPS computer science teacher Jill Pala ’97 was the National Center for Women and Information Technology recipient of the Tennessee Affiliate Educator Award for “encouraging girls to pursue their interest in computing.”

Ann Walton ’96 spoke to an art history class at GPS in January. After graduating from Eastman School of Music in Bassoon performance, she earned a master’s in buildings architecture at York University in England and

Pala has served as the Tennessee representative for the Computer Science Teachers Association Leadership Cohort since 2009 and been an AP Reader for the AP Computer Science Exam since 2011.

a master’s in architectural history from the University of

Kendra Russell Li ’97 has received a promotion by the

Virginia. Currently working on her doctorate in art history

United States Air Force and is now Major Li. She is based

at Penn State, Ann’s concentration is in medieval

in Warner Robins, Ga.

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00 s

Virginia Gregory ’01 is balancing work with a baking/pastry program at the Institute of Culinary Education (ICE) in NYC. She hopes to put her school experience into a career owning a bakery or restaurant or in a media capacity as a food editor or recipe developer for a website, magazine, or cookbooks. Becky Lind ’01 has moved back to Chattanooga and has opened a satellite office for Woods Engineering, a business that offers structural design services for commercial, residential, and industrial facilities. Nikki McArthur ’01 will start work in October as an associate in the Washington, D.C. office of Jones Day, a global law firm. Amita Mohan ’01 begins a residency in family medicine in July at the University of Alabama School of Medicine in Tuscaloosa.

11. A book-themed baby shower couldn’t have been a more creative idea for Class of 2003 friends Mary Wright Salyer and Molly Ziebell Jackson when they hosted the April event for classmates Mary Katherine Roark Harbin, Blaes Schmissrauter Green, and Victoria Holt Tilley, left to right in front. In back are Salyer, Jackson, and classmate Cassie Moss Boyd. Anne Rushing ’03 is attending the University of Edinburgh in Scotland in pursuit of her master’s degree in fine arts with a concentration in glass. A graduate of Centre College, Anne has finished the first of the two-year program.

10. Katie Cosgrove Kingsman ’02 sent in this jubilant photo of her welcome to husband Kilton when he returned from an assignment with the Black Aces, a United States Navy strike fighter squadron. The couple now reside in Pensacola, Fla. Ashley Brandon Gerskin ’02 is working in the McCallie School bookstore as a business office assistant. Christ Presbyterian Church and Academy in Nashville has a new communications coordinator, Sarah McCandless ’02. She joins college counselor and GPS classmate Catherine Nelson Sawyer on the school’s staff. Phoebe Smith Mount ’02 is teaching at Chattanooga Girls’ Leadership Academy. A graduate of Georgia Tech with a degree in industrial design, Sophia Voychehovski ’02 is currently employed at CNN, where she is a senior user experience designer. She advocates for the end user while serving as a translator for business strategy, development and graphic design. Current projects involve blueprints for more customized, interactive, and empowering viewer experiences.

Maggie LaRochelle Richards ’03 received her doctor of physical therapy degree from George Washington University in May. She was awarded the GWU Outstanding Health Sciences Graduate Student Award and spoke at graduation ceremonies. She enters an orthopedic residency at Johns Hopkins in the fall. Rachel Sherbak Stevener ’03 graduated from Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte, N.C., with a master’s in Biblical studies. K.O. Campbell ’04 is pursuing her master’s degree in oral history at Columbia University and writing grants as an administrative assistant for the Graduate School of Chemistry. Leigh Pleva ’04 is an event planner at Lighthouse for the Blind, a non-profit in New Orleans. Leigh received her undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama and a master’s in art administration from the University of New Orleans. Finishing the last semester of work on her master’s of business administration from Berry College, Laura Dorsch ’05 moved to Lexington, Ky., for the Kentucky Equine Management Internship. She worked at Adena Springs, a farm that breeds and races thoroughbred racehorses and, according to Laura, “offers one of the best stallion rosters in the world.”

Share your latest news and photos. anexum@gps.edu

No Limits I Prepared for Life

a lum news Elizabeth Kennedy ’05 was promoted last December to the strategic communications planning team for the Proctor and Gamble account at the ad agency Carat. Liz says that her career in media/advertising is “very challenging and constantly changing,” but never boring!

editions of the text are now available online through the Tisch Library at Tufts. Lindsey Akers ’08 graduated from Rhodes College with a bachelor’s in neuroscience and will be attending medical school with the goal of becoming a brain surgeon.

“Nothing but Delicious” is the apt name of a blog started

After graduation from

last year by Hannah Messinger ’05 to showcase her food

the United States Naval

styling, photography, writing, and yummy recipes. Her work

Academy in May, Abby Ellis

has appeared on Food 52’s Holiday Survival Guide, Yummly’s

’08 is working at Annapolis

Food Blog of the Day, and Foodie Crush, an online magazine

Jenny Berglund ’02 Like two members of this year’s graduating class, Jennifer Berglund planned a gap year before enrolling in college. Her year after GPS was, she says, “The first major adventure of my adult life.” She worked with fishermen in the mangrove forests of Sri Lanka, backpacked across New Zealand, and worked in agricultural communities of the Galapagos Islands. At Boston University the next fall, she took advantage of study abroad programs, and her realization that she “loved the adventure in science, the art in nature” led to a master’s in science and medical journalism. Today she has combined her interests with a friend’s passion for film. Together they founded Prehensile Productions and have created documentaries for television networks such as Animal Planet, Disney Channel, BBC, and PBS. They spoke at GPS this past year and previewed Defending Eden, a film that profiles the Waorani people of Ecuador and their life in the rainforest that is being threatened by oil and logging industries. Jennifer, with the help of the Waorani, hopes to create an interactive rainforest curriculum for students in the U.S. “The Amazon,” she says, “is the perfect classroom for learning almost every lesson in biology and ecology.” With an obvious passion for science education, Jennifer says that her job has inspired her to tell the stories of science in a way that engages all kinds of people. “I take great satisfaction from audiences that don’t yawn.”

S u m m e r 2 0 12

in the Commandant’s office

Listening to the local public radio station in Chattanooga,

before reporting to flight

one can hear the voice of Mary Helen Miller ’05, who is

school in Pensacola. The

completing the “Around Town” segments and coaxing listeners to

Navy women’s lacrosse team,

“make a pledge” to WUTC.

on which Abby played, won the

Addison Spencer ’05 received a graduate certificate in

Patriot League championship

international politics from American University last December

and competed in the NCAA Division I national tournament.

and this past May earned her second bachelor’s degree, this

She is pictured at the American Geophysical Union Ocean

one in history. Starting in January, she spent ten weeks in

Sciences Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she

Doha, Qatar, in the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs in the U.S.

presented her Summer Research Project from her summer

Embassy, her second State Department internship.

internship with the Seafloor Sciences Branch. (photo: Naval

Colleen Bailey ’06 graduated

Research Laboratory)

from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 2010 with a degree in electrical engineering and received a full scholarship to SUNY Buffalo, where she completed her master’s in only three semesters. When she took her comprehensive qualifying exam in electrical engineering, she scored so well that she was not only granted her master’s degree but also passed at the Ph.D. level! Colleen will still have to take classes, do research, and complete her dissertation but will not have to test again. Marybeth Campeau ’07 took a few months off work in the Communications Office at McCallie School to work at Daraja Academy through August. Daraja is an all-girls’ boarding school in rural Kenya for top-achieving girls with leadership ability. Ann Quintrell ’07 sent an email to Latin teacher Marla Neal saying how much she appreciated what she learned in her classes. At Tufts University, Ann majored in Greek and Latin and child development, graduated magna cum laude, and won the Boston Greek Prize. “Your classes really prepared me for all the work,” she wrote, “and I had access to a lot of opportunities because of Latin.” In her senior year, Ann spent a semester abroad at University College London and worked on a medieval text, a leaf from a 1497 Nuremburg Bible with commentary about Psalms. Her translation, commentary, and

At High Point University’s Honors Day, the names of two GPS alumnae were called. Amelia Morgan ’08 received the Senior Class Female of the Year Award, and Elizabeth Taheri ’11 was the recipient of the Freshman Class Female of the Year Award. Amelia, left, served as the judicial vice president on the executive council of the Student Government Association and was inducted into two honor societies: Order of the Lighted Lamp and Order of Omega. Elizabeth was her class representative in the SGA, volunteered with the Big Brother/Big Sister program, and has been chosen for the Ambassador Program for her sophomore year, when she’ll again be her class representative in student government.

