THE WEBB SCHOOL
WEBB MAGAZINE
Setting the stage for the
150th Anniversary!
The Webb School Magazine
Fall - Winter 2018 - 2019
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THE WEBB SCHOOL
WEBB MAGAZINE
Raymond S. Broadhead Head of School Joe Iorio Assistant Head of School and Business Manager
PAGES 4-12
Fall Recap
PAGE 13
Test Prep / Study Center
PAGES 14-15
Composite Project
WEBB COMMUNICATIONS EDITOR: Rita Mitchell Director of Communications DESIGN & LAYOUT: Gayle K. McClanahan Graphic Designer CONTRIBUTORS Alyce Allen Director of Advancement Services Dorothy Elkins Alumni Research Assistant Jonathon Hawkins Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving Nichole Jordan Director of Leadership Annual Giving
PAGES 16-17
Alumni Board Q&A
PAGES 18-20
1,500 New Daffodils
PAGE 21
McDonnell-Follin Scholars Program
Matt Wilson Director of Alumni and Development The Webb School Magazine is published biannually in the summer and winter by The Webb School, 319 Webb Road East, Bell Buckle, Tenn. The Webb School is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization: 62-0401875.
Fall-Winter 2018 - 2019
The Webb School complies with all applicable anti-discrimination laws and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin in the administration of its educational policies and programs, admissions p r o c e s s e s , s c h o l a r s h i p and financial aid programs, employment practices, athletic and other school administrative programs.
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319 Webb Road East Bell Buckle, Tenn. 37020 1-931-389-9322
PAGES 22-24
Athletics
PAGES 26-33
Class Notes
PAGES 34-35
Memoriams
A NOTE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
Webb will reach incredible milestone -
150th anniversary By Ray Broadhead The weather in Tennessee can be a mystery. An early freeze can prematurely damage flowers and crops, and then it warms up for two weeks. In early December, the temperature in Bell Buckle approached 70 degrees! In the face of this changing weather, there has been one constant in Tennessee for almost 150 years – the excellent education one can receive at The Webb School! This fall has had many positives. We enrolled 102 new students, and they have adjusted very well to the culture of Webb. Many seniors have already been admitted to the college of their choice, others anxiously await the early decision results, and some may not decide until May 1! We have several new faculty who have brought their deep experience from other schools to share with our students, and they are adapting very well to Webb. In athletics, our 8-man football team made it to the championship final. This explosive team had many one-sided wins throughout the season, and the team will move to the TSSAA 3rd division of private schools as an 11-man team for the 2019 season. In the arts, we continue to be dazzled by the strength of our strings program, some amazing individuals on the piano, our theatre players and visual artists. The Lundin Fine Arts Center is one of the school’s major hubs of activity. The sudden passing of Moira Judas Smith on Nov. 17 has been a shock to our community. Moira taught in class just two weeks before she passed away. Her legacy at Webb is the large number of
students who have either experienced her passion for her subject in class, or who traveled around the world with her. Please see her obituary on page 34. Looking ahead, the next school year will be Webb’s 150th-year anniversary. This is an incredible milestone for any institution in the United States. For more than two years, the 150th anniversary committee has been making plans. We have several subcommittees who are working on numerous aspects of this celebratory year: books to publish, parties throughout the country, educational discussions, merchandising, fundraising and the large celebration to be held on campus April 16-19, 2020. We are excited to kick off the 150th year by hosting the Webb family reunion, which is held every three years, on June 14-16, 2019. The family expects that about 50 members including Sawney’s great-grandson Thompson Webb (family organizer) and possibly Sawney’s only living granddaughter Margaret Reagan. They will stay in our dorms and will have many activities on campus and in the surrounding area. We are presently planning alumni gatherings throughout the country. We hope that many of you will join us. The on-campus celebration April 16-19, 2020, for all alumni and friends, will also include special alumni activities for those whose class number ends in zero or five. Plan to join us!!
Several weeks ago, when I was meeting with the Prefect Council, a couple of seniors lamented the fact that they were the 149th class. They said they might want to stay another year to be in the special 150th class. I told them that their parents might not agree with them! So, from August, 2019, through May, 2020… Save the Year!
The Webb School Magazine
In addition to celebrations of the 150th, this is a time for the school to consider its vision for the future. The Administrative Council had a conference call with consultant Kathy Hanson a couple of months ago. When asked about vision, she simply stated, “Webb has been a school of character for almost 150 years. Now may be the time for Webb to stay current with 21st century skills infused with character education. To become a leader in character education.” We are studying this possibility as we move forward, and it is an exciting opportunity.
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KUDOS AND NEWS
Fall Recap Reavis recognized as Merit Semifinalist; Zhou Commended Student Senior Alex Reavis, was named as a National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalist and will advance in the 64th year of the program. Reavis of Manchester is among the top 1 Carol Zhou Alex Reavis percent of 20182019 U.S. high school seniors to achieve the semifinalist distinction. Finalists will be named in February.
Senior Carol Zhou of Dunwoody, Ga., received a National Merit Scholarship Program Letter of Commendation. Although Zhou will not continue in the 2019 competition for National Merit Scholarships, Commended Students placed among the top 5 percent of more than 1.6 million students who entered the competition. "I am very excited for Alex. This is a great honor, and he is a very deserving candidate. Being a merit semifinalist will open many doors for him in the college admissions process. Carol just missed the mark, as the field has become increasingly competitive in Tennessee," said Head of School Ray Broadhead. "In chapel, I reminded our students that the only way that they can become a merit scholar is by doing well on the PSAT in their junior year."
Fall-Winter 2018 - 2019
Ninth graders take trip to Camp Ocoee
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Webb's ninth graders traveled on Aug. 16 to Camp Ocoee, located in the Cherokee National Forest in southeastern Tennessee for a class trip. The goal of this trip each year is to provide experiences, and the activities and structure of the camp are designed to create shared memories and opportunities. The group slept in bunkhouses at the camp, ate meals in the dining hall, and participated in a variety of activities throughout the day.
Tenth graders enjoyed a day trip to the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga.
Class of 2019 Senior Blazer Day The 45 seniors in the Class of 2019 participated in Blazer Day, one of many traditions, Nov. 13, as they received their senior blazers in a special chapel ceremony. The presentation is scheduled annually on or near the birthday of founder, W. R. “Sawney” Webb, who was born on Nov. 11, 1842. Marking the Blazer Day ceremony, Dr. Sarah DeLisle, a Webb 2005 graduate and Alumni Board secretary, was the keynote speaker. As seniors continued the longtime Blazer Day tradition, the class members also had the opportunity to ring the bell that once stood at the original school in Culleoka, Tenn., where Sawney Webb and brother, John Webb, began their classes.
Kara, Ella, Knox and Keith Wimberly
Each year, alumni present the blazers during a schoolwide chapel service. This year, Melora Turner ’80 and Kaleb Tilton ’12, both alumni board members, participated. Director of Enrollment Management Julie Harris ’95 announced the seniors’ names. Parents, underclassmen, faculty, staff and guests attended the event. “Senior Blazer Day is a special occasion and a time-honored tradition here at The Webb School. I’ve often heard that people do not remember much of what you say, but instead remember more clearly how you made them feel,” DeLisle said in addressing the seniors. “To be honest, I don’t remember much of what the speaker said 14 years ago when I sat on this stage and received my senior blazer – the same blazer that I am proudly wearing today. But, I do remember how I felt.” She added, “I knew that the six years I had been at Webb since seventh grade were coming to a fast end. Seniors, whether you have spent one year, four years, six, or even seven years at Webb, receiving your blazer today is a rite of passage and marks the beginning of your final months in your Webb School journey.”
Caroline Wetherbee, Elizabeth Nichols and Stefania Morozova
The Webb School Magazine
“The older I get the more I realize how much I learned at Webb, not only academically but also about myself. Seniors, you have been learning some of the most valuable lessons in life here by experiencing the importance of scholarship, character, integrity, challenging yourself and perseverance. Be proud that you are part of the Webb heritage. You share a connection with your classmates and all other Webb alumni.” She added, “You see, it is the shared experiences that bind us, students, staff, faculty and alumni, together. Be proud of the deep connections that The Webb School has provided you.” Ollie Hutchens, Anthony Culp, JJ Thephavong and Thomas Simmons
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KUDOS AND NEWS
Barrett presents at Mississippi State Research Symposium English teacher Neil Barrett presented at Mississippi State University's Department of Classical and Modern Languages Research Symposium on the topic "The Metaphor of the Monster." It was an opportunity for students and professors to meet and share research revolving around monsters and "monstrosities." Barrett's presentation was titled "Milton's Monster: Incels and how Mary Shelley teaches us to read Frankenstein." Much of the research was on the recent "Incel" movement of online misogynists who have garnered public attention because of some mass killers who associated with the "Incel Rebellion."
First "Shadow Day" provides 8th graders with glimpse of upper school Webb 8th graders got a snapshot of upper school during the first “Shadow Day� in October attending classes with upper school students, and 8th graders and their parents were also invited to informational and Q&A sessions.
