Mission
“... to turn out young people who are tireless workers, and who know how to work effectively; who are accurate scholars; who know the finer points of morals and practice them in their daily living; who are always courteous.” Enduring Understandings Integrity is a cornerstone of a flourishing life and community. Learning is an enjoyable and ongoing process. Respect for self and others is essential to a harmonious society. Self-discipline and autonomy are essential to success. Each person has unique gifts and capacities and a responsibility to develop them. Each person shares the responsibility and honor of serving others.
Living the Mission and Enduring Understandings
Fall/Winter 2021-2022
WEBB
THE WEBB SCHOOL
MAGAZINE
Page 4
Webb caps 150th Celebrations
Pages 10
Quao takes her place in writers’ room
Page 11
Unique, fast-growing bespoke jean company perfect for Cocanougher
Kenneth C. Cheeseman Head of School
WEBB COMMUNICATIONS EDITOR:
Rita Mitchell
Director of Communications DESIGN & LAYOUT:
Gary Marino
CONTRIBUTORS:
Alyce Allen
Director of Advancement Services
Dorothy Elkins
Alumni Research Assistant
Jonathon Hawkins
Interim Director of Alumni and Development
Kristen Linton ’00
Director of Leadership Annual Giving
Page 12
Fall/Winter 2021-2022
Fall Recap
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Page 20 Sports
Page 25
Webb Summer Camps
Justice Wenzlick
Assistant Director of the Webb Fund 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: 640401875. 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 processes, scholarship and financial aid programs, employment practices, athletic and other school administrative programs.
319 Webb Road East Bell Buckle, Tenn. 37020 1-931-389-9322
Page 28 Let it Snow!
Page 29 Class Notes
Page 35
In Memoriam
For more about Webb’s Mission and Enduring Understandings, visit: www.thewebbschool.com/about/our-mission.
A NOTE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
planning to share with you the values that we are reaffirming as bedrock for a Webb education, provide details about the programs and initiatives that will shape the next few years for Webb and then give glimpses into the longer-term future of Webb. Our core values will light our path and the plans that allow us to continue to be an excellent school that is relevant for our students and graduates long into the future. We want our alumni to continue to mold and shape the future for good, with compassion, mercy and justice. I hope you enjoy this edition of the magazine. Particularly since we will be finalizing our next strategic plan throughout the spring term, please do not hesitate to give us insights you might have. Please email us at strategicfuture@webbschool.com, leaving us your name and contact information. Thank you for all you do to encourage and support Webb to be among the very best small boarding/day schools in the U.S. Sincerely, Kenneth C. Cheeseman Head of School
The Webb School Magazine
Greetings from our beloved Bell Buckle! We have enjoyed a tremendous fall semester at Webb. Our opening enrollment of 405 is our all-time historic high. We welcomed a very strong new class of faculty members as well. While we still have to work around the vicissitudes of COVID and COVID protocols, we enjoyed being in-person every day in the fall. Academically, we have significantly enhanced our college counseling programming, beginning with 8th graders and their parents now and offering additional trips to colleges and universities. In the Arts, we enjoyed a wonderful production of “A Literary Salon: Mark Twain & Little Women, An Evening of Affection and Respect” in our Black Box Theater, several exceptional strings concerts, and the return of Lessons & Carols live and in-person. On the athletic side, our student athletes worked hard and competed well with several individuals and teams earning state and national recognition. It was, indeed, a very strong fall semester! As you read our fall-winter 2021-2022 magazine, know that we are all interconnected to Webb as alumni, faculty, staff, student, parent, grandparent or friend of The Webb School. We have all invested time, talent, and/or treasure in building the strong foundation upon which we all stand at Webb in 2022. As head of school and on behalf of our current community, I thank you for your support of our school during these many years. We could not have celebrated our 150th Anniversary without the vision, hard work, and sacrifice of so many of you. Throughout this magazine you will read stories of celebration of current successes, all of which were made possible because of the foundation YOU helped us build. You will see generations of Webb celebrating 150 years and read about the specific impacts Webb had on two alumni. As you reflect on their stories, may you, too, feel gratitude for your connection to Webb. So evident in their stories are the core values of our Webb culture that have and continue to give us wings to fly and, in many ways, have thrived for 152 years. Planning every couple of years to strategically consider our future is a normative, best practice for a school of excellence, and this is our pattern. We are considering the best path forward to help us continue to excel in a sustainable way, both in the near and long-term. As we develop our new strategic plan, we do so in the midst of one of the greatest social transformations in my lifetime and career, accelerated by the globally ubiquitous social media. This transformation has left very little untouched and unquestioned in our society generally and in education more specifically. So, in this strategic plan, it is even more important for us to clarify what particular core values we will celebrate and, through those values, plan for a very different world. Towards that end, I am grateful for the feedback we have received about the school from those responding to surveys, while also receiving guidance from market indicators, and consultants. This feedback, with more to be gleaned, is giving us critically important insights that are already informing our planning for the future. By this summer, we should be in a place in our strategic
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Celebration complete!
Webb community caps 150th observance
Fall/Winter 2021-2022
The celebration was planned for several years, slated to be carried out during the 2019-2020 school year and culminating with a Webb 150 Celebration and Reunion Weekend in April and graduation of the Class of 2020. The special observance began with a Webb family reunion hosted on campus in June 2019 that attracted more than 60 relatives of founder W.R. “Sawney” Webb. It continued with a kickoff the first day of school in August that captured in a drone photo students, faculty and staff forming 150 on Lagler Field. During the fall semester, there were alumni and friends socials and on Sawney’s birthday, Nov. 11, a “Coast to Coast Toast” throughout the U.S. and beyond. “The Schoolmaker” received a special edition printing, and Library Director Hannah Byrd Little and Archivist Susan Coop Howell published “The Webb School of Bell Buckle.” There were also several Webb 150/Follin Speaker Series presentations, including Thompson Webb III, Sawney’s great-grandson. Then plans were stalled and became uncertain in the spring of 2020 as a result of the COVID pandemic.
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On Oct. 21-24, 2021, The Webb School, in its 152nd school year, paused to mark the 150th anniversary observance. More than 350 alumni, parents and friends attended the Webb 150 Celebration and Reunion Weekend after two postponements. The weekend event began with a Community Celebration and Reception on campus, sponsored by the Bell Buckle and ShelbyvilleBedford County Chambers of Commerce. As part of the event, Rep. Pat Marsh presented Head of School Ken Cheeseman with a framed copy of a House and Senate Joint Resolution from the Tennessee General Assembly to honor and congratulate The Webb School on its 150th Anniversary. Cheeseman also received a congratulatory letter from U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn marking the event. Friday events included open classes, an alumni, parents and friends tailgate, homecoming football game and alumni class parties. Saturday’s events featured an alumni, parents and friends social and awards program to recognize the 2020 and 2021
Distinguished Alumni Society inductees and the 2020 and 2021 John B. Hardin Service Awards recipients as well as the 150th Party. Webb 150 guests were invited to the Bell Buckle United Methodist Church for the Sunday service and lunch. Alumni receiving the John B. Hardin Service Award were Charles Alexander and George Pine, both in the class of 1968, (2020); and Brian Wofford, former faculty member (2021). Those inducted as members of the Distinguished Alumni Society were Irvin Ashford Jr. ’87 and Bill Hardin ’79 (2020) and Andrew K. Howorth ’74 and Elizabeth Allison Tant ’87 (2021). Welcoming guests to the Webb 150 Party Saturday night, Head of School Ken Cheeseman said, “We are grateful and very excited to finally be hosting the Webb 150 Celebration and Reunion Weekend on campus to mark such an important milestone for The Webb School. We are honoring the past, celebrating the present, and looking ahead to what’s next,” he said.
For more Webb 150 photos, go to: https://www.thewebbschool.com/webb-150.
Josh Hall ’72, Steve Bonds ‘72, Carl Turner ‘72, Rob Gardner ‘72, Bill Abernathy ‘72, Scott Crichton ‘72, and John Callow ‘66 at the homecoming football game tailgate
Callie Kerbo ‘12 and Christopher Enea at the tailgate
Rep. Pat Marsh, left, presented Head of School Ken Cheeseman with a framed copy of a House and Senate Joint Resolution from the Tennessee General Assembly to honor and congratulate The Webb School on its 150th Anniversary. The presentation was made at the Community Celebration and Reception.
Bobby Thuston ‘00, Stevie Smoot ‘00, Daiva and Tomas Berzinskas Earl Hereford ‘60, Jack Sineath ‘60, and Dan Flournoy ‘60 on campus Nikhil Reddy ‘06, Mallory Brink ‘06 and son, Tejas Reddy, at the tailgate
Coast-to Coast Toasts (Nov. 11, 2019) Trustees Wilson Sims ‘72 and Sandi Jobe Puett ‘95, and Carl Turner ‘72 at the tailgate
Stacy, Hudson ‘27, and Tracy Webb at the tailgate
Zoe Baird and Chad Baird ‘93 on campus
Head of School Ken Cheeseman and Henry Ray ‘61
The Webb School Magazine
Alexander Weitzman ‘18 and Emma-Grace Patterson Weitzman ‘18 visiting Webb
Additional fall 2019 gatherings were hosted as Coast-to-Coast Toasts celebrating Sawney Webb’s birthday – Nov. 11, 2019 – and The Webb School’s 150th anniversary year were held in various places throughout the United States, in China and more. Alumni and friends were invited to host or attend one of Webb’s official toasts or lift a glass with family and friends at home. David Phillips ’66 hosted a small gathering of alumni at his business, Sugar Creek Winery, in Carmel, Ind. From left, are Lynn Ducat ’94, Alan Ruanto ’94, Phillips, and Stephen Peters ’73.
