Alumni Bulletin: Fall/ Winter 2024

Webb

WE ARE WEBB

Now seven years strong, Webb’s Senior Siblings program offers seniors the opportunity to serve not only as mentors but also as genuine friends to their Junior Spartan and kindergarten buddies. Through shared activities and meaningful time together, lasting relationships are forged, strengthening the sense of community that defines the Webb School experience.

ON THE COVER

Frank Carlson ’01, Webb’s Distinguished Alumni Award recipient for 2024, chats with students during Community Meeting in the Lower School.

WEBB SCHOOL PRESIDENT

Ansel Sanders

UPPER SCHOOL HEAD

Matt Macdonald

MIDDLE SCHOOL HEAD

Jennifer Phillips

LOWER SCHOOL HEAD

Kristi Wofford

DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS & ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT

Christy Widener

DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS

Dan Gill

DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT

Hugh Nystrom ’85

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT

Joy Edwards

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT

Ellie Johnson ’10

ADVANCEMENT & DATABASE COORDINATOR

Kelley Cain

ALUMNI BULLETIN

FALL/WINTER 2024

Creative Design/Editor

Cathy Dowhos-O’Gorman

Co-Editor

Ellie Johnson ’10

Alumni Bulletin

Writers/Photographers/ Contributors

Meg Keally Counts ’97

Danny Dunlap

Joy Edwards

Deb Kile Hotchkiss ’66

JHA|Smile

Jenna Johns

Webb Alumni Association Board 2024-2025

Amy Carnathan Moody ’90

President

Whitfield Bailey ’97

Jeanette Brewington ’12

Meg Keally Counts ’97

Meg Sienknecht Crawford ’74

Matthew Cross ’06

Jenny Broome Greer ’00

Deb Kile Hotchkiss ’66

Dorn Kile ’68

Allison Lacy Lederer ’95

Fletcher Lee ’95

Julie McWhorter Moore ’94

Russ Powell ’87

Mollie Tucker Turner ’03

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Jennifer Cookston

COMMUNICATIONS & SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Alise Kowalski

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Cathy Dowhos-O’Gorman

Webb School Board of Trustees 2024-2025

Jonathan Johnson ’93 Board Chair

F. Whitfield Addicks ’92

Christopher S. Cameron

Jill Carroll

Amy Cathey

Annie Haslam Colquitt ’05

Rob Frost ’86

Robert E. Hill Jr. ’79

Matthew R. Kaye

Allison Lacy Lederer ’95

Ellie Johnson ’10

Todd Johnson

Alise Kowalski

Jenifer Lawrie

Allison Lacy Lederer ’95

Amy Carnathan Moody ’90

Hugh Nystrom ’85

Pro Photo

Ansel Sanders

Hemal Tailor

Aaron Teffeteller

Rachel Tinker

Sharon G. Lee ’71

Amy Carnathan Moody ’90

Tommy Nguyen ’08

Stephanie Barnes Ogden ’76

John Osborne ’88

James W. Paddon ’83

Carey Parker

Howard Pollock

Ayaz M. Rahman ’98

Lisa Stinnett

Mark D. Taylor

Ryan White

Donovan Whiteside ’10

Fellow Webb Alumni,

As president of your Webb Alumni Association, it’s an honor to write to you in this edition of our Alumni Bulletin magazine. I always love connecting with fellow Spartans, and this season is the perfect time to reflect on the many things that make our community truly remarkable.

One of my favorite teachers at Webb was John Tatgenhorst. I began my Webb journey in the seventh grade, and he was teaching seventh-grade English. Those middle school days were filled with change and “Mr. T” made my transition easier with his warmth and humor. He had an incredible way of making the subject fun and engaging – almost as if he sneaked in the learning. I fondly remember “Ferd and Frieda” from his lessons. Now, as both an alum and a Webb parent, I see that same loving, caring attitude from today’s teachers toward my own children, and it fills me with gratitude.

I’m also excited to share some updates from our alumni community. First, let’s give a big welcome to the Class of 2024! As Coach Meske always said, “Once a Spartan, always a Spartan.” You are now officially part of this incredible network.

Message from Webb’s Alumni Association Board

We’re also thrilled to have Ellie Johnson, Webb Class of 2010, join Webb’s Advancement Team as Assistant Director of Advancement. Ellie has brought contagious energy and enthusiasm to her role and she’s deeply passionate about connecting with our alumni. In fact, one of her classmates shared with me that working in alumni relations at Webb has always been her dream job. She now joins Webb Director of Advancement, Hugh Nystrom ’85, in ensuring that Spartan graduates stay connected to each other and our beloved school. Ellie has already made strides in energizing our Young Alumni Association. From engaging alumni to speak with the Upper School’s Career Connections Club or encouraging them to volunteer at events like WebbFest, to inviting Webb graduates to mentor seniors as they prepare for life after Webb, her dedication has been inspiring. Our young alumni involvement has been a testament to the lasting bonds formed at their alma mater.

As you’ll read in this magazine, we are excited to launch Webb’s strategic plan, True to Webb. One of its pillars is focused on invigorating our alumni community to support Webb through volunteerism, student internships, philanthropy, and sharing their Webb stories and the impact the school had on their lives. The name, True to Webb, beautifully captures the essence of our plan: honoring our traditions while boldly stepping into the future. I encourage you to learn more about it and consider how you can be a part of this exciting new chapter.

Lastly, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Allison Lacy Lederer, Class of 1995, for her exceptional service as Alumni Association President over the past two years. Allison has been a passionate advocate for our alumni, seamlessly balancing her role as president with her responsibilities as a member of Webb’s Board of Trustees and co-chair of the Strategic Planning Committee. Thank you, Allison!

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Ellie Johnson, Hugh Nystrom or me with any ideas, questions or ways you’d like to get involved. We are always eager to help you stay connected to your Webb family and support our alma mater.

With Spartan Pride,

Amy

Carnathan Moody ’90 President, Webb School of Knoxville Alumni Association Board, Parent of Jackson ’29 & Olivia ’26

P.S. Please help us stay in touch with you! If you or any of your classmates have moved or changed contact information, please let us know by calling or emailing us at alumni@webbschool.org.

FOR THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY visited Webb’s Central Building, you may have noticed that our Development Team has been rebranded as the Advancement Team. This change more accurately reflects our renewed focus on advancing Webb School’s mission through relationships, philanthropy and community support. We invite you to get to know our Advancement Team members and encourage you to stop by and say hello the next time you’re on campus.

Meet Webb’s Advancement Team

Hugh Nystrom ’85 Director of Advancement

Education: B.S. - Finance, University of Tennessee

Recent Experience: Chairman of the Knox County Commission; Director of Operations & Development at Childhelp Tennessee; Leadership Roles in Sales, Marketing and Real Estate with Walt Disney Parks & Resorts

Responsibilities: Leads Webb’s advancement efforts, including strategic priorities, planned giving, major gifts, and endowments. Works closely with the School President, Board of Trustees and donors to advance Webb’s mission and long-term success.

Joy Edwards Associate Director of Advancement

Education: B.S. - Communications/Advertising, University of Tennessee

Recent Experience: Webb Coordinator of Development & Alumni Affairs; Manager, Consumer Insights

Responsibilities: Promotes parent-focused giving to the Webb Fund, leads special events, partners with the Parent Advisory Committee, and cultivates a strong sense of community among Webb families through strategic engagement initiatives.

Ellie Johnson ’10

Assistant Director of Advancement

Education: B.A. - Public Relations, Auburn University

Recent Experience: Associate Director of Development, Haslam College of Business; Talent Recruiter, Jabian Consulting

Responsibilities: Builds relationships within Webb’s alumni community by planning events, managing the Alumni Council and fostering alumni philanthropy. Assists alumni in making impactful contributions that enrich school programs and reinforce Spartan traditions.

Kelley Cain

Advancement & Database Coordinator

Education: B.S. - Business Administration & Management, University of Tennessee; M.S. - Sports Management/Athlete Development, University of Florida

Recent Experience: Assistant Girls’ Basketball Coach, Webb School; Substitute Teacher, Webb School; Assistant Girls’ Basketball Coach, Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School

Responsibilities: Maintains donor records, processes gift acknowledgments and provides general accounting and operational support. Ensures efficient and accurate management of philanthropic activities and donor communications.

Convocation 2024

As Webb School celebrated the start of this new school year with its ninth annual Convocation ceremony, an underlying theme emerged amid the pageantry of school banners, musical performances and speakers’ inspiring presentations – a call to embrace opportunities to grow boldly, serve others and foster a community of trust, connection and care.

True to Webb

In October 2024, Webb School unveiled its new strategic plan, True to Webb. Grounded in a tradition of excellence and inspired by the possible, True to Webb offers a vision for the school over the next decade. In service to Webb School’s enduring motto, Principes non Homines (“Leaders not Ordinary People”), True to Webb is a dynamic blueprint that, upheld by five intertwined pillars, serves as a living compass in steering Webb’s endeavors while remaining nimble and agile in allowing for adaptability and innovation.

student, alumni, and Board input through extensive surveying, listening sessions, focus groups, and design teams.

True to Webb was created for, through and by the Webb community. It reflects a firm acknowledgment of and commitment to what has always differentiated the Webb experience – independence, honor, excellence, service –while being ever mindful of and motivated by what’s possible and “what’s next” for the school to more fully live into its mission in different, deeper and dynamic ways.

True to Webb is the result of a 20-month intentional process of engagement, discernment, discussion, feedback, and drafting by the school’s Strategic Planning Steering Committee in partnership with Ian Symmonds & Associates. The planning process itself was inclusive and expansive, relying on and reflecting faculty, staff, parent,

Scan the QR code above for an overview of Webb School’s new True to Webb strategic plan; a living framework for the school that embraces and clarifies the strengths of Webb’s past and shared values while charting a bold and dynamic path forward.

Be sure to check out webbschool.org/strategic-plan for True to Webb updates in the months ahead.

