CLASS OF 2023:
Williamson County for 134 years.
Each day in every class, our goal is to provide an inspiring and nurturing environment that piques students’ curiosity and furthers their academic, social, and emotional development. The result: a community of learners who are prepared to establish and accomplish their academic, professional, and personal goals, becoming successful graduates at some of the nation's top colleges and universities.
89 graduates
ATTENDING COLLEGE IN 23 DIFFERENT STATES
Learn more and apply now for Fall 2024.
battlegroundacademy.org/admissions
98% ACCEPTED BY AT LEAST ONE OF TOP THREE COLLEGE CHOICES
$8.5 MILLION EARNED IN SCHOLARSHIPS
In looking forward to the next school year and beyond, we inevitably say goodbye to another graduating class. The Class of 2023 endured the brunt of the pandemic in their high-school career, and despite those incredible headwinds, their accomplishments deserve celebration. You can read more about their successes on page 36, and please join us in officially welcoming our newest class of BGA alumni!
As we turn our attention to the future, it is important to remember where we’ve been. Eight years ago, Battle Ground Academy took a step toward a particular academic innovation that has now grown to be a fixture in its curriculum. Through a productive partnership of parents, teachers, administrators, and donors, the Entrepreneurial Leadership Program was born – the first fully formed high-school program of its kind in the country. The goal of the program at that time was twofold: first and foremost to give our students collaborative, real-world opportunities that would serve them well in any discipline, and second, to serve as a “test-case” for future innovation in curriculum, instruction, and programming at BGA.
The first of those goals has already been realized in remarkable ways, and the second goal has taken even more shape. BGA’s Upper School concentrations in Entrepreneurial Leadership, STEM, and Global Studies are becoming a reality with STEM heading into its second year and Global Studies kicking off this year. In this issue, you’ll hear more about what our students and graduates are doing to cultivate a global perspective and how they are expanding their own experiences with travel and service opportunities.
In charting this path, BGA continues to be a leader in educational innovation with a goal of serving today’s students the best possible way. Creating areas of concentration is not starting a “mini-major” early; instead, it offers students the chance to learn how to deepen their understanding and critical thinking in an area of interest. Each concentration culminates in a senior capstone that pulls together many of the threads of those studies to produce collaborative work that represents significant personal investment of time and energy.
The Global Studies Concentration has expectations of language learning and travel, service, and academic research. Similar to our two other concentrations, it will rely on a network of support and expertise from our community – alumni, parents, and friends – to make the experience more meaningful and rewarding for all involved. I hope that as you read about our Global Studies Concentration (on page 16) and hear from teachers, students, and alumni, you will be excited to see BGA empowering its students to lead and learn in ways that will create tremendous success for them in the future. We look forward to seeing what these students will do and how they will use these amazing opportunities.
Sincerely,
Will Kesler Head of School
The Summer 2023 edition of Echo is published by the Battle Ground Academy Office of Advancement for alumni, parents, grandparents, students, faculty, and friends.
HEAD OF SCHOOL
William F. Kesler
CHAIRMAN, BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Matt Ligon '87
2022-23 PRESIDENT, ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Gilmore Conners ‘11
2023-24 PRESIDENT, ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Jacqueline LaFont ‘07
ASSISTANT HEAD OF SCHOOL FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Tom Evans
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
Lauren Self
COMMUNICATION CONTENT SPECIALIST
Alex Jacobi
WRITERS
Mandy Crow
Naomi Haddock
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
Alday Communications
Leah Handelsman
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Tim Jones
Adam Sain
Greg Smit
BGA volleyball won back-to-back Division II-A state championships in October, sweeping Goodpasture in a 3-0 win and making school history again. The Wildcats closed the season 37-4 overall and assembled an impressive three-year record of 89-8.
In addition to our volleyball team, our girls soccer team made a fourth consecutive appearance in the Division II-A state championship game; seniors Bella Bugg and Eliot Brashear were the first BGA athletes to win individual state golf championships; and our girls and boys golf teams placed second in the state championship tournament.
Read more about our Wildcats’ athletic accomplishments on page 12.
In February, the Middle School’s first-ever musical, “The Rainbow Fish Musical,” took the stage at the Sondra Morris and Robert N. Moore, Jr. ’52 Center for Arts and Entrepreneurship theater. The cast and crew of 37 middle schoolers sang of kindness and sharing in the undersea adventure based on the award-winning children’s book “The Rainbow Fish” by Marcus Pfister. In the story, the Rainbow Fish realizes that true happiness comes from sharing and being a good friend.
Our 2019 strategic plan called for the school to explore the creation of a pre-K program, and after an excellent experience partnering with Franklin First Presbyterian Church in Fall 2022, the Academy has decided to expand its offerings to include an Early Learning Center. The ELC will launch in the 202425 academic year and offer pre-K4 and pre-K5 classes.
“While the city of Franklin has many strong pre-K programs, there are gaps that exist. Parents can choose between half-day public school options with licensed teachers, fullday childcare with hourly workers, or Mother’s Day Out programs that often include caretakers without a teaching background,” said Will Kesler, Head of School. “In addition, the influx of out-ofstate families has created long waitlists and overcrowded programs, and families are forgoing traditional pre-K in favor of nannies or at-home learning.”
According to Dr. Rhonda Bennett, Head of Lower School and Assistant Head of School for Academic Affairs, those conditions are leaving children underprepared for kindergarten.
“Many children come to us for admissions assessments without basic skills like pencil grip, phonemic awareness, and number sense,” said Bennett. “Additionally, many students have not had practice asking big questions, and they lack the tools to answer them. In short, they are not equipped with problem-solving skills, nor do they have practice with group dynamics.”
“BGA’s inquiry-based pre-K program will align with the Academy’s mission to ignite and nurture curiosity, intellect, and character in young children and offer a true full-day preschool focused on academic growth, character development, and comprehensive preparedness,” said Bennett. “Our program will combine leading curriculum for young learners with dynamic, faculty-created lessons in art, music, science, and character education to ensure we’re creating well-rounded students who would be a strong fit for the BGA Lower School and beyond.”
Due to the newness of the program and high demand for kindergarten at BGA, for the first few years, initially, enrollment in our pre-K program will not guarantee admission to the BGA Lower School. However, students enrolled in our pre-K program will qualify to complete their admissions assessments and shadowing requirements during the school day. Additionally, students will receive a progress report relative to BGA kindergarten readiness, and our pre-K program will lend itself to success on any standard independent school kindergarten admission assessments.
BGA’s pre-K4 and pre-K5 classes will be held at Franklin First Presbyterian Church, which was home to our Lower School during renovations last fall. The BGA pre-K classrooms will be for our use exclusively, with the same security access measures as our Harpeth and Glen Echo campuses.
STEP 1: Families interested in pre-K4 or pre-K5 for Fall 2024 are invited to complete our inquiry form at battlegroundacademy.org/inquire.
STEP 2: Once we’ve received your inquiry, you will be able to access our application for admission and be added to our invitation list for prospective pre-K events this fall.
Priority Consideration Deadline: December 15, Admission notification by March 2 Families wishing to be considered for admission under our priority deadline must complete our application for admission by December 15.
Those who apply after the deadline will be offered admission on a space-available basis after March 6.
STEP 3: Once we’ve received your application for admission, we will schedule testing and an observation date for your student. In order for your student’s file to be reviewed under our priority consideration deadline, we must have all assessments completed by January 24.
STEP 4: Families who are offered admission to the BGA pre-K program under the priority deadline will be asked to confirm their intent to enroll by noon on March 6.
