I am delighted to share the exciting progress and achievements of St. Nicholas School over the past two years. Thanks to the dedication and support of our entire community, St. Nicholas is thriving and continuing to grow in enrollment and academic excellence.
First and foremost, I am thrilled to announce that our enrollment has seen substantial growth. From 132 students just two years ago, we grew to 162 students last year, and we project an enrollment of over 170 students to begin the upcoming school year. This growth is a testament to the outstanding educational experience we provide and the increasing recognition of St. Nicholas in our community.
Additionally, I am proud to report that our annual fund participation reached an alltime high this past year, with over 85% of our school community contributing. This exceptional level of support underscores the strong commitment and generosity of our alumni, parents, faculty, and friends toward advancing our mission and enriching the educational opportunities for our students.
Our success in fundraising was further highlighted by record-breaking Auctions organized by the Parent's Auxiliary over the past two years. These events not only brought our community together but also raised funds at unprecedented levels, supporting vital programs and initiatives at St. Nicholas.
Academically, our teachers have been unwavering in their dedication to providing a child-centered, individualized approach that challenges each student to reach their potential. This commitment is evident in our recent initiative to review vertical alignment for all core classes. Last year, our faculty focused on ensuring the social studies curriculum is vertically aligned across all grade levels while updating resources and adopting new texts.
Looking ahead, we are embarking on a four-year rotation to continuously review and update our curriculum in the core classes. We will continue with the science curriculum in the 2024-2025 school year, followed by language arts in 20252026, and math in 2026-2027. This ongoing process ensures that we uphold best practices in teaching and learning while maintaining consistency and a high level of challenge throughout our core courses.
At St. Nicholas School, we remain dedicated to fostering an environment where every student can excel academically, socially, and emotionally. None of our achievements would be possible without the ongoing support and collaboration of our dedicated community members.
As we continue to grow and innovate, our Episcopal identity is something we continuously honor and acknowledge as the cultural foundation for St. Nicholas School. It provides the foundation for the social, emotional, and spiritual development of each St. Nicholas student. Our tradition of starting each day in chapel creates an environment rooted in the understanding that each of us has unique gifts and talents, everyone should be valued, and our community is stronger because of our differences.
We invite you to stay connected with us and be part of our journey forward. Your involvement, whether through alumni events, volunteer opportunities, or philanthropic support, makes a significant difference in the lives of our students and strengthens the fabric of our school community.
Thank you for your unwavering support of St. Nicholas School. Together, we are shaping a bright future for our students and ensuring that St. Nicholas remains a beacon of excellence in education.
Very Sincerely,
Robert McGehee
ST. NICHOLAS ANNOUNCES NEW MASCOT
In the 2023-2024 academic year, St. Nicholas School decided it was time to introduce a mascot for its growing athletic program. The decision to select a mascot was met with excitement and anticipation by the school community.
Alumni, students, and faculty submitted their ideas for the mascot. Following the completion of submissions, a committee of faculty members narrowed down the ideas to four final options: The Heroic Hedgehogs, The Hippos, The Thundering Herd, and The Waves.
Students, parents, teachers, staff, alumni, and alumni families then voted on the final four. Ultimately, a fitting mascot was chosen that resonated with the entire school community: The Waves. The Waves will play a vital role in promoting school spirit and unity at various sporting events and school activities.
The introduction of The Waves as the new mascot marks an exciting new chapter in the school and serves as a reminder of how the students at St. Nicholas learn to make waves in the world. Go Waves!
ST. NICHOLAS INTRODUCES LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
The 2023-2024 academic year saw the introduction of a new after school program: The Leadership Academy. Led by the Head of School, Robert McGehee, and alum, Shalin Tejani ‘94, this program is aimed at growing the leadership potential of Upper Primary students.
“This program has been a long-time dream of mine, inspired by the increasing number of students entering college and the workforce without exposure to critical life skills such as personal finance, marketing, leadership, ethics, communication and more, “ said Shalin Tejani ‘94.
The Leadership Academy at St. Nicholas School is a unique opportunity for students to learn and grow in a supportive and challenging environment. The program aims to foster leadership skills, character development, and a sense of responsibility among the students. Using a special curriculum, students engage in hands-on activities, take trips, and hear from guest speakers designed to enhance their leadership abilities and prepare them for the future.
“Our primary goal is to equip our young, bright minds with tools and concepts that will stay with them for a lifetime,” Tejani elaborated. “The program aims not to make students masters in these areas but to spark their interest and provide a foundation for deeper learning. We combine classroom time with insights from community leaders, including local government officials, entrepreneurs, a former professional baseball player, and a West Point Academy professor, to name a few.”
