Summer 2017 Magazine by Indian Springs School

INDIAN SPRINGS A MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OF INDIAN SPRINGS SCHOOL

SUMMER 2017

Learning Through... Listening At a Time When Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Easier Than Ever for Young People To Tune Others Out, Indian Springs Reinforces the Value of Hearing One Another PAG E 2 2

CATCHING UP WITH DR. COOPER page 18

HOLLYWOOD FILMMAKER page 49

INDIAN SPRINGS MAGAZINE

HEAD OF SCHOOL

DR. SHARON HOWELL DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & OPERATIONS

Tanya Yeager

MISSION STATEMENT The mission of Indian Springs School is 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 is a community of talented boarding and day students and dedicated faculty committed to the belief that in learning to balance individual achievement with the values and principles of democracy, the student can develop to his or her full stature.

DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT

Loren Gary ’76 DIRECTOR OF ADMISSION

Claire Cassady DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Mindy Keyes Black DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL PROJECTS & STRATEGY

Lauren Wainwright ’88 DEAN OF ACADEMICS

Dr. Tanya Hyatt DEAN OF STUDENT DEVELOPMENT & COMMUNITY LIFE

Janae Peters DEAN OF STUDENT LIFE

EDITOR

Mindy Keyes Black GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Ellen S. Padgett CONTRIBUTORS

Graham Yelton Michael Sheehan Art Meripol Gary Clark Stewart Edmonds

Jan Fortson

Sunny Dong ’17

DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE ADVISING

Cal Woodruff

Amelia Johnson ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

Greg Van Horn

Lauren Cole Steve Coleman ’59 Amelia Johnson Claire Cassady Sarah Cook

BOARD OF GOVERNORS 2017-18

Libby Pantazis P ’03, ’06, ’09, Chairman, Robert Aland ’80, Janet Perry Book P ’04, ’09, Myla Calhoun P ’11, ’13, Alan Engel ’73, P ’03, ’12, Joe Farley ’81, P ’14, ’16, Clara Chung Fleisig P ’13, ’16, Rob Henrikson ’65, Ben Hunt ’82, Leo Kayser III ’62, Ellen McElroy ’78, Catherine McLean P ’03, ’06, ’11, Eli Phillips, Scott Pulliam ’85, P ’16, ’17, Rusty Rushton ’74, P ’09, ’11, John Simmons ’65, P ’96, Hanson Slaughter ’90, P ’20, Fergus Tuohy ’96, Annie Damsky ’98, Ex Officio, Alumni Council, Michele Reisner P ’18, Ex Officio, Parents Association

At Indian Springs School, we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint. If you would prefer to receive Indian Springs magazine or other school communications electronically, please let us know by emailing us at indiansprings@indiansprings.org.

Peter Moss Kathryn D’Arcy INDIAN SPRINGS SCHOOL

publishes Indian Springs magazine twice a year, in fall/winter and spring/summer. Printed by Craftsman Printing, Birmingham, Ala. CLASS NOTES

classnotes@indiansprings.org ADDRESS CHANGES

Indian Springs School • 190 Woodward Drive • Indian Springs, AL 35124 • 205.988.3350 indiansprings@indiansprings.org

NOTICE OF NONDISCIMINATORY POLICY AS TO STUDENTS Indian Springs School, an independent school nationally recognized as a leader in boarding and day education for grades 8-12, serves a talented and diverse student body and offers its admission to qualified students regardless of race, gender, religion, national origin, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. Located in Indian Springs, Ala., just south of Birmingham, the school does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, national origin, ethnicity, or sexual orientation in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, or athletic and other schooladministered programs.

F E AT U R E D

INDIAN SPRINGS {CONTENTS}

SUMMER 2017, VOLUME FIFTEEN, ISSUE TWO

43 Years and Counting! As he prepares to begin his 44th year at Indian Springs, history teacher Dr. Bob Cooper talks with fellow faculty member Cal Woodruff about his experiences in education and what the 2017-18 school year holds in store.

Student Spotlight For Emma Turner ’17—who believes that Springs’ emphasis on individualism and excellence prepares students to make an impact on their world— making a difference starts with pursuing a passion.

Springs Eternal Indian Springs celebrated the dedications of the Kayser Academic Center, Armstrong Administration building, and Samford Way in April at a special Town Meeting honoring alumni and families for their deep commitment to the school.

From School Plays to Hollywood Productions Not landing the lead role in the school play doesn’t necessarily mean a Hollywood career isn’t in the cards. Filmmaker Hanelle Culpepper Meier ’88 finds inspiration behind the camera. I N E V E RY I S S U E

WELCOME LETTERS

COVER STORY

Learning Through ... Listening

While technological advances continue to expand how we communicate and connect, teaching the often-overlooked skill of good listening remains at the heart of an educational philosophy rooted in critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and respect. In this spin on the school’s beloved motto, Indian Springs magazine takes a look at the many ways that Springs reinforces the importance of taking the time to hear one another. (Photos by Graham Yelton)

CAMPUS NEWS

HIGH MARKS

LASTING TIES

WELCOME

F R O M B OA R D C H A I R L I B BY PA N TA Z I S

LIBBY PANTAZIS

Summer 2017

Chair, Indian Springs School Board of Governors

ARLIER THIS SPRING, I had the pleasure of joining Sharon and several dozen students, faculty, and parents at a special event that Indian Springs was excited to co-sponsor at Samford University, Speaker Spotlight 2017 featuring Sir Ken Robinson. Sir Ken, a world-renowned educator whose TED Talks are among the most watched on TED.com, addresses a topic that he feels is crucial to education: creativity. If a school creates a culture of creativity, where students have room to put their imaginations to work, Sir Ken tells us, its students will flourish. As an artist, I am fascinated by the creative process. Creativity starts with inspiration. It requires imagination, planning, reflection. Problem-solving skills are as important as vision, and where we find creativity, we also find great courage and commitment. It is inherent in the arts, of course, but as Sir Ken notes, it is equally important in every discipline. Indian Springs has recognized—and modeled—the importance of creative, out-of-thebox thinking since its inception in 1952. As alumni and friends reminded us in April at the dedication ceremony for Springs’ new Armstrong Administration building, Kayser Academic Center, and Samford Way, Founding Director Doc Armstrong was already challenging the educational status quos of the day in his correspondence to parents. Quoted his grandson, Judge Stephen Dillard: “We do not want your boy to leave school with his appetite for learning killed and his mind loaded with lumps of undigested information…. The essence of what we’re trying to do is to widen and quicken your son’s capacity for activity of thought.” Armstrong also encouraged students to “have an open mind in your approach to the solution of problems.” Frank Samford ’62 recalled at the dedication ceremony, “Doc’s basic view was you start with the students. It was completely contrary to what most private schools in the United States did then and do now, because most private schools are top-down institutions, not bottom-up, and it still distinguishes Indian Springs.” Creativity remains at the heart of an Indian Springs education. Our students display endless creative energy, both in the classroom and out. We see it in the leadership they demonstrate through Springs’ distinctive student government, in the community service opportunities that they organize and promote, and in their respect for artistry and individuality across all disciplines and aspects of school life. Emboldened by students’ passion and originality, Sharon and fellow faculty members are exploring exciting new ways to strengthen advising, support even more multidisciplinary learning experiences, provide a dedicated space for students to learn engineering and design, add creative advanced courses to the curriculum, and partner with other organizations and schools to broaden the resources that we provide these amazing young people. Our Board of Governors, too, is continually energized by this spirit of creativity. We see it year after year as our members dive into the important work of financial sustainability, campus master planning, and other long-term goals with equal resourcefulness. In many projects, such as strategic planning and mission statement reviews, we continue to “start with the students,” seeking their invaluable input and distinctive voices. Today, as in 1952, our culture of creativity, rooted in planning, reflection, and imagination, continues to inspire us.

FROM HEAD OF SCHOOL DR . SHARON HOWELL

NDIAN SPRINGS, I’VE BEEN LISTENING.

It has been a full and marvelous year since my family and I arrived in Alabama. I have learned so much from the people here—not just on campus, but in the larger Springs community of alumni and friends, and in the Birmingham and educational communities— and have tried to keep my ears open to your concerns, hopes, memories, and ideas. I listened last month when visiting China, meeting with Springs 10th grader Emma Wang and her father in the beautiful city of Xi’an. Seeing the Head of School just a half hour from home was such a rare thing that they remarked on it. Knowing that for Birmingham families proximity to Springs is commonplace, I was struck again by how fortunate we are to have our brilliant, brave boarding students and their families at Springs. I listened at the end of June as I and the heads of other “Malone Schools” (schools with grants from the Malone Foundation) convened at Stanford University to hear important educators discuss the big picture in several fields. Most speakers touched on the theme of “purpose.” The dean of the Graduate School of Education described new research confirming that purpose is crucial to deep learning; and the dean of admissions told us that as corny as it may sound, Stanford is looking for evidence of “passion, potential, and purpose” in applicants. The director of Stanford’s Artificial Intelligence Lab argued for the humanities in technology, saying “artificial intelligence will change humanity, but who will create it, and for what purpose?” The messages were reassuringly consonant with those I have heard unmistakably from you in my past year at Indian Springs. While in San Francisco I also had a delightful lunch with Allan Cruse ’59 (who, it turns out, was the author of the school newspaper headline you’ll see on page 31), who has spent his career in higher education. He echoed what I have heard from so many: that from the beginning this school has been helping students find purpose. I’ve heard that Springs changed your lives by being a place where you were taken seriously and listened to, sometimes for the first time. I’ve heard that while you valued the chance to express your young selves, you often valued even more the chance to hear from others who were different from you. And I’ve heard that you cherished the active citizenship expected of you here; because accomplished faculty and impressive classmates were listening, you had to be a worthy participant in the conversation. I plan to keep listening this year, and in the years to come, because Springs abides by its founding principles of constant improvement, inquiry, and self-examination. A new team begins work with me this month, including alumni Loren Gary ’76 (Director of Advancement) and Lauren Wainwright ’88 (Director of Strategy and Special Projects)—both of whom will be listening with ears already dialed in to Springs’ frequencies. With their help, and that of all our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and parents, Springs will be more like itself than ever—true to its ethic of participatory citizenship, dedicated to fostering integrity and moral courage, and, I would add, eager to listen for signs of singular and collective passion, potential, and purpose. Stay tuned.

DR. SHARON HOWELL

Head of School, Indian Springs School

Indian Springs

WELCOME

S I LV E R L E E D C E R T I F I C AT I O N

Indian Springs Achieves Silver LEED Certification By Mindy Keyes Black

Summer 2017

NDIAN SPRINGS SCHOOL’S three new classroom buildings and new Armstrong Administration building have been awarded Silver LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit that promotes sustainability in building design, construction, and operation. Considered a standard for sustainable building in the United States and more than 150 countries and territories worldwide, LEED certification recognizes green building features that conserve energy, save water, lower carbon emissions, and create healthier environments. For its Silver LEED designation, Indian Springs earned significant points across six environmental categories: innovative design, sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and

Designed to conserve energy, save water, lower carbon emissions, and create healthier environments, Springs’ new buildings reflect the school’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.

atmosphere, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality. Specific areas in which Springs received recognition include: INNOVATION IN DESIGN: Use of daylight, unobstructed views, open space, and low-mercury lighting; and development of a classroom curriculum highlighting the buildings’ sustainable design features SUSTAINABLE SITES: Preferred parking for low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles; storm water management to limit pollution of natural water flows to Springs’ lake; use of roofing materials that reduce “heat islands” and their impact on microclimates and wildlife and human habitats; and reduction of light pollution to increase night sky visibility WATER EFFICIENCY: Reduction of total water use for irrigation by 93%; and reduction of potable water use by 30% ENERGY AND ATMOSPHERE: Energy costs

reduced by 34%; use of alternatives to ozone-depleting refrigerants to cool the buildings; and green power (purchase of renewable energy to provide at least 35% of the buildings’ electricity) MATERIALS AND RESOURCES:

Construction waste management (67% of construction waste was diverted from landfills); and use of recycled content and regional materials

INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY:

Air quality management plan during construction; use of low-emitting building materials (paint, sealants); lighting and thermal controls; and connection to the outdoors through natural lighting and unobstructed views “The choices that Indian Springs made for our new buildings signal the school’s deep commitment to using our resources wisely,

Photos by Graham Yelton, Casey Dunn

CAMPUS NEWS

alumni—students, and parents really led the charge for green building, which speaks volumes not only about their desire to make the world a better place but also about their passion for doing all that they can to protect Indian Springs for current and future generations.” Springs’ commitment to sustainability is evident at every level of the school community, says Howell. In November 2014, the Board of Governors approved a Sustainability Policy that champions sustainable practices in all aspects of school life. Classes such as Sustainable Development and AP Environmental Science enable faculty to use the new buildings and the unique ecological identity of the campus as springboards for students to learn about green design and natural resources. Outside the classroom, Springs’ student-run Student Government manages the school’s on-site recycling program, and the Fertile Minds Learning Garden gives students a firsthand look at the benefits of finding chemical-free solutions to agricultural issues like soil health and pest control. “It’s so important to keep sustainability at the forefront of our efforts,” says Howell. “By conserving energy and protecting our resources—which have clear environmental and financial impacts—and incorporating sustainability education in our curriculum, we create a learning environment that emphasizes the many dimensions of sustainability and the importance of thinking creatively for a bright future.” The buildings are the first part of a threephase Campus Master Plan that also features replacing the current dining hall with a new dining hall that will include an outdoor dining area, new appliances, and flexibility to accommodate groups of various sizes; and creating a new arts center with art studios and an art gallery at the heart of the campus.

“You have to go outside to go between classrooms; we have a lake day; and faculty encourage students to experience nature. All of these things lend themselves to sustainable architecture that makes use of eco-friendly, local materials to enhance a connection to nature. That idea influenced the entire process, step by step.” — Alex Jamroz ’11

‘SCHOOL OF THE 21ST CENTURY’ INDIAN SPRINGS’ new buildings, which opened in fall 2015, have also received an Educational Facility Design Award of Merit from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Committee on Architecture for Education and a 2017 Honor Award—the highest award presented—from the Alabama AIA. Named by Business Insider as one of the “15 most beautiful new schools in the world,” Indian Springs was honored to be featured in January as one of Architectural Record magazine’s annual “Schools of the 21st Century.”

Indian Springs

to protecting our unique natural setting, and to ensuring that our students have the healthiest possible environment in which to learn,” says Head of School Dr. Sharon Howell. “That commitment guided decisions throughout the design and construction of the buildings and allows us to teach our students firsthand how innovative, sustainable design impacts conservation efforts, operating costs, and classroom learning.” Faculty, staff, alumni, Board members, parents, and students identified sustainability as a primary goal of the building project at a daylong “charrette,” or planning session, led by design architect Lake|Flato in 2012. “During that visioning session, green design, the desire to integrate the new buildings with Springs’ distinctive landscape, and the chance to celebrate the natural biodiversity of the campus emerged as top priorities,” says Jimmy Lewis ’75, who oversaw construction while serving as Chair of the Board of Governors’ Buildings and Grounds Subcommittee. Young alum Alex Jamroz ’11, an architect intern with Adams Gerndt Design Group, says he and other charrette participants rallied from the beginning around the idea of sustainable building because green spaces, trees, and the school’s 12-acre lake are crucial parts of the campus. “They are integral to the experience of Indian Springs,” says Jamroz. “You have to go outside to go between classrooms; we have a lake day; and faculty encourage students to experience nature. All of these things lend themselves to sustainable architecture that makes use of eco-friendly, local materials to enhance a connection to nature. That idea influenced the entire process, step by step.” “The ideas and input that we got from Alex and the 70 other members of our community who participated in the charrette were invaluable,” says Chairman of the Board Libby Pantazis. “Alumni—particularly young

HIGH MARKS

National Merit Finalists, Scholarship Winner FOUR INDIAN SPRINGS SCHOOL

Summer 2017

seniors were named Finalists in the 62nd annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Nikki Bogan ’17, Isaac Griffin-Layne ’17, Davis Tyler-Dudley ’17, and Carol Zhou ’17 were among about 15,000 students nationwide (representing less than 1% of graduating seniors) who were selected based on their achievements on the 2015 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/ NMSQT), high SAT scores, strong academic performance in grades 9-12, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, and honors and awards received. In May, TylerDudley received a $2,500 National Merit scholarship, which can be used at any U.S. college or university. He will attend Harvard in the fall. Congratulations to all four students!