SPARTAN ALUMNI PLAYED A SEMINAL role in the creation of Webb School’s True to Webb strategic plan, giving their time and talents to participate in surveys, focus groups and design teams. Two key players in the process were Allison Lacy Lederer ’95 , co-chair of Webb’s Strategic Planning Committee, and Meg Keally Counts ’97,

a member of the school’s Strategic Planning Steering Committee and chair of the plan’s Marketing Leadership design team. Check out Looking Back & Thinking Forward in this edition to learn more about their involvement and that of other Webb graduates, and their perspectives on the direction of the school through the lens of its new strategic plan.

Looking Back

&THINKING FORWARD

ALLISON LACY LEDERER ’95 AND MEG KEALLY COUNTS ’97, KEY FIGURES IN THE TRUE TO WEBB STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS, DISCUSS THEIR ROLES AND THE ENGAGEMENT OF FELLOW WEBB GRADUATES IN THE PROCESS, AND SHARE THEIR PERSPECTIVES ON THE DIRECTION OF THE SCHOOL THROUGH THE LENS OF ITS NEW STRATEGIC PLAN

Alumni insight into the planning process for Webb School’s new

“Robert and Julie Webb, our founders, probably would have really wanted those who are alumni to help craft the future, so it wasn’t even a consideration not to include alumni in the process.”

Allison Lacy Lederer ’95

Why was it important that Spartan alumni be included in the school’s latest strategic planning process?

LEDERER: After conversations with Webb’s Board of Trustees Chair, Jonathan Johnson, who’s also an alum, we felt it was critical that we create a plan that not only embodies the future of Webb, but also includes the school’s rich history and traditions. In fact, he asked me to co-chair the Strategic Planning Committee for True to Webb knowing that my history with Webb School as an alum would help provide guidance and insight.

The truth is, no other group of people knows Webb like its alumni. We’ve all walked the school’s halls and understand its history. Robert and Julie Webb, our founders, probably would have really wanted those who are alumni to help craft the future, and so it wasn’t even a consideration not to include Spartan alumni.

COUNTS: For me, I was excited to be a part of the process as an alum. We as alumni have a passion for Webb, and we want to see the school succeed. Alumni bring a unique understanding of the school’s history, culture and values. By involving alumni in a meaningful way, we created a collaborative, inclusive planning process that honors its past, addresses current challenges and positions Webb for a thriving future.

Can you explain the rationale behind the strategic planning structure and its elements, such as the Steering Committee, design teams, surveys, listening sessions, focus groups, etc.?

LEDERER: Mark Taylor and I served as co-chairs for the Strategic Planning Committee. When Mark, Webb President Ansel Sanders and I first met about the strategic plan, there was an understanding that we were tasked to create a plan that was just way bigger tha n us.

With it being Ansel’s first year at Webb and his still getting to know the school, along with the addition of several new staff and administrators, we knew we really had to think comprehensively about our approach.

In the past, the strategic plan was written by a few people, and it really didn’t include the whole community. With Ansel’s fresh eyes, however, and amazing vision for what Webb’s future should be, we decided to make this a community effort. And we wanted to include everyone. In order to accomplish this goal, Ansel suggested that we use a consultant, Ian Symmonds & Associates. Ansel first learned about Ian at a conference where many other headmasters of private schools had highly recommended Ian’s services.

(left) Meg Keally Counts ’97 (left) and Allison Lacy Lederer ’95 on the Webb School of Knoxville campus.

We met with Ian and he was very eager to help us. He had always been fascinated and intrigued by our school and really wanted to work with us. In fact, he was already booked, but he managed to fit us in.

Ian partnered with us to develop a process and really encouraged us to think big and strategically. This wasn’t like a “fix-it” scenario, a school improvement plan; it was really a more forward-looking approach, centered on planning for the future of the school.

So, this process lent itself to creating a Strategic Planning Steering Committee, which was the backbone of the plan, basically. We put together design teams on certain topics, listening sessions for parents and alumni and focus

groups. We really wanted this to be a team effort. We even sent out a school-wide survey. Basically, if your voice wasn’t heard, it’s not because we didn’t ask you, but because you may not have participated.

What was the overall composition of the various components of the strategic planning process and the reasoning behind its structure?

LEDERER: The Strategic Planning Steering Committee consisted of two co-chairs – Mark Taylor and me – and 17 other members. Of those members, five were alumni; so roughly 30 percent of the committee attended Webb at some point. For example, we had alumni representing classes ranging from 1993 to 2009.

All of these alumni are also parents at Webb and members of Webb’s Board of Trustees. The reason we selected these particular individuals is that they not only walked the halls of the school and graduated from Webb, but also view Webb School through the lens of their children and from the broader perspective of being Board members. The rest of the committee was basically administration, current and previous Board members, parents, the president, and the heads of each division – Lower, Middle and Upper. There were also three faculty members chosen by the heads of those departments, along with Webb’s chief financial officer, the school’s athletics director and the head of admissions and enrollment. So, we had a lot of different representation.

We tried to include people with different perspectives and experiences at Webb. In addition, we included many more alumni on our design teams, so they could give guidance and insight on the five subjects – Market Leadership, Growth, Enhance the Experience, Emerging Tech, and Culture, Community and Wellness – that were being addressed.

“This wasn’t like a ‘fix-it’ scenario, a school improvement plan; it was really a more forwardlooking approach, centered on planning for the future of the school.”

Allison Lacy Lederer ’95

“...having the diverse composition with all the different stakeholders in each group made our conversations and our discussions much more thoughtful and enriching...”

Meg Keally Counts ’97

I think we had an additional 16 alumni participate in the design teams. Definitely, several alumni were included on each team. In fact, the Market Leadership design team was chaired by Meg. The Growth design team was chaired by Jennifer Cookston, Webb’s CFO. Amy Cathey, a Webb Trustee and parent, chaired the Enhance the Experience team and Webb Trustee and parent Lisa Stinnett oversaw the Emerging Tech design team. Then, the Culture, Community and Wellness team was chaired by Jennifer Phillips, Webb Middle School Head and a parent. So, each of these design teams included alumni, faculty, staff, Board members, and parents. And overall, alumni were well represented.

COUNTS: I can tell you, from chairing the Market Leadership team, that having the diverse composition with all the different stakeholders in each group made our conversations and our discussions much more thoughtful and enriching, and it really allowed us to do the work we were asked to do. I want to add that we also included alumni who were not necessarily involved with the day-to-day life of the school. Those voices were critical to the process as well. Furthermore, by involving different generations of Webb alumni, we were able to hear various perspectives on how their experiences at Webb impacted them, which was tremendously insightful.

Did you receive any feedback from participating alumni about being included in the strategic planning process, and what were their overall thoughts about being part of the undertaking?

COUNTS: Personally, I felt honored to be a part of this process. At the time, I was a Board member, I am a current parent and I am an alum. So, I tackled this undertaking from three different viewpoints and was able to offer unique perspectives on each. All the alumni I spoke with who were involved in the strategic planning process were excited to be heard, to have a voice and to have the opportunity to share their thoughts.

LEDERER: I would echo those thoughts. When we asked alumni to be part of the process, I was so overwhelmed by all the immediate “yeses.” They felt honored. I felt honored even to be co-chairing, quite frankly. There was a resounding sense of excitement about being a participant in Webb School’s future.

What do you see the role of Spartan alumni being in moving the True to Webb strategic plan forward?

COUNTS: I think now that the plan has been published, our alumni will be eager to understand what it means and will want to hear more from Ansel and the Strategic Planning Committee about how this vision will come to life. I believe that by involving this stakeholder group, they will be willing to advocate for the plan’s goals and support its success over the years.

LEDERER: I agree. I think moving forward, alumni will really need to be engaged in the plan. Once True to Webb becomes more fully developed and its strategies come into focus, I’d like to see the school amplify its outreach to alumni to explore and facilitate ways in which Spartan graduates can contribute to advancing the plan.

This is a decade-long endeavor, so it’s going to take some time to actually bring all that has been proposed to fruition.

In addition, a lot of these initiatives are not inexpensive. We will need financial support to fulfill some of the goals. So, alumni can also contribute with their treasure, in addition to their talents and time, to those areas they feel most passionate about.

COUNTS: Given that this is a long-term commitment, some things will be phased out; and as that happens, I think there will be different moments in time when we will be able to pull alumni in as stakeholders to build on those plans. We’ll be able to further engage with our alumni, receive their feedback on how things are going so far and include them as things get rolled out.

What is the next step for the school’s True to Webb strategic plan?

LEDERER: Now that we have announced the plan to the community, as Meg said, it’s time to start setting priorities and developing phases of the work we want to complete. This plan requires us to think big, strategically, and not just dive in with a prescriptive task list. So, we’re being very thoughtful about how we want to accomplish each phase, in addition to determining the timeline and the price.

I know Ansel is already in the process of compiling documentation; looking at the cost of the various strategies and whether any can be immediate pursuits or are they mid-tolong-term goals. So really, it’s going to depend on coming up with those numbers and the timeline, and then us looking at the next steps on how to accomplish those goals.

“I think there will be different moments in time when we will be able to pull alumni in as stakeholders to build on those plans. We’ll be able to further engage with our alumni, receive their feedback on how things are going so far and include them as things get rolled out.”

Meg Keally Counts ’97

“I love the

name

of the

plan,

True

to

Webb, because I

think it reflects both a forwardlooking vision and a meaningful connection to our past.

We’re

not just forgetting the school’s history and who we were; we’re looking at how we can translate all that into the future.”

Allison Lacy Lederer ’95

What are your thoughts on the direction the school is heading based on your involvement in the planning and understanding of Webb’s True to Webb strategic plan?

COUNTS : There’s no doubt in my mind that Webb School is in great hands for the foreseeable future. I have full confidence in the Board of Trustees, leadership and Dr. Sanders in guiding the school toward the future and using our True to Webb plan as its compass. I believe that this plan will make Webb the school of choice, and I look forward to seeing what the school accomplishes over the next few years.

