The Webb School Spring-Summer 2022 Magazine

WEBB COMMUNICATIONS

EDITOR: Rita Mitchell

Director of Communications

DESIGN & LAYOUT: Gary Marino

CONTRIBUTORS: Alyce Allen

Director of Advancement Services Dorothy Elkins

Alumni Research Assistant Jonathon Hawkins Interim Director of Alumni and Development Kristen Linton ’00 Director of Leadership Annual Giving Justice Wenzlick Assistant Director of the Webb Fund

e Webb School Magazine is published biannually in the summer and winter by e Webb School, 319 Webb Road East, Bell Buckle, Tenn. e Webb School is a nonpro t 501(c)(3) organization: 640401875.

e Webb School complies with all applicable anti-discrimination laws and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin in the administration of its educational policies and programs, admissions processes, scholarship and nancial aid programs, employment practices, athletic and other school administrative programs.

319 Webb Road East Bell Buckle, Tenn. 37020 1-931-389-9322

Kenneth C. Cheeseman Head of School

A note from the Head of School

(Editor’s Note: Dear Readers, The Spring-Summer issue of the Webb Magazine usually arrives in your mailboxes much earlier. This edition was delayed in order to include a special section devoted to Webb’s emerging Strategic Plan and also the Vision that Head of School Ken Cheeseman has for the school’s future. We invite you to read that information on pages 5-10 and join the Board or Trustees, Leadership Team and all of the Webb Community in the excitement of Inspiring Excellence.)

From all of us at The Webb School, we hope you have enjoyed a summer that has been characterized by at least a modicum of normalcy and routine, particularly following the nearly 21/2 years of tumult, challenge, and reordering of our lives. While much has changed around the globe, in our country, at Webb, and in our individual lives, there remains hope for the future. The greatest hope for our future successes will come from both keen remembrances of the past and knowledge of the future. The questions that are explored in this magazine and in our current planning focus on an analysis of how we build on our foundations - the most salient, core values of our past - and equip ourselves, and our students, for the greatest challenges and opportunities we will face in the future.

Before we launch into communication of our future plans, I want to take a moment to focus on the celebration of an extraordinary year at The Webb School, our 152nd year. We enjoyed the largest and, arguably, the most diverse student body in school history. We finished the year with one of the strongest Webb Funds and Belles and Buckles Galas in history. In the process of engaging in a plethora of opportunities in academics, arts, athletics, WILD, community, service, and leadership, our students earned many accolades and positively influenced our school community and many others beyond our Middle Tennessee area. They did so while reflecting well the honor, integrity, and intellectual curiosity that have come to define a Webb education. I am proud of the Class of 2022 for leading us well as they put the finishing touches on their college preparations before joining the alumni of Webb.

I encourage you to peruse the entirety of this edition of our magazine. When you have read it all, I think you will agree with me that The Webb School is in a strong position to continue to be both relevant and sustainable long into the future, even growing in future health and vigor. You will recognize evidence of strong programs and performances in the three A’s, academics, arts, and athletics. You will identify strong support from our parent associations and the volunteers they recruit and retain to help us be our best. Our Webb alumni are part of this outstanding support. You will catch a glimpse of the high energy and enthusiasm that pervades our campus and community. You will also gain insights into the strength, creativity, skill, and heart of our extraordinary faculty and staff. The articles about both retirees, Sandy Truitt and Mike Quinn, are worth a close reading;

they invested much of their heart and soul into generations of Webb boys and girls.

As we celebrate such an exceptional year, I want to acknowledge that the group of Webb’s Leadership Team and Board of Trustees are working together strategically and well to light a clear path of future success for our students and to support our faculty to lead our exemplary students down this path. Collectively, we aspire to influence our world toward integrity, respect, self-discipline, and service to others. We do so with the intentions of recognizing that each person, both in our community and throughout the world, has worth, value, and unique gifts that ought to be shared. Part of our hope in achieving this kind of future is to inspire all of our students to know and embrace a reality that is thoroughly informed by truth that learning is an enjoyable and ongoing process. When we inculcate these values, our Enduring Understandings, in the hearts and minds of our graduates, the world is, indeed, a better place. Enjoy the magazine, and thank you for the support, encouragement, nurture, and challenge you have given to Webb this year!

Warmly, Ken Cheeseman Head of School

The Webb School congratulates Jeff Lorberbaum ’72 and Olly Wang ’09, recipients of 2022 Alumni and Service Awards

LORBERBAUM 2022 INDUCTEE INTO DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI SOCIETY AND WANG 2022 RECIPIENT OF JOHN B. HARDIN SERVICE AWARD

is Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Mohawk Industries, the world’s largest flooring manufacturer. Mohawk is a leading participant in every flooring product category, including ceramic tile, carpet, hardwood, vinyl, laminate, stone and rugs. Mohawk produces flooring in 18 countries, with a primary focus in the United States, Mexico, Europe and Asia Pacific.

In 1994, Lorberbaum’s family business, Aladdin Mills, merged with Mohawk Industries, and he was appointed President of the company the following year. During the 1990s, Lorberbaum engineered Mohawk’s consolidation of the carpet industry, the backward integration of its material production and the creation of a national logistics system that differentiated its service levels.

In 2001, Lorberbaum became CEO and broadened Mohawk’s strategy from a focus on carpet to becoming a comprehensive flooring company by providing hard surface products through Mohawks marketing and distribution structure. During the next decade, Mohawk extended its market position through a series of acquisitions in each of the major flooring categories and established the best-known brands in the industry. Concurrently, he expanded Mohawk’s geographic base from the U.S. market to a leading international position with sales in approximately 170 countries. During this time, the company developed a unique expertise entering new markets. Since the company’s initial public offering in 1992, Mohawk’s enterprise

Olly Wang was one of the first Chinese students to attend The Webb School. In 2009 he graduated and brought the “State Winner Award for AP Science Scholars” flag to Webb for the first time. He completed a B.S. degree in food science and management double majors at Cornell University, and graduated in 2013 as Degree Marshal and Presidential Award recipient.

After graduation, Wang returned to China to run his family’s seafood processing business. He annually supplies around 10,000 tons (about 20 million lbs.) of seafood products to more than 20 countries all over the world, including frozen pacific cod sold in Kroger supermarkets. In 2022, he expanded his business into Southeast Asia by cooperating with a local factory in Indonesia. He is looking to double his business in the next few years.

Wang joined the Webb Alumni Board in 2018 and was an active member throughout his three-year term, especially in Asian-related aff airs.

In 2020, when COVID first hit and many Chinese students were not able to go to campus in person, Wang organized the 2020 Webb Beijing reception, where Webb Chinese families could meet. For many of them, it was the very first time they were able to meet other Webb Chinese families in person.

In 2021, he organized the 2021 Webb Shanghai

reception. During the meeting, Chinese

were

Jeff Lorberbaum

parents’

parents

able to

Jeff Lorberbaum ’72

Olly Wang ’09

The Webb School is pleased to honor and celebrate two outstanding alumni as they are recognized as the 2022 inductee into the Distinguished Alumni Society and as the 2022 recipient of the John B. Hardin Service Award. These two men from di erent eras in Webb’s unique history truly exemplify the meaning of a “Webb gentleman” and show how the school’s commitment to developing individuals of high character and integrity is woven into the fabric of a Webb education.

Strategic Plan 2022

By Ken Cheeseman, Head of School

Our 153rd school year is successfully underway here in Bell Buckle! These are not the words I usually include in my summer magazine article. We have intentionally delayed this issue of our biannual magazine.Wewantedtoincludeimportantinformationaboutouremergingstrategicplantowardwhich many of you have given great insights through surveys, listening sessions, and focus groups. So, please enjoy both the reflections of the record-breaking 2021-2022 school year recap AND look to the future with us as we turn our focus toward the Strategic Plan that will guide us in the years ahead.

The eighteen-month process to develop the Strategic Plan included the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, students, alumni, parents, friends of The Webb School, the town of Bell Buckle, educational associations, and consultants. The strategic plan recognizes and honors the core values that have sustained our Webb Community for more than 150 years and anticipates the challenges of a dynamic future. It has been invigorating, educational, particularly for a new head of school, and inspiring. Talking with so many in our extended Webb community and reading your comments, the strongest and most consistent thread woven throughout the reflections of Webb is that strong character should continue to be paramount and pre-eminent. The concept of strong, positive character has been reflected in elements and emphases such as honor, integrity, and respect, all consistent with our motto Noli Res Subdole Facere. One of the outcomes of our work was to collaborate on the development of a short vision statement that would augment our mission, Enduring Understandings, and motto and clearly illuminate our path forward. After many

discussions and iterations, we settled on the following:

“The Webb School develops future global leaders who pursue excellence through academics, arts, and athletics, with character above all else.” So, our vision forward which, of course, is deeply and inextricably rooted to our founding, is “character above all else.”

“One can’t help but have a very real sense that this is a critical juncture in the school’s history. The landscape of secondary education is evolving rapidly, and it is a particularly challenging time for independent schools. The strategic plan codifies how Webb will meet these challenges with innovation that is worthy of the school’s long history and without compromising the timeless principles and traditions that make Webb School exceptional and unique.”

--Trustee Evan Cope ‘94

We remain committed to the notion that one’s moral character, informed by universal values of honesty, integrity, transparency, and respect for others, will ultimately fuel the kind of positive influence and excellence that will make our world a better place for all of us.

We hold a deep desire and expectation that Webb graduates feel compelled to lead their generation.

The moral character forged at Webb is what informs the beginning of our vision: the development of future global leaders. As we continue to live in a complex world, we want every Webb student to know it is

their calling to lead with and toward as our school’s founder W.R. “Sawney” Webb posited, “the finer points of morals.” It is our desire and honor to invest in our ethnically, racially, and geographically diverse student body in ways and by means that imbed in their hearts and minds a tenacity to lead their communities around the globe and to collaborate with men and women with very diverse perspectives to solve the world’s most vexing problems.

Committed to developing global leaders who have high moral character, we want our graduates to know their gifts and pursue excellence. We want our students to be the very best version of themselves for the service and well-being of others. On a daily basis, our faculty members, who are now and will continue to pursue excellence in their areas of expertise, are committed to mentoring, teaching, and investing in our students through academics, arts, and athletics. While research is clear that we do not know precisely what challenges and opportunities await our graduates, we know that our faculty can use academics, arts, and athletics to develop analytical and communication skills, leadership, and character in our students that can and will make our world more just, kind, collaborative, and excellent.

As you read the rest of our summer 2022 magazine, you will see glimpses of this good work already being accomplished. You will also read of our commitment to thriving and leading in the future and continuing to produce graduates who are committed to and achieving the same. We also look forward with great enthusiasm, expectation, and pride to sharing details and action steps of our broad goals with you as we host gatherings locally and travel the globe to meet with our alumni, parents, and friends of Webb. The future is bright, and we need your partnership in achieving the most excellent Webb possible.

With humility and gratitude, I am inspired to lead our community to be a beacon for goodness and excellence long into the future.

“The creation of the strategic and master plans is an important moment in our school’s history and will help Webb carry its traditions forward for another 150 years.”

--Trustee Ben Blakeley ’93

“I have never been more excited about Webb’s future than I am now. Our vision to provide infrastructure and inspiration to produce exceptional global leaders with strong character is compelling!”

--Trustee Farrar Vaughan ’95, Strategic Plan 2022 chair

Strategic Plan 2022

Beginninglate in the 2021-2022 school year, we began preparations for our next strategic plan. We wanted our process to be inclusive, thorough, and future focused with recognition of the strength of our history. As difficult as the pandemic, political divide, and racial challenges have been in our own communities and country and throughout the globe, these trials have helped us clarify our core values and better see the needs of our future. From that perspective, I am grateful for the alignment of these global challenges with the development of our next strategic plan. I am also thankful for the process of hearing so many voices of Webb as I worked through the first two years of leading Webb as Head of School.

Below is an outline of the strategic plan that has been approved by the Board of Trust. I and our Alumni and Development team look forward to sharing more details, in person, via video, and in writing about this plan in the near future. I offer many thanks to all of you who participated in the process.

