BGA Echo: Fall 2016

Fall 2016 The magazine for alumni & friends of Battle Ground Academy

Entrepreneurial Leadership at BGA BARRY SENSING: THE END OF AN ERA Legendary Teacher and Athletic Director Retires After 38 Years

127TH GRADUATING CLASS Class of 2016 Prepared for New Challenges ECHO MAGAZINE | FALL 2016 | 1

What Will Your Legacy Be? THE ROBERTS FAMILY Eddie Roberts graduated from BGA at its peak as an all boys school in 1969.

Years later, he sent his three daughters to BGA where they enjoyed successful careers. Today, all seven of his grandchildren are at BGA, spanning the Lower, Middle and Upper Divisions, making BGA a true family tradition.

For more information, contact Robin Goertz, Director of Admissions, at robin.goertz@mybga.org or visit www.battlegroundacademy.org/apply.

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Table of Contents AROUND THE QUAD

6 127TH GRADUATING CLASS

11 STELLAR YEAR FOR SPEECH & DEBATE

20 BARRY SENSING: THE END OF AN ERA

FEATURE ARTICLE

22 ENTREPRENEURIAL LEADERSHIP

WILDCAT ROLL CALL

32 2015 HALL OF FAME CEREMONY

34 REUNION WEEKEND

40 CLASS NOTES

About the Cover Matt Ligon ’18 and Gloie Alexander ’17 in the Entrepreneurial Leadership classroom.

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From The Head of School I want to tell you a story...

Many years ago there was a clear need in a city—a war-torn city that had a bright future if it could merely recover from the horrible toll war had taken.

To assist in the restoration of Franklin, small startup companies began to spring up around the community. But to recover fully from the conflict required more than rebuilding; it required rethinking and reimagining what would actually affect lasting, significant change for generations to come.

As with many such projects—social or commercial—investors, managing directors and first-class leaders came together and created a new organization designed to provide for the specific needs of their community and to serve as a guiding force for positive change. In the end, two experts in the field led the founding and first years of the organization, and its legacy has remained intact for over a century.

The Fall 2016 edition of Echo is published by the Battle Ground Academy Office of Advancement for alumni, parents, grandparents, students and friends.

HEAD OF SCHOOL William F. Kesler

CHAIRMAN, BOARD OF TRUSTEES Tyler R. Berry, IV ‘87

PRESIDENT, ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Anna Shell Emerson ’02

DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT

Of course, this is the story of Battle Ground Academy, of S.V. Wall and W. D. Mooney, of a school founded by educational entrepreneurs, community stakeholders and a board of committed citizens. The goal was to educate the young people of Middle Tennessee to be prepared for the best opportunities possible after graduation. Their dream was to see the youth of Franklin, and the entire region, prepared to face the problems of the coming years with bright minds and full hearts.

Tom Evans

As you read this edition of Echo, I hope you will see that this story is our story, one that we continue to tell 127 years later. Being the first secondary school in the country to have an Entrepreneurial Leadership department didn’t happen by accident, and having the best program of its type anywhere will come to fruition because the entrepreneurial spirit is part of our DNA—it’s who we are as a school.

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

At BGA we want to give students an education that will equip them to face the greatest challenges our world can throw at them. In a world growing ever more divisive and uncivil, we also want to prepare our students to address these problems with humility and integrity.

I trust that as you read about our program that you will become as excited as I am about its potential to continue BGA’s incredible tradition of meeting the needs of the Middle Tennessee community with the most innovative and effective means possible.

William Kesler Head of School

WRITERS/EDITORS Laine Milam Arnold ’09, Director of Communications Shannon Bevins Tom Evans, Director of Advancement Mike Alday, Alday Communications

Leah Handelsman

CONTRIBUTING WRITER Dr. Lucas Boyd

DESIGNER Visualink Creative vlcreative.com

Photography Tim Jones Photography

Please send story ideas or comments to laine.arnold@mybga.org. www.BattleGroundAcademy.org

All alumni are invited to Alumni Weekend to celebrate memories, friendship, and great times at The Academy. Visit battlegroundacademy.org for more information.

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Around the Quad | School News

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Around the Quad | School News

Class of 2016 Prepared for New Challenges On Sunday, May 15, Battle Ground Academy celebrated its 127th graduating class and conferred degrees to 76 of Middle Tennessee’s most talented students. Adysen Reader, who will attend Harvard University, and Miller Garrett, who will attend the University of Virginia, were the Valedictorian and Salutatorian respectively.

“The Class of 2016 is a special one,” said Will Kesler, BGA Head of School. “Many changes occurred during their time here and they handled them with confidence and a willing attitude. Their foundations are strong and we cannot wait to see what this talented group of young people achieves in college and beyond.”

85%

&

99%

GRADUATION HONORS ADYSEN READER Valedictorian MILLER GARRETT Salutatorian MATTHEW MINOR Awarded the Pinkerton Watch, given to the senior who, in the judgment of the faculty, is the best allaround student.

RACHEL ARVIZU Presented the Paul Guffee ’61 Memorial Award, which, by vote of the faculty, goes to the senior who exhibits leadership in athletics and all other phases of school life.

ARACELY TURCIOS Received the Katie Jeter ’03 Award for Service.

TYLER HEIMERT-TRAIN Received the Durwood Sies ’40 Leadership Award.

MICHAELA MURPHY Received the BGA Alumni Association Bill Ross ’72 Award, as voted by the student body for helping those in need without need for recognition.

LINDSEY BROWN Presented the Robin Leigh Altshuler Award, given to the senior who exemplifies a spirit of unconditional service to others and the community.

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Around the Quad | School News

Where Did They Go? Ashley Abner, Auburn University Molly Anderson, Texas Christian University Rachel Arvizu, Case Western Reserve University Madison Bailey, Belmont University Kevin Barcus, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Diamond Battle, Austin Peay State University Lexi Baur, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo Clay Beathard, University of Tennessee, Martin Cameron Bergeron, University of Kentucky AJ Bethurum, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Paul Bousquet, University of Alabama Charles Bramlett, Arizona State University Jarrett Bristol, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Lindsey Brown, Syracuse University Rachel Brown, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Conor Byrne, Northeastern University Danielle Caron, Arizona State University Marcus Cawthorne, University of Alabama Jason Chen, St. John’s University Queens Campus Lucky Clendenin, Pellissippi State Technical Community College Audrey Collins, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Thomas Cone, University of Redlands Kylie Crawford, University of Kansas Will Crawford, University of Louisville Clay Dennis, University of Mississippi Dylan Dockery, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Thobie Fauver, Coastal Carolina University Sam Folks, University of Tennessee, Martin Harrison Brown Fuller, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Austin Galesi, University of Alabama Miller Garrett, University of Virginia Meghan Garrison, Belmont University Clay Gentry, University of Mississippi Tyler Heimert-Train, Southern Methodist University Emily Hopkins, Loyola University Maryland Grace Johnson, Boston University Cullen Kennedy, Pellissippi State Technical Community College Lily Kruse, University of Mississippi Matt Lowe, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Andy Ma, Florida International University Allie Martin, East Tennessee State University Maddy Mays, Maryland Institute College of Art Samantha McCaleb, New York University Willson McCullough, University of Denver John Meghreblian, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Sydney Merrell, Belmont University Matthew Minor, Seton Hall University Michaela Murphy, College of Charleston Caitlin Musgrove, College of Charleston 8 | ECHO MAGAZINE | FALL 2016

Benjamin O’Connell, Clemson University Eric Olson, Auburn University Campbell Parker, Texas Christian University Jenna Pasyanos, Belmont University Sarah Puryear, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Jacob Ragsdale, Arizona State University Adysen Reader, Harvard University

New York University

Arizona State University

Texas Christian University

Around the Quad | School News

Tyler Roberson, University of Alabama Alex Stanley, University of Kentucky Jonah Sulfridge, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Sydney Thompson, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Tori Thompson, Mississippi State University Chase Tidwell, Auburn University Ethan Todd, University of Colorado at Boulder Paul Trapeni, Rhodes College Cely Turcios, University of Indianapolis Hallie VanLandingham, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Claire Walker, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Seif Waly, University of Arizona Terrell Webster, Birmingham Southern Timothy Wells, Furman University Grace Whitten, University of Washington DJ Williams, Murray State Virginia Windham, Loyola University Chicago Austin Witt, Tennessee Technological University Emma Yoder, University of Colorado at Boulder Glenn Young, Tennessee State University

University of Virginia

Harvard University

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

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Around the Quad | School News

Athletic Legacy Endures

BGA’s students continue to leave their mark on athletic fields, courts and tracks long after graduation. The class of 2016 is no exception, with eight student athletes signing letters of intent to play collegiate athletics.

