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WEBB GEAR
Alumni and Development Office P.O. Box 488
Bell Buckle, TN 37020 931.389.6045
a_dwebb@webbschool.com
WEBB
THE WEBB SCHOOL
MAGAZINE
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Cordell leads by example on and off stage
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As an actress, Ruth Cordell knows what it takes to be successful in the world of theatre and television. As a teacher at The Webb School, she is working to transfer that knowledge to her students.
Introducing Raymond Broadhead
The Webb School’s newly selected Head of School, Raymond S. “Ray” Broadhead, won’t start officially until July 1, but he’s already preparing for the challenges and rewards that lie ahead.
Leadership legacy: 140 years of progress
As we celebrate The Webb School’s 14th decade, we remember the legacies of previous leaders.
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Alumni spotlight: Chase Spurlock Chase Spurlock, a 2005 graduate of The Webb School, is an example of what the school’s founder, William R. “Sawney” Webb, envisioned for his school: “To turn out young people who are tireless workers, and who know how to work effectively; who are accurate scholars; who know the finer points of morals and practice them in their daily living; who are always courteous.”
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Gordon’s Greeting: Leadership key to Webb’s past and future Webb Kudos: Library program earns TASL Award Son Will Society integral to admissions Tsunami disaster spurs alumna to action
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Tying the knot Traditions: Jac Chambliss Day honors alumnus Alumni Connections
several Webb students during a December 2009 visit to Webb.
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Winter 2010
On Cover: Newly named Head of School Raymond Broadhead with
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GORDON’S GREETING
Leadership key to Webb’s past and future Dear Friends of The Webb School,
The Webb School Magazine
Linda and I would like to thank you all for such an exciting first semester! Webb has truly accomplished a great many things during the past six months, which begin the next chapter of this school’s storied history. I would like especially to thank the Board of Trustees for the extraordinary confidence that they have placed in the leadership of Webb in Ray and Leone Broadhead. Please join Linda and me in welcoming the Broadheads to the Webb Community!
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In this issue you will read about the legacy of leadership here at W e b b , which has sustained our school for 140 years. As we look to the future, we are undoubtedly encouraged by the leadership our students also provide through service learning, athletic and artistic achievements, as well as through student government and our treasured honor code. Our young people are proud of their school! None of our young people’s achievements could have been possible without our talented faculty and staff. Our engaged and involved community of learners adds tremendous value to the lives of our young people. It is, indeed, a pleasure to steward this great school through an important transition year. Thanks are especially in order for each and every family represented in our student body, for we
all recognize the tremendous sacrifices our parents make to keep Webb alive and well. Our parents keep our focus on our most important asset – our young scholars who are embarking on the most critical of all human endeavors, a liberal education. Without involved parents, we could never achieve such special accomplishments like the WSPA (Webb School Parents Association) Auction or the PAWS (Parents of Athletes of Webb School) concessions stand. Our parent groups are essential components to our program – they are integral to the success of our young scholars. Working with young people renews our hope in the future and compels us to see values in action. We here in Bell Buckle are doing all we can do – all we must do – in keeping Webb safely on course. As we look to the future, we have redoubled our efforts. We recognize our unprecedented position to deliver on the promise and values Sawney Webb first instilled in his young scholars in the basement of the Culleoka Methodist Church. Finally, let me say that these few months I have been here have shown me just how incredibly special Webb is to so many people. Please make plans to share your Webb experience with your classmates from across this great globe at this year’s Alumni Reunion (April 23-24). I look forward to meeting so many of you as you return to campus. I assure you, you will not be disappointed in the progress we are continuing to make! Sincerely,
Gordon E. Bondurant Interim Head of School
WEBB
THE WEBB SCHOOL
MAGAZINE
Gordon E. Bondurant Interim Head of School
Joe Iorio Assistant Head of School and CFO
WEBB COMMUNICATIONS Editor: Sara Withrow Director of Marketing and Communications Design & Layout: Gayle McClanahan Communications Assistant
Matt Anderson Director of Operations in Admissions Michael Morgan ‘94 Director of Alumni & Development
CONTRIBUTORS Charles Abernathy ‘05 Admissions Coordinator and Advisor to Son Will Society Alyce Allen Database Coordinator Dorothy Elkins Alumni Research Assistant Loree Hall Director of Events Sandi Jobe ‘95 Alumni Relations and Annual Fund Coordinator Jonathan Waldrop ‘02 Alumni Relations Assistant The Webb School Magazine is published biannually in the summer and winter by The Webb School, 319 Webb Road East, Bell Buckle, Tenn. The Webb School is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization: 62-0401875. The 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 loan programs, employment practices, athletic and other school administrative programs.
WEBB KUDOS
Webb employees celebrate service milestones By Sara Withrow
Director of Marketing and Communications
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he Webb School’s outstanding faculty and staff were recognized at a special dinner event on Monday, Aug. 17 at the Grace Follin Dining Hall on campus.
score in the state of Tennessee in the 2009 American Mathematics Contests, a national competition created by the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) to recognize math achievement.
An annual event, the dinner honors employees for their dedication and longevity and serves as a kickoff for the new school year. Fifteen employees with service anniversaries divisible by five received special recognition. Among them were service standouts Sandra Truitt of Murfreesboro, and Harold Bennett of Wartrace, who both celebrated 35 years at Webb; and Betty Lemmons of Unionville, who has worked at The Webb School for 30 years.
“It’s kind of legendary around here,” Young said of the high math scores.
A calculus and geometry instructor, Truitt is largely credited with raising the level of mathematics achievement at Webb during her tenure. According to Kay Young, dean of faculty at The Webb School, Truitt’s students traditionally perform extremely well on Calculus Advance Placement (AP) tests. In 2008-09, her 10 Calculus BC students earned an average score of 4.9 out of a possible top score of 5. Additionally, graduating senior, Yuchao “Olly” Wang, earned the highest
Bennett started working at The Webb School in October of 1974 as a painter and bus driver. At the time, he was only one of two maintenance workers at the Bell Buckle campus, so in addition to painting he also assisted with plumbing, electrical and other repairs. In 1996 Bennett was promoted to physical plant manager at the school. He held that position for 10 years, until semi-retiring in 2008 at the age of 65. Thankfully, The Webb School was able to retain Bennett on a parttime basis and he continues to assist the maintenance crew three days a week. A native of New York State, Bennett moved to Bedford County in 1958. He served his country in the Marine Corps for four years (1961-65), and worked in aircraft maintenance and at Uniroyal Tires before joining The Webb School team. “I like having something to do,” Bennett said of his reason for staying on at Webb. “I just enjoy working. I figure the Lord wants me here.”
Betty Lemmons receives a gift from Board Chair Phil Coop at the Recognition Dinner.
Other employees recognized for their service to The Webb School included: Jeff Marsh of Normandy, 20 years, maintenance department; Cindy Whitaker of Bell Buckle, 16 years, administrative assistant to the head of school; Susan Howell of Normandy, 15 years, library assistant; Joe Iorio of Normandy, 15 years, assistant head of school and chief financial officer; Raymond Pryor of Wartrace, 15 years, director of technology/computer instructor; and Lea Anne Windham of Wartrace, 15 years, mathematics department chair, math instructor and middle school computer instructor. Also, Allen Hunt of Shelbyville, 10 years, maintenance department; Mary Jo Johnson of Shelbyville, 10 years, English instructor and middle school girls soccer coach; P. Michael Quinn of Beechgrove, 10 years, art instructor, Oracle and Feet to Feet advisor; Janet Linton of Murfreesboro, five years, fine arts department chair and piano/choral director; Effie Rose of Bell Buckle, five years, math instructor, dormitory advisor and cross-country coach; and Amy Mitchell of Wartrace, five years, dean of students, psychology instructor and international student coordinator.
Sandy Truitt and Board Chair Phil Coop at the Recognition Dinner.
Winter 2010
Lemmons began working at Webb in May of 1979 on a temporary basis. Following a month-long stint, she was asked to stay on as a part-time secretary working for the Alumni and Development Department. Shortly thereafter, she moved to a full-time secretarial position with the Admissions Office.
“I enjoy my work and I enjoy the people,” Lemmons said. “It’s like a second home for me, a home away from home.”
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WEBB KUDOS
Library program earns TASL Award By Sara Withrow
Director of Marketing and Communications
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ibrarian Hannah Byrd Little is putting The Webb School’s William Bond Library on the map.
so it was really powerful for them in making a decision.”
Little received the high school 2009 Innovative Library Media Program Award from the Tennessee Association of School Librarians (TASL) on Friday, Sept. 25 at TASL’s annual Volunteer State Book Awards ceremony. The highlight of TASL’s annual conference, the dinner event was held at the Embassy Suites Murfreesboro Hotel & Conference Center.
According to Pamela Renfrow, TASL Awards Chair, Little’s application stood out among the other high school submissions. The Innovative Library Media Program award recognizes programs designed to meet specific needs while promoting reading or library media services.
Little was recognized for the Bipartisan Educational Political Events Series she designed and hosted at the Bond Library. The series encompassed the 2008 Presidential debates and election, and included multiple debate watching parties and election and inauguration watch events.
The Webb School Magazine
Webb’s Librarian Hannah Little
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“A lot of the students were undecided or independent at first, so these events were helpful to them,” Little said. “A few (students) were actually old enough to vote,
In addition to a Young Republican Chris Pruter and Young Democrat Erin McMahon at the 2008 event. framed certificate, We also had some fun books like, ‘How to Little received $500 from TASL for her win a fight with a conservative,’ and ‘How to efforts. These funds went toward the win a fight with a liberal,’” the librarian said. purchase of a big screen TV for the library, A mock election was also held. in order to facilitate the hosting of future multimedia events. The project so enthralled the students in the election process that several of the Young For the Bipartisan Educational Political Democrats traveled to Ohio and worked Events Series Little leased a big screen TV. with the Barack Obama campaign for several She also had computers available for days. students, in order to fact check, research the candidates, and review coverage from “It really inspired some of the kids,” Little multiple news sources simultaneously while said. watching the televised events. The Webb School’s Young Democrat and Teenage Republican clubs helped publicize and organize the various activities, and throughout debate season there were election-themed book and magazine displays in the library. “We had books written by or about the presidential and vice presidential candidates.
The librarian said she was “happy” upon learning that she was selected to receive the
“A lot of the students were undecided or independent at first, so these events were helpful to them.”
Students watch 2008 election results in the Bond Library.
