2021 Spring-Summer Webb Magazine by The Webb School

WEBB

THE WEBB SCHOOL

MAGAZINE

Ready for 2 021-2 022!

Spring/Summer 2021

WEBB

THE WEBB SCHOOL

MAGAZINE

Kenneth C. Cheeseman Head of School

Page 4

Webb 150 Weekend – Oct. 21-24

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2021 Commencement

Pages 8-9

Smith, Jones retiring

WEBB COMMUNICATIONS EDITOR:

Rita Mitchell

Director of Communications DESIGN & LAYOUT:

Gary Marino

Graphic Designer CONTRIBUTORS:

Alyce Allen

Director of Advancement Services

Dorothy Elkins

Alumni Research Assistant

Jonathon Hawkins

Associate Director of Alumni and Development

Nichole Jordan

Development Officer

Kristen Linton ’00

Director of Leadership Annual Giving

Page 10

Spring/Summer 2021

Turf and Track Project

Page 15

Spring Recap

Page 23 Sports

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: 64-0401875. 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 On the cover:

Page 29

2 2020 & 2021 Alumni Awards

Page 30 Class Notes

Page 35

In Memoriam

2020 - 2021

A NOTE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

Hope and enthusiasm for new school year By Ken Cheeseman

three seasons, we saw many examples of growth in student character and resilience that athletics can produce. We also saw some historic outstanding performances. We celebrated our first individual TSSAA state championships in cross country and track and our first TSSAA state team title in girls’ basketball. During the last few weeks, our skeet team won the individual state championship, and then our Webb Feet won both the individual national championship and the national team runner-up. Congratulations to these student-athletes, their coaches, and their parents for these amazing accomplishments! In closing, we are blessed with an exceptional group of Board of Trustees, alumni, leadership team, parents, students, faculty and staff. We not only made it through one of the most challenging years in school history, but also our people, as Webb Feet do, found ways to thrive and shine. My second year begins this fall with much hope and enthusiasm. We are expecting record enrollment and are excited to welcome so many new members into our Webb family. I look forward to meeting many of you once classes begin, at our Webb 150 Celebration and Reunion Weekend (see pages 4-5), and as we travel beyond our beloved Bell Buckle this fall. z

The Webb School Magazine

Taking advantage of the slower pace of summer, my own sense of appreciation, pride, and love for The Webb School has deepened. As we have navigated uncharted storms that have beset our country and the rest of the globe, I am so grateful to be at Webb and for the support and encouragement of the Webb community. Throughout the magazine, you will read stories of how we have guided the school through this historic difficult time. You will read articles about some of our key people, without whom we would not have traveled so well during these last 18 months. As you have read throughout the year, we have also fought for and realized strong experiences in academics, arts and athletics -- our achievements have been outstanding. We are positioned for a successful future because of the strength of our people who have powerfully and admirably rallied around our mission, Enduring Understandings, and our students. To have finished the 2020-2021 school year with an in-person option for all but two weeks was a significant and hard-fought win. This victory was accomplished through Dean of Academics and Arts Nicole Taucare, who inspired, led, and supported our faculty to develop and execute an excellent plan to offer both in-person and distance learning. She could not have done this without the help of our strong academic department chairs. As a result of this well-executed work, our 6th-12th grade students were both nurtured and challenged intellectually. They enjoyed at least a year’s academic growth, which is worthy of celebration. I am grateful to our faculty and leadership team, who leaned into deep and healthy relationships with our students to support them in this growth. Under Fine Arts Department Chair Janet Linton’s leadership, our talented arts faculty used their creativity and energy to inspire our students and bring the rest of us many moments of joy. We enjoyed two theater productions this year: an adaptation of Moliere’s “The Learned Ladies” and a light-hearted mystery, “Clue”. Our students also impressed us with two lively strings concerts. Every day our students were encouraged and energized through pottery, visual arts, playing the guitar, keyboard, or strings. I have always believed in the power of the arts to inspire and uplift the soul. This year, perhaps more than ever, we needed the arts to fill our hearts with joy, and through the magic created by our faculty and students, the arts provided a light in the midst of great challenge. As the arts lifted our souls, athletics gave our physical and emotional hearts a great boost this year. Every day our studentathletes enjoyed the camaraderie that comes from doing good, physically and mentally challenging work with a group of teammates committed to accomplishing a common goal. Throughout each of our

Join

THE WEBB SCHOOL as we celebrate our sesquicentennial during the

Spring/Summer 2021

Webb 150 Celebration and Reunion Weekend October 21 – 24, 2021

On the campus of The Webb School Bell Buckle, Tennessee

www.thewebbschool.com/150

Events & Activities Thursday, October 21, 2021 Community Celebration and Reception

(Sponsored by The Bell Buckle and Shelbyville-Bedford County Chambers of Commerce)

Friday, October 22, 2021 Classes Open to Alumni, Parents & Friends Homecoming Tailgate Homecoming Game – Webb vs. The King’s Academy Class Parties for Honored Class Years (ending in 0s, 1s, 5s and 6s)

Saturday, October 23, 2021 Alumni, Parents & Friends Social and Awards Program

Signature Event

The 150th Party

Sunday, October 24, 2021 Additional event details as well as registration and ticket information may be found by visiting the Webb 150 Celebration and Reunion Weekend webpage at www.thewebbschool.com/150.

The Webb School Magazine

Church Service - Bell Buckle United Methodist Church

56 graduate

in The Webb School 151st commencement ceremony

Spring/Summer 2021

The Webb School’s 56 seniors graduated during the 151st commencement ceremony on May 29 with family and friends joining faculty and staff in honoring the class. Dr. Shilpy Dixit, a 2000 Webb graduate and Alumni Board member, was the guest speaker. Graduation was preceded by Baccalaureate with Dr. Michael Edwards, Webb history teacher, coach, dorm parent and parent of a 2016 Webb Alumna, as the speaker. Head of School Ken Cheeseman welcomed those attending commencement and congratulated the graduates. Recognizing the parents, he said, “We are very grateful for your support throughout the years, and your trust in us. I am sure that your son or daughter is thankful for the opportunity that you have given to them.” “The class of 2021 is a very unique collection of individuals. This class is a medley of talents, skills, passions, and paths forward. We celebrate your accomplishments, timeliness with deadlines, and your futures,” Cheeseman told the class. “You have worked very hard to reach your academic goals, and you have been leaders on the playing fields, the courts, the courtroom (in mock trial competition) and on the stage. Your academic accomplishments include a National Merit Scholar, Chandler Vargas, many winners of national academic awards, and eight AP scholars. Your class is filled with talented musicians, 6 actors, artists, and singers.”

Cheeseman remarked that there has been personal success in athletics in the form of 14 All-District awards, seven All-Region awards, two All-State awards and one All-State MVP. He added that the class also provided team achievements, including bringing back a girls’ basketball program, a boys’ lacrosse program and track program to campus, and being part of the first 11-man football team, cheerleading team that won the State Championship Spirit Award, and boys’ golf team that went to state. The first time in school history, the boys’ basketball team made it to the state tournament four consecutive years, and the girls varsity basketball team became Webb’s first state championship team in TSSAA. Cheeseman commended the class saying, “Your last two years have been shaped by COVID-19, and yet, you lived with grit and persistence, and accomplished much. These are your memories, and no other decades can say they had the same experience as you, at Webb.” Cheeseman introduced Dr. Dixit, a native Tennessean who currently serves as Program Director for Prevention and Sleep Health at the National Center on Sleep Disorders at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md. She did her undergraduate training at Tulane University, where she studied psychology and classics and went on to complete her Ph.D. in neuroscience at Vanderbilt University, where her research primarily focused on the detrimental effect of vitamin

develop their own plan. ... So, in closing, I want to leave you with this: Let the values you have created at Webb lead you to the opportunities that shape your life.” Following Dixit’s remarks, Cheeseman recognized and thanked retiring longtime faculty members – L.R. Smith and Ralph Jones, with 43 and 33 years of service, respectively. (Read more on pages 8-9.) Marget Sikes, who has been with Webb for four years, also retired at the end of the 2020-2021 school year. History teacher Scott Persichetti received the David Newton McQuiddy Award for excellence in teaching. He attended boarding school, is a graduate of the Kiski School, and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in social science and education in 2015. He joined the Webb faculty in 2016 and during his tenure, he has helped coach football, boys’ basketball, girls’ lacrosse, serves as a dorm parent at Chambliss, is an advisor, all while finding time to inspire his students. The Head of School’s Award, funded by the J Murray Hill ’75 Endowment, was announced. This award is intended to be given by the Head of School to fund any appropriate annual expense. For this school year, it was designated to cover the cost of upgrading the landscaping in front of the Bradley Building, and to add bleacher seating at the tennis courts. As part of the commencement ceremony, Chandler Vargas received the highest academic honor in the class, the Anna Landis Hightower Award, which honors the student with the highest gradepoint average for four years at Webb. Mingyuan (Austin) Xu received the John Hardin Highest Scholastic Award for the student achieving the highest scholastic average in his or her senior year. Mollie Kate Creech received the John Lewis Morgan Award, which is presented annually to the student(s) who has maintained a high standard of excellence in his or her academic work and who has demonstrated the highest qualities of good citizenship in the service of the school. Bailey Cavner of McMinnville, Tenn., gave the student address during the ceremony. Music was provided and directed by Janet Linton, Fine Arts Department chair, Susan Mullen, string instructor and string orchestra director, and the string ensemble. z Class Photo: Smilestone Photographers For commencement awards, photos and ceremony video, go to: www.thewebbschool.com/the-school/school-news.