The Leadership Academy will continue to be an outstanding experience for all participating students, shaping them into confident, capable, and compassionate leaders who will leave a lasting impact wherever life takes them.
PRASEEDA BATHI ‘24 AWARDED MERIT SCHOLARSHIP
Praseeda Bathi ‘24 is going to be making waves in middle school next year! She has been selected to receive the Scholars Merit Award, a scholarship that recognizes students who excel in both academics and personal achievements.
Throughout her time at St. Nicholas, Praseeda has consistently gone above and beyond in her academic endeavors and extracurricular activities.
Receiving the Scholars Merit Award is a testament to Praseeda’s hard work and dedication. It is a recognition of her outstanding achievements and potential for future success, and we look forward to seeing all she will continue to accomplish.
STUDENTS WIN YOUNG STUDENT WRITERS CONTEST
Every year, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga holds a Young Southern Student Writers Contest. This annual contest, held to promote writing among K-12 students in Hamilton County, saw students from Levels 3-7 submitting their best poems and short stories for consideration. We were thrilled to have 12 students win awards in the contest.
Emma Chen ‘26, Jaxon Rupramka ‘25, Hayden Elliott ‘25, Veera Ghodasra ‘27, Declan Rhodes ‘28, Ellie Yakimowich ‘24, Annika Anderson ‘24, Ari Kelleher ‘28, Rivers McCallie ‘27, Annabel Neal ‘25, Faith Fiorello ‘25, and Thomas Dougherty ‘26 were the winners selected from our school.
We are so proud of all our students and their hard work in this contest. The winners works are available to read online by scanning the QR code above.
A LOOK IN THE COTTAGES
The 2023-2024 academic year was an exciting one for our students! Each day offered something different at all levels. Students participated in new activities like making dream catchers, learning about worms, cooking, building cars out of wood, and becoming authors. There were also many returning favorites. Ben Roy came to do some hands-on science with Upper Primary, Barry Stewart Mann ran a workshop with Middle Primary, our Lower Primary students learned about holidays around the world, and Upper Primary got back in the pool with their cardboard boat creations.
WAVES ATHLETICS
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Throughout the year, our students participated in a variety of community service activities. Our Friendly Friday’s saw our students putting together Pet Blessing Bags, writing short letters of love and encouragement to active duty military members, making banners, pendants, and paper fingers for a youth soccer tournament hosted by Chattanooga Sports Ministries, and more. Students also collected candy for overseas troops and participated in Trash for Treasure. In addition to these acts of service, we continued our partnership with the Chatt Foundation for Baking a Difference, and the Salvation Army Angel Tree.
inAugural wave runnEr
On Saturday, April 13 we hosted the Inaugural Wave Runner event! This fun community event featured three different race distances: a 100 meter fun run, 1 mile, and 5K. Reid Barrie ‘23, Andrew Gooden ‘23, and Rivers McCallie ‘27 took first, second, and third in the 1 mile. Jack Lamar, Dan Moore, and Niyam Tejani ‘21 were the top three in the 5K. The morning also featured coffee from Grindhead Coffee and breakfast from the Oatmeal Experience Food Truck!
DREAM BIG UNDER THE BIG TOP GALA
Dream Big Under the Big Top was a massive success and a night filled with smiles and fun! It was great seeing all past, current, and future families, board members, faculty and staff, alumni, and friends come and celebrate our wonderful school.
Thank you so much to all of the sponsors, donors, and volunteers. Special thanks to our Gala Chairs Britney Cooke, Sara Mingus, and Niti Tejani; Development Director Kate McBryar; and art teacher Mandy Bohner! Thanks to their hard work and dedication, we were able to raise over $130,000! Scan the QR code below to view our gala page and see all our sponsors.
Level 7 Chapel Talk Quotes
Annika
The word yes has more power than most people give it. Saying yes can open doors that no closes.
Charley
One thing about trust and respect that is not always fair is the fact that trust and respect are so hard to gain but so easy to lose.
Logan
Change can be scary or exciting, but only you can choose which it will be.
Praseeda
I know my successes will come from hard work and some stumbles along the way.
Elizabeth
Joy is like a multiplication problem instead of subtraction. The more joy you give away the more you get back.
Charlotte
I think smiles are like love, you never run out and the more you give the more you have.
Taelor
Teamwork is not always easy. Sometimes you have different ideas or ways of doing things than your teammates. In those moments, compromise is important.
Katie
As we grow and change, new places help us and remind us that not everything can remain the same, even if we sometimes want it to.
Kendall
The ability to overcome challenges and continue to be your best self in the face of adversity is the mark of a strong and successful person. Being able to do this with kindness and grace is even more commendable.
