WINTER
2020
the lovett school magazine
she blinded me with science
page
20
table of contents 16 / Office Hours 17 / Traveling Teachers 18 / Newsfeed
19 features 20 / She Blinded Me With Science (and Math)!
04 letters from head of school & editor 03 / Lovett School Board of Trustees, 2019-20 04 / Letter from the Head of School 06 / Letter from the Editor
26 / A New Day for Mrs. Lovett’s Vision for Learning 28 / Lovett Strategic Design Process: Building for Tomorrow
08 campus news 09 / Around the Neighborhood 10 / SING: Celebrating 25 Years of Service 12 / Riverbank Roundup 14 / Fine Arts
30 alumni news 31 / Save the Date: Spring Reunion Weekend 32 / A Letter from Thaddeus Rolle ’04, Lovett Alumni Association President
the lovett school magazine / winter
issue 2020
The Lovett School 33 / Alumni Events in New York City
Board of Trustees, 2019–20
35 / Friday Night Lights
R. Reid French, Jr. ’89, Chairman John C. Staton III ’84, Vice Chairman and Finance Committee Chair Nancy Brumley Robitaille ’84, Secretary John O. Knox, Jr. ’88, ex officio Anne Helms Marino, ex officio and Audit Committee Chair
36 / Homecoming on the Riverbank 38 / Mixed Media: The Alumni Behind the Artwork 48 / Marriages & Babies 52 / In Memoriam
39 class notes Life updates and musings from alumni
David B. Allman ’72 Yetty Levenson Arp ’64 Katherine J. Bayne Katherine Rowland Boudreau ’91 Frank H. Briggs III Garry Lamond Capers, Jr. Harold M. Cohen Malon W. Courts Sylvia L. Dick Elise Blitch Drake Michael S. Hardee, M.D. Raymond J. Kotwicki, M.D. Amy Rollins Kreisler ’88 Nikunj Lakha Donald M. Leebern III Alison Elizabeth Lewis James B. Meyer Eileen Keough Millard ’80 James T. Mills, Jr. ’74 Wade Wright Mitchell ’88 C.V. Nalley IV ’90 Carla Y. Neal-Haley, M.D. David Wall Rice, Ph.D. Irma Shrivastava Burke W. Whitman ’74 Leonard Wood, Jr. ’94
Trustees Emeriti David F. Apple, Jr., M.D. Charles R. Arp, Jr., D.D.S. ’62 Avril Beckford, M.D. Brian M. J. Boutté Gordon A. Buchmiller, Jr. J. Donald Childress
Bradley Currey, Jr. Sallie Adams Daniel ’68 John M. Darden III Richard A. Denny, Jr. Bruce L. Dick Margaret Denny Dozier ’73 Daniel M. DuPree Russell R. French William B. Fryer Thomas C. Gallagher John T. Glover Deborah Hodge Harrison William F. Henagan ’76 J. H. Hilsman III Little Lovett Jeffrey F. Hines, M.D. John R. Holder ’73 Dabney Mann Hollis Clayton F. Jackson ’77 Harrison Jones II David B. Kahn ’81 Frank Kinnett John O. Knox, Jr. ’88 Kathryn McCain Lee Robert C. Loudermilk, Jr. ’78 C. Knox Massey, Jr. Jane Kerr Mathews James M. McIntyre ’83 C. V. Nalley III Robert E. Peterson Elizabeth Dykes Pope ’79 Mark C. Pope IV ’68 Jan N. Portman Alfred R. Roach, Jr. ’62 William H. Rogers, Jr. Arthur W. Rollins ’77 Christian B. Schoen ’79 F. Blair Schmidt-Fellner Richard F. Smith John R. Wells Elizabeth B. West Gerald J. Wilkins Frank L. Wilson III ’72
head of school message
04
educate and nurture the
whole child
Dear Lovett Community: In the winter 2002 edition of Lovett magazine,
The symbolism of the mustard seed in Mrs.
the late W. Barrett Howell - an alumnus of Little
Lovett’s necklace is a powerful reminder of the po-
Lovett and Lovett board member at the time -
tential that exists in each of our students. I can’t
spoke glowingly of his former teacher, Mrs. Eva
help but think it is also a tribute to the faith Mrs.
Edwards Lovett. “She always wore a necklace
Lovett had in the power of education. The Lovett
with a glass pendant hanging from it. Inside the
School is responsible for important cultivation, no
pendant was a mustard seed,” Mr. Howell told the
doubt. Just as plants require cultivation to survive
interviewer. “Mrs. Lovett was a progressive wom-
and flourish against the elements, people do too,
an, forward-thinking - and even radical - for her
and education plays a significant role in that cul-
time. She was a determined woman with strong
tivation. Our youngest learners arrive as seedlings,
ideas about education. Her vision of Lovett is still
completely fragile as they venture out on their
evident in the Lovett of today.”
own for a FULL day of school, to be carefully and lovingly nourished on our campus. These seedlings
I’ve been intrigued by that story and the possible
grow into saplings: flexible, resilient and full of
reasons for such an unusual jewelry choice, having
potential weathering storms of adolescence, limbs
heard that it was a nod to the idea of growing
sprouting at record speed, all the while roots
great things from small beginnings. It turns out
growing and spreading deep - roots of character,
that this is exactly the point of the “Parable of the
values, relationships.
Mustard Seed” as told in all three New Testament Gospels:
At Lovett, we are committed to the development of intellectual ability, physical ability and spiritu-
He set another parable before them, saying, “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field; which indeed is smaller than all seeds. But when it is grown, it is greater than the herbs, and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in its branches.” — Matthew 13:31–32
ality. I think Mrs. Lovett’s mustard seed is a pretty powerful representation not only of the potential of our seedlings but also of the responsibility we on campus have to nurture them so that they “can thrive in school and in life.” Sincerely,
Meredyth Cole Head of School
the lovett school magazine / winter
issue 2020
letter from the editor
06
A TRIBUTE TO ISSUES (AND PREDECESSORS) PAST
hool vett sc the lo 17 20 spring
zine for
ine
magaz
ni, for alum
Welcome to the first issue of our magazine’s new re-
iends
s, and fr
parent
design! We hope you enjoy this latest evolution of the school’s flagship publication, which offers a fresh format and features along with longtime favorite sections. Amazingly enough, the “Lovett Magazine” debuted nearly 50 years ago, in the early 1970s, although the archives’ oldest existing copy dates from winter 1975 (pictured). Since then, the publication has progressed with the times, merging with the Alumni News and Alumni Newsletter in the fall of 1982, adding a color cover in 1989 and finally becoming a full-color piece in 2008. The magazine has had the same format for approximately the last 10 years. Tribute is more than due to these efforts of years past, when our magazine was one of the very few vehicles for 6 t page
ovet g at L
Cookin What’s
telling Lovett’s special stories. These publications were a labor of love, taking many hours and many hands to put together - even more so then than they do now. In this digital age, information sharing is certainly more immediate than ever before. But, there is still some-
s, an
, parent
alumni
s d friend
thing to be said for sitting down to flip the pages, enjoy the pictures, and read more about the people and ideas that make up this institution and community that we all love. Happy reading from the Riverbank,
Courtney Fowler director of communications & Marketing
Lovett ®
38
n page fessio Fall 205916 1 ge ed Pro n Turn 5–16 pa Passio Report 201 l Annua
head of school Meredyth Cole
assistant head of school for external affairs Stewart Lathan
executive editor
Courtney Fowler, Director of Communications & Marketing
graphic design & editor
Lindsey Wohlfrom, Communications & Marketing Manager
photo services
Jennifer Boomer, Graphic Designer
associate editors
Lara Kauffman, Director of Alumni Programs Starr Pollock, Assistant Director of Alumni Programs
contributors
Jay Freer ’78, Beverly Hamrick, Patti Hughes, Thornton Kennedy ’92, Caroline Rollins, Jennifer Reynolds, Larken McCord, Michelle Pope, Katie Post, Madison Thompson ’19, Fran Turner, Chelle Wabrek, Cameron Wilson ’17
on the cover
Elise Kuznaik, Eighth Grade
photography Jerry Mucklow
Special Thanks
Everett Catts, Editor, “The Northside Neighbor”
Lovett is published by the Communications Office twice a year and is mailed free of charge to alumni, parents, and friends of The Lovett School. For more information or to submit alumni news, e-mail alumni@lovett.org or visit www.lovett.org. ©2019 The Lovett School, 4075 Paces Ferry Road, N.W., Atlanta, Georgia 30327-3009. The Lovett School, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of any category protected by applicable federal, state, or local law, including, but not limited to, race, color, gender, religion, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, or gender identity and expression, with respect to qualified persons in the administration of the school’s employment practices, admission policies, educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic programs, or other school administered programs. This publication is printed by an fsc-certified printer on paper that is 30 percent post-consumer waste and 50 percent recycled, processed chlorine-free.
the lovett school magazine / winter
issue 2020
CAMPUS NEWS
Upper School Theater Arts students performed Neil Simon’s “The Good Doctor,” a comedy filled with surprises, based on short stories by acclaimed Russian writer Anton Chekov.
around the
neighbor
hood BUS PROGRAM
Lovett has introduced several initiatives in recent years to address traffic on campus and the roads around our school, hoping to focus on an important quality of life issue as well as to make a positive impact on the environment. This fall, the school launched a new student bus program serving two routes: Brookhaven/North Buckhead and Morningside/Garden Hills. This effort currently eliminates roughly 54 cars—or approximately the length of three football fields —coming to and from campus.
