INDIAN SPRINGS
A MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OF INDIAN SPRINGS SCHOOL
SPRING 2015
WHO ARE WE?
D E F I N I N G E XC E L L E N C E I N E D U C AT I O N STA RT S W I T H C A R E F U L R E F L EC T I O N PAG E 1 2
ISS’S OWN I M I TAT I O N G A M E PAG E 1 1
SPRINGS ETERNAL U P DAT E PAG E 1 8
MEET OUR 2015 O U T S TA N D I N G A L U M PAG E 2 8
ISS NAMED AMONG TOP 24 ‘SMARTEST’ BOARDING SCHOOLS Business Insider has named Indian Springs School one of the 24 smartest boarding schools in the nation. Released in February, the ranking is based on SAT scores (with ACT scores serving as tiebreakers) available from Boarding School Review and Niche. According to data used, Indian Springs ranks 15th in the country with an average SAT score of 2010. The report also highlights that on AP exams, 79 percent of ISS students score 3 or better and 51 percent score 4 or 5, the highest scores possible.
LEARNING THROUGH LIVING SINCE 1952 DIRECTOR
Gareth Vaughan ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR AND DEAN OF ACADEMICS
David Noone DEAN OF STUDENT LIFE
Jan Fortson DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
Tanya Yeager DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
Beth Mulvey DIRECTOR OF ADMISSION
Claire Cassady DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE ADVISING
Gunnar Olson DIRECTOR OF COUNSELING AND RESIDENTIAL LIFE
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ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
Greg Van Horn DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY
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ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND MAGAZINE EDITOR
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JOIN US FOR THE NEXT STOPS ON OUR NATIONWIDE TOUR DE SPRINGS! Alumni Weekend • April 16-18, 2015 San Francisco • June 20, 2015 Ribbon Cutting for New Classrooms • August 23, 2015 To see photo galleries from other stops along our coast-to-coast Tour de Springs, turn to page 24. For details about Alumni Weekend 2015, see page 36.
Libby Pantazis P ’03, ’06, ’09, Chair, John Abbot ’80, Robert Aland ’80, Janet Perry Book P ’04, ’09, Myla Calhoun P ’11, ’13, Larry DeLucas P ’99, ’05, Alan Engel ’73, P ’03, ’12, Joe Farley ’81, P ’14, ’16, Clara Chung Fleisig P ’13, ’16, Mike Goodrich Jr. ’90, Rob Henrikson ’65, Ben Hunt ’82, Leo Kayser III ’62, Jimmy Lewis ’75, P ’11, ’11, Ellen McElroy ’78, Catherine Mclean P ’03, ’06, ’11, Eli Phillips, Scott Pulliam ’85, P ’16, 17, Rusty Rushton ’74, P ’09, ’11, Frank Samford ’62, P ’90, Kiki Scalise, P ’14, ’18, Ex Officio, Parents Association, John Simmons ’65, P ’96, Hanson Slaughter ’90, Fergus Tuohy, ’96, Ex Officio, Alumni Council ©2015 Indian Springs School. Indian Springs is published biannually in fall and spring. All rights reserved. 190 Woodward Drive, Indian Springs, AL 35124 | Phone: 205.988.3350 | Website: indiansprings.org MISSION STATEMENT
Indian Springs School seeks to develop in students a love of learning, a sense of integrity and moral courage, and an ethic of participatory citizenship. Inspired by the motto Learning through Living, the school community is committed to the belief that students can develop to their full potential by learning to balance individual achievements with the values and principles of democracy.
INDIAN SPRINGS TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S SPRING 2015
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VOLUMN THIRTEEN
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ISSUE TWO
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INDIANSPRINGS.ORG
12 FEATURE
WELCOME
Who Are We?
2 Greetings from Board Chair Libby Pantazis, Director Gareth Vaughan CAMPUS LIFE
4 HIGH MARKS
Honors and Achievements
Defining Excellence in Education Starts with Careful Reflection With Indian Springs’ three new classroom buildings on track to be completed for the 2015-16 school year, the ISS Board of Governors has approved a new strategic plan that focuses attention on how the new buildings will be used to help us continue to define excellence in education. Broad in scope and flexible by design, the plan for 2015-18 features input from students, faculty, alumni, parents, trustees, and administrators and highlights not only how we can enrich our academic and student life curricula, but also who we are as a community of learners.
ALUMNI & FRIENDS
18 STRONG FOUNDATIONS
Above and Beyond: The Latest from Springs Eternal Construction Update
24 LASTING TIES
Tour de Springs Continues
11 IN THE CLASSROOM
Springs’ Own Imitation Game
27 Sports 101 ON THE COVER
Parker Bryant ’16, Rachael Motamed ’16, Dayna Rollins ’17, Ashlynn Berry ’16, and Sam Newton ’16 look through books in the new Leo Kayser Jr. Academic Center. The center, which was made possible by a $2 million gift from Kayser’s family, unites the school’s Academic and College Advising Offices, Technology Center, Library, and Research Services at the heart of campus to emphasize Springs’ commitment to defining excellence in education—the subject of the school’s new strategic plan. Cover photo by Graham Yelton
28 NOTEWORTHY
Alumni News 2015 Outstanding Alum In Memoriam Alumni Weekend 2015
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LIBBY PANTAZIS
Chair, Indian Springs School Board of Governors
RIGHT: Indian Springs’ Strategic Plan 2015-18,
“Defining Excellence in Education,” looks at ways we can enhance our curriculum to reinforce the excellence of our educational offerings, both in and out of the classroom. ABOVE: Carl Rust Parker of the celebrated Olmsted Brothers firm (second from right) visited the campus circa 1950-51 to help sketch out a site plan for ISS.
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hen Carl Rust Parker, a partner with the famed Olmsted Brothers landscape architecture firm, visited in 1950-51 to sketch out the site plan for what would become Indian Springs School, he must have felt excited by the possibilities as he walked this inspiring terrain. Firm founder Frederick Law Olmsted, who designed Central Park in New York City and other notable green spaces, always sought through his designs to create a sense of community, which he liked to describe as “communicativeness.” The idea of using a space to build and promote community continues to serve as a guiding principle for Indian Springs. During the past year as crews have constructed our new classrooms and worked to enhance the campus through many other physical improvements, the ISS Planning Committee, chaired by Janet Perry Book, has engaged students, faculty, alums, staff, parents, friends, and Board members to consider how we can best use our new facilities to prepare our students to be “thoughtful, engaged citizens” both
of our school community and of our world. After thorough discussion and meaningful input from more than 1,400 ISS community members, the committee has created an important new Strategic Plan that allows us to shift our focus from infrastructure needs to curriculum opportunities. Entitled “Defining Excellence in Education,” the plan for 2015-18 prompts us to explore ways to expand the school’s academic, cultural, and student life curricula to enhance the educational excellence for which we are known. The plan also goes an extra step to characterize what is special about our community by outlining six Core Values that are central tenets of an ISS education: Innovative Thinking, Intellectual Curiosity, Integrity, Inclusion, Infinite Respect, and Involvement. I invite you to explore the Strategic Plan on page 12 of this issue and see what Planning Committee members say about the opportunities that it presents. Like so many—past and present—I am excited by the possibilities.
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cannot sufficiently express how appreciative I am of the outpouring of support that I have received from the Indian Springs community through the last months. Board Chair Libby Pantazis and my administrative team have been wonderful in allowing me to be the best husband I could be in the face of Dorrie’s situation. And now the letters of condolence and support from alumni and parents buoy me through this difficult time. I continue to be grateful, as Dorrie was as well, that I am part of this caring community. To recognize the importance of the school to Dorrie and me, I have decided to increase our
own commitment to the Campaign for Springs Eternal and am naming the Choir Rehearsal Room in Town Hall in her memory. On her first visit to the school, Dorrie was brought to tears by the beauty of the choir’s voices as they happened to rehearse one of her very favorite songs, “How Can I Keep from Singing.” The spirit of that song certainly guided her life and was reinforced by our joyful years together on the Springs campus. As my, and all of our, stewardship of this special community continues, “life flows on in endless song.” I am so glad we are in this together.
GARETH VAUGHAN Director, Indian Springs School
1. Leo Kayser Jr. Academic Center 2. McLean Lawn 3. Fuchs Rehearsal Room
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Many alumni and their families are celebrating their time at Indian Springs by adding their names to the campus, eternally. Indicated above are the new Leo Kayser Jr. Academic Center and McLean Lawn. Additionally, many of the new classrooms and a science lab will bear testament to generous contributions to the school. Catch up on the Campaign and review the wide range of naming opportunities on page 18 of this issue or at www.ISSspringseternal.org.
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p CAMPUS LIFE At Indian Springs School, students have an opportunity to make their mark, both inside the classroom and out. Following the lead of our talented, award-winning faculty, ISS students achieve because they are encouraged to push themselves to new heights, engage actively in their community, and follow their passions.
HIGH MARKS Perfect Scores
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Photo by Ramsey Rossmann ’15
wo ISS students have each achieved a perfect score on a 2014-15 college entrance exam. Senior Tristan Trechsel ’15 earned a perfect 36 on the ACT in October, and sophomore Joon Soo Sea ’17 earned a perfect 2,400 on the SAT in December. The odds of achieving a perfect score are extremely low. Of the 1.8 million students who took the ACT nationally as members of the graduating class of 2014, about 1,400—less than 0.08 percent—managed to score a perfect 36, according to data provided by ACT, Inc. Of the 1.6 million college-bound seniors who took the SAT in 2014, about .03 percent achieved a perfect 2,400, according to data from the College Board. Congratulations to both students! Tristan Trechsel ’15
TRECHSEL NAMED PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLAR CANDIDATE
Tristan Trechsel ’15 and Joon Soo Sea ’17
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Photo by Sunny Dong ’17
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enior Tristan Trechsel ’15 has been named a candidate for the 2015 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. Founded in 1964 by executive order of the President, the program seeks to recognize graduating seniors on the basis of outstanding scholarship and exceptional SAT and ACT scores. Trechsel, who scored a perfect 36 on the ACT last fall, is one of 3,900 candidates nationwide. Up to 141
Presidential Scholars will be named in May and honored at a White Housesponsored ceremony in June. More than 6,000 students have been recognized as Presidential Scholars since the program began. Five ISS students have received the distinction: Yookyeong Carolyn Sim ’09, Helen Eckinger ’03, Thornton Prayer ’82, Ricky Gordon ’78, and Bill Baxter ’66.
Photo by Sunny Dong ’17
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ABOVE LEFT: Indian
2015 National Merit Finalists
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ive ISS seniors have been named 2015 National Merit Finalists in the 60th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Sebastian Black ’15, Ethan White ’15, Eli Cohen ’15, Tristan Trechsel ’15, and Ashley Leader ’15 were selected based on their achievements on the 2013 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), high SAT scores, strong academic performance in grades 9-12, extracurricular and volunteer achievements, and personal essay. These students are now among the 15,000 students nationwide competing for about 7,600 National Merit Scholarships to be awarded later this spring based on their abilities, skills, and accomplishments. Congratulations to all five students!
Springs School’s 2015 National Merit Finalists (from left to right): Sebastian Black ‘15, Ethan White ‘15, Eli Cohen ‘15, Tristan Trechsel ‘15, and Ashley Leader ‘15 ABOVE RIGHT: Max Klapow ‘17, Liz Jones ‘18, Marc Straus ‘16, Chandler Pulliam ‘17, Dayna Rollins ‘17, Taylor Hinch ‘17 BELOW RIGHT: Front row: Claire Tang ’15 (10th place), Claire Chen ’16 (4th place), Vivienne Xiao ’15 (3rd place), Bellona Ma ’15. Back row: Patrick Yang ’15, David Wang ’15 (9th place), Sylvan Zhang ’15 (7th place), Yuzhao Pan ’16 (8th place).
MOCK TRIAL TEAM HEADED TO NATIONALS
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ne of four ISS Mock Trial Teams that ranked in the Top 20 statewide at the 2014 Alabama YMCA Youth in Government Judicial Conference will advance to compete in the national competition in May in Chicago. The team, which is led by Max Klapow ’17, finished 2nd in the state and also includes Liz Jones ’18, Marc Straus ’16, Chandler Pulliam ’17, Dayna Rollins ’17, and Taylor Hinch ’17. Mock Trial Coach D’Anthony Allen saluted all four teams for their
hard work and dedication. The mock trial program, he says, teaches cooperation, sportsmanship, and courtroom etiquette and fosters students’ abilities to speak publicly and confidently while arguing their cases or testifying as witnesses. “For those students who are considering a career in law or politics, this program gives them real-world experience within the courtroom, and it grants them an opportunity to prepare thoroughly for cases,” says Allen.
Interested in attending Indian Springs? Apply early! Applications are up by more than 50% for 2015-16 over 2014-15.
ISS Physics Team Claims Six of the Top Awards at UA Contest
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SS Physics Team members claimed six of the top 10 awards at the 39th Annual University of Alabama High School Physics Contest in January! More than 250 students participated in the 2015 competition, which includes a written exam and ciphering exam. Placing in the Top 10 individual winners were: 3rd – Vivienne Xiao ’15, 4th – Claire Chen ’16, 7th – Sylvan Zhang ’15, 8th – Yuzhao Pan ’16, 9th – David Wang ’15, and 10th – Claire Tang ’15. Team members Patrick Yang ’15 and Bellona Ma ’15 also received high scores and will receive their official rankings soon. Congratulations to the entire team and Coach Mak Obradovic!