Students continue tradition signing Honor Pledge Continuing the Webb tradition that dates back to the founding of the school in 1870, students signed the Honor Pledge Books during chapel the first week of school. Webb and the Honor Council strive for students to embrace the school's honor code so that it becomes a part of their lives, even after they graduate.
Fall-Winter 2018 - 2019
Sullens '94, Berzinskas share Frere Fund grant for faculty development
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Tabetha Sullens, middle school head, and Daiva Berzinskas, director of international programs, shared the 2017-2018 grant from the Jon Frere Fund for Faculty Development. Sullens of McMinnville, used a portion of the grant in her work toward earning a doctorate in education at Vanderbilt University. Sullens also teaches Focus 6, which is reading, writing, study skills and technology and online safety. Berzinskas of Bell Buckle used her share of the grant to teach English as a second language at LCC University, in Klaipeda, Lithuania, during the summer. Berzinskas also teaches English Language Learner courses at Webb.
Daiva Berzinskas
Tabetha Sullens '94
Students tour colleges during fall break Four students accompanied Director of College Counseling Chadd Bridwell on a college tour during fall break. Making the trip to visit Northwestern University, University of Chicago, Illinois Technical Institute, University of Illinois Chicago and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign were Steven Wu, Young Seo Lee, Arkadii Zaprundnov and Ivan Plakasov.
KUDOS AND NEWS
Dorsett honored with 2018 Faculty Enrichment Award; service awards presented Scott Dorsett, with 10 years as director of athletics and personal finance teacher, was recognized by The Webb School Parents' Association with the 2018 WSPA Faculty Enrichment Award. Ashlea Shepard, WSPA president, presented the award at the opening of school recognition dinner on Aug. 8. The Faculty Enrichment Award is presented annually to an outstanding member of the teaching faculty who has taught at The Webb School for at least three years. Students and families cast votes to select the recipient. Dorsett, a resident of Murfreesboro, expressed appreciation for the award and added, "It's all about the students to me. God has given me the gift to work with students and make an impact on their lives. I thank Webb for the opportunity 10 years ago to lead the athletics department. I'm blessed to have an unbelievable athletics staff and get to work with a top-notch faculty and staff. I appreciate all the hard work of the WSPA. I'm honored to receive the 2018 Faculty Enrichment Award." Dorsett, a certified master athletic administrator, teaches a personal finance
course for juniors and seniors and has coached softball and girls' basketball during his time at Webb. During his tenure, Webb has added football and cheerleading. Dorsett is the 2018-2020 president of the Tennessee Interscholastic Athletics Administrators Association and is a national speaker about athletic administration. Several other awards were presented at the annual event by Ray Broadhead, head of school. Those recognized for their number of service years included L.R. Smith, History and Ethics Teacher, 40 years; the late Moira Smith Foreign Language Department Chair and French Teacher, 35 years; Ralph Jones, History Teacher, 30 years; Raymond Pryor, Director of Technology and Computer Science Teacher, 25 years; Kay Young, Math Teacher, 20 years; Ann Chandler, Library/Technology/College Counseling Assistant, 15 years; David Glavan, Sage Dining Services Manager, Adam Morgan '96, Physical Plant Manager and Susan Mullen, String Orchestra Director and Strings Teacher, 10 years; and Jonathan Chicken, History Teacher; Anne Crick, Administration Administrative Assistant; and Marylou Foust, Custodial Staff, 5 years.
WSPA Interim President Ashlea Shepard and Scott Dorsett
Head of School Ray Broadhead and Adam Morgan '96
Zhuo claims third at Tennessee Tech Young Artist Piano Competition
Thirty-five students were named Advanced Placement Scholars in August. Seven of those students achieved national ranking, a record for the school. In the past five years, 85 percent of all Webb students have passed at least one AP exam. The five-year average pass rate for Tennessee is 58.8 percent and 60.6 percent for the five-year average global rate.
Senior Tommy Zhuo placed third in the 14th annual Tennessee Tech University Young Artist Piano Competition in September at Wattenbarger Auditorium.
The Webb School Magazine
35 Named AP Scholars at Webb, record 7 students earn national honors
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KUDOS AND NEWS
Follin Speakers bring career knowledge, inspiration to campus
Fall-Winter 2018 - 2019
The endowed Follin Speaker Series brought Nate Loenser, a Chicago Bulls assistant coach, and Erica Wright, author and 1999 alumnae to campus for presentations. While at Webb, Wright also taught Neil Barrett’s two creative writing classes. Cal Turner Jr., former CEO/ Chairman of Dollar General Corp. and author, completed the fall programs.
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Loenser, 39, was named a Bulls assistant coach in 2017 after serving as head coach of the Windy City Bulls, the team's Development League Affiliate. As he enters his 18th basketball season in coaching he has also coached at Iowa State University, the University of Southern Mississippi and three different high school programs in the state of Iowa. He is a graduate of Iowa State with a degree in exercise and sports sciences. In a 2016 Chicago Tribune article, when he was named the D-League head coach, writer K.C. Johnson said, "The Cedar Falls, Iowa, native will seek to accomplish ‌ goals with his mind and his voice, even as he knows many eyes will fall on his left arm. Or, more accurately, his partial left arm." In that article Loenser said, "I automatically have attention on me just because of my physical difference that I was born with ... . But instead of taking that as a negative, I've tried to spin that into a positive. Wright's crime novel The Granite Moth was called "brisk, dark, slinky" by USA Today and was a 2016 Silver Falchion Award Finalist. Her debut The Red Chameleon was one of "O: The Oprah Magazine" Best Books of Summer 2014. She is also the author of the poetry collections
Instructions for Killing the Jackal and All the Bayou Stories End with Drowned. She is the poetry editor at Guernica Magazine as well as a former editorial board member for Alice James Books. She has taught creative writing at Marymount Manhattan College and Southern New Hampshire University. She grew up in Wartrace, Tenn., and received her B.A. from New York University and her M.F.A. from Columbia University. Her new novel, The Blue Kingfisher, was released in fall. Wright sold and signed her poetry book, All the Bayou Stories End with Drowned. Cal Turner, author of My Father's Business: The Small Town Values That Built Dollar General into a Billion Dollar Company, grew up in a Scottsville, Ky., household where business and family were one. After graduating from Vanderbilt University, he served for three years as an officer in the United States Navy before beginning his career at Dollar General, where he served as CEO for thirty-seven years. Turner has served on the board of companies like Shoney's and First American, and of educational, civic, and charitable organizations including Vanderbilt and Fisk universities and has been president of the board of governors of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce. His many awards include the Presidential Award for Private Sector Initiatives (presented by Ronald Reagan) and the Vanderbilt Distinguished Alumnus Award. A committed lifelong Methodist, Turner was inducted in 2001 into the Fellows of the Society of John Wesley by the Tennessee Conference of the United Methodist Church.
Nate Loenser and Evan Robertson
Erica Wright '99
Cal Turner Jr. and Ray Broadhead
KUDOS AND NEWS
Little speaks at national conference, presents at state event Library Director Hannah Byrd Little attended two events in the summer – speaking at a national conference and presenting workshops at a state event. In June, she attended and spoke at the American Library Association annual conference in New Orleans, La. Total attendance is usually 25,000. This year speakers included Michelle Obama, Viola Davis and Doris Kearns. The title of Little's breakout session was "Evidence-Based Library and Information Practice Is . . ." Other panelists included: Lee Ann Fullington, Health & Environmental Sciences Librarian, Brooklyn College; and Pam Ryan, Director, Service Development & Innovation, Toronto Public Library. Little also presented two workshop sessions during the Tennessee Association of School Librarians annual "summer road trip" in June at the Friendsville, Tenn., campus of Pellissippi State Community College.
National Geographic photography internship takes Wu's work to new level "Being able to record an interesting moment" is what keeps Steven Wu pursuing and honing his photography skills and creativity. The junior from China applied for and was accepted to a summer internship with National Geographic in Tokyo, Japan. He joined 35 other students selected in a competitive process for the experience. The internship was staffed by professional photographers who shared their expertise. The days were structured with lectures filled with creative and technical skills followed by practical application in the field. For a portion of each day, the professional photographers also critiqued students' work.
Seniors Elijah Foutch and Sana Alsalman were crowned football homecoming king and queen on Oct. 5. Other senior candidates eligible for the honor included Emmanuel Onate, Spoony Sizemore, Gwyneth Segroves and Allie Avent. Sixth through 11th grade attendants included: 6th - Jax Howard, Macy Simon; 7th - Gabriel Crisp, Jayleigh Cleveland; 8th - Zethan Atwood, Hayden Jones; 9th - Scotty Garner, Helen Allison; 10th - Bart Morton, Bailey Cavner; and 11th - Shemar Fray and Jael Davis.
WSPA spearheads annual appreciation bags for faculty, staff
From left are Aimee Hoover, Ashlea Shepard, Tricia King, Gina Reeves, Michelle Savage, Melanie Kiser and Minyi Song.
