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FALL 2014 2014 House Captains ....... 2 Focus on Learning Team ..... 3 Suzanne Little ............. 4 Class Notes ............. 5–8 Troy Duff ’87 ............. 6 INSIDE November 3 Author R.J. Palacio November 10–12 Second Harvest Food Drive November 13 Kaleidoscope Author–– Watt Key (grades 5–8) November 24 Grandparent Donor Reception November 25 Grandparents Chocolate for K–4 grandparents and special friends November 26–28 SCHOOL HOLIDAY December 1 Classes Resume December 4 Fall Varsity Athletic Awards December 5–6 Evergreens Pick-Up December 9–11 Toy Sale December 18 Winter Music Concert December 22–January 2 SCHOOL HOLIDAY January 5 Classes Resume January 19 SCHOOL HOLIDAY January 28 Grade 2 Play CALENDAR GENERAL NEWS Harding Academy Nurturing the Spirit • Inspiring the Mind & Partner With Harding I n partnership with Parnassus Books and Random House, Harding is pleased to host children’s author R.J. Palacio on November 3, in the school’s Henderson Theater. The event is part of the Parnassus Books Salon@615 series, which is their partnership with Humanities Tennessee and the Nashville Public Library & Foundation. Tickets are free (with a $2.50 service charge) and go on sale two weeks prior to the event. In the beloved book Wonder, Auggie, his friends, and Mr. Browne and his precepts touched the hearts of millions of readers, prompting the release of Palacio’s follow-up, 365 Days of Wonder, a book that includes the precepts of three of Harding’s own students, current fifth graders Elizabeth Allen, Rosemary Fredriksen, and Cate Frist. During the second trimester language arts class last year, Harding fourth grade students read and discussed R.J. Palacio’s book. As a cumulative, reflection assignment students were asked to select a precept (words to live by), and create a shield depicting what those words meant. At the same time, author R.J. Palacio was holding a contest to find “original precepts for a new book” she was writing. Precepts were asked to be “unique, or daring, or especially beautiful—something you’d like to share with the world.” Several Harding fourth graders composed their own precepts and entered the contest. On March 15, fourth grade teacher Camille Gift received a letter from the author saying, “Thousands of precepts were entered by children from all over the world, and only about 75 were selected for inclusion in the book, so that’s quite an accomplishment!” Palacio’s 365 Days of Wonder was released on August 26. From left, current fifth graders Cate Frist, Rosemary Fredriksen, and Elizabeth Allen, whose precepts were chosen for inclusion in R.J. Palacio’s newly released book 365 Days of Wonder. Author R.J. Palacio will speak at Harding on November 3.

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Harding Academy's quarterly newsletter for alumni and parents

TRANSCRIPT

FA L L 2 0 1 4

2014 House Captains . . . . . . .2

Focus on Learning Team . . . . .3

Suzanne Little . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Class Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–8

Troy Duff ’87 . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

I N S I D E

November 3 Author R.J. Palacio

November 10–12 Second Harvest Food Drive

November 13 Kaleidoscope Author–– Watt Key (grades 5–8)

November 24 Grandparent Donor Reception

November 25 Grandparents Chocolate

for K–4 grandparents and special friends

November 26–28 SCHOOL HOLIDAY

December 1 Classes Resume

December 4 Fall Varsity Athletic Awards

December 5–6 Evergreens Pick-Up

December 9–11 Toy Sale

December 18 Winter Music Concert

December 22–January 2 SCHOOL HOLIDAY

January 5 Classes Resume

January 19 SCHOOL HOLIDAY

January 28 Grade 2 Play

C A L E N D A R

GENERAL NEWSHarding AcademyNurtur ing   the  Sp i r i t   •   Insp i r ing   the  Mind

& Partner With Harding

In partnership with Parnassus Books and Random House, Harding is pleased to host children’s author R.J. Palacio on November 3, in the school’s

Henderson Theater. The event is part of the Parnassus Books Salon@615 series, which is their partnership with Humanities Tennessee and the Nashville Public Library & Foundation. Tickets are free (with a $2.50 service charge) and go on sale two weeks prior to the event.

In the beloved book Wonder, Auggie, his friends, and Mr. Browne and his precepts touched the hearts of millions of readers, prompting the release of Palacio’s follow-up, 365 Days of Wonder, a book that includes the precepts of three of Harding’s own students, current fifth graders Elizabeth Allen, Rosemary Fredriksen, and Cate Frist.

During the second trimester language arts class last year, Harding fourth grade students

read and discussed R.J. Palacio’s book. As a cumulative, reflection assignment students were asked to select a precept (words to live by), and create a shield depicting what those words meant. At the same time, author R.J. Palacio was holding a contest to find “original precepts for a new book” she was writing. Precepts were asked to be “unique, or daring, or especially beautiful—something you’d like to share with the world.” Several Harding fourth graders composed their own precepts and entered the contest. On March 15, fourth grade teacher Camille Gift received a letter from the author saying, “Thousands of precepts were entered by children from all over the world, and only about 75 were selected for inclusion in the book, so that’s quite an accomplishment!”