The Webb School Magazine

C deficiency in aging and neurodegenerative disease. As a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, she investigated the mechanistic relationship between Alzheimer’s Disease and seizure disorders, before earning a fellowship at NIH through the American Society for the Advancement of Science. After completing her undergraduate degree, she returned to Bell Buckle, and spent three years as a dorm head and Dr. Shilpy Dixit ’00 science faculty member while completing her master’s degree in Experimental Psychology, specifically investigating the role of cognitive-behavioral interventions in the classroom. The guest speaker congratulated seniors and said, “You have worked so hard to get to this day, from classes and grades to extracurriculars to the colleges you’ve chosen -- there is immense pressure to have it figured out by the time you get to graduation day. I remember sitting just where you are. I did not feel like I had it all figured out. As it turns out, I didn’t need to know at 18 what I would want or who I wanted to be 20 years later.” She added, “I am not telling you to go blindly into the world and just hope for the best. … As a scientist, I have learned that your plan has to be flexible to allow for unexpected events that can change the outcomes. But how do you make a plan when you don’t know what you don’t know? You rely on your training and your values. You may not realize it, but your experiences at Webb have already shaped who you will become.” Dixit said that through the years she realized how Webb’s training and values helped her navigate new experiences and challenges throughout her life that took her from an initial plan to become a medical doctor because she likes science, helping people and financial security. Along the way, she realized she wanted to be a scientist. “I would rather spend time learning what caused the disease than how to treat it,” she said. “As a scientist, every day I get to engage in discussions about cutting-edge research with the scientific community, the needs and concerns of our patient advocates, and inform our public stakeholders about ways to safeguard our nation’s health. I like science, and I want to help people. I’m doing it.” The Webb alum added, “It is not easy to transition careers, but the most valuable piece of advice I can give you is work your network. ... It is scary to reach out to people and ask them for their time … but those who genuinely want to help others will be happy to share their time and their resources. “When I was in graduate school, I would attend career talks where the speaker would say something like ‘oh, I just happened to be in the right place at the right time.’ These people did not serendipitously fall into their success -- they relied on their own training and values to

Love of family, history and Webb community intertwined for 43 years

Spring/Summer 2021

L.R. and Moira Judas Smith, who passed away in 2018, had more than 80 years of combined service at Webb – he as a history teacher, Honor Council advisor, chapel moderator, clay target team advisor, among other roles, and she as a French teacher, World Languages Department chair and chairholder of the Sims Chair of World Languages. Their daughter Caroline was born in Bell Buckle, graduated from Webb in 2011 and is married to another alum, Ryan Pryor ’12. L.R.’s son, Bill Smith, is also a Bell Buckle native. L.R. retired after the 2020-2021 school year, but will continue to be on campus frequently pursuing his interest in Webb archives and research.

L.R. Smith has three distinct German History to Ancient and thoughts about his life the past 43 Medieval History, Religion, and years -- love of his family, love of Ethics classes. Students remember history and a love of The Webb his classes in Miss Ida’s Room, Big School community. In his mind, the Room No. 4 and more recently in three will forever be intertwined. The Junior Room, Webb’s restored “Webb is my community. Webb 1880s one-room school building. is my family. I can’t imagine living Fairly quickly his role at Webb away from the Webb community,” expanded. In fact, at his 1978 job Smith said, adding that Webb gave interview, the headmaster asked him him the opportunity to teach and what else he could do? “Based on a “took me in when I was a truly half-season of soccer at the Asheville callow youth and taught me how to School, my alma mater, I said I’ll be make a difference in young people’s your assistant soccer coach.” Smith lives.” He added, “Jack Heffner, Imre added, “Head Coach Imre Lagler Lagler, and Jack Sole taught me to was a rather mercurial Hungarian Moira Judas Smith, Caroline Smith Pryor ’11 and L.R. Smith be a man and a teacher.” and knew more about soccer than Smith graduated with a B.A. from Guilford College, received an most of the referees and became terribly unhappy with them during M.A. from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro and moved matches. I was not so much his assistant coach as his ‘keeper’, and it the only time as an adult, just like Sawney Webb, from North Carolina was the beginning of a beautiful friendship with Imre.” to Bell Buckle, to accept a history position. “I’m a company man. If they asked me, I would do it. I don’t think “The Webb School was the only place that offered me a job,” there was anything I said ‘no’ to. I even served as dean of discipline he said, noting that Dorothy Elkins, secretary to Headmaster Jack when they needed one for a year. That year was the longest decade of Heffner, answered his call and heard his plea that he “needed a job.” my life.” She told him Webb would have to have an application. She was also Two other roles he accepted are at the heart of Webb – Honor the one who returned his call to tell him that Mr. Heffner had offered Council advisor for more than 30 years and chapel director for 32 him a job as history teacher. Beginning a friendship that has lasted years. The Honor Council oversees and recommends adjudication of more than four decades, she added, “I’m really glad they chose you.” student cases involving Honor Code violations. “The thing that I have enjoyed most about Webb as a teacher is “The Honor Code is the backbone of the school. Sawney Webb the professional freedom I’ve been given. I have cherished the school’s taught character before anything else,” Smith explained and added, trust that allows me to pursue my own teaching style,” said Smith. “My “through the years, students can and do attest to the fact that the style of teaching is straight-up lecture/discussion. I teach the way that Honor Code has done more good in their lives than anything else. The I was taught. History is a story. You have to tell the story and what it emphasis on honor has the most profound and lasting influence. The meant and make it interesting. I talked a lot. When I drew a breath, the Honor Code and academic rigor are the bedrock foundations of The students could jump in with questions.” Smith added, “History is fun. Webb School. As long as we put them first, all else will fall into place.” It’s like visiting old friends.” Smith remarked that his Christian path was influenced by a Realizing that it may seem odd, he explained, “It’s never been so Methodist upbringing and being chapel moderator “made me more much about the children. I like young people, but I’m crazy about aware of religious diversity … made me aware that one reaches God history. Young people need to know their history, and they’ve certainly through many different paths. The worst thing to do is to try and ram not getting enough of it these days. The love of the subject and the your own particular theology down someone’s throat. I’ve always need to pass it on has been my passion, and I was fulfilling that.” tried to direct my selections of scripture and the rare homily to try He has taught numerous History Department courses ranging and make it as broad and inclusive as possible.” He added, “The only from AP U.S. History and Western Civilization to Russian and sermon I’ve ever had has four points: Put God first. Noli Res Subdole (continued on page 21)

Jones used storytelling and technical skills to engage students in class, theater program for 33 years coursework, but, in many cases, forged what became strong facultyalumni relationships that have spanned decades. Alumni planning visits to campus or to reunions include seeing him as a priority. “I have tried to maintain connections with alumni because I view education as a two-way street; we learn from each other. I have given a

Classroom Theatrics

measure of myself to students as they have given of themselves to me. We influence each other, and I am proud to have shared my journey with so many others.” Outside of the classroom, his love of theater led him to a longtime association with Webb’s productions. “I became the technical director to help assist our theater directors. I also served as house manager for productions,” he said. “We supported the goal of professionalism in the jobs we did, and we were used for events other than the plays, although they were the reason for our existence. I developed a strong sense of trust with the student crew members. Then the older members would train the newer members, and one and all took this seriously.” He added, “We did laugh and have fun as Ruth Cordell (Webb’s speech and theater teacher and theater director since 2007) will tell you, but we got the job done, too. The tech crew provided a niche for some students. Many developed a sense of pride in the jobs we did; whether it was running sound or giving the stage a warm and friendly look (with lights), or running crew backstage, or dealing with customers wanting seats, all were important.” Jones was part of Webb’s 2011 trip to the The Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland, the world’s largest and most prestigious performing arts festival and part of the American High School Theatre Festival. The group received a Finalist Trophy for its “Rivals” (continued on page 22)

The Webb School Magazine

Maybe it was the passion for acting that led Ralph Jones to guide his Webb students through history as if telling a series of stories. A lecture was like performance art to him, and he loosely followed a script of sorts--his lecture notes. He accepted other “roles” at Webb as the school needed technical support for theater productions and other events, served on the faculty library committee for the Bond Library construction project and the steering committee that created the Emerging Voices Program. He chaired the History Department for seven years. Ralph Jones retired at the end of the 2020-2021 school year after a 33-year career as a Webb history teacher. A native of Cheatham County, Tenn., he received a B.S. and M.A. from Middle Tennessee State University. He is married to Judith Fogus, also a Cheatham County native. While at Webb, he has taught 12 different history department classes ranging from AP U.S. History and World Geography to American Government, World Religions and Social History of Rock and Roll. He received the David Newton McQuiddy Award for excellence in teaching in 1992 and 2010. He also received the Webb School Parents’ Association Faculty Enrichment Award (selected by current students) in 2001 and 2016 and was nominated to the Tennessee Governor’s School for International Studies as an Outstanding Educator in 2005. “I left college teaching for a full-time position at Webb. I decided that I was at the age where I needed to consider insurance and a retirement plan. My original idea was to get a community college position after a few years,” Jones related. “There was an opening at a state community college, but I did not want to leave Webb. The community at Webb made the difference, especially the diverse student body. I had learned early on that I enjoyed being in the classroom and the give and take of teaching a required U.S. History class. Some alums will say that his required classes were among the hardest they completed at Webb, but the “storytelling” kept them engaged. “My lecture style included some humor, some off-topic discussions, and we were sharing a story. I also shared some events from my life to illustrate that you never know what you might encounter if you are open to meeting new people and listening to their stories. And I would often use a “cliff-hanger” comment to end the lecture, and students expected the story to continue at the next lecture.” As his students prepared to graduate and launch, Jones was often the person they wanted writing their letters of recommendation. His manner of teaching not only kept students engaged in their

Webb expands community footprint

Director of Athletics Scott Dorsett, Head of School Ken Cheeseman, Webb Board Chair Vance Berry, Board Members, George Huddleston Jr. and Farrar Vaughan

Spring/Summer 2021

The Webb School is embarking on several capital projects and improvements to enable the school to grow. The projects planned during the next several years are focused on augmenting the school's domestic and international boarding program, increasing the overall day and boarding student body, and enhancing facilities and programming for the entire Webb community. “I feel so fortunate to be at a school like Webb,” said Ken Cheeseman, Webb Head of School. “In my first year, I am pleased to know that we have such a firm foundation in place. What I hope we can achieve together in the coming years is to focus on the three “A's”-- academics, arts and athletics -- in complementary and mutually beneficial ways. I believe it is critical for our students to develop their interests inside and outside the classroom. By growing in these areas, we are helping our students become well-rounded with knowledge and skills to be leaders in the future.” The first project in the series will include a new fully recyclable synthetic surface for Lagler Field -- one of the first fully recyclable turf systems in the world-- surrounded by an eight-lane track, both to be completed in August. “The new field turf and track project is part of a two-fold goal to have the facilities to attract and accommodate more students on campus for the day and overnight camps of the Summer Program and other activities to help grow the school,” added Cheeseman. “Equally important is providing the finest facilities year-round for our current Webb community.” He said, “The new field surface and track will be transformative.” In addition to football, Lagler Field is home to the Webb's boys' and girls' soccer teams. The track will support the school's new track program as well as athletes' conditioning for other sports. “I want these and other school athletics facilities to be utilized the maximum number of hours possible daily, especially during the 10

summer months. There will be less downtime related to weather conditions and also less overall maintenance required for the field.” The project being completed by Warner's Athletic Construction of Smyrna includes approximately 100,000 sq. ft. of Shaw Legion Pro 2.0 Synthetic Turf and the new Beynon 1,000 track. The field infill system will be Shaw Natural Play with a Shaw NXT PlayPad “shock pad” supporting the turf. The NXT PlayPad is made from old, recycled turf fields. One square foot of pad equals one square foot of turf diverted from a landfill.

