THE WEBB SCHOOL
WEBB MAGAZINE
Spring-Summer 2018
Save The Year! 2019-2020 150th Anniversary
The Webb School Magazine
Webb Gl bal
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THE WEBB SCHOOL
WEBB MAGAZINE
Raymond S. Broadhead Head of School Joe Iorio Assistant Head of School and Business Manager WEBB COMMUNICATIONS
PAGES 4-5
Commencement
PAGES 6-10
Spring Recap
PAGES 11-19
Webb Global
EDITOR: Rita Mitchell Director of Communications DESIGN & LAYOUT: Gayle K. McClanahan Graphic Designer CONTRIBUTORS Alyce Allen Director of Advancement Services Dorothy Elkins Alumni Research Assistant Carmen Greenberg Director of Parent Relations and Annual Giving Julie Harris ’95 Director of Enrollment Management
PAGES 20-23
Sports
PAGES 24-25
Reunion
PAGES 26-27
Alumni Awards
Jonathon Hawkins Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving Nichole Jordan Director of Leadership Annual Giving Matt Wilson Director of Alumni and Development
Spring-Summer 2018
The Webb School Magazine is published biannually in the summer and winter by The Webb School, 319 Webb Road East, Bell Buckle, Tenn. The Webb School is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization: 62-0401875.
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The Webb School complies with all applicable anti-discrimination laws and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin in the administration of its educational policies and programs, admissions p r o c e s s e s , s c h o l a r s h i p and financial aid programs, employment practices, athletic and other school administrative programs.
319 Webb Road East Bell Buckle, Tenn. 37020
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Admissions
PAGES 29-38
Class Notes
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Memoriams
1-931-389-9322
A NOTE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
Webb in the world By Ray Broadhead
The world comes to Webb, and Webb goes out to the world. One focus of this edition of The Webb School Magazine is the international presence of The Webb School. Here in Bell Buckle there is an oasis of international flavor and diversity. This year our student body represented 17 countries and 15 states, and 36% of our students were students of color. In our marketing of Webb through admissions, global education is one of our five Webb differences. Classroom discussion is richer because of diverse thoughts being brought to the table. Everyday life at school – casual conversations, dorm life, athletics, theatre, school leadership – are all enhanced by diversity of thought, culture, and experience. In addition, our students have many opportunities to see the world. International travel broadens our lives and exposes us to wonderful architecture, amazing art, rich history, and different types of cuisine. Many trips are led by faculty members to a variety of locations. In recent years school trips have visited Quebec, Spain, Morocco, France, Greece, Southern Italy, Ireland, Japan, China, and Iceland. Upcoming trips include Australia, Costa Rica, France, Northern Italy, Quebec, and Southeast Asia. Some of these trips involve a service component, others involve homestays with families. For the second year the “Hands-in-Hands” program will provide homestays and sightseeing for American students to visit with their schoolmates in China this summer. This affordable program is
partially sponsored by our Chinese students and their families in Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. These families lead sightseeing tours, provide opportunities to visit Chinese schools and experience a variety of Chinese cuisine. This is also the second year that we bestowed upon a worthy recipient the Johnson-Fort Endowed Travel Scholarship. This endowed fund is a gift from Jeff Whorley ’79, in honor of teachers Alsey Johnson and Joyce Fort who had a great influence on Mr. Whorley during his time at Webb. Each year several students apply for a single $3,000 grant towards international travel. Our middle school students have an annual trip in the second semester. In the past three years they have visited Boston, Chicago, and Washington D.C. These four day trips are full of many wonderful opportunities. As you read this issue, you will see how many Webb alumni have influenced the world. Perhaps you have your own international adventure to share. Let us know your story! We are proud of the class of 2018, the largest class in recent memory with 67 students. They are an eclectic group and have given much to Webb. They are scholars, actors, athletes, are socially aware, and they have left their mark on Webb in many ways.
Soon you will be learning more about our 150th celebration, filled with special events around the country and world, and the production of a new edition of “The Schoolmaker” as well as a pictorial book from the archives of Webb’s 150 years. As we are saying at Webb, “Save the Year!”
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We have begun to execute much of our strategic plan, and there is more work ahead. Tactics have been defined, and responsibilities have been meted out. The focus of this strategic plan is really the internal workings of the school – how we communicate internally and externally to our various constituents, evaluation and tweaking of our academic program, and preparing for the school’s 150th year, 2019–2020, which is just over a year away.
See pages 11-19 for Webb Global stories
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KUDOS AND NEWS
Commencement 2018 67 graduate in 148th ceremony; Frere, former headmaster, is guest speaker
The Webb School graduated 67 students at the 148th commencement on May 26. Family and friends joined faculty and staff in honoring the class. Former Webb headmaster, A Jon Frere, was commencement speaker. Vance Berry ’72, Board of Trustees vice chairman, also attended the ceremony and presented graduates with their Bibles.
Spring-Summer 2018
The day began with Baccalaureate and L.R. Smith, history teacher and chapel director, welcoming guests and introducing the Rev. Eric Little, Bell Buckle United Methodist Church minister, as the speaker.
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National Merit Scholars, Jones Allison and Kelty Schroyer, many winners of national academic awards, and very strong performances on the national Advanced Placement Exams. “Your class is filled with talented musicians, actors, artists, and singers. You organized several coffee houses, Springfest, Webbstock, and some spirited dances. In athletics, many athletes have been named to All-District and All-Region teams while working with teammates to produce competitive sports teams, including the basketball team that made it to the state semifinals.
Head of School Ray Broadhead welcomed those attending commencement and congratulated the graduates.
He closed saying, “The faculty and I congratulate the members of the class of 2018 for all of their accomplishments and for having achieved this important milestone in their lives.”
“The class of 2018, with 67 students graduating, is the largest class in the modern history of the school. As a group, they have had many successes,” said Broadhead. “We are very proud of you, the class of 2018, for all of your accomplishments. You have worked very hard to reach your academic goals, and you have been leaders on the playing fields, the courts, in mock trial and on the stage,” the head of school added. “Your academic accomplishments include two
Joe Iorio, assistant head of school and business manager, introduced Frere, who served as headmaster from 1989-2005. He is the longest serving Head of School in the school’s history who does not have the last name Webb. During his tenure at Webb with his wife, Penny, the endowment grew substantially, an effective capital campaign was completed, annual fund participation increased markedly, and he doubled the enrollment of the school in the span
of 13 years. Several capital improvements were made on the campus - The Student Center (now Alumni Center), Lagler Field, the Barton Athletic Center, and the Bond Library. “I retired from Webb 13 years ago. It’s great to return and see how well things are going,” said Frere. “As you can imagine, living at boarding schools for 40 years, I’ve seen lots of graduation exercises – three of my own, then 40 or so at three different schools, and the last 16 at Webb. “I’m a firm believer that the secret to a good speech is having a good beginning, a good ending and having the two as close together as possible. First, let me remind you how fortunate you are to have been able to attend Webb. This is a school that has a very fine academic program, which has been delivered to you thanks to the faculty. They have taught you, advised you and served as mentors during your years here. These people are the backbone of a great school like Webb. “I’m confident that you will not forget the Webb Honor Code and Noli Res Subdole Facere – do nothing on the sly. Having been schooled at Webb, you have committed yourselves to being an honest, truthful person in your community. Your understanding of ethics and the importance of personal integrity may very well be the most important lesson you take from your time at Webb.”
Receiving special recognition were history teacher Larry Nichols with 32 years of service
Science teacher A.J. Swafford ’99 received the student-selected 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. Broadhead said that this year’s recipient “has been a solid teacher, faculty advisor to the Honor Council, reliable bus driver, and key contributor to the WILD program. As a science teacher, he works very hard to teach not only science but lifetime organizational skills. His lab is a place for creation and experimentation. He is the epitome of honor and has been the advisor to the honor council for the past two years. He has the respect of all of the students, and cares deeply about cultivating honor at Webb. He always helps out with senior survival, and even drives the bus many hours during that week. In addition, he leads day trips for caving, kayaking, or hiking throughout the year. A graduate of Webb from the class of 1999, he brings a deep knowledge and love of the school whenever he speaks. He strives each day to make Webb a better place.” Lexis Sullens of McMinnville gave the student address during the ceremony. As part of the commencement ceremony, Lucas Wiesemann, received the highest academic honor in the class, the Anna Landis Hightower Award, which honors the student with the highest grade-point average for four years at Webb. Kelty Shroyer received the John Hardin Highest Scholastic Award for achieving the highest scholastic average in his senior year. Shroyer and Wiesemann received the John Lewis Morgan Award, which is presented annually to the student(s) who has maintained high standard of excellence in his or her academic work and who has demonstrated the highest qualities of good citizenship in the service of the school.
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Frere closed by giving the graduates two charges. The first – “Be ready to stretch yourself. As you leave here spread you wings, take risks, find the things you are passionate about. Go for it. Give it your best. Don’t be afraid to fail. The second – (from Calvin Trillen’s Messages from My Father) – Be a ’ mensch’ – a person who always does the right thing. The key to being ’a real mensch’ is nothing less than character, rectitude, dignity, a sense of what is right, responsible, decorous.”
and pottery teacher Sue Wood with 28. They were honored with Webb signature chairs.
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KUDOS AND NEWS
Spring Recap Students inducted into National Honor Society Webb inducted members into the Sawney Chapter of the National Honor Society on April 26 during chapel. Pamela Seals is NHS faculty advisor. The society was founded in 1921 “to create an enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote worthy leadership, and to encourage the development of character.” The Webb chapter was founded in 1974.
Webb’s Theatre presented Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap” as the spring play.
Spring-Summer 2018
Belles and Buckles Gala successful and fun
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Nearly 280 guests attended the 2018 WSPA Belles and Buckles Gala on Feb. 2, in support of The Webb School. The proceeds benefit faculty and staff with bonuses, provide teacher and classroom supplies and support campus improvement. The gala and auction, which took place at The Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro, raised more than $100,000 through ticket sales, sponsorships and auction item sales, and was attended by a sellout crowd of Webb parents, faculty and staff, trustees, alumni and friends of Webb from Middle Tennessee, and beyond, with some guests traveling from as far as China to attend the event!
The new members are 12th graders: Emily Bryant, Clarice Kiser, Jada Millikan, Emma Petersen, Lexis Sullens, James “Isaac” Williams; 11th graders: Allison Avent, Richard Ebri, Lennon Illarde, Shuyi “Alice” Lin, Gwyneth Segroves, Isaiah “Spoony” Sizemore, Gabriella Wimberley, Brooke Williams, Yaqin “Annie” Zhou; 10th Graders: Anna Allison, and Dalton Gregory.