Scan the QR code to complete our pre-K inquiry form.
Shannon Dishman has been named Head of Middle School for the 20232024 school year, and officially joined the faculty in July.
“Our national search yielded a number of highly qualified candidates from across the country, but Shannon emerged as the right choice for our school,” said Will Kesler, Head of School. “She has nearly 20 years of experience in the classroom and in school leadership roles. We believe her hands-on, highly relational educational approach will support our Middle School students, families, and faculty and staff well.”
Dishman most recently served as Head of School at Atlanta Academy, an independent preschool through eighth grade school in Roswell, Georgia. In this role, she spearheaded the school’s first formal strategic plan and transformed the curriculum to better ensure student
mastery of content. Before being named Head of School, she held several positions at Atlanta Academy, including Associate Head of School, Head of Middle School, Technology Integration Specialist, and Middle School Science Teacher.
“My ideal school environment is one that allows students to feel safe to explore their passions and talents without the fear of failure. I have certainly found that here at BGA,” said Dishman. “I am particularly looking forward to working with our amazing Middle School team to help instill our core values of character, scholarship, and excellence in our students.”
Dishman is a graduate of Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College of Education, where she earned a Master of Education in Independent School Leadership, and the University of Georgia’s Mary Frances Early College
Ashlyn Patton ’23 has been named a Morehead-Cain Scholar at UNC–Chapel Hill. Selection criteria for the MoreheadCain are leadership, moral force of character, academic achievement, and physical vigor, and Morehead-Cain recipients are chosen solely on the basis of merit and accomplishment.
The prestigious scholarship covers all expenses for four years of undergraduate study at UNC–Chapel Hill, features a distinctive program of summer enrichment experiences designed to stretch students beyond their comfort zones, and includes access to the Morehead-Cain Discovery Fund, which provides students with financial support to deeply explore their interests, whether
those involve studying under celebrated artists, attending leadership retreats, or obtaining wilderness first responder certification.
“I am extremely grateful and excited for the opportunity to have this scholarship,” Patton said.
“The scholarship provides funding for an international gap year, and I have decided to take one, so that is one thing that I am really looking forward to. I cannot wait for all of the adventures that the scholarship will take me on, where I’ll learn more about myself and the world.”
Past Morehead-Cain scholars include Karen Stevenson, a U.S. Magistrate Judge and the first Black American woman to
of Education, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Middle School Math and Science. In addition, she has earned an Advanced Education Leadership Certificate from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
We are excited to welcome Shannon, her husband, Ken, and their daughters, Blakely (22), Bella (19), and Whitney (18) to the BGA community.
win the Rhodes Scholarship; New York Times columnist and author Frank Bruni; and former U.S. Congressman Jim Cooper. BGA’s most recent Morehead-Cain Scholar before Patton was Matthew Keith ’17.
Nine BGA Middle and Upper School students earned awards in the regional 2023 Middle Tennessee Scholastic Art Competition. The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards are the most prestigious recognition initiative for creative teens and the largest source of scholarships for young artists. The following students won in each category:
Gold Keys: Carter Harris ’24, Jimin Lee ’27
Silver Keys: Gillian Baisden ’23, Grayson Douglas ’23
Honorable Mentions: Grayson Douglas ’23, Julia Evans ’27, Jimin Lee ’27, Keira Peterson ’23, Andi Sanduski ’23, Alice Wang ’23, Olivia Whitley ’24
The Gold Key winning works were displayed in the Frist Learning Center Great Hall at Cheekwood.
From top left: “Watercolor Campus” by Julia Evans, “Abdukadir” by Carter Harris, “Florescence” by Gillian Baisden, “Sirens” by Gillian Baisden, “Pandemic Pollution” by Jimin Lee
From bottom left: “Philaphobia” by Andi Sanduski, “Blossom of Youth” by Alice Wang, “Sadik” by Olivia Whitley, “Kona” by Grayson Douglas, “Living in Past Chapters” by Grayson Douglas
In April, our Upper School Theatre performed the classic musical “Fiddler on the Roof” in the Sondra Morris and Robert N. Moore Jr. ’52 Center for Arts and Entrepreneurship. The cast of 34 Upper School students performed two sold-out shows and a Sunday matinee.
“I think the timelessness of the story, as well as the comforting, familiar music is what makes ‘Fiddler’ a favorite for so many people,” said Jenny Wallace, Upper School Drama Director.
“No matter what ‘season’ of life you are in, you can relate to at least one of the characters in the play.”
Last fall, the BGA visual art department announced an addition to the Mary Campbell Easel Award portfolio –the Junior Mary Campbell Easel Award – to recognize outstanding work by our Middle School artists.
Recipients include Jimin Lee ’27 for her split face selfportrait titled “Lichtenstein and Lee,” where she applied characteristics of the late artist Roy Lichtenstein’s work to her own piece; Tibbie Cleveland ’28 for her Gelli print, “Earth;” Wagner Dudycha ’30 for “Excited and Confused,” her series of graphite and watercolor self-portraits; and Sophia Henry ’29 for her monochromatic landscape titled “Orange Haze.”
Middle School Visual Arts Teacher Nikki Guerrini thought each artist utilized their methods well.
“The students’ use of artistic methods and attention to detail, use of color, and eye for composition and proportion created visual interest and made each piece come alive,” Guerrini said.
After a strong fall sports season, Battle Ground Academy came in at No. 32 out of all high schools in the country on the MaxPreps Cup fall standings. As for Tennessee schools on that list, BGA’s ranking placed second out of all Tennessee schools listed.
Each season, the MaxPreps Cup uses a formula to determine the top overall high school athletic programs in the country. This formula factors in state championships, runner-up finishes, and national rankings. Number of points awarded also depends on size of state, sport popularity, playoff enrollment division, and the number of participants in an enrollment division.
BGA was awarded 623 points for its girls volleyball state championship and for boys golf, girls golf, and girls soccer being runners-up in championships.
It is BGA’s care of students and drive to always improve that has led the athletic program toward a success like this, according to Dr. Fred Eaves, Assistant
Head of School for Operations and Co-Curricular Programs at BGA.
“We want to ensure that we put quality people around our students who help them reach their potential both as people and as student-athletes,” Eaves said.
“It is important that we continue to work and develop as student-athletes, administrators, and coaches to reach this goal consistently.”
One way BGA aims to create an excellent athletics program is through promoting a set of core values that form the acronym H.E.A.R.T. – hard work, enthusiasm, accountability, resilience, and teamwork.
“We work hard to embody these values in every aspect of our work with our students,” Eaves said.
The winter and spring varsity teams also fared well.
“Our basketball programs had a resurgence, and the wrestling program reached the duals state tournament for a second consecutive year – and with a school record number of athletes qualifying,” Eaves said.
“Also, our track and field team continued its growth and sent 21 athletes to the state championship meet in 16 different events, breaking four school records through the course of the season.”
In the fall, BGA coaches nominated 90 of our student-athletes to participate in the Janssen Sports Leadership’s Emerging and Veteran Leaders programs.
Led by athletics staff, the programs have provided participants with the insights, strategies, and skills necessary to become effective leaders on their team, on campus, and in the community.
Through ongoing workshops, interactive exercises, action-learning experiences, and readings, the year-long programs provide a strong foundation for our student-athletes to develop into effective team leaders. This is a skill that will serve them well while at BGA and long after they leave the Academy.
BGA Head Softball Coach Eric Fruechtemeyer was voted TSSAA District 3 Coach of the Year by his coaching peers. Within the softball category of TSSAA, BGA falls within the District 3 Middle Region, which included eight schools.
