The Anchor, Spring 2026

2025-26 SCHOOL YEAR FUN FACTS

IN ADDITION TO ENGLISH, OUR FAMILIES SPEAK 17 LANGUAGES IN THEIR HOMES

OUR FAMILIES REPRESENT A WIDE RANGE OF FAITH TRADITIONS

EPISCOPAL BAPTIST

OUR FAMILIES IDENTIFY WITH THE FOLLOWING ETHNICITIES:

AFRICAN AMERICAN ASIAN AMERICAN

EUROPEAN AMERICAN/CAUCASIAN LATINO/HISPANIC MULTI-RACIAL

NATIVE AMERICAN

About the Cover

In this issue we feature programs in each division that differentiate GSL from other schools. From our new Changemakers curriculum in Preschool, to interdisciplinary instruction in Lower School, to the intra-grade level partnerships that come to full fruition in Middle School, GSL offers meaningful signature experiences in each division that help prepare students for success on the path ahead. Eighth Graders Charlie Johns and Virginia Irvine are pictured on this issue’s cover with their Senior Kindergarten buddies Hazel Hewgley, Remy Barker, Hallie Park, and Talia’Marie Buford during a favorite partnership activity—the annual SK-Eighth Grade field trip to the Memphis Zoo. Photo by Jeff White

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

2025-26

Natalie Davis, President

Jackie Butts, Vice-President

Katrina Sanford, Secretary

Jennifer Hagerman, Assistant Secretary

Simone Meeks, Treasurer

Andy Nix, Assistant Treasurer

Ben Barksdale, Past President

Kathleen Behnke Paula Sappington

Kacey Hickey Davies ’86

Allison King

Kelly Martin ’92

Andrew Mathewes

Staci Somerville

Teresa Sweeney

Kate Williamson

Andy Surber, Head of School

The Reverend Ollie V. Rencher, Rector

The Right Reverend Phoebe Roaf, Bishop, The Episcopal Diocese of West Tennessee

Jerry Hudson, Senior Warden

Carey Pontius, Parents’ Association President

Best After School Program in

Best Independent/Private School in Memphis

Head of School

Dr. Andy Surber

Editor

Brenda Berry

Managing Editor

Marci Woodmansee ’83

Contributors & Photographers

Alex Boggs ’02

Allyson Campbell

Ross Larson Kyle ’05

Mackay Lee

Kate Shelton

Jeff White

Ellyse Woolard

LETTER FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

Dr. Andy Surber

Beyond the Path: Preparing the Future Traveler at GSL

At Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal School, we are deeply committed to making the learning process as smooth and engaging for our students as possible. We also recognize that the most profound growth does not happen on a perfectly manicured road. It happens during those bumps along the way, in that creative, non-linear space where a student is stretching toward mastering a new skill and learning new material.

In our community, we view this productive friction as a hallmark of high-level engagement. These are the moments when neural connections fire and true grit is used to grow. To support this journey, our faculty uses feedback that keeps the momentum of learning moving forward. Instead of a “Road Closed” sign, we offer an invitation: Where did you get stuck? Let’s work through this together. The Baptismal Covenant of The Episcopal Church—to honor the dignity of every individual—is a guiding principle in all our classrooms as we shepherd students through these challenging times of growth.

By leaning into these moments of discovery, we are calibrating the internal GPS our students will use for a lifetime. As they navigate the unevenness or crazy left turns of learning, they are also mastering the Formative Five: developing the grit to persist through a challenge, the self-control to stay the course, and the integrity to act with honor. They learn to move through our school with empathy, while embracing diversity and understanding that every traveler’s journey is unique.

In building this foundation with intention and care, we ensure that as GSL students advance through each division on the road to graduation, they are not just ready for the next grade, they are ready for life. By the time our graduates move on to the area’s top high schools and ultimately to college, they have become confident navigators who know themselves and know how they can adapt to the path ahead.

Because our students have been encouraged to embrace the struggles and celebrate wins here, they enter the next level with a rare kind of confidence. They do not panic when a new concept is difficult, a project feels complex, or a teacher or class seems too tough. Instead, they recognize that discomfort as the literal moment of growth and are able to dig into a well-developed toolbox to plan next steps. At GSL, we are ensuring that when our travelers leave us at the end of eighth grade, they have the resilience and character to thrive on any path they choose and find joy in the journey.