with new field turf and track projects

“In my time at The Webb School, I have seen great strides in our programs.” said Scott Dorsett, Athletics Director. These projects build on the work that has been done in recent years. Our kids are enthusiastic, and I see these facility enhancements leading to even greater commitment and participation by our student-athletes.” “On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am delighted to see Webb increase its footprint with these facility improvements,” said Vance Berry, Webb Board chair. “We applaud the way Mr. Cheeseman, his Leadership Team, and the entire school have handled this past

year--one of the most challenging in memory. We are excited about the school's efforts to find new avenues to promote the educational opportunities that are available.” A groundbreaking ceremony and tour were given as part of the spring board meeting on April 23. A ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebration are planned at the completion of these projects. z

The Webb School Magazine

Rendering credit: Warner's Athletics Construction

Spring/Summer 2021

Webb has unique opportunity to emphasize hallmarks of first-rate education

Dean of Academics and Arts Nicole Taucare has an appreciation of The Webb School that goes beyond her passion for a career in education. Yes, when she accepted the position four years ago, she was excited about the opportunity to live and work in a community with such a diverse group of students. And with honor and integrity as the cornerstones of Webb, she firmly believes that if Webb students leave with nothing other than honor and integrity, the school has done a good job launching these young adults into independence. But as a part of Webb’s faculty who resides on campus with her family, she explained, “As I raise my three children on this campus, I believe that we (my husband, Mauricio, and I) are giving them a great gift for they interact daily with students of all walks of life. My children are able to watch and observe people of different backgrounds and creeds and know that they are all decent human beings. They can learn to appreciate their differences and see those differences as a positive aspect not a detractor.” Taucare’s bent toward education began at an early age with teachers she still considers role models. “One of them, a high school Spanish teacher, really sparked my interest in teaching Spanish because she gave her students a voice,” Taucare said. “I began teaching in 2000 when I lived in Iquique, Chile. I taught English primarily to the management level of the various mining companies in Northern Chile. Upon returning to the United States, I sought a job as a Spanish teacher at a boarding school in Massachusetts. I moved into administration when I worked at a small day school in Reno, Nev.” She has a BA in Spanish and Latin American Studies from Dickinson College and a MA in Education Leadership from Michigan State University. She has been teaching for 21 years and has been in administration for 13 years. As she began the 2020-2021 school year, the title of her position was changed from Dean of Academic Affairs, but it was the change in the administrative structure that had the most impact. “I am tasked with oversight of all classes, curriculum, and teaching faculty,” she explained. “This position, of course, includes oversight of students’ educational journey.” Taucare noted that she is challenged by the balance of daily needs and strategic thinking and planning in her position, but really continues to enjoy working with faculty to help them best support the students in their classrooms. “With the change to the administrative structure, there is less overlap between my job responsibilities and the responsibilities of Dr. Tabetha Sullens, who serves as the assistant head for student affairs. As a team, we are a strong unit and support each other in many

ways.” As part of the school’s leadership team, Taucare remarked, “What I most enjoy is seeing how well we collaborate on projects and genuinely wish for each other’s success.” That collaboration and support proved to be very important as the 2020-2021 school year began amid the pandemic and continued with both in-person and distance-learning components. “The 2020-2021 school year was the most challenging that anyone has ever faced. I believe that we were extremely successful in how we handled our 2020 Safe Start and the approach that we took in the classroom to run a concurrent learning program for our students both in person and remote. Executing the Safe Start 2020 strategy last August, we maintained in-person learning all but two weeks of the 2020-2021 school year,” she added. “There are practices that are worth saving from the 2020-2021 year. I think each teacher found creative ways to reach all of his or her students, and the faculty were very in tune with the challenges that our students were experiencing.” She added, “While zoom fatigue was a real challenge, I believe video conferencing is a powerful tool, especially as we maintain connections to our international families and the domestic boarding families who are not within close proximity to campus.” As Webb prepares for the 2021-2022 school year with a substantially increased enrollment, the dean said, “We have a unique opportunity to hit a reset button and emphasize the important aspects of what makes Webb a firstrate education. From the Enduring Understandings to the respectful gesture of students rising when adults enter a room, from ‘trapping’ to noli res subdole facere, Webb alumni have fond memories of the hidden curriculum that helped shape them into who they are today. So while you will not see major academic changes, you will see a return to the Webb culture that many have appreciated and been grateful for as they move beyond this great campus.” Continuing the positive momentum and growth, Taucare has several enhancements she would like to see in the near future – “… expanded offerings in the academic program and a continued strengthening of our residential program as we strive to provide a rich program for our boarding students beyond the academic classrooms. This strengthening of ResLife would also impact residential housing so that we can continue to attract top-notch faculty. Additionally, I would like to see the arts continue to grow, especially in the middle school; I would like to see expanded offerings in technology, such as coding and/or robotics. And, in the longer-term, I would like to see some updates to facilities so that we can keep pace with our growth and maximize our academic day.” z

Dorsett excited about what growth and success bring to athletics along with the development and enhancement of athletics facilities.” During his tenure, Dorsett would like to see continued facility improvements, development of the coaching staff, and mentoring of the student-athletes. There will be 27 sports teams during three seasons of the 2021-2122 school year, with several middle school programs added. Dorsett explained that “it’s a big task” to organize and manage that number of programs as well as physical education and health and wellness classes and afternoon activities. “I think what has really helped out is that Webb has hired full-time coaches to build programs,” he said. Dorsett sees the enhancement of the athletics program as one of Webb’s catalysts for continued success. Many students want the full experience at a school with strong academics, and the opportunity to pursue other interests such as “plays, mock trial and competitive sports, for example. I think we can provide so many offerings for our students.” “Everyone likes winning; that’s in everything we do. But it’s also about giving it everything you have on the field, the court, the stage and in the classroom, being competitive and walking away with your head held high.” He explained that Head of School Ken Cheeseman’s vision for Webb’s academics, arts and athletics and the school’s programming and infrastructure will reap benefits for years to come. “I think the leadership team we have is a very solid group. This group understands the importance of all three. Athletics can reach out to arts and academics and build bridges in support of each other.” The result, he noted, “can be success in all areas.” Planning for fully operating and engaged sports seasons this year, Dorsett remains aware of how the pandemic tested athletics in the 2020-2021 school year. “We didn’t know if we were going to get to play. There were all the protocols and precautions to help keep everyone safe, and in a year that we had all that, we had five state champions and one national champion. My previous 12 years here, we had knocked on the door. It just blows my mind.”z

The Webb School Magazine

A new emphasis on academics, arts and athletics as part of the overall Webb experience has led to a number of changes in the Athletics Department as facilities and staffing are among priorities. “This new focus on three distinct areas gives Webb much greater opportunities to attract and retain students who want to get a great education, explore an interest in the arts and be part of a sports team,” said Scott Dorsett, director of athletics. Dorsett, a native of Nashville, graduated from East Tennessee State University. He originally pursued a career in sales, but later began to rethink his career choice. “I felt as though the Lord was pulling me toward a career working with kids,” Dorsett said. He pursued a teaching certificate from Lincoln Memorial University and began a master’s degree in education. He has spent nearly 18 years as a teacher, coach and administrator. He was employed at Blackman High School in Murfreesboro as a teacher and a coach of a successful girls softball team. But in 2008, he decided to make a change and joined Webb as athletics director and coach. “I prayed about the move and felt very at ease following the path to Webb. I went after it not really knowing what I was getting into.” As he transitioned to Webb, he also decided to become involved in local, state, and national organizations that impact educational athletics. He completed his Certified Masters of Athletic Administrator (CMAA) through National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association, served four years as president of the Middle Tennessee Athletic Conference (MTAC), and was the Tennessee Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (TIAAA) president from 2018-2020. He received the Athletic Director of the Year Award for the Middle Region of the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association in 2017. For the past eight years, he has also served on the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association national faculty teaching other athletic directors. “In my 13 years at Webb, the role of the athletics director has evolved. In the beginning, I was responsible for interscholastic sports, afternoon activities and the health and wellness of our student-athletes,” said Dorsett. He added that his current role has much more involvement in the school’s athletics facilities, fundraising and helping develop and execute a vision for the growth and management of Webb’s athletics. “While good news for the school, some of the challenges for athletics relate to the growth and success we’ve had in recent years,

Bloom sees increased enrollment

as opportunity to build on Webb’s success

Spring/Summer 2021

When it was time for him to choose a career as he graduated from Franklin and Marshall College, Jon Bloom, dean of students and residential life, looked to two things that he had enjoyed throughout his life – school and sports. “I loved high school and college, and a lot of that was because of the coaches and teachers I had and the relationships built with teammates and peers. I played lacrosse in college. I was a history major and also took a couple of education courses.” He added, “I enjoyed the teachers and coaches, I liked school, and I liked sports. So, when I chose what to do in life, I decided, let’s teach and coach; that’s a good combo.” His plans came to fruition when he accepted a position right out of college teaching and coaching for two years at Webb. He left Webb to pursue another opportunity but returned in 2001 when Webb needed a lacrosse coach and part-time assistant athletics director. The athletics director left about the same time, and he stepped into that position for six years. Bloom and his wife, Kristen, relocated to Baylor School in Chattanooga, where he was initially associate director of admissions, then became associate director of residential life and remained there for 11 years. “When the director of residential life position opened at Webb five years ago, we moved back. I also coached middle school boys basketball and later varsity boys’ lacrosse and have taught an economics elective class.” In 2020-2021, he became the dean of students and residential life. Bloom related that he thinks an important part of his recent journey/success with dean of students and residential life was finishing his master’s in Leadership in Pre K-12 Education from Pepperdine University. Bloom explained that the dean of students’ role is primarily upperschool focused, but added, “There is a lot of blending and overlapping that encompasses all students. My responsibility focuses on trying to make sure each student can enjoy his or her experience at Webb.” He added that sometimes there’s a perception that his role is largely discipline-related. He noted that there are rules and protocols to follow “that are there so everyone can enjoy Webb.” As dean of students and residential life, he works with Dr. Tabetha Sullens ’94, assistant head for student affairs, and Jodi Campbell, director of social, emotional and academic development, to enhance the advisory program, to collaborate and assist student organizations helping them meet their obligations and goals. He also helps to work through student issues and discipline. Carrying out residential life responsibilities, he “works with prefects, dorm heads and dorm parents to make sure we are doing all we can to enhance the student 14 experience.”