WEBB KUDOS
TASL award. The Christiana resident learned early to set lofty goals and to work hard to attain them. An uncle of hers provided a fine example of this practice. “He made a list when he was younger of goals for himself,” she said. “Some of his goals were kind of wild. The list included, ‘become the head of a corporation,’ ‘become president,’ and ‘Sing the National Anthem at a Braves game.’” According to Little, while her uncle has yet to become President of the United States, he has led a major corporation, became the president of a college and recently sang the National Anthem at a Braves game. “I learned from him to seek out the things you really want,” she said. Little holds a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies from Belmont University and a master’s in library information science from Trevecca Nazarene University. She also has a bachelor’s in advertising and public relations. Little is also inspired by her brother, Daniel Byrd, who died in 2003 from a brain tumor. “I realized then, life is short and you’ve got to do what you’re going to do. People sometimes get embarrassed about trying or fear rejection or failure. I’m done with being embarrassed. There are worse things than hearing ‘No.’” The Bond Library was dedicated in 1993 to 1903 Webb School alumnus William West Bond, architect and designer for Holiday Inn hotels. The library contains more than 30,000 volumes and provides access to print and electronic periodicals and newspapers. Additionally, the library houses 30 computers including a wireless laptop lab with a SmartBoard.
By Sara Withrow
Director of Marketing and Communications
The Webb School Parents’ Association (WSPA) honored longtime faculty member Larry Nichols with the 2009 Faculty Enrichment Award on Aug. 17 for his contributions to the school for the past 23 years. Current Webb parents vote for the award recipient at the end of each school year. WSPA president Donna Scarlett said Nichols’ years of service and dedication made him the ideal person for the honor. Nichols’ students resoundingly agreed. According to Scarlett, the students had only good things to say about Nichols. One student said, “He impacted how I studied and how I thought about the world.” Another offered, “He was the first teacher who really showed me how hard work can pay off,” and yet another stated, “He has a lot to offer with his great knowledge of the world, history and from his knowledge of local and national politics.” Nichols holds a degree in history and political science; both areas have influenced his career and teaching over the years. The Lewisburg, Tenn., native taught at the community college level in the past and has also worked on national campaigns for members of the Republican Party. He began teaching American History and Government classes at Webb in 1986, after working at the Tennessee Capitol in Nashville as an administrative assistant to the leader of the Republican House. Nichols was also a director of human resources for Cosmolab in Lewisburg, Tenn. for six years. Currently, he teaches 2009 Faculty Enrichment Award recipient Larry Nichols
Issues in Democracy, World Cultures and Geography at Webb. Nichols’ contributions to the school are not limited to the classroom. He was the assistant boys’ soccer coach for 18 years, a bowling coach for two years and the longtime advisor to the Teenage Republicans. He also established the International Student Organization (ISO) in 1990 and coordinated the program, which provides domestic trip and homestay opportunities for Webb’s international students, until 2001. “I enjoyed the interaction with the foreign students,” he said. The ISO program also gave Nichols an edge when it came to teaching geography. “I think they (international students) add a lot to the school,” he said. “We have Webb alumni all over the world … and that’s a good thing.” Nichols said he was honored and pleasantly surprised by the award. But, according to Scarlett, the choice was easy. “His genuine caring about his students’ well being, his constant persistence in their attaining success and the respect for them as individuals are truly marks of an outstanding educator,” she said.
Winter 2010
The library is a testimony to the importance given to books by Webb School founder William R. “Sawney” Webb. Upon moving the school from Culleoka, Tenn. to Bell Buckle in 1886, Webb spent more on books than he did on buildings.
WSPA honors Larry Nichols
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Photo by Harry Butler
Cordell leads by example on and off stage By Sara Withrow
Director of Marketing and Communications
The Webb School Magazine
Ruth Cordell, left forefront, performing in The Tennessee Rep production of “Steel Magnolias.”
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s an actress, Ruth Cordell knows what it takes to be successful in the world of theatre and television. As a teacher at The Webb School, she is working to transfer that knowledge to her students. “Before you can talk about leadership in a performance based discipline, you have to talk about the dedication and sacrifice it takes to be a follower,” said Cordell. “If you can’t follow and be noticed, you’ll never lead.” Cordell should know. She is an accomplished theatre actor, who also has TV, commercial, and film credits that range from day principals with “General Hospital”
to roles in the prime time movie, “Alien Nation,” and the award-winning independent film, “Instant Trauma.” On the West Coast, she performed leading roles with the Los Angeles area Kingsmen Shakespeare Festival, the Santa Susana Repertory Theatre, the Mark Taper Forum Theatre, The Actors’ Company, and the California Cottage Theatre. Closer to home, the Middle Tennessee native is known for her roles with Tennessee Repertory Theatre in Nashville, Lamplighters Theatre in Smyrna, Naked Stages/Valhalla Shakespeare, and the Tennessee Shakespeare Festival. Despite working full time as Director of Speech and Theatre at The Webb School, Cordell has managed to retain her profes-
sional standing as a member of the Actors Equity Association by taking brief leaves of absence in the fall and spring. Her most recent work was for Tennessee Repertory Theatre’s 25th anniversary season as Clairee in the October 2009 production of “Steel Magnolias.” In 2008 she was Nashville Scene’s pick for Best Actress of the Year for her performances in “The Goat” at the Tennessee Repertory and as Portia in Naked Stages’ “Merchant of Venice.” “Acting professionally is my teaching enrichment,” Cordell explained. “It helps me to be a better teacher.”
Janet Linton, Fine Arts Department Chair, agreed. “The kids get to see her work professionally. They get to see what the product is … that’s a huge thing,” Linton said. “This way when she asks them for a certain level of performance, they know what she expects. They can see what it’s all about.” Linton said Cordell’s years of experience give Webb’s students an edge and have improved the theatre program overall. “They will be well prepared when they leave here to go to any high quality school or go directly to theatre,” Linton said. “It’s not just high school … they’re exposed to so much more here. Ruth has raised the bar.” According to Cordell, it’s important that students interested in performance professions know “the business of the business” and the dedication that is required.
Cordell graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a degree in theatre in 1977. She was also an apprentice with the Raymond Clay Contemporary Ballet Dance Theatre, owned her own Royal Academy Dancing Association (RADA) studio in Murfreesboro, performed and toured as charter and principal in the southeastern region with “Pendulum Mime Theatre,” and toured the orchestra circuit as a ballroom dancer while attending college. Upon graduation she was on staff as principal actor with Nashville Academy Theatre – now Nashville Children’s Theatre, performed with Southern Stage Productions – now Tennessee Repertory Theatre, taught and directed theatre at University School of Nashville, and taught for The Acting Studio and Conservatory for Ruth Sweet.
“If you can’t follow and be noticed, you’ll never lead.”
“I don’t want these kids to graduate from a textbook … I want them to have practical experience, to know what it’s really like to work alongside professionals, and how to conduct themselves accordingly,” she said.
“Almost everything I do now, with the exception of riding, showing, and owning horses, I started doing before I graduated (MTSU),” Cordell said.
A 1986 Tennessee Arts Commission Ingram Fellowship recipient, Cordell used the monetary award to move to California and further her acting career. While there she worked in theatre, TV, film, commer-
Photo by Harry Butler
cials, and in property management (her day job). She also taught drama at Oak Park High School in greater Los Angeles for two years with former MTSU college friend Lane Davies, who assists Cordell as a guest theatre instructor at Webb from time to time. “I didn’t get every job and I’m not a household name, but I did well,” Cordell said. Cordell’s passion and strong work ethic continue to fuel her success on and off the stage. At Webb since 2007, she has directed the student acting group, the Webb Players, in productions that include an Inaugural Performance in the Black Box Studio, “The Importance of Being Earnest,” “Our Town,” “School House Rock Live!” and “Twelfth Night.” She also co-founded the Tennessee Shakespeare Festival, which has held performances at The Webb School campus for the past two years, and created the summer camp at Webb associated with the festival. Auditions for parts in The Webb School’s Spring Play, “The Fantasticks,” were held recently, and Cordell is encouraging students to audition for the English Speaking Union’s National Shakespeare Competition, to be held April 24-27 in New York City. “I want students to know what is required to compete on every level,” Cordell said. But more importantly, she wants to give her students a true sense of the acting/stage profession.
Ruth Cordell coaches two Webb Company Players during a fall rehearsal for “The Importance of Being Earnest.”
Winter 2010
“I feel as though I have a lot to share,” she said.
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Training ground:
Webb offers leadership lessons for life
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The Webb School’s long tradition of empowering students to take on leadership roles bears fruit on campus and in the lives of graduates as they move on from Webb. This fruit can be seen in the accomplishments of Webb’s “Distinguished Alumni” (see accompanying article this page), as well as in the careers and personal lives of lesserknown graduates.
According to past and present students, Webb’s emphasis on leadership, particularly through the Honor and Student councils, imparts valuable lessons and reinforce the time-honored principles of school founder William R. “Sawney” Webb. Current Honor Council President Caleb Rasnick (Class of 2010) said he feels privileged to be leading Sawney’s code of honor for the school, but he also realizes the responsibility.
The Webb School Magazine
“My experience so far as a leader of the Honor Council has shown me that my expectations are higher – that is, that I have to live up to what I expect others to do,” he said. “I have learned how to be a good influence on people and that is a trait that I can carry with me to college, and continue to practice the rest of my life,” Rasnick added.
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Webb’s honor system is based on the school’s motto, “Noli Res Subdole Facere,” which is translated as “Do nothing on the sly.” The council investigates and disciplines students accused of honor code infractions. Moe Hill (Class of 1975) maintains the seeds that were planted while serving as president of Webb’s Honor Council helped him in business and in life. “I learned (at Webb) that leadership requires plenty of help from others,” he said. “I’ve
owned a service business for 30 years, and would not have gotten too far without the great people working for me.” He added, “The Honor Council reinforced what my parents were trying to teach me about dealing with people, and the school’s motto (Do nothing on the sly) itself would make a pretty good mission statement for any kind of business.” Garrett King, a Webb senior and the 20092010 Student Council president, said the principle of leading by example is not just for those who are elected to student offices. “Even if you are not a leader of an organization, if you are a senior at Webb, you must be an example to the younger students. They look up to us,” King said. “I realize more every day how the position I hold is a responsibility, and that what I do has an impact.” Alumnus Don Alexander, 2003 Student Council president, said Webb provided him with a training ground for his career as an officer in the U.S. Air Force. “People don’t know what kind of leader they are until they are faced with the challenge, and it’s great to be able to test those waters in high school before making a larger mistake further down the road,” he said. “The opportunities I had while at Webb to lead groups such as the Student Council are undoubtedly some of the best lessons I could have received.” Alexander has taken the leadership principles he learned at Webb and applied them to his profession. “I take this mindset with me every day: If I am not willing to be the example or change I want to see out of the others on my team, I better just step back and let someone else take charge,” he said.