LEDERER: Well, first, I love the name of the plan, True to Webb, because I think it reflects both a forward-looking vision and a meaningful connection to our past. We’re not just forgetting the school’s history and who we were; we’re looking at how we can translate all that into the future.

As for me, I’m so excited about Webb School’s future. Like Meg, I approach this endeavor as an alum, parent and current Board member, but I love to see all the different passions that everyone has for this school. And this plan has just invigorated people to want to really just dive in and work really hard.

I have no questions in my mind; like you, Meg, I believe we’re in good hands with Ansel. He’s going to take this plan and let it be more of a guidepost for his time here at Webb.

From an alumni perspective, this is an exciting time and a great opportunity. Webb School is unlike any other school in our town. For Webb to not only be unique, but also aspire to be even more for the community and as an institution of excellence is pretty exciting.

THANK

YOU

We are grateful to the following Spartan alumni for their valuable contributions to the True to Webb strategic planning process.

STRATEGIC PLANNING STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Annie Haslam Colquitt ’05

Meg Keally Counts ’97

Jonathan Johnson ’93

Allison Lacy Lederer ’95

Ayaz Rahman ’98

DESIGN TEAM MEMBERS

Whit Addicks ’92

Patrick Baird ’07

Philip Campbell ’71

Annie Haslam Colquitt ’05

Meg Keally Counts ’97

MarketLeadershipDesignTeamChair

Rob Frost ’86

Robert Hill ’79

Ellie Johnson ’10

Jonathan Johnson ’93

George Krisle ’62

Fletcher Lee ’95

Amy Carnathan Moody ’90

Tommy Nguyen ’08

Hugh Nystrom ’85

James Paddon ’83

Ayaz Rahman ’98

Donovan Whiteside ’10

Jordan Wormsley ’06

We also thank those alumni who participated in the listening sessions that were integral to the creation of our strategic plan.

Exploring America’s political divisions

WEBB 2024 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENT, FRANK CARLSON ’01

FRANK CARLSON STILL REMEMBERS HIS first day in fifth grade at Webb School. “I didn’t know how to read my schedule, so I went to all the wrong classes that day,” he recalls. Fast forward to 30 years later, and Carlson found himself back on campus this fall as the recipient of Webb’s esteemed Distinguished Alumni Award for 2024.

Carlson is Senior Coordinating Producer for PBS News Hour’s America at a Crossroads, which explores the factors driving division in America and what can be done to strengthen our democracy. Formerly a general assignment producer at the News Hour, he has traveled the world, reporting on issues such as immigration, climate change, mass shootings and their aftermath, financial crises, and criminal justice reform.

Carlson and his PBS team earned multiple Peabody Awards for their coverage of gun violence in the United States, the January 6 insurrection, the global Covid pandemic, and the Israel-Gaza war. He also won an Emmy Award for his investigative story on underwater gold mining in the Philippines and Emmy nominations for an interview with former President Obama as well as coverage of the opioid epidemic. In 2020, the American Bar Association honored Carlson’s podcast, Broken Justice, for its reporting on how the failure of the public defense system led to one man’s wrongful conviction.

A graduate of the University of Richmond with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Spanish, Carlson taught American literature in Beijing before coming back to the U.S. to pursue his master’s at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.

Carlson’s return to Webb included visits with Lower and Middle School students and a seminar/Q&A session with Upper Schoolers, hosted by the Spartans for Political Awareness Club. In describing to students his role at PBS, he said, “each day we try to tell our audience

what’s happened in the world and why they should care about it, and we try to do it in a way that’s respectful both of the people we’re reporting on and of our audience.”

Carlson’s current focus is on why politics have become so divisive, “separating people who care about one another into tribes based on their differences instead of uniting people around what they share,” he related during a Middle School assembly. Carlson acknowledged that divisions in America have always existed, but something has changed in the last few decades that has made it harder to agree with one another over key topics and work toward compromises that do the most good for the most people.

Personal relationships have become strained and vulnerable people are being exploited. That change has “even made many people question what many of us thought were fundamental American values like trust in the rule of law, the value of a free press, democracy, and the peaceful transfer of power,” he said.

Carlson contended that politics have merged with personal identity, and when those two identities line up so neatly, “it becomes far easier to see who’s on your side and who’s on the other side,” he noted. “It’s really hard to remain civil when you feel like someone isn’t just rejecting your ideas about an issue but also rejecting you and your team.”

With all the challenges facing America, where does compromise come into play when there is no trust between people, Carlson asked. “And what happens when one side believes the other side is willing to do anything to win, and so therefore feels justified in doing anything to stop them? This is one of the great challenges of our time, and it will require a great deal of effort and leadership to rebuild the trust that’s been lost.” He stressed, however, that small actions

can also make a difference, starting with people practicing civility in their own lives –creating a culture that is resilient to division –and then demanding that leaders do the same. When asked about his Webb experience, Carlson said that in addition to honing his reading and writing skills, Webb helped him to focus more on engaging with the subject matter. “That’s largely because of Webb’s talented and enthusiastic teachers, like Dr. Mark Banker who exposed me to a history of my own country that I hadn’t understood or appreciated,” he remarked. “He was one of the people who taught me to consider what I’d been given, what others lacked and to ask why that was the case. That’s a skill I’ve never stopped using – wondering how the world works, trying to find the right questions to ask and the right person to answer them and synthesizing those into something that helps others find more understanding and empathy.”

SPARTAN ALUMNI WEEKEND

ALL-ALUMNI PARTY

SEPTEMBER 20 X 2024

Webb’s annual all-alumni party is the perennial centerpiece of the school’s Spartan Alumni Weekend, rekindling treasured memories and renewing friendships.

This year, in addition to enjoying superb food, drink and company, our alumni could harken back to their Spartan roots at the “Night at the Museum” archives tour. Old class and program/department banners were hung and Princeps yearbooks representing all alumni classes were laid out for guests to glance through in Webb’s Central Building. The Spartan classes of 2004 and 2009 also took advantage of the evening to hold on-campus get-togethers.

Other high points of Spartan Alumni Weekend 2024 included honoring Webb’s Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, Frank Carlson ’01 (page 14), and Webb’s Alumni Achievement Awards luncheon (page 16).

ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

IN ADDITION TO HONORING WEBB’S DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD WINNER, THIS YEAR’S SPARTAN ALUMNI WEEKEND CELEBRATED 13 EXCEPTIONAL ALUMNI AS RECIPIENTS OF WEBB’S ANNUAL ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT AWARD. RECOGNIZED FOR OUTSTANDING SUCCESS IN THEIR CHOSEN PROFESSIONS, THE FOLLOWING ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNERS WERE NOMINATED BY THEIR CLASSMATES AND REPRESENT THE REUNION CLASSES OF 1964, 1969, 1974, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999, 2004, 2009, 2014, AND 2019

* It is with sadness that we share news of the loss of Dr. Robin Line, who passed away September 20, 2024.

Robin Line ’64* Family Medicine Physician/Educator Morehouse & Emory Schools of Medicine

J. Tucker Montgomery ’64 Attorney/Doctor, Healthcare Liability Montgomery Law Firm

Ron Emery ’69 Owner Emery’s 5 & 10

Maurie McInnis ’84 President & Professor Yale University

Tracy Brennan ’79 High School & College English Teacher Fairview High School

Dennis Ragsdale ’74 Founding Law Firm Shareholder Long, Ragsdale & Waters, P.C.

Brewton Brownlow Couch ’99 Chief of Staff/Assistant Dean Baker School of Public Policy & Public Affairs

Carlee Alm-LaBar ’94 Chief of Staff Strong Towns Nonprofit

Kenny Needham ’89 Company President Magnolia Provision/Crockett Creek Beef Jerky

“

We stand on your shoulders as accomplished alumni and we take Webb School as a gift given by you and generations of alumni, former faculty, staff, and friends of the school to us that we should now nourish, steward, cherish, and advance for our current Spartans and for those to come. Thank you for the gift that is Webb School, thank you for being here, and welcome home.

“

– President Ansel Sanders, Alumni Achievement Awards Luncheon 2024

Scan to learn more about our Alumni Achievement Award winners.

Todd Kelly Jr. ’14 Wealth Management Advisor Merrill Lynch Wealth Management

Sam Hanggi ’19 Professional Fisherman/Associate Editor Wired2fish

Hunter Baddour ’04 Co-Founder & President Spyre Sports Group, LLC

Sam Abidi ’09 President Apex Advisors

SPARTAN GRADS RECONNECT, REMINISCE AT OFFCAMPUS GATHERINGS

(left) Cheers to 50 years! Members of the Webb Class of 1974 gathered at the home of Meg Cifers Manning, September 28, to celebrate 50 years of Spartan friendships and memories. (below) Webb Class of 1989 alumni enjoyed a Spartan 35th reunion party at the home of Bill

and Julie Dupree, September 28.

’89

(above) Spartan Class of 1984 alumni reunited at the Embassy Suites Downtown in Knoxville, October 25, to catch up on each other’s lives and to share stories and memories. (right) Webb Class of 1994 members got together at the home of Julie McWhorter Moore ’94, September 21, to mark 30 years since graduating from Webb.

Play ball!

MEMBERS OF WEBB SCHOOL’S FIRST BASEBALL TEAM again took to the field, April 26, to salute 50 years of Spartan baseball prior to a home game against Maryville High School. Sixteen of the original 20 players from 1974 returned to Morris Field to mark this milestone in Spartan athletics. One of the players and Class of 1975 alum Robert Morris, whose father, Dr. Robert Morris Jr., is the namesake of Webb’s baseball field, threw out the ceremonial first pitch to his son and former Webb baseball player Brent Morris ’02.

A little history: For the first year of the team’s existence, the Spartans did not have a proper field to play on. It was Robert Morris who told his father about his team’s lack of a playing field. The elder Morris, in cooperation with headmaster, Robert Webb, put plans in motion to build a facility on campus for the new program.