LEFT TO RIGHT:

Indian Springs’ 2017 National Merit Finalists: Nikki Bogan ’17, Isaac Griffin-Layne ’17, Davis Tyler-Dudley ’17, and Carol Zhou ’17

Teammates Giovanni Garza ’20, Logan Mercer ’19, Ken Jiao ’18, and Ian Huh ’19, who claimed first place at the 2017 Alabama State Scholastic Chess Championship, with Coach Charles A. Smith

LEFT TO RIGHT:

STATE CHESS CHAMPS! FOR THE SECOND YEAR IN A ROW, Indian Springs’ Chess team has claimed first place at the Alabama State Scholastic Chess Championship! Teammates Giovanni Garza ’20, Logan Mercer ’19, Ken Jiao ’18, and Ian Huh ’19 won the open section of the tournament, which was held March 11-12 at Bob Jones High School in Madison. Jiao finished clear second in the individual open event. Team Captain Matthew Lash ’17 finished tied for first in a lower-rated section, and Garza finished fourth in that same section. Jiao is now a candidate to represent the state of Alabama this summer at the prestigious Denker Tournament of High School Champions, a national tournament for the top champion from every state. “I am very happy with the way the team competed,” says Coach Charles A. Smith. “The championship is here to stay!” Congratulations to all players and Coach Smith!

Joon Soo Sea ’17, Emma Turner ’17, and Davis Tyler-Dudley ’17 were named candidates for the 2017 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.

3 PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLAR CANDIDATES

Springs seniors Joon Soo Sea ’17, Emma Turner ’17, and Davis Tyler-Dudley ’17 were among 89 Alabama students selected by the U.S. Department of Education as candidates for the 2017 U.S.

Presidential Scholars Program. The program is recognized as one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students. All U.S. high school seniors who took the ACT or the SAT are considered.

Photos by Sunny Dong ’17 (National Merit and Presidential Scholar Candidates), Mrs. Terry Evans (Sir Ken Robinson), Mindy Keyes Black (Bob Bao)

CAMPUS NEWS

IN MARCH, INDIAN SPRINGS SCHOOL teamed up with the Mountain Brook Schools Foundation and 20 other area organizations to sponsor

Speaker Spotlight 2017 featuring best-selling author and international adviser on creativity in education Sir Ken Robinson. More than 50 students, faculty, parents, and Board members joined Head of School Dr. Sharon Howell for the event, which was held at the Samford University Wright Center. “The aim of education is to enable students to understand the world around them and the talents within them so that they can become fulfilled individuals and active, compassionate citizens,” said Robinson, whom Fast Company magazine has called one of the world’s elite thinkers on creativity and innovation. “If we get the culture right, they will flourish.”

Physics Team Member Wins 1st With Perfect Score BOB BAO ’18 WON FIRST PLACE—with a perfect score on the written exam—at the 41st Annual University of Alabama High School Physics Contest. Bao and teammates Oliver Shao ’17, Peter Scalise ’18, and Allen Xu ’17 won second place in the team ciphering competition for the contest’s private school division. Shao claimed third place on the individual exam. Bao also received first place for first-year physics student. Close to 170 students from 16 schools in Alabama and Mississippi participated in the 2017 competition. The individual test includes problems from mechanics, electricity, and magnetism. For the team competition, students tackle problems in a relay format in which speed and accuracy count. Congratulations to the entire team and faculty adviser Mak Obradovic!

Sir Ken Robinson, a worldrenowned advocate for creativity in education, spoke to more than 1,200 people during his visit to Birmingham in March. Author of Finding your Element: How to Discover Your Talents and Passions and Transform Your Life and other best-selling books, Robinson received a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II in 2003 for his service to the arts.

English teacher Lauren Cole, Head of School Dr. Sharon Howell, Art Department Chair Clay Colvin ’95, and Max Klapow ’17 met with Robinson before he spoke.

Rising senior Bob Bao ’18 won first place at the 41st Annual University of Alabama High School Physics Contest.

Indian Springs

Mrs. Terry Evans (Sir Ken Robinson), Mindy Keyes Black (Bob Bao)

SIR KEN ROBINSON: NURTURING CREATIVITY

HIGH MARKS

Mock Trial Team Breaks Alabama Records At Nationals AN INDIAN SPRINGS SCHOOL Mock Trial team

SPRINGS RECOGNIZED AS ‘BEST PRIVATE HIGH SCHOOL IN ALABAMA’ INDIAN SPRINGS IS DELIGHTED to be recognized as No. 1 on Niche’s 2017 list of the best private high schools in Alabama! The rankings, which were released in February, are determined by average SAT/ACT scores; rankings of the colleges that graduates attend; the percent of seniors who go to four-year colleges; student culture and diversity; the ratio of students to full-time teachers; and parent and student experiences. This is the fourth consecutive year that Indian Springs has topped the Niche.com list. Go Springs!

Representing Indian Springs at the 2017 National High School Mock Trial Championships were

Summer 2017

(FRONT ROW, FROM LEFT)

Liz Jones ’18, Bela Patel ’18, Taylor Hinch ’17, Jordyn Hudson ’21 and (BACK ROW, FROM LEFT) Davis Tyler-Dudley ’17, Matthew Lash ’17, Ethan Howell ’21, and Max Klapow ’17. The team shared Alabama pennants and toy swans with fellow competitors at the opening ceremony.

placed in the top third—14th out of 47 teams—and senior Davis Tyler-Dudley ’17 was named sixth best attorney at the 2017 National High School Mock Trial Championships held May 11-13 in Hartford, Conn. The team ranking is the highest achieved by any Alabama team in the history of the national competition, which began in 1984. The individual distinction is also the highest best attorney ranking ever awarded to an

Alabama competitor. This is the first time that an Indian Springs team has taken part in the highly competitive championships, which also included three international teams. The team, made up of Max Klapow ’17, Davis Tyler-Dudley ’17, Matthew Lash ’17, Taylor Hinch ’17, Liz Jones ’18, Bela Patel ’18, Jordyn Hudson ’21, and Ethan Howell ’21, is one of five mock trial teams at Indian Springs. Several of these students were on the team that won first place at the Alabama YMCA Youth Judicial Competitions in 2015 and 2016 and second place in 2014. These placements qualified them to compete at the national level, with the second place Alabama state winner invited to the YMCA National Judicial Competition and the first place winner invited to the National High School Mock Trial Championships. Due to scheduling conflicts,

Indian Springs’ team was unable to attend the National High School Mock Trial Championships in 2016 but was thrilled to participate this year. “I’m so proud of this team and all of our students who participate in Mock Trial,” says Head of School Dr. Sharon Howell. “Unlike mock trial programs at other schools where students train daily through classes and curricula, mock trial at Indian Springs is a student-run initiative: Students train with and mentor one another. They are truly passionate about their work together, and I am delighted to see their commitment and skills recognized on a national level.” Indian Springs’ Mock Trial participants train several hours each week after school. The teams are supported through funding from the Ray Hartwell ’65 Mock Trial Team Endowment.

Photos by D’Anthony Allen (mock trial), Sunny Dong ’17 (Honney Kim ’19), Graham Yelton (Scholars Bowl), Stewart Edmonds (bees)

CAMPUS NEWS

Honney Kim ’19

CLASS 3A SCHOLARS BOWL CHAMPIONS!

SPRINGS’ SCHOLARS BOWL TEAM claimed the area championship at the 2017 state tournament! The team advanced to the quarterfinals at state and competed at the High School National Championship Tournament in May after a great season featuring wins against Spain Park, Sylacauga, LAMP, and Altamont. Congratulations to Will Smith ’19, Jack Markert ’19, Davis Tyler-Dudley ’17, Peter Scalise ’18, Henry Goff ’18, Joshua Ragsdale ’18, Evan Brandon ’18, and faculty advisers William Blackerby ’05 and Cal Woodruff!

SPRINGS VIOLINIST HONNEY KIM ’19 has been selected to play in the 2017 National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America. Organized by Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute, the summer program brings together more than 100 talented young musicians, ages 16 to 19, from across the country to perform as a full orchestra. Established in 2012, the program covers all costs—including travel expenses—for student participants. After a three-week residency in New York City in July, the orchestra will perform at Carnegie Hall and then travel to Latin America with conductor Marin Alsop for a two-week tour, which will include stops in Mexico City, Mexico; Quito, Ecuador; and Bogota, Colombia. Kim has appeared as a soloist with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, the Georgia Philharmonic Orchestra, the Interlochen Symphony Orchestra, the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra, the Southern Adventist University Orchestra in Chattanooga, Tenn., the Delta Symphony Orchestra in Jonesboro, Ark., and the Alabama Symphony Youth Orchestra. Internationally, she won first place in the junior division (ages 11-15) of the 2014 ENKOR International Competition for Violin and Piano and third place at the 2014 Leopold Auer International Violin Competition in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Springs’ Scholars Bowl team members Evan Brandon ’18, Henry Goff ’18, Jack Markert ’19, Peter Scalise ’18, Davis Tyler-Dudley ’17, Josh Ragsdale ’18, and Will Smith ’19 with faculty adviser William Blackerby ’05

Garden Director Bob Pollard

GARDEN BUZZ! THE FERTILE MINDS LEARNING GARDEN hopes to harvest honey in fall 2018, thanks to the organic garden’s newest residents. In April, Garden Director Bob Pollard purchased 10,000 honeybees for two new hives, one of which—an observation hive with Plexiglas windows—was constructed last fall by Pollard’s Sustainable Development class. “The hives need to build up their young and make honey this year to get through the winter,” says Pollard. “We hope to be able to harvest honey for sale to the public after next summer.” Springs students will help take care of the bees over the course of the 2017-18 school year, and Pollard’s biology classes will explore the basics, and the benefits, of beekeeping.

THE WOODWARD POST—NOW ONLINE!

SPRINGS’ STUDENT-RUN NEWSPAPER, The Woodward Post, relaunched online this spring. The monthly newspaper features interviews with faculty and students; opinion pieces; music, theater, restaurant, movie, and video game reviews; a style column; and comic strips. The publication gives students in grades 8-12 an opportunity “to express their interests and demonstrate their skills,” says Editor Ada Cohen ’18, who invited peers to participate in the “reboot” in January. Cohen notes, “Every piece you are about to read has been researched, written, and edited by some of the best and brightest students I have met.” Find it online at www.WoodwardPost.com.

Indian Springs

Kim Chosen For 2017 National Youth Orchestra

In February, Honney Kim ’19 wa s named grand prize winner of the 2017 Lois Pickard Sc holarship Competition hoste d by the Symphony Voluntee r Council of the Alabama Symphon ic Association. She will perform as a featured soloist with the Alab ama Symphony Orches tra in March 2018.

CAMPUS NEWS

HIGH MARKS

The Mighty Mutt: From Summer Project To Business Plan

TOP RIGHT: Ryan Standaert ’20 talks about the components of the Mighty Mutt tracker. ABOVE: Carter Gaché ’18, Ben Standaert ’20, Liz Jones ’18, Judith Schaefer ’17, and Bela Patel ’18 at

the class’s final presentation in May.

Danielle Wu ’18 and Ken Jiao ’18

STUDENT RESEARCH PROJECTS HONORED AT INTEL INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE FAIR TWO STUDENT RESEARCHERS, Danielle Wu ’18 and Ken Jiao ’18, both received distinctions at the prestigious 2017 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) held in May in Los Angeles. Jiao received third place—and a $1,000 award—in the category of Cellular and Molecular Biology for his project, “Retain CHD7, an Epigenetic Regulator, in the Nucleus to Combat Breast Cancer Metastasis.” Jiao’s research is shedding light on a potential way to determine if breast cancer cells are highly invasive, and on how to inhibit them from spreading throughout the body. Wu and her teammate, Richard Fu from Vestavia Hills High School, earned a special Air Force Research Laboratory First Award in Microbiology for their project, “Probiotic Metabolites Promote Anti-inflammatory Functions of Immune Cells.” Their research explores the effects of bacterial strains found in yogurt on the human immune system. Jiao’s and Wu’s research projects were two of the four projects selected to advance directly to the international fair from the regional fair, where Jiao won first place in Medicine and Health, and Wu received a special award from the American Physiological Society. Jiao also claimed first place in Medicine and Health at the state fair in April. “Being recognized for your research at the Intel ISEF is such a huge deal,” says Dean of Academics and Science Department Chair Dr. Tanya Hyatt. “This is the first time that two Indian Springs students have advanced in the same year to the international fair, and these honors highlight the fact that our students are doing important work and often breaking new ground by pursuing their impressive ideas.”

Photos by Graham Yelton, Stewart Edmonds (Graduation)

Summer 2017

ENCOURAGED BY THEIR MOM to find something to keep them active last summer, Ben ’20 and Ryan ’20 Standaert were out walking their dogs when an idea came to them: Why not try to create an activity tracker for pets? “Around 35% of pets in the United States are obese,” says Ryan. “We planned out our design, ordered all the parts, and assembled the physical tracker using a Raspberry Pi microcomputer and a rotational sensor.” The brothers then designed a program to detect when a dog is walking, and another to detect how many steps the dog takes. Their summer enterprise evolved into a science project, and no sooner had Ben and Ryan entered the tracker in Indian Springs’ science fair (from which they advanced to win a third place award at the regional fair) than Springs’ Entrepreneurship class heard about it. The spring semester class was looking for a project, and instructor David Noone saw potential in collaborating. The Standaerts agreed, joined the class, and soon had the help of a team of students to take the idea further. Noone invited members of Springs’ Web Design and AP Art classes to join in the fun, and together, students researched other trackers on the market, explored harnessing mechanisms and battery options, reduced the weight of the tracker (a competitor’s mass-produced tracker weighed 9 grams; with help from computer science enthusiast Carter Gaché ’18, the weight of the prototype dropped from 202 to 50 grams), crafted a business model (led by Allen Xu ’17), built a website, and developed a marketing plan (created by Bela Patel ’18, Liz Jones ’18, and Judith Schaefer ’17). The class celebrated the launch of the Mighty Mutt Fitness Tracker on Facebook in mid-March and soon after revealed the product logo (also designed by Patel). While the business will remain purely theoretical, the students learned about product design and promotion, mass production, cost management, and most importantly, the benefits of pooling ideas and expertise. “The idea has come a long way,” said Noone at the final class presentation. “We have something that will work, but really we’re learning to work as a team. It’s all about teamwork.”

Graduation 2017

Head of School Dr. Sharon Howell (center) presented Taylor Hinch ’17 and Emma Turner ’17 with 2017 Leadership Awards, given in memory of Charles Jordan McDavid ‘58.

“Almost every day I gain some positive energy from a speech, a conversation, or a simple smile.” —Allen Xu ’17

“Just as no two games of chess can be the same, each of the members of the graduating Class of 2017 will embark on their own unique game of chess, and Indian Springs has given each of us the best opening possible to set us up for the rest of our lives.” —Adam Aldaher ’17

Fifty-nine seniors became alumni on May 26 at the school’s 63rd Graduation Exercises held on the Town Hall lawn. Student speakers celebrated the lessons they have learned here and the people who made these lessons possible.“You will always have the people you have known and loved here, and I hope you will always recognize the soul and happy genius of this place as you yourselves take to the open road to become who you will be,” Head of School Dr. Sharon Howell told the class. “Springs will abide here and will always be your home.”