The Webb School Magazine
“Warm Hearts for the Holidays” was the theme for Webb School Parents’ Association appreciation bags presented each fall to all faculty and staff. The 113 bags were identical and filled with all sorts of goodies, including a throw, candle, mug and cocoa, freshly-baked bread, confections and other useful and thoughtful gifts.
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KUDOS AND NEWS
Student talent showcased in "The Merchant of Venice" The Webb School Theatre presented “The Merchant of Venice” in November. The production was directed by Ruth Cordell, and technical crew was directed by Jamie Newberg. The cast included Shylock - Slate Bowers; Lorenzo - Arianna Boyle; Salerio/Leonardo - Bailey
Simpson, Quinn, Foulk present at TAIS conference
Fall-Winter 2018 - 2019
Three faculty members presented at the Biennial Conference of the Tennessee Association of Independent Schools. The conference was Nov. 4-5 in Memphis. Webb's conference presenters and their topics included the following: Jason Simpson, Addressing the Grammar Issue in Comprehensible Input-Based Language Courses; Mike Quinn, Burning Man 2017: Fairy Shrimp Windsock Workshop (Double Session); and Larry Foulk, Making the Non-cognitive, Cognitive - A Mission-Driven, 'Students First' Approach to Curriculum Design.
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Tenth grader Jayden Jackson of Wartrace competed this year at the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration and won two unanimous World Championship titles. She was also crowned Young Miss Bedford County Fairest of the Fair, her third straight year to win her age division in the pageant.
Brock; Nerissa - Amy Chen; Portia - Jael Davis; Messenger - Scotty Garner; Prince Arragon/ Tubal - Michael Jones; Merchant Antonio - Kojo Kuofor; Lancelet - MacKenzie McKillip; Gratiano - Trey Snell; Salanio - Ainsley Stefanick; Bassanio - Andrew Turner; Prince Morocco - Donovan Vincent; Salarino - Mili Walton; Duke – Annie Zhou; and Jessica Carol Zhou. The tech crew included Bailey Chance, Anthony Culp, Ollie Hutchens, Zach Hyde. The Theatre C class - Shemar Fray, Joshua Goco, Isabella Insell, Jordan Jenkins, Barrett Melson, Charlie Mitchell, Azaria Porter, Nathan Thompson - assisted with theatre set, makeup and wardrobe. Construction director was Jason Joslin.
Sixth grader Macy Simon of Shelbyville recently placed first in the junior division of the 39th Annual Bible Bowl in Cookeville, Tenn. More than 1,300 children competed representing 318 teams or churches, grades K-12, from six states. The competition covered the books of Daniel & Ecclesiastes.
Webb one of 30 stops on national Rock for Human Rights 2018 Tour Rock For Human Rights, founded in 2011 to educate the public about human rights, performed at Webb as one of 30 stops on its national tour. The national tour spanned Oct. 1-30 in celebration of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The organization's publicity noted that the group has "the purpose of broadly educating the public on the 30 human rights that everyone on earth has, according to the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, passed by the UN over 60 years ago."
Patterson's Energy Dashboard helps school track, conserve — sparks useful competiton Senior Cailey Patterson is very interested in Webb’s “footprint.” No, not that “Foot” print, this time. She wants to follow the Webb campus’ footprint as it relates to energy consumption and conservation measures. Patterson has created an extensive energy dashboard that displays how much energy the community is using in each of the 14 academic buildings and six dormitories on campus. It includes energy reports in a building-by-building format that show monthly and annual electricity, water, and gas consumptions, using data derived from the school’s utility bills. “The Energy Dashboard will serve as a tool for us to operate in a more sustainable manner and minimize our contributions to increasingly crucial environmental challenges,” said Patterson. Additionally, using the Energy Dashboard, the school’s Environmental
Prefect Council is sponsoring and overseeing monthly ‘Energy-Saving Competitions’ between students in the upper school. Day students were assigned to a group of academic buildings. Boarding students were assigned to their associated dorm. The grade or dorm that reduces its electricity and water consumption by the largest percentage wins. “The purpose of the energy-saving competitions is not to live in the dark or refrain from taking showers. That’s just not realistic,” Patterson said. “The purpose of these competitions is for us to become more aware of how we’re consuming energy and to find ways of reducing that consumption. Through this, we can take a step towards living a more sustainable life. It’s the little things, like turning off the light when you leave the room, that make a difference.”
A link to the dashboard can be found on the school website under “Student Life.” The direct link is: https://cailey-patterson. wixsite.com/webbenergy2018-19.
Australia and New Zealand were the destinations for a Webb group traveling June 22-July 6. The travel-study tour included Sydney, Brisbane and Sunshine Coast, Fraser Island and Surfers Paradise-Queensland in Australia and Auckland and Rotorua in New Zealand. Students participating included Harrison Andrews, Sydney Cohen, Mackenzie McKillip, Iris Reyes, Lola Reyes, Brooke Williams and Laura Yancey.
The Webb School Magazine
Middle School students took their annual camping trip on Oct. 9-10 and traveled to New Frontiers in Dowelltown, Tenn. The two-day trip included fun, adventure and outdoor experiences. One of the goals of the trip each year is to prepare the middle school students for longer overnight trips in upper school.
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Webb group travels in China during summer
Greenberg; sophomores, Shelby Dornisch, Abbie Gallagher, Emma Roy; juniors, Dacey Goodwin, Louisa Greenberg, Kojo Kufour; and 2018 graduate, Max Greenberg; Michael Harris; Lily Harris; Reagan Simpson; Kelso Simpson; and Freya Simpson. Receptions were hosted for the group in Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen and Hong Kong.
Fall-Winter 2018 - 2019
Ray Broadhead (head of school), Dr. Leone Broadhead (biology teacher), Carmen Greenberg (former director of parent relations and annual giving), Julie Harris '95 (director of enrollment management) and Jason Simpson (French teacher) traveled to China visiting current and incoming students and their families as well as alumni and friends. Others participating included: freshman, Ben
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Several performances were presented by students in the choir and strings programs.
“Learning is an enjoyable and ongoing process” Part of Webb’s six Enduring Understandings, this statement is at the heart of the school’s Test Prep and Study Center initiated this year with James and Mallory Garcia as co-directors. The center, initially proposed by James several years ago, is producing positive results for students in a myriad of ways.
the study center by their parents and advisor,” Mallory said. “For most students, the study center takes the place of when they would typically have a study hall in years past. Juniors and sophomores also have some required test prep tasks throughout the year based on when they plan to take the ACT, SAT or PSAT.”
“James was seeing new students at Webb, particularly new high school students, struggle to find their way in a curriculum that was so much more demanding than what they were accustomed to. At that point, I was already tutoring a handful of students in the evenings/ afternoons, and I really enjoyed working with those students, supporting them, and seeing the successes that came as a result of our time together, so it seemed only natural to formalize it as a schoolwide program,” Mallory said explaining how the center was created.
The co-director thinks the greatest benefit for students has been the consistency that the team offers. “There is always "a Garcia" available to support and guide them through whatever questions or difficulties they may encounter. We also truly believe that every student can be successful at Webb, and we communicate that daily to our students.” She added, “Study center periods are always a mix of students from freshmen to seniors, and we often tell students that each period is its own little family. As the students get to know each other, they learn to work together to understand difficult concepts and benefit from support from their peers in addition to the support that James and I offer. We have also had parents remark to us that having their child in the study center has made their evenings at home less stressful and allowed for more family time because their child is able to finish so much work during the day.”
The husband and wife team have long tenures at Webb. James joined Webb as a teacher 19 years ago and has also served as Director of Residential Life, Dean of Students and Director of Studies in addition to coaching. Mallory taught French for a number of years.
At the beginning of the year, all new students and 9th graders are required to be in the study center for the first six weeks. Other students are placed in the study center by their advisor, parents, or attend voluntarily. Anyone is welcome to join a study center period if they feel they need more structured study time during the day or need help preparing for standardized tests. “Initially, we had almost 90 students that we saw every day, and after the first six weeks, that number went down to 60 students, as those students who were performing well were released from
“We have seen several returning students reach academic goals this year that they previously viewed as impossible. We have also seen buy-in from students who know when they have questions or are struggling that they can come to us, and even if we don't have a solution, we will help them brainstorm possible options to explore.” The Garcias also have specific benchmarks to gauge the program’s success. “This year's junior class (Class of 2020) was the first class to be put on a test prep schedule through the study center before taking the PSAT, and they improved their overall score by an average of 98 points, which was a 48% increase from what we saw in the Class of 2019 in their sophomore to junior year PSAT results,” Mallory explained. Continued on page 20
The Webb School Magazine
They offer an extensive list of services at the center, which is also open before and after school in addition to the regular school day. They monitor study halls, coordinate the peer tutoring program and all the standardized testing--SAT, ACT, PSAT, ACT Aspire, and AP testing.
