Ensights — Winter 2023

ENSIGHTS

IN SEARCH OF TRUTH

WINTER/SPRING 2023

THE ENSWORTH CONNECTION

Boundary Waters

Alumni Profiles

Gibson Gives

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

2022-2023

President

Will Morrow

Vice President

Brock Kidd

Treasurer

Bruce Crosby

Secretary

Jim Bowen

Legal Counsel

John Jacobson

Special Advisor

Bruce Moore

Kathryn Brown

Gerard Bullock

Daphne Butler

Raja Clark

Beth Courtney

Amanda Farnsworth

Jennifer Frist

Frank Gordon

Chad Greer

Emily Kurtz

Deb McDermott

Don Orr

Neal Patel

Yvonne Ralsky

Rebecca Shah

Louis Upkins

Stephaine Walker

Head of School

Prentice Stabler, ex officio

President,

Ensworth Parent Association

Amanda Graff, ex officio

President-Elect

Ensworth Parent Association

Katie Porterfield, ex officio

President,

Ensworth Alumni Council

Christopher Coode ’09, ex officio

Chair, National Advisory Council

Lauren Elcan Ingram ‘13, ex officio

In Search of Truth

ENSWORTH

Mission Statement

Ensworth is a kindergarten through twelfth grade, coeducational independent school. The School promotes academic excellence and inspires students to be intellectually curious, to use their talents to the fullest, to be people of integrity, and to be contributors to society.

Administrative Team

Prentice Stabler Head of School

Rebekah Armstrong Director of Enrollment Management

Ricky Bowers

Associate Head of School; Director of Athletics

Heather Caponi Head of Lower School

Nowell Hesse Head of High School

Jason Hiett Director of Technology

Bedell James Director of Advancement

Darwin Mason Head of Middle School

Bobby Mirzaie Director of Curriculum and Instruction

Beth Pollard Chief Financial Officer

Tiffany Townsend

Director of Marketing and Communications

David Whitfield Director of Community Engagement & Inclusion

ENSWORTH

Vision Statement

We envision a school community dedicated to following the highest principles with the greatest love, as characterized by moral integrity, intellectual vitality, discipline, compassion, humor, and joy.

Statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

In order to realize the goals of our Mission and Vision, Ensworth must actively strive to be a diverse and inclusive community of learners that engages collectively In Search of Truth. The presence of different perspectives and life experiences plays a vital role in the development of our students, enhancing classroom and extracurricular experiences in meaningful ways. As a school, we are committed to cultivating an environment in which all members of the Ensworth community experience a true sense of belonging and are empowered to be active participants in the life of the school. These efforts are essential if we are to foster the growth of all students in line with their potential, and to equip them for lives of purpose that extend far beyond their time at Ensworth.

The Investiture of Prentice Stabler - Page 48

Message from the Head of School

The Ensworth Connection

This January, I had the great privilege of traveling to New York City with members of our Alumni Office to gather with our New York area alumni. I had the chance to hear more about their Ensworth experiences, both at Red Gables and during the founding of our High School. Ensworth’s alumni spirit is alive and well, and their stories reminded me that our day-to-day work immensely impacts the lives of the students we serve and the world into which they venture. Former Math Department Chair Joe Brady joined us for our visit. Watching our alumni with him affirmed the timeless reality of an Ensworth education: our faculty and staff form close and long-lasting bonds with our students and build relationships that propel them into the next chapters of their lives.

Beginning my first year as Head of School, I knew I would learn Ensworth best through immersion. As I have engaged more deeply with our community—parents, students, faculty, staff, grandparents, alumni, and parents of alumni—I have continued to be in awe of the greatness of this institution and the legacies it holds. Ensworth is rich in tradition, innovative in practice, and dedicated to our mission—and this has been true for over 65 years.

Our commitment to excellence and joy shines through in the faces of our students, current and past. Seeing

our alumni and hearing their stories has shown me the incredible value of the Ensworth experience— an experience that often influences them to return to Ensworth and share their talents as coaches, faculty, staff, and parents.

In this issue of Ensights, you’ll learn more about the connections that continue years after graduation, the memories that inspire a new generation of Ensworth traditions, and the students who are impacted by the work of this community. You’ll see excellence exemplified through the arts, on athletic fields, in classrooms, and communities beyond Nashville. You’ll read alumni profiles that show our graduates using their talents to the fullest and contributing to society as a whole. You’ll remember the people, the adventures, and your own experiences.

Wherever you are in your Ensworth experience, I hope you continue to see the Ensworth connection and the huge part you play in it.

Prentice Stabler Head of School

BACK TO THE BOUNDARY WATERS

A Beloved Tradition Returns

Back to the Boundary Waters

A Beloved Tradition Returns

It is said that legends never die. Sometimes, those legends are not a person, place, or thing but a combination of the three that creates a legendary experience. Many Ensworth alumni from the ’80s, ’90s, and early aughts remember the Quetico canoe trip as one of those epic adventures that provided life-changing experiences and lifelong memories and stories.

And it all started with a Time magazine cover.

Bill Arthur was an art teacher and coach at Ensworth from 1983-2015. His dear friend and colleague, Robert Inman, had started the Out West trip as a culminating experience for students after their eighthgrade year. Mr. Arthur was an avid outdoorsman himself, and when he saw how well the Out West trip was received, he imagined he could offer something similar to help get students out of their comfort zones and into a relationship with nature.

Bill was reading Time magazine one day, and his attention was captured by an article highlighting two young men canoeing the Boundary Waters in northern Minnesota. “I saw a photo of the men canoeing on the lake in the middle of July wearing flannels, and I thought, that’s where I want to be, somewhere I can wear flannel in July,” says Bill. He immediately wrote the Chamber of Commerce in Ely, Minnesota, asking for a list of outfitters he could potentially partner with for the trip. They sent back a list of three, and he chose Canoe Country Outfitters, a group he ended up staying with for the entire 28-year run of the trip.

In the summer of 1986, Mr. Arthur embarked on the first Quetico adventure with fellow teacher Lane Miller and a group of 12 students. “I never set out to do something special,” shares Bill, “just to do what I loved and share what I loved.” It was a 14-day trip, with 10 nights and 11 days on the water, paddling, portaging, and camping.

“Quetico is unforgiving, but so beautiful,” says Mr. Arthur. “You don’t know what’s going to be thrown at you, but you become comfortable with figuring it out. In one sense, the trip stayed the same, but in another sense, it was different every year. Each was its own adventure.”

For Mr. Arthur, the most important aspect of the trip was the opportunities it provided for students to push their limits and develop confidence in their own abilities: “I think our culture often does kids a disservice. They can do so much more than they think they can if given the opportunity. They need to learn to fail in order to move forward and fall down in order to get up. I showed them how to do things, but I wouldn’t do things for them.”

He shares an exemplative story from one year, “I was coming back on a trail, having carried my canoe through. It was a very steep, rocky portage. Three girls coming up were carrying their canoe. A loud boom echoed; they had dropped their canoe. As I walked by, one said to me, ‘Mr. Arthur, can you help us?’ As I continued on to get my pack, I encouraged them, ‘You’ve got this.’ As I returned with my pack, they were still on the steep slope, maybe 20 yards further. Again they asked for help, and again I encouraged them, ‘Almost to the top, then it is downhill to the next lake.’ That night, we were in camp after dinner sitting alone on a rocky point, watching an amazing, wellearned sunset, enjoying the fatigue in our shoulders, the stillness and the quiet around us, knowing what it took to get there. One of those girls wrote me a note after we were back in Nashville: ‘Mr. Arthur, thank you for taking me out of the craziness of this world and teaching me more than I ever thought I could do.’ I didn’t teach her anything; Quetico did. I still have that note and always will. It epitomizes what the trip was all about.”

“For Bill Arthur, understanding the first tentative steps into adulthood were best imprinted with a canoe on your shoulders, a food pack on your back, and a sustainment pack on your front. Though we certainly didn’t know it, the two weeks in Quetico were not meant to be fun; it was meant to be a trying time, complete with exhaustion, scars, and tears. It was the first time we truly weighed our souls, finding that the body is often able to surpass the capability, or desire, of the mind. It wasn’t a vacation, it wasn’t fun.... but somehow we all remember it that way. For every challenge, for every obstacle, for every doubt since, those two weeks have made all the difference.”

-Peyton Davis, Class of 2008

Unfortunately, when Mr. Arthur retired in 2015, the trip retired with him. But the legend lived on. High School English and Theatre teacher David Berry ’91 and TJ Wilt ’91 (Ensworth parent and former trustee) were boatmates in their seventh grade year, and they often reminisced about their experience and discussed the possibility of bringing the trip back. But they knew they would have to find the right person to lead the effort.

In 2019, Logan O’Connor joined the Ensworth faculty as a Middle School Art Teacher. Married to an Ensworth alum, Kitty Ganier ’97, Logan had often heard Kitty’s friends talking about the Quetico trip. One day, he mentioned the canoe trip in an art class, and one of his students, Eli Wilt, said, “You should really talk to my dad about the trip.” Logan happened to run into TJ on campus the next day, and they made the connection.

After consulting notes from Mr. Arthur’s previous trips, learning more about the boundary waters, and finding a new outfitter that was experienced in working with middle school-aged kids, Logan proposed the idea of reinstating the canoe trip to former Head of School David Braemer. David gave the green light for the expedition to move forward, and then…COVID hit.

Once the whirlwind that encompassed the 2020-2022 school years subsided, Logan revisited the idea for the summer of 2022. Although it was originally intended for some students to participate, it was decided that the initial trip would be adults-only to assess the new outfitter, explore the route, and iron out any wrinkles. Logan and TJ assembled a crew that included fellow Ensworth Art Teacher Evie Coates, and TJ’s friends, Tonya, Allen, and John (unfortunately, David Berry’s schedule kept him from attending).

The group set out from Ely, Minnesota on July 19th. Logan had asked the outfitter to put them on a route slightly harder than the one the kids would experience, but the guide ended up changing it to a route that was twice as

difficult. With only four days on the water, the crew had significant mileage to cover, and they paddled from 8 AM-5 PM, with 8 or 9 portages each day. They fished out of the boat and cooked their catches for dinner at night–and even caught sight of a bald eagle enjoying some of the leftovers from one of their fish dinners.

“It reminded me of why this trip is so important,” shares TJ. “I remembered that it was the worst trip, in one sense, because it was so incredibly challenging. But then it was the best trip, because it was life-changing and foundationbuilding.”

Logan learned valuable lessons from the exploratory excursion to incorporate into this summer’s experience. The group will stick to the campsites on the US side, as they tend to be better kept and have designated facilities, and they will have more downtime for camping and connecting as a group. At this time, ten students have signed up for the summer 2023 trip. The group will embark on their adventure in June and spend six days exploring the area known as the “land of 1,000 lakes” along the US/Canada border.

The hope is that these students will return from the trip with renewed strength and confidence as those who went before them did. “I remember the second trip, we had a boy that only weighed 72 pounds, and his canoe weighed 72 pounds,” says Bill. “We were in a little store, and a fisherman asked him where he had been. He responded that he had been canoeing Elk Lake. The fisherman looked at him with a sense of admiration and said, ‘Boys your age don’t go to Elk Lake.’ At that moment, that child became 7-feet tall because he had done something he should not have been able to do. That was the beauty of this trip. They didn’t know they couldn’t do it, so they did.”

Tiffany Townsend Director of Marketing & Communications

Summer 2022

2014 Quetico Trip

Creating Opportunity through Connection

Caleb Upkins ’17

Caleb Upkins ’17 lives by the mantra of creating opportunity through connection with himself and others, and he believes that both are equally important. Ensworth provided the environment for him to find these connections through rigorous academics, top-tier sports, and world-class art programs. It was by blending different sounds and experimenting in the music studio at Ensworth that Caleb found his passion.

Caleb took his passion to the next level by creating an album through his senior Capstone project for his online production company, Frozen Beatz (now Frozensoicy). His Capstone pushed him to produce at a higher level, and operating Frozen Beatz gave him a glimpse into the world of entrepreneurship. He decided to pursue the study of business and entrepreneurship and chose to attend the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. Caleb believed the school would challenge him in a way that would best develop his skills and interests, and the school’s active, inclusive, and social community would provide the optimal environment for him to thrive.

Penn wasn’t all sunshine and roses, though, for Caleb. “Freshman year was a bit of a culture shock, as I found myself among a lot of differently-minded people,” he says, “but I really appreciated that dynamic about Penn. It changed my framework.” Following the adage, “your network is your net worth,” Caleb focused on meeting people and making connections by attending every event he could, joining entrepreneurial clubs, creative community clubs, and Greek life and becoming his fraternity’s social chair.

Following his sophomore year, Caleb became a teaching assistant for the LEAD (Leadership, Education, and Development) program at Wharton. The highly selective program provides training and guidance for outstanding Black and Latinx high school students from historically underserved communities who want to pursue a career in business. This program gave Caleb the opportunity to give back to his community by mentoring these students, teaching them professional skills such as interviewing, networking, managing finances, and business etiquette, and taking them to New York to tour major investment banks and tech firms so they could learn and visualize themselves being in that position one day.

“Ensworth provides all of the resources and opportunities; if you take advantage of that, you will set yourself up to do well, but you’ll also find a special connection with your community and with yourself.”

The LEAD experience inspired Caleb to seek further mentorship for himself, and during his junior year, he applied and was admitted to Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT), a selective non-profit that develops top Black and Latinx collegiate students throughout the U.S. and partners with more than 120 of the world’s top business organizations to create diverse talent pipelines for leadership at all levels. During MLT’s interview day, Caleb signed up for as many interviews as he could for a management consulting internship, although for some companies, like Google, he ended up on a waitlist for an interview slot.

As luck would have it, Caleb’s now roommate accepted an internship offer with Bain the night before interview day and canceled all of his remaining interviews. This opened up a slot for Google and pulled Caleb off the waitlist. Fast forward a couple of months, and Caleb had secured an internship with Google. “A big theme in my life has been that I can prepare for a lot, but God and the universe have a way of using what I prepared for something that’s an even better fit,” he shares.