Palacio’s 365 Days of Wonder was released on August 26.

From left, current fifth graders Cate Frist, Rosemary Fredriksen, and Elizabeth Allen, whose precepts were chosen for inclusion in R.J. Palacio’s newly released book 365 Days of Wonder.

Author R.J. Palacio will speak at Harding on November 3.

2 Harding Academy w w w. h a r d i n g a c a d e m y. o r g

Healthy School, New Dynamics, and Insights

“How much faculty turnover did you have last year?” This is a question that I am frequently asked by prospective and

current parents. The question implies that the answer will give some insight into the health and viability of the school, just as SAT scores or other quantifiable data might. To be fair, if the answer to the question is double digits year after year, then it probably does signify a discouraging trend. But many times the actual answer is really an indicator of a healthy school, new dynamics, and insights to come.

In the past we have had one to three new faculty members each year. This year we had seven. Unusual though that is, it is also exciting for us. It’s exciting for the teachers who have elected to stay home with small children, move out of state to support spouses who are pursuing new professions, and it is exciting for those about to enjoy a well-deserved retirement after a long and positive career in education. It is also exciting for the teachers who remain who will benefit from an influx of fresh perspective and wisdom.

The openings have also provided a refreshing change for many current faculty members. It has been great to see how much Kim Usher has enjoyed moving from fourth grade to second grade, and how much Allison Pettus and Tandy Perkins have appreciated becoming the heads of their own classrooms. The leadership role that Tara Taylor has taken on as a Language Arts and Math Specialist in second grade, and the passion with which Betsy Pylkas has approached her new opportunity as the Lower School Technology Team Leader are rejuvenating and wonderful opportunities for them both.

The new faculty, to a one, are everything we had hoped for, and more. They are deeply immersed in the culture of the school and bring fresh energy and enthusiasm to their daily interactions. In addition to their great work in the classroom, they are coaching volleyball, football, lower school cross country, and finding ways to become engaged in after school programs and during assemblies. They bring a fount of knowledge and wisdom to the school, and are working with colleagues who are eager to grow from their insight.

Such repositioning has also allowed us to better reach students at both ends of the academic spectrum through the efforts of the Language Arts and Math Team Leaders, who are meeting with small groups throughout the day, team teaching, and sharing best practices with colleagues. Consequently, they are able to increase individual attention while also paying attention to the most up-to-date research and utilizing tools that help our children grow and be

as successful as they can be.We look forward to finding ways for

you to meet, and get to know, our incredible, capable new faculty members in the months and years to come.

Ian L. Craig, Head of School

LeadershipLeadership

Editors: Deb Anderson and Leslie Virostek

Class Notes: Katherine Miller

Contributors: Fran Scott and Leslie Virostek

Photography: Steve Lowry

Design: Tracy Alia

Web address: www.hardingacademy.org

For information or submissions contact: Deb Anderson, 615-387-6311

G E N E R A L N E W S

Student Council members are from left, first row, C.H Henry ’17, Caroline Humphrey ’17, Isabelle Arnold ’16 (treasurer), Mika Gothard ’16; second row: Weatherly Spence ’17, Charlie Bracegirdle ’16 (Secretary), Georgie Haynes ’15, Brandon Hall ’15, John Gibson Lewis ’15; third row, Cole Williamson ’16, Elijah Beyer ’15 (vice president), Zachary Nelson ’15 (president), Cooper Mae Cavallo ’16.

House Captains for 2014–15 are from left (first row), Maddie Cunningham—Mcpherson, Abby Andrews—Anderson, Sara Emma Kahane—Lane, Ellie Burke—Oldfield, and Elizabeth Perrone—Stuart; (back row), Jackson Buschmann—Dewitt, Sam Shipp—Black, Jack Easter—Stanford, Seve Ortale—Schwartz, Cliff Goidel—Deloache, and Scottie Koehner—Freeman. This year’s eighth grade class motto is “Cherish Every Lollipop Moment.”

Student Leadership

There are several ways to keep up-to-date with Harding happenings. If you subscribe to Twitter, you can follow tweets from the head of school @HardingAcademy and from the athletic director @HardingAthletix. If you are on Facebook, alums can request to join the group Harding Academy of Nashville Alumni. There are also group fan pages for Harding Academy; Harding Art Show; and Harding Academy Summer Programs, as well as the head of school blog.

Check

for the most up-to-date and full schedule of events

Also follow us on

w w w. h a r d i n g a c a d e m y. o r g Harding Academy 3

Focus on CurriculumFocus on Curriculum

First grade is a time of tremendous skill building in math and language arts. Harding ensures that first graders maximize

their potential through the efforts of Learning Effectiveness Team member Catie Caldwell. As a math and language arts specialist, Caldwell collaborates with the first grade’s homeroom teachers and works one on one and in small groups with students. This kind of individualized instruction results in students who achieve higher levels of learning, enjoy it more, and are better prepared to move to the next grade level with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed.