Another main benefit they have noticed is that from the first day of school, they connected with and got to know every new student in the upper school and are convinced the study center has added an important piece to the personalized education that Webb offers.
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W E B B T O C E L E B R AT E 1 5 0 Y E A R S
Composite
Project
When an alum walks onto campus, there are a number of things he or she will want to see before leaving -- the Junior Room, a favorite teacher, their class senior board and the Follin Chapel. One of the main focuses of a trip to the chapel is to see their class composite. Often when relatives of alumni visit they, too, want to find grandparents, parents and other relatives in the collection of photos hung on the walls. Each composite showcases a year of history at Webb in a special way, capturing the faces and names of students at a particular point in time.
Fall-Winter 2018 - 2019
A recent composite renovation project undertaken by four staff members has ensured that composites, some dating to the 1920s, will be preserved for Webb’s 150th anniversary in 2019-2020 and for years to come. The project involved removing all composites that over the years have been hung on various walls of the chapel so that they could be organized and rehung. As part of the process, some needed new frames, others replacement glass and still others actual composite and mat repair. Following restoration, each composite was photographed for security and preservation purposes and also to feature on the website.
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“I thought it was an important project. I didn’t want to see some of them deteriorate any further,” said Gayle McClanahan, who had been thinking about the project for several years and spearheaded the effort. “As a graphic designer, I was also interested in improving the overall visual presentation of the composites, and there was no electronic backup file of the composites should anything happen to them. Now, they are hung much like in a gallery, and we will be able to recreate them if that’s ever needed.” Webb’s archivist Susan Howell, who also worked on the project, agreed with McClanahan, “I feel it is important to try and take care of and preserve any of Webb’s history. Some of the composites were in rough shape. Also, replacing the current glass with UV glass was a huge improvement and will help preserve them.” She added, “I enjoy working with almost anything that involves the history or archives of Webb. Hopefully, this renovation will show its benefit with not only present alumni, but also with future alumni.”
W E B B T O C E L E B R AT E 1 5 0 Y E A R S The project was not without challenges. Maintenance staff members Jason Joslin and Hunter Helton joined the project, removing and rehanging the composites and providing some of the transportation to Hobby Lobby in Murfreesboro for restoration services. “Some of them were damaged or fell apart as we removed them from the walls, and they were unorganized,” Joslin said. Even though they are all still different sizes, he explained, “They are now neater, cleaner, organized, and the way they are hung is uniform. It also shows the history of the school to potential students and their families in addition to people who attend concerts, plays and other events in the chapel.” Helton added that even though helping with the project was part of their job, he realized the importance and wanted “to make it look good for the school. Everybody who comes back to Webb can easily find a class.” The chapel, he said, is the only place where the entire student body and faculty and staff all regularly meet at one time. “The composites improve the space by giving it character and adding another piece of history to the Webb of today,” said Howell. “In some ways, the composite renovation wasn't only for the composites and their condition, but also for the space as a whole.” McClanahan, who shepherded the project at Hobby Lobby said the composites, often placed on work tables where customers could see them, attracted a lot of interest and questions from passersby. She added that the employees at the store were very helpful with the project and conscientious of handling the pieces with care. “The most fulfilling part of this project was probably watching the process of each set of composites being sent off to be worked on, being brought back and seeing how much better they looked, then observing the progress of Jason and Hunter hanging them up a few at a time,” Howell said. “Each time I would go visit the chapel, there were a few more up on the wall until finally the project was complete.” McClanahan is pleased with the outcome of the restoration project and also the gallery approach to displaying them. “I like the fact that as students sit in chapel many of them can look up and easily find a composite year and locate a family member included.
The Webb School Magazine
Joe Iorio, assistant head of school and chief financial officer, thanked McClanahan, Howell, Joslin and Helton for their diligent work together on the project, much of which was carried out during the summer. “It’s a big improvement as we prepare for the 150th anniversary and for years to come. Also thanks to Gayle for her research and selection of Hobby Lobby that enabled the work to be completed in a timely manner and at an affordable price.”
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W E B B T O C E L E B R AT E 1 5 0 Y E A R S
Mission in DNA of Alumni; board helps plan for anniversary
Fall-Winter 2018 - 2019
Alumni Board Chairman Chase Spurlock ’05 thinks Webb’s mission “is in the DNA” of alumni as well as the faculty and staff who through the years molded them. The mission and other aspects of Webb will be celebrated during the school’s sesquicentennial 2019-2020. The alumni board has been very involved in plans for the 150th celebration and hopes that everyone will participate. Spurlock reflects on Webb and what has made it an enduring institution.
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• What is the foundation for Webb’s longevity? Webb has persisted for 150 years because we have never lost sight of our mission – a mission that dates back to Sawney Webb. While the tactics to accomplish this mission have changed over time, these same objectives – “to turn out young people who are tireless workers…who know how to work effectively … who know the finer points of morals and practice them in their daily living…who are always courteous” – form the bedrock principles that shape the student experience today. Recalling the days when I was a student and now interacting with the school through a different lens as an alumnus, our faculty and administration have always “bought in” to this mission – it’s not something that merely makes it into the prospective student brochure, this is in our DNA – it’s who we are and what we do.
• How is your Webb experience and the experiences of other generations woven into the school’s history? One of the single greatest gifts that Webb has afforded me actually came after graduation. For the past eight years, I’ve been fortunate to serve on The Webb School Alumni Board alongside alumni who span the decades. I’m reminded during each of our meetings that while the cast of characters may evolve, the essence of who we are has remained the same. In many cases, Webb found us, molded us, and produced a better person capable of making a contribution in our world. I’ve come to realize that Webb alumni quite literally wander the world, but never cease to speak of their time in Bell Buckle. These are men and women who have served God and country and the human community—and represented Webb— in uniform and out, as missionaries, teachers, statesmen, ambassadors, entrepreneurs, doctors, explorers and scientists in every corner of the world. Men and women who carried with them the passion of the Webb story and its importance to our world.
• How does Webb continue to be viable in the future? Webb has been blessed with tremendous leaders at every level – starting at the board of trust and then trickling down to every department within our school. We need to recognize that Webb over the generations isn’t a story of a few committed people, it’s teams of people who had it in their hearts to make Webb a better institution. We need to foster the next generation – and we need alumni and friends of Webb to recognize that their support creates a lasting legacy – a legacy that will form the foundation for the next 150 years.
W E B B T O C E L E B R AT E 1 5 0 Y E A R S • If you were giving a stranger the “15-second elevator speech” about Webb, what would you say? Webb is a place that is committed to training students for how best to succeed in college and beyond. Webb takes students and pushes their boundaries to help them realize their potential. Webb students learn the importance of character, critical thinking, and hone leadership skills. I’m a better person because of my time in Bell Buckle – and this is why I remain involved today – to pay forward the gift Webb gave me.
• Why are you and the Alumni Board so enthusiastic about embracing, supporting and promoting the 150th anniversary? This is a time to celebrate but also to pause and reflect on our school’s journey and the people who have made it possible. This is an opportunity to highlight those foundational elements that transcend Webb’s 150-year history and make it possible for generations of Webb students to come to campus and then live out the school’s mission in the lives they have chosen to lead.
• How do you plan to assist in conveying that enthusiasm to as many alums as possible before and during the celebration year?
Members of the Alumni Board recently met in Nashville, Tenn., to share ideas and discuss plans for The Webb School's 150th anniversary in 2020. The group had a productive meeting with staff from DVL Seigenthaler, a full-service public relations and marketing firm, who will be assisting with marketing and publicity for this special year-long celebration. From left to right are Davis Turner '79, Melora Wilkins Turner '80, Hudson Byrd '05, Moe Hill '75, Chase Spurlock '05, Sarah DeLisle '05, Jonathon Hawkins, director of alumni relations and annual giving, Julie Harris '95, director of enrollment management, and Webb Follin '73. Not pictured: Deb Roberts Horst '75
As ambassadors of the school, we are always looking for new ways to engage with Webb Alumni and to support ongoing involvement or rekindle connections. Give us a call or reach out to the Webb Alumni and Development Office.
The Webb School Magazine
Plans are under way for activities and events on campus and in other cities throughout the year beginning with the official kickoff in August. Be sure to look for information about Webb’s pictorial history book, the reprint of The Schoolmaker – Sawney Webb and the Bell Buckle Story, commemorative merchandise and opportunities to support Webb’s next 150 years.
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1,500 New Daffodils planted to commemorate 150th anniversary
"Planting bulbs interested me because I thought the Webb campus would look beautiful in the spring. I'm excited to be a part of a great occasion." Shelby Dornisch '21
Fall-Winter 2018 - 2019
Sawney and Son Will would be proud. 1,500 daffodil bulbs were carefully planted by students under the direction and with the assistance of Head of School Ray Broadhead and his wife Dr. Leone Broadhead, Webb science department chair. They’re all set to bloom next spring in advance of the 2019-2020 school year when Webb’s 150th anniversary will be celebrated.