With his internship locked, Caleb took the opportunity to study abroad in Sydney, Australia the second semester of his junior year. Unfortunately, COVID became a global pandemic, and he had to return home and quarantine in Nashville. His internship with Google ended up being virtual, but he made the best of it. He was referenced in the Fast Company article “I’m a VP at Google, and This is What my Summer Interns Taught Me” written by Google’s Vice President of Global Marketing. By his senior year, he had an offer to return to Google to work full-time.

Caleb joined Google as a growth marketer for YouTube Shorts and YouTube Music Artists, where he partnered with the Artist Relations team to get music artists to participate in challenges associated with creating YouTube Shorts. After living and working in San Francisco for a year and watching the city transform drastically post-COVID, he decided to make a change: “A lot of people left San Francisco during and after the pandemic, and it started feeling like a hollow city. I wanted to be somewhere more vibrant, so I moved down to Los Angeles.” Caleb also made a move in his career, transferring over to YouTube Music and Premium Services, where he oversees acquisition marketing.

Throughout his journey, Caleb credits the people on his path for helping him get to where he is today: “I’m truly

“I’m a VP at Google, and This is What my Summer Iterns Taught Me” (Use the QR code to read the 2020 Fast Company article)

grateful for the people I have had the opportunity to work with and the exposure to so many talented artists and successful business leaders. The people I’ve met and the experiences I’ve had are the most valuable part of what I have learned.”

Caleb also credits Ensworth for helping establish the foundation that has carried him forward to this day. He shares, “Ensworth definitely provided the tools that gave me the confidence to feel like I could do whatever I wanted to pursue. I felt inspired and challenged by the general competitiveness and excellence that I saw every day academically, musically, and athletically. I love seeing former classmates who have succeeded professionally at a large scale; there are countless people who have gone on to do well. Ensworth provides all of the resources and opportunities; if you take advantage of that, you will not only set yourself up to do well, but you’ll also find a special connection with your community and with yourself.”

Tiffany Townsend Director of Marketing & Communications

A Conversation with Salwa Daouk ’21

Ensworth Alumna Cultivates Cultural Awareness

Salwa Daouk ’21 believes strongly in creating communities where all members feel a sense of belonging and purpose. At Ensworth, she was actively engaged in Project TALK and Tearing Down the Walls, facilitating important conversations and activities to help foster respectful dialogue and develop an inclusive culture. Salwa was recently featured in The Tennessean for the work she is doing at Vanderbilt University to build community among Latine students on campus and cultivate cultural awareness. We recently caught up with Salwa to learn more about her passion for being an agent for positive change.

What are the clubs and activities you have been involved with during your time at Vanderbilt, including any leadership roles you have held?

On campus, I immediately became super involved with the Latine community. I served as first-year representative on the board for the Association of Latin American Students. Through this experience, I got to help plan our biggest showcase of the year and help build community within first-year Latine students. Right now, I’m in my second year on the board and hold the position of service and advocacy chair. I think my position truly intertwines my passion for serving my community and social justice activism. This year, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with other student groups and collectively tackle important issues such as colorism and racism.

Furthermore, a few of my friends and I started a group called “Ballet Folklorico Mexicano de Vanderbilt,” which is a Mexican folk dance team. On the surface level, being vice president of a dance may not seem like it pertains to my passions of social change. However, through our vibrant showcase of culture, dance, and music, we have been able to shatter stereotypes and fight for the authentic representation and visibility that we deserve.

I have also been involved in various social justice initiatives, including the NAACP Empowerment Summit, which took place last year. Through this conference, we were able to bring together various local universities to discuss important topics pertaining to social change and activism on campus.

“My vision is to combine my aspirations of giving back to my Latine community, fighting for social justice issues, and practicing law.”

Outside of campus, I have served as the Education Trust of Tennessee’s student representative on the CRT Collective Action Council to dismantle harmful legislation around Critical Race Theory.

How did your experience at Ensworth influence the way you have engaged in these activities at Vanderbilt?

My experience at Ensworth prepared me for these activities by allowing me to engage in social justice activities on campus. Being involved in clubs like Tearing Down the Walls and gaining that valuable leadership experience prepared me tremendously for college. Learning how to work with other students to organize events was such a valuable life skill that led me to create effective change through organizations in college.

In what other ways do you feel Ensworth helped prepare you for the college experience?

I know Ensworth always stressed academics, but now that I am actually in college, I really do appreciate the way Ensworth prepared me for the academically rigorous course load. I also think the Harkness method not only grew my confidence in group discussions but also played an important role in developing my public speaking abilities.

Were there specific Ensworth faculty/staff members who were an influence or mentor to you?

Coach Whit was a huge mentor and a help to me at Ensworth. Through my time with Tearing Down the Walls, he was a person I could look up to as a role model and someone who kept even the most serious situations fun and lighthearted. He always pushed me to pursue

more of my passions and supported me in all my endeavors. He is such a treasured mentor, advisor, and teacher of mine that I continue to stay in touch with.

What are your plans/ hopes for the future?

Right now, I’m double majoring in Political Science and Law, History, & Society. After undergrad, I’m planning on going to law school. With that, I hope to pursue either immigration, international, or civil rights law. My vision is to combine my aspirations of giving back to my Latine community, fighting for social justice issues, and practicing law.

What are your hopes for Ensworth as we continue to strive to be a diverse and inclusive community?

I would say that I believe it’s incredibly important to have the visibility and representation that student groups and cultural organizations bring to a campus. But beyond that, I think students have the power to spread cultural awareness as a form of activism. This type of representation is key to having a harmonious campus environment and can bridge the gaps of social divisions among students. I hope that Ensworth continues to support student initiatives and grows the opportunities available to students to showcase their cultures and passions.

Tiffany Townsend Director of Marketing & Communications

Salwa with fellow leader of Vanderbilt Latine organization.

Henry Byrd ’18

AtPrinceton, Henry Byrd ’18 quickly made a name for himself with his fancy footwork on the football field. His technique and prowess earned him playing time his freshman year, and he was the recipient of the Donold B. Lourie Award as the top offensive freshman. He was a starter on the team that led Princeton to its first perfect season in 54 years, playing in all ten games. Henry finished his college career as a team captain, described by coaches as a “rock” for the program and noted by Princeton Head Coach Bob Surace as one of the best linemen he had seen in his time at Princeton.

However, Byrd is also known for his footwork in another arena: the dance studio. At Ensworth, he got involved with the Dance for Athletes classes and fell in love with the program. In the process of taking every Dance for Athletes class he could, he discovered that he really enjoyed tap dancing. “My senior year, Mrs. White created a new course, Dance by Design, that was extended to a lot of the students in Dance Company, and it was a bit

more structured and experimental,” Henry shares. “I approached Mrs. White about doing a special tap routine for the big performance in the spring, and we came up with ‘Singing in the Rain.’ All of the senior dancers would come in early mornings and late nights to design it and block it out.”

In a recent article, Henry credited the dance classes for helping him develop his speed and agility on the field, saying, “it helped with my balance; it helped with my mobility. It’s just coordination, feeling your body, and constantly working the same thing repetitively. Teaching your feet how to move correctly is huge. So much of playing offensive line is foot speed, the angle of your set, how you position your feet under your body.” Henry laughs as he shares, “Tap dance is actually one of the few personal things listed on my football bio.”

Byrd initially chose Princeton because of its similarity to Ensworth, noting that it felt like a continuation of

How Ensworth helped him succeed on (and off) the football field at Princeton

the Ensworth experience, with comparable approaches in both academics and football. He was drawn to the familial team environment, where there was a focus not only on performance on the field but on getting to know each other as individuals and having an understanding of a common goal. “It was very important to me that it was about more than just playing football. It was about academics, arts, sports, being the best at everything you can be, and having the space to figure out who you are and who you want to be.” He also credits the Harkness method at Ensworth for preparing him to succeed at Princeton, where there was a premium on being creative, thinking critically, and engaging in discussionbased classes.

Henry chose to major in History at Princeton, and he references his Ensworth teachers as the primary influence and inspiration for his path. “I actually wrote about Dr. Mason in my history departmental review as the reason I chose to study history. It was Dr. Mason and Mr. Hopkins who fostered my love for the subject and for studying how the world interacts with everything around it. And at the High School, I would choose classes just so I could be in Ms. Hubert’s class.” Byrd also mentions Jason Maxwell

as a significant influence: “He’s been with me every step of my academic career. He taught me how to read in first grade, and then he was my sixth grade advisor. At the High School, I got to see him almost every day, and he was someone I could always go talk to.”

Currently, Henry is in training for NFL tryouts, taking his shot to pursue his football career further. He also sees a future for himself in sports media and broadcasting, and Ensworth fans may have recognized his voice calling some of the recent home football and basketball games.

Henry shares his advice for current Ensworth students, “Make the most of your time at Ensworth. There really isn’t any other place like this that lets you try so many different things and actively encourages it and supports it. Getting out into the world and meeting a lot more people, you realize how unique and special it is in that aspect.”

“Tap dance is actually one of the few personal things listed on my football bio.”

During his senior year at Ensworth, Henry Byrd performed a tap dance to Singin’ in the Rain

Tiffany Townsend Director of Marketing & Communications

Finding Balance with Work and Play

We catch up with Christina Chintanaphol ’09

One skill we hope to instill in our students at Ensworth is the ability to find balance in their daily lives. The curriculum, student life, clubs, arts, athletics, and afterschool activities are intertwined thoughtfully. As adults, many can relate to the challenges of balancing personal life, home, work, and play. Ensworth is committed to fostering the skills necessary to obtain such harmony through exposure, education, support, and intentional fun.

Ensworth Vision Statement:

We had a conversation with one of our alums about such topics. Christina Chintanaphol ’09 attended Northwestern University, earned her PharmD from the University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy, and now works in the Medical Device industry. Professionally, Christina is a pharmacist by training, working as a Senior Medical Writer in the healthcare industry. Creatively, she is a freelance photographer, having done portrait and group sessions, professional headshots, and small events. In her personal creative world, she enjoys exploring paper crafts, various paint mediums, and ceramics. She shares how influential her time at Ensworth was, helping her find passions she could never have imagined and a job that truly offers her fulfillment while continuing to give back and offer support to those coming into her field of work.

Christina remarks that she is “most grateful for the community and ample opportunities” Ensworth has to offer. “High school is a time when we develop as young adults. We start to understand who we want to be, and the extracurriculars we partake in help us dive into our passions.” Christina played violin for musical productions and took photography classes at Ensworth each year. She recalls the process of developing film in the dark room. “I know I would not have gotten this opportunity elsewhere. These classes are what fueled my interest in this creative field.”

“I have always loved capturing moments on a camera from a young age. Still, it was only after I took photography classes in school and built a solid foundation around the technical side of photography that I became attached to honing my craft behind a lens, whether film or digital. I love that there is always something new to learn on my camera and from interacting with the people I photograph. On top of that, I feel very happy and fulfilled when people express joy after viewing their captured memories.”

The Harkness table discussions were also part of her memory, recalling the skills she established with open dialogue to be more confident in her opinions and ideas. “I believe the values Ensworth instilled in us as students made me more intentional in crafting my career path. When searching for jobs, I looked for companies whose missions aligned with mine —helping others lead better lives and living and working with integrity.” Thinking about values is something she learned at Ensworth.

“While training for my Ironman 70.3, I occasionally thought about the mandatory fitness classes we took all four years

of high school. Although we, as students, complained at the time, it has made my fitness life so much easier as an adult.” Finding physical wellness and balancing it with all aspects of life is pertinent. Ensworth introduces various fitness classes in hopes that it translates to a variety of fitness post-high school. “I am thankful that the fitness classes at Ensworth instilled healthy habits in me for a lifetime, along with developing my sense of discipline and consistency.”

Getting from where you are to where you are going takes more than discipline and consistency. It takes people. When one is supported in an effort to succeed, they have what they need to pass on those skills to others. Dr. Crystal Miller was one such person for Christina. “I worked on my Capstone project with Dr. Miller during my senior year. She was such a huge help in finding a research experience for me at Vanderbilt University,” Christina recalls. “I was able to work alongside Ph.D. students as a high schooler, which prepared me well for science research in my undergraduate years.” Christina knew the support and care were there during her time at Ensworth, propelling her forward in endeavors beyond Ensworth. “She invested in my interests and my life after high school. She wanted to see me succeed, and her support allowed me to see all the possibilities I had for a career in the sciences.”

“I’ve learned the importance of aligning my values with the work I do in my current job as I contribute to bettering the world in which we live. I have also learned that there are so many paths to crafting the career I want, and there are no limitations to what I can do and achieve.”

- Christina Chintanaphol ‘09

Part of our Mission emphasizes students being contributors to society, and students learn this by watching others and receiving support. “Unknowingly, I began to enjoy mentoring undergraduate and graduate students as I started my career in the medical device industry,” shared Christina. “I know how influential dedicated support can be,” and thus, she continues to try to support the students she mentors as Dr. Miller did for her.

But all work and no play surely does not foster balance. The intentional incorporation of fun in life at Ensworth is evident. Spirit Day Assemblies, House Competitions, and community and athletics events are only a few examples. Still, teachers also integrate fun into their classes and present opportunities for students to find time to play. Christina remembers how much joy she had in her photography classes, specifically. “I had so much fun with these classes—I remember spending some time after school in the dark room and on the weekends working on my own photo projects outside of the required assignments.”

Full-Time Medical Writer. Mentor. Musician. Photographer. Athlete. Friend. “How do you balance it all?” we asked.

“It’s not easy to balance it all, but it makes for a fun life!” she shares. She elaborates that things constantly change. “I find that what I do in a given year or season depends on my goals for that specific time.” Some years, she has focused mostly on her full-time job, preceptorship, and wellness. Other times, her photography and musical art pursuits have the opportunity to take the helm. The priorities of the time may leave other interests on the back burner, but it also gives her hope that she can come back to them when things shift. “The time management skills I learned in high school have stuck with me through today. Lots of planning, to-do lists, and

staying organized! Google Calendar and my bullet journal are my organizational best friends!”