Representing their father and 1974 team head coach, Don Tarvin, Terri Tarvin Ward ’75 and Tammy Tarvin Walden ’78 joined the 50thyear tribute, which also included the unveiling of a framed original 1974 Spartan baseball jersey donated by the inaugural team members.

Webb School thanks these pioneers of Spartan baseball for their unwavering commitment and for inspiring generations of players to come, and we salute them for leading the charge to help establish a program that after 50 years is still going strong. Also, a special shout-out to Spartan alum Steve Arnett ’77 for his hard work and dedication in spearheading this landmark celebration.

Sporting T-shirts that closely resemble their original jerseys, players from Webb’s inaugural baseball team recreate their 1974 yearbook team photo (inset). (kneeling, l to r) Ross Baker ’76, Hal Ernest ’76, Kevin Kile ’76, Jim Alexander ’74, Fred Ernest ’76, Dee Harrison ’74, Wade Sample ’76, Tim Schriver ’77; (standing, l to r) David Dickson ’74, Bo Townsend ’74 (representing team member Al Vesser ’74, deceased), Steve Arnett ’77, Mike Ayres ’75, Dennis Ragsdale ’74, Eric Grigsby ’75, Bill Arbo ’75, Robert Morris ’75, Brent Morris ’02. (below) Webb’s inaugural baseball team members presented an original 1974 Spartan baseball jersey to the school, which now hangs in the Clark Wormsley Hitting & Pitching Complex. (pictured) Spartan 1974 baseball team captains David Dickson ’74 (far left) and Dennis Ragsdale ’74 (far right) with (l to r) Webb Athletics Director, Dan Gill; Webb School President Ansel Sanders; and Spartan Head Baseball Coach, Jordan Wormsley ’06.

(right) Dee Harrison ’74 during the 50th anniversary celebration’s “starting lineup” introductions.

(far right) Mike Ayres ’75 is greeted by Webb Athletics Director, Dan Gill.

(left)

Home of W.O.W. Network named to honor Bright’s enduring impact

DURING A CEREMONY TO MARK 20 YEARS of Webb’s W.O.W. Network prior to the Webb vs. Boyd Buchanan football game, October 25, Webb School surprised longtime teacher, administrator and founder of Webb’s W.O.W. Network, Doug Bright, with an announcement that the press box at David Meske Stadium – home of the W.O.W. Network – would now be called the Doug Bright Press Box. Bright, whose vision it was to start a live student sports broadcasting network at Webb two decades ago and who has mentored hundreds of “W.O.W.ers” through the years, was joined on Faust Field by Webb President Ansel Sanders and fellow faculty and staff, along with a crowd of current and alumni W.O.W.ers, family and friends, for the unveiling of the Doug Bright Press Box sign. Also in attendance was W.O.W. Network alum Aftyn Behn, Webb Class of 2008. Behn, now serving as a representative for District 51 in the Tennessee House of Representatives, presented Bright with a proclamation from the state of Tennessee, recognizing W.O.W.’s 20th anniversary and honoring Bright’s service to the school and community, as well as the lasting impact he has made on countless Spartan alumni and colleagues.

(top) Webb Director of Advancement, Hugh Nystrom ’85, Webb President Ansel Sanders, coworkers, and current and former W.O.W. Network members join in the unveiling of the Doug Bright Press Box sign at David Meske Stadium as Doug Bright looks on. (above, l to r) Retired Webb coaches/faculty members Elliott Stroupe and Clark Wormsley; former Webb Middle School head David Nelson; retired Webb coach and athletics director David Meske; Webb Assistant Athletics Director, Ricky Norris; and Webb Upper School Head, Matt Macdonald, with Doug Bright. (left) Former and current W.O.W. Network members, coworkers and family members with Doug Bright following the unveiling ceremony. (circle inset) Tennessee State Representative and W.O.W. Network alum, Aftyn Behn ’08, presented Doug Bright with a proclamation from the state of Tennessee, marking W.O.W.’s 20th year and honoring Bright’s enduring legacy and impact at Webb.

GOLF TOURNAMENT

Webb School’s 2024 golf tournament, May 20, hosted by Webb’s Alumni Association, welcomed all members of the Webb community to Cherokee Country Club for an afternoon of tournament play, lunch and prizes. The annual golf tournament offers an opportunity for participants to celebrate their shared connection to Webb School and renew old or build new relationships, blending healthy competition with Spartan unity. Be sure to mark your calendar for next year’s tournament!

(pictured) Spartan alumni and other members of the Webb community hit the greens and enjoyed a great day of golf at this year’s tournament. The event had a terrific turnout with 23 teams participating.

CONTINUING THE CONNECTION

Webb School recognizes the power of having its alumni return to campus to share their experiences, perspectives and career insights with Spartan students. The school is dedicated to creating opportunities throughout the year for its graduates to re-engage with their alma mater, strengthening a sense of community that enriches both alumni and current students alike. Below is a sampling from this fall.

The Upper School’s Career Connections Club invited Webb alumni Will Robinson ’14 and Megan Hatcher ’12 to speak at a Lunch & Learn forum this fall.

Robinson, Managing Consultant for Forvis Mazars Group, a leading global professional services network specializing in audit, tax and advisory services, and Hatcher, a commercial real estate broker for Hatcher-Hill Properties, LLC, talked about their careers and the paths they took to get there, including their college choices. (pictured, l to r) Will Robinson (far left) and Megan Hatcher (second from right) with Webb juniors and Career Connections Club leaders Ann-Claire Young, Sophie Belmont and Ella Woods.

Upper and Middle School students heard from Webb Trustee James Paddon ’83 , who shared his experience as an eyewitness to the attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Working on the 83rd floor of the North Tower, Paddon was in his office when the first plane hit his building roughly 96 feet above him. Realizing that no rescue ladders could reach that floor, he and coworkers fled via the stairwell and were eventually able to exit the building and move away from the site. Shortly after, he saw the North Tower collapse. Paddon’s living account of 9/11 – how he felt, what he saw, the things he remembered –was powerful in helping our students honor and remember the lives of so many people who were forever changed by that day.

Message from Webb’s Alumni Association

Webb’s Alumni Association remains dedicated to fostering unity, connection and fellowship among our alumni. This year, we’ve continued to strengthen the bond within our alumni network and actively engage with Webb School’s programs and needs to support its growth and success. Our quarterly meetings allow alumni to come together, share ideas and collaborate on initiatives that will enrich the school community and provide meaningful opportunities for engagement.

As part of our ongoing commitment, we are exploring new ways to connect alumni with current students, enhancing mentorship opportunities and building stronger networks across various professions and regions. Our goal is to ensure that Webb continues to thrive and prosper, empowered by a connected and supportive alumni family.

In addition, the Young Alumni Association (YAA) has been working to strengthen connections among our recent graduates and support Webb’s mission. Its focus has been on building bridges between young alumni and current students, helping students to explore opportunities, gain insights and connect with mentors. This fall, YAA members spoke with various student clubs, sharing their experiences and offering guidance. The YAA also hosted several happy hour events where young alumni could reconnect, network and enjoy fellowship. Additionally, the YAA is working with Webb’s broader Alumni Association to create a cohesive network that benefits all members of the Spartan family.

Thank you to everyone who has joined us in our efforts this year. We look forward to expanding our activities and further supporting the next generation of Webb alumni!

(right) Members of Webb’s Young Alumni Association met in May for a social outing at Topgolf Knoxville where they also brushed up on their tee-off skills.

FOLLOWING

IN

THEIR FOOTSTEPS:

Webb School proudly presented diplomas to 19 Class of 2024 legacy graduates. (above) Webb’s legacy grads with their alumni parents/grandparents. (back row, l to r) Russ Powell ’87, Tommy Siler ’88, David Sandberg ’85, Hugh Nystrom ’85, Frank Nystrom ’88, Cindy Lacy Wagner ’93, Crawford Wagner ’92, Jared Corby ’98, Chad Mitchell ’91, Addey Showalter Mitchell ’93, Anna Christenberry Ottaviano ’92, Rob Frost ’86, Patrick Bolt ’93, Bradley Roberts ’97, Russell Greer ’76, Whit Addicks ’92, Sid Roberts ’84, Davis Overton ’88, Avalyn Painter Sepaniak ’66, Erin Johnson Saunders ’92, Chip Johnson ’65. (front row, l to r) Weiler Powell, Lauren Siler, Jason Sandberg, Trace Nystrom, Sarah Jane Nystrom, Jack Wagner, Caden Corby, Zach Mitchell, Charlie Frost, Bayless Bolt, Allie Roberts, Lucy Addicks, Eliza Roberts, Katelyn Overton, Hannah Andes, Griffin Saunders (not pictured: Class of 2024 graduates Miles Dixon, Mason Testerman and Tate Woodruff).

COMMENCEMENT 2024

A LEGACY OF SERVICE:

As Webb School of Knoxville’s annual Commencement celebrates the latest graduating class, it also honors the achievements and contributions of those Spartans who came before them with the presentation of the Robert Webb Service Award, named after Webb School founder, Robert Webb. The award is given for outstanding service and leadership to the Webb community. At Commencement 2024, the school presented its Robert Webb Service Award to Webb Class of 1969 alum Ted Cook.

A former Spartan basketball standout and team captain, Cook was an All Mid-South team selection for three years in a row during his high school career at Webb School. Cook’s determination on the court was later mirrored in his success in business and in his involvement with Webb School, particularly with Webb’s Alumni Council.

During the Commencement ceremony, Webb President Ansel Sanders thanked Cook for championing the establishment of the Robert Webb Memorial Statue, which was dedicated in the fall of 2022. “Ted led the charge to complete this project, raising the necessary funds to immortalize Mr. Webb’s legacy,” Sanders said at graduation. “Thanks to Ted’s efforts, future generations of Spartans will honor and remember Mr. Webb’s vision – to create an extraordinary school that educates students in exceptional ways. Thank you, Ted, for your unwavering love for Webb School,” Sanders continued, “for your dedicated service to our alumni community, and for your commitment to honoring our school’s founder.”