Another large scope of his work deals with facility maintenance — for dorms, faculty residences and the student center – working with the Webb maintenance staff and SFM Service custodial staff. “Those folks have been great to work with.” He also appreciates the value of Sage Dining Services, adding, “They feel a part of the community and want to do all they can to benefit Webb.” Bloom highlighted that maintenance, custodial and Sage, are all flexible when schedules change, or there are other unexpected changes. Bloom remarked that anytime you live on campus with more than 100 students and 30 faculty and staff, that’s a large community, and there are many different types of personalities, expectations and opinions. “You want everyone to like what they’re doing and where they’re living. It’s a personal thing with me. I try and help everyone live in harmony.” The end of each school year is fulfilling for Bloom. “You see another class graduate and students planning to return next year. I also like staying in touch with alums and former advisees, who are in college or have families of their own.” He said his family has open invitations to stay in former students’ and parents’ homes in a number of cities when they travel throughout the country. The building and maintaining of those types of relationships is gratifying to him. As the number of day and boarding students on campus this fall continued to increase, Bloom said he immediately began thinking about “the volume of everything and possible challenges, including those for students whose first year was last year, which was not like any other year.” But he also thinks of the opportunities for the residential staff to “make some positive tweaks” and for academics, arts and athletics to benefit from the larger number of students. Bloom serves on the school’s leadership team and noted that the dean’s role, whoever is in the position, is important. “Everyone in that room needs to know what the student experience is like. And if our students are thriving in academics, arts and athletics, and the student body in general is thriving, that is vital to enrollment of new students, overall retention and all other aspects of Webb. “It takes all the departments represented on the leadership team working together and communicating with each other to keep having that success.” Looking to the future, Bloom remarked that “having the dorms full and also an increase in day students is a huge success.” Webb will need to do what is necessary to manage the growth and take advantage of other opportunities it provides, such as continuing to enhance existing student, faculty and staff housing, and construction of new housing and dining facilities. He sees his part is in doing what he can to help maintain the higher enrollment and help this school keep succeeding. It’s where I’m supposed to be.” z

Spring Recap Mark Wood and Webb String Orchestra give stellar show

The promise of an in-person concert that adhered to COVID-19 precautions drew nearly 400 people, and approximately 540 “attended” via livestream.

The Webb School Magazine

Webb orchestra students had the opportunity to work and perform with Mark Wood, an original member of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, as part of Wood’s Electrify Your Strings music education program on Feb. 27. A public concert of rock ‘n roll selections was the culmination of months of instruction and practice via Zoom, months of in-class rehearsals, and two days working with Mark himself. Wood, a well-known electric violinist and Emmy-winning composer, also performed at the concert playing on his originally designed Viper, a fretted, seven-stringed electric instrument. The program was sponsored in conjunction with the Webb 150 Celebration by the Follin Speakers Series, an endowed program at the school. It was originally scheduled for May 2020. “Hundreds of hours of preparation went into this concert,” said Susan Mullen, Webb’s string orchestra teacher. “The students knew every note of every piece, and some had the entire concert memorized. As incredibly well-known and talented as Mark is, he has a gift of making the kids the stars of the evening. He is incredibly warm, genuine, talked to every student who approached him, and complimented the students individually throughout the two days of workshops. He really tried to instill in them that music is an incredibly important force in our lives, and no matter what style of music you prefer to play, you should do it with love, energy, and enthusiasm.”

Vargas named National Merit Scholarship Finalist Chandler Vargas, a 2021 graduate, was named a National Merit Scholarship Finalist in April. Vargas, a resident of Mountain Brook, Ala., was among the top 1 percent of 2020 U.S. high school seniors to achieve semifinalist distinction in September 2020. “It is exciting news that Chandler has been named a National Merit Finalist,” said Head of School Ken Cheeseman. “He has worked diligently during his years at Webb and has fully immersed himself in Webb’s strong academics and emphasis on honor and character. As a finalist, he will have the opportunity to receive scholarships from prospective colleges, and we wish him the very best as he continues his education.” “I am extremely thankful to be selected for such a prestigious honor,” said Vargas, also an Eagle Scout who will attend Northwestern University in the fall. “Without the solid foundations that have been laid for me at Webb, I would have never been able to tower to academic heights such as this. My work ethic and academic skill set have been cultivated throughout my time here at Webb, and I am forever grateful for the connections that I have fostered.”

Webb Company Players bring “Clue” to life

Spring/Summer 2021

The Webb Company Players presented “Clue – High School Edition” on the Chapel Stage in April. Based on the iconic 1985 Paramount movie, which was inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, “Clue” is a hilarious farce-meets-murder mystery. ---Broadway Publishing Theatre director was Ruth Cordell, Webb’s speech and theatre teacher. Janet Linton, Fine Arts Department chair, was music director. Michaela Gilgenbach, Spanish teacher, was tech director. The cast included: Slate Bowers, Wadsworth; Trey Snell, Professor Plumb; Winston Dugdale, Mr. Green; Elliot Williams, Colonel Mustard; Mason Yoes, Ensemble Man, Boddy; Wes Scott-Wetherbee, Chief of Police; Aspen Northcutt, Singing Telegram, Cook; Nova Northcutt, Ensemble Woman; Eva Pagello, Ensemble; Bailey Brock, Scarlett; Mili Walton, Mrs. White; Lucy Wilson, Mrs. Peacock; and Elle Thompson, Yvette. The Stage Manager, Assistant to Director 1 was Caitlin Jeralds and State Manager 2, Wes Scott-Wetherbee. The tech crew included: Kacey Calhoun, Johnathon Savage, Jayden Anderson, Evie Stewart and Savarna Ghosh.

Leo Qi ‘24 of Beijing, recently won the Gold Medal in the China Finals of the 5th Chopin International Youth Piano (China Amateur Group) competition.

Abby Faith Cheeseman ’25 claimed first place in the annual middle school Spelling Bee. Cheeseman spelled “emphatic” as the championship word in the seventh round.

Reed Sutton ’25 won the annual middle school Geography Bee. Sutton won the event with a perfect score after seven rounds of the competition.

Beyond Wonderland Photography Middle School students from The Webb School came together for a special ceremony on May 21 that included the presentation of traditional and special awards, a pinning ceremony, the announcement of a declamation contest winner and the graduation of the eighth-grade class.

Upper school students were recognized on May 18 at the 2021 Book Awards ceremony with special awards and other recognitions.

Members of the Class of 2021 enjoyed Senior Luncheon on May 21 with James and Mallory Garcia as the guest speakers. Seniors left for the Webb tradition of Senior Survival on May 22, returning May 27. They graduated on May 29.

L.R. Smith and Ralph Jones, both who retired at the end of the 2020-2021 school year, were recently honored at the school’s end-of-year dinner. (See related stories on Pages 8 & 9.) Combined, Smith and Jones have more than seven decades of service to Webb with Smith joining Webb in 1978, and Jones in 1988. Recognizing the longtime history faculty department members, who served in a myriad of additional roles during their tenures, Head of School Ken Cheeseman opened the celebration by presenting the honorees with keepsake books filled with memories and well wishes from former and current faculty and staff and alumni. Following were several hours of reminiscing under the direction of Buck Smith, Webb English faculty member.

The Webb School Magazine

Among those joining Joe Griggs ’05, center, WILD teacher and outdoor program director, and seniors on Senior Survival were several other alumni, from left, A.J. Swafford ’99, Kristen Linton ’00, Brianna Wofford Taylor ’11 and Dianna Skordallos ’13. Not pictured is Thomas Anderson ’94.

Creech earns Girl Scout Gold Award

Morton earns Eagle Scout Award

Mollie Kate Creech, a 2021 graduate, (Troop 2863) earned the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest award a Girl Scout Senior or Ambassador can earn, following the completion of her “Literacy Bundles” Gold Award Project. The award was presented at the Girl Scout Honor’s Day Program in May. The Gold Award is the latest in Creech’s association with the Girl Scout program that she began as a Daisy in kindergarten. She previously earned the Bronze Award and the Silver Award and also earned Faith-Based Scouting Awards, Loving Servant and Joyful Servant.

Bart Morton, a 2021 graduate and a member of Boy Scouts of America Troop 699, Unionville, completed the requirements for Eagle Scout, which consisted of four recommendations, 12 required merit badges, nine elective merit badges, a number of service hours, service in troop leadership positions, an approved service project and finally, successfully passing an Eagle Scout board of review.

65 years

Spring/Summer 2021

Dorothy Elkins was honored for 65 years of service to Webb at the school’s end-of-year dinner. With her is Head of School Ken Cheeseman.

Departments showcased in special ways on Day of Languages The Department of World Languages sponsored a special Day of Languages that began with chapel and included reggaetón riffs courtesy of Jordan Jenkins and Drew Creal, followed by a performance of Albéniz’s “Córdoba” by Susan Mullen’s honors strings students. Winston Dugdale and Bailey Brock prepared a bilingual English and French monologue from Shakespeare’s “Love’s Labour’s Lost” under the guidance of Ruth Cordell. Magistra Kelly Northrup introduced the campuswide scavenger hunt activity, and Profe Kate Allen and Profe Michaela Gilgenbach led multilingual grade-level competitions. The program concluded with the Pledge of Allegiance in English, French, Spanish and Latin. In addition to the chapel program, students participated in various cultural games and activities throughout the afternoon.

The Class of 2021 made college choices known in chapel announcements and then 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.