When Christina applied for jobs after pharmacy school, she reflected on her life goals and current life values through an exercise she learned from Payal Kadakia (founder of ClassPass). “I created personal and career goals, listed all my strengths in the workplace, and reflected on the values that were most important to me at that time. I thought about what kind of life I wanted to live and how my career path after graduating from pharmacy school would influence my life’s direction.” Today, she has been at Medtronic for more than four years. “I love utilizing my strengths within the medical device field, knowing I am helping improve patients’ lives with our devices.”

In addition to her career, Christina enjoys photography, playing music, cycling, and Ironman 70.3s. She is also a preceptor for the University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy rotation students. She manages students’ experiential learning in the medical device industry and mentors them through various career development topics.

Michelle Andrade Associate Director of Marketing & Communications

Christina Chintanaphol pictured with Dr. Crystal Miller, her Capstone Sponsor

SCAN TO VISIT CHRISTINA’S PHOTOGRAPHY WEBSITE:

THEATER ALUMNI Collaborate

Theatre Director David Berry and alumni in the theatre arts have a podcast-style conversation

Sally Seitz ‘13 majored in Theatre and American Literature at Middlebury College and is currently enrolled in the MFA in Dramatic Writing program at Carnegie Mellon University.

Caroline Seitz ‘18 double majored in English and Spanish at Amherst College; she was recently admitted to Georgetown Law School, where she will study in the fall.

Ryan Crants ‘20 is double majoring in Theatre and Statistics at Williams College.

Ella Talerico ‘21 is majoring in Drama at Vassar College.

While a number of recent alumni of the Ensworth theatre program, including Jack Alcott ’15 and Briana Middleton ’16, have enjoyed high-profile successes in television and film, another set of alumni have been carving their own path to success together by continuing to collaborate across their respective college campuses. At Amherst College, Caroline Seitz ’18 directed a production of her sister Sally’s playwriting thesis. Sally Seitz ’13 is a graduate of Middlebury College and was one of thirteen young writers recently admitted to the prestigious MFA in Dramatic Writing program at Carnegie Mellon University, where she also spends time directing. At William’s College, Ryan Crants ’20 has directed two separate plays written by Ella Talerico ’21 , who recently directed a production of her own work at Vassar College. Both Sally and Ella had their first feature-length plays produced during their senior year at Ensworth after completing Capstone Projects in Playwriting. These four alumni recently joined Director of Theatre David Berry for a podcast-style conversation to reflect on their continued collaboration and on how the experiences and relationships they forged at Ensworth have continued to fuel their work and success as writers and directors in college and beyond. As you will see, a central theme of the conversation revolves around one of our Core Skills at the High School:

The following is a transcript of excerpts from that conversation. The full conversation can be heard by scanning the QR Code.

Mr. Berry: I’ll start by saying that one joy I’ve found in my work with you all is the joy of creating something from nothing—of creating a new story that did not exist before and then putting it on stage. It makes me think of the director’s note from Sally’s play in 2013. I think the first line of that note was: “We made this.” We started with nothing but a date that the show would go up, and then we created a story; we wrote it and rewrote it and edited it, and then finally, we had a script, and we cast it and rehearsed it. And then, all of a sudden, there was this new thing that didn’t exist before. So, what I want to hear the two playwrights talk about is this: I’m interested in how much it feels like the play isn’t fully realized until you see it living on stage in the bodies and voices of actors—and also the different sensations of completion that come with finishing the writing versus seeing the play staged and voiced and embodied.

Ella: It’s just such a privilege and honor when someone wants to pick up your little blueprint and really try and create on top of it, and to me, it’s not really a play until that’s happened because it’s not a novel and it’s not a book of poetry; it’s a play, and it needs voices, and it needs people, and it needs collaborators. That’s the magic. It’s why I continue to write theatre. The process itself is what fuels me to go back to the page because it’s just so fun to see what other people do with your work and the connections that they make that you didn’t even know were there.

Sally: Lucy’s Play at Ensworth both spoiled me and informed me. I went into college having experienced the joy of having my work put up so then I could write for that experience. I could be a better collaborator in rooms and hand plays off and speak

“to Collaborate.”

to professors about work in a way that acknowledged the fact that I know this is not just mine—that the purpose of this is for other people to work on it. I think that’s a lesson that usually you have to learn through college, and I had a leg up knowing that. Like Ella was saying, it’s a collaborative art form. This isn’t my book of poetry; this is my ‘step one’ that needs to be handed off.

Ella: I will say that the plays that Ryan produced and directed at Williams were both first drafts, and wow, what a gift for your first workshop draft to be put on its feet. I mean, how much quicker do you find solutions to problems? It’s amazing that I have such a wonderful friend in Ryan to put up my little baby works.

Mr. Berry: I mean, that’s it, right? That’s the gift and asset of being able to have these projects go up with a collaborator whom you trust. It is a gift to have that opportunity to see your work produced by other people, other minds, other artists—particularly ones whom you’re in relationship with and trust, not just as artists, but as friends and family. It’s an amazing gift, and again, that’s why I was so interested in coming together and having this conversation. I am proud, not just of the work that you all created when you were with us here at Ensworth but just as much that you’ve gone on to support each other in this way. Because, like you say Ella, you have these projects that together you were able to slingshot forward. And so maybe this is the next question: How do you think it has shaped the two of you playwrights as writers to have had multiple projects put up on their feet so early in your career? How has it informed your writing to have had the benefit of seeing the work fleshed out by other artists so immediately?

Sally: When I’m deep in the drafting process ,and it’s discouraging, I can remember: I have put something up that people have laughed at; I have put something up that people have shed a tear at. This is not me grasping at straws. This is me doing the thing that I do, and I can

keep doing it and get better, or I can halt. I remember with Lucy’s Play, when I was 18, the night before it opened, Berry turned to me and said: “We really have no idea if this thing is any good.” And I said, “Yeah, I know.” [Note: Lucy’s Play went on to be one of the most successful productions in the history of the program] It could have been a more discouraging moment if it hadn’t been for the understanding that we are just trying our best and we’re going to see if this lands. And that’s all you can do is find somebody you trust to help you see if it lands. I mean, as soon as I finish a play, I send it to Caroline and Ella, and I should probably put Ryan Crants on that list, too. I’ve learned to fall back on that trust and on the trust that those people have in me.

Mr. Berry: : Do you really send your new plays to Ella?

Sally: Yeah, I do!

Ella: It’s so great! I love it so much! I think that loving playwriting didn’t really solidify for me until my first play was on its feet. The first time that I thought, “Ding! This is what I want to do with my life,” was when I saw actors on a stage with lights and everything was happening and I knew I could leave the room right then, and the play would live on its own. That was such a formative moment in my life. I come into a rehearsal room

David Berry Director of Theatre

“I am proud, not just of the work that you all created when you were with us here at Ensworth, but just as much that you’ve gone on to support each other in this way.”

Scan the QR code to listen to the podcast

now with a lot more understanding of what my place is in the room and how to facilitate the best rehearsal environment as a playwright. And Ryan knows from seeing my stage directions evolve over the years, they’re now a lot more ambiguous and there’s a lot more room for collaborators to play. Having my early work put up, I realize how much more fun it is when you can let someone interpret your words. You learn more.

Mr. Berry: What do you think you would not have learned if it hadn’t been for the opportunity to work in collaboration with a playwright—or with a director and cast?

Sally: Always try. You can always try the new option. But you also know when you have to advocate for a specific piece of the story. The writer knows the heart of the play. So, for me as a director, the lesson has been: the writer’s words come first.

Ryan: I’d say a very similar thing in reference to the writer’s words that I’ve felt has been very beneficial in working with Ella. In terms of reading a scene and thinking to myself, I don’t really know what this scene is doing, but then having that trust in Ella. I trust Ella that it’s doing something, and we’re going to figure out what it’s doing. So we’re going to go into this rehearsal room and put it on its feet. And then, every time, I see it. Having that sort of faith in a piece of text and in a playwright is something that I have with Ella that I wouldn’t necessarily have with a stranger handing me a play. But having that faith in a text and putting that as primary, it’s worked out every time—because I trust Ella, and I trust that this text is doing what it needs to do. It’s just my job to facilitate what has been given to me on the page. That’s a lesson that I definitely wouldn’t have learned without having a playwright as a close friend and collaborator.

Caroline: Adding on to that, I think that sometimes you have to treat a playwright like they’re your older sister. And I think that that comes with great trust and admiration and intimacy, but also with that trust, being able to challenge and bicker and being able to have this sort of push-back with the playwright that you might not grant yourself with other work.

Mr. Berry: Going back to thinking about rehearsing your earliest work together here, of course doing it is an act of trust, right? I trust your words; I trust your story

and your voice and your choices. And then, there comes this moment when you push back, but even in the pushing back it’s rooted in this trust you have in the words, in the voice. It doesn’t always feel like it in the moment of the pushing, but of course, it’s an act of faith and trust.

Ella: Absolutely. I think that, through seeing new work put up, I see just how beautiful that trust is and how much I can let go.

Mr. Berry: I’m going to wrap us up here. But, as cheesy as this may sound, the thing that I cannot get out of my head is the number of years I have sat here at Ensworth and recited our list of Core Skills. We always start with “to Collaborate.” And when I first started saying those words, I never could have foreseen the projects I’ve been lucky enough to work on with you all—and beyond that, this afterlife of the work of our community that you guys have taken into hand to self-generate way beyond our campus to campuses across America. I am amazed by where our collaborations have taken us, and taken you, and taken your stories. And I’m grateful.

PICTURED RIGHT: ENSWORTH & VASSAR COLLEGE

Ella Talerico ’21 wrote the script for the play It’s Something for Sure! and it was first produced at Ensworth in the spring of 2021. She directed a workshop and a staged reading of the show at Vassar College in the fall of 2021, and it was produced in the fall of 2022 at Vassar.

ENSWORTH SPRING

APRIL 2021

VASSAR COLLEGE FALL 2022

What They Learned and Why They Came Back

Alumni Athletes Return to Coach

The mark of a good school is when you see alumni return to give back, which is exactly what we see at Ensworth in the Middle School athletics programs. Founded on the principles of excellence, Ensworth’s athletic programs and training are inarguably top-notch, but Ensworth Athletics goes beyond producing and cultivating talented athletes. Ensworth hopes to send scholarly, conscious, thoughtful, strong, and curious students into the world to continue to “use their talents to the fullest, to be people of integrity, and to be contributors to society.”

Our alumni coaches shared the tremendous impact athletics had on them as students at Ensworth. Donovan Sheffield ’15 says, “Being an Ensworth football player from 2011-2015 made me feel like we a part of something bigger than myself. We had laser focus on the daily work needed to be successful and didn’t worry about the end results.”

Passion for the game, knowledge of skills, dedication to the team, and accountability are what makes a great coach. The athletic program positively formed our alumni coaches as students, and now they want to impart the wisdom and tenacity they learned to current studentathletes. Coach P.J. Settles ’15 recalls, “I had such a positive experience playing football at Ensworth (and beyond), so I want to share the knowledge and love I have of the game with those who will carry on the legacy.”

“Football played a tremendous role in my development as a student, athlete, and leader. The program allowed me to be a winner and understand discipline and cohesion.”

- P.J. Settles ’15

(Rhodes

College football alumnus)

“Football taught me discipline, resilience, and how to defy the odds.”

- Nantambu (Bu) Fentress ’11

(University

of Miami football alumnus)

Coach Bu ’11 believes, “Young athletes are the most coachable. The sooner you give them the proper tools to become a better person as well as an athlete, the stronger impact they’ll have on society and the game itself.” This is why he and others come back to coach. Will Downey ’12 shares that “some of the most important lessons I have learned in life have come from the comradery and competition involved during my time in Ensworth Athletics.” He continues, “Everything from preparation to pursuing excellence, building trust to open communication.”

The joy of athletics extends beyond their years here as students. Coach Sheffield ’15 shares, “The most exciting part is just trying to get one more kid to believe

in themselves than the previous day.” Others exclaim that watching their teams grow, delegating roles and responsibilities as a team, establishing expectations, and watching students strive for them also fires them up. Although their role at Ensworth has changed, some things remain the same.

Ensworth Alumni Coaches

High School Coaches

Ashley Glotta ’14

Jeremy Lehman ’08

Cole Parrish ’11

Nate Parrish ’75

Shomari White ’13

Caroline Blair ’15

Caroline Cowles ’17

Gary Pope ’09

Will Downey ’12

Johnny Rich ’94

Middle School Coaches

Myles Douglas ’15

Nantambu Fentress ’11

PJ Settles ’15

Donovan Sheffield ’15

Andrew Bond ’84

Brooks Corzine ’79

Tish Picklesimer ’99

Tiffany Dale ’91

Tim Wallace ’83

Andrew Sinks ’17

Michelle Andrade

Director of Marketing & Communications

Associate

“I enjoy being able to preserve the culture of Ensworth Football by sharing my knowledge and experiences with the kids.”

- Donovan Sheffield ’15 (Vanderbilt University football alumnus)

“While the buildings, infrastructure, and cafeteria set-up may have changed over the years, the most important aspect of Ensworth hasn’t: community. I am always amazed at how tight-knit and willing we are to work together individually to create a life-long learning experience for students and faculty alike.”

- Will Downey ’12 (Sewanee basketball alumnus)

FOR THE RECORD

National Merit Semifinalists

Ensworth is proud to announce that two members of the Class of 2023 have been named National Merit Semifinalists: Sara McDermott and Jackson Rehm

The National Merit Scholar Corporation announced these names among 16,000 others nationwide from the Class of 2023. Congratulations to these seniors on this impressive accomplishment!

National Academic Honors

National Merit Commended Students and College Board

National Hispanic Program Scholar announced. Seven members of the Class of 2023 have been named National Merit Commended Students: Chris DeCamillo, Katherine Groomes, Caleb Park, Lucas Rehm, Kate Rosen, Hannah Smokler, and Chloe Ward. The National Merit Scholar Corporation announced these names among 34,000 others nationwide from the Class of 2023 for their exceptional academic promise.

We also congratulate junior Camilla Garza for being named a College Board National Hispanic Program Scholar for her remarkable academic achievements and outstanding performance on the PSAT and/or AP Exams.