LOWER SCHOOL CHICKENS
The chickens are back! Lovett has eight resident chickens in the coop by the Lower School—Klaus, Freckles, Little Yaki, Geraldina, Freddy, Nugget, Cornelia and Hops. Research shows that caring for animals encourages responsibility, compassion, curiosity and collaboration, and our “coop committee” has been working hard to integrate them into our K-12 classrooms. Learn more at www.lovett.org/chickens
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
This year, the national theme for Hispanic Heritage Month was “Hispanic Americans: A History of Serving Our Nation.” Lovett celebrations included a door decorating activity in the Lower School honoring famous Hispanic Americans, a performance of “Oye Como Va” by the Ellington Jazz Ensemble, and presentations by guest speakers including Univision’s Mariela Romero, El Refugio Director Amilcar Valencia, percussionist Frankie Quinones, and U.S.-Cuban citizen Enier Cruz Alvarez.
campus news
10
SING
service initiation for the ninth grade
CELEBRATING
25 YEARS of service
| by Larken McCord, Upper School English teacher & Civic Engagement Coordinator and Fran Turner, Director of Civic & Global Engagement When Upper School English teacher Dick Hall met new Lower School teacher Martha Osborne at a welcome breakfast for the 1994-95 school year, he knew they would make a good team. Dr. Hall had been thinking about his 9th grade English students, looking for ways to connect them with the broader community beyond the “Buckhead bubble” and get them out of their comfort zones. He found an ally in Mrs. Osborne, and when he learned that her husband worked at a downtown church, he saw an opportunity. Discussion and collaboration quickly ensued, enough so that a formal SING pilot group of 15 students took shape in the fall of 1995. Dr. Hall’s vision was finally and fully realized in September 1996: the entire freshman class spent not one but two nights sleeping on church floors around the city and three days volunteering with nonprofits working with Atlanta’s most vulnerable groups. Lovett students worked side-byside with their teachers and other adults from the Lovett community (including Mrs. Osborne, of course!) and later wrote reflections on their experiences in their freshman English classes. This experiment in service learning went so well that the school decided to make it an ongoing part of the Upper School program, and the idea that started 25 years ago officially became the Service Initiation for Ninth Grade, or SING. A quarter of a century later, Lovett ninth graders still set out across the city each September to roll up their sleeves and learn firsthand about community service
opportunities. This year, 17 buses carrying 155 ninth grade students and 34 teachers continued the tradition, fanning out around Atlanta to pull weeds in community gardens, tutor children in after-school programs, and learn about innovative partnerships to meet the needs of vulnerable Atlantans. The Class of 2023 stayed on many of the same church floors as those earliest SING’ers, at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, All Saints’ Episcopal Church, and Central Presbyterian Church. Along the way, SING became a one-night event rather than two, but Lovett students still have plenty of time to make an impact. This year, the freshman class completed 51 service projects with more than 25 organizations across metro Atlanta. Lovett freshmen participated in afterschool programs at Agape, L’Amistad, WINGS for Kids, and the Warren Boys and Girls Club. They sorted donations at MedShare International, the Clothes Closet, MUST Ministries, the International Rescue Committee, and Books for Africa —a new service partner for 2019. While on SING, students got a behind-the-scenes look at the daily operations of organizations as diverse as ACTION ministries, re:Loom Weavehouse, and Hope Thru Soap, a new SING site for 2019 that provides hygiene support for people experiencing homelessness. The advisory groups also had the opportunity to work outdoors, whether assisting in the Global Growers community gardens, beautifying public spaces such as Oakland Cemetery, or participating in projects with Trees Atlanta or Park Pride. Through the decades, SING has been shepherded by many people at Lovett. In the late 1990s, discussion began regarding a formal program of character education with SING as one of its core components, and Beth Corrie was hired in 2002 to direct it. In 2008, the school’s first Director of Service Learning, Angela Morris-Long, assumed responsibility for orchestrating the annual event. Under her direction, SING planners paid increased attention to service where students were actively helping and making a difference; she also emphasised the importance of supporting outreach organizations financially. This year, Lovett’s first Director of Civic and Global Engagement, Fran Turner, coordinated the effort. In preparation for the event, advisories were polled on which kinds of service they were drawn to (working with pets, seniors, and children headed the list) and engaged in thoughtful conversation about why we do service and why it is such an important piece of the Lovett identity. With this breadth of real-world SING experience, another generation of Lovett students is learning to appreciate the diverse tapestry of service in their community and the importance of active citizenship and servant leadership.
LEFT: Freshman from the Class of 2023 pose during their SING volunteer work. ABOVE: Lovett’s first SING group in September 1995.
the lovett school magazine / winter
issue 2020
campus news
12
RIVERBANK
ROUND-UP | by Michelle Pope, Sports Information Manager
ABOVE: The Lovett varsity softball team celebrates a home run by Hadley Griggs ’21. RIGHT: The varsity boys cross country team poses after a firstplace finish at the Great American Race in Cary, North Carolina.
“In the end, It was a season measured more on heart and effort than the size of trophies.” -coach mayer As Lovett’s student-athletes returned
swept the Cambridge Bears in a best-of-
Coach Chris Mayer’s cross country
to campus for fall sports, a season of
five series.
teams started their season strong with
“new” was already underway on the
first-place finishes in all races at the
Riverbank. With the departure of long-
On the opposite side of campus, Lovett
Zack Wansley Invitational. Slowed down
time Athletics Director Steve Franks
softball tore through their region
by a few key injuries during the season,
in the spring, Lovett welcomed Ted
schedule, going undefeated (8-0) and
the Lions persevered through adversity,
Gilbreath, Interim Athletics Director, to
winning the 5-AAA title for the third
keeping their sights set on the region
a quiet campus on July 1.
year in a row. In the first round of state
and state tournaments. At the 5-AAA
playoffs, the Lions hosted the Spartans
region meet at Westminster, Lovett’s
The Riverbank was soon abuzz with
of Greater Atlanta Christian, defeating
varsity girls placed second and the boys
early morning Speed & Agility sessions
them in two games of a best-of-three
took third, setting the stage for the
and music booming from the MAC
series in front of an energetic crowd.
state meet at Carrollton, where both
weight room. The days became shorter
Their next test came from the Sharks of
teams finished third overall.
and the air a little crisper, signaling fall
Islands High School, who traveled from
sports were right around the corner.
Savannah to play a best-of-three series
Coach Mike Muschamp’s football team
Lovett volleyball was the first team to
at Brooks Field in front of another loud
had a memorable regular season,
see action in early August, beginning
Lovett fan base. Sophomore pitcher
highlighted by statement wins over
their season with wins over Mt. Pisgah
Peyton Kanaly pitched two complete
Greater Atlanta Christian and Mary
and Mt. Bethel. The Lions, led by
games, securing the wins while
Persons. The Lions maintained a perfect
captains Hannah Crenshaw ’20, Chiara
allowing only three runs over 14 innings.
record on the road, finding wins versus
Kremer ’21, and Cristina Hill ’22, faced a
At the state tournament in Columbus,
BEST Academy, Towers High School,
tough schedule of road games through
Lovett took down Calhoun and East Hall
Pace Academy, and Redan High School.
September. The team finally returned
before their season came to an end
The Lions ended the regular season
home for the annual Lovett Block Party,
against the eventual state champions,
with a 7-3 record, ranked third in region
followed by Senior Night, where they
the Ringgold High School Rams.
5-AAA. the lovett school magazine / winter
issue 2020
campus news
14
FINE THROUG ARTS THROUGH THE winter
THE winter | by Jay Freer ’78, Director of Fine Arts
Performing and Visual Arts students
orchestras. This fall brought an exciting
a student-written showcase of their
continued to amaze the Lovett
lineup of performances to Lovett’s
current experiences and thoughts of
community with their talents in 2019.
campus, from singing and dance to
their future. Paired with songs written
Earlier this spring, Zelle Westfall ’19 won
drama and instrumental music. Sixth
for other shows, the musical was
the World Photography Organization’s
grade choral scholars performed an
formatted to reflect on four years of
Youth Photographer of the Year Award,
all-new fall concert, and the Lovett
high school through one day of classes.
one of the top two prizes at the
Singers attended the Atlanta Opera as
Our Middle School actors brought the
prestigious Sony World Photography
a group for the second year in a row.
house down with their production of
Awards in London. Lovett Visual Arts
Third grade through 12th grade Orchestra
“The Very Unmerry Adventures of Robin
students had a strong presence at local
students delighted families with an
Hood,” and Upper School Theater Arts
venues as well, including the annual
“Orchtoberfest” concert complete with
students presented an outstanding
High Museum of Art exhibition. Lovett
traditional, classical and folk music,
performance of “The Good Doctor,” a
Singers, Chorus, Band and Orchestra
and Upper School Band students kicked
comedy by Neil Simon. The K-12 dance
received top awards and superior
off Halloween festivities with their
students performed yet another sold-
ratings at the Disney Music Festival
annual Spooktacular concert featuring
out show of dances—including ballet,
competition, and Middle and Upper
music from the Ellington Jazz Ensemble
modern, and hip hop—and holiday
School Band, Chorus and Orchestra
and the Upper School Wind Symphony.
season was rounded out by another
students were selected for all-state,
Upper School Musical Theater students
magical evening of Lessons and Carols
honors chorus and youth symphony
performed “Revolutions & Revelations,”
at All Saints’ Episcopal Church.