Distinguished Alumni Society
Members of The Webb School’s Distinguished Alumni Society are recipients of the Distinguished Graduate Award. This award is given to Webb graduates whose personal and professional accomplishments reflect great credit upon themselves and The Webb School legacy. Following is a list of award recipients.
W. Lane Abernathy – Class of 1939* Charles P. Alexander – Class of 1968 William T. Allen, III – Class of 1940* William J. Armstrong – Class of 1928 Dr. Lewis M. Branscomb – Class of 1943 Robert Collins – Class of 1945 Dr. Frank H. Constantine – Class of 1929* Phillip G. Coop – Class of 1966 John H. Crichton – Class of 1938* Hon. Lester Glenn Fant, Jr. – Class of 1923* John M. Flexner – Class of 1944 James S. Gilliland – Class of 1951 Robert J. Gilliland – Class of 1944 Buford Gordon – Class of 1922* John B. Hardin – Class of 1950* George B. Huddleston – Class of 1950 Edward L. Kaplan – Class of 1954 Walter W. Manley, II – Class of 1964 Sam H. Mann, Jr. – Class of 1943 James W. McDonnell, Jr. – Class of 1943 James R. Meadows, Jr. – Class of 1952 George E. Pine, III – Class of 1968 Wayne M. Rogers, Jr. – Class of 1950 Wilson Sims, Sr. – Class of 1942 Bryant B. Skinner – Class of 1941 Lemuel H. Tate – Class of 1944 Hon. Frank D. Upchurch, Jr. – Class of 1940 Hamilton D. Upchurch – Class of 1943* Rusty Vest – Class of 1972 Henry O. Whiteside – Class of 1929* Burch Williams – Class of 1935* A. Jones Yorke, Jr. – Class of 1949 *Denotes deceased
Son Will Society INTEGRAL TO ADMISSIONS By Charles Abernathy ‘05
Admissions Coordinator and Advisor to Son Will Society
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onsidering the importance of the admissions process for prospective students and families at an independent school, it is striking to see a school like Webb immediately hand the reins to its students when a visiting family walks through its doors. Over the years, however, Webb’s Admissions office has found that involving current students in the process is highly beneficial. The Son Will Society, comprised exclusively of students ranging from 6th to 12th grades, is charged with recruiting prospective students for Webb. The Society is named for W. R. “Son Will” Webb, Jr. The son of school founder Sawney Webb, “Son Will” served as the headmaster at the school from 1926 to 1953. Established in the early 1990s, The Son Will Society provides a variety of services for prospective students and their families as they make their way through the admissions journey. These services can be as simple as writing a short letter, or as time-consuming as an hour-long campus tour followed by the prospective student attending classes with a host. The success of The Son Will Society relies on a number of variables, all of which are
driven by the students. “The Son Will members have to be able to communicate well with people they’ve never met before, whether on the phone, through letters, or face-to-face,” said Webb senior Logan Burchett, a.k.a. Son Will Czar of Czars. “We are the first impression a visiting student and family has and our members not only epitomize ‘The Webb Student,’ but they sincerely convey this as they work with the families.” Son Will operates under a Czar system, which functions as an executive council. Each Czar has the responsibility of overseeing important aspects of Son Will. “We have a Phone-a-Thon Czar, a Correspondence Czar, and an Historian Czar, to name a few,” explained Burchett.
The leadership demonstrated through Son Will and the respect given to its leaders, is reminiscent of college organizations. The students “own” the Society, recognizing their roles in the proper presentation of Webb to potential students and their families. “It’s important that the students are involved in this process for a number of reasons. They explain the histories and traditions of the school from the perspective of somebody who is currently living them,” said Miles Davis, a junior at Webb and the Facebook Czar for The Son Will Society. “Being involved in this process educates us on the foundation upon which our school is built, allowing us to promote the school with knowledge and pride.”
Son Will member Logan Burchett introduces prospective families to Webb’s historic Junior Room.
Webb Director of Admissions Julie Y. Harris ‘95 said involving students in the admissions process is crucial to the success of the admissions office. “Our prospective students love getting phone calls or receiving personal notes from our students,” she said. “It helps them learn about Webb from a student’s perspective which is the best perspective!” Kristy Han, a senior at Webb, said she enjoys partnering with admissions.
Wesley Orrin, left, discusses the Bond Library’s benefits with a visiting family.
Winter 2010
“It’s exciting to see the people I toured the year before walking around campus as students. Seeing the fruition of our work is extremely satisfying,” Han said.
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By Sara Withrow
Director of Marketing and Communications
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he Webb School’s newly selected Head of School, Raymond S. “Ray” Broadhead, won’t start officially until July 1, but he’s already preparing for the challenges and rewards that lie ahead. Since being named head of school on Nov. 6, 2009, Broadhead has met informally with various departments, and attended a home basketball game against Montgomery Bell Academy (Dec. 4). He plans to visit the school monthly before relocating to Bell Buckle in the summer. Broadhead will be Webb’s 12th head of school since its founding in Culleoka, Tenn. in 1870 by W.R. Sawney Webb. Like Sawney, Broadhead is moving from North Carolina to invest his life’s work in the education of youth. He comes to Webb from The Elon School of Elon, N.C., a day high school that he opened as the founding headmaster in 2007.
The Webb School Magazine
“The most important thing in leading a school is trust,” Broadhead said during an October visit to the Webb campus. “You’ve got all these different constituencies, parents, students, faculty, trustees, staff, and you never know what’s going to be the priority on a given day. But if people trust you, they know that you’ll make decisions that are in the best interest of the school.”
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Broadhead has more than 34 years of experience in independent education, the bulk of which was gained as a teacher and administrator at Brooks School in Andover, Mass., a boarding/day school with 360 students. Additionally, the Massachusetts native holds a master’s degree in science from Brown University and a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Pennsylvania. He was recently invited to serve on the Advisory
Council for Admissions at his alma mater (Brown University). In announcing his hire, Webb Board Chairman Phil Coop said, “Ray is a ‘school man.’ He’s absolutely committed to private education and he’s absolutely committed to boarding education, and that is something the board feels is very important to the future of The Webb School.” A boarding student himself at Brooks, Broadhead has first-hand experience with the educational model and admits he’s a proponent. “The strength of a boarding community is that with faculty living on campus there are so many opportunities for faculty-student interaction to educate the whole student,” he said. “Boarding is something I’ve missed (at Elon).” According to Broadhead, the education field “called” him. “I began in education because I thought about the profound effect that many of my teachers at Brooks School had on me,” he said. “I was drawn to the notion of teaching, coaching and being a dorm parent to influence the lives of adolescents in the same way. … It has been a most gratifying life.” The newly selected head of school said he plans to be actively involved with both boarding and day students at Webb, from joining them in the dining hall to attending athletics and fine arts events. “I like the sense of community at Webb; the faculty is very passionate and dedicated,” he said.
Broadhead’s wife, Leone, is an educator as well. She currently teaches earth science, biology and chemistry at River Mill Academy, a charter school in Graham, N.C. Mrs. Broadhead said teaching is her passion and she plans to continue her career in Tennessee. “It’s really fun,” she said. “There’s always something you learn and I love learning.” A native and longtime resident of Columbia, S.C., Mrs. Broadhead is ready to embrace Bell Buckle and Webb. “I’m so excited about being part of the community,” she said. “I love the South.” Mr. and Mrs. Broadhead were married in 2007. They have three adult daughters from previous marriages (he has two and she has one), four grandchildren and one on the way. Two of their daughters reside in Atlanta, Ga., and the third lives at Kent School in Kent, Conn., where their son-in-law teaches. Avid gardeners, the couple presently tends more than 40 rose bushes and many other annuals and perennials at their North Carolina home. According to Mr. Broadhead, when Leone moved from South Carolina to North Carolina to join him, she rented a U-Haul and loaded it with various shrubs and flowers to transplant. “I expect we’ll be renting a U-Haul again when we move to Bell Buckle,” he said.
GETTING PERSONAL
Hometown: North Andover, Mass. Favorite quote: “Don’t settle for less than the best that you can produce.” – Frank D. Ashburn, Head of Brooks School for 46 years
Favorite song/music: The Beatles Favorite childhood memory: Going to Fenway Park for the first time and seeing Ted Williams (homerun hitter) live! Last books read: “The Blind Side” by Michael Lewis, “Leadership and Change,” by ISM Publications If you could have dinner with any group of people who would be at your table?: Jesus of Nazareth, Leonardo da Vinci, Shakespeare, Mark Twain and my wife, Leone, my best friend Hobbies: Gardening, exercise, ancient coin collecting, watching football and baseball
Winter 2010
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LEADERSHIP LEGACY 140 years of progress By Sandi Jobe ‘95
Alumni Relations and Annual Fund Coordinator
As we celebrate The Webb School’s 14th decade, we remember the legacies of each leader and look forward to the future contributions of our newly selected Head of School Raymond S. Broadhead of Burlington, N.C., who will officially begin leading the school on July 1, 2010. The following digests were compiled from a variety of sources. While the title has varied over the years (Principal, President, Headmaster, Head of School) – each Webb leader has left an indelible mark on the school and its students. Because of space constraints, only a brief synopsis of each leader’s contributions is included.
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Sawney’s small school grew quickly, and his brother John joined him as co-principal in 1874. In 1886 Sawney moved his school to the little village of Bell Buckle to escape the legalization of alcohol in the newly incorporated city of Culleoka. In addition to his many contributions to education in the South, Sawney was extremely involved in the church and politics. Although he never ran for office, he was elected to the U.S. Senate to fill out the unexpired term of Robert L. Taylor in 1913. He did not run for re-election. Tales about “Old Sawney” and his many contributions abound. The legacy of his leadership is apparent in many of the stories, traditions, and philosophies that continue to
Sawney moved his school to the little village of Bell Buckle.
give The Webb School its unique educational and boarding character.
JOHN WEBB CO-PRINCIPAL 1874-1916 Sawney’s younger brother, John Maurice Webb, joined the school in Culleoka in 1874, at a time when enrollment had grown to 100 pupils. John graduated with top honors from the University of North Carolina. Before joining his brother’s school in the Culleoka Methodist Church, he taught at Bingham School and an academy in Rockingham, N.C. John Webb, familiarly known as “Old Jack,” had a gentle and encouraging approach to teaching that was notably different from his brother’s more regimented style. John was well known for his broad and accurate knowledge, his love for books, and his ability to inspire scholarship in his students. He was entrusted with the senior year of a pupil’s education, including Latin and Greek.