DIAMOND BATTLE Track & Field Austin Peay State University

CELY TURCIOS Soccer University of Indianapolis

CLAY BEATHARD Football University of Tennessee at Martin

TERRELL WEBSTER Basketball Birmingham-Southern College

SAM FOLKS Baseball University of Tennessee at Martin

PATRICK WELLS Football Furman University t

ETHAN TODD Football University of Colorado, Boulder

GLENN YOUNG Football Tennessee State University

WEBSTER HITS 1,000 Terrell Webster joined the exclusive 1,000-point scoring club this past basketball season. He was a three-year starter for the varsity basketball team and the only sophomore to dress on BGA’s 2014 State Championship team. Webster will continue his basketball career at Birmingham-Southern College.

Around the Quad | School News

Stellar Year for Speech & Debate

VP JOE BIDEN SURPRISES CLASS OF 2016 Attendees of BGA’s graduation were treated to a special guest as Vice President Joe Biden provided an inspiring video message to The Class of 2016.

BGA’s Speech and Debate team had a terrific season this year, continuing its growing presence as a forensic force on the regional, national and international stages of competition.

Comprising 42 active students, the team finished the year 4th overall in Tennessee, the highest rank achieved by any independent school in the state, and sent four competitors to the national tournament. The team also gained BGA’s first international win in debate by defeating Canada at the Harvard International WSD competition over spring break.

Critical to the success of the team was senior Paul Bousquet, who set a school record this season for overall points accumulated. Paul wrapped up his high

the University of Alabama, where he is on a Speech and Debate scholarship.

Other students integral to the team’s success were sophomores Nathan Kruse, Clare Frances Kennedy and Emma McCaleb. Kruse finished in the top 60 honors with Bousquet at the national tournament in Salt Lake City for his performance in the International Extemp Speaking event and was state champion in Extemp Speaking. Kennedy made it three extra rounds past initial eliminations in Prose at the national tournament and has qualified for the

Bousquet wrapped up his high school career as an NSDA Academic All American ranked 98th in the nation out of approximately 135,000 tracked students. school career as an NSDA Academic All American ranked 98th in the nation out of approximately 135,000 tracked students—another school record. After being eliminated from his main event at nationals this year, Bousquet made it through nine rounds of Extemp debate, reaching the top 50 of the event out of roughly 775 students. In addition to his time on the Speech and Debate team, Bousquet also played four years of varsity football for the school. His next stop is

nationals in World Schools Debate.

McCaleb was state runner-up in Extemp speaking behind Kruse and was invited

by George Mason University to attend a Speech and Debate tournament in early August in South Korea.

The vice president developed a special relationship with Campbell Parker ’16 over the past few years as the two bonded over a shared speech impediment.

Parker was introduced to Biden when he was in Middle School and they immediately struck up a friendship. Since then, they have become pen pals.

The vice president considered attending BGA’s graduation in person but his granddaughter was graduating college on the same day.

Still, the video presentation was a pleasant surprise for The Class of 2016. To view Vice President Biden’s message, visit Battle Ground Academy.org.

Bousquet wrapped up his high school career as an NSDA Academic All American ranked 98th in the nation out of approximately 135,000 tracked students.

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Around the Quad | School News

Ms. Ferguson’s Class and members of The Class of 2024

Moving On Up BGA’s Moving Up ceremony tradition continued as 4th graders completed their time at BGA’s Lower School and 8th graders were recognized as they transition to Upper School.

Celebratory 4th Grade School Parade 12 | ECHO MAGAZINE | FALL 2016

Lower School Awards BRENDA TRIMBLE The Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching CARA FERGUSON The “Second Mile” Award

Around the Quad | School News

Class of ‘20

Middle School Awards WILL RIECK T. Clint Rice III Award BAILEY ANDERSON & DEVIN HOKE SFC Scott H. Lape Leadership Award

ABBY MCCONNELL & MITCHELL MORRISON Marylou Brown Community Service Award RAYNE GRAY & NICK SEMPTIMPHELTER Gary Brock Award MICAH BALL The Agnes Stokes Fort More Arts Award PHIL WYATT The Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching CHRISTY CHURCH MCAFEE ’94 The “Second Mile” Award

Matt Lewis, ‘20, Class President ECHO MAGAZINE | FALL 2016 | 13

Around the Quad | School News

Doing Her Part Rising BGA 7th grader Graci Semptimphelter ’22 was one of the youngest students in the United States to be awarded the Prudential Spirit of Community award.

Semptimphelter was chosen for her volunteer work as a youth mentor for 1Team1Goal, a program giving special needs children the opportunity to play sports, dance, create art, play music or get an appropriate education.

She is often found on the fields with her buddy, Lily, a special needs child with whom she has formed a special bond.

Semptimphelter is one of just 102 youth volunteers—two from each state and the District of Columbia—in grades 5-12 who were named honorees.

BACKING UP TIM MCGRAW BGA’s 4th Grade BGA Wildcat Choir members, directed by Shari Gerth, enjoyed the experience of a lifetime this spring when BGA parents Byron and Missi Gallimore arranged for these talented students to sing the chorus on Tim McGraw’s touching new single, “Humble and Kind.” McGraw sang the song live on the Academy of Country Music award show on April 3. Though he had a choir on stage during his performance, it was BGA students’ voices that were heard on the telecast.

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Around the Quad | School News

Admissions Video Wins ADDY Award

DIANE PARKER ART STUDIO DEDICATION

BGA recently produced a new admissions video showcasing the virtues of the school through the eyes and voices of our students, faculty and parents. The “Day in the Life” video was recognized with an ADDY Award by the Nashville Chapter of the American Advertising Federation.

On January 24, the Diane Parker Art Studio was dedicated in honor of its namesake, retired BGA art teacher Diane Parker. Many joined to honor Diane’s impact on the creativity of generations of children during her 40 years of service to the school.

Formerly the ADDY Awards, the American Advertising Awards is the largest and most representative competition of the advertising industry., recognizing the creative spririt of excellence in the art of advertising. Check out the award-winning video at BattleGroundAcademy.org.

MARY CAMPBELL EASEL AWARD WINNERS BGA’s visual art teachers continue to award the quarterly Mary Campbell Easel Award to a student whose artwork exemplifies creativity, effort and quality. Recent winners include Sophie Pollard ’21 and Laura Bagnall ’18.

Pollard was recognized for her creation of a unique ceramic mask that captured the concept of animal cruelty. The mask also won 1st place for 7th grade in the Middle Tennessee Regional Art Exhibition held at Belmont University. Bagnall was honored for her drawing of a graphite self-portrait.

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Around the Quad | School News

GIRLS CAPTURE FIRST STATE CHAMPIONSHIP IN GOLF For the first time in school history, BGA won a state championship in girls golf with a two-stroke victory over St. Mary’s from Memphis.

The team was led by senior Rachel Arvizu and junior Hannah Wright, who finished fourth and sixth in individual play respectively. Brent McLay was named as The Tennessean’s Girls Golf Coach of the Year.

“I’m proud of their effort. They worked hard, fought hard, worked on their individual skills and got themselves a state championship,” said Coach McLay. This was the third consecutive year that Arvizu and Wright qualified for the state tournament.

DASH TO #1 Diamond Battle continued to make her mark as one of BGA’s greatest track stars ever by capturing the TSSAA Division II state championship in the 100-Meter Dash.

She was a member of BGA’s 2014 4X100 championship relay team in 2014.

During her career, Battle participated in nine state championship events.

The daughter of Regina Bailey, Battle will continue her track career at Austin Peay State University.

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Around the Quad | School News

2016 NSCA ALL-AMERICAN ATHLETES Graduating seniors Eric Olson and Tori Thompson received 2016 All-American Athlete awards from the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

They were nominated by Director of Wellness Fred Eaves for their dedication to training throughout the year as well as their academic and athletic performance.

Olson, who played football and wrestled, is attending Auburn University.

Thompson, a key member of BGA’s volleyball squad, is going to Mississippi State University.

NATIONAL MERIT FINALISTS Adysen Reader ’16 and Cameron Bergeron ’16 were recognized this past school year as National Merit Finalists.