(above) Webb President Ansel Sanders (left), presents Webb’s Robert Webb Service Award for 2024 to Spartan Class of 1969 alum Ted Cook at Commencement 2024. (right) Webb’s Robert Webb Memorial Statue. Spartan alum Ted Cook ’69 spearheaded efforts to raise funds to support the establishment of the statue on campus to immortalize Robert Webb’s legacy.

Building on a legacy of Spartan Pride

A RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY THIS FALL FOR Webb’s new Bailey Family Fitness & Training Center marked an exciting milestone in the school’s staunch commitment to athletic excellence. Whitfield Bailey and his son Tripp, representing the Bailey family, joined in the celebration and helped to underscore a pivotal moment in Spartan athletics and the conclusion of Webb’s Spartan Pride campaign – a comprehensive, three-year effort to elevate the school’s athletic facilities. This initiative, which also includes the Clark Wormsley Hitting & Pitching Complex and new fields for girls’ softball and lacrosse, has revolutionized training opportunities for our student-athletes. With the dedication of the Bailey Family facility, we usher in a new era for Webb School athletics.

(above, l to r) Former Webb Athletics Director, David Meske; Webb President Ansel Sanders; Tripp Bailey; Whitfield Bailey; Webb Director of Sports Performance, Lexus McDaniel; and Webb Athletics Director, Dan Gill, following the dedication of Webb’s new Bailey Family Fitness & Training Center, November 1. The Bailey Family Center sports a state-of-the-art indoor practice field, advanced cardio and weight training spaces, virtual golf studio, meeting rooms, athletics hall of fame, and a dedicated athletic training staff.

Scan this QR code to take a virtual tour of our new Bailey Family Fitness & Training Center and learn more about Webb’s Director of Sports Performance, Lexus McDaniel.

Meet Lexus McDaniel

DIRECTOR OF SPORTS PERFORMANCE

AT THE HEART OF WEBB’S Bailey Family Fitness & Training Center lies its Director of Sports

Performance, Lexus McDaniel, responsible for the overall development and management of the school’s individual and team athletic performance enhancement programs. With a deep understanding of training

techniques, McDaniel oversees the strength and conditioning programming for all Spartan Middle and Upper School student-athletes as well as the application of comprehensive strategies to help improve athletic performance, reduce injury and promote recovery, reconditioning and wellness.

Previously a fitness instructor and an assistant basketball, cross country and track & field coach at Ensworth High School in Nashville, Tennessee, McDaniel played a key role in the design and implementation of strength training and conditioning programs for all of Ensworth’s school-sanctioned athletic teams. She also helped managed the school’s strength and conditioning facility and collaborated with athletic training staff in the rehabilitation and development of injured athletes.

McDaniel was a member of the Division II Lees-McRae Lady Bobcats basketball team. Later, she went on to pursue her Bachelor of Science degree in exercise science at Middle Tennessee State University and interned with University of Georgia’s Olympic Strength & Conditioning Department. McDaniel further bolstered her sports performance skill set at Carson-Newman University where she served as a graduate assistant strength and conditioning coach while completing her MBA.

McDaniel is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) by the National Strength and Conditioning Association and a High School Strength and Conditioning Specialist (HSSCC). In addition, she holds a certification in USA Weightlifting. Her professional career also includes strength coach/personal trainer and group fitness instructor outside of school.

A proven leader and communicator, McDaniel says she is committed to preparing and developing student-athletes for competition and cultivating the life skills they’ll need beyond high school. She is a strong proponent of engaging both players and their coaches in program development, as well as faculty and administration, to help ensure the athletic, academic and social well-being of student-athletes.

Webb dedicated its Clark Wormsley Hitting & Pitching Complex in May 2024. Named after beloved former Webb baseball and football coach, teacher and Middle School Dean of Students, Clark Wormsley, the new facility includes a netted indoor practice area with two full-length bullpen tunnels and two hitting tunnels, as well as pitching mounds and machines. Wormsley coached varsity baseball for 20 years and served as offensive coordinator for the Spartan football team for 30 years. Continuing in their father’s footsteps, Wormsley’s sons, Jordan Wormsley ’06 and Parker Wormsley ’11, lead Webb’s Spartan varsity baseball program as head and assistant coaches. (above) Spartan baseball alumni and current and former coaches with Clark Wormsley at the dedication ceremony.

(above) Webb’s Lady Spartans, with head varsity cross-country coach Dan Murray (far right) and assistant coaches Tom Iannacone and Samantha Haase (far left), again dominated at the 2024 TSSAA Division II-AA State Cross-Country Championships, grabbing both the girls’ team title and the first three spots, as well as locking in five finishes in the top 15. Webb junior Calysta Garmer won the girls’ race, clocking a 5K time of 17:46.55.

Lady Spartans defend state cross-country crown with commanding victory

TWIN SISTERS CALYSTA AND JAZZLYN GARMER, TEAMMATE CAROLINA AREHEART SWEEP THE PODIUM WITH TOP THREE SPOTS

Webb’s Lady Spartan varsity cross-country team captured their second consecutive Division II-AA State Cross Country Championship title in decisive fashion, November 7, sweeping the first three spots and securing five finishes in the top 15. The Lady Spartans’ victory also came on the heels of their clinching a third straight Knoxville Interscholastic League (KIL) Cross-Country Championship title.

Webb’s girls dominated at state with a winning team total of 33, well ahead of runner-up Girls Preparatory School (101). Lady Spartan junior Calysta Garmer is this year’s DII-AA individual state champion, breaking the finish line tape at Sanders Ferry Park in Hendersonville, Tennessee, in a 5K time of 17:46.55. Twin sister Jazzlyn Garmer, this year’s KIL cross-country winner, placed runner-up with a time of 17:53.37. Classmate Carolina Areheart took the bronze among the 123 competitors, clocking a time of 17:57.36. Webb sophomore Emma Cissna finished 12th with a time of 19:23.20. Classmate Ariana Vargas also shared All-State kudos, taking 15th in a time of 19:38.66. Closing out their Lady Spartan cross-country careers, seniors Kristina Weaver and Chloe Wilson placed 21st (20:16.19) and 37th (21:31.45), respectively.

With heart,

hustle, Webb girls end historical varsity soccer season as state runner-up

IN A HISTORY-MAKING SEASON DEFINED by grit and determination, Webb’s Lady Spartans earned their place as state runnerup at this year’s TSSAA Division II-AA Girls’ State Soccer Championship and posted a stellar 16-2-1 record.

Following a 2-1 victory over Chattanooga Baylor to clinch the East Region crown, the Webb girls, with a roster of mostly underclassmen, continued their hard-fought campaign to this year’s state championship with a 3-0 win over Hutchinson School of Memphis in the state quarterfinals and a first-ever berth to the DII-AA Final Four. They would, however, have to make their début at the state semis without senior forward and co-captain Pearce Groer, who suffered a broken leg late in the quarterfinal match. Groer, a University of Texas commitment and All-East Region MVP, closed out her senior season with 14 goals and 16 assists.

As Groer cheered her teammates on from the sidelines, the Webb girls channeled their energy and focus on the task at hand as they took on undefeated Harpeth Hall in the state Final Four series. And they delivered. With freshman starting goalkeeper Lauren Newell making seven saves and classmate Piper Luhn scoring in the second half, the Lady Spartans handed the Honeybears a 1-0 shutout loss to advance to the Webb program’s inaugural state crown championship final.

While the Lady Spartans’ bid to a DII-AA state title came up short, with a tough 2-0 loss to defending state champion Baylor, the team’s unforgettable season will be remembered as a proud chapter in Lady Spartan soccer history.

Lady

Spartans make school history with first-ever state lacrosse title

WEBB’S VARSITY BOYS’ LACROSSE TEAM CLINCHED ITS FIRST STATE TITLE IN program history with a 14-5 victory over Nashville’s Christ Presbyterian Academy (CPA) at the 2024 TSLA (Tennessee Scholastic Lacrosse Association) Division II-A/AA Championship, May 18, avenging an overtime loss to CPA in last year’s state semifinals.

The Spartans finished the season with a 15-2 record, including a 10-game winning streak. Baxter Johnson ’26 and Bryce Hooker ’26 were the team’s leading scorers in the championship game in Nolensville, Tennessee, with three goals each. Johnson posted a season record of 52 goals and 42 assists.

At the state final, Webb led 5-0 following the first quarter with goalie Jonah Sharp ’25 making a lastminute save on a CPA breakaway. By the half, the Spartans were up 11-1, including a late second-quarter goal by Sam Osborne ’26 and an assist from Bo Caldwell ’27. The Spartans never looked back in the second half, dominating play all the way to the top step of the championship podium.

With the 2024 state championship title, the Spartans notched their 19th consecutive state playoff appearance, including seven state final-four contests and two (2011, 2024) trips to the state final. The Men in Green have also collected seven region titles.

(pictured) Midfielder/short stick defensive midfielder Baxter Johnson ’26 earlier in the season.

Spartans grab state team title at track & field championship

After a five-year hiatus, Webb’s Lady Spartans returned to the medal stand as team champions at the 2024 Division II-AA State Track & Field Championship.

Highlighted by multiple victories both on the field and track, Webb’s girls recorded an overall team score of 103, beating defending champion Harpeth Hall’s total of 100.5.

Spartan track & field and volleyball phenom Lennox Langham ’25 again dominated in the girls’ long jump and triple jump, winning the state title in both events for the fourth year in a row. A KIL champion in both contests for 2024, Langham won by nearly a foot (18-03.25) over the second-place finisher in the long jump and

more than two feet (37-11.75) over the runner-up in the triple jump. Landyn Langham ’24, a Delaware State signee for volleyball, took sixth in the girls’ shot put.