The Webb School’s Strategic Plan 2022

For more than 152 years, The Webb School educated and developed exceptional scholars and leaders. The Webb School’s Strategic Plan 2022 focuses our efforts to provide the highest quality education for future generations of Webb students while continuing our dedication to the mission and values of the school. This strategic plan was developed based on the input from The Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, and alumni, along with the greater Webb community.

OUR MISSION

The Mission of The Webb 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.

As I, our leadership team, and our Board of Trustees continue to assay the values of our past, we are grateful to the many alumni, friends, faculty, staff, students, parents, and former faculty who have given us their input through surveys and listening sessions. We cannot be our best nor strategically plan wisely and well without feedback from this broad group of stakeholders, so thank you. Our consultant in our strategic planning process, Kathy Hanson from Marts & Lundy consulting, has read the summaries from the surveys and all the written comments to guide our thinking and planning. The work of the board strategic planning committees, faculty committees, and our campus master planners, ESa Architecture firm, has informed Kathy’s analysis as well.

Not only have we sought and received input about what is most important about the ethos of Webb from our constituent groups, we have also queried these same groups along with our educational associations, independent-school and other industry research groups and several pundits to understand the future needs of our students. In discerning what our students need to flourish and lead their generation, we are gaining much more clarity on both the broad strokes and the nuances of faculty profiles we need to equip our students.

WHAT WE BELIEVE

Integrity is a cornerstone of a flourishing life and community.

Learning is an enjoyable and ongoing process.

Respect for self and others is essential to a harmonious society. Self-discipline and autonomy are essential to success.

Each person has unique gifts and capacities and a responsibility to develop them.

Each person shares the responsibility and honor of serving others

THE VISION OF OUR SCHOOL

The Webb School seeks to provide an exemplary learning environment where students develop a strong sense of honor, respect, and responsibility. The Webb School develops individuals into servant leaders who utilize their education and self-discipline to enhance their communities.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION STATEMENT

The Webb School provides a rigorous academic program that emphasizes personal integrity, civic responsibility, and leadership. An essential part of our ethos is that members of our school community, including students, faculty, and staff, are respected and supported as unique individuals. The Webb School seeks to foster an environment that encourages the understanding of differences of race, gender, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic class, and geographical origin.  We believe this is imperative to enhance our students’ educational experience.

The Webb School is committed to a diverse student body, which attracts students from both locally in middle Tennessee and globally. We embrace the opportunities to learn, study, and work in the richness of a diverse environment characterized by understanding, respect, and acceptance. The Webb School is committed to promoting diversity, mutual respect, and inclusion as an essential to a life of service and success.

By championing diversity in all aspects, Webb is committed to preparing students to enter their adult lives with a true understanding of the diverse aspects of the human experience. The Webb School treasures the opportunity to enrich students with an education truly memorable, instilling each generation with Integrity, Learning, Respect, Self-Discipline, Responsibility, and Serving Others. It is the undertaking of Webb for our graduates to leave as hard workers and lifelong scholars who practice strong morals in their everyday lives.

STRATEGIC GOALS

Pursue Excellence in Teaching and Learning through an academic program designed to serve the best interests of our students. Embrace innovation and emphasize the learning

experiences and traditions unique to The Webb School.

• Develop and maintain a curriculum that best prepares our students for admission and success in post-secondary colleges and universities.

• Attract and retain education talent through a positive educational culture, competitive compensation and housing programs, and an exceptional professional development program.

• Increase diversity among faculty and staff to reflect the increasingly diverse demographics of our student body.

• Instill in students a sense of responsibility for and commitment to being active and engaged members of The Webb School community.

Improve the Student Experience by creating a school environment that inspires students to thrive academically, artistically, athletically, and emotionally and become individuals of strong moral character.

• Create a safe, nurturing environment with an emphasis on the health and wellness of our students.

• Develop a Residential Life curriculum to enrich the boarding students’ experiences and strengthen the Webb community.

• Foster a space that intentionally incorporates and uplifts the voices and perspectives of the under-represented in our community.

• Encourage and support a culture of philanthropy and servant leadership.

• Develop additional extra-curricular activities and summer programming to enrich student experiences.

Ensure a Sustainable Organization well-prepared to grow and evolve with the needs of our students and faculty while maintaining relationships with alumni and the Webb community.

• Encourage and increase Alumni engagement through specific events and giving opportunities.

• Develop a strong, consistent program for student recruitment.

• Execute the Campus Master Plan by investing in our facilities to support future students.

• Grow the endowment to provide additional resources to support students, faculty and staff.

• Ensure strong governance and leadership aligning with the best practices of the National Association of Independent Schools.

Pursuing excellence in teaching and learning, improving the student experience and investing in the sustainability of our institution are the key objectives we have set for The Webb School Strategic Plan 2022 . We value and appreciate the opportunity to educate our students and prepare them for a future filled with lifelong learning.

Sandy Truitt explains

How does someone do the same thing

enthusiastically for so long?

It was as simple as a job offer for a temporary position to teach for one month that drew Sandy Truitt to Webb in May 1974. Each of the next 48 years would prove that Webb was exactly where she was supposed to be, doing precisely what she was meant to do.

“I have been fortunate beyond measure to have had the opportunity to teach at Webb. It is a job that suited me perfectly, and I have enjoyed every moment of it. I have great respect and admiration for the faculty and staff that I worked with. Everyone was so friendly and caring,” she reflected. “I learned a lot from them about what kind of a person to be, and I also learned a lot from the students. So many students were so hard-working and mature. It has been such a privilege to live my life with teenagers – young people who are, as Barack Obama described his daughters, “so fascinating and electric with life.”

During 1973-1974, after earning A.B. and M.S. degrees from Albertus Magnus College and the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, respectively, Truitt took education classes at Middle Tennessee State University and student taught at a local high school in Murfreesboro. Her goal was to become certified to teach high school mathematics. As she was finishing in the spring, Webb’s Headmaster Dr. Gary Jones contacted the MTSU Mathematics Department Chair Dr. Harold Spraker, who was her husband, Dr. Sam Truitt’s boss. Dr. Jones asked for the name of someone who could teach two precalculus classes during May to replace a teacher who had left. She was hired as the substitute.

“One day, right after I started in May, I was sitting at the desk in the classroom office (Big Room 106 – the room that I will always think of as Madame Moira Judas Smith’s room) when a custodian came in and commented that I was new there. I said ‘yes’, but that

years earlier and had been there ever since.”

I was only there for the month of May. He said that he wouldn’t be so sure, that he had come to Webb on a temporary basis 25 years earlier and had been there ever since.”

Nevertheless, the job did end in May, and although Webb still needed a mathematics teacher for the fall, the person would live in a dormitory, which was not her choice. However, in August, when another mathematics position opened up, she was hired by Luke Boyd, acting principal, to teach Algebra 2, Precalculus, and AP Calculus AB classes.

When she started at Webb, Marion Marks ’67 was the Mathematics Department chair. She explained that he was very good at encouraging students, and she greatly admired his teaching style. “He made the students read the textbook, and if there was something they didn’t understand, they had to be very specific about what it was. It was wonderful training for the students, and when I got them later in my class, I was impressed by what they knew. I always wished that I could teach like that, but somehow I rarely seemed able to do it.”

In Truitt’s second year, Marks brought back a sample precalculus textbook, Richard Brown’s Advanced Mathematics from a teachers’ meeting and said that she might be interested in it. The book would explain a topic and then gave only a few examples. Students had to rely on their understanding in order to do most of the homework problems. “It suited me exactly, and I learned a lot from it. That’s what I wanted them to do – understand the principles and reason logically; I didn’t want them just to mimic examples. I think a number of students related to that.” She added. “Over and over again, I have been thankful for my college teachers, Florence Jacobson and Sister Mary Zachary, for the understanding of mathematics that they gave me.”

Just like her beginning, Truitt has a simple explanation for why she remained at Webb for 48 years. “I continued at Webb for as long as I did because there was no reason to leave. I enjoyed what I was doing, and there wasn’t anything else that I wanted to

Mike Quinn, Dr. Sam Truitt and Sandy Truitt at her retirement celebration

Sandy Truitt at her chalkboard teaching

Sandy Truitt in the 1977 Yearbook

Quinn teaches and learns from students, colleagues during Webb career

Mike Quinn’s 23-year career as a Webb faculty member could be characterized as symbiotic – with his students, his colleagues and alumni. Experiences with individuals in these groups through the years, influenced him in many ways. They led to strong friendships, challenged him to keep creating and to keep an open mind, provided many lessons on giving to others and created lasting and meaningful memories.

In return beyond teaching, he served as advisor to many clubs, found joy in students’ varied accomplishments, and led or assisted colleagues on many international travelstudy trips and WILD (Wilderness Instruction and Leadership Development) adventures.

Quinn retired at the close of the 2021-2022 school year and was honored at an event that allowed faculty and staff to thank him for his support and efforts as a mentor, friend and colleague. The “memory book” presented to him along with a Webb chair, was filled with recollections and appreciation from alumni and friends.

Quinn graduated with B.S. and M.S. degrees from Middle Tennessee State University. He began serving Webb as a science tutor and summer school science teacher. He and wife Priscilla Van Tries had already chosen Webb for their sons, Ian ’02 and Parker ’04. He joined Webb full-time in 1999 as an honors biology and chemistry teacher and later taught freshwater ecology, anatomy and physiology and human biology before becoming a full-time upper school art instructor. During his time at Webb, he received the David Newton McQuiddy Award for excellence in teaching in 2001 and the Webb School Parents’ Association Faculty Enrichment Award selected by the student body in 2004.

There were many reasons he remained at Webb for more than two decades. “Overall, I appreciated the opportunity to plant the seeds of chaos into young minds. I kid, I kid! I have to say stuff like that so my former students know that I’m still the same old goofy Mr. Quinn,” he said. “But seriously, the most meaningful experiences were the opportunities when the students and I were able to share knowledge with each other and learn from each other. Not only in the classroom, but being able to share in their

performances in theater, Webbstock, Springfest, Coffeehouses, sporting events, clubs (Fishing, Feet to Feet, Oracle, Diversity...), chapel programs, celebrations, outdoor and international trips and marches and rallies toward the betterment of society.” He added, “These were the venues where opportunities for a true connection arose. And of course, teaching was fun!”

Although his college degrees focused on science, he has always enjoyed making art, “and was known as a pretty good artist through the fourth grade. Personally, I don’t think my talents have grown since then, but I was able to create stuff while pursuing my interest in the sciences and philosophy,” he explained. “As an art instructor, I was constantly torn between inundating the students with art history and simply trying to open an awareness of fully observing the present and interpreting it from their unique perspective and experience.” Quinn said his brain is not “programmed” to retain chronological and stylistic details as much as to recognize trends and patterns, and his teaching reflected that. Art I, he noted, was primarily based on the mechanics of observational drawing, but as students advanced, his teaching style gave way to a more individualized structure.”

Quinn found it difficult to note only a few highlights and enjoyable experiences in his career because there are so many. But, he ranked his participation in 20+ Senior Survivals at the top of a long list. The “Bob Roy and the Christmas Cookie” presentations were highlights.

“I began by doing this puppet show by myself, and over the years the students took on more and more roles, to the point that during the last few years I have had very little to do with the performance,” Quinn said. “This lesson of letting go in order to allow others to gain ownership and have fun was fundamental to my growth as a teacher and human.”

Having participated in approximately 75 WILD trips with Brian Wofford (retired faculty member and outdoor program director) and later Joe Griggs ’05, WILD program director, and many other multi-day trips, Quinn remarked, “I keep many memories of the beauty of the Appalachians, the crisp clean air of the Boundary Waters, the gorgeous structure of the southwest and especially Senior

Mike Quinn and Brian Wofford, retired Outdoor Program director, on a WILD trip.

Mike Quinn and Joe Griggs ’05, WILD director and former student

Forty-eight graduate in 152nd commencement

The Webb School’s 48 seniors graduated during the 152nd commencement ceremony on May 28. Family and friends joined faculty and staff in honoring the class. David Tang, a 1994 Webb graduate, was the guest speaker.

Graduation was preceded by Baccalaureate with speaker, L.R. Smith, retired Webb history and ethics teacher, Honor Council advisor, chapel director and longtime clay target team coach and assistant coach. Also participating in baccalaureate were Jim Callis, associate head of school, and Pratham Patel, Honor Council president.