Grades one, two, and three each have a Learning Effectiveness Team learning specialist who uses proven educational methods to support the foundational learning of students at the individual level. Grades four and five share a team member. The program was established in 2004 and has strengthened Harding’s ability to nurture each child’s achievement. The concept is simple but effective, says Lower School Director Laura Underwood. “It’s just a matter of simple math. Instead of three homeroom teachers in first grade, for example, we have three plus a language arts and math specialist. Having that extra teacher allows students to work more at their own pace.”

Learning Effectiveness Team members are targeting the building blocks that must be in place for further learning, notes Underwood. If a student is struggling with a specific area such as phonics, reading comprehension, or counting, the learning specialist works with him or her to overcome any obstacles or anxiety to master the subject matter at hand. If a student would benefit from more challenge, the specialist can provide individual guidance and support to deliver that enrichment—working closely with homeroom teachers and ensuring that methods and content are complementary to the curriculum.

Catie Caldwell says she enjoys working with every first grader throughout the year. She notes that having a fourth teacher and “extra set of eyes” for first graders helps distinguish between a student who might simply be “having a bad day” and one who’s demonstrated a pattern of difficulty and needs extra help.

An IndIvIduAlIzed ApproAchLearning Effectiveness Team Allows Every Student to Shine

by Fran Scott

Extra help and enrichment from Caldwell and the other learning specialists often involves motivational, fun methods and learning tools, including:

1. Games and manipulatives, such as Unifix cubes that enable students to break words into pieces and place them in cups, or a computer application that lets the student break words with an axe into sounds and syllables.

2. Pennies or other items used for counting, helping auditory and kinesthetic learners excel at early math concepts.

3. “Fun for the Brain” math fluency games, which motivate students to finish faster and get to a building’s penthouse or wash cars and race around a track.

“Technology and hand-held manipulatives are an enjoyable way to learn and much more engaging at every level,” says Caldwell. “Students get to work with and see numbers and words. They have a whole experience and can better apply what they’ve learned in another context,” she explains.

Individual attention is just one aspect of the Learning Effectiveness Team program. Specialists also:• Work with classroom teachers to select and

implement strategies that will help meet the needs of students.

• Monitor individual progress and ensure continuity within the curriculum.

• Provide additional resources to classroom teachers by staying current on educational research and best practices.

• Recommend materials to be used with individual or groups of students,

• Collect data on specific programs and teaching methods.

• Facilitate professional development by sharing new educational trends with teachers and adapting them to Harding’s program.

• Model the role of continuous learner, leading workshops and bringing in local experts to share with teachers.

• Work with school administrators to help design, implement, and assess school initiatives. In the crucial first grade year and throughout

every grade in the lower school, this work helps Harding to better fulfill its mission. Laura Underwood says, “The Learning Effectiveness Team increases individual instruction, improves student motivation and achievement, and allows every student the opportunity to shine. That’s a lofty goal, and we’re very serious about it. At Harding, it’s one more approach to concentrating on the individual.” u

Catie Caldwell, first grade learning effectiveness team specialist.

First grader, Ethan Caldwell and ???

New FacesNew faces

4 Harding Academy w w w. h a r d i n g a c a d e m y. o r g

Faculty/StaffLAUREN BIDEZ—Kindergarten Assistant

With a B.A. in interior architecture from Samford University and an instructional practice M.Ed. from Lipscomb University, Lauren is a talented artist and teacher. She is well-known at school having been an exceptional substitute at Harding while she finished her master’s degree. Lauren has a background in theater design and volunteers at the Metro Nashville Public School Reading Clinic.

MIKE DABROWIAK—FacilitiesWith a B.S. in ornamental horticulture and landscape

design from the University of Tennessee, Mike has spent time in the golf and sports turf industries. Mike worked as assistant golf course superintendent at the Kingston Springs Golf Club of Tennessee for four years and served as race course manager for the 2003 Iroquois Steeplechase in Nashville. He will be assisting Facilities Director David Greenlee in all facets of facilities and transportation.

MERIDITH DYER—Middle School HistoryMost recently a middle school history teacher at both

Overbrook School and St. Matthew School, Meridith now teaches sixth grade history and seventh grade economics at Harding. She holds a B.S. in Medieval and Renaissance history, and an M.A. in educational psychology and counselor education from Tennessee Technological University. Additionally, she serves as an adjunct instructor at Aquinas College. An avid tennis player, she will coach the JV tennis team.

DEMON FLOYD—FacilitiesA graduate of Stratford High School in East

Nashville, Demon worked for Baptist Hospital before coming to Harding in late summer. He is married with three children--two boys, ages nine and three, and a daughter, who is five. In addition to his duties in the middle school, as well as being a busy dad, Demon enjoys playing AAU basketball when time allows. He is a San Antonio Spurs, Tennessee Vols, and Kentucky Wildcats fan as well as a faithful follower of the Tennessee Titans.