Webb’s Carolina Areheart ’26 repeated her gold-medal performance at state in the girls’ 1600, beating her winning time from the previous year by more than 12 seconds (4:53.28). Classmate Calysta Garmer finished second (4:59.98).

A 2024 KIL winner in the girls’ 800meter race, Areheart also grabbed first in the 800 at state, crossing the finish line in a time of 2:16.17. Jazzlyn Garmer ’26 took silver two seconds later and Calysta Garmer was fourth (2:21.18).

Jazzlyn (10:44.47) and Calysta (10:57.06) Garmer recorded a 1-2 state finish, respectively, in the girls’ 3200-meter race.

The Lady Spartans also won the 4 X 800 relay and were fourth in the 4 X 400. Lacy Young ’28 was sixth in the girls’ 200.

Webb cross-country and track & field sensation and Furman signee Colin Eckerman ’24 set a new state meet record in

the boys’ 1600-meter race with a time of 4:04.55, smashing the previous 4:05.75 record set in 2005.

The 2023-2024 Gatorade Tennessee Boys Cross-Country Player of the Year and 2024 KIL champion in the 1600 also took gold in the 3200-meter race at state with a time of 9:12.93 –about eight seconds ahead of second place.

Classmate Michael Conley, 2024 KIL champion in the 100 and 200-meter races, as well as the boys’ long jump, brought home a silver in the boys’ 100-meter dash with a time of 10.72 – just .5 seconds shy of first place. Conley also took runner-up in the boys’ long jump (22-00.50) and third (21.77) in a down-to-the-wire 200-meter race at the state championships.

Emory University track & field signee Ari Klasky ’24, who won silver in both the boys’ discus and shot put at the 2024 KIL contest, finished fifth in both events at state.

SPARTAN SHOUT-OUT

A SEASON OF TRIUMPH & TENACITY: Highlighting a superb season for Webb’s varsity basketball program that saw both girls’ and boys’ teams advancing to the Final Four of the 2024 TSSAA Division II-AA state tournament, the Lady Spartans finished runner-up at state to defending champion Knoxville Catholic. It was the Webb girls’ first return to the title game since winning the Division II-A championship in 2018.

The Lady Spartans punched their ticket to the state title round following a gutsy come-from-behind 48-41 win over the Webb School of Bell Buckle Lady Feet at the state semifinal. After trailing Bell Buckle for the majority the game, Webb rallied back in the fourth quarter, highlighted by a steal and transition layup from Lady Spartan point guard standout Meeyah Green ’26 that gave the Webb girls their first lead, 41-39, with just 2:31 remaining in the game. Green tacked on another basket to put the Lady Spartans up 43-39 at the 1:31 mark. The Lady Feet answered with two points, but the Women in Green sealed the victory with successful free throws from Green and Kyndall Mays ’28 as the clock ran out.

Marking their 15th state tournament appearance, the Webb Spartan varsity boys’ team (24-4) ended their first-rate run to the 2024 state championship with a 48-63 loss to defending champion Brentwood Academy in semifinal play.

CROSS-COUNTRY UPDATE >> At press time, the Lady Spartan varsity cross-country team took third at the 2024 Nike Cross Nationals Southeast Regional Championships – just one point short of second place and automatically qualifying for the Nike Cross Nationals. The Webb girls lined up against the 25 best teams in the American Southeast at the 5K regional championship in Cary, North Carolina. Webb junior Carolina Areheart delivered a stellar performance with a runner-up finish and a personal best time of 17:02.74 – just ahead of Tennessee powerhouse Abby Faith Cheeseman of the Webb School of Bell Buckle – and earned her place at the Cross Nationals in Portland, Oregon. In addition, the Webb girls competed at the Foot Locker Cross Country South Regional, and both Areheart and classmate Jazzlyn Garmer qualified for the Footlocker National Championships in San Diego, California. With Areheart packing her bags for both Oregon and California, this marks the second consecutive year that a Spartan runner has secured spots at both national cross-country races. Class of 2024 alum Colin Eckerman accomplished the same feat in December 2023.

sport report fall 2024 sports review

UPPER SCHOOL

cross country: The Lady Spartans successfully defended their Division II-AA state title, winning this year’s championship. See full story on page 26.

football: The Spartans ended their regular season with a 5-4 record and advanced to the TSSAA Division II-AA state quarterfinals.

girls’ soccer: The Lady Spartans posted a historical season (16-2-1), finishing runner-up at the Division II-AA state championship. See full story on page 26.

golf: The Spartan boys’ team took third in the East Region and finished the season with a 31-5 record. Junior Andrew Sandberg qualified for the state tournament and finished 15th overall. The Lady Spartans completed the season with a 12-8 record.

volleyball: Webb completed the regular season with a record of 17-5 and finished third in the region. Senior Lennox Langham was named Region Player of the Year on the Lady Spartans’ road to the state quarterfinals.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

football: Despite starting the year without a home conference to play, the Middle School Spartans recorded only one loss for the season.

cross country: The boys’ and girls’ teams placed consistently in the top four in each regular season meet. Webb’s Lady Spartan squad qualified for the state meet and four boys secured their spots individually for state.

volleyball: The Middle School volleyball program grew significantly this year, sporting both varsity and JV teams. One Lady Spartan varsity player and two JV players earned KISL All-Tournament praise.

girls’ soccer: The Lady Spartans capped a stellar season with a regular season division championship. The team’s only losses were in “cross-over” games against larger and more experienced squads in the higher ranking division.

softball: The Webb girls continued to improve throughout their second season, refining their skills, embracing challenges and playing with heart in every game. With strong teamwork and spirit, the Lady Spartans created a positive environment both on and off the field.

tennis: The tennis program had a roster of 36-plus players with both boys’ and girls’ squads improving their skills and delivering solid performances in match play.

FRIDAY

NIGHT LIGHTS

The recent installation of new LED lighting by MAKO at David Meske Stadium casts a brighter spotlight over Faust Field, the newly named Doug Bright Press Box, the Bailey Family Fitness & Training Center, and the girls’ lacrosse field during a fall football game. All are a testament to Webb School’s renewed commitment to supporting and elevating its Spartan student-athletes and sports programs.

EAST TENNESSEE ART EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR

LONGTIME WEBB MIDDLE SCHOOL

art teacher Todd Johnson has been named 2025 East Tennessee Art Educator of the Year by the Tennessee Art Education Association (TAEA). The award, announced this fall at the 2024 annual TAEA conference at Middle Tennessee State University, recognizes Johnson’s innovative teaching methods and dedication to his students’ growth as creative thinkers, as well as his numerous contributions to elevating arts education in Tennessee.

Johnson is deeply committed to making art both engaging and accessible to his students, and his

lessons include a diverse range of mediums to encourage exploration, self-expression and a deeper understanding of art. He has also amplified the impact of his teaching by taking on roles that extend well beyond the classroom. Just this past year, with a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, Johnson worked on a project, titled Creating a Community for All Learners – Reimagining Standards-Based Arts Education for Equity & Inclusion, which involved writing and piloting a lesson plan that utilizes culturally responsive teaching and studentcentered instruction. He also served on the Tennessee State Board of Education to revise the State of Tennessee Fine Arts Standards and was a presenter at TAEA’s 2024 conference in addition to serving on the committee to review TAEA presentation proposals. Additionally, Johnson participated in seven national juried art shows, receiving Honorable Mention praise at one of the curated exhibits.

Johnson earned his Master of Fine Arts degree in ceramics from Eastern Michigan University. He has taught at several post-secondary institutions, including Luther College, Saint Mary’s College, University of Notre Dame, and more locally, the University of Tennessee, Lincoln Memorial University and Walters State Community College. Johnson has also served as a guest lecturer at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Maharishi International University, University of St. Francis, Stephen F. Austin State University, Holter Museum of Art, and the Knoxville Museum of Art.

An Archie Bray Foundation resident artist and a visiting artist at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, Johnson has exhibited throughout the United States, including solo and group shows at The Clay Studio in Philadelphia, Pewabic Pottery in Detroit, Islip Art Museum in Long Island, and the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts in Winston-Salem. In addition, his works are represented in several public and private collections.

Johnson is also the recipient of a Fulbright Memorial Fund Scholarship for travel in Japan, a Lincoln Center Education grant for Teaching Artist Training and two National Endowment for the Arts awards for study at Anderson Ranch Arts Center and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. He has authored multiple articles in publications such as Ceramics Monthly and the NCECA (National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts) Journal, and his art has garnered reviews in Ceramics: Art and Perception magazine and The New York Times

THEN NOW &

It’s no secret that Webb’s reputation as a topranked independent Pre-K - 12 school is a major draw for prospective families, but it’s also pulling Spartan graduates back to campus to serve as members of the faculty and staff. In our offices and classrooms and on our playing fields, these Webb alumni bring a unique blend of experience and emotional connection that enriches both our students and the school. Check out these familiar faces who once roamed our hallways as students and are now proud, full-time Webb employees.