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BELOW: Periodically during the hunt, teams could be seen canoeing team flags to “Pollard’s Island,” carrying picnic tables around the lake, tying together friendship bracelets to span the length of Town Hall, riding bikes seated backward, and singing show tunes a cappella for a student-faculty audience.
Mel Machen
Krishna Josyula ’19
ISS 8TH GRADER SCORES IN TOP 5% ON AMERICAN MATHEMATICS COMPETITION
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ndian Springs School 8th grader Krishna Josyula ’19 has placed in the top 5 percent of the 130,000 students who took the 2014 American Mathematics Contest (AMC) 8 in November. His high score earns him a spot on the AMC 8 Honor Roll. The AMC 8 is one of a series of American Mathematics Competitions hosted yearly by the Mathematical Association of America to promote and recognize excellence in math and problem-solving skills. The 25-question, 40-minute exam is designed for middle school students and covers topics such as probability, estimation, percentages, graphs, and spatial visualization.
Bob Pollard, Jesse Kieve ’15, and Mac Lashley ’17
THE ISS SCAVENGER HUNT: PART CHALLENGING, PART QUIRKY—ALL FUN
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f the 23 student-faculty teams who took part in the Student Government’s eight-day, 100-challenge ISS Scavenger Hunt last fall, the Bob Squad (named for Biology teacher Bob Pollard) prevailed, earning 2,160 out of 2,600 possible points. Fall Mayor Eli Cohen ’15, who proposed the idea for the hunt, presented Team Captain Jesse Kieve ’15 and team members Evan Brandon ’18, Kadie Jacobs ’19, Alex Story ’16, Mac Lashley ’17, Will Jones ’15, and Pollard with an honorary check representing the $1,000 donation that was made to The Exceptional Foundation, the charity of their choice, in honor of their 1st place win. As part of the hunt, students had to identify: the tree planted by the Class of ’88, traces of the old dorm circle on Armstrong Green, the oldest book in the ISS Library, the everyday object that students in 1990 modified into Dr. LaCasse’s Physics Bus, and the Indian Spring. Not the first ISS Scavenger Hunt—and hopefully also not the last!
JV SCHOLARS BOWL TEAM WINS 4TH AT STATE COMPETITION
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ndian Springs’ all-freshman Junior Varsity Scholars Bowl Team finished 4th in the state (the highest of any independent school in Alabama) in February at the JV State Tournament hosted by the Alabama Scholastic Competition Association! Congratulations to all five scholars—Grace O’Malley ’18, Henry Goff ’18, Alexandra Lohrke ’18, Peter Scalise ’18, and Evan Brandon ’18—and Coach Douglas Ray!
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New Adventure in Art for Retiring Teacher Mel Machen
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ince she joined the faculty of Indian Springs in fall 2006, Mel Machen has sought to help students recognize that art is a “powerful window” through which to view and understand the world. During her nine-year tenure, she has opened that window for hundreds of ISS students. “Mel Machen has done an incredible job of enabling our students to identify and pursue their artistic interests,” says Associate Director and Dean of Academics David Noone. “When she arrived, she taught Pottery/Sculpture I and Drawing/Painting I. Now we also offer Pottery/Sculpture II, Drawing/ Painting II, Exploring Abstraction, and all three AP Studio Art Portfolios. In addition, Art History is a part of our core arts curriculum. Beyond the classroom, she has taken students to special workshops and helped them design independent studies—and she has used this year’s ‘Art Fuels’ speaker series to introduce students and faculty alike to the ways that art impacts all vocations.” Soon Machen, who will retire at the end of the school year, will open up a new artistic window for herself and husband Ben: The two will spend a year in Chapel Hill, N.C., enjoying lectures, concerts, and classes at UNC-Chapel Hill and nearby Duke University and traveling to visit art museums along the eastern seaboard. “We have both lived in Alabama all our lives,” says Machen. “We even went to schools in Alabama—I earned a BFA from Birmingham-Southern in 1971 and an MFA from the University of Alabama in 1973. We’re seeing this as a new adventure.” To send Mrs. Machen your well-wishes, email her at: mmachen@indiansprings.org or (after June 1) melodymachen@gmail.com.
HIGH MARKS
Andrzej Richardson ’15
Photo by Sunny Dong ’17
Dr. Richard Neely
IS SLOSS REALLY HAUNTED? ASK DR. NEELY
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Photo by Sunny Dong ’17
SS History teacher Dr. Richard Neely was interviewed in December about Sloss Furnaces’ reputation as a haunted site for a new episode of “Ghost Asylum” scheduled to air this spring on Discovery’s Destination America channel. The show will look at the history of labor conditions, accidents, and paranormal investigations at the Birmingham site, which operated as a pig iron-producing blast furnace from 1882 to 1971. A National Historic Landmark, Sloss opened as an interpretive museum in 1983. Neely has led guided tours since 1988; this is his fifth TV appearance as a Sloss docent. Is Sloss really haunted? “It depends on how much of an imagination you have,” says Neely. “In 27 years, I’ve never seen a ghost, but if you believe in them, there could be as many as 20—that is the number of people who died in work-related accidents at the site.”
FOR THE RECORD!
Senior Creates Biodegradable Fishing Lure
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here’s nothing like being on a boat on a beautiful day and gazing down into the crystal-clear river only to spy … used plastic fishing lures floating in the water. “Sometimes they get caught up in fishing lines,” says ISS senior and competitive bass fisherman Andrzej Richardson ’15. “There’s a lot of waste.” He hunted and found several biodegradable plastic lures on the market, but they were expensive and take a long time to break down. So Richardson decided to search for a better solution: He spent last summer researching biodegradable plastics and testing 30 formulas in his family kitchen. “I started experimenting in July and was unsuccessful at first, but I made adjustments and for all intents and purposes I succeeded.” While he plans to tweak his formula to prevent his plastic from breaking down too quickly, he already has a patent pending and hopes to start a company during college to produce biodegradable lures for commercial use. His secret ingredients? There are none, he says. “You can find everything you need to make it in a household pantry.”
JONATHAN HORN INTERVIEWS MAC FLEMING 1) What building did ISS founder Harvey G. Woodward consider the centerpiece of the school? 2) What was a common topic of debate at early Town Meetings? 3) What program did founding director Doc Armstrong consider the school’s best ambassador? 4) What aspect of student life does Faculty Emeritus Mac Fleming believe has contributed most to Indian Springs’ success?
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rench teacher and ISS alumnus Dr. Jonathan Horn ’75 talked with Faculty Emeritus and Historian Mac Fleming in January about these and other topics as part of two hours of videotaped conversations on the school’s formative years and evolution since 1952, when Indian Springs opened and Fleming joined the faculty. After the footage is edited, it will become a part of the ISS Archives.
ABOVE: Dr. Michelle Williams, who will serve as a judge for the 2015 NCTE Achievement Awards in Writing, talks with ISS freshman Livia Wilson ‘18 about a paper she is writing about Angkor Wat, one of the largest religious monuments ever built.
ISS ENGLISH TEACHER JUDGES NATIONAL WRITING CONTEST
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nglish faculty member Dr. Michelle Williams is serving as a national judge for the 2015 National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Achievement Awards in Writing. Established in 1957, the awards seek to recognize excellent student writers across the country. High school juniors nominated by their English departments are eligible. Judging, which began in February, concludes in late March and is based on content, purpose, audience, tone, word choice, organization, development, and style. Williams has been a member of NCTE since 1998. This is her second consecutive year to judge the awards.
1) The Library (now the Leo Kayser Jr. Academic Center) 2) Keeping the dorm rooms clean (and what would happen if students didn’t follow through) 3) The ISS Glee Club (now the ISS Concert Choir) 4) The active role of students in ISS Student Government
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Nineteen ISS Students Earn 2015 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
ABOVE LEFT: Photo by Gold Key winner Daun Lee ’16 ABOVE RIGHT: Freedom of Expression by Gold Key winner
Min Gu Kim ’15
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ineteen Indian Springs School students have received 40 special recognitions—25 writing awards and 15 art awards—as part of the 2015 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards! Founded in 1923, the program seeks to celebrate student achievement in the visual and literary arts in 28 categories. Talented alumni include Andy Warhol, Sylvia Plath, Truman Capote, Joyce Carol Oates, Stephen King, Robert Redford, Ken Burns, and other creative luminaries. Gold Key winners will advance to compete for Gold and Silver medals at the national level.
2015 WRITING AWARDS:
Zach Choi ’15: Honorable Mention—Personal Essay Erin Ertunga ’15: Honorable Mention—Poetry Ben Goodman ’15: Silver Key—Critical Essay Riley Hogan ’15: Honorable Mention—Poetry Will Jones ’15: Honorable Mention—Personal Essay Min Gu Kim ’15: Silver Key—Poetry, Honorable Mention—Writing Portfolio, Honorable Mention—Poetry Makenzie King ’15: Honorable Mention—Poetry Caroline Malone ’15: Honorable Mention—Poetry Meghan Marks ’15: Silver Key—Poetry Marty McGuire ’15: Honorable Mention—Personal Essay
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Andrzej Richardson ’15: Honorable Mention—Writing Portfolio Kristin Toms ’16: Honorable Mention—Poetry, Honorable Mention—Flash Fiction Tristan Trechsel ’15: Silver Key—Poetry, Honorable Mention—Poetry, Honorable Mention—Personal Essay Gareth Turner ’15: Silver Key—Poetry, Honorable Mention—Writing Portolio, Honorable Mention— Personal Essay, Honorable Mention—Personal Essay (two different essays) Davis Tyler-Dudley ’17: Honorable Mention—Science Fiction Anna Welden ’15: Gold Key—Humor, Gold Key—Poetry
Min Gu Kim ’15: Gold Key—Portfolio, Silver Key— Portfolio, Two Gold Keys—Sculpture, Two Silver Keys—Sculpture, Honorable Mention—Sculpture, Gold Key—Mixed Media, Silver Key—Mixed Media, Honorable Mention—Printmaking Daun Lee ’16: Gold Key—Photography Lexie Rueve ’17: Honorable Mention—Digital Art “We are delighted that so many of our students’ submissions have been honored through the 2015 Scholastic Awards,” says ISS Director Gareth Vaughan. “Prestigious competitions such as this shine a much-deserved spotlight on the imagination and artistry that our distinguished faculty members seek to nurture across our curriculum.”
2015 ART AWARDS:
Julia Fleisig ’16: Silver Key—Comic Art, Silver Key—Sculpture, Honorable Mention—Drawing
Congratulations to all our winners!
HIGH MARKS
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Photos 1, 2, and 9 by ISS Photography teacher Michael Sheehan; photos 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, and 10 by Ramsey Rossmann ’15 and Cassidy Bridgham ’15; photo 5 by James Scott ’75.
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ISS ONSTAGE
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WHETHER SINGING, ACTING, OR PLAYING A FAVORITE INSTRUMENT, ISS STUDENTS SHINE WHEN THE STAGE LIGHTS COME UP. 1. Emma Turner ’17 and Marty McGuire ’15 in the ISS Fall Musical, Babes in Arms 2. Nikki Bogan ’17 in the ISS Fall Musical, Babes in Arms 3. Sam Stallings ’15 at the ISS Fall Student Concert 4. Kennedy Simes ’17 (singing) and Carol Zhou ’17 (keyboard) at the ISS Fall Student Concert 5. The Indian Springs School Concert Choir performs in February at National Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C., during Choir Tour 2015. 6. John Carter Simmons ’17 and Julia Fleisig ’16 in the
one-act play Sure Thing by David Ives 7. Ulysses Keevan-Lynch ’17 in a one-act adaptation of The Fall of the House of Usher by Edgar Allan Poe 8. Matt Price ’15 and Nathan Fisher ’18 in the one-act play The Man Who Turned Into a Stick by Kobo Abe 9. Clarence Barr ’16 and Lexie Rueve ’17 in the ISS Winter Play, George Orwell’s 1984 10. Connor McGarty ’15 (electric guitar), Jesse Kieve ’15 (bass), and Andrew Bruno ’15 (drums) at the ISS Fall Student Concert
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ABOVE: Catherine Grady ’15, Coach Will Rodgers,
and Daun Lee ’16 BELOW: Ada Cohen ’18 and Issy Schwiebert ’17
2014-15 Volleyball Team
AREA 7 VOLLEYBALL CHAMPS!
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GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY TEAM COMPETES AT STATE
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he ISS Girls Cross Country Team advanced to the Cross Country State Championships for the third year in a row after finishing 2nd overall at the Class 3A Section 2 meet! Sectional race highlights included: 6th - Catherine Grady ’15 (21:35; new Personal Record), 7th - Ada Cohen ’18 (21:39; new Personal Record) and 10th - Issy Schwiebert ’17 (22:16; new Personal Record!). Individual members of the Boys Team who qualified for state were Kilian Griep ’17, Gavin Young ’17, and Thomas Barr ’16. Kudos to Coach Will Rodgers and all our runners!