Reader is attending Harvard University and Bergeron is at the University of Kentucky on its coveted Patterson Scholarship.

GIRLS SOCCER TEAM CONTINUES EXCELLENCE After winning a state championship in 2014, the BGA girls soccer team continued its impressive play with consecutive second place finishes in 2015 and 2016.

Battle Ground Academy’s production of the renowned Les Misérables was one of the largest in school history, including more than 50 students. It was the first production to include students from all three of the school’s Lower, Middle and Upper divisions.

“When I saw another school’s production of Les Mis a few years ago, I decided that as soon as I had the right students, I would do this show,” said Jenny Wallace, BGA’s Upper School Drama Director. “This particular group of students was most assuredly up to the task. They were hard-working, dedicated artists who are not only talented, but have a love and respect for this music and story that have surprised and impressed me every step of the way.”

According to long-time attendees of plays and musicals at BGA, Wallace and her theatre students put on one of the best shows of all time.

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Around the Quad | School News

In honor of 38 years at BGA, Barry Sensing was the honorary starter for the 2016 tug. An ardent Plato supporter, Sensing cheered as the Platos won their sixth consecutive victory over the Harpeth River.

The Platos lead the Greers 41-35-2.

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Around the Quad | School News

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Around the Quad | School News

Barry Sensing

Legendary Teacher Retires after 38 Years

BY DR. LUCAS BOYD

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Around the Quad | School News

In the 6th Century B.C., the Greek Heraclitus observed that “nothing endures but change.”

More than any other current BGA teacher, Barry Sensing can attest to the validity of this aphorism. During his 38 years here, he has seen dramatic changes.

When he and his wife, Carol, came in 1978, the school was all-male, grades 7-12. Sensing is the last teacher left who bridges the school’s transition from all-

athletic director for 15 years.

Both of his children, John and Ann, were born in Franklin and are graduates of BGA. Through the years, Sensing has received a number of awards and honors that attest to his teaching and coaching prowess as well as his influence on the young people he has taught. In 2009, he was elected to the Faculty Hall of Fame.

No one who was there that night will forget his acceptance speech (in fact, he may still be talking). The multi-purpose

“BGA is a wonderful place. My kids got a great education.

I will never forget the relationships with students and with fellow teachers. boys to co-ed in 1979. He first taught in buildings built in the early 1900s and then had a brand-new classroom when the school moved to its current Glen Echo campus in 1996.

wrestling room was named for him in 2014. He has twice received the Golden Apple Award for excellence in teaching.

And senior classes have dedicated the yearbook to him three times.

A graduate of the University of Kentucky, Sensing spent eight years teaching in public schools before coming to Franklin. He came to teach math, to assist in football and to lead the wresting program. Later, cross country was added to his coaching schedule. He quickly became a fixture in both the math and athletic departments and served as

Carol Lea-Mord, a teaching colleague of many years, noted “his sense of humor and his facility of communication with his classes.” Larry McElroy, math teaching associate and recently retired Upper School Head, said, “Barry was a master at teaching, motivating and inspiring students at all grade levels. His rapport with students was phenomenal.

He made a difference and will be greatly missed.”

When asked to name the biggest changes he’s seen, Sensing said: “Aside from the obvious physical changes, the use of technology in every phase of education has been the most dramatic. And right up there has been the fine arts program.

Kids need the arts to be fully educated.”

In reflecting on his tenure, he said, “BGA is a wonderful place. My kids got a great education. I will never forget the relationships with students and with fellow teachers. The most satisfying has been seeing children of former students come through the same classes.”

Yes, BGA has gone through a vast array of changes in the last 38 years. However, there are some things that should never change, such as teachers who love teaching, who value learning, who have rapport with their students and who spend a lifetime helping young people become adults. Barry Sensing did this.

He will be missed.

Dr. Lucas Boyd’s career spans 48 years in education, retiring in 1998 after serving as principal of Battle Ground Academy for 19 years.

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Feature Story | Entrepreneurial Leadership

One of the few programs of its kind to be implemented into the classrooms of a high school.

BGA Students Prepare for the Future in Entrepreneurial Leadership 22 | ECHO MAGAZINE | FALL 2016

Feature Story | Entrepreneurial Leadership

Peppered with terms like value propositions, crowdfunding, design thinking and discussion about the latest episode of the Harvard Business Review podcast, it could easily be mistaken for a Fortune 500 C-suite retreat. It’s not a gathering of business executives—it’s a curriculum development meeting for one of the few programs of its kind to be implemented into the classrooms of a high school: The Entrepreneurial Leadership Program at BGA. Born out of an idea from the BGA community and drawing inspiration from the 127-year entrepreneurial spirit of the school, the EL program grew organically through collaboration by faculty, administration, community leaders and parents, and was brought to fruition through thoughtful development involving all of these stakeholders. The primary goal is to equip students with a mindset and a toolbox to be able to start and effectively lead organizational solutions for real-world problems.

The program was officially launched in fall 2015 and is on track to hit full momentum this year.

Head of School Will Kesler sees Entrepreneurial Leadership as a way to ensure students are equipped to embrace academic rigor, but are also graduating with an acute sense of how to be a colleague and organizational pacesetter.

“The EL program takes the elements of an excellent liberal arts education and contextualizes them in the real world, “ said Kesler. “The ability to communicate effectively, the scientific method, an

understanding of our past, the empathy and compassion garnered from the study of literature or another culture, all of these and countless others find their way into the collaborative problem-solving approach that EL embodies. In many ways, it represents the purest form of our educational philosophy: inquiry-based, relational and global.”

The latest research from Duke University professor and MacArthur Foundation researcher Cathy N. Davidson projects 65 percent of students will go on to hold jobs that do not exist at the current date.

The essential question becomes, “How do we prepare students for a job or a workplace that doesn’t even exist?” Organizations like the National Association of Independent Schools have sought to remedy this by outlining “21st Century Essential Capacities” that transcend the diversity of workplaces, both existent and impending.

assembled a faculty and an advisory board consisting of leaders from Middle Tennessee’s entrepreneurial community to tackle curriculum design with these elements in mind.

“By creating a full, four-year Entrepreneurial Leadership program, we are creating a transformational opportunity for our students to engage in an active learning environment that transcends traditional business offerings,” said Peden. “This is not a mini-MBA program.

This is a launching pad for equipping students with skills and mindsets to creatively solve real-world problems.”

The design of the program pairs traditional business school courses, like marketing and economics, with modern offerings like “Civic Partnerships,” “Intro to Business Startups” and “Speech Leadership.” Upper School students may choose a Distinction Track that requires

Current research projects 65 percent of students will go on to hold jobs that do not exist at the current date.

The seven-point memo outlines skills like “adaptability, initiative and risk-taking,” “digital and quantitative literacy” and “global perspective.” The Entrepreneurial Leadership program is addressing those transcendent elements through programming and curriculum to prepare that 65 percent of students.

Kesler, working in tandem with EL Department Chair David Peden,

a capstone project. Alternatively, students not seeking the EL distinction are free to take the EL courses as electives.

Through the EL program, BGA continues to equip students with critical thinking skills and the confidence to meet organizational challenges of all types.

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Feature Story | Entrepreneurial Leadership

Putting BGA Students a Step Ahead Perspective from Dustin Lynn, Director of College Counseling In today’s competitive college admissions processes, authentic and sustained student engagement often helps students stand out in the applicant crowd. The students who have identified areas of interest and then dove deeply into exploring those areas through classroom learning and real-world experiences often create an impression on college selection committees.

For students interested in future careers solving organizational problems in both the private and public sectors, the Entrepreneurial Leadership program aims to combine theoretical organizational frameworks with on-the-ground learning so that students begin creating novel solutions to problems faced by businesses within myriad contexts. Whether students are interested in creating and taking to market the newest mobile technology or serving their world through nonprofit organizations, students enrolled in the EL program have the opportunity to differentiate themselves through their engagement with the unique learning environment and co-curricular activities that are integrated into the EL curriculum.

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Feature Story | Entrepreneurial Leadership

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Feature Story | Entrepreneurial Leadership

Idea/ Risk/ Create BGA’s Entrepreneurial Leadership program defines entrepreneurship as having an idea, taking a risk and creating something people either need or want. Although the formalized program is new to BGA, the spirit of entrepreneurialism has been alive and well at the Academy for the last 127 years. Five alumni share how their experiences both on campus and beyond are a testament to the enduring entrepreneurial spirit.

KEEP UPDATED Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/BGAEntLead

CREATE Lawrence Blank-Cook ’83 is national technology director for strategy, brand and innovation at Deloitte. She carved out a niche in the Big 4 accounting world by developing and implementing technology strategy for Deloitte across all U.S. firms and spearheading efforts for the Social Business Coalition.

What does your work with the Social Business Coalition entail?

We began looking at social technologies and how they would apply to the enterprise in 2008, and I helped Deloitte develop a point of view and establish rules of the road for all of our business functions including Consulting, Advisory, Audit and Tax. We established the Social Business Coalition as a way to review emerging technologies and to pilot and experiment with different ways of collaborating.

As the technology managing director for the CEO, Office of the Chairman, Market Development and Transformation at Deloitte, what does an average day look like for you?

I work as a liaison between the business and technology and translate business

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needs into technical possibilities.

Additionally, I serve as the Inclusion leader for our office in Hermitage with about 800 people. We partner with various community organizations for education and veterans’ initiatives, and I am active in the technology community in Nashville.

What skill did you learn at BGA that most prepared you for life as a corporate entrepreneur?

The teachers at BGA—namely Ms. Lea-Mord, Dr. Eason, Mr. McElroy, Coach Sensing, Coach Langston and Dr. Jones—taught me to work hard, treat others with respect and to learn something new every day. Given the ratio of males to the females during my time at BGA, I also learned to advocate for myself and about the power of resilience.

Feature Story | Entrepreneurial Leadership

What prompted you to start a company that specializes in homecare for seniors?

RISK Kunu Kaushal ’02 started Senior Solutions Homecare after working in corporate healthcare and noticing a disparity in the quality of care provided to aging seniors.

With two aging grandparents of his own, Kaushal built his company around the standard of care he desired to see for his own family. Since 2010, the company has grown to employ more than 300 people and serve residents across the state of Tennessee.

In 2010, my grandparents were becoming frailer and were receiving subpar care.

My father is a physician and my mother is a nurse; they have served the geriatric community locally for decades and encouraged me to fill the need for a high-quality and progressive provider.

My grandparents not only became my first clients but also my most difficult.

They were quick to give feedback and ultimately set the bar for quality higher than even I had planned.

What was the biggest risk involved in starting your company?

When I launched, my wife was five months pregnant and I was working with a miniscule amount of seed money.

I started with a cellphone, laptop and a $24.99 domain name. It created a culture in our company where we think twice (sometimes three times) and debate all the angles before making any decision. Today, when we make a company-wide change, I have nearly a thousand people in mind.

As a researcher and behavioral psychologist, how did you make the leap over to entrepreneur?

It wasn’t easy. The idea for the patch came in an instant when I spilled nicotine on my arm, which led to sickness. I realized I had a way to get nicotine, the drug that smokers want, through the skin.

NEED Frank Etscorn ’64 changed the global tobacco industry when he stumbled upon the basis for the nicotine patch while serving as a research professor at New Mexico Tech. Etscorn is the mind behind the patent and remains active on the research and technology scene.

What is your advice to a BGA student who is dreaming of taking an idea to the next level as an entrepreneur?

Run your idea by several smart people, tell them to look for and report flaws. If after you’ve made adjustments you are certain of its usefulness, get a good patent attorney. The first visit is usually free. See a human not an ad on the web. However, the internet is the greatest gift imaginable to inventors: patent searches, information...

What does an average day in your company look like for you?

Although our company has now grown to be a statewide provider with more than 300 employees and $6 million in revenue, I still treat my role like the leader of a startup. We are heavy on technology so I can accomplish overseeing 90 percent of the operations of our company from my cellphone if I have to. I make it a personal decision to never have an average day. Average people work at our competitors’ offices.

What did you learn at BGA that most prepared you for life as an entrepreneur?

I became well-rounded mostly through the influence of BGA and its approach in producing above-average young men and women. I find myself to be well-spoken and articulate, I manage large workloads without much anxiety, and I tend to think through problems in a fast and efficient way. BGA gave me the confidence that I could have a new idea, an old rubric or massive task placed before me and know that I could master it.

What is your definition of entrepreneurialism?

Honestly I have no definition. The patch was pure accident and a result of a convergence of information. United States Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare Joe Califano, and the United States Surgeon General C. Everett Koop, were big into anti-smoking. Oakley Ray at Vanderbilt was also a great inspiration; he’s a fabulous teacher and researcher.

His textbook got me funded. There was a passage that said, essentially, someday someone is going to make a lot of money by getting nicotine into a human without them smoking, chewing or dipping. I underlined that, took it to our president (at New Mexico Tech) and the research was funded that day.

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Feature Story | Entrepreneurial Leadership

You are a medical doctor by trade, so how did you branch over to becoming an entrepreneur?

Incorrect. I’m an entrepreneur, who ended up going to medical school. I had decided early to become a physician. I have always been entrepreneurial but never really thought business was where I was going to be until the middle of medical school. I would visit the dean of the business school in between medical classes to talk about commercializing some research I was focusing on outside of my full load of medical school classes.

It was an emerging field of medicine and science called nutraceuticals, specifically their use for androgenic alopecia, commonly known hair loss. I was experiencing the early signs of hair loss and was surprised by the side effects the two most common medical drugs in this category. I thought there was a big enough opportunity that I left medical school before graduation to pursue Zenagen. The product is now distributed in more than 15 countries and we are adding our third warehouse and a new office this year to help our expanding company.

IDEA As a young medical student, Jared Reynolds ’02 saw his emerging hair loss as an opportunity to fuse beauty and science. Reynolds embarked on research that eventually led to an early exit from medical school, but yielded Zenagen, a neutroceutical shampoo that is a favorite of Martha Stewart and sold in more than 2,500 locations worldwide.

What skill did you learn at BGA that most prepared you for life as an entrepreneur?

I met my wife at BGA, so I have to say that was one of the most important things the school gave me to prepare for being an entrepreneur. From an academics and school perspective, fortitude is probably the most important

characteristic BGA helped foster for entrepreneurial success. BGA helped me develop this skill by providing challenging academics, high standards for success and setting consistent expectations with real consequences.

Entrepreneurship is a marathon of inches; it requires consistent and improving effort, and there are a lot of hard-working and smart competitors.

You employ a few BGA alumni. Tell us more about that.

BGA has been a great source of networking and for my company a source of talent to hire. My wife, Christie Cutrer Reynolds ’02, has been with me since the inception of the company and is the most appreciated and important part of my business and personal success. My partner, right-hand man and VP of sales is Stefan Baskin ’06. This partnership has been one of the most balanced and effective partnerships a company and founder could have. Michael Brown ’02 is an overall sales leader, and has grown into a superstar employee and is responsible for managing multiple states of distribution efforts with some of the biggest professional beauty distributors in the world. Milly Elkin ’06 is my secretary. One of my company’s bankers is one of my best friends since BGA, Will Powell ’02 at Franklin Synergy Bank. One of my trusted law advisors is Tyson Bickley ’00. Professionally, BGA alumni seem to have a work ethic and trustworthiness that few other schools are able to produce.

“A BGA DIPLOMA IS AN ASSET. IT ALWAYS HAS BEEN AND IT ALWAYS WILL BE.” ~ Tyler Berry ’87, Chairman of the Board, reflecting before the conferring of degrees at Commencement 2016 28 | ECHO MAGAZINE | FALL 2016

Feature Story | Entrepreneurial Leadership

LEAN LAUNCHPAD

WANT In 2008, Alicia Helm ’92 developed a small business concept that fused elegant style for the home with carefully curated wardrobe selections. Since then, Spruce Boutique in Brentwood has consistently filled the want for modern yet timeless style.

What prompted you to open your own business?

I believe there were several motivators, from my grandmother owning her own clothing store for many years, to a deep entrepreneurial sprit. Also, I think I got a bit restless and felt an urge to create something.

As a small business owner, what does an average day look like for you?

In the beginning, I put in heavy sweat equity, working daily in the business and running and managing the shop. Today, seven years in, I have talented sales associates who manage the store. My dayto-day activities are behind the scenes working on inventory management, bookkeeping and design services.

What skills did you learn at BGA that most prepared you for life as an entrepreneur?

I felt encouraged to be a well-rounded person. From Ms. Lea-Mord pushing my

creative side to Mr. Walker evoking a real interest in literature, I was encouraged to develop a broader perspective. Attending a smaller school allowed me to be involved in a variety of activities from The Artist Guild to cheerleading. My type of business requires a range of skills such as communication, accounting and people management.