Fruechtemeyer was hired last August after a previous successful season as an interim coach, where he led the softball team to two regional tournament wins. He is also the owner of the Knights travel softball and baseball organization.
Fruechtemeyer is a graduate of Belmont University, where he has a degree in liberal arts. He has been a teacher and coach at Harding Academy and Nashville Christian School and has coached for Lambuth University.
Christian Windham ’23, a youth caddie at Belle Meade Country Club, has been awarded the Evans Scholarship, a prestigious full housing and tuition college grant for caddies, following a selection meeting interview held in December. He is the first caddie from the Nashville area to be awarded the Evans Scholarship. Windham will use the scholarship to finance his education at Northwestern University.
Evans Scholars are selected based on displaying a strong caddie record, excellent academics, demonstrated financial need, and outstanding character. The Evans Scholarship is valued at more than $125,000 over four years.
“These young students represent what our program has been about since 1930,” said WGA President and CEO John Kaczkowski.
“We are proud to welcome them to the Evans Scholars family.”
It was in his Lower School science class that Luke Williams ’23 discovered his passion and career choice – engineering and robotics. In that class, Williams was given the opportunity to play with a Lego robotics kit, which sparked an interest that stuck with him.
Now, almost a decade later, Williams was able to provide that same opportunity to elementary students in Dickson, Tenn., by donating several sets of Lego robotics kits to Dickson Elementary School, which he purchased using his BGA Experiential Education Grant.
The grant is valued at up to $5,000 and awarded to BGA students for study, travel abroad, or to create an enhanced out-ofclassroom student experience.
In donating the robotics kits to Dickson Elementary, Williams wanted to help the school launch an after-school enrichment opportunity for students to learn robotics.
“I know how much playing with those kits meant to me as a kid and how it put me on my life path. And giving kids a similar opportunity to have that spark, it is really meaningful,” Williams said.
For Williams, one of his first thoughts for the grant was to give back to others.
“When I was growing up, my dad was a huge giver, so I was always in the environment of helping others who needed it,” Williams said.
“I’ve always had the idea that when you have the opportunity, give others chances that they don’t already have.”
Not only did Williams donate to Dickson Elementary, but he also was able to use the grant to attend NASA’s Advanced Space Academy Elite Program this past summer.
At camp, Williams participated in sessions like flight simulations, jet
propulsion learning modules, rocket building, and many others. While in the seven-day program, he was part of a team that worked together on various space missions, and his team won the Commander’s Cup, an award recognizing the top performing team. Williams had previously attended NASA’s Space Camp Robotics Program, where he also received the Hero Award, which is presented to the top-performing individual student.
“On a team, everyone’s role is important and no one person’s role is greater than the others,” Williams said. “Even the smallest jobs, they can have a large impact on the mission as a whole.”
After graduation, Williams has aspirations of studying aerospace engineering and robotics, hoping to work with NASA or in one of the many other fields, such as jet propulsion, supporting space exploration. Because of his grant experiences, he is now even more prepared for that future.
“I’m thankful to BGA for affording me the opportunity to provide a similar learning experience to other students and to grow individually,” Williams said. “My experiences at NASA’s Space Camp and in helping Dickson Elementary launch their own robotics program have been very meaningful.”
In May, our Lower School students participated in their annual Days of Service. First graders spread cheer to Downtown Franklin businesses by giving each a small plant in a handpainted pot, and kindergarteners delivered food drive collections to the food pantry at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Second through fourth graders (along with parent volunteers) visited Second Harvest Food Bank in Nashville to package meals for those facing hunger across Middle and West Tennessee.
1,451 pounds of food and
14,057
total meals packed and donated
During the 2022-23 academic year, students schoolwide participated in service projects to honor active duty and retired military, including hosting the Wounded Warrior Ride on campus, walking alongside veterans and supporters of Wounded Warrior Project in the Downtown Franklin Veterans Day Parade, and making cards for deployed soldiers and veterans residing at the Tennessee State Veterans Home in Murfreesboro.
Each year, financial support of the BGA Fund, Denim & Diamonds, the Creating Our Future capital campaign, and other programs at Battle Ground Academy provide the elevated educational and student life experiences that our alumni benefited from and the reasons our current students and families have chosen to be here. Your support helps BGA attract and retain teachers who are committed to the craft of teaching, subject matter experts, and dedicated to the development of young people. Gifts to the school provide the tools and resources that students and teachers need in order to be successful on the stage, in the classroom, and on the field. Lastly, by choosing to support BGA financially, you are demonstrating to others, including
our students, that you believe in them and their potential to make a difference today and in the future.
During the 2022-23 school year, gifts to Battle Ground Academy:
• Made possible the Phase 2 renovations to the Lower School as part of the Creating Our Future capital campaign;
• Allowed us to update our security and surveillance systems campuswide;
• Provided for the EL Ignite presentations;
• Replaced the ad board in the Cherry Sports Center with a new video board;
• Purchased equipment and materials for the new eighth-grade robotics class;
• Allowed Upper School student-athletes to participate in the Janssen Sports Leadership Program;
• Added display monitors in common spaces across both campuses, helping us to highlight student artwork and achievements and keep our community informed about on-campus news and important deadlines;
• Supported our Parent Perspectives programming and provided families with other parent education information and resources; and
• Improved our softball program’s facilities.
These and other enhancements, resources, and opportunities would not have been possible without the financial support of our parents, alumni, grandparents, and friends of the school.
Thank you for your generosity – we look forward to seeing what we can continue to accomplish together during the 2023-24 academic year!
The third concentration to come online in the Upper School since 2014, BGA’s Global Studies concentration will help create globally competent graduates with an ability to apply broad concepts to their local communities.
As our world continues to become more interconnected, BGA is providing students with new opportunities to engage on a global level. Launching in Fall 2023, the Global Studies concentration will allow students to explore their interests through a specially designed architecture of curriculum.
“The concentration is geared toward creating global mindsets so that students look at every day with the same adventure and curiosity as when they are immersed into a new culture through travel,” said Leigh Roberts ’95, Director of Student Engagement and Global Studies.
Participating students will take a variety of courses designed to enhance their global awareness. From interdisciplinary seminar classes to world language studies and capstone projects, students will dive deeply into global economies, politics, current events, and cultures.
“The concentrations allow students to expand the walls of the classroom and engage in experiential opportunities that amplify their education and overall BGA experience,” said Josh Montgomery, Head of Upper School.
Committed to fostering a bold academic program, as outlined in the school’s 2019 Strategic Plan, BGA’s academic concentrations – including Entrepreneurial Leadership, STEM, and now Global Studies – give students opportunities for deeper focus and meaningful exploration into an area of academic interest and the chance to develop and engage with a network within their preferred fields.
“Every concentration is built upon a desire to equip students with at-large and in-detail thinking skills. Global Studies seeks to also build upon the idea of ‘glocal’ thinking where students identify the interconnection between the global and local, empowering students to be agents of change in their local communities as well as the broader world,” said Montgomery.
“You don’t always have to travel outside the U.S. to immerse yourself in other cultures,” said Roberts. “Being aware of your surroundings in your own community can instantly connect you to the whole world.”
Leigh Roberts earned her master’s in education from NYU and taught film and theatre at Belmont University. She moved to Shanghai, China, and spent four years living there and learning Mandarin prior to coming to BGA in 2015 to serve as the Academy’s first director of international students. As the director, Roberts worked with BGA’s international students on their visa process, adapting to U.S. culture, and helping students with their English proficiency. She also has concurrently been instrumental in creating our exchange program, specifically helping to welcome students from countries like China, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, and Argentina.