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2014-15 Bowling Team
ISS STARTS BOWLING TEAM
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ndian Springs School’s first-ever Bowling Team finished the season in January with a great run to the semifinals at the Vestavia Rebels Invitational, where the team fell to No. 1 seed Spain Park. Josh Scarborough ’16 was selected to the All-Tournament Team with a high score of 190. Congratulations to the entire team—and Coaches Greg Van Horn and George Mange—on a great inaugural year!
Photo by ISS Photography teacher Michael Sheehan
he ISS Varsity Girls Volleyball Team defeated Central Coosa in October to claim the 2014 Class 3A, Area 7 Championship! Margot Balliet ’16 had 29 assists and seven aces to help power Indian Springs to a 25-11, 25-16, 20-25, 25-17 home victory. Stella Davis ’16 provided 12 kills, four aces, and 10 digs; Chloe Yeager ‘16 had nine kills, seven aces, and five digs; and Sonia Gueye ’18 had eight kills. Yeager was named Tournament MVP, and Gueye, Davis, and Balliet were selected for the All-Tournament team. Congratulations to the entire team and to Coaches Christina Tetzlaff and Pete Arner!
A C OMPE LLI NG GAM E:
IN THE CLASSROOM
Photo by Sunny Dong ’17
ISS TEACHER, STUDENT STUDY THE MATHEMATICAL TWISTS AND TURNS OF CODE BREAKING
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ISS sophomore Gavin Young ’17 and ISS Mathematics teacher Dr. Tom Barr. Movie poster for The Imitation Game. Dr. Barr’s textbook Invitation to Cryptology.
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umans had barely begun to write when they started creating secret codes. With their increasing sophistication came cryptanalysis, or code breaking, which gained modern-day fame with the cracking of the German Enigma code during World War II. The story of British mathematician Alan Turing’s efforts to break the polyalphabetic Enigma cipher as told through the Oscarwinning film The Imitation Game has sparked interest among a new generation of code breakers. Yet even before the film’s release in December, ISS Mathematics teacher Dr. Tom Barr and ISS sophomore Gavin Young ’17 were seeking to unravel the mysteries of cryptology. Barr, who was professor and chair of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at Rhodes College for many years, wrote one of the first college textbooks on the subject, Invitation to Cryptology (Prentice Hall, 2001), after serving as Principal Investigator on a National Sciences Foundation grant exploring the development of cryptology classes as a way to attract non-majors to math. There were few texts available, so after much research, he created his own mathematical exercises for the book. Barr, who joined the faculty of Indian Springs in 2011, has continued to study the topic, and in January, he and fellow mathematician Andrew Simoson of King University presented a new paper, “Twisting the Keyword Length from a Vigenère Cipher,” at the annual
Joint Meetings of the American Mathematical Society and the Mathematical Association of America—the largest gathering of mathematicians in the United States—in San Antonio. The paper, which the two co-authored, has also been accepted for publication in the journal Cryptologia. “Dr. Simoson and I have been looking at a type of polyalphabetic cipher called Vigenère, which is not unlike what Turing encountered with Enigma,” says Barr. “The idealized form of either Vigenère or Enigma is what is termed a ‘one-time pad,’ which is a provably unbreakable cipher. Vigenère is a step down from the unbreakable, and in our paper, we propose a new method that calculates what we call the ‘twist index’ to establish the length of the keyword needed to decipher a Vigenère text.” With knowledge of letter frequencies and keyword length, cryptanalysis can be relatively straightforward, says Barr, but it is hard to do by hand. That’s where Gavin Young ’17 comes in. When Young was looking for a mathfocused science fair project, Barr suggested that Young show visually how Barr and Simoson’s new “twist” compares to two alternate ways (based in standard statistical methodologies) of breaking the Vigenère code. Young read Barr’s book and the new paper— and dove in. “I was fascinated,” he says. He tested the methods on four pieces of cipher text of different lengths: 2,000 characters, 1,000 characters, 500 characters, and 250 characters. He then created a spreadsheet to show his findings. While all three methods worked on the longer cipher
text, the Signature Curve method (Barr and Simoson’s “twist”) was “more robust” in its ability to analyze small pieces of cipher text: “On the 250-character cipher text the Signature Curve method continues to find the correct keyword length while the other two methods are either inaccurate or inconclusive,” he says. Young’s fascination was rewarded: He won 1st place at the Indian Springs School Science Fair (senior level) and advanced in early March to the Central Alabama Regional Science and Engineering Fair at UAB. “Ironically I haven’t seen The Imitation Game,” he says. “I’ve been meaning to, though.” Says Barr, “It has been exciting to see Gavin take ownership of the project, grasp what’s going on, and suggest new directions for the work. The examples he has analyzed provide insight to the new method and contribute to further potentially publishable research.” For Barr—who met Turing’s former teammate Peter Hilton at Rhodes—rapid changes in technology will continue to lead to new applications for the science—and math—of cryptology, and the need for security will open doors for Young and other students seeking new ways to protect digital commerce, communications, and data. “The concepts of cryptology and cryptanalysis may also be a springboard for those attracted to careers in public service or industries where important policy or strategic decisions regarding information security are made,” says Barr. “The more of a technical background that managers and policy makers have, the better.”
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INDI A N S P RI NGS S C H OOL STRATEG I C P L A N 201 5 -1 8
WHO ARE WE?
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Defining excellence in education starts with careful reflection
IN FALL 2013, with designs for new buildings well under way in response to needs identified in the current Campus Master Plan, a small group of ISS administrators and trustees met to sketch out a timetable for the school’s next strategic plan. The aim of the document: to spark a community-wide dialogue about goals and opportunities for our academic and student life curricula—and to include as many ISS voices as possible in the discussion. Led by Director Gareth Vaughan, Associate Director David Noone, Board Chair Libby Pantazis, and Planning Committee Chair Janet Perry Book, the team engaged the school’s accrediting agency, the Southern Association of Independent Schools, to survey ISS constituents about school values, the ways the school distinguishes itself, and areas where they would like to see improvement. More than 1,460 people—trustees, alumni, students, faculty and staff, current and alumni parents—responded. The team also asked Alice Walther, CEO of Clarus Consulting Group, to meet with groups of faculty for additional input. Topics included academic requirements, Advanced Placement courses, independent studies, interdisciplinary collaboration, student advising, after-school offerings, residential life, and trends in higher education.
Using the findings from these reports as a springboard, a 28-member Planning Committee made up of representatives from all ISS constituent groups and an educational administration specialist from the University of Alabama met regularly in 2014 to talk about who we are as a school and how we can enrich our curriculum and community. From these thoughtful deliberations—which featured great insight from all participants—emerged a new vision statement to complement the school’s mission; a declaration of key values central to the life of the school; and a list of goals and opportunities, broad in scope and flexible by design, conceived to enable the school to continue to define excellence in education. On the pages that follow, you will find the plan’s core elements as approved by the Board of Governors in November. You will also hear from Planning Committee members about what excites them about the new plan, what they feel the plan reveals about the school community—and what the plan components mean for the future of Indian Springs. To view the new strategic plan online, please visit www.indiansprings.org/ strategicplan2015. ]
B y MIN DY K E YE S BLAC K Photos by GRA HA M YE LTON & S U N N Y DON G ’ 1 7
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“The plan reveals that Springs’ impact reaches beyond what students do in the classroom. Springs cares about what the students do outside the classroom, what graduates do after Springs, how the faculty interact with the place, and overall how we are as a community.” —Ramsey Rossmann ’15
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES FOR 2015-18
STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE Gareth M. Vaughan Director Libby Pantazis P ’03, ’06, ’09 Chairman of the Board of Governors Janet Perry Book P ’04, ’09 Chairman of the Board of Governors’ Planning Committee Miriam Bernard ’15 Mindy Keyes Black, Assistant Director of Development for Communications Bob Cooper, Faculty Clara Chung Fleisig P ’13, ’16, Trustee Mike Goodrich Jr. ’90, Trustee Jonathan Horn ’75, Faculty Ashley Leader ’15 Frances Marks P ’09, ’15 Ellen McElroy ’78, Trustee Catherine McLean P ’03, ’06, ’11, Trustee Beth Mulvey, Director of Development Cathy Nazeer P ’05, ’08, ’08 David Noone, Associate Director and Dean of Academics Ramsey Rossmann ’15 Rusty Rushton ’74, Trustee Masako Shimamura P ’16, ’19 John Simmons ’65, Trustee Mona Singh ’85 Christina Tetzlaff, Faculty Anne Theibert P ’02, ’04, ’08 Stephanie Thomas, Faculty Fergus Tuohy ’96, Trustee Aye Unnoppet ’88 Philip Westbrook Clinical Associate Professor, Educational Leadership, University of Alabama Allen Xu ’17
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STRENGTHEN GOAL: STRENGTHEN ACADEMIC AND STUDENT LIFE CURRICULA TO ENHANCE EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE.
REINFORCE “In our last strategic plan, we knew a campus improvement plan was necessary. Now, we get the more exciting part of how we are to use the new campus. The new plan maintains the school’s strong academic rigor, but it also has an increased awareness of other aspects of learning. We are focusing on the whole person—taking a ‘holistic’ approach, trying to ensure mental and physical wellness. By taking this approach, I believe Springs is saying that our goal is not simply to prepare students to get to the next level, but rather to prepare them for the challenges they will face throughout their lives.” —Trustee Mike Goodrich ’90
GOAL: EVALUATE THE IMPACT OF THE SCHOOL’S CURRICULA AND COLLABORATIONS IN ORDER TO REINFORCE EXCELLENCE.
EXPAND GOAL: EXPAND LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES AND REVENUE SOURCES BY UTILIZING ALL ASPECTS OF THE CAMPUS YEAR-ROUND.
SUPPORT GOAL: SUPPORT SUSTAINABILITY AND DIVERSITY IN ALL ASPECTS OF SCHOOL LIFE.
ENHANCE GOAL: ENHANCE THE SCHOOL'S LONG-TERM FINANCIAL VIABILITY.
OPPORTUNITIES 1. OPTIMIZE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES PROVIDED BY IMPROVEMENTS TO THE CAMPUS. 2. EXPLORE ADDITIONAL PROGRAMMING OPPORTUNITIES FOR SUMMER AND ADULT LEARNING. 3. EXPAND ACADEMIC, CULTURAL, AND STUDENT LIFE CURRICULA. 4. CONTINUE TO EXPLORE NEW AND ENHANCED SPORTS AND FITNESS OFFERINGS.
“An important part of the strategic planning process is making time for thorough discussions about the future of the school. Sometimes if you don’t plan, these conversations don’t happen. It’s also important to think about potential obstacles and talk about how, as a community, we are going to turn these into opportunities. It takes everyone to address our opportunities and make the most of them for the benefit of our students.” —Planning Committee Chair Janet Perry Book P ’04, ’09
INDIAN SPRINGS SCHOOL
5. COMMUNICATE THE INDIAN SPRINGS SCHOOL EXPERIENCE THROUGH THE SCHOOL’S BRIGHT, HAPPY, CREATIVE, INDEPENDENT STUDENTS. 6. INCREASE STUDENT CURRICULA TO PREPARE STUDENTS HOLISTICALLY (INTELLECTUALLY, CULTURALLY, PHYSICALLY, AND EMOTIONALLY) FOR THE POST-SPRINGS WORLD BY A. HELPING STUDENTS IDENTIFY APPROPRIATE CHOICES FOR THEIR NEXT LEVEL OF EDUCATION. B. PROMOTING PHYSICAL HEALTH THROUGH ENHANCED SPORTS AND FITNESS EDUCATION. C. DEVELOPING PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS INITIATIVES BASED ON BEST PRACTICES. D. CELEBRATING STUDENT INVOLVEMENT IN REGIONAL, NATIONAL, AND INTERNATIONAL INTERESTS.
0UR VISION
INDIAN SPRINGS SCHOOL PREPARES STUDENTS TO LIVE PRODUCTIVE AND FULFILLED LIVES AS KNOWLEDGEABLE, THOUGHTFUL, ENGAGED CITIZENS WHO ARE INVESTED IN AND RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR DECISIONS AND ACTIONS IN SOCIETY. THE SCHOOL ASPIRES TO CONTINUOUSLY IMPROVE THE CURRICULUM AND ENHANCE THE COMMUNITY IN ORDER TO PROVIDE AN EXCELLENT EDUCATION THAT BEST MEETS THE NEEDS OF THE STUDENTS IN THIS EVER-CHANGING AND COMPLEX WORLD.
0UR CORE VALUES INNOVATIVE THINKING At Indian Springs School, we believe strongly that innovative thinking and creative problemsolving are critical to meeting the challenges of an increasingly global and competitive world. We value the fact that each of our students brings to the school community a unique set of interests, beliefs, abilities, and passions, and we strive through our thoughtful and flexible academic program, varied extracurricular opportunities, and meaningful faculty-student interactions to enable our students to grow as individuals and as independent thinkers.
INTELLECTUAL CURIOSITY We believe that our students have the capacity to solve some of the most challenging problems that our world faces. Before they can find meaningful answers, they must learn to ask meaningful
questions. We seek to foster in our students a lifelong love of learning and an appreciation for how much more we have yet to explore.