Outdoor Program “taps” more than trees in maple syrupmaking

Bell selected for College Board African American National Recognition Program Winter Bell, a 2021 graduate, was selected for the College Board African American National Recognition Program. Bell, a resident of Chicago, earned this recognition because of his remarkable academic achievements and outstanding performance on the PSAT/NMSQT he took his junior year. He scored in the top 10 percent of all Tennessee PSAT/NMSQT exam takers in his cohort. He is enrolling at the University of Chicago this fall. “We are proud of Winter and his accomplishments; his recognition is well deserved! He has been such a strong reflection of our mission and Enduring Understandings,” said Head of School Ken Cheeseman. “We look forward with confidence and excitement for the great work that Winter will do and the ways he will positively impact culture.”

Webb surpasses goal for children’s hospital Webb’s Webbathon, raised $11,346.21, surpassing its goal, for Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, with funds to go to Vanderbilt Children’s General Surgery Center in Murfreesboro. Webbathon included a variety of activities and giving opportunities, and Webb participated in a live event, the Marathon of Marathons to celebrate a year of great fundraising.

The Webb School Magazine

Thoughts of sugar maple trees may conjure up visions of Vermont forests. After all, it is Vermont’s state tree (along with several other states). Likewise, tapping the trees for sugary sap to produce pure maple syrup leads to thoughts of a process that seems better suited for the north and northeastern United States. That’s what Joe Griggs thought four years ago when a student approached him about tapping the 30 sugar maples that line Follin Lane on campus and making syrup. “My initial reaction was ‘no, they only do that in Vermont,’” said Griggs ’05, who teaches Webb’s Wilderness Instruction and Leadership Development (W.I.L.D.) classes and directs the Outdoor Program. “No one else was tapping trees down here. But after I said ‘no’, we looked into it.” As he found out, sugar maple trees can be tapped and maple syrup produced in Tennessee and a number of other states. Now, four years later, W.I.L.D. had its largest yield. Griggs explained that the progression from talking about a possible W.I.L.D. project, and deciding to pursue it or not, is a seasoned and methodical approach. “Everything we do mirrors this process. I knew of no one tapping trees in this region, but then I thought we might be onto something.” As a stroke of serendipity, the week Griggs began researching the process four years ago, he found it was the exact time to be tapping and collecting sugar maple sap. “It’s a very small window -- about two weeks,” he explained. “The temperature has to be above freezing in the day and below freezing at night. I placed a rush order to get the taps and the spiles -- spouts inserted in trees to draw off sap.” The trees are tapped drilling holes by hand (a process that occurs every year as the holes naturally seal), inserting the spiles and connecting the taps. Then the galvanized buckets are hung on the trees, and gravity and natural science take over. For more about WILD’s maple syrup project, visit www. thewebbschool.com.

Ichetucknee and Santa Fe, Fla., were the destinations of a spring break canoeing trip. Joe Griggs led the group accompanied by Brian Wofford, former outdoor program director, and Anne Windham ’10, who assists with trips and programs during the school year along with teachers, Mike Quinn and Henry Brooks, and school nurse, Risa Brown.

Webb Admissions Office wins international marketing award Webb’s Admissions Office won a 2020 Gold InspirED School Marketers Brilliance Award for its “admitted student welcome” entry in the only international competition that recognizes excellence in private and independent school marketing and communications exclusively. Webb’s early-decision application notifications were mailed, and students received these award-winning packages in the spring. The Brilliance Awards are sponsored by InspirED School Marketers, a website that provides “brilliant ideas and brain food” for private school administrators around the globe. The entries were judged by a volunteer panel of 69 marketing experts from around the world who are professionals in private schools or businesses that specialize in school marketing. The entries were scored on creativity, persuasiveness, design, copy, photography and overall appeal. Judges comments included: “This welcome package is in my opinion - PERFECTION! From the distinctive packaging, beautiful branding, interactive components via the fun socks and hashtag, and the brilliant student signature page — this is the gold standard of student welcome packages.” Julie Harris, Webb’s director of enrollment management, explained that the admissions office was looking for a way to increase the yield percentage. “There’s more competition in the industry today, so we wanted our accepted students to receive something that would stand out and also make them feel welcomed to Webb,” said Harris. “Our entire admissions team brainstormed on this project and contributed to the full design of the acceptance package. We also worked with our Son Will Society, admissions student ambassadors, to get their feedback. We wanted to think ‘outside the box’, so we created something that we believe really stands out.” To read more about the Admissions 2020 Gold Marketing Award, visit www.thewebbschool.com.

What do you get when you combine March Madness and Science – March Mammal Madness

Spring/Summer 2021

The word “Mammal” is not the first word you might expect to be mentioned in conjunction with the phrase “March Madness”. But for a growing number of teachers, students, and admirers of the natural world, mammals make for a popular and entertaining way to bring creativity and learning together. “March Mammal Madness” is in its 9th year of annual tournament competition, and is patterned after the tournament bracket used in college basketball. It is intended to encourage others to learn all about mammals (and other animals) as part of “battles” that they are expected to have as they go from 64+1 (Wild Card) to a tournament champion. Just as each NCAA basketball team is given a seed and paired in a regional bracket, animals are given seeds and asked to compete in fictional combats. They are assigned points based on their characteristics, and these points influence the likelihood that they win the individual round of competition. Point differences are based on key characteristics such as temperament, weaponry, armor, body mass, running speed, fight style, physiology, and motivation. After probabilities are assigned and a random number is generated, a winner is declared consistent with the scientific literature applicable to the hypothetical confrontation. Each contestant who completes a bracket is able to track results and his or her point totals based on the number of winners correctly selected. Webb’s Chair of the Science Department Pamela Seals joined the competition with her AP Environmental and Biology classes in 2015. “It’s exact science, and it’s fun,” said Seals. “Students learn more when there’s joy and fun along with competition.” Students no longer in her classes still line up for brackets each year to vie for the championship. “This is a terrific example of how learning and competition make for a unique educational experience. I applaud the work of Mrs. Seals,” said 20 Ken Cheeseman, head of school.

Love of family (continued from page 8)

he was recognized twice, 1997 and 2015, with the David Newton McQuiddy Award for excellence in teaching; twice, 2000 and 2017, with the Webb School Parents’ Association Faculty Enrichment Award, selected by the student body; and also in 2011 with the John B. Hardin Service Award “to recognize and honor those alumni and members of the community who have consistently contributed an exceptional amount of time and talent to Webb and whose efforts benefit students, enhance campus life and reaffirm the commitment of the Webb community to the school.” He was also a recipient of the 2010 TAIS Hubert Smothers Award For Excellence in Teaching and Extraordinary Contributions to Education. Thanking faculty, staff and students of the Webb community

L.R. and Moira Judas Smith

through the years, Smith said, “You rejoiced in my good fortune when I joined Webb. You rejoiced when Moira and I married. You rejoiced when I announced Caroline’s birth in chapel. You were patient with my defects … You always gave me the benefit of the doubt. And when Moira died, you wrapped Caroline and me in your arms and carried us through our grief ... we owe an enduring debt of gratitude to you all, and especially, to Head of School Ray Broadhead, for your compassion and patience during those terrible days. I have never regretted a day that I spent at The Webb School. To paraphrase Moira, there is nothing I would rather do than go up to the top of the hill and teach history and break a target or two.” “The thing that I remember and appreciate most, though, are the times we had fun ... poker parties in colleagues Lee Woosley’s and William Cocke’s apartments in Rand; throwing horseshoes with Larry Nichols at James Garcia’s place on Turtle Circle; doing ‘Cold War’ street theater with Imre Lagler all over campus; the “interdepartmental meetings” on the Hinkle Hill porch; and, best of all: the annual Hinkle Hill Barbecue. Anyway, for all of the above reasons, plus a lot more, I’ll never part from the Webb community. Thank you for being my family.” z

The Webb School Magazine

Facere. Beware the Ropers. Be sweet.” While he served in another role as the longtime trap and skeet club advisor, and later as a coach, he explained that the club’s inception and his involvement was more a choice of one responsibility over another. “I didn’t want to coach soccer anymore.” Webb had always had a shooting program so early in his tenure, L.R. L.R. and Caroline Smith and Moira formed The Webb School Skeet and Trap Club with a hand-cocked trap mounted on a board and post. “She wrote the club constitution. It was fun.” The couple then pursued the installation of a proper skeet field. Lagler also taught hunter safety courses, with L.R. assisting and then continuing to teach each year. “I don’t have a competitive bone in my body, but in the late 1980s/early 1990s, Baylor, McCallie and Girls Preparatory School in Chattanooga had clubs, and we’d go to Soddy Daisy, Tenn., and shoot skeet with them. The Webb club was recreational until the early 2000s, when it became a competitive trap-shooting team, then recreational again until 2015-2016. That’s when Matt Wilson, director of alumni and development; Dr. Phillip Patterson, Webb parent; and Buck Smith, faculty member and Webb parent; revived it as a skeet team with Buck Smith as head coach.” L.R. and Moira were travel-study guides for numerous overseas trips, including 12 student-exchange/homestay trips to France, two winter break experiences in Quebec and three to the USSR. “The most significant trips, in terms of brushing up against history, were the 1985, 1987 and 1989 trips to the USSR. In 1985, we landed on Day 1 of the Gorbachev era.” During the subsequent trips, he added, “We witnessed Russia’s transformation from a totalitarian dictatorship to the Russia that is today.” More recently, Smith could be found in Webb’s archives, located in the Bond Library, researching and writing articles about Webb in the early 20th Century. He also organized, restored and digitized Webb’s Son Will Webb’s (headmaster from 1926-1953) glass slide collection. Included are a large number of WWI slides and others depicting Son Will’s interests. He also brought to life Son’s Will’s Four-Minute Man script and slideshow with several public presentations. He found it interesting that Son Will was one of the 74,000 community leaders recruited by the U.S. Committee on Public Information to make presentations across the U.S. (in support of World War I and buying government bonds) during the four minutes it took to change the reels of feature motion pictures in movie theaters. Throughout the years as he brought history to life, advised Honor Council members and spoke in chapel, among other roles,

Jones (continued from page 9)

performance. He also shared his theater experience as a board member, company manager, house manager and festival grounds manager for the Tennessee Shakespeare Festival during the four years of operation (20082011) in Bell Buckle. Jones was one of the founding members of the Webb Care Team in 2003 and remained on the team Ralph Jones and wife Judith Fogus until his retirement. Team members are trained, and the team’s purpose is to provide a nondisciplinary faculty/staff group that students can go to and also make referrals about alcohol and other substance use. He said, “... a majority of students respected the idea that they could turn to a care team member to help one of their classmates.” A career spanning more than three decades offers many overarching highlights, and Jones is grateful for them. “I wanted to be a positive element to leave things better than before. Seeing quality theater productions and watching students discover they could do advance placement classes or other work were gratifying.” As echoed many times throughout campus, a feeling of community effort and support are paramount for why faculty and staff choose to remain at Webb doing the type of work they enjoy. “Webb had a relatively permanent faculty and staff about the time I began. Having people who were here for long periods allowed relationships to develop over time, and new employees were welcomed and supported. Working with and getting to know people and forming long-lasting relationships was an important aspect of