Alex Ardison ’90 Upper School Counselor

Kristie Fleenor Atwood ’80 Lower School Librarian

Ellie Johnson ’10 Assistant Director of Advancement

Hugh Nystrom ’85 Director of Advancement

Joe Peeden ’06

Middle School

Science Teacher

John Williams ’10

Middle School

English Teacher

Jordan Wormsley ’06

Associate Director of Admissions & Head

Varsity Baseball Coach

Webb FRC team receives grant to bolster use of composites in high school robotics

Webb’s FRC (FIRST Robotics Competition)

Team 1466 has embarked on a new initiative to elevate STEM education in high school robotics through the use of composite materials, thanks to a $10,000 grant from the SAMPE (Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering) Foundation. Spearheaded by Spartan team members Ridge Long ’25 and Anna Kate Autry ’26 and mentor John Unser, this newly launched project will include the development and distribution of lesson kits on composite materials, reaching thousands of students and engaging the next generation of engineers and scientists with cutting-edge materials and manufacturing processes. This effort both enhances Webb’s commitment to STEM and establishes Team 1466 as an educational leader in FIRST Robotics. Team 1466 saw an opportunity to bring the technology of composite materials into competitive robotics, building on the Upper School’s established STEM electives in materials science. Recognizing the relevance of composites in industries such as aerospace, automotive and sports, the Webb FRC team is designing eight lesson kits that demystify composites, with modules on theory, manufacturing, processing, and testing. Each kit will connect real-world applications to student projects and will include examples of FRC robots that utilize composites, interviews with industry experts and insights from experienced robotics squads. With the goal of integrating these kits into the FIRST Choice program, Team 1466 aims to make composite materials education available

Team 1466 members recently held their own workshop, where student leads trained their teammates on the fundamentals of composites, the properties of carbon fiber and the vacuum infusion process used to create carbon fiber panels. The session served as a rehearsal for teaching other robotics teams in the area. (right) Webb FRC team members, along with mentor John Unser, use a vacuum to pull epoxy resin into layers of carbon fiber fabric. After curing overnight, the resulting panels become exceptionally strong and can be precision-cut into specific shapes for robot designs.

This project also provides a unique opportunity to connect with Webb alumni working in the composites industry, as their expertise and mentorship could be instrumental in advancing the project’s goals.

to over 3,500 FIRST Robotics teams and more than 87,000 students worldwide. By utilizing existing text and video resources from SAMPE and collaborating with the SAMPE Tennessee Valley chapter and the University of Tennessee Knoxville’s SAMPE student chapter, the Webb students aspire to enrich the kits with technical knowledge and real-world wisdom and perspectives. For the first year of the project, Team 1466 will design, prototype and refine the lesson kits and will distribute them to teams across East Tennessee. The goal is to reach all high school FIRST programs in Tennessee by 2026 with the endgame to make Tennessee a pioneer in composites education through high school robotics. The Webb FRC team’s videography and graphic design students will produce instructional videos and informational packets to accompany each

lesson, enhancing accessibility and enabling remote learning for teams throughout the state.

This project also provides a unique opportunity to connect with Webb alumni working in the composites industry, as their expertise and mentorship could be instrumental in advancing the project’s goals. Alumni with experience in materials science, engineering or manufacturing are encouraged to connect with the Webb robotics program to support this educational outreach. The team hopes to forge new bonds with Spartan graduates through this endeavor.

The grant funding from SAMPE will cover development, prototyping, mass production, and distribution of the kits, as well as videography equipment for instructional content. This award allows the Webb team to develop high-quality kits, engage students in hands-on projects and inspire future careers in materials science and engineering.

By integrating experiential composites education into competitive robotics, Team 1466 is setting a new standard for STEM outreach and solidifying its role as a leader in innovation.

story by jenifer lawrie, webb upper school science teacher & first robotics coach/mentor

AMPLIFYING THEIR VOICES

A PODCAST PRODUCED BY WEBB JUNIOR Carolina Areheart and Class of 2024 graduate Bertie Farrar received Honorable Mention recognition in NPR’s (National Public Radio) 2024 Student Podcast Challenge.

The annual NPR Student Podcast Challenge seeks to inspire the next generation of audio storytellers. The series encourages students nationwide to make their audio storytelling aspirations a reality by turning classrooms into studios, school assignments into scripts and ideas into podcasts, and provides a space for the voice of a younger generation to emerge in the broadcasting mainstream.

Contestants compete for the chance to have their story featured on the Student Podcast Challenge podcast and in other NPR podcasts, and to win scholarships to assist them in continuing their podcasting and academic pursuits.

In its first half-decade, NPR’s Student Podcast Challenge amassed more than 15,000 podcast entries from over 80,000 young people in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. Middle school, high school and now fourth-grade students have explored serious issues like Covid’s pandemic lockdown and its effect on learning and mental health or the impact of climate change, as well as personal stories about students’ families, their hometowns or their own identities.

Through interviews with Webb Upper School students, faculty and staff members, Areheart and Farrar’s podcast, titled Gen Z Productivity, addresses the work ethic of today’s high school students and how it contrasts with previous generations.

SPARTANS SHOW UP!

When the school

learned about the loss and devastation caused by flooding in East Tennessee in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the Webb community put out the call to collect items needed by families in the hardest hit areas, and the Spartan Nation delivered, big time! In just over three days, Webb students, parents, teachers, staff members, and friends came together to collect essential goods – enough to completely fill a 26-foot box truck, generously donated by Turnkey Technical Services, as well as several vehicles. The supplies were delivered to the WATE News 6 drop-off site at Regal Pinnacle in Turkey Creek, Knoxville. A testament to Webb School’s spirit of connection and care, which extends far beyond its campus.

Graphic by LA Johnson/NPR; found at npr.org

Cutting-edge learning:

Two dynamic courses were introduced to the Upper School curriculum for 2024-2025, helping to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Together, Webb’s new Drone Technology & Aviation Honors and Leadership in Practice electives blend technical expertise with personal development, fostering innovation and practical leadership skills for today’s world and tomorrow’s future .

LEADERSHIP IN PRACTICE

Taught by members of the Upper School Student Life Team and Webb School President Ansel Sanders, the Leadership in Practice course engages students in experiential learning to discover what it means to be leaders of character in tomorrow’s world, both individually and as valued members of a team. Students meet each day throughout the school year and complete a final group project at the end of the year, during which the skills they’ve developed are put into action. Students are charged with exploring their own values and ideas and to consider their implications in leading others. Limited to juniors and seniors, the course requires that students undergo an enrollment process that includes submitting a digital application, participating in an interview with the Student Life Team and meeting a set of standards established by the Student Life Team.

TEACHING TOPICS:

1. LEARNING LEADERSHIP

• Understanding the history of leadership and current leadership models

• Examining how leadership models are put into practice

• Exploring motivational learning and examining students’ own and others’ intrinsic and extrinsic motivations as leaders

2. PERSONAL & COLLABORATIVE LEADERSHIP

• Integrating students’ lived experiences into their leadership development process

• Practicing team leadership through active group participation

• Understanding students’ own personal identities and how those shape their leadership and followership.

3. LEADERSHIP FOR CHANGE

• Developing a comprehensive set of practical skills and tools – time management, meeting management, group and team dynamics – to rely on through leadership practice

• Gaining an understanding of change processes and ability to think critically about obstacles to change

• Engaging and collaborating constructively with others

• Understanding how ethics, morals and values relate to students’ leadership dilemmas

DRONE TECHNOLOGY & AVIATION HONORS

The Drone Technology & Aviation Honors course immerses students in the fundamentals of autonomous and manned drone flight. Through project-based and hands-on experiences, students gain a comprehensive understanding of drone technology, history, safety protocols, navigation principles, flight principles, applications, and responsible piloting practices. Students also delve into the intricacies of TRUST certification and the FAA Part 107 certification, ensuring they are equipped and well-prepared for both recreational and professional drone use. The course also covers flight theory and practical skills to prepare students for the rapidly evolving and growing field of drone technology.

TEACHING TOPICS:

• Safety Protocols

• Aerodynamics & Flight Principles

• Drone Components & Maintenance

• Autonomous Flight Programming

• Manual Flight Skills

• Airspace Regulations & Navigation

• Weather Considerations

• Ethical & Legal Considerations

• Photography & Videography Techniques

• Certification Preparation

GALLERY

A quick glance at Webb students’ cultural exchange experiences this fall, including immersive trips abroad and the opportunity to welcome their peers from across the globe into the school community.

Through Webb’s longtime partnership with Rotary Youth Exchange, the school hosted students from the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (BVB) School in Chandigarh, India. (clockwise from top) BVB students demonstrate dances from different regions of India. Webb host families and staff greet the BVB students at McGhee Tyson Airport.

Twelve Webb Upper School students, accompanied by their faculty and staff chaperones, journeyed to Vietnam. (pictured) Students experience riding in traditional Vietnamese basket boats on the Thu Bon River.

Webb students and chaperones outside of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Webb continued its collaboration with the Faces & Our Cultures program, hosting three students from Guatemala this fall. The visitors attended classes and engaged in school activities with their Webb host “siblings.” They also joined Webb Lower (left & above), Middle and Upper School Spanish classes to share the culture and history of Guatemala with students.

Webb students visited Vietnam’s Maison Centrale in Hanoi. Also known as Hanoi Hilton, the fortress housed American Prisoners of War during the Vietnam War.

(below) In an Upper School Leadership in Practice class, BVB and Webb students engage in a discussion about a quote by Winston Churchill on courage, sharing their perspectives and debating its meaning.

FOSTERING THE ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT

The entrepreneurial spirit is thriving among students enrolled in Webb’s Upper School entrepreneurial program. Living into Webb’s mission of nurturing the potential of each individual, the classes combine the foundational entrepreneurial coursework with hands-on, real-world experience, as well as the opportunity and inspiration for students to develop and launch their own ventures. Check out a couple of the latest Spartan-led business initiatives.

Last year, enterprising students Hannah Beth Bibee ’26 and Matilda Slade ’25 used their entrepreneurial skills to launch an oncampus Re-Luxe pop-up shop for the Webb community, featuring women’s clothing, shoes and accessories. The girls raised $500 for Haven House and donated over $2,000 worth of the unsold clothes. Building on the success of last year’s effort, they hosted their second annual pop-up store this fall, raising over $100 for and donating nearly $6,000 in unsold clothing to Haven House.

DOWN TO THE BUZZER!

For the first time since 2017, the Spartans reclaimed the championship crown at this year’s East Tennessee PBS Scholars’ Bowl.

Facing 60-plus high school squads representing East Tennessee and Kentucky, Webb’s Scholars’ Bowl team brought its A game to the single-elimination academic competition, battling through the March Madness-style “Smart 16,” the “Educated 8,” and finally the “Philosophical 4” to face Jefferson County in the championship final.