SUZANNE GRIFFIN—Fourth/Fifth Grade Language Arts and Math Specialist

A Memphis native, Suzanne is finishing her doctorate work in education, curriculum and instruction at Northern Arizona University where she has also taught undergraduate courses in education. She is also teaching mathematics at Northland Preparatory Academy. Prior to that, she taught fifth and sixth grade at the University of Memphis Campus School. Suzanne holds a B.S. in education, human development and learning, and an M.S. in education, curriculum and instruction from University of Memphis.

FRED PISANO—Middle School HistoryFred has nearly 20 years experience in teaching,

coaching, and administration in independent schools. He spent ten years teaching physical education and coaching three varsity sports at Berkeley Preparatory School in Tampa, Florida. Since his arrival to Nashville, he was the head of school at East Academy and taught at both Franklin Road Academy and Harpeth Hall.

He is Harding’s seventh and eighth grade American History teacher. Fred’s degrees are a B.S. in exercise science from University of Florida, an M.Ed. in leadership from University of South Florida, and an M.B.A. in non-profit management from Lipscomb University.

DEREK REINHOLD—Fourth GradeWith a B.A. from Vanderbilt University, where he

majored in neuroscience and minored in Spanish, Derek continued his education at Vandy to earn an M.A. in elementary education.

He has most recently taught fifth grade at Bailey STEM Magnet Middle School where he was also responsible for developing the social studies curriculum. Derek also has taught fourth graders at Sylvan Park Paideia Design Center and fifth graders at Madison Middle School. While at Vanderbilt he served as a research assistant in the Educational Cognitive Neuroscience Lab.

JACQUIE ROHRICHT—Third Grade Language Arts and Math Specialist

A Wilson Reading System-trained teacher, Jacquie has very capably served in the role of third grade teacher and lower school reading department leader at St. Bernard

Academy where she provided math support and led weekly Olweus meetings. She holds a B.A. in economics from Lawrence University, and an M.A. in education from Trevecca Nazarene University.

AMANDA STEELE—First GradeOriginally from Chicago, Amanda arrived in Nashville

as a double major candidate in elementary education and social studies at Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College where she then earned her B.S. Amanda taught first grade

at Dodson Elementary School and has most recently taught second grade at Old Center Elementary School where she implemented Responsive Classroom curricula, in addition to balanced literacy and differentiated mathematics-focused lessons. During her summers she is a counselor at a residential camp in Illinois.

TrusteesCLAIRE CORBY is vice president of marketing and communications for Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art. She oversees all marketing and publicity for the attraction, including advertising, public relations, and social media. She also assists with the sales and

development departments as needed. Claire and husband Jon are Harding parents to Conor, a fourth grader, and five-year-old Cian.

SHAYNA HUMPHREY is a professor at Vanderbilt’s Owen Graduate School of Management where she serves as the lead instructor of the Vanderbilt Business Communication Academy. She also teaches leadership development and executive coaching courses for The

Scarlett Leadership Institute. Shayna and husband Steve are parents to Harding sixth graders Claire and Caroline.the company’s marketing and business development functions, leading the firm’s strategic planning, thought leadership, public relations and communications initiatives. Dave and wife Mary Glenn are current Harding parents of William, who is in the fifth grade.

N E W

F A C E S

teacher, but I also had dreams of being a singer, actor, writer, and weather forecaster (I love maps). Being a third grade teacher, I get to incorporate all of these.” In her 11th year at Harding, Suzanne teaches reading, math, language arts, social studies, handwriting, and spelling. She notes, “I miss teaching science, so I try to integrate a little science in all subject areas.”

At the end of each day, she hopes her students will go home with something to share with their families. “It could be an academic concept, a piece of trivia, or

just a funny story or song,” she says.When she is not at school, Suzanne enjoys

travel with husband Bill, golf, church choir, and spending time with family, especially granddaughters Gia (4) and Lila (9 months).

Suzanne feels that her work gives her both immediate and long-term rewards. “I love getting to know my students, learning their special gifts and talents, and celebrating their successes in third grade and beyond,” she says. “I love running into former students, and they remind me of something that they remembered about third grade.” u

Third grade teacher Suzanne Little can sum up her teaching

philosophy in just a few words: “Keep it fun and relevant.” She says, “I believe in keeping an appropriate balance between ‘old school’ teaching methods and 21st century technology. Children need and thrive on both.”

Suzanne is well equipped in both areas. She has decades of teaching experience to draw upon, as well as an openness to learning new things. She highly values the in-service presentations from top educational experts who share the latest in research and best educational practices in teaching and learning. She is also not afraid of technology. “The ever-changing and exciting world of technology always challenges me,” she says. “Fortunately, at Harding, we have a wonderful tech staff who are there for us.”

Not least of all, Suzanne is open to learning from third graders. “I always learn from each year’s group of students as much as they learn from me,” she says. “They keep me on my toes.”