It is such a privilege to help our students prepare for their lifelong journeys!

Go, Saints!

Andy Surber, Ed.D. Head of School

LETTER FROM THE BOARD PRESIDENT

Natalie Davis

Dear GSL Community,

Why do families choose Grace-St. Luke’s? There are probably as many answers to this question as there are students at our school, but in my time as a parent and Board member at GSL, there are some common themes.

Families choose GSL for the tangibles. Our academic program sets children up for success at GSL and for years to come. Our athletic programs are thriving—this year, both our Girls and Boys 7/8 Varsity Basketball teams won their league championships. Art, music, and theater continue to offer creative outlets for our students. As you’ll see later in this issue, signature programs in each division offer our children innovative ways to learn. Whether it’s eighth graders interning with businesses across the city, Preschoolers learning to manage complex emotions, or our buddy program that pairs students of different grades together to learn and lead, our students are gaining critical life skills.

Families also choose GSL for the intangibles. The community and the heart are some of the first things families mention about GSL. These feelings can’t always be defined, but they are undeniable. Our students feel seen, safe, and supported at our school. Faculty and staff truly KNOW students and their families and strive to make the GSL experience unique for each child.

None of these things would be possible without your support. Talking about your family’s experience at Grace-St. Luke’s brings new families into our community. Your contributions to the Anchor Fund help us expand our academic program, enhance our facilities, and support our staff. Your volunteer time helps put on events like the Anchor Auction and Italian Dinner and raises money for teacher wish list items through the Parents’ Association. Your support in all of these ways is invaluable to the school.

Thank you for choosing Grace-St. Luke’s. Our Luker family would not be the same without each one of you.

With gratitude,

President, Board of Trustees

Pre-Kindergartner

Our Little Saints enjoyed spending time with buddies from Lower School during their first Read Across America Day at GSL. Fourth Grader Lalin Tas and Bouncing Bunny Marlowe Moody enjoy a snack together after some reading time.

GSL won two first place awards in Memphis Parent magazine’s 2025 Family Choice Awards: First Place for Best Independent/Private School and First Place for Best After School Program. We had fun announcing this at Celebration in December with some help from our Middle Schoolers!

Fifth Graders Layla Butts, Anna Sweeney Hannock, and Jane Gwin, and Sixth Grader Karrington Gardner prepare to process into church for GSL’s “Literary Lions” special chapel celebrating Black History Month.

and

as part of their

from left are Ruthie Vezina, James Balk, Phoebe Owen, Luca Federico, Caroline Bowden, Bennett Jancelewicz, Isabella Grady, Hasten Fisher, Miles McCarty, Michael Scullark, Jace Howard, Tate Hoffman, Wimberly McMillon, and Mila Shaw.

this

CAPSTONE INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE INSPIRES STUDENTS

Our Class of 2026 students learned so much on their Eighth Grade Internships, one of the capstone experiences of their final year at GSL. We could not do this program—now in its 19th year!—without the support of the local business and nonprofit community and all the incredible mentors who have worked with our students since this program's inception. Here are just a few of the places where our students worked and learned.

Gabe Ratton shadowed sports writer Lang Whitaker during his internship with Grind City Media.

Lilly Obasuyi helped care for a variety of animals, including these dwarf goats, in the Once Upon a Farm exhibit at the Memphis Zoo.

At Muddy’s Bake Shop, Lydia Reardon got firsthand experience working in a commercial kitchen.

At Stella’s Ice Cream, Julia Laizure learned the ins and outs of managing a small business.

At the C.H. Nash Museum at Chucalissa, a division of the University of Memphis, Joseph Howard worked on archaeology research with mentor and Museum Manager Dr. Anthony Lauricella.

Henry Davis explored the legal profession with his mentor, Assistant District Attorney Katie Ratton, at the Shelby County District Attorney’s office.

Jack Irvine got to work with clients and practice some rock climbing during his stint at Memphis Rox.