The brainchild of and spearheaded by junior Ben Vickers, KnoxVentureLink is an online platform showcasing Webb student-owned businesses and services available to the entire Spartan community. Vickers teamed up with seniors and website entrepreneurs Kolbe Pick and Ashoke Watkins, owners of KnoxDotCom, to create the online hub. Babysitting, car detailing, lawn care, tutoring, website design, landscaping, and pressure washing are just some of the services offered.

The Spartans managed to fend off a late comeback attempt by the Jefferson County Patriots, securing the championship and the Frank Miller Memorial Trophy with a final score of 410-395.

More than 50 Webb seniors and juniors were inducted into Webb’s chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS) for 2024-2025, in recognition of their academic achievements, leadership skills and commitment to serving the community.

NEARLY 100

Nearly 100 Webb Upper School students earned the distinction of AP Scholar for 2023-2024 in recognition of their exceptional achievement on the AP exams. Forty-four Spartans earned AP Scholar with Distinction honors, 21 received AP Scholar with Honor recognition and 34 were named AP Scholars.

In a tightly contested title match, Webb clung to a slim lead, ahead by two questions with only 10 seconds left on the clock.

Congratulations to team coach and faculty advisor, Jenny Fields, and the following members of this year’s Scholars’ Bowl championship team: Daisy Howard ’25 (captain), Nolan Humphrey ’26, Alex Kalinin ’26, Stephen Koella ’25, Sam Kowalski ’27, Isaac Lawrie ’27, Ridge Long ’25, Alexandra Mirochnikoff ’26, James Overall ’25, Kaiser Ramjee ’27, Jackson White ’25, and Penny Willoughby ’25 (captain).

Thirty-plus Upper School students were presented with the prestigious President’s Volunteer Service Award this fall. Collectively, these Webb servant leaders dedicated over 3,842 hours to various charitable organizations, with each contributing at least 100 hours of service within one year.

3,842 -1%

Three members of the Spartan Class of 2025 are National Merit Semifinalists for 2025, joining a select group of some 16,000 academically talented seniors nationwide. This distinction was awarded to less than one percent of high school seniors in the United States based on their performance on the 2023 PSAT/ NMSQT. In addition, four other members of Webb’s senior class received National Merit Commended Student honors for 2025.

SNAPSHOTS

Moments from this year’s Candy Land-themed, WebbFest – a sugar-spun, gumdrop-infused campus-wide celebration of sweet Spartan Spirit.

Spartan Stats

A by-the-numbers peek at some school highlights

3,000 390

Webb School has once again earned accreditation from the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS). SAIS accreditation is recognized globally as a symbol of quality in education for students and teachers. With over 390 member K-12 schools from 16 U.S. states, the Caribbean and Latin America, SAIS is the largest regional independent school association in the country.

130+

Number of East Tennessee veterans from World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War to participate in April’s HonorAir program. As with several Spartan students before him, Caleb Nagle ’25 served as a student ambassador for the program, escorting one of the 130-plus veterans to Washington, D.C, to visit the memorials honoring their sacrifice.

For the first time in Webb’s cheer program history, the varsity Big Green Army cheerleading squad competed in the TSSAA State Cheerleading and Dance Championships, joining over 3,000 studentathletes at the Knoxville Convention Center to vie for the title of “Best in State.”

40

Total pounds of cheese curds used to make poutine for the Spartan Bistro’s “Toronto Day.” The classic Canadian dish was a big lunchtime hit with Webb students. For sure, eh?

30

Number of cast and crew members involved in the Upper School’s demanding fall production of TRAP, a mind-bending, psychological thriller.

6

Amount of gummy bears sacrificed in the combustion demonstrations at this year’s Chemoween, a longtime Halloween tradition in our Upper School chemistry classes.

36

Entries by Webb Middle and Upper School student-artists that were juried into the 2024 East Tennessee Regional Student Art Exhibition. Several Spartan students earned top awards, including Best Photography and Best Ceramics.

341

Number of Squishmallows donated by Webb’s Fifth Grade Academy to patients at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. Spartan fifth graders organized and hosted a Valentine’s Day pop-up shop for their Lower School friends to raise funds for the purchase of the plushies.

Paris Night by Jaz Pompey ’29

Class Notes Highlights

ALL CLASS NOTES ARE NOW ONLINE! NOTES ARE REGULARLY UPDATED AND ARE POSTED BY THE MOST RECENT ENTRY.

Read all the latest class news and submit your news by going to https://shorturl.at/abpqT or scanning the above QR code.

’70s

The Virginia General Assembly issued a joint resolution commending Philip Duncan ’75 for more than a decade of service as a member of the Falls Church City Council. The resolution was presented to Duncan as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for his personal and professional achievements. Duncan was named a Webb Alumni Achievement Award recipient for 2020.

’80s

Victoria “Vicki” Gillenwater ’85 was one of the honorees to be inducted into the Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame (GKSHF) Class of 2024. Owner of Scenic View Farm, Gillenwater is a world champion equestrian. She and her horses have won 16 People’s Choice Awards in addition to over 20 world championships. Her world champion honors include Callaway’s Show Me State, Anne Ster, Zander fan Camelot Ster, and Power Parade. On the international stage, she won the Ladies Canadian Roadster Horse Championship with Autobahn. At the 2018 IFSHA World and Grand National Championship Horse Show, Gillenwater won four world champion titles. Her list of accolades also includes three individual gold medals and gold and silver team medals at the United States Saddle Seat International, ASHA Frank Ogletree Youth Award and Lurline Roth Sportsmanship Award recipient, and serving as Vice Chairman of the Saddle Seat World Cup.

’90s

Over the past year, acclaimed opera singer Kevin Burdette ’92 has graced stages across the nation, performing with prominent opera companies such as the Atlanta Opera, Seattle Opera, Opera Philadelphia, New World Symphony, and Santa Fe Symphony. In addition, he sang in the European premiere of Huang Ruo’s M. Butterfly with the BBC Symphony Orchestra at the Barbican Centre in London.

Photo courtesy of kevinburdette.com

’00s

Tennessee State Representative for House District 51, Aftyn Behn ’08, recently spent time with former Webb Upper School history teachers Mark Banker and Dorn Kile (right). “Two of my favorite high school history teachers,” Behn said. “They taught me about the brave workers who stood up for their rights, from the coal miners in Appalachia to the labor movements that shaped our nation and the world. Their lessons on the power of collective action continue to inspire my work today.”

’10s

Boomer Dangel ’12 is Vice President of Broadcasting and New Media at CSE, a full-service, industry-leading sports and media talent representation agency with offices in Atlanta, New York City and Richmond.

’20s

Lily Grace Thome ’21 (right, with her father, JT Thome) was one of the five top candidates for Auburn University’s Miss Homecoming competition. Thome is majoring in public relations at Auburn with a double minor in marketing and leadership. She is president of her sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta, and is co-chair of the outreach committee for the Women’s Leadership Institute. Thome has also worked as a student recruiter for Auburn’s College of Liberal Arts.

Molly Bryant ’24 (below) received the Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame’s Will McKamey Spirit Award for 2024, given annually to a senior high school athlete who has overcome adversity in life and gone on to excel in their respective sport. Bryant, also a recipient of the Knox News’ Courage Award, demonstrated strength, courage and resilience in facing the challenges of

celiac disease –an illness that threatened to sideline both her Lady Spartan softball career and academic pursuits.

Photo by Caitie McMekin of the News Sentinel and posted to knoxnews.com

CLASS OF 1964

CLASS OF 1965

CLASS OF 1985

CLASS OF 1987

CLASS OF 2009

Robin Line passed away September 20, 2024.

Marnie Hall Page passed away October 12, 2024.

Gail Post Showalter passed away December 11, 2023.

Warren Roberts passed away May 19, 2024.

Bryan Testerman passed away October 7, 2024.

Christi Coulson Wood passed away October 29, 2024.

Camp Arnett passed away June 26, 2024.

LOOKING BACK

Webb’s Eric Encarnacion ’07 Memorial Garden has long been a peaceful retreat for students, offering a quiet space for study and reflection.

GIVING BACK

Deb Kile Hotchkiss ’66

DEB KILE HOTCHKISS’ life after Webb has been dedicated to education. After earning degrees from the University of Dayton and the University of Utah, Hotchkiss taught children and adults with special needs across eight states. In 1994, she returned to Tennessee, ultimately concluding her 45-plus-year teaching career as the Upper School Learning Specialist at Webb School. Throughout the years, Hotchkiss led workshops on various teaching methods, instructional materials and the value and rewards of fostering trusted studentteacher relationships. Even in retirement, she continued to tutor students from elementary school to college, both in person and online.

What is your most memorable/funny Webb moment?

“I have so many cherished Webb memories! A few of my favorites include the spirited Ionian vs. Delphian girls’ athletic competitions, discovering unknown compounds in chemistry lab, a class trip to the Smokies, and participating in Glee Club choral performances. I also chuckle when I think back to a Halloween rolling of our algebra teacher’s yard and how we were presented with a pop quiz the next morning, asking us to formulate and solve equations related to the square footage of tissue required to cover lawns of various sizes.”

Why do you give to Webb School?

“A member of the Kile family has been part of Webb, either as a student or faculty member, for 55 of its nearly 70 years as an educational institution. I continue to value my friendships with my 1966 classmates, faculty colleagues, former students and their parents, and currently with alumni from the 1960s to recent graduates. I would like my gifts to enable students to experience Webb School’s extraordinary academic, arts and athletic programs, and the opportunity to forge lifelong friendships and connections within our Webb community.”

GRANDPARENTS & SPECIAL FRIENDS DAY 2024 >> We loved sharing a glimpse into our school day with the grandmas, grandpas, aunts, uncles, cousins, and special friends who joined us for Grandparents & Special Friends Day. Their laughter, smiles, and, of course, their hugs made the day even more special and reminded us of the connections that matter most.