Sage
You will have to do a lot of hard things by yourself but sometimes, when you are lucky, you will have a team that you can discuss with and depend on.
Wynne
It is ok to be scared of things but whether you overcome your fear or not is what is important.
Hawkins
If you think about it, going through life without facing any challenges may sound perfect and easy, but you will never feel the pride you feel when overcoming something that was hard for you.
Sylvi
I don’t need to be the best at everything as long as I try my best.
Ziya
Time is the most valuable thing in my life.
Shivam
It is important to use your voice to stand up for the things you believe in and I want to do this well in my life.
Elliott
I will sometimes make mistakes, but I can move past them.
Levi
There are three things that you have to learn in life: Kindness, kindness, and kindness.
Julia
Jesus got angry but always stayed centered. He teaches me to treat everybody the way I want to be treated.
Ellie
Be who you want to be, not who others want you to be. Scan the code to read the
Class of 2024 Graduation
May 23, 2024
ANNUAL REPORT 2023-2024
Every gift to St. Nicholas makes a difference...
Whether the gift is large or small, your gift illustrates your confidence in our educational program and mission. The St. Nicholas community of donors - alumni, parents, parents of alumni, grandparents, trustees, faculty, staff, and friends - all help enhance our school and help close the gap between the cost of tuition and the complete cost of our unique program. Thank you for your generosity.
CASH/CREDIT CARD GIFTS
The majority of gifts to St. Nicholas are in the form of cash, check or credit card. Credit cards accepted include Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. Gifts can also be made online at stns.org.
STOCK GIFTS
By giving appreciated long-term stock directly to St. Nicholas, you may receive a charitable tax deduction for the full value of the stock.
MATCHING GIFTS
More than 1,000 companies match donations made by their employees and retirees to independent schools. The value of an individual’s gift can be doubled-even tripled- through corporate matching gifts. Since matching gifts must be initiated by the donor, please inquire whether your employer has such a program.
PLANNED GIFTS AND BEQUESTS
The St. Nicholas Legacy Society was established to acknowledge alumni, parents, and friends who have included St. Nicholas as a beneficiary in their estate plans. Testamentary designations can be by amount or as a percentage of the estate value. Planned gifts provide us with the ability to think strategically about the school’s future. Generous and forward-thinking donors who leave planned gifts or a bequest intention through St. Nicholas School’s Legacy Society support our long-term success and will be long remembered.
St. Nicholas School is a 501(c) non-profit. Therefore, gifts are tax deductible.
You can make a pledge and pay in one sum or in multiple payments. Our fiscal year ends on June 30 each year.
For more information, or to make a gift, please visit stns.org or call (423) 899-1999.
We have made every effort to accurately compile our lists of donors. If you are omitted or listed incorrectly, please contact Development Director Kate Garrett McBryar '95 at kmcbryar@stns.org and accept our sincere apologies.
MATCHING GIFTS
LEGACY SOCIETY
Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Baggett
Ms. Mary Helen Bailey Bondurant ‘81
Dr. and Mrs. Glenn Boyd
Mr. and Mrs. Paul K. Brock, Jr.
Ms. Andrée Caldwell
Mr. and Mrs. Melvin D. Cooper
Dr. Elisabeth Craig
Mr. and Mrs. Tony M. D'Andrea, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. W. Roger Fitch
Dr. and Mrs. Jitendra Gandhi
Mr. and Mrs. David Garvey
Mr. and Mrs. William C. Haisten, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Gregg Hansen
Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Haskins
Mrs. Maria Kain Matthews
The Revs. Buckley and Janice Robbins
Mr. Tom Wolfe
TRIBUTE GIFTS
In memory of Linda Clark
MEMORIAL GIFTS
The Revs. Buckley and Janice Robbins
In memory of Cyndi King
Bogan Brooks
Alex and Mandy Bohner '83
Betsy Hawthorne Bedwell '84
Ray Catlett
Mary Coleman
Clay Crumbliss
Jerry Daugherty
Tony and Wendy Elrod
Eugenia Garrett
Charlie and Carmine Jordan
Bob and Kate McBryar '95
Thomas and Doris McCrory
Jeff and Sheryl Smith
Doug and Sandra Warner
Richard and Kay Williams
In memory of Mr. and Mrs. Henry F. Leckenby
The Revs. Buckley and Janice Robbins
In memory of Preston Maddox Carolyn Brock Janet Hartman
In memory of Royal Varner
The Revs. Buckley and Janice Robbins
HONORARIUMS
In honor of Charlotte '21, George '22, and Elizabeth '24 Brock Jamie Myers
In honor of Grady Colvin '22
David and Mandy Colvin '94
In honor of Collier Smith '28
Warren and Katherine Smith
SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Nancy Mouron Scholarship Fund in memory of Linda Clark
Jeff and Cathy Harvey
Nancy Mouron Scholarship Fund in memory of Cyndi King
Jeff and Cathy Harvey
Nancy Mouron Scholarship Fund
Nan and David Mouron Jr.