Ethan Huynh got a glimpse of the orthopedic specialty from both the doctor and patient perspective during his internship at OrthoSouth with Dr. Tyler Cannon.

Douglas shadowed K-12 Program Director Jean-Francois

CREATING KINDERGARTEN-READY PRESCHOOLERS

Changemakers curriculum empowers social-emotional growth

By Marci Woodmansee '83, Director of Communications

Picture this: A four-year-old putting on a “Friend Patrol” badge and grabbing a timer to help classmates who are having problems sharing. Or a three-year-old who knows the scientific names for the parts of the brain—that is, the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex—and understands that those parts are where feelings originate and can be controlled.

These are real occurrences in Pre-Kindergarten and Junior Kindergarten at GSL, and students are learning these concepts largely due to the Momentus Institute’s Changemakers curriculum implemented by teachers this year. Focused on social-emotional learning, it was developed by mental health professionals and educators and specifically designed for students in Preschool.

While aspects of the Changemakers lessons can be found in other parts of our existing Preschool program—from mindfulness special subject classes to daily reinforcement of the Formative Five traits—the robust social-emotional learning curriculum is a new and welcome addition to the day-to-day program.

Piloted last year in several classes, and formally introduced this year in all six PK and JK classes, Changemakers provides easy-to-teach lessons focused on where emotions come from. In daily lessons, through group activities with engaging visuals and supplemental materials, teachers are giving students the words and tools they need to better self-regulate their own emotions.

Lessons are organized into five overarching themes: Safe Relationships, Self-regulation, Awareness of Self, Understanding Others, and Changemaker, and are divided into skill-focused units such as gratitude, resilience, empathy, and hope. According to Head of Preschool Cynthia Hill, the materials are well-curated and created with equitable representation, offering age-appropriate lessons that students can easily understand and put into practice.

“We can already see a positive impact on their behavior,” she says.

Moving Past the Primary Emotions

Pre-Kindergarten Teacher Blair Connor describes it as helping children better address all the emotions they experience, in addition to basic “primary color” emotions like happy, sad, and mad. “This is giving them the ability to understand more complex feelings, like frustrated, nervous, jealous, excited, proud, overwhelmed, and so forth,” says Connor. “We’re teaching them bigger concepts, such as what personal space looks like, and having self-control— for instance, what it takes to wait patiently when mom and teacher are having a conversation.”

According to Connor, the diverse readings provide a natural segue to discuss unique experiences and different cultures, with a focus on love and inclusion. And as they help students communicate better, giving them the courage and confidence and words to speak up for themselves independently, teachers are also helping them develop the ability to take care of themselves.

“It all comes down to giving children the tools they need for re-regulating,” she says. “Instead of throwing a tantrum on the floor when they’re upset, they’re developing skills to manage emotions and move forward. So ultimately, when they get to JK and SK, they’re not just full-grown toddlers, but actual coming-of-age, prepared kindergartners.”

Strategizing to Meet Challenges

Junior Kindergarten Assistant Teacher Mary Catherine Moore appreciates that Changemakers provides foolproof lessons and materials for use every day, with room for teachers to customize as needed for their particular classrooms and situations.

“I absolutely love this curriculum,” Moore says. “The section on the brain teaches kids all the parts, and they love it. They can tell you that without the amygdala regulating you, the other two parts can’t work. They are understanding a big concept: ‘I have this really cool machine in my head, and it can tell my hands to stop, or my feet to stop, or me to listen.’ Once they start naming feelings—not just big ones like being angry, but more nuanced things, like being distracted, or brave, or scared—it gives them confidence and a greater understanding of what they’re experiencing.”

With catchy songs and great visuals, the lessons cover themes of self-control, impulse control, controlling your feelings, awareness of self, and more. The lessons often dovetail neatly with concepts children have already been introduced to through our Formative Five traits of empathy, self-control, integrity, embracing diversity, and grit.

“Recently we’ve been talking a lot about resilience, which ties in to grit,” says Moore. “We have reinforced the importance of the word ‘yet,’ reminding them when they say ‘I can’t do this,’ they have to add ‘yet’ at the end.”

Another recent lesson focused on the concept of setbacks and how to move past them. Students took turns naming challenges, and identifying coping strategies.