“With increased access to news and media, this generation of students is more aware of the issues that our nation, society, and globe are facing,” said Dustin Lynn, Director of College Counseling. “The new concentration allows students to learn more about topics that they connect with as they desire to make a change in the world.”
To further enhance the curriculum, Global Studies students will also participate in a 10-day immersive experience either domestically or internationally. In past years, the World Language department has facilitated a domestic travel immersive language experience for Spanish and French students to Concordia Language Villages in Bemidji, Minn. Other study-abroad experiences include trips to Spain and France and “glocal” trips to other states, such as Florida and Texas, where students can learn about international business and issues from many different lenses and explore other cultures more deeply.
Additionally, students can apply for travel grants through the Experiential Education Grant to explore opportunities outside of the classroom and abroad. Once the experience is completed, students use the knowledge they’ve gained to give back to the school community through activities such as service learning or assembly programs. Liz Napier ’23 recently used the grant for an educational experience in Spain.
“Learning in an experiential environment allowed me to grow intellectually and as a global citizen in our community,” Napier said.
“During my five-week trip and homestay in rural Spain, I experienced true Spanish culture while sharpening my language skills – both of which have shaped me into the student and person I am today and my college plans.”
Liz Napier ’23 recently used the Experiential Education Grant to participate in a LITA Spanish language immersion program. While in Spain, she presented a research project to students in Tordesillas on traditional dances in the Castille y Leon region of Spain.
As a result of her academic achievements in a Romance Language and her participation in extracurricular programs like the LITA immersion program, Napier was the recipient of a generous academic scholarship at Washington and Lee where she will continue her academic career in the fall.
Liz will attend Washington and Lee University as a Laurent and Elizabeth Boetsch Honor Scholarship recipient in the fall. The four-year, full-tuition scholarship recognizes an entering firstyear student with an exemplary academic and extracurricular record who intends to major in Romance languages.
With well-established travel programs, long-lasting international exchange relationships, and opportunities for more culturally immersive experiences domestically, BGA is preparing students to be global citizens as they enter college and beyond.
“As colleges become more selective, they are keenly aware of how students identify and engage with their interests,” Lynn said. “By expanding our concentrations, we are providing BGA students with a platform to take part in opportunities beyond our campus and the resources to demonstrate their intellectual curiosity beyond that of traditional curriculum.”
By encouraging students to see their studies through a global lens, BGA is preparing its future graduates to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. The Global Studies curriculum combines innovative learning techniques with culturally immersive experiences to promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
“Students will collaborate with faculty members to ensure that what they are learning in the classroom connects with the experiences they are having out of the classroom,” said Roberts. “I want students completing this concentration to be true global citizens, to be inspired by the world around them, and to be able to identify the simple connections that link all of us together.”
According to Roberts, the global conversation has always been a part of the BGA experience. Many BGA alumni have formulated their curiosity and love of travel into rewarding career paths across the U.S. and abroad.
Amanda Wickham Dixon ’97 joined the Department of State in 2010 as a consular officer and has since served in Africa, Mexico, Washington, D.C., Pakistan, and Romania. Her upcoming assignment is a Fellowship at Chapman University in Orange, Calif., where she will be earning a master’s in war, diplomacy, and society. Dixon says she always knew she wanted to travel the globe, learn about new cultures, and help people along the way, but she credits her initial interest in international travel to the four years of French language during her time at BGA.
Over her career, Dixon has been on the front lines of some of the world’s largest events. Stationed on the border of Romania and Ukraine, she recently assisted U.S. citizens and their Ukrainian family members in seeking refuge during the Russian invasion. She emphasizes the importance of helping students discover their passions at a young age.
“Having a global perspective is absolutely critical. It changes the way you see yourself in the world and your role in it.”
– AMANDA WICKHAM DIXON‘97
“Having a global perspective is absolutely critical,” said Dixon. “It changes the way you see yourself in the world and your role in it. It also helps people understand local issues so much better.”
Geoff Dinneen ’06 currently serves as a group financial controller for a private equity-owned group headquartered in London. Earning a bachelor’s degree at McGill University in Montreal instilled his love of international travel. While in college, Dinneen attended the London School of Economics and cultivated an interest in accountancy, eventually joining KPMG Corporate Audit. Now residing in the English countryside with his family, Dinneen manages teams across the United Kingdom and Germany. He enjoys the constant exposure to customers and colleagues across Europe and the rest of the world, which have afforded him opportunities to work in Switzerland and Hungary earlier in his career. Dinneen says that the advanced curriculum at BGA helped him establish a strong work ethic that prepared him for life abroad.
“Having a genuine interest in the media, history, or literature of other countries can broaden your horizons just as much as travel, if not more so,” said Dinneen. “That’s not to say you have to be a world traveler by the time you are 18; I never even visited England before my year abroad.”
Jennifer Lee ’90 currently lives in Zurich, Switzerland, where she serves as a learning and development specialist
Geoff Dinneen ’06 lives in England with his family and serves as a group financial controller for a private equityowned group headquartered in London.
This summer, 26 of our Upper School Spanish students visited Spain for 12 days, where they met with local Spanish students and experienced the culture, cuisine, and landmarks of the country while honing their Spanish language skills. Pictured below are Quinn Lohse ‘24, Harry Brown ‘24, and Julia Buhalis ‘24.
at Würth Business Academy. After earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Tulane University, Lee spent a few years in Taiwan teaching English to children. Shortly after, she moved to Germany to continue studying psychology and eventually took jobs as a trainer and facilitator for companies like Audi, Zurich Insurance Company, and many others.
Jennifer Lee ‘90, who currently lives in Zurich, Switzerland, designs and facilitates seminars for management development programs.
In her current role, Lee designs and facilitates seminars for management development programs with a range of top-level managers and expert guest speakers. Lee says her BGA education prepared her for a life abroad by challenging her thoughts and opinions and encouraging her to approach topics from multiple angles. Her passion for learning continues, and she believes the Global Studies program will cultivate future generations of global citizens.
“Being able to think globally early on fosters empathy, acceptance, creativity, and problem-solving skills,” said Lee. “It makes us humble and want to change things for the good of everyone, and not just for a selected few.”
BGA has already had great response to this new concentration, which will officially launch this fall. More information can be found at battlegroundacademy.org.
In April, eight student teams, each comprising four students, pitched business ventures to a panel of four judges as part of their final capstone project for the Entrepreneurial Leadership program.
Top photo from left: Clayton George ‘23, Lindsey Summarell ‘23, Amaria Gillispie ‘23, and Overton Roberts ‘23
Left photo from left: John Denton ‘23, Preston de Jong ‘23
Seniors MacKenzie Huntington, Isabelle Northam, Oliver Baker, and Sydney Carroll won the pitch competition for their business idea called BeLeaf. The team designed a disposable feminine product, created from fibers of banana tree trunks, and aims to provide menstrual products for women around the world.
Reprinted with permission from The Williamson Herald
Parents and students alike are taking note of the recent updates to Battle Ground Academy’s Lower School campus.
While the wider hallways, brighter classrooms, and updated technology can seem like small changes, they’re making a big impact on the learning experience.
“Once we saw the renovation plans, not only did we welcome the changes, but we also happily contributed to the capital campaign which funded the project,” Karen Jackson, a longtime BGA parent, said.
The renovation of the Lower School, part of BGA’s larger campus plan, was completed in November. Home to students in grades kindergarten to fourth, BGA’s Lower School campus is located at the gateway to historic downtown Franklin on Franklin Road. The project is about much more than cosmetic changes, though, said BGA’s Head of School Will Kesler.