KUDOS AND NEWS
Third and final sculpture in commissioned art series installed on campus "Transcendence", a special sculpture that was created by Tennessee sculptor Lewis Snyder was dedicated on May 1. It is the third and final piece in a commissioned art series that began on campus in 2015. Snyder’s sculpture is located on the Lundin Fine Arts Center patio. Sue Wood, Webb pottery teacher, provided a chapel program on April 30 about all of the school’s sculptures. Included were the other two commissioned sculptures and also the W.R. “Sawney” Webb sculpture by Russ Faxon that was made possible by David and Claudia Hazlewood in honor of their daughter, Whitney Hazlewood Brough, a 1999 graduate. “Lewis Snyder’s piece is the third in our trilogy of sculpture pieces supported by The Cornelia Hodges Fund,” said Head of School Ray Broadhead. “The three pieces are very diverse in their design, and they represent a microcosm of the billions of ways in which art can be expressed. We are grateful that Lewis Snyder, Arch Gregory, and Nan Jacobsohn have shared their talent with the Webb community for all to see.”
“Transcendence is made with recycled materials, with an artistic view,” said Wood. “The addition of Lewis Snyder’s sculpture to the campus gives us a view of the modern with reminders to recycle our precious resources,” said Wood.
Students from Webb traveled to Middle Tennessee State University April 10 to participate in one of four sites hosting the 62nd Annual Mathematics Contest. The school had students place in the top 10 and/or top 20 in each category offered. There are no team places at this competition - only individual. In Algebra 1 Nathan Xing placed 7th, Leon Thiel placed 12th and Jessica Le placed 17th; Geometry - Chaney McKnight tied for 19th; Algebra 2 - Tiger Wang placed 6th, Nancy Shi placed 10th, Nicky Dai placed 13th and Tony Wei placed 16th; Statistics - Alice Lin placed 3rd; Pre-Calculus - Dovyda Vasiliauskas placed 4th and Steven Wu placed 10th; Calculus and Advanced Topics - Johhny Ou placed 3rd, Jessie Song placed 11th , Yaqin (Annie) Zhou placed 14th, Scarlett Liu placed 16th, and Haotian (Tommy) Zhuo placed 18th.
Three speakers are part of the spring 2018 Follin Speaker Series A motivational speaker and sleight-of-hand artist, author of Winning the College Admission Game and the world’s first and only stand-up economist were part of Follin Speaker Series during the spring semester. The series is an endowed program at Webb with presentations that are free and open to the public. Jason Michaels is an entertainer with expertise in the arts of deception. Diagnosed with Tourette’s Syndrome at age six, Michaels overcame “the impossible” and became an internationally award-winning sleight-of-hand artist and professional speaker. Peter Van Buskirk presented several sessions for students, parents and the public about strategies that ease the stress while helping families navigate the high-stakes college admission process. Yoram Bauman’s goals in life are to spread joy to the world through economics comedy; to reform economics education; and to implement carbon pricing.
The Webb School Magazine
Wood guided the commissioned series project that provided the installations on loan for three years. The first piece in the series was a special sculpture by Tennessee artist Jacobsohn “Tennessee Wildlife.” It is located between the Frank G. Barton Jr. Athletic Center and the Lundin Fine Arts Center. The second installation was an original metal piece “Ring Swing” created by Tennessee artist Gregory and dedicated to Wood. It is located in the William Bond Library foyer.
Students claim awards at 62nd Annual Mathematics Contest
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KUDOS AND NEWS
Annual trip takes middle school group to Massachusetts Students traveled to Massachusetts for the annual middle school trip. The group of 50 students and five faculty members, Middle School Head Tabetha Sullens ’94, Elyse Jensen ’11, Jena Jones, Andrew McRady ’86 and Larry Foulk, enjoyed the weekend sightseeing with a guided tour of Historic Lexington and Concord, the North Bridge, Minute Man Statue, Battle Road, a trip to Plymouth to see Plymouth Rock and Plimoth Plantation then Quincy Market in Boston and took a guided tour that of the Freedom Trail, Paul Revere House, and the Prudential Center. The trip was capped with a visit to Salem and Marblehead to visit the Old Burying Point, the Witch Trial Memorial, The Customs House, Castle Rock, Chandler Hovey Lighthouse and The House of Seven Gables, among other stops. Read more about spring news at www.thewebbschool.com
Seven second-generation students on Senior Survival Seven second-generation seniors were part of the Class of 2018, faculty members and several alumni who continued the Senior Survival tradition the week before graduation. The trip was led by Joe Griggs ’05 (Wilderness Instructional Leadership Development instructor), Brian Wofford (W.I.L.D. consultant), A.J. Swafford ’99 (science teacher) and Mike Quinn (art teacher). Second generation students included Lexis Sullens (Middle School Head Tabetha Sullens ’94), Emma-Grace Patterson (the late Alan Patterson ’96), Lucy Mitchell (Amy Mitchell ’95), Rhett Insell (Clint Insell ’95), Dayton Hasty (Darin Hasty ’90), Siree McRady (Dean of Students Andrew McRady ’86) and Jones Allison (Robert Allison ’89).
Spring-Summer 2018
Middle School students receive awards, 8th grade graduates
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Middle School students came together for a special ceremony on May 18 that included the presentation of traditional and special awards, a pinning ceremony, the announcement of a declamation contest winner, and the graduation of the eighth-grade class. This year the eighth graders began a tradition. The students were the first middle school graduating class to participate in a pinning ceremony to mark the first graduating class with Tabetha Sullens ’94 as Middle School Head. These pins represent the accomplishments and preparations in middle school at Webb. The significance of the pin serves as a keepsake that they will wear on their senior blazers in four years.
Williams, Wimberley are Girls State delegates; Sullens, counselor Juniors Brooke Williams and Ella Wimberley, both of Manchester, attended the 72st Tennessee American Legion Auxiliary Volunteer Girls State, May 27-June 2, at Lipscomb University in Nashville. Lexis Sullens of McMinnville, one of last year’s Webb delegates, was among 30 chosen students from a field of 450 to be Girls State counselors.
KUDOS AND NEWS
Twelve students inducted into Cum Laude Society; Reddy guest speaker Twelve students were inducted into the Cum Laude Society, a national organization dedicated to honoring academic achievement in secondary schools. The ceremony was April 6 in chapel with Swapna Reddy ’04, a Webb alumna and Naveen Reddy '06 with his sister Swapna Reddy '04 co-founder and Director and their former teacher Sandra Truitt of the Asylum Seeker is the Chapter Secretary of the Webb Advocacy Project (ASAP), as the guest Chapter of the Cum Laude Society. speaker. Latin teacher Kelly Northrup and Students joining the Cum Laude Society included five juniors, Selina Liang, Alice Lin, Scarlett Liu, Alex Reavis, and Tommy Zhuo, and seven seniors, Jones Allison, Elizabeth Bigham, Clarice Kiser, Sofia Kovacevic, Prince Li, Grace Lynch and Jada Millikan. The seniors join seven other members of their class who were inducted during last year’s ceremony. Math teacher Sandy Truitt
English teacher Neil Barrett are faculty sponsors. Following the presentation of pins and certificates, Reddy gave a talk in honor of the new members. Reddy has a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Mathematics from Harvard University and a law degree from Yale Law School. READ MORE ABOUT REDDY ON PAGE 14
Ava Foulk, Susan Mullen, and Carrie Simmons
Three students selected for MidState Orchestra Three students from the string orchestra program were accepted into the annual MidState Orchestra in Murfreesboro through the Middle Tennessee State Band and Orchestra Association (MTSBOA). Carrie Simmons, ninth grade bassist, and Ava Foulk, seventh grade violist, participated in the event. Alex Schuler 10th grade cellist, was also accepted but was unable to participate.
Members of the Class of 2018 were guests at the annual Senior Luncheon
Continuing a tradition in recent years, seniors made their college announcements in chapel throughout the school year and then took the opportunity to ring the Culleoka Bell that once stood at the original school in Culleoka, Tenn., where Sawney Webb and brother, John Webb, began their classes.
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The senior luncheon, hosted by the Office of Alumni and Development and Alumni Association, was attended by several members of the Alumni Board, Head of School Ray Broadhead, and faculty and staff. Alumni Board Chair Chase Spurlock ’05 welcomed the group and introduced A&D office staff members and also other Alumni Board members in attendance, Melora Turner, ’80 and Webb Follin ’73. Ralph Jones, veteran history teacher, was the guest speaker. Alexis McKnight, Lexis Sullens and Isaac Williams were introduced as class agents. The program closed with the 2018 graduates receiving a gift from the Alumni Board. Seniors wore their college of choice T-shirts for photos after the luncheon.
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KUDOS AND NEWS
Wood, Nichols honored with retirement reception Sixty years of service to Webb was recently celebrated with a reception for retiring history teacher Larry Nichols and pottery teacher Sue Wood. Nichols joined the school in 1986 for a 32-year career and Wood in 1990 for 28 years. Nichols noted that 55 years ago, he toured campus as a prospective student from Birmingham. The tour was arranged by Dorothy Elkins, head of school assistant, now alumni and development research assistant. While he did not enroll, he joined Webb as a faculty member after a number of years in state government and politics.
Sue Wood and Larry Nichols hold the new plaque for the Teachers’ Lounge
While at Webb Nichols has served as a history faculty member teaching U.S. government, world cultures, geography, American history and English language learners classes. He has also held the position of director of admissions for three years, international student coordinator for 10 years, initiated and then directed the school’s National Geographic Geography Bee for 20 years, and served as assistant summer school head and taught summer school classes for a number of years. Nichols is the longtime sponsor of the school’s Teenage Republicans and has also been bowling and middle school soccer head coach and varsity soccer assistant coach during his career at Webb. “It has been a wonderful experience. Your support has made my working here enjoyable and rewarding,” he told those at the reception. “Working at Webb has contributed greatly to both my personal and professional growth. After 32 blessed and productive years, I leave with memories to cherish the rest of my life. Thank you." Wood explained that after spending a year in Europe and then working as an artist in Nashville, she decided to go back to school for an art certification.
Art teacher Mike Quinn and Sue Wood
Wood initially taught art and added pottery several years later. For a number of years, she organized the Empty Bowls pottery project for Bedford County Schools and directed Webb’s three-part commissioned art series that began 2015 and culminated in May 2018. For 28 years, she oversaw the Senior Board creation for each class. She has taught summer school classes and continues to teach during Webb’s current Summer Program. She provides special activities for alumni during reunion weekend and prospective families during admissions events. She also has taught adult pottery classes and has served as the pottery club sponsor.
Spring-Summer 2018
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“I was so grateful for everything that Webb brought me. I knew that Webb was a great place,” she said. “What a great community we have; people come together, and things work out. I wish the world could be more like Webb. I say little prayer for The Webb School, because it’s a wonderful place. Thank God, and thank you.”