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“Sawney’s interest in the outdoors and plants of all kinds is well known,” explained the head of school. “In the 1940s, Son Will and his wife planted daffodils in a large field near their home on Maple Street and then later spearheaded the project to plant the bulbs on Webb
Highway and other roads.” He added, “This will commemorate both Sawney's and Son Will's love of flowers for our 150th year.” The idea for the “commemorative planting” was offered by Pat Martin (Paul '88, Jerry '92), who shared her remembrances of Route 82 (Sawney Webb Highway) being lined with daffodils. “She felt it would be wonderful for Webb to re-energize this,” added Broadhead. The project began to take shape when the Broadheads, who are enthusiastic gardeners, were in a local store in September and saw bags of daffodil bulbs at a price far Continued on page 20
"I believe it is an honor to be a part of the 150th anniversary and 150th class of The Webb School because it will be a monumental year in our history that will be remembered for generations to come. I am looking forward to celebrating the 150th year of our school and seeing the products of our labor this upcoming spring." Adam McAbee '20
Flowers planted 10 to 15 bushels at a time In a March 21, 1972, Shelbyville Times-Gazette newspaper article, some of the history of flower planting in and around Bell Buckle was explained by Eugene Brady Sr., a former Webb employee. While there are differences between daffodils, narcissus, jonquils and buttercups, the names are often used interchangeably. All of these yellow flowers are showy in spring. The story is reprinted with the T-G’s permission.
The late Mr. and Mrs. W.R. Webb of Bell Buckle were fond of beautiful flowers, especially narcissus and jonquils. They cultivated a large field of the golden spring flowers near their Bell Buckle home. In 1945 the Webbs began a project of planting some of the buttercups along Bell Buckle Lane on Webb Highway. Many Bedford County residents make this scenic drive just to view the profusion of flowers each spring. Eugene Brady Sr., who was serving as janitor at Webb School at the time and who worked for Webb, recalls the many long days he spent digging holes to plant the bulbs. Brady said, “We’d plow these things up every year like potatoes, take them up and let them dry and about August every year we started planting them.” He said the buttercups were planted every year from 1945 until 1953. Planting was begun at the Murfreesboro Hwy. and “we worked toward Bell Buckle.” “We’d plant 10-15 bushels of bulbs each year,” Brady remarked. He said Webb wanted the flowers planted in a “zig-zag” pattern but over the years they have grown into a wide row along the fences on both sides of the highway.
Brady said he remembered motorists driving by and saying, “Uncle, what in the world are you doing?” “Highway beautification,” he would reply, “you’ll see it in a year or two.” Since those days when Brady laboriously dug the holes and planted the bulbs, he has lost both legs due to disease. “But I still come by every year to look at them,” he said.
The Webb School Magazine
It is said that Webb wanted people who appreciated the fine flowers to share them, and Brady said many were given away. Even today, some people dig up the bulbs that were so meticulously planted years ago.
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W E B B T O C E L E B R AT E 1 5 0 Y E A R S 1,500 New Daffodils Continued from page 18
below what they had seen online. They bought 30 bags of 50 bulbs each, for a total of 1,500. “To keep them fresh, I hung the 30 bags on nails in the ceiling of the shed near Lagler Field." When the time arrived in fall to plant, maintenance employees constructed a large “W” planter visible from the street between the Administration Building and the Dell. Maintenance also added soil to the “W”, and much needed topsoil to Sawney's Garden that is located near the Culleoka Bell. “They were terrific!” Student helpers were also an important component for success of the project. “We had roughly 8-10 students each planting day. They were awesome,” said Broadhead. “They were tireless and effective workers. With loose, prepared soil, they planted 1,000 bulbs in about 90 minutes. When the soil was more compact, it was difficult -- the other 500 bulbs took about the same amount of time.” He added, “When properly guided and motivated, it is so gratifying to see what our wonderful students can accomplish.” The bulbs are located in Admissions Building, Administration Building and Barton Athletic Center flowerbeds, in the new “W” and Sawney's Garden, and adjacent to sidewalks in front of McClurg Hall and Admissions.
"I thought planting would be an opportunity to brighten up the campus, and I am thrilled to be a part of Webb’s 150th anniversary especially since I will be a senior next year." Vraj Patel '20
Another nice aspect of the project is that the bright yellow blooms will enhance the town of Bell Buckle’s annual Daffodil Days. While it’s no surprise that the Broadheads love flowers of all kinds, these daffodils have a special meaning. “Our joy was watching the students really get into it,” said Broadhead. “Their greatest joy will be when they see the beauty of their work in the spring.” Learning is enjoyable and ongoing process
Fall-Winter 2018 - 2019
Continued from page 13
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Currently, the Garcias see the positive parent feedback they have received as the biggest indicator of the success of this program. “We have received tremendous support from the faculty and administration at Webb who have sought ways to use the services we offer to help students. We also point to the number of students who have voluntarily stayed in the study center even though their grades are high enough for them to be released as an indication of the success of the center,” Mallory said. “We are typically very busy during extra help as students come back to finish work, meet with peer tutors, work on projects, or just want to share highlights from their day.” Those highlights have been rewarding for the Garcias. They see students get excited about doing well in their classes, and even more
important, get excited about what they are learning. “I love it when they drop by after school to say, ‘Did you see what I got on my Algebra II quiz? You won't believe it!’, or watch a group of sophomores read the Odyssey and see the shock appear on their faces one by one as they each read about Odysseus’s slaughter of the suitors. In many ways, it’s what we enjoyed about being classroom teachers, but now we get to see the positive moments students experience in all of their classes.” Mallory added, “We have heard so many positive comments about what students love about their teachers and classmates, and working in the study center has given us a new appreciation for all the teachers who work tirelessly to help our students.”
Webb trustee hosts celebration of McDonnell-Follin Scholars Program in Memphis Harris, Chen first participants Thanks to the McDonnell family, alumni and friends, a new fund has been endowed in honor of Jim McDonnell '43 and Webb Follin Sr. (1908). Similar to an independent study, McDonnell-Follin Scholars Program participants will work on academic projects and receive course credit. Applications will be submitted during the junior year, and the endowment will provide stipends for both students and teachers as part of the semester program. “This is a special program, and I would like to thank the McDonnell family for its generous support,” said Head of School Ray Broadhead. “This will make a difference in the lives of our students, and benefit the school for generations to come.” The first two McDonnell-Follin Scholars, Ella Harris of Bell Buckle and Amy Chen of Shanghai, China, were announced in chapel in November. French teacher Jason Simpson will be Harris’ mentor, and she will pursue a study of Scottish-Gaelic language. Chen will have two mentors, Ruth Cordell, director of theatre, and Michele Daniel, school counselor. She will pursue a study to create understanding in the balance between the art of psychology and theatrical arts, combining the tools in each of these arts to initiate and facilitate positive change in human behaviors and emotional well-being. Gwen Jones Owen '75 and her husband Penn Owen hosted an event in October for about 30 Webb alumni, friends and the family of Jim McDonnell '43 to celebrate the creation of the McDonnellFollin Scholars Program.
Back in the spring of 2018, Mrs. Owen had asked the school about creating a fund to honor Mr. McDonnell. Mr. McDonnell explained that while he was at Webb in the 1940s, it was Webb Follin Sr. (class of 1908) who taught him so much and made an indelible mark on his career -- the best educator he ever experienced. That bond made the difference, and Mr. McDonnell suggested creating a program to encourage academic collaboration among teachers and students today. Mr. McDonnell was elected to the board in 1957 and served as chair from 1967-1988, a tenure longer than any other chair to date. He was named trustee emeritus and a member of the Distinguished Alumni Society in 1993.
Ella Harris
Amy Chen
The Webb School Magazine
From left are Head of School Ray Broadhead, Anne Durell, Missie McDonnell, Jim McDonnell '43, Faith Campbell, Gwen Owen '75.
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SPORTS
Mitchell receives District 4 Male Coach of the Year Award Jeff Mitchell, varsity boys’ basketball head coach and boys’ and girls’ golf head coach, received the District 4 Male Coach of the Year for the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association. The recognition was part of the A.F. Bridges Awards presentations on Nov. 8. The awards are presented in "recognition of the ideals of ethics and integrity in the teaching and promotion of citizenship and sportsmanship." Head of School Ray Broadhead and Director of Athletics Scott Dorsett also attended the event. “Jeff is one of nine male coaches in the state to receive this award this year,” said Broadhead. “It’s really a great honor for him and a great tribute for the work he has done with our students.” Dorsett added, “We are so lucky to have Coach Mitchell on staff. Jeff has done a tremendous job building our athletic programs at Webb. His character, love for the game, and caring for his
student-athletes is impeccable. Jeff definitely deserved being honored as male coach of the year for the AF Bridges Award given through the TSSAA.” Mitchell began his teaching and coaching career at Webb in the 2006-2007 school year. In addition to teaching math and coaching varsity boys’ basketball, Mitchell is also varsity boys’ and girls’ golf head coach. He attended Hanover College in Hanover, Ind. Coach Mitchell and his family live in Wartrace, Tenn. His son attends Webb, and his daughter is a 2018 graduate.