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Panda Schmiede, Patsy and Bill Freeman, and Karl Schmiede ’95 at the Webb 150 celebration event
Chicago Alumni and Friends Social (Fall 2019)
Betty and George Hester ‘52
The Chicagoland Alumni and Friends Social celebrating 150 years of Webb was held Oct. 5, 2019, at Birch Road Cellar in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago. Hosted by alumnus Reid Gillam ‘00 and Jonathon Hawkins, interim director of alumni and development, attendees included Board of Trust member Drew Carrington ‘83 and Marcy Carrington, Nathaniel Robinson ‘00 and Lisa Searing, Camille Grubbs Gillam, David Tang ‘94, Jenn Klein ‘04, Tabetha Sullens ‘94 Webb’s assistant head for student affairs, Mandy Byars, and Carrie Auwarter, director of boarding admissions and financial aid. While in the area, Hawkins also visited with Barbara Grobicki ‘86 and Wesley LeBlanc ‘00. Fall through Feb. 7, 2020, additional socials were held Charlotte, N.C.; Leesburg, Va.; Los Angeles, Calif.; Louisville and Lexington, Ky.; Knoxville and Memphis, Tenn.; and Birmingham, Ala.
Beth and Trustee Evan Cope ‘94
Board of Trustees Chair Vance Berry ‘72
Brian Wofford, Amanda Wofford ‘09, Brianna Wofford Taylor ‘11 and Ruth Wofford
Fall/Winter 2021-2022
Mandy Akin Hayes ‘92 and Jessie Akin ‘98
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Trustee Sam Lasseter ‘69 and Fred Alexander ‘70
Jack Sineath ‘60, Jasper Shealy ‘57, and Mike Shealy ‘61
Aimee Zhang ‘21 and Carrie Simmons ‘21
Webb Associate Head for Finance and Operations Jim Callis, Marcy and Trustee Drew Carrington ‘83
Trustee Bill Hardin ‘79 and Dorothy Elkins Andy Howorth ’74
Ginger Bobo Shofner, Sheila Bobo, Jack Jones and Ann Shofner ‘80
Wade Gaither ‘92, LauraBeth Bell Frey ‘92 and Trustee Farrar Schaeffer Vaughan ’95
Chris Salter and Tracy Jones Salter ‘90
Hannah Hastings ‘16 and Richa Cartwright ‘16
More than 60 descendants of William R. “Sawney” Webb met at Webb for a weekend family reunion in June 2019, staying in Wendel Haynes Hall, Meadows Hall and Chambliss Dormitory, dining in the Grace Follin Dining Hall and gathering for fellowship in the Dorothy Powell Elkins Student Center.
For more Webb 150 photos, go to: https://www.thewebbschool.com/webb-150.
The Webb School Magazine
Webb Family reunion group photo (June 2019)
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Head of School Ken Cheeseman
Allison Lovell, Drew Lovell ’04, Lanae Webb, Alumni Board President Hudson Byrd ‘05 and Trustee Emeritus Hugh Hunter Byrd ‘56.
Mark Nance and Roy Nance ’49
Ralph Jones and L.R. Smith, emcees for the celebration evening event
Trustee Irv Ashford ‘87, Sasha Carradine and Tamil Reese
Fall/Winter 2021-2022
Ranea and Trustee David Brown
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Jack Bailey ‘72 and Moe Hill ‘75
Jere Fones ‘66, David Phillips ‘66, Mike Wolf ‘66 and Bill Farris ‘66
Alumni Board Vice President Libby Williams Willis ‘80 and Chandler Owen
Peter Marks ‘70 and MK Biesel
Outdoor evening event setting
Emily and Will Huddleston ‘12 and Candler Huddleston ‘12 and Preston Pope
“The Schoolmaker” received a special edition printing, and Library Director Hannah Byrd Little and Archivist Susan Coop Howell published “The Webb School of Bell Buckle” – a pictorial book.
Diane Abbott and Whit Linder ‘84
The Webb School Magazine
Katherine Buntin and David Buntin ‘81 Under the celebration tent
Alumni Board Member Jami Averwater ‘13 and Andrew Nelson
Dorothy Elkins “Sweet as Pie” in the Tennessean November 2019
Mary Stumb and Trustee Emeritus Paul Stumb ‘52
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Quao trusts instincts and takes her place in writers’ room know what the heck I was going to do in the industry, but I knew I was really interested in it.” Quao also has memories of Webb’s storytelling, something that is integral to her work. “I think what I took away from Webb were the stories they told, “Little Brown Jug” (L.R. Smith) and “Bob Roy and the Christmas Cookie” (Mike Quinn), about the ethos of Webb. It was the little teachings that I still remember. As I achieve my own little milestones in life – just relating it back to those kind of stories – that’s what I took away the most. Sometimes in life, you feel like Little Brown Jug.” After graduating from Webb, Quao enrolled at George Washington University and then transferred to Brown University, where there was a creative writing degree. “I knew I wanted to work in film but thought, this is the closest thing I’ve seen for what I want to do.” She received a BA
Photo Credit / Dan Levy
Fall/Winter 2021-2022
Ama Quao always knew she wanted to work in film but was unsure of her path and her role in the industry. She frequently questioned her goals during college, graduate school and in the early years of her career. Reflecting, the Webb ’07 grad realizes she was following the right path and seizing opportunities that are now ao an Qu bag a Cat Am Photo Credit / Bianca fast-tracking her career. “I haven’t always gotten the exact job I wanted. But I think it has helped me get to where I am today. I’ve been working as an assistant for 10 years. I got my first writing job last March (2021). I was very lucky, but I’ve always felt like when it’s your time, it’s your time.” Quao, who lives in Los Angeles, is a member of writing teams for two series that premiered in January – “Single Drunk Female” on Freeform and “How I Met Your Father” on Hulu. Previously, she was a writers’ assistant for “Shining Girls” on Apple TV; “Outer Range”, an Amazon Original; “Demimonde”, executively produced by J.J. Abrams; and BBC’s “Jerusalem”; a writers’ production assistant for “Billions” on Showtime, and interned at A24. “From an early age, I always knew I wanted to work in Hollywood. I think that was mainly because my dad would always watch Turner Classic Movies. I think that was my favorite thing growing up watching it with him and seeing how much he loved it “How I Met Your Father” writers and how much I loved it, too.” Quao, who enrolled at Webb as a seventh grader, can cite several instances that helped define her interest in creative writing and the film industry, but ninth grade with English teacher Hope Cheney Bentley stands out. An assignment while reading and writing about “The Odyssey” let her and her classmates know that they could go farther with their writing and include what they were thinking and feeling. “You could have fun with it. It was the first time I got to use my creativity in school that wasn’t in art or pottery classes. I didn’t 10
in creative writing and American Studies – the latter providing good general knowledge that she thought would aid in her writing. “I followed what I thought I was interested in, graduated, and realized I didn’t know how to actualize the degree.” That led her home to Murfreesboro where she took a chance and started applying to film schools. She was accepted at Columbia University realizing her goal to earn a master of fine arts degree in screenwriting and directing. “When I got there, I decided I was not going to do the same
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Unique, fast-growing bespoke jeans company perfect for Cocanougher
(continued on page 27)
The Webb School Magazine
Blake Cocanougher ’12 “Going into that degree, I wasn’t really sure what I was going attended Webb for seven to do with it, but I knew I could apply it somehow along the years, and it’s obvious the line. I had a passion for it, and I really enjoyed it. It also involved school made an indelible a lot of public speaking, which I really enjoyed.” That reminded mark on him. In fact, it’s Cocanougher of another life-changing Webb takeaway — the difficult for him to limit school’s public performance program. “One of the best things the list of life-changing about Webb was the emphasis on public speaking - declamations, takeaways from Webb. He orations, just speaking in chapel every day when I was Student periodically reads passages Council president. In my job now, I frequently end up speaking in in “The Schoolmaker,” front of large groups of people, and it doesn’t even phase me. You r he which he keeps on his do it enough, and you become immune to the jitters.” ug no ca Co e Blak home office desk. Some The Webb grad is Sr. VP of Sales for Blue Delta Jeans Co., of his fondest memories are taking classes with a bespoke jean company based in Tupelo, Miss. He began his teachers he characterizes as “cornerstones of Webb” and walking association with the company when he met the two owners, Josh on campus reading quotes on the building exteriors. He maintains West, Chief Executive Officer, and Nick Weaver, Chief Operating strong bonds with school friends. Officer, while at Ole Miss. He “I got to spend seven years started helping them as a marketing absorbing the history and tradition intern. “The company was started of Webb. That stays with you. I in 2012, so this was early on, and definitely think it’s shaped my view they were certainly still trying to of the world and how I operate in it. figure things out and get the small Noli res subdole facere doesn’t stop business off the ground. Even as an when you get your Senior Bible.” intern, I could tell that me being “I was probably in fourth grade there … was making changes on the when it was decided I was going to trajectory of a small company.” Webb. From day one of 6th grade, Cocanougher graduated from there was no question about it. college in 2016, but they couldn’t That’s where I was supposed to be.” afford to hire a full-time sales Seven years at Webb culminated person. He joined Blue Delta with Cocanougher being elected full-time a year later in spring of as Student Council president, and 2017. “When I started full time then was tapped for Honor Council with Blue Delta, I was the first president by the other senior employee who didn’t know how members. “It was a great end to my to operate a sewing machine. I time at Webb. It’s something that was the first (employee) in sales, I’m still very proud of.” marketing, business development, After graduation, Cocanougher customer service, I even did some enrolled at the University of bookkeeping -- there were a lot of Mississippi. “I visited and felt at titles. At a small company, you play home right away. Ole Miss is a a million different roles, but I had Blue Delta corporate gifting event, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands bigger school, but I could tell it was the opportunity to work day-to-day a pretty tight-knit community. So, I felt in an odd way there was with two guys who were growing a Southern fashion brand. They some compatibility between Webb and Ole Miss – despite the were building a plane while already in flight, and I got to be a part difference in size.” of that.” Originally in the School of Business studying business, As a bespoke tailoring company, Blue Delta does not sell a he moved to the School of Journalism and graduated with a ‘rack’ product. “Every single jean that we make is made from a bachelor’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communications, personal pattern. We take 16 measurements, help the client pick a new journalism degree with a heavy emphasis on business the style and fit of the jean, and then we help choose from 30-40 marketing. “It was a hybrid degree. IMC was more focused on different fabrics and 18 thread colors. The customization is nearly modern advertising and media – it just made more sense to me.” limitless. We make jeans and cotton pants – custom business