Spring/Summer 2021

History Teachers - Ralph Jones, Larry Nichols and L.R. Smith

Ralph Jones and student, Dr. Andrea (Rice) Knight ‘90

Webb. Like L.R. said at the end-of-year faculty-staff dinner this year, ‘Webb really is a community that is built on love.’” Viewing his time at Webb with students, faculty and staff as mutually beneficial, Jones said he has learned to be more patient, to listen, to be more understanding, and to be a better person -- an ongoing work in progress. He urged his students to “always try to do the best they could”, and told them, “failure and success are both teaching moments; learn from both experiences.” For current and future faculty members he advises, “Seek counsel from peers in the faculty. ... talking through an issue often presents the solution. Be flexible, too.” His hope for Webb in the future is that its academic reputation is maintained, and students are encouraged to increasingly take responsibility for their progress and achievements. As for his future, Jones said, “I plan to fully cultivate all the qualities of a gentleman of leisure!”z

WEBB’S

Student Champions Johnathon Savage ’22

2021 NATIONAL CHAMPION International Skeet Scholastic Clay Target Program 2021 STATE CHAMPION International Skeet Tennessee State Junior Olympics

Miles Simons ’22

2021 STATE CHAMPION Doubles Skeet and High Overall Combined Skeet Tennessee State Scholastic Clay Target Program

Girls Basketball Team

2021 STATE CHAMPIONS TSSAA DIV. II-A GIRLS BASKETBALL

2021 STATE CHAMPION 3200-Meter TSSAA Div. II-A Girls Track and Field 2020-2021 STATE CHAMPION TSSAA Div. II-A Girls Cross Country

The Webb School Magazine

Abby Faith Cheeseman ’25

Varsity Boys Soccer

Middle School Boys-Girls Soccer

Middle School Baseball

Softball

Middle School/Varsity Boys-Girls Tennis

Middle School/Varsity Boys-Girls Track

Varsity Girls Lacrosse

Spring/Summer 2021

Varsity Boys Lacrosse

BASKETBALL First time in history both boys and girls teams in TSSAA Div. II-A State Tournament

Smilestone Photographers

Girls Basketball

wins TSSAA Div. II-A Clay Target Team

Signings Spring 2021

Shanice Simpson-Whiteley

University of Tennessee at Martin

State Championship !! Regular-season record 19-2 and Overall Record 28-2 State All-Tournament Team

MVP - Lashae Dwyer '21

Shanice Simpson-Whiteley '21

Lauren Vann '21

Basketball Florida Southern

Water Skiing

Lauren Vann

Bethel University

Basketball

Jordan Jenkins Parkland College

Basketball

Sen. Shane Reeves, second from right, and Rep. Pat Marsh, second from left, presented Senate Joint Resolution 220 to “honor and commend the members and coaches of The Webb School girls basketball team upon winning the TSSAA Division II-A State Championship.” The presentation was made during chapel. With them are Director of Athletics Scott Dorsett, left, Girls Coach Matthew Shewmake, center, and Head of School Ken Cheeseman, right.

The Webb School Magazine

Trey Snell

Dwyer named Gatorade Tennessee Girls Basketball Player of the Year

Lashae Dwyer ’21 was named the 2020-21 Gatorade Tennessee Girls Basketball Player of the Year. Dwyer is the first Gatorade Tennessee Girls Basketball Player of the Year to be chosen from Webb. The award, which recognizes not only outstanding athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the field, distinguishes Dwyer as Tennessee’s best high school girls basketball player.

Smilestone Photographers

Dwyer named 2020-21 MaxPreps Tennessee High School Girls Basketball Player of the Year Regular-Season All-District MVPs

Spring/Summer 2021

Evan Eursher '22

LaShae Dwyer '21

District Tournament MVP and Region Tournament MVP

LaShae Dwyer '21

District All-Tournament Team

Evan Eursher ‘22 Jordan Jenkins ‘21

Boys basketball team advances to TSSAA Div.

II-A State Tournament for four consecutive years

Regular season record 15-5 and overall record of 20-8.

Jordan Jenkins

Stephen Olowoniyi

Jeff Mitchell

Webb welcomes Williams as

Varsity Boys Basketball Coach, Middle School Conduct and Character Director

Micah Williams joined Webb in June as Varsity Boys’ Basketball Head Coach and Middle School Conduct and Character Director. Williams, a native of Manchester, spent six years as part of the Coffee County High School coaching staff and as head boys’ basketball coach since 2015. “We are honored and excited to welcome Micah Williams to work closely with our Assistant Head for Student Affairs in our dean of students office and as varsity boys’ basketball head coach, said Webb Head of School Ken Cheeseman. “He will add significant value as we continue to prepare Webb graduates to thrive and lead their generation.” Cheeseman added, “Coach Williams succeeds Jeff Mitchell, Webb’s varsity boys coach for 15 years. Mitchell, who will continue in his role as a faculty member and varsity golf head coach, decided to step away from the basketball coaching position shortly after the 2020-2021 season, when he took the boys team to their fourth state basketball tournament in four years. The Webb Community, the Athletics Department, and I greatly appreciate how Coach Mitchell has built the boys’ basketball program at Webb.” Scott Dorsett, Webb Director of Athletics, added, "We are so excited to announce the hiring of Coach Williams. He brings a wealth of experience on and off the court and understands Webb’s focus on academics, arts and athletics. We are so proud to have him join Webb.”

SKEET

Savage, Simons, Hensley

Runners-up SCTP iSkeet Team National Championships The Webb squad of Johnathon Savage ’22, Miles Simons ’22, and Gracie Hensley ’24 were runners-up (second) for the team title in international skeet at the Scholastic Clay Target Program National Team Championships in Marengo, Ohio, on July 8-9.

Savage wins Gold and Simons, Hensley silver at Skeet State Junior Olympics

Skeet Feet Johnathon Savage ’22 claimed Gold, and Miles Simons ’22 and Gracie Hensley ’24 won Silver competing in international skeet at the Tennessee State Junior Olympics in May.

Savage wins gold at 2021

Miami Cup International Skeet Tournament

Simons wins Gold

Miles Simons ’22 won the gold medal in doubles skeet and was the high overall combined skeet champion for the senior (high school) division at the Tennessee State Scholastic Clay Target Program championships at the Nashville Gun Club on June 23. Johnathon Savage followed close on his heels with a 94 in doubles skeet and a 90 in American skeet. In the junior varsity division, Gage Lemaster also posted a stellar performance in doubles skeet, as he ended up tied for 4th place. The JV squad of Gage Lemaster, Caleb Powers, and Austin Smith finished 4th in doubles skeet, and the JV team of Gage Lemaster, Austin Smith, Gabe Crisp, Caleb Powers, and Autumn Swanson also placed 4th.

For more sports, go to: www.thewebbschool.com/athletics

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at State SCTP championships

Johnathon Savage ’22 won gold at the 2021 Miami Cup International Skeet Tournament competing against the best Olympic skeet shooters from across the country in January. “Webb competes each year in the Tennessee SCTP (Scholastic Clay Target Program) in American skeet and sporting clays. In addition, some of our most experienced shooters also travel for international-style skeet tournaments, which attract the best shooters from across the country (and the world). I am so proud of what our kids have accomplished,” said Buck Smith, Webb head coach. The Miami Cup is directed by Antonio Valiente ’01.

TRACK AND FIELD Cheeseman claims second State Championship of 2020-2021 school year

Abby Faith Cheeseman ’25 claimed her second TSSAA State Championship during the 2020-2021 school year at the TSSAA Track and Field Meet in May winning the Div. II-A Girls 3200 meter race and was also runner-up in the 1600 meter. Cheeseman is the first Track and Field State Champion from Webb. In fall of 2020, she won the Cross-Country Div. II-A Girls State Championship.

VOLLEYBALL Kristin Jackson welcomed as Head Girls’ Volleyball Coach

Spring/Summer 2021

Coach Kristin Jackson earned her Bachelor of Science (Education) from Austin Peay State University, where she played DI Volleyball. Prior to her collegiate career, she helped Blackman High School to two consecutive TSSAA State Runner-Up titles. She was named to the All-Tournament Team during the 2003 state tournament. She coached at Kenwood High School for three seasons, recording the most wins in school history for the girls’ volleyball team. She recently served as the Volleyball Director of the South Tampa YMCA in Florida. She is also a NCSF Certified Personal Trainer, so she brings a holistic -nutrition, strength, conditioning, and volleyball skills -- approach to her coaching. Kristin will assist female student-athletes and coaches in all sports in training. Additionally, she will help with game-day operations across all sports and all seasons. “We look forward to Kristin leading our volleyball program,” said Head of School Ken Cheeseman. Scott Dorsett added, “Webb’s volleyball players will benefit from her talent as an athlete and 28 coaching experience.”

BASEBALL Webb welcomes Hall, Atlanta Braves associate scout, as varsity baseball coach

Scott Hall, an Atlanta Braves associate scout, joined Webb in June as varsity baseball head coach. Hall, who previously spent four seasons as a member of the Middle Tennessee State University Blue Raider baseball coaching staff, worked primarily with the offense, in addition to serving as the recruiting coordinator. Prior to MTSU, he was a member of the Belmont University baseball coaching staff for six years. “We are extremely pleased to have Scott Hall join our team at Webb to help re-establish and grow our baseball program and develop the student-athletes. His experience and success speaks volumes about coaching college athletes to develop their work ethic, skill and talent to excel in baseball,” said Webb Head of School Ken Cheeseman. “It is also clear that he understands that athletics is an important foundational piece for younger student-athletes, as Webb continues to focus on academics, arts and athletics and its emphasis on character.” Scott Dorsett, Webb Director of Athletics, added, “We are so excited for Scott Hall to take the helm of our varsity baseball program. Scott brings a wealth of experience to Webb from his days of coaching college baseball and scouting for the Atlanta Braves. The vision Coach Hall has for the baseball program is exciting and falls right in line with the vision of the athletics department and our Head of School Ken Cheeseman's vision. Keep your eye on this program as Coach Hall leads our baseball team back to prominence in the TSSAA.”