“We focused on how we could continue to serve our community and make the biggest impact,” Kesler said, referencing the goals of the recently completed renovation to the campus.
In the spring of 2022, Battle Ground Academy closed its Harpeth Campus doors to begin work on Phase Two of a comprehensive renovation that temporarily relocated students until after the Thanksgiving holiday. A multi-phased project, the renovation will eventually include updates to multiple spaces at the Lower School as well as parking, playgrounds and outdoor spaces.
“At BGA, we focus on inquiry-based learning, and the level of education we offer is second to none,” said Kesler. “It was time for an update, and we wanted the level of our facilities to reflect the level of education we offer.”
According to current BGA parent Bari Beasley, the school achieved that goal.
“We feel so fortunate that an already outstanding school now has more resources as well as upgraded facilities,” Beasley said. “It also still feels like home for the students.”
As the transformation began, classes were moved to the nearby First Presbyterian Church of Franklin.
“A transition of this size was an ambitious undertaking,” said Rhonda Bennett, BGA Head of
In November, students got their first look at the newly renovated spaces in the Lower School, which include a new dining hall, a new lab space, and wider hallways and higher ceilings.
Lower School and Assistant Head of Academic Affairs. “We could not have done it without the extraordinary support from parents, teachers, and students and our wonderful relationship with First Presbyterian Church.”
However, Bennett said the greatest reward was seeing the Lower School community’s reaction to the renovation. The changes include a new dining hall, a new lab space, and more natural light with wider hallways and higher ceilings, all of which are more conducive to an engaging learning atmosphere, especially for younger children.
“Developmentally, each age group now has their own space to learn and grow with their peers,” said Bennett. “It is important
for children to feel comfortable and motivated in this space as they begin their BGA education.”
The renovation allows BGA to more easily meet the goals outlined in the school’s long-term strategic plan. The updated facilities, designed with BGA’s commitment to inquiry-based learning in mind, give teachers the space and opportunity to foster hands-on learning and critical thinking skills in their students.
The renovation also included a stateof-the-art STEM lab that has enhanced the school’s science and mathematics programs. The space is complete with new equipment and furniture, 3D printers, and robotic sets. The new lab sits directly
“The layout makes it possible to connect
behind the historic Cox House, which is home to the school’s administrative offices.
“It is important for children to feel comfortable and motivated in this space.”
– DR. RHONDA BENNETT, HEAD OF LOWER SCHOOL AND ASSISTANT HEAD OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
the history of the school with forward thinking and innovation,” said Bennett. “We have always appreciated the Harpeth campus’ proximity to downtown Franklin, and we look forward to our continued growth here.”
This attention to detail and desire to build upon BGA’s heritage is something parents appreciated.
“It is wonderful to witness BGA maintain their commitment to the historic preservation of the Harpeth campus,” said Camille Small, current BGA parent. “Having three children experience their elementary years in the heart of Franklin, a city with so much history and tradition, has truly been a gift.”
An additional phase of the renovation, which will likely begin within the next few years, will focus on additional parking, covered drop-off areas, and updates to the playground. The complete plan also includes redesigning under-utilized spaces on campus for outdoor classroom opportunities.
“We are confident that the current updates give us the opportunity to springboard our program, and we look forward to future renovations and enhancements to our campus,” Bennett said.
Safety and access were also high priority items throughout the lower school renovation. Additional keycard access and security cameras were installed around the campus for added protection. The
renovation also allowed for accessibility updates, making the Harpeth Campus easier to navigate for students, teachers, and visitors who use wheelchairs and other mobility devices.
According to Kesler, the renovation allows BGA to serve future generations of students as the demand for quality education increases. However, to him, it’s the small touches like student artwork in the hallways and smiling faces every day that make the greatest impact.
“The students and teachers are really what make BGA such a special place to learn, and we are proud to be able to give them a space that reflects the level of the educational experience,” said Kesler.
BGA faculty member Charlie Carlisle teaches sixth-grade math and is a volleyball director for the Upper School. He has been a part of BGA for over two decades and joined us when we acquired the school he worked for, Harpeth Academy – which is now where our Lower School resides.
HOW HAVE YOU SEEN BGA GROW IN THE TIME YOU’VE BEEN HERE? WHAT HAVE WE IMPROVED UPON AND WHAT ARE SOME DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE HARPETH DAYS AND NOW?
Lots of changes! Oh my! From the changes of campus location, moving from the old historical campus in downtown Franklin to our campus off of Mack Hatcher, to new buildings constructed as well, like the Mary Campbell Visual Arts Center, Jewell Athletic and Wellness Center, and the Center for Arts and Entrepreneurship.
There have been changes within the classroom as well – from chalkboards to marker boards to smart boards to Promethean boards.
There is not much difference among the students nowadays compared to thirty years ago. Kids are still kids. The biggest
Our Lower School building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior. It was built in 1891 for Nicholas Nichol Cox, a man who practiced law in all the counties from Williamson County to the Tennessee River. He was also elected to Congress from March 4, 1891, to March 3, 1901. After his political career, he resumed law and engaged in banking in Franklin.
The Harpeth Academy purchased the Cox House in 1969, and then BGA aquired Harpeth Academy in 1998. The photos to the right show the building in the 1980s. While the front looks quite similar to what is seen today, the right side of the building has changed with the Lower School renovations.
difference is technology. We have so much at our fingertips, and it requires great discipline among our students to do the right thing.
WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO GIVE TO THE CREATING OUR FUTURE CAMPAIGN?
BGA has given me so much, and we just wanted to give back to the institution that has greatly shaped and impacted my life and my family’s.
WHY DO YOU THINK SUPPORTING THE SCHOOL FINANCIALLY THROUGH THINGS LIKE THE BGA FUND AND THE CREATING OUR FUTURE CAMPAIGN IS IMPORTANT?
It’s for our students. Tuition covers approximately 90% of BGA’s annual expenses. Giving to the annual fund helps our students be successful – in the classroom, on the stage, and on the court and athletic field.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT BEING A PART OF THE BGA COMMUNITY?
Within the community, I have created lasting friendships with so many families. I also really like seeing our
alumni return to campus after they have graduated from college and giving back. This year alone, we have at least three alumni from the Class of 2019 who will be on campus working and giving back.
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU EVERY DAY TO KEEP SERVING OUR STUDENTS?
Being a teacher is really one of my biggest joys. The interaction with students is one of my favorites. I enjoy just the dialogue that I have with my students and having an impact on them and making teachable moments when a mistake happens. The classroom is my favorite place.
As the Creating Our Future capital campaign continues and we meet our $25 million fundraising goal, renovations will continue on both campuses.
The completion of the Sondra Morris and Robert N. Moore Jr. ’52 Center for Arts and Entrepreneurship creates a significant opportunity to improve each Middle and Upper School student’s day by transforming the cafeteria into a proper dining hall.
The additional classrooms that the CAE provides allow us to reimagine the space in the Middle School Academic Building. In the new plans, the center of the academic building would include the division’s reception area and administrative offices, allowing for more access and interaction with students. We will also create two new classrooms and move the Middle School Admissions Office closer to the front of the Middle School Administration Building.
As you walk through the Harpeth Campus, you will see some classrooms and hallways untouched by renovations. The completion of the Creating our Future campaign includes updating these spaces.
In 1889, leaders in the City of Franklin identified a need in their community and built and gathered the pieces and people that would become BGA. Since then, our capital campaigns and the generosity of the BGA community have allowed us to build a new campus and expand to offer K-12 programming, among other significant decisions. It’s now our turn to seize the opportunity before us and work toward creating our future, one that will benefit current students and generations of students to come.