Student Government Leaders Elected

Congratulations to the following individuals who have been elected to represent their class as Senators in this year’s Student Government:

Class of 2023

Erin Crosby

Lily Morgan

Helen Thompson

Lucy Wallace

Class of 2025

Claire Kurtz

Dax Martin

Lux Paine

Grace Thompson

Middle School Robotics

Congratulations to the Ensworth Robotics Team who tied for first place in the Music City First Lego League Robotics Tournament at Ensworth in December. Please congratulate the following engineers on their success:

McNairy Head, Wyatt Kilgore, Paxton Baba Rahimi, Ben Rios, Lucas Kochanski, Sebastian Eveland, Theo Berkeley, Walker Perry, Sarah Choma, and Layla Grace Watts. Robotics has since placed third with their Innovation Project in the state competition!

Honors Choirs

Four High School and six Middle School students competed for MTVA Honors Choirs. Thousands of students auditioned, and the following students made the MTVA Mid-State and Freshman Honors Choirs:

Grace Heinrichs ’23 - Mid-State Treble Choir

James Heinrichs ’26 - Freshman Mixed Choir (2nd Chair)

Julia Marks ’26 - Freshman Treble Choir

Class of 2024

Alex Crews

Will Garner

Camilla Garza

Landon Jones

Class of 2026

Clayton Ellis (Class Speaker)

Isaiah Batten

David Choma

Julia Grace Linn

Weston Smith

Katarina Santiago ’26 - Freshman Treble Choir (1st Chair)

More than 400 students auditioned, and the following students made the Middle School MTVA Honors Choir:

Bentley Beam ’29

Lucy Coleman ’29

Miriam Cross ’29

Skylar Davis ’29

Caroline Kurtz ’29

Deryn Mason ’29

Orange & Black Captains

Black and Orange are not just Ensworth’s school colors; they are the basis of a long-standing spirited tradition that dates back to the 1960s. When students are in Kindergarten, they are assigned to the Orange or Black team, and they remain an “Orange” or “Black” throughout their time on the Red Gables Campus. Generational traditions live on as family members are always assigned to the same team. Early in the year, Grade 8 students nominate four captains who give speeches to K-8 students at an assembly. Then, Grades 4-8 vote for their team captain for the year. This year’s team captains are:

Orange Team Captains

Hollis Jacobs

Cutler Smith

Black Team Captains

Makaylah Batten

Tom Courtney

Scholastic Art & Writing Competition

Congratulations to the Ensworth students who won Gold, Silver, and Honorable Mention awards at the Scholastic Regional Art & Writing Competitions! The Gold Key artists include Laela Clark ’24, Mei Mei Dellinger ’24, Sophia Frist ’23, Adelle Hemsath ’23, and Tyler Roh ’27. The Gold Key writers include Hannah Smokler ’23 and Cara Mabry ’23. Use the QR code below to see a full list of student winners.

Dance Team Honors

Ensworth’s High School and Middle School dance teams traveled to East Tennessee and took honors in three categories. At the Smoky Mountain Regional Championship in Sevierville, Tennessee, Middle School dancers finished first in the Junior High Jazz division, and the High School dancers finished fourth in the Varsity Jazz division. Ensworth also received an award for Best Choreography for the Middle School.

Ensworth School of Dance Performs with Classical Music Ensemble

The contemporary classical music ensemble “Intersection” presented Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring at the Cheekwood Winter Concert Series on February 23. The performance featured dancers from the Ensworth School of Dance with choreography by Beata Santora.

Ensworth K-12 Chess Championship

One Ensworth Team took 1st Place in the K-1 Team Championship Section at the Chess In the Park tournament on National Chess Day. 130 students participated in the Ensworth K-12 Chess Championship - the third and final qualifying event for the 2023 Nashville K-12 City Championship sponsored by the Nashville Chess Center and the Predators Foundation.

Individual 1st Place (K-1): Holden Hutzel ‘34

1st Place Team (K-1): Holden Hutzel ‘34, Oliver Dale ‘35, Evan Lippman ‘35

2nd Place Team (K-3): Lee Levine ‘33, Guy Ryerson ‘32, Allison Naftel ‘33, Sahil Patel ‘35

3rd Place Team (K-5): Kip Keyser ‘30, Syon Mathur ‘30

Individual 1st Place (HS Division): Owen Irving ‘23

Finals: Congratulations to Holden Hutzel ‘34 (co-champion K-1 Division), Sahil Patel ‘35 (sixth place K-1 Division), and Owen Irving ‘23 (sixth place K-12 Division) on placing in the Nashville Scholastic Chess Championship.

Contributing to Society, One Guitar at a Time

Ensworth is fortunate to be in a community whose local history and cultural exports have had a significant global impact. Our students have many educational opportunities focusing on teaching and learning within the context of Nashville. This approach emphasizes the use of the local environment and community as a teaching tool, with students learning about the history, culture, geography, and other aspects of the place where they live. These learning opportunities involve hands-on, experiential learning activities, such as field trips, community service projects, and other activities that allow students to engage with their local community and environment. Known for its rich musical history, the city of Nashville has become a classroom for our Lower School jazz interdisciplinary experience, the fourth-grade songwriting project, and a host of opportunities in our visual and performing arts programs.

Ensworth was fortunate to further our community-based relationships with Gibson Guitars this past summer through the Gibson Gives Foundation. Gibson Brand President Cesar

Gueikian, parent of ‘32, recently shared with students how innovation has been a part of Gibson Guitars since Orville Gibson began making instruments more than 128 years ago. With such novelties as Les Paul, the Flying V, and SG, Gibson has been inspiring musicians and riding along with music in Nashville and beyond since the late 1800s. Gibson is one of the oldest American musical instrument manufacturers, making it a leader in the industry. However, leadership does not end there; Gibson also has been an innovator in the world of giving and community engagement.

In 2019, leadership pulled the company back to the center of what they do through Gibson Gives, deepening the ever-present giving component of the company with music wellness and music education in mind. Their giving spirit infiltrated the culture and helped Gibson Guitars reimagine the company focus.

Such history and creativity fit the spirit of the Ensworth Arts Program. Whether learning to play the guitar for the first time, sharing the gift of music for members of our local community during a Service Learning day, or performing on the stage during a concert, we wanted students to have access to the local tools which have shaped the history of music. Gibson Gives provided Ensworth students with more than a dozen guitars representing the range of historically significant designs that have shaped modern music’s history. Using Gibson Guitars made here in Nashville, we hope that students develop a sense of responsibility to be contributors to our local history and extend the gifts of Music City to the rest of the world.

Many of our students are passionate about music and are looking to gain experience and exposure in the music industry. While some will go on to become successful professional musicians, others will use their experiences at Ensworth to pursue careers in other fields. The relationship with Gibson has opened up horizons for students to consider careers in music in addition to being professional musicians.

Gueikian’s journey to Gibson resonates with the experience of many Ensworth students. While his story is not necessarily one of chart-topping hits, it mirrors many students’ vision of their future selves. After working in corporate investments for over 20 years, Gueikian transitioned to Gibson. He shared a story with students about his childhood growing up in Argentina, learning how to play guitar on an old Spanish-style guitar in his family. After winning a tennis tournament, he purchased his first electric guitar with the prize money. Although he wanted to buy a Gibson Les Paul, it was too expensive. Gueikian purchased the guitar he could afford, sold it for the price of the Les Paul, returned to the music store, and purchased the Les Paul.

Ensworth is full of students who use their talents to the fullest in the classroom and on the stage. While some students will forge a career as a professional musician, many of our talented artists will choose a college and career pathway similar to Guiekans’. Most will pursue majors in economics, engineering, psychology, or something similar, and also seek to integrate their passion for music in their career choices. We see alumni across the country using their talents to the fullest with skills learned at Ensworth. Our hope is that by deepening connections to our unique local history using tools made in Nashville, we will extend Ensworth’s contributions to Music City’s history.

On a warm night in April, standing against the chainlink fence as our first grade little league team took the field, I was running through a number of songs I was slated to play at the rock band concert the following night. One of our main guitarists became ill, and we were scrounging for replacements. Thankfully, Jim Aveni could play most of these songs in his sleep. I, however, was not as confident. The show must go on.

Cesar Gueikian walked up to the fence next to me. His son Leo was over at our house earlier in the week, and I overheard him say, “My dad is is probably way better than your dad at guitar. I mean, your dad is probably good, too, but my dad is just better.” We were in need of guitar players, and while I hear that taking the stage to occasionally play guitar or dance is a crowd favorite, my days of playing in a band are a distant memory. I much prefer setting the stage for our students and cheering them on from the sidelines. Humbled, and not one to miss an opportunity to help others use their talents to the fullest, I asked Cesar if he was busy Friday night.

Unfortunately, Cesar let me know he was traveling and would not be able to attend the concert. He then handed me a guitar pic with his name and number on one side and, on the other, Gibson Brand President. My confidence grew slightly knowing 7-year-olds were comparing my guitar playing to a Gibson executive.

The next day, I shared the concert video with Cesar, who graciously tuned in for the show. He was very complimentary of our students, the sound and production quality, and our playing. He also let me know that I would have sounded much better if I was playing a Les Paul. This got me thinking. Here we are in Nashville, how might we connect our students to the instruments that have shaped modern music?

- Doug Magee, Associate Head of High School

Doug Magee Associate Head of High School

Gibson Les Paul

Gibson Flying V

Epiphone Thunderbird

Epiphone DC Pro

Epiphone Thunderbird

Epiphone DC Pro

Epiphone DC Pro

Gibson SG

GIBSON GIVES

13 Guitars donated to Ensworth!

Gibson Songwriter Gibson SJ200

Gibson Firebird

Gibson Hummingbird

Gibson J45

MIDDLE SCHOOL FALL PLAY

Singin’ in the Rain • November 12, 2022

STUDENT-DIRECTED ONE ACTS

September 17, 2022

FROM THE DIRECTORS:

“I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work on the other side of this process by directing! I have fallen in love with directing during this process, as I have been able to see a vision come to life while learning from my peers who were making that vision possible. Thank you to Caroline Seitz, whom I have been fortunate enough to be able to learn from throughout this process, to my dedicated cast, and to my incredible stage manager, Alexa. And thank you to everyone who has made this show possible.”

–Maggie Clark ‘23

“From the moment I first read The Happy Journey to Trenton and Camden , I fell completely in love with its ability to reveal rich characters throughout a rather mundane road trip. This play centers around Ma Kirby, a strong, spiritual woman who only wants the best for her children; she reminds me a lot of my own mom who has been my biggest inspiration while directing this show and throughout my life in general. I am so unbelievably grateful for the opportunity to bring my vision to life with such brilliant actors, technicians, and co-directors—and most of all, Mr. Berry for always having faith in me even when I don’t have faith in myself. I am so proud of our hard work, and I hope you enjoy the show!”

–Grace Heinrichs ‘23

“It was an extremely Happy Journey to be able to direct a one act this year! Having never ventured to this side of the theater world before, the experience to take a show from script to stage was exhilarating. I’m very lucky to have worked alongside Grace to benefit from her insight and incredible talent. I know we are both grateful to our actors for all the hard work and grit they put it to help make our show come to life. Hope you all enjoy!”

–Hailey Riven ‘23

“I am so thankful to have had the chance to come back home to the Ensworth theater community and work with such bright, caring, talented people. To Maggie, Grace, Hailey, and the entire cast and crew - it has been a privilege to work with you. Thank you for your constant joy these past few weeks and your full-hearted commitment to these stories. To the audience, enjoy the show!”

–Caroline Seitz ‘18

November 17–19, 2022

FROM THE DIRECTOR:

We all know Jack. He is what’s best in us and in those to whom we owe the lives we get to live. He survives and thrives through his two great gifts—his capacity to endure and his capacity to remain hopeful despite the dread and violence that lurk in this world. Jack’s knowledge that he can endure is deep-seated—he knows that he can and will “walk on, walk on”—and his hope is rooted in his faith in and compassion for his fellow man. That is his ultimate secret. His instinct that his survival depends upon the survival of others, that in order to gain what he needs, he must be willing to give. Throughout the play, Jack is always feeding the hungry. The incalculable value of what he gains from that is not always obvious, discernable, or measurable at first. But it saves him in the end. Pullman Car Hiawatha is the third in a triptych of one-act plays by Thornton Wilder which we began exploring in our Student Directed One-Acts earlier this year. Like Jack’s Tale, Pullman Car Hiawatha is as audacious in its near-universal scope as it is in its courageous optimism towards humankind’s ability to endure and to rise above the reach of our worser angels.

-David Berry, Director

PICTURED

A, B Grade 2 Poetry Slam

C, D Grade 1 Pet Show

E, F, G, H Grandparents Day I, J, K Pancake Breakfast

GOLF STATE CHAMPIONS

2022 | 2023

HIGH SCHOOL FALL ATHLETICS

Cross Country - Boys

• 3rd Place @ Metro Championship

Meet/ Individual Medalists:

Grant Rehm ’25, Lucas Rehm ’23

• 8th Place @ State Championship

• 4th Place @ Speedway Shootout/ Overall Winner: Grant Rehm ’25; 3rd Place: Lucas Rehm ’23

Congratulations to Grant Rehm ’25, Lucas Rehm ’23, Jackson Rehm ’23, Gabriel Dean ’26, Austin Philp ’23, CJ Cavolo ’26, and Weston Smith ’26 on leading the Tigers to a Top 10 finish at State.

Cross Country - Girls

• The Girls’ cross country team placed 5th at the Metro Nashville Championship and 11th at State.

• The team was well represented at the State Meet by the following Tigers: Selin Weitkamp ’25, Julia Grace Linn ’26, Lizzie McWilliams ’25, Tatum Saunders ’24, Evie Denbo ’26, Helen Thompson ’23, and Alara Weitkamp ’24.