INTEGRITY We value personal integrity and seek to develop in our students a sense of moral courage to make honorable choices, both in and out of the classroom. Because the right choice is not always the easy choice, we strive regularly to highlight instructive examples of integrity in thought, word, and deed.
INCLUSION We believe that in order for students to meet their full potential, they must be able to trust that their community accepts them for who they are. We strive always to be a community of inclusion that embraces and promotes diversity of background, belief, and thought.
INFINITE RESPECT We believe that the strongest
“Delineating Values and expanding upon the “I’s” really help explain what makes ISS uniquely wonderful. I feel as if this Strategic Plan formally puts into writing what those of us who are already at Springs know is at its core and what we continue to strive to improve: The educational environment fosters students to acquire not only more ‘book’ knowledge but also the skills and desire to be better citizens of the world.” —Trustee Clara Chung Fleisig P ’13, ’16
communities are built on mutual respect and an appreciation for all, regardless of differences. As a supportive community of students, faculty, alumni, parents, and friends, we seek to foster and demonstrate limitless respect for one another, our campus, ourselves, and our world.
INVOLVEMENT Since the school’s inception in 1952, participatory citizenship has been a cornerstone of our educational philosophy. We believe that each of our students has a personal responsibility to continually shape and improve the school community. Involvement comes in many forms: taking part in student government and other activities, engaging in meaningful discussions in and out of class, collaborating actively with peers on group assignments, and engaging in communityminded efforts that better our campus and our world.
“What excites me about this new plan is that it is an acknowledgement that we have made such progress with some of our core infrastructure and structural issues that we can now have a strategic plan that focuses on the educational mission of the school—and the educational mission in its broadest sense, not just the academic educational mission. This is so important in the modern curriculum.” —Director Gareth Vaughan
“The development of the new strategic plan means that Indian Springs has the opportunity to become even stronger in the future. The Core Values incorporated into the plan excite me because I know Indian Springs will continue to grow and thrive according to those beliefs that make the school and the community exceptional. Values like Intellectual Curiosity and Involvement define our lives here at Springs, so I am excited that we were able to include them in the plan and show that we are committed to maintaining our Core Values in the years ahead.” —Miriam Bernard ’15
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WHEN CRAFTING AN EFFECTIVE STRATEGIC PLAN, ARE KEY
PROCESS AND FLEXIBILITY “I was pleased and honored to be involved in the strategic planning process at ISS. It was exciting to work with people who were focused on the longterm growth and improvement of ISS while being true to the mission of the school. ISS is a special place. The strategic planning process helps ensure that ISS continues to be a school of excellence and remains a top choice for parents and students.” —Philip Westbrook, Clinical Associate Professor of Educational Leadership, University of Alabama
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To Director Gareth Vaughan, Planning Committee Chair Janet Perry Book, and other Planning Committee members, a strong strategic plan is as much about the planning process as it is about the end result “When I think about it, I don’t just see a piece of paper,” says Vaughan. “Irrespective of what is written down, the inclusive process is very important to creating a sense of purpose and direction. That’s why modern accreditation is centered around strategic planning. It’s seen as the primary mechanism for selfimprovement. Indian Springs’ planning process is effective, says Book, because all members of the ISS community participate. “It’s such a great opportunity to stop and really listen to one another,” she says. “That makes a difference so that we’re all headed in the same direction, with the same expectations. It was so important to hear from our faculty, who are really the heartbeat of the organization. And our student voices were incredibly valuable to the process.” When looking at an initial
draft of the school’s Core Values, for instance, current students lobbied for adding a discussion of the importance of respect. Miriam Bernard ’15 recalls, “Ramsey [Rossmann ’15] brought up the point that the word ‘respect’ was nowhere to be found on an earlier draft of the plan, even though our Constitution states that the school community should aspire to ‘show respect towards the opinions and beliefs of others’ and ‘respect the worth and dignity of the individual.’ Ramsey and I explained to the rest of the Planning Committee that we feel strongly about the inclusion of respect under our core Values because we recognize that it is the backbone of everything we do at Springs.” To Rossmann, respect comes in three forms: “Respect for oneself, respect for others, and respect for the environment,” he says. “The Springs community embraces all of these in some way or another, and I could not let such a major document for the school not address it. More specifically, I think that the diversity and inclusion that Springs
promotes could not exist without a high level of respect.” Working in painstaking detail through ideas and word choice to give meaning to the plan while allowing for flexibility in its implementation was, says Trustee Mike Goodrich ’90, “quintessentially Springs.” “I know of no other community that works through the hard but fundamental questions of the who, what, why, and how of our collectively existence,” he says. “Only at Springs will people listen to one another in earnest, passionate, intellectually challenging, and spirited but respectful debate. Most organizations will simply check the box, but Springs is a deliberative community.” The flexibility inherent in the plan, says Vaughan, will be a great asset as the Administrative Team explores the best way to achieve its goals. “The road sign is clear,” he says. “This is why it is so helpful. It helps define our goals, our destinations, but it leaves it up to us to refine the route and the method and speed by which we get there.”
“My greatest interest is the curriculum, and I do believe that we could do a better job of encouraging students to be betterinformed citizens, so I would like to see some curriculum adjustments.” —History Teacher Bob Cooper
“I think the plan shows that values like Inclusion and Involvement truly define our school. We have individual students who are so unique, but when we come together, we are a united group. Dr. Thomas tells us every day in choir, ‘You guys should be one voice.’ Separately, we have so many voices, so many interests—science, art—and talents, but it is important to remember that we support and respect one another as part of our innovative community.” —Allen Xu ’17
“The new strategic plan reinforces Indian Springs School’s desire for continual improvement and growth and provides inspiration for the faculty and administration to develop our program. Incorporating modern technology and pedagogy within the existing framework of the outstanding student-teacher relationship is at the heart of the Springs experience.” –David Noone, Associate Director/Dean of Academics
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ABOVE AND BEYOND:
As New Classrooms Take Shape, ISS Community Strives To Reach $20 Million Goal
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t’s been less than a year since Indian Springs School celebrated the public launch of Springs Eternal, and already, thanks to the generosity of many in our dedicated community, more than $18.5 million is committed to increase the school’s endowment and make our Campus Master Plan a reality. In November, a $2 million gift from the
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INDIAN SPRINGS SCHOOL
family of former Board member Leo Kayser Jr.—one of the top gifts in the school’s history—brought ISS within sight of its $20 million goal. As crews enter the final phases of construction on new classrooms and faculty offices, ISS is striving to reach that goal this spring in order to finalize plans for the new dining hall and arts center. ]
Aerial photo taken by Cullen Chandler ’15 using drone technology SPRING 2015
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A LUM N I & FRIENDS
S P R I N G S E T E R NA L
Leo Kayser Jr. Academic Center:
$2 Million Gift Celebrates Family’s ‘Warm and Generations-Long’ Relationship with ISS
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n November, ISS received a $2 million gift in memory of former ISS parent, grandparent, and Board member Leo Kayser Jr. from his family—alumnus Leo Kayser III ’62 of New York, alumnus parent Deborah K. Strauss of Birmingham, and alumnus Kayser Strauss ’96 of New York—for the completion of the new Leo Kayser Jr. Academic Center. The gift is among top gifts in the school’s history. The Center will unite the school’s Academic and College Advising Offices, Technology Center, Library, and Research Services at the heart of campus and feature an open-air gathering porch overlooking the ISS Lake. “This extraordinary gift is a momentous occasion for Indian Springs,” says Director Gareth Vaughan. “It represents the deep commitment that our devoted alumni and alumni parents make to the school as well as the lifelong love that ISS families carry with them long after graduation. We are grateful to the Kayser-Strauss family for choosing to honor the memory of their father by investing in the future of Indian Springs.” Leo Kayser Jr., who served on the ISS Board from 1970 to 1973, served his country during World War II as an officer in the Army Air Corps. Known for his optimism and generosity, he headed investment banking at Kayser & Company for 60 years. He died in October 2013 at age 95. “Indian Springs School has been important to the Kayser family for more than 55 years,” says Leo Kayser III. “Our father held the school in extremely high regard, and we are delighted to be able to honor his memory with what we believe is a fitting tribute to the warm and generations-long relationship between ISS and the Kayser family.”
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INDIAN SPRINGS SCHOOL
TOP: Illustration of the exterior of the Leo Kayser Jr. Academic Center, facing the lake. MIDDLE: Illustration of the
interior of the Center. Turn to page 23 to learn about the Center’s virtual classroom. Renovations will be completed in summer 2015. BOTTOM ROW, LEFT: Leo Kayser III ’62 addresses guests at a Tour de Springs celebration in New York City on December 6 in New York City. BOTTOM ROW, MIDDLE: Kayser Strauss ’96, Director Gareth Vaughan, and Director of Development Beth Mulvey with Kayser. BOTTOM ROW, RIGHT: Kayser ’96 and Keiko Strauss.
Be a Part of Springs Eternal!
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he entire ISS community is joining together to make a substantial commitment to the Campaign for Springs Eternal. Multiyear pledges through 2018 create meaningful naming opportunities for gifts of $1,000 and up. Your contribution will help define plans for the school’s new dining hall and arts center. Please call Beth Mulvey at 205.332.0591 to set up an appointment to hear more about our plans and visit www.indiansprings.org/ISSspringseternal today to make your gift!
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Choose Your Naming Opportunity!
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onors who contribute $1,000 or more to the Campaign have the opportunity to be recognized for their generosity. Choose from the following recognition and naming opportunities:
$1,000 $5,000 $10,000 $30,000 $40,000 $50,000 $100,000 $200,000 $250,000 $500,000 $2 million
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Small Engraved Paver Medium Engraved Paver Large Engraved Paver Gabion Bench Walkway Named Endowment Fund Classroom or Scholarship Studio Dining Deck, Special Dining Area, or Art Yard Art Gallery or Main Dining Room Arts Center or Dining Hall ]
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1. Illustration of Administration Building Lobby. 2. Concept for new Dining Hall. 3. Concept for new Arts Center. 4. Gabion Bench (see Naming Opportunities at left).
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A LUM N I & FRIENDS
The Class of ’64
The Gamble Family
NAMED CLASSROOMS, ENDOWED FUNDS RECALL LOVE OF ISS
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number of ISS alumni and families have made gifts of $100,000 or more to name seven classrooms and two endowed funds as a sign of their enduring commitment to Indian Springs. Alumni and friends who have been honored and remembered through these naming opportunities are:
CLASSROOMS The Gamble Family, honoring Travis ’63, William ’03, Tom ’60, and Chip ’58 Gamble “The Gamble family has been connected with Indian Springs since it opened in 1952. Four of us have had the good fortune to spend our high school years there. When the school began this effort to modernize the campus, we thought it appropriate to participate in a meaningful way so future students will have the opportunities that we enjoyed at Indian Springs.” –Tom Gamble ’60 Frank Cantey, named by The Marks Family “Frank Cantey taught my father-inlaw, Caldwell Marks, at BUS before World War II; served with my father, McGehee Porter, throughout the war as CIC officers on Admiral “Slew” McCain’s flagship carrier the USS Hancock; and was instrumental in my brother’s (McGehee ’57) and my attending ISS. King Cantey was smart, witty, diligent. He liked his
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students, and we were privileged to learn from him. He was the right man at the right time for ISS.” –Kip Porter ’60
R.J. Stegner
The Class of ‘64
Selma and Leonard Damsky, named by their sons, Martin ’71 and Robert ’68 Damsky “My parents valued education very highly. My mother was a school teacher. They pushed me to go to Springs. In fact, I resisted. Their comment was, ‘Well, why don’t you at least apply. What makes you think you’ll get in anyway?’ It turned out to be one of the most formative experiences of my entire life, and I see that continue with other alumni, including my daughter, Annie, and others who have had the privilege of an ISS education. The cost of boarding was $1,800 in 1965, and I received a $1,500 scholarship. So this gift is not only to honor my parents; it is also payback for the opportunity I was given. Without my parents’ push, this transformative event would not have happened, and I know my life would have been very different.” –Martin Damsky ’71
Rene and John Simmons ’65 Former ISS faculty member R. J. Stegner, named by Dr. Bill Engel ’75 “Mr. Stegner’s classroom was where the magic happened. We learned to write critically (in large measure thanks to his in-class ‘capers’) and to argue with civility and verve. Encouragingly—and perhaps half in desperation—he would write at the top of our papers: ‘Keep Fighting!’ And so we are; and so may many new generations of students at ISS in the room bearing his name and preserving his memory.” —Dr. Bill Engel ’75
INDIAN SPRINGS SCHOOL
Iain MacPherson Alexander ’91
Margaret and Bruce Alexander
Iain MacPherson Alexander ’91, named by his parents, Margaret and Bruce Alexander
ENDOWED FUNDS Billie Grace Goodrich Endowed Scholarship, created by The Goodrich Family “The matriarch of our family, Billie Grace Goodrich, believed deeply that a quality education was vital, especially for young women. Coming from rural western Tennessee, she personally knew the difficulties, particularly financial, many encounter when trying to obtain an education. Throughout her life, she quietly helped young women change the course of their lives by providing scholarships. And
THE VIRTUAL CLASSROOM:
NEW TOOLS, NEW POSSIBILITIES
she believed deeply in the mission and values of Indian Springs. When recently talking to my son, John Green ’95, I asked him why he and his wife, Sarah Urist Green ’98, were participating in creating the scholarship. He replied the following: ‘My grandmother’s commitment to education and charity throughout her life was a huge inspiration to me as a young person, and as an adult I have tried to honor her values. This scholarship represents an opportunity for a young woman to have the extraordinary opportunity my grandparents afforded me--to learn in an open and supportive environment where you really do learn through living.’ Knowing our mother’s love of Indian Springs and her passion for assisting young women achieve their educational goals, our family is proud to establish an endowed scholarship in her name for rural young women interested in attending ISS.” –Sydney Green P ’95
Ray Hartwell ’65 Mock Trial Team Endowment
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tarting in fall 2015, ISS students will have the chance to take virtual classes thanks to new technology made possible by the Campaign for Springs Eternal and online courses available through the Malone Schools Online Network. Indian Springs School, which is a member of the select Malone Scholars Program, joined the online network to expand ISS course offerings. Fifteen new classrooms and two meeting rooms will be fitted with Clear Touch Interactive Learning Panels to make these virtual classes and video conferencing opportunities possible, says ISS Director Gareth Vaughan. In addition, the classroom in the new Leo Kayser Jr. Academic Center will be enabled with a Lifesize teleconferencing camera to allow ISS faculty to offer online courses through the Malone program starting in spring 2016. About 15 online classes will be available for the fall 2015 semester. Capped at a maximum of 16 students, these classes will be offered at scheduled times throughout the day and will include real-time seminars, recorded lectures, and student exercises completed outside of class. “Online learning is a fantastic way to offer our students an even greater variety of learning opportunities that overcome geographic and other restrictions,” says Vaughan. “Through the Lifesize system in the Leo Kayser Jr. Academic Center, we will also give students across the country a chance to learn from our incredible faculty.”