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Fall Recap
Fall/Winter 2021-2022
Blazer Day tradition honors 152nd senior class
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A long-standing tradition of 30 years, and her father is L.R. honoring seniors during the annual Smith, who retired last year after 44 Senior Blazer Day continued on Nov. years as a hugely influential faculty 15. The South’s oldest, continuously member. After graduating from operating boarding school hosted the Webb, Caroline attended Davidson ceremony in chapel and via livestream College in North Carolina, where with 48 members of the Class of 2022 she earned a Bachelor’s degree in receiving their Webb blazers. Caroline French and Francophone Studies Smith Pryor, a 2011 graduate and and International Studies in an alumni board member, was the 2015. She also earned a Master’s guest speaker. Also participating in of Business Administration from the ceremony were Julie Yamamoto University of Mississippi. She Harris, class of 1995 and director works for Delta Health Alliance, Kristen Linton ’00, Webb Follin III ’73, Caroline Smith Pryor ’11 of enrollment management; Kristen where she researches particular Linton, class of 2000 and director of challenges among the poorest leadership annual giving; and Webb Follin III, class of 1973 and residents of the Mississippi Delta, develops plans to solve and past president of the Alumni Board. mitigate those problems, and raises support to fund those “This is an important day in the life of, not just our seniors, plans. Her work focuses but our entire community,” said Head of School Ken Cheeseman. on helping children thrive “Seniors, you being given the blazer today signifies your faculty’s from the cradle to career. pronouncement that you have reached an important and timeShe is a shining example of honored milestone in the development of your character and powerfully leading her sphere your prowess in the three A’s: academics, arts, and athletics. It is of influence toward justice, my hope and prayer mercy, and truth.” that in receiving Visit https://www. the blazer, you will thewebbschool.com/about/ Johnathon Savage ’22 and Luke Ledbetter ’22 continue to commit school-news for Pryor’s to the pursuit of remarks and Blazer Day photos. wisdom, the wisdom The 2022 seniors include: Helen Allison, Brady Badour, necessary to lead your Jacqueline Bain, Aidas Berzinskas, Conner Brown, Ari Cook, generation, both here Weston Coop, Myles “Eddie” Cumberbatch, Lauren Cummins, and far beyond our Emme Elgin, Evan Eursher, Zhehan “Jerry” Feng, Gal-la Font, borders. Lead your Chenyu “Wendy” Fu, Emmett Gabehart, Ben Greenberg, Avante Miriam Arreola, Diane Olvera ’22 and Javier Olvera generation where “Khi” Harris, Maritha Issel, Andrew Lawson, Jessica Le, Luke and how? Towards justice, mercy, and truth; I both challenge you Ledbetter, Zhengxuan “Jason” Liang, Krish Mansharamani, and expect you to intentionally commit to making your sphere of Alexander Mast, Zoë Nicholson, Diane Olvera, Pratham Patel, influence and the world beyond a better place than the one you Coleton Pedigo, Iris Reyes, Lola Reyes, Grayson Rone, Jack inherit. If not you, then who will lead us? The world needs you.” Ryan, Johnathon Savage, Simon Sengchanh, Brooklyn ShepardIntroducing Pryor, the head of school said, “Caroline Smith Wheelon, Miles Simons, Sydney Sinclair, Phoebe Smith, Hazel Pryor, Class of 2011, has a deep and rich history here at Webb. Song, Keqin “Nicola” Sun, Maddox Sutton, Roman TavaresShe grew up on this beautiful campus. Her mother is the much Finson, Kaden Thephavong, Caroline Whitaker, Corbin Whitney, beloved Moira Smith, who taught French here for more than Peja York, Yaotian Zhang and Rui Zhou.
“A Literary Salon: Mark Twain & Little Women, An Evening of Affection and Respect” presented
The Webb community came together across the globe on Oct. 30 for a special dinner in Shanghai followed by a Zoom questionand-answer session with school leaders. The event was organized and sponsored by Olly Wang ’09, former Alumni Board member who lives in China. Approximately 10 parents of current Webb students met each other in person for dinner, and then joined another 20 families from China on Zoom. Head of School Ken Cheeseman opened the Zoom session with remarks on the fine start this year having school at Webb in person for everyone. He shared how pleased he is to serve at Webb, and provided an overview of how the school is structured. Additional Zoom speakers from Webb included Dr. Tabetha Sullens, assistant head of school; Jon Bloom, dean of students and residential life; Nicole Taucare, dean of academics and arts; Julie Harris, director of enrollment management; and Jonathon Hawkins, interim director of alumni and development. Michael Qi, father of Leo Qi ’24, also spoke about his Webb experiences. “We appreciate how committed our Chinese families are to their Webb educations,” said Cheeseman after the event. “We talked about how they can best communicate with the school, understand Webb academic schedules and AP course offerings, and can give back through the Webb Fund. We did something similar back in September 2020 in Beijing, and I am looking forward to the next time we can assemble. I hope we will do this several times per year.” Wang added, “My Webb experience was wonderful, and it has been fun for me to stay in touch with people I knew, as well as new friends I have gained through the Alumni Board. I really enjoy helping our Chinese families stay involved with the school. Oftentimes when questions arise, some Chinese families may not be fluent in English or familiar enough with Webb to know what to ask. Events like this really help put our Chinese families at ease. Also, we have been greatly aided by our use of WeChat (communication app) which keeps everyone together.” Webb has made traveling to China a regular destination during the past few years. The most recent trips to China occurred in 2019 before COVID altered the landscape for international travel.
The Webb School Magazine
The Webb Company Players presented a “A Literary Salon: Mark Twain & Little Women, An Evening of Affection and Respect” in the Black Box Theatre of the Lundin Fine Arts Center as the fall production. All four performances were sold out. Theatre director is Ruth Cordell, Webb’s speech and theatre teacher. Janet Linton, Fine Arts Department chair, is music director. The cast included: the members of the family – Hannah, Ilana Gunther; Marmee, Lucy Wilson; Aunt March, Abigail Ingram; Father, Jim Callis; the March sisters - Jo, Bailey Brock; Meg, Elliott Williams; Amy, Mili Walton; Beth, Anne Marie Florida; the Neighbors – Old Mr. Laurence, Winston Dugdale; Laurie, Maddox Sutton; Mr. Brooke, Ray Zhang; and understudy cover, Nova Northcutt and Alisyn Parfait. The director for “Little Women” was Ruth Cordell, and script supervisor was Maryanna Walton; and for “Mark Twain”, Zoë Nicholson was director and script supervisor. Faculty tech coordinators were Raymond Pryor and Reid Brown; set design, Ruth Cordell; Props, Ruth Cordell and Winston Dugdale; Stage Managers, Caitlin Jeralds and Zoë Nicholson; hair and makeup, cast, crew, Savarna Ghosh and Emmett Gabehart; student videographer assistant, London Sullens; control booth/lights and sound, Serik Bilbro, Caitlin Jeralds, Zoë Nicholson, Johnathon Savage, Simon Sengchanh, Phoebe Smith, Quinn Shibayama, Gage Walls; and house crew, Aspen Northcutt, Willa Kate Shofner and Kenlee Freemon.
Webb families in China gather, receive update from school via Zoom
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Greenberg Commended Student in National Merit Scholarship Program
Dr. Sullens honored with 2021 WSPA Faculty Enrichment Award
Ben Greenberg ’22 of Murfreesboro has been named a Commended Student in the 2022 National Merit Scholarship Program. He received a Letter of Commendation from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, which conducts the program. About 32,000 Commended Students throughout the nation were recognized for their exceptional academic promise. More than 80,000 students from all 50 states were eligible to join the College Board National Recognition Programs, which grant students with academic honors that can be included on college and scholarship applications. They entered the competition by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. “I feel extremely honored to be receiving this recognition. It makes me happy to see my hard work pay off in some way,” said Greenberg. “However, I am most importantly very grateful for all the support I was given from the faculty and staff at Webb, because I could not have done everything alone.”
Dr. Tabetha Sullens, a 1994 graduate and assistant head of school for student affairs, was recognized by The Webb School Parents’ Association with the 2021 WSPA Faculty Enrichment Award. The award was presented during the Dr. Tabetha Sullens and Head of School Ken Cheeseman fall semester in chapel. 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. “I am honored and grateful to be chosen as the recipient of this award. I can only attribute any success I have to the teachers who taught me well while I was a student at Webb. It is my honor to work with these students and families each day,” said Sullens. Sullens, in her seventh year of service to Webb, also teaches the Focus 6 class that sets a foundation for incoming sixth-graders, examining the honor code, digital citizenship, and study skills, and previously served as Middle School head for five years. She is in her second year as assistant head for student affairs.