HAVE YOU SEEN OUR NEW LOGO? Lovett parent Catherine Collier partnered with the Lovett Fine Arts department to design our all-new Friends of the Arts (FOTA) logo! Al, the Arts lion, proudly displays a multitude of Lovett’s Fine Arts disciplines in his mane. For those of you who have joined FOTA, we will be sending you a decal that is auto worthy. Please show your support by proudly displaying it!
GH
THE ARTS PROMOTE CRITICAL THINKING, SELF-CONFIDENCE, DISCIPLINE, AND MORE.
r
TOP: Middle School students perform “The Very Unmerry Adventures of Robin Hood.” BOTTOM: Upper School band students get into the Halloween spirit at their annual Spooktacular concert, featuring music from the Ellington Jazz Ensemble and the Upper School Wind Symphony.
the lovett school magazine / winter
issue 2020
campus news
16
MEET ben posten
office hours
Beloved by alumni and current students alike, Ben Posten has been a familiar face in the Lovett community for 37 years. The eighth grade English and Social Studies teacher graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Journalism, and after a short stint in advertising, went back for his master’s degree in Education at Georgia State University. He starting subbing for Lovett during his student teaching practicum, and the rest is history, as Ben was offered a full-time position the following year. An avid runner, Ben coached Lovett’s cross country team for 15 years and enjoys jogging around his neighborhood off the Atlanta Beltline in his spare time. On the weekends, he enjoys hiking with friends in North Georgia and North Carolina, watching the Georgia Bulldogs play football, and spending time with his two Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Rosie and Roscoe.
| by Lindsey Wohlfrom, Communications & Marketing Manager
Q: You’re pretty well known for your map
wall! How long have you had it, and why do you think it’s so memorable? A: I have to admit to stealing the idea of the world wall map from fellow teacher Andy Sayles. While I was teaching seventh grade, Mr. Sayles was putting a wall map up in his sixth-grade classroom, and I decided it was a must-have for mine as well. With little to no experience in hanging wallpaper, we built out the wall in our classrooms and hung the maps ourselves. Even though over the years, the world has changed, the map still offers a tremendous daydreaming escape. Who wouldn’t want to set one’s sights on a trip around the world while you are learning about the basics of sentence structure?
Q: What’s your favorite part of being a teacher here at Lovett?
A:
Employment at a K-12 school affords me the bonus of being able to interact with students of all ages. It’s extraordinary that I’ve been able to teach and coach siblings of former students, and now even the children of former students. The continuity and progression of familiar faces throughout the years speak to the close-knit community that Mrs. Lovett envisioned.
Q: What achievement are you most proud of? A: Reading through Eva Edwards Lovett’s New Deal in Education,
her belief that “the manner of doing something is more important than the thing itself” has served as one of my guiding principles. Several years ago, Angela Morris-Long and I were encouraged to develop a class that would better connect the students with the world around them. The piloted course, Civic Leadership, was created to help promote student voice, engagement, and reflection. It links the classroom to the community in which we live through a variety of experiences. I am proud that Lovett students leave the middle school well-versed in history, the world, and their local Atlanta community!
“Eva Edward Lovett’s vision for a school built upon a progressive philosophy has made it possible for students to go to school in an environment that is capable of evolving with a changing world. It is exciting to be part of a school that has been in existence for over 93 years! Teachers are routinely encouraged to be innovative and creative, and the administration is always advancing the cause for students to have a more interactive experience in the classroom.” - Ben Posten, Middle School Social Studies & English teacher
traveling teachers
Over the summer, some of our teachers had the opportunity to expand their professional development through travel. We’ve recapped a few of our favorite trips!
Kelly lEcceardone, middle school english • Traveled to Kenya, zimbabwe & south africa Kelly Lecceardone traveled to Kenya, Zimbabwe, and South Africa to study girls’ education and its impact on the environment and wildlife conservation. She visited numerous schools, including village schools in Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve and Samburu National Park, along with Victoria Falls Primary School in Zimbabwe. She will be presenting this information in a collaborative sustainability unit with the sixth grade science teachers.
mary elizabeth notario, upper school spanish • Traveled to spain Mary Elizabeth Notario’s travels across the Iberian Peninsula led her to discover new academic, cultural, geographic, linguistic and historical realms. In addition to fostering Lovett’s long-standing relationship with the highly regarded study abroad program Centro MundoLengua, she attended an official ceremony presided over by His Majesty King Phillip VI, visited museums and cathedrals that showcased the artwork of artists such as Joaquín Sorolla and Francisco de Goya, marveled at the accomplishments of tennis phenom Rafael Nadal at his academy in Mallorca and, while in the Archive of the Indies in Sevilla, came across the original letter penned by Christopher Columbus to the Spanish monarchs upon his first arrival to the Americas in 1492.
brian patterson, Upper School Theater • Traveled to north carolina Brian Patterson’s summer travel took him to the far reaches of the North Carolina mountains—to the Penland School of Craft. In a two-and-a-half week seminar called Design, Forge and Fabricate, he dove into the world of blacksmithing and metal fabrication. Learning from professionals in the iron vocations, he developed new skills in how to work with and manipulate metal for both practical and sculptural uses. These skills will be used to expand Lovett’s offerings to Fine Arts students in Design and Production. Brian enjoyed observing and learning from other artists taking classes at Penland in a myriad of disciplines from paper to clay to glass and wood.
about the program
Lovett’s endowed summer study and travel funds allow faculty to take advantage of professional development opportunities that might not be feasible during the school year. In summer 2019, more than 45 faculty benefited from these funds, returning to Lovett inspired and energized, with new knowledge and skills.
campus news
18
news feed @thelovettschool
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
The Lovett School
@thelovettschool
Top row (left to right): Gracie the dog waited patiently in line to pick up her human
on #NationalDogDay • The Lovett community gathered at Opening Chapel in August to mark the ceremonial 94th school year. Following tradition, the service began with a procession that honored Lovett’s oldest and youngest
students • Lovett seniors all decked out for the senior parade on the first day of school. Middle Row (left to right): Students showed their support for Cure Childhood Cancer and leukemia survivor Quinn Buczek ’18 with a “Gold
Out” during the Cedar Grove game • Middle Schoolers put on a captivating rendition of “The Very Unmerry Adventure of Robin Hood” for their fall production • A #ThrowbackThursday of two Lovett students strolling by the old
Student Activity Center. Bottom Row (left to right): Lovett’s 2019-20 Homecoming queen and king, Catherine Olsen and Pierce Schmidt-Fellner • Lovett eighth graders visited with The Today Show’s Al Roker during their trip to New York City! • Upper School science teachers dressed up as a “heavy metal” group for Halloween, showing off their favorite elements from the periodic table (and their rockstar style)!
features
Lovett fifth graders went to Mentone, Alabama this fall, where they participated in Nature’s Classroom, an experiential education program promoting individual and cooperative learning and enhancing self-esteem. Over the course of two days, students participated in an egg drop, nature hikes, high and low ropes courses, s’mores by the campfire and other team-building exercises.
features
20
with
she blinded me
science (&Math!)
| by Courtney Fowler, Director of Communications & Marketing On October 18, 2019, NASA astronauts
One of the main barriers to girls
characters: the beautiful Penny, a
Jessica Meir and Christina Koch made
pursuing early interest in science is
“good-natured simpleton,” and her polar
history and garnered an extraordinary
social. “Some of the stereotypes around
opposite, the brilliant, bespectacled and
amount of press coverage with the first
STEM (science, technology, engineering
frumpy neuroscientist, Amy.
all-female spacewalk - more than 50
and mathematics) aren’t positive,” says
years after humans took the first steps
Chelle Wabrek, Lovett’s Assistant Head
It’s critical for girls to know that being
into space. Was this delay symbolic
of Academic Affairs. Author and “New
smart is desirable, notes Wabrek, and
of the challenges that women have
York Times” bestseller Stuart Gibbs
real-world examples of female scientists,
historically faced in the sciences?
addressed this head-on during a recent
mathematicians and engineers are
campus visit with Lovett’s fourth through
particularly important. “Having said
seventh graders, as he shared the way
that, our goal isn’t to encourage girls
he developed the main character in his
over boys in the sciences but to make
The National Science Foundation (NSF)
new young adult novel, “Charlie Thorne
sure that we provide models so that
reports that women make up half of the
and the Last Equation.” Charlie is a girl
all students can see themselves in
total US college-educated workforce but
genius, gifted with a scientific mind and
the world,” notes Wabrek. “To do that
only 28% of the science and engineering
the motivation to solve mathematical
we may have to combat stereotypes
workforce. NASA’s spacewalking female
puzzles. Gibbs referenced the NSF
associated with certain subjects
astronauts are therefore notable beyond
statistics and called attention to the
and professions, so we need to be
their recent historic outing: by training,
reinforcement of stereotypes in popular
intentional about giving our students
Dr. Meir is a marine biologist, and Ms.
culture, mentioning the television
models of groundbreaking women in
Koch is an electrical engineer.
show “Big Bang Theory” and its female
these fields.”