Dr. Tabetha Sullens ’94, assistant head of school, gave the invocation for commencement, and Head of School Ken Cheeseman welcomed those attending. He was joined on the stage by James I. Vance Berry ’72, Board of Trustees chair. Also recognized were other trustees in the audience, including Vice Chair Farrar Vaughan ’95, David Brown, father of graduating senior, Conner Brown, Evan Cope ’94 and Webb Follin III ’73. Music for the baccalaureate and commencement ceremonies was directed and provided by Janet Linton, Fine Arts Department chair, Susan Mullen, string instructor and string orchestra director, and the string ensemble.

Turning his attention to the graduates’ parents, Cheeseman said, “As your child’s head of school, I am very grateful to you and for you. You have given us a gift by allowing us to know, love, teach, coach, advise, and mentor your children. We are particularly

grateful to you for your support and confidence in us as we led your children and you through some very trying times the last 2½ years. “We could not be here having achieved as much as we have without your support, so thank you. Having spoken recently to many of your children about you, I know they are thankful for the opportunity that you have given to them.”

are

Focusing on the Class of 2022, the head of school continued, “I am proud of you! The last 2½ years of your high school experience was shaped not only by COVID, but also by some of the most significant social, racial, and political challenges in decades. These challenges certainly buffeted you, individually and as a class, but you are resilient and you clearly care for each other, which has made such a difference in the strength of your perseverance.” He added, “I am reminded that only 42 of you are present today because of COVID protocols impacting some of our international students’ travel. You are a medley of talents, skills, passions, and paths forward. We celebrate your accomplishments, are grateful for the journey we shared with you, and have great hope for your future. You have worked hard to reach your academic goals, and you have been leaders in the classrooms, on the courts, and on the stage.”

The head of school closed telling the graduates, “The faculty and I congratulate the members of the class of 2022 for all of their accomplishments and for having achieved this important milestone in their lives. I also want you to know we will miss you. We are grateful for having shared this time in this place with you.”

Cheeseman introduced Tang, who has spent the last 25 years in the mergers and acquisitions and investing space. He is currently vice president of M&A and Business Development for PurposeBuilt Brands, where he originates and executes acquisitions for a leading cleaning products company. Prior to PurposeBuilt, he executed acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, and venture investments for Fortune Brands Home & Security, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and Brickman Landscaping. He previously led private-equity investments for Allied Capital and Emerging Markets Partnership. Tang started his career in investment banking with Bowles Hollowell Conner. After Webb, he attended Harvard University, where he graduated with a degree in economics cum laude. He is a resident of Highland Park, Ill., and he and his wife Elizabeth have a 12-year-old daughter named Emmy.

Following Tang’s remarks, Cheeseman recognized the faculty and also thanked two retiring faculty members – Sandy Truitt, with 48 years of service, and Mike Quinn, with 23. They were celebrated at end-of-year events.

Physics teacher Henry Brooks received the 2022 David Newton McQuiddy Award that honors a teacher who has integrity, is loyal to Webb and its ideals, is dedicated to the profession, and who encourages sound character development and academic excellence. The recipient of the award is selected by a vote of the student body. Brooks was valedictorian of his class at Davidson College and has been a faculty member for three years. He also serves as coach, dorm parent and advisor.

Also announced was Head of School’s Award, funded by the J Murray Hill ’75 Endowment. This award is intended to be given by the Head of School to fund any appropriate annual expense.

For this school year, it was designated to send eighth grader, Ben Lesher, to the national science bee competition in Orlando, Fla. The award will also to be used to purchase and install display cases for the Academic Student and the Arts Student of the Month awards, bringing greater recognition to top students in both of these important areas of school life. “We are very grateful for Mr. Hill’s generous gift,” Cheeseman acknowledged.

David Tang ’94

Academics, Arts & Athletics

Reading Refugee inspires action

During the spring semester, Jodi Campbell’s eighth-grade history class completed a project for refugees based on Refugee by Alan Gratz, a book that students read in class. As explained in a letter to the Webb community seeking help with the project, “This book tells the story of three refugee crises and the people who experienced them, which gives us a first-hand account about what it is like to leave your home by force due to government issues, wars and economic inconsistencies.”

The book’s message sparked a plan in February to sponsor a fundraiser for local refugees in need. The class enlisted the help of Webb alum Jess Glover ’09, who works as a SIFE (Students of Interrupted Formal Education) teacher at Tusculum Elementary School in Nashville. Glover was instrumental in helping the class understand the students’ needs.

“These people left their homes with little to nothing. When they arrive in their new country, the challenges they face can be overwhelming,” the class project letter explained. “They have to start over and need basic supplies.”

As part of the effort, the class sponsored a drive to collect the following donations: basic household items, first-aid kits, toolkits, flashlights and batteries, school supplies, toys, translators, toiletries, water and non-perishable food. Other items requested were new or used clothing, coats, gloves, hats, scarves and shoes.

Additionally, a Jeans Day fundraiser was sponsored for the Metro School District’s Family Resource Center. On Jeans Days, scheduled periodically throughout the school year, Webb students, faculty and staff donate a minimum of $3 in exchange for wearing jeans that day. The money collected is donated for a specific purpose.

As a result of the students’ efforts and assistance from donors, nearly $800 was raised and all types of clothing, household items and food were collected for the Family Resource Center at Tusculum Elementary that was designated to benefi t from the project.

Several students offered their thoughts about the project and its potential impact.

Jayden Frazier - “We recently read the book Refugee by Alan Gratz, and it touched many of our hearts. I hope students coming into eighth grade next year can experience what we have. This was a cool experience.”

Alora Pearce - “$800 is a lot of money, and I’m glad that it’s going to support the refugees!”

Gunnar Boles - “We as a collective class enjoyed helping the displaced by raising money and bringing in so many donations to give these people these blessings and a chance at a fresh start.”

Lesher advances to MS National Science Bee national championship

Eighth grader Benjamin Lesher advanced to the national championship of the Middle School National Science Bee in Orlando, Fla., in June. Lesher of Lebanon, Tenn., qualified for nationals based on his score in the regional tournament on April 10 and competed against 96 other eighth graders at nationals. As part of the 2022 Head of School’s Award, funded by the J Murray Hill

’75 Endowment, the school sent him to the competition.

A total of 13 qualifying Webb middle school students participated in the regional competition online on campus under the direction of Missy Harden, science teacher. Others who participated at the regional level, the second phase of the three-phase competition, included Audie Nicoll, Anna Kate Gregory, Iakov Bardin, Lukas McGuff, Erin Fisher, Grayson Harrell, Kat Mosier, Aiden Ellis, Amelie Taucare, Paxton McCallon, Troy Isaac and Emery Potts. Students participated in the initial phase in February.

Read more about student academics at www.thewebbschool.com.

Benjamin Lesher

Frere grant, Marks gift fund leadership training

Nicole Taucare, dean of academics and arts, and Pamela Seals and Kevin Finn, science and English department chairs, attended a summer departmental leadership conference at Pomfret School in Connecticut.

Pomfret website information notes that “during the five-day residential institute, participants will learn effectively, facilitating meaningful and productive feedback conversations and guiding organizational change. …Ultimately, chairs will emerge with a mission statement and strategic plan for their departments that aligns with their school’s mission and strategic vision.”

The Jon Frere Professional Development Grant provides funds each year for opportunities for intellectual enrichment, career enhancement and professional expertise and/or classroom excellence. Grants are funded by the James R. Meadows Foundation, which created an endowment in 2014.

This year, an additional gift from Marion Marks ’67 earmarked for professional development, helped fund the conference attendance.

Walton first in “Storyteller Contest”

Mili Walton ‘23, won a first-place prize in the 7th Annual Ringling College Art and Design’s Storyteller of Tomorrow Contest for her comic short story “Seashells” during the 2021-2022 school year. Walton entered the “genre stories” category, one of three in the contest.

Walton’s announcement from Ringling College included, “This illustrated short story exemplifies the interdisciplinary spirit both Ringling and the Creative Writing Program strive to achieve. The layered simplicity of a young woman’s trip to the beach and poignant conversations with some of the ocean’s most essential objects delves into the fulfillment and emptiness of brief spiritual connections.”

Dr. Ryan Van Cleave, Head of Creative Writing at Ringling College, added, “This year’s competition was especially fierce. We had well over 800 entries from more than a dozen countries, and the judges spent a lot of time discussing the merits of each entry. There was simply so much quality writing that we wish we had more awards to give!”

Students inducted into Cum Laude Society

College Fair attracts 35 schools

Webb hosted representatives from 35 schools in the spring at its first College Fair since 2020. All freshmen, sophomores and juniors attended asking questions and discussing programs and majors with the representatives from Tennessee, Ohio, Florida, Illinois, Mississippi, Alabama, Virginia, South Carolina and Kentucky.

Thirteen seniors and juniors were inducted into the Webb Chapter of the Cum Laude Society during a chapel ceremony in May. Seniors inducted included Yaotian Zhang, Helen Allison, Jerry Feng, Nicola Sun, and they joined seniors Wendy Fu, Jessica Le, Pratham Patel, Zoë Nicholson and Hazel Song, inducted during the 2020-2021 school year. Juniors included this year were Carley Byford, Carter Sublette, Abby Hagan, David Tran, Jack Zhong, Daisy Wang, Alisyn Parfait, Victor Shen and Bailey Brock. Also inducted was Mallory Garcia, Study Center co-director and faculty member. Other faculty members in the Cum Laude Society include Andrew Stimpson ’99, Sandy Truitt (secretary), Henry Brooks, Kristen Linton ’00 and Kelly Northrup (president).

Nicole Taucare

Pamela Seals

Kevin Finn

“J-Mac” is Follin SpeakerMS Book Awards and 8th Grade Graduation

Jason “J-Mac” McElwain, an ESPY award recipient, teacher, coach, and public speaker, was featured during the spring semester as part of the 2021-2022 Follin Speaker Series.

McElwain, a highfunctioning autistic athlete, rose to fame on national news in 2006 when, during a high school basketball game, he scored 20 points in four minutes. He won the ESPY Award for the Best Moment in Sports in 2006, and appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Larry King Live, Good Morning America, and Today. “Never letting tough obstacles prevent you from pursuing your goals” was McElwain’s topic for the presentation. While on campus, McElwain spoke to basketball players during a separate meeting. The Follin Speaker Series is an endowed program at The Webb School. With the speaker are James Garcia, boys’ basketball assistant coach, left, and Micah Williams, head coach, right.

US Book Awards Ceremony

Upper school students were presented class book awards and special awards by faculty during the annual Book Awards Ceremony on May 19 in the Follin Chapel. Students inducted into the Alla Webb Honor Society also received cords to wear at commencement.

For the US Awards Ceremony awards, video and photos, visit: www.thewebbschool.com/about/school-news – May 19, 2022 post.

McGuff spelling bee winner

Middle School students, family and friends came together for a book awards ceremony and eighth grade graduation on May 20. The evening included the presentation of traditional and special awards, announcement of the declamation contest winners and graduation of the 52 eighth-grade students. Eighth grade graduates received certificates and pins to add to their senior blazers in four years.

For the MS Awards Ceremony and Eighth Grade Graduation awards, video and photos, visit: www. thewebbschool.com/ about/school-news –May 21, 2022 post.

more about student academics at www.thewebbschool.com.

Lukas McGuff, eighth grader of Columbus, Ohio, claimed first place in the annual middle school spelling bee. McGuff spelled the championship word in the 12th round. Gunner Boles, eighth grader of Christiana, placed second, and Jackson Elfersy, sixth grader of Murfreesboro, placed third.

Sutton wins Geography Bee

Sixth grader Carson Sutton of Wartrace won the annual middle school geography bee. The event was organized by Andrew McRady ’86, geography teacher and history faculty member.

Eighth grader Joe Pitner of Shelbyville placed second, and seventh grader Ethan Clark of Murfreesboro placed third.

“The Geography Bee is a highlight of the year. I am consistently inspired to see and hear the students’ knowledge of our world.” said Dr. Tabetha Sullens ’94, assistant head of school.