Watch basketball games live and on demand Go to www.thewebbschool.com/athletics to subscribe. VARSITY GOLF
MS/VARSITY CROSS COUNTRY
Varsity Golf 3rd Place at District Match Conner Brown
Fall-Winter 2018 - 2019
VARSITY FOOTBALL
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Varsity Football MTAC Regular Season AllConference Team: Shemar Fray and Khi Harris MTAC All-Tournament Team: Shemar Fray, Joshua Goco, Brandon Azar Student Athlete of the Month: August: Frank Li September: Ali Avent October: Lennon Ilarde November: Cole Connelly James Cordero Award: Emmanuel Onate and Kayla Taylor
VARSITY GIRLS' SOCCER
SPORTS
Webb athletic uniforms go global Webb athletic uniforms that were no longer needed found new "teams" this summer when they were donated to sports teams in Uganda and Honduras. Kat Coffey '13 and brother-in-law Adam Feldbruegge, former Webb physics teacher and husband of Emily Coffey Feldbruegge '11, gave gently used uniforms to Our Father School Uganda outside of Mubende, Uganda. They will be used within the school for sports, such as soccer. Assistant Director of Athletics Jena Jones also donated used uniforms to School of Life (SOL) International in Honduras. They will be used for the girls' volleyball program, which is quickly growing in that area. SOL International Foundation is working to initiate and support community-based programs designed to promote education and increase the quality of life in developing areas. "Adam and I went to Uganda to visit my good friend Patrick Kibirige's ministry: Good Shepard Foundation Uganda," said Coffey. "Part of his ministry is a school that educates 255 students in the remote village of Kagavu in the Mubende District of Central Uganda. I have been to Kenya two times, but this was my first time in Uganda, and my first time visiting Patrick's school. The trip was absolutely more than I could have ever hoped or imagined. It was so encouraging and eye-opening." Coffey noted that when Feldbruegge said that Webb was willing to donate uniforms, she was so grateful. "From my past experience in the mission field, I knew how much something simple like a uniform can impact an entire group of people. The children and staff of Our Father School Uganda were so appreciative and excited to receive the uniforms, and they played a soccer "football" match every single day we were there." Coffey added, "I think it is so important for a school like Webb whose identity is so firmly grounded in global education to reach out to people across the world. It truly is the small things that make the largest impact, and I am so thankful that Webb was willing to donate these uniforms to this incredible school 8,000 miles away. May God bless The Webb School."
Jones explained that she was fortunate enough to spend some time with her family this summer in Honduras. "Sadly, Honduras is a country in which most of the population lives in poverty," she said. When I found out about SOL, I thought this was a wonderful organization, which is not only working to support the children in the area to find opportunities for athletic participation but also helps ensure they are making it to school and getting meals daily." Jones said that Webb athletics department is very fortunate to be able to provide uniforms for its student-athletes each season. "Our athletics uniforms are on a rotation giving each program the opportunity for new uniforms every three to four years. Often when these uniforms are retired, they are still in good condition but are no longer in use. The athletics department is thrilled that we are able to share the opportunities our student-athletes have with other student-athletes around the world. We hope to maintain communication and a relationship with both programs and continue to help support their efforts to provide athletic opportunities within their communities."
VARSITY VOLLEYBALL
The Webb School Magazine
VARSITY BASKETBALL
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SPORTS JV GIRLS' BASKETBALL
VARSITY CHEERLEADERS
Brown competes in Kids Teen World Championship
Vincent wins tourney, receives scholarship
Conner Brown placed 21st in a field of 140 golfers in the recent Kids Teen World Championship 14-year-old division at Pinehurst, N.C. He carded rounds of 76, 76, 74.
Donovan Vincent of Murfreesboro qualified for Jr. Gold National Bowling Tournament U17B division to be held in Detroit, Mich., in July 2019. He clinched his berth to this invitation-only tournament by winning the first qualifying tournament of 2018-19 season for TN Road to Jr Gold. This included scholarship funds and paid entry fee. He previously qualified for the Tennessee High School 2nd Team All-State 2017-2018 Bowling School. Also, Vincent recently received a $500 scholarship after finishing first for the second consecutive year in the Lindsey Wilson College Showcase Tournament.
Football team MTAC runner-up The football team finished the season as Middle Tennessee Athletic Conference Varsity Football Championship runner-up. The Feet lost, 26-0, to Christian Community on Nov. 3. Webb's record was 8-2.
Simons champion, Savage second in State SCTP Tournament Miles Simons, clay target team member, is the 2018 state sporting clays grand champion in the men's intermediate advanced (middle school) category. Teammate Johnathon Savage placed second in skeet in the men's intermediate advanced (middle school) category.
Fall-Winter 2018 - 2019
MS VOLLEYBALL
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MS BOYS' BASKETBALL
Savage 2nd Overall in Junior Level 3 World Skeet Johnathon Savage placed second in the high overall (HOA) junior level three division at the Junior World Skeet Championships on Aug. 3-5 in San Antonio, Texas. During the tournament, Savage placed at the top of his division in the 28-gauge, third in the 20-gauge, and fourth in the .410. The Junior World Skeet Championships included top young shooters at American Skeet from around the world. In American skeet, competitors must shoot a round of 100 targets with each of the four major gauges: 12-gauge, 20-gauge, 28-gauge, and .410. The scores for each gauge are added up to determine the winner of the high overall trophy.
MS CHEERLEADERS
MS GIRLS' BASKETBALL
As we celebrate the beginning of a New Year, there are many reasons to give to The Webb School.
Happy 2019
One of the most important reasons is the partnership between students and teachers. It's at the heart of a Webb education, and with your gift to The Webb Fund you can help ensure that our hardworking students continue to be challenged and nurtured by teachers intent on making a difference.
The Webb School Magazine
Thank you for helping and for honoring our students and teachers with your support. Visit www.thewebbschool.com, and click on the Make a Gift button or call (931) 389-5724 to contribute today. Happy New Year!
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ALUMNI
Class Notes 1950 s
Elkins, Hawkins visit with Murrey Family in Pulaski — Longtime Webb employee Dorothy Elkins and Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving Jonathon Hawkins recently visited with members of the Murrey family in Pulaski, Tenn. BILL MURREY '43 and his sons PRESTON '70 and JOHN '72 spent time reminiscing about their Webb experiences with Elkins and Hawkins over lunch at Legends Steakhouse. Prior to lunch, Preston gave a tour of Sharp Motor Company's new building which houses Pulaski's Ford dealership. This facility is next door to John's dealership, Murrey Chevrolet Buick GMC. FLEET JOHNSTON '52 presented Museum books to New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez at the grand opening of the National Scouting Museum at Philmont Scout Ranch in September. Johnston’s family started the museum in 1960, and this is the fourth home and first new building since the original.
1960s
AUBREY B. HARWELL JR. ’60, co-founder of Neal and Harwell, was recognized by The Business Journals as one of “100 Influencers of Law” in the United States.
Fall-Winter 2018 - 2019
KEN CHANDLER ’61 of Decatur, Ala., visited with F. ROJAS '61 and made a Webb connection in Bolivia.
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DR. ROY ELLZEY '55 and Dr. Sheri Philabaum of San Antonio, Texas, recently visited The Webb School while traveling. This was Roy's first visit back to his alma mater since 1959. While visiting campus, Roy and Sheri met Jonathon Hawkins, director of alumni relations and annual giving, who gave them an extensive tour of the school. On the tour, they especially enjoyed seeing the Jr. Room, Big Room, Old Library and Rand Hall. Roy shared many wonderful memories of his time at Webb and of living in Clary House. Pictured is Roy Ellzey tipping his hat to Sawney.
BEN FRANKLIN ’63 was inducted into the Cadets of the Ole War Skule. With Franklin are LSU President F. King Alexander, left, and John Milazzo Jr., right, president of Cadets of the Ole War Skule.
ALUMNI DR. ANDREW DONELSON '67 of Frederick, Md., is an internal medicine physician at Frederick Internal Medicine. He has four children and all live near him. He loves being a grandfather. He’s a ballroom dance instructor as a hobby, but provides this url as his real hobby. https:// adonelson.smugmug.com
Jonathon Hawkins, Cynthia and Tom Simmons '88
Jonathon Hawkins and Gerald Flouhouse '88
1970s
CHAP ADKINS ’70 Jensen Beach, Fla., and his wife Diane in Avalon, Catalina Island, just west of L.A. “For years I would take off west over the Pacific out of L.A. and make a right turn to head east, and I would look down at Catalina and think, I’ve got to visit that place some day, it looks like Paradise, so . . . “
The Webb School Magazine
Ben Bentkowski '72
BEN BENTKOWSKI, P.G. ’72 visited Webb on Nov. 2 and taught the science classes of Pamela Seals and A.J. SWAFFORD '99. Bentkowski is senior hydrogeologist, Region 4 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Nichole Jordan, director of leadership annual giving, introduced Bentkowski.