In a word: yes!
features
22
Lovett’s Middle School Science Department Chair, Dr. Lannitra
Lovett alumna Jamesa Stokes ’09 agrees. A physics major
Peaks, gives a great deal of credit for her own career to one
at Auburn University and former Fulbright Scholar, Stokes is
of her university professors. ”It was not until college, where I
a Ph.D. candidate in Materials Science and Engineering from
met my mentor, Gloria L. Anderson, Ph.D., that science came
Pennsylvania State University while working as a research
alive. She, a tiny black woman from Arkansas, the daughter
scientist at NASA Glenn Research Center. “If girls are deeply
of sharecroppers, shared her journey earning her Ph.D. with
interested in (the sciences), we need to encourage that and
her students regularly, not to brag, but to empower us. She
not discourage them for what popular media and society
never called me by my first name; to her, I’ve been Dr. Peaks
has somehow deemed ‘undesirable’ based on outdated
since my junior year of college. Dr. Anderson called me as
stereotypes of how a person who is interested in STEM is
she saw me, and I could not disappoint her. She inspired me
or behaves,” said Stokes. “The pursuit of higher education
professionally to do research but also to make connections
in these fields can’t happen if this solid foundation isn’t
with my students by sharing my love of science with them in
built first.” While in graduate school, she has volunteered to
hopes they, too, will see themselves as scientists.”
mentor underrepresented students and encourage them to pursue STEM fields.
“IF GIRLS ARE DEEPLY INTERESTED IN THE SCIENCES, WE NEED TO ENCOURAGE THAT.”
In the Lovett Upper School, females comprise 53% of the students taking AP and honors (post-AP) environmental science, chemistry, physics, biology and astronomy classes. “We typically see more females in AP biology (88% female)
raising nemo(s)
Based on a story by Madison Thompson ’19 for the OnLion student newspaper
and more males in AP physics (80% male), like this year,” says Jennifer Blake, head of the Upper School science department. Only four of the 18 students currently taking AP and honors computer science courses are female, reports Dana Graham, Lovett’s female head of that department; some progress has occurred, however, with the first girls ever enrolling in the honors course (now in its fourth year). Why is all of this important? Simply put, it’s because STEM careers have so much potential now and in the future. A U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report on STEM occupations predicts that job opportunities in some STEM fields may grow as much as 28.2% in the 10-year period leading up to 2024, compared with the average projected growth for all occupations of 6.5%. Further, people in STEM roles “earn considerably more than the overall workforce” and tend to experience lower rates of unemployment than other fields (National Science Board’s Science and Engineering Indicators, 2018). In an interview from the International Space Station after their historic all-female spacewalk, astronauts Meir and Koch announced they were setting their sights on a lunar landing. Dr. Meir’s passion for science and exploration, it turns out, started in elementary school. “That’s the image I had...when I said I wanted to be an astronaut in the first grade,” said Dr. Meir. “Standing on the surface of the moon.”
Lovett’s unique marine biology program, overseen by Dr. Jennifer McCabe Reynolds, has been a popular Upper School science offering for girls and boys alike for years. This spring, a longheld dream of Dr. Reynolds came to fruition: the marine bio lab became home to 334 baby clownfish (the same fish of Finding Nemo fame), successfully bred for the first time ever on campus by proud “parents” Reagan Marshall ’19 and Charlie Hicks ’19. The project was far from easy, because clownfish do not raise their babies themselves; thus, the students had to build an entire food chain. “First, you have to grow Nannochloropsis sp., a type of planktonic single-celled algae,” explains Reagan. “Then, you have to feed that algae to planktonic microorganisms called rotifers. Finally, once you hatch the eggs of the clownfish successfully, you will feed the rotifers to the baby clownfish.” Charlie adds that the hazards are many. “The parents will mistake their own larvae for food and eat them,” says Charlie. “That or the babies are so small they get sucked into the filtration system.” In the end, Dr. Reynolds thinks students like Charlie and Reagan gain valuable life skills from projects like this. “(It took) a lot of effort, creativity, and critical thinking, but we would not have baby clownfish if not for Charlie and Reagan’s love of the organisms and of the science. The students with a passion for and curiosity about the subject are able to get even more out of the experiences available to them,” Dr. Reynolds says. “I try to foster a love for marine biology and the scientific process in my students. In my class, they need to be willing to take on a challenging question or problem without hesitation. They are working with live animals who don’t always behave as you expect them to!” Both Reagan and Charlie came out of their clownfish experience with a strong interest in pursuing careers in the sciences: Reagan is considering a nursing degree, and Charlie intends to study Marine Biology.
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∑
∏ √
If mathematics is indeed the purest form of science, then Lovett senior Lily Siegel is a scientist extraordinaire. Not only is she the Lions’ first female senior statistician for the varsity football team, but her interest and acumen in that area have led to a spot on the stats crews for the 2019 Peach Bowl as well as with the Atlanta Falcons!
MATH: it’s all part
of the equation Lily first became interested in math in middle school, when a teacher used football statistics to teach about fractions. “This was a turning point for me because it made the subject fun,” she said. “I looked forward to that class.” Her Upper School advisor told her about an opportunity on Lovett’s football stats crew, and she joined the team that fall as a junior to be the spotter and stats trainee. The Peach Bowl opportunity soon followed, as did attendance at the Sports Statistics and Analytics Camp at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania this past summer. A National Honor Society, Cum Laude Society and Academic Team member, Lily balances a full course load (including AP calculus) with her stats team schedule, work with the admission office and a spot on Lovett’s golf team. She also finds time to knit hats for the Northside Hospital Infusion Center, ski, and—still a teenager—“eat lots of candy!” Currently applying to colleges, Lily intends to pursue an economics major and statistics minor. This young mathematician isn’t giving up her sideline role just yet, though. “Many of the colleges that I have applied to offer clubs and
·
programs in sports statistics and analytics,” she said.
It takes the generosity of our entire community to support Lovett’s most immediate needs. support true blue today. Give or pledge online at: www.lovett.org/givetrueblue
A group of Georgia GOAL donors were inadvertently excluded from the 2018-2019 Annual Report that was published in November 2019. Please accept our deepest apologies for this oversight. Their names are listed below. Sharon and Bonneau Ansley Susan Shackelford Arnold ’85 and Edward Arnold Virginia Simms Baaklini ’01 and Nader Baaklini Chris and Willis Ball Johanna and Bryan Barnes ’90 Rodes and Frank Bazzel ’98 Kimberly and Jason Black ’98 Teri and William Bond Anne Cartledge Allan Chanaberry Richard Clive Diana and Mac Cochran Daphne and Randy Coley ’65 Gail and Booker Dalton Laura and Brad Dowling Charlotte and Josh Goldfarb Robin and Chris Hackney
Patti and Charles Heinz Janis and Barry Henry Shana and Shawn Horan Sara and David Hathaway Liz and Bill Hayne Denise and Jim Kagey David Kandzari Ashton Etheridge King ’03 and Jonathan King ’03 Robin and Ralph King Melanie Rolader Kleekamp ’73 and Tommy Kleekamp Eric Kreimer Cappy and Pete Livezey Erin and John Lockett Russ Magbee ’77 Connie Maloof Mansour ’70 and Jerry Mansour Mark III Signs, Inc. Tricia and Joe Matthews ’95
Tavia and Doug McCuean Duncan Miller Elizabeth and James Mitchell Maria and Adrian Mogos Ginny and Hugh Mullins Ansley and David Oyler ’87 Palladian Management Company Anna and Richard Pare Aimee and Chris Partin Melody and Chris Pass Sallie and Nick Pecora-Saipe Annette and Robbie Pellitero Sue and Buddy Redd Sue and Hugh Ripps Christopher Routledge ’01 Heather and Habib Samady Selig Enterprises, Inc. Barbara and Steven Sween Stephanie and Mark Teichner Simone and Daniel Walsh
We are deeply grateful for all of our community members who participate in this incredibly important effort. The Georgia Private School Tax Credit program allows Georgia residents to redirect a portion of their tax dollars to qualifying non-profits. Participants make a donation to GOAL, designate Lovett as the recipient, and then receive a tax credit of equal value. Please contact Nancy Black at nancy.black@lovett.org or visit www.lovett.org/support/private-school-tax-credit for more information.