Fine Arts Department Chair Janet Linton served as host of the event, welcoming friends and colleagues attending the reception. She also provided highlights of Wood’s tenure at Webb, and history teacher L.R. Smith spoke about Nichols’ many years of service. The honorees were presented gifts during the reception. Two of the gifts were plaques from colleagues for the Teachers’ Lounge bearing the name “Wood ’n Nichols.” Rion Steele ’10 and Larry Nichols
Read more about spring news at www.thewebbschool.com
Webb Gl bal THE WEBB DIFFERENCE – G L O B A L E D U C AT I O N – I M PA C T S S T U D E N T S
Several alumni are highlighted in this section as examples of how that impact continues.
Fiala pursuing two interests in Summer 2018 Austin Fiala ’16 is busy with two projects this summer -- serving as an adventure concierge/program coordinator with One Ocean Expeditions and as a policy assistant in the Office of The Honourable Donald Plett.
“This summer, from May-June, I will be returning to Ottawa, Canada, for the third time, to work as a policy assistant in the Office of The Honourable Donald Plett. Senator Plett is a Senator from Landmark, Manitoba, who serves as the Official Opposition’s Whip in the Senate. Furthermore, Senator Plett CONTINUED ON PAGE 17
The Webb School Magazine
The Webb graduate explains: “One Ocean Expeditions is a polar expedition cruise line that specializes in voyages to the lesser accessed and more remote regions of the Canadian and Russian Arctics as well as the Antarctic Peninsula. Since the Summer of 2016, I have worked, part-time, as an adventure concierge with One Ocean Expeditions in the lower Canadian Arctic (June-August) and the Antarctic Peninsula (December-January). As an adventure concierge, my responsibilities include assisting the program coordinator and hotel manager in customizing the voyage of every passenger, ensuring that the staff and crew were doing everything in their ability to maximize the experience of the passengers, and functioning as a personalized host to the passengers on board. Recently, I have also taken on the role of program coordinator on select voyages. As the program coordinator, my responsibilities include working with the expedition leader in order to maintain a sail plan and daily schedule, organizing educational presenters to speak throughout the voyage, organizing activities for the passengers throughout the day, writing and formatting content for the daily shipboard-newspaper, and organizing the on-ship auction that occurs on each voyage. Additionally, I assist the
expedition leader in organizing excursions, driving passengers, via zodiac, between excursion destinations, and leading hikes through the polar landscape.”
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WEBB GLOBAL
Stefan Shelley travels to learn more about cultural background There is always something to be learned during global travel, but for Stefan Shelley, a recent trip was especially meaningful. The 2012 graduate had the opportunity to travel to Bangladesh and nearby areas of Southeast Asia in an effort to learn and educate himself about his cultural background. Shelley explains that it was a background with which he had very little experience having grown up in the United States. “I learned a great deal about my family’s legacy in the country, as well as the various roles my immediate family members played in the revolution. This education made the trip so much more fascinating to me as I paid heavier attention to the culture around me,” he said. “As the weeks went on in Bangladesh, specifically, I began to realize what parts of the culture I appreciated and found to be very positive, but I also began to see the parts of the culture that I did not agree with. The experience as a whole has further broadened my world perspective, as well as my personal ability to have patience when not in control of my surroundings.” Shelley said he faced challenges in his extended travel adventure. “I found more often than not, I stood out as a foreigner without even speaking, and this sometimes made it difficult to observe the culture with an honest perspective. Those around me were eager to showcase their own specific ideas about western culture.” He also faced basic travel challenges when not on a set path, as the geography and towns of Bangladesh can become confusing to navigate without a proper guide. “While global stereotypes portray third-world countries in a certain light, I was fortunate to see that not all of these stereotypes held weight, where some actually did. The challenge of being a foreigner in a country so conservative in nature was obvious. I had to take extra precaution to choose my words carefully when interacting with locals as to not unknowingly disrespect their own personal religious, political, or social beliefs and expectations.” The Webb alum noted that many Americans are not very familiar with Bangladesh nor its culture.
Spring-Summer 2018
After his lengthy journey, Shelley described Bangladesh “as very unique and separate from the cultures in the same region. However, it definitely is influenced by India and western societies in many different ways.”
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SELF PORTRAIT I spent a number of days on a motorcycle tour of the rural surroundings of Barisal (where my family originates), and during that time we visited a small village where the locals work in a brick factory making bricks by hand. It was positioned right beside a river for access to water and gave me the prime opportunity to discuss life with those living in sheet metal shacks in the countryside.
He added, “There are plenty of reasons people have for not traveling and exploring the world we all live in. Some are realistic and others can be ... well ... self-imposed. It is easy to fear and avoid the world outside your comfort zone, and I have had this feeling plenty of times in my life. But as this journey comes to a closure, I am happy to say that the experiences I’ve had from the time I left America to now are completely worth the hassles, inconveniences, and struggles of traveling outside of my comfort zone. “It is difficult to fully describe these experiences in words, so hopefully the photography work can help. The next time you have the opportunity to travel wherever it may be -- just go for it! But take a camera with you in case you need help sharing the experience later on!”
WEDDING RECEPTION One of the many events I attended while in Bangladesh included my cousin’s wedding reception. The event was held in a venue that echoed British royalty. The reception itself was brief as it introduced the newlyweds to both sides of the family followed by a time for family photos and a large meal featuring various traditional dishes rooted deep within the culture. A major cultural note about any gathering in Bengali culture is that food is always a key factor and in many ways, it can be seen as the celebratory moment of the event and a "breaking bread" with new family in this case. NEPAL MARKET In a brief visit to Kathmandu, Nepal, I was fortunate to see countless temples, shrines, and holy sites. This particular moment completely stood on its own as I found myself in Durbar Square, a major marketplace for both locals and tourists like myself. The scenery was non-stop movement and bartering (which I took part in) so I knew in this brief moment of relative calmness that I had to try and capture the split-second of quiet.
FIELD DAYS The gentleman photographed was another worker from the brick factory, who operated in field maintenance and is seen balancing cut branches and roots to be used for fire kindling atop his head. He was very excited to meet a foreigner and have his portrait taken, what I can imagine as a nice break from his long day of work in the sun. RIVERSIDE While exploring the more urban environment of Barisal, I came across this ferryman taking a break and resting in one of the most peaceful sunsets I have experienced. In the following days, I would take part in a nighttime ferry during which I was cautious. Some of the other passengers seemed content with moving around frequently during the ride and flipping the boat. Fortunately, they calmed down, and the rest of the ride was full of amazing views.
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PRIDE A young worker from the brick factory outside of Barisal is seen taking a pause from his duties. I had to talk with him and capture his appearance as he perfectly represented the attitude of Bengali pride. He literally wore the country on his back and worked his daily life towards something “more” -- an attitude the developing country shares as it enters modernity just 47 years after its founding as a nation.
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WEBB GLOBAL
Life’s passions may change - strive for excellence in all skills to be ready When Swapna Reddy ’04 was chapel speaker for the Cum Laude Society ceremony, she told the Webb community that “excellence is a great thing to strive for across the board because you never really know which of the skills you’re working on right now will end up being the critical skills for you.”
Spring-Summer 2018
Reddy, who resides in Chicago, is a classic example of how that advice can play out. She is co-founder and director of the Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP), a non-profit project providing rapid response legal aid and community support for refugees in moments of crisis, including mass detention and raids.
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Since its founding in 2015, ASAP has prevented the imminent deportation of more than 425 refugees in over 30 states, provided community education to thousands of refugee mothers, and mobilized more than 700 volunteers around the country to carry out this work. Her work has been featured by numerous sources such as the New York Times, Time Magazine and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. She has a bachelor’s degree in computer science and mathematics from Harvard University and a law degree from Yale Law School. Prior to ASAP, she worked in a variety of areas including civil rights, artificial intelligence and developmental economics. “It was honestly pretty stressful to go to a school like Harvard. I
expected to be very unprepared. It took me a little while to realize it, but I was surprised by how much Webb actually does prepare us,” Reddy said. “It is actually a big luxury and a wonderful opportunity to be here,” she told the students. “Some of the teachers here have ended up being the best teachers I have ever had, even though I have gone to schools that are known as offering the best educations in the world. I can still say, for instance, that even though I was a math major at Harvard, Mrs. (Sandy) Truitt has been the best math teacher I have ever had. So, you all are pretty lucky to be here.” Reddy was a quantitative person in undergrad, and thought that was what she wanted to do. “At some point, I realized that even though I like math as a subject, I like working with people more. I shifted gears and ended up working for about five years in between college and law school, and by the end, I had realized that law was a field that was more fulfilling for me personally.” During law school, Reddy had the opportunity to travel with a group of law students to the U.S.-Mexico border and volunteer in the nation’s largest immigration detention center. It was built to hold about 2,400 women and children at once, “all of whom are seeking asylum after escaping sexual violence and other grim things and are now being held in detention, trying to fight their cases.” Reddy volunteered for a week and met a detained woman, Suny, who was forced to go to trial that week. She told Reddy that during her nearly five months of detention, families were forced to go to CONTINUED ON PAGE 35
WEBB GLOBAL
The passion of teaching leads Hoover across the globe Ever since McKenna Hoover ’15 began learning French in sixth grade at Webb, she knew she wanted to make the language and culture part of her life. At Rollins College, she realized she had a passion for teaching. Following her May graduation from Rollins, she is now preparing for an adventure that will have her teaching English in France during the 2018-2019 school year. “After studying abroad in the south of France last semester (fall 2017), I decided that I should try to find something that combines my love for French language and culture and my passion for education, and would hopefully take me back to France,” she said. Officially accepted to the Teaching Assistant Program in France, managed by the Centre international d’etudes pedagogiques (IEP, an agency of the French Ministry of Education), Hoover will be placed in the Academie de Aix-Marseille at the primary level. She will be assigned to one or more schools in the region. “I am beyond excited about it. I really hope to gain a greater understanding of French language and culture by immersing myself in it again,” said Hoover, whose undergraduate major was sociology with a minor in French. “I have discovered that there is no better way to learn a language than to be immersed in it for long periods of time. I also hope that this will be a great opportunity for me to improve my teaching skills. Finally, I am looking forward to another opportunity to explore France and Europe as a whole to learn more about various cultures and see the beauty of the world.” She added, “Travel is another major passion of mine. It is so easy to travel there. And I had an amazing time traveling with my friends while I was abroad.”
After the yearlong French teaching position, she plans to return to the states and go to graduate school. Again, she’ll opt for a program
Hoover said that much of her success she owes to her time at Webb and her teachers, especially her French teachers – Madame (Moira) Smith and Madame (Mallory) Garcia. Without them, I never would have continued to pursue French or even taken French in the first place. I truly learned a great deal from them, and I am very appreciative.” She added, “I also have a great deal to owe Mr. (Mike) Quinn for being an incredible mentor to me both while I was at Webb, and today I attribute a great deal of my leadership qualities to him for seeing the potential in me and making me see it, too, through the Youth to Youth and the Feet to Feet program. I also am really thankful for the experiences that I had to travel abroad at Webb. These experiences pushed my comfort zone and helped me with my French and my desires to travel, which has been amazing.”