From a young age Suzanne had a calling. She says, “I always knew that I would be a

Faculty Profile Suzanne Little

w w w. h a r d i n g a c a d e m y. o r g Harding Academy 5

Class NotesClass Notes

Education:Suzanne earned her bachelor’s degree at Peabody College at

Vanderbilt University and her M.Ed. at Trevecca University.

Experience:In the Metro Nashville Public Schools from 1977 to 2004, Suzanne taught

2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade. She also taught Spanish, drama, and music

classes for Bellevue Community Education Program.

1974Jennifer Mathews Smith is serving as a horticulturist fellow of the Nashville Entrepreneur Center for the city’s landscape coordination program. She also is a member of the University of Tennessee Alumni Board and the University School of Nashville Alumni Board. She is a founding member of the Harding Academy Alumni Board.

2002Justin Hall is owner of Champion Brand Consulting in Chattanooga, Tenn. He serves as a consultant to the CO.STARTERS program of the CO.LAB, the entrepreneur center of Chattanooga, where he teaches sales and marketing to young entrepreneurs.

2003Anna Hall married Russell Moore on November 2, 2013. She is a graduate of the University of Tennessee and serves as a project manager for Conservation Services Group in Nashville. Mitch Despot has been hired as the new Director of Communication at Lipscomb Academy.

2004Elizabeth Belk graduated from Vanderbilt University’s master’s in education program as a

Kappa Delta Pi honorary society member, and is now working at Harpeth Valley Elementary School as a first grade teacher. Stewart Bronaugh performed with Angel Olsen on June 16’ during the David Letterman Show.

continued next page

Class Notes

Stewart Bronaugh ’04

Mitch Despot ’03

Elizabeth Belk ’04

s

s

s

Every fall is Annual Fund time at Harding Academy, and this year’s focus is “100 Percent in 100 Days.” Annual Fund chairs Mike and Katherine Cannata are asking all Harding families to participate to reach a goal of

100 percent participation, as well as $480,000 in operating funds. On August 28, the Cannatas hosted a kick-off party at their West Meade home for the newly appointed

grade-level chairs to get acquainted, learn more about why the Annual Fund is critical to Harding, and to hear fundraising tactics from Head of School Ian Craig and Director of Advancement Sheryl Rogers.

“We hope families will respond when parents in their children’s grades approach them and ask them to participate,” said Rogers.”If these grade-level chairs share why they give to Harding, it will resonate with others and be a reminder to participate.”

The 100 days for the Annual Fund campaign ends on Dec 31, however, pledges and gifts will be accepted up until June 30, 2015. For additional information or to give online, please visit the website and click the “Giving” link or contact Sheryl Rogers at [email protected].

Annual Fund Chairs: Mike and Katherine CannataKindergarten: Jimmy and Katherine MillerFirst Grade: Liz and Todd CarsonSecond Grade: Drew and Carrie RobinsonThird Grade: John and Jennie WitherspoonFourth Grade: James and Christy FieldsFifth Grade: Greg and Allison Jones

Sixth Grade: Marguerite and Kevin OrndorffSeventh Grade: George and Emily MabryEighth Grade: Mickie and Tom AndrewsPast Parent Chairs: David and Lisa ManningGrandparent Chairs: Bob and Marcia MallardAlumni Leadership: Jamie Kever, Allen Huggins, William Gilmore, Mary Ramsey, Cameron Sweeting

6 Harding Academy w w w. h a r d i n g a c a d e m y. o r g

Troy Duff ’87 was introduced to graffiti art in high school by a friend. He was attracted by the

bright colors, the complex layering of the paint, and, he admits, by “the excitement of trying to get away with something.” Today, this graffiti artist is not staying in the shadows—far from it. He has been commissioned to do public art in various parts of Nashville, including the 12South neighborhood and the POP restaurant and gallery space in East Nashville. He’s so “legit” that he has done live demonstrations in the Cool Springs Galleria to promote designer products. He’s so legit that he was profiled in Nashville Arts magazine—the first graffiti artist to ever be featured. While graffiti art may not be widely appreciated in conservative Nashville, Troy is on a mission to get the message out that “just because it’s done with a spray can doesn’t make it vandalism.” He says, “I want to do my part to make it more of an accepted art form.”

Troy has already made his mark in bigger, edgier cities. While living in Los Angeles in the early 2000s, he did some acting and modeling and also began putting his urban chic style of art on clothing. Owners of trendsetting boutiques in Beverly Hills and Hollywood noticed and started stocking his hand-sprayed hats, vests, tank tops, and accessories. Troy’s brand, Duff Stuff, branched into couture. He started painting on women’s pumps and on blazers for men and women, and his line of

clothing started selling in New York and Japan, where his products were rated among the top 50 trendsetting items by a Japanese magazine. Such celebrities as Drew Carey, Miley Cyrus, Jennifer Hudson, and Fergie own Troy’s creations.