1913
Sawney Webb began teaching in the basement of a Methodist Church in Culleoka, Tenn.
1870
The Webb School Magazine
William Robert Webb, affectionately known as “Old Sawney,” founded The Webb School in 1870. Sawney was born in a North Carolina farmhouse on Nov. 11, 1842. When he was a boy, his family moved within a mile of W. J. Bingham’s celebrated school, where he and his brothers were allowed to attend as day students. After graduating from Bingham’s School, Sawney attended the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill in 1860, but soon left to join the Confederate Army where he rose to the rank of Captain. After the conclusion of the Civil War, he returned to UNC and graduated in 1868. Sawney taught at a private school in Oxford, N.C. until 1870 when he moved to Tennessee to start a school of his own.
Due to challenging social, economic, and political conditions, small independent schools were springing up in Tennessee towns, in which residents had organized private school boards that could support schools in their communities. On Independence Day 1870, Sawney was elected principal by an independent school board in Culleoka, Tenn. He began teaching that August in the basement of a Methodist Church.
1886
WILLIAM R. “SAWNEY” WEBB, FOUNDER CO-PRINCIPAL 1870-1926
Sawney was elected to the U.S. Senate to fill out the unexpired term of Robert L. Taylor in 1913.
W.R. “SON WILL” WEBB, JR. CO-PRINCIPAL 1908-1926 PRINCIPAL 1926-1952 William R. Webb, Jr. was born in Culleoka, Tenn. on April 4, 1874. Fondly known as “Son Will,” he attended his father and uncle’s school in Bell Buckle and then graduated from Phillips Academy in Andover, Mass. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina in 1896, and joined The Webb School faculty in 1897. He was named co-principal in 1908, and led the school alongside his father and uncle until their deaths.
A Board of Trustees and a separate Alumni Association were formed at The Webb School in 1920.
It was also during Son Will’s administration, that The Webb School ceased to board its students in private homes and began to expand its on campus dormitory system. Son Will retired in 1952.
G. WEBB FOLLIN – CLASS OF 1908 1920-1952 ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL 1952-1959 PRINCIPAL Webb Follin was the first principal who was also a graduate of The Webb School. He began teaching English for his Alma Mater in 1914, served as assistant principal for 32 years and principal for seven years before retiring from administration in order to raise funds for Webb’s future in the Development Office. Follin is remembered for having a
A new Administration Building (now the Admissions building), and today’s “Old” Library were built.
An admissions brochure from the late 1950s sums up Follin’s vision for Webb boys: “The aim of Webb School is to develop boys into men who have the capacity to join with others in the creation and preservation of a free society; and to live, for themselves, lives of probity and integrity. The school should train the student to develop the capacity for sustained effort … to feel that his greatest good may be masked by presently unpleasing prospects; and to be aware that his responsibilities and duties are just as important as his rights and privileges.” The legacy of Webb Follin’s leadership can be seen in the lives of those who learned about their own capacity for independent thought and actions through his model of leadership and self-discipline.
JOHN L. MORGAN 1952-1959 ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL 1959-1963 PRINCIPAL When John Morgan, a graduate of Maryville College, arrived in Bell Buckle in 1932 to teach Physics and French he found a school virtually unchanged since Sawney’s days. Morgan’s contributions began long before his role as an administrator. Upon his arrival at Webb, he saw an immediate need to update the curriculum by adding a modern Science Department. There was no Chemistry or Biology, and only a weak General Science course. He was named Head of the Science Department in 1940. During the 1950s and
A “New” Big Room was completed following a major gift campaign.
Winter 2010
1920
A Board of Trustees and a separate Alumni Association were formed at The Webb School in 1920; and Son Will assumed the role of principal upon Sawney’s death in
Under Son Will’s leadership, and assisted by the efforts of the trustees and the Alumni Association, the school began to raise funds to construct buildings and acquire adjacent land for the expansion of facilities and programs. A new Administration Building (now the Admissions building), and today’s “Old” Library were built in 1926. The first gymnasium was built under his leadership, made possible by a 1938 gift by Cecil Sims, Sr. An Infirmary was constructed in 1949, in memory of McNeal McDonnell (Class of 1945), and a “New” Big Room was completed in 1951, following a major gift campaign.
special understanding of “his boys” and an ability to inspire courage, discipline, and a sense of honor with compassion and understanding.
1951
John continued to teach long after Sawney retired from the classroom, and was a vital part of The Webb School until his death in 1916. The legacy of his leadership can be found in the school’s lasting commitment to a well-rounded curriculum, which still includes Latin; the library’s expanding collection; and a continuing love of learning among Webb students.
1926. A lifelong learner, Son Will went on to earn a Doctorate of Literature (Litt.D.) from Maryville College, a Doctorate of Civil Law (D.C.L.) from the University of the South at Sewanee, and a Doctorate of Law (L.L.D.) from the University of North Carolina.
1926
John was awarded an honorary doctorate in 1895 from the University of Nashville, later renamed the George Peabody College, the same year in which Webb was accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). He was a member of the SACS Executive Committee from its founding, and was later named president of the association.
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degree from Washington University in St. Louis, Mo. He served as chair of the St. Louis School Board and worked in research and public relations for 26 years. Whiteside was an instructor in marketing for the University of California at Los Angeles immediately prior to joining The Webb School as its principal in 1963.
During his four-year tenure as principal, the size of the student body increased to 200, the highest level in many years. Additionally, Morgan and the Board of Trustees conducted a substantial capital funds drive, which resulted in significant improvements to the school’s physical plant. Buildings constructed during Morgan’s administration include the Haun-Ragland Gymnasium, Rand Dormitory, Grace Follin Dining Hall, The Bradley Audio-Visual Center, and faculty homes on Turtle Circle. Athletic fields were constructed, and the school also purchased 120 adjacent acres for future expansion. All of this growth was accomplished without incurring financial debt.
Although his leadership spanned a particularly difficult era in boarding school history (1960s), his time at Webb was significant. Whiteside oversaw the construction of the G. Webb Follin Administration Building and Chapel, still a major hub of life at Webb; the creation of an Outward Bound Program, which evolved into today’s Outerlimits; and the planting of a beautiful display of various species of trees, planted mostly through his own efforts alongside Webb students. Whiteside was selected to receive Webb’s Distinguished Graduate Award in 1993.
Although he retired from administration in 1963, Morgan continued to teach Science and Mathematics until retiring from education in 1975. He spent 43 years at The Webb School under the leadership of six headmasters.
HENRY O. WHITESIDE, SR. CLASS OF 1929 1963-1970 PRINCIPAL
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Webb ceased to board its students in private homes and began to expand its on campus dormitory system.
1952 - 63
1952
The Webb School Magazine
Henry Whiteside was the second Webb graduate to be elected to the position of principal of The Webb School. Whiteside earned a bachelor’s degree and master’s
KENNETH F. STUCKEY 1970-1973 PRINCIPAL Like Son Will, Ken Stuckey was a graduate of Phillips Academy and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he earned a bachelor’s degree in French. He went on to earn his master’s degree in education from the University of South Carolina. Stuckey came to Webb after serving 12 years as Head of the Lower School at Akin Preparatory School in Akin, S.C. When he arrived in Bell Buckle, Stuckey commented to the Shelbyville TimesGazette that the school’s greatest strength was its academic program.
Buildings constructed include the HaunRagland Gymnasium, Rand Dormitory, Grace Follin Dining Hall, The Bradley Audio-Visual Center, and faculty homes on Turtle Circle.
“Although policy changes and building programs are often dramatic, I think that our most significant steps forward have been taken in terms of upgrading our curriculum,” Stuckey said, referring to recent changes in the Mathematics, English, and Science programs. The 1970 Webb curriculum included for the first time a “Probability, Statistics, and Computer Programming” course, as well as college seminar-style English classes. Stuckey also committed himself to growing the school’s athletics program. Upon arriving at Webb in 1970, he said, “For the first time since the last century we’ll be going for interscholastic sports in a big way … we expect to field a first-class soccer team.” Under Stuckey’s administration Webb began an official day student program, and soon began to admit girls for the first time since the mid-1940s. Chambliss Dormitory was completed, which allowed the boarding program to expand, and student enrollment increased from 115 to 187 students. Stuckey’s tenure, however, proved to be short lived. After three years of progressive change, he resigned in 1973.
DR. GARY M. JONES 1973-1978 PRESIDENT Dr. Gary Jones is a British-born, naturalized U.S. Citizen and ordained minister. He came to the United States in 1947 after wartime service in the British Merchant Marine
1965
1960s boys gravitated to his classes, and to science in general. In his own estimation, Morgan turned out 80 doctors during his teaching career, and countless young men who were proficient in engineering, science, and education. Morgan earned a master’s degree from Middle Tennessee State College (now Middle Tennessee State University) in 1959.
The G. Webb Follin Administration Building and Chapel were built.
Jones’ administration created a legacy of programmatic health and financial growth: Annual Giving increased steadily each year, and Webb’s endowment grew from $4,000 to more than $500,000, creating a fund balance that would complement tuition and help stabilize the school’s future fiscal health. Webb’s Summer School, Athletics, Art, and Outdoors Programs continued to grow. Enrollment increased as well, creating the largest student body in 50 years. As president of Webb, Jones assisted in the selection of a new headmaster, Jackson E. Heffner, so that he could spend more time raising funds for Webb’s future. In 1979, Jones resigned to assume duties at Woodward Academy in College Park, Ga., leaving Heffner to fulfill the roles of both president and headmaster.
1970
Webb began an official day student program, and soon began to admit girls for the first time since the mid-1940s.
Jackson E. Heffner, a 1942 graduate of The Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, N.H., received a bachelor’s degree in history from Princeton in 1947 and a master’s degree in political science at Stanford in 1954. After a brief period with the Foreign Service when he served as U.S. Vice Consul in Basra, Iraq, he began his academic career as a teacher at the Asheville School in Asheville, N.C. He served as headmaster of the Masters School in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y., and headmaster of North State Academy in Hickory, N.C. and of the Samuel Ready School in Baltimore, Md. The 1960s and 1970s were difficult times for independent boarding schools. Hefner recognized the impact of the era on Webb. In a 1989 interview, he commented that this was “a period of great soul-searching on the part of individuals of all ages. Increasingly, the young found those of us who were older seemingly out of touch with the times … they regarded us as having failed them.” Heffner continued, “The Webb School did not escape that era unscarred, but it did emerge in far better shape than many similar institutions.” The Heffner years saw a new major capital campaign launched in 1981. Notable improvements during his 12-year administration included significant endowment growth, the construction of Cooper-Farris and Austin-Davis dormitories and the DavisWoosley Science and Computer Center. New
A major capital campaign was launched. CooperFarris and AustinDavis dormitories and the DavisWoosley Science and Computer Center were constructed.
courses were added to the academic program; Outerlimits and Intramural sports became a standard offering in Webb’s curriculum. Through these financial successes and facility improvements, Heffner did not lose sight of the core mission. “We are proud of the work which has been done,” he said upon retiring in 1989, and then quoted Sawney Webb: “but we strive not to let bricks and mortar take precedence over the areas of greater importance.”