The GPS Influence

After a summer spent ministering with Shevet Achim in Jerusalem, Catherine Fields ’08 will begin studies at Gordon-Conwell Seminary in the fall, hoping to acquire a joint master’s in divinity and in counseling. Mary Clare Kent ’08 started work this summer at Europe2You, a firm that supplies home furnishings and accessories to retailers such as Pottery Barn, Anthropologie, and WilliamsSonoma. A graduate of the University of Georgia, Mary Clare shared in an email her appreciation to GPS for “the foundation it gave me that allowed me to be successful in my college years.” Callie Smith ’09 graduated magna cum laude with an English degree from Lee University in three years. This fall she heads to China to teach English and attend Henan University in Kaifeng, Henan Province. Norquata Allen ’10 was profiled in the online Georgia Tech Alumni Magazine. Norquata is membership chair of Georgia Tech’s chapter of National Society of Black Engineers and is in a co-op program with Delta Airlines in the interiors engineering department. Bronte Craig ’10 put into an email a sentiment that GPS faculty and staff hear frequently. “I never realized how blessed I was to be a GPS girl until I got to college. My time at GPS impacted my life more than I could ever imagine, and I wouldn’t be the person I am today without those seven years. I just wanted someone to know how much I love everyone at

GPS for what they have given me.” Bronte, a rising junior at the University of Kentucky, found out last December that she received a full scholarship (plus books) for nursing school at UK. “This is the best Christmas present I will ever be able to give my dad,” she wrote. Keli Shipley ’10 was elected president of the Maryville College Student Government Association for 2012-13. Keli is an Isaac Anderson Scholar at the school and is working at a rural village in Guatemala this summer. She will continue to be a resident advisor for a dormitory next year as well.

The GPS Admissions office always plans an event when prospective parents can come listen to our graduates talk about the influence of GPS on their college lives. This lively group of alumnae was honest, inspiring, and probably confirmed for some visitors that GPS is the best investment they can make in the education of their young daughters. From left in front are Emily Blevins ’09, Richmond; Stephanie Ryals ’08, Georgia; and Laura Higbee ’11, Georgetown. Standing are Meredith Maclean ’08, Auburn; Julianne Wilson ’10, UTK; Ioana Florea ’10, Harvard; Laura Laughlin ’10, Indiana; and Ryn Fager ’11, UTK.

Taylor Boyd ’11 has been tapped for membership into the National Society for Collegiate Scholars, an organization to recognize and celebrate high achievement among first and second year students in all academic disciplines. Taylor attends Columbia College Chicago. Nisha Boyington ’11 completed her freshman year at Indiana University as one of 15 Compass Fellows. The fellowship identified students as “passionate first-year students and empowers them to solve the world’s greatest problems through social entrepreneurship.” As a Compass Fellow, she received weekly lessons that provided connections with a global network of entrepreneurs. Bronte Goodhue ’11 was named to the All-Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference women’s tennis first team. As a freshman at Sewanee, Bronte went 19-4 in singles and was undefeated in conference play.

No Limits I Prepared for Life

a lum visits

1 2

1. Cathie Ault Kasch ’72 and Jane Henegar represented the GPS faculty

2. Savannah, Ga., is just down the road from Charleston, so the second day

at a gathering for Charleston alumnae. Pictured seated, from left, are Liz

of the Atlantic Coast visit included this alumnae group from the nicknamed

Morton Doak ’06, Anne Morrow Chamberlain Frazier ’95, Kasch, Allison

“Hostess City of the South.” Seated from left are Cherie Bonder Dennis

Faucett Abney ’95, and Ellie McGinness Tiller ’95. Standing are Maria

’89, hostess Diana Thompson Bell ’67, Corbin Rachor ’10, and Katie Estes

Matthews ’75, GPS Director of Development; Kaky McGinness Grant ’97,

Taylor ’03. Standing are Ellen Russell Wilkerson ’81, Christie Crawley

Katherine Giles ’96, Christine DeHart McFadden ’05, Kendall McKenzie ’93,

Dirnbauer ’90, and Bethany Scott Gray ’01.

Sissa Schmissrauter Green ’73, Virginia Chandler Arthur ’60, Henegar,

Mary Lloyd McKinney Hatcher ’74, Katherine Betts ’79, GPS Director of

3. A New York gathering in January brought over 60 alumnae together at

Alumnae; Karen Markham Lee ’79, Barbara McNeil McDonald ’79, and

the home of Kerri Martin Bartlett ’75 and Richard Bartlett. From left are Teri

Betsy Caldwell Cake ’98. In attendance but not present for the photo was

Tucker, Whitney Bell ’06, Mary Howard Ade ’04, Headmaster Randy Tucker,

Kate Caldwell Nevin ’95.

our hostess, and K.O. Campbell ’04.

S u m m e r 2 0 12

In March, Meg Haney Ferguson ‘93 and husband Chris hosted a Washington, D.C. alumnae party at their home in Georgetown. GPS Headmaster Randy Tucker, along with trustee Barbara McNeil McDonald ’79 and others from the alumnae office, enjoyed visiting with 58 alums and spouses from the area.

4B 4A. Left to right are Michelle Haney Maddux ’94, Meg Haney Ferguson ’93, and Claire Strang Farver ’96. 4B. Also at the D.C. gathering were, from left, Katie Watson Tipton ’03, Megan Hixon ’02, Barbara Sumrall Sanders ’02, Eleanor Decosimo ’05, and Stephanie Vineyard ’02.

The Atlanta area includes so many GPS alumnae that three different groups met this year!

6 5. Alums from the classes of 1974 to 1993 gathered at Atlanta’s Blue Ridge Grill. Members of the GPS Alumnae Council, Mary Margaret Heaton Jones ’80, Amber Whittle Hamby ’86, Shannon Pitner Rossitch ’91, and Nandy Hurst ’84, organized this event for area Bruisers. On the front row from left are Jones, Rossitch, Sara Robinson Chambliss ’78, Jennifer Davis ’84, and Penny Phillips Sapone ’90. From left on the middle row are Sherry Gaunt Gentry ’80, Shag Derazi Slaughter ’93, Mary Hale Humphey ’92, and Mary Moncure Watson ’74. On the back are Hamby, Mary Margaret Howell ’93, Elizabeth Brown Moore ’80, Molly Baggett Jamieson ’90, Anne McAllester ’76, Connie Boaz Woods ’84, and Hurst.

6. Atlanta alumnae from the classes of 1997-2002 met at the High Museum.

Above: The GPS Alumnae Office had dinner with alumnae attending Georgia Tech and Emory. Seated from left are Chaille Stewart ’08, Alizeh Ahmad ’10, Erin Dunn ’08. Standing are Melissa Justo ’09 and Norquata Allen ’10.

In front are Ashley Moore Palmer ’99, Priya Boyington ’07, Roni Alipour Yonka ’97, and Callie Rushing ’97. Standing are Margaret Davenport ’00, Amy Garvey Douglass ’97, Cassie Champion Streich ’97, Betsy Evans Kates ’97, Stacy McCord Sartoris ’01, Kakhi Huffaker Wakefield ’02, Louisa Knight ‘01, Kaki Rowland Scroggins ’00, and Sallie Gray Strang Clayton ’98.

No Limits I Prepared for Life

a lumnae weekend 2012 “Tucks, Buttons, and Bows,” Alumnae Weekend 2012, and beautiful April weather welcomed alumnae back to campus. Beginning with a recognition luncheon followed by a record turnout for the All-Alumnae party at the Founders House on Friday, the weekend’s events included a Saturday brunch, lots of photos, presentations by current students and faculty, and, of course, class parties.

1. Dr. Heidi Lary Kar ’97, Margaret Rawlings Lupton Award of Excellence

wife Tara; Courtney; mother Candy Poole, husband Neil Brunetz; and father

recipient; and retired GPS orchestra director Floy Wang. 2. Betsy Lee Battle

Judge Don Poole. 6. The Class of 1962 celebrated their 50th reunion. 7. The

’72, center, received the Distinguished Alumna Award. Family members from

Reunion Giving Committee from the Class of 1962 presented GPS Headmaster

left are nephew Chad Richardson, his wife Jen, sister Jean Battle Richardson

Randy Tucker with a scholarship gift of $27,000. From left are Jane DeLoach

’59, and Joe Richardson. 3. From left are Hazel Hutcheson Bell ’77, Winkie

Woolley, Diane Barret McDougall, Kay Kendall, Charlotte Bridge Patrick,

Bond Persinger ’51, Marshall Persinger ’77, Margaret Rawlings Lupton

Becky Evans Soileau, Ann Parks McAllister, who was the recipient of the

Award of Excellence recipient; and Jack Persinger. 4. Dr. Pamela M. Kato

Love of GPS Award; Mr. Tucker, and Caroline Adams. 8. Enjoying Saturday’s

’82 delivered her appreciation for receiving the Margaret Rawlings Lupton

brunch were, from left, Dorothy Leader Hallman ’68 and members of the Class

Award of Excellence by way of a video from the Netherlands. 5. Courtney

of 1972: Gloria Murray Smith, Chris Benz Smith, Anne Leader Reasons, and

Poole Brunetz ’92 was inducted into the GPS Athletic Hall of Fame for her

Caroline Bickel. 9. Mary Levi Kiger and Kerry Creel Slattery, members of

achievements in soccer. From left are her brother Christopher Poole and his

the Class of 1992, came from Charleston and Memphis.

S u m m e r 2 0 12

t echnology by Katie Archambault, Assistant Librarian

ost of us are familiar with the acronym STEM, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, subjects that historically have been male-dominated. Boys are just inherently better at problem solving than girls, right?! Say this to a GPS person and brace yourself for a resounding “NO.” Stereotypical gender roles mean nothing to us in our scholarly and professional pursuits.

Engineering Enters the

Curriculum Jill Pala ’97 discusses the AP Computer Science Case Study, GridWorld, with her AP students. GridWorld is a virtual environment for actors called bugs and critters. Students study the framework and then write programs to create new actors and modify existing actors, such as the CrabCritter you can see on the screen.

Katie Archambault, this article’s author, has recently been named to the Board of the Association of Independent School Librarians.

A laptop school since 1998, we are pioneers in integrating technology into our curriculum. Our girls excel in math and science and regularly place at the annual science fair as well as participating in Science Olympiad, the ACE (Architecture, Construction, and Engineering) Mentor Program, as well as JETS (Junior Engineering Technical Society). Our middle school girls have attended the “Expand Your Horizons” conference for girls, co-sponsored by the National Science Foundation, where they participated in workshops that gave them a rare glimpse into STEM careers--Adventures in Animation, Colorific Chemistry, Electrifying Fun with Circuits, Menacing Microbes, and The Math of Project Runway, just to name a few. The future is bright for girls interested in STEM fields, and our students know it! Tina Tran ’12 attended the Governor’s School for Emerging Technologies last summer, and recently, the National Center for Women and Information

W i n t e r 2 0 12

Technology recognized five GPS students with awards for ‘Aspirations in Computing.’ Jill Pala, their computer science teacher, was the recipient of the 2012 Tennessee Affiliate Educator Award for “encouraging girls to pursue their interest in computing.” GPS plans Impact periods focused on STEM topics, has a career mentor program where students can shadow a current STEM practitioner, and even has a STEM Alumnae Council that meets every two years to visit classes, hear from students passionate about STEM activities and curriculum choices, and share with the student body their own experiences. They even have a Facebook group called GPSSTEMalums! The visiting alumnae, with careers in veterinary science, programming, scientific research, environmental engineering, medicine, finance, pharmacy, nursing, and aerospace engineering, always enjoy connecting

with students and networking with one another. Their words about the rewards of understanding a complex science and on working not just hard, but smart, are valuable advice not just to STEM-focused students but to everyone. By getting to know these alums as people, not just as STEM pioneers and practitioners, sharing the history and traditions that make up the GPS experience, our girls are empowered with the confidence that they too can succeed in a stereotypically maledominated field. While we are very proud of everything that we are already doing to encourage our girls to pursue STEM related careers, there is one area that we knew we could strengthen within our curriculum: engineering. The annual VISIONS auction approved this initiative as a Special Project, and the generosity of those who attended the auction in February made the curriculum changes happen.

Thanks to the VISIONS Special Project funding, GPS is offering two new STEM classes. To fill the gap, two new courses were approved for the ’12-’13 school year: Design & Discovery, for all 7th graders in lieu of the traditional introduction to technology class, and Engineering Design & Application, an elective for upper school students which will be a retooling and expansion of the upper school robotics elective. According to Pala, the goal is “to raise the level of middle school tech class and the upper school robotics elective to provide tools and materials for student exploration and problem solving in interdisciplinary, hands-on engineering.” Next year, our students will be able to explore rocketry, aeronautics, and the application of robotics and engineering in the fields of life science, space science, earth, and physical science. The students will identify a problem; they will design and implement a solution for that problem, and then they will report their findings to the class through a multimedia presentation at the end of each project. The 7th Grade Design & Discovery class will focus on four main topics over the course of the year: Engineering, Digital Art, Programming & Game Creation, and Robotics.

Above: Mary Jane Clower, pictured, joined with her lab partner, Rebecca Brock, to dress up their robots as Wall-E and Eve from the Disney movie Wall-E. Opposite Page: In the center of this circle of seventh graders are the robots they designed in technology class. The photo was taken after they had a robot “dance-off.” The class, broken into groups, worked on producing a dance with their roots, creating costumes, selecting music, and then programming the robots to dance to the music.

The new course builds on the current 7th grade programming and robotics curriculum and expands the class to include a strong focus on team building and trial-and-error problem solving with engineering projects. The Digital Art piece will focus on the theme of “Documenting Community” which makes the learning personal and relevant to the girls while providing a valuable communication skill to be applied in their project presentations.

Next year, our students will be able to explore rocketry, aeronautics, and the application of robotics and engineering in the fields of life science, space science, earth and physical science.

Our upper school semester engineering elective will be of interest to students who enjoy solving open-ended, STEMrelated problems. Team taught by Jill Pala and science teacher Kristi Bryson, the class will host parents and local alumnae working in STEM-related careers as guest speakers. Students in turn will visit off-campus sites to see problem-solving skills in practice and gain real world exposure to problem solving situations in engineering, manufacturing, and design. Back in the classroom, the girls will spend their time putting their new knowledge into practice by working in groups to solve several modern-day engineering problems. The class will culminate with an open-ended final project that will allow students to delve into the area of engineering that most interests them. As Pala says, “They won’t all be successful. We want them to learn as much from their failures as they do from their successes.”

This is an invaluable lesson for girls who place pressure on themselves to be perfect, to accept nothing less. According to a 2010 report by the American Association of University Women entitled Why So Few? Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, girls must allow themselves room for intellectual growth—for learning through trial and error, and it is up to us, their teachers and their parents to encourage this “growth mindset.” 1. There are a number of factors that must be accounted for, but the ones that we are most concerned with at this level include removing gender bias, assuring them that they are equally as capable as their male peers in the STEM subjects, pairing them with practicing female mentors, introducing them to the world of choices, and then encouraging them to succeed, or maybe to fail, but to embrace the growth and lessons gained along the way. GPS graduates will be pursuing careers in the 21st century that many alumnae never even considered. But whether or not our students pursue a STEM career is not what is most important. What matters most is that as strong, confident women, they know that they can.

1. Hill, Catherine, Christianne Corbett, and Andresse St. Rose. Why so Few? Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. AAUW. AAUW, Feb. 2010. Web. 7 May 2012.

No Limits I Prepared for Life

c ommencement Ninety-seven seniors in the Class of 2012 received their diplomas this past May, recalling many bright moments as classmates. “These young women are an untapped resource who will add greatly to our world,” said Headmaster Randy Tucker. “We and they remain committed to the beliefs of the school’s Founders: responsibility, commitment, academic excellence, and spiritual growth.” Before the conferring of diplomas by Marilyn Center ’58, treasurer of the Board of Trustees, several of the outstanding graduates were recognized: valedictorian Sarah Shaw, salutatorians Kaycee Ensign and Mary Margaret Groves, senior class president Allison Head, Honor Council president Parker Mallchok, and Student Council president Kelsey Keef.

Mr. Tucker and Assistant Heads Jessica Good and Elaine Milazzo presented awards for outstanding accomplishments, character, leadership, integrity, enthusiasm, and love of GPS to Sarah Whitney Anderson, Christian Bryant, Paige Carmichael, Raewyn Duvall, Kaycee Ensign, Rachel Kelly, Tory Kemp, Parker Mallchok, Hannah Mask, Emily Oing, and Sarah Shaw. Class Day exercises honored seniors Tru Taylor, Corbin Cullum, Mary Margaret Groves, and Caroline Novkov.

3 6

4 7

5 1. Mr. Tucker presented the Headmaster’s Award for Elite Accomplishment in Fine Arts

Parker will participate in the Gap Year program by Oxford Tutorial College in England.

to Emily Oing, a three-time Concertmaster of the All-State East orchestra and first

5. Chapel Talk speaker Tru Taylor, pictured with her parents Rob and Julie at the

violinist in the GPS Orchestra. She will attend Northwestern University. 2. Kaycee

reception, will attend Lehigh University. 6. Siqi “Sinkey” Huang, an international

Ensign, co-salutatorian; Sarah Shaw, valedictorian; and Hannah Mask, recipient of

student who lived with the Rev. Frank Hitchings family for two years, will attend Emory

the Laura Handly Award, will attend the University of Virginia, the University of North

University. With her is College Counselor Claudia Goldbach, who videotaped the diploma

Carolina, and Vanderbilt University, respectively. 3. Mary Margaret Groves, with her

presentation for the family back in China. 7. Craig and Terri Holley now have two GPS

parents Ann and David, was co-salutatorian and will attend Pomona College. 4. Faculty

graduates. Pictured from left are daughters Ann Elizabeth ’09, a senior at the University

Award recipient Parker Mallchok high-fived her mother, Lorie Street Runge ’81, who,

of Alabama, and Sara ’12, who will attend Auburn. Things could get interesting during

as a former member of the Board of Trustees, presented her daughter with her diploma.

football season!

S u m m e r 2 0 12

11 The Headmasterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Award for Elite Accomplishment in Athletics was presented to Tory Kemp, a three-sport athlete and owner of nine team and individual state championships. She will run track for the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

8. Caroline Novkov and Corbin Cullum, who respectively received

McBride, Maurielle Artis, and Allison Head, president of the

Faculty and seniors

the Jarnagin Christian Leadership Award and the DAR Award on

senior class. They will attend Berry College, Oxford College of Emory

wore orange ribbons

Class Day, will both attend Samford University. 9. Raewyn Duvall,

Univ., and Univ. of Puget Sound 11. Sarah Morgan and Paige

to honor and support

recipient of the Patsy Williams Scott Service Award, has her orange

Carmichael were selected as Alumnae Class Representatives

classmate Christian

ribbon affixed by Sarah Whitney Anderson, who received the Pete

for their college years. Sarah will attend the University of

Wood Award. Raewyn will attend Tufts University; Sarah Whitney will

Georgia, and Paige, who received the Mary Hannah Tucker

passed away a

attend Georgia Southern University. 10. From left are Katherine

Award, will be at the University of Tennessee.

week later.

Bryant, who sadly

A colorful mix of college sweatshirts shows the 50 colleges and universities in 20 states and one foreign country where the 97 members of the Class of 2012 will continue their education. (photo by Alex McMahan)

No Limits I Prepared for Life

m ay day 1

4 7

6 5

1. May Queen Rachel Kelly posed with the May Court after the pageant. On the right is Tory Kemp, the Maid of Honor.

On the left is Scepter Bearer Mary Woodruff Griffin. In the Middle is Lady of the Court Tru Taylor, and in the back are Trainbearers Caroline Novkov and Parker Mallchok. 2. Freshman Morgan Estep leads the ninth grade dance performance. 3. Courtney Pearson 4. Sophomores Tara Shanahan and Margaret Clark wind the May Pole. 5. Emily Werner 6. The Bowman Terraceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s green roof is a select site for photos. From left are Paige Carmichael, Chloe George, and Megan Mastey. 7. Anne Jestus, Taylor Brock, and Rachel Felton readied for their presentation. 8. Katherine Nanney, a member of the hardworking May Day Committee.

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achel Kelly, who wowed the school community with her singing voice on several occasions during her senior year, impressed the crowd at May Day 2012 with her presence, humor, and beauty. Her dress was designed by freshman Madison Waldrop, who at her young age already has a successful line of bridal and formal wear, Designs by Malyse. The designer’s goal was for the gown to reflect the GPS senior’s “fun and happy personality.” The court, chosen by the senior class in January, included Tory Kemp, Maid of Honor; Christian Bryant, Mary Woodruff Griffin, Parker Mallchok, Caroline Novkov, and Tru Taylor. “The Power of Women,” the day’s theme, was carried out in dances choreographed to songs by Aretha Franklin, the Dixie Chicks, and from the musical Wicked.

10 12

9. May Day Committee member Lauren Glenn 10. Tayana Fernandez 11. Victoria Smith and Lizzie Sanford were members of the May Day Committee. 12. The class photo for the yearbook is taken following the pageant. 13. Carol, left, and Mary Portera, right, pose with their mother Melissa. 14. Caroline Novkov, center, and her mother Holly, left, and sister Mary Holland Novkov ’10. 15. Miranda Avakian exudes the happiness of all the seniors.

No Limits I Prepared for Life

p rograms I speakers series by Jane Henegar

MIND, BODY and SPIRIT Author and researcher Dr. Leonard Sax says, “The choice of a school is the single most consequential choice parents make.”

In between talks to faculty and the community, Dr. Leonard Sax had chances for conversations with students. Paige Carmichael ’12, left, and Payton Pitts ’14, right, talked with him about Facebook.

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hen members of the GPS family read the well-known books by Leonard Sax – particularly Why Gender Matters and Girls on the Edge, we knew he had to come to GPS in person. And thanks to funding from and shared enthusiasm with the GPS Parent Council, he spent a day with us last April. Dr. Sax, a medical doctor with a Ph.D. in psychology and the founder and executive director of the National Association for Single Sex Public Education, has documented his studies from American and international university researchers and his own visits to more than 300 schools. He told GPS parents and community members that “the choice of a school is the single most consequential choice parents make.” (Dr. and Mrs. Sax practiced what he preached. When their daughter Sarah was ready for school, they moved to a town that had an all-girls’ option.) His day-long visits with classes, faculty and community left us properly cautioned and properly grateful for GPS. A sophomore student noted that the dangers of the cyberbubble are very real, “but most of us at GPS don’t have much of a problem with Facebook because we are too busy with other things.” In one discussion with students, Dr. Sax found that not one in the group kept a diary (so different from their mothers and grandmothers) but all had a Facebook page except for one “because my mom doesn’t want me to.” The Bad News Here are the four factors that, according to Sax, are obstacles for girls today: 1. S exual identity: Girls are forced to grow up and look sexy or “hot” at very young ages; middle childhood is lost in early maturity. This leads to a detached sexual identity.

2. The cyberbubble: Girls in particular get stuck in a cyberbubble where they are hyper-connected with peers. There is a new phenomenon called “co-rumination,” and it happens only among girls. This hyperconnection with peers causes girls to seek peers to problem-solve, instead of seeking the perspective of adults. acebook also pushes girls to F overvalue acquaintances and neglect real friendships. The face a girl presents on Facebook is often not authentic; it gives a positive spin. “See how fun my life is” can cause another girl to look at that page and, knowing what her own real life is like, think, “Well, my life sucks.”

Dr. Sax encourages parents to nourish and nurture your daughter’s mind, body and spirit while helping her to become part of a larger community.

3. Obsessions: Without a strong sense of self, girls become vulnerable to obsessions. 4. Environmental toxins: Early onset of puberty is not uncommon due to toxins all around and within us. The effect of these toxins on hormones increases girls’ risk for drug and alcohol abuse, anxiety and depression. The Good News This is the important part to read. We love our girls and want to make a difference for them. There are many ways to counter these influences, and they require teamwork on the part of all those who care about girls. So the good news is that, according to Dr. Sax, there are many things adults can do to “nourish and nurture your daughter’s mind, body and spirit while helping her to become part of a larger community.” Parents and teachers can encourage girls to nurture friendships face-to-face. Encourage girls to be present when they are with someone; focus on one

No Limits I Prepared for Life

p rograms I speakers series

1 The GPS Speakers Series brings a line-up of speakers providing new and often inspirational ideas to campus every year.

Although this is by no means a comprehensive list, other speakers hosted in classrooms or at assembly this past school year included the following:

Pamela Kelle, Dietician Renee Haugerud, hedge-fund founder Kayoko Dan, Chattanooga Symphony maestro Meredith Neal ’05, TVA engineer John Boerstler, Wounded Warrior Project Ashford Rosenberg, TN Aquarium Sustainability Coordinator Tobias Schmedding, VW environmental manager Robert Bernhardt, orchestra conductor Deborah Dortzbach, International Director for World Relief Dr. Jay Sizemore, infectious disease physician Jenny Berglund ’02, executive producer at Prehensile Productions

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conversation, not your cell phone or Facebook. Focusing on the person in front of you shows respect to that person. Dr. Sax told teachers to adopt even more girl-friendly instructional strategies. Since girls value personal interactions with peers, desks arranged in a circle, where girls can see each other’s faces, are preferable to traditional rows. He spent an afternoon with faculty offering ideas in every discipline. . . and getting ideas from GPS classroom teachers. Parents have wisdom beyond their daughters and should trust and act on that wisdom. Your opinion should matter, and does matter, more than the opinion of your daughter’s peers. “Good parents offer unconditional attachment and affection and unhesitatingly make sacrifices for the good of their children,” qualities that peers do not offer. “You are the parent, and your daughters want you to be the parent.” Regular sit-down family dinners, family vacations in the car without electronic devices, and even singing songs together are invaluable in reconnecting bonds across generations.

Dr. Sax’s research broadens from mind and body to spirit. “The greatest single influence on children’s spiritual development is their parents,” he writes. “For some girls, life is about more than just mind and body; the core of their identity is about their spiritual journey.” At GPS he commented that, “more than going to pizza parties and fun events, girls need to watch their mothers praying, as boys need to watch their fathers praying.” For all of us, here’s a final challenge for collaborative work among we who care about GPS girls. As Upper School Principal Jessica Good explained, “Dr. Sax suggests we create a community of women for girls to go to for advice. He wants us to bring together generations of women to share wisdom, experience and perspective.” This idea may be the seed for the next step. Want to join in? Email this writer at janeh@gps.edu.

1. Dr. Andrew Exum answered questions in AP history classes and a Global Democracy class before speaking to the Upper School. 2. Dr. Samantha Nutt, founder of War Child, North America, met with the GPS Global Ambassadors after her presentation to the student body. 3. Kim Leffew introduced her son Laik to girls after the Christian Life assembly at which she spoke.

Local & International Speakers In addition to Dr. Sax, GPS students heard from a variety of other local and international speakers this past semester. As part of the Global Speaker Series, Dr. Samantha Nutt and Dr. Andrew Exum were examples of how global travel can be the genesis of careers.

Leffew shared her family’s story of faith as they deal daily with the joys and tribulations of raising son Laik, a child with a chromosomal disorder, Trisomy 12p. Collins talked about her family’s decision to adopt four boys from Ghana and their adjustment to American life.

The founder and executive director of War Child, North America, Dr. Nutt reminded students that in many African countries, “Education is a gift that many young women long for.” She encouraged the students to “steadfastly refuse to be silent” and to “stop giving in to the idea that life and loss matter more over here than over there.”

Other advice and encouragement came from Ashley Averett ’95, a senior program management lead at Microsoft, who told the students, “Technology that women use every day should be influenced by women.” Seventh grader Lucy Newbold introduced the Middle School to Rachel Smith of Nothing But Nets, a foundation dedicated to ending malaria in African countries by distributing longlasting, insecticide-treated bed nets to families there.

Dr. Exum, “one of the top 100 voices concerning foreign policy,” according to Foreign Affairs magazine, advised students to “expand your horizons for the world. Go learn Mandarin, go learn Spanish. Make yourself uncomfortable. Be willing to be laughed at, as I have been. You have to lift heavy weights to get strong.” The GPS Christian Life Committee brings speakers to campus each semester and this year hosted GPS PE instructor Kim Leffew and Kathleen McGregor Collins ’81.

With funding from the Global Series, the GPS Parent Council, and through recommendations from our students, a line-up of speakers brings new and often inspirational ideas to campus every year, or in the words of Dr. Sax, nourishes and nurtures the young mind and spirit, helping each girl to feel part of “a larger community.”

No Limits I Prepared for Life

a thletics 1

1. Basketball Bruisers claimed their second straight state

and 400 meter dash, the 4x100 and 4x200 relays, and the

championship in March and celebrated with three seniors

300-meter hurdles. Tory Kemp, pictured in the inset photo

– Simone Busby, Chadarryl Clay, Tory Kemp –

with all of her medals, set a state record by winning five

being named to the All-Tournament team, and the

individual events. She was the Times Free Press Scrappy

second straight Miss Basketball award honoring Clay,

Moore Female Athlete of the Year in the Chattanooga area.

who was also MVP. “The seniors all made big contributions

She signed a track scholarship to attend the University of

for us,” said head coach Susan Crownover. The GPS cheerleaders

North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Destinee Lansden also won two

were presented the TSSAA Spirit Award for their enthusiastic

state championship medals in both the 100m and 400m dash.

support of the Bruisers. 2. In the finals of the state bowling

4. For the third straight year, the varsity eight rowing team

championship for the first time, GPS bowlers made quick work of

defeated Baylor for the Carney Cup, named for Marian Carney,

their foe and completed an undefeated season, bringing not just the state

mother of three GPS graduates. Finishing by a boat length were Tru Taylor,

trophy back to campus but the state individual champion, senior Kara

Bailey Wood, Morgan Ball, Helena Brooks, Mary Madison McBrayer,

Maynord, back to school as well for a celebratory assembly. Coach Jenise

Ellie Gaffney, Olivia Nickel, Haley Haren, and coxswain Sarah Shaw.

Gordon said, ”These girls showcased their skills, but I am most proud of

Coach Christine Vandermeer is looking forward to having two new boats,

the heart, grit and determination they showed.” 3. The varsity track team

the “Black” and the “Blue,” to tempt girls who want to join a different

placed second in the state, breaking six school records in the 100, 200,

athletic team.

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The following Bruisers were named to Best of Preps teams for 2011-12: Cross Country: Lucy Whitfield

5 5. Runners-up in the singles and doubles and in team competition at state, the tennis Bruisers had a season record of 13-4. Michelle Fleenor was second in state singles, and Emma McCallie and Hannah Morrow were second in doubles. Coach Sue Bartlett says, “This team worked hard throughout the year and left everything on the court at the state championships. They are not only fierce competitors, but athletes with class and grace. With all top players returning, we look for big things in 2013!”

Notes on other sports…

Volleyball:

Tory Kemp Sadie Lett

Basketball:

Chadarryl Clay, Player of the Year Susan Crownover, Coach of the Year Simone Busby

Soccer:

Izzy Phillips Simone Busby Mary Woodruff Griffin

Softball:

Madison Boyd

Tennis:

Michelle Fleenor Emma McCallie Hannah Morrow Mary Claire Spann

Track:

Tory Kemp, Runner of the Year Stacey Hill, Coach of the Year Destinee Lansden Simone Busby Jaleesa Poindexter Tiana Mills

GPS softball finished the season with a 25-13 record and Runner-Up in the Div. II State Tournament. Overall, the young team worked hard all year and showed signs of improvement throughout the season, according to coach Susan Crownover, who says, “ We return seven returning starters and hope another year older and another year of experience will bring us closer as a group.” Lacrosse gained even more popularity this year as the high school boasted a roster of nearly 40 girls. The seniors made an important impression on the season this year, according to coach Caroline Carlin, with their leadership and skill bringing the program to a new level and setting it on a path of future success. “The most important thing that we can teach our girls about athletics is the value of hard work, commitment and respect,” she says. While Varsity

These Bruisers will continue their sport in college: Madison Boyd, softball: ETSU Simone Busby, soccer: Evansville Chadarryl Clay, basketball: Auburn Mary Woodruff Griffin, soccer: Washington & Lee Tory Kemp, track: UNC, Chapel Hill Morgan Lane, softball: Covenant Jeneh Perry, basketball: Loyola Univ., Maryland Sky Spraker, lacrosse: Transylvania

finished its regular season with a record of 6-8, Junior Varsity finished with a record of 4-2, exemplifying the talent coming up through the ranks. Left: “The highlight of the swimming and diving season,” says coach John Woods, “was the performance of senior diver Mary Portera,” on the left in the photo with Kristen Myers and McCay Mathis. She set a team record of 267 points for dual meets and followed with an All-State and All-American performance at the state championships where she was runner up. On the swimming side, the athletes “grew as a team the entire season and can be proud of our achievements,” says Woods. Most valuable swimmer was freshman April Forsthoffer, and sophomore McCay Mathis scored the most points on the team at the state championship with four final swims. The Middle School swimming season experienced a rough start with a sudden change in head coach. Pete LaRochelle was appointed as the new head coach and assistant coaches Kendall Jacobs and Annie Loveless helped to make a successful transition. GPS made strong showings against Dalton, Ringgold, Heritage, and

Signal Mountain, overwhelming these teams with superior talent and numbers. The Baylor meet was the

best showing of the dual meet season. The girls went into the meet excited and confident. The wide margin of victory and a number of season best times gave the girls more confidence going into the Middle School Championships. GPS had a terrific showing at the Middle School Championships, coming away with first place and a great wrap up for the season.

No Limits I Prepared for Life

p rograms I new schedule by Jessica Good, Assistant Head and Upper School Principal

CHANGE...

Inevitable &

Neccessary T Among the changes is a 75-minute extended time that will provide students the opportunity to engage in creative thinking and problem solving activities, effective teamwork, and real world experiences that are needed for their future successes.

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hat Girls Preparatory School is well over 100 years old provides a certain degree of comfort. We are comfortable in our history, in our traditions. May Day today is not that different from May Day 25 years ago. The traditional uniform is just that, traditional. We are proud of our tradition of academic excellence and on some level, rarely spoken, our girls are even proud of the tradition of homework. GPS life is predictable. Next fall, though, we are shaking things up: we are adopting a new daily schedule. I cannot even remember how long we have had the present one, but I do know that during my 36 years at GPS, we have had very few modifications. Current educational research supports changing schedules every 5-6 years–so what is all the fuss about? The truth is that change is tough. Change is disruptive. Change is inevitable, and to fulfill the mission statement of Girls Preparatory School, change is necessary. The easy answers to why we will have a new schedule rest in the research. Teenagers need sleep. Teenagers and adults peak in productivity at different times during the day. We all need scheduled down time, and we all need a greater sense of calm.

• Next year we will begin school at 8:00 rather than 7:45. What difference does 15 minutes make, you might ask? Just ask our girls, who are thrilled to reduce their morning pace, if even just a bit. Just ask our teachers, who now will have more time to plan between daycare drop off and first period class. • Next year we will have full rotation, A–H. If a girl or a teacher functions best in the early morning, she will meet every class at that time at least once in an 8-day rotation. The same is true of mid-morning, early afternoon and late afternoon. All will have a chance to be at their best in every class. • Next year we will have a break, which we call a match point, between every 2 classes. Research shows that more intense activity than that is counterproductive to

effective learning. These match points also provide opportunities for assembly between both schools. • There will be no bells and no passing time next year. The girls and their teachers will have to orchestrate this change carefully, but the result is remarkable. I visited a school many years ago that operated without bells and the sense of calm was perceptible. Other answers are more philosophical. One of the goals of our 2008-12 Educational Strategic Plan (ESP), designed and implemented by department heads and approved by the Board of Trustees, called for analysis of our schedule with the intent to capture more class time. After much in-house discussion, we turned to the experts. This past winter Roxanne Higgins from Independent School Management provided the guidance we needed. She reminded us that all we do, including our daily schedule, must be mission critical. Prioritizing is not just creating a list of what we hold dear but also arranging that list from most to least mission critical. These changes will be among the most noticeable:

•W e will no longer think in terms of a Monday—Friday week. Instead, we are on an 8-day rotation. •E ach academic class will meet 6 out of the 8 days (science will have extra lab meetings). Athletics will rotate throughout the day just as the other classes do but will meet 5 of the 8 days.

When and how long classes meet are pivotal considerations. Our intent is to capture more class time.

• Classes will meet for 50 minutes 5 of the 6 meetings with a 75-minute extended time once in the 8-day rotation in the upper school. • We are all excited about this special block which will now enable teachers to take classes off campus, to bring in experts in the field, to collaborate with colleagues over interdisciplinary projects—the list is endless!

• “ Common time” (chapel, vocabulary/ advisory, activity, Impact) will be midmorning to provide that down time research indicates is so important for maximum productivity. •W e will redecorate and redesign the faculty lounge for chapel talk receptions. This change will be cost effective for our families and will enable underclassmen to attend the receptions. •F inally, we will end the day at 3:00. Girls may go home for the day, begin after-school athletics earlier than usual, seek additional help from teachers, or, I am sure, participate in many more activities than I am able to list. So how are these changes philosophical? Mainly, we have brought the focus back to the classroom. We have agreed that when and how long classes meet are pivotal considerations. We have alleviated some of the frenzy by removing bells and passing time. We have added a 75-minute extended time that will provide students the opportunity to engage in creative thinking and problem solving activities, effective teamwork, and real world experiences that are needed for their future successes. Finally, I think we miss the mark a bit when we consider change. Our mission statement is not stagnant. Leadership for young women today is surely different from what it was 100 years ago, 50 years ago, even 10 years ago. How we prepare young women for their future is not the same as how we prepared their grandmothers or their mothers. Our mission should be revisited every year to keep it fresh and vibrant We considered traditions earlier in this piece, and traditions have their place. But for our young women to have their place in the world today, we must certainly embrace change. A new schedule is just a symbol of a commitment to our girls that promises to prepare them for the skills they need to succeed tomorrow.

No Limits I Prepared for Life

a round school Science Fair Winners As a prize for placing second at the 60th annual Chattanooga Regional Science and Engineering Fair, rising sophomore Anjali Chandra, pictured, received an all-expenses paid trip to the INTEL International Science and Engineering Fair in Pittsburgh. She was accompanied by Science Department Chair Linda Dizer, who was proud that the local fair recognized GPS with both the Senior and Junior Division plaques. For her project, Anjali worked with a professor from UTC on how the aluminum compounds found in deodorant affect cell division and development of a small water animal. Eighth grader Christina Love was the 1st place Grand Prize winner in the Junior Division. GPS chemistry teacher Keith Sanders reported that one official at the local competition said in terms of documents that accompany the project displays, no other group was close to GPS in the quality and professionalism of their written reports.

Les Misérables

The Tony Award-winning musical Les Misérables received rave reviews when it first opened on Broadway, and musical goers had much the same reaction to the talent displayed on the Frierson Theatre stage in April: WOW! Like musicals in the past that have drawn standing-room-only crowds, this joint production by GPS and McCallie delivered an unforgettable experience. Stars of the show were Tanner Peterson as Cosette, Austin Huston as Jean Valjean, Malia West as Fantine, Thomas West as Javert, and Emma Brooks as Éponine. The audience responded to their performances and that of other contributing actors with sustained applause and standing ovations. Truly a weekend to remember.

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a round school

Saving the Planet Saving the earth, saving money, or just as an effort to get exercise, three members of the Science Department arrive at GPS in the morning by way of alternative modes of transportation. While several faculty and staff live nearby and walk to school, these three travel longer distances. Jenise Gordon, left, bikes into Chattanooga from her home in Hixson and says the only problem that she’s encountered, besides discourteous drivers, is remembering to bring everything she needs for the day. Bryant Haynes also rides his bike most days from his and his wife’s home in Red Bank, Cedar Lane Farms, where they raise chickens, dairy goats, cows, fruits and vegetables. Pamela Wilson takes the CARTA bus from her home in East Brainerd and says she gets plenty of work done on the ride, grading papers and working on her computer. The bus stop destination is on the other side of the river, so Pamela also gets in some exercise as she walks across the bridge to work.

Award-winning Volunteers

Four GPS students were recognized this past April by their city’s United Way organizations as award-winning volunteers, and one senior was named a Young Woman of Distinction by the American Lung Association. In Chattanooga, Kaycee Ensign ’12, second from right, and junior Clair Harrison, far right, were two of three local students nominated for the Youth Who Volunteer award. Ensign, the president of the GPS Community Service Council, was named the winner at the annual banquet co-sponsored by United Way’s Volunteer Center. Claire, who had been nominated once before, was also featured in CityScope magazine in an article celebrating youth for their “spirit for giving back.”

Senior Student Leaders

Senior student body leaders for the 2012-13 school year are, from left, Jane Jestus, Community Service Council co-president; Mary Claire Spann, Student Council president; Belle Brzezienski, CSC co-president; and Ellie Gaffney, Honor Council president.

Sisters Nicole Raisin ’11 and Rachel Raisin ’16, on the left, received medals from the Dalton, Ga., Kiwanis-United Way for their nearly 200 hours of volunteer work with tornado relief, the Girl Scouts, and for non-profits. Senior Sarah Shaw was named a Young Woman of Distinction as a girl “who sets herself apart as an individual outstanding in leadership, academics, and character.”

No Limits I Prepared for Life

a round school

Fund Raising Members of the soccer teams raised funds during May Day’s festival for the talented soccer playing boys from Ghana adopted by the family of Kathleen Collins ’81. Collins, whose family was featured on the Ellen Show last year, talked to the student body in March. The funds raised will go toward the four boys’ tutoring needs. From left are Julie Kim, Emily Large, Sara Corum, Varsity Soccer Coach Leland Strang, Keylee Snyder, Emily Cullum, Abby Horton, and Haley Smith.

Girls Nation

Forensic Projects Alex George and and Meagan Oscar presented their science projects at the MSTU Forensic Institute for Research and Education. Attending the first high school symposium, they had the chance to listen to a forensic anthropologist and talk to representatives of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. Alex’s project topic was witness identification reliability and accuracy, and Meagan’s dealt with fingerprints vs. the effects of water, sunlight and soil. Both students are interested in pursuing a career in forensics.

Once again, GPS juniors have made a splash at Volunteer Girls State, the annual leadership and citizenship training program that has been sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary for over 60 years. Four of the girls representing GPS were elected to an office, and Emma McCallie, pictured, was elected a Girls Nation Senator. She is one of two from Tennessee who attended the annual Girls Nation event in Washington, D.C. this summer. This is the second time in three years that a Bruiser has been chosen for Girls Nation; Nisha Boyington ‘11 attended the national event in 2010. Last year Sarah Shaw ‘12 was elected to the top state office of Governor. She presided over this summer’s session.

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c lass day 2. Friendly Freshman who were honored were Ellie Haskins, Frances Wheeler Student Council Scholarship; McKenzie Hobbs, Freshman Cup; and Anne Miller Welborn, Dora Maclellan Brown Award.

1. Middle School award recipients were, in front from left, Anna Blair Self, the Joan Haley Frierson Award; and Margaret Lim, the Margaret Wheland Cate Award. Standing are honorees Phoebe Warren, Thedford Award; Bailey Bryant, Ruth Schmidt Award; Ayushi Sinha, Janet Campbell Jackson Award; and Story DeWeese, the DAR Citizenship Award.

2 4

3 3. Among the Jolly Juniors honored were Chappel Sharrock, Battle Award; Lee Ann Jackson, Laura Holt Outstanding Athlete Award; Raegan Johnson, Sewanee Award; Monica Justo, Grace McCallie Scholarship; Haley Smith, Palmer Griffin Award; and Savannah Phillips, Senior Scholarship.

4. The Sweet Young Sophomores who received recognition were Anna Carroll, Lisa Blake Scholarship; Kelby Crownover, Elizabeth Collier Farmer Award; Mary Chandler Gwin, Sophomore Bracelet; and Jessica Earhart, Duffy-Jarnagin Scholarship. Callie Hamilton and Suzy McKenna were recognized as Teachers of the Year in the Upper and Middle School, respectively. Callie teaches American history and Suzy teaches sixth-grade English. 5. Grand Old Seniors honored on Class Day included Corbin Cullum, DAR Award; and Mary Margaret Groves, Fletcher Bright Fine Arts Award.

No Limits I Prepared for Life

weddings 1990 Betsy Hawthorne to Eric Bedwell

1993 Kendall McKenzie to Robert Cordina 1999 Laura Conn to Matthew Hale Katy Mena to Joseph â&#x20AC;&#x153;Joeyâ&#x20AC;? Berkley Dori Thornton to Blake Waller 2001 Jenny Bowers to Charles Turney Stevens, III Rebecca Lane to Vince Swingle 2002 Phoebe Smith to Trey Mount

2003 Katelyn Littlejohn to Nathaniel Sayre Kirnie Kristin Morrison to Sean Bain 2004 Megan Galbreth to John Murton Jamie Grebowski to Greg Engle Ashley Michaels to Kevin Kitman Lewis Laura Paynter to Andrew Judson Hill, III 2005 Heather Hendricks to John L. Hutcheson, V Hannah Watkins to Mark Napier 2006 Lauren Meisel to Atef Moneer Masak Jo Beth Richards to Brian Voges 2007 Courtney Pare to Christian Weil

36 S u m m e r 2 0 12

4. Many alumnae who attended the wedding of Maithilee Kunda ‘02 to Jim Neidhoefer, donned beautiful Indian clothing in a tribute to the bride’s cultural roots. On

the front row are Jennie Berglund ’02, Linnea Duvall ’01, the groom and bride, Katie Duffy Grinton and Nisha Patel, both Class of 2002. Most of the guests standing are from the bride’s class. From left are Julia Schaffeld, Christy Johnson Brown, Karen Petree Whitworth, Megan Galbreth ’04, Rachel Watkins Winter, Valerie Peppers Kennedy, Cherie Waller Schier, Erin Brocker, Lauren Broadstone, Jency Franklin Shirai, Phoebe Smith Mount, Megan Williams Stimpson, and Amita Mohan ’01. 5. Lauren Meisel ’06 chose Cairo, Egypt, as the setting for her marriage to Atef Moneer Masak in April. 6. Courtney Pare ‘07, who married in January, is currently pursuing her master’s in public health at Emory University. Gathered around the

1. Ali Mena ’03 included several of her classmates in her 2011 wedding. From left are Misty

bride at her nuptials were, on the front row, classmates

Sidhu, Anna Staussberger ’03, Effie Pearman, Emily Lilley’03, the bride, Margaret Kresser, Laurel

Marshall Bright, Judith Crews, Bianca Bidiuc, Millie Earhart,

Humble, Eleanor Steele ’03, and Katy Mena Berkley ’99. 2. A host of alumnae attended the

and Shelby Montague. Standing are GPS tennis coach

wedding of Hope Howick ’96. In the front row are Maggie Noblitt Jackson ’97, Meg Howick

Sue Bartlett, Claire Bartlett ’08, Cady Jones ’08; and Leah

Torrence ’99, the bride, Michal Howick ’03, and Anna Smartt ’03. Standing are Ashley Rowland

Vance, Lauren Barth, and Susan Spicknall, all from the

Davenport ’97; 1996 classmates Cara Ginsberg Lubin, Amanda Whitworth Lafone, Leah Williams

Class of 2007.

Smith, Laura Tarumianz Perkins, Lindsey Wilkerson Barger, Julie Bailey Cameron, Edy Burns Gervin, Laura Creel Wilkinson; and Mary Martha Bullard ’03. 3. Liz Morton ’06, now teaching math to 8th graders in Mount Pleasant, SC, was joined by a number of GPS alumnae when she married Alan Doak. In front are Rachel Wharton ’06, Lucy Henson ’09, Kelly Wilson ’09, the bride, and Haleigh Sherbak, Susan Kent, and Emma Kate Mooney, all from the Class of 2005. Standing are Brittany Pittman ’06, Kallen Trachsel ’06, Mary Clare Kent ’08, Kingsley Michaels Bennett ’94, Laura McCandless ’07, Logan Wilson ’05, Becca Murphy ’09, Sallie Wright Tingle ’06, Codee Bayless Yaw ’06, Cathryn McGill ’05, and Maggie Venable ’12.

No Limits I Prepared for Life

babies 1985 Sholar Clark Howard twins, daughter Agnes Raoul and son John Wyatt Cleveland

1991 Willson Milne Overend a daughter, Rebecca Elizabeth 1992 Lindsay Ward Erickson a daughter, Noelle Joy

1993 Angela Dahrling Babb a son, Ethan Daniel Lynn Harlin a daughter, Evelyn Grace Shelton Keith McCallie a son, Thomas Hooke McCallie Johnson 1994 Toy O’Ferrall Harmon a son, Sam Mary Hadley Eiselstein Ozburn a daughter, Elizabeth “Libby” Rees 1995 Catherine Dobson a daughter, Emma Dobson Kilfedder

5 6

Kristina Iskander Pike a daughter, Alexandria Grace

Courtney Rowland Valentine a son, William Bowers 1996 Kerry Bowler Yun a daughter, Lilianna Young Carmen Padgett a daughter, Selena Elizabeth Collins 1997 Erin Killen Beck a daughter, Gwyneth Brooke Maggie Kopp Barrie a son, James “Reed”

Wakefield ’02. 3. A happy Lilianna Young is the daughter of Kerry Bowler Yun ’96. 4. Alexandria Grace

Wesley Moore Briscione a son, William “Will” Moore

of Rachel Monroe Cohen ’96. 6.

Ashley Rowland Davenport a daughter, Mary Helen Amanda Thompson Jackson a son, William Norris

1. Leo is the son of Alison Creel Harris ’98. 2. Allie and Harper are the twin daughters of Kakhi Huffaker

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is the joyful daughter of Kristina Iskander Pike ’95. 5. This budding do-it-yourselfer is Reagan, the daughter Angela Dahrling Babb ’93 is enjoying a happy son, Ethan Daniel.

7. Peacefully sleeping is William Norris, son of Amanda Thompson Jackson ’97.

1998 Augusta Glendenning Webb a daughter, Finney Louise

Alison Creel Harris a son, Blakely “Leo” Leonard Megan Ezell Helton a son, Samuel Oliver Lauren Montagno Berkow a son, Matthew Edward Lindsey Swafford Bamber a daughter, Lola 2000 Lauren Costello Hester a son, “Townes” Michael

9 11

Katie Konvalinka Chapman a daughter, Isabelle Lawson Ryan Kirk Kopet a daughter, Anna “Hollis” Kaki Rowland Scroggins a son, Charles ”Charlie“ Michael 2001 Annie Brown Trenton a daughter, Adeline Grace Lyndsie Dickerson Olenoski a son, James Alan Morgan Swafford Parker a daughter, Mae Frances

Amy Wagner Mullins a son, James West 2002 Hadley LeSourd Binion a daughter, Calder Lucile Megan Williams Stimpson a daughter, Eleanor Locke

13 8. Calder is the daughter of Hadley LeSourd Binion ’02. 9. Enjoying the park is Emma, daughter of Dr. Elizabeth Vance Randolph ’02. 10.

Lauren Montagno Berkow ’98 had her first son, Matthew,

in February. 11. Alex, the son of Megan Ezell Helton ’98, is nearly one year old. 12. Sisters gathered to introduce their new babies to one another. From left are Courtney Rowland Valentine ’95 and son Bo,

2003 Peyton Moss Thompson a daughter, Hayden Noelle Sydni Peeples Paris a son, Carter Whitman

Ashley Rowland Davenport ’97 and daughter Helen, and Kaki Rowland Scroggins ’00 with son Charlie. Lauren Waters Rice a daughter, Mary Cleveland 13. Sholar Clark Howard ’85 has twins, John Wyatt Cleveland and Agnes Raoul. 14. Sydni Peeples Paris ’03 welcomed son Carter into their family.

No Limits I Prepared for Life

m emorium by Corbin Cullum ’12

An Unforgettable Best Friend (Christian Moseley Bryant – 1993-2012)

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. – Hebrews 12:1 Christian Bryant and I met while running cross country the fall of our sixth grade year at GPS. A wonderful friendship began. We ran on the beach, across the bridges, in the mountains, at cross country camp; wherever we were, we loved running together.

Conscientious is a word that describes Christian well. Everything she did, she did thoroughly with her very best effort. Each race she ran, each homework assignment she completed, each Kaleidoscope page she edited, each person she encountered – she gave no less than her best.

After two strenuous days at cross country camp our senior year, Christian had to leave suddenly due to a fever and infection. A few days later, on the eighth of August 2011, Christian received the diagnosis of leukemia. She maintained a great attitude and seldom missed school through the days of chemotherapy, and, incredibly, she kept on running.

I will never forget her true spirit of hope and faith. On the day of her diagnosis of leukemia, she said, “God is with me and everything is going to be okay.” She was a planner, but she knew that God was in control of her life and would take care of her.

In February she was able to go with our class on the Senior Disney Trip. After a long day at the parks, Christian and I returned to our hotel room for what I assumed was a little time of rest before going to dinner. Instead, Christian said, “Let’s go for a run.” Being a distance runner, Christian was quite determined. Even though she hadn’t been able to run much, she was going to run with me even if it were for a brief time. I’m so glad that we had that last run together. Christian always took advantage of the times when she felt good. Being thankful for every moment was certainly important to her. Giving thanks is one thing that Christian has taught me and is something I know that she would like others to remember.

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She taught me to be determined, conscientious, hopeful, and faithful. In striving to live by my friend’s traits, I have some high goals to live by, but my life is so much better because God gave me the wonderful opportunity to be friends with Christian for seven years. Christian wanted to make a difference. She wanted to become an environmental engineer to make the world a better place. She also wanted to plan blood drives and encourage people to give blood to save lives. She wrote, “I want to make a difference, be a leader, and better the world.” That is what she has done; she definitely succeeded. Although she didn’t have the opportunity to do all that she had planned, she certainly made a difference by the way she lived. She had an impact on me and countless others. Her example continues to make a difference, and Christian’s legacy will stay with me forever.

Corbin Cullum and Christian Bryant ran cross country together beginning in their Middle School years.

WHERE

WHERE GO THE GRAND OLD SENIORS OF 2012 97 Seniors Will Attend 50 Colleges and Universities in 20 States and 1 Foreign Country

Darby Adair – East Tennessee State University Adelaide Aho – University of Tennessee, Chattanooga Sana Ali – Kennesaw State University (GA) Alex Anderson – Georgia Southern University Sarah Whitney Anderson – Georgia Southern University Maurielle Artis – Oxford College of Emory University (GA) Miranda Avakian – University of Tennessee, Chattanooga Hannah Badgley – Centre College (KY) Finley Bandy – University of Tennessee, Knoxville Anne Marie Bautista – University of Tennessee, Knoxville Maddie Boyd – East Tennessee State University Laura Brock – Sewanee: University of the South (TN) Taylor Brock – New York University Emma Brooks – Auburn University (AL) Chloe Brookshire – Belmont University (TN) Christian Bryant – Georgia Institute of Technology Kathryn Bryant – University of Georgia Simone Busby – University of Evansville (IN) Paige Carmichael – University of Tennessee, Knoxville Chadarryl Clay – Auburn University (AL) Mary Copler – University of Tennessee, Knoxville Corbin Cullum – Samford University (AL) Raewyn Duvall – Tufts University (MA) Margaret Easterly – University of Tennessee, Chattanooga Emma Elrod – Mercer University (GA) Kaycee Ensign – University of Virginia Rachel Felton – University of Alabama Tayana Fernandez – Auburn University (AL) Olivia Fine – University of Tennessee, Chattanooga Chloe George – University of Tennessee, Chattanooga Libby Givens – University of Tennessee, Knoxville Lauren Glenn – University of Georgia Samantha Goodwin – Georgia Southern University Katie Greer – The Ohio State University Livleen Grewal – Loyola University Chicago (IL) Mary Woodruff Griffin – Washington and Lee Univ. (VA) Mary Margaret Groves –Pomona College (CA) Megan Grzesiak – Virginia Tech Emily Hayes – Xavier University (OH) Allison Head – University of Puget Sound (WA) Sara Holley – Auburn University Caroline Holloway – Louisiana State University Sinkey Huang – Emory University (GA) Joanna Hudgins – Auburn University (AL) Hannah Jackson – Auburn University (AL) Anne Jestus – Furman University (SC) Katherine Johnson – University of Mary Washington (VA) Beenish Kamran –University of Alabama at Birmingham Kelsey Keef – University of Tennessee, Knoxville Rachel Kelly – Gap Year Tory Kemp – University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Johanna Kibble – Rhodes College (TN) Margaret Koella – Sewanee: University of the South (TN) Rachael Land – Auburn University (AL) Morgan Lane – Covenant College (GA)

Klara Lisy – Xavier University (OH) Lizzie MacLennan – Appalachian State University (NC) Parker Mallchok – Gap Year Hannah Mask – Vanderbilt University (TN) Megan Mastey – Sewanee: University of the South (TN) Molly Mastin – University of Mississippi Kara Maynord – University of Tennessee, Chattanooga Katherine McBride – Berry College (GA) Sarah Morgan – University of Georgia Katherine Nanney – Samford University (AL) Imke Nanninga – BBS Emden, Germany Jennifer Nguyen – University of Tennessee, Knoxville Caroline Novkov – Samford University (AL) Emily Oing – Northwestern University (IL) Annie Paden – University of Puget Sound (WA) Bethany Patterson – Savannah College of Art & Design (GA) Courtney Pearson – Samford University (AL) Jeneh Perry – Loyola University Maryland Tanner Peterson – New York University Alex Porter – Florida Southern University Carol Portera – University of Alabama Mary Portera – Rhodes College (TN) Meghan Powers – Denison University (OH) Lydia Reeves – University of Tennessee, Knoxville Erin Rhoton – University of Tennessee, Knoxville Lizzie Sanford – Goucher College (MD) Unsa Shafi – Loyola University Chicago (IL) Sarah Shaw – University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Ankita Sheth – University of Georgia Taylor Smith – University of Tennessee, Knoxville Victoria Smith – University of Mississippi Madison Smyth – Louisiana State University Cadia Spraker – University of Tennessee, Knoxville Sky Spraker – Transylvania University (KY) Tru Taylor – Lehigh University (PA) Mary Margaret Taylor – Auburn University (AL) Mariko Thel – Denison University (OH) Rissa Tolf – Texas Christian University Tina Tran – Rhodes College (TN) Maggie Venable – North Carolina State University Emily Werner – East Tennessee State University Cheryl Yin – University of Washington

This list of diverse colleges and universities that the Class of 2012 will attend demonstrates the impact of your Annual Fund gift. Your commitment to their education has opened the door to endless possibilities as they transition into the next phase of their lives. Thank you for the difference you make for so many GPS young women.

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The name says it all. Girls’ schools foster a culture of achievement. A girl’s academic progress is surely of central importance for her college preparation, but the discovery and development of her individual potential are paramount.

G I R L S P R E PA R AT O RY S C H O O L 4 2 3. 6 3 4 . 76 4 5 • W W W. G P S . E D U Girls Preparatory School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in any of its policies, practices or procedures.