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amrs.new day for lovett’s vision for learning | by Chelle Wabrek, Assistant Head of School
Our founder was clear about how students would thrive in a changing world — as active agents invested in their own learning, able to pursue original ideas while purposefully collaborating with classmates and applying knowledge in authentic and unique ways.
The scene was Prussia in the 1500s, and the Margrave of Ansbach held court in order to make serious decisions about the future of the Catholic Church in the wake of reforms prescribed by Martin Luther. While the original forum for that discussion took place in 1529, it was re-enacted at Lovett just this fall in AP World History, as each student in the class took on a role and advocated for a specific point of view. Martin Luther himself appeared, as did the counter argument represented by Ignatius Loyola. Also in the Margrave’s court were artisans representing various guilds, peasants, representatives of Charles V, and various feudal lords. Students engaged in lively debate, passionately arguing for the point of view espoused by their assigned characters. Eventually the “Margrave” voted in favor of Martin Luther, ending the Catholic Church’s reign in the region. She explained that her reasoning was political in nature, not religious or emotional. In an effort to consolidate and centralize her power, she felt that aligning herself with the “Lutherans” reduced the Pope’s rule and increased her dominance in the land. This simulation encapsulates the essence of a Lovett education and was exactly what our founder envisioned as she dreamed of this school.
In 1936, Eva Edwards Lovett delivered an address to the Lovett Mother’s Club, articulating her vision for learning. Mrs. Lovett’s beliefs were deeply rooted in the groundbreaking work of scholar John Dewey, who taught that knowledge is best constructed through investigation and exploration and that education is not one-directional but requires the active participation of students in authentic, relevant inquiry. Mrs. Lovett staunchly advocated for schools that “consider each child an individual with special strengths” and that “work in terms of attitudes, appreciations and the development of personality.” She noted that “the manner of doing something is considered more important than the thing done,” as schools must “offer an education of doing and creating as opposed to a training in memorizing and repeating.” Her dream for schools, made concrete in the founding of Lovett, was that they empower students to act as ethical contributors to a changing world, becoming agents in their own learning. It is easy to see the way Mrs. Lovett’s vision is realized with our youngest learners. Children intuitively learn by doing, and the important work of “play” illustrates many of Mrs. Lovett’s maxims. As students grow older, their exploration and understanding of complicated content
requires creativity and carefully designed curricular planning so they are afforded the opportunity to grapple with a growing body of knowledge. In the pressure-cooker world of College Boards, “Varsity Blues,” and increasing competition in the college race, it would be easy for the nation’s teachers to default to an education based on an excessive accumulation of knowledge, lectures and passive listening or textbookbased curricular planning. It is the engagement with the world of information, using it in novel, ethical and purposeful ways, that contributes to a caring and responsive society. Our founder was clear about how students would thrive in a changing world — as active agents invested in their own learning, able to pursue original ideas while purposefully collaborating with classmates and applying knowledge in authentic and unique ways. Our World History students did just that — enacting all they had learned about the impact of the Reformation on a changing political landscape, employing rhetoric to argue passionately for a historically situated point of view and exploring the implications of the event on our current reality. Mrs. Lovett would have enjoyed watching our students live history, knowing that her vision is alive and well.
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LOVETT’S STRATEGIC DESIGN PROCESS
BUILDING FOR
TOMORROW | by Katie Post,
Director of Development for Strategic Partnerships
WHY
Much of the focus in educational circles is on the question of how to prepare the next generation of talent for the workforce. This is important, but it’s not enough to think only about college or employment. What if we also want to prepare young people to live healthy, fruitful lives as compassionate, responsible, motivated and well-informed citizens? How does Lovett cultivate character, emotional intelligence, and intellectual curiosity that echo the intentions of our founder Eva Lovett? The purpose of Lovett’s Strategic Design Process is to reflect deeply on Lovett’s mission and discuss openly as a community where we are and where we go from here. Building on Lovett’s enduring values, this process will clearly define our core beliefs and highest goals for our students, and the school’s future strategic initiatives will unfold from there. It’s exciting to think about how Lovett can have an even greater impact on our families and community as we build out our school for tomorrow.
“BUILDING ON LOVETT’S ENDURING VALUES, THIS PROCESS WILL CLEARLY DEFINE OUR CORE BELIEFS AND HIGHEST GOALS FOR OUR STUDENTS, AND THE SCHOOL’S FUTURE STRATEGIC INITIATIVES WILL UNFOLD FROM THERE.”
WHAT
We seek to design a road map for the future of the school. Working in concert with our consultants, Greenwich Leadership Partners, the goal for this process is to create a one-page strategy that is evergreen and will create the conditions for success at Lovett for generations to come.
TO DATE, FOUR AREAS OF INQUIRY HAVE EMERGED FOR EXPLORATION: 1.
What is the current landscape and market for Lovett?
2.
What is Lovett’s identity, and how do we differentiate ourselves?
3.
What are Lovett’s assets? Are they fully leveraged? What’s missing?
4.
How can we improve community engagement at Lovett to build trust and satisfaction with all of our stakeholders?
WHO
Every member of the Lovett community is invited to participate in the Strategic Design Process. The process is being co-chaired by Head of School Meredyth Cole and parent John O. Knox ’88. Together they formed the Strategic Design Team, which is made up of Board members, faculty, administrators, parents, alumni, and external professionals in a variety of fields. This team of 18 capable individuals has divided up into four Learning Teams based on the four areas of inquiry. They will guide Lovett through a community-wide survey, focus groups and interviews, research on emerging educational trends, and looking to other schools from around the country for inspiration.
WHEN
The Strategic Design Process launched in May 2019 and will conclude at the end of this school year in June 2020. The community-wide survey was administered in November to all stakeholders, including students (sixth through 12th grade). The results of the survey will be presented to the Board of Trustees in February. In-depth focus groups will be held throughout the spring to follow up on questions and topics that emerge from the survey data. All the while, the Strategic Design Team will be drafting and testing strategy, vision, and critical choices that will guide the future of Lovett’s ability to fulfill its mission. And at the end of it all, Lovett will have a strategy on one page that will be clear and concise and that articulates our mission and core institutional values for all to embrace as we near our centennial celebration.
“
HOW DOES LOVETT CONTINUE TO CULTIVATE CHARACTER, EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE, AND INTELLECTUAL CURIOSITY THAT ECHOES THE EDUCATIONAL VISION OF OUR FOUNDER EVA LOVETT?
JOURNEY BY THE NUMBERS
62
Lovett stakeholders serving on the Strategic Design Team and Learning Teams with Co-chairs Meredyth Cole and John O. Knox ’88
10,317 Members of the Lovett community surveyed
93
Years of Lovett’s history to consider as we write our story for the future
221 Students used the word “fun” when asked, “What three words would you use to describe The Lovett School?”
the lovett school magazine / winter
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alumni
This fall, your Alumni Association toasted alums in New York City, hosted alumni friends and families for Homecoming, posted dozens of school memories online, and boasted (about you) in the new LovettNOW Alumni Newsletter. See it all in the pages ahead!
Pictured: Mary Holloway Timberlake ’75, Bryan Timberlake ’75, and grandchildren Wyatt and Earl (sons of Anne Timberlake ’03) share a smile with Morgan Snellings Rogers ’03.
save the date april 24–25, 2020
Rock ’n Roast Reunion Party with live music by The Uncle Mike Band 28th Annual Run ’n Lovett 2K & 5K Class celebrations Visit www.lovett.org/reunions or e-mail alumni@lovett.org for more details.
spring reunion weekend CELEBRATING 10TH-45TH REUNIONS
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The Lovett School Alumni Executive Board, 2019–20 Thaddeus Rolle ’04, President Seale Arnold Lindsay ’90, Past President
Dear Lovett family, As your newest Alumni Executive Board President, I am honored and excited to be working with school administration and staff for the 2019-20 school year. It is a tremendous opportunity representing the 7300+ alumni living around the world to further serve the Lovett community. I embrace the mission to help foster a community of young men and women of honor, faith, and wisdom. As our community, country, and world evolve, Lovett will continue to educate the brightest young leaders of our future. The unwavering support of the Alumni Board has ensured our alumni give the most important gift of time to serve our community. This year, we have established a goal of involving alumni with on-campus activities and events in a new and engaging way. Our active engagement with students and staff at Lovett will provide immeasurable support and growth for higher achievement. We encourage all our alumni and parents to join these efforts to foster a community of higher achievement. I hope that you will participate in future alumni activities as we strive to be the best ambassadors to Lovett we can be. Respectfully,
Thaddeus Rolle ’04 2019-20 president, lovett alumni association
Kurt Hohlstein ’76 Larry Jackson ’77 Franklin Thomas ’80 Hakim Hilliard ’85 David Lee ’87 Bobby Mitchell ’89 Kate McIntosh Pearce ’90 Will Porter ’93 Rebecca Warner Strang ’93 Chris Foster ’00 Ali Dick Blaisdell ’02 Preston Davis ’04 Cameron Bagley Zakem ’07 Stuart Coleman ’09 Sarah Brook Williams Austin ’11
Ex Officio Meredyth Cole Head of School Lara Kauffman Director of Alumni Programs Starr Pollock Assistant Director of Alumni Programs
An evening to remember in New York city
On October 9, alumni & friends toasted one another at the newly renovated flagship Carolina Herrera store at 75th and Madison Avenue, hosted by Lovett’s own Wes Gordon ’05.