What is your advice to a BGA student who is dreaming of starting a business?

Seventy-five percent of starting a business is being willing to take a risk.

Once you take the leap, a lot of the process is about adaptation. Many things are learned as you go and how you navigate them determines success. Once you are ready to take the risk, get advice!

Talk to anyone who has any experience with your business of interest. Business books and online information become quickly antiquated, so talk to people in real time who have hands-on experience.

One notable offering for 10th graders is the Introduction to Business Startups course that introduces students to the Lean LaunchPad method. Lean LaunchPad classes are taught at institutions like Stanford, Columbia University and Princeton University to provide what the National Science Foundation describes as “a scientific method for entrepreneurship.” The program’s creator, Steve Blank, saw the need for a new way to guide would-be startups after seeing the unique challenges entrepreneurs face compared to managers of established businesses.

Using Alexander Osterwalder’s Business Model Canvas as a visual map of student ideas of a potential startup, the class pushes students to test their hypotheses with feedback from potential customers.

In the entrepreneurial world, this approach of customer discovery has allowed startups to reduce their heavy need for early capital.

The Lean LaunchPad approach has also reduced the failure rate of new businesses by focusing on the needs and wants of the end users rather than the hypothetical guesses of the company founder.

ECHO MAGAZINE | FALL 2016 | 29

Feature Story | Entrepreneurial Leadership

From the Students’ Perspective During the 2015-2016 school year, the first students were able to participate in the Entrepreneurial Leadership track. Students who were in 9th grade will have the first opportunity to complete the four-year curriculum. Two of these students, Sally Kate Zaft ’19 and Samantha White ’19, shared their thoughts on the EL program.

Samantha White

Sally Kate Zaft

Samantha White ’19

Sally Kate Zaft ’19

I wanted to participate in the EL program because I wanted to further advance my skills in leadership and help prepare me for later on in life when I will use the lessons taught in these classes. Having only taken the freshman class, Introduction to Leadership, I learned so many skills involving my speaking, how to present myself with confidence, and most importantly, the value of leadership and how to be the best leader you can be. These lessons have taught me to be more presentable and more confident in my everyday life, whether it’s meeting new people or talking to a crowd.

There were many reasons why I wanted to join the EL program, but the main reason was because of the energy and time put into making the program exciting. From the first class in freshman year, I couldn’t wait to keep taking the class throughout high school.

I learned so many skills involving my speaking, how to present myself with confidence, and, most importantly, the value of leadership and how to be the best leader you can be.

A personal strength I have developed through the program is knowing the importance of leadership and how to be a leader. This strength has helped me strive to be the best leader I can be on a daily basis and also in the long run.

My favorite thing I have done so far in this course would probably be giving my devotional in front of the entire school. Even though it was the scariest thing I’ve done so far, it was a wonderful experience and I liked being able to share my thoughts with a crowd of people.

30 | ECHO MAGAZINE | FALL 2016

The most valuable thing I’ve learned in this program is that teamwork is vital for a successful outcome. During the semester, we were split into committees and given an issue that we must write a report on. Through the process of researching and consulting with one another, we found that we were much more successful and accomplished a lot more when we worked together. This was a very valuable experience for me to take into everyday life.

As a kid who’s been in theater for most of her life, it’s a love of mine to perform in front of people in shows. However, I wasn’t so comfortable with giving speeches before I started this course. At the beginning, I noticed right away that this wasn’t my strong suit, but then I gradually began to improve. It was a huge confidence boost when I successfully gave my devotional to the whole Upper School. All through the course, I gained the strength of confidence in giving speeches with emotion.

My favorite part of this program was the actual speeches we wrote and spoke to the class. It was really inspirational to create our own and to learn things about others that you may not have known. Also, even though I was nervous to give my devotional in front of the school, I loved the thrill that came with it. And being told by the teacher that I set the bar high for the following devotional was amazing to hear.

Feature Story | Entrepreneurial Leadership

ENRICHMENT CLUSTER LEARNING AT THE LOWER SCHOOL The spirit of entrepreneurialism and collaborative learning starts early at BGA. Beginning in 2015–2016, BGA’s Lower School introduced Enrichment Clusters for the K-4 student body.

Enrichment Clusters offer unique opportunities to enrich a curriculum and really expand the learning environment beyond the walls of the classroom. Students explore interests and affinities in a way that honors individual student curiosities and passions.

“Inquiry-based learning is critical to the development of young minds,” said Dr. Rhonda Bennett, BGA Lower School Head. “Our students, with facilitation from a faculty member, are able to create their own path and work collaboratively toward a group goal.”

Students choose their own learning experiences. This past year, these ranged from yoga (Little Bendies) to robotics. One group chose a philanthropic unit of study and designed, built and furnished a Little Free Library for a lower-income neighborhood in Franklin.

Entrepreneurism In the Classroom When physics teacher Fritz Lauriston decided to author a digital physics textbook, it became a true BGA affair as he enlisted the help of BGA staff, students and alumni. This collaborative think‐tank approach resulted in Physics In Motion: A Breakthrough in the Teaching‐Learning Approach.

“The Honors Conceptual Physics course is very laboratory‐driven, and I saw a need to create a textbook to allow lectures to be very inquiry‐ driven,” said Lauriston. “And, with the implementation of iPads at BGA, I wanted to design and develop chapters to allow each freshman to optimize his or her reading of the materials and take advantage of the multimedia aspect of the book. The final product would have not been of such high quality without the

input and help of all of the contributors.”

To make the book a reality, Lauriston tapped into the expertise of the BGA family for everything from multimedia production to extensive proofreading.

This team included former BGA Director of Communications Shannon Bevins; recent graduates Adysen Reader and Rachel Arvizu; rising juniors Max Dambach and Andy Ko Cheng; and alumni Jeffrey Zhang and Charlie Snider.

Lauriston launched the book at the National Science Teachers Association National Conference this past spring to a crowd of more than 11,000 teachers and administrators from around the world.

It is now available on iBooks. Based on the response at the conference, he is also introducing a printed version.

ECHO MAGAZINE | FALL 2016 | 31

Wildcat Rollcall | Alumni News

2015 Hall of Fame Ceremony Being inducted into the Hall of Fame is one of the greatest honors at Battle Ground Academy as it recognizes alumni and faculty members who have made an impact on their community, both while at BGA and after graduation. This past school year, BGA welcomed seven alumni and one faculty member into the Hall of Fame.

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS HALL OF FAME JODY BOWMAN ’65 A 1965 graduate of BGA, Jody Bowman graduated Vanderbilt University in 1969 and in 1980 graduated from the School of Banking of the South at Louisiana State University. Jody enjoyed a robust banking career. His expertise and acute industry understanding were key factors in the success of area banks, including Williamson County Bank, Franklin National Bank and Cumberland Bank. He ended his career as Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer with Franklin Synergy Bank.

A constant champion of all aspects of Franklin life, Bowman has served on the board of the O’More College of Design, Mt. Hope Perpetual Care and the Andrew Crockett Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. He has also served in roles at the Barter House and Battle of Franklin Trust, the Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County, the War Memorial Public Library of Williamson County and the Franklin Lion’s Club.

JUDGE FRANK CLEMENT ’67 A 1967 gradate of BGA, Judge Clement has served on the state Court of Appeals 32 | ECHO MAGAZINE | FALL 2016

since 2003, and currently serves as the Presiding Judge of the Middle Section of the Court of Appeals of Tennessee.

He previously served as Judge of the Circuit and Probate Court for Davidson County from 1995 to 2003, and he was in the private practice of law from 1979 to 1995.

The American Board of Trial Advocates voted him Outstanding Appellate Judge of the Year in 2012; he is also a past president of the Nashville Bar Association, former treasurer of the Tennessee Trial Judges Association and currently serves on the Board of Trustees of the Tennessee Bar Foundation and Nashville School of Law. Judge Clement actively embraces his community through leadership roles with Leadership Nashville, Nashville City Club, Kiwanis Club of Nashville, and the Nashville Chapter of the American Red Cross and Tennessee Valley Blood Region.