Jonathon Hawkins, director of alumni relations and annual giving, recently visited with several alumni, current parents and the grandmother of an alumna while traveling in North Carolina. In Raleigh, Hawkins visited with TOM SIMMONS ('68), and his wife Cynthia, who enjoyed reminiscing about his time at Webb. Next was a visit with current parents and volunteers Patrick and Sheila Ebri in Lumberton. The Ebris son, Richard, is a senior at The Webb School. In Charlotte, Hawkins had an opportunity to chat with GERALD FLOUHOUSE ('88) who shared stories about Chambliss and his affection for longtime Webb employee Dorothy Elkins. The final visit was in Elkin to visit with Molly Smith, the grandmother of Caroline Smith Pryor '11 and mother of beloved teacher L. R. Smith. Mrs. Smith is not pictured.
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ALUMNI Alumni and friends from the early 1970s recently gathered at The Webb School to celebrate the life of RICKY THOMAS '72. A memorial service in his honor was held at the Culleoka Bell adjacent to the school's Administration Building. At the end of the service, Ricky's brother rang the bell commemorating a life gone too soon. Afterwards, these lifelong friends continued their fellowship at the Bell Buckle Café.
1980s
Fall-Winter 2018 - 2019
KIMBERLY BOYD ’75 and her parents, Dr. and Mrs. Lucas Boyd, recently visited campus. Kimberly resides in Boston, Mass. Dr. Boyd was a faculty member from 1957-1977. He was also a coach during his tenure. With them is Jonathon Hawkins, director of alumni relations and annual giving.
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DR. BEN SHELTON ’75 of Olin, N.C., received the 2018 Preventive Medicine Dairy Award, sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim at the 51st Annual Conference of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners on September in Phoenix, Ariz. Pictured are Dr. Ben Shelton and his wife, Mimi. Dr. Shelton is a dairy practitioner and owner of Rocky Creek Dairy.
EMBRY MCKEE ’83, from Sugar Land, Texas, recently visited The Webb School with his family. While on campus, the group visited with Jonathon Hawkins, director of alumni relations and annual giving, to learn more about Embry’s grandfather who attended Webb in the early 1920s. The McKees also enjoyed visiting the Jr. Room and looking for the Class of 1983 senior board.
ALUMNI
Ashford to be inducted into University of Dallas Satish & Yasmin Gupta College of Business Hall of Fame IRV ASHFORD ’87 of Dallas, Texas, has been chosen as one of three inductees into the University of Dallas Satish & Yasmin Gupta College of Business Hall of Fame. The ceremony will take place on Jan. 25. “Each year, we celebrate some of our most distinguished alumni, inducting a select few into the Satish & Yasmin Gupta
College of Business Hall of Fame. These alumni are chosen because of their professional accomplishments, service and support of the University, and leadership in our community at large.” – excerpted from a message on behalf of Dean of the College of Business and the President of the University of Dallas.
Senior Sana Alsalman, daughter of MUSTAFA ALSALMAN ’87 and his wife, Badiya Alameen, was crowned 2018 Homecoming Queen as part of the football team’s Oct. 5 game. Senior Elijah Foutch was crowned King. PERRY WOODS ’86 of Brownsville, Texas, recently visited Webb. While on campus, he met with classmate ANDREW MCRADY '86, history teacher, and Dorothy Elkins, who is in her 62nd year at Webb.
1990s
Regarding his service with THEC, Cope says, "We have made tremendous strides in the last five years. Governor Haslam set a lofty goal of having 55% of Tennesseans with post-secondary degrees or credentials by the year 2025 (the "Drive to 55"). We started at 32% five years ago, and thanks to innovative programs like Tennessee Promise (we were the first state in the nation to offer two years of community college or technical school free of tuition and fees), we are now at 41% and on pace to reach that goal. I am very grateful to Governor Haslam for giving me the opportunity to serve." TAKUYA HONDA ’94 represented Webb at The Association of Boarding Schools recent Tokyo Boarding School Fair. He shared that all of Webb’s materials were picked up, and he had conversations with about 20 families. Julie Harris '95, director of enrollment, expressed appreciation to Takuya for assisting Webb at the event.
The Webb School Magazine
Sandy Sanders, former librarian, was adviser for AJ SWAFFORD ’99 when he was a Webb student. They enjoyed seeing each other on campus recently. Swafford teaches science at Webb.
EVAN COPE '94 was re-elected as Chairman of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission in July. Cope was appointed to a six-year term on the Commission in 2012 by Gov. Bill Haslam, and was reappointed to another six-year term this year. He was elected chairman in 2015.
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ALUMNI DR. MANNY SETHI ’96, a Vanderbilt orthopedic trauma surgeon, and his wife Maya founded Healthy Tennessee, a non-profit organization that provides health education and community training opportunities to improve the lives of Tennesseans with free health screenings, health care symposiums and summits, health care prevention tips, and information on nutrition. For nearly a decade, Healthy Tennessee has worked with major Fortune 500 companies, universities, and community leaders to achieve its goals of making Tennessee a healthier place to live, work and raise a family. Dr. Sethi travels to communities conducting health care fairs in partnership with local officials in order to enhance awareness and promote a healthier Tennessee. (MyHealthyTennessee.com) Stakeholders from across Tennessee gathered in Nashville in August for a summit to discuss the opioid crisis and work towards creating shared goals. Three panels of experts shared their knowledge on the challenges from around Tennessee -- fentanyl and counterfeit drugs, and public-private partnerships' approaches to solving the crisis. ERIN ’94 AND JOSH HENRICK ’94, owners of Middle Tennessee Hemp Co., attended the summit to learn more about the opioid crisis in Tennessee and raise awareness of the benefits of CBD, a cannabinoid found in industrial hemp that offers pain relief without addiction.
Josh Henrick '94, Dr. Manish Sethi '96 and Erin Henrick '94
2000s
Fall-Winter 2018 - 2019
A.J. SWAFFORD ’99, Bell Buckle, Tenn. and family welcomed their newest family member, Lydia Helen Swafford, born Sept. 21, 2018, weighing 7lbs., 10oz. and 20 in. long.
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Photo by Buck Butler
ALEX RICHMAN ’01 and Sewanee '05 graduate was featured on the Sewanee website in “Watering the Whiskey Tree.” The article by Charles Nelson IV included the following intro – “Two Sewanee grads from families steeped in American distillery history find their way, separately, to a conservation effort aimed at protecting the trees needed for the production of some storied spirits. Read more at http://www.sewanee.edu/features/ story/white-oak-initiative.html.
ALUMNI WILL ARRINGTON '04 and his wife Lacey Barnes welcomed the birth of their son, Lane Malcolm Arrington, on Oct. 30, 2018.
ZEBULON TURRENTINE ’00, Livingston, Tenn., is building guitars, heterodoxy and viewing planets. He and his wife, Katheryn, welcomed their first child, Spencer Lee Turrentine.
JOE GRIGGS ’05, Bell Buckle, Tenn., and family welcomed Henry Joseph Griggs June 30, 2018. Henry weighed 7lbs., 5oz and was 20 inches long.
DAVID WINDHAM ’07, Murfreesboro, Tenn. and family welcomed Henry Thomas DeWitt Windham Oct. 6, 2018, weighing 9lbs., 3oz. and 22 inches long.
Kami Land is doing what she loves
Her website explains the basis for her career: “Nothing has ever made me more excited than bringing a space to life with the right layout and décor. Whether it was my room at boarding school, dorm room at college, or first apartment in the real world, my absolute favorite thing to do has always been to style my (or someone else's) living space. Though this has always been my passion, my college did not offer interior design as a major. I graduated with a degree in Art and Associated Studies and taught art for the first few years of my career.
While teaching was an experience I wouldn't trade for the world, I couldn't seem to get decorating out of the back of my head. A friend recently asked me, “If you had a day off to do anything you wanted, what would you do?” I didn’t have to think twice. I’d spend the whole day rearranging and redecorating my house, of course! He said, “Then that’s what you should do. Do what you love.” It was so simple and so obvious. Why would I do anything else? It was that small exchange of words that encouraged me to bring kami land design to life!” Find her website at: http://www.kamilanddesign.com.
The Webb School Magazine
KAMI LAND ’05 of Portmouth, N.H., is doing what she loves -- interior decorating, organizing and custom painting and has recently begun a new venture, creating leggings based on some of her favorite paintings. Her business is kami land design, founded in 2016. Land’s professional services include single- or multiple-room projects that begin with functional analysis and space planning and move through layout designs, furniture selection, accessory sourcing onto color schemes, window treatments and picture hanging. Clients use her organizational skills to revamp many residential spaces – office, playroom, laundry room, mudroom, etc., and also to pack for a move. She organizes everything from drawers, cabinets and shelves to pantries and basements. Her custom paintings that are artful complements to the interior decorating have also found their way on leggings, which she now markets.