“Not only does Springs create courageous students, but the institution itself is a daring one. It takes almost 300 students and tells them to chart their own course. We are treated like adults rather than a group of students who are meant to be wrangled and molded. We are given the freedom to make choices and help mold ourselves.” —Emma Turner ’17

“Every time that we have made a mistake... Indian Springs has made it clear that we matter to them. The diploma that we get today is symbolic of the lesson we learned at Indian Springs: that we matter to this place, and we have value in this world.”—Dewey Wilbanks ’17

GRADUATION 2017 PHOTO GALLERY Enjoy all photos from Graduation 2017 at: www.indianspringsschool.smugmug.com/ Students/Graduation-2017 1 of 127 Caroline Grady ’17 (shown at right with Nadia Lane ’19) also received a 2017 Spiritual Awareness Award.

Congratulations, Class of 2017!

See the Class of 2017 in their College Day T-shirts, page 52!

Indian Springs

Faculty Emeritus Mac Fleming presented Gavin Young ’17 with one of two 2017 Spiritual Awareness Awards, given in memory of Allan Le Voy Furniss ’63 and Robert Barry Kartus ’68.

CAMPUS LIFE

O N S TA G E

On campus and across the country, Indian Springs students took the stage in 2016-17 to sing and perform as part of the school’s acclaimed Concert and Chamber Choirs, Glee Club, Treble Chorus, and Contemporary and Instrumental Ensembles. The Concert Choir toured in February to Chicago, and the Chamber Choir sang for audiences in San Diego in June. Throughout the school year, Springs’ Instrumental Ensemble class members and other student musicians performed for peers on select Musical Fridays, and members of the school’s popular Contemporary Ensemble class rocked the Music Hall on weekdays and the John Badham Theater during biannual Student Concerts. Enjoy video recordings from select performances at: www.YouTube.com/ experienceiss TOP: The Glee Club rehearses in the Concert Hall. ABOVE: The Concert Choir performs at the 2016 Holiday Concert.

“For me, music is about connecting with other human beings through a beautiful, creative medium. There were moments where the choir connected deeply and sincerely to the music, their peers, and the audience—I cherish the openness and humanity in those moments.”

Summer 2017

—Director of Choral Music Andrew Dibble, after the February Choir Tour to Chicago

The Indian Springs School Concert Choir performed at Northwestern University’s Alice Millar Chapel as part of Choir Tour 2017 to Chicago.

Photos by: Hal Jones (choir tour), Graham Yelton (choir and instrumental rehearsals), Gary Clark (Holiday Concert), Michael Sheehan (Student Concert performers)

Springs Sings

Kadie Jacobs ’19 sings at a Student Concert.

Luke Molbak ’19 performs at a Student Concert.

Nadia Lane ’19 entertains at a Student Concert.

Rachael Murdock ’18, Max Klapow ’17, Grant Freeman ’18, and Rikki Palmer ’18 at a Student Concert

Grace Ji ’17 and Cher Hu ’18 rehearse for a Musical Friday performance.

1 of 127

See and download photos from select musical performances throughout the year at: www.indianspringsschool. smugmug.com/Students/Arts Bennett Atkins ’18 and Avary Lanier ’20 perform together at a recent Student Concert.

Indian Springs

PHOTOS FROM MUSICAL PERFORMANCES

CAMPUS LIFE

O N S TA G E

Springs Performs

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

March 17-19 • An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vied for the spelling championship of a lifetime during Indian Springs’ spring 2017 musical. Starring were Bennett Atkins ’18 (Chip Tolentino), Frances Carraway ’20 (Logainne Schwartzandgrubenniere), JD Haws ’20 (Leaf Coneybear), John Carter Simmons ’17 (William Barfee), Eliza Black ’18 (Marcy Park), Lexie Rueve ’17 (Olive Ostrovsky), Nikki Bogan ’17 (Rona Lisa Peretti), Cal Woodruff (Vice Principal Pence), and Anna Lisa Goodman ’18 (Mitch Mahoney). Director: Dane Peterson. Stage Manager: Maddie Smith ’17.

Supported by imaginative staging, dedicated technical staff, and colorful sets and costumes, Indian Springs students brought to life a host of memorable characters, from an eccentric piano teacher and the last woman on earth, to the ghosts of late wives and a stage full of quirky spelling bee contestants. Follow Indian Springs Theatre on Facebook: @ISSTheatre

Blithe Spirit

Photos by

November 3-7 • Indian Springs School Theatre presented Noel Coward’s ghostly comedy in fall 2016. The play, about a novelist who invites a “happy medium” to hold a séance in his home to provide material for his next book, featured Nikki Bogan ’17 (Madame Arcati), Cate Dawson ’20 (Ruth), JD Haws ’20 (Charles), Lexie Rueve ’17 (Elvira), John Carter Simmons ’17 (Dr. Bradman), Rachael Murdock ’18 (Mrs. Bradman), and Eliza Black ’18 (Edith). Director: Dane Peterson. Stage Manager: Em Palughi ’17.

Each year, student directors fulfill the requirements for completing Play Production, a fall semester course available to seniors, by casting and directing a one-act play in December. The 2016 festival featured four plays:

The Last Woman on Earth

Boise, Idaho

By Liz Duffy Adams Em Palughi ’17 – Director Rachael Murdock ’18 - Earthling Cate Dawson ’20 - Captain Bennett Atkins ’18 - Lunatic Spencer Robinson ’19 – Stage Manager

By Sean Michael Welch Matthew Lash ’17 – Director Henry Goff ’18– Narrator Bin Cho ’18 – Olston Liz Jones ’18 – Chastity Bob Pollard – Waiter Peter Scalise ’18 – Stage Manager

The Tarantino Variation

Roll Over, Beethoven

By Seth Kramer John Carter Simmons ’17 – Director JD Haws ’20 – Mr. Mauve Frances Carraway ’20 – Ms. Fuchsia Eliza Black ’18 - Ms. Puce Sarah Niles Simmons ’19 – Stage Manager

By David Ives Lexie Rueve ’17 – Director Nathan Fisher ’18 – Dr. Goldenbaum Mark Romero ’18 – Robin Maddie Smith ’17 – Stage Manager

Indian Springs

Photos by Michael Sheehan (Blithe Spirit), Sunny Dong ’17 (25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and One Act plays), Spelling Bee artwork and poster by Eliza Black ’18

Student-Directed One Act Festival 2016

AT H L E T I C S

GO SPRINGS!

IN OTHER SUMMER SOCCER NEWS PATRICK MCGUIRE ’18 was selected to participate in the 21st annual North-South All-Star Soccer Game during All-Star Sports Week. FOUR GIRLS SOCCER team members have been named to 2017 All-State teams! Logan McFadden ’18, Josy Gray ’17, and Sydney Barrow ’17 have been selected for the first team, and Issy Schwiebert ’17 has been chosen for the second team. SEVEN GIRLS SOCCER players have been named to the 2017 All-Metro teams: Sydney Barrow ’17, Josy Gray ’17, Elizabeth Hunt ’17, and Logan McFadden ’18 made the first team, and Issy Schwiebert ’17, Ada Cohen ’18, and Caroline Ritchie ’19 made the second team.

Class 1A-3A Boys Soccer State Champs! SPRINGS’ BOYS SOCCER TEAM claimed the 2017 Class 1A-3A state title on May 12 by defeating Susan Moore High School 2-1 in the AHSAA championship game! Despite being down a goal at half time, the team rallied in the second half; Justin Chapman ’18 scored off a rebound, and Donald Wilson ’19 scored with 13:29 remaining. Zak Heino ’17 saved two of four shots on goal. Sam Simpson ’17 was named the game’s MVP. Congratulations to the team, Coach Rik Tozzi, and all assistant coaches!

Summer 2017

SPRINGS’ BOYS GOLF TEAM

ZAK HEINO ’17 was named Boys Soccer Player of the Year by the Shelby County Reporter! GO SPRINGS!

Two Golfers Finish In Top Six At State

Boys Golf Sectional Champs won the sectional tournament for the third year in a row! Chandler Pulliam ’17 led the team with a score of 78, which also won him low individual honors. Pete Schilli ’18 and Varun Yerramsetti ’17 made the all-tournament team. Congratulations to all players and Coach Paul McGee!

SYDNEY BARROW ’17 was named Metro B player of 2017!

Chandler Pulliam ’17, Varun Yerramsetti ’17, Pete Schilli ’18, Hal Rogers ’18, Giovanni Garza ’20

Varun Yerramsetti ’17 and Pete Schilli ’18 tied for fourth and sixth, respectively, at the AHSAA golf state championship. Congratulations to both players and Coach Paul McGee!

Pete Schilli ’18 and Varun Yerramsetti ’17

State Soccer Champs photos by Bob Gathany/AL.com. Opposite: Softball team photo by Janis O’Malley; Soccer Metro Champs photo by Susan Swider

CAMPUS LIFE

1 SOFTBALL AREA RUNNER-UP!

Springs’ Softball team advanced to regionals after being named runner-up at the area championship! Congratulations to all players and to Coaches Richard Theibert, David Bryant, and Mark Sabel!

WINS THREE GOLD MEDALS 2 MORIYA IN TAE KWON DO COMPETITION

Kiam Ronan Moriya ’19 earned gold medals in form, board breaking, and sparring at Master Shim’s 11th Annual World Class Open Championship regional Tae Kwon Do tournament held April 29 in Atlanta. Moriya competed in his age class in standard competition for form and board breaking and in the advanced level (Olympic preparatory level) of electronic world-class sparring for his age and weight class.

GOLF TEAM QUALIFIES 3 GIRLS FOR SUB-STATE

Springs’ Girls Golf team advanced to the sub-state tournament after finishing fourth at sectionals. Congratulations to the team and Coach Nicole Henderson!

TO COMPETE IN NATIONAL 4 DRAKE FISHING TOURNAMENT

Jacob Drake ’18 qualified to compete this summer in the 2017 High School Fishing National Championship at Pickwick Lake after placing second out of 32 teams in April at The Bass Federation (TBF) / Fishing League Worldwide (FLW) High School Fishing Alabama Open Tournament, where Drake weighed in a catch of five fish at 11 pounds, 1 ounce.

5 BOYS & GIRLS SOCCER METRO CHAMPS! 5

Springs’ Varsity Boys and Varsity Girls Soccer teams both won the 2017 Metro Championship! The Boys defeated Briarwood 4-1 in March to claim the title, and the Girls followed suit during Alumni Weekend by defeating Altamont 1-0 on a free kick by Josy Gray ’17! Congratulations to all players, Coaches Rik Tozzi and Hunter Gray, and assistant coaches!

Indian Springs

State Soccer Champs photos by Bob Gathany/AL.com. Opposite: Softball team photo by Janis O’Malley; Soccer Metro Champs photo by Susan Swider

FA C U LT Y N E W S

DR. BOB COOPER

43 Years and Counting! By Cal Woodruff

After More Than Four Decades Teaching AP European History, Springs Icon Dr. Bob Cooper Looks Back—and Ahead

Summer 2017

LTHOUGH WIDELY VIEWED AS A

consummate academic and born teacher, Dr. Bob Cooper did not always view himself as such. Indeed, in graduate school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he sometimes felt like an odd duck. “I often felt like I didn’t fit,” he recalls. “I had a much stronger Brooklyn accent back then, and everyone else sounded so well-educated.” A product of public education, Dr. Cooper did not expect to make a career at a place like Springs. Having grown up in Queens, he worked at his father’s gas station from a young age, continuing to do so 30-40 hours per week to support himself in college. “I grew up two miles from Donald Trump, but it was a different world,” Dr. Cooper explains. He lived in a statebuilt cooperative for veterans of World War II, where “if you made enough money you had to leave.” He was the only member of his extended family to leave New York. A few years after earning his Ph.D., he arrived at Springs, where his AP European History classes have earned a reputation for their demand and reward. Each August, he tells students that he wants them “to be better students by the end of the year, in particular to develop critical thinking skills.” Though he hopes that students appreciate the subject, “the great success is not that they’ve learned more European history, but that they can appreciate that history is crucial for critical thinking.” Dr. Cooper considers writing the primary tool to achieve such growth. “I tell them the essay is like being an attorney before a jury. They must have specific evidence and it must be developed logically. Critical thinking needs to be disciplined. You have to organize your

thoughts. Writing, you have to think about.” Interactions with Springs alums have shown him that critical thinking and writing continue to serve his students long after they have graduated: “This is the great thing about Indian Springs. I actually get to see those former students. They come back.” In terms of advice he would offer to new teachers, he encourages them to capitalize on their strengths. “I think you need to be yourself,” he says. “Try to do the things that you do well. Teachers are different. You have to have a certain amount of faith in yourself.” He insists that teachers must offer a consistently rigorous learning experience because “students appreciate being challenged. You should challenge them.” This fall, his hallmark emphasis on critical thinking and writing will reach a younger audience as he passes the torch of AP European History and moves from full-time to part-time teaching. As he plans to teach 8th grade history, he looks forward to fostering meaningful conversations that require active, critical listening beyond traditional lecture. “Debate, role-playing, seminar discussions: These types of activities are valuable and make the learning come alive.” While Dr. Cooper does have some plans for taking advantage of the extra time a reduced course load will afford him, he does not envision major changes in the near future. Asked for specifics, he smiles, answering, “Go to the Y, go swimming more, nothing all that exciting. “When I was 40, I had cancer. The doctor told me I had 50% chance of dying,” he says. “The doctor recommended that if there was anything I wanted to do, I should do it then. I realized what I wanted to do was to continue what I was already doing, which is a really great thing to discover.”

Photo by Photos by Graham Yelton

Indian Springs history teacher Dr. Bob Cooper, who has just completed his 43rd year at Indian Springs, talked recently with new faculty member Cal Woodruff about his experiences in education and what his future has in store.

Dr. Bob Cooper has delivered thousands of history lectures from this podium since a group of students presented it to him in the 1980s. “I believe that they found it in the gym and then spruced it up to reflect my ‘coolness,’” he jokes. LEFT: Dr. Cooper in his original faculty office.

CAMPUS LIFE

STUDENT SP OTLIGHT

Making a Difference Starts with Pursuing a Passion

Emma Turner ’17 believes that Springs’ emphasis on individualism and excellence prepares students to impact their world.

By Lauren Cole

Summer 2017

The school also helped Emma take responsibility for her learning as she faced the challenges of dyslexia. “[Springs] took me for everything I was and encouraged me to grow, giving me help when I needed it. Springs has been a place that has taken my strengths and helped me improve those, and helped me take an active role in my education.” Emma’s impressive resume speaks for itself. She currently serves as the National Programs Director for the High School Democrats of America and served as the State Chair of the Alabama High School Democrats from 2015 to 2016. Emma was selected to participate in Youth Leadership Forum of Birmingham in 2016, and she received the Princeton Prize in Race Relations Certificate of Merit 2016 for a “Party in the Tunnel” event she planned while working with YouthServe, bringing students from across Birmingham downtown. This spring, Emma was chosen to be one of two students representing the state of Alabama in the United States Senate Youth Program. At Springs, she participated in varsity tennis, the school musical, and student government, all while maintaining an impressive GPA. The emphasis that Springs places on both individualism and excellence has motivated Emma to pursue her interests as she strives to develop her potential. “When I think about Springs, I think it’s unique that I get to be 100% who I am. We have a real individualism here at Springs that is not found other places, and that allowed me to foster a lot of things I enjoy doing. I get to do politics, tennis,

Contemporary Ensemble, and student government, and that’s not an anomaly. Every student is involved; every student is well-rounded.” The diverse interests of the student body, such as designing apps or conducting cancer research, have inspired Emma in her own endeavors. “When you listen to [Springs violinist] Honney Kim or see these people who are achieving incredible things, it pushes you to do better. That’s one of the things I really valued. Everyone here has pushed me to be a better version of myself.” “Emma is what I would call an exemplum,” says Head of School Dr. Sharon Howell. “She doesn’t preach service; she lives it, and she lives it at such a high level—beyond the boundaries most high school students set for themselves—that it lifts the whole community. Doing such impressive work with abundant confidence, but without arrogance or self-promotion, is what makes her so well-respected and appreciated, particularly by her peers.” While Emma will head to D.C. to attend Georgetown in the fall, her long-term goal is to return to Alabama and work in politics. “My mentors have instilled in me that it’s great to go somewhere where it’s easy, but that’s not the work [I] want to do. It’s more important to do the hard work. The state of Alabama has had its challenges, but it’s a place that I still love and really identify with, so for me to run away from it wouldn’t be fair. It’s a place that I want to come back and help because I love it. It’s a place that raised me.”