Football

• D2-AAA West Region Offensive MVP: Levi Moore ’23

• D2-AAA West All Region Team; Martez Cooksey ’23, Caleb Dorris ’23, Paulos Estifanos ’23, Christian Grimes ’23, Levi Moore ’23 , Bralynn Morris ’23, Shamar Porter ’23, DuJuan Sharp ’23, Mark Smith ’23

• D2-AAA West All Region Team

Honorable Mention: Drew Bonner ’23

Mason Curtis ’24, Russell Jankowski ’23, Zaidyn Moore ’24

• Tennessean’s All Mid-State High School

Football Team: Caleb Dorris ’23 (2nd team), Paulos Estifanos ’23 (3rd team)

• TACA East/West All Star Game: DuJuan Sharp ’23

• Tennessee Sports Writers Association (TSWA) Division II-AAA All-State

Football Team: Caleb Dorris ’23

• Middle Tennessee Nation Football

Foundation Admiral William P. Lawrence Recipient: Silas Bosch ’23

• Nashville All American Bowl AllStar: Bralynn Morris ’23, Martez Cooksey ’23

• U.S. Army All-American Bowl: Shamar Porter

• TNFCA All-State: Bralynn Morris ’23 - OL, Caleb Dorris ’23 - OL, Martez Cooksey ’23 - Athlete, Mark Smith ’23

- Athlete, Paulos Estiphanos ’23 - K, Ethan Utley ’23 - DL

Golf

For the first time in school history, both the boys’ golf team and girls’ golf team won the state championships in the same year.

Golf - Boys

• 2022 TSSAA Division II-AA

State Golf Champions

• The boys’ team shattered the previous Ensworth School scoring record by nine strokes with a team score of 279 on Day 2 of the tournament and a school record team total for the tournament of 572, four under par. Senior Tommy Frist ’23 (67-70) was runner-up as individual medalist, followed by seniors Ethon Stanford ’23 (78-67), Sam Johnson ’23 (73-71), Jack Taylor ’23 (77-72) and junior Lucas Herring ’24 (76-71).

• 2022 TSSAA Division II-AA Regional Champions. The Tigers were led by senior Tommy Frist ’23 who shot 65.

• 2022 Baylor Preview Champions

• 2022 Daily Cup Champions

• 2022 KIT Invitational Tournament Runner Up

Postseason Awards and Accolades:

• Tennessean All-Midstate Boys’ Golf Team: Tommy Frist ’23

• Tennessean All-Midstate Boys’ Golf Coach of the Year- Nate Parrish ’75

• Main Street Preps All-Midstate Region Boys’ Golf Team- Tommy

Frist ’23

• Main Street Preps All-Midstate Region Boys’ Golf Team Honorable Mention: Sam Johnson ’23, Ethon Stanford ’23

• Tennessee Sports Writers Association

Division II-AA All-State Boys’ Golf Team: Tommy Frist ’23

Golf - Girls

• 2022 TSSAA Division II-AA State Golf Champions (Sevierville Golf Club, Sevierville, TN) With a team score of 297 (147-150) the Tigers were led by junior Savannah Cherry ’24 (73-76) who placed third individually and junior Elle Evans ’24 (79-74) who was T-6. Junior Alex Crews ’24 (74-82) placed 12th overall.

• 2022 TSSAA Division II-AA Regional Tournament Runner-Up (Greystone Golf Club, Dickson TN)

• Post-Season Awards and Accolades: Main Street Preps All-Midstate Girls’ Golf Team Honorable MentionSavannah Cherry ’24

Tennessee Sports Writers Association

Division II-AA All-State Girls’ Golf Team: Savannah Cherry ’24

Soccer - Girls

• All-Region Team: Addie DeCoster ’24, Breahn Fisher ’25, Mary Haley ’23, Brenna Hanbury ’25, Emerson Smith ’26

• Tennessean All-Midstate team: Breahn Fisher ’25

• Advanced to state playoffs

Volleyball

• Final Four of State Tournament

• TSWA All-State Volleyball Team: Katie Barrier ’23, Hannah Scott ’23

• Congratulations to Coach Ashley Glotta ’14 and the Ensworth Volleyball team on advancing to the final four of the TSSAA State Tournament for the second year in a row.

Winter & Spring Sports Highlights will be included in the next issue of Ensights.

2022 | 2023

MIDDLE SCHOOL FALL ATHLETICS

Grades 5-6 Football

• Led by returning players Gage Bullock ’29, Griffin Hooper ’29, Thomas McGugin ’29, Kendall Rucker ’29, and CT Poe ’29 alongside newcomers Levi Scott ’29, Max Robbins ’29, Mac Pettigrew ’29, and Simon Bosch ’29, the team accomplished their goal with an unblemished record of 11-0 and a thrilling victory over CPA in the HVAC Jr. Championship game!

Grades 7-8

Football

• This was an excellent season on both sides of the ball led by a great group of 8th graders: EJ Gibson ’27, Beau Butler ’27, Henry Oeser ’27, Tanner Tapp ’27, Christian Kurtz ’27, Cutler Smith ’27, Cael Tierney ’27, Teddy Graff ’27, Joe Amden ’27, Matthew Boyce ’27, Logan Green ’27, Rishi Patel ’27, Cooper Lucy ’27, Noah Franklin ’27, Dain Clark ’27, Drew Bass ’27, and J Wesley Looper ’27.

Volleyball

• The JV and Varsity teams both finished with winning regular seasons

• The varsity team advanced to the top division bracket of the HVAC Tournament. This hardworking, smart, and talented group was led by a large group of 8th graders Maggie Kate Cowles ’27, Charlotte Figler ’27, Genevieve Greatens ’27, Katie Hooper ’27, Meredith McGee ’27, Gisele Michael ’27, Mac Spurrier ’27, Neriah Taylor ’27, Caroline Watts ’27, Aaliyah Williams ’27, Cate Williams ’27, & Alannah Wong ’27.

Girls’ Cross Country

• In the HVAC Finals, the girls ran well and finished in fourth place as a team in a highly competitive meet. Seventh graders Tempo Haun ’28 (fourth place individually in the HVAC Finals) and Emily McWilliams ’28 (sixth place individually in the HVAC Finals) garnered All-HVAC accolades.

Boys’ Cross Country

• Ran in the “Upper Division” or AA Finals of the HVAC Championships, where they finished a sixth place as a team.

• In the HVAC Finals, Jeremiah Easley ’27 finished finished fifth place individually and earning AllHVAC Honors.

Girls’ Tennis

• HVAC AA Champions

• 8-0 in the regular season

• HVAC Flight champions & Finalists: #1 singles finalist: MollyKate Orr ’27, #2 singles champion: Olivia Orlando ’29, #3 singles champion: Ella Blankenship ’27, #1 doubles champions: Elsa Staelin ’27/ Evelyn Barrett ’27, #2 doubles champions: Millie Coppeans ’27/ Abby Martin ’27

Boys’ Tennis

•Placed 2nd - HVAC Championship

• HVAC Flight champions & Finalists:

#1 singles champion: Brennan Bartman ’29, #3 singles finalist: Alp Weitkamp ’29, #1 doubles

finalists: Harrison Hampton ’27/ William Dorr ’28, #2 doubles finalists: Austin Ahrend ’29/ Declan Ahrend ’29

Boys’ Soccer

• The sixth-grade Boys’ Soccer team had an outstanding season, culminating in a junior HVAC championship

• Thomas McGugin ’29 and Olly Dyer ’29, the team’s top scorers, scored over 25 goals collectively. Goalie Collin Page ’29 and defender Max Robbins ’29 anchored the team’s defense.

Girls’ Soccer

• Varsity defense was led by Macie Biller ’27, Ella Meade Poe ’27, Meredith McGee ’27, and Eleanor Denbo ’27

• Varsity offense was led by attacking midfielder Hollis Jacobs ’27

• The 6th grade Girls’ Soccer team finished their season with a 5-2 record in the HVAC Junior Division competition.

Wrestling

• 5-2 HVAC Dual meet record

•Placed 3rd in the HVAC Tournament

• HVAC Tournament Results:

Levi Scott ’29 - Champion (80lb)

Josh Easley ’29- 3rd Place (85lb)

Clay Deleot ’29- Champion (90lb)

Arthur Runge ’29- 4th Place (95lb)

Gibson Greene ’28- 4th Place (117lb)

Elijah Hensley ’28- Champion (135lb)

Tanner Tapp ’27- Champion (225lb)

Winter & Spring Sports Highlights will be included in the next issue of Ensights.

Staff Spotlight:

Safety at Ensworth

The ultimate goal of Ensworth’s security and risk initiative is to do everything we can to make sure people feel safe when at Ensworth. These efforts called for a need to diversify in the last several years. Led by the Security team and Facility and Risk Manager Gloria Maas, these improvements and innovations over the past few years continue to evolve. Gloria states, “The safer the environment feels, the more opportunity exists to grow and flourish in the classroom and extra-curricular activities!”

Ensworth has transitioned from an outsourced, unarmed team to an in-house team with a high-level ongoing training and qualification program. Gloria shares, “I wouldn’t say that my view of security changed, but I saw the opportunity to shape security in a way that helped support the school’s mission while completely restructuring the systems that were previously in place.” Since moving security in-house, Ensworth has engaged in extensive faculty and staff training, rewritten the Emergency Operations Plan to make it National Incident Management System (NIMS) compliant, and increased video surveillance.

Since 2021, Ensworth has also added an armed component to our defense capabilities while hiring several prior law enforcement officers. Combined, our

armed security personnel bring approximately 60 years of law enforcement experience to Ensworth, giving the school a much more in-depth reactionary force to any outside threat. The security personnel is now more identifiable, with an official Ensworth security uniform. This presence both discourages threats and encourages positive, constructive interaction with the Ensworth community.

In addition, the Risk Management Office has undertaken a significant initiative to increase the safety of the Ensworth community through faculty and staff training. Faculty and staff have undergone medical and trauma-related training by participating in activities such as tourniquet application while under controlled stress. This training, which also included active shooter scenarios, has occurred in individual classrooms, allowing for discussion of courses of action in emergencies. This has also helped to build rapport between Security/Risk Management and faculty by providing a more individualized approach and meeting faculty and staff in their working environment. This ongoing effort will equip teachers and staff members with the necessary skills to take quick, decisive action in a crisis.

School safety is the responsibility of the entire Ensworth community. As we strengthen our relationships and make these security practices the norm, we will continue to raise the standards by which we keep our students safe.

Meet the Security Team

Sam Bady, the Lead Officer on Frist Campus, is from Meridian, Mississippi, and attended the University of Southern Mississippi, studying medical laboratory technology. He is a long-time law enforcement veteran, beginning his career in 1987 for the Tallahassee Police Department. He has also worked for the Roswell, Georgia, police department on undercover narcotics and S.W.A.T. units. Sam retired from the Brentwood Police Department after 25 years of service. Sam has served as a D.A.R.E. Officer and is highly certified in self-defense. Sam has completed the Basic & Advanced School Resource Officer courses through the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) and holds a School Safety Specialist certification through the School Safety Advocacy Council (SSAC). He resides in Brentwood with his wife, Deborah, and two rescue dogs.

Alan Baker is a native of Tennessee and has been providing contracted security to Ensworth for the past six years. He recently became an Ensworth employee and is our new unarmed Campus Safety Coordinator for the Red Gables Campus. Alan serves to augment both the security and facilities teams in their efforts and is assigned to the 12:30 – 9:00 p.m. shift. Alan resides in Kingston Springs with his wife, Karen. They have been married for 25 years and have two children.

Antonio “Tony” Fernandes is a native of New York and is an 11-year veteran of the NYPD. Tony’s experience with the NYPD included stints in the special operations division, anti-terrorism, uniformed patrol, and special transit investigations. He is bilingual and fluent in both Spanish and Portuguese. Tony holds a bachelor’s degree from Farmingdale State College in New York and is assigned to the Frist Campus from 12:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. He has recently moved to Dickson and resides with his wife and children.

Dustin Hargrove , the Lead Officer on Red Gables Campus, is from Dickson, Tennessee. He graduated from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with a B.S. in Criminal Justice and has been a police officer and detective with the city of Dickson for the past eight years. Dustin has completed the Basic & Advanced School Resource Officer

courses through the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO). He also holds a School Safety Specialist certification through the School Safety Advocacy Council (SSAC). He has a wife and two children.

Gloria Maas is from Jacksonville, Florida, and has been in Nashville since 2018. Hired initially as a Fitness Instructor and Varsity Volleyball Head Coach, she transitioned into her current role as Facility and Risk Manager. Her background includes a wealth of pertinent knowledge from her studies at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, where she earned her B.S. in Homeland Security with a concentration in Emergency Management. She also holds a Tactical Emergency Casualty Care certification. Gloria is a mother to her son, Ryland, and stepmom to her daughter, Scarlett.

Dameyon Mason serves as the new Frist Campus Safety Coordinator for the overnight shift. Alongside his experiences as a security guard, Dameyon loves working with people. He was employed with Outwood, where he assisted in teaching adults with intellectual disabilities to be more independent in their day-to-day lives.

Glenn Melton is from Burns, Tennessee, and has worked as an outsourced security officer for several years. He recently became an Ensworth employee and is our new, unarmed weekend Campus Safety Coordinator for the Frist Campus. Glenn serves to augment both the security and facilities teams in their efforts and is assigned to the 6 am – 6 pm shift on Saturdays and Sundays. He often fills other shifts throughout the week as needed. Glenn enjoys playing music during his personal time and is an avid mandolin player.

Ron Mikulka is from Brooklyn, New York, and has recently become an Ensworth employee, serving as our new unarmed Campus Safety Coordinator for the Frist Campus. Ron assists the security and facilities teams in their efforts and is assigned to the 11:30 am – 8 pm shift. Ron resides in Chapel Hill with his wife, Lynn Marie. They have been married for 31 years.

Michelle Andrade Associate Director of Marketing & Communications

Sage Staff Spotlight

Meet our Chefs

Ensworth welcomed SAGE to Red Gables Campus in 2018 and Frist Campus in 2020 to provide full-service dining for our students, faculty, and staff. The delicious, nutritious, locally sourced, and sustainably produced food was a perfect match for Ensworth’s mission of educating—and nourishing—the whole child. Let’s meet the head chefs for each campus.

Chef Luis Fonseca Lead Chef - Sage Catering - Red Gables Campus

Chef Luis Fonseca joined the SAGE team in the fall of 2022. He has been a chef for over twenty years and has a deep affinity for expanding the palates of those he serves. “It’s not just expanding their minds but their palates, too,” he explains. As a chef, one has to be very conscious of allergens, freshness, and other considerations. Chef Luis loves this challenge, observing, “It’s a great challenge because you have a captive audience no matter what.”