A. JON FRERE 1989-2005 HEADMASTER Jon Frere was headmaster for 16 years, the longest tenure since Sawney and “Son Will” Webb. Frere received a bachelor’s degree from Franklin and Marshall College and a master’s degree from Middlebury College. He came to Webb from Austin, Texas, where he served as dean of students, assistant headmaster, and interim headmaster at St. Stephen’s Episcopal School for five years. Prior to his roles in administration, he was director of athletics and taught Spanish at Blair Academy in New Jersey for 18 years. Under Frere’s leadership, Webb produced 26 National Merit Semifinalists, 28 National Merit Finalists, one National Hispanic Recognition Scholar, and two National Achievement Scholars. Academic programs continued to expand with the addition of an Ethics course and expansion of technology implementation on campus. Annual giving steadily increased and the endowment grew from $8 Million to $17 Million.
1993
As he accepted the post of president of The Webb School, Jones stated, “Our entire country is becoming increasingly concerned over the loss of individuality, self-discipline, and morality that plagues us at every turn. The traditions of Webb indicate that if we are to change what we should and preserve what we must that it will be done best that we take seriously the education of the whole person. Webb, in its preservation of the spirit of its founder, continues to devote itself in such a direction.”
JACKSON E. HEFFNER 1977-1989 HEADMASTER
1981
and Royal Navy. Jones graduated Summa Cum Laude from Arkansas College in 1950 and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Union Theological Seminary in Virginia. Jones served as a pastor in Texas for many years, as well as serving as Chairman of the Academic Committee of the Board of Trustees for Arkansas College. He earned a doctoral degree in ministry from Vanderbilt University in 1972, writing his dissertation on the topic of ecological preaching.
The student body moved every book by hand into the beautiful new William Bond Library.
Winter 201
ALBERT R. CAUZ 2005-2009 HEAD OF SCHOOL
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2002
The Webb School Magazine
Albert Cauz’ administration at Webb began in the fall of 2005. Cauz earned a bachelor’s degree from Boston College and a master’s degree from Middlebury College. He came to Webb from Phillips Academy in Andover, Mass., where he was dean of the Abbott Cluster, Spanish teacher, coach for multiple sports, the student government faculty advisor, and the director of a five-week international summer study program in Spain. Prior to working at Phillips, he chaired the foreign language department, taught Spanish, coached and ran the dormitory at Cate School in Carpenteria, Calif., and taught
Webb’s Athletic Program was enhanced with the construction of the Imre Lagler Athletic Field and the stateof-the-art Barton Athletic Center.
Cauz was inspired by Webb’s tradition of educating both the character and the mind of students. “[A school should] produce young people of high character, whose curiosity, knowledge and goodness always blend together to help set the rudiments for future leadership in our communities,” he said in an early interview. Cauz brought steady growth and improvement in many critical areas at the school. Faculty salaries were increased and a five-day boarding program was initiated, in order to maximize local student involvement in athletics and residential life. A Campus Wellness project was begun by the Board of Trustees to improve aging campus facilities and grounds. The Grace Follin Dining Hall, Big Room, and “Old” Library received structural and aesthetic renovations and the Fine Arts program was expanded dramatically: the Haun-Ragland Gymnasium was renovated into a Fine Arts Center complete with a pottery and art studio, music rooms with instruments, a black box theatre, and a digital sound-editing lab. In addition to the many facility enhancements, Cauz oversaw a faculty committeeled process to create a new academic strategic plan that would carry Webb’s curriculum into the 21st Century. Cauz resigned in March 2009 to accept a position as Head of The Baldwin School in San Juan, Puerto Rico. His strong focus on caring for Webb’s facilities while improving the reach and scope of its curriculum enhanced Webb’s position as a nationally competitive college preparatory boarding school.
The HaunRagland Gymnasium was renovated into a Fine Arts Center.
GORDON E. BONDURANT 2009-2010 INTERIM HEAD SCHOOL
OF
The Webb School Board of Trustees named Gordon E. Bondurant of Charleston, S.C. interim head of school for the 2009-2010 school year. Bondurant is a former head of school at Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville, and Darlington School in Georgia. He was recently head of school at Porter-Gaud School in Charleston, S.C. He has also served as an interim head of school at St. Mary’s Episcopal School in Memphis, Tenn., and Salem Academy in North Carolina. His career in private school education spans more than 40 years. Bondurant is a graduate of Davidson College and an active civic leader, having served in leadership roles for Rotary International, United Way, the Charleston Symphony, and as an Elder at the First Presbyterian Church. Bondurant worked closely with consultant Jack Stanford and the Webb Board of Trustees to find a permanent head of school. This process culminated in November 2009, with the selection of Raymond S. Broadhead of Burlington, N.C. as the 12th head of school. Broadhead will officially begin leading the school on July 1, 2010. An experienced administrator, Bondurant is actively involved in leading Webb’s academic programs, daily operations, relationship building and fundraising initiatives.
Raymond Broadhead (with wife, Leone) named Head of School.
2009
Frere’s legacy goes far beyond facility improvements. He touched the lives of more than 800 students who attended Webb during his administration, and re-connected hundreds of Alumni with their Alma Mater before retiring in 2005.
Spanish at Choate-Rosemary Hall in Wallingford, Conn.
2007
Tremendous changes were made all over Webb’s campus throughout his tenure. In 1993 the student body moved every book by hand into the beautiful new William Bond Library; in 1995 a new Student Center replaced the old Senior Room. In later years, a picturesque area to carry on Sawney’s habit of reading was created and named the Laura Woosley Memorial Plaza. Webb’s Athletic Program was enhanced with the construction of the Imre Lagler Athletic Field and the state-of-the-art Barton Athletic Center. Renovations to the Big Room and the Son Will Admissions Building were also completed to ensure their survival as vital parts of Webb’s campus.
By Sara Withrow
Director of Marketing and Communications
When a devastating tsunami struck American Samoa on Sept. 29, 2009, Rachel Jennings sprang into action. The English teacher and 2003 graduate of The Webb School collected friends, neighbors and anyone else who could fit in her pickup and headed for higher ground. A vehicle of any kind is a luxury on the South Pacific Island and Jennings knew that every passenger in the truck could mean another life would be saved. According to the Webb alumna, the day began like any other; she got ready for work, jumped in her pickup with her neighbor and started the 25-minute drive into town. On the way there, she passed a friend who was walking. “My friend asked me if I had felt an earthquake,” she said. “I couldn’t feel it because I was in my truck.” Having lived on the small island for the past two years, Jennings has a healthy respect for earthquakes and the tsunami warnings that typically follow. But when she turned on her radio that Tuesday morning, she heard the local news reporter state, “There is no tsunami warning.”
“We were stopping and offering people
“I’m a teacher, I don’t have a lot of money to help, but I can give of myself,” she said. “I feel like there’s always something I can do.”
“The song cut out and you could hear a lady screaming in the background,” Jennings recalled. “I was already heading to higher ground … I was in my truck and just gunning it.”
“I wanted to come back and help with the education here,” Jennings said.
The 10-foot high waves that struck land killed 176 people, injured hundreds and leveled entire villages on American Samoa and the surrounding islands of Tonga and Samoa. Jennings and her family were some of the lucky ones. The tsunami only damaged the front door on her father’s home. While she doesn’t know why she was so fortunate, the disaster taught Jennings to appreciate each day and to respect Mother Nature.
A 2007 graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, Jennings moved to American Samoa, the native home of her father, shortly after completing her bachelor’s degree in English.
English is a particularly important subject for American Samoans. While their native language is Samoan, they are required to do all their schoolwork in English because of the island’s status as a U.S. territory. “For 99 percent of the students English is a second language,” Jennings explained. Jennings still has strong ties to Middle Tennessee. Her mother, Teresa Raus Boyer, resides in Shelbyville, Tenn.; her grandmother, Sandra Sanders of Christiana, Tenn., was the librarian at The Webb School for years until retiring in 2007.
Rachel Jennings, left, and two friends haul debris tp a burn pile.
“I have a lot of whys,” she said. “Why was I spared, why were other homes destroyed and not mine?” Jennings didn’t waste time questioning though, instead she put the lessons she learned at Webb’s biannual service days and the school’s other philanthropic initiatives into action. Once the waters receded she got to work clearing debris at Samoana High School where she works and at other area homes and schools.
Winter 2010
Still wary, Jennings started heading to the highest point on the island. Along the way she offered everyone she encountered a ride. In the meantime, the radio announcer had changed his tune and indicated that a tsunami warning had been issued.
rides, and the people were literally laughing,” Jennings said in a phone interview just days after the disaster. People don’t really take the warnings seriously, because a tsunami had never struck the island before, she explained. When the radio announcer interrupted the programming to tell listeners that a huge wave had made landfall and water was hitting the station’s downtown Pago Pago building, she knew the situation was serious.
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By Sara Withrow
Director of Marketing and Communications
Teaching classes, grading papers, supervising boarding students, advising various clubs, driving the school bus and coaching leaves little time for romance for faculty at The Webb School. But four Webb teachers defied the odds and recently found love on the Bell Buckle campus.
James Garcia and Mallory Piehl met in 2007 shortly after Mallory joined the teaching staff; they began dating in March 2008. A Sept. 3, 2009 marriage proposal by James, however, put the duo on the fast track to the altar. The couple is planning a May 30 wedding in Shelbyville, Tenn.
Mary Sessions and Jonathan Newman were married on July 25, 2009, after meeting as new teachers at Webb three years earlier. Ironically, the two both grew up in Atlanta, Ga.
“He proposed on the soccer field,” Mallory said.
“Our parents live about 20 minutes away from each other,” Mary said.
The Webb School Magazine
MARY AND JONATHAN NEWMAN
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“I got down on one knee and I said, ‘I don’t know if there’s one person in the world for me, but if there is it’s you, and you’re the one I want to end my life with,’” James recalled.