“I was helping in low-income housing, and I thought, it’s great that we’re helping clean up today, but what’s going to happen next week? It’s great to serve in a soup kitchen, but where will people get their next meal? I wanted to see the big picture, and public service allows me to help people on a larger scale and a more long-term basis.” — Emma Turner ’17

Photo by Graham Yelton

ENIOR EMMA TURNER’S passion for impacting her world began at a young age. “I grew up in the nonprofit world. My mother worked at the YWCA and I attended daycare there,” she says. “I grew up in an environment about service.” While her primary school experiences further instilled the value of community service, her interest in politics began when Emma was working with YouthServe. “I was helping in low-income housing, and I thought, it’s great that we’re helping clean up today, but what’s going to happen next week? It’s great to serve in a soup kitchen, but where will people get their next meal? I wanted to see the big picture, and public service allows me to help people on a larger scale and a more long-term basis.” During her four years at Indian Springs, that interest has evolved into a passion. Emma credits Indian Springs with creating a community of independence, individualism, and excellence that has prepared her to make a significant impact on her world. Part of the Springs experience that has prepared Emma is the independence given to students as they engage in Learning through Living. While serving as Commissioner of Citizenship during her junior year, she planned a student-run fundraiser for the American Cancer Society that raised over $11,000. Although the school supported Emma in her effort, she was responsible for the final outcome. “[That experience] is something I’ve valued here because it taught me that I have to take responsibility for what I’m doing.”

Indian Springs

Learning Through... Listening

IT’S A MONDAY MORNING IN EARLY

May, and while students are preparing for exams, they’re also talking about upcoming student government elections. A hot topic is how to hold Springs’ student commissioners accountable for achieving promises made in their platforms. Should a platform be viewed as a set of commitments, or simply a list of good ideas? Does a four-month term give commissioners enough time to follow through? Indian Springs Mayor Dewey Wilbanks ’17, who believes that the topic has merit for the entire student body, has called an all-school Town Meeting to give students an opportunity “to talk with and hear from one another.” He and spring semester commissioners sit in a semicircle on the Concert Hall stage, prepared to listen. Adam Aldaher ’17, who served as mayor in fall 2016,

approaches the microphone from the line of students that has formed, house right. “You may remember from last Monday’s Town Meeting that Dewey said that student government members, both now and in the future, should do not only what they’re expected to do but also innovate on the job. I was wondering if you think innovating might be too cumbersome every semester, for every new commissioner?” asks Aldaher. “There’d be a lot of change very quickly…. Just something to think about.” Discussion-based Town Meetings, which originated during Indian Springs’ formative years, made a frequent appearance during the 2016-17 school year—one of the many ways that Springs reinforces the importance of taking the time to talk with and listen to one another. While technological

By MI N DY KE YE S B L AC K

Photos by Art Meripol, Graham Yelton

At a Time When It’s Easier Than Ever for Young People To Tune Others Out,Indian Springs Reinforces the Value of Hearing One Another

advances continue to expand how we communicate and connect, teaching the often-overlooked skill of good listening remains at the heart of an educational philosophy rooted in critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and respect. In effective communication, “listening in” is as important as “speaking out,” says Head of School Dr. Sharon Howell. “The children we’re teaching today are living with a level of clamor and distraction and a barrage of information and misinformation whose effects, both good and bad, are hard to predict and easy to underestimate. When we teach them to be active listeners, with the ability to hear other perspectives, they learn to look beneath the surface, find common ground, empathize, and navigate differences with greater understanding that simply isn’t possible when we focus only on what we ourselves say.” In the eighth grade public speaking

class that she teaches, Howell makes a point to choose exercises that highlight the importance of listening. “I ask my students to tell a story about a moment they were at their best, and then ask them to narrate that story from the point of view of someone else who was also there,” she says. “So they need to ‘listen’ to the perspective of another person about their own life and balance their own memory with another. We also do a cool exercise called ‘Invisible Speeches’ where everyone turns away from the speaker, so the speaker can be heard but not seen. The students have to use their voices alone to be compelling, and the listeners learn to pay a different kind of attention too.” Just a few months after she arrived at Indian Springs, the presidential election provided what Howell viewed as the ideal opportunity for students to benefit from hearing one another. Inspired by stories

that alumni had shared about Springs’ 1950s- and ’60s-era Town Meetings with Founding Director Doc Armstrong, Howell called a special Town Meeting on Nov. 10 “to talk as a community about who we are, what we value, and how we can come together.” “The goal of the meeting,” Howell told students, “is for us to hear each other, express ourselves, and affirm the kind of school we are and want to be. So while this is not a mandatory meeting, I do hope that you will all come, participate, and listen to what others have to say.” Alumna, current parent, and clinical psychologist Lara Embry ’87 loves that Howell’s response to a divisive issue was to encourage active listening. “This is teaching kids how to approach difficult topics in a respectful way,” says Embry. “As a society, ]

Indian Springs

Students listen as peers talk about their student government platforms. OPPOSITE: Mayor Dewey Wilbanks ’17 welcomes students to a special Town Meeting in May.

Summer 2017

we really need that right now. We need the next generation to approach disagreements, as well as things that they have common goals for, in ways that help people be heard and enhance collaboration. If you don’t listen, you can’t do that.” Embry believes that while society has shifted away from automatic deference to authority, the new norm has become “entrenchment in personal viewpoints.” “Listening less well so that your voice is heard over the cacophony is an unfortunate effect of that change,” she says. “When someone is talking, frequently the person who is supposed to be listening is actually waiting for the other person to stop talking so they can say the thing that’s on their mind,” says Embry. “While I have empathy for it, you’re not taking in information, you’re not learning from the other person in the same way as when you really devote yourself to trying to understand the words that are coming toward you. If you’re encouraging students to reflect on what they’re hearing before they respond, then they have the chance to engage not just with words but with empathy, and that empathy is what expands our thought.” Springs’ Visual and Performing Arts programs remind students daily that effective communication starts with good listening, say faculty members at the

helm of those programs. “Theater is by its very nature a listening art,” says Director of Theatre Arts Dane Peterson. “It’s a 360-degree aspect between actor, technician, and audience member, and it works only when everybody is actively listening. When the chain is broken in one place, it’s very obvious, so I try to foster a nurturing environment for my company of actors and technicians to be comfortable enough with each other to share experiences and emotions and thoughts and fears so that they can build confidence among each other and listen not only as themselves but as the characters they are creating.” On stage, listening allows actors to respond not only to one another but also to important cues from the audience, says Peterson. “Whether it’s laughter, or tears, or audible gasps, those kinds of nonverbal communications that come with listening are valuable for the actor to hear. That’s why we invite people to our final dress rehearsal, so our actors are prepared to listen.” During rehearsals for Springs’ fall play, Blithe Spirit, several students were struggling with their lines. “I would say, ‘You’re not listening,’” recalls Peterson. “You’ve got to listen to what the line is before you, and that is how you react with the line that you have. If you’re focused only on reciting words and not listening to use the words that you know, you’re not responding effectively to the character. You’re not processing.’” Listening takes real effort, says Peterson. “It’s hard to do. Whether you’re on stage or in the audience, once you let it slip, it’s hard to get back to that place—and you’ve

ABOVE: During Springs’ fall 2016 play, Blithe Spirit, while students were working to memorize their lines,

Director of Theatre Arts Dane Peterson reminded them to listen to the lines preceding their own so they could react. “Theater is by its very nature a listening art,” he says. RIGHT: Students listen at a recent Town Meeting.

In effective communication, “listening in” is as important as “speaking out,” says Head of School Dr. Sharon Howell. “The children we’re teaching today are living with a level of clamor and distraction and a barrage of information and misinformation whose effects, both good and bad, are hard to predict and easy to underestimate. When we teach them to be active listeners, with the ability to hear other perspectives, they learn to look beneath the surface, find common ground, empathize, and navigate differences with greater understanding that simply isn’t possible when we focus only on what we ourselves say.”

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: Director of Choral Music Andrew

always got to listen to get to the end of the story to get what the story is about.” Director of Instrumental Music Dr. Hye-Sook Jung tells her music ensemble students that whether they are playing alone or with other people, listening has to come first. “Good musicians, from my experience, really listen to small details, like tone color,” she says. “So when I teach music ensemble, I emphasize listening over playing the right notes.” In ensemble playing, watching the body language of fellow players becomes “another form of listening,” she says. “When we look up more, we hear more. I think when we teach kids good listening, we’re really saying to them, ‘Your ear is the best teacher that you have, so pay attention, first and foremost.’” During rehearsals with the Indian Springs School Choir, Director of Choral Arts Andrew Dibble frequently asks choir members to sing a single chord or note until they find a perfect agreement of vowel, pitch, and dynamic. For him, these exercises, which underscore the value of listening to one another, provide a powerful life metaphor. “A primary goal of choir is unity— unity of sound and mind,” he says. “We teach that unity of sound is achieved by coordinating our individual dynamics, vowel colors, and pitch levels to one another, and this can be done only through careful listening. The metaphor is simple

but profound: As humans, we can’t exist in unity without listening.” Dibble believes that the beauty of the metaphor is not lost on choir members. In an end-of-year survey that asked them to identify what they appreciate most about being in the choir, students cited what they’ve learned, through listening, about musicality and teamwork. Said one survey respondent, “Choir teaches me to listen better—to other people, to constructive criticism, to music, to silence, to everything.” For music and recording arts teacher Clint Jacobs, one of the most important lessons of Springs’ Contemporary Ensemble classes is giving others a chance to be heard. “There’s this term ‘bogart’ in jazz that basically means you’re saying too much,” says Jacobs. “You’re overplaying; get out of the way. So you have to know when to speak and when to be quiet. It’s really hard for young musicians not to play,

because that’s why you start playing: You want to play. The more proficient you get, the harder it is to be quiet and let somebody else talk. But while everybody wants to be heard, if it’s only about speaking, then no one’s listening.” By “playing to the song,” Jacobs believes his students learn that “if you want to be heard, it’s only right to hear other people.” “It’s call-and-response,” he says. “Evan, you play your solo, and then Grant, you come in and respond to that. You each can take as long as you want, but don’t bogart. Find your peak, and get out. Leave on a high note—no pun intended.” The idea of call-and-response applies equally on the athletic field, says Girls Soccer and Basketball Coach Hunter Gray. “The biggest thing about communication is that it’s a two-way street,” he says. “You hear coaches say, ‘I have a kid with a lot of potential, but they just don’t listen.’ ]

Indian Springs

Photos by Graham Yelton, Art Meripol, Michael Sheehan (Blithe Spirit)

Dibble leads a rehearsal of the Treble Chorus. Honney Kim ’19, Joon Soo Sea ’17, Grace Ji ’17, and Cher Hu ’18 rehearse after school in Indian Springs’ Concert Hall. Keyboardist Evan Brandon ’18 listens to a classmate during a Contemporary Ensemble class.

Sheppard encourages students to look up from their notebooks and computers while taking notes during lectures and class discussions so the visuals of gestures and facial expressions can help inform what they’re hearing. “‘Words, words, words,’” Sheppard says, quoting Hamlet. “If we’re reading something or talking to someone, we’ve got words. If we don’t learn to listen carefully, we often miss tone, and if we miss tone in hearing, we’re always going to miss it on the page. And if we’re not good readers, we’re not going to be as good writers.” Her most effective tactic, she says, is modeling respect when listening. “When students share an idea or respond to something I’m talking about, I say, ‘That’s a good idea,’ and I say their names. Sometimes I’ll repeat what someone else has said earlier in a discussion to show

I value their ideas or interpretations. If I don’t see the connection, I ask them to clarify because we need to ask others to explain in more depth rather than just dismiss what we don’t grasp at first.” Thoughtful listening is a high expectation, she says, but once learned it’s a skill that will help students for life. “It doesn’t stop with going to college or working. It’s so essential to human interaction that the loss of it makes us less human, less compassionate, less empathetic, because we don’t hear what people are saying. Listening is essential to being a fully individuated human being, if that’s even possible to be.” In mock trial competitions, “listening is everything,” says Mock Trial team Co-Captain Max Klapow ’17. “Listening is far more important than talking,” he says. “You can’t just be ]

Photos by Graham Yelton

Summer 2017

“My immediate reaction is if they’ve got all this potential, is it that they’re not listening to you, or are you not saying it in a way that they can hear you?” says Gray. “This has always been my approach in the classroom and on the field. Certainly there are kids who don’t listen. But if they aren’t getting it, my first fix is to say it a different way.” In Diane Sheppard’s English classes, call-and-response takes the form of giveand-take dialogue that Sheppard believes is “essential to learning.” “Dialogue is about investigating—it’s about research,” says Sheppard. “It’s about problem-solving. It’s the basis of all critical thinking: You have to listen first, whether you’re listening with your ears or your eyes, and the best thing is to be listening with both. You can’t have dialogue if you don’t listen.”

OPPOSITE: English Department Chair Diane Sheppard encourages Corey Christenson ’19 and other students in her 10th Grade Critical Reading & Analytical Writing class to listen and read for tone. BELOW: Lucy Zheng ’19 and fellow students listen to a recent visiting writer. RIGHT: Ariana Young ’20 and Logan McFadden ’18 present their platform for Commissioners of Service at a Town Meeting in May.

“Dialogue is about investigating—it’s about research. It’s about problem-solving. It’s the basis of all critical thinking: You have to listen first, whether you’re listening with your ears or your eyes, and the best thing is to be listening with both. You can’t have dialogue if you don’t listen.”

Indian Springs

–English Department Chair Diane Sheppard

Top left photo by Sunny Dong â&#x20AC;&#x2122;17

Spring 2016

“When someone is talking, frequently the person who is supposed to be listening is actually waiting for the other person to stop talking so they can say the thing that’s on their mind. Why I have empathy for it, you’re not taking in information, you’re not learning from the other person in the same way as when you really devote yourself to trying to understand the words that are coming toward you. If you’re encouraging students to reflect on what they’re hearing before they respond, then they have the chance to engage not just with words but with empathy, and that empathy is what expands our thought.” —Lara Embry ’87, Clinical Psychologist

thinking about what your next question is going to be. You have to listen to a witness’s answer and go from there. It’s so simple, but it’s something that I think in mock trial and certainly every day, people can forget. Your ability to respond to a situation or a problem is very much based on your ability to listen. You have to conceive of a world in which whatever you have to say may be very important and insightful, but you can get so much more out of what comes from what others are saying. It was a big thing for me at Indian Springs, learning to listen.” During spring semester, Klapow worked with Sheppard on an independent study about how and why people make decisions. The two looked at the research of psychologists Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky, who are known for their work in the field of judgment and decision-making. Kahneman theorized that we have two systems in our brains, explains Klapow. The first is primarily responsible for automatic, effortless, habitual tasks. The second handles more challenging calculations. When we don’t listen well, system one can prompt us to make quick, reactionary decisions that don’t take into account all the variables, he says. The impact that this kind of “heuristic” thinking has in the courtroom helped Klapow and fellow mock trial teammates as they prepared for nationals in May. “You begin taking into account more of what your audience is going to hear, not just what you’re trying to say, which goes back to listening. You have to understand that there is so much more to persuading a person of something ]

Indian Springs

Photos by Graham Yelton, Michael Sheehan (Student Concert), Sunny Dong ’17 (Sydney Barrow ’17)

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Peter Scalise ’18 and classmates listen in an AP Computer Science class last fall. For Sydney Barrow ’17 and other Springs athletes, listening is as important on the field as in the classroom. Students listen at a Town Meeting last spring. Molly Webb ’19, Ada Cohen ’18, Bennett Atkins ’18, and Lisa Hobdy ’19 perform together at a Student Concert.