Read

Students claim awards at mathematics contests

Upper school students traveled to Middle Tennessee State University in April to participate in one of several sites hosting the 65th Tennessee Mathematics Teachers Association Mathematics Contest sponsored by MTSU. Several Webb students placed in the top 10 in each category offered. There are no team places at this competition - only individual. Students were accompanied by Sandy Truitt, math faculty member. Certificates presented included: Geometry - Ryan Sublette - 15th place, Macy Simon - 10th; Algebra 2 - Iris Lin - 16th, Gerry Zhao3rd; Statistics –Jacob Sun - 17th, Jeff Yan - 3rd; PreCalculus - Ray Zhang - 20th, Quan Nguyen - 7th, Bob Yan - 5th; and Calculus - Fay Tong - 18th, Victor Shen - 13th, Kenny Kewei Hou - 9th, and Daisy Wang - 6th. Others participating included the following: Geometry - Lane Comstock, Mack Hopper, Quinn Shibayama; Algebra 2 - David Tran, Abigail Voorhes-Fontenot, Steven Zhang;

Webb travels during breaks

and PreCalculus - Julia Camille McCamey.

Lea Anne Windham, math department chair, took 12 middle school students to the MTSU-sponsored Middle School TMTA competition. “The students were selected based on their excellent achievement in mathematics,” Windham noted. “The group performed solidly, particularly since for most this was their first competition.”

Peter Ha tied for 19th place in the eighth grade. Others participating and their grade level included the following: 6th graders - Audie Nicoll, Jayda Frazier, Anna Kate Gregory, Jackson Elfersy; 7th grade - Ashley Bobo, Reagan Bawcum, Leo Ha, Harrold Thomas; 8th grade - Alora Pearce, Kat Mosier and Carter Lampley.

Winter Break -- WILD canoe trip on Santa Fe River and Ichetucknee Springs State Park in Florida

Spring Break – Ireland-Scotland trip Spring Break – Quebec trip Spring Break – Quebec trip

Spring Break – WILD trip to Max Patch in North Carolina

Spring Break – WILD trip to Max Patch

Spring Break – St. Patrick's Cathedral-Ireland-Scotland trip

Read more about student academics at www.thewebbschool.com.

Brock attends Governor’s School for the Arts Scholar, Artist of the Month new recognitions

Bailey Brock ’23, a violinist in the Honors String Orchestra, was accepted into the Governor’s School for the Arts at Middle Tennessee State University in June. GSFTA exists to provide high-quality arts education for gifted and talented high school students in the state of Tennessee. The pre-professional summer curriculum includes individual and group instruction designed to help rising 11th and 12th grade students explore and develop talents in music, ballet, theatre, filmmaking, or visual art during this three-week summer intensive experience. Students are selected in competitive auditions during the months of January and February.

Qi takes advantage of summer “break” with 3 special opportunities

Pianist Leo Qi, Class of 2024, gave a short recital of works by Beethoven and Chopin at Nashville’s First Presbyterian Church in the spring. Qi is pictured with Janet Linton, Webb Fine Arts Department chair, and his piano teacher and advisor.

To read more about Qi’s summer program and watch the First Presbyterian Church recital video visit: www.thewebbschool.com/about/schoolnews - April 9, 2022 post.

The term “break” had a different meaning this summer for Leo Qi ’24 as he was selected for three successive educational opportunities that spanned the entire time he was away from Webb. He began with two online summer programs and finished with an in-person session, all which focused on his educational interests and passions. The opportunities included Yale University’s Young Global Scholars Program, Concord Summer Review Program and Interlochen Center for the Arts Young Artist Program.

“Leo is a remarkable young man,” said Janet Linton, Fine Arts Department chair and Qi’s advisor. “He was accepted into three prestigious summer programs and was awarded a merit scholarship at Interlochen Arts Center. It is quite an accomplishment.”

Jaycie Bateman ’24 and Zoë Nicholson ’22 were the first students to be recognized as the Scholar of the Month and Art Student of the Month, respectively, honors initiated in the spring of the 2021-2022 school year. The purpose of the awards is to celebrate those outstanding scholars who embody academic excellence and live the values of the six Enduring Understandings. Selection is made based on the following attributes: hard working, intellectually curious, best effort on all assignments, service to the community, enthusiasm about learning gains, self-agency, integrity in all actions and also participation in extracurricular activities. Also named in spring were Quinn Shibayama ’25 as Scholar and Jason Liang ’22 as Art Student. As part of 2022 the Head of School’s Award, funded by the J Murray Hill ’75 Endowment, a display case will be purchased and installed for both the Academic Student of the Month and the Arts Student of the Month, bringing greater recognition to top students in both of these important areas of school life.

These two new honors join the StudentAthlete of the Month as Webb continues to focus on on Academics, Arts and Athletics.

Students attend gallery opening of

alum’s exhibition

Seven Webb students traveled in the spring to Nashville with Mike Quinn, art teacher, to attend the gallery opening of Tree Read’s Solo Exhibition of vintage collage titled “Music City of the Sphere’s.” Read is a 2012 Webb graduate.

Jaycie Bateman

Zoë Nicholson

Quinn Shibayama

Jason Liang

Junior Thespians perform 10-Minute Musicals

Junior Thespians followed up their fall inaugural performance with two 10-Minute Musicals, “Run This Town” and “Superhots” staged in the spring in the Black Box Theatre of the Lundin Fine Arts Center. Under the direction of Marilyn Morgan, the middle school program began during the 2021-2022 school year.

Set in Chicago in 1925, “Run This Town” featured Juan’Daniel Arellano as “Big Al” Capone, Ashley Bobo and Paxton McCallon as gangsters, Lily Harris as Shady Man, Abriella Hershman as Hairdo Sister, and Henry Hulan as One-Eyed Pete. Songs included “Run This Town”, “Nowhere to Hide”, “Nothing Shady” and “Confession Song.” Set in Cayenne, Texas, Arellano also led Superhots as Taylor, an organic farmer. Saphira Yasui was Superhot Villager, and Joanna Powers was Superhot Singer, with Harris as understudy. Haley Helton was Charlotte, a restaurant owner, and McCallon was Pepper Pete. The musical numbers included “Tuesday!”, “Kablammo!”, and “The Heat of a Pepper”.

Musical accompaniment was provided by Jason Liang for “Run This Town” and Leo Qi for “Superhots”. Crew members for the spring performance were Avery Payne, Ashley Bobo, Gabby Dooley, Lily Harris, Stella Burns, Henry Hulan and art faculty member Mike Quinn-props; Nashville Repertory Theatre, Barfield School of Dance and Morgan-costumes; Payne-set crew; and Payne and Morgan-lights and sound.

Grandparents’ Day virtual and special

The 2022 Grandparents’ Day was virtual, but it included several special features that embraced technology and utilized the U.S. Postal Service. The event began with chapel and Phil Coop ’66, Board of Trustees chairman emeritus, as the guest speaker. He was introduced by Ken Cheeseman, head of school. A video was created by Dr. Tabetha Sullens ’94, assistant head of school, and John McCreery, Webb’s videographer, focusing on the theme of the love of grandparents and Webb’s familiar expression “Pedigree your Ancestors.” The video that features the three A’s and many students’ personal memories with grandparents was shown in the chapel and then emailed to all grandparents. During this time, grandparents in the U.S. and internationally received handwritten cards in the mail with a heartfelt message from their grandchildren. The card features the artwork of student Mili Walton ’23.

We hope to welcome grandparents back to campus in the 20222023 school year.

Latin students see Frist Medieval Bologna, Art for a University City exhibit

Upper level Latin classes enjoyed an experiential learning day in Nashville early in the spring semester. They traveled to the Frist Art Museum to see the Medieval Bologna, Art for a University City exhibit, which featured Latin manuscripts from the 12th to the 14th centuries as well as

paintings and sculptures from the same time period. Students also had the opportunity to attempt similar techniques used by the artists to make bookmarks. Pictured are Phoebe Smith ’22, left, and Abby Hagan ’23.

Casts of “Run This Town” and “Superhots” with Marilyn Morgan, director

Seniors recognized during String Orchestras’ spring concert

Webb’s string orchestras’ spring concert featured several selections each from Strings I, Intermediate Strings and Orchestra Honors. The evening included Fancy Fiddles - Mark Williams; Ocean Storm “La Tempesta di Mare” - Vivaldi, Arr. Tom Fritz; Minuetto from Symphony No. 35 - Mozart, Arr. Robert McCashin; Land of Dragons - Chris Thomas - with solos by Abby Faith Cheeseman, Kennedy Clarkson, Maggie Williams, Neva Redman and Nick Allison; and The Blessing - Graham, Downes, Arr. Longfield, among others.

Orchestra director Susan Mullen also used the occasion to recognize seniors in the orchestra program.

“School House Rock Live! Jr.” at Webb

“School House Rock Live! Jr.” came alive as the Webb Company Players staged the production in spring.

“The Emmy Award-winning Saturday morning educational cartoon series and pop culture phenomenon is … the basis for one of the most fun musicals ever to hit the stage. Tom is a young school teacher who is nervous about his first day of teaching. He tries to relax by watching TV, when various characters representing facets of his personality emerge from the set and show him how to win his students over with imagination and music. Memorable songs bring his lesson plans vividly to life.” ---- MTI.com

An ensemble cast portrayed the roles of the original Tom, George, Dori, Shulie, Dina, Joe, Elvis and Janet.

Featured were Winston Dugdale, Ilana Gunther, Ali Kabulbekov, Alisyn Parfait, Elliott Williams, Lucy Wilson, Sabrina Xia, Mason Yoes and Ray Zhang. Theatre program director Ruth Cordell directed the spring performance and also designed the set. Maryanna Walton, English Department faculty member, was the faculty assistant / co-director, and Janet Linton, Fine Arts Department chair, music director. Also assisting with the production was Drew Creal, fine arts department faculty member. Stage managers were Zoë Nicholson and Aspen Northcutt. Costumes were designed by cast members, who also assisted Cordell with props. Other crew members included: makeup coordinator, Willa Kate Shofner; control booth, London Sullens, Lane Comstock, Abby Ingram; student videographer assistant, Sullens; paint design, blocks and stairs, Northcutt; hair and makeup, Shofner, Emmett Gabehart, cast and crew.

The backstage crew included Nicholson, Northcutt, Sullens, Annie Calhoun, Comstock, Ingram, Caitlin Jeralds, Shofner, Luke Ledbetter, Pratham Patel and Corbin Whitney.

Webbathon tops $19K

Northrup explained that Webbathon targeted childhood cancer for the 2021-2022 school year because of the high cost of providing treatment. “There are good outcomes, but the treatments are very expensive. It’s very real for the students, and they are so proud of themselves,” she said of the project. “This is also about teaching philanthropy to young people so they feel they have a way to help – a concrete way to give back.”

As Webbathon faculty sponsor, Northrup also brings a personal history to the project. “My son was a patient at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital. I’ve experienced the care first-hand and will always want to give back.” She added, “Change Kids’ Health. Change the future. I know exactly who we are helping.”

Change Kids’ Health. Change the future.

--Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals

That’s the focus of the annual Webbathon at The Webb School to raise funds for the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt Murfreesboro facilities. In its fifth year at Webb, the Webbathon raised more than $19,000.

The yearlong fundraising effort of events, activities, incentives and class competitions were capped by the recent Miracle Week and the “10K for 10K Team Color Run” that drew more than 70 adults, students and area residents to participate in the campus event.

“Kids are motivated and want to help, but they don’t always know how to help,” said Kelly Northrup, faculty sponsor since the project’s inception. She noted that funds raised by Webbathon go to the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital Vanderbilt Surgery and Clinics in Murfreesboro. “They help kids who need help here.”

This year, Webbathon executive committee, Caroline Whitaker, Brooklyn Shepard-Wheelon, co-presidents; and Irelyn Weaver and Jaycie Bateman, co-vice presidents; worked with Sara Boyd, Charlotte Carkuff, Jayda Frazier, Bella Griff y, Abriella Hershman, Katy Kilgore, Gage LeMaster and Mary Myers, club members; and Northrup. There also were more than 20 student volunteers this year.