Pictured (clockwise from top left): Lizzie Hyland ’06, Jamie Topping ’06, Adam Domanico ’06, Elizabeth Henschen ’06 and Emaan England ’06; Dane Holmes ’88, Rashidi Hendrix ’92 and Sharland Hendrix; Carrick Mollenkamp ’87, Alex Holleman, Todd Holleman ’90, Head of School Meredyth Cole, Shara Hughes ’00 and Austin Eddy; Bet Dykes Pope ’79, Wes Gordon ’05 and Carter Pope ’74. For more photos, visit: www.lovett.org/alumninyc.
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alumni night at hudson yards
One night was not enough for New York City alumni! Queensyard at Hudson Yards played host to an encore alumni cocktail party on Thursday, October 10.
Pictured, from left to right: Head of School Meredyth Cole, Camille Ward ’15, and trustee Burke Whitman ’74; Chappell Loudermilk ’10, Eric Hood ’10, and Kelly Ames ’08. For more photos, visit: www.lovett.org/alumninyc.
want to know what’s happening now?
the alumni multimedia newsletter has arrived! Email alumni@lovett.org and request Lovett NOW
THREE TIMES A YEAR
FALL | WINTER | SPRING See the pictures • Watch the clips
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friday night
lights✴ By: Thornton Kennedy ’92
as printed in the september 2018 issue of the northside neighbor.
Spending Friday nights on the banks of the Chattahoochee River watching high school football isn’t a bad place to be. In the early fall, before daylight saving time, it is a beautiful site, with the green water passing lazily, almost an afterthought given the commotion in the foreground. As the quarters progress, the river fades into darkness, and the Friday night lights illuminate Lovett’s Kilpatrick Stadium and Conley-Oakley Field. The air cools to a near-perfect temperature. Our son Thornton hasn’t played the game since he was in the sixth grade, and our daughter Virginia last cheered when he was playing. They are both in high school now, and our weekly ritual going on 11 years is to spend Friday nights on the Riverbank when Lovett has a home game. Sometimes I wonder why, especially given neither child is involved in the sport. Parking can be a pain, especially if it’s a rivalry game. Sometimes it is too hot, sometimes too cold. There are always things to do and places to be, and yet week in and week out, we are there with the same group. The stadium entry is campus-level. About 40-feet below, the field is on the bank of the Chattahoochee. You walk through the gates to a vista of trees, river and open fields. The smell of hamburgers and hot dogs is always in the air, as the volunteer parents — the LionBackers — are set up just outside the concession stand, usually the dads grilling over an open flame as the game is played below. The volunteers also man the concession stand. Every sport is represented. It’s not just football families. There are parents of other athletes including cross country, tennis and soccer all trying to create order out of the chaos. The stadium is more or less the same as when I was a student there 100 years ago, save for a major renovation of the entry, the ticketing, the press box and
restrooms in 2015. There are bleachers down on the track, but the stadium “seats” are large, long concrete blocks in the hillside. Going back to when Thornton was just a wee kindergartner, we sat a bit to the north of the 50-yard line, more around the 30 — the cheaper seats. Just to the right is the student section, which is an interesting hierarchy in and of itself. When our children were in elementary school, they sat with us, begging to leave after the first quarter. As they got older, they found their way to the field behind the south end zone, where an alternative football game takes place. Later they made their way to the track, the temporary bleachers and the candy truck. We always spied on them. They were little. We found they rarely, if ever, watched the game. They were moving from spot to spot en masse, groups of six to eight students conjoined into a new organism, with one or two spinning off and two or three joining at regular intervals. And finally, when they got to high school, they joined the student section. The freshmen are at the top, and seniors are up front nearer the field, with the juniors and sophomores rising behind them. As the years pass, the students move downward toward the field. It is a rite of passage. It was only when Thornton began high school that I started recognizing some of his classmates’ names over the public address system. Now that he is a junior and Virginia is a freshman, it seems we know just about every player, including where they are thinking about going to college and who they are dating. What keeps us coming out, warm or cold, rain or shine, plans or no plans, is the community. I am sure it is the same at other schools like North Atlanta, Mount Vernon and Pace. Our children get to see their friends during the first weeks of the school year, but we, too, get reintegrated to what has become our extended family over the last decade. My wife and her cohorts pass around their cell phones showing off Instagram photos and videos, occasionally looking up to see the score or the halftime performance. I watch a little football, get caught up with other parents about their summers, the school year and whatever else is going on in their lives. “Friday Night Lights” is a bit of cliché, but the sense of community on the periphery of those lights is real. It is why we pack up the car on Friday and head out to the stadium, even though our kids — like us — are simply spectators.
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homecoming ON THE RIVERBANK Alumni homecoming has entered a new era with reunions moving to the spring. The Alumni Association is happy to report that over 300 alumni, families, and friends returned to the Riverbank to celebrate and cheer on the Lions. With the kids’ attention turned to face-painting, balloon animals and jumpy castles, alumni enjoyed catching up over barbecue, playing cornhole, and striking a pose together in the TapSnap photo booth. For more photos, visit: www.lovett.org/homecoming2019.
Pictured (clockwise, from top left): Chuck Melito, Jill Melito and Sam Evins ’79; Lisa Childs Bedell ’79, Gregor Turk ’78, Frances Wall Higgins ’79, Sloat Van Winkle ’79, Bet Dykes Pope ’79 and Mike Scheu; Henley Odom, Bailey Peterson Odom ’04, and children Wells and Ware; Brian Boutté, trustee emeritus, and Matthew Boutté ’16. Opposite: Richard Gerakitis ’74 with granddaughter, May, the daughter of Lindsay Conrad Gerakitis ’03 and Richard Gerakitis, Jr. ’03.
“Homecoming is one of the few chances to see all ages of the Lovett family who rekindle years of memories with every handshake or greeting.” -richard gerakitis ’74
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mixed media Alumni artists mingled with friends—old and new—at Lovett’s annual Art Show & Sale, hosted by Friends of the Arts (FOTA) in November.
1
Allison Dick Blaisdell ’02
Allison is an artist and graphic designer. Focusing on layering and color, she creates visual spaces that captivate the viewer by invoking a memory, an energy, or a place that they have experienced. She works in both oil and acrylic and often incorporates mixed media into her paintings.
2
1
Katie Fee ’12
Katie is an Artist-in-Residence at the Morean Center for Clay in Saint Pete, Florida. She holds a B.A. in Studio Art and a graduate degree in Ceramics. Her work is based on her perception of the conversation between agriculture and environment, and the process revolves around exploration of distortion and change in clay.
3
David Bockel ’95
David is an investment advisor by day and a woodworker in his spare time. An expert on the subject of wood turning, he is fascinated with traditional hand tool woodworking. David seeks wood with character that he can transform into beautiful objects of sculpture.
4
2
Virginia Jackson Carr ’07
Virginia received her master’s degree in Photography from Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD). Using traditional photographic processes, her work explores themes of family, memory, place and home. An instructor at at The Art Institute of Austin, her work has been exhibited in galleries across the Southeast.
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the classes lovett class notes · winter edition
Pictured: Mr. Morris Johnson, Director of Computer Services at Lovett from 1973 to 1978, with students Skip Gumble ’78, Mark Dietrich ’77, and Lorin Roskos ’79.
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1965 Camille Neville Wright announces the publication of her Southern historical novel, “Anne Aletha,” to be released in April 2020 by Ardent Writer Press.
1968 Jill Partain Allen recently retired from The Westminster Schools after 32 years, and a career total of 40 years of teaching. She and husband Jim moved from Smyrna to Sugar Hill to be nearer to their three grandsons, 9-year-old Will, and 6-year-old twins Adam and Luke.
1970 Dick Sorenson is now retired and living in Sandy Springs!
1974
Carl Jackson recently retired as Principal of Harlem Middle School in Columbia County, Georgia. Carl and his wife Sheryl recently celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary and live in Milton, Georgia, just north of Atlanta.
Pictured: Classmates from 1977 celebrated their 60th birthdays as a group.
1977 Classmates from 1977 banded together in celebration of their 60th birthdays at the home of Mimi Bondurant Hardie. “Thank you Richard Goodsell, Ben Rogers, and Susie Webb Gregg for entertaining us at our birthday party!”