My Introduction & Induction into Indian Springs School By Steve Coleman ’59

n a bright September morning in 1955, the blue school bus brought me 10 miles from Mountain Brook Village to Indian Springs School for my first day as a ninth grader. Most of my friends and former classmates from Crestline Elementary were heading to Shades Valley, a public high school. But a few months earlier an older Indian Springs student, Bobby Major, told me that he was thrilled to be in this new and different kind of school, and said I should beg my parents to send me there. I respected him enough to follow his advice, and my loving parents agreed to let me apply. So I now was here along with several other ninth grade boys I knew, and we all were excited and curious and had almost no idea that we were about to undergo a life-changing experience. The bus driver, Alva Battle, a Cahaba Valley native, drove through the campus of one-story, gray-painted brick buildings that sprawled across a grassy campus. He stopped in front of a large Quonset hut, which I recognized as the gymnasium. We freshmen followed the upperclass day students off the bus and into the gym. Inside, on the wooden floor marked off with lines of a basketball court, was an assembly of folding chairs, most of which already were occupied by the boarding students and faculty. They all turned to watch us enter. Self-consciously, I found a seat and nodded to a couple of older students I recognized, and waited to see what happened next. This was to be the first Town Meeting of the school year 1955-56. Expecting an assembly similar to those from grammar school days, I was surprised when, not a faculty member, but a senior student, Preston Haskell, whom I knew from my church, called us to order. Immediately all 120 students and 18 faculty members grew silent. Preston introduced himself as the Mayor, and I was struck by the respect shown to him. “Good morning,” he said, “and welcome, especially to the freshmen and other new students, and to our new faculty members. I’m happy to convene the first Town Meeting of the school year.” There followed applause and good-natured hoots that made me realize that everyone was glad to be there. Preston smiled during the applause but then silenced everyone with a serious look. “Doc has an important announcement to make.” He stepped back, and the big man with thin white hair encircling his bald head came forward. I recognized him as Dr. Armstrong, the director and headmaster, who had interviewed me

ABOVE: Steve Coleman ’59

at Indian Springs’ 2016 Endof-Year Party. BELOW LEFT: A 1950s-era Town Meeting in Indian Springs’ original gym, as pictured in early marketing materials. BELOW RIGHT: Coleman (second from left) with (from left) Faculty Emeritus Mac Fleming, Head of School Dr. Sharon Howell, Zanaida Griffin, Charles Robinson ’59, and Jerry Lanning ’59 at the Class of ’59 reunion party during Alumni Weekend 2017

the previous spring. I remembered him as a kind sort of man who had asked me questions about why I liked to learn and did I think about what I experienced. I had answered as best I could, and he must have liked what I said because he accepted my application. Beyond that I knew nothing about him. “I have a sad message for you today,” he announced to the gathering. “Only two days ago, on Saturday, Dr. Bryan …” His voice broke, and he stood there silently a moment. Then I realized there were tears in his eyes. “Dr. Bryan died. …” Unable to continue, he shook his head and turned away. There was a complete, respectful silence. Dr. Crosby, whom I knew to be the assistant director, came forward, putting his hand on Doc’s arm as he passed. “What Doc wants you to know,” Dr. Crosby said, “is that Dr. Bryan died on Saturday afternoon from a severe and unexpected heart attack.” There was a communal gasp and murmurs of sad surprise, followed by another silence. “For those of you who are new, let me tell you that Dr. Bryan was our truly wonderful choral director and such an important and vital part of our lives.” He pointed to the stage at the upper end of the gym. I noticed that he pointed to a piece of scenery on which were painted stars and a crescent moon with a laughing face. “We all remember the fine show Shooting the Stars that you students performed last spring under Dr. Bryan’s conducting. I’m sure, Doc, all of us will remember him best for that great production and for his dedication to all of you.” I glanced at the older students around me, realizing that they shared the same sentiment and sadness. I perceived a common feeling of loss among all of them, students and teachers alike. Even to me, a 14-year-old, there clearly seemed be a special corporate union, a bond of feeling and experience present in that body of people who called themselves the school-community. And it occurred to me then that I, too, was to become a part of it. Dr. Armstrong stared at the stage for a few moments longer, pulled out a handkerchief to wipe his eyes, and then stepped back up to address the assembly. He was well over six feet tall, big hands, with big features and a hawk nose in his pale face, and kind blue eyes. He looked as if he could be awfully tough if he wanted, and that made the tears for his lost friend so much more touching. “Let me continue,” he said. “I want to speak to our freshmen, who are seeing all of this for the first time.” He spoke in a true Oklahoma drawl, complete with the flat “I” in his accent. “As you recall, I met each one of you individually when you made application to come here.” He paused to

than just talking at them.” Since Indian Springs’ founding, students have recognized the value of meaningful dialogue. In fall 1958, students returned from summer vacation only to discover that administrators had changed dorm and lake rules without talking to students. Jerry Lanning ’59 stood up at the Oct. 1 Town Meeting to deliver what ISSINFO, the student newspaper, would famously call an “indictment” of the faculty. Speaking as spokesman for a “loyal opposition group,” Lanning charged the faculty with violating the school Constitution because they had instituted new policies without first hearing student opinion. “The protocol was that we would rule through standards adopted through a cooperative process with the faculty, with a limited charter of self-government, which we students took, I recall, seriously,” says Lanning. “The campaigns, the elections, the function, the structure of the various commissions and roles in student government, including the policing, the monitoring of student behavior and requirements: We were fully plugged in to the self-government process, so it came as a surprise when the faculty adopted the rules about taking over dorm inspections and lake rules related to swimming. I’m sure there were legitimate reasons, safety concerns, and property protection concerns, but that wasn’t our issue. The issue was that we hadn’t been consulted or brought into the process in any kind of cooperative and collaborative way, which was the letter and spirit of the Constitution and student government at that time.” Springs’ Founding Director Doc Armstrong missed hearing Lanning speak on Oct. 1 but responded at a subsequent Town Meeting. “He

came back and said, ‘You were right to say that faculty jumped the gun in changing the rules over summer vacation,’” says Lanning. The reply didn’t surprise him. “Armstrong was all about the idea that ‘learning is by participation in creation.’ These were his words,” says Lanning. “That was part of his deal.” The lessons of Armstrong’s response and a school environment in which students had a real voice made a “lasting imprint” on Lanning and other alumni from that time. “The engaged process of self-government— setting rules, the elections for those going to be involved in the process—was such an integral part of the process and who we became,” he says. For alumnus Frank Samford ’62, who was a ninth grader when Lanning made his legendary indictment, Lanning’s observations and Armstrong’s reaction “absolutely flabbergasted me,” Samford recalled in April at Springs’ Dedication Ceremony for the Armstrong Administration building, Kayser Academic Center, and Samford Way. “It was completely contrary to what most private schools in the United States did then and do now, because most private schools are topdown institutions, not bottom-up, and it still distinguishes Indian Springs.” Lanning’s courageous remarks and Armstrong’s response in 1958 mirror what Springs still affirms today: It’s through the dual process of speaking out and listening to others that we grow not only as individuals but as a community—in empathy, in respect, in understanding. “Armstrong once said, ‘Communication keeps us in trouble, but without it we’d have no society,’” says Howell. “He also wrote, ‘One reason that some people won’t listen is that they’re scared to death that they might hear something that will change them. They’re scared to death to examine certain ideas for it might place a burden on them to change. Who is like this? We’re all like this.’ “What we can do for our students,” she says, “is continue to provide them with meaningful opportunities where they feel safe to listen, be heard, and find their truths.” 

The Town Meeting In a recent post for her blog, “Of Education,” Head of School Dr. Sharon Howell reflected on Indian Springs’ weekly Town Meetings and the opportunities they offer students to reflect, discuss, and engage. Follow her blog at: https://sharon-howell.squarespace.com/

Indian Springs

Photos by Gary Clark, Stewart Edmonds, Graham Yelton

look at each of the 30 freshmen with a nod of deference. It made us feel that we were old acquaintances. “And I can tell you,” he went on, “that you are one of the most remarkable bunch of young men I’ve ever seen assembled in one place. Some of you are merely 13. One of you is only 12.” He smiled. “But you are all very bright and extremely capable. That’s why we chose you to come here.” He gestured at the entire student body. “And let me tell you, that you’re in good company.” He rubbed the top of his bald head. “Now, I’m not saying that to give you boys the big head. But I’m saying that you are unusual and remarkable and different from most. And that’s what I’m going to expect you to be while you’re here.” He nodded for emphasis and paced a few steps in front of the semicircle of seated students. “You can expect to be challenged in your academic studies,” he continued. “But that’s not the only challenge you’ll face at Indian Springs. We have a student government here. It’s not just a formality or a token government. It’s real. It’s a kind of partnership between the faculty members and you, and between you and your fellow students. ISS is a town, a community, and you are a citizen of it. And Dr. Crosby and Mr. Fleming, your faculty advisor, and I and everybody else here—each of us is a citizen, too. “Possibly for the first time in your life, you will feel like you are part of the decisionmaking process. And we the faculty, and the upperclassmen as well, are going to make a continuing effort to discuss with you and reach with you an agreement about how our community should be run. You will participate in the responsibility for the welfare and common good of all of us. Students are represented in every phase of our schoolcommunity. We have a student government consisting of a mayor and commissioners, similar to a county government by council. You will have the opportunity to exercise your leadership and to express your ideas and beliefs. What we ask in return is that you be caring and responsible citizens.” I had heard many times teachers telling me to be a responsible citizen. I had been brought up by my parents to believe that maxim. But Dr. Armstrong, “Doc” as I would learn to call him, was the first adult to make me feel that what I thought and believed really would matter. He did not just tell me to be responsible; he made me understand that I was joining an embracing and sharing group to whom I mattered as an individual. I’m not sure if, at that first Town Meeting, I fully grasped the full meaning of what Doc was offering to me, but I did know I wanted to be a part of it and was so happy to be there.

SPRINGS ETERNAL

D E D I C AT I O N S

Springs Celebrates Dedications of Buildings, Walkway Made Possible by Generous Gifts to Springs Eternal Indian Springs celebrated the dedications of the Kayser Academic Center, Armstrong Administration building, and Samford Way on April 21 at a special Town Meeting honoring alumni and families for their deep commitment to the school. “This is a really gratifying day for Indian Springs School,” said Sharon Howell. “We have the opportunity to pay tribute to some of the school’s most devoted and generous supporters and to thank them for what they have done most recently to transform the campus into an extraordinary learning environment for our faculty and students.”

Summer 2017

“The Armstrong building recognizes the contributions of over 25 alumni representing the classes of ’56 through ’73, and we want to thank all of them today.” – Head of School Dr. Sharon Howell

Indian Springs was delighted to welcome Armstrong family members (from left) Linda Armstrong Sitton, Pat Armstrong Patton, Frank Carter ’62, Jade King Carter, Stephen Louis Armstrong Dillard, Jackson Dillard, Krista Dillard, Mary Margaret Dillard, Lindley Dillard, Kay Armstrong Carter, Peggy Armstrong Dillard, Jim Booz, Katie Logan, Christine Carter Booz, Jereme Logan, Jennifer Lea Carter Logan, Carter Logan, and Kaye Armstrong Robb. Family members unable to attend were Claire, Maggie, and Frances Booz, Claire Carter, Dan and Carrie Carter, and Annalise, Robert, and Abigail Carter.

“Doc Armstrong did something few people achieve. He left an indelible imprint on this institution that survives to this very day. It is one that challenges faculty, staff, students, parents, and friends of Indian Springs to a life of intellectual curiosity, learning, questioning, and thoughtfulness, and that is a legacy and life that anyone can and should admire.” – Judge Stephen Dillard, grandson of Founding Director Doc Armstrong (shown at right)

“Doc’s basic view was you start with the students. You make an assumption that they will look out for themselves, that they will do their work, and if they need help they will seek it. It was completely contrary to what most private schools in the United States did then and do now, because most private schools are top-down institutions, not bottom-up, and it still distinguishes Indian Springs.” – Frank Samford ’62 (shown above and below)

“We would not be assembled here today on this beautiful new campus if not for the hard work and literally the thousands of hours Frank put in to turn our vision of a campus plan into a reality. Frank, Sharon, it is our honor, and it’s with true gratefulness for your devotion to Indian Springs, that we dedicate Samford Way.” – Alan Engel ’73 (Engel, third from left, poses with Frank ’62 and Sharon Samford and Dr. Sharon Howell.)

“The [Kayser] family has, for generations, believed in the experience of Indian Springs School. They’ve supported this school financially and otherwise continued to do so. The institution and all of its constituencies are indebted to the Kayser family, and we’re proud to bestow a physical medallion in their honor.” – Chairman of the Board Libby Pantazis (Here, Dr. Sharon Howell, in center, thanks Debbie Kayser Strauss and Leo Kayser III ’62.)

“Doc Armstrong did something few people achieve. He left an indelible imprint on this institution that survives to this very day. It is one that challenges faculty, staff, students, parents, and friends of Indian Springs to a life of intellectual curiosity, learning, questioning, and thoughtfulness, and that is a legacy and life that anyone can and should admire.” – Judge Stephen Dillard, Armstrong’s grandson (Above, Alan Engel ’73 talks with Frank ’62 and Kay Armstrong Carter after the dedication ceremony.)

View the 45-minute ceremony at: https://www.youtube.com/experienceiss See more great photos at: www.indianspringsschool.smugmug.com/Alumni/ Alumni-Weekend-2017 1 of 48

Thank you for making Springs Eternal!

Indian Springs

Photos by Art Meripol

DEDICATION CEREMONY VIDEO & PHOTO GALLERY

A LU M N I , PA R E N TS & F R I E N D S

LASTING TIES

Alumni Weekend 2017 More than 300 alumni and their family members came home to Springs to reunite with classmates, catch up with faculty, see campus updates, and celebrate the dedications of the Kayser Academic Center, Armstrong Administration building, and Samford Way during Alumni Weekend 2017! Classes ending in “7” and “2” gathered for reunion parties, and the weekend concluded with a special 50th reunion brunch hosted by Head of School Dr. Sharon Howell to honor the Class of ’67 and earlier classes.

Mark Shashikant ’92 with retired math teacher Mike Lantrip at the Alumni-Faculty Reception

Anne Liles, Frank Lankford ’67, Glen Howard ’67, and Carolyn Lankford at the Class of ’67 reunion party

Loren Gary ’76, Peggy Fleetwood, Mac Fleming, Steve Coleman ’59, Dr. Sharon Howell, Zanaida Griffin, Charles Robinson ’59, and Jerry Lanning ’59 at the Class of ’59 reunion party

Rebecca McWilliams, Lindsay Frost-Bhasin ’97, Sam Bhasin, and Nichole Samuy ’97 at the Class of ’97 reunion party

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ALUMNI WEEKEND 2017 PHOTO GALLERY

Summer 2017

See all photos from Alumni Weekend 2017 at: www.indianspringsschool. smugmug.com/Alumni

BACK ROW: Edward Inge ’02, Cindy Bryan ’02, Kate Konecny ’02, Dr. Bob Cooper, Justin Routman ’02, Dr. Mac LaCasse. FRONT ROW: Marisa (Bradford) Inge ’02 , Elizabeth (Perry) Knecht ’02, Starr (Turner) Drum ’02, Rebecca Smith ’02, Patrick Yu ’02 at

the Class of ’02 reunion party

David Allgood ’67, Eddie Ashworth ’67, Paul Liles ’67, John Tanner ’67, former faculty member Robert Johns, Ph.D., at the 50th reunion brunch

Courtney Bentley ’92, Brian Jackson ’92, Paul Harding, John Cover ’92, Braxton Goodrich ’93, Sam Frazier ’92, and Emily Johnson at the Class of ’92 reunion party

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR

ALUMNI WEEKEND 2018 April 19-22 We look forward to welcoming you home!