ROBERT NAPIER ’57 A 1957 graduate of BGA, Bob Napier served as class vice president and later graduated from Emory University. During his more than 50-year career in commercial real estate and banking, Napier worked for NLT (now American General), Commerce Union Bank (now Bank of America), and Truxton Trust. He also formed Robert

H. Napier Company, a commercial real estate investing and consulting company.

Since 1985, Napier has been very involved with the YMCA of Middle Tennessee and in the 90s joined a team of Nashville leaders working to create an outdoor center and camp for the Middle Tennessee YMCA. He served on the original board of directors who developed the idea and began the fundraising to make the Joe C. Davis Outdoor Center and Camp Widijiwagan a reality. In 2014, Napier and his wife, Ruth, were awarded the H.G. Hill Philanthropic Award in recognition of their lifetime support of the YMCA Foundation of Middle Tennessee.

SPORTS HALL OF FAME MARY TRAILOV HOLLISTER ’98 A 1998 graduate of BGA, Mary Trailov Hollister’s career at BGA included membership on the Honor Council, Vice-President and President of the National Honor Society and a tremendous swimming career.

Hollister assisted in the reorganization of the BGA swimming program during her sophomore year. She was named MVP her sophomore, junior and senior seasons.

After BGA, she continued her swimming career as a Division I scholarship athlete at Southern Illinois University. During her four years at SIU, the Women’s Swim Team captured the MVC championships

Wildcat Rollcall | Alumni News

every year. Hollister graduated summa cum laude from SIU in 2002.

DANA BRYANT IVERSON ’92 A 1992 graduate of BGA, Dana Bryant Iverson’s contributions to women’s athletics during her tenure included participation in soccer, softball, golf and, most notably, basketball. She was the recipient of the ROTC Female Scholar Athlete of the Year award, the Paul Guffee award, and the Randolph Macon Women’s College Academic Excellence award.

Iverson is a member of BGA’s elite 1,000 Point Club having garnered 1,349 career points. During her junior and senior seasons, she led the Lady Wildcats in steals, rebounding, field goal percentage and blocked shots. Her dominance on the court earned her recognition as an All-County player all four years at BGA. She was also selected as MVP her junior and senior seasons. She continued her basketball career at Washington University in St. Louis, where she lettered all four years.

TIFFANY JORDAN ’04 A 2004 graduate of BGA, Tiffany Jordan played varsity basketball at BGA starting in 8th grade.

A multi-sport athlete, she also competed on the softball and track teams. A member of the 1,000 Point Club, she is distinguished as the second alltime leading scorer in BGA women’s basketball with more than 1,700 points.

In 2014, Jordan was inducted into Huntingdon College Athletics Hall of Fame, where she holds the Lady Hawks’ NCAA-era career records for points scored (1,414), field goals made (525), field goals attempted (1,353), and is second in free throws made (293).

FACULTY HALL OF FAME SUSAN TRAILOV Susan Trailov joined BGA as a Library Assistant in 1989, and, after developing specialized curriculum for 6th graders, she moved to the classroom in 1991 as a Middle School English teacher. The student body recognized her excellence in teaching by awarding her the Golden Apple Award in 1995.

During her tenure, Trailov established and sponsored the first BGA Middle School National Honor Society, as well as the BGA Swim Team. In the offseason, she sponsored Middle School Football Cheerleading and Middle School Girls’ Tennis.

DISTINGUISHED YOUNG ALUMNI OF THE YEAR MATT WILLIAMS ’02 A 2002 graduate of BGA, Capt. Matt Williams, USMC, currently serves as the County Commissioner for the 10th District of Williamson County. He works as an assistant director within the Tennessee Department of Revenue and also continues to serve in the United States Marine Corps Reserves as an infantry officer and the company commander for Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment in Smyrna, Tenn.

While at BGA, Matt was a four-sport athlete, lettering in football, wrestling, baseball and tennis. He served as the class vice president for three years and was a member of the National Honor Society. He played on two state champion Wildcat football teams and also placed fourth in the state during his senior wrestling season. While at the United States Naval Academy, Matt was a three-year letter winner in varsity football and earned an engineering degree in Naval Architecture.

A MINOR FAMILY TRADITION Matthew Minor ’16 earned his Eagle Scout designation, the highest advancement rank in Scouting, joining his father Gary Minor ’75 and uncles Michael ’68 and Sterling ’70. Minor, who is attending Seton Hall University, was awarded the Tennessee Sons of the American Revolution Eagle Scout of the Year Award. He also was selected by the Franklin Old Glory Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution as its chapter’s DAR Good Citizen Award recipient.

ECHO MAGAZINE | FALL 2016 | 33

Wildcat Rollcall | Alumni News

Alumni Weekend In April, BGA celebrated its Alumni Weekend with classes with years ending in 1 or 6 gathering on campus and off to celebrate their milestone reunions. The weekend kicked off with a luncheon for all alumni and former faculty, celebrating the Class of 1966 on their 50th reunion and the career of faculty member Barry Sensing who retired at the end of

the school year after 38 years at BGA. Alumni gathered at Fleming House on Friday evening for more laughs and stories. Then, on Saturday evening, individual classes held parties at homes and restaurants throughout Franklin and Nashville to further celebrate their time at BGA and the years that have passed since their graduations.

CLASS OF ‘86

CLASS OF ‘96

CLASS OF ‘01 34 | ECHO MAGAZINE | FALL 2016

CLASS OF ‘06

Wildcat Rollcall | Alumni News

CLASS OF ‘91

CLASS OF ‘91

CLASS OF ‘71

CLASS OF ‘66 ECHO MAGAZINE | FALL 2016 | 35

Wildcat Rollcall | Alumni News

Almost Alumni Luncheon Tucked into the hectic schedule before graduation is the Almost Alumni Luncheon hosted by the Alumni Office. With one eye toward the future, seniors enjoyed a sit-down lunch outside the Mary Campbell Visual Arts Center, where they learned about the important role alumni play in continuing the tradition of a BGA education and in the world beyond the Academy.

As part of this, a representative from the Williamson County Election Commission spoke to the seniors reminding them of the importance of becoming a registered voter.

Head of School Will Kesler then specifically addressed the responsibility of being a BGA alum. Before departing, seniors were treated to snow cones from Nashville’s Retro Sno shaved ice truck.

UPCOMING SPRING EVENTS FEBRUARY 19 Chamber Choir performance at Lincoln Center FEBRUARY 24 BGA hosts the Fisk Jubilee Singers in honor of Black History Month MARCH 11 Denim & Diamonds APRIL 11 Legacy Breakfast APRIL 25 Jamboree Day MAY 3 Upper School Art Show MAY 5–6 Alumni Weekend MAY 18 Almost Alumni Luncheon MAY 20 Baccalaureate MAY 21 Graduation JUNE 1 The BGA Golf Classic

36 | ECHO MAGAZINE | FALL 2016

Wildcat Rollcall | Alumni News

Alumni Athlete While at BGA, Anthony Dunavant ’13 excelled in the classroom and on the track.

Dunavant, a three-time All-American, holds the BGA record in the decathlon.

Today, he balances a rigorous academic and athletic schedule at the University of Virginia. Echo caught up with Dunavant to see how he handles this while still enjoying his college years.

What events do you compete in for the University of Virginia Men’s Track & Field team?

I’m a decathlete. That means I compete in decathlons, which are grueling twoday competitions comprising 10 track events, five events each day. The events in a decathlon are the 100-meter dash, long jump, shot put, high jump, 400-meter dash, 110-meter high hurdles, discus, pole vault, javelin and the 1500-meter run. It is the hardest event in Track & Field and essentially a standardized test of athleticism; the Olympic Decathlon champion is awarded the title “The Greatest Athlete in the World.”

What is your major and what do you plan to do after you complete your undergraduate studies?

I’m an Economics major with a concentration in International Economics. I’m also a Politics minor, specifically Foreign Affairs. At this point, I don’t have a specific plan for what I want to do after I graduate, but I’m hoping that economics and foreign affairs will allow me to pursue a wide range of possible careers in either business or government.

What does a typical day at UVA consist of for you?

A typical day at UVA for me starts with class, lunch on grounds with some friends, more class, then practice in the afternoon followed by weight training depending on the day. Then, I usually head to the training room for an ice bath, shower up in the locker room, then have dinner with my teammates at the athlete dining hall.

After all that, I typically head to one of the libraries, unless I don’t have much work to do, which is pretty rare at UVA. What is the key to being a Division I student-athlete at an academically rigorous school like UVA? The key to being a D1 athlete at a school like UVA is excellent time management.

There’s really not much free time in a typical school day, so staying on top of your assignments and getting work done quickly and early is essential.