Fall/Winter 2021-2022
Students participate in MTSU Honors Orchestra
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Several Honors Orchestra students were nominated to participate in the 2021 Middle Tennessee State University High School Honors Orchestra. Students were selected based on their proficiency on their instrument as well as their overall contribution to The Webb School Honors Orchestra. String students who attended were: Carley Byford, David Tran, Hannah Joslin, Kaden Thephavong, Jackson Holland and Aaron Kiser. Students rehearsed with other high school students all day Nov. 5 on the MTSU campus, culminating with a performance Nov. 6 in the MTSU Wright Music Building. Music included selections from “Star Wars” and “The Chronicles of Narnia.”
MS thespians stage performance Middle School Thespians, in their first year of theatre during the after-school program, performed vignettes from “AnnieKids!” and “Fiddler on the Roof Broadway Junior” under the direction of Marilyn Morgan.
Audiences invited to enjoy and sing at holiday concerts Lessons and Carols, a Webb holiday tradition for the school and the community, along with the annual String Orchestra Holiday Concert and a new “Sacred and Festive: 6th Grade Christmas Concert”, ushered in the Christmas Season this year. All staged in the Follin Chapel, audiences were invited to enjoy and join in singing.
6th Grade Legends of Rock Concert
Drew Creal’s 6th Grade General Music students performed their “Legends of Rock” concert in October outside the Lundin Fine Arts Center. Each class performed the three songs they had been working on in class for their family and friends. Creal is Webb’s guitar teacher.
The Webb School Magazine
The String Orchestras Fall Concert in October featured all classes performing music from the Baroque and Romantic periods.
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Hagan, Parfait third-year McDonnell-Follin Scholars Juniors Abby Hagan and Alisyn Parfait were recently selected as McDonnell-Follin Scholars for the 2021-2022 school year. The McDonnell-Follin Scholars Program provides for the in-depth study of a particular academic area by a student for one semester, supported by a member of the faculty or administration. An endowment Abby Hagan supports the program, in which the participants earn course credit. Hagan has chosen forest ecology as the focus for her spring semester studies. Her goal is “to gain a rich understanding of the relationship between plants, animals, and non-living entities as a community that forms the forest biomes that surround us, as well as the effect these ecosystems have on the environment.” In her application for the program, Hagan said, “The study of forest ecology would enhance not only my appreciation for the natural world but would introduce me to a world of scientific studies of the biological relationships that sustain life itself.” She will be assisted by Melissa Harden, science teacher. Parfait will focus on linguistics and will be assisted by Jason Simpson, World Languages Department chair and French teacher. In her application for the program, she noted, “I’ve always been fascinated by how language changes and how it’s
impacted by time and a wide variety of social structures. For college, I’m planning on majoring in political science and international studies with a possible minor in linguistics, and this course would be invaluable to my understanding and preparation for college. There are six main sects of linguistics, all of which are fascinating in their own right.” Alisyn Parfait The program was created to honor Jim McDonnell ’43. 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 McDonnell suggested creating a program to encourage academic collaboration among teachers and students today. McDonnell was elected to the Board of Trustees in 1957 and served as chair from 1967-1988, tenure longer than any other chair to date. He was named trustee emeritus and a member of the Distinguished Alumni Society in 1993. Amy Chen and Ella Harris were the first McDonnell-Follin Scholars announced for the 2018-2019 school year. Mollie Kate Creech and Feynman Lui were chosen for the 2019-2020 school year.
Webb World Wide sponsors holiday project for youngsters to enjoy
Fall/Winter 2021-2022
Santa read a Christmas story. There were holiday decorations. Elves and reindeer offered treats, books, small gifts, candy canes and sweets. For kindergarteners and first graders at East Side Elementary School in Shelbyville, the Webb World Wide Interact Club took its second annual Christmas Project, along with the movie, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” to the school. Brooklyn Shepard-Wheelon ’22, Susanna Smith ’23, Irelyn Weaver ’23 along with Autumn Swanson ’23, Ben Greenberg ’22, Grayson Rone ’22 and Weston Coop ’22 organized and coordinated the efforts of more than 30 Webb Interact Club members and other students to carry out the holiday event. Also assisting were other members of the Webb community, who donated Christmas trees, lights, ornaments, decorations, gifts and treats. “We are so glad that we were able to give these children a day of fun and excitement! We cannot thank our Webb family and friends 16
enough for all of the effort put in! We were in awe of the contributions our community made,” said ShepardWheelon. “Susanna, Irelyn, and I (club officers) could not have pulled this day off without every club member. They did a great job helping come up with the perfect gifts for the children, and they made the event day run smoothly,” she added. “They interacted with the kids and made quick adjustments to make sure every child had the same amazing experience. We would also like to thank Mr. Cheeseman (head of school) and the rest of the school leaders for their support of this project. Lastly, a huge thank you to Mr. Callis, associate head for finance and operations, for being our Santa, and doing an amazing job interacting with and reading to the kids.” The first holiday event at East Side Elementary School was hosted by the club in November 2020.
Students experience pit-firing with natural materials in most primitive pottery technique It’s not your typical lasagna, but that’s how Michael Stem, Webb’s pottery teacher, described it. The ingredients included hardwood, plant food, cardboard, red iron oxide, paper, kindling and leaves – all layered in a large concrete block pit. At the very bottom of the pit were his students’ pottery pieces created using a primitive handcrafted technique. In addition to providing the heat for firing, the “lasagna” ingredients were all selected for the types of coloring they can create in the clay. In October, Stem and his student pottery crew prepared the pit for the most primitive firing technique involving the least amount of technology for success – a constructed pit and fire.
Forty-five Webb 10th-12th graders were inducted into the Sawney Chapter of the National Honor Society with 19 of the students also recognized as members of the first class of Alla Webb Scholars during a fall chapel. The National Honor Society is the nation’s premier organization established to recognize outstanding high school students. More than just an honor roll, NHS serves to recognize those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, service, leadership, and character. These characteristics have been associated with membership in the organization since its beginning in 1921. The Webb NHS chapter was founded in 1974. “These students have shown academic success and high character in their time at Webb. A student’s academic success based on the course work he/she has completed so far is evaluated,” said Pamela Seals, advisor for both groups and science department chair. “Some students are selected in their 10th grade year, but most will achieve this honor in the 11th or 12th grade year at Webb.” New this year to Webb’s recognitions is the first class of Alla Webb Scholars, with the honor based upon a student’s success in community service, character and leadership. Alla Webb was Sawney’s daughter and the first librarian at the John Webb Library. “This program requires students to show themselves well rounded and passionate about things outside the classroom,” said Seals. “They are honored for actions that are above and beyond the traditional NHS membership. The new NHS members are: Evan Eursher, Chenyu Fu, Benjamin Greenberg, Zhengxuan Liang, Grayson Rone, Johnathon Savage, Simon Sengchanh, Yewon Song, Chanthavilai Thephavong, Rui Zhou, Zethan Atwood, Aminatou Calhoun, Kenneth Hou, Jahnavi Kameka, Yang Liu, Quan Nguyen, Beatrix Shealy-Shuster, Xin Shen, Patrick Sissom, Nataja Siva, Susanna Smith, Carter Sublette, Autumn Swanson, Yufei Tong, David Tran, Ruoyan Wang, Knox Wimberley, Hanyuan Zhong, Henry Allsup, Sara Boyd, Kacey Calhoun, Chelsea Callis, Charlotte Carkuff, Mylee Cox, Winston Dugdale, Joseph Hamilton, Brookelyn Pedigo, Mai Phan, Austin Smith, Siena Smith, London Sullens, Henry Thomas, Brooks Watson, Megan Watts and Mason Yoes. The NHS members who were also named Alla Webb Scholars are: Brady Badour, Zhehan Feng, Jiaqi Le, Iris Reyes, Lola Reyes, Phoebe Smith, Keqin Sun, Maddox Sutton, Caroline Whitaker, Yaotian Zhang, Bailey Brock, Carley Byford, Abigail Hagan, Alisyn Parfait, Irelyn Weaver, Lucy Wilson, Jaycie Bateman, Mary-Margaret Mayfield and Cooper Medling.
The Webb School Magazine
“We planned this pit-fire since the beginning of school,” said Stem. “That’s why we began the process with a primitive hand-building technique. The firing took a complete 24 hours. Once the fire cooled, the pit was emptied, and the pieces removed. The cooled pottery pieces were coated with floor polish and buffed to a shine to preserve the patterns absorbed from the smoke during the firing process.”
Students inducted into National Honor Society and named Alla Webb Scholars
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Creal pursues innovative path to impact students
Fall/Winter 2021-2022
Drew Creal, a fine arts department faculty member, utilized a grant from an endowed fund in an innovative way for professional development. Creal, in his third year as a Webb guitar teacher, received the 2020-2021 Jon Frere Fund for Faculty Development grant. The Frere fund, which is designed to defray the cost of enrichment opportunities for returning Webb instructors through subsidizing an educational experience, was endowed by The James R. Meadows Foundation in 2014. Creal contacted numerous musicians, guitar players and music educators that he considered at the forefront of modern music education. Of the dozen or so music professionals he contacted, the three who responded were Tony MacAlpine, Ben Monder and Jason Webb. He then scheduled and arranged multiple hour-long guitar lessons and in-person meetings with them using the $2,500 grant. “These three gentlemen were more than happy to talk to me about music education and provide some cutting-edge information on how to practice and study the guitar, as well as how to reach students and make a positive musical impact in their lives.” Creal explained that because of the Frere Grant, he was able to obtain the resources needed to establish an ongoing connection with key music industry professionals. “My work with Ben, Tony and Jason will continue, and I am looking forward to possibly introducing them to my students in person at some point, in the form of performances and songwriting clinics. I’m thankful to be a part of an educational institution that values the fine arts, and I am looking forward to sharing the many things I learned from Ben Monder, Tony MacAlpine and Jason Webb this year with my music students.”