LIBRARY BOOK CLUB
Rachel and Matthew Addison '91
Nicolas Vaphiadis and Meagan Aiken
Tonya and Roshan Amin '96
Rick and Cara Barrett
John Butler and Nicole Benjamin
Jeff and Laura Bertrand
Hannah Brooks
Britney Cooke and Andy Brown
Anna Chamberland
Henry and Virginia Cheng
Tori Clark
Will and Sarah Copeland
Jussie and Marina Correia Lima
Julian and Rachel Dossche
Sean and Erin Dougherty
Alex and Lauren Dunbar
Brandon and Natia Ellis
Ross and Meg Evans
Jonathan and Kimberly Fiorello
Jenny Flint
Joey and Riley Galliano
Varsha and Devon Ghodasra '95
Brian Lomax and Katee Gillikin
Chris and Katie Gooden '94
Phani Gadde and Anusha Gutta
Sara Harrison
Austin Starkey and Kathleen Harrison '01
Josh and Chelsea Height
David Harris and Jeanie Jung
Patrick and Sonja Kelleher
Scott and Trisha Kern
Bryce and Kate Kirksey
Cass and Amie Larson
Harveer and Franika Mann
Charlie and Rachel Martin
Bob and Kate McBryar '95
Hunter and Mary Catherine McCord
Amy and Ben Miller '90
Michael and Holly Miller
Dan and Sarah Moore
Ethan and Katie Nelson
Clint and Dayra Olson
Bryce and Natalie Patrick
Gayatri Patel
Brian and Rachel Rogers
Barry and Mindy Ruffalo
Gray and Megan Salladay
Charuni and Niraj Shah '97
Guru and Neha Shah '00
Scott and Allison Shaw
Sumit Patel and Purvi Sheth
Anand and Rita Shridharani
Stephen and Amanda Skelton
Thomas and Laura Smith
Stephanie Strain
Niti and Shalin Tejani '94
Ryan and Ashley Thornton '92
Matthew and Alyssa Wade
Todd Anderson and Delia Wessels
Bill and Starr Wilson
Patrick and Stephanie Young
ANNUAL REPORT 2023-2024
HEAD OF SCHOOL CIRCLE
$2,500+
Anonymous
Ted and Amy Arrowsmith
Elise Chamberlain
James and Betty Clark
Varsha and Devon Ghodasra ‘95
Amy Grogg
Bob and Pat Hartje
Drew E. Haskins, III
Derek and Tiffany Holland
Wendy and Peter Petruzzi ‘83
Warren and Katherine Smith
Sam and Sara Tackett
Niti and Shalin Tejani ‘94
1958 SOCIETY
$1,958-$2,499
Anonymous
Anonymous
Jim and Shelley Kirkpatrick
HONOR ROLL
$1,000-$1,957
Mitch Baldree and Marie Farrar
Matthew and Nicki Brock
Jussie and Marina Correia Lima
David and Cynthia Garvey
Chip and Cindy Harris
Bryce and Kate Kirksey
Charlie and Rachel Martin
Robert and Emily McGehee
Sumit Patel and Purvi Sheth
The Revs. Buckley and Janice
Robbins
Barry and Mindy Ruffalo
Mike and Diane Stocker
Steven and Jan Strunk
Sam and Sara Tackett
Tracy and Atmar Thompson
Madison and Vanessa Torrence
Andy and Celeste Weaver
The Rev. Brad Whitaker
FRIENDS
$500-$999
Jeff and Laura Bertrand
George and Anne Bright
Ben and Carolyn Brock
Robby and Jenny Card
Will and Alice Clark ‘98
Tony and Lisa D’Andrea
Jeff and Laura Denton
Reed and Natasha Durst
Jonathan and Kimberly Fiorello
Chris and Katie Gooden ‘94
David and Julia Guan
Hank and Margaret Hopping
IBM
Joseph and Dianna Janini
Cass and Amie Larson
Brian Lomax and Katee Gillikin
Maria Kain Matthews
Will and Gency May
Leigh and Jay Mayfield ‘91
Kincaid and Allison Mills
Michael and Lisa Revenig
Scott and Mitzi Ruth
Gray and Megan Salladay
Charuni and Niraj Shah ‘97
Indra and Smita Shah
Shire Facial Plastic Surgery
Clark and Judy Taylor
Michael and Allison Weston
Liz Wilson
Carter and Debbie Young
SUPPORTERS
$1-$499
James and Jeanne Abbott
Rachel and Matthew Addison ‘91
Maribel Aguirre
Mounika Are and Sabasiva Gottam
American Heart Association
Tonya and Roshan Amin ‘96
Eric and Lindsay Anderson
Todd Anderson and Delia Wessels
Dennis and Leigh Anderson
Amy Ankar
Charley and Misa Ankar
Vineel Arekapudi and Sushma
Chaparala
Curtis and Suzie Baggett
Rick and Cara Barrett
Jamie and Maggie Barrie