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ALUMNI Several Webb alumni gathered at Oaklands Mansion in Murfreesboro, Tenn., to celebrate the engagement of ABHISHEK SINGH '05. SHRUTI SINGH ABRAHAM '03 and her husband, Jacob Abraham, welcomed twin girls, Shraddha and Shreya, on Oct. 4.
Abbi Martin Ice '03, Katherine (Foutch) Layman '03, Shruti Singh Abraham '03
Willis McKee '05, Ronak Shah '05, Chase Spurlock '05, Abhishek Singh '05, Hudson Byrd '05, and Nikhil Reddy '06
Dr. Charles Goodman would like to introduce CAROLYN GOODMAN HENN ’06 as the newest addition to the practice. Carolyn is a nurse practitioner, and she is excited to join her father to continue providing excellent care to patients. Carolyn attended UT-Knoxville for college, then completed her Master of Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice at UT-Memphis. She is certified by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners as a Family Nurse Practitioner. She practiced for two years in a Family Practice office in Knoxville before returning home. Carolyn, her husband, Dave, and their daughter, Marcie, moved back to Middle Tennessee in August. They are already settled back home on the farm helping with the chickens, goats and cows.
Fall-Winter 2018 - 2019
Dr. Charles Goodman and Carolyn Goodman Henn '06
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MINTARO OBA '09, a resident of D.C., has been an associate at West Wing Writers: Speech writing services and communications strategy, since 2016. As a former U.S. Diplomat, he spent time in the White House Situation Room and the UN General Assembly.
We want to hear from you Do you have an updated address or special news to share with your classmates? Whether it is about your career, travel experiences, birth or wedding announcements, or a move, we want to hear from you. Please share your information for inclusion in the Webb Magazine to: https://www.thewebbschool.com/alumni/share-a-class-note-or-update-your-contact-info
ALUMNI
2010s
MELISSA WISNIEWSKI '10 AND SUTTON JONES '09 married in Nashville, Tenn., on Dec. 9, 2017. Melissa and Sutton met prior to attending Webb, went to prom together in 2009 and reconnected in college. Melissa and Sutton currently live in Nashville, where Melissa is a second-year associate at Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis, LLP, and Sutton is a CPA at Ernst & Young. Also pictured are NICK WISNIEWSKI '06, SCOTT WISNIEWSKI '09 and ALISON JONES '06. CAROLINE SMITH ’11 and RYAN PRYOR ’12 were married on June 16, 2018, in Bell Buckle. The bridal party was full of Webb alumni, including STEFAN SHELLEY ’12, BEN STROBEL ’12, KALEB TILTON ’12, BLAKE COCANOUGHER ’12, CHILTON SMITH ’13, ANNA CLAIRE FARMER ’12, ANNA PRYOR ’14, SARADA KOLLI TILTON ’12, and AUTUMN WRIGHT ’11. The couple now live in Memphis.
HANNAH GALLAGHER ’12 is attending Washington University School of Law in St. Louis, Mo. CAROLINE TUMA ’14 is attending University of Tennessee-Knoxville School of Law. HAILEY WILLIAMS '14 started grad school at Belmont University. She is studying for her Master of Sport Administration. She is also a marketing and communications intern with Vanderbilt University Athletics.
On Oct. 19, on TBS, BIL CARTER ’10 hosted a TV show called ELEAGUE’s Esports 101: League of Legends Edition. It’s a show aired on national TV that catered to a non-endemic audience in hopes of educating everyone of the space of professional gaming. See the link below for the commercial that’s currently airing on TBS. https://app.frame.io/ presentations/9fa4c065-911040b7-9541-dd674a9e5f32
The Webb School Magazine
ELLEN WILLIAMS THRONEBERRY ’11, Murfreesboro, Tenn., married Luke Throneberry in 2016 and welcomed daughter, Lila, in 2017.
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IN MEMORIAM
Webb remembers Moira Judas Smith Moira Judas Smith passed away on Nov. 17, 2018, following a brief illness. She was a highly respected teacher of French language at The Webb School.
Fall-Winter 2018 - 2019
She was born in Lubbock, Texas, into a U.S. Air Force family. A graduate of Ramey High School, Puerto Rico, she earned a B.S. Degree from the University of Alabama, where she was a member of the Spanish Honor Society, Mortar Board, Pan Hellenic Council, Alpha Omicron Pi sorority, and an honorary scholarship recipient in Spanish. She worked for two years in the French office of Campus Crusade for Christ (now CRU) in Lyon, France. Upon her return, she earned a M.A. Degree in French and English at Middle Tennessee State University and was named a Peck Scholar before joining the Webb School faculty in 1981.
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During her long career, she taught French at every level in grades 6-12. Though afflicted with severe rheumatoid arthritis, she taught every class with an energy and verve that was the envy of her colleagues and the amazement of her students. She, along with her husband, Webb history teacher L.R. Smith, was leader and coordinator for numerous overseas travel/study tours, including three trips to the USSR, twelve student exchange/homestay trips to France, and two winter travel experiences in Quebec. She was a recipient of the French Academic Palm, an honor created by Napoleon and the oldest French non-military decoration, which today recognizes significant contributions of teachers through teaching, scholarship and leadership over the course of their careers. At the time of her death, she held the Chair of the Foreign Language Department as well as the Wilson "Woody" Sims, Sr. Chair in Foreign Language, the stipend from which she used to provide funds for students desiring to travel overseas. She was utterly devoted to her profession, her family, and her
school. She had a passionate love of the French language, making sure that her daughter Caroline was perfectly bilingual from the age of two, and that her tongue-tied husband knew enough to feed himself and find the bathroom while on their many trips to France. She often noted that, "There's nothing in the world I'd rather do than go up that hill every day and teach French at the Webb School and take Webb students to France." Her love of French was rivaled only by her passion for her Paso Fino horses and the farm she inherited from her parents. She was an active member of the Paso Fino Horse Association, having served as National Show Secretary, as a board member, and most recently as regional delegate from the Kentucky PFHA. So dedicated was she to promoting and celebrating the breed that she managed to convince her family and friends to ride with her several times in the Nashville Christmas Parade. She rode to multiple championship victories over the years and loved to have riders young, old, and in between come to the farm and ride. Preceded in death by her parents, Col. (Ret.) Maxwell V. Judas and Jane Beach Judas. Survived by her husband, L. R. Smith; beloved daughter, Caroline Pryor (Ryan) of Memphis, Tenn.; stepson, Bill Smith (Elizabeth) of Houston, Texas; brother, Col. (Ret.) Robert Judas (Suzanne) of Atlantic Beach, Fla.; several nieces and nephews. Interment and memorial service will take place in Spring, 2019. Arrangements through Doak-Howell Funeral Home, Shelbyville, Tenn. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to The Webb School Annual Fund.
In Memoriam The Webb School offers sincere sympathy to the families of departed classmates To view the announcements in their entirety, visit www.thewebbschool.com/alumni
Faculty/Staff
Dr. Ralph R. Braund '55 died Oct. 16 in Alabama.
Memorial services for Don Francis Horsley, former faculty member, age 81, of Cookeville, were June 22 at the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home. He died June 18, 2018, at his home in Cookeville TN.
T. Gunter Smith '55 of Mobile, and Cooperstown, N.Y., passed away Aug. 24 in Cooperstown, surrounded by his loving family. (Published in the Mobile Register and Baldwin County from Sept. 7 to Sept. 12, 2018)
1940s Charles R. Bowen ’44, Stamford, Conn., passed away May 7, 2018. (Published in StamfordAdvocate on May 18, 2018) James Conway Liner III (Dinky) ’49, Monroe. La., passed away at his home Oct. 9, 2018, of a brief illness. A memorial visitation was held Oct. 15, 2018, at Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Monroe, La.
1970s Ricky Thomas ’72, a resident of Memphis, Tenn., died Sept. 23, 2018. A memorial service was held on the Webb campus on Nov. 2.
1950s Dr. Henry Briggs Smith Sr. ’50, 86, of Valdosta, Ga., died Aug. 15, 2018, after a brief illness. A memorial service was held on Aug. 26, 2018, at First United Methodist Church. (Published in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Aug. 22, 2018)
is pleased to announce two publications in honor of the 150th anniversary Order information will be available in the spring-summer 2019 magazine
The Schoolmaker
The Webb School Magazine
The Webb School
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The Webb School BELL BUCKLE
Post Office Box 488 Bell Buckle, TN 37020 Address Service Requested
2019 Alumni Save The Date Reunion
April 26 - 27, 2019
VISITORS’ DAY
Fall-Winter 2018 - 2019
WSPA Belles and Buckles Gala
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SAVE THE DATE FEBRUARY 1, 2019 The Webb School Parents’ Association would like to thank all those who made the 20172018 Belles and Buckles Gala a success - our sponsors, donors, volunteers and guests! We hope to see you at our next gala.
Monday, January 21, and Monday, February 18, 2019 Please RSVP
admissions@webbschool.com or by calling 931-389-6003