With family still in the area, Troy came back to Nashville in 2006, married his high school

sweetheart in 2009, and settled down to a varied and fulfilling artist’s life. He spends some of his time making fine art, and in 2010 he had his first solo show and sold a number of paintings. He accepts commissions for sign work, murals for restaurants, and fine art pieces. He does live art at conventions, festivals, and retail stores. He once famously stood outside of Dillard’s creating pieces to promote the Calvin Klein fragrance called Shock. “I like to interact with the people,” he says. “That’s really the best part about it, getting feedback from people.”

Having done a demonstration for kids at the Fanny Battle Day Home for Children, he’d like to offer artist workshops at private schools in the Nashville area. Troy also hopes to continue connecting with Harding, which he remembers as a community where he easily made friends as a new middle school student. Troy’s other goals are to exhibit in a major Nashville museum and to start Nashville’s first graffiti festival. He says, “Nashville is becoming a big little city, and I just think it’s time.” u

Alumni Profile Troy Duff ’87

2006Alex Karpos graduated from the University of Southern California in May with a B.A. in history and a master’s degree in accounting. He has moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, and is working as a research analyst for Goldman Sachs.

2007Collin Brannon is attending Pellissippi State in Knoxville and working part-time. John Davidson is a senior at Carlton College majoring in physics. He is the co-chair of the Model UN team. He just finished taking the LSAT and is currently researching law schools. Mose Franck is a senior at Furman University studying business administration. He is the past president and founding father of the Sigma Omicron chapter of Kappa Sigma fraternity. He has studied abroad in Japan, Korea, and Australia. Laura Gregory is a senior at the University of Alabama, where she was elected vice president for academic affairs. She studied in Paris, France, this past summer, where she completed her minor in French. She has recently taken the LSAT and is currently working on applications to law schools. Witt Murphy is majoring in biochemistry at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where he is a member of Kappa Alpha fraternity and works with GearUp, teaching and tutoring in inner city high schools. Shelby Smith is studying civil engineering with a business minor at the University of Tennessee, where he is a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.

2008Lauren Barnett spent her summer in Morocco and South Africa doing community service work through Vanderbilt’s Office of Active Citizenship. She is a student intern with the Nashville Social Enterprise Alliance. Leah Caplan is a junior at the University of Georgia majoring in biology. She completed an internship at the University of Michigan Cancer Center, participating in cancer research project. Schuyler Floyd is a junior at University of Mississippi, where he majors in accounting, and is a member of Sigma Chi fraternity. Paige Gawley has been on the dean’s list for the

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Class Notes

Class NotesClass Notes

Nashville’s 44th annual Eve of Janus was held on July 26, at the Country Music Hall of Fame, and 19 Harding Academy Class of 2009 alumni were either

presented or served as escorts. The Eve of Janus is Children’s Hospital’s longest-running fundraising event. Over the years, the Nashville alumnae chapter of Delta Delta Delta has given more than $4 million in support of the Tri Delta Pediatric Hematology Oncology Clinic and the Tri Delta Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Research Endowment at Children’s Hospital. (photos by Greg Smit photography)

Presented were: Anna Ambrose, Margaret Andrews, Chandler Beasley, Abby Bounds, Anne Elise Cain, Haley Dunn, Sara Jordan Jacobson, McKenna Monk, Abby Scanlan, Martha Schull, Isabella Sohr, Jeannie Sullivan, Caroline Waters, and Alexandria White

Escorts were: Jack Bond, Conner Griffin, Bennett Maxwell, Rajiv Patel, and McCall Shipp

Class of 2004 alumni Brandon Hays and Glory Beveridge at their White Coat Ceremony on August 15. Both are entering students in the University of Tennessee College of Medicine’s Class of 2018.

Eve of Janus

w w w. h a r d i n g a c a d e m y. o r g Harding Academy 7

past two years at Manhattan Marymount College, where she is a second year RA. She and her roommate have started a school chapter of Her Campus, an online community of college women who write and publish informative and entertainment-style articles for the website hercampus.com. Mary Graham Harvey has spent six weeks in Oxford, England, where she has attended classes, and is now headed to France, Italy, and Germany, for the remainder of the semester. She is a junior at the University of the South-Sewanee. Will Logan is majoring in marketing/business analytics with a music business minor at the University of Tennessee, where he is also a member of Sigma Chi fraternity. He and William Reames are still performing with their band Boy Named Banjo. Nick Scanlan is a junior at Baylor University majoring in international studies. He is a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity and on the leadership council for the Outdoor Adventure Living Learning Community. Emily Smith is studying healthcare as a sophomore at the University of Richmond, where she is a member of Delta Gamma sorority. She studied abroad last semester in Copenhagen, Denmark. She spent her summer as an intern at Vanderbilt University writing healthcare policy. Irene Underwood is a junior at the University of Kentucky majoring in psychology. She is a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority and works as an on-campus tutor.