Barbara Blair
Alex and Mandy Bohner ‘83
Mary Helen Bondurant ‘81
Rob and Britlee Bowden
Hannah Brooks
Michael Brooks
Tony and Ranece Brown
Tony and Lisa Brown
Travis and Emily Burdette
Byron and Karen Bubrig
Matt and Jenna Burgin
John Butler and Nicole Benjamin
Ashten Cabe
Lauren Cable
Betty Callahan
Matt and Liz Callahan
Richard and Lisa Callegari
Sydney Cantrell
Thomas and Paola Carr
Al and Mary Ceren
Anna Chamberlain
Eric and Kali Chastain
Henry and Virginia Cheng
Tori Clark
Debra Cline
David and Mandy Colvin ‘94
Susan Conrad ‘95
Britney Cooke and Andy Brown
Dirk and Paula Cooper
Will and Sarah Copeland
Ruthie Crowder
Paul and Jessica Crutchfield
Manuel and Faba Cruz
Molly Culbreath
Paul and Emily Darr ‘93
Jerry Daugherty
Albert Davis
Barbara Dawkins
Jenette Dean
April Denton
Julian and Rachel Dossche
Sean and Erin Dougherty
Amy Douglass ‘91
Alex and Lauren Dunbar
Bruce and Stacey Dyer
Wally and Shannon Edmondson
Norman and Linda Elkins
Brandon and Natia Ellis
Ross and Meg Evans
Katie and Blake Feagans ‘03
Cody Flint
Jennie Flint
Food City
Melanie Ferguson
Deanna Fults
Gil Furr
Phani Gadde and Anusha Gutta
Joey and Riley Galliano
Linda Gay
Katherine Giles ‘90
Matt and Amanda Gilles
Danny Gork
Deborah Grimm
Mills and Lauren Harris ‘83
David Harris and Jeanie Jung
Sara Harrison
Josh and Chelsea Height
Stefan Heinemann
Ella Hendon
Maddy Hitel
Home Depot
Terry Hood
Kyle and Megan Johnston
Michael and Amy Johnson
Patrick and Sonja Kelleher
Scott and Trisha Kern
Stephan and Melissa Koettig
Kirk and Anne Krueger
Kyle Kurita and Eleanor Bright ‘02
David and Karin Lamar
David and Stephanie Lamar
Zelma Lansford
Kevin and Catherine Leckenby
Anne Lee
Dick and Carol Lewallen
Larry and Joyce Lister
James Mance
Aditya Mandawat and Priya
Vijayvargiya
Harveer Mann and Franika Patel
Karla Manouar
Richard and Stephanie Marshall
Bob and Kate McBryar ‘95
Katie McCall and Wes Giglio '99
Sumner and Katie McCallie
John and Tracy McCarley
Hunter and Mary Catherine McCord
Tim and Katie McCorkle
Tom and Doris McCrory
Travis and Emmy McGowin
Janette McMahan
Jane McSpadden
Brett and Anna Melnikoff
Amy and Ben Miller ‘90
Michael and Holly Miller
Robert and Sara Mingus
Brian and Kara Miscio
Dan and Sarah Moore
Lea Mulligan
Lynne Mulligan
Ken Neal and Bethany Patten
Davis and Heather Neils
Ethan and Katie Nelson
Lesa Newberry
Dana Norman
Amish and Punam Patel
Amit and Nisha Patel
Emish and Richa Patel
Gayatri Patel
Mehul and Anandi Patel
Nirav and Neha Patel
Shailesh and Ridhdhi Patel
Lisi Phillips
Ben and Ashleigh Pipes ‘88
Amy Poe
Phil and Susie Pollock
Jaime and Heather Ponce
Anthony and Linda Pritchett
Jake and Katrina Proffitt
Publix
Brian and Carol Quinn
Sean Rice
Brian and Rachel Rogers
Ajay and Crysta Rupramka
Kit and Fran Rushing
Lucien Scott
Guru and Neha Shah ‘00
Lauren Shaheen
Scott and Allison Shaw
Carey Shinbaum ‘87
Anand and Rita Shridharani
Erin Sizemore ‘92
Stephen and Amanda Skelton
Dustin and Sarah Smith
Kevin and Paula Snead
St. Pauls Episcopal Church
Austin Starkey and Kathleen
Harrison ‘01
Laura Stephens
Chris and Mary Stocker
Gordon Strunk and Sarah Lear
Kate Stultz
Ojas Tejani ‘89
Julie Thornburg
Ryan and Ashley Thornton ‘92
Sydney Tucker
Elizabeth Turner
UNUM
Doug Vanderbilt II ‘85
Nick Vaphiadis and Meagan Aiken
Rob Varner
Briana and Jim Vastano
Matthew and Alyssa Wade
Linda R. Weaver
Flossie Weill
David White
Kert and Sally Williams
Shaw Wilson
Bill and Starr Wilson
David and Katie Wilson
Stephanie Wingo
Jason and Juanita Yakimowich
Patrick and Stephanie Young
Scan to donate today!