Our youngest may be the hardest to impress, so creating food they will enjoy can take time and effort. Almost everything SAGE does is from scratch. To develop such meals at the quality and volume required on the Red Gables Campus is a considerable feat. But Chef Luis welcomes the challenge. The health and well-being of the students, faculty, and staff at Ensworth are Chef Luis’ top priorities. “We are here for the kids and our staff as well!” he asserts.

Running food services takes intentionality and requires awareness of everything that is going on around the kitchen. “SAGE has it all worked out,” Chef Luis assures. “Our job is to implement it to the best of our ability with freshness and cooking procedures. All these things [are critical] while at the same time being very conscious of allergens and what we are putting out.” He hopes that as he presents new food, students, faculty, and staff will be excited to keep trying new things.

Favorite meal to prepare: My favorite meal to prepare is pistachio encrusted halibut, lemon basil risotto, lime pomegranate sauce, and asparagus bundles.

5 Fun Facts About Chef Luis:

• He was the Executive Chef at Chef’s Market, Brentwood Country Club, The Nashville City Club, Opryland, and Bound’ry Restaurant. He owned two restaurants for twelve years - Basante’s on West End and in Green Hills.

• He used to work in San Francisco.

• He has two dogs and loves to walk at the Two Rivers Greenway.

• He loves to rollerblade.

• He loves dining locally - Sindoore (an Indian restaurant in Donelson) is one of his favorites.

Greg Vance Lead Chef - Sage Catering - Frist Campus

Chef Greg Vance became a fast favorite on the Red Gables Campus. His welcoming spirit and conversational energy enlivened students and staff alike, making him the best choice as Ensworth’s Food Service Director. Chef Greg shares, “My vision for the Ensworth food service is to educate through food.” The sensory experience of children intrigues Chef Greg as he recalls some of his earliest memories involving food: the experience of a new flavor, the discovery of flavor combinations he never knew possible, and the development of a sense of kinship with those around a table. “I believe providing a balance of quality ingredients, healthy habits, and a sense of adventure in food helps develop well-rounded and cultured individuals.”

Chef Greg met with staff members to brainstorm how Ensworth’s menus can reflect lessons learned in the classroom. “I believe food can help solidify the appreciation of cultures worldwide. Our ‘all foods fit’ program helps our students learn to have a healthy relationship with their food. As we all know, eating disorders are rampant in young adults, so at my core, I believe developing healthy relationships with food is essential. I want to help develop palates for diverse food, as key essential nutrients are found in a wide array of ingredients.”

Chef Greg shares his passion for food and his love for cooking. “Throughout history, food has been a cultural adhesive. People have traveled all over the globe to find one spice or ingredient and bring it back to integrate it into their culture. You’ll notice every religion incorporates some type of dietary practice. It’s easy to take for granted the plethora of available ingredients, and I would like to think as we grow as a community, our appreciation for food will grow.”

Favorite meal to prepare: “It’s hard to say what my favorite meal to prepare is, as I’m absolutely in love with the culinary arts and by no means a picky eater. Every dish I prepare is my favorite thing to cook because the process of creating dishes is an art form for me, even in its simplest form.”

5 Fun Facts About Chef Greg:

• I have traveled and eaten in 20 different countries.

• I have been on a few episodes of various programs on the Food Network.

• I cooked Valentine’s day dinner for Anthony Bourdain and Michael Bolton on the same night.

• I cooked all meals for Robert Downey, Jr. for a stretch while he was filming Iron Man and cooked every meal for The Rolling Stones for two weeks.

• I worked to attain my first Sous Chef position at the ripe age of 17 while in culinary school at a well-known, busy Italian bistro in my hometown and have since managed many kitchens from black-tie fine dining to rustic farm to table.

“I believe providing a balance of quality ingredients, healthy habits, and a sense of adventure in food helps develop wellrounded and cultured individuals.”

- Chef Greg

Michelle Andrade Associate Director of Marketing & Communications

The Investiture

C. Prentice Stabler

ENSWORTH’S 8 TH HEAD OF SCHOOL

JANUARY 19, 2023

The Ensworth School celebrated the investiture of C. Prentice Stabler, its eighth Head of School, on Thursday, January 19, at the Frist Campus. This formal observance included a keynote address from Vanderbilt University Chancellor Daniel Diermeier. It brought together the Ensworth community to confer Stabler with the authority of the Head of School and celebrated the future of the school under his leadership. The event included an academic procession with Ensworth faculty members and the Board of Trustees, student speeches and performances, and other presentations from members of the Ensworth community.

Ensworth Board of Trustees President Will Morrow shared, “We are excited to celebrate Prentice Stabler, a purpose-driven leader who is guiding Ensworth into a new and promising era of excellence. It is meaningful to all of us to mark this important milestone while giving Prentice the opportunity to share his vision for Ensworth with a united community. We are delighted to welcome Dr. Daniel Diermeier, Chancellor of Vanderbilt University, as our keynote speaker, as our institutions share alignment in our educational values.”

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

| DR. DANIEL DIERMEIER Chancellor of Vanderbilt University

Chancellor Diermeier referenced this alignment in his remarks to the community: “In a lecture on the purpose of universities, Arthur Lehman Goodhart, the first American to head an Oxford College, cited the great Enlightenment writer Gotthold Ephraim Lessing, who famously said that if God held truth in one hand and the search for truth in the other, he would choose the search.

Lessing’s point was that the search itself is what is most valuable, because of all that we learn, all that we create, and all that we become as we undertake it. This is what we believe at Vanderbilt, and I know it drives your work here at Ensworth as well. And so, it is no surprise that 85 Ensworth graduates have enrolled at Vanderbilt since the establishment of your high school and that they have flourished on our campus.

Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of having lunch with Prentice, and we discussed what our two institutions have in common in terms of philosophy and approach. At both Vanderbilt and Ensworth, we pursue our missions on our own terms—we don’t imitate other schools, and we don’t look over our shoulders to see what others think of us. At both Vanderbilt and Ensworth, we nurture the whole student— intellectually, socially and emotionally. And at both Vanderbilt and Ensworth, we are fiercely committed to realizing every student’s full potential, wherever that lies—in athletics, in the arts and humanities, in STEM-related pursuits or elsewhere. Both of our schools believe deeply in supporting students as they carve their own paths—or, as we put it in our own motto at Vanderbilt, as they dare to grow.

But a transformative education is only possible if we are committed to the core values of the “search for truth.” Students must be able to freely explore ideas and discuss and debate them in a culture that treats every member of our communities with respect even if—or especially—when we disagree.

Yet in my time in higher education, I have seen incoming students increasingly struggle with these core tenets. Some, driven by admirable intentions to be on the right side of an issue, are so passionate in their beliefs that they tolerate no

opinions other than their own and fall prey to what one of my professors called “the rush to righteousness.” When trapped by the rush to righteousness, we are so confident in the moral superiority of our position that any disagreement can only mean that the other person lacks moral virtue. Confident of our moral superiority, we can call the other side names and fight for what we think is right.

In such a climate, other students self-censor out of fear of being shouted down by those with opposing views. And some believe they should never have to confront any idea or opinion that makes them uncomfortable. This is an alarming trend, and not just for those of us in education.

When we search for truth, we commit to the possibility of being convinced, of changing our mind when confronted by new facts or a better argument. This commitment is also critical to life in a pluralistic, democratic society. It is an ability that, I fear, is waning, not only among college students, but in our body politic generally. We are forgetting how to talk to one another in spite of our differences. And if we can’t talk together, if we can’t discuss and debate, it is nearly impossible to move forward together.

Just as Ensworth provides lasting lessons in so many areas of academics and life, it is also playing an important role in helping students understand and navigate civil discourse.

Your practice of assigning K-8 students to a different lunch table every week, so that they get to know a broad range of their peers, is a great example of this—as is your use of the Harkness method to encourage constructive classroom conversations among your high school students. It is never too early for students to learn to make reasoned arguments, speak with the courage of their convictions and debate with respect for their opponents.

And here is why all this matters so much: As students and as citizens—as a school or as a nation—when we can constructively debate our differences, when we don’t let the heat of disagreement make us forget the purpose, goals and values that we share in common, and when we can set our disagreements aside and work together we can accomplish so much more. And we are stronger for it.”

THE INVESTITURE | PRENTICE STABLER

Ensworth’s Eighth Head of School

Prentice Stabler ’s response touched on the same values that move us forward together as a school. “While we have access to more information and intelligence than has ever existed in the history of the world, I believe the business of schools remains exactly the same. We are here to help our students develop their gifts, talents, and abilities to the fullest, and to do so not just for their own gain, but to make an impact, to generate change, to leave legacy.

At Ensworth, our true north is the development of the whole child. All of the artificial intelligence in the world will not be able to answer the most important questions that face our students. ‘What do I believe?’, ‘Who am I, and what do I want to do with my life?’, ‘What is my purpose, and why does it matter?’

The enduring importance of Ensworth is that we are designed for precisely those questions. The core skills of collaboration, communication, hypothesizing, observing, and questioning that shape our curriculum are exactly what our students need as they go out into the broader world. And we are more than that. They need to know who they are, and they need to grow up in the midst of diverse community, one that teaches them to value the inherent dignity and worth of all people, and one that illustrates so clearly how much further we go when we go forward together.

My hope and aim at Ensworth are to stand firmly on the traditions and values that built this school, while embracing

the imperative to continually evolve into the best version of ourselves. As we add and develop programs, refine our practices, and design an experience for the ever-evolving needs of our students, we will build on the work done by countless teachers and school leaders who preceded us.

The next ten years here are not about fundamentally changing who we are; they are about sharpening our model, reaffirming our commitment to educating the whole child, and doing so in the midst of a community that develops our students into the type of people who will build bridges and connect groups.

In a time when our country feels divided and separated, we reaffirm and recommit ourselves to the civil discourse around a table—whether it be a Harkness table or a Red Gables lunch table—and we reaffirm that the best place to face challenging ideas is in the midst of a community that knows you and loves you.”

Ensworth chose the investiture ceremony to formally recognize and celebrate the transition of leadership within the school community, and it served as a way for the school community, including staff, students, parents, and alumni, to come together and officially welcome the new Head of School. Established as a new tradition at Ensworth, the formal investiture provides a way to create a sense of continuity and stability and demonstrate the Board’s confidence in the new leader. It also serves as a public demonstration of the school’s commitment to its mission, values, and future direction.

To watch The Investiture highlights video:

Staff Spotlight:

Meet the Ensworth Grounds Crew

Ensworth’s Grounds Crew is responsible for the care and maintenance of our grounds as well as the upkeep and care of our athletics fields. The members of the Grounds team believe it is essential to provide students, parents, and visitors with the most beautiful campuses possible. Each day begins with a walk around each campus with a blower on their back and a picker in their hand, blowing leaves and collecting trash. Each encounter matters. This crew believes it is crucial for everyone stepping on campus to have a beautiful and clean start to their day. The awards and accomplishments of the Grounds team over the years have been many, including the Pioneer Athletics Fields of Excellence® Award for their work on the football field at Daily Stadium (Frist Campus) and the High School Field of the Year from Tennessee Turfgrass Association for the Baseball Field (Frist Campus).

John Clintsman Director of Grounds

John Clintsman joined Ensworth in 2016. John is a Georgia Online Turfgrass Program graduate and is currently enrolled in the Virginia Tech School of Turfgrass Ecology and Management. John coaches Middle School baseball at Ensworth. His son, Corbin, is in 7th grade.

Aaron Reagan Frist Campus Grounds Assistant

Aaron Reagan joined Ensworth in August of 2021. Aaron is a graduate of the Ohio State online turf program and is currently enrolled in the Virginia Tech School of Turfgrass Ecology and Management. Aaron also works for the Nashville Sounds as a game day member on the grounds crew. If Aaron isn’t working, he is probably coaching Middle School baseball for Ensworth or playing with his husky Athena.

Jimmy Woods Red Gables Campus Grounds Assistant

Jimmy Woods joined Ensworth in January 2022 after many years spent working on golf courses and, most recently, over grounds at the Steeplechase. Jimmy has been a fantastic addition to the team, especially on the Red Gables Campus where his roots run deep; he is married to Grace (Verner) Woods ’93.

“We have been able to work on some cool projects. Converting the softball infield back to dirt for our softball program is definitely one I’m proud of.”

- John Clintsman, Director of Grounds

Painting the Field Pink

The painting of the football fields is also quite a work of horticultural art. Each week for Varsity home football games, the field is repainted. The time, attention, commitment, and dedication are evident in the work the Grounds people put in. “Each year, our pink out is something I take so much pride in,” Clintsman shares. “As most know, my wife battled breast cancer. My love of this particular game started then. Over the years, we have had so many families and staff members affected by cancer that it truly has become an honor to show them our love.” John is pictured below with Katie Dunn and Angela Pursley, staff members and breast cancer survivors.

Honoring Those Lost on 9/11

This year, Grounds went above and beyond for the 9/11 tribute. The paint scheme was a huge hit with students and families alike. Clintsman recalls, “We enjoyed making the classic E an American flag and honoring all those lost on 9/11.”