2009Sarah Abel is a sophomore at the University of Richmond where she is majoring in PEEL (philosophy, politics, economics, and law) and leadership studies. She was elected to honor council and is the director of e-communications for Delta Gamma sorority. She is also working for Governor Terry McAuliffe. Margaret Andrews is a member of Alpha Omicron Pi at the University of Tennessee studying business. Anne Elise Cain is a sophomore nursing major at Auburn University, where she is a member of Sigma Kappa sorority. Mary Catherine Davidson is a sophomore at St. Olaf College studying elementary education. She is a member of chorus, chapel choir, and the Olie Avenue Jazz Ensemble, a nine-member audition-only group. Alex Floyd is pursuing his acting degree at New York University’s Tisch School of Arts. Libby Franck is a sophomore honors nursing student at Belmont University. She and fellow nursing students traveled to Cambodia this past summer to provide health

care and education to villagers in both rural and urban areas. The group worked closely with Freedom’s Promise, an organization with a mission to prevent human trafficking and child exploitation in the region. She is a swim instructor with the Ensworth Swim School and in her sixth year as an assistant coach for our Harding swim team. Cooper Hall was selected as a 2014 orientation leader for new students at the University of Tennessee. He is also a member of the UT Men’s Choir. Andrew Karpos is a sophomore at the University of Virginia. He spent the summer in Hong Kong working for Prudential United Kingdom. He’s studying statistics and finance, and is a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He plays club tennis and volunteers with his local Special Olympics program. Ellen Matthews is a sophomore at

Centre College. She is a two-year representative to the Student Congress,

has been named a Bonner Leader and is a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority. Penn Murfee is a member of Vanderbilt’s first-ever men’s baseball national championship team. Alexander

Roaldsand is a sophomore, and on the dean’s list, at Rensselaer Polytechnic

Institute of Technology. He is a nuclear engineer major and has joined many clubs and activities, including Quiz Bowl, American Nuclear Society, Korean Christian Fellowship, Rensselaer Christian Association, Asian Cultural Union, and Chinese American Hong

Kong Association. He spent the summer in Norway with the goal of learning the Norwegian language. Abby Scanlan is a sophomore majoring in psychology at the University of Georgia, where she is a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, and a Sunday school teacher at Classic City Church. John Wheeler is playing baseball for the University of the South-Sewanee. He is currently

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studying in the pre-med program, and participating in two part-time internships at Beersheba Medical Clinic. Mackenzie Underwood is a sophomore at the University of Kentucky majoring in education. She is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.

2010Ann-Houston Campbell is pursuing a degree in musical theater at Samford University. Casey Close is a freshman at Vanderbilt’s Peabody School of Education, and she was elected the service coordinator for Gillette House. She continues to work with the Rally Foundation to raise funds for childhood cancer research, and hopes her classmates can attend the 2015 Rally Rumble on April 4. Mary Grace Cozart is attending George Washington University majoring in international business and Chinese. Anne Fioravanti is a freshman at Elon University, where she is a club member of the yearbook, literary magazine, Elon TV, and InterVarsity. Sam Gregory is a freshman at the University of Alabama, where he has been named to the First-Year Council of student government, pledged Kappa Alpha

fraternity, and elected treasurer of his pledge class. He is studying civil engineering. Coleman Kelley is studying engineering at Clemson University. Leah Hayes McAlister was offered the Presidential Scholarship at Wake Forest University for distinguished achievement in theater. She is currently working backstage in the costume department for their first production. Ellie Powers made the mock trial team at Tufts University. Claire Ramage is a freshman on the Vanderbilt University women’s soccer team. Grey Reames is a freshman football player for Washington and Lee. William Schilling is a business

major at University of Mississippi, where he has pledged Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Mary Claire Smalley is studying in the stage management program of the theater department at the University of Evansville. She is the assistant stage manager for the first production of the year, Wild Party. Geoffrey Stewart has been hired by the Senator Mark Udall campaign as a door-to-door campaign worker. Geoffrey has

Anne Fioravanti ’10 with brother John ’13

Class of 2010 alumni Harrison Davis (left) and Sam Gregory (right), shown with pal Stroud McMahon, competed in the Tougher Mudder competition this past summer. The obstacle course was in Spring Hill, Tenn.

Sarah Margaret was born July 1, to Lyndsey Johnson Rollins ’99 and husband Clark.

Tom Bailey’s ’81 Professor Bailey’s Spicy Pimento Cheese has been listed in Nashville Lifestyles magazine’s Top 5 Nashville-made foods.

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N E X T T I M EFocus on the Learning Effectiveness Team (grades second and third); Grandparents

Chocolate; Fall Athletics; Golf Tournament, and Fall Play Guys and Dolls

Follow us!