While attending Rollins College in Winter Park, Fla., Hoover performed a lot of volunteer and service work. She served on the Immersion Planning Team (an Alternative Break program) for three years, interned at a local private school, Walden Community School, for the last two years as a teaching assistant and more recently a physical education and 7th grade science teacher. She was also a work study in the Department of Anthropology and Sociology for three years, a research assistant for the Campus Climate Survey in 2017 and was vice president/philanthropy chair of her sorority.
The Webb School Magazine
Hoover also has a penchant for French food. “The markets are incredible, and I cannot wait to be able to walk through them and shop again. The food is so different there, and it was definitely a shock coming back to the states.
that combines foreign language and teaching. “After that I hope to find some sort of position that once again combines my love of French and education. Who knows, maybe I will end up in France!”
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WEBB GLOBAL
Webb’s focus on integrity continues to impact Wang and his global business As it turns out, Olly Wang is often reminded of The Webb School as he applies what he considers “beyond knowledge” that he learned during his two years as a student. Wang ’09 is a graduate of Cornell University majoring in AEM (undergraduate business) and Food Science. He was the top graduate in 2013 and was also a presidential award winner. He joined his family’s seafood business in Dalian, China, in 2013 as plant manager, and in 2016, his mother passed the general manager role to him. He is in charge of all major operations for Dalian Ocean Pearl Foods Co. LTD, Dalian Zhudao FoodStuffs Co. LTD and Dalian Shandao Food Co. LTD. In the last five years, Wang has increased the family’s fish market more than 10-fold and doubled the total business. “I developed the Europe market, with which we had no connection before I came. Now our market covers most of the world.” He added, “Ocean Beauty, Pacific Seafood and Trident are the top fish companies … and Eastern Fisheries is the top scallop company in the U.S. Highliner is a top seafood in Canada. We have close business relationships with all these major players. Our products go to both retailers like Kroger and food services like Red Lobster.” Because one of his majors was food science, Wang said the theme “feeding the world” has been important to him. “I am both happy and proud that I’m making an active impact.” He thinks it’s important not only to combat hunger but also to improve food quality for everyone, especially in the U.S. As a student in the U.S., he became aware of the quality of fish available, which he said was safe to eat, but much lower than his company’s standards. “Feeding the world with high-quality seafood, that’s my passion for my work. I walk into the workshop myself almost every day, as long as I’m not traveling, to make sure we are producing top-quality products that I would find delicious myself.”
Spring-Summer 2018
His customers, especially western customers, say they buy from him “not for a cheaper price but for my business integrity,” he explained. “In economics, we call it a valuable intangible asset. I believe I would never fully understand its true value, especially when I just started working, without writing down the Webb (honor) code over and over again until this western ideology was deeply planted in my mind.
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Olly Wang checking on product quality in the factory
“The code, beyond the simple words, builds the pride of personal integrity inside a young mind. And that had a huge impact on my later work and life.” Wang explained, “I remember when I just started working, one supplier unilaterally defaulted on a contract due to the market price rising, but I decided to buy raw materials elsewhere at a much higher price to fulfill my customer’s orders. It was a tough decision, with over halfmillion-dollar loss, but I know the value of business integrity, which is much more than this loss. My customer has now become my largest buyer
WEBB GLOBAL
An overlook of Olly Wang’s facilities.
in the U.S., and interestingly, the supplier that defaulted on the contract faded out of the industry in three years.” Wang has recently joined the Webb Alumni Board and has brought another of his passions into focus. “I’m most passionate about international student-related issues, and I would like to share my ’Oriental mind’ with Webb. I’m really happy to see a lot of efforts geared towards international students now: Asia trips, Chinese lessons, etc. However, I do see many barriers existing — informational, cultural, ideological, etc. For example, basing on my own experience and survey, one area Chinese students want to improve most is food. This is true not only to Webb but also to many other high schools and colleges in U.S. That’s not because Webb food is not good. I believe the true reason is that in Chinese culture, as well as many other Asian cultures (even more so in Japan), food has been historically given much more importance than in western cultures.” The alum added that during his last visit, he was informed that he was one of the first donors to designate a donation to the dining hall — adding it as a category on his own donor form. He noted
that Chinese students and parents would be surprised to find that the area is not listed on the form. “Webb has taught me the western ideology in high school, and I would like to bring my eastern insights to Webb now. I believe when people know more about each other, we love and care more about each other.”
Olly Wang and his wife Lisa in Hokkaido, Japan, spending some time after one inspection of Japanese raw materials
Wang has fond memories of his Webb mentors – Mrs. (Sandy) Truitt, Mr. (Jeff) Mitchell, Mrs. (Amy) Mitchell Mrs. (Julie) Harris, Mr. (Bill) Rice, Dr. (Dianne) Watson and many more. “They taught me to be knowledgeable, strong and competitive, be filled with love and passion, be deliberate in work and study, and keep positive.”
FIALA CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11
and witnesses, on behalf of the Senator, in preparation for his work on the Senate Committees. Additionally, as all proceedings within the Canadian government occur in both of the nation’s official languages, my proficiency in French, cultivated through my time at Webb, has given me an advantage over other monolingual interns and staffers. Last year, I had the opportunity to attend the Conservative Party of Canada Leadership Convention in Toronto, with my boss; and, I had the opportunity to meet the new Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, The Honourable Andrew Scheer.
The Webb School Magazine
was responsible for the creation of the Conservative Party of Canada in 2003 and served as its President until 2009. As a policy assistant in the Office of Senator Donald N. Plett, my duties include, but are not limited to reading and summarizing policy notes into briefing memos, researching bills presented before the Senate, preparing oral remarks and questions, preparing talking points, preparing speeches to be given on the Senate floor, analyzing – and sometimes translating – committee transcripts, and preparing press releases. Furthermore, I am responsible for the research of legislation, bills,
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WEBB GLOBAL
Hornsbys answer lifetime call to serve people in need “It’s all part of one long adventure. We have learned to slow down a little. Be a little more merciful, more grateful. See Jesus in each person. See God’s presence in nature. Everything and every person is holy, sacred, and to be deeply valued and honored.” The Rev. Jim Hornsby That’s how Jim Hornsby describes the life he and his wife Sarah have lived – 54 years in ministry serving people in need – people in inner-city neighborhoods in various U.S. cities for 20 years and those in Nicaragua, where they’ve made their home since 1984. Hornsby began a life of service as a Presbyterian minister in 1964. He and Sarah, who married in 1960, moved to Jacksonville, Fla., to develop Young Life Inner-City. (The Young Life organization’s mission is to introduce adolescents to Jesus Christ and help them grow in their faith.) He worked as an urban minister for the Suwanee Presbytery, developing youth clubs, sports programs, evangelistic and leadership strategies, camps and conferences. During this time, he also helped develop youth camps in other states. From 1978-1984, he served as Campus Pastor at Western Carolina University in North Carolina.
Spring-Summer 2018
Jim and Sarah in their rustic camp, in front of the kitchen/ dining cabin called "Castle of rocks that speak"
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In mid-1984, the couple moved to Nicaragua to found Habitat for Humanity in the country and four years later settled in Matagalpa to develop Vida Joven (Young Life).
To get to the “why they moved to Nicaragua”, there’s a lifetime of faith and inspirations, and it actually began at Webb. Hornsby, a native of Knoxville, graduated from Webb in 1956. He earned his undergraduate degree in 1960 from University of Tennessee and then completed a Master of Divinity at the Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Va., in 1964. “While at Webb, several of us went to a Billy Graham Crusade in Nashville and made a commitment to follow Christ more sincerely. After my first year at UT, I had a summer job at a non-Christian
resort in Michigan, where I fell away from my faith. I went back to UT feeling empty and knowing I was a hypocrite.” Hornsby added, “That fall at the Presbyterian Student Center, a friend invited a black campus pastor (Dr. Lee C. Philip) from Prairie View A&M to lead some workshops with a group of us.” Hornsby said Philip “incarnated Jesus better and fuller than any person I had ever met. We spent several days together, and he laughed me out of my hypocrisy and guilt. The night after he left I was on my knees in my dorm room and literally felt Jesus hug me and say, ’I will never leave you or condemn you. I will search you out all the days of your life. … If you choose to follow me, I promise that you will never have a boring day in your life!’ That encounter with Jesus and with Dr. Philip sticks with me every day and has been a permanent gamechanger.” A subsequent serious encounter with a troubled youth and other events convinced him that God was calling him to work with youth in poverty. The couple’s involvement in Habitat for Humanity in Nicaragua grew out of a Central America study group and a Witness for Peace trip to Guatemala and Nicaragua. “God broke my heart with the people of Nicaragua, and I knew I was being called there (to found Habitat for Humanity in the country),” he said. “Habitat is now all over Nicaragua. In my time, we had six projects of 20-30 houses in each,” he said. “Since then, there have been many projects of 100-200 houses. Now the focus includes nointerest housing loans, phase 1 construction, leaving phase 2 to the homeowners, and other adaptations designed to make Habitat more flexible and useful. Everything is now under Nicaraguan leadership.” Early on as he and Sarah got to know the people there, they learned the biggest need wasn’t solely housing. It was a lack of infrastructure for moral and spiritual development of youth. “Since that was what we had done for 20 years in the states, it was just a matter of adapting to the Nicaraguan culture and the language. At the same time, an old friend and mentor just happened to be in charge of international work for Young Life, and came to Nicaragua and asked me to be ’on the point’ for developing a ministry here. The rest is history.” The Hornsbys started Vida Joven in Matagalpa with a vision that became 20-30 clubs in about six cities and a camp for 150 campers before they retired in 2008. Since then, the Vida Joven camp has grown to a 350-bed capacity. It recently had a $1.5 million
upgrade and has about 50 acres of gourmet coffee in production, which is marketed in the U.S. and Nicaragua to help make the camp ministry self-supporting. Now, under majority Nicaraguan leadership, there are more than 80 Vida Joven clubs, in over 10 cities, with more on the way. Folks from other Latin American countries come to Nicaragua for training, and Nicaraguans have been sent to those countries to help develop their ministries. Hornsby said they have witnessed the difference both Habitat for Humanity and Vida Joven have made in the lives of Nicaraguans. “By making home ownership possible, civic and family quality and participation increases. Other goals become possible in work and education. The most impressive differences are clearly expressed when you sit down with a family and listen to a story.” He added that youth involved in Vida Joven also have moving stories such as those who came from illiterate families, who now have a college degree. Kids who now have a leadership role in their church, Catholic or evangelical. Kids who came from poor neighborhoods now have stable jobs and donate to help other kids go to camp.
"This is Sarah, with Daisy and Yamilet, drying medicinal plants before packaging them for the two clinics we supply."