TOP: Cecilia Matthews at the 2014 Directors’ Dinner BOTTOM: Judy and Hal Abroms (seated) with Gareth
Vaughan and the 2014 Andy Abroms Memorial Scholars
MAKE A PLANNED GIFT!
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houghtful planned giving is a wonderful way to create a lasting legacy for the school you love, says Director of Development Beth Mulvey. ISS alumnus Alan Matthews ’68 and his wife, Cecilia, celebrated Alan’s devotion and gratitude to his alma mater through a generous bequest that served as a lead contribution for the Campaign. Hal and Judy Abroms created an endowed scholarship, the Andy Abroms Memorial Scholarship Fund, in memory of their son Andy ’77 to fund summer scholarships for ISS students in perpetuity. Planned gifts can offer important tax benefits and enable you to make the charitable gift that represents your commitment to and appreciation for ISS. Talk with your attorney or financial adviser, and email Beth Mulvey at bmulvey@ indiansprings.org for more information about making a planned gift to Springs Eternal.
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE:
NEW CLASSROOMS TAKE SHAPE
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prings’ 12 new classrooms and 12 faculty offices remain on schedule to open in August for the start of the 2015-16 school year. Crews have erected structural steel and installed roofs on all three classroom buildings and the new Administration Building and are now adding walls, floor decking, and aluminum windows. Classroom Building D (next to Town Hall) is already fully enclosed and watertight. The exterior of the new Leo Kayser Jr. Academic Center will be Aerial of Classroom renovated this summer. As crews create the Center’s back porch and Construction patio, they are also working to enhance the view with glimpses of the lake. Crews have paved a new front parking area, and work is being done to improve surface water drainage and electrical supply routes across campus. Additional upgrades will be made this spring to the Gym, which will receive new glass windows, new interior doors, and framing improvement. A new 24-hour guard house—with wifi and bathroom—will be built later this year.
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ALUMNI, PARENTS & FRIENDS
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TOUR DE SPRINGS
osted by Leo Kayser III ’62 on December 6 at The Yale Club of New York City, this event celebrated the Kayser family’s $2 million gift to the Campaign for Springs Eternal to name the Leo Kayser Jr. Academic Center in memory of former ISS parent, grandparent, and Board member Leo Kayser Jr. (See page 20 to learn more about this defining gift, one of the largest in the school’s history.)
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HOUSTON, TEXAS
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osted by Jessica and Michael Payne ’84 on Nov. 15 at their home in the Bayou City, this event marked the second stop on the school’s Tour de Springs (which began in June at the SpringHouse Restaurant in Lake Martin, Ala.) and featured the creative team from Lake|Flato Architects, which worked with ArchitectureWorks, LLP, to design the new buildings.
ABOVE, LEFT TO RIGHT: Sarah Frazier ’90, Bartley Pickron ’91, Susan Moore Santos ’86, Michael Payne ’84, Gareth Vaughan, Sarah Hampton Cambas ’04, Trung Huynh ’96, Victor Martinez ’83, Barry Tobias ’98
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SS alumni, parents, faculty, and friends have reconnected and joined together to support the Campaign for Springs Eternal at events across the country as part of our coast-to-coast Tour de Springs. Enjoy these photos from our fall and winter gatherings in Houston; New York; Naples, Fla.; Washington, D.C.; and Boston, and make plans to help us celebrate during Alumni Weekend 2015 (April 16-19), at our San Francisco gathering (June 20), and at our ribbon cutting for the new classrooms (Aug. 23)!
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ary and Rob Henrikson ‘65 hosted our fourth Tour de Springs stop on Jan. 17 at their home in Naples.
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“As I have traveled from coast to coast meeting and bonding with so many alumni and parents who share my passion for Springs, I am excited that our physical campus will soon match the unlimited potential of our academic experience.”
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—Springs Eternal Co-Chair Alan Engel ’73
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1. Director Gareth Vaughan presents a framed Springs Eternal illustration to Trustee Leo Kayser III ’62. 2. Carlisle Towery ’55, Susan Deutsch, Gareth Vaughan 3. Joseph Shin ’81, Joe Farley ’81, Trustee John Abbot ’80 4. Abigail Garner ’07 and her fiancé, Andrew Demers, with Dagny Leonard ’07 and Steven Allen ’08 5. Allen Meighen ’78, Board Chair Libby Pantazis, Geoff Goldberg 6. Lisa Engel, Springs Eternal Co-Chair Alan Engel ’73, Board Chair Libby Pantazis 7. Allison Moore ‘09, Associate Director David Noone, Macy Anne Carman, Jillian Theibert ’08, and Aniela Wendt 8. Zeke Couch ’04, Dylan Black, Assistant Director of Development for Communications Mindy Black, and Director of Admission Claire Cassady 9. Joey and Jana Mestecky ‘91 Kreutziger 10. Parents Association President Kiki Scalise, Trustee Frank Samford ‘62 11. Kyung Han ‘85, Cindy Argo ‘85
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1. Sharon Samford with David Mullins ’64 and Mary Ann Gadziala Mullins 2. Trustee Alan Engel ’73 with Rene and Trustee John Simmons ’65 3. Trustee Rob Henrikson ’65, Mary Henrikson, Board Chair Libby Pantazis, and Director Gareth Vaughan 4. Trustee Hanson Slaughter ’90, Gareth Vaughan, Director of Development Beth Mulvey, Trustee Scott Pulliam ’85 5. Mary Henrikson and Bill Slaughter ’56 6. Susanna Knoble and David Rinald ’59 7. Rene Simmons, Chip Gamble ’58, and Libby Pantazis 7
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ALUMNI, PARENTS & FRIENDS LASTING TIES ISS-Postca
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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 5/2/14
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lumni Dr. Jordan Shin ’85 and Jennifer Yarbrough ’87 hosted our Boston celebration on Feb. 28 at The Beehive in the city’s South End.
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WASHINGTON, D.C.
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SS family and friends celebrated Springs Eternal in our nation’s capital on Feb. 13 at the home of ISS parents Patti and Ed Rogers P ’18.
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1. Springs Eternal Co-Chair Alan Engel ’73 talks about progress of the Campaign and campus construction projects. 2. John Tanner ’67 and Glen Howard ’67 3. Patti and Ed Rogers P ’18 4. Trustee Ellen McElroy ’78 and Ben Lee ’78 5. Wendy and Coach Hunter Gray with Bentley Turner Schoening ’04 and Brian Schoening 6. Mark Habeeb ’74 and Wendy Mills with Director Gareth Vaughan 7. Andrew Sperling ’79 and Ed Rogers 8. Front row, from left: Brian Jackson ’92, Alan O’Neil ’93, Athletic Director Greg Van Horn, Bentley Turner Schoening ’04, Andrew Keller ’92; back row, from left: Mark Shashikant ’92, Chris ’02 and Maggie Fawal, Brian Schoening. 9. Jordan Shin ’85, Gareth Vaughan, Jennifer Yarbrough ’87 10. Lydia Harrington ’06 and Zahra Ohldin ’07 11. Remy Hefter ’10 and Richard Novak ’03 with Science Department Chair Lisa Balazs.
ALUMNI, PARENTS & FRIENDS 6TH ANNUAL ‘101’ EVENT RAISES $50,000 FOR ISS ANNUAL FUND
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SS parents, alumni, faculty, and friends gathered on Nov. 1 for Sports 101, the school’s sixth annual 101 fundraiser hosted by the ISS Parents Association to support the Annual Fund. Led by Co-Chairs Ann Day Hunt P ’17 and Stacy Pulliam P ’16, ’17, and a team of dedicated volunteers, the event raised more than $50,000 for the school and showcased the expertise of alumni and parents whose careers in medicine, broadcasting, construction, engineering, law, journalism, and academics have impacted the world of sports, both locally and around the world. After attending the “Training Camp” class of their choice, guests gathered in the Theater to meet Dr. Glenn Fleisig, P ’13, ’16, whose biomechanics research at the American Sports Medicine Institute in Birmingham helps pitchers, from Little League to high school to the Majors, maximize their performance while preventing injuries. “Most injuries come from overuse and repetition,” he said. “The bottom line? The one primary factor is making sure our kids don’t play one sport too much.” Guests rounded out the festive evening by enjoying dinner from Jim ’N Nick’s Bar-B-Q and International Wines and Craft Beer, a silent auction featuring fun sports memorabilia, and “Game Time” in the Gym.
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1. Charles Rossmann P ’15, Athletic
Director Greg Van Horn, and Julie and Scott Bryant P ’16, ’18, with a soccer jersey signed by the members of the ISS 2014 State Championship Team. 2. Luke Robinson ’91, broadcaster with AHSAA Radio Network, spoke to guests about the growth of the Alabama High School Athletic Association. 3. Neely Harris Lohmann ’96, Senior Deputy Editor at ESPN The Magazine, talked about trends in the field of sports journalism. 4. Phillip Hurst ’85, Founding Programming Director of The Golf Channel, spoke about developing cable TV’s first dedicated sports channel. 5. Sports 101 Co-Chairs Stacy Pulliam P ’16, ’17,
and Ann Day Hunt P ’17 6. Glenn Fleisig, Ph.D., P ’13, ’16, Research Director at American Sports Medicine Institute, told audience members: “If I could do one thing to help people prevent injuries, I would say, ‘Listen to your body.’” 7. Sports 101 silent auction coordinator Kim Grumley P ’18 with husband Scott 8. Sports 101 speakers Drs. Glenn Fleisig P ’13, ’16, and Brad Goodman P ’15, ’18, with Dr. James and Amy Sedlis 9. ISS grandparents Mary and Robert Lewis with Peter and Ivey Young P ’17 and Elizabeth and Alan Lassiter P ’16, ’18.
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p A LUM N I L I F E
NOT E WORT H Y
ALUMNUS Q&A:
WRITER DANIEL ALARCÓN ’95 NAMED 2015 OUTSTANDING ALUM
“I had such a good time at Springs,” says Alarcón. “I have such fond memories of the place. Every time I go back, the students are still the same. They still have the same curiosity that we had. The buildings can change, and I’m glad they updated the dorms and are now building new classrooms. But the core of it is the students and the faculty.”
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aniel Alarcón ’95 loves storytelling. A native of Peru whose family emigrated from Lima to Birmingham when he was a toddler, the young Alarcón began making up stories before he could write them down. As a student at Indian Springs, his interest continued to grow, and during the past decade, his writings—both fiction and nonfiction; in English and in Spanish; for print and new media—have received critical acclaim in the United States and Latin America. We talked with Alarcón, who will receive the 2015 Outstanding Alum Award during Alumni Weekend, about his passion for writing and his time at Indian Springs. Q: When did you become interested in the art of storytelling? A: I have two older sisters. Even before I could write, when I was in kindergarten, I would dictate stories to my [middle] sister, Sylvia, and illustrate them. She would write them down, and I would draw little pictures. It has been a lifelong thing for me.
Daniel Alarcón’s short story collection War by Candlelight was a finalist for the 2005 PEN-Hemingway Award. His first novel, Lost City Radio, was named Best Novel of 2007 by the San Francisco Chronicle and the Washington Post. He is Executive Producer of Radio Ambulante, a Spanish-language narrative journalism podcast. In 2010, he was included in The New Yorker’s list of the best 20 Writers Under 40. Three years earlier, he was named to a similar list of Latin American novelists, the Bogotá39. His latest novel, At Night We Walk in Circles, was a finalist for the 2014 PEN/Faulkner Award.