Student-Athletes of the Month December - Brookelyn Pedigo January - Taveon Comage February - Ethan Crunk March - Abbie Gallagher April - Mylee Cox

Howorth, Tant, Wofford

selected for 2021 alumni and service awards; 2020 honorees also recognized Two alumni and a longtime faculty member of The Webb School were recently honored by the Board of Trustees and Alumni Board with Distinguished Alumni Society and John B. Hardin Service awards. Slated for presentation in October during the Webb 150 Celebration and Reunion, they will be recognized along with four award recipients named in 2020, who were unable to receive their awards because the event was postponed. The Distinguished Alumni Society recognizes and honors those alumni who demonstrate outstanding leadership beyond the Webb community. Members of the Distinguished Alumni Society include Webb Alumni who, through personal commitment, work ethic, and service, have achieved significant success in their professional careers and have made outstanding contributions to their communities, demonstrating Sawney’s vision of bringing honor to themselves and to The Webb School. The purpose of the John B. Hardin Service Award is to recognize and honor those alumni and members of the community who have consistently contributed an exceptional amount of time and talent to Webb and whose efforts benefit students, enhance campus life and reaffirm the commitment of the Webb community to the school. All living Webb alumni, administrators, faculty, staff and other members of the Webb community are eligible to be nominated. Betsy Allison Tant ’87, co-founder and executive director of Henry’s Fund, and Andy Howorth ’74, retired Mississippi Circuit Judge, will receive Distinguished Alumni Service Awards, and Brian Wofford, retired WILD instructor and Outdoor Program director, will receive the Hardin Service Award.

Wofford estimates that as Outdoor Program director he led or directed nearly 650 outdoor program trips in his 32-year tenure (1985-2017) at Webb and assisted with another 40 since his retirement. He created the Wilderness Instruction and Leadership Development program with the help of Bill Rice, Michael Morgan and Albert Cauz and was the WILD teacher until his retirement. He continued part-time at Webb until 2020 and has been a volunteer since that time. While at Webb, he also was a seventh-grade science teacher for 30 years, taught English as a Second Language Science and was a forestry teacher. He participated in 10 summer schools, lived on campus for two years and worked in the dorms. Rounding out his service to Webb, he helped chaperone and/or drive the bus for many non-outdoor program, off-campus trips, including a few to Washington, D.C. Wofford, who graduated from the University of Tennessee and Southern Adventist University, began his career with the Tennessee Department of Conservation in 1978, then worked at the Chattanooga Nature Center until 1985. He and his wife Ruth have two daughters, Amanda Wofford ’09 and Brianna Wofford Taylor ’11.

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Howorth ’74, of Oxford, Miss., retired in 2020 as a Mississippi circuit judge. He was appointed in 2002 and elected or re-elected five times. He assumed the Senior Circuit Judge position in 2011. During his career, he served as Drug Court Judge helping to rehabilitate convicted drug felons; on the Mississippi Judicial College Board of Governors; and as the presiding judge of the Mississippi Bar Complainants Tribunal until he retired. He graduated from the University of Mississippi with a B.B.A. in 1984 and a J.D. in 1987. As a lawyer, he was a former partner in Howorth, O’Donnell & Walsh and Hickman, Goza & Gore. He served as a Mississippi Bar Commissioner, and president of the Tri-County and the Lafayette County bar associations. In the community, he served as past president of the Oxford-Lafayette County United Way, Oxford University Bank former director and Oxford Housing Authority former commissioner. He was also a former member of Oxford Rotary Club and a Paul Harris Fellow. He is married to Elizabeth Howorth and has three grown children and three stepchildren.

Tant received a B.S. in education from the University of Alabama and a M.S. in social work from the University of Tennessee. She began her career as a teacher for at-risk children within the Davidson County, Tenn., school system. Additionally, Tant served as a social worker for homeless youth within the Home Education, Readiness and Opportunity (HERO) program and was one of the authors of published academic research on the program’s methods and results. She has also worked within the Baptist Hospital system in Knox County, Tenn., providing education and support services for maternal and postpartum patients. As executive director for Henry’s Fund, she works with the East Tennessee Foundation to identify and direct grant decisions for addiction treatment programs. Tant is active as a community educator regarding issues of youth addiction and recovery and the use of Naloxone as a critical community overdose prevention tool. She worked closely with her sister, Katie Allison ’85, to create and advocate for the passage of Henry’s Law, named for her late nephew Henry Granju, which Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam signed into law in 2018. Henry’s Law stiffens penalties for drug dealers who kill minors via criminal drug distribution. Tant resides in Knoxville, and she and her husband, Ray Tant, are the parents of Eleanor, 22, McLean, 19, and Nancy, 13.

(continued on page 33)

Class Notes

Life and career updates to keep you connected with your classmates

1960s

Donald Bear ’63 of Bend, Ore. After 40+ years in New York City, Donald, with his companion, Karen Steefel, moved to Bend.

1980s

John B. “Jay” Mack Jr. ’69 writes: “On July 1, 2021, I will officially retire after 35 years in the elevator industry. Karen and I are leaving California and heading into a new adventure. We plan to spend the next 10-15 years traveling the country fulltime in an RV. Our huge beautiful country has so much to see and experience when you travel away from the interstate highways along the smaller highways and roads leading to smaller communities. As we travel, we will continue our genealogical research tracing our ancestors as well as looking for cousins, both distant and close, to meet and get to know.” Walter Manley ’64 writes: We recently celebrated a milestone. Shortly before he entered graduate school at Johns Hopkins this summer, my son Ben and I completed hiking or climbing in all 51 national parks in the lower 48 states. In the summer prior to Ben’s following his sister Marjorie to Duke, we fished in six of the eight Alaska national parks. Favorites are Yosemite, Sequoia, Canyonlands, Grand Canyon, Mesa Verde, Glacier, and Great Sand Dunes.”

1970

Spring/Summer 2021

Buzz Sheridan ’75 reports he has lived in Bradenton, Fla., for 10 years and is married to his soulmate LexAnn for the past 15 years. She is a retired nurse who worked in New York City for 26 years. Buzz is playing a lot of golf these days, and continues to cherish his great memories of Webb--including his old English teacher Rusty (Buddy) Norvell. He is looking forward to seeing classmates at the reunion this October, and encourages everyone to come!

George B. Huddleston Jr. ’76, who was on campus

attending the Board of Trustees meeting on April 23, met with Brady Badour ’22, the Huddleston Scholar at Webb.

Collin S. Chambers ’89

recently published her first book entitled “WildWood Magic: A Guide to Walking as a Sacred Path”. This book is a complete step-by-step guide to finding peace, happiness, and purpose through the simple act of taking a walk.

Charles Goodman III ’87, Greenville, N.C., teaches physics at Pitt Community College in Greenville. Daughter Laura and son Charles IV both graduated in 2020 from North Carolina State University, M.A. and B.S., respectively, in physics and nuclear engineering.

1990s

John Goodman ’90, Lascassas, Tenn., is a partner in Red Realty in Murfreesboro. He and his wife, Heather, have four children in school in Murfreesboro. They continue to support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Rob Webb ’92,

owner of Just Love Coffee, was a chapel speaker in May and provided a coffee cart in the Alumni Center for faculty and staff during Teacher Appreciation Week. Miki Batey, Just Love staff member, assisted with the special treat. While on campus, Rob met with Head of School Ken Cheeseman and toured campus with Kristen Linton ’00, director of leadership annual giving.

Alison Jones ’06 and Dustin Lightcap were married on Nov. 14, 2020, in a ceremony at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Murfreesboro, Tenn. A reception was hosted in Murfreesboro at the home of her parents, Bill and Kathy Jones. Only immediate family was in attendance for both. The

couple is residing in Murfreesboro. Alison graduated from Rhodes College in 2010 and from Parsons New School for Design in 2011. She is co-owner of Peddler Interiors & Gifts in Murfreesboro. Dustin, of Montauk, N.Y., is a 2008 graduate of East Hampton High School and a 2012 graduate of New York University. He is Crew Chief for James Walsh Land Surveyor. Top: Allison and Dustin Lightcap Right: Sutton ‘09 and Melissa Wisniewski Jones ‘10, Allison and Dustin Lightcap Photography by Sweet Williams Photography

Nora Goodman Walsh ’99, Evansville, Ind., teaches chemistry at Reitz High School in Evansville. In September 2020, she was named one of the 20 outstanding young citizens under 40 by the Evansville Rotary Club.

Jessica Miller Shea ’06, husband, Michael, and 3-year-old daughter Alice, of Louisville, Ky., welcomed Benjamin Daniel Shea to their family on Feb. 2, 2021.

2000s

Ted Goodman ’02, Murfreesboro, Tenn., is a partner in the

law firm of Murfree and Goodman with fellow Webb alumnus, Bricke Murfree. He and wife, Kelly, have a son, Will, age 4.

Carolyn Goodman Henn ’06, Milton, Tenn., is a nurse practitioner in her dad’s dermatology practice in Murfreesboro. She and husband, Dave, have Marcella, age 4, and baby Violet Ann, age 8 months.

Daniel Hoover ’09, John Russell ’13 and Baylor Bishop ’12 graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine in Memphis in spring.

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Marcie Beasley Pham ’96 is living in Huntington Beach, Calif., with her husband, Dr. Bennie Pham, and 2-½-year-old daughter, Teagan Pham.

Bobby Newman ’06, Bethlehem, Pa., writes: “Graduated with a Master of Theology from Duke University in 2020. My thesis work revolved around the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.’s) current discernment on the inclusion of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “Letter from a Birmingham City Jail” into the denomination’s “Book of Confessions”. The work is entitled “A New Confession: How a Letter from Jail can Reform the Reformed”. In January 2021, I took the role of pastor within Lehigh Presbytery in southeast Pennsylvania.”

2010s A wedding reception for Zach ’14 and Anna Norris was hosted June 12, 2021, at Tullahoma Lakewood Country Club. Zach and Anna were married on Dec. 26, 2020, at Legacy Farms in Lebanon, Tenn. They reside in Memphis, Tenn. Among those attending the reception were, front row left to right, Anna Norris, Caroline Cooper ’18, and Amy Norris; back row, Sam Barnes Coleman ’13, Zach Norris ’14, Nick Tilton ’15, Adam Beach ’14, Ben Morris ’14, Hunter Norris, Houston Jones ’14, Emily Warden ’14 and Gena Tilton.