Build Our Community | Support Our School | Educate Our Parents

2022–2023 P.A. Board Members

President

Amanda Graff

President-Elect

Katie Porterfield

Immediate Past President

Elizabeth Gerken

Secretary

LeAnne Bottorff

Treasurer

Jason Bates

Treasurer-Elect

Sara Perry

Parent Education

Julie Dretler

Parent Education-Elect

Courtney Bolton

Communications

Katie Robinson

Communications-Elect

Kristin Paine

Fundraising

Kathy Dorr

Fundraising-Elect

Ari Dowdy

Lower School

Representative

Amanda Tolbert

Lower School

Representative-Elect

Catherine Perry

Middle School

Representative

Jessica Amden

Middle School Representative-Elect

Whitney Schickling

High School Representative

Alagra Morris

High School Representative-Elect

Jamee Thompson

Arts Chair

Kate Scott

Arts Chair-Elect

Hallie Jones

New Parent Welcome Chairs

Ruth Coppeans (HS)

Roochita Mathur (LS/MS)

New Parent Welcome Chairs-Elect

Naomi Priestley (HS)

Stacey Vallejo (LS/MS)

Volunteer Coordinator

Caroline Sloan

Tiger Club Chair

Shannon McIntosh

Events Coordinator

Rebecca Rutledge

Auction Liaison

Ashley Lane

At-Large Representatives

Cynthia Arnholt

Jessica Baba

Lindsey Clark

Darshan Prabhu

It was an exciting fall and a great time to be a Tiger Parent! One of my favorite parts of the Ensworth community is its constant eagerness and willingness to gather. This fall, many of us gathered to hear Nashville all-time great and Vanderbilt University Baseball Coach, Tim Corbin, speak to our community. He expressed it best when he said, “I think rules are for people who can’t follow directions. I think standards are for people who aspire to do special things.” I am thankful that the Parent Association does not have many rules, yet we continue to do very special things. Thanks to our phenomenal new Head of School, countless extraordinary volunteers, and our remarkable Parent Association Board, the first half of the school year was filled with wonderful, joy-filled events.

Here are a few highlights from the first semester:

Tiger Town Tailgates - The Parent Association hosted seven tailgates before home football games on the Frist Campus. Hundreds of Ensworth families enjoyed music, bounce houses, E-swag, performances by the Ensworth cheerleaders, and fabulous food prepared by the newly formed Ensworth grill team.

Grade Parent Gatherings - We hosted 13 grade-level parent gatherings with over 1,000 in attendance. We are grateful to the Ensworth parents who opened their homes and hosted parties.

Faculty and Staff Appreciation - This incredible Parent Association committee provided over 500 take-home dinners to all Ensworth faculty and staff, recognized birthdays, held pie pop-ups, a holiday luncheon, and the famous 12 Days of Ensworth Giveaway.

I expect the spring semester to be as exciting as the fall! We have many plans on the calendar, and we look forward to seeing all of you! The Parent Association is in a great position to continue educating our parents, building community, and supporting our school for many years to come. Our community is incredible, and there is no question we are stronger when we are together. I am grateful for each of you and look forward to an exciting second half of the year.

Warmest regards,

Amanda Graff

2022-2023 Ensworth Parent Association President

Tim Corbin Event - November 6, 2022

Tim Corbin , Vanderbilt Head Baseball Coach and two-time National Champion, spoke to the Ensworth community about Winning at the Most Important Game: Life on the Frist Campus. Here are a few words of wisdom from Coach Corbin:

“With each new recruit, I hold a marshmallow, a jelly bean, and a rock over a flame. The marshmallow quickly turns gooey and burns up. The jelly bean, hard on the outside but soft on the inside, initially holds up better, but, it too, melts due to the heat. Only the rock withstands the heat intact. If anything, it comes out a bit shinier, a bit more polished. Life is tough, and you can’t be soft.”

“Be a person of integrity. Make sure your actions line up with your words.”

“Focus on yourself and self-improvement. Success will follow.”

“Have a teachable spirit and the ability to take direction as a compliment.”

“Be disciplined in all you do. Focus on attention and effort.”

Save the Dates - Spring Parent Association Events

Ross Szabo

Behind Happy Faces: Creating Life-Changing Connection

March 29, 2023

Ross Szabo, award-winning mental health speaker and author of Behind Happy Faces, will speak to parents of several Nashville independent schools at the Frist Campus.

Tiger Town Community Tailgate

April 15, 2023

A community event at the Frist Campus to celebrate spring sports. Cheer on the Baseball & Girls’ Lacrosse teams. Food available from the Tiger Grill team & the Tiger Tastes event.

Super Saturday

May 6, 2023

A beloved Ensworth festival for all ages will be held on the Frist Campus.

Tiger Trot: 9:00am Super Saturday: 9:30-1:00

ensworth.com/supersaturday

Parent Education Event - Laura Stack

In November, Laura Stack, an award-winning speaker and author of The Dangerous Truth About Today’s Marijuana: Johnny Stack’s Life and Death Story, spoke to Ensworth parents about the critical issues surrounding highpotency marijuana and its relationship to mental illness and psychosis. Her presentation was truly eye-opening as she shared thorough research about the different types of marijuana being used today and the science of how it can affect the brain.

“Laura Stack is one of the most impactful parenting speakers I have ever heard. I learned so much about how the marijuana industry has changed in the last ten years; it was all new information to me! Her objective facts and figures are information we all need as parents trying to help our kids navigate these teenage years.”

-Ruth Coppeans ‘93

Parent to Duncan ‘24, Edward ‘26, & Millie ‘27

Tiger Salon in November

Courtney Bolton, Ph.D. and current parent, presented: The Science of Making and Keeping Friends. She delved into research on the skills needed for children to be socially successful and how to equip teens to deal with peer pressure, make good choices, and recognize risks.

“Courtney’s presentation was invaluable as we all support our kids through the inevitable and natural ebbs and flows of friendship. She gave us tools that I have already passed along to my kids that I know will help them as they grow and learn what a good friendship looks and feels like!”

-Anna Hudson

Parent to Benjamin ‘30 & Samuel ‘34

FACULTY UPDATES

Director of Technology

Jason Hiett and Database Manager Susan Ott were featured in a Blackbaud Customer Spotlight article:

WEDDINGS

Meredith Warren to Ben Kuttler

December 28, 2022

BIRTHS

Gloria Maas (Kyle)

Ryland Robert Maas

November 25, 2022

IN MEMORY

Ann Harwell Wells

Former Board Member / Permanent Trustee (see pg. 69)

Passed away September 17, 2022

Kathy Jones

Kindergarten Assistant 2000-2015

Passed away October 31, 2022

Randy Smith

Former Board Member 2002-2008

Passed away February 9, 2023

Director of Grounds John Clintsman presented at the National Sports Field Managers Conference in January. He hosted a discussion on mentorship with his long-time mentor Dr. Mike Goatley from Virginia Tech.

Lower School Art teachers Evie Coates and Kathryn Swords attended a Professional Development workshop at Belmont Watkins College of Art to sharpen their clay skills. The workshop was led by former High School Art teacher Audry Deal-McEver, who was the visiting artist in Cati Blitz’s class in February.

Lower/Middle School World Language Department Chair and Interdisciplinary Learning Coordinator Caitlin Harris and High School French and Spanish teacher Teresa Todd presented at New England Innovation Academy in February. The goal was to observe the first-ever 6-12 partnership with Dartmouth using Rassias as the primary source of language instruction. They observed for two days in order to deepen their knowledge of the Rassias method as a follow-up on the end-of-summer Rassias Method professional development.

High School Fitness Instructor Lexus Norwood spoke in February on behalf of the Ensworth Fitness Department at the NHSSCA TN STATE Clinic in Nashville. She led a hands-on demonstration, including different mobility exercises, while also discussing the importance of mobility for athletes.

Associate Dean of College Counseling and Academic Advising Paul Phillips received his doctorate (Ed. D.) from Arizona State University.

Director of Counseling and Learning Services Ellen Reynolds completed her Mindful Schools Teacher Certification of 300 hours through Mindful Schools. She joined the board of Therapy ARC Nashville, an affiliate of Intermountain Therapy. Ellen and her canine companion Theo completed their Therapy Dog and Handler Certification through Intermountain Therapy.

Middle School Latin Teacher Amy Skillicorn successfully defended her Ph.D. Dissertation Proposal and is officially ABD and a Ph.D. candidate.

Head of Lower School Heather Caponi achieved her doctorate in Educational Leadership and Innovation from Arizona State University. Additionally, Heather Caponi was recently announced as Ensworth’s new Associate Head of School.

FACULTY BOOKSHELF

JIM MANN MS Mathematics Teacher

Project Hail Mary

by Andy Weir

One of my favorite genres is smart science fiction. Andy Weir ( The Martian) wastes no time dropping his readers into a world of scientific adventure as the protagonist, Ryland Grace, awakes from an induced coma only to find himself on board a space station, light-years from home. Short-term amnesia forces Ryland to search for clues that can help explain his mission and the reasons for his presence on the ship. What he doesn’t know is that he alone is Earth’s only hope for survival. This book is filled with heart, humor, science, and many OMG! moments along the way.

KEVIN BROWN HS English Teacher

Small Things Like These

by Claire Keegan

With Small Things Like These, Claire Keegan has chosen a title that seemingly fits her work perfectly, in theme, length, and style. Her novella centers on Bill Furlong, a coal and fuel seller in 1980s Ireland. His life seems quite small, as he goes about his daily routine, working hard delivering and selling coal, logs, and other fuel to customers, and striving to provide for his wife and four daughters. As Christmas approaches, though, he has an encounter that will lead him to make a moral choice, forcing him to confront his privilege and decide what his and his family’s life should be like moving forward. Keegan’s sentences crackle with clarity, presenting exactly what the reader needs to know, and little more. The book is brief—just over a hundred pages—a work readers can digest in one sitting. It seems a small thing, much like Furlong’s life, but it contains so much more, as it grapples with Ireland’s recent history of Magdalene houses. At one point, Furlong thinks, “Why were the things that were closest so often the hardest to see?” That one question sums up decades of dark Irish history, but also so many decisions we fail to make in our lives. Keegan’s novella is a great thing, indeed.

ZACH SCHNEIDER HS History Teacher & Football Coach

The Nazi Hunters

by Andrew Nagorski

This is a highly engaging book that introduces to the reader many individuals who made it their lives’ work to locate former Nazis who were responsible for the atrocities committed by the Third Reich during World War II. In my opinion, this book serves as a reminder that we must not forget what has occurred in the past, because if we do, we may be “doomed to repeat it.”

ASHLEY GLOTTA ’14 HS Seminar Teacher

& Volleyball

Coach

The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry

by John Mark Comer

This book is about learning traits and disciplines to slow your life down and have a healthier physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual life in the current fast-paced society that we live in. I recommend this book because we all absolutely need to slow down our lives to be healthy.

MEREDITH WARREN LS/MS Band Teacher

The Nineties

by Chuck Klosterman

This book discusses historical trends and pop culture happenings during the 1990s. As someone who came of age in the ‘90s, I enjoyed reading about these events with an adult perspective and learning how some of the trends of that time are impacting us today.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2022

THE GOLF CLUB OF TENNESSEE

Co-Chairs: Sid Chambless and Davis Murfree (pictured below with the Golf Tournament winners)

WINNERS:

1st Flight/1st Place: TJ Wilt ‘91, Toby Wilt, Toby Wilt III ‘22, David Dingess Jr. ‘11

1st Flight/2nd Place: Greg Lanford, Brian O’Shaughnessy, Kyle Simmons, Cameron Simmons

1st Flight/3rd Place: J.R. Hand, Andy Heiman, Josh Buckley, Will David Coleman

2nd Flight/1st Place: Charlie Cox, Ryan Flury, Dave Haywood, Jackson Moran

2nd Flight/2nd Place: Lauren Brueggen, Mary Ellis Davis, Tee Isenhour, David McClellan ‘71

2nd Flight/3rd Place: Jono Gluck ‘00, Aaron Epstein, David Pearl, Avi Spielman

Closest to the Hole #14: Dave Haywood

Longest Drive (Men) #17: Harrison Frist ‘98

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

CapWealth

Cumberland Transit / Three Brothers Coffee

Dale Incorporated

Fat Bottom Brewery

Presenting Sponsor

Hand Family Company

Howell Allen Clinic

Jim N’ Nicks

Lady A

Mercedes Benz of Music City

Morgan Stanley

Nashville Capital Network

Nashville Machine Co

Nat Harris Family

OMSNASHVILLE

Persevere Lending, Inc.

Pinnacle Asset ManagementKidd Private Wealth Group

Sam’s Place/ Sperry’s Surgicor

Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance

Urology Associates

Vaco

CLASS NOTES Ensworth Alumni

Mimi Wallace ’71’s team at UBS, The Wallace Group, was named to the inaugural list of Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams and ranked #11 in the state of Tennessee. Mimi founded the team in 1979 and currently manages $1 billion in assets for clients. Ellen Green Hoffman ‘00 is also a member of this outstanding team.

Leaf Seligman ’73 winds up thirty years of college teaching this semester to focus on restorative practice. He offers restorative teaching/relational pedagogy workshops for educators at all levels and “continues to seed transformative justice and tenderness wherever I go.” He just finished a play based on the characters of his book, From the Midway: Unfolding Stories of Redemption and Belonging, and is working on a collection of essays about restorative teaching. Learn more at www. leafseligman.com.

Bess Adkins Marshall ’74 is halfway through her 30th year on the faculty at Washington University in St. Louis in pediatrics. She has three grown children, and her mother still lives in the same house in Cherokee Park that Bess grew up in. She wishes all the best to her former classmates!

Amy Grant ’74 became the first contemporary Christian music star to receive the Kennedy Center Honors. On December 4th, Amy was celebrated at the 45th annual Kennedy Center Honors along with Gladys Knight, George Clooney, Tania León, and U2. President Biden hailed her voice as “a true gift from God that she shares with everyone.” We’re so proud of you, Amy!

Ensworth Head Golf Coach Nate Parrish ’75 and Assistant Golf Coach Cole Parrish ’11 helped lead our boys’ and girls’ golf teams to victory! On October 7, 2022, Ensworth’s boys’ and girls’ golf teams both took home the title of State Champions!

Brian Fox ’88 was featured in Vanderbilt’s Center of Entrepreneurship’s “Voices of Entrepreneurship” speaker series on November 10th to discuss entrepreneurship in accountancy.

Olivia Daane ’84, owner of LivAspen Art, a premier art gallery in Aspen, CO, showcased her work at the Opera Gallery in Aspen earlier this August.

Marcie Allen ’88 had a recent interview in StyleBlueprint. Marcie founded MAC Presents in 2004 and also owns Hillsboro Village’s Anzie Blue, which she recently relaunched as an event venue.

Glenn Gaston ’89, M.D. continues to do amazing things as an upper extremities surgeon at OrthoCarolina. He and a fellow surgeon developed the Starfish Procedure, a groundbreaking procedure that allows the patient to move each individual finger. The procedure has been successfully administered to 25 patients so far, including Private Jackson Schroeder, an Army veteran.