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Q: How did Indian Springs nurture that love? A: I had [English classes with] Mrs. Tuohy, Ms. Martin [now Ms. Sheppard], Mr. Moore, Mr. Meyer. Mr. Meyer taught me a course in Russian Literature, which was one of the most incredible experiences ever. Not even in college would I have had that good fortune. I was interested in a class on Russian literature after attending a great books course at St. John’s University in Annapolis the summer before my senior year. One of the books I enjoyed most was Notes from Underground by Dostoyevsky, and I just wanted to read more. I talked to Mr. Meyer about it and convinced two other students to join us, and we spent a semester my senior year reading some of the big books, which was such an incredible resource. You talk about individualized education. It was one teacher for three students. Like a very high-end college seminar, but with 17-year-olds. That was one of the things about Springs. It was a place where there was enough flexibility where that was not out of the question.
Q: What other ISS experiences impacted your decision to become a writer and your approach to your work? A: I took a creative writing workshop with Mr. Paul McAdam, which was wonderful. I should also mention two other courses, though they’re not English courses: Dr. Cooper’s European History class and Dr. Thomas’s AP Jazz class. I mention Dr. Cooper because I loved history; I loved that he made it into a story with complex villains and complex heroes, a narrative full of questions. “These events unfolded in this particular way—why?” That, I loved. Dr. Thomas’s class because I just love music. I can’t sing at all, and I never joined glee club because I’m basically tone-deaf, but I love jazz, and I think that so much of my work has been influenced by listening to that music in his AP Jazz course. It was great. Q: You and a number of your classmates (author John Green ‘95, entrepreneur Shazi Visram ’95, artist Clayton Colvin ’95, landscape architect Michael Steiner ’95, swimsuit designer Amanda Key ’95, sculptor and industrial designer Jan Jander ’95, and others), have had great successes in your fields. Was there something special about the Class of ’95? A: I think we have the tendency to place that retrospectively on ourselves, but I wouldn’t say we were special. In fact, what makes
Springs special is that we weren’t unique. Every class has hidden talents, and the teachers at Springs were genuinely delighted at helping students discover those talents, whether they were intellectual talents of the traditional sort, or creativity, or just being great people. What’s special about Springs is you take a group of young, bright, motivated students and give them a ton of freedom and excellent teachers, and they blossom. I would also say that some of our successes have been more high-profile than others, but those aren’t the only ways to be successful. Just because people have a certain high profile doesn’t mean that that their success is more valuable than taking over the family business and making it great, or being a great husband or great father, or wife or mother. Q: While you were growing up, your native Peru was in turmoil from civil war, and your uncle, a university professor and labor union activist, disappeared and was later presumed to have been killed by Peruvian security forces. Much of your writing explores the fear and pain caused by war. How did these topics affect you as a teenager? A: Politics was discussed in our household in a way that it wasn’t discussed in many other houses. We were very politically aware, very politically engaged. We were watching from a distance as the war was unfolding in Peru. My uncle disappeared just before I entered Indian Springs. These were all things that were part of my childhood and adolescence. And certainly there were entirely different discussions happening in my classmates’ houses. It was relevant to us because of where we came from, but it
wasn’t top of the fold in the Birmingham News. Certainly that affected me. When I got older, when I moved to New York for college [at Columbia University], I had this awareness that something was happening in my country, that something had happened, and I had this curiosity that I wanted to explore. That became a very important part of who I am now. Q: You’ve just been hired as an Associate Professor of Broadcast Journalism at Columbia. What else is on the horizon for you? A: I really feel that there is still a lot I have to learn about telling stories. Some of it has to do with text—just getting better at the craft of writing—and some of it involves new technologies and learning new skills. I think that one of the best things that has happened to me in recent years is trying something completely new. I started [the monthly Spanishlanguage radio program] Radio Ambulante to work in sound, and that feeling of being in your 30s and doing something that you don’t know how to do—being completely at sea—was just great. It was scary, it was daunting. It was mystifying at times. It was frustrating. And yet it was so enriching. Every so often, if you want to keep growing, you have to put yourself in a place of discomfort to do something that you don’t know how to do. So what’s ahead for me? Continual return to places of discomfort in order to push myself to be a better artist, a better storyteller, a better journalist, a better narrative artist.
ALUMNA PROFILE:
AMY (TIMMS) MILLS ’95
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ecently elected to the Board of Directors for the Utah Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council, Amy (Timms) Mills says she draws on experiences from her time at Indian Springs to make a positive impact on the sustainable building community. As a Project Manager and Sustainability Coordinator for Okland Construction in Salt Lake City, Mills recently celebrated what she considers a milestone: the completion of the new Salt Lake City Federal Courthouse. It is a 410,000-square-foot, 10-story, LEED® Gold project that will use 29% less water and 36% less energy than similar non-green buildings. She has managed over $200 million in sustainable construction projects and continues to make a difference in the green community. Mills works with the nonprofit Sustainable Startups to educate entrepreneurs and new businesses about sustainable business practices and services. She was featured in the March/April 2014 issue of Utah Construction and Design magazine discussing the new LEED v4 rating system and its value for the commercial market. She also served on the Utah Office of Energy Development’s Buildings Committee that drafted recommendations for the Governor’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Plan. “Indian Springs reinforced my love of the natural environment and taught me how to enjoy it responsibly in work and life—from weaving in the arts studio to working on D-Day projects that helped campus habitats or just relaxing on weekends, walking the woods,” she says. “Now I’m engaged in a career that builds healthy, efficient buildings and contributes to sustaining the world around us.”
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CLASSES OF 1956, 1958
Brothers Wilmer Poynor ’56 and Dr. John Poynor ’58 were honored in December at the 2014 Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce Annual Luncheon for their outstanding community service to the city of Mountain Brook. Wilmer Poynor, who is coowner and Vice President of Ray & Poynor Properties, received the 2014 Jemison Visionary Award— named for Mountain Brook developer Robert Jemison—from the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce. Dr. John Poynor, a physician with ENT Associates of Alabama, received the Emmet O’Neal Library’s 2014 Tynes Award for his work with the Mountain Brook Library Foundation. Carole Griffin ’78, P ’17
Nick Pihakis P ’05, ’10 IN THE NEWS:
FOOD SCENE RISING
Carole Griffin ’78, P ’17, owner of Birmingham’s Continental Bakery, Chez Lulu, and Continental Bakery Downtown, and alumni parent Nick Pihakis, P ’05, ’10, owner of Jim ‘N Nick’s and Little Donkey, were featured in the November issue of Birmingham magazine, which highlighted the artistry of Griffin, Pihakis, Frank Stitt, and other chefs who set the culinary standard for Birmingham’s rising food scene. (Story by Eric Velasco; photos courtesy of Caleb Chancey/Birmingham magazine)
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CLASS OF 1959
University of San Francisco Professor Emeritus Allan Cruse ’59 has joined the Board of Directors of Music4Romania, a nonprofit organization founded by five ISS students and Dr. Alina Voicu to raise funds for schools and orphanages in Romania through concerts and other activities promoting Romanian music and culture. After visiting Romania with the ISS Chamber Choir in summer 2011, Cruse began developing an online minicourse designed to acquaint American college students and others with that country’s recent rapid development. Romania reported the fastest economic growth rate among the European Union countries in 2014 and is now an important NATO ally in the Black Sea region. CLASS OF 1966
Charles Plosser ’66, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, retired from that position, effective March 1. Plosser has served as the 10th president of the Philadelphia Fed since August 2006. “For more than eight years, I have had the honor to work alongside many talented colleagues here at our Bank and throughout the Federal Reserve System during an extraordinary period in this nation’s economic history. After more than three de-
cades of economic research and teaching, this has been a unique opportunity and privilege to serve the nation,” says Plosser. Says Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen: “Charles Plosser has been an insightful and dedicated leader and colleague in the Federal Reserve System. I am particularly grateful for his vital contributions to the work of the subcommittee on communications. My colleagues and I will miss his keen insights, deep analysis, and good humor.” Plosser received the ISS Outstanding Alum Award in 2013. CLASS OF 1967
Since retiring from the Justice Department in 2009, John Tanner ’67 has been litigating voting rights cases from his home in Washington, D.C. On Nov. 12, 2014, the Supreme Court heard argument in one of his cases, ADC v. State of Alabama, a challenge to the Alabama House and Senate districts as racially discriminatory. CLASS OF 1972
Louise and Jim Abroms ’72 received The Birmingham Jewish Foundation’s N.E. Miles Lifetime Achievement Award on Oct. 29 at the annual Federation/Foundation/Israel Bonds event at Temple Emanu-El. The award is presented annually to an individual or couple who has not only given generously to the Federation campaign but who has also endowed their annual gift. Louise has served on the boards of Hadassah, Temple Beth-El, and The Birmingham Jewish Foundation and Federation and received Channel 13’s “Making a Difference Award” for her work with Hand in Paw. Jim received a Presidential appointment to the United States Holocaust Memorial Council (Board of Trustees) of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, where he served from 2003 to 2008. He has also served on the boards of the Birmingham Jewish Federation, Jewish Day School, and Temple Beth-El. CLASS OF 1991
Tech Superpowers, founded in 1992 by its president, Michael
Charles Plosser ’66 Oh ’91, has grown from a small boutique consulting firm into a global resource for Macintosh solutions and full-service tech support, with clients ranging from individual users to the Boston Celtics and Novartis. Now in its 24th year of operation, TSP recently received its first outside investment of seed capital and is now focused on growing its Mac IT business and new area of focus in Home Automation. A graduate of MIT, Oh has been quoted in Wired and The Boston Globe and also provides industry analysis for the Coleman Research Group. CLASS OF 1993
Braxton Goodrich ’93 and Lauren Perlman P ’14 were selected to participate in the Leadership Birmingham class of 2014-15. The yearlong program, which features monthly seminars, pulls participants from all sectors in an effort to encourage leaders to learn more about the community as a whole and seek ways, individually and together, to make it a better place. CLASS OF 1995
Fresh on the heels of the blockbuster success of The Fault in Our Stars— one of the most successful movies of 2014—John Green’s novel Paper Towns is due to hit the silver screen in late July. The film reunites FIOS actor Nat Wolff with screenwriters Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber. Neustadter and Weber signed on
Ben and Nadia Perry Robertson ’05
Amelia Altz-Stamm ’01 to team up once more to write the screenplay for Green’s first novel, Looking for Alaska. CLASS OF 1997
Andrew Jones ’97 is teaching high school English these days at Greens Farms Academy in Westport, Conn. His wife, Jessica, is working on a degree at Yale Divinity School. They are expecting their first baby in August. CLASS OF 1998
Annie Damsky ’98 married Mark Brink on Aug. 16 at Aldridge Gardens in Birmingham. The ceremony was officiated by Rebecca Carpenter (J.W. Carpenter ’97). Damsky owns Villager Yoga in Birmingham and recently joined the ISS Alumni Council. Brink is an accountant with Southern Research Institute. CLASS OF 2000
Megan Fortson Fry ’00 was recently named a shareholder in
the law firm of Clark, Partington, Hart, where she practices commercial and real property litigation. For six years, she and Cayce Fry ’00 have lived in Pensacola, where Cayce owns a property management company. Since relocating to Pensacola, Megan and Cayce have become immensely more popular with their Birmingham friends and family, who are always invited to stop by for a visit. CLASS OF 2001
Amelia Altz-Stamm ’01 of Homewood, Ala., was awarded a Fulbright Fellowship from the Department of State for the 2014-15 academic year to study water management in the Jordan River Valley. A graduate of Advent Episcopal School and ISS, she majored in Near Eastern Studies at Princeton University and completed a master’s degree in Middle Eastern Studies at the American University in Beirut.
Screenshot from VOYEUR Amelia is now a PhD candidate at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas in Austin. Earlier this year she was awarded a Boren Fellowship to begin her studies of water utilization by farmers and water management associations in the agricultural areas of Jordan. CLASS OF 2005
1931 Productions, a film production company co-founded by husband and wife duo Ben and Nadia Perry Robertson ’05, launched in Birmingham in 2009 with their first short film, Urban Decay, which screened at several film festivals in and out of state. Since then they have made a name for their company in Los Angeles, where they continue to shoot new and ongoing projects, as well as develop screenplays for sale. Their first feature screenplay, VOYEUR, a thriller about a photographer who is lured into creating gruesome art by a masked killer, has been listed as a finalist for the LA Screenwriter Logline Competition. The script also placed as Quarter-Finalist in the 2013 International Page Awards and the 2014 ScreenCraft Action and Thriller Screenplay
Annie Damsky ’98 with friends from Springs
RETURN TO CAMPUS:
OPERATIC OFFERINGS Dr. Lester Seigel ’75 and voice students from Birmingham-Southern College—including ISS alum Greta Sandy ’10 (shown seated)—visited Indian Springs in January to perform scenes from two 20th-century operas, Vaughan Williams’ Riders to the Sea and Hollingsworth’s The Mother. The students will perform the operas with orchestra in April at BSC. Dr. Seigel gave special shout-outs to Faculty Emeritus/ Historian Mac Fleming, who taught him history at ISS, and current ISS students Liz Dillard ’15 and Sam Dillard ’19, his grandchildren.