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World Languages and archives program topics of this year’s Webb TAIS presenters Four Webb faculty and staff members continued the tradition as presenters at the Biennial Conference of the Tennessee Association of Independent Schools. The conference was Nov. 7-8 in Nashville at Christ Presbyterian Academy. Conference presenters and facilitators included teachers and administrators from TAIS member schools, keynote, featured and guest speakers. There were more than 600 registered conference attendees. Jason Simpson, World Languages Department chair and French teacher, presented a session that demonstrated how simple, daily conversations can be used to pre-teach, practice and recycle diverse grammar in brief and meaningful contexts that extend beyond the first and second persons and the “grammar topic of the week.” Rosie Arellano, World Languages Spanish teacher, presented a Spanish-specific session on effective strategies, resources and activities for teaching a world language class. The session presented by Hannah Byrd Little and Susan Coop Howell, Library and Archives director and archivist/cataloger, respectively, featured a conversation about building a school archives program into a thriving collection. The pair discussed how their work led to receiving grants, helping researchers, and writing a sesquicentennial anniversary campus history book through Arcadia/History Press.
Kasey and Maureen Kesselring and Jon and Penny Frere, were guests at the Webb vs. Montverde Academy girls’ basketball game on Dec. 9 at Webb. Frere was Webb Headmaster (1989-2005). Kesselring was Webb Assistant Headmaster (1993-1999) and now Montverde Academy Head of School. From left are Maureen Kesselring, Penny Frere, Kasey Kesselring, Marilyn Morgan, middle school theatre teacher; Jon Frere, Julie Harris ’95, director of enrollment management; Raymond Pryor, director of technology; and Renee Pryor.
Fall Trips
Webb 10th graders enjoyed their overnight class trip to Chattanooga and the Ocoee River during the fall semester. They visited the Tennessee Aquarium, went whitewater rafting on the Ocoee and visited the Ocoee Whitewater Center, the site of the 1996 Olympic Canoe/Kayak Competition. The group stayed in cabins and played sports games outdoors during the trip that culminated with reflective writing by the students. The trip was led by Joe Griggs ’05, Webb’s Outdoor Program director and Wilderness Instruction and Leadership Development teacher. Also assisting with the trip were Buck Smith, Jodi Campbell, Kevin Pereira, Sage Pereira, and Ben Mills. Other class trips included Tybee Island, Ga., led by Missy Harden and other faculty and staff, during which 8th graders participated in seining, beach combing, interacting with animals and learning about the
Seniors Conner Brown and Diane Olvera were crowned as homecoming king and queen during a ceremony at the Oct. 22 homecoming football game. The 2021 Homecoming Court also included other seniors as well as candidates in grades 6-11, with seniors eligible to be crowned homecoming king and queen. Court members included the following seniors: Jacqueline Bain, Caroline Whitaker, Pratham Patel and Miles Simons. Candidates in grades 6-11 included: Juri Cox and Carson Sutton 6th grade; Mary Austin and Ray Davis – 7th grade; Kora Johnson and Owen Fogle – 8th grade; Sophie McInturff and Arnett Hayes – 9th grade; Charlotte Carkuff and Cooper Medling – 10th grade; and Carley Byford and Deion Subaran – 11th grade.
Faces & Our Cultures brings Guatemalan students to Webb
The Webb School is proud to partner with an organization called Faces & Our Cultures in Guatemala. After a two-year hiatus as a result of COVID, Webb was excited to reinstate the program for the fall of 2021. In October, the school welcomed four girls to Webb for seven weeks: Nicole Castellanos (grade 12), Isabel Contreras (grade 12), Alejandra Barrientos (grade 9) and Anika Quan (grade 8). They departed campus on Dec. 9. While the girls were at Webb as boarding students, they attended classes, joined athletic teams, and enjoyed the Thanksgiving weeklong break with some of the current Webb families. As part of the exchange, Webb students will have the opportunity to travel to Guatemala in the summer of 2022 for two-four weeks. Pictured with Carrie Auwarter, center, Webb Director of Boarding Admissions/Director of Financial Aid, from left, are Nicole, Anika, Isabel and Alejandra. _
The Webb School Magazine
different ecosystems on the island. Dr. Tabetha Sullens led a trip for sixth and seventh graders to New Frontiers, an experientialbased camp in Dowelltown, Tenn., where they enjoyed all types of outdoor activities. Another trip of the semester was Winter Freeze in December for 4-Days of Backpacking at Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest in North Carolina.
Homecoming Court
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Cross Country
Cheeseman Gatorade Tennessee Girls Cross Country Player of the Year; competes at nationals, wins 2nd state title
Fall/Winter 2021-2022
Being named the 20212022 Gatorade Tennessee Girls Cross Country Player of the Year in January, capped a competitive season for Abby Faith Cheeseman that included multiple national and state honors. The ninth grader earned All-American honorable mention at the 42nd Eastbay National Championships in December after claiming the TSSAA Div. II-A cross country state championship for the second consecutive year in November. The Gatorade award, which recognizes not only outstanding athletic excellence, Cheeseman TSSAA Div. II-A Cross Country but also high standards State Champion - 2nd Consecutive Year of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the field, distinguishes Cheeseman as Tennessee’s best high school girls cross country player. “I am especially excited to receive this honor because it showcases power far beyond myself. God gives me the courage, strength, and fortitude to run for Him, and He has provided me with so many resources and relationships to guide me on this portion of my journey,” said Cheeseman. “I want to thank my entire family (my biggest fans and best coaches), the best cross-country team and group of friends I could hope for, and a wonderful Webb community for their constant support and love!” After winning the state title in early November and helping Webb both qualify for state and finish 4th as a team at the 2021 state meet, Cheeseman qualified for nationals, by placing 4th in the South Regional Race in Charlotte, N.C., on Nov. 27. More than 2,500 girls and 3,000 boys from across the country competed in four regions (South, Midwest, Northeast, West) for the chance to qualify for the 42nd Eastbay National Championships. The top 10 from each regional race earned the opportunity to compete and represent his/her region, state and school, in San Diego, Calif., on 20 Dec. 11. Cheeseman was the only freshman to qualify out of the
South region. Individually, she finished 31st overall earning the All-American honorable mention recognition. She also contributed to the South Region’s scoring effort at nationals by finishing 5th on her team. “What an honor and opportunity it was for me to represent The Webb School, Tennessee and the South Region at the National meet,” said Cheeseman. “Eastbay did an incredible job of showing the beauty of our sport by putting on a top-notch event and showcasing the talent of the 40 girls/40 boys who participated. I felt like I was part of a dream!” She added, “Although I did not race as well as I had hoped, I loved every minute of my experience, even the pain of the race itself and the disappointment following the race. God gave me the opportunity to understand what next-level running feels like.” “Abby Faith’s commitment to the preparation, willingness to sacrifice throughout the season, and her boldness to take risks and dream big really allowed her to take a giant leap and afforded her special opportunities this season,” said Cathy Cheeseman, Webb’s varsity girls and boys head cross country coach.
SOPHIE MCINTURFF
2021 TSSAA Division II-A State Championship 5th Overall
SOPHIE MCINTURFF and ABBY FAITH CHEESEMAN Tennessee Sports Writers Association 2021 Div. II-A All-State Team
Varsity Girls XC Team 2021 TSSAA Division II-A State Championship 4th Place Sydney Davenport, Abby Faith Cheeseman, Sophie McInturff, Makenzi Haile, Olivia Dudgale, Neva Redman, Siena Smith, Macy Simon. (Not Pictured Daisy Wang)
Conner Brown ’22 2021 TSSAA Division II-A District Champion
Golf
2nd Consecutive Year
2021 TSSAA Division II-A State Tournament CONNER BROWN ’22 5th Overall
VARSITY BOYS’ TEAM 2021 TSSAA Division II-A District Champions
2nd Consecutive Year
VARSITY GIRLS Kennedy Clarkson ’25
advanced to the 2021 TSSAA Division II-A Regional Tournament
Tennessee Football Coaches Association (TnFCA)
2021 Division II-A All-State Team Justis Haggard ’26 TSSAA Division II-A East Region 2021 Special Teams Player of the Year JUSTIS HAGGARD ’26 TSSAA Division II-A East Region 2021 All-Region Team Weston Coop ’22, Zethan Atwood ’23 and Taveon Commage ’24
The Webb School Magazine
Football
2021 TSSAA Div. II-A District Tournament, from left, Kennedy Clarkson ’25, Preston Hall ’26, Eli Brown ’26, Conner Brown ’22, Noah Brown ’24 and Andrew Reeves ’25
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Varsity Golf
Varsity Football
Varsity Girls Basketball
Varsity Girls Soccer
Varsity Boys Cross Country
Fall/Winter 2021-2022
Varsity Girls Cross Country
22
Varsity Boys Basketball
Varsity Cheer
Varsity Volleyball
Jr Varsity Boys Basketball
Middle School Girls Soccer
Middle School Cheer
Middle School Boys Basketball
Middle School Boys-Girls Cross Country
College
Cruz Shepard, Scott Shepard, Brooklyn Shepard-Wheelon and Ashlea Shepard
Middle School Girls Basketball
Three Webb student-athletes signed their National Letters of Intent to play their chosen sport upon their 2022 graduation. Brooklyn Shephard-Wheelon signed to attend Presbyterian College in Clinton, S.C., and play lacrosse for the Blue Hose. Evan Eursher signed to play basketball and attend Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) in Cape Girardeau, Mo., and he also will be a Redhawk during his collegiate career. Conner Brown penned his name to a commitment to attend Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn., to play golf for the Bruins.