Class of
May 15 was a day filled with nostalgia and joy as we welcomed back the Class of 2017 to our campus. The returning alumni attended chapel, reminisced about their Level 7 year over breakfast, and took a trip down memory lane on a campus tour led by our current Level 7 students. The day concluded with the alumni boys engaging in a friendly basketball game with the boys of the Class of 2024.
Campus was abuzz with laughter and stories from their time at St. Nicholas. This special tradition allowed our alumni reconnect with friends, teachers, and the school community as a whole. Each member of the Class of 2017 holds a special place in our hearts, and we cannot wait to see how they continue to make waves in the future.
2017
2017
ALUMNI UPDATES
Class of 1986
Mike Monen, owner of Monen Family Restaurant Group, hosted our Leadership Academy at Community Pie. He taught our students about entrepreneurship, following passion, building and taking care of a team, and more.
Class of 1994
Shalin Tejani began the St. Nicholas Leadership Academy, a program that offers our Upper Primary students the opportunity to begin developing leadership skills (see more on page 6). He was also featured on CityScope Magazine's Annual Business Issue list of 30 Influential Business Leaders.
Class of 2000
Neha Shah was featured on the cover of the late summer edition of HealthScope Magazine. She was also highlighted on CityScope Magazine's Annual Business Issue list of 30 Influential Business Leaders along with Shalin Tejani '94.
Class of 2004
Laura Higbee was named one of two Legal Aid of East Tennessee's Volunteer Lawyer of the Year. Laura works with clients in commercial litigation and class action disputes. She has been heavily involved in pro bono work and has been a presence in Legal Aid clinics over the past two years.
Class of 2017
Ash Brown was voted Fall Ball King at Baylor School. He concluded his senior year as the recipient of the Michelle Kadrie Award at Baylor’s annual Awards Day ceremony. The award is given to a senior who combines a strong desire to do their personal best in school activities with a caring attitude toward others. Brown was also one of 16 Advanced Placement Art students whose yearlong portfolios were chosen for exhibit in the Roddy Theater gallery.
Laura Higbee '04
Ash Brown '17
Isabel Ponce '17, Ella Harris '17, Claire Scotchie '17
Drew Holland '18
ALUMNI UPDATES
Jacob Cornell was selected to perform the 2023 O Holy Night Solo at the McCallie/GPS Candlelight performance.
Emma Cox was also one of 16 Advanced Placement Art students whose yearlong portfolios were chosen for exhibit in the Roddy Theater gallery at Baylor School.
Sara Kate Elrod landed the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy in her final Nutcracker performance at the Dalton Ballet. She also had an outstanding golf season for Girls Preparatory School with a top 10 finish at the City Prep Golf Championship.
Juanita Garcia took her jewelry design to the next level at Girls Preparatory School. She showcased her creativity by designing and making GPS dress earrings. Garcia's earrings were available to be bought at the GPS store "The Bow".
Nick Gibson was inducted into the McCallie School senior leadership program, Keo-Kio. Members are selected by a merit and electoral system and they sponsor service projects and social events. Gibson was also a star for the McCallie baseball team, coming in clutch for the team on multiple occasions. Most notably leading the Blue Tornado to the Division II-AA state quarterfinals by hitting a homerun and driving in several runs. He was even interviewed on Local 3 News.
Ella Harris flourished in her senior year at Girls Preparatory School. She was recognized for her strong academic prowess and dedication to technical theatre. Harris was a Cum Laude Society inductee and was granted a National Merit Scholarship through Boston Univeristy. She was very involved in all the theatrical productions at GPS. At the end of the year, she was heavily awarded at the Class Day ceremony, winning three prestigious awards: The Award for Excellence in Technical Theatre, The Ethel B. Poston Valedictorian Award, and The Founders Award. She was also named Trainbearer for May Court.