A 10K Color Run capped this year’s event.

Students celebrate topping $19,000.

The Webb School Parents’ Association continued the tradition of treating students, faculty and staff during exam days. Volunteers transformed the Elkins Student Center with tables of appetizers, snacks, sweets, fruits and beverages.

10th grade students canoed the Buffalo River on a three-day trip in April.

Student Life team forms Diversity Council

The Student Life team announced the school’s inaugural Diversity Council in spring. Moving forward, members of the council each year will work closely with Dr. Tabetha Sullens ’94, assistant head of school; Jena Jones, director of Social, Emotional and Academic Development, and others to strategically and creatively plan events throughout the year to foster a culture of inclusivity at Webb, encourage a better understanding of each other, and create a safe space for students of all backgrounds.

Springfest offers an evening of entertainment

The first Diversity Council included, from left, Iris Reyes, Ruoyan “Daisy” Wang, Xin “Victor” Shen, Ruiyang “Ray” Zhang, Zhehan “Jerry” Feng, Sydney Kentish, Darius Frazier, Olivia Dugdale, Caleb Hagan, Quinn Shibayama, Tyler Miller, Serik Bilbro and Myiah Brooks.

Music, fun, food and fellowship were all enjoyed at this year’s Springfest organized by Drew Creal, fine arts faculty member. Creal and music students performed for faculty, staff, parents and students. Sage Dining served dinner outdoors, and students enjoyed following the lead of previous students drawing on art teacher Mike Quinn’s car.

Webb’s Student Champions

Bree Robinson

State Champion 400-Meter

TSSAA Div. II-A Track and Field

Abby Faith Cheeseman

2022 State Champion 1600-Meter

TSSAA Div. II-A Track and Field

Tennessee Cross Country Runner of the Year for 2022

Miles Simons

State Champion

2022 State Junior Olympics International Skeet

Girls Basketball Team

2022 State Champions

TSSAA Div. II-A Girls Basketball

Boys Soccer

TSSAA Div. II-A

State Soccer Tournament

Team-Elite Eight

Region Soccer Tournament

All-Region Team

Roen Davis

Koen Edwards

District Soccer Tournament All-District Team

Roen Davis

Gustavo Machado

All-District Top Goal Scorer

Roen Davis

Track and Field

TSSAA Div. II-A

State Championships Girls Team

4th Place

State Champions: 400m - Bree Robinson 1600m - Abby Faith Cheeseman

State Runner-up 3200 - Abby Faith Cheeseman

3rd Place: 4x400m Team - Bree Robinson, TaTianna Stovall, Sophie McInturff, Angelica Velez Shot Put - TaTianna Stovall

Region Medalists - scoring in the top 8 places

5th place: 4x200m relay - Olivia Dugdale, TaTianna Stovall, Sydney Davenport, Bree Robinson 300m H - Sydney Davenport

4x800m relay - Ryan Sublette, Daisy Wang, Abigail VoorhesFontenot, Neva Redman High Jump - TaTianna Stovall

6th place: 100m dash - Bree Robinson

8th place: High Jump - Sydney Davenport

Boys Team

Middle Region

5th place: 4x400m relay - Cooper Medling, Ray Zhang, Alex Smith, Victor Shen

6th place: 4x200m relay - Ray Zhang, Zyon Ferguson, Zethan Atwood, Victor Shen

7th place: 100m Hurdles - Demetri Mills 4x100m relay - Ray Zhang, Zyon Ferguson, Zethan Atwood, Victor Shen

8th place: 300m Hurdles- Demetri Mills

4th Place: 3200m, 1600m - Sophie McInturff

8th Place: Shot Put - Angelica Velez

11th place: Pentathlon - Sydney Davenport

Middle Region Runners-up-Team

Region Champions

Shot Put - TaTianna Stovall

400m - Bree Robinson 3200m, 1600m - Abby Faith Cheeseman

Girls Lacrosse

TSSAA Div. II-A

All-Region and All-State Tournament Teams Brooklyn Shepard-Wheelon

Softball

TSSAA Div. II-A

All-District Tournament Team Bella Griff y Jaycie Bateman

Region 2nd Place

4x400m Team - Sophie McInturff, TaTianna Stovall, Abby Faith Cheeseman, Bree Robinson 800m - Abby Faith Cheeseman

During the spring semester, student-athlete Peja York ’22 signed a National Letter of Intent to attend and cheer at Ursuline College in Pepper Pike, Ohio.

TSSAA Div. II-A

District Tournament - Boys & Girls

2nd Place Girls Singles - Sydney Kentish

3rd Place Girls Singles - Aysha Hosam

2nd Place Boys Doubles - Yao Zhang and Shaan Daswani

Tennis Clay Target Team

2022

Region Tournament - Boys & Girls

3rd Place Girls Singles - Sydney Kentish

2nd Place Boys Doubles - Yao Zhang and Shaan Daswani

State Tournament-Boys & Girls

Elite 8 Girls Singles - Sydney Kentish

Final 4 Boys Doubles - Yao Zhang and Shaan Daswani

Varsity Boys Tennis Team District

2nd Place - Boys Team Region

2nd Place - Boys Team State Tournament Elite 8 - Boys Team

International

2nd Place Johnathon Savage Gracie Hensley

2022 SCTP National Tournament

Hensley Makes SCTP International Skeet Team

Webb junior Gracie Hensley of Shelbyville made the Scholastic Clay Target Program International Team in skeet after placing third in the finals at the SCTP National Team Championships in Marengo, Ohio, on July 5-6. International skeet is shot in the Olympics and World Cup events. In contrast to American skeet, the targets are faster, there are more doubles, and athletes cannot mount their shotgun until the target emerges. The SCTP International Team is selected at the national tournament each summer and aims to prepare promising athletes to make future junior Olympic and World Cup teams.

2022 SCTP National Tournament

3rd place senior ladies international skeet - Gracie Hensley

2022 TNSCTP State Tournament

3rd place varsity doubles skeet squad - Miles Simons, Jonathan Savage, Gracie Hensley

3rd place IE doubles skeet squad - Owen Aymett, Caiden Pyrdum, Ollie Greene

3rd place IE doubles skeet team - Owen Aymett, Caiden Pyrdum, Paxton McCallon, Ollie Greene

3rd place, ladies varsity doubles skeet - Gracie Hensley

2022 TNSCTP Region II Tournament

3rd place IE skeet squad - Ollie Greene, Owen Aymett, Caiden Pyrdum

3rd place IE skeet team - Ollie Greene, Owen Aymett, Caiden Pyrdum, Paxton McCallon

State Junior Olympics

Skeet State Champion Miles Simons

Sydney Kentish

Yao Zhang

Basketball

TSSAA Div. II-A

2022 Girls State Champions

All-State Tournament Team

MVP - Tatianna Stovall

Bree Robinson

Angelica Velez

Aalyah Del Rosario

Varsity Girls Regional Tournament Champions

Regional All - Tournament Team

MVP - Aalyah Del Rosario

Angelica Velez Bree Robinson

Varsity Girls District Champions

District All - Tournament Team

MVP - Angelica Velez Aalyah Del Rosario

Regular-Season All-District Team

Aalyah Del Rosario

Angelica Velez Bree Robinson

Rhema Collins Summer Bostock

2022

Boys

State Tournament - Elite 8

Regional Tournament - 3rd Place Regional All-Tournament Team

Weston Coop

District Tournament - Runners-up District All-Tournament Team

Evan Eursher

Stephen Olowoniyi

Regular-Season All-District Team

MVP - Evan Eursher Stephen Olowoniyi

Arnett Hayes

MS

James

All-Tournament

Joel Wyatt Eli Brown

Armon Leavy

TIAA

Tennessee Sports Writers Association Div. II-A

All-State Girls Basketball Team - Angelica Velez

Aalyah Del Rosario

USA Women’s National Team Member & TSSAA Div. II - A Miss Basketball 2022 Finalist

Boys Basketball Team

C. Haile State Tournament Champions

Team

Left to right - Bree Robinson, Angelica Velez, TaTiana Stovall-MVP, Aalyah Del Rosario

MS Boys Basketball Team

Middle School League Tournament Champions 23-0 Regular/Tournament Season Record

Gal-La Font signed a full athletic scholarship to attend and play basketball at Western Nebraska College.

PAWS supports athletes, athletics and other projects

Each year, the Parents of Athletes of Webb School (PAWS) organization provides opportunities for parent involvement and student volunteers under the leadership of the PAWS executive board, and in coordination with Scott Dorsett, Director of Athletics, and Lindsey Trice, Athletics Assistant.

Throughout the year, PAWS operates concessions, sells Webb gear and staff s the gate at athletic events, makes donations to athletics projects, events and facility improvements, helps host and staff invitationals, meets and exhibition games, and provides experience and community service hours for students. During the 2021-2022 school year, the group helped host Webb’s John Freemen Cross Country Invitational that drew the largest number of participants (1,200) to date and the school’s first major track and field event – the Fast Feet Invitational – with more than 300 athletes, their families and support staff s from multiple schools. PAWS also funds some of the awards presented to athletes at the end of each season.

Other special school volunteer efforts included partnering with the Webb School Parents’ Association (WSPA) to co-host a Back-to-School Bash that kicked off the 2021-2022 school year and helping support Webb’s 150th Anniversary Celebration with special 150th spirit wear and other merchandise for sale during the event. The group also contributed to Webb’s annual Webbathon for the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital.

At the close of the school year, Beatrix Shealy-Shuster ’23, who managed PAWS concessions student recruitment, was recognized with a gift for organizing the student volunteers.

Evan Gay new head football coach

Evan Gay, a Murfreesboro native, who has coached in Texas and Mississippi, was named head football coach in the school’s third year as part of the TSSAA Div. II-A East Region.

Most recently, Gay has served as a teacher, varsity football quarterback coach and passing game coordinator at St. Stanislaus College in Bay St. Louis, Miss.

“We are extremely pleased to have Evan as our head football coach and look forward to what he can accomplish leading Webb’s program. He has much experience in building relationships with young people in ways that allow him to teach and coach them to develop, build honor, integrity, and the pursuit of excellence,” said Ken Cheeseman, head of school.

“I am very grateful to be the head football coach at Webb. The focus for Webb to be great at academics, arts, and athletics has ignited an exciting and positive atmosphere and culture on campus, and that was something of which I wanted my family to be a part. I think this team has a lot of potential, and I am looking forward to getting to work and establishing a championship football program.”

Gay earned a B.S. in exercise physiology and M.S. in sports administration from The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, Texas.

“In 2018, I was very fortunate to start my football coaching career at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. That season we went 15-0 and won the NCAA DIII National Championship. I had the tremendous opportunity to learn from Texas Football Hall of Fame Coach Pete Fredenburg, which has given me a great foundation on which to build my coaching philosophy.”

After that season, Gay was hired as the offensive coordinator for Covenant Christian Academy in Colleyville, Texas. During his two seasons there, the team went to the final four and then in 2020 went undefeated and won the state championship. “I am bringing championship experience to Webb, and my expectations are to compete for a state championship every year,” Gay said. “During that process, we are going to set a high standard for our studentathletes and hold them accountable in the classroom and on and off the field. Our players will be leaders on campus, in class, and in our community.”

To read more about Evan Gay, visit: www.thewebbschool.com/ athletics/athletics-news - June 7, 2022 post.

Evan Gay

Beatrix Shealy-Shuster

The Webb

Varsity Girls Tennis Team

Varsity Boys Soccer Team

Varsity Boys Tennis Team

Varsity Baseball Team

Varsity Girls Track and Field Team

Varsity Boys Track and Field Team

Clay Target Team

Varsity Girls Lacrosse Team

MS Golf Team

MS Girls Tennis Team

MS Boys Tennis Team

Softball Team

MS Boys-Girls Soccer Team

MS Girls Track and Field Team

MS Baseball Team

Rededicated

Lagler photos,

Board of Trustees Chair Vance Berry, Head of School Ken Cheeseman

WSPA hosts Belles and Buckles Gala

The Webb School community gathered in April for the 2022 Belles and Buckles Gala hosted on campus by The Webb School Parents’ Association. This popular event is the WSPA’s main fundraiser and was attended by members of the board of trustees, alumni, parents, faculty, staff and friends. The gala was preceded by cocktails and appetizers at an outdoor VIP reception for sponsors and trustees. The premier sponsors of the event were Jaguar Land Rover Bluff City, of Memphis, courtesy of Farrar Vaughan ’95 and Rob Vaughan, and Keith McSwain Homes of Atlanta, courtesy of Keith McSwain, parent.