The Webb School Magazine
“We retired at the end of 2008 staying in our house in Matagalpa,” said the alum. “Since then we have continued helping with a rural mountain medical clinic near the Vida Joven Camp that serves 4,000 rural folks in poverty. I also serve on the Vida Joven Board of Directors, and teach, mentor and counsel when asked. We are developing a ’Sacred Forest Project,’ which now has about 130 acres. It is a combination of a reforestation project, ecological education, a small rustic camp, a place for meditation and reflection, production of coffee, blackberries, vegetables, and more and more medicinal plants. Sarah also is unstoppably creative with writing, translating, painting and crafts. She manages the medicinal plant project with three other women and supplies two clinics. Knowing our time on earth is limited, as well as our energy levels, we are preparing others to carry on the projects and visions. We are both 80 years old now, and plan to be buried in our ’Sacred Forest’ in burlap sacks with trees planted on top.”
"When folks come to our Sacred Forest on retreat, we hike them in past a huge Matapalo tree which we call our "GrandfatherTree" that guards the entrance to the rustic camp area. We have them pause in silence, touch or hug the tree, pray, and promise the tree that they will protect and not harm the ecosystem. This is part of our attempt or goal to help folks wake up to the sacredness of nature and people."
The Webb alum said in the beginning he never imagined having the responsibilities and opportunities that he’s experienced in life. “It’s like having a tiger by the tail – so much wonder and gratitude each day, no time to regret, no time to fear. Love involves suffering and joy. Like I was promised back in 1957, there has never been a boring day or a day without meaning.”
CONTINUED ON PAGE 32
Javier and Jim prepare saplings for the reforestation project.
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SPORTS
Keon Johnson is named TSSAA Mr. Basketball in Division II Class A Sophomore Keon Johnson was named 2018 Mr. Basketball in TSSAA Division II Class A at a ceremony March 6 at Middle Tennessee State University. He joined players in four other divisions statewide receiving the honors. Three players were selected as finalists in each division. “Being named Mr. Basketball for my division means a whole lot to me based on the success I’ve had and the success of the team,” said Johnson, a Shelbyville resident. “Mr. Basketball is good as an individual achievement, but overall, I’d like to win a state championship. It’s a greater achievement.” He added, “I really loved my teammates this year. Everyone cared about what we could do as a whole. Everyone knew their roles and how to play within their roles.” “It’s an incredible honor for any player, but for a sophomore to win this is really incredible,” said Head Coach Jeff Mitchell. “As a player, everyone sees the talent, his skill and athleticism. But I think what Regular Season All-District Basketball Team: Wesley Hennis Keon Johnson All-District Tournament Team: Wesley Hennis Keon Johnson - tournament MVP
set him apart this year are the leadership skills he’s developed and his basketball IQ, which is obviously incredible, as well. He doesn’t just play the game, he thinks the game.” Mitchell added that he does not think Johnson will be satisfied winning this honor. “I have no doubt that he’s going to use this honor as a springboard, as a motivator, to improve more. I think he really desires for his team to win at the highest level.” Johnson has praise for the team’s coaches. “They all put in a lot of overtime,” he said, noting that the coaches scout other teams and spend countless hours in practice and travel time before the team can even set foot on the court to play a game. Johnson was also 1 of 5 nominees for 2018 Tennessean Boys Basketball Player of the Year award.
All-Region Tournament Team: Wesley Hennis Jordan Jenkins Keon Johnson - tournament MVP All-Tournament Team Div. II A State Championship: Keon Johnson
Spring-Summer 2018
MIDDLE SCHOOL BOYS’ SOCCER
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SPORTS
Webb advances to state tournament semifinal game Following a 17-6 regular season, the varsity boys’ team lost, 44-39, to Grace Christian-Knoxville in the TSSAA Division II-A State Tournament semifinal game on March 1 at Lipscomb University. Grace posted a small lead at the end of each quarter – 15-14 after the first, 23-19 at the half, and 31-30 after the third period. Grace went on to play the winner of the second semifinal game between Lausanne of Memphis and Webb School of Knoxville. Webb was the middle division No. 1 seed, and reached the semifinal round by defeating Chattanooga Christian School in the quarterfinal game on Feb. 24. The score was 72-58. It was the first time since 2010 that Webb has advanced to the semifinal round. Following the regular season, Webb went on to win the district region quarterfinal, semifinal and championship games, along with the state quarterfinal after a first-round bye to set up the state semifinal game. The coaching staff is led by Head Coach Jeff Mitchell, with James Garcia and Scott Persichetti as assistant coaches. Team members were seniors – Greg Kilpatrick, Rhett Insell, Hayden Weeks, Wesley Hennis and Ian Reyes; juniors – Kane Edwards, Chris Connelly and Henry Moore; sophomore – Keon Johnson; and freshmen – Charlie Mitchell, Josh Goco and Jordan Jenkins.
MIDDLE SCHOOL TENNIS
The Webb School Magazine
Three to play collegiate athletics
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SPORTS BASEBALL
VA R S I T Y B O Y S ’ S O C C E R
VA R S I T Y G I R L S ’ L A C R O S S E
BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ MIDDLE SCHOOL GOLF
The girls and boys claimed wins in the Middle Tennessee Athletic Conference Middle School Golf Tournament on May 7 at WillowBrook Golf Club in Manchester.
TSSAA Boys Tennis Region Qualifiers 3rd Seed Brandon Azar Bennett Eng Leann Faour of Murfreesboro was recently selected as a member of the Tennessee team that competed in the U.S. Lacrosse Association Division National Tournament in May.
TSSAA All-District Softball Sofia Kovacevic
VA R S I T Y T E N N I S
Spring-Summer 2018
TSSAA All -District Boys Soccer
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Will Ledbetter Ethan Cocanougher Griffin Rone Congratulations to all the second semester student-athletes of the month January – Rhett Insell February – Elizabeth Bigham March – Joseph Collins April – Spoony Sizemore
SPORTS TRAP AND SKEET
SOFTBALL
Miles Simons, an eighth grader, earned a slot at the National Junior Olympic International Skeet tournament in Colorado in June, as well as the International Scholastic Clay Target Program Tournament in July. He placed third in the J-2 category (age 15-17) and sixth overall at the Tennessee Junior Olympic Skeet Championships in April.
MIDDLE SCHOOL GIRLS’ LACROSSE
VA R S I T Y G I R L S ’ L A C R O S S E
Middle school girls’ basketball team wins MTAC championship
Middle Tennessee Athletic Conference All-Tournament Team Iris Reyes Lola Reyes MTAC All-Tournament Team MVP Leigha Insell
The Webb School Magazine
The middle school girls’ team claimed the Middle Tennessee Athletic Conference championship over Riverside Christian Academy on Feb. 10, 46-10.
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2018 ALUMNI REUNION
Class of 1988 celebrating a tie with 1968 for most alumni at reunion
Cynthia and Tom Simmons '73
Spring-Summer 2018
Lee Woosley '78, Dorothy Elkins, Bill Hardin '79
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Ham Smythe '48, Robert Nelson '68, Betha Gill, Ray Gill '69
Faculty member Ralph Jones, Jami Averwater '13, Abby Ramey '13, Emily Gibson '13
2018 ALUMNI REUNION
Allen Craven '68, Janet Craven
Hudson Byrd '05, Rhea Hyatt '07
Charlie Fentress '48, Juanita Fentress
Class of 1968 at the home of Ray Broadhead Eric Forsbergh, John Holmes Smith, Bob Lee (who died May 11), Jim McDonnell, Ray Gill, Rob Lewis, Phil Neal, Lynn Cobb, Thomas Mackay, Saniel Bonder, Allen Craven, Roan Warring, David Pilcher, Charles Alexander, George Pine. The straw hat in the chair represents the late Wendel Haynes.
"100 Years of Webb History" – Ralph Jones, Larry Nichols, L.R. Smith
The Webb School Magazine
Grady Clinkscales III '81, Grady Clinkscales Jr. '49, Ed Davies '49, Bob Davies '76, John Gray '49, Roy Nance '49, John Gray IV
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2018 ALUMNI REUNION
Woosley values Webb from many perspectives
Lucy Phillips and Lee Woosley
When Lee Woosley ’78 accepted the John Hardin Service Award at the 2018 Reunion, he had the advantage of speaking from the perspective of an alumnus, admissions officer, coach and former trustee. Woosley has also held nearly every Board of Trustees leadership position through the years.
Spring-Summer 2018
Woosley was introduced by Lucy Phillips, former Webb Alumni & Development Director, who noted she worked with Woosley when he and his wife, Jessica ’82, returned to Tennessee from New Orleans. “Upon meeting Lee, it did not take long to recognize he is an extraordinary man. He is smart – measured and thoughtful in what he says – and always right on the mark. He is the epitome of a Southern gentleman - gracious, respectful and making sure those around him are comfortable.”
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“I am truly honored to have been selected, and I am humbled to be included among the past recipients of this award,” said Woosley. “I got to know John Hardin, while serving on the Board of Trustees, and I respected him very much. He was a servant to The Webb School. Coincidentally, his nephew Bill Hardin ’79 was one of my good friends at Webb, so this is a special honor.” He added, “My service to Webb over the years since my graduation in 1978 is far outweighed by the value of what I received during my four years here. When people ask me about my Webb experience, I tell them that it was four of the best years of my life and that I would do it all over again.” Even though his grandfather, father and uncle attended Webb,
Woosley said he was not pressured to enroll. He became a Webb boarding student as a 14-year-old freshman from Shelbyville in 1974. Following a short time when former teacher and coach Imre Lagler called Woosley and his peers “Greenhorns”, Woosley said he settled in and began making lifelong friendships with teachers, coaches and fellow students. “These were strong bonds, and they became enduring friendships. Many are still very close friendships today.” The alum developed a “love of learning” that was inspired by master teachers like Lagler, Sandra Truitt, Marion Marks and Dr. Ben Alexander. “Webb is also where I acquired many of my life values like honesty, integrity, honor, tradition, discipline and hard work. These are values I try to practice every day in my professional and personal life.” “I cannot over-emphasize the importance of caring, mentoring educators and coaches to the development and maturation process of teenage boys and girls. I believe this is still at the core of The Webb School’s philosophy and mission. Recognizing those who for nearly 150 years have contributed to Webb’s success, Woosley said that he was grateful to have been a small contributor and to “have had the opportunity to give back to an institution that has given so much to me.” Woosley closed urging others to get involved by “giving of your time, giving of your expertise or giving of your financial resources.”