Riley Ovson and Anne Ovson

Paul Liles ’67, Head of School Dr. Sharon Howell, Martin Morgan ’67, David Allgood ’67 at the 50th reunion brunch

Peter Waldo ’77 and Dan Filer ’77 at the Alumni-Faculty Reception

Indian Springs

Photos by Art Meripol, Gary Clark, Stewart Edmonds

BACK ROW, STANDING: Mary Catherine (Hawley) Thornton ’07, Brandon Thornton, Jonathan Yu ’07, Arie Hefter ’07, Peter Horn ’07, Ryan Henderson ’07, Max Rykov ’07. SEATED: Phoebe Mayor ’07, Jane Latham Hodges ’07, Ceci (Wright) Petrella ’07, Dagny Leonard ’07, Abby (Garner) Demers ’07 at the Class of ’07 reunion party

A LU M N I , PA R E N TS & F R I E N D S

LASTING TIES

Directors’ Dinner 2017

“We are deeply appreciative of your generous gifts. Literally every gift, no matter the size, is a spoke in the wheel of our success. Thank you for all that you do for Indian Springs.” —Alan Engel ’73

“I am humbled by the generosity of the people in this room, and by the choice you made to offer your support to the school in the wholehearted way that you have.” —Dr. Sharon Howell

“I ask you to pause and think about the vision that so many of you had to get us to this point in the history of the school. I simply want to acknowledge that we who currently serve do so having stood on your shoulders.” —Libby Pantazis, Chairman of the Board

Photos by Art Meripol

Summer 2017

Indian Springs kicked off Alumni Weekend by thanking 125 alumni, parents, and friends for their stewardship at Springs’ 2017 Directors’ Dinner, held April 20 at historic Woodrow Hall in Woodlawn. “Your generosity runs deep,” said Head of School Dr. Sharon Howell. “It includes not only treasure but also time, talent, energy, and thoughtful involvement. Thank you for recognizing how important annual giving is, and for doing it with so much vigor. I believe more strongly than ever that the work we’re doing together at Springs has the potential to change the game not only in Alabama, not only in the South, but in the United States, and by extension, the world.”

Ronne Hess, Robert and Emily (Hess) Levine ’01

Burns Roensch P ’99, Dr. Bill ’62 and Barbara Viar

Bruce Alexander P ’91

Mark Sabel ’84, P ’21, Eli and Kathy Phillips

Russell Maulitz ’62, Frank Carter ’62, Frank Samford ’62, and Lemuel Coley ’62

Michele Reisner P ’18, Julie Bryant P ’16, ’18, and Ginger Rueve ’86, P ’17, ’21

See all photos from our 2017 Directors’ Dinner at: www.indianspringsschool.smugmug.com/Alumni/ Alumni-Weekend-2017 Libby Pantazis P ’03, ’06, ’09, Mary and Burns Roensch P ’99, Dr. Sharon and Tom Howell P ’21

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Your commitment keeps Springs strong!

Indian Springs

DIRECTORS’ DINNER 2017 PHOTO GALLERY

A LU M N I , PA R E N TS & F R I E N D S

P A R E N T S A S S O C I AT I O N

“There is so much good stuff happening at Springs. I think we can do even more. We can teach kids to be more mindful. We can teach them to center themselves, and be less distracted, and focus on communicating with one another. I think we can do more with curriculum, creatively. We have this great faculty. Our teachers are ready

Stephanie and Michael Mullen P ’18

to try stuff—from the newest, to Bob Cooper. We’re just looking at taking things to the next level, and I am so excited to do that. It’s important work that we’re doing here at Indian Springs, and I can’t wait to see what the next things are that we all do together. Thank you for your John ’20, Virginia ’22, Melissa, and Hanson Slaughter ’90, P ’20, ’22

support.”

—Dr. Sharon Howell

Danielle Dunbar P ’17, ’20, Julie McDonald P ’17, and Lisa Singer P ’19

Photos by Gary Clark

Summer 2017

Tejal and Yogesh Mehta P ’20

All for One and One for All

Ann and David Hunt ’84, P ’17, ’21, and Kiki and Pierre Scalise P ’14, ’18

More than 100 current parents gathered on March 11 at the home of Melissa and Hanson Slaughter ’90, P ’20, ’22, to celebrate parent participation in the Annual Fund, which hit an all-time high in 2016-17 at more than 70%. Parents contributed more than $28,000 in response to the event, which was hosted by the Indian Springs School Parents Association. “I want to thank all of you,” Head of School Dr. Sharon Howell told hosts and attendees. “It’s an incredible thing to come in and see this kind of support for a school. I’ve never experienced anything like this before: the devotion and support. Thank you.”

Lisa Singer P ’19, Michael and Katie DeSocio P ’20

Catherine Toms P ’16, ’18, Jim Shepherd P ’19, Margaret Shepherd P ’18, ’19, and Rune Toms P ’16, ’18

Rakesh and Hina Patel P ’18, ’20, and Elizabeth Hudson and Richard Goff P ’18, ’20

See all photos from our 2016-17 Parents Association celebration at: www.indianspringsschool.smugmug.com/Parents 1 of 127 Beba and Tasos Touloupis P ’17, ’21, and Hanson Slaughter ’90, P ’20, ’22

Thank you for your support!

Indian Springs

ALL FOR ONE AND ONE FOR ALL PHOTO GALLERY

N OT E WO RT H Y

John Abbot ’80 (center) with Chairman of the Board Libby Pantazis and Callen Bair Thistle ’01

Summer 2017

Meet 2017 Outstanding Alum John Abbot ’80

In May, Indian Springs School alumnus John Abbot ’80 received the 2017 Outstanding Alum Award for his achievements in the field of business, honorable service in the U.S. Navy, continuing support of the school as a member of the Board of Governors since 2003, and dedication to Indian Springs’ mission. Abbot, who credits Indian Springs for many of the successes he has achieved, continues to inspire the community that influenced him to do his best.

“Indian Springs certainly is a special place, and I’ve always said whatever academic and professional success I’ve enjoyed, a lot of credit goes to Indian Springs and to the intellectual and academic foundation that the school and so many great teachers provided to me. I’m happy that I’ve been able to give back in some way to a place that has meant so much to me.” –John Abbot ’80

ASK THOSE WHO HAVE KNOWN HIM and worked with him for years what makes John Abbot outstanding and you won’t have to wait for an answer. “He just doesn’t give up,” says Springs classmate and longtime friend William Belser ’80. “He wants to fix things, because he cares.” “John pays attention to detail and has a knack for thoroughly exploring ideas and processes to come to the most logical and well-thought-out conclusion,” says Director of Finance Tanya Yeager, who has worked with him throughout his 14-year Board term. “He is methodical about his process in coming to the best possible conclusion, but he is also very respectful of other people’s thoughts and ideas and inclusive of those. You have a sense that everyone is held to such high standards. You want to meet those standards because he holds himself to them as well.” “John is selfless, dedicated, honest, and hard-working,” says classmate and fellow Board member Robert Aland ’80. “From the earliest days of our friendship at Springs, John has never wavered in his commitment to his friends, his family, his school, and his country. He has enjoyed tremendous success at the U.S. Naval Academy, on Wall Street, and in private industry, and John remains as grounded and humble as he was in ninth grade.” A product of public elementary and middle schools, John followed in his brother Taylor’s footsteps to enroll at Indian Springs as a freshman, and the small, close community quickly drew him in. He sang in the choir, ran lights for the plays, played bridge with faculty and friends, and absorbed countless takeaways from teachers he recalls as “amazing.” He remembers clearly being in Mr. Balch’s ninth grade geometry class as the ex-Marine used the military phonetic alphabet (World War II/Korean War version)—Able, Baker, Charlie—to describe angles. (“A very structured approach to proofs, which I think is important in that logic chain,” John remarks today.) And being thrown out of Dr. Cooper’s AP European History class for missing an assigned reading:

“That was formative,” he says, “but in a good way.” For John, the values that Indian Springs instilled helped shape the person he would become. “I have clear memories of Dr. LaCasse demonstrating X and Y vectors by shooting tennis balls out of a can with a firecracker, which was a great visual,” he says. “He was obviously not only really smart but an amazing teacher who could break things down to be understandable and make complex topics simple, which I’ve carried with me ever since.” While he preferred math and science, Mr. Stegner’s English class taught him to practice— and embrace—writing. “Anybody who had Stegner generally has him stuck in his or her head, and even though I’m in the analytical realm of finance, I still find the written word and communication are critically important. And I have almost as many pet peeves as Stegner did.” “The real hallmark, and my biggest takeaway from Springs, was learning how to think, and how to think critically,” he says, “and not to accept information on face value but to dig in, parse through it, understand it at a deeper level—and recognize there are different perspectives.” To Board Chair Libby Pantazis, that ability to see and hear other viewpoints is fundamental to what makes John outstanding. “He is really smart, but it is his humanity that speaks volumes to me,” she says of his service on the Board and dedication to the school. “Yes, he took to the financial spreadsheets like a pastry chef to sugar but all the while as he studied line items he was thinking about how it affected the students, the faculty, the institution.” While accepting the 2017 Outstanding Alum Award at a special Town Meeting in May, John told students, faculty, alumni, and fellow Board members that he believes the level of academic excellence and intellectual discourse at Springs continues to set the school apart. Even more important, though, he said, Springs is a “safe place to learn.” “It’s a place where it’s not only safe to have different ideas and different perspectives, but where it’s actually encouraged to debate

Photos by Gary Clark (Outstanding Alum Award)

ALUMNI & FRIENDS

AFTER GRADUATING from Indian Springs, John Abbot ’80 received a bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy, an ME in Industrial Engineering from The Pennsylvania State University, and an MBA from Harvard Business School. He served six years of active duty as a Surface Warfare Officer in the U.S. Navy and began his career in the private sector at Goldman, Sachs & Co. in 1992. In 1995, he became Managing Director of the Global Media and Communications Group of Morgan Stanley’s Investment Banking Division. After nine years at Morgan Stanley he transitioned from banking to corporate management, accepting the position of Executive Vice President

and CFO at Insight Communications Company until its acquisition by Time Warner Cable in 2012, and then as Executive Vice President and CFO of Telx Holdings Inc. In July 2016, he became Executive Vice President and CFO of Cumulus Media, the second largest owner and operator of AM and FM radio stations in the United States. As Chair of the Finance Committee of the Indian Springs School Board of Governors, he has worked on two capital campaigns— including the recent Campaign for Springs Eternal—and has sought to make Indian Springs financially sustainable for future generations through improvements in the school’s annual operating budget and by growing and protecting the school’s endowment. He and his wife, Susan, have two children: Duncan and Helen.

INDIAN SPRINGS SCHOOL ALUMNI have made

outstanding contributions in their professions and communities all over the world. Nominate a former classmate for the next Outstanding Alum Award by visiting www.indiansprings.org/oaa, or email Director of Advancement Loren Gary ’76 at loren.gary@ indiansprings.org! NEW THIS YEAR! The Indian Springs School Alumni Council will also recognize Young Alumni on the Rise! Recipients will be individuals who have graduated within the past 15 years and whose accomplishments poise them to leave enduring marks on their fields and/ or communities. Please submit nominations to Callen Bair Thistle ’01 (callenbair@gmail.com) and Kari Todd ’09 (kari.todd13@gmail.com).

BATTLE OF THE BRAINS! Indian Springs teams won first and second place at the Indian Springs vs. Altamont Alumni/ Faculty Trivia challenge on April 6 at Cahaba Brewing Co.! Congratulations to the winning team: Kevin Tavakoli ’98, Dr. Mac LaCasse, Dr. Bob Cooper, Jeff Zanotti ’99, and Keir Cooper ’98. The event, which was hosted by the Indian Springs School Alumni Council and the Altamont School Alumni Association, benefited both schools and raised more than $840 for Indian Springs’ 2016-17 Annual Fund. Love the championship belt!

Indian Springs

ABOUT JOHN

NOMINATE A FELLOW ALUM FOR THE NEXT OUTSTANDING ALUM AWARD OR THE NEW YOUNG ALUMNI ON THE RISE AWARD!

#GOSPRINGS

tough topics, see things in a different light, and challenge the status quo.” He encouraged current students to take advantage of Indian Springs and every opportunity they have in their lives to absorb, think, and help shape their world. “Slow down enough to savor your experiences here and get the most out of them. One of the most important tenets in the Indian Springs mission is participatory and responsible citizenship. In that spirit I encourage you to lean forward and engage in the community and in the world. And of course the more you put into it, the more you’ll get out of it.”

ALUMNI & FRIENDS

N OT E WO RT H Y

Steve Coleman ’59 (at right) with Dr. Sharon Howell

CLASS OF 1957 Al.com reports that the Alabama Humanities Foundation presented its 2016 Alabama Humanities Award to Luanne and Ben Russell ’57 for their philanthropic work, most notably their support of Children’s of Alabama and Children’s Harbor. The Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children, which was dedicated in 2012, is named for Russell’s grandfather. The couple founded Children’s Harbor, which hosts camps for Children’s of Alabama patients and their families, in 1990.

CLASS OF 1959

Summer 2017

Steve Coleman ’59 has employed his intimate knowledge of Northern Ireland and his experience sailing offshore the Irish and Scottish coasts in The Navigator II: Irish Revenge— an adventurous follow-up to his freshman novel, The Navigator: A Perilous Passage, Evasion at Sea. The sequel tells the story of undercover agent Joe Anderson, who falls for fiery young Fiona Brennan and, with the aid of her brother, infiltrates the Real Irish Republican Army. In his efforts to save her from the violence of religious and political discord, he becomes caught up in a web of deadly intrigue. The book is available in both paperback and Kindle versions at Amazon.com. Coleman, who lives in Birmingham, earned his A.B. degree in history from Duke University in 1963, served on active duty as a naval officer, and completed an M.A. in English at the University of Alabama in 1968. He retired from commercial real estate in 2009 and now spends his time as a freelance writer and landscape painter.

Arthur M. Freeman III ’59, M.D., has been recognized as a Leading Physician of the World

Arthur M. Freeman III ’59, M.D.

Lester Seigel ’75

and Top Adult Psychiatrist in Birmingham by the International Association of HealthCare Professionals. Freeman is a graduate of Harvard College, where he held a four-year National Merit Scholarship. He received his medical degree from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. Following his military service in the United States Navy, during which he treated prisoners returning from the Vietnam War, Freeman taught at Stanford for several years. During that time, he edited a book: Psychiatry for the Primary Care Physician. He was Vice-Chair of Psychiatry at UAB, where he was a professor for 14 years. He then became Chair of Psychiatry and later Dean at

the LSU School of Medicine-Shreveport. He also served as Chair of Psychiatry at the University of Tennessee School of Medicine, Memphis. Freeman has been in practice for more than 49 years and is currently serving patients as an Adult Psychiatrist at Pitts & Associates. He is also a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Tulane University School of Medicine. Throughout his career in medicine, he has lectured at universities around the world and has conducted more than 100 clinical trials for new psychiatric drugs while writing some 90 articles for psychiatric literature. With a passion for the field and an unwavering commitment to changing the lives of his patients for the better, he attributes his successes to the support of his family and friends and the good teachers he has had.

CLASS OF 1971

Writes Richard Hogan ’71, “After 30 years in hospital administration, I recently retired. My life today: Fly-fishing the streams of southwest Virginia.”

CLASS OF 1974

From Chip Thuss ’74, Some Things Springs: “Some things you need even if you think you won’t! I am constantly finding out how fortunate I am to have been taught things that had real-life uses (more of a Learning for Living)! I needed to know “c” in order to make a sail cover. Knew the height and base (front sail or Jib). Thank you, ISS (I believe Mr. Balch?)!” cthuss@gmail.com Chip Thuss ’74, Sailboat

CLASS OF 1975

Lester Seigel ’75 conducted the BirminghamSouthern College Concert Choir in Bloch’s

Sacred Service in a special Memorial Day concert at Carnegie Hall in May 2016. The choir, which performed with the New England Symphonic Ensemble, included Indian Springs alumni Margaret Sandy ’10 and Elizabeth Dillard ’15 and current student Matti Rose Lawrence ’19.