Dinner, dancing, and live and silent auctions followed as those attending continued to celebrate a tradition of the school that marked its 150th anniversary in 2020. The setting featured

Webb’s blue and gold color scheme with beautiful flower arrangements and other decorations. Highlighting the live auction each year is a crowd-pleaser -- a chocolate pie made by Dorothy Elkins, who is marking her 66th year of service to Webb in the 2022-2023 school year. An online auction was also part of the annual fundraiser. Proceeds from the event benefi tted Webb’s faculty and staff.

Gala committee members included Ginger Bobo Shofner, Gina Reeves, Ashlea Shepard, Carmen Greenberg, Lisa Crunk, Lori Sain Smith, Angela Wilsdorf, Melanie Kiser, Caroline Hulan Smith ’98, Caroline Lampley ’96, Dr. Tabetha Sullens ’94 and Alyce Allen.

Trustee Melora Turner ’80, Trustee Webb Follin III ’73, Alumni Board Vice President Libby Willis ’80, and Chandler Owen

Former Faculty Members Marilyn Morgan and Larry Nichols with Head of School Ken Cheeseman, center

Trustees Sandi Puett ’95 and Evan Cope ’94, Assistant Head of School Dr. Tabetha Sullens ’94 and Gina Reeves

Casey Vaughn, John Roberts ’06 and Trustee Farrar Vaughan ’95

Phillip and Dana Edwards and James and Lori Sain Smith

Alumni Board Member Jami Averwater ’13, Andrew Nelson, Trustee Chase Spurlock ’05, Interim Director of Alumni and Development Jonathon Hawkins, Trustee Webb Follin III ’73, Alumni Board Member Bob Davies ’76 and Lisa Davies

Joyce Taylor, Mary Beth Wilson, Drs. Mary and Max Moss, Delia and Dr. Charles Goodman

Kelly and Alumni Board Member Ted Goodman ’02, Alumni Board Member Caitlin Roberts ’03

Interim Director of Alumni and Development Jonathon Hawkins and Daryl and Amanda O’Neal

value has increased more than 50 times. The company is a fixture on the Fortune 500, the S&P 500 and has been ranked as one of Forbes’ Best Employers.

Lorberbaum’s commitment to his thousands of employees includes the implementation of Healthy Life Centers that provide accessibility to low-cost care for acute illness or chronic conditions for employees, spouses and dependent children. Under his leadership, Mohawk has expanded its environmental strategies to produce thousands of products with recycled content, create green energy sources and radically reduce the company’s carbon footprint.

For his industry leadership and philanthropy, Lorberbaum received Floor Covering News’ Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013, Ernst and Young’s Lifetime Achievement Award in Entrepreneurship (SE Region) and the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Most Admired CEO Award (Manufacturing) in 2016 and the President of Italy’s Leonardo International Prize in 2017. He was inducted into the World Floor Covering Association’s Hall of Fame in 2017. On June 6, 2022, he was appointed an honorary knight commander in the Order of the Crown in an investiture ceremony presided over by her HRH Princess Astrid of Belgium. Lorberbaum and his family have provided significant support to many local, regional and national charities. z

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI SOCIETY

The Distinguished Alumni Society recognizes and honors those alumni who demonstrate outstanding leadership beyond the Webb School community. Membership in the Distinguished Alumni Society is awarded by the Alumni Board and the Board of Trustees of The Webb School. Members of the Distinguished Alumni Society include Webb Alumni who, through personal commitment, work ethic, and service, have achieved significant success in their professional careers and have made outstanding contributions to their communities, demonstrating Sawney's vision of bringing honor to themselves and to The Webb School. All living Webb School Alumni are eligible for membership in the Distinguished Alumni Society. Candidates are nominated and selected by the Alumni Board and confirmed by the Board of Trustees.

meet with Webb faculty representatives including Head of School Ken Cheeseman online. The meeting not only helped bring Chinese parents closer to the school, but also helped answer many of the parents’ questions.

Due to COVID travel restrictions, Webb could not make its Webb China trip for two consecutive years. However, as many Webb Chinese families comment, the Beijing and Shanghai receptions worked perfectly as a continuation of the good tradition, which brings Webb closer to Chinese families.

Besides the receptions, Wang has been actively involved in many other Asian-related affairs as well. For example, he helped an anxious Chinese parent at 3 a.m. local time to finally get in touch with his daughter at Webb, who just got COVID and was unable to take phone calls. He also helped set up and facilitated several zoom meetings between Webb families and faculty members to solve some complicated issues.

In 2022, Wang became a new member of the board of trustees, and will continue his journey to contribute in keeping Webb closely connected to the other side of the globe! z

JOHN B. HARDIN SERVICE AWARD

The purpose of the John B. Hardin Service Award is to recognize and honor those alumni and members of the community who have consistently contributed an exceptional amount of time and talent to Webb and whose efforts benefit students, enhance campus life and reaffirm the commitment of the Webb community to the school. All living Webb School Alumni, Administrators, Faculty, Staff and other members of The Webb School community are eligible to be nominated. Candidates are nominated and selected by the Alumni Board and confirmed by the Board of Trustees.

Past inductees and award recipients may be viewed by visiting https://www.thewebbschool.com/alumni/awards-and-notable-alumni.

www.thewebbschool.com/give

Lorberbaum

Wang

do. I enjoyed Webb’s beautiful setting, my colleagues and the students were wonderful to work with, and Webb was a place that tried hard to be honorable.”

Still, she noted that a retiring Supreme Court justice not too long ago said something to the effect that longevity in a job is a very uninteresting achievement, and she completely agreed with that when he said it. “But when I mentioned it to Ray Broadhead (former head of school), he said he disagreed. So I gave it more thought and decided that there is something interesting about it – how does a person do the same thing enthusiastically for so long?”

Truitt explained that one of her former math students once had taught mathematics for a while, but then switched careers. The student told her that what she didn’t like about teaching was that each year you just started over again, whereas she wanted to keep moving forward. “Until she said that, I had never thought about it, but, when I did, I realized that what she didn’t like was exactly what I did like – the ability to start over, to do things differently, to do things better, to learn more. There are so many ways to look at mathematical ideas, so many connections. I liked to prepare each lesson the night before I presented it, because I found recreating my understanding to be exciting, and that made me excited for the next day.”

She continued, “I never had any great goals in teaching. I guess I just wanted students to acquire some math skills and some appreciation for mathematics. As in any interaction between people, you never know what will be meaningful to someone else. For many, many years I was very nervous going into the classroom, but eventually I was able to be more conversational. I liked the idea that teaching was a conversation between me and the students. I learned a lot from those conversations and found students’ questions and comments interesting and thoughtprovoking.”

Outside of the classroom, one of the highlights started in the late 1980s, when Webb began participating in MATHCOUNTS, a nationwide mathematics contest for middle schoolers. Under her direction, Webb’s team competed at the district contest at the Space Institute in Tullahoma, and, several times advanced to the state contest, which was usually held in Nashville. The engineers in Tullahoma would pay for the group to stay in a hotel the night before, an offer the team took advantage of a number of times. “The team members were responsible and serious, but also full of energy, chatty, and fun as only middle schoolers can be. It was always exciting when one of our students or when the team placed in one of the contests.”

Another highlight was being in charge of an after-school tutoring program located at the Bell Buckle United Methodist Church and

later at Cascade Elementary School. “We had so many dedicated student tutors. And while they did tutor, I actually think they acted more like big sisters and big brothers – setting examples for the children, showing them that someone cared. I’m sure our students got as much out of the program as the children did.”

Truitt is taking a collection of memories with her — many that have to do with food. For example, eating doughnuts after deriving the formula for the volume of a doughnut in Calculus or while watching the Nova show “The Proof” in Geometry; slicing apples in Calculus; filling up “pans” with popcorn in CAT; and eating Leibniz cookies and Fig Newtons in Calculus.

“One of the most wonderful aspects of teaching at Webb is that I got to play so many different roles, got to learn so much about so many things that had nothing to do with teaching math. Among them – learning how to drive a bus (somehow!); being assigned to supervise the tennis afternoon activity when I didn’t even know where the tennis courts were; supervising the aerobics activity (something else I knew nothing about); the 2008 prom, which was a success, but which was also hilariously funny because so many things went wrong; teaching on Zoom (many tears were shed before I got the hang of it, but I came to enjoy it); and supervising senior papers, which gave me a great appreciation for English teachers.”

“Having grown up in the Northeast, in a very different environment, I often marvel at the fact that I have spent such a large part of my life in Bell Buckle. To me it has always been this ruralism that has distinguished Webb from other schools of its type – a ruralism, a genuineness, a place of integrity. These are the qualities I hope that it always maintains.” z

Career Highlights

Recipient of the 2013 John B. Hardin Service Award

Recipient of the 2008 David Newton McQuiddy Teacher Award

Recipient of the Tennessee Association of Independent Schools

2002 Smothers Award for Teaching Excellence

Recipient of the 1998 and 2015 Webb School Parents’ Association Faculty Enrichment Award

Coordinator of Afternoon Activities Tutoring Program 2001-2015

MATHCOUNTS Coach 1989-2008

Chair, Mathematics Department 1988-2008 Yearbook Advisor 1979-1986

Secretary of the Webb Chapter of the Cum Laude Society 2008-2022

Math League Coordinator 2011-2022

National Honor Society Advisor 2008-2017

Sandy Truitt with her former students—who became Webb faculty and staff members

Sandy Truitt

Survival. But I must say that the enjoyment of nature was always secondary to the joy of sharing this experience with others.” Speaking about his numerous international travelstudy trips with students and other faculty members, he said, “… being able to travel internationally with the students was a special perk. I am fortunate to have been able to travel to France with the late Moira Judas Smith, longtime French faculty member and foreign language department chair, and to Peru with Susan Mullen, orchestra teacher and director. I also cherish the opportunities I had to share journeys with the students by leading trips to China, Costa Rica, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Iceland, Ireland, Scotland, and especially Cuba.”

As he transitions into retirement, Quinn said he is grateful for the communications that many students have shared regarding their time together and noted, “It is hard to know what kind of influence I have made for some, but I hope that students will believe in themselves and in their own experience, and know that good things can happen when compassion, knowledge and perseverance are their driving forces.”

“I asked my students to verify the things I said and not just take my word for it, so as they leave Webb, I urge them to verify all of the information that they will be receiving. It is getting so hard to know what is true nowadays, especially when some in authority are blindly believed.” He added, “It goes back to what Sawney said, (which is really just a simple reiteration of what so many others said before him): ‘Don’t lie, cheat or steal.’ ‘Don’t do anything on the sly.’ And I would add to be wary of those who do those things (which is very similar to ‘Beware the Ropers!’). Most importantly, I urge the students to love as much as possible, to

remain compassionately aware, to seek truth, to keep in touch with their families and their friends, and to help each other through the future.” In closing he included, “They now have to stop leaving their backpacks and cell phones laying all over the place, and above all -- don’t forget to have fun.”

As for his colleagues, he added, “I am very happy and fortunate to have made many lasting friendships over the years. I know my habit of speaking my opinions may have made it hard for some, but my closest friendships are with folks who have very different views on many things. It seems that our love of the students and what we share with them overwhelms the other stuff. Our heart connection is stronger than our egos.”