1978
Charlotte Laws has released her new memoir, “Undercover Debutante: The Search for My Birth Parents and a Bald Husband,” which won a Publisher’s Weekly book award.
1979
Wendy Olley Cook and her husband Reggie are still living in Atlanta enjoying an empty nest. “We spend as many weekends as possible up at our Lake Lanier cabin. We are also doing a lot of traveling around the world. Our daughter, Darby Sangrey, is married and living in Nashville. She is a nurse practitioner. Our son, Chandler, is working in the family business as a lighting solutions engineer and also produces music in his spare time. We are also very fortunate to have three of our parents still living independently. Ages 90, 94 and 95!”
Pictured : Charlotte Laws ’78 posing with her new memoir, “Undercover Debutante: The search for my Birth Parents and a Bald Husband.”
1998 A short film produced and directed by Hudson Lines launched online in August. “The Last Trap Family” was co-produced by ITVS (part of the PBS ecosystem), and the film tells the story of Corey Forrest, a third generation self-described fishermom, as she works with her family on the last trap fishing operation in Rhode Island. To join Corey and her father Alan aboard their ship is to peek into a bygone world powered not by technology, but by traditions handed down over generations. As they work with gear maintained for decades, they fight to keep a family business afloat and maintain a way of life connected to and in partnership with the natural world. See the 11-minute film here: https://youtu.be/b7tWcAdJvK0
1981
Gray Campbell returned to campus Homecoming Weekend to help rededicate the beautiful brass bell that chimes after each Lion touchdown in Kilpatrick Stadium. The bell, which was originally in use by a circa 1910 steam locomotive, was donated to Lovett in the mid-1970s by Dot and Tom Campbell and their children, Tom Campbell ’79, Gray, and Margaret Campbell Rixham ’83. Tom Campbell was in the Railroad industry for 30 years and an avid collector of railroad bells and memorabilia.
Pictured: Hudson Lines ’98 in Brooklyn, New York, where he resides and works as a filmmaker.
stay connected! follow us on social media to stay up-to-date
@lovettalumni lovett alums lovett alumni Pictured: Gray Campbell rededicates the brass bell at Kilpatrick Stadium.
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2002 Melissa Melito Adkins and the whole Melito family (pictured below) reunited in Orange Beach, Alabama this summer, and Kelsey ’10 is expecting Melito grandbaby number five in January!
2003 Lions, lions, aplenty! Lovett alums & friends (pictured at the bottom of the page) celebrated the nuptials of Lorin Young Rollins ’03 and Palmour Rollins ’03.
2004 After finishing a general surgery residency at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, Cornelius Thiels and his wife Kat moved to New York City, where he is completing a fellowship in Surgical Oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Pictured (from left to right): Melissa Melito Adkins ’02 with sons Tyler (3) and Colton (8), Jessica Melito Orlick ’05 with son Mitchell (1), happy grandparents and Lovett coaches Jill and Chuck Melito, and Kelsey Melito Shackelford ’10 with son Barrett (2).
Alex Thomas founded a marketing agency, Inspyre Media, in Atlanta in 2017 that primarily focuses on creating and implementing customer experience strategy in a variety of industries. In the meantime, after serving as Managing Editor for Clark Howard, Inc. for several years, she has continued to pursue her passion in personal finance by founding a nonprofit that focuses on financial literacy for young people. The goal of “My Common Cents” is to help Georgia’s youth receive the tools they need to develop the skills, mindset and lifestyle that allows them to become self-sufficient and achieve financial stability.
Pictured: Fellow alums and friends pose with Lorin Young Rollins ’03 and Palmour Rollins ’03.
2005
2009
Lovett friendships last a lifetime.
Old friends together on Antolina Ramirez Bastone’s special day.
Pictured, from left to right: Caroline Murphy Patterson, Jessica Holt Barthmaier, and Kate Beiser Connolly.
2006 Lauren Claridge graduated from UNC Chapel Hill with her Global MBA in December 2017. She subsequently was hired by Michelin North America as a National Key Account Manager in July 2018.
2008 Dan Laney is completing his medical residency in interventional radiology in New Orleans.
Pictured: Carolina Ivey (far left), Mary Scott Wolters Jameson (second from left), bride Antolina Ramirez Bastone (center), Sullivan Griffith (right of the bride), and Lenzie Avery (far right).
2010 After a few years in corporate America, Elly Offutt (pictured below) recently settled in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado and is pursuing her dream of running an adventure travel company. She spent the last year on the road pursuing skiing, avalanche education, guiding, and outdoor recreating to prepare her to create Third Eye Backcountry, a boutique adventure travel company that specializes in providing adventures of a lifetime in some of the world’s most inspiring and off-the-beaten-track places. “We believe in experiencing different cultures, tasting new cuisines, and pushing boundaries while minimizing our impact to create culturally and environmentally sustainable adventures.”
Pictured: Elly Offutt ’10 exploring off-the-beaten-track locations for her newest venture, Third Eye Backcountry.
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wingmen
Cyrus Wilson ’12 and Robert Currie ’12 take flight into their futures.
Pictured: Robert Currie ’12 and Cyrus Wilson ’12.
editor’s note: Cyrus Wilson ’12 and Robert Currie ’12, both graduates of The U.S. Naval Academy, “winged” together this August on the T-45 in Kingsville, Texas. Upon receiving their wings, they were given the specific planes they would fly. Robert, who is serving in the Navy, is training on the F-18 Growler in Whidbey Island, Washington. Cyrus, who is serving in the Marines, is in Beaufort, South Carolina training on the F-35 Bravo. The following is an excerpt from an article on the pair of friends written by Cameron Wilson ’17 for the OnLion student newspaper during his senior year.
At the Lovett Senior Honors Night in May of 2012, a man said it was extraordinary that there were two high school students from the same school who had been admitted to the Naval Academy. It is even more surprising that these two people happened to be best friends from when they were young teenagers. It is no surprise that Lovett Alums Cyrus Wilson and Robert Currie have succeeded tremendously at the Academy. When talking about the decision to go to the Academy, Cyrus said, “I think I went for the wrong reasons and stayed for the right reasons. The reasons I went are because there’s so much push for success at a place like Lovett that I thought the Naval Academy
class notes - special segment
“ {Lovett} prepared Me for the rigors of school here at the Naval Academy. The teachers I had at Lovett, the faculty, the talent of students in the classes, was top of the line.”-Robert currie ’12
would be a place that I could reach that success. But I realized when I got there that it wasn’t about me. It was about serving and leading as an officer, and that is why I stayed.” Cyrus still excelled through his plebe year, earning a starting spot on the Navy rugby team as the only plebe by a chance occurrence. “I had a buddy who just took me out one day to practice and introduced me to the team,” Cyrus said. “I missed football and wanted to be with a good group of guys. It turned out rugby is nothing like football at all, but still fun nonetheless.” In Cyrus’s final semester at the Academy, he served as the Company Commander of the 22nd Company. “I was in charge of the well-being and training of 140 people,” he said. “Basically that means trying to motivate people and keep them out of trouble when necessary, or be there for them when they have personal issues.” As a senior on the Navy baseball team, Robert was the captain of his team. He was also voted captain of all the captains of the sports teams at the Naval Academy by peer captains. He mentioned how it was very humbling and that the most rewarding part of this honor was “getting to know the other captains and learning from them.” Robert also broke several of the school records and led the team through winning the championship of the Patriot League. Lovett, in general, prepared Cyrus for the strenuousness of the Academy. “The reason why it prepared me for the Naval Academy was because I took advantage of every opportunity,” said Cyrus. For Robert, Lovett truly helped him because he was surrounded with many great people. “I was more than prepared for the rigors of school here at the Naval Academy,” he said. “The teachers I had at Lovett, the faculty, the talent of students in the classes, was top of the line.”
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2015 Georgia College senior and cross country athlete Tessa Allen was named Bobcat Athlete of the Week for the week ending on November 10. Allen ran to All-Region status at the NCAA Southeast Regional, finishing 17th in the 181-runner field, crossing the line in 22:58. The time was a personal record and the 10th fastest in school history, leading the Bobcat squad to 10th place as a team. During the West Georgia Wolves 44-34 victory over in-state rival Shorter University, senior quarterback Willie Candler moved to the top of the record books, passing Chris Teal to become the all-time leader in career passing yards. Dorothy Rau (pictured right) was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to work in Turkey for the 2019-2020 academic year. She graduated from The University of Georgia in May with bachelor’s degrees in international affairs and Arabic. While in Turkey, Dorothy hopes to get involved with the local artistic community and use her theater background to engage her students in the classroom. Pictured, top: Georgia College senior Tessa Allen ’15 was named Bobcat Athlete of the Week. Pictured, bottom: Dorothy Rau ’15.
2017 Camryn Bragg ’17 is in her third year at The College of Wooster in Wooster, Ohio. She is completing a double major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Spanish. Camryn serves as a research assistant in a USDA-ARS Maize Virology lab at the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center and is passionate about the increasing retention of underrepresented students in STEM disciplines.
Pictured: Camryn Bragg ’17 poses with Marcel Elkouri during their presentation of “The Game of Life: Working to Retain UFGLI Students in STEM.”
Currently, she’s working on three research projects: 1) Examining the role of Tsa1/Tsa2 proteins in the increase of genomic instability 2) How the exclusive and gendered Spanish language influences the lives of Latinx LGBTQ+ communities 3) Discovering the role of leafhopper Graminella nifrigons in the transmission of Maize Chloric Drawf Virus in our crops.
Concurrently, she is the co-president of a student-led organization called Minorities in STEM and is heavily involved in community outreach by serving as a mentor to at-risk youth in Wooster’s local school districts. Camryn has worked tirelessly on reforming STEM, not only on Wooster’s campus, but nationally as well. She has presented at conferences across the country to share the importance of a support system on college campuses for underrepresented students and has worked with faculty/staff to increase inclusive pedagogy.
2019 Lovett football alumni and friends reunited on September 28 at Notre Dame for the UVA game.
This November alone, Camryn has presented at the GLCA Students of Color Conference in Delaware, Ohio and the AAC&U Transforming STEM in Higher Education Conference in Chicago, Illinois. Camryn will be moving her work to Salamanca, Spain in January 2020, where she plans to spend six months in an advanced Spanish immersion program. Upon graduation from The College of Wooster, Camryn is looking to continue her work in a graduate program.
young alums on campus
Pictured, left to right: Freshmen K.J. Wallace ’19, Nick Jackson ’19, Kyle Hamilton (Marist), and J.D. Bertrand (Blessed Trinity).
In November, Young Alumni Mentors (YAMs) returned to campus to share coffee, chicken biscuits, and wisdom with the class of 2020. The event was a huge success! YAMs pairs two young alumni with Lovett advisories for the sake of mentorship, friendship, and to establish a first “alumni connection” for Lovett’s Upper School students. If you’d like to get involved with the YAMs program, email alumni@lovett.org. the lovett school magazine / winter
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2.
marriages 1. Sydney Langway Avery ’07 and Thomas Avery ’07 September 7, 2018 2. Isabelle Culpepper Adams ’13 and Will Adams May 18, 2019 3. Sarah Price Barnes ’05 and Ley Barnes April 27, 2019
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4. Jessica Holt Barthmaier ’05 and Michael Barthmaier July 20, 2019 5. Antolina Ramirez Bastone ’09 and RJ Bastone May 11, 2019 6. Ann Sample Fox ’08 and Andrew Fox August 31, 2019 7. Madison Beth Lever and Warren L. Hamilton III ’03 May 4, 2019
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8. Erin Everhart and Thaddeus Rolle ’04 May 4, 2019 9. Lorin Young Rollins ’03 and Palmour Rollins ’03 April 6, 2019 10. Olivia Napolitano Whitlock ’11 and Parker Whitlock ’11 December 29, 2018 NOT PICTURED Kristen Shaw and Kenny Budd ’07 September 7, 2019 Courtney Street Hedrick ’11 and Boston Hedrick June 1, 2019
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9. the lovett school magazine / winter
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babies
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1. Charlotte (Lottie) Anne Deere (with big brother, Whit) April 18, 2019 Jason and Katherine Sands Deere ’04 2. Asa John Domanico October 1, 2019 Lea Sedehi Domanico ’08 and Daniel Domanico ’09 3. Bailey Laird Dozier June 18, 2019 Katie and Taylor Dozier ’02 4. Charlotte Veronica and Annie Jane Flowers (with big brother, Cooper Reece) May 31, 2019 Alana Blanks Flowers ’99 and Tanner Flowers ’99
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5. Elena Mary Gober August 20, 2019 Ashlyn and Charles Gober ’11 6. Finn Patrick Latham (with big sister, Scarlett Victoria) August 14, 2019 Conor and Rebekah Wright Latham ’02 7. Mary Stuart Low October 4, 2019 Kathleen Block Low ’08 and Charlie Low ’09 8. Amelia Jane Newquist August 28, 2019 Amanda Siegel Newquist ’06 and Adam Newquist ’05 9. Julia Gamble Oswald April 27, 2019 Katheryn and Wilson Oswald ’05
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10. Arthur Boydston Rollins “Boyd” (with big sister Elsie) July 2 2, 2019 Katie Boydston Rollins ’07 and Win Rollins ’07 11. Piper McVey Sandlin (with big sister, Sage) April 24, 2019 Chris and Brooke Buerkle Sandlin ’98 12. Rhodes Clark Stearns May 8, 2019 Robert and Suzanne Clark Stearns ’07 13. Theo Edward Thiels May 20, 2019 Kat and Cornelius Thiels ’04 14. Winston “Winn” James Whittaker September 22, 2019 Andrew and Emily Scheible Whittaker ’08 15. Jackson Thomas Woolbright May 14, 2019 Jordan and Megan Popkin Woolbright ’05
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14. Not pictured: John “Jack” Brading Lanigan; May 8, 2018; John and Blair Brading Lanigan ’02 the lovett school magazine / winter
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in memoriam Edward Y. Albert, Sr. Parent of alumnus
Lee Cromwell Evans Parent of alumni
Carolyn Riehl Kelly Baker Parent of alumnae, grandparent of alumni
Richard Felker Parent of alumna, grandparent of alumni
Anne Barnwell Parent of alumni, grandparent of alumni, grandparent Tom Bartelt Retired Faculty Carolyn Bradshaw Parent of alumni, grandparent of alumni
Hugh “Bucky” Gage, Jr. Parent of alumnae Helen Janeway Price Gilbreath Parent of alumni, grandparent of alumni and great grandparent Cole McAfee Hagood ’13
Belitje Bancker Bull Parent of alumni, grandparent of alumna
Nancy Williams Lester Parent of alumnae
Gena Burgamy ’81
McKee Nunnally Parent of alumni, grandparent of alumna
Homer Clayton Burrous, Jr. Parent of alumni Frank Cairns, Jr. Parent of alumna Alice Stone Chancellor ’85 Sarah Yuille Clarke Parent of alumnae William Walton Clarke Parent of alumnae Herbert Cohen Parent of alumni, grandparent of alumni Malinda Miller Cook Parent of alumni, grandparent of alumna
Benjamin Thomas Selman, Jr. Parent of alumni, grandparent of alumnae John Rutherford Seydel LL ’30 Parent of alumna, grandparent of alumni, great grandparent of alumni Wade Henry Shuford Parent of alumni Flo Criss Smith ’66 Sally Marshall Sorenson Parent of alumni, grandparent of alumni
James Dalton, Sr. Parent of alumnae, grandparent of alumni
Terry Stratton Parent of alumni, grandparent of alumnae and grandparent
Dr. James Caldwell Davis Parent of alumni, grandparent of alumni, grandparent
Dorothy “Dotty” Hobby Travis Parent of alumnae, grandparent of alumna
Robert DeBorde Parent of alumni
Bill Wainwright, Jr. ’65
David Barron Dennison Parent of alumnae Mary Ann Edwards Parent of alumni
Julie Ann Wegener Parent of alumnus John Walter Wilcox Parent of alumna Timothy Yancey ’64
the lovett character pledge We, who are members of the Lovett community, seek to live lives of good character. We believe that good character grows from daily acts of honesty, respect, responsibility, and compassion. We pledge ourselves to develop these ideals with courage and integrity, striving to do what is right at all times.
the lovett school mission
The Lovett School is a community that seeks to develop young men and women of honor, faith, and wisdom with the character and intellect to thrive in college and in life. Founded in 1926 by Eva Edwards Lovett, we continue today as an Atlanta independent school serving children in Kindergarten through Grade 12. With an emphasis on the whole child, we provide integrated experiences in academics, arts, athletics, and service through an education grounded in learning, character, and community. Learning Lovett faculty and staff inspire our students to love learning. We help them discover how to think critically, communicate effectively, engage creatively, and collaborate purposefully. We create opportunities for them to grow in all dimensions—intellectual, emotional, physical, aesthetic, moral, and spiritual. Character Lovett teaches the qualities of servant leadership and sound character—honesty, respect, responsibility, compassion, courage, and integrity. We celebrate the uniqueness of each individual within an intentionally inclusive, diverse, and welcoming environment. We honor God in an atmosphere that is rooted in Judeo-Christian beliefs and is further enriched by a variety of religious traditions. Community Lovett is a dedicated community of students and teachers, joined by loyal parents, staff, alumni, trustees, and friends. We are committed—with shared purposes and principles—to improving our school, our city, our society, our environment, and our world. APPROVED BY THE LOVETT SCHOOL BOARD OF TRUSTEES, FEBRUARY 2012
THE LOVETT SCHOOL 4075 PACES FERRY ROAD NW ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30327-3009
PARENTS: If this is addressed to a child who no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, kindly notify the Alumni Office at (404) 262-3032 or alumni@lovett.org.