According to Mary, as new teachers fresh out of college, she and Jonathan were naturally drawn to one another.
her alma mater, Woodward Academy. Shortly thereafter, Mary said she realized she wanted to teach full-time and posted her resume with an independent school placement agency.
“We were fast friends. We had the same frame of reference,” she explained.
“Webb called me in less than a week,” she recalled.
“We were equally overwhelmed,” added Jonathan.
Jonathan submitted his resume to a placement agency as well, after graduating in May 2006 from the University of the South at Sewanee. An avid baseball player who played for Sewanee, Jonathan teaches 11th grade English and is the head varsity baseball coach at Webb.
Mary graduated from Elon University in Elon, N.C. in December 2005. She moved back home to Atlanta for a semester to get her bearings and began substitute teaching at
“I like to talk about books and I like sports. Teaching was the only way I’d get to do both,” he said. Mary, who began teaching photography and French at Webb before becoming an assistant director in the Admissions Office and a part-time photography teacher, said it was the couple’s common interest in food that first drew them together. Both dorm advisors, she at Davis and Cooper-Farris and he at Chambliss, the two occasionally longed for a home-cooked meal. “We started cooking together … as early
Mary and Jonathan Newman
they met at Webb, the school holds a special place in their hearts. “We’ve come to terms that Tennessee is now home,” he added. Mary agreed. She recently had an Oak sapling she received upon graduating from Elon University transplanted from her parents’ Atlanta home to The Webb School campus. “It’s put its roots down now,” Jonathan said. MALLORY PIEHL GARCIA
college graduates we’d been eating Ramen and Easy Mac. We got some recipe books and started cooking as an alternative to the dining hall,” she said. “By Christmas (2006) we suddenly started realizing what everybody else had already noticed, that we were a good fit.” Following their honeymoon to Alaska this past summer, the couple moved in together in an apartment in Cooper-Farris Dormitory with their two “babies,” their pet dogs Cleo and Cassidy. They admit that working and living at a boarding school as newlyweds can be challenging, but the close campus community and the fact that they’re not far from each other at any given time has made it more manageable. “Work is sort of a part of the relationship, I guess,” explained Jonathan. And, because
JAMES
James had been at Webb for nearly eight years when Mallory entered the scene as a young French teacher and dorm parent. The two struck up a friendship while on dorm duty. “She was in Davis and I was in CooperFarris,” James said. “One night I brought her Subway (sandwiches) out of the blue.” According to Mallory, he also gave her a key to the Barton Gymnasium, so she could work out at any time. “When he gave me the gym key, then I knew I liked him,” she said. A Webb student, Jason Lee, also encouraged the relationship.
James and Mallory agree that balancing a relationship and work at Webb can be difficult. “Webb just takes you over,” said James, who started at the school as an intern teaching Middle School students and is now an English teacher as well as the director of residential life. Aside from the demands of work, both James and Mallory are also graduate students. She’s attending a professional program offered by the University of Wisconsin for a master’s degree in French and he is enrolled at Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville seeking a master’s degree in education leadership. James and Mallory agreed that dating someone you work with can be risky, especially in a school environment where students pick up quickly on the relationship and often make you the subject of their jokes. “I think if you date someone you work with … it could definitely go very wrong or very well,” said Mallory. For Mallory and James, and for Mary and Jonathan, it’s gone very well.
A 7th-grade student at the time, Jason frequently needed help from Mallory with his French homework. Jason just happened to live in James’ dorm and would always ask for extra help on nights when James was on duty. “He would have me come over to the dorm to help him, but he’d always make some excuse, like he left his book in his room, and would leave me and James alone to talk,” Mallory said. James said he realized the relationship needed to move to the next level when he and Mallory were apart during the summers of 2008 and 2009.
Mallory Piehl and James Garcia
Winter 2010
“I think if you date someone you work with … it could definitely go very wrong or very well.”
AND
“I called her every day,” he said. “I missed her a lot…. When she left again this summer to Wisconsin for graduate school I realized I probably better just marry this girl.”
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WSPA raises $50,000 at island-themed event By Sara Withrow
Director of Marketing and Communications
The Webb School Parents’ Association (WSPA) annual auction and dinner event held Friday, Nov. 6 at the Stones River Country Club in Murfreesboro raised an estimated net profit of $50,000 for The Webb School.
The Webb School Magazine
Approximately 200 people attended the event and donned island wear or dressed as a “Gilligan’s Island” castaway in light of the event’s theme, “Get Away to Gilligan’s Island” (based on the popular 1960s TV sitcom).
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Webb students, did a terrific job, Steele said. Auction highlights included a stay in a Destin, Fla. Condominium ($1,900) donated by One Seagrove Place, a home-cooked dinner with Webb’s Interim Head of School Gordon Bondurant ($1,300), king-size jars of honey donated by Mike Quinn ($330 a piece), chocolate pies baked by 52-year member of The Webb School staff Dorothy Elkins ($300 a piece), and pints of crab dip contributed by Linda Williams that raised $100 or more.
“Ginger, Mary Anne and the Professor were popular costumes,” said Auction Chairperson and Webb parent Peggy Steele. “I think people had fun with it (the theme). It was interesting to see the different interpretations they came up with for their costumes.”
“It’s just become a tradition that certain homemade and/or homegrown items bring in outstanding bids,” Steele said.
As in years past, the silent and live auctions raised the majority of the money this year. Auctioneer Harold Segroves, a 1972 graduate of The Webb School and parent of former
“We couldn’t do it without the time and effort of more than 40 volunteers and our many community supporters,” she said.
Dorothy Elkins, Gordon Bondurant, and Donna Scarlett
Steele credited The Webb School parent volunteers, the event’s sponsors and donors with the success.
The funds raised will benefit all faculty and staff, as well as campus enrichment programs.
2010
SAVE
T H E DAT E Feb. 1:
Follin Speaker Series
Douglas Rushkoff, social and media theorist
Jan. 18 and Feb. 15 Visitors’ Day
March 26
Grandparents’ Day
April 12:
Follin Speaker Series
Ric Burns, documentary filmmaker, PBS writer and producer
April 22-24
Spring Play, “The Fantasticks”
April 23-24 Reunion
April 30
Diversity Day
May 10-14
Fine Arts Week
May 28
Graduation
‘Webb’ site offers new features The Webb School Web site has a new look and some great new features. Chief among the additions is an enhanced Alumni Center, which includes a secure login option that allows alumni to communicate and network with each other
privately; more news and information on the Home Page and throughout the site; and an Athletics tab for direct navigation to game schedules and team information. Explore Webb’s online opportunities.
Alumni Center
In order to access the full suite of Alumni Center features, each Webb alumnus must log into the secure portal. After entering the secure section of the site, first-time users should click on “Retrieve Password.” A password is then emailed to the alumnus and they can proceed with establishing a user profile. Stay connected — Login to Webb’s Alumni Center.
New features:
• Secure portal for posting/viewing personal and career information • Social and professional networking opportunities • Discussion boards • Private messaging
• Class pages • College and Career Networking Centers that allow alumni to make a difference in the lives of current students and young graduates
Students
Webb’s online Student Center offers students the resources and information they need to be successful academically and to stay up to date with Webb’s many campus events and activities
The center offers:
• Direct access to the Bond Library online - Opportunities to search for and renew books online - Access to Webb’s subscriptions to various online databases - Book reviews
Parents
• Secure login access to RenWeb/ParentsWeb and its online grade book and class assignments • Activity calendars and dining hall menu • Photo galleries • Links to valuable resources such as college counseling, the school handbook, and the honor code.
Parents of Webb students have their own section on the site too.
Features include:
• Parent meeting schedules
The Webb School offers multiple online access points.
Stay connected!
On Twitter at twitter.com/thewebbschool
On YouTube at youtube.com/thewebbschool1870 On Facebook: (a) The Webb School, for basic campus connections; (b) The Webb School Library, for book lovers and scholars; and (c) W.R. Sawney Webb, for alumni and the entire Webb community.
Winter 2010
• School calendars • Secure login access to RenWeb/ParentsWeb
WEBB EMBRACES WEB 2.0
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TRADITIONS
Jac Chambliss Day honors alumnus By Sara Withrow
Director of Marketing and Communications
A relatively new Webb tradition is the annual celebration of Jac Chambliss Day, which commemorates Webb’s oldest living alumnus and the last surviving pupil who studied under founding headmaster, William R. “Sawney” Webb. The tradition began on Oct. 24, 2005 and serves as a birthday party of sorts for its namesake. A 1927 graduate of The Webb School and its only Life Trustee, Chambliss was born in Chattanooga, Tenn. on Oct. 21, 1910; Jac Chambliss Day is celebrated each year in late-October.
integrity, and intellect that we try to instill in all Webb students,” Coop said. “Therefore he is the perfect example to hold up to our current students to emulate and appreciate. He also articulates the impact Webb has on its community better than anyone. Part poet, part lawyer, part teacher, and a life-long learner what better role model can there be?” This past year, the Webb student body saluted Jac on Oct. 28. Jac and his son, John, a 1957 graduate of The Webb School, were both present for the occasion, which included a chapel talk, a special lunch, and birthday cake for one and all. Jac recalled coming to Webb at the age of 13 and living in a boarding house immediately next to the school that was owned/operated by a Mrs. Cook.
The Webb School Magazine
“There was no indoor plumbing … it was an interesting experience,” he told the Webb student body. “It’s hard for me to realize that it’s been since 1927 that I’ve been away from here,” he added.
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7th-grader Blake Grubbs shakes hands with Jac Chambliss
ever call you a ‘couch potato,’ either physically or mentally! And no one who has enjoyed a one-on-one discussion with you will ever call you a ‘me too’!” Williams is currently serving in Iraq at the age of 71. “What we learned here at Webb is this, discipline, discipline, discipline. That’s why R.L. is where he is and that’s why I’m where I am,” said John, a professional photojournalist who lives and works in Chattanooga, Tenn. Jac followed in his father and grandfathers’ footsteps, entering the family law business. He attended Virginia Military Institute, Northwestern University in Chicago, and Southwestern (now Rhodes) in Memphis. At the age of 21, he received his law degree from Cumberland University at Lebanon, Tenn. He went to court the very next day to try his first case. “I’ve been a trial lawyer all my life,” Jac said.
On the fast track to success, Jac graduated from The Webb School in just three year’s time. He remembered fondly the school’s emphasis on discipline, which often took the form of whippings with a switch on the hands of errant students.