LEO KAYSER III ’62 JOINS ISS BOARD Indian Springs School is pleased to announce that Leo Kayser III ’62 of New York City has joined the ISS Board of Governors. A graduate of Yale University and the University of Virginia, he is a partner at Kayser & Redfern, LLP. Kayser’s father, Leo Kayser Jr., in whose honor the new Academic Center is named, served on the ISS Board of Governors from 1970 to 1973.
PICTURED, FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Callie Mauldin Bagby ’98, Lesley Burton ’96, Julie Knight (Chris Knight ’98), Laurel Mills ’98, Leah Green ’98, Annie Damsky ’98, Amelia Johnson, Becky Carpenter (J.W. Carpenter ’97), Holly Brown ’96 (Photo: Daniel Taylor Photography)
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Photo by Michael Sheehan
ABOVE: Sarah Urist Green ’95,
creator of “The Art Assignment.” BELOW: The Nursery from the
exhibition “New Way to Forget” by Clayton Colvin ’95.
ART FUELS SPEAKERS ECHO COMMON THEME: ‘FOLLOW YOUR CURIOSITY’ More than 30 ISS alumni, parents, and friends have shared their creative secrets and artistic journeys as part of “Art Fuels,” Indian Springs’ yearlong, school-wide speaker series exploring the importance of artistic expression and innovative thinking. Sculptors, painters, graphic designers, jewelry makers, printmakers, photographers, and others have encouraged students to explore media and subjects they find personally meaningful: “Follow your curiosity where it takes you,” said abstract painter and multimedia artist Clayton Colvin ’95. “Be fearless! Find what your artistic drive is and go for it,” said jewelry designer and ISS parent Teresa Bruno, P ’11, ’15. “Art is about the things that appeal to you, the things that you know,” said linoleum block relief printmaker and alumni parent Debra Riffe P ’00, ’03. “Art is something everybody can do, and experience, and enjoy,” said Sarah Urist Green ’98, creator of “The Art Assignment.”
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Mary Catherine Hawley ’07 with new husband Brandon Thornton and members of wedding party Competition; received positive reviews from The BlueCat Screenplay Competition and various Hollywood executives and production companies; and is currently in the process of potential optioning. Pictured on page 31 is a screenshot from the short film version of VOYEUR. The Robertsons shot in the ISS Town Hall (shown) and Photography Lab. CLASS OF 2007
Mary Catherine Hawley ’07, daughter of Beth and Kirk Hawley ’66, is happy to announce her marriage to Brandon Clay Thornton of Dothan. Mary Catherine graduated in 2012 with a degree in Family and Child Studies from the University of Montevallo, where she was a member of the Delta Gamma sorority. She works as a lead preschool teacher in Birmingham. Brandon graduated in 2008 from the University of South Alabama, where he was a member of the Eta Kappa Nu engineering honor society. He earned his MBA at the University of Alabama in 2011. Brandon works as an electrical engineer for Southern Company. The couple was married in the Old Country Church at Tannehill State Park on April 26, 2014, with a reception held at The Club. They currently live in Pelham with their recently rescued pit bull, Harley. CLASS OF 2009
Jennie Fisher ’09 works as the
SEND US YOUR NEWS!
Let ISS classmates, faculty, and friends know what you’ve been doing by emailing us your news for the Noteworthy section of Indian Springs magazine. Send your info and photos to Mindy Keyes Black at mblack@ indiansprings.org.
Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator for The CE Group, Inc., an event-based marketing firm in San Antonio, Texas. Since moving their company, triptap, to Atlanta, Ben Thuss ’09 and business partner Matt Brodeur have launched a new local discovery and recommendation service for finding unique, offthe-beaten-path restaurants, hotels, cafes, and things to do in in the Atlanta area. (Look for triptap’s free iPhone app, which was released in January.) The service offers in-depth reviews, high-resolution photos, and a dynamic selection of categories that change based on date and time of day. Thuss and Brodeur hope to expand the service to other cities—including Birmingham—in 2015. CLASS OF 2012
Dunya Habash ’12 raised more than $5,000 in 2014 to help fund a documentary project that will
Dunya Habash ’12 chronicle the challenges, hardships, and fears of Syrian refugees living in the Zaatari Refugee Camp in Jordan. Habash, who is fluent in Arabic, began filming in August while volunteering at the camp, which is located about 50 miles outside Amman, the capital of Jordan. “My goal is to find a story that will make a compelling documentary that will provide a detailed and visual account of the daily lives of the displaced people in the camp,” she says. Habash, who is a student at BirminghamSouthern College, hopes to finish editing the film by this summer. Justin Mercer ’12 has written and published a book, Hell Has No Stars, the story of his personal struggle with depression during his teenage years. Mercer is active in the Auburn University chapter of Active Minds, a nonprofit organization that encourages students to speak openly about mental health issues. “Hopefully by sharing my story, I can in some way help a person with his or her own struggle and ultimately start a conversation and bring mental health issues to the forefront of society,” says Mercer.
Henry S. Long III ’01 and Alice Hawley Long ’03 Ben and Nadia Perry Robertson ’05
LOVE SPRINGS ETERNAL
2014 ALUMNI HOLIDAY PARTY More than 300 alumni, faculty, and friends gathered on Dec. 26 for the school’s 2014 Alumni Holiday Party at the McWane Science Center. Thanks so much to all those who supported Teams Armstrong and Woodard in raising money for the 2014 Annual Fund!
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1. Team Armstrong Co-Captains Elliott Bell ’10 and Fergus Tuohy ’96 with Team Woodward Co-Captains Kari Todd ’09 and Carter McLean ’06 2. Jeffrey ’91 and Amy Sides, Krista Causey (Lamon) ’91, Taylor Causey, and ISS English teacher Diane Sheppard 3. Aiden and Kiam Moriya ’19 (sons of Kazuo Moriya ’84) 4. Austin Guthrie ’09, Rebecca Barr ’09, and Claire Bailey ’09 5. Director of Development Beth Mulvey with Chip ’74 and Jill Thuss 6. Will Thistle and Callen Bair ’01 with Sarah Lovell, D.G. Pantazis ’03, and Miho Kubagawa ’03 Visit www.indiansprings.org/alumniholidayparty2014 to see and download more great photos.
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enry S. Long III ’01, son of Gina and Hank Long ’70, and Alice Hawley Long ’03, daughter of Beth and Kirk Hawley ’66, were married on June 28, 2014, at First Presbyterian Church in Birmingham. The couple was surrounded by Springs family and friends (see photo above), including wedding party members Mary Catherine Hawley Thornton ’06, Sandra Georgescu ’03, Laura McLean ’03, Leah Tharpe ’03, Julia Trechsel Davis ’03, Eleanor Hodges Tolbert ’05, Hank Long ’70, Benjamin Hawley ’12, Charles Hawley ’08, Jeffrey Tolbert ’03, Luke Strange ’03, and Jesse Unkenholz ’01. The couple resides in Birmingham, where Henry practices as an attorney at Butler Snow law firm, specializing in corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, venture capital, and private equity work. Alice owns and operates a counseling private practice where she is the primary therapist specializing in adolescent psychology, family counseling, and couples therapy. ABOVE PHOTO, front row, from left (kneeling/seated): Ree Sherer ’68, Eleanor Hodges Tolbert ’05, Sandra Georgescu ‘03, Emma Dinsmore ’05, Henry S. Long III ’01, Alice Hawley Long ’03, Laura McLean ’03, Leah Tharpe ’03, Julia Trechsel Davis ’03, Rick Sprague ’66, Greg Hodges ’66. Center row, from left (leaning in): Brad Kidd ’69, D.G. Pantazis ’03, Hank Long ’70, Andrea Engel Haines ’03, Starr Turner Drum ’02, Jeff Tolbert ’03, Elizabeth Hodges ’09, Rachel Hirsch Schneider ’03, Meera Reddy ’05, ISS Biology teacher Bob Pollard, Lillian Haines ’06, Liz Hodges. Back rows, from left (standing): Pratt Brown ’73, Goddy Fies ’73, Cayce Frye ’00, Jesse Unkenholz ’01, Megan Fortson Frye ’00, Louis Gordon ’03, Lake Trechsel ’04, Kent Haines ’03, Luke Strange ’03, William Gamble ’03, Joey Unkenholz ’04, Elizabeth (Bizza) Theibert ’04, Benjamin Hawley ’12, Tripp Brockway ’08, Charles Hawley ’08, Jane Latham Hodges ’07, Henry McHenry ’68, Daniel Heacock ’03, Kirk Hawley ’66, Betsy Hawley ’05, Kate Hawley ’09, Greg Hawley ’75—plus two friendly guests!
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I N M E MOR IA M ALUMNI
Nicholas Thomas (Nick) Igou ’11
James Raymond Wright ’61 of Foley, Ala., died on Dec. 19. A native of Pensacola, he was a member of BE&K and subsidiaries for more than 30 years and a member of the Alabama Society of CPAs. Survivors include his ex-wife, Ann Wright of Foley; and brother, Douglas (Michelle) Wright of Sylacauga. John Jefferson (Jeff) Humphries ’73 died on Sept. 20 at his home in New Orleans. A graduate of Duke and Yale Universities, he joined the faculty of Louisiana State University in 1982 and received the joint appointment of Professor of French Studies and English in 1986. He received the LSU Foundation Distinguished Faculty Award in 1993 and was named Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Government in 2001. He is known for a range of published works: Katrina, mon amour; Collected Poems of Edouard Glissant; Borealis; Reading Emptiness: Buddhism and Literature; The Puritan and the Cynic: the Literary Moralist in America and France; and The Otherness Within: Gnostic Readings in Marcel Proust, Flannery O’Connor, and Francois Villon. Brandy Lee Martin ’92 of Pelham passed away on Dec. 18. A graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, he enjoyed a career in ministry with 180 Degrees Ministries. Survivors include his daughter, Noelle; two sons, Parker and Evan; and parents, Roy and Charlotte Martin of Pelham. Nicholas Thomas (Nick) Igou ’11 of Huntsville, Ala., died on Oct. 24. A student at the University of North Carolina Asheville, Nick was to major in Environmental Science, as he continued his very personal love for music and stringed instruments. He had great empathy for his fellow citizens, as well as all sentient beings of the world, and he desired honor and justice for all. One of his proudest accomplishments was his involvement as counselor at Camp McDowell’s Special Session for special needs adults. Nick’s
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years at Springs were some of his happiest. He performed in plays, student concerts, and concert choir; fished often in the lake; and lovingly photographed his school home. He is survived by his parents, Tom and Debbie Igou of Huntsville; and his brother, Bill Igou of San Francisco. FRIENDS AND FAMILY
Alumni grandfather Terry Glenn Bolan of Alexander City died on Feb. 11. A native of Tallapoosa County, he served as a volunteer fireman and retired as Superintendent of the Electric Department for Alexander City after 32 years of service. Survivors include grandchildren Sarah Beth Himic Mace ’03 (Brad), Haley Glenn Himic ’08, and Stephen Himic ’13.
for 20 years and was integral in establishing the Youth Orchestra. Survivors include her daughter, Charlotte Rushton McDavid (widow of Jordan McDavid ’58); and her stepdaughter, Douglass Corey (John), and their children, John Norman Corey III ’75 and Allen Rushton Corey ’76. David Douglass Corey, brother of two ISS alumni, died Nov. 7 after a courageous fight against cancer. A Birmingham native, he attended the University of Alabama and graduated from Lambeth College. He served as past President of the Institute of Real Estate Management. Survivors include his two brothers, John Norman Corey III ’75 and Allen Rushton Corey ’76.
Alumni grandparent Nona (Sis) Beasley Browne-May died peacefully on Feb. 17. A lifelong Birmingham resident, she retired after 50 years with the City of Birmingham General Employees’ Credit Union, where she served as Manager and Treasurer of the Board of Directors. Survivors include her daughter, Cindy Van Horn (Greg); and grandchildren Blake Van Horn ’02 and Wes Van Horn ’05.
Alumni parent Alvin Victor Filer Jr. of Homewood died Oct. 25 at age 88. Born in New York City, he graduated from Columbia University with a degree in Mining Engineering. He moved to Birmingham to work for U.S. Steel in 1950. Starting in the coal and ore mines, he advanced to management in the blast furnace operations. After retiring in 1982, he became a Certified Financial Planner. Survivors include his three children, Daniel Filer ’77, David Filer ’80, and Carol Filer DeBoer ’84.