After 25+ years of building brands and making Super Bowl commercials in NY, LA, and Austin, Tom Hamling ‘89 has started an advertising agency here in Nashville named THE MAYOR. They have an office in the 12 South neighborhood.

Kristin Addington

Culpepper ’93 began Weave Sunshine Publishing to support parents of young children, including writing and publishing children’s picture books. Her love for creative writing began as a little one, saying “my nine years at Ensworth certainly helped pave the way to the Children’s poetry and books that are being published right now.” Her first book, The Lonely Toadstool, is available now.

Reschke. This body of work— composed of 11 oil paintings— took inspiration from an episode of Columbo, the kitschy ‘70s detective series set in Los Angeles. A woman believes she has witnessed a crime but is surrounded by people who either doubt or actively seek to manipulate her. I see her predicament as an apt allegory for our own cultural moment where fact and fiction often blur. Morgan Ogilvie earned her MFA from the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) in 2020 and currently serves on the CalArts Alumni Council.

Elliot Pinsly ’97 was recognized as the 2022 Social Worker of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers - Tennessee Chapter. Elliot serves as President & CEO of the Behavioral Health Foundation, a data-driven nonprofit policy research center advancing mental health and addiction related policy and systems change. Recently, he led a successful effort to decriminalize fentanyl test strips in Tennessee for harm reduction use.

Leigh Ivey Hicks ’01 joined the Alumni & Development Office at University School of Nashville (USN), where she serves as the Alumni Director.

READ MORE:

Send us your news! Keep in touch with your classmates and let them keep up with you. Send your latest news, moves, and photos. Send information using this QR code:

Shooter Jennings ’93 was recently nominated for two awards at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards.

Kelleigh Bannen ’95 recently co-founded the Preservation Society of Nashville and serves as its President.

“Nashville’s unprecedented season of growth has brought remarkable opportunities and so much prosperity to our city, and we honor that,” she said in a recent statement.

“However, the need for historic preservation has never been greater or more urgent.”

Artist Morgan Ogilvie ’95 had a solo exhibit at Lipscomb University’s Hutcheson Gallery, entitled False Flags. She worked with the art department led by Rocky Horton as well as the gallery director, Jamie

Andy ’97 and Charlie ’98 Nelson—owners of Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery—have “followed their hearts, devoting their lives to resurrecting” the family distillery established by their great-great-greatgrandfather Charles Nelson in 1860. Their new Nelson Bros. Reserve Bourbon has already won multiple awards and was ranked #10 by Whisky Advocate in their “Most Exciting Whiskies of 2022” list.

Sterling “J.R.” Gittens, Jr. ’08 has made waves in the music industry. VoyageLA recently profiled J.R. in its article “Meet Sterling Gittens Jr.” Use the “Read More” QR code on the right to learn more.

LA (Lindsay) Head ’10 recently appeared on the episode “False Flag” on the CBS procedural crime drama “FBI: Most Wanted.” You can catch the full episode by using the QR code on the right (appearing around the 7-minute mark).

Stop by! We’d love to have you back on campus sharing your passions and professions. Whether it’s for assembly, an individual class, or anything in between, contact the alumni office to discuss.

Contact: alumni@ensworth.com

Alexandra Callahan ’11 graduated with an MBA from University of Michigan Ross School of Business in April 2022 with admission to the Beta Gamma Sigma International Business Honor Society. She accepted a full time offer to participate in Target’s Leadership Development Rotation Program and now lives in Minneapolis.

CLASS NOTES Ensworth Alumni

Robin Copple ’13 worked on Steven Spielberg’s new movie The Fabelmans, which just won Golden Globes for Best Drama and Best Director. Congratulations, Robin!

Shannon Smith ’11 received her PhD from Vanderbilt in the Chemical and Physical Biology Program in November 2022. The title of her dissertation was: Computational efforts in early-stage drug discovery: a use-case describing the discovery and optimization of protease-activated receptor 4 antagonists. She’ll be moving to San Francisco to work at Genentech as a Postdoctoral Fellow in both the Computational Structural Biology and Artificial Intelligence/ Machine Learning departments. She’d like to give a shout-out to her AP Chemistry teacher, Dr. Crystal Miller, for her mentorship. Congratulations, Shannon!

Miranda (Mott) Gabet ’12 graduated from North Carolina State in December with a Master’s in Computer Science. She is training to run in the New York City Marathon this fall (her fourteenth marathon).

Sally Seitz ’13 moved to Pittsburgh, PA as an MFA Dramatic Writing candidate at Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Drama. The program focuses on equal parts playwriting, screenwriting, and writing for television. While at Ensworth, Sally wrote “Lucy’s Play” as her capstone project.

Ashanti Charles Crawford ’15 was married this summer to Josh Crawford and moved to Salt Lake City where she now works as a classroom coach.

Arizona State Sun Devils. On January 8, in a victory against the Washington Huskies, he achieved a major milestone: he passed the 2,000 career points mark, joining an elite group of current and former college basketball players. At the college level, the 2,000-point mark has only been passed by a small number of players in history.

Maggie McGraw ’16, public policy professional and conservation advocate, was one of twenty-one distinguished speakers at the 2023 UNA-USA Global Engagement Summit (GES). The summit, held at UN Headquarters in New York City on February 17, was “the largest annual gathering of UN supporters in the country, bringing together U.S. and UN officials, community leaders, young professionals, and subject matter experts from across the country to delve into

the mission and lifesaving work of the United Nations.” Maggie spoke at the closing plenary session, “Support Sustainable Development and Climate Action.”

Desmond Cambridge, Jr. ’16 has had an incredible career in college basketball, starting out with Brown in the Ivy League before working his way up to the prestigious PAC-12 conference with the

Briana Middleton ’16 stars in the film Sharper, which premiered in select theaters and on Apple TV+ in February.

For Sarah Allen ’18, dancing with Yue Yin Dance Company was a dream come true. She wanted to dance professionally “since I was a kid.” After graduating from New York University, she began her

journey with YYDC. Over the summer, they performed at the Jacob’s Pillow 90th anniversary. Jacob’s Pillow is a dance festival deeply rooted in movement history, and has hosted many artists including Alvin Ailey, Merce Cunningham, Martha Graham, and many more. They had the honor of being the final summer show on the Henry J. Leir outdoor stage, where they performed two works by Yue Yin, “Ripple” and “Ember.” YYDC performed a double bill program last November in Venice, Italy. She is thankful for the Ensworth community, especially under the fierce leadership of Lindsay White, her Ensworth dance teacher.

our own little team and starting a new era. We’re young, and I really like that.” Last November, she was marked as the leader in the entire country in steals, with 32 as of November 30.

Dontavia Waggoner ’20 is leading the Boston College women’s basketball team on and off the court. Dontavia transferred to Boston College last year from NC State. As a junior, Dontavia is the oldest member of the team. She recognizes the opportunity to usher in a new era this season, with both new players and new coaching staff. “It’s like we’re making

Esther Okai-Tetteh ’21, a sophomore commercial music major at Belmont, was recently chosen to study at Apple Creative Studios Nashville, a partnership with The National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM). Esther was among the fifteen young adults aged 18-24 chosen for the five-week program. Read more about how Esther is flourishing, both professionally and personally, at Belmont (use the QR code below)!

READ MORE ABOUT OUR ALUMNI ON “WE LOVE SEEING YOU”

BABIES

CLASS NOTES Ensworth Alumni

September 23, 2022

November

January 14, 2023

Evelyn Alexander Perdue

September 29, 2022

September

Allison Bates Smith ’92 (Stephen) Henry Blackwood Smith

Ellen Green Hoffman ’00 (Brian) Lillian Landrum Hoffman

Diana Wallace Perdue ’02 (Brandon)

Katie Ward Anderson ’08 (Garrett) Grace Rose Anderson

21, 2022

Austin Fabel ’08 (Kate) Demi Harper Fabel

July 22, 2022

Kerry Oakley ’08 (Nola) Mary Reese Oakley

30, 2022

Andrew Colton ’09 (Lauren) Sarah Elizabeth “Liza” Colton October 11, 2022

Eliza Coode ’09 & Chris Coode ’09 Kevin McNairy Coode December 15, 2022

Anna Kate Dunn Craig ’09 (Dylan) Eden Elizabeth Craig

October 25, 2022

Brady

June 3, 2022

James

July 28, 2022

Kelsey

“Charley” Collie

February 24, 2022

July

Sydney

Wynter Lea Johnson

December 22, 2022

Lucille Rivers Broughton

July 27, 2022

Mary

August 26, 2022

George

October 6, 2022

SHARE YOUR ALUMNI NEWS! Send your latest news, moves, and photos.

Jennifer

Ivy Porter Marcum

July 7, 2022

Augustus “August”

Ignacio Cabrera

September 20, 2022

Elena

January 10, 2023

Michael Dunn ’09 (Stephanie)

Michael Dunn

Mayfield Johnson ’09 (Cameron)

Oxford Marcum ’09 (Justin)

Lauren Wines Thompson ’09 (Robbie)

Alan Thompson

Samantha Lale Broughton ’10 (Jay)

Eleanor Spruill Cabrera ’10 (Jonathan)

Bairnsfather Collie ’10 (Seth) Charlotte Crawford

Maddie Graham McAuliffe ’10 (Sean)

Margaret McAuliffe

Molly Vaughn Norwood ’10 (Thomas)

Grace Norwood

Cody Tollison ’10 (Kat) Walker James Tollison

20, 2022

Kendall Downey Cox ’15 & Burrus Cox ‘13

Kendall Cox

CLASS NOTES Ensworth Alumni

WEDDINGS

Lindsay Voigt ’95 to Pettus Randall

June 4, 2022

Will Turner ’03 to Molly Crofford

Dec 17, 2022

Blair Adams ’09 to Marissa Young

December 11, 2022

EmmaJulia Jones ’11 to Connor Siegel

October 22, 2022

Creed McClellan ’11 to Kaitlin Abbey

October 1, 2022

Emily Barnes ’12 to Paul Dominique

January 22, 2022

Kate Hooper ’12 to Burch Mixon

July 16, 2022

Abby Scanlan ’13 to Ryan Michael Degnan

October 22, 2022

Lauren Elcan ’13 to Baxter Ingram

August 20, 2022

Chase Kregor ’13 to Abby Perkins ’13

August 6, 2022

Caroline Waters ’13 to Tanner Unger

October 8, 2022

Ashanti Charles ’15 to Josh Crawford

July 23, 2022

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Reunions Reunions

Save the Date!

SATURDAY, MAY 6

5-YEAR, 10-YEAR, 15-YEAR REUNION PARTY

5:00–7:00 pm at 6th & Peabody

Questions? Contact alumni@ensworth.com

In Memory of Ann Harwell Wells

May 2, 1936 – September 17, 2022

IN MEMORY

Julia Jarman ’64

October 23, 1950 - October 3, 2022

Michael Arnold ’64

February 9, 1950 - July 4, 2022

Honey Hetzel ’72

March 4, 1958 - July 22, 2022

Rodney Lawson ’92

December 19, 1977 - November 24, 2022

Ben Blackburn ’97

April 27, 1983 - October 13, 2022

The Ensworth community was sad to hear of the passing of Ann Harwell Wells, former Ensworth faculty member and trustee. Ann attended Parmer School, Ward-Belmont, and Harpeth Hall, and graduated from The Shipley School in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania in 1954. She received a B.A. degree, magna cum laude, from Vanderbilt in 1958 and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. After receiving her M.A. degree from Vanderbilt and studying at Peabody College, she taught for two years at Ensworth School. In 1962, she was married to Dr. Charles E. Wells, a neurologist, geriatric psychiatrist, and writer. Ann wrote “Ensworth: The First Twenty-Five Years,” documenting the establishment and early years of the school. She was on the Ensworth Board of Trustees from 1970-1976 served again beginning in 1984, and was named a Permanent Trustee in 1993. She and Charles had three children who attended Ensworth, Wyatt Wells ‘78, Coleman “Harwell” Wells ‘80, and Ann Wells Parrish ‘81.

Alumni Connect through Ensworth Engage

Ensworth Engage is a professional networking and mentoring platform for Ensworth Alumni

Ellen (Green) Hoffman ‘00 is a Senior Wealth Strategy Associate at UBS Financial Services, Inc. She joined Ensworth Engage in September of 2021 and volunteered as a mentor. Ellen has always loved serving as a mentor and wanted to help in that way. She got a lot out of her Ensworth experience. She wanted to “serve as a resource to alumni who are interested in careers in finance, provide insight into my career path and current role, and answer questions alumni have related to their own career goals.” And this is precisely what she has done.

Caroline Gracey ‘21 joined Ensworth Engage in February of 2022. She recalls, “I decided to sign up for Ensworth Engage when I learned about it in an alumni network email. Part of the email was a brief description of Ellen and how she was on Ensworth Engage. I decided it might be a good idea to sign up to connect with people like her.” Caroline saw the Alumni Spotlight about Ellen and reached out to her through LinkedIn, asking for advice. Ellen shares, “It wasn’t a cold LinkedIn message [because] we had a common connection through Ensworth, and we both went to UGA.”

Caroline completed an internship at UBS Financial in the summer of 2022. Ellen recalls, “She contributed a lot during her time here, and we were glad she could spend her summer with us.” Caroline had a great time during her internship. “I truly enjoyed getting to know everyone in the office and learning about career paths in finance that I could explore.”

“I think I would reach out to a mentor again because you never know what good could come from it,” Caroline affirms. “Whether you end up with an internship, job, or even someone to talk to when you feel unsure about your career path, I think having a mentor can be an invaluable experience.” The support beyond Ensworth is lived through our alumni, and Ensworth Engage is the premier place to make connections. Ellen shares that Ensworth Engage is “a great way to plug back in, to see what other alumni are doing, and hear other alumni stories.”

Michelle Andrade Associate Director of Marketing & Communications

A professional networking & mentoring platform for Ensworth Alumni

“As soon as she said she was from Ensworth, I felt an instant connection.”

- Ellen Green Hoffman ‘00