You’re also going to be exhausted and just want to sleep after practice, so I’ve found it helpful to utilize any time I have during the day between classes to get work done. Don’t procrastinate. Turn in assignments and get readings done early

so that your weekends can be more open for fun and blowing off steam from the accumulated stress of the week, which is also something I believe to be an essential part of surviving your years as a college athlete.

What do you miss most about BGA? The thing I miss most about BGA is definitely my friends. Being the only person in my class to go to school in Charlottesville, I can never see my friends from high school because they all go to school very far away from me and track prevents me from traveling on the weekends. Other than that, I probably just miss some of my teachers, the easier high school classes and not having to study much.

Greer or Plato?

Plato. We don’t lose.

The Stewart Campbell Track & Soccer Complex received a state-of-the-art upgrade this summer as the track was resurfaced for the first time since the Glen Echo Campus was completed in 1996. The vibrant cerulean blue surface is a highperformance tool as much as it is an eye-catching aesthetic feature. It is the only one of its kind in TSSAA D-II athletics.

ECHO MAGAZINE | FALL 2016 | 37

Wildcat Rollcall | Alumni News

Second Bi-Annual Alumni Art Show

Annie Kennedy ‘14

Bob Schatz ’73

The second Bi-Annual Alumni Art Show featured paintings, photography, film and sculpture housed within the Mary Campbell Center for Visual Arts. Selected works from participants are featured here. Participants included the following: ROD DANIEL ’60 JENNIFER HELM ’84 FARRAR HOOD ’94 CURRIER HOWARD ’94 ANNIE KENNEDY ’14

ALISON LOGAN ’90 CAILIN MANNING ’12 WILL MAYO ’10 LAINE MILAM ’09 ROBERT MOORE ’52

ELLEN MORE ’82 KIM MURRAY ’97 DANNIE MYERS ’09 BOB SCHATZ ’73 ALEX WARREN ’87

Alison Logan ‘90 38 | ECHO MAGAZINE | FALL 2016

Robert Moore ‘52

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Wildcat Rollcall | Class Notes

Class Notes 1960s

REESE SMITH ’66 purchased the Kannapolis Intimidators, a Class A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, and is actively assisting in the downtown revitalization of Kannapolis, N.C.

ANGIE JEFFERSON LANGFORD ‘85 RETIRES FROM CLASSROOM After 16 years of teaching in BGA’s Lower School, Angie Jefferson Langford ’85 has retired from the classroom to begin a new career in real estate with Franklin-based Zeitlin & Company Realtors. She is the mother of Ali ’10 and Molly Ryan ’13.

WOODY PAUL CHRISMAN ’67 was inducted into the BGA Artist Guild in November 2015. Chrisman is a world-renowned fiddle player, Grammywinning artist, MIT Ph.D., and member of the BGA Hall of Fame.

1970s DAVID MALONEY ’78 was named Chief Integration and Administrative Officer at Urgent Team.

DAVID IVES ’79, founder and CEO of TVEyes, was awarded a patent for his technology that detects and analyzes hashtag use in broadcast television.

1980s The Tennessee Council for Exceptional Children awarded Teacher of the Year to LEYA PETTY WHITE ’86 in fall 2015.

White works with special needs students

at Franklin High School in the Transition to Work/JOBS program.

DR. PRESTON W. BROWN ’87 joined Williamson Medical Center in January 2016 as a general surgeon. Dr. Brown returns to Franklin after a successful surgical career in Athens, Tenn.

1990s ALISON KIDNEY LOGAN ’90 showcased her work at the RAW Artist Event in Nashville in March. A longtime portrait artist, Logan’s recent body of work is a nod to Art Nouveau, Surrealism and illustration.

CHARLIE PAYNE ’91 launched regional sales operations in Williamson County for Oasis Outsourcing, the largest privately held PEO in the country. He was also named Director of Pitching and Hitting Instruction at Nitro Sports Academy where he is the head coach of the Nitro Yankees travel baseball team.

DR. ELEANOR FLEMING ’96 was awarded the Buell Award by the U.S. Public Health Service for her outstanding contributions as a junior dental health officer in health education, research and service.

TOM HARLIN’S LEGACY Tom Harlin, an Honorary Life Member of the BGA Board of Trustees, passed away in October 2015 following a lengthy illness. He left a legacy of family, community and preservation in Franklin. Following his graduation in 1943, he received a degree in engineering from Vanderbilt University and pursued a lifelong career in the industrial uniform business.

His family founded Harlinsdale, the 200-acre former Tennessee Walking Horse farm that now serves a park for the city of Franklin. He served on BGA’s Board for 21 years and is also a member of the BGA Alumni Hall of Fame.

40 | ECHO MAGAZINE | FALL 2016

Wildcat Rollcall | Class Notes

DAVID MEDLIN ’96 and his wife, Laura, welcomed their third child, Shelby Marie Medlin on March 28, 2016. Medlin was also recently named Vice President of Distribution at Tractor Supply Company in Brentwood, Tenn.

BRADEN MCCURRACH ’98 and his wife, Elizabeth, welcomed their second child, Madeline Grace, on April 8, 2015.

DR. GRIFFIN MYERS ’99 was recognized

by Davidson College as a “Game Changer” for his work to transform healthcare in the city of Chicago. His company, Oak Street Health, provides primary and preventative care for underserved populations.

2000s ERIC MCELROY ’00 and his wife, Whitney, welcomed the birth of their first child, Lillian Margaret McElroy, on September 21, 2015.

NATALIE STOVALL ’00 joined the Upper School Chorus for a special performance to commemorate 25 years of chorus at BGA. Stovall performed her latest recording “Heartbreak,” which has steadily gained recognition.

CLAIRE GIVENS CRUNK ’02 was a featured writer in the Tennessee Nurse Federation’s quarterly publication in December 2015. Crunk is a nurse practitioner and owner of Together Women’s Wellness in Columbia, Tenn., where she specializes in integrated gynecology and obstetrics care.

LAUREN COLLEEN LYNCH ’02 married Jordan Delany Jones on April 2, 2016 in Nashville, Tenn.

JANSEN MILAM ’03 graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine on May 7, 2016.

Dr. Milam was the president of his class, a featured commencement speaker and the recipient of two honors including recognition from the Tennessee Veterinary Medical Association for his work in the field. He now practices in Murfreesboro, Tenn., at Animal Medical Center.

AUSTIN THOMAS ’03 was named Player Personnel Director of the Year for his exceptional efforts to recruit top-notch talent to the Louisiana State University Football Team. Thomas recently made headlines when he left LSU to join the University of Southern California Football staff, but was recruited back to LSU under Coach Les Miles.

KASSIDY BROWN ’04 appeared on Bravo Television’s “Watch What Happens Live” in December with fellow guests Gloria Steinem and Mariska Hargitay. Brown is the co-founder of We Are the XX, which she describes as “a new media company with feminist values and mainstream sensibilities.” Recent coverage of Brown’s new media venture has been featured at South By Southwest and in Refinery 29 and Marie Claire.

Laine Milam ’09

DAVID BAILEY ’05 and his wife welcomed the birth of their daughter, Lila Anne Bailey.

ELIZABETH POPE GOODWIN ’06 was named Business Development Manager at Doster Construction Company.

TREY MOON ’07 and BLAIRE BOYTE MOON ’07 welcomed the birth of their second daughter, Brighton Boyte Moon, on April 21, 2016.

CLARK HILDEBRAND ’09 graduated from Yale Law School on May 23, 2016. He married Dorothy Williams on May 28, 2016. The couple will reside in Washington, D.C.

Jansen Milam ‘03

LAINE MILAM ARNOLD ’09 married Sammie Arnold on July 1, 2016 in Nashville, Tenn. She was also recently appointed Director of Communications at BGA. BRIDGET WINSTEAD ’09 was awarded the Dean’s Scholarship at the University of Southern California Annenberg School of Communications and Journalism. She will pursue a Master’s in Strategic Public Relations beginning in Fall 2016.

Kassidy Brown ‘04 ECHO MAGAZINE | FALL 2016 | 41

Wildcat Rollcall | Class Notes

More Class Notes 2010s KELSEY CLARK ’10 graduated from Tennessee Tech in December 2015. She now works for TriStar Centennial Medical Center as an emergency room nurse.

ALEXA CLINE ’10 was recognized in February by the Stetson University College of Law for her achievements on the Mock Trial Team.