Alumni grandmother Charlotte Enslen Rushton Chew of Mountain Brook died Nov. 15. A Birmingham native, she played violin with the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Dianne Murphree Hager, grandmother of Kadie Jacobs ’19 and mother of History teacher Kelly Jacobs, died on Feb. 23. A skilled water skier, talented drummer,
INDIAN SPRINGS SCHOOL
William Byron King
and accomplished pianist and singer, she studied math and vocal performance at the University of Alabama before deciding to pursue elementary education. Survivors include daughter Kelly Jacobs (Clint) and granddaughter Kadie Jacobs ’19. Alumni parent Edmond Darby Henley died peacefully on Feb. 22. A graduate of the University of Alabama, he was an avid outdoorsman. After serving his country as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force at the end of the Korean Conflict, he served as President of his family’s business, Birmingham Electric Battery Company (BEBCO), and later as President and CEO of BEBCO Distributors, Inc. Survivors include children Edmond Darby Henley Jr. ’82 (Susan) and Suzanne Henley Horst ’84 (Rudy). Alumna great-grandparent Loujean B. Hutchison died Dec. 13. A graduate of Thompson High School, she was devoted to family and enjoyed sewing, quilting, and reading. Survivors include her daughter-in-law, longtime ISS registrar Sue Hutchison; and great-granddaughter Arwen Hutchison ’12. Former ISS English teacher William Byron King died on Dec. 26 at the age of 99. A graduate of Vanderbilt University and Peabody College, he taught high school English for 31
years, beginning his career in Hiawassee and finishing at Huntington High School in Huntington, N.Y. A World War II veteran, he received a John Hay Whitney Fellowship in 1958-59 to study at Columbia University in 1958-59. He served on the English faculty at Indian Springs from 1960 to 1964. Alumnus parent Samuel (Sam) William Oliver Jr. died on Feb. 9. A Birmingham native and graduate of the University of Alabama and the University of Alabama School of Law, he served two years in the U.S. Army and clerked for Alabama Supreme Court Justice Thomas S. Lawson Sr. and U.S. Federal Judge Clarence W. Allgood. He was a partner in the law firm of Burr & Forman, where he practiced corporate law for 43 years. Survivors include his son Samuel William (Bill) Oliver III ’86. Alumna grandparent Louise B. Purvis of Acworth died on July 28, 2014. Survivors include her granddaughter Arwen Hutchison ’12. Alumna parent John Palmer Reynolds died on Dec. 12. A native of Gadsden, he graduated valedictorian from Tuscaloosa Academy and earned his B.S. in Engineering from Vanderbilt University. A successful engineer who loved his family, he worked at Alabama Power and Southern Company until the late 1990s. He became a project manager at Mirant Corporation before opening his own energy consulting firm, Professional Asset Management, in 2002. Survivors include his daughter, Caroline Reynolds Kakati ’02. Alumnus parent John Henry Roberts Jr. died peacefully on Nov. 12. A native of Florence, Ala., he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force as a bomber pilot, serving in World War II, later transferring to the U.S. Army Air Corps. He attended the University of Alabama and was a farmer, entrepreneur, charter pilot, flight instructor, and real estate professional. Survivors include his son Paul Roberts ’73. Alumnae grandparent Joe Robert Sims died on Nov. 5 at his home in Pinson. He attended Mortimer
Jordan High School, where he graduated valedictorian. A skillful carpenter, he built houses throughout the Southeast. Survivors include granddaughters Amanda Leigh Dinsmore ’03 and Emilee Anne (Emma) Dinsmore ’05.
IN MEMORY OF
Alumna grandparent Morris E. Sundberg died on Oct. 5. Survivors include granddaughter Taylor Hinch ’17. Alumnae grandparent Dr. Gertrude A. (Trudy) Tharpe died on Nov. 6. A graduate of Tift College, the New Orleans Baptist Seminary (MRE), Furman University (MA), and Peabody College at Vanderbilt University (PhD), she was a pioneer in developing grief support services in the Birmingham area. She started Community Grief Support in the early 1980s and continued work in this area as Founding Director of the Alabama Grief Support Foundation. Survivors include grandchildren Laura Tharpe ’97 and Leah Tharpe ’03. Alumni grandparent Hilda Jane Goode Van Horn, mother of ISS Athletic Director Greg Van Horn, died Nov. 29 at her home in Center Point, Ala., after a long bout with cancer. A native of Pineville, W.V., she served as a volunteer with the Wahouma Little League Park in East Lake and was a perennial team mother. Survivors include son Greg Van Horn (Cindy); and grandchildren Blake Van Horn ’02 and Wes Van Horn ’05. Alumnus parent and grandparent Dr. Frank Waldo died on Dec. 24. A native of Oklahoma, he graduated from the College of the Pacific and joined the U.S. Navy shortly after Pearl Harbor. A graduate of the University of Alabama School of Medicine, he entered the practice of pediatrics in 1952 in Homewood; his practice grew into the Mayfair Medical Group. After retiring he became Associate Medical Director of Children’s Hospital of Alabama for 13 years until his second retirement in 2000. Survivors include his son, Dr. Bryson Waldo ’70; and grandchildren Melissa Waller ’01 and Mark Waldo ’04.
DORRIE FUCHS (1957-2015) Dorrie Fuchs, 57, died on Jan. 10 after a courageous six-month struggle with complications caused by bacterial meningitis. She grew up in Chappaqua, N.Y., and was a graduate of Horace Greeley High School, Middlebury College, and the University of Virginia. Dorrie made a significant impact on everything she did and is remembered for the joy, energy, and comfort that she brought to the lives of all who knew her. She enjoyed a successful career in education, working for A Better Chance in Boston and for 19 years as the Director of Admissions and Financial Aid at the Washington International School in Washington, D.C. A dedicated choral singer, she sang with the Tanglewood Festival Chorus, the Washington Chorus, and the Alabama Symphony Chorus and performed with the Washington Chorus on a Grammy Award-winning recording of the Britten War Requiem. In Alabama, Dorrie fulfilled a lifelong dream by becoming a horse-riding instructor for the handicapped, working and volunteering at Special Equestrians of Birmingham. A devoted member of her church community, Dorrie was President of the Congregation of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Birmingham from 2013 until her death. She was also an involved and enthusiastic supporter of the Indian Springs School community. Jan Fortson, ISS Dean of Student Life: “Dorrie didn’t know a stranger, and her table in our Dining Hall was open to everyone. She opened her heart to all of us.” James Scott ’75, P ’14, ’16: “A consummate “people person,” she knitted a fabric of life from the threads of the many stories of all the folks she ever met. We only knew her for a short time, but my family adored her. That was her impact on us and those who knew her.” Catherine McLean, ISS Trustee and P ’03, ’06, ’11, and Board Member, Special Equestrians of Birmingham: “Dorrie had a positive energy that was contagious, whether she was working with riders at Special Equestrians or welcoming members of the ISS community into her home. We shall miss her.” Lia Orcutt ’14: “Last year we were rehearsing for the Bach orchestral concert, and it had been an interesting rehearsal to say the least. I remember looking out into the small audience and seeing Dorrie singing along quietly in her seat, just bouncing along to the music. It made the rest of the rehearsal go so much better knowing she was supporting us from the audience.” Amy Barr P ’10, ’12, ’16: “I loved listening to Dorrie and my daughter Virginia (’12) discussing the wonders of singing pieces by Brahms or the joy of singing at Tanglewood. Dorrie delighted in Springs students and families. She loved seeing the potential and growth of each student. Dorrie loved her life with Gareth at Indian Springs. I will miss her joyful enthusiasm. She will always be in my heart.”
SPRING 2015
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ALUMNI WEEKEND 2015: APRIL 16-19 REUNION CLASS PARTIES
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lumni from class years ending in “5” and “0” will celebrate their reunion class parties on Saturday, April 18. If you have not yet heard from your class agent about your party, use this contact information to learn more:
CLASS OF 1960
Mac Moncus ’60, cmoncus@cmwlaw.com CLASS OF 1965
Randy Marks ’65, architectura@bham.rr.com CLASS OF 1975
James Scott ’75, jamesscott@codeaccess.net CLASS OF 1980
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econnect with friends, family, and faculty by making your way back to Springs for Alumni Weekend 2015! The weekend will begin with the 2015 Directors’ Dinner and will feature the presentation of the Outstanding Alum Award, an alumni-faculty reception for all classes, campus tours , family fun, and much more. This year we will honor all alumni with class years ending in “5” and “0.” All events are free except for Saturday evening reunion class parties. Special Springs rates are available at area hotels. Visit www.indiansprings. org/alumniweekend2015 today to learn more and register.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS THURSDAY, APRIL 16
9 A.M. Morning Run – Meet by Town Hall 10 A.M. Registration, Refreshments, and
Memorabilia – Town Hall 10:30 A.M. – 2:30 P.M. Cool Things for Kids (for ages 3-11) – Student Lounge 11:30 A.M. – 1 P.M. Alumni and Family
Lunch – Dining Hall 12:50 P.M. – 1 P.M.
ISS Concert Choir Sings – Dining Hall 1 P.M. ISSINFO (Q&A of ISS happenings, open-
9 A.M. – 3 P.M. Attend a Favorite Class or Two
– Ray Woodard Field
– ISS Campus 11:30 A.M. Listen to or Sing with the
5 P.M. Varsity Boys Soccer vs. Altamont – Ray Woodard Field
Choir – Concert Hall
EVENING Individual Reunion Class Parties
12 – 1 P.M. Informal Lunch – Dining Hall
(for class years ending in “5” and “0”) – Various Locations
for All Classes – Continental Bakery Downtown, Birmingham
INDIAN SPRINGS SCHOOL
Julie Dyas Goldberg ’90, juliedyas@yahoo.com Honza Prchal ’90, hprchal@hgdlawfirm.com John Durward ’90, john@durwardcromer.com Mike Goodrich ’90, mike@goodrichfirm.com Goodloe White ’90, goodloe.white@gmail.com CLASS OF 1995
Emma Dinsmore ’05, emma.dinsmore@gmail.com Charles Guo ’05, charles.y.guo@gmail.com
3 P.M. Varsity Girls Soccer vs. Altamont
and News of Springs Eternal – Concert Hall
CLASS OF 1990
Campus Tours I (led by current students) – Depart from Town Hall
ISS’s top giving societies)
6 – 8 P.M. Alumni-Faculty Reception
Kyung Han ’85, kyinhan@yahoo.com Mona Singh ’85, monasingh@mac.com Laurie Spira-Savett ’85, lspirasavett@yahoo.com
Emmett Cloud ’95, emmett.h.cloud@ms.com
FRIDAY, APRIL 17
1 P.M. 2015 Outstanding Alum Award
CLASS OF 1985
ing with performance by ISS Concert Choir) – Concert Hall
2 P.M. Campus Tours II (led by current students) – Depart from Town Hall
6:30 P.M. Directors’ Dinner (by invitation to
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SATURDAY, APRIL 18
Robert Aland ’80, raland@nationalbankof commerce.com John Abbot ’80, jabbot@telx.com Jim Walker ’80, jwalker59@me.com Susan Dillard Phillips ’80, susandillardphillips@ gmail.com
SUNDAY, APRIL 19 9 A.M. Continental Breakfast – Dining Hall 10 A.M. – 12 P.M. Informal Brunch – Dining Hall
CLASS OF 2005
CLASS OF 2010
Elliott Bell ’10, elliottbell45@gmail.com
STAY IN TOUCH WITH ISS NEWS!
CONNECT WITH ISS
1. FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK. See great photos and read real-time posts about student achievements, alumni gatherings, faculty awards, choir performances, campus updates, and upcoming events. Visit the Indian Springs School Facebook page and click “Like” at the top right to receive our content in your News Feed. Facebook frequently updates its newsfeed algorithm, so when you see our posts, be sure to “like” them as well!
2. DISCOVER WHAT SPRINGS ETERNAL IS MAKING POSSIBLE!
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Visit our Campaign for Springs Eternal website, ISSspringseternal.org, to see our beautiful Springs Eternal video, learn about our plans, and add your name to the growing list of Springs Eternal supporters. New to the Campaign website? Simply click on “Click here” to enter the site without a username and password.
3. SEE WHAT OUR STUDENTS LOVE ABOUT ISS!
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Visit our Admission website, ExperienceSprings.org, to learn more about Indian Springs School, read why current students chose to attend, request information, or submit an online application. If you or someone you know hasn’t spent time on campus, this is a great introduction to life at ISS. (Be sure to schedule a visit.)
4. READ GARETH’S BLOG! Every other week ISS Director Gareth Vaughan talks about what’s happening at Springs and shares insights into special events, student accomplishments, faculty distinctions, and school plans and goals. Access his blog through the WordPress icon on the home page of our school website, IndianSprings.org. While you’re reading his latest post, click “Follow” to receive e-mail updates when a new post is added. We also share his posts via Facebook and Twitter!
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ALSO ON
SPRING 2015
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Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Birmingham, AL Permit #2287
190 Woodward Drive Indian Springs, AL 35124 205-988-3350 www.indiansprings.org
Extraordinary young people deserve extraordinary summers. Choose from two great summer program options: Summer@Springs: Weeklong, half-day academic enrichment camps for middle and high school students on a variety of great topics. June 8—Aug. 7. Learn more and register at www.indiansprings.org/summer New this summer! Camp Indian Springs (formerly Spain Park Day Camp): Weeklong, full-day summer camps featuring sports, gardening, arts and crafts, and more for ages 5-13. June 1—July 31. Learn more and register at campindiansprings119.com
Indian Springs School
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WEEKLONG DAY CAMPS FOR AGES 5 AND UP