To date, more than 160 families have supported the campaign and given the school the ability to build the Sondra Morris and Robert N. Moore, Jr. ’52 Center for Arts and Entrepreneurship and complete phases one and two at the Lower School. The following chart highlights the number and range of gifts needed for the campaign.
If you would like to learn more about how your support can make a difference at Battle Ground Academy, please contact Tom Evans, Assistant Head of School for External Affairs, at (615) 567-8309 or tom.evans@mybga.org. You may also choose to scan the QR code with your smartphone camera to complete the pledge form online.
The Homecoming 2022 Legacy Breakfast included alumni and their children and grandchildren who currently attend BGA. Pictured are 22 alumni and 29 children who were students at BGA in Fall 2022.
This past school year, our alumni came together for Homecoming 2022 and Reunion and Alumni Weekend 2023.
During Homecoming week, the festivities included a Legacy Breakfast for alumni and their children and grandchildren and a Blue and Gold Luncheon for alumni who graduated in 1972 or earlier. Also, alumni and parents of alumni tailgated at the Fleming House before the game.
For Reunion and Alumni Weekend in April, alumni enjoyed a luncheon and cocktail party. The following day, alumni gathered for a Reunion Brunch followed by individual class parties for classes ending in 3 and 8.
Homecoming Week 2023 will take place September 27-30, and Reunion and Alumni Weekend activities move to Homecoming Week in Fall 2024. Mark your calendars, and we hope to see you there!
Rising,” a collection of 23 stories about individuals of color through slavery and Jim Crow, in Nashville and beyond.
Marvin McIntyre, BGA Class of 1897, was recently featured in an article by Williamson County writer Bill Traughber. Marvin served as secretary of appointments for Franklin D. Roosevelt and remained at the White House until his death in 1943. In 1944, the U.S.S. Marvin H. McIntyre (APA-125), a Haskell Class Attack Transport, was launched. The ship was retired in June 1946 and earned one battle star for its service.
Bobby Morel ‘63 and George Silvey ‘67 were named to The Tennessean’s All-Decade 1960s high school football team. George led BGA to an 11-0 record and No. 1 final ranking in the state in 1966 before going on to play at the University of Tennessee, and Bobby helped lead the Wildcats to victory over Litton in the 1960 Clinic Bowl. Bobby also played for the University of Tennessee and returned to coach at BGA in 1970.
George Paul Clements, Jr. ‘65 recently released his book “Tell Them We Were
Stephen B. Smith ‘72, Chairman of the MTSU Board of Trustees, former Blue Raiders pitcher, and Championship Walking Horse rider and breeder, has been named a member of the 2023 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Class.
Advisors, LLC, has been named one of Barron’s Top 1,200 Financial Advisors for 2023.
Mike Keith ‘86, Voice of the Tennessee Titans, was praised this past February for his sports broadcasting skills by legendary quarterback Peyton Manning, his fellow UT Volunteer.
Colleen Garvey Hoke ‘87 was named to the Nashville Business Journal’s 2022 Most Admired CEOs list. The NBJ accepted nominations from the public for several weeks. Nominees were then grouped by category and invited to participate in a closed round of voting. The CEOs honored here are those who scored the highest among their peers and are truly the most admired.
Jenna McCammon Bedsole ‘89 was named Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary for Customer Satisfaction by AutoZone, Inc.
spoke during the agency’s Women’s History Month event in March.
Jarron Springer ‘95 was named the 2022 Association Executive of the Year from the Tennessee Society of Association Executives.
Robert Walker ‘95 recently attended a Memphis Grizzlies basketball game with his daughter, Olivia Walker ‘27. The two were fortunate to meet up with Memphis Grizzlies Assistant Coach and BGA Sports Hall of Famer Brad Jones ‘86.
Geep Wade ‘97 has been named offensive line coach at Georgia Tech.
George Plaster ‘77 was recently inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame. In addition to his work in radio, George was recognized for his mentorship of aspiring sports talk show hosts and for his charity work in Middle Tennessee.
Robert Rolfe ‘78 retired as commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, ending a fiveand-a-half-year tenure.
Greg Herman ‘84, Managing Partner of LBMC Investment
Bob Freeman ‘94, president of Freeman Webb Co. and a Tennessee state representative, served as an industry expert in a recent Nashville Business Journal article about Nashville’s apartment sector.
Sara Schultenover Kubicki ‘94 recently returned to campus to visit her nieces, Natalie (eighth grade) and Sophia (eleventh grade). Sara graduated from the University of Notre Dame and works for the Pentagon Force Protection Agency, where she
Demelza Rabbitt Lisowski ‘99 was featured in the Music City Spotlight section of the November 2022 issue of Nashville Lifestyle Magazine. Lisowski is a real estate agent who specializes in the luxury home market in Florida’s 30A.
Troy Fleming ‘99 has been named to The Tennessean’s All-Decade 1990s high school football team. Troy led the BGA Wildcats to two backto-back state championships and went on to play for The University of Tennessee and the Tennessee Titans.
Fleming is a member of the BGA Sports Hall of Fame and serves as assistant director of Knox County Parks and Recreation.
Dr. Griffin Myers ‘99 sold his company, Oak Street Health, to CVS Health in February, folding the primary care provider into their newly created healthcare delivery arm. Oak Street includes about 600 physicians across 169 medical centers located in 21 states and is expected to grow to over 300 centers by 2026 under CVS Health.
Stephen Russell ‘01 was featured in the Nashville Business Journal’s People on the Move. Russell is a senior vice president and the Middle Tennessee/North Alabama Private Wealth Management Leader at Regions Bank.
Claire Givens Crunk ‘02 served as a featured panelist during “Entrepreneurship in Williamson County” at the 2022 Outlook Williamson event, Williamson, Inc.’s halfday economic summit.
Kunu Kaushal ‘02 is the founder and CEO of Senior Solutions Home Care. His company was ranked by the Nashville Business Journal as No. 20 in family-owned businesses and No. 3 in minority-owned businesses.
Major Matt Williams USMC (Ret.) ‘02 has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Strategic Sourcing at CoreTrust. Williams also serves as a Williamson County District 9 Commissioner and recently spoke to Upper School students about being a marine, serving our country, and what we can all learn from the veteran perspective.
Brittany Adkins Schaffer ‘03 has been named the Dean of the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business at Belmont University. Additionally, MusicRow honored her at their 10th annual Rising Women on the Row celebration, a ceremony to honor six female executives who are making a significant impact on Nashville’s country music industry.
Zach Bingham ‘05 is the CEO of A to Z Sports, an on-demand sports network covering teams across the country with exclusive content. Bingham and partner Austin Stanley won the 2022 Nashville Entrepreneur Center’s NEXT Award for best startup in the music, sports, and entertainment category.
Rosa Castano Ellett ‘06 has been selected to participate in the Nashville Chamber of Commerce’s 2023 Leadership Cohort. As a certified meditation, mindfulness,
and movement leader, Ellett leads corporate well-being workshops and wellness activations to help with stress management and resilience cultivation.
Elizabeth Pope Goodwin ‘06 has been named a 2022 Nashville Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 winner. Goodwin is the Director of Project Management at CBRE. She has a bachelor’s degree from University of Tennessee, Knoxville and her master’s from Vanderbilt University.
Elizabeth Waynick Pike ‘06 married Eric Pike in Brentwood, Tenn. The couple resides in Nolensville, Tenn. She has completed her Master of Marriage and Family Therapy from Trevecca Nazarene University.