The Webb alumnus has led a storied career, arguing a case before the Tennessee Supreme Court in 1932 and the U.S. Supreme Court in 1937. An author of several books, Jac also served as a gunnery officer for the U.S. Navy in World War II.
“There was discipline at Webb,” he said. “We knew we would be punished if we didn’t learn.”
While his contributions to The Webb School are many, so are his contributions to his community.
“It’s a way to both honor Jac’s contributions over the years and also connect our students to our oldest living graduate,” said Webb’s Director of Operations in Admissions Matt Anderson, who worked in the Alumni and Development Office in 2005 when the event was established.
John provided the grand finale for the presentation—a dramatic reading of Jac’s senior declamation, “The Highwayman,” a poem written in 1907 by Alfred Noyes.
“Jac means a lot to a lot of people … he’s meant a lot to the school,” Anderson said.
Williams, a 1956 Webb graduate, wrote, “May your ability with words, both spoken and written, continue to challenge us to see, know, understand and appreciate the everyday events that most of us take for granted, or never notice, but that you recognize, savor and share. … No one can
“He became not only an outstanding attorney but one of the most delightful and colorful personalities in civic affairs in Chattanooga. He has been one of our most valuable citizens in many ways and over many decades,” wrote Lee Anderson, associate publisher and editor at the Chattanooga Free Press, in an editorial published on Oct. 21, 2009 in honor of Jac’s 99th birthday.
Webb Board Chairman Phil Coop agreed. “In his personal and professional life, Jac Chambliss lives the traits of character,
John also read from a birthday letter sent to Jac from family friend R.L. Williams.
Now semi-retired, Jac continues to report each day to the law offices of Chambliss, Bahner and Stophel, in Chattanooga, Tenn. He and his late wife, Bena McVea, have three children and eight grandchildren.
ATHLETICS
Athletic news Basketball standout hits high mark
Hunter Foutch of Liberty, Tenn. achieved a much sought after goal in high school basketball this past December. At The Webb School’s home game against Montgomery Bell Academy the senior sank his 1,000th career point. In fact, Foutch scored 11 points during the game, putting his total points earned as of Friday, Dec. 4, at 1,001. “It’s kind of a benchmark (1,000 points),” said Jeff Mitchell, Webb athletics director and head coach for the varsity boys’ basketball team. “That’s a pretty good career if you can get there.” Webb lost the game to MBA (50-70) but that didn’t dilute the feeling of elation for Foutch, who has played for Webb since his freshman year. “It’s exciting,” Foutch admitted. But he credited his team with the high mark as well. “It’s not just my award,” he said.
Cross country teams advance to state
The Webb School boys’ and girls’ crosscountry teams competed in the State Division II-A meet on Nov. 7, 2009 at Percy Warner Park’s Steeplechase course. The teams both finished eighth. At the individual level, senior Damien Launay of Shelbyville finished sixth in the boys’ race, with a time of 17 minutes, 53 seconds, only 39 seconds behind the first-place runner, Lucas Jones of Webb Knoxville.
The Webb School varsity girls’ soccer team enjoyed a record winning season this past fall. The Division II-A team ended with 10 wins and six losses and made it to the quarterfinals for the East Middle Region; they beat Davidson Academy 3-1 in a regional match on Oct. 15, the first region win for Webb’s girls’ soccer. “My goal for this year was to get to 10 wins, double digits,” said Coach Adrian Anderson. The 2008 girls’ season was 7-62. There are no tiebreakers in high school soccer. In addition to setting a girls’ soccer record, the season was the best in Webb history for girls’ team athletics. “We’ve had only six winning seasons in any girls’ sports and those were barely over 500 (one more win than losses),” Anderson said.
The coach attributed the success to leadership and dedication. The team started conditioning in June and practicing in July, right after “dead week.” “Participation was at least 90 percent every single day,” he said.
The 20092010 senior girls’ soccer team members.
The team of 25 included seven seniors, five of whom were veterans. The team captains were seniors: Anne Windham, Aurora MacDougall, Melissa Wisniewski, Shelby Brady, Katie Jones, and sophomore: Claire Coop. “I am really proud of all the girls this year, especially the senior girls for all the time and dedication they put into it. They worked hard for me and set a good example for the younger players for what it takes to have a winning program,” he said. “The goal for next year is to get into the top four for the region and qualify for a sub-state tournament.”
For athletic news updates visit www.thewebbschool.com/athletics
Winter 2010
Jessica York, a freshman of Murfreesboro, was the top Webb girl runner at the race. She came in 18th place with a time of 23 minutes and 2 seconds.
Girls’ soccer team has record season
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Submitted photo
Pictured above is Chase Spurlock, front row second from right, with the Sewanee firefighting team.
By Jonathan Waldrop ‘02
The Webb School Magazine
Alumni Relations Assistant
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Chase Spurlock, a 2005 graduate of The Webb School, is an example of what the school’s founder, William R. “Sawney” Webb, envisioned for his school: “To turn out young people who are tireless workers, and who know how to work effectively; who are accurate scholars; who know the finer points of morals and practice them in their daily living; who are always courteous.” Spurlock’s schoolmates likely recognized these traits in him when they elected him president of the Webb Student Council his
senior year. Since that time, the alumnus has taken what he learned at Webb and applied it to his college career and life in general. After graduating from Webb, Spurlock spent four years at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tenn. Upon graduating in May 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in biology, he received the university’s highest service honor, the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Medallion. “The Provost called out my name and asked
me to stand before the congregation,” Spurlock said, recalling the moment he learned of the award. “I was very humbled by this recognition.” The prestigious award is given to a graduating senior “who best exemplifies character, leadership, and service to the University and to the Sewanee community.” While at Sewanee, Spurlock spent three years as a member of the Sewanee Volunteer Fire Department and The Honor Council.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
He also chaired Sewanee’s chapter of Ducks Unlimited, and led the Student Activities Fee Committee, the organization charged with allocating funding among all of Sewanee’s student organizations. By his senior year, Spurlock had progressed to major leadership roles—Student Fire Chief of the Volunteer Fire Department and Chair of The Honor Council. Despite his contributions, Spurlock maintained he was surprised at the recognition he received. “I viewed all of my activities as things I enjoyed doing. I was shocked to receive the award,” he said. In awarding the medallion to Spurlock, Sewanee’s Dean of Students Eric Hartman said, “Chase demonstrates a strong sense of accountability and foresight in his leadership of the firefighters and remarkable attention to the investigative process as chair of the Honor Council.” As the chairman of the Sewanee Honor Council, Spurlock oversaw a group of nine other students in support of the school’s 100-year-plus honor code. He was responsible for scheduling every meeting, communicating with school deans and presiding over council hearings and meetings of the Executive Committee. He also led honor education sessions for incoming freshmen at Sewanee.
“I viewed all of my activities as things I enjoyed doing. I was shocked to receive the award.” As student fire chief at Sewanee, Spurlock oversaw 18 other students and spent upwards of 100 hours a week “on call.” The Webb alumnus rose in the ranks of the department and said he genuinely enjoyed the work and the challenges it presented. “I like thinking on my feet and finding the best possible solutions to the problems we faced on a daily basis,” he said. A licensed Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician, Spurlock recalled a particularly difficult rescue mission he encountered as a Sewanee firefighter. According to Spurlock, a visiting student had fallen off a ridge on Monteagle Mountain. The student was recovered, but later passed away. Despite the loss of life, he said the experience was rewarding when the victim’s mother came to Sewanee to thank him and the other firefighters for working so hard to save her son. “She gave me a big hug, which made me feel a great deal of pride in my job. Talking with
his mother gave everyone a sense of closure, and made us all want to work and train that much harder,” he said. Spurlock is currently doing medical research at Vanderbilt University in preparation for what he hopes will be a career in medicine. “I want to become a doctor. Being with the fire department, you’re faced with problems to solve. Becoming a doctor is a good next step. I can take my experiences at Sewanee and push it a step further,” he said. Spurlock attributed his ability to lead in even the most trying of circumstances to the skills he attained at The Webb School. “The lessons you learn at Webb, stick with you,” he said. “Brian Wofford (Outerlimits Coordinator) speaks to the heart of all this. He gave me inspiration to do many of the things I’ve done since my time at Webb. Brian has a great deal of common sense. If an emergency situation happened to occur on or near campus, he was always ready to lend a helping hand. When he is present, you know everything will be fine. This is a strong legacy, and one that I’m honored to model.” Spurlock also spoke kindly of Webb teachers Imre Lagler, now deceased, and L.R. Smith. “Webb is a collective influence,” he said. “I learned just as much through simply talking with Mr. Lagler or shooting trap and skeet with L.R. as I did in the classroom. Webb gives you a strong foundation for future success.” Winter 2010
The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Medallion was presented to Chase Spurlock in May 2009. Pictured, left to right, are Dean of Students Eric Hartman, Professor Gerald Smith, and Spurlock.
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Life and carkeeeerp updates to cted you conne r with you classmates 1930s
Ken Scholl (‘32), Johnson City, Tenn., writes: “Class of 1932. I was expelled in 1929 for smoking in the dorm but was reinstated. Celebrated 70 years of marriage on 8/25/09. Practiced medicine in Johnson City from 7/13/39 til 12/1/00 and loved it. Recently had congenitive heart failure but am feeling fine now. I love Webb School for what it did for me.”
1950s
The Webb School Magazine
Harrison Herron (‘56), Hickory Withe, Tenn., writes: “My wife Eleanor and I have been married 50 years as of 3/27/09. We went to Nicaragua for our anniversary where we were met at the Managua Airport by classmate Jim Hornsby and his wife Sarah. Had a good welcome and visit, tour of the city and they left us as we were on our way to Big Corn Island, Little Corn Island and back to Granada. Great trip! Hope to see all at our next reunion.”
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Brightman Skinner (‘50), San Antonio, Fla., writes: “As a matter of news, my wife and I recently spent a few days in Nashville and enjoyed seeing a few old Webb boys and even saw the Grand Ole Opry. An old Tampa native, Robert Reeves, with Baird & Co., spent a day with us showing the historical sites and hosted a nice luncheon at Bell Meade with the following: Alden Smith, Frank Smith, Jim Meadows, Ed Davies, Paul Stumb and host Bob Reeves, who knew these men through the club or Vanderbilt. It was a great time for me and I hope all will join in the reunion next spring. Best to all.”
1960s
Jim Feldman (‘69), Ardmore, Pa., writes: “In 2008 I left the Law Offices of Alan Ellis, where I had been since 1989, to start my own practice. This fall our daughter Mira will be
starting the University of Maryland as a freshman.”