Mildred Brown and Evan Eursher
The Webb School Magazine
Signings
Middle School Girls Volleyball
Ranea Brown, Conner Brown and David Brown
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Player, fan experience enhanced with projects Fans planning to go “out to the ballgame” will notice an enhanced venue for Webb’s games this spring. Upgrades that began in the fall and will be completed by the start of the 2022 seasons will benefit players and spectators alike. Included are a new baseball turf infield and new dugouts. Seating is also a focus of the improvements. Softball field updates include a new irrigation system, new scoreboard, new backstop netting and painting. “It’s been since the spring of 2017 that Webb has played high school baseball, and an extraordinary commitment has been made to upgrade the facility,” said Varsity Baseball Head Coach Scott Hall. “The seating area will make watching a baseball game second to none,” Hall added. “Upon completion, this is going to be a facility of which Webb can be proud, and it
will also enhance the entire campus.” “We are very excited for the improvements being made to the softball field,” Varsity Softball Head Coach Shelby Lamb said. “The irrigation system, new scoreboard and other projects are great improvements. The softball team has been working to rebuild the program during the last couple of years, and with us playing our first varsity schedule in more five years, these improvements have come at the perfect time.” Director of Athletics Scott Dorsett added, “We are very excited to continue our work of being excellent in the renovations of our baseball and softball fields. These enhancements will create an opportunity to grow both sports at Webb. We are excited for Coach Hall and Coach Lamb as they move forward to grow their programs.”
Completed projects showcase Webb’s track, soccer and football programs
Fall/Winter 2021-2022
The final components of Webb’s project to provide new, fully recyclable turf on Lagler Field surrounded by an eight-lane track were completed in the fall. The complex was also enhanced by new bleacher seating, a new scoreboard, three-level pressbox, fencing and landscaping. Completed first, the field was home to several of Webb’s 2021 season football games and soccer matches. Webb’s track team, in its second season – and the first with the new track -- will play host to a number of meets when the season begins.
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Student-Athletes of the Month
August - Irelyn Weaver, cheer September - Abby Hagan, soccer October - Conner Brown, golf November - Abby Faith Cheeseman, cross country December - Bree Robinson, basketball
The Webb School Magazine
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Quao
(continued from page 10)
Fall/Winter 2021-2022
thing I did in college, where I spent four years just studying and fellowships.” Quao had never given fellowships a serious thought not knowing how to apply it. I started interning immediately – because of the volume of people applying and what she perceived working anywhere I could. The good thing about my going to as the strength of the candidates. “But then I thought to myself – film school, even though I was a 27-year-old intern, I was in the if I really thought that I wasn’t good enough, why would I be in room with industry people. They knew me, and if they knew of this business from the jump? If I have any kind of talent, it’s going anyone who was looking for an assistant, they would come to me, to pop up somewhere.” an intern. That’s literally how I got my first job in the industry – In fact, Quao had won Best Screenplay at the 24th Annual just because someone asked me if I needed a job. I said ‘yes’, and Urbanworld Film Festival in September 2020 with her entry I got one. I just started and from there, through the people I met, “If You Seek Britney,” a coming-of-age comedy about a firstI was able to get jobs by word of mouth. Through a friend I went generation African-American girl and her quest to see Britney to school with at Columbia, I got a job as a writers’ production Spears in concert. The festival, founded in 1997, is one of the assistant on “Billions”, which is a fancy way of saying I picked largest internationally competitive festivals of its kind. up everyone’s lunch order. That was really great because it got my Then she won a fellowship sponsored by ABC, which is foot in the door. And once I was able to do owned by The Walt Disney Company, and that, I worked my way up, becoming a writers’ in January 2021, became a Disney General assistant for three or four different shows.” Entertainment Writing Program Fellow. Early But, Quao said employment as a writer in the fellowship, she was selected as a writer varies, and these jobs aren’t available every day. on “Single Drunk Female” and then “How I There are also lulls in the industry, including Met Your Father.” waiting to see if the show on which she was “It was, once again, me trusting that working was going to be renewed. In the something’s going to materialize. It did. And, meantime, she worked for a temp agency – honestly that just really fast-tracked my career. mainly for financial firms around NYC – and So, if I find my way with this, then ... my career worked as a film instructor for kids to support is taking off. It’s just so great.” herself. During slow times, she would also Recognizing that working for Disney periodically email all the people she knew also has infinite possibilities, Quao said, “I in the business to see if there were writers’ could spend my whole career working on Quao after she directed her first short in film assistant jobs available. They would remember various Disney shows on The Disney Channel, school her good work, and she’d be working again. Freeform, ABC, Hulu, FX and Disney Plus. Initially considering herself a comedy writer, It’s cool to see where I can grow now that she’s mainly worked on sci-fi and drama shows, but finds both I’m here.” beneficial to blend with comedy in the future. She added, “I want to keep on writing, hopefully on these “So, the way things happened, looking back on it, I came up shows, and I really want to make my feature “If You Seek the traditional way. But when you’re in the thick of it – the biggest Britney” happen. I’d really like to see that on the big screen or on thing for me was believing that this was a pathway, and this might someone’s big screen TV. be my own way. People recognize good work,” Quao explained. There can’t be a story that includes Hollywood without a “fan” “So, for example, my friend I went to school with – we’re both memory or two. Coincidentally, one of Quao’s involves Hilary constantly working. That’s when part of Webb’s motto comes to Duff, who is starring in “How I Met Your Father” and starred in Quao’s mind. ‘Lizzie McGuire’ in the early 2000s. “Tireless worker – you definitely have to be one in this “I was a huge ‘Lizzie McGuire’ fan. To be able to work with industry. A lot of us may not look like we work hard, but when her now and writing for her, that’s just really cool. That felt like a it comes to writing or doing whatever specialty we have, we will full circle for me. Realizing, man, I remember watching the pilot work, and I think that’s a thing I got from my parents and from of ‘Lizzie McGuire’ and thinking, ‘Oh, this girl gets me.’” Webb. My parents are the hardest-working people I know. Webb “Where we’re shooting is another big moment I’ve had. ‘How reinforced the idea of a tireless worker.” She added, “You have to I Met Your Father’ is shot on the Paramount lot, and it’s shot on be a good worker but also a person that people want to spend a the same stage where ‘I Love Lucy’ and ‘Cheers’ were filmed. I can whole day with. You really are stuck all day in a room with people. clearly connect my love of comedy to Lucille Ball, for sure, all the So, you’ve got to be at least someone who is respectful – someone episodes -- like her and Ethel at the chocolate factory. Being able who’s funny. Work is hard enough, so I always try to make it fun.” to work in the Lucille Ball offices. Yeah, it feels nice.” After Quao had been in New York working as an assistant for Quao’s siblings, also Webb alumni, include the late MC seven years, she felt as though she’d accomplished all she could Chihombori-Quao – Class of 1996; Nandi Chihombori-Quao there, and she had just enough money to move to Los Angeles for – Class of 2006; Zola Chihombori-Quao – Class of 2009 and a job that could have been a stepping stone for her career. Then Cham Chihombori-Quao – Class of 2012. Her parents are Dr. the pandemic hit. She considered the possibility her ultimate Nii-Saban Chihombori and Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao. _ dream job might never happen. “It made me start thinking – 26 maybe there’s a different route, and so I started applying for
Cocanougher (continued from page 11)
The Webb School Magazine
casual wear. Just like a high-end tailor may make custom suits or with some NHL and NBA guys.” Athletes like Dak Prescott shirts, we are cutting and hand sewing custom jeans. Every one (NFL), Jon Lester (MLB) and Nikola Jokic (NBA) are clients; of them comes from our shop in Tupelo, Miss. It is a genuine coaches like John Calipari and David Ross; musicians like Vince American-made garment.” The company’s tagline says it all – ‘One Gill, Jason Isbell, Thomas Rhett; over 20 ESPN broadcasters are Size Fits One’. clients; Ben and Erin Napier, from Laurel, Miss., of “Hometown” He explained that West and Weaver reverse engineered an on HGTV are, too. “Morgan Freeman is a good client of ours. idea for the company. “Josh and Nick are both from Mississippi He is from Clarksdale (Miss.) and he’ll frequently come into our and are childhood friends. North Mississippi was – and still store on the square in Oxford, Miss. He’ll just pop in to say ‘hey!’, is – a big garment and furniture manufacturing area. Over the which is always surreal.” last 20 years a lot of sewing operations have moved overseas, but “All of our ‘high-profile’ clients are genuine clients. It’s not as the pool of sewing talent is still there. Josh and Nick are serial though we have endorsement deals. A good example - the other entrepreneurs; neither of them had fashion backgrounds. They day I was scrolling through some orders and noticed a very welllooked at the talent and figured out how they could utilize it. They known PGA golfer had bought three gift cards on our website hired a lady who had been -- totally unprompted. A sewing denim for most couple of days later, his wife of her life, and the three called me and ordered jeans of them started making for him. They exchanged jeans in a junkyard. Nick our jeans as Christmas and Josh didn’t know how presents.” What leads to to make jeans. She taught this following? “We pride them how to do it, and ourselves in taking care of 10 years later Ms. Sarah people. Do what you say Richey is still our head you are going to do. When seamstress. We’re up to you do that, people will about 60 employees now, recommend you to their and that’s a number that is friends and family and quite literally growing by make you a part of their the week.” life.” Blue Delta’s price Another unique facet of point sets them apart the brand is their custom from other jean brands. gifting experiences. “The “We sell a $450 pair of product is fantastic and pants, which is obviously being measured for a pair on the high end for a pair of pants you get to design is of jeans.” Cocanougher a special experience. We’ve added that the price is a found this world of gifting Cocanougher with University of Kentucky basketball coach John Calipari combination of things: the and have been able to work customization – choosing the fit, style, fabric and thread color. with golf courses, casinos, banks, insurance companies, alcohol Tailoring is a significant component with 16 measurements taken brands, you name it. We bring our tailoring team to you and for every pant. Blue Delta also uses raw materials. “We use raw measure a group, give them a great story and experience, and they denim and high-end stretch cotton twills for our pants. There is get an American-made product at the end.” Cocanougher says the no chemical treatment, no prewashing, and no distressing. The Blue Delta tailoring team frequently measure as many as 300-400 quality of our raw materials is a major component, because the people in a day at larger gifting events. “There’s really nobody out jeans are going to fit you perfectly, and the quality means they there who does anything like what we get to do on a day-to daywill last for a long time.” He added that Blue Delta also partnered basis.” with a company that Mark Cuban developed to create a virtual Cocanougher now lives and works remotely in Columbus, measurement tool for online sales. “We guarantee fit of the jeans; Ohio, but maintains a love for the state he lived in for almost all adjustments are free of charge. I can tell you without a doubt, I a decade. “Mississippi is a state with a certain reputation; we will make that jean fit, and it will be the best pair of pants you’ve travel all over the country and hear a lot of jokes. But we offer a ever owned.” product and a level of service that gives a good name to the state. Blue Delta has a loyal following, featuring professional Any given day, I get to be a forward-facing representative of the athletes, actors, politicians, and musicians all over the country. amazing level of skill and craftsmanship the people of Mississippi “We have a very unique product, and we get the opportunity to possess.” put it in front of a unique clientele. We do a lot of work with Cocanougher and his wife, Courtney, of Pickwick, Tenn., professional athletics. We’ve got about 200 clients in MLB, about met at Ole Miss. They have lived in Columbus for two years. His 100 players in the NFL, 50-60 golfers on the PGA Tour along brother, Ethan, is a 2018 Webb graduate. _
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Fall/Winter 2021-2022
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The Webb campus, like much of Middle Tennessee, was blanketed with snow from three storms during the first two weeks of the new year. Bell Buckle received a record nine inches of snow in the first snowfall. In some cases, blue skies soon belied the storms that had recently passed through.