Reflecting on all these connections, he remarked, “These are the most important things that follow me as I move into this postWebb life. I am so fortunate, as are other Webb folks, to have made some wonderful and meaningful friendships with students and colleagues along the way. In many of my communications I sign off with “Always, Quinn.” And that means that even though we may not be in consistent communication, I am always here. My only fear is that I will not be able to remember someone’s name because the older I get, the less my brain wants to help me with that.” z

Scotland-Ireland Travel-Study Trip Spring Break 2022

Mike

Quinn

Quinn speaker at annual senior luncheon

Members of the Class of 2022 were guests at the annual Senior Luncheon hosted by the Office of Alumni and Development and Alumni Association, that was attended by several members of the Alumni Board, Head of School Ken Cheeseman, the leadership team and advisors to the senior class. Participating in the program were Alumni Association President Hudson Byrd ’05, Interim Director of Alumni and Development Jonathon Hawkins, Alumni Board

Member

Caitlin Roberts ’03, Zoë Nicholson, class vice president,

who introduced class agent, Brooklyn Shepard-Wheelon; Kristen Linton ’00, director of leadership annual giving; and Jim Callis, associate head of school. Mike Quinn, longtime Webb faculty member who retired at the end of the school year, was selected by the senior class to be the guest speaker. The program closed with the 2022 graduates receiving a gift from the Alumni Board. Seniors wore their college of choice T-shirts for photos after the luncheon and then attended Senior Chapel.

The Class of 2022 continued the Webb Senior Survival tradition making a trek to the Appalachian Trail enjoying the final week of the 2021-2022 school year with classmates and several Webb trip leaders under the direction of Joe Griggs ’05, Wilderness Instruction and Leadership Development director. Others accompanying the group were Ceara Caffrey, Kevin Finn, Kristen Linton ’00, Mike Quinn, Bella Crow, Michael Stem, Diana Skordallos ’13, Thomas Simmons ’19, Will Spencer and Brian and Ruth Wofford.

awards and Speaker David Tang’s remarks,

- May 29, 2022 post.

Class Notes

Life and career updates to keep you connected with your classmates

1940s

William Grant’s ’49 daughter and granddaughter, Kay and Kristin Bural, spent an afternoon touring campus with Kristen Linton ’00 and visiting the archives. They saw William’s senior board, which is on display in the Jr. Room, and Archivist Susan Howell shared pictures and articles from William’s time at Webb.

John Gray ’49 recently visited Bell Buckle and the Webb campus. He toured campus with Kristen Linton ’00 and Jonathon Hawkins from the Alumni and Development Office and visited with Head of School Ken Cheeseman.

1950s

Dr. Warren Patterson ’55 and Jeff Patterson ’82 of Nashville, Tenn., recently visited campus. While at Webb, the father and son took a tour of the school with Kristen Linton ’00 and Jonathon Hawkins from Webb’s Alumni and Development Office. They also spent time with Head of School Ken Cheeseman. Last summer, Dr. Patterson named a faculty office in McClurg Hall in honor of Wilson G. Puryear, who taught mathematics at Webb from 1942-1958.

1960s

William L. Jones Jr. ’60, McComb, Miss., writes: “Finally retired at 80. Enjoying grand and great-grandchildren. Best wishes to all.”

1970s

Henry Ray ’61 , his wife, Missy, center, and their friend Libby O’Donnell, recently visited Bell Buckle and campus. Also pictured is Jim Callis, associate head of school, who visited with them and also toured campus with them. While in Bell Buckle, they enjoyed seeing Dorothy Elkins, who is in her 66th year of service to Webb.

John “Fish” Lewis ’70 from Green Bay, Wis., won the top honor in the Advanced/ Masters division at the ACS National 8-Ball Championships in Las Vegas in May. By passing the Senior divisions, 70-year old Lewis - oldest competitor in the top-skill-level division - took on some of the top amateur billiard competitors in the country to win 1st Prize. Lewis first developed an interest in the sport during his years attending Webb!

Justice Wenzlick and Jonathon Hawkins from Webb’s Alumni and Development Office took Webb Follin ’73 to lunch in Nashville to say thank you for his years of loyal service as a member of the school’s Alumni Board. Follin’s latest term on the Alumni Board came to an end in December 2021. His service to Webb continues, though, as he was recently elected to the school’s Board of Trustees.

Allen Kindel Craven ’68 won the Central Carolina Association of Realtors’ Prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.

Dr. William Hardin ’79 has been named dean of FIU Business. He has served as interim dean since May 2021 and is Ryder Eminent Scholar Chair and Research Fellow in the Tibor and Sheila Hollo School of Real Estate. Hardin joined the FIU Business faculty in 2006 as director of real estate programs and the Jerome Bain Real Estate Institute. He was founding director of the Hollo School of Real Estate, created in 2012, and most recently served as associate dean, Chapman Graduate School of Business.

1980s

Melora ’80 and Davis ’79 Turner recently took the trip of a lifetime and visited the icy continent of Antarctica. While there they stopped for a photo in their Webb alumni hats.

Captain Walt Coppeans ’86 visited Webb and toured campus with classmate Andrew McRady, a member of the Webb history faculty, and Kristen Linton ’00, Director of Leadership Annual Giving.

John Baker ’85 visited Webb during the spring and toured campus. With him is Jonathon Hawkins, interim director of alumni and development.

1990s

Jason Neel ’93 and his dad Larry Nichols, retired Webb history faculty member, frequent a hidden “food gem” in Tracy City. Neel writes, “ Pat Nesbit ’57 and his wife Myrna have been serving up delicious food for the past 15 years. If you ever crossed over Monteagle Mountain then you’ve driven by the exit for Tracy City. The couple adds a personal touch and kindness that makes for a truly memorable dining experience. The Nesbits have traveled all over the world clarifying their menu and collecting fine China that they use during their dinner and high tea lunch service.”

Margaret Armour ’97 and her I Go Tokyo boutique in Chattanooga, Tenn., were recently featured in the spring issue of CityScope magazine.

CityScope https://issuu.com/ cityscopemagazine/docs/_cs1.22. final Page 222-223

Louis D. Hamric III ’96 Memphis, Tenn., writes: “May 21, 2022, Louis and Venus Hamric became proud parents to a beautiful baby girl 6 lbs. 11 oz. Her name is Lilly Ann Hamric, and we love her so much!”

Chris Lochte ’95 and son Brandon visited campus during the spring semester.

Etsuko Lannom, brand manager, left, and Margaret Armour ’97, owner

Jesse Anna Haines Bornemann ’98 writes: “I am happy to have a poem in the January 2022 issue of Highlights! The lovely artwork is by Beatriz Castro. I usually write silly poems without any message or moral, but this poem has a ‘tiny’ bit of a soapbox. I wish our culture valued kindness the way we cheer for flashier talents. Like any other skill, kindness requires time, patience, courage and practice! Thanks to my friends and family who excel at being thoughtful. I’m working on practicing what I ‘preach’ here.”

2000s

Caitlin Roberts ’03, general manager John Roberts Toyota; Alison Lightcap ’06, co-owner Peddlers Interior and Gifts; and Jami Averwater ’13 co-founder and attorney – Hywater Title; were among the 2022 Murfreesboro “40 Under 40” featured in the April issue of VIP Murfreesboro.

2005 classmates attended a Nashville Predators game in the spring.

From left, are Regan Young Rooks, Adam Lundin, Chase Spurlock, Melissa Johnson and

.

Sarah DeLisle Fecht ’05 and husband Eric of Nashville, Tenn., recently welcomed Nora Louise into their family. Nora was born on March 23 weighing in at 6 pounds and 7 ounces.

Classmate and Alumni Board President Hudson Byrd ’05 was also in attendance. After Chapel, Study Center Co-Director James Garcia gave a tour of campus to the group. After the tour, Lundin met with Head of School Ken Cheeseman. Garcia, Lundin, and Byrd eventually headed down to the Bell Buckle Cafe, where they had lunch with a number of students. Lundin and Byrd ended the day by attending three basketball games (JV, Varsity Girls and Varsity Boys) against Columbia Academy. Lundin provided a catered meal for each team prior to the game.

Bailey Haile Stanley ’09 writes: “My husband, Dalton Stanley, and I just welcomed a baby boy into our lives on April 20, 2022 - Duke Davis Stanley.

2010s

Adam Lundin ’05, of Vancouver, British Columbia, recently visited campus and spoke in chapel about his life and experiences. He encouraged students to “buy in early” to the Webb experience as it has been life changing for him. Former faculty members Mary Jo Johnson and Kay Young attended as well as Kay’s husband Dennis, daughter Reagan, and granddaughter Marlow.

Ben Riggs ’11 was promoted to Captain in a ceremony hosted by COL Joseph H. Parker, CCAD Commander. In attendance were Captain Riggs parents, brother, his colleagues from the CCAD Legal Office and members of the CCAD Leadership Team. He’s being assigned to the 11th Airborne Division in Alaska and will be working at Fort Wainwright in Fairbanks.

Hudson Byrd

From left, are James Garcia, Kay Young and granddaughter Marlow, Mary Jo Johnson, Adam Lundin and Ken Cheeseman, head of school.

Austen Kiser ’11 married Courtney Schlosser in October 2021.

Caroline Tuma ’14 married Captain Jeff rey Brink on Dec. 18, 2021, at the First United Methodist Church in Murfreesboro, Tenn. The reception was held at the Stones River Country Club. Caroline and Jeff met while they were in law school at The University of Tennessee College of Law. She is now an attorney for Batson Nolan PLC in Clarksville, Tenn., and Jeff is an attorney in the JAG Corps of the United States Army and is stationed at Fort Campbell. The Webb classmates in attendance were Stephanie Fenner, Natalie Fenner, Emily Warden, Ruth Watson, Rachel Howell Fenner, Hailey Williams, Taylor Halliburton, Weldon Stewart, Ben Morris, and Reed Spivey – all from the Class of 2014!

biggest accomplishment and confidant. I only hope to pass on its whisper of confidence and meaning to my future classrooms and students.”

2020s

Will Taylor, Caleb Voorhes-Fontenot, Bailey Chance and Charley Davis, 2020 graduates , attended the 2022 graduation.

Director of Leadership Annual Giving

Kristen Linton ’00 had breakfast with her former Spanish Student, Josephine Hardin ’15 in downtown Atlanta.

Wesley Cunningham ’18 graduated from Florida International University in spring 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry and minor in Biology. He just received a white coat from Nova Southeastern University (Master of Science in anesthesia program) that will last 21/2 years.

Lexi Sullens ’18 writes: “I am honored to graduate cum laude from Rhodes College with a Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies and Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Language. During my time at Rhodes, I served on the executive boards for Chi Omega and Kappa Delta Pi. I also worked closely with the Bridge Street Newspaper and Rhodes Global Delegates, where I promoted my time living abroad in Ecuador and Spain during college. I was fortunate to receive two fellowships at Rhodes, The Buckman Fellowship for Study Abroad and the Urban Education Fellowship, where I worked in Shelby County Schools Worlds Languages Curriculum and Instruction Department. As for post-graduate plans, I will be interning with my study-abroad program provider, ISA, in the curriculum development team this summer before moving back to Spain to teach English as a Foreign Language. Without the support of my parents, family friends, advisors and Rhodes community, I can confidently say I would not have the same opportunities. My education is my

Slate Bowers ’21 and Trey Snell ’21 second and third from left, visited campus in the spring. With them are Bailey Brock ’23, left, Winston Dugdale ’24, Elliott Williams ’23 and Jonathon Hawkins, interim director of alumni and development.

Averwater, Earthman join Alumni Board

The Webb School Alumni Board recently welcomed two new members to its ranks who each will serve a three-year term: Jami Averwater ’13, of Murfreesboro, Tenn., and John Earthman ’78, of Nashville, Tenn.

“All of the Alumni Board members are excited to welcome Jami and John,” said Alumni Board President Hudson Byrd ’05. “They both prove just how important it is to keep alumni involved at Webb. We have a lot to accomplish in the coming year, and I look forward to working alongside them.”

In addition, the following members have accepted service for an additional three-year term: Hudson Byrd ’05 of Charleston, Mo., Sarah DeLisle Fecht ’05 of Nashville, Tenn., Deb Roberts Horst ’75 of Kennesaw, Ga., Katherine Layman ’03 of Murfreesboro, Tenn., and Caroline Smith Pryor ’11 of Memphis, Tenn.

Webb’s Alumni Board is a volunteer advisory group consisting of alumni who support the school in numerous ways and represent the voices of alumni to the Webb community. For more details, please visit https://www.thewebbschool.com/alumni/alumniboard.