New York in February INDIAN SPRINGS ALUMNI, parents, and friends braved snow and winter weather advisories to gather at the offices of Sutherland Asbill & Brennan in New York City on Feb. 9, the eve of Springs’ February Board meeting. A cold night, but a warm reception!

CLASS OF 1977 Southern Jewish Life magazine reports that Peter Sperling ’77 received the Barney D. Mintz Leadership Award at the Anti-Defamation League’s A.I. Botnick Torch of Liberty Award Dinner held on Dec. 6, 2016. The award is given to ADL board members and volunteers who have exhibited leadership and commitment to the goals and mission of the international Jewish non-governmental organization, which is based in the United States. Sperling, who is a founding member of Frilot LLC in New Orleans, also received the 2016 Arceneaux Professionalism Award from the New Orleans Bar Association. He co-chairs the ADL SouthCentral Region’s Civil Rights Committee and leads the Medical Malpractice & Healthcare section of Frilot.

Laura McLean ’03, Ellen McElroy ’78, Emily Sherrod

David Bloom ’08, John Abbot ’80, Kyung Han ’85

Marketa Novakova ’08, Yedoye Travis ’10, Zach Corenblum ’11, Sara Lowery ’09

Natalia Narz ’97, Fergus Tuohy ’96, Janet Perry Book P ’04, ’09

CLASS OF 1978 Named Alabama Teacher of the Year for 2016-17, Dana Jacobson ’78 spent the year representing the state as an ambassador for education. She has taught at Clay-Chalkville High School in Jefferson County since 1999.

CLASS OF 1980

The Chicago Tribune reports that Mark Allen ’80 received the Face the Future Foundation President’s Award at the foundation’s annual gala in spring 2016. The award honors Allen’s contributions and commitment to the foundation, which works to transform the lives of Chicago-area children with cleft palate and craniofacial anomalies by facilitating access to medical care and by supporting research and education. Allen has served on the Board of Directors since 2011.

CLASS OF 1983

CLASS OF 1992

Writes Jem Finley Lamb ’92, “My husband, Duncan Lamb, and I welcomed our third daughter, Harmony, to the world in November

Thank you for including Indian Springs in your annual giving. Your support each year makes a difference every day!

SpringsToday.org

Indian Springs

After seven years in Singapore as Asia Pacific General Counsel for two different tech companies, Steven Howard ’83 has moved back to Tokyo to take on a global legal role with Sony.

ALUMNI & FRIENDS

N OT E WO RT H Y

Baby Edward with big brother, Brooks. Anne Knox Morton Averitt ’04

Baby Isla Jonathan Epstein ’93

Baby Luke John Lockett ’95

2015. Duncan is a data architect at Regions, and I am a contractor with Children’s Aid Society, where I help recruit, train, license, and support families who adopt children with special needs from foster care.”

CLASS OF 1993

Jonathan Epstein ’93 and his wife, Shelley, celebrated the arrival of a beautiful baby girl, Isla Henry Epstein, on Feb. 22. Cmdr. Elaine G. Luria ’93 was relieved as Commanding Officer of Assault Craft Unit Two (ACU-2) and retired after 20 years of naval service in a ceremony held April 27 at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, in Virginia Beach, Va. The ceremony marked completion of a successful tour for Luria, who served as executive officer and commanding officer since July 2014. Under Luria’s leadership, ACU-2 supplied combat-ready landing craft in support of all amphibious forces on the East Coast, including five Amphibious Ready Group deployments to the Mediterranean and Middle East areas of operations; humanitarian assistance to Haiti during Hurricane Matthew relief; multi-national exercise Cold Response in Norway; and support for United States Marine Corps assets in Honduras and Panama. She is a 1997 graduate of the United States Naval Academy and a 2004 graduate of Old Dominion University with a master’s degree in industrial engineering. She is a current participant in the University of Virginia Sorensen Institute Political Leader’s Program.

of Catfish Farmers of America (CFA). He will serve a two-year term. A third-generation catfish farmer in Hale County near Greensboro, Kyser grew up in the industry and now works with his father and brother. His family has raised catfish for 50 years.

CLASS OF 1996

Fergus Tuohy ’96 and Dr. Michael Barnett are engaged to be married. Tuohy, formerly a private wealth advisor with Cummings, Tuohy & Assoc., enrolled in the Columbia Journalism School M.S. program in May. He joined the Indian Springs School Board of Governors in fall 2015.

CLASS OF 1997

Alabama NewsCenter reports that Paget Pizitz ’97 and Harriet Reis received the Game Changer distinction at the 2017 Birmingham Fusion Awards on May 5. Their MELT food truck grew into a brick-and-mortar restaurant by the same name in 2014 in Birmingham’s recently revitalized Avondale area. Since that time, Pizitz

Summer 2017

Townsend Kyser ’95 has been elected president

and Reis have opened Fancy’s on 5th across the street. Pizitz also owns Hot Diggity Dogs and The Marble Ring in Avondale.

CLASS OF 1998

Keir Cooper ’98 and his wife, Dr. Monika Tataria, have set up a new women’s imaging center, Camellia Imaging, in Hoover, Ala. The center works to decrease women’s anxiety surrounding mammography screenings and gives same-day results to patients. It also provides ultrasound-guided, stereotactic (mammogram-guided), and 3-D breast biopsies, as well as other services. Writes Barry Tobias ’98, “This last year and a half has been quite eventful. Got married to Ms. Talia LaPushin in January 2016. We bought a new home together in August. Competed in (and finished) the Kona Ironman World Championships race in October, and kicked off 2017 with the arrival of a baby boy (Remy) in March.”

CLASS OF 2003

D.G. Pantazis ’03 and Sarah Lovell Pantazis were married on June 4, 2016, at a creekside ceremony in Pawley’s Island, S.C. The reception was held at Sarah’s family home on the beach. The couple now resides in the Highland Park area of Birmingham, where Sarah teaches 10th Grade English and D.G. practices law.

CLASS OF 2004

Anne Knox Morton ’04 and Austin Averitt welcomed their second child, Edward Knox Averitt, on March 3.

CLASS OF 1995

John Lockett ’95 and his wife, Erin, welcomed their third child, Luke Nathan Lockett, on Jan. 24.

Baby Remy Barry Tobias ’98

Townsend Kyser ’95

Writes Elizabeth “Bizza” Theibert ’04, “I’m living in Atlanta with my husband, Chuck Markley, and our 14-month-old son, Chase.

Wes Van Horn ’05

D.G. Pantazis ’03

Carlee Duggan ’09

Arwen Hutchison ’12 and Jack Dillard ’12

Daniel Odrezin ’05

I’m currently working at SunTrust Bank but will need to take a few months off this year as we’re expecting another bundle of joy in late July!”

Daniel Odrezin ’05 married Meredith Averbuch on Dec. 17, 2016. The wedding ceremony took place in Savannah, Ga., at Congregation Mickve Israel, one of the oldest Reform synagogues in North America. The reception

Robert Baxley ’09

Indian Springs

Wes Van Horn ’05 married Kristin Rand on March 26 at a lakeside ceremony at Indian Springs School. A reception followed at the gym. Members of the wedding party included best man Nicholas Pihakis ’05 and Mark Waldo ’04, Sean Goldfarb ’04, Nicholas Deep ’04, Marc Fawal ’04, and Jackson Woods ’05.

PHOTO BY LILLIE SHAWN IMAGERY

CLASS OF 2005

N OT E WO RT H Y

teaching English language classes, as well as science, arts, and history courses taught in English.

Mira Walker ’16

Arwen Hutchison ’12 and Jack Dillard ’12 married on May 20 in Tuscaloosa. In attendance were a number of Indian Springs alumni, including the groom’s father, Clint Dillard ’84; aunt, Susan Dillard Phillips ’80; uncle, Larry Dillard ’81; and grandfather, Lester Seigel ’75. Also in attendance were the bride’s grandmother, former Indian Springs registrar Sue Hutchison; and aunt, former staff member Lee Hutchison Boughton. The wedding party included Liz Dillard ’15, Sam Dillard ’19, Benjamin Hawley ’12, and Taylor Landry ’12. Hutchison, who also graduated this year from the University of Alabama (UA) with a master’s in English, will begin teaching English at Samford University in September. Dillard graduated from UA in May 2016 with his undergraduate accounting degree. He works full-time for a CPA firm in downtown Birmingham and is working on his MBA.

CLASS OF 2013 Stephen Himic ’13 was held at the Mansion of Forsyth Park. Eleanor (Hodges) ’05 and Jeff Tolbert ’03 have a baby girl, Lillian Louise Tolbert, born Nov. 4.

CLASS OF ’09

Robert Baxley ’09 married Chloe Ruth Palmer in New Orleans, La., in April. The happy couple will be moving in August to Montgomery, where Robert will be clerking for Ed Carnes, Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, for the coming year. Carlee Duggan ’09 married Blake Lewis on Feb. 4 in Birmingham. The ceremony was held at the Cathedral Church of the Advent, and the reception took place at The Country Club of Birmingham. Betsy Stewart ’09 served as maid of honor. Other Indian Springs alums who attended the wedding were her father, Mell Duggan ’76, brothers Ivy Duggan ’07 and Reeves Duggan ’14, and guests Tullia Rushton ’09, Sara Gail Prudenti ’09, Evan Pantazis ’09, Christina Malmat ’09, Jason Tolbert ’06, and Eleanor (Hodges) ’05 and Jeff Tolbert ’03. Summer 2017

CLASS OF 2012

Leah Fox ’12 received a Fulbright grant to work as an ETA (English Teaching Assistant) in Spain for the 2016-17 school year. Her duties included

Stephen Himic ’13 was named Pitcher of the Year by the Southern Athletic Association in April. Himic, a senior right-handed pitcher at Birmingham-Southern College, compiled a 9-0 overall record (6-0 in SAA) as well as the league’s best earned run average of 1.94 (1.35 in SAA). An SAA release states that Himic threw four complete games and recorded an SAAbest three shutouts on his way to earning the distinction of Pitcher of the Year.

CLASS OF 2016

Piano student Mira Walker ’16 at the University of Alabama at Birmingham was awarded first place in the National Federation of Music Clubs Student/Collegiate Competition Finals, Piano Division. She received a $3,000 cash award, and her photo will be published in the group’s national magazine. Walker is a student of artist-in-residence and Professor of Piano Yakov Kasman, DMA, in the College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Music. Walker, of Birmingham, has studied with Kasman since 2014. She is in the Honors College’s University Honors program and is an applied music major, focusing on piano performance.

IN MEMORIAM ALUMNI

Gordon Doss ’56 died on March 27. He was born in Sardis, Ala., the only child of Lester and Obie Doss. He received his B.A. from

Birmingham-Southern College in Business Administration and his Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Counselor Education from the University of Alabama. Doss spent his early career at the Alabama Department of Education’s Division of Rehabilitation Services and later served at UAB Spain Rehabilitation Center as Director of Administration and Education and after that as Executive Administrator of the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Marilyn; his two daughters, Kathy Hobson (David) and Jenifer Hadraba; his stepchildren, Margaret Cain and Andrew Cain; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Tom Norton ’64, a native of York, Ala., and a resident of Gulf Shores, Ala., passed away on Sept. 5, 2015. A U.S. Marine veteran who served in the Vietnam War, he was a member of the Thomas B. Norton Library Board, and he previously served as Baldwin County’s district attorney and circuit judge. He was preceded in death by two daughters, Karie and DeAnn. Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Kay Norton of Gulf Shores; two sons, Danny (Jennifer) Norton of Birmingham and Walt (April) Norton of Gulf Shores; one sister, Mona Jean Pritchet of Huntsville; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Clay Newsome ’65 died on May 12. A native of Pilot Mountain, N.C., he was the son of a small-town physician. After graduating from Indian Springs, he returned to North Carolina, where he studied medicine at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Later settling in Nashville, Newsome completed his residency at Vanderbilt University and grew his practice of Obstetrics and Gynecology at St. Thomas Midtown Baptist Hospital. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Lou Anne Lee Newsome; children, M. Jennifer Tatum (Kevin), H. Clay Newsome IV (Shayne); Patricia Lauren Mundy (Mike); and four grandchildren. Fredric Phillip Speir ’67 died on Nov. 1. A native of Beaufort, S.C., he grew up in Guntersville. After graduating from Indian Springs, he attended Duke University and the University of Alabama. He moved to Orlando in 1973 and joined the guest relations department at Walt Disney World. He continued his career in the hotel industry for 30 years, working for the Sheraton hotel chain and the financial department of Registry properties. He is survived by his wife, Fredrica Speir of Celebration, Fla.; brother, Doc Speir of continued on page 48

Mira Walker photo courtesy of UAB; Stephen Himic photo courtesy of BSC Athletics

ALUMNI & FRIENDS

THANK YOU, OUTGOING BOARD MEMBERS … Indian Springs School is grateful to these dedicated individuals, whose terms on the Board of Governors drew to a close in spring 2017. John F. Abbot ’80 Larry DeLucas P ’99, ’05 Mike Goodrich, Jr. ’90, P ’20 Ginger Rueve ’86, P ’17, ’21 President, Parents Association D.G. Pantazis ’03 President, Alumni Council

… AND WELCOME, NEW BOARD MEMBERS! The school is also delighted to announce two new appointees to the Board for fall 2017.

Daniel Alarcón photo courtesy of Hugo Rojo/NPR

NPR HAS BEGUN DISTRIBUTING RADIO AMBULANTE, the award-winning, Spanish-

language podcast of Peruvian-American novelist Daniel Alarcón ’95. It is the network’s first Spanish-language podcast. Alarcón and and his wife, entrepreneur Carolina Guerrero, started the podcast in 2012 to share significant but often underreported Latin American and Latino stories through long-form audio journalism. “There are more than 50 million Spanish speakers living in the U.S., and we too are part of the ‘public’ in ‘public radio,’” says Alarcón. “It's exciting to be part of NPR, helping it sound a little bit more like America. NPR shares our journalistic values, our commitment to good storytelling, and our desire

to innovate. We couldn't be happier, or prouder, to join forces.” Born in Lima, Peru, and raised in Birmingham, Alarcón earned his bachelor’s degree in anthropology from Columbia University and a master of fine arts degree in fiction from the Iowa Writer’s Workshop. He started his career as a fiction writer. At Night We Walk in Circles, his most recent novel, was a finalist for the 2014 PEN/Faulkner Foundation Award. Alarcón began working as a journalist in 2004, and his work has been published in The New Yorker, Harper’s, Virginia Quarterly Review, and other publications. He now teaches at Columbia Journalism School. The Radio Ambulante podcast is available in the NPR One app and wherever podcasts are available.

“It’s exciting to be part of NPR, helping it sound a little bit more like America. NPR shares our journalistic values, our commitment to good storytelling, and our desire to innovate. We couldn’t be happier, or prouder, to join forces.” –Daniel Alarcón ’95

Michele Reisner P ’18 President, Parents Association Annie Damsky ’98 President, Alumni Council

COMING SOON FROM AUTHOR JOHN GREEN ’95! Bestselling writer John Green ’95 will release his fifth solo novel on Oct. 10. The book is his first published work since 2012. We’re marking our calendars!

Indian Springs

Alarcón’s Radio Ambulante Joins NPR’s Podcast Lineup

N OT E WO RT H Y

Bernard Doering

Guntersville, Ala.; and sister, Mindy Speir of Greensboro, N.C.