Class Not
Life and career updates to keep you connected with your classmates
1960
s Webb School alumnus
Charles Dowling Williams ’64, a
Kentucky lawyer and nationally recognized tree farmer, has authored “Echo Ridge”, a collection of short verse. With entries written in the form of haiku — a Japanese poem of seventeen syllables, written in three lines of five syllables, seven syllables, and five syllables and usually involving observance and reverence of nature and season — “Echo Ridge” invites readers to come alongside for a yearlong meditation on time, place, seasons, nature and verse. Williams’ haiku cover topics that range from nature’s splendor to nature’s fury; from starkness to abundance; from the heat of high summer to the frigidity of a gray Kentucky winter; from sheepdogs to morel mushrooms; from the long life of a good dog to the serendipitous birth of a donkey colt, and the maddeninglyappropriate end to a bleak year. Williams’ “Echo Ridge”, according to acclaimed poet Davis McCombs, author of lore, is “a perfect melding of writer, place and form.” “Echo Ridge” is available where better books are sold.
Dr. J. Barry Gurdin ’65 of San Francisco, Calif., writes:
1970s
Steve Bonds ’72 writes: “During 2021, I was a spotter for The Golf Channel at both the Blessings Collegiate Invitational presented by Tyson Foods (Fayetteville, Ark.) and the LPGA
1990s
Anne Bragg Warren ’96, of Charlotte, N.C., her husband, Chris, and daughters, Jeanne and Mary Mac, recently visited campus during the holidays. A new job found Keri
Maffei ’97, her husband and two small children living in multiple states during 2019. At that time, they decided to buy a motorhome. When COVID hit, in Spring of 2020, with jobs being remote, they took on an adventure of a lifetime! This started out in the West; then proceeded to include a Northeast and Midwestern tour. “We really enjoyed the cultures in this country; varying from whale watch tours, to lobster boats, from mountains to canyons and palm trees to rainforests. My family was blessed beyond measure to see and experience what we did.”
The Webb School Magazine
“My most recent publication follows: Gurdin, J. Barry. 2021. ‘Social Sciences, The Law, Modern Media, and First and Other Peoples: A Commentary on Resources.’ The FSSA (The Forensic Social Scientist), pp. 5-26, Winter and Spring, Volume 4, No. 2. Note that several of my other recent articles can be viewed or downloaded for free with the basic registration on www.researchgate.net or www. academia.edu. Just insert my name in the search box on these websites. In addition, I am completing a new book on substance abuse and mental health treatment from clinical sociological and anthropological perspectives.”
Walmart Northwest Arkansas Championship (Rogers, Ark.). My job was to carry a radio with one of the foursomes and report to The Golf Channel producer each player’s results on every shot. This is in support of the on-air TV personalities. One of the highlights was walking with Lexi Thompson at the LPGA event and hearing all the “behind the ropes” discussions between player and caddie. This experience gave me a greater respect for what these young women on the LPGA deal with during the year. I also worked as a Hole Marshal at the World Golf Championship FedEx St. Jude Invitational in Memphis and as a Hole Marshal at Jackson T. Stephens Cup Collegiate Invitational at the Alotian Club in Little Rock, Ark.”
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2000
s
Bart Badgett ’06 and James Garcia, Study Center co-director and varsity boys’ basketball assistant coach, had the opportunity to visit during a recent trip by Garcia and others to attend a NBA Agua Caliente Clippers G-League Basketball Game featuring Keon Johnson ’20. The Clippers faced the Santa Cruz Warriors at the Toyota Arena in Ontario, Calif.
Rachel Jennings ’03 is the new Assistant Athletic Director of Student Athlete Success at the University of Texas Permian Basin in Odessa, Texas.
Olly Wang ’09,
Fall/Winter 2021-2022
Zebulon Turrentine ’00 was a fall chapel speaker and also spoke in individual music classes. Turrentine is the son of a timber farmer and visual artist, born in the first log cabin his father ever built and was raised as the 4th generation on that family farm. His grandmother, a Julliard-trained pianist, exposed him to classical music at a young age, and he later came to study classical guitar performance at Shenandoah Conservatory. During and after conservatory studies, he built guitars for Gallagher Guitar Company in Wartrace, Tenn. He later worked in the Peace Corps and ran a non-profit organization. These experiences coalesced into the creation of his own workshop where he works full-time handcrafting classical guitars near Cookeville, Tenn. Owners of these guitars include performers and collectors around the world.
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of Dalian China, former alumni board member and organizer of Webb social events in China, recently had dinner with Amy Xia of Shanghai China, former teacher at Webb.
2010s Aurora MacDougall ’10 and husband Chris Willard welcomed their newborn daughter, Eleni Ray, into their family on Aug. 14, 2021.
Webb Feet reunite
Elizabeth Linton ’04 has a new album, “Keening Songs” that is available on all streaming platforms. It features pianist and Webb Fine Arts Department Chair Janet Linton.
at Rob Steele’s ’09 wedding to Kendra Lyons in Amelia Island, Fla., on Sept. 18, 2021. From left are Scott Wisniewski ’09, Bailey Haile Stanley ’09, Rion Steele ’10, Rob Steele ’09, Andrew Steele ’04, John Newman ’09.
Anna Catherine Pryor ’14
Mary Kathryn Lee ’11, Tram Nguyen ’10 and Sarah Beth Menck ’16 recently
married Lucas Welch on Oct. 2, 2021, at Pleasant Valley Farms in Shelbyville, Tenn. The couple resides in Halls Mill, Tenn. Anna is a charge nurse for Vanderbilt Bedford Hospital, and Lucas is a lineman for Middle Tennessee Electric Franklin.
visited campus.
Raymond and Renee Pryor, Anna and Lucas and Caroline Smith Pryor ’11 and Ryan Pryor ’12
Hayden Weeks ’18 of Franklin, Tenn., received a Bachelor of Science in Commerce & Business Administration from The
University of Alabama. UA awarded more than 1,400 degrees during its summer commencement ceremonies on July 31, 2021.
Murfreesboro alumni, parents and friends hear “new” news of Webb
More than 60 alumni, parents and friends of The Webb School attended a fall event planned to hear the “new” news of the school from Head of School Ken Cheeseman. The evening was hosted by Kathy and Bill Jones at their home in Murfreesboro. The head of school thanked the hosts for opening their home and also for their years of sacrificial leadership and support of the mission of Webb and its students.
“I am also so grateful to all of you who have joined us tonight; what an encouragement to me and our team to see so many of you here,” the head of school said as he recognized prospective parents, and encouraged current parents, alumni and parents of alumni to meet them. He also recognized current or past members of the board of trustees and Webb employees in attendance.