Caroline Tuma ’14

graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Law in May of 2021. She has accepted an associate position with Batson Nolan PLC in Clarksville, Tenn., where she will be practicing primarily estate planning and real estate law.

Rion Steele ’10, of Smyrna, Tenn., recently visited with Kristen Linton ’00, director of leadership annual giving, and Jonathon Hawkins, associate director of alumni and development, to discuss alumni engagement and brainstorm ideas for upcoming WebbChats. Hannah Gallagher ’12 graduated from Washington University in St. Louis in May 2021 with her Juris Doctor degree also known as Doctor of Law. She will be taking the Illinois bar in July and will start her career in the fall at Winston & Strawn law firm in Chicago.

Spring/Summer 2021

Colin Davis ’13 was recently hired by the AERO business unit of Jacobs Engineering Inc., where he provides strategic and operational solutioning to various NASA, Space Force, and U.S. Government customers. Colin also served as assistant coach and Defensive Coordinator for The Webb School Varsity Boys Lacrosse program during the 2021 season.

Jingzhe “Bill” Cao ’14,

who is working toward a Ph.D. at Princeton University, recently visited campus. With him is Matt Wilson, director of alumni and development.

Emily Warden ’14

recently finished up her last rotation in Montana and graduated from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in May of 2021. She has accepted a job and will be moving to Chattanooga in the fall.

Hailey Williams ’14

is the new Game Experience Coordinator for the New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans.

Anthony Culp ’19 Nolensville, Tenn., writes: “I’m continuing my education at MICA in Baltimore, Md. I just finished my sophomore year there, and I’m gearing up for an Industrial Design internship at Sonosa Medical in Baltimore.”

2020s

Donovan Vincent ’20 was inducted into Phi Eta Sigma (Freshman) National Honor Society at McKendree University.

Howorth, Tant, Wofford (continued from page 29)

2020 Honorees

Mingjing Jiang ’15 writes: “I have graduated from Boston College with a major in economics and a minor in computer science and am currently working as a User Experience Designer in Beijing, China. I am going to pursue a graduate degree at New York University this fall.” Austin Fiala ’16

Elizabeth Reavis ’16 writes: “Currently in graduate school at Samford University for speech-language pathology. Will graduate in 2023 with my master’s. Hope all is well in Bell Buckle!” Rohan Kaza ’17 graduated from Rhodes College and is working in Nashville at an ER as an extender and pursuing medical/ professional school. Andrey Shults ’17 graduated from Florida State University with a degree in biochemistry in 2020. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in chemistry at Vanderbilt University.

Irvin Ashford Jr.

Dr. Bill Hardin

Charles Alexander

George Pine

In 2020, Irvin Ashford Jr. ’87 and Dr. Bill Hardin ’79 were selected as inductees of the Distinguished Alumni Society, and Charles Alexander ’68 and George Pine ’68 were named to receive the John B. Hardin Service Award. Presentation of their awards was slated for the 150th Celebration and Reunion in April of that year. They were featured in the Spring-Summer 2020 Webb Magazine. Ashford, a member of the Webb board of trustees, serves as the chief community officer for Comerica Bank. In his role, he oversees community reinvestment nationally and all associated activities, including development, lending, community investments, volunteerism and data analysis. Additionally, Ashford leads Comerica's diversity business resource groups. Hardin, a former Webb trustee, is the Associate Dean of the Chapman Graduate School of Business at Florida International University College of Business, is the founding director of the Tibor and Sheila Hollo School of Real Estate, a Knight Ridder Eminent Scholar and Tibor and Sheila Hollo Fellow. Alexander, a Webb Trustee Emeritus, is a freelance writer and editor. For 23 years, Alexander was a reporter, writer and editor at Time magazine. During his tenure he became Business Editor, then Science Editor and finally International Editor. Webb Board of Trustees chair emeritus, Pine had a 37-year career in radio. A native of Lake Village, Ark., he owned six radio stations, three in Greenville, Miss., two in Wilmington, N.C., and one in West Palm Beach, Fla. He also was one of the industry's leading executives. For more information about the Distinguished Alumni Society and John B. Hardin Service awards and the 2020 recipients, visit www.thewebbschool.com/alumni.

The Webb School Magazine

After working as an SMS Fundraising Strategist with the 2020 Trump Presidential campaign, Fiala was hired as the Fundraising Program Manager at the Republican National Committee. As a part of the RNC Digital team, Fiala helps to manage grassroots fundraising efforts across a variety of mediums -including SMS, Email, Social Media, and Search-Engine Ads. Fiala currently lives in Washington, DC.

Alumni Board meets on campus in June

President Hudson Byrd ‘05

Vice President Libby Willis ‘80 Secretary Kaleb Tilton ‘12

Spring/Summer 2021

The Webb School Alumni Board met in June 2021 for its first in-person and on-campus meeting since November 2019. Topics of discussion included an enrollment update, school news, current and future athletics plans, and preparations for the Webb 150 Celebration and Reunion Weekend in October 2021. In addition, three previously elected officers assumed their new leadership roles, President Hudson Byrd ’05, Vice President Libby Willis ’80, and Secretary Kaleb Tilton ’12. Outgoing President Webb Follin ’73 was recognized and given a gift of appreciation for his many years of outstanding service.

Trustees attend graduation

Board Chair Vance Berry ’72, right, participated in the Class of 2021 Commencement presenting Bibles to the graduates. Also attending the May 29 ceremony were Farrar Vaughan ’95, Chase Spurlock ’05, and George Huddleston, Jr. ’76.

Attending the meeting were Director of Athletics Scott Dorsett, left, Curtis Jenkins ‘92, Webb Follin ‘73, Hudson Byrd, ‘05, Bob Davies ‘76, Alex Burlason ‘94, Caroline Smith Pryor ‘11, Melora Turner ‘80, Davis Turner ‘79, Clint Hall ‘98, Cross Country Head Coach Cathy Cheeseman, and Associate Director of Alumni and Development Jonathon Hawkins. Not pictured: Sarah DeLisle ‘05, Shilpy Dixit ‘00, Morris Flexner ‘79, Deb Roberts Horst ‘75, EnaShea Kohler ‘88, Caitlin Roberts ‘03, Kaleb Tilton ‘12, Director of Enrollment Management Julie Harris ‘95, Director of Leadership Annual Giving Kristen Linton ‘00, and Director of Alumni and Development Matt Wilson.

In Memoriam

The Webb School offers sincere sympathy to the families of departed classmates and friends. Trustee Emeritus Jeanie Cammack

Eugenia Hecker (Jeanie) Cammack of Nashville, Tenn., died peacefully at Abe’s Garden Community on June 16, 2021, at 88 years of age. A graveside service was held on June 21 at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Nashville. (Published in the Tennessean)

1940s

Dr. Donald Keith Campbell ’44, of Oskaloosa, Iowa,

1960s

John Darby Miller ’60, 78, of Franklin, Va., passed

passed away peacefully at his home on Jan. 7, 2021. He was 94 years old. As was his wish, Keith’s body has been cremated. Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory was in charge of arrangements.

away April 4, 2021, in Sentara Obici Hospital. Inurnment was held at Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veteran’s Cemetery.

William “Bill” Flournoy Goodman, Jr. ’46, Jackson, Miss., age 91, died peacefully on Jan. 7, 2021, from complications of COVID-19. A private family memorial service celebrating the life of Bill Goodman was held Jan. 12 at Galloway Memorial United Methodist Church.

Walter Lawrence Higgins ’64, 75, of Pompano Beach, Fla., formerly of Shelbyville, Tenn. and Bethesda, Md., died on April 11, 2021, in Wilton Manors, Fla., after being ill for the last year. A private burial was at Willow Mount Cemetery in Shelbyville. Feldhaus Memorial Chapel in Shelbyville was in charge of arrangements.

(Published in Clarion Ledger from Jan. 9 to Jan. 10, 2021)

(Published in Tennessean from April 14 to April 15, 2021)

Hugh Ogden “Jack” Hunt ’47 passed away on Jan. 26, 2021, in Jackson, Miss., at the age of 90. A memorial service was held Jan. 29 at Christ Lutheran Church in Jackson, with the graveside service with military honors at the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Newton, Miss.

1950s

Brightman James “Buddy” Skinner, Jr. ’50 passed

Dr. Thomas “Tommy” Eugene Hayes ’53 died at his home on July 13, 2021, just three weeks after the passing of Sarah Hayes, his beloved wife of 58 years. A service at East Brainerd Church of Christ was held on July 20 in memory of both Tommy and Sarah Hayes.

To view the announcements in their entirety, visit www.thewebbschool.com/alumni.

Eugene Brooks Bromberg ’82, 56, of Birmingham, Ala., was called home by his Lord and Savior, Jan. 10, 2021. A Celebration of Life and Burial was held at Elmwood Cemetery, Birmingham, on Jan. 23. Services were under the direction of Ridout’s Valley Chapel in Homewood, Ala.

1990s

John Ingram Cope ’96 died on June 7, 2021. He was 43 years of age. A graveside service was conducted on June 14, 2021, at Evergreen Cemetery in Murfreesboro. Jennings and Ayers Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Murfreesboro, Tenn., was in charge of arrangements.

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away on June 14, 2021, and now peacefully resides in his permanent home with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. A memorial service was held June 23 at Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church in Tampa. A private burial service was held at Myrtle Hill Memorial Park prior to the service.

1980s

Post Office Box 488 Bell Buckle, TN 37020 Address Service Requested

Join us via Zoom Thursday, Oct. 28 at 6:30 p.m. CDT as we discuss

Famous in Cedarville with author Erica Wright ‘99

Upcoming conversation with acclaimed science fiction writer Allen Steele ‘77 and a discussion of The Schoolmaker with L.R. Smith and Ron Smith coming soon!

Thank you for believing in The Webb School! We surpassed our Webb Fund goal for the 4th consecutive year, with $561,858.97 in cash donations received. These donations represent ~$1,700 in additional resources per student, and allowed Webb to say “Yes” to fund even more educational opportunities and experiences for our students this year. Keep the momentum going by making a gift to the Webb Fund today.

http://www.thewebbschool.com/give