James McCorkle '19
Sophie Grogg '22
Jacob Cornell '17
Alex Brumley '19
ALUMNI UPDATES
Nicolina Miscio took advantage of the CIEE Global Navigator High School Summer Abroad program and traveled to Seville, Spain. She spent a month in Seville participating in the Spanish Language and Culture program, which included a local homestay, daily language classes and excursions, as well as weekend trips to destinations such as Cádiz and Granada.
Isabel Ponce was an unstoppable force for the Girls Preparatory School rowing team. She, along with her U19 quad, finished second out of 47 teams and her U19 2X finished eighth out of 69 boats at the Head of the Hooch. This marked the first medal finish in team's history of competition at that regatta. Not only did Isabel excel in the water, she was also high achieving academically and was inducted into the Cum Laude Society.
Gracie Pritchett was the recipient of The Robinson Sportsmanship Cup. This award was given for the first time in 1949 by Justine and Grace Robinson, and is presented to the athlete who, in the eyes of her teammates, best exemplifies good sportsmanship.
Claire Scotchie had a standout senior year at Girls Preparatory School. She had a strong golf season in the fall and showcased her leadership skills. In December, Scotchie was elected May Queen. She was also inducted into the Cum Laude Society. At the end of the year, she was the recipient of The Mary Hannah Tucker Faculty Award. The award is given to a senior who has given her best as a student, as a friend and as a leader.
Reece Talley was a part of the Fall Ball Court at Baylor School.
Class of 2018
Frances Bohner was a star in the pool for the Girls Preparatory School swim team. Bohner was consistently a top swimmer for the team, taking first place in several events and helping to lead the Bruisers to winning a state championship. cont.
Michael Revis '20, William Negus '18
George '10, John '13, Mary Margaret '11, Teddy '16 Arrowsmith
Nicolina Miscio '17
Emma Rose Pratt '19, Cullen Pratt '21
ALUMNI UPDATES
She even spoke on 102.3 about the championship victory. She was awarded for her hard work at the end of the swim season by making the All-State team in the 200 Free Relay and the 400 Free Relay.
Will Buiel was a part of the Fall Ball Court at Baylor School.
Alisha Chandra was among 12 rising seniors at Baylor School selected to travel to Washington, D.C. on the David M. Abshire Civic Leadership trip, an eight-day experiential course of study on national leadership, ethics, honor, and service. She was the winner of the engineering category at the school’s Science and Engineering Symposium, earned First Class rating in the National Council of Teachers of English Achievement Awards in Writing, and was co-vice president of the Harvard Model Congress Conference in San Francisco. Chandra will also be representing Baylor at the Civic Engagement Conference on National Affairs.
Isabelle Cox was one of six student leaders in Baylor School’s Community Service program selected to travel to Kingston, Jamaica this spring. The students worked in an early childhood center and the squatter community at Ferry. Other stops included a visit to an art studio and the Home for the Aged in Trenchtown and Bethany Village.
Drew Holland represented the state of Tennessee at the United States Tennis Association’s Osaki Cup. This is an event for top level junior tennis players to compete against elite talent from 8 other southern states in a team battle. Holland was ranked #1 in the state of Tennessee for the Boys 16s age division.
Noah Miles was named to the All-Region lacrosse team for Baylor School.
Vivian Vetzel was one of ten Baylor students on the annual Walkabout trip to India. The group visited the girls home operated by the Taraloka Foundation in Gangtok, Sikkim, took a Himalayan trek to the Tholung monastery in the Dzonghu region near the Tibetan boarder, and visited the tea fields and factories of Darjeeling.
Kathleen Harrison '01, Emily Darr '93, Katie Gooden '92, Shalin Tejani '94, Eleanor Bright '02, Neha Shah '00, Kate McBryar '95
Sara Kate Elrod '17, Level 3 teacher Stephanie Marshall
Levi Williams played guitar with BIAS on an original BIAS song, “I Need You”, at Riverfront Nights Chattanooga. Levi played in front of a crowd of 5,000 people.
Class of 2019
Alex Brumley had a stellar diving season at Girls Preparatory School. Brumley was consistently a top diver for the team, taking first place in several events. She helped lead the team to winning the 2023-2024 state championship. She joined Frances Bohner on 102.3 to talk about the achievement. At the end of the year, Brumley was named to the All-State team for 1 Meter Diving and received the Elizabeth Collier Farmer Award, an awarded given to a sophomore who best exemplifies the athletic standards set by Elizabeth Collier Farmer ’89.
James McCorkle enhanced the Baylor School campus by building and installing three tables and a podium to be used in an outdoor classroom area near the Tennessee River. The gift was in connection with McCorkle’s Eagle Scout project. His hard work and dedication earned him his Eagle Boy Scout rank.