Caroline and Jeff Brink

Jami Averwater

John Earthman

New York and Philadelphia Denver and San Francisco Bay Area

Cheeseman continued his travels to Denver, Colo., where he and fundraising consultant Matt Wilson visited with Howard Siegel ’67 and past Board of Trust Chair John Sawyer ’88.

Hawkins reconnected with Cheeseman in the San Francisco Bay Area for visits in Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Berkeley, Healdsburg, Novato, Sacramento, and Portola Valley. Assisting with many of

these visits and gatherings were Board of Trust members Tom Cooper ’65 and Sandi Jobe Puett ’95, who live in the area. During the course of four days, Hawkins and Cheeseman visited with Cooper, Puett, Henry Siegel ’69, Garrett King ’10, Hunter Walker ’10, John Gray ’49, Saniel Bonder ’68, Bob West ’57, Zola Quao ’09, Al Holland ’64, Drew Carrington ’83, and Yvonne

Nomizu from Pacific Consulting Group.

Head of School Ken Cheeseman and Interim Director for Alumni and Development Jonathon Hawkins recently traveled to New York City on behalf of Webb. Cheeseman stopped in Philadelphia for a visit with alumnus David Webster ’83 before arriving in the “Big Apple”. While in New York, Cheeseman and Hawkins visited

with several alumni and friends of the school including: Trustee emeritus Charles Alexander ’68, former Trustees Joe Mooney ’83 and Stephen Graham ’65, Michael Mathay ’86, Lily Li ’16, Nathaniel Robinson ’00, and John Gulla from the E. E. Ford Foundation.

Ken Cheeseman with Charles Alexander ’68

Ken Cheeseman with Lily Li ’16 and Michael Mathay ’86

Jonathon Hawkins, Ben Cooper, Tom Cooper ’65, Henry Siegel ’69, Sandi Jobe Puett ’95, Garrett King ’10, Emma Squire, Ken Cheeseman, Hunter Walker ’10

Sandi Jobe Puett ’95, Ken Cheeseman, Zola Quao ’09, Jonathon Hawkins

Ken Cheeseman, John Gray ’49, Sandi Jobe Puett ’95

Bob West ’57 and Ken Cheeseman

Ken Cheeseman, Saniel Bonder ’68, Sandi Jobe Puett ’95

Ken Cheeseman and Al Holland ’64

Seniors gain insight from panel discussion with Webb alums

The Class of 2022 received advice and the benefi t of real-world experience from fi ve local alumni who returned to campus in spring to participate in a panel moderated by Kristen Linton ’00. Participants included Akshat Sarvaria ’99 - Director of Network Management, Cigna; Chase Spurlock ’05 - Co-Founder and CEO, Decode Health; Rachael Layman Spangler ’01 - Architect, Centric Architecture; Manjari Singh ’08 - Business Development, Ascension Saint Thomas Behavioral Health Hospital; and Mike Babineau ’02 - Co-Founder and CEO, Turnstile. Among topics discussed were: How did Webb prepare you for college and for your career? What are the things that you learned at Webb that you took with you to college? What advice would you give to yourself if you were a current Webb student? Also discussed were the importance of written and spoken communication, the advantage of public speaking at Webb that helped them in their

careers, and how they appreciate honor and integrity in their coworkers and employees.

Core values, focus on three A’s at forefront for Nashville event

It was a time for “new” news and “good” news for alumni, parents, and friends who attended a spring reception with Ken Cheeseman in Nashville, Tenn. The event was hosted at the Belle Meade Country Club by Lee ’78 and Jessica ’82 Woosley, 2021-2022 Webb Fund co-chairs, and Vance Berry ’72, board of trustees chair. Webb’s 13th head of school shared that the school is in a strong place, with the possibility of setting enrollment records for the third consecutive year this fall.

“In large measure, we are so strong today because of many of you here in this room -- our board, alumni, faculty members -- all of whom have built a foundation on which we stand. We need your continued support as we strive to meet the demands of the future in ways that empower our students, faculty, and school to flourish.”

Amid changes at Webb during the last few years, Cheeseman cited the bedrock traditions and priorities that remain at Webb: Excellent academics with a college preparatory aim; and an

education that is driven by deep and positive relationships between teachers and students. “We remain deeply committed to our mission and to our Enduring Understandings.”

Turning his comments to aspects of Webb that have changed, he spoke about enrollment, noting that it increased to slightly more than 400 students during the 2021-2022 year. He predicts the optimum goal will be approximately 430. “I thought it would take us four or fi ve years to get here, but our admissions team has captured the imagination of the market, and our current parents, both day and boarding, are advocating for us in powerful and positive ways.”

Cheeseman also reiterated his focus on the three A’s: Academics, Arts, and Athletics. “Academics remains the bedrock, but bolstering the arts and athletics is part of the future. What we know is that each student comes to us as a whole child -- part academician, part artist, part athlete, and more. Focusing on all three helps students develop overall and guides and inspires

Akshat Sarvaria ‘99, Chase Spurlock ’05, Rachael Layman Spangler ‘01, Manjari Singh ‘08, Mike Babineau ’02 and Kristen Linton ’00

Lee ’78 and Jessica ’82 Woosley, Ken Cheeseman, Vance Berry ’72

Sam Lasseter ’69, Jenny Thayer, Chase Spurlock ’05

Mary Follin, Chris Simonsen, Kristen Linton ’00

them to define their passions and their gifts. It also gives students an advantage in the college admissions process.” He added, “Not only do we believe that the three A’s are best for our students, but the concept is key to advance Webb in its boarding and day markets. We compete for the best students and families who

want excellent, competitive offerings, not just in academics but also in the arts and athletics.

“The core values of Webb remain, and they are timeless in my view. As a community, we are building a strategic plan that is driven to ensure that we are relevant and sustainable for another 150 years.”

Bahl experiences joy of singing with other doctors and unexpected performance

What began in 2019 as a group of women physicians who enjoyed singing and each other’s company, proved to be a comfort and a source of strong support for all the participants during the pandemic as they continued their work in healthcare in and around Toronto. Dr. Nupur Bahl ’00, whose practice is with an endocrinology group in Toronto, is a member of the group known as Voices Rock Medicine.

In 2022, Voices Rock Medicine, part of the Voices Rock Canada organization, also had an experience that none of the members had anticipated. They competed in “Canada’s Got Talent,” making it to the audition stage from a field of about 10,000 applicants, where all four judges said “yes.” Bahl explained that after all the auditions, the judges determine who will advance in the competition. And, even though the group did not continue competing, “it was a really unique experience. It was amazing. We didn’t know what to expect. We rehearsed a long time.” She added, “The judges were gracious, kind and very welcoming to all of us. The audience was just great; I did not expect them to be so loud. They really responded,” Bahl said, noting that they seemed to “appreciate what we all do in our day jobs and also the performance. It was somewhat surprising; it took me aback.”

“Only one doctor in the group is a professionally trained singer,” Bahl said about the group of women, some who had participated in church and school choirs and others who had never been on a stage. Some read music and others are able to sing from the repetition of hearing the music. Being a part of choir at Webb, Bahl said, “was a driving force” in her decision to join Voices Rock

Medicine. “It’s a very welcoming group. We learn a lot and have fun enjoying the music and performing, as well.”

“The (CGT) audition was just something that popped up,” she said, adding that it was the organization’s choir director Anthony Bastianon, who entered the group in the competition. As director of all of the Voices Rock Canada choirs -- adult, children and seniors -- he selects and arranges the music. For the competition, he selected “Fight Song” co-written by Rachel Platten and Dave Bassett and released as a single performed by Platten in 2015.

Voices Rock Medicine usually meets in person once a week and rehearses for two main events each year -- concerts for their families and friends. That was until March 2020, when the pandemic altered social interactions and led to virtual rehearsals and performances for the next 11/2 years. In the fall of 2021, they began in-person rehearsals again. They also enjoy in-person allday retreats occasionally. “A lot of us have become good friends. We’re active in a chat group; people talk all the time.”

Voices Rock Medicine is on summer break now, but will start rehearsals for a new year in September. “We have a 98% retention rate (from year to year),” the Webb alum remarked, with the 2 percent usually the result of members who are moving from the area.

To read more about Voices Rock Medicine and see the CGT audition, visit the Voices Rock Canada website: www.voicesrockcanada.com.

(Dr. Bahl received a Bachelor of Science from University of California at Riverside with a major in Biomedical Science and minor in Religious Studies. She is a graduate of UCLA Medical School and completed her internal medicine residency at Cedars Sinai Medical Center and an endocrinology fellowship at Brown University.)

Faye and Walter Hale ’61

Warren Patterson ’55, Dorothy Elkins

1940’s

In Memoriam

The Webb School offers sincere sympathy to the families of departed classmates and friends.

Trustee Emeritus

Wilson ‘Woody’ Sims ’42 died at his home on Sunday, June 26, 2022. A Celebration of Life Service was held July 6, in the Main Sanctuary, West End United Methodist Church, Nashville, with a private burial.

1970’s

Louis Charles Palmer Sr. ’45, passed peacefully into the Presence of his Lord and Savior on Feb. 17, 2022. (Published in The Tennessean)

John Erskine Sharp Murrey ’72, Pulaski, Tenn., passed away on April 25, 2022, after an extended illness. A family visitation was held April 27 at Bennett-May and Pierce Funeral Home and on April 28 at First United Methodist Church in Pulaski, followed by a celebration of John’s life at the church.

Roy A. Nance ’49, age 91, of La Vergne, Tenn., died April 22, 2022. A Celebration of Life was held May 14, 2022, at Kingwood Church of Christ. (Published in The Daily News Journal)

1950’s

Joseph Hefner ’56 passed away Nov. 27, 2021, at his home in Palo Alto, Calif. surrounded by his son, David Hefner, daughter-in-law Courtney Hefner, and grandchildren Brady and Willow Hefner. (Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Dec. 3 to Dec. 5, 2021)

Travis Oliver III ’58 of Monroe, La., died on July 10, 2021, from complications of Parkinson’s Disease.

Francis “Crit” Crittenden Currie Jr. ’78, died peacefully surrounded by family and loved ones on April 21, 2022, in Memphis, Tenn. A gathering was hosted at the Currie family home on April 28, and a small service was held in Nashville at St. Georges Church, April 30. He was laid to rest with his parents in the church columbarium. (Published in The Commercial Appeal)

John Blount ’79, 61, passed away Jan. 21, 2022, at home surrounded by family and friends. A funeral service was held Jan. 27 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.

(Published by The Daily Memphian on Jan. 24, 2022)

1980’s

Edward Covington Rhea ’59, 81, a longtime Richmond resident, bade farewell to this life on May 17, 2022, in Richmond.

1960’s

Osgood Pierce “O.P.” Willingham II ’62, 78, of Pensacola, Fla., died on March 15, 2022, with family, friends and Crystal his dog nearby. Private Celebration of Life Services were held in Pensacola, Fla., and Rome, Ga.

Frederic Hartwell “Fred” Kellogg Jr. ’63, 77, of Far Hills, N.J., passed away at his home on April 18, 2022, after a prolonged illness. The funeral service was held at the Episcopal Church of St. John on the Mountain, Far Hills on April 30. Interment of ashes followed onsite in the Memorial Garden.

(Published by New York Times on April 24, 2022.)

2000’s

Dorothy “Dot” Estes Miree Mishoe ’86, 53, of Birmingham, Ala., passed away on Jan. 27, 2022, surrounded by loved ones after a hard-fought battle with cancer. A Celebration of Life was held on Feb. 12, at Seacoast Church-Mount Pleasant, Mt. Pleasant, S.C. (Published by The Birmingham News from Feb. 6 to Feb. 9, 2022)

Ryan Cole ’00, Shelbyville, Tenn., passed away April 3, 2022. A memorial service was held on April 10 at Feldhaus Memorial Chapel.

Take a Hand in the Game!

The end of summer break is an exciting time for students, parents, faculty and staff as it marks the beginning of a new school year filled with endless possibilities. When you support Webb by taking a hand in the game and making a gift to the Webb Fund, you are showing the world you are #ForTheFeet while directly supporting Webb’s educational mission and enabling the school to stay at the forefront of teaching and learning. Visit www.thewebbschool.com/give or text WEBB to 44-321 to make your gift today.