SAVANNAH ALDAY ’10 and LINDSEY LANDRUM ’10 started their first jobs in New York City on May 31. Alday, who graduated in May from the University of Tennessee, is working with fashion designer Jonathan Simkhai. Landrum, who graduated from the University of Mississippi in May, has begun her career with WME/IMG. MAGGIE BARLOW ’11 graduated from the University of Alabama in December 2015 and now works for STONE Resource Group in Atlanta, GA. KAKI CARRIGAN ’11 graduated from the University of Tennessee in May with a degree in political science. Upon her return to Franklin, she plans to continue her career in Tennessee politics.

CJ BEATHARD ’12 led the Iowa Hawkeyes Football Team to a 12-2 overall record and 8-0 Big Ten record for the 2015 season. Beathard and the Hawkeyes competed in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. in January.

Savannah Alday ’10 Lindsey Landrum ‘10 42 | ECHO MAGAZINE | FALL 2016

DANIELLE GUY ’12 graduated summa cum laude from Auburn University Honors College with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She was a member of several prestigious honor societies including Phi Kappa Phi, Omicron Delta Kappa, Mortar Board and Sigma Theta Tau. Guy was recognized by Auburn University as a President’s Award recipient for maintaining a high GPA and exhibiting excellence in leadership, citizenship and professional ability. In addition to recognition from Auburn, Guy received a $1,000 award from the William J. Samford Foundation.

She accepted a position with TriStar Centennial Medical Center as a registered nurse in the Medical Surgical Intensive Care Unit.

BRAD HULKER ’12 graduated from Samford University in May. He will reside in Brisbane, Australia through 2017 as a missionary with Campus Outreach at the University of Queensland. Upon his return, he will begin an accounting position with Ernst & Young in October 2017.

KINSEY SESSIONS ’12 graduated from Samford University in May. Sessions was a standout member of the Women’s Soccer Team where she received recognition for leadership and commitment to teamwork. Sessions will continue her graduate studies at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga in the Department of Physical Therapy.

Championship Subdivision Athletic Directors Association. Smith is a member of the Tennessee Tech Football Team and achieved a 3.55 GPA in prephysical therapy studies. He is one of only 52 players in the nation to receive this honor.

BLAKE THOMSON ’12 graduated from Yale University on May 23, 2016.

DEL MCSPADDEN ’13, a member of the Belmont University Track & Field Team, captured a first place finish in the hammer throw at the Ohio Valley Conference Indoor Track Championships in February.

TUCKER BEATHARD ’14 performed on ABC’s Nashville and was recently interviewed by People magazine.

Beathard spent the spring touring with country sensation Dierks Bentley on his worldwide tour.

NATHAN MORAN ’14 finished his sophomore season on the Lipscomb University Men’s Basketball Team as the Bison’s second-leading scorer at 12.6 points per game. He led the Atlantic Sun Conference in free throw shooting with a 86.4 percent accuracy and he is second in the conference for assists, averaging 4.6 per game.

JONAH NEUMAN ’15 captured the intramural wrestling title for the 149 weight class at Penn State University in February 2016.

JORDAN SMITH ’12 was recognized as an Academic All-Star by the Football

Kaki Carrigan ’11

Leaving A Legacy At the Old Campus Williamson County is continuing its transformation of BGA’s old campus on Highway 31 into a thriving area that can be enjoyed by the entire community with new buildings being constructed on the sites of Fleming Hall and Cloverdale Hall.

The Williamson County Enrichment Center, located on the site of the former Fleming Hall, will provide senior and therapeutic recreation programs. The Performing Arts Center, located inside the former Cloverdale Hall, will house a 300-seat theatre space.

“It’s fitting that a site that once served as an educational hub in Williamson County is now serving the community as a whole,” said BGA Head of School Will Kesler.

“We are pleased that the spirit of BGA will live on for decades to come.”

Commemorative bricks from the original Fleming Hall building are being installed as focal points in each center.

These bricks can be personalized as a way for BGA families to honor the legacy of the school.

PERSONALIZE A BRICK FROM THE ORIGINAL FLEMING HALL Single bricks can be purchased for $100. A special family placard (three bricks high and two bricks wide) can be purchased for $700.

For more information or to order a brick, go to www.wcparksandrec.com.

ECHO MAGAZINE | FALL 2016 | 43

Wildcat Rollcall | In Memoriam

44 | ECHO MAGAZINE | FALL 2016

Wildcat Rollcall | In Memoriam

ECHO MAGAZINE | FALL 2016 | 45

Battle Ground Academy Leadership Administration Head of School William (Will) F. Kesler

Head of Upper School Jamie Griffin

Chief Financial Officer Paul Brown

Associate Head of School for Academics Dr. Andy Graham Jr.

Head of Middle School Ken Wempe

Director of Advancement Thomas (Tom) G. Evans Jr.

Head of Lower School Dr. Rhonda Bennett

Director of Technology Grey Carter

Advancement Director of Communications Laine Milam Arnold ‘09

Associate Director of Admissions Elizabeth Spitzer

Director of Admissions Robin Goertz

Assistant to Director of Admissions Rosemary Evans

Associate Director of Admissions, Head Football Coach, and Director of Camps Roc Batten

Director of Leadership Gifts Jason Gregg ‘90

Assistant to Director of Advancement and Donations Accountant Becky Jones Director of Community Relations for Advancement Candy Sullivan

Board of Trustees Tyler R. Berry IV ’87, Chairman, Kurtis (Kurt) J. Winstead, Esq., Vice Chairman, William (Billy) E. Blackstone, Secretary, F. Stewart (Stu) Warren, Treasurer Members Robert (Roby) Adams ’87, Leonard (Bill) H. Armistead III ’69, Barry K. Booker ’85, Joseph H. (Hamilton) Bowman V ’93, Charles (Chuck) B. Brown ’84, Donald S. Denbo II ’67, Dr. Eleanor Fleming ’96, Gregory (Greg) M. Herman ’84, Colleen Garvey Hoke ’87, Douglas (Doug) Hood, John B. Jewell IV ’86, Allison H. Jones, Larry W. Kain ’66, Matthew (Matt) C. Ligon ’87, Ellen L. More ’82, George T. Plaster ’77, Mark L. Puryear III ’85 Ex-Officio Members William (Will) F. Kesler, Head of School, Paul Brown, Chief Financial Officer, Thomas (Tom) G. Evans Jr., Director of Advancement, Dr. Andy Graham Jr., Associate Head of School for Academics, Anna Shell Emerson ’02, President of the BGA Alumni Association Honorary Life Members Tom F. Cone, William W. Harlin Jr. ’42, John B. Jewell III ’62, Robert (Bob) N. Moore Jr. ’52, Reese L. Smith III ’66, Robert H. Steltjes, Charles H. Warfield ’71

Alumni Association Board Anna Shell Emerson ’02, President, Deana Hood ’87, President Elect, Andy Maloney ’84, Past President, Houston Akin ’96, Brent Bowman ’93, Gary Collier ’79, Claire Givens Crunk ’02, Ty Ragsdale ’84, Cackie Roberts ’00, Leon Stevens, Jr. ’82, Alan Treadway, Jr. ’79, Clarissa Weathers ’99, Ralph Brown ’49*

BGA Parents Associations Arts Co-Chairs Jennifer Helm ‘84, Suzanne Spencer

Communications Alexa Baker

Upper School Co-Chairs Sherry Ambrose, Christine Arnold

Lower School Co-Chairs Jennifer Besco, Sarah Henderson

Secretary Valiere Gamble

Wildcat Co-Chairs Shawne Sills, David Hanchrow

Middle School Co-Chairs Katie Baisden, Lyn Knopf

Treasurer Allison Jones

Denim & Diamonds Chair Meredith Rowley

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*Lifetime Member

ALL IN ACADEMY FOR THE

CHEERING ON OUR STUDENTS. VOLUNTEERING AT THE CONCESSION STAND. SERVING AS A TEAM PARENT.

There are many ways in which BGA parents, alumni, and friends can show their support of the Wildcats. Another important way is by making your gift to The BGA Fund this year.

Take a moment to look around. Everything you see on our campus benefits from your participation in The BGA Fund – from our fields, courts and facilities to the teachers, coaches and students. The BGA Fund is a critical resource in enabling the learning that occurs here every day.

#allin4theacademy

Show that you are All in for The Academy by making your BGA Fund gift in 20162017. More information is available at ECHO MAGAZINE | FALL 2016 | 47 www.battlegroundacademy.org

P.O. Box 1889 | Franklin, TN | 37065-1889