Current students of Harding alumni (parent names in parentheses) are from left, first row: Ella Jones (Julie Colton ’88), Eli Russ (Marissa Russ ’94), Luke Fields (Christy Crutchfield ’84), Benjamin Eadie (Liza Canale ’89), Kipling Miller (Jimmy ’84), Georgia Orndorff (Marguerite Nielsen ’86), Hudsyn Waddey (Alex ’87), Luke Jones (Allison Sisk ’88), Annalise Cash (Millicent Van Mol ’91), Cooper Wells (Ansley Bowron ’92); second row: Ethan Caldwell (Robert ’86), Max Dougherty (Holley Phillips ’88), J.B. Frederiksen (David ’84), Max Miller (Jimmy ’84), Gracie Meriwether (Kate Tarleton ’94), Caroline Thomas (Elizabeth Crocker ’91); third row: Faye LaBlanc (William ’99), Draper Witherspoon (John ’87), Margaret Rauth (Lindsay Mallard ’90), Evie Frist (Robert ’81), McKenzie Locke (Kristin Stegall ’92 and Graham ’90), Ryan Van Mol (Derek ’88), Sarah Brothers (Jay ’81), Katherine Thomas (Elizabeth Crocker ’91), Meg Winston (John ’87), Emaline Cash (Millicent Van Mol ’91); fourth row: Liam Eadie (Liza Canale ’89), Walker Derryberry (Vance ’85), Beckett Proctor (David ’88), Abby James Witherspoon (John ’87), Tyler Raiman (Melanie Caldwell ’88), Morgan Dawson (Carter Murray ’85), Sarah Kate Faber (Robin Jackson ’85 and John ’86), Lilly Caldwell (Robert ’86), Carly Frist (Robert ’81), Riley Jones (Allison Sisk ’88); fifth row: Middleton Henry (Ashley Weigel ’82), Chase Fields (Christy Crutchfield ’84), Grant Gilmour (Anne Breinig ’84), Lilly Rauth (Lindsay Mallard ’90), Lain Orndorff (Marguerite Nielsen ’86); sixth row: Mary Holine Van Mol (Derek ’88), Crissa Portis (Carol Len Frist ’84), Cate Frist (Robert ’81), Billy Jones (Allison Sisk ’88), Connor Cohn (Christina McCoy ’88), Charlie Goidel (Jeffery ’87), Kendall Burch (Christopher ’83), Rosemary Frederiksen (David ’84), Ryan Estrin (David ’75), Harrison Mabry (George ’82); seventh row: Laura Grace Brothers (Jay ’81), Maggie Faber (Robin Jackson ’85 and John ’86), Juliana Dougherty (Holley Phillips ’88), Macy Gilmour (Anne Breinig ’84), George Mabry (George ’82), Weatherly Spence (Meredith Weigel ’87), C.H. Henry (Ashley Weigel ’82), Ben Locke (Kristin Stegall ’92 and Graham ’90), Norris Orndorff (Marguerite Nielsen ’86), Hutch Morel (Katherine Pirtle ’89), Taylor Dawson (Carter Murray ’85); back row: Cliff Goidel (Jeffery ’87), Abby Andrews (Thomas ’80), Ellie Frist (Robert ’81), Caroline Frederiksen (David ’84), Anneliese Evans (Carrie Leigh Willis ’88), Catherine Derryberry (Vance ’85); not pictured: Billy Coble (George ’78), Jack Easter (Joshua ’82), and Kate, Ellie, and Henry Leschen (Susan Andrews ’83)

Ten Harding Academy alumni performed from August 27 to 30 in Damn Yankees, the opener for the 2014-2015 Harpeth Hall and MBA theater season. Front row from left, Ava Boney ’13, Lucy Sohr ’13, Leah Portis ’11, Corinne Owen ’11, and Julia Matthews ’11; back row, Hudson Coombs ’12, Clay Andreen ’11, Donny Abel ’11, Patrick Andreen ’13, and John Fioravanti ’13.

pledged to Alpha Sigma Phi at the University of Colorado at Boulder, and is continuing to explore his musical passion. Chandler Telfer is a freshman lacrosse player at University of Mississippi, where he has joined Kappa Alpha fraternity. Ashley Wines is majoring in human and organizational development at Vanderbilt University, where she is a member of the hip-hop dance team Vibe. She volunteers regularly at the Second Harvest Food Bank. Ben Yahnian is studying public policy at the University of Virginia. John Yoder is spending his freshman year at George Washington University in Paris as a part of their foreign language scholars program. Justin Yoon was presented with his honorary game jersey from the American Family Insurance Selection Tour for the 2015 Under Armour All-America Game as one of only two kickers selected in the nation.

2011Emma Alsup was selected to the 2014 Middle Tennessee Girls Tennis Singles First Team.

2014Clint Blackwell is a freshman at Montgomery Bell Academy.

Between August 15 and September 19, the Harding Academy Fall Auction ran online with over 230 donated items up for bidding includ-ing art (pictured is Harding Library by Dru Anderson), clothing, events, vacations, parties, and school favorites such as front row reserved seats to plays and Grandparents Chocolate. Chaired by Harding alum and parent Anne Breinig Gilmour ’84 and parents Wendy Sullivan, Lynn Proctor, and Katie Crumbo, the auction raised $_____ for the school.

8 Harding Academy w w w. h a r d i n g a c a d e m y. o r g