Summer 2017

Dr. Henry Albert Lilly ’68 died on Jan. 20 at his home in Tuscaloosa. He graduated from Tuscaloosa High School in 1968. Lilly served two years in the United States Naval Reserve. He earned a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree in tax accounting, and a master’s degree in computer science from the University of Alabama. After completing his Ph.D. in computer science from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, he found his true professional calling as a teacher of computer science at the Alabama School of Math and Science in Mobile, where he taught from its inception in 1991 until his retirement in 2014. Passionate about the game of bridge, he and his wife, Ann, traveled to compete as a pair at tournaments throughout the country. He is survived by Ann; three siblings and their spouses, Janice Lilly and Cary Buzzelli of Bloomington, Ind., Mark and Gloria Lilly of Birmingham, and Bruce Lilly ’74 and Kitch Carter, also of Bloomington; two nieces and six nephews.

Coo Hirschowitz Engel ’79 passed away on Oct, 3, 2016, at her residence in Nashville, surrounded by her family and friends. She worked as an attorney until her retirement and soon after became a self-employed artist and entrepreneur. She loved her family and friends and will be greatly missed. She is survived by her mother, Barbara Hirschowitz; and her siblings, Edward Hirschowitz ’81 and Vanessa Hirschowitz ’86 (Nick Kouchoukos ’86). Blake Van Horn ’02 passed away unexpectedly on April 29, 2016, at his home

Family of Blake Van Horn ’02

in Indian Springs Village. Left to cherish his memory are his parents, Cindy and Greg Van Horn; brother, Wes Van Horn ’05 (Kristin); his grandfather Jerry Van Horn; his aunt, Jerrie Van Horn Paschal (Norm); his uncles, Tom Browne, Bill Van Horn, Alan Van Horn (Janice); several cousins; and his extended circle of friends. William Barry ’14 of Birmingham passed away on March 2. A service was held on March 9 at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in Birmingham.

FRIENDS AND FAMILY

Alumnae grandparents John Vernon Alexander and Carolyn Jane Alexander died on May 12, 2016. Survivors include their two daughters, Leveron Alexander and Carolyn Faye Motamed (Hank); and three grandchildren, including Rachael Motamed ’16 and Lydia Motamed ’19. Alumnus spouse Carol Watson Christian died April 8, 2016, after a courageous year-and-ahalf struggle with cancer. She is survived by her husband of 41 years, Steve Christian ’71. Alumni grandparent Rev. Martin T. “Buddy” Coile passed away on April 26. Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Melanie Coile and Jay Kieve of Anderson, S.C.; and four grandchildren, including Jesse Kieve ’15 and Emma Kieve ’19. Alumni grandparent Ella Beryl Wilson Copeland passed away on Jan. 30. Survivors include eight children, including Darryl Copeland (Christine); and 19 grandchildren, including Joshua ’13 and Joseph ’17 Copeland. Former faculty member Bernard Doering passed away on July 9, 2016. A lifelong educator

The Van Horn family wishes to thank all who contributed to the Van Horn Memorial Fund in memory of Blake, especially Indian Springs family and friends. A lakeside patio with seating, fire pit, and pergola near the Hut honor his love of friends, family, and Springs. and noted authority on French philosopher Jacques Maritain, Doering taught French at Indian Springs from 1956 to 1963. His work earned him many awards, including the 1984 Grenville Clark Award for his teaching and service to Notre Dame and the community, the 1994 Reinhold Niebuhr Award for exemplifying justice in both academic work and life, and the Jacques Maritain Excellence in Scholarship Award in 2001. After retiring, he continued to publish and lecture on the contemporary relevance of Maritain’s thought. In 2004, he was invited to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the founding of the International Jacques Maritain Institute in Rome because of his many academic contributions to the institute. Survivors include his wife, Jane, who taught at Indian Springs from 1958 to 1963. Alumni grandparent and alumnus father-in-law Jack Griffin passed away on Feb. 21. Survivors include four children, including Terry Griffin Hofammann (Karl ’67); and nine grandchildren, including Dabney Hofammann ’11 and Karl Hofammann IV ’13. Alumni parent Katherine “Kitty” Hardin Hogan died peacefully on Oct. 5, 2016, following a brief illness. From Birmingham, she moved to North Carolina in 2009 to be near her children, Robert ’68, Richard ’71, and Jim ’76 Hogan.

Photos by Graham Yelton (Van Horn) and courtesy of Hanelle Culpepper Meier

ALUMNI & FRIENDS

From School Plays to Hollywood Productions

By Sarah Cook NOT LANDING THE LEAD CHARACTER in the school play doesn’t necessarily mean a Hollywood career isn’t in your cards. Hanelle Culpepper Meier ’88 should know. After trying out for a school production only to be met with rejection, she decided to venture behind the stage and try her hand at directing. That decision served her well as she’s now an acclaimed filmmaker known best for her work in television. “The directing process, finding the script, finding out the thing you wanted to say, figuring out the casting—that was all deeply satisfying to me,” Culpepper Meier says of her early theater years at Indian Springs. Meanwhile, being in front of the camera, she says, became less appealing. “I realized, ‘No wonder I never got cast. I’m pretty bad at acting,’” she adds with a laugh. Culpepper Meier’s road to film production had some twists and turns. Before earning her M.A. at the University of Southern California, she studied economics and French at Lake Forest College. Quickly forming a love for economics, she decided to pursue the discipline further by working on a doctorate at the University of California, Riverside. A creative energy, however, was brewing beneath the surface.

“About four weeks into the program I said, ‘Wait, what happened? I want to tell stories. I want to be a director. Why am I getting a Ph.D. in economics?’” Culpepper Meier recalls. “There was this part of me that really loved [economics] and could have been happy doing that, but I had to deal with my creative core first.” That was all it took for the soon-to-be filmmaker to forge a new path. Today, Culpepper Meier has worked on a number of highly rated television series such as 90210, Criminal Minds, Revenge, Empire, The Flash, Gotham, and Parenthood. She’ll be directing an episode of the new Star Trek in August. She has also directed several feature films including Within, Deadly Sibling Rivalry, Murder on the 13th Floor, and Hunt for the Labyrinth Killer. Culpepper Meier admits most of the projects she’s worked on have had suspenseful plots. And while she’s explored other genres, she says her affinity for story lines with thriller elements is strong. “As I try to define who is Hanelle the filmmaker, it does seem like I get drawn more and more towards dark, thriller kind of stuff,” says Culpepper Meier, who counts Alfred Hitchcock and Kathryn Bigelow (director of The Hurt Locker and Zero Dark Thirty) as influences. “I enjoy trying to figure out the best way to set up a shot to scare an audience or surprise them.” When she’s not on set, Culpepper Meier is honing her craft through continued education. Visiting a museum, watching classic films, or— ironically enough—taking an acting class are all ways she expands her film knowledge. “I love the saying ‘luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity,’” she says. “Whatever your thing is, you should be doing it as much as you can.”

Indian Springs

HANELLE CULPEPPER MEIER ’88:

ALUMNI & FRIENDS

N OT E WO RT H Y

James C. Lewis Infrastructure Plaque Alumni parent and grandparent Peter M. Horn Sr. passed away on June 16, 2016. Survivors include his wife, Patricia Forrester Horn; four children, including Randolph Horn ’83 (Francoise); and six grandchildren, including Peter M. Horn, III ’07 (Natalie Sharkey) and Tennyson Horn ’10. Alumnus parent Virginia Sikes Huffines died on March 25, 2016. She is survived by three children, including Steven Conway Huffines ’79 (Dan McCurdy) of San Francisco, Calif. Alumnus and current grandparent Joe M. Kieve died on April 19. He is survived by his wife, Dale

Kennedy Kieve; children, including Jay Kieve (Melanie) of Anderson, S.C.; and grandchildren, including Jesse Kieve ’15 and Emma Kieve ’19.

passed away on Jan. 14. He is survived by his two daughters, Beth Shoemake ’92 and Carol (Lele) Shoemake ’86 (Marty).

Alumni parent and grandparent James Craiger Lewis passed away peacefully at home on Jan. 4. Survivors include his son James Hatfield Lewis ’75 (Malinda); and six grandchildren, including Evelyn Lewis Corey ’11 (Doug) and Stewart Hatfield Lewis ’11.

Alumni parent Norman Singer passed away on Oct. 31, 2016. He is survived by his wife, Anna Jacobs Singer; three sons, including Shambie ’83 and Jeremy ’86 (Nicole); and two stepdaughters, Joanna Jacobs ’93 and Stephanie Jacobs ’00.

Alumni parent Betty Wolf Loeb died on June 15, 2016. She is survived by four children, including Dr. Peter Loeb ’76 (Cecilia) of Tallahassee, Dr. Thomas Loeb ’72 (Patricia) of New York, and Robert Loeb ’68 (Margery) of Texas.

Alumnae parent Mike Turner passed away on April 8, 2016. Survivors include his wife, Mickey; and daughters, Starr Drum ’02 (David) and Bentley Schoening ’04 (Brian).

Alumna parent Deborah Morris passed away in March. Survivors include her daughter, Ashley Morris ’15. Alumni parent Romaine Samples Scott, Jr., died on July 11, 2016. He is survived by his wife, Sally; and three sons, including Romaine S. Scott, III ’69 (Rita) and Clark L. Scott ’71 (Josie). Alumnae parent Robert (Bob) Shoemake

Summer 2017

Columbia Acquires Archives of Cartoonist Howard Cruse ’59

Alumni parent and uncle Dr. Jiri Vitek passed away on Dec. 19 in New York. Survivors include his sons, John Vitek ’89 and George Vitek ’93; and nephews, Ivan Dubovsky ’79 and Filip Dubovsky ’93. Alumnus grandparent Robert Schoenhof Weil passed away on Oct. 25, 2016. Survivors include six grandchildren, including Daniel H. Markstein, IV ’92.

PIONEERING CARTOONIST HOWARD CRUSE ’59 helped shape modern comics in the 1970s and beyond by creating quirky characters who touched on current social issues. Recognizing Cruse’s important contribution to comics, Columbia University Libraries’ Rare Book & Manuscript Library has acquired a comprehensive selection of his artwork, correspondence, and interviews that date back to the illustrator’s childhood in Alabama. After graduating from Indian Springs, Cruse attended Birmingham-Southern College, where he studied drama. In 1977, he moved to New York City, where he had a flourishing career in comic illustration. He is credited with being the first cartoonist to incorporate themes such as the AIDS epidemic, gay bashing, and the gay rights movement into his work. “It feels especially appropriate (that my archives are with Columbia) since the core of my cartooning life, not to mention my years as a participant in the gay liberation movement, was spent a few subway stops away from the University in New York City,” Cruse said in a release. “I’m thrilled to have my personal correspondence and career artifacts become part of (this) amazing comics archive.” Columbia University Libraries is one of the top five academic research library systems in the country. The collections include more than 13 million volumes, 160,000 journals and serials, as well as extensive electronic resources, manuscripts, rare books, microforms, maps, and graphic and audiovisual materials.

Dunya Habash ’12

DOCUMENTARY SHARES COURAGE, RESILIENCE OF SYRIAN REFUGEES IN APRIL, Indian Springs’ Muslim Student Alliance

and Amnesty International Club hosted a screening of Zaatari: Jordan’s Newest City, a documentary film by Dunya Habash ’12, to benefit Syrian refugees. A Syrian-American and Birmingham native, Habash visited the Zaatari refugee camp, where more than 81,000 refugees live on a 3-square-mile piece of land in the Jordanian desert, for her college honors project at Birmingham-Southern in 2014. “I was actually at Springs when the Civil War broke out in Syria,” Habash said at a Q&A after the screening. “I felt that I was just sitting here comfortably in my American home, with no connection to what was going on. I decided to go over there, feel connected, talk to people, and hear their stories. I was expecting total chaos, disarray, and destruction, but what I found instead were people who were trying their best to live in decency, to continue their lives. The sense of resilience of the human spirit was so powerful and impactful on me: I knew I wanted to continue my work in a way where I could get involved with similar communities and hopefully go back.” Habash is currently pursuing her M.S. in Refugee and Forced Migration Studies at the University of Oxford. “How are these people living the way they are living? How do they have such optimism? How do they build the lives that they build there? I hope to uncover some of the answers on future visits back to the camp.” The screening at Indian Springs raised $1,400 for the Syrian American Medical Society. You can view Habash’s powerful film on YouTube.

Helping To Clear the Air on the Effects of Smoking By Sarah Cook ALUMNUS RICHARD NOVAK ’03 is tackling one of culture’s biggest vices in a very scientific way. Novak, Senior Staff Engineer at the Wyss Institute at Harvard University, co-authored a study that gives researchers a better understanding of smoke-related pathological changes in smokers. Scientists are saying that the groundbreaking study— published in Cell Systems, an online journal—takes researchers a few steps forward in determining exactly how cigarette smoke worsens Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). In the past, identifying pathological changes caused by smoking has been challenging because of imperfect systems. Lab animal studies often fall short, leaving researchers with sometimes unreliable data. Novak and the group at Wyss developed an “integrated system,” which combines tested OC Technology (“organ on a chip”) with a machine that literally smokes cigarettes. “In order to translate observed breathing patterns and smoking behavior into biological effects, we combined the small airway-on-a-chip with a smoking machine that burns cigarettes and a microrespirator that inhales and exhales small volumes of cigarette smoke and fresh air in and out of the epithelium-lined channel in programmable intervals mimicking true smoking behavior,” explains Novak. The technology enables Novak and teammates to analyze the effect of smoke exposure on the lungs in isolation, filtering secondary influencers of patient background, history, exposure frequency, and other factors. Novak is no stranger to working on simulations that help researchers better understand how the human body reacts to outside pathogens. Since receiving his Ph.D. in Bioengineering from UC Berkeley-UC San Francisco, where he developed precision methods for single molecule and cell analysis using microfluidic droplet generators, he has had his hand in developing an array of studies that have realworld applications. Outside his time spent in the lab, Novak mentors aspiring researchers—helping to pave the way for the future of others in his field. In 2009, he founded the Future Scientist, a nonprofit that teaches design methods to improve the long-term health and well-being of developing countries.

Indian Springs

Photo of Dunya Habash by Mindy Keyes Black; photos of Richard Novak and smoking machine courtesy of Wyss Institute at Harvard University

RICHARD NOVAK ’03:

SALUTE

CLASS OF 2017

What Lies Ahead for the Class of 2017? Our graduating seniors gathered in early May for the traditional College Day photo to celebrate what lies ahead for them this fall. Enjoy these highlights. By Amelia Johnson

Zak Heino, Issy Schweibert, Sydney Barrow, Josy Gray, and Elizabeth Hunt will all be playing Division III soccer. Zak committed to Huntingdon, Sydney and Josy to Birmingham-Southern, and Issy and Elizabeth to Grinnell. (Issy’s dad also attended Grinnell.)

Varun Yerramsetti will play Division III golf at Hampden-Sydney.

Adam Aldaher

will be conducting independent research as part of the Science & Technology Honors Program at UAB.

Summer 2017

Taylor Hinch

is a Presidential Scholar at Villanova. Scholars are recognized as transformational leaders who’ve demonstrated a love of learning and a commitment to improving their communities.

Allen Xu is looking forward to taking as many of Northwestern’s 4,000 undergraduate courses as possible in pursuit of his interests in stories, patterns, and equations.

Photo by Michael Sheehan

Connie Yang

plans to study mathematics at Rice, where there is a long history of excellence in the subject. In fact, when Rice was founded in 1912, a third of its nine faculty members were math professors.

Keller Maharrey

will spend a gap year sailing the coast of Baja through NOLS (the National Outdoor Leadership School).

Hayden Dunbar

will participate in weekly service and reflection with area community partners and a group of like-minded students through the Bonner Leaders Program at Sewanee.

Gavin Young

hopes to become part of Carleton’s Ultimate Frisbee team, which has one of the longest unbroken streaks of national appearances in college history.

Nomiah Keyton

is looking forward to pre-veterinary studies at the University of Florida, home to one of the country’s top veterinary programs.

Lynn Berger

will spend a year in Israel through Young Judaea’s Year Course.

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HAPPY SUMMER FROM SPRINGS!