C.J. Beathard ‘12, a veteran quarterback, signed a twoyear contract extension with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Dr. Allison Peeler ‘12 was named to The Tennessee Veterinary Medical Association 2022-23 Power of Ten Leadership Program class. The program is designed for young veterinarians who have been in practice for 10 years or less. Career development, wellness, communication, social media, and cyberbullying are just a few of the topics covered in Power of Ten sessions.
Jordan Smith ‘12 coached the East Nashville Magnet School Eagles in the Tennessee High School Football Championship Class 3A game in December.
Dr. Charles A. Snider ‘12 married Dr. Sarah DominguezSnider on April 30, 2022. He graduated from Brown University with a Ph.D. in Physics, and he and his wife reside in Bethlehem, Pa.
Allison Weatherman ‘07 has been named to the BGA Alumni Board. She graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Laine Milam Arnold ‘09 is co-founder and senior vice president of Blake Harris & Associates, a full-service, strategic consulting firm.
Bridget Winstead ‘09 spoke at the annual young alumni networking event sponsored by the BGA Alumni Association. She spoke about her career at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and how to effectively network within your community.
Dalton Greenwood ‘13 earned a Ph.D. in Molecular Pathology and Immunology at Vanderbilt. He recently defended his dissertation, and his first paper (covering his thesis project) was published in the December 2022 issue of Immunohorizons, an online journal committed to advancing immunology.
Taylor Journigan ‘13 made the Titans cheerleading squad for the 2022 season.
Lathram Berry ‘14 served as BGA’s Founders Day speaker. Upper School students heard about Berry’s journey from American University to the University of Alabama to her work with The Nashville Food
Project. Her message to the students was that sometimes we need to leave home to get to know home better.
Mark Puryear ‘14 recently earned his Certified Financial Planner credentials and joined The Bahnsen Group as an associate in their Planning Department.
Braxton Kinney ‘15 accepted a new position with Bass, Berry & Sims.
Veterniary Medicine, where she is a DVM candidate.
Matthew Minor ‘16 accepted a new position with Hill+Knowlton Strategies as an Account Manager of Energy, Industrials, and Public Affairs.
Campbell Parker ‘16 met with BGA eighth graders outside of the White House on their recent trip to Washington, D.C. Parker is a research analyst in the communications department of the Executive Office of the President.
Matthew Keith ‘17 works as a writers’ production assistant on CBS’s “The Neighborhood,” starring Cedric the Entertainer. The hit comedy has been renewed for a sixth season.
Coleman Dennis ‘20 joined Goldman Sachs as a Summer Analyst in the Dallas Metro area in the Controller’s Division.
Abby McConnell ‘20 spent the day with BGA’s middle school counselor, Jeanna Reid, learning about the counseling field and what it is like to work at a school.
Holland Mooney ‘18 accepted a position as an office assistant at EXIT Real Estate Experts in Old Hickory, Tenn., and was presented with the William McShain Memorial Award for her exemplary work in marketing, economics, and entrepreneurship at Cumberland University.
Wren Russell ‘15 spoke on campus during a lunch and learn session with current STEM concentration students. Russell is an emergency room nurse at Vanderbilt Medical Center and a graduate student at Samford University Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing.
Lexi Baur ‘16 recently earned her white coat from Auburn University’s College of
Henry Dambach ‘18 has been accepted to the University of Iowa College of Law.
Brandon Jackson ‘18 has been named a Top 10 Up and Coming Young Staffer by CNCT, a networking app for political staffers dedicated to bringing people together and renewing bipartisanship in Washington, D.C. Jackson is currently a part of Senator Bill Hagerty’s press and digital team.
Ian Gray ‘19 joined Northrop Grumman’s Space Systems as a Mechanical Design Engineer on the Sentinel program in Huntsville, Ala. Gray graduated Summa Cum Laude from University of Alabama, Huntsville, with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. He graduated with a 4.0 GPA and received the College of Engineering’s Top Scholar Award, the Outstanding Mechanical Engineering Student Award, the President’s List Award, and an Honors Diploma.
Graci Semptimphelter ‘22 won Ohio Wesleyan University’s first-ever pitch competition, Pitch OWU. Her winning idea for “Village Crew” was incubated during BGA’s 2022 Entrepreneurial Leadership Capstone class.
Dr. Mark Seyfred has served BGA two different times throughout his career – from 1996 to 2005 and from 2011 to 2023. During his career, he has taught nearly all levels of science. Between the many students he has taught and his leadership as chair of the science department, he has left a large impact on the BGA community, and we wish him the best!
Clay Price has been a history teacher and coach for eight years at BGA and has mentored many students in academics and athletics. Price coached Upper School girls basketball and Upper School and Middle School golf. We wish him the best in retirement!
Anne Locke ‘90 and her husband, Charles Schneider, welcomed baby Charles Henry Camblin Schneider on October 4, 2022.
Jamie Sullivan Carlson ‘02 and her husband, Dallas, welcomed Frances Lynne Carlson. “Frankie” was born November 1, 2022, at 3:48 p.m. She was 21 inches long and weighed 7 pounds, 5 ounces.
Jessica Burnette Alsop ‘04 and her husband, Ben, welcomed their daughter, Josie Alsop, on January 11, 2023.
Meredith Schneider Cross ‘04 and her husband, Nick, welcomed their daughter, Callie Grace Cross, on August 16, 2022.
Anne Smith Deatheridge ‘05 and her husband, Preston, welcomed baby girl Smith Esley Deatheridge on February 1, 2022.
Jack Lee ‘05 and his wife, Megan, welcomed Mason Adair Lee on December 9, 2022. He weighed 8 pounds, 7 ounces, and was 20.5 inches long.
Lindsey Pratt
Shanmugasundaram ‘05 and her husband, Kanaan, welcomed Sophia Louise Shanmugasundaram at 8:41 a.m. on November 15, 2022. She weighed 4 pounds, 11 ounces.
John Wilson Meadows ‘06 and his wife, Audrey, welcomed their daughter, Elsie Mack Meadows, on March 8, 2022. She weighed 6 pounds, 5 ounces.
Kris Lape ‘07 and his wife, Kelsey, welcomed their daughter, Lucy Elizabeth Lape, on November 9, 2022.
Susannah “Sooz” Dennis ‘09 and her wife, Megan Dennis, welcomed their daughter, Eloise Ives Dennis, in March 2023.
Candis Boyte Grunwald ‘09 and her husband, Matt, welcomed their son, Huck Matthew Grunwald, on September 25, 2022. He weighed 7 pounds, 1 ounce.
Tyler and Sophia (Ledman) Shellnut ‘10 welcomed their daughter, Vivian Blane Shellnut, on October 22, 2022.
Rebecca Brown Benton ‘11 and her husband, Griffin, welcomed their daughter, Hattie Elizabeth Benton, on March 11, 2022. She weighed 7 pounds, 10 ounces and was 20 inches long.
Tyler DeBoer ‘11 and his wife, Sarah Kate, welcomed their daughter, Mary Hazel DeBoer, on January 1, 2023.
Felicia Savas Fahlsing ‘11 and her husband, Chris, welcomed their daughter, Theodora Savas Fahlsing, on March 4, 2022.
Caroline Bratten Abernathy ‘12 and her husband, Sam, welcomed baby Thomas “Grisham” Abernathy on June 10, 2022.
Megan Sauder Gaines ‘13 and her husband, Connor, welcomed Grayson Luke Gaines on March 6, 2023.