2018 ALUMNI REUNION
Mathes shares award with all who were part of journey, vocation In accepting the Distinguished Alumni Society Award, the Rt. Rev. James Mathes asked those at the 2018 Reunion Brunch that the designation be shared with all who were a part of his “journey and vocation, particularly the saints of The Webb School, that great cloud of witnesses, that are beloved by us and by God.” Teacher Sandy Truitt said that as she prepared to introduce her former student, she felt out of her league. “That to participate in our society on the scale that Jim has done is just something that is outside of my understanding. She added, “But then I was comforted by the thought that this is, after all, the role of school marms – to usher their students out of the protected environment of the classroom and tell them to go out and ’take a hand in the game,’ go out, lead a large life, and then to rejoice when they do.”
Mathes noted that this made him wonder, “what am I doing here? Who do I point to? Who do I represent?” He added, “In the Episcopal Church … we pray these words, “For in the multitude of your saints, you have surrounded us with a great cloud of witnesses ... so permit me to name just a few of my saints – Gary Jones, Lucas Boyd, Sandy Truitt, Marion Marks, Joyce Fort, Stan Rupley and Lynn and Glenn Holliman.” He added that the lessons of Webb are beyond the classroom and mentioned Dorothy Elkins, Harold Bennett, Billy Holbrooks, Bobby Chambers, Catheran Barclay and “the immortal Mary Kate Murphy.” “All of them touched my life in profound and indelible ways. I suspect they touched many of yours … . All of them were teachers and guides. And in so many ways they loved us and are a part of us.”
As opposed to recognizing one person, he urged support of teaching and teachers and all of their needs, not just at Webb, but in all communities. “I spend a lot of time in sacred space. But, truly, Sandy Truitt and the Rt. Rev. James Mathes schools are sanctuaries. This school is holy ground for me and to us because it was a “It’s an odd thing for a bishop of the church to be singled out like transformational place. I pray that part of the education of a Webb you have on this day, particularly by a secular institution, albeit my alum is to be a fearless advocate for education – public, religious alma mater,” said Mathes. “We are called to be servants. In the past, and private.”
The Webb School Magazine
Mathes thanked Truitt for introducing him. “We have indeed stayed connected in a way that has been an immense blessing to me.” He also thanked Head of School Ray Broadhead and the Board of Trustees for honoring him.
when I have stood in similar places, it was to receive the recognition offered to the community.”
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ADMISSIONS
Alumni
"LOOK FIRST" Campaign Seeing
Positive Results
By Julie Harris ’95 Director of Admissions Jack Bailey '72 with son and daughterin-law Bradley and Sara Gauchat and Julie Harris '95, director of enrollment management, grandson Evan Robertson, incoming 8th grader not pictured.
In the Spring 2017 magazine, Wilson Sims ’72 shared information about a new initiative between the Alumni Board and the Admissions Office to increase legacy students. The goal of the initiative is to encourage alumni to “Look First” at The Webb School as an educational option for their children, grandchildren or even nieces or nephews. The Admissions Team is pleased to share that there are signs of greater interest in the number of alumni who are considering sending their children or other family members to Webb. We have seen an increase this year in both alumni referrals and legacy student applications. We have several new legacy students who will be joining our community this fall, and they are extremely bright and talented students. Wilson credits the “Look First” success to four factors: the Legacy Scholarship, the new residential village, more flexibility in leaving campus on weekends, and more parents who are open to choosing boarding school environments for their children. Please “Look First” and request an admissions packet for your child or family member by contacting me at 931-389-5728, or jharris@webbschool.com. You can also complete an online inquiry form at www.thewebbschool.com/admissions/request-information.
Dr. Jasper Shealy ’57 with daughter, Katherine Shealy and granddaughter Beatrix Shealy-Shuster, incoming 8th grader.
Alumni who have younger children are encouraged to enroll their child in our Little Feet Club. This is a great way to introduce your child to Webb and a great way to proudly support your alma mater. Sign up today at http://live.webbschool.com/littlefeet.
Spring-Summer 2018
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THE LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM • Applicants must have a parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle who attended The Webb School. • $10,000 Legacy Scholarships are given to boarding students in the United States who live outside of Tennessee and its eight neighboring states. • $5,000 Legacy Scholarships are given to boarding students living in Tennessee or one of its eight neighboring states. Residents in neighboring states qualify for a special in-state tuition rate. • $1,000 Legacy Scholarships are given to day students.
Lea Margaret Hamilton ’86 with son Mac Hamilton, incoming freshman.
• Free t-shirt, sticker and bookmark • Annual birthday card from Sawney Webb • Mailing list for Summer Camp opportunities or sports clinics
CLASS NOTES
Class Notes 1940 1950 s
s
BOB WEST ’57, Sacramento, Calif., writes: “I’m now pre-80. Had fun, traveled to the world’s garden spots such as Kazakhstan. Contributed to privatization in former soviet countries; contributed to founding and organizing the city of Irvine, Calif.; served as a Gov. Appointee in Orange County, Calif. and the state of California. I have three children, five grandchildren and a beautiful woman who keeps me alive.”
CHARLES FENTRESS ’48 and his wife Juanita recently visited with Matt Wilson, director of alumni and development, and Jonathon Hawkins, director of alumni relations and annual giving, at Amerigo Italian Restaurant in Nashville, Tenn. The alum assisted with planning for the Class of 1948’s 70th Reunion in April.
DR. PAUL STUMB III ’52, right, was among guests when his son, Cumberland University President Dr. Paul Stumb IV, was a chapel speaker in April. With them is Head of School Ray Broadhead.
1960s
Fred Schultz and wife visit campus The Webb School Magazine
BOB GILLILAND ’44 recently visited with Nichole Jordan, director of leadership annual giving, in Palm Desert, Calif.
FRED SCHULTZ ’61, a former student of The Webb School, from Takoma Park, Md. recently visited campus for the first time since his junior year in 1960. While on campus, Jonathon Hawkins, director of alumni relations and annual giving, gave Mr. Schultz and his wife Nancy a tour. The Schultzes very much enjoyed visiting the Big Room, Jr. Room, and the old Library. They also visited with Ray Broadhead, head of school, in the Administrative Building and chapel.
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CLASS NOTES
1970s
ROB MCNEILLY, ’74, has become Market President at Synovus Bank in Nashville. He assumed this new role at the beginning of 2018, having most recently served as CEO of the Nashville Market for SunTrust bank for many years.
JANITZIO "JANNY" CRESPO JORGENSEN ’77, of Bradenton, Fla., and her husband Rod recently dropped by The Webb School while attending a conference in Nashville. Janny was a junior student in the fall of 1975 and her brother, Marcos, graduated with the Class of 1976. While on campus, Jonathon Hawkins, director of alumni relations and annual giving, gave the Jorgensens a tour of campus with a special stop in the Bond Library to visit with Susan Howell in the Archives.
Top award recognizes Hardin’s contributions to real estate research scholarship Webb Trustee Dr. William Hardin ’79, director of FIU Business’ Hollo School of Real Estate, has been awarded the David Ricardo Medal, the highest recognition by the American Real Estate Society (ARES). The award recognizes a person who has created a significant body of published
research in academic and refereed professional journals, spanning at least two decades. Hardin received the Ricardo Medal April 12, 2018, at an ARES meeting in Naples, Fla. “The honor is shared with all my co-authors and the individuals who continue to push academic research focused on real estate,” said Hardin, director of FIU’s Jerome Bain Real Estate Institute and associate dean of the Chapman Graduate School of Business. “No one is successful on their own merits as we all benefit from others who support our work and invest time in helping us succeed.” Over the course of a 20-year academic career, Hardin has authored or co-authored 50 papers on topics including commercial real estate investment, foreclosures, corporate governance, residential real estate, and REIT financial structure. (Excerpted from BizNews.fui. edu - April 16, 2018)
Spring-Summer 2018
Singer continues longstanding interest in astronomy
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Webb trustee BRIAN SINGER ’78 has a fascination with astronomy and knows much can be learned from the study of the science. He also enjoys the sheer joy in the actual observation, but there are questions that he hopes one day are answered. Questions such as – Are we alone? What is inside of a gas giant like Jupiter? Why is there a structure to the universe, and why do galaxies travel through tendrils in a cosmic web? Read more in the following Q&A with Brian. TELL US ABOUT YOUR INTEREST IN ASTRONOMY, WHEN DID IT DEVELOP? I had always had a vague interest in astronomy, but never really had
access. After Webb, I moved to Chicago and had access to the Adler Planetarium. That was the beginning of my specific interest. About 20 years ago, I bought an 11-inch Schmidt–Cassegrain that allowed me to show my kids what is behind the dots that they see in the night sky. WERE YOU ABLE TO PURSUE YOUR INTEREST IN ASTRONOMY AT WEBB? No. Webb did not have a telescope when I graduated in 1978. WHAT DO YOU THINK THAT WE CAN LEARN BY STUDYING ASTRONOMY?
CLASS NOTES • Beyond the sheer joy of observation, I believe that interest in astronomy is best sparked by visualization. • Various eyepieces and filters can be added to observe and study different aspects of planets. • Variable stars can be monitored on a regular basis to observe rhythmic dimming and brightening. • A Dobsonian telescope is a wonderful way to learn where objects are in the night sky. • Astrophotography is fascinating and reveals objects that cannot be seen looking through a telescope’s eyepiece. A long camera exposure captures more light and reveals dimmer objects in what would appear black sky. • I believe that Webb can host viewings for younger kids in order to build simultaneously interest in astronomy and in The Webb School.
WHAT IS THE MOST INTERESTING PLACE YOU HAVE BEEN TO STUDY THE SKY? When traveling to Dubai, I contacted a local astronomer to go into the desert and look at the sky with his telescopes. We looked at the sky (Saturn was a prominent object at the time) and discussed culture. It was quite unique.
WHAT KIND OF EQUIPMENT DO YOU USE TODAY, AND WHERE DO YOU GO TO OBSERVE THE SKY? I continue to use my 11” Schmidt–Cassegrain from a location in rural Texas where light pollution is not a problem. The large lens captures so much light that deep sky viewing really benefits from limited light pollution. In Chicago, the light pollution is so bad that I restrict my viewing to planets with an 8” Schmidt-Cassegrain.
WHAT DO YOU THINK SCIENCE CAN TELL US ABOUT THE ORIGINS OF THE UNIVERSE? Cosmology is the study of our universes origin. There is no limit to what we can learn as science continues to probe the universe in the light wave and other spectra. Perhaps the most important thing about our study of the origin, the more questions arise and the greater our curiosity to explore and learn. Intelligence without curiosity goes wasted. As we peer further toward the 13.8 billion light years of our universe, we learn more about why our galaxy, solar system, planet, life on earth, and much more exist. The more we understand about the origin of the universe, the more we understand about life and civilization.