Head of School Ken Cheeseman and Kathy and Bill Jones, hosts and parents of Alison Lightcap ’06 and Sutton Jones ’09
Board of Trustees Member Matt Layman ’03, Alumni Board Member Ted Goodman ’02, Thomas Jennings ’03 and Lindsey Jennings ’01, parent of Amelia ’26; and Tara MacDougall, parent of Byron ’03, Devon ’06 and Aurora ’10
The Webb School Magazine
Jana Hawkins, parent of Claire ’21; Alexis and Robert Harding, parents of Scout ’25 and Magnolia ’28; Alumni Board Member Katherine Layman ’03, Fine Arts Department Chair Janet Linton, parent of Kristen ’00, Elizabeth ’04 and Karen ’07
Kib Huddleston and son, Board of Trustees Member George Huddleston Jr. ’76
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FROM ONE COAST TO THE OTHER
Hearing Webb stories and sharing “what’s next” highlights meeting alumni and friends
It was a time of sharing stories of Webb with those who know the school well and “what’s next” as Webb’s new Head of School Ken Cheeseman and Alumni & Development Interim Director
Fall/Winter 2021-2022
A Webb group that traveled to California in December visited with trustee Tom Cooper ’65 of Portola Valley, Calif., among other alumni and friends. From left are James Garcia, Webb Study Center director and varsity boys basketball assistant coach; Ken Cheeseman, head of school; Cooper, Scott Dorsett, Webb director of athletics; John McCreery, Webb videographer and varsity football assistant coach; and Jonathon Hawkins, Webb alumni and development interim director. The group was in California to attend a NBA G-League Basketball Game featuring Keon Johnson ’20 and the Agua Caliente Clippers who faced the Santa Cruz Warriors at the Toyota Arena in Ontario, Calif.
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Ken Cheeseman and Jonathon Hawkins met in Palm Desert, Calif., with Robert Gilliland, son of Bob Gilliland, Class of 1944. Bob was the test pilot for Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, a long-range, high-altitude, Mach 3+, strategic reconnaissance aircraft. This aircraft flew as high as 85,000 feet and holds the official world record for the fastest air-breathing, manned aircraft. Robert told stories of Bob’s test pilot days, which are also captured in the book “Speed, The Life of a Test Pilot and Birth of an American Icon” by Robert Gilliland and Keith Dunnavant. Amid the wonderful stories about his dad, Robert shared that his dad developed his ability to be a thorough and accurate scholar at Webb, which Robert believes was an integral part of his success as a pilot and saved his life on many occasions.
Jonathon Hawkins recently met with alumni and friends on several stops in North Carolina, California and Tennessee.
A Webb group enjoyed spending time with Keon Johnson ’20 and his father, Keith Johnson, at Keon’s home during the trip to California. From left are Keith, James Garcia, Keon, Scott Dorsett, Ken Cheeseman, John McCreery and Jonathon Hawkins. As part of the visit, McCreery completed a video of Keon.
Ken Cheeseman and Jonathon Hawkins visited with Cliff Meidl, vice president of Colyear Development, left, and Richard Colyear, president of Colyear Development, second from right, at the Jonathan Club in Los Angeles, Calif.
Jonathon Hawkins, Nicky Dai ’21 and his mother, Lanlan Wang, and Ken Cheeseman met for lunch in Los Angeles during the California trip. Nicky is a freshman at the University of Southern California.
Matt Oehlman ‘01, Jonathon Hawkins, and Ken Cheeseman recently met in Manhattan Beach, Calif., and discussed many things including the impact teachers have on students. Oehlmann committed his Webb Fund gift this year to help fund professional development for current faculty.
Ken Cheeseman and Jonathon Hawkins enjoyed hearing about the experiences of Aeduk “Jennifer” Suhr ‘02 while visiting West Hollywood, Calif.
2021-2022 Webb Fund Co-Chairs Lee Woosley ‘78 and Jessica Woosley ‘82, of Nashville, Tenn., recently met with Head of School Ken Cheeseman and Interim Director of Alumni and Development Jonathon Hawkins to continue planning for the remainder of the fiscal year.
Anne Bragg Warren ‘96, Ken Cheeseman, Hannah Cartwright ‘12, Jerry Zacharias ‘00, Beth Hardin and Jonathon Hawkins gathered for dinner at La Belle Helene in Charlotte, N.C. While there the group shared details about their Webb experiences. Barbara Hatchett, Ken Cheeseman and Jonathon Hawkins enjoyed a nice visit in Fletcher, N.C. Mrs. Hatchett is the wife of the late Dr. Mitchell Hatchett ‘49. The following day, the pair drove to Knoxville, Tenn., to visit with Mrs. Julie Webb, granddaughter-in-law of Sawney Webb. Mrs. Webb and her husband, Bob, founded the Webb School of Knoxville.
Ken Cheeseman and David Ellis ‘74 along with Jonathon Hawkins had a productive conversation while visiting at the Hendersonville Country Club in Hendersonville, N.C. Ken Cheeseman, Ann Sims, Trustee Wilson Sims ‘72 and Jonathon Hawkins discussed 50th reunion plans for the Class of 1972 among other topics during a recent trip to Asheville, N.C.
The Webb School Magazine
Ken Cheeseman and Jonathon Hawkins visited with Allen Craven ‘68 and Toby Prewitt ‘64 (not pictured) while visiting Concord, N.C. Craven and Prewitt had many stories to tell about life at Webb in the 1960s. Earlier the same day, the pair met with James McDonnell ‘68 in Mooresville, N.C.
Warren Patterson ‘55 of Nashville, Tenn., had a nice visit with Jonathon Hawkins, Alumni and Development interim director, and Head of School Ken Cheeseman. Dr. Patterson recently made a gift in memory of three of his favorite Webb teachers.
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Class of 1961
Class of 1971
Class of 1970
Classes of 1980 and 1981 with Class of 1979 friends
Class of 2000, 2001 and others
Class of 2005
Classes of 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
Fall/Winter 2021-2022
Classes of 1995 and 1996
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In Memoriam
The Webb School offers sincere sympathy to the families of departed classmates and friends.
Former Trustee Chairman Emeritus Ed Reynolds Davies ’49,
age 90, passed away Nov. 22 from natural causes after a lengthy illness and progressive decline. A memorial service was held on Dec. 17 at West End United Methodist Church in Nashville, Tenn.
Former Trustee
Joy Pratt Hord, age 77,
of Murfreesboro, Tenn., passed away on Dec. 18, at her home. The family will hold a private graveyard service at a later date.
Former Trustee
Former Staff Member
passed away Sept. 28. He was 71. A gathering in memory of Forrest was held on Oct. 16 at his family’s home in Ripley, Tenn.
a former business office staff member for 15 years and most recently assistant business manager of operations, passed away Jan. 9. Services were Jan. 15 at First Baptist Church in Shelbyville.
Forrest Shoaf ’68
(Posted online on Sept. 30, 2021)
1930s
1940s
Cindy Cox,
Dr. Barry “Cliff ” Bass ’55, of Walnut, Calif., was born on June 21, 1938, and passed away on June 11, and is under the care of Neptune Society-Sherman Oaks.
Joseph Gilbert “Joe” King ’35, longtime pharmacist of Moore & King, died on Nov. 20, in Stuart, Fla. He was 104 years old. His body was cremated. He desired that in the company of his loving wife and dear friends singing favorite hymns, his ashes be dispersed over the Atlantic Ocean at Hobe Sound, Fla. Frank Lee Camp Jr. ’43, 95, passed away peacefully on July 10, at his home of 61 years in Memphis, Tenn. Services were held at Memorial Park Cemetery in Memphis on July 16. (Published by The Daily Memphian on July 14, 2021)
Michael “Mike” McDonnell ’57, of Memphis, Tenn., passed away Sept. 17. Services were Sept. 21 at Church of the Holy Communion with burial at Polk Cemetery in Bolivar, Tenn.
1960s
Sam Sumner Singer ’46, age 93, of Columbus, Ga., passed from this life into the arms of his Creator at his residence, Spring Harbor at Green Island on Jan. 15. Due to COVID concerns, a public celebration of his life cannot be held. A private service will be held at Lumpkin United Methodist Church. (Published by Columbus Ledger-Enquirer on Jan. 19, 2022.)
George Watkins Nowlin ’62, 77, of Germantown, Tenn., went to his Heavenly Father on Jan. 12. Services were Jan. 20, at Christ United Methodist Church Wilson Chapel. Interment was in Memorial Park Cemetery. (Posted online on Jan. 18, 2022 - Published in The Commercial Appeal)
Mack Bedingfield Jr. ’66, Madison, Ala., passed away on July 27. A memorial service was held July 29 at Roselawn Funeral Home, Decatur, Ala. Robert Victor Nelson Jr. ’68, of Houston, Texas, passed away on Oct. 29 at the age of 72. A memorial service was conducted on Nov. 17 at the Church of St. John the Divine in Houston.
(Published by The Times-Picayune from Oct. 5 to Oct. 7, 2021)
(Published by Houston Chronicle from Nov. 7 to Nov. 14, 2021)
William Hamilton “Ham” Smythe III ’48, of Memphis, Tenn., passed away on Sept. 10. Following a private funeral service at Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, a public celebration of life jazz concert was held Sept. 16 at the Levitt Shell, Overton Park.
1950s
Dr. Charles Nelson Leach Jr. ’52, age 86, died Aug. 10, at home in Farmington, Conn. A Celebration of his Life was held on Oct. 16 at the New Britain Museum of American Art. (Published by Hartford Courant from Aug. 15 to Aug. 17, 2021)
1970s
Charles Bosley Whitworth III ’76, of Arrington,Tenn., passed peacefully on Aug. 19 in Clearwater Beach, Fla.
Randall “Randy” Shoemake ’78, died at his home in western Kentucky on Aug. 26. The funeral was held at the First Baptist Church, Paducah, on Sept. 11.
The Webb School Magazine
Richard Schornstein Jr. ’47, age 93, died peacefully at home in New Orleans, La., on Oct. 3. Funeral services were held on Oct. 7 at Temple Sinai in New Orleans.
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2021-22 MEMBER
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Class of 1972
2022 Alumni Reunion
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