Zari Poureshmenantalemy was inducted into the French Honors Society at Girls Preparatory School.
Class of 2020
Katie Card participated in a master class at Baylor School conducted by visiting dance artist Tarrisha Hicks.
Ellie Holland was recognized for her outstanding serves and defensive play on the volleyball court by being named Girls Preparatory School Athlete of the Week in October.
Ryn Jackson was part of the team that won first place in the Marble Roller Coaster Engineering Design Competition for Skyuka Hall School.
Levi Williams '18
Walker Forrester '18, Tate Holsonback '17, Cal Poston '17, Jackson Ermenc '17, Evan Nati '18
Emma Rose Pratt '19, Alex Brumley '18, Evie Crutchfield '19, Lyla Schenck '19, Dillen Foster '19
ALUMNI UPDATES
Class of 2021
Arianna Ankar was elected to the Baylor Middle School Advisory Council.
Charlotte Brock served as a Middle School Ambassador, representing the Baylor Middle School community as tour guides, members of student panels, leaders of school assemblies, and hosts for prospective students.
Haelee Harris was a recipient of the Middle School Alexander Guerry Award, presented to those students considered by a vote of the seventh and eighth grade classes to be “Best All Around.” Harris was also the winner of the French Award.
Niyam Tejani was the recipient of the Mathematical Achievement Award at McCallie School
Kathan Thomas showcased his leadership skills at Baylor, serving as a Middle School Ambassador and on the Middle School Advisory Council. He was also the winner of the Middle School Orchestra Award.
Tristan Wagner was an individual champion in the Tennessee Valley Wrestling Conference for Baylor School.
Class of 2022
George Brock was elected to the Baylor Middle School Advisory Council.
Grady Colvin was elected to the Baylor Middle School Advisory Council.
Alex Kelley was selected through auditions for the East Tennessee Vocal Association Honor Choir. She represented Baylor School and joined students from across the region to rehearse and perform in concerts presented on the campus of Lee University.
Audrey Ruth served as a Middle School library assistant at Baylor School.
Nissa Ruth performed in the Chattanooga Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker.
Zari Poureshmenantalemy '19
Vivian Vetzel '18
Niyam Tejani '21, Cooper Darr '23, Jack McBryar '23, Andrew Gooden '23, Miles Kirksey '23
Taylor Miller '17, Sara Kate Elrod '17, Gracie Pritchett '17, Claire Scotchie '17, Grant Scoggins 17, Tate Holsonback '17, Cal Poston '17
ALUMNI UPDATES
Class of 2023
Olin Jackson competed in the in the annual Mathematics Poster Competition with the theme, "Mathematics in Technology" for Skyuka Hall School.
Jack McBryar was named on the Faculty Recognition List at McCallie School for the 20232024 school year. He also maintained a spot on the Head of School's list both first and second semester.
Hansini Puttagunta and Serena Shridharani were part of the Middle School dance trio that took home the Middle School prize at GPS/McCallie Got Talent.
ARTS AND ATHLETICS
CINDERELLA JUNIOR
St. Nicholas School was well represented in the production of Cinderella Jr. at Girls Preparatory School in the fall! Sophie Grogg '21 starred as the Queen, Andrew Gooden '23 was the Chef, Praketh Bathi '22 performed in the Ensemble, and Ella Harris '17 worked hard behind the scenes in the tech crew.
MCCALLIE HANDBELLS VISIT CAMPUS
In April, our students and faculty were treated to a performance by the McCallie School Handbell Ensemble. Our students were captivated by the mini-concert and asked questions about the bells and how to handle them. Among the performers were William Negus '18 and Michael Revis '20 who we were pleased to welcome back to campus.
SWIMMING STATE CHAMPIONS
St. Nicholas School saw five alumni compete in the TISCA State Championship in Nashville this past February. Girls Preparatory School came away with the title in Swimming and Diving, McCallie School defended their title in Swimming, and Baylor School was a combined team champion. Zachary Schurr '18 swam for McCallie and Riley Medley '20 swam for Baylor. Frances Bohner '18, Alex Brumley '19, and Lyla Schenck '19 competed for GPS.
Hansini Puttagunta '23, Serena Shridharani '23
ALUMNI GATHERINGS
To show appreciation for our incredible young alumni, our Head of School Robert McGehee and Director of Development Kate Garrett McBryar '95 visited Baylor School , Girls Preparatory School, and McCallie School. They brought sweet treats for our alumni to enjoy while encouraging fellowship and talking about memories made at St. Nicholas. McGehee and McBryar will be back at those schools once again this year to maintain and reignite the connections our young alumni have with each other and our special school.