Lindsey Anderson Tipton ‘13 and her husband, Horace, welcomed their daughter, Elizabeth Jane “Ella” Tipton, on February 23, 2023 at 4:22 a.m., weighing 6 pounds, 15 ounces and measuring at a little over 20 inches long.
Nathan Moran ‘14 and his wife, Brooke, welcomed baby Roman Micah Moran on April 20, 2022.
To submit birth news and receive a BGA onesie, email us at alumni@mybga.org.
In December, more than 200 friends, family, and former and current BGA students, faculty, and staff gathered to celebrate Dr. Boyd’s 90th birthday at the Sondra Morris and Robert N. Moore, Jr. ‘52 Center for Arts and Entrepreneurship.
On April 30, the BGA and Williamson County community gathered to celebrate the life of Dr. Lucas G. “Luke” Boyd, who passed away on April 21 at 90 years old.
Dr. Boyd served as the Head of Upper School at Battle Ground Academy from 1980-1998, and was a member of the Faculty Hall of Fame, the school’s Cum Laude Society chapter, and the Artist Guild.
“Dr. Boyd’s legacy casts a long shadow. ‘Be where you’re supposed to be; do what you’re supposed to do’ still rings through the BGA halls,” said Head of School Will Kesler.
“Ralph Waldo Emerson said, ‘A chief moment of life is the day in which we have encountered a mind that startled us.’ From the very first day I laid eyes on Dr. Boyd, he startled my mind. He sparked it – like the best of educators.”
– SHAWN VERNER ‘89
“Dr. Boyd was guided by wisdom. He shared his knowledge in ways that showed his students and staff the way of honesty and loyalty. He used his strong character to lead. He left a legacy of leadership and also success and support. He was our beloved Dr. Boyd.“
– JODY JONES, FORMER BGA FACULTY MEMBER AND COACH
“Dr. Boyd was the heartbeat of BGA. His enduring legacy reminds us all that we find our better selves by ‘being where we are supposed to be … and doing what we are supposed to do.’ I am truly grateful for his influence on my life.”
– WES SELLERS ‘96
Our In Memoriam section reflects losses to the BGA community we were notified about from February 1, 2022,
April
On Sunday, May 14, BGA celebrated its 134th graduating class and conferred degrees to 89 students. Jackson Boger and Amelia Cavin were the valedictorian and salutatorian respectively.
The event began with words from Head of School Will Kesler, who praised the class for its resilience and ability to grow through the challenges it faced.
“The Class of 2023 endured so many disruptions to their high school career,” Kesler said.
“Class of 2023, what you have done in the face of these challenges is nothing short of amazing.”
Amidst the challenges, the Class of 2023 earned accolades in spades, whether it was on stages, fields, courts, or classrooms. As they disperse, these 89 students will be attending colleges and universities in 23 different states from the East to West Coast. Collectively, they received more than $8.5 million in scholarship offers, and 98 percent of the class were accepted by at least one of their top three college choices. Additionally, 14 students will
continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level.
After the introductions, Cavin and Boger spoke to the class’s high school experience and all the things they learned.
“Even after the hardships we underwent, we conquered and prevailed, making the tumultuous high school experience our own,” said Cavin.
“BGA helped make us well-rounded individuals, giving us the skills to mature and to be able to confront difficult topics.”
–JACKSON BOGER ‘23
“BGA helped make us well-rounded individuals, giving us the skills to mature and to be able to confront difficult topics,” said Boger.
After words from the class salutatorian and valedictorian, awards were given to 22 students and three faculty and staff, and degrees were conferred. With their diplomas in hand, students heard from President of the BGA Alumni Association Gilmore Conners ’11.
“We look forward to seeing what each of you does next in life. We know you’re well prepared for wherever life leads you thanks to the values of character, scholarship, and excellence you were taught here,” said Conners.
Once the students moved their tassels and completed commencement, they walked together across the quad, gathering at the flagpole for one last singing of the alma mater. Throwing their caps in the air together, the Class of 2023 closed their high school chapter.
JACKSON BOGER
Edward Tyndall Stalcup ‘47 Valedictory Medal
AMELIA CAVIN
William H. Smith ‘71 Salutatory Medal
BRIANA DELAUGHTER
Robin Leigh Altshuler Award
JOHN DOUGLASS
Helen and Ralph Brown ‘49 School Spirit Award
LORENZO SGARBI
David A. Hernandez ‘49 Award for Courage
ALICE WANG
Katie Jeter ‘03 Award for Service
GRAYSON DOUGLAS
BGA Alumni Association Bill Ross ‘72 Award
LIZ NAPIER
Durwood Sies ‘40 Leadership Award
ADDISON ATKINS
Paul Guffee ‘61 Memorial Award
ASHLYN PATTON
Pinkerton Watch - Best All-Around Student
GILLIAN BAISDEN
OLIVER BAKER
COLIN BELSHAW
BELLA BUGG
SYDNEY CARROLL
AMARIA GILLISPIE
COLE MATTHEWS
JACKSON ROWLEY
ANDI SANDUSKI
LUKE WILLIAMS
TRE WILLIAMS
CHLOE WRIGHT
Brad Akard and Claudia Stetter joined BGA’s Alumni Relations office in Fall 2022. They have shared this quick and easy checklist on how to be the best BGA alum ever!
Sign into your account at battlegroundacademy.org to update your address, email, and phone number whenever it changes. Having upto-date information ensures you receive valuable information from BGA, including reunion invitations and updates from classmates.
We’re proud of you, and we want other alumni to celebrate you, too! Let us know when you have a new job, a new spouse, a new child, etc., and we’ll include you in our Class Notes section of Echo Alumni Magazine.
Follow BGA on social media. It’s the best way to receive the most upto-date information about what’s happening on campus (like who won the Tug!) with your fellow Wildcats.
Battle Ground Academy
@mybga
@bgawildcats
Battle Ground Academy
We’re always seeking volunteers – from Alumni Board members to Career Day speakers and Reunion leaders, there’s a place for everyone!
Your support of the BGA Fund provides critical funding to ensure we continue to offer the elevated educational experience for which we’re known. To give, visit battlegroundacademy.org/give.
Ready to get involved? Reach out to Brad and Claudia at any time using the contact information below for any of your alumni-related needs, including Class Note submissions, networking opportunities, alumni events, and giving. They look forward to meeting you!
HOMECOMING 2023
BGA vs. Pope Prep
SEPTEMBER 27-30
Brad Akard Manager, BGA Fund & Alumni Relations brad.akard@mybga.org(615) 567-8472
Claudia Stetter Advancement & Alumni Engagement Officer
claudia.stetter@mybga.org
(615) 567-8493
2023-2024
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE BOARD
President: Jacqueline LaFont ‘07
Immediate Past President: Gilmore Conners ‘11
Members:
Brett Bauer ‘11
Julianne Isaacs Cantey ‘08
Kathryne Anderson Coonce ‘00
Dyan Damron ‘98
Stevie Giorno ‘18
Eric McElroy ‘00
Michael McClellan ‘99
Daniel Parker ‘09
Courtney Smith ‘00
Sterling Smith ‘84
Allison Weatherman ‘07
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 27
Legacy Breakfast, 7:15 a.m. For alumni and their children/grandchildren who are currently enrolled at BGA
THURSDAY, SEPT. 28
Blue & Gold Luncheon, 11 a.m. For alumni who have celebrated their 50th reunion
FRIDAY, SEPT. 29
Alumni Tailgate, 5 p.m.
For alumni and their parents
BGA vs. Pope Prep, 7 p.m.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 30
Hall of Fame Ceremony, Time TBD