1970s
Jay Sherman (‘70), Myrtle Beach, S.C., writes: “I recently quit all gainful employment and am on a walkabout in the USA looking for the next thing. Been in corporate life for the past 30 years at places like Ingram, Random House and another you wouldn't recognize but was a large company. I hope to be there for the reunion. I’m currently visiting in San Francisco and enjoying life back in the West. Hope to see you all at the reunion!” Bill Heineke (‘72), River Forest, Ill., writes: “I spent a week in early July in Clarksdale, Mississippi, on a Habitat for Humanity project. My son, Will, was with us and we had a wonderful time. It was hot, but not humid. Loved every second of it.” David Oates (‘74), Athens, Ga., writes: “Anyone who is interested can hear my show ‘Wordland’ playing recorded poems, stories, sketches and an occasional song on Saturdays at 1 p.m. Eastern time via the Internet at wuga.org. It was great to see everyone at the ‘74 reunion in April. My only regret is not having more time with individuals, because it’s such a great group!”
1980s
Collin Chambers (‘89), Ellijay, Ga., writes: “I own a hiking and backpacking shop in the mountains of North Georgia.”
1990s
Holly Lane Adreon (‘94), Murfreesboro, Tenn., writes: “We are so pleased to announce the birth of our sweet baby girl Scarlett Lane!! She was born September 14, 2009 at 4:12 p.m. weighing 6 pounds 15 ounces, 19 inches long, and with a full head of hair! Mommy, daddy,
and baby are doing well! Scarlett Lane looks forward to meeting all of you soon!” Sarah Hines Netherton (‘97), McMinnville, Tenn., writes: “My husband and I recently welcomed the birth of our 4th child, Abigail Joy Netherton, on December 24th, 2008. Siblings are David, age 6; Lydia, age 4 and Susanna, age 2. There is never a dull moment at our house.”
Carrie Haynes Carter (‘96), Franklin, Tenn., writes: “Justin and I welcomed our beautiful baby boy into this world May 13, 2009. Jackson Thomas Carter 6 pounds 7 ounces, and 19 3/4 inches.” Alli Summerford Denning (‘90), Birmingham, Ala., writes: “We are still in Birmingham and doing well. Gram (our son) is now 8-years-old. Hope to see everyone at the 20th next year!”
2000s
Hudson Byrd (‘05), Nashville, Tenn., writes: “Graduated from the University of the South in May 2009 with a BA degree in History. Major was European History with a Religion minor. Worked with Nelson (’99) and Dad, Hugh Hunter (’56), operating the farm this summer. Winter plans are Jackson Hole, WY to work short term while sending out resume and setting up interviews for spring. Keep up with Webb friends and am looking forward to meeting the new headmaster.” Login to Webb’s Alumi Center to view and post class notes: www.thewebbschool.com/login
PROFILE IN GIVING
Bequest helps bring historic property home to Webb
Cordary “Gene” Brewster, a 1943 graduate of The Webb School, left an indelible mark on The Webb School campus.
“We’re just excited that Webb was able to acquire this piece of property that we’ve been trying to purchase for years,” he said.
A member of the school’s Burkhead Society, Brewster included The Webb School as a beneficiary to his estate. Upon his passing on March 5, 2008, at the age of 82, he left Webb a bequest of $424,000 for unrestricted purposes.
Built in 1913 for Z.T. and Zoe Crouch, the 1.18-acre property on which the 3,515square-foot home sets, was deeded to Crouch, an early employee of The Webb School, by Webb founder and headmaster William R. “Sawney” Webb.
“He was a remarkable man ... a good man,” said Ann Brewster, who survives her husband and serves as executor of the estate.
Aside from its Webb heritage, the home is known most for a four-legged occupant. “Shaker’s Shocker,” a 1966 World Grand Champion Tennessee Walking Horse was raised on the property by his owner/rider Betty Sain. The Webb School is working with the Bedford County Historical Society to get a marker for the home, commemorating it as the site where “Shaker’s Shocker” was trained.
During the summer of 2009, the Board of Trustees allocated the remaining $190,000 of the Brewster Estate gift toward the purchase of an historic home and acreage that sits on property originally owned by the Webb Family. The Executive Committee of The Webb School Board of Trustees voted in a special meeting in September to purchase the home and property located at 309 Webb Road East, and the school officially took possession of it on Thursday, Nov. 12. Board Chairman Phil Coop said the home’s location at the entrance to the campus along
Submitted photo
1966 World Grand Champion, Shaker’s Shocker
Webb Road East, and the fact that it is surrounded by school-owned property on three sides, made it a logical purchase. “Strategically it’s a good property to have,” he said. “It’s a beautiful home, one of Bell Buckle’s nicest older homes.” According to Assistant Head of School and Business Manager Joe Iorio, the purchase would not have been possible without the contribution from Brewster’s estate.
Webb maintenance workers have already removed several barns that graced the property, as well as a chain link fence that separated it for years from the larger Webb campus. Internal repairs and improvements will be slower to materialize.
Cordary Brewster’s estate helped The Webb School purchase this historic home and property adjacent to the Webb campus.
When you include Webb in your estate and tax planning, you play a significant role in helping future generations of Webb students, in perpetuity. At the same time, by taking advantage of tax laws that encourage philanthropy, making a bequest to Webb can help significantly reduce estate tax burdens.
Winter 2010
For more information about how estate planning meets your family's philanthropic goals, please visit the Planned Giving pages at our Webb’s Web site: www.legacy.vg/webbschool/articles/1.html
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The Webb School Magazine
The Webb School offers sincere sympathy to the families of departed classmates. Following are annotated obituaries of alumni who have passed away. To view the announcements in their entirety, visit www.thewebbschool.com/alumni/alumni-home. The Webb School publishes obituaries as they are received from family and friends of alumni. Please submit notices to a_dwebb@webbschool.com.
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Burch Williams (Class of 1935) of Brunswick, Ga. passed away on Aug. 26, 2009 at the age of 92. He is survived by his wife, Jane C. Williams. He was predeceased by Marjorie Maxim Williams, mother of his four daughters. He is also survived by nine grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.
passed away on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2009. He is survived by sister: Margaret Sorrells of Memphis, Tenn., nieces: Jan Hoppe of New Burn, N.C., and Peggy Mullins of Germantown, Tenn., nephew: Dr. LaValle Sorrells of Bartlett, Tenn., and great nephew: Christopher Edward Mullins.
Calvin Houghland (Class of 1935), age 93, died peacefully at his Bright Hour Farm home in Brentwood, Tenn. on Oct. 27, 2009, surrounded by his family and loved ones. Born in Emporia, Kan., on Sept. 15, 1916, he is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Pollard Houghland; children, Sara Jo (Don) Gill, John Mason (Marilyn Guyton) Houghland II, Calvin (Blythe Gillig) Houghland, Jr. and Adora (Regg) Swanson; seven grandchildren, Rene Houghland Ward, John Mason Houghland III, Calvin Hutton Houghland, Adora Houghland, Lacey Farrell Houghland, Sara Jo Houghland, Eve Muntz Adcock and two greatgrandchildren, John Mason Houghland IV and Chloe Helene Ward. His parents, John Mason Houghland and Sara Roark Houghland; his sister, Nancy Houghland Lampton; and Josephine Holtzclaw Houghland, his wife of 63 years and the mother of his children, preceded him in death.
Francis Crittenden “Crit� Currie (Class of 1943) age 86, of Memphis, Tenn., died Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009 at St. Francis Hospital. He is survived by his wife: Eleanor Bradford Currie, and two sons: Bradford Currie of Nashville, Tenn. and Crit Currie, Jr. of Jackson, Tenn. He is also survived by his brother, Coleman Currie of Lovingston, Va; and four grandchildren: Crit Currie III, Nicholas Currie, Anna Linn Currie and Nate Currie.
Orren Williams Hyman, Jr. (Class of 1943), age 84, of Sweetwater, Tenn.,
John Keith Maddin, Jr., (Class of 1945) age 82 of Nashville, died suddenly of a heart attack at home on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009. Son of the late Elizabeth Buckner and John Keith Maddin, and brother of the late Elizabeth Maddin Baylor and Matthew G.B. Maddin, John is survived by his wife, Sallie Beth Fletcher Maddin and three daughters and sons-in-law: Mary Lee Puckett and husband Ben of Pass Christian, Miss., Keith Maddin McCord and husband Steve of Nashville, Tenn., and Laura Maddin Bryan and husband Pat of Starkville, Miss.; sisters: Mrs. H.
Petrie Mitchell (Petrie) and Mrs. Louis Farrell, Jr.; grandchildren: Benjamin Todd Puckett, Jr., Mary Keith Puckett, Elizabeth Maddin McCord, Matthew Steven McCord, John Hayes McCord, and John Dalton Bryan. Thomas Dugan Wilson (Class of 1956), resident of Louisville, Ky. passed away on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009. Tom is survived by his wife, Sally Walker; his children, Thomas Hunter, John Woods, Lynn Wilson Ambrose and David Townsend; as well as 11 grandchildren. David Chambers Walker (Class of 1956) of Somerville, Tenn. Born in Brownsville, Tenn., on Feb. 12, 1938. On Aug. 22, 1958, David married Martha Fields Campbell Walker of Ripley, Tenn. They had two children, Elizabeth Jane Walker and Mark Campbell Walker. James Franklin McElroy (Class of 1981) of Manchester, Tenn., died on Thursday Aug. 20, 2009. Preceded in death by his father, James Raymond McElroy. He is survived by his mother and her husband, Jane Santi and Jim Coughlin of Madison; brothers, Bryan McElroy of Winchester and David McElroy; sister, Emi (Grant) Martin of Nashville; and lifelong best friend, Jeff (Cathy) Adrian of Murfreesboro.
SUBMITTED BY: Andy Donelson ‘67
The band was called The Other Four. We practiced in the Big Room (auditorium) on the stage. Left to right in the foreground is me (Andy Donelson) on rhythm guitar, Brick Ramey on bass guitar, Swanson (I think, he was not one of the band members) playing sax, Hunter Twiford on lead guitar, and Bud Dodson on drums. In the background left to right is unknown because of hidden face, then possibly Sam Murray because of the dark glasses and vee neck sweater (but I’m not sure), and Sam Haines. These three guys weren’t with the band and had no real reason to be on the stage. The picture was likely take by one of the Yaksimovich girls who attended many of our practices and would sit in the front row of the Big Room. This was probably my freshman year 63-64.
THE WEBB SCHOOL BELL BUCKLE
Post Office Box 488 Bell Buckle, TN 37020 Address Services Requested