DESCRIBE YOUR MOST RECENT EXPERIENCE REGARDING THE TOTAL ECLIPSE IN AUGUST 2017. The path of totality passed just north of Murfreesboro. I came down with my wife and some friends and drove north of Murfreesboro to a secluded hill in a pasture. We brought a solar scope and a refractor for photography. Early in the affair, crescent shaped shadows emerged on the ground underneath leaves in trees. At very near totality, we observed Baily’s Beads coming from sunlight shining through the moon’s mountains. At totality, we observed a 360-degree sunset. Our pasture location included cows, and we observed some odd, evening, animal behavior. Lastly, the Diamond Ring shown brilliantly just as the sun began to emerge from complete totality. These sights were incredible.
WHAT WAS IT LIKE TO SEE HALLEY'S COMET? I did not have the opportunity to see it. WHAT ARE DIFFERENT WAYS TEENAGERS CAN GET INVOLVED IN ASTRONOMY? Clubs and viewing parties are great ways. Club members love to let lay observers look through their scopes. Showing others is one of the great joys of having a telescope. I always love allowing young kids to observe through mine. MTSU and other universities have telescopes that they make open to the public. Viewing parties can be quite fun.
WHAT QUESTIONS ARE BEING RESEARCHED TODAY BY ASTRONOMERS? Are we alone? Beyond that question, basic understanding of energy and matter remain elusive. Science has yet to unify quantum physics and general relativity. We will never know the origin of the universe and we have hypotheses, such as the big bang theory, but further study is required to increase our confidence in any single theory. Specific to astronomy, black holes remain opaque. ;-) Dark matter and dark energy, especially the oddly small amount of dark energy, remain mysteries that can be probed by studying observable gravitational events in space. Only recently did we observe the gravitational waves that Einstein hypothesized almost a century ago. There are tens of thousands of things being researched and with each answer more questions emerge. WHAT QUESTIONS DO YOU HOPE THAT WILL BE ANSWERED ONE DAY? Are we alone? What is inside of a gas giant like Jupiter? Why is there a structure to the universe and why do galaxies travel through tendrils in a cosmic web?
The Webb School Magazine
HOW DOES IT COMPARE TO OTHER SOLAR ECLIPSES YOU HAVE SEEN? Totality of a solar eclipse is far beyond any other eclipse I have seen.
WHAT IS THE MOST INTERESTING OBSERVATION YOU HAVE MADE YOURSELF? I don’t think that I have a “most interesting observation”. I started with an interest in nebulae and galaxies. I continue with these interests. My wife became mesmerized by globular clusters that she describes as sparkling diamonds in space. In fact, they are collections of what can be millions of stars tightly bound by gravity. The more we observe them, the more my interest grows. They are astoundingly beautiful. The 2017 solar eclipse totality is very high on the list.
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CLASS NOTES
Webb visits with John Carr ’79 Nichole Jordan, director of leadership annual giving, and Jonathon Hawkins, director of alumni relations and annual giving, recently visited with John Carr ’79 in Atlanta, Ga. John, a graduate of the University of the South and Duke University, currently works with Oglethorpe University in Atlanta as director of major gifts.
1980s LEA MARGARET HAMILTON ’86 and son, Mac, attended the Jan. 15 Visitors’ Day at Webb. While on campus, she enjoyed spending time with Dorothy Elkins, who is in her 61st year of employment at Webb.
HORNSBY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19
Jim Hornsby enrolled at Webb for his sophomore year and had many mentors and inspirations. Naming a few mentors, he included Mr. (Webb) Follin: ethics, integrity, mercy; John Morgan: love for physics and good humor; Helen Means: love for life and sharing personally; Bob Ashby: love for history and inner joy; Emma Rosenberg: love for music and growth through suffering; Mack Harris Scott and Bob Webb: love for math and challenges; and Fred Lawrence, the cook: life wisdom. He also mentioned several classmates who served as friends and mentors: Nat Long, Bill Lassiter, Steve Herring, Bill James, Sam Eason and Randy Bacon, to name a few. “Each of the persons named helped form my character, values, and a way of seeing and participating in life. I carry them with me in unconscious ways - hard work, integrity, setting goals, being pro-active, being clear about values, faith, a lifestyle that respects one’s own and other’s gifts, not making excuses or blaming.” The Hornsbys have three grown, married sons: James, Andy, and Matt. They are a musician/ professor, a family practice doctor, a computer geek/craftsperson, respectively. They have six grandchildren.
Spring-Summer 2018
CHARLES GOODMAN ’87, Greenville, N.C., teaches physics at Pitt Community College in Greenville, N.C. Their daughter, Laura, 21, was named the most outstanding woman student at North Caroline State University.
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DAVID L. HUDSON, JR. ’87 was one of two leaders in the Tennessee legal community recently honored at the Nashville School of Law 25th Anniversary Recognition Dinner. Hudson, Jr. joined the faculty of Nashville School of Law in 2005 and became a member of the staff in 2014, serving since then as Director of Academic Affairs in addition to his teaching duties. He is a first Amendment expert and law professor who serves as First Amendment Ombudsman for the Newseum Institute’s First Amendment Center. He contributes research and commentary, provides analysis and information to news media. He is an author, co-author or co-editor of more than 40 books. Hudson was a speaker in Webb’s 2017-2018 Follin Speaker Series. Read more about Hudson’s recognition at Nashville School of Law website: http://nsl.law/nashville-school-of-law.
"We grow about three acres of gourmet coffee. After harvesting, depulping, fermenting, and washing, we take the coffee beans down the mountain to a coffee 'beneficio' where they are dried, dehusked, sorted, and prepared for market."
CLASS NOTES
Alumni and friends gatherings hosted in Charlotte, Asheville Jonathon Hawkins, director of alumni relations and annual giving, and Nichole Jordan, director of leadership annual giving, recently traveled to Charlotte and Asheville, N.C., to visit with area alumni and friends. While in Charlotte, they hosted a small gathering at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery attended by Janet and Allen Craven ’68 and Jerry Zacharias ’00. Hawkins and Jordan also hosted alumni and friends at Catawba Brewing Company in Asheville. Guests included Amy Patterson ’78, Will Murphy ’09, Wilson Sims ’72, Elizabeth Huddleston ’81 and her wife Wendy Wieber, as well as special friends and descendants of the Webb family Jean Webb and her daughter Laura Webb. Attending from Webb, were Head of School Ray Broadhead and Carrie Auwarter from Admissions. While in the area, Hawkins and Jordan also visited with Class of 1956 graduate Dr. Steve Herring from Saluda, N.C. Auwarter also visited the French Broad River Academy (along with Sims) and Asheville School.
1990s JOHN GOODMAN ’90, Murfreesboro, Tenn., is a partner in Red Realty. The company built and moved into a new building on Medical Center Parkway. NORA GOODMAN WALSH ’99, Evansville, Ind., continues to teach chemistry at Reitz High School in Evansville. She and Ken have a new baby, Aisling.
EVAN COPE ’94 was a chapel speaker in April. A Murfreesboro attorney, he is a partner with Hudson, Reed & McCreary, PLLC. In 2012, Cope was appointed to a six-year term on the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) by Gov. Bill Haslam and presently serves as chairman of the commission. From left, are Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving, Jonathon Hawkins, Head of School Ray Broadhead and Cope.
Have you given to the 2017-2018 Webb Fund? If so, Thank you! We are on track to reach our $575,000 goal, and your gift makes a difference. Make you gift today! www.thewebbschool.com/alumni/give-to-webb
The Webb School Magazine
Gifts to the Webb fund support projects and programs across campus, including financial aid.
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CLASS NOTES
A&D staff visits two Alabama alums Three staff members from the Office of Alumni and Development visited with two alums in Alabama in March. Dorothy Elkins was joined by Director of Alumni and Development Matt Wilson and Director of Leadership Annual Giving Nichole Jordan on the trip.
The Fullen and Shoaf families, longtime friends from Ripley, Tenn., recently had lunch with Jonathon Hawkins, director of alumni relations and annual giving, during his brief visit to West Tennessee. Pictured from left to right: Bunnie Fullen, Michael Fullen ’92, Bette Anthony, Forrest Shoaf ’68, Libba Shoaf Burns and Steve Fullen.
Spring-Summer 2018
Dorothy Elkins and Rusty Stephenson ’64 had lunch with Matt Wilson and Nichole Jordan in Huntsville, Ala. When Stephenson was a student, Ms. Dorothy gave him his allowance.
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Dorothy Elkins, Matt Wilson and Nichole Jordan had breakfast with Dr. Ken Chandler ’61 in Decatur, Ala. Ms. Dorothy also gave him his allowance.
Alums join family, friends to support basketball team The Office of Alumni & Development hosted an Alumni Hospitality Room at the TSSAA Division II-A Quarterfinals Feb. 24 in the Barton Athletic Center on campus. Nearly 60 alumni, friends and family stopped by for food, drink, and conversation prior to the game against the Chattanooga Christian Chargers. The Webb Feet varsity boys’ team defeated the Chargers, 72-58, and made it in to the semifinal round on March 1 at Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena. Webb fell to Knoxville’s Grace Christian Academy, 44-39. Joe Iorio, Reese and Jennifer Rupley Smith '93
CLASS NOTES
Alumni Board welcomes new members, reviews projects The Alumni Board met Feb. 3 to review 2018 reunion plans, discuss award recipients and notable alumni, and confirm special projects for the remainder of the year. Joining in their first meeting as the newest board members were EnaShea Kohler ’88 of Nashville, Kaleb Tilton ’12 of Chattanooga and Olly Wang ’09 of Dalian, China. Special guests included Board of Trust Chairman John Sawyer ’88 and Bruce Hunter, Webb director of college counseling.
REDDY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14
trial every week without access to lawyers or legal assistance and most were unable to speak English. The Webb alum said the success rate for those cases was about 1-2 percent. Not having very much time to prepare, the law students, Reddy, and Elora Mukherjee, a professor from Colombia she happened to meet at the detention center, decided that while they were there, they should try to represent Suny in trial. Suny won her case with their representation. “While most people who won their case after spending 5 months in prison would just celebrate the fact that they got to leave with their 7-year-old and never look back,” said Reddy, “Suny looked at us and said, ‘It’s pretty arbitrary that you came the week of my trial, but there is going to be a family that has to go to trial every week after this. What can you do to try and do the same thing for them that you did for me?’ And she was right.”
That is how the nonprofit organization was formed – to figure out creative ways to bring legal counsel to people who are in difficult places – and to do it from a distance. “In the immigration system, there is no right to free counsel. If you can’t afford a lawyer or if you can’t find one, you have to represent yourself. And even when you represent yourself, you still have to go up against a government attorney on the other side,” Reddy explained.