“For instance, take sitting in chapels,” Moore says. “We talked about strategies we could use when we want to move or touch something. I suggested that they could roll their shoulders. One friend said, ‘I could clasp my hands together.’ Another said, ‘I could put my hands in my pockets.’ We write these down, and then when we go to chapel, it’s easy for us to remind them, ‘Now, don’t forget your strategies!’ It works really well.”

Pre-Kindergarten Teacher Blair Connor leads a lesson on sharing.

Coping & Calming Down

Lessons on understanding others tie in perfectly with the Formative Five trait of empathy, and visuals help show children how it’s okay to be different, and enjoy different things, and still be friends. Gratitude lessons help them identify good things about themselves, and positives about their school and their world, which leads to meaningful discussions about using optimism to deal with mistakes and setbacks.

There’s also a Friend Patrol kit—with a badge, a timer, and helpful photos of children sharing and working together— that students can pull out to remind each other to use “kind hands” in solving problems. Calm-down corners are a feature in each classroom for students who need a moment and a place to settle their feelings.

In daily morning meetings, with lessons, breathing strategies, and positive affirmations, the messages are getting through. Being regulated is key to learning, adds Junior Kindergarten Teacher Mimmie Fisher, and she can see the difference it’s making. “We’re using these strategies every day as we teach," she says. "Students are so proud of themselves as they learn and start to recognize how helpful it all is."

Moore loves the lesson progression, and how the units are specifically curated for this age level.

“In learning to understand and better control their feelings, students become confident and realize they can do anything,” she says. “It’s so good, I don’t think I’d want to do a classroom without it!”

LEARNING IN ACTION: INTERDISCIPLINARY TEACHING IN THE LOWER SCHOOL

By Brenda Berry, Director of Advancement

Walk into a Lower School classroom during a project like the Fourth Grade Black History Month research initiative, and you’ll immediately see something powerful: learning that moves beyond a single subject and into real-world connection.

At the heart of projects like this is interdisciplinary teaching—an approach in which teachers, in partnership with specials like iLab and Library, integrate knowledge and methods from multiple subjects around a central theme. Rather than teaching in traditional silos, this model fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and a more holistic understanding of the world.

“Our goal is deeper, more connected learning,” says Head of Lower School Mary Margaret Snow. “We want students to see how ideas link together across disciplines—not just within one class period.”

Collaboration at the Core Collaboration fuels this work. At the start of select projects, grade-level teachers partner closely with Director of Library Services Jan Willis, who creates a detailed launch presentation that introduces students to key concepts, guiding questions, and a wide range of carefully curated resources.

When Fourth Grade students began their Black History Month projects, for example, they were immersed in the stories of influential changemakers and introduced to primary sources that framed their inquiry.

“The launch presentation sets the tone,” Snow explains. “It gives students a strong research base and shows them what it really means to explore a topic deeply.”

Interdisciplinary learning extends beyond the classroom through collaboration with other specials. In iLab, taught by Lower School Innovation Lab, Science, and Technology Teacher Elizabeth Bayzie, students integrate innovation and design into their research. As part of this year’s Black History Month project, Fourth Graders created circuit boards and cards honoring their selected figures—each card lighting up individually, then connecting as one unified display, symbolizing collective impact.

In Art, Lower School Art Teacher Anna Chahal expanded the experience by guiding students through a complementary visual project that allowed them to interpret their research creatively and express the identity and impact of their chosen figures in a new medium.

Together, these collaborations span social studies, English,

Spanish, library skills, iLab exploration, and GSL’s Formative Five character traits: empathy, self-control, integrity, embracing diversity, and grit. Teachers draw from shared resources and expertise to guide students through a consistent, rigorous, and engaging learning process.

More Than a Project

Fourth Grader Margaret Willson proudly displays her LED light up card created in iLab during Black History Month.

In a single interdisciplinary unit, students are learning far more than content.

They are developing skills in literacy, research, writing, and public speaking while engaging in authentic, project-based learning. They practice how to take meaningful notes, analyze and synthesize information, and communicate their ideas clearly—both in writing and through presentations.

Just as importantly, students begin to build fluency in academic language. They learn what it means to do research, how to study effectively, and how to approach new topics with curiosity and structure.

“It’s not just about the final presentation,” says Learning Services Coordinator Jenn Futrell. “It’s about teaching students how to learn—how to ask thoughtful questions, gather information with purpose, and communicate their thinking with clarity and confidence.”

Authentic, 21st-Century Learning

This approach transcends any single topic. Whether students are researching historical figures or exploring contemporary themes, the underlying skills remain constant—and transferable.

Each interdisciplinary project reflects a dynamic partnership across subjects and disciplines, resulting in learning that feels current, meaningful, and authentic. Students are not only mastering content; they are building habits that will serve them throughout their academic journeys and beyond.

In the Lower School, learning is not confined to a single subject block. It is active. It is collaborative. And most importantly, the learning is connected.

THE FOURTH GRADE LEADERSHIP BREAKFAST

In their first year as the dynamic teaching team in Fourth Grade, “the Millers”—that is, Fourth Grade Teachers Nancy Miller and Hannah Miller—are bringing interdisciplinary learning to life in meaningful ways.

The Annual Fourth Grade Leadership Breakfast (formerly known as the Citizenship Breakfast)—a cornerstone experience in Fourth Grade at GSL—is far more than a special event. It is the culmination of a months-long, cross-disciplinary project designed to help students understand what it means to be an engaged and thoughtful citizen.

The work begins in social studies, where students explore the qualities of good citizenship, practice table etiquette, and learn how to engage in meaningful conversation. From there, they dive into a collection of picture book biographies curated by the Library, studying individuals who exemplify the Formative Five traits.

In language arts, students synthesize their learning by writing essays about these figures, analyzing the qualities that define strong citizenship. At the same time, they begin identifying a community member they admire—someone they believe embodies those same traits.

Students then develop thoughtful interview questions and invite their selected guest—either in person or by phone—gaining real-world communication experience. After connecting with their guest, they write a second essay, this time highlighting the character and contributions of their chosen individual.

“Students learn what it means to be a good citizen, and then they practice those skills—through conversation, active listening, and meaningful interaction—at the breakfast itself,” says Hannah Miller. “They’re learning how to engage with others with confidence and respect.”

The event is a powerful moment of growth. Students practice conversational skills, make eye contact, offer

a confident handshake, and engage thoughtfully with their guests—all while gaining a deeper awareness of the broader Memphis community.

“This experience helps students grow as communicators in every sense,” says Nancy Miller. “They build confidence speaking with adults, learn the importance of eye contact and presence, and strengthen their writing through both essays and personal correspondence. Because they take ownership of every step—from the invitation to the final thank-you—they leave with a strong sense of pride and accomplishment.”

NEW THIS YEAR: CITIZENS IN ACTION DAY

Adding a new layer to this already impactful project, this year Fourth Grade students participated in a Citizens in Action Day. Working in small groups, they rotated through service stations across campus—creating welcome cards for new students, writing encouraging notes for teachers to enjoy in the workroom, reading to Preschool students, designing positivity posters for the hallways, and working in the Preschool Outdoor Classroom garden.

The purpose was simple but powerful: to help students experience the impact of serving others.

Through these acts of service, students could see firsthand that citizenship extends beyond learning—it is something you do.

MENTORING MOMENTS IN MIDDLE SCHOOL

Partnerships between grade levels create abundant leadership opportunities

By Marci Woodmansee '83, Director of Communications

Cast your mind back in time, if you will, to the really memorable moments from your own school years. Certain universal experiences may immediately come to mind, such as exciting homecoming pep rallies or unforgettable class trips. But can you also recall any singular school experience more meaningful than that moment when—out of the blue—an older kid said hi to you in the hallway? That feeling of being known, and maybe even called by name, by a student a few grades ahead is an experience that can leave a lasting imprint.

This happens to be something we are very, very good at here at GSL.

“The intentional partnerships we create between grade levels may be one of the most important things we do,” says Head of Middle School Ellen Hendry.

Hendry is talking about a very deliberately structured framework of connections between older and younger students that allow Middle Schoolers abundant opportunities to practice leadership and mentoