Cum Laude Society

Many ways to be a good leader

President of Harpeth Hall’s Cum Laude Society encrouaged her peers to seek a brand of leadership that leverages their personal strengths

by Elizabeth Floyd Read ’09

As you walk across campus, the words “Think Critically, Lead Confidently, and Live Honorably” can be seen on banners, on the walls, and in classrooms. “I think we can all agree that these are great life skills to possess, and they apply themselves well to Harpeth Hall,” Alexa Sheldon ’22 said in her opening remarks at Harpeth Hall’s annual Cum Laude assembly in April. When she came to Harpeth Hall three years ago, Alexa felt secure in her ability to “think critically” and “lead confidently.” Still, as an introvert, she was unsure of her capabilities as a leader. Throughout her time at Harpeth Hall, though, she learned that the attributes of a leader can manifest in many different ways. Alexa encouraged her peers to seek out a style of leadership that leverages their personal strengths. “For me, being a good leader is making a positive difference in the community in a subtle way,” Alexa, who served as the president of Harpeth Hall’s Cum Laude Society, said to the students and family members gathered in the Frances Bond Davis Theatre. “It’s making sure everyone is heard, it’s being a role model, it’s celebrating others’ successes, it’s knowing your strengths and others’ and taking those into account, it’s learning from others, it’s striving to do your best and inspiring others to do the same.” At the assembly, Harpeth Hall honored student leaders of all kinds as the school’s chapter of the Cum Laude Society inducted 21 students. Since its inception in 1906, the primary purpose of the Cum Laude Society has been to recognize the academic achievement of students in secondary schools. The students honored achieved academic excellence and also displayed strength of character and leadership qualities. “Each day, I am in awe of the intellect, confidence, leadership, and the inspiration I see on this campus,” said Lori McDermott, the winner of the 2021 Lulu Hampton Owen Chair for Excellence in Teaching, who delivered the traditional Cum Laude address.

Ms. McDermott attributes her teaching success to the shoulders she stands on each day — those of her family, the educators who inspired her, and mentors who led the way. “They were the shoulders I stood upon when I couldn’t stand on my own,” she said, encouraging students to be a shoulder for others. Reflecting on her 12 years at Harpeth Hall, Ms. McDermott recognized the shoulders she still stands on — those of great teachers, staff, and her students. “I learn through your eyes and your realities of the world. I hear your stories, your opinions. I value your input and you are the strength that allows me to come in each day and share my music with you.” We are inspired by the leadership, drive, and academic success of the 21 new members of the Cum Laude Society and know they will serve as shoulders for the classes of inductees that will follow.

2022 INDUCTEES Juniors

Clara Hodgens Ambrose Katherine Maree Brewer Priyanka Sara Chiguluri Isabella Marisol Guillamondegui Ann Atkins Linley Mary Austin Meacham Chekayli Watney Meyer Madeline Leigh Meyer Lena Qian Mary Evelyn Roper Caroline Elizabeth Seehorn Seniors

Elizabeth Boles Brown Rosemary Ruth Frederiksen Camille Pei-Ling Phillips Hu Katherine Pei-Ning Phillips Hu Mackenzie Elizabeth Meyer Taylor Danielle Nisbet Molly Elise Niswender Alexi Rheault Stewart Evelyn Willetta Trost Cora Elizabeth Williams MEMBERS IN COURSE Students

Ramsey Jeanette Bottorff Scout Simone Dahir Cate Merriman Frist Jordan Elise Knight Brooke Burnett Lytle Elisabeth Isabel Nelson Sabrina Abigail Russell Alexa Ruth Sheldon Eleanor Purnell Taylor Katharine Shannon Wojciechowski Faculty

MarQuis LeBron Chappell Arthur Reeves Echerd, Jr. Ben Curtiss Fulwider Jennifer Jean Jervis Michele Lynn O’Brien Jacqueline O’Keefe Powers Legare Davis Vest Robert English Womack