Reddy said that having grown up in Murfreesboro and attended school in Bell Buckle, she understood that some areas around the country are better resourced than others. “We started thinking about representing people in those other areas, as well. We now have the ability to represent people wherever they are, and we can decide to take on cases simply according to how much families need access to legal assistance.” Speaking of the ASAP organization, she said, “That is all very different than the work I thought I’d be doing. When I graduated from college, I thought I would end up getting either a math or computer science Ph.D. I thought I would do something with numbers. I ended up doing something that is very different, and I don’t think that is uncommon. Speaking of the uncertainty about making career decisions as a high school graduate, she added, “I think that it is hard to plan. I think the world changes, and I think people change. So, don’t count out a skill as not being worth learning because you might be surprised at its value later on.” Reddy and her husband, Ben Feigenberg, welcomed their first child, Avi Reddy-Feigenberg, on May 25, 2018. Her brothers are all Webb alums: Anvesh Reddy ’01, Nikhil Reddy ’06, and Naveen Reddy ’06.
The Webb School Magazine
Reddy and other members of the group all had other plans for summer. She had an internship in Chicago planned, … “and it wasn’t convenient to keep representing people on the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas, but we took to heart what she said.”
“I was still a law student taking classes full-time, so our volunteer work was a big part-time project. Within a couple months, we had built kind of a system, and had more capacity than we needed to address the original problem. We had more than 100 volunteers who expected to prepare for 1-2 trials per week. So, we asked ourselves, “Where else are there families who don’t have access to lawyers strictly because of where they are geographically? Where else can we apply this system?”
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CLASS NOTES
2000s
Conways participate in chapel discussion on "Faith and Science"
STEVIE SMOOT ’00 and daughter, Eva Pagello, were among those attending Visitors’ Day on Jan. 15. They are residents of Bell Buckle. TED GOODMAN ’02, Murfreesboro, Tenn., is a partner in the law firm Murfree and Goodman with fellow Webb alumnus, Bricke Murfree ’96. CAROLYN GOODMAN HENN ’06, Friendsville, Tenn., is a nurse practitioner in Knoxville. She and Dave have Marcella Ruth Henn, who is thriving after heart surgery in the summer of 2017.
TRISTAN CUNNINGHAM ’13, Preacher JP Conway, Dr. Beth Conway and HALEY ST. JOHN ’13 gather in front of the Alumni Center on May 9. They met after hearing the Conways, both professors at Lipscomb, participate in a Webb Chapel discussion on "Faith and Science". St. John is also a Lipscomb alumna who worked in Dr. Conway’s laboratory.
Ellie Boyle ’14, Kat Coffey ’13, Matt Steele ’11, Brianna Wofford Taylor ’11, Amanda Wofford ’09, Joe Griggs ’05, AJ Swafford ’99 go WILD on the 2018 Senior Survival.
Spring-Summer 2018
EUN HUH ’14 will be attending University of Southern California this fall to earn her master’s degree.
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PHILLIP WARDEN ’11 was selected for and completed ENJJPT (Euro Nato Joint Jet Pilot Training) in addition to IFF (Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals). He is now in PIT (pilot instructor training) at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas. He is a graduate of Auburn University with a degree in civil engineering. He currently holds a multiengine and high-altitude rating.
SAVANNAH BURCHETT ’14 graduated in December from Samford University’s Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing with a bachelor’s degree in Nursing. Samford University is located in Birmingham, Ala. Savannah is the daughter of Glenn and Barbara Burchett of Shelbyville and Wiesbade, Germany. She accepted a position at the University of Alabama (UAB) as a registered nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit nursery.
EMILY WARDEN ’14 recently graduated with a biology degree (minor in psychology) from the University of Mississippi. She will begin her doctorate of physical therapy program at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in August.
CLASS NOTES
Networking, internships "out of comfort zone" preparing King for sports management career Playing high school basketball and serving as football team manager helped foster Mariah King’s love of sports, but it was a Webb mentor who set the 2013 Webb graduate on a sportsrelated career path. “Scott Dorsett was a huge influence on my decision to attend Middle Tennessee State University and work for basketball coach Kermit Davis (the winningest head coach at MTSU and recently named Ole Miss basketball coach),” King said. “Without that experience, I would not be on the path I am on today. I have him to thank for encouraging me to accept the opportunity Coach Davis offered to me.” King holds an undergraduate degree in organizational communications with a music business minor from MTSU. She is currently completing a master’s degree in sport management at Florida State University and taking advantage of an internship with the Boston Bruins. She also gained professional sport experience working for the New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
Sarah and Jeff Lorberbaum '72 recently hosted a gathering of Webb alumni and friends in their home in Chattanooga, Tenn. Pictured from left are Leone and Ray Broadhead with the Lorberbaums.
King will receive her master’s in summer 2019 and plans to work in the professional sport industry for as long as she can. She eventually hopes to return to her roots within intercollegiate athletic administration. The most rewarding part of her career thus far has been getting to be part of championship-winning teams at MTSU. “My time there was an experience I will never forget, and I miss it terribly. I am sure that without my time at that program I would not be where I am at today both personally and professionally.”
In addition, classmates from the early 1970s attended including Webb Follin '73, Bill Abernathy '72, Ben Bentkowski '72, Wilson Sims '72, and Jack Bailey '72 pictured here with Dorothy Elkins and Lorberbaum.
The Webb School Magazine
Reflecting on her high school education, she said, “Webb prepared me for my education and my career, but it also helped me to develop and persevere through some really hard times in my life. I had to have surgery two days after my undergraduate graduation, and it was a surgery that my doctors recommended I have two months prior. I, however, was determined to complete my education and pushed through some really tough times to get it done. I credit my family, friends, and co-workers for getting me through that period of my life. Experiences like the ones I had at Webb helped me push through that time academically.”
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CLASS NOTES
Tigert, Bomar photos at College Football Hall of Fame While attending a special event at the College Football Hall of Fame during the 2018 CASE District III Conference in Atlanta, Ga., Matt Wilson, Jonathon Hawkins, and Nichole Jordan from Alumni & Development discovered two Webb alumni who were inducted into this elite club. Pictured are the inductee photos of John Tigert and Lynn Bomar. John Tigert from the Class of 1900 was selected for the Hall of Fame in 1970. Tigert was a player for Vanderbilt University. In his later life, he was a Rhodes Scholar and served as president of the University of Florida and as United States Commissioner of Education. Lynn Bomar attend Webb in the early 1900s and was inducted into the Hall of Fame for his football prowess at Vanderbilt University in 1956. He eventually played for the New York Giants and then pursued a career in law enforcement serving as Tennessee’s Commissioner of Public Safety and Patrol and as Warden of the Tennessee State Prison.
The 2019-2020 academic year The Webb School’s 150th anniversary Honoring our Mission
Spring-Summer 2018
A celebration of who we are, where we have been, and where we are going
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Historical articles and publications Educational Activities Communications Special Events Philanthropy
Starting summer 2019
In Memoriam The Webb School offers sincere sympathy to the families of departed classmates To view the announcements in their entirety, visit www.thewebbschool.com/alumni
Faculty/Staff Elizabeth Magdalena Lagler passed away Jan. 27, 2018. Funeral services were held on Feb. 1, 2018, at St. William Catholic Church in Shelbyville. Burial followed in Hazel Cemetery in Bell Buckle.
1940s Alden T. “Bill” Shotwell ’43, age 95, of Monroe, La., passed away Feb. 25, 2018. Funeral services were held Feb. 28, 2018, at Mulhearn Funeral Home, Monroe. Interment followed at Riverview Cemetery. Allen McNeill “Mac” Upchurch ’43 of Winston-Salem, N.C., died Dec. 2, 2017, at Forsyth Hospital in Winston-Salem. A service of celebration for Mac’s life was held on Dec. 11 at Myers Park Presbyterian Church. Burial was private. John William Dulaney Jr. ’44, of Tunica, Miss., died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Jan. 16, 2018. The Celebration of Life service was held at the Church of the Epiphany in Tunica, Jan. 20, 2018. (Published in The Commercial Appeal on Jan. 18, 2018)
Barton Milligan ’47, age 88, of Crowfields, south Asheville, N.C., died Jan. 22, 2018, after a short illness.
Dr. John Stewart Brownson ’49, Watertown, Mass., passed away on Feb. 26 2018.
1950s John Witherspoon Macey Sr. ’50, age 85, of Nashville died May 18, 2018. A private family service and burial was held at Mt Olivet Cemetery on June 3. John Augustus Seals Jr. ’54, age 82, of the Bedford County, Tenn., Flat Creek community, passed away Feb. 12, 2018. A Celebration of Life Service was held Feb. 15, 2018, at the First Presbyterian Church in Shelbyville. The abundant life of Lann Alvin Malesky Sr. ’57 age 78, of Norton, Va., ended April 22, 2018, at the Johnson City Medical Center following a brief illness. A memorial service was held at All Saints Episcopal Church in Norton, Va., May 6. A private burial was held on May 7 at Powell Valley Memorial Gardens.
1960s Robert “Bob” Lee ’68, Geneva, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, May 11, 2018, at his home in Geneva-on-the-Lake. A memorial celebration in Bob’s honor will be held in July. (Published in Star Beacon May 18, 2018)
1970s Hill Todd ’70, Nashville, Tenn., died April 9, 2018. A service was held April 14, 2018, at Westminster Presbyterian, Nashville. (Published in Tennessean from April 11 to April 13, 2018) Christopher Michael Lundquist ’75, age 60, passed away, Feb. 12, 2018, at the St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital in Murfreesboro, Tenn., with his family at his bedside. A celebration of life was held Feb. 16, 2018, at Central Funeral Home Chapel.
1980s Andrew (Rusty) Stuart Turner ’82, of McKinney, Texas, passed away unexpectedly on Dec. 12, 2017. A private service for immediate family was held at West End United Methodist Church in Nashville. (Published in Tennessean on Dec. 18, 2017) Shepard Girault Montgomery, ’83, age 52, Jackson, Miss., died Feb. 15, 2018, at his home. Graveside services were held March 2, 2018, at Riverview Cemetery, Monroe, La. Winona “Lynn” Duncan ’86, age 50, of Manchester, Tenn. passed away on Saturday, May 12, 2018, at her residence. A memorial service was held May 26, 2018, at Manchester Fellowship, Manchester, with Rev. Charley Carmack officiating.
The Webb School Magazine
later date.
Hargrave A. “Garry” Garrison ’47, Sequim, Wash., died March 24, 2018, at his home in Sequim. A memorial service was held at a
his side.
Drury F. Williford Jr. ’47, 88, of Reedsville died on Jan. 29, 2018, in Morgantown at Monongalia General Hospital with family by
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The Webb School BELL BUCKLE
Post Office Box 488 Bell Buckle, TN 37020 Address Service Requested
For more information, please visit the website: www.thewebbschool.com
Spring-Summer 2018
2019 Alumni Reunion
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WSPA Belles and Buckles Gala
SAVE THE DATE FEBRUARY 8, 2019 The Webb School Parents’ Association would like to thank all those who made the 20162017 Belles and Buckles Gala a success - our sponsors, donors, volunteers and guests! We hope to see you at our next gala.
Save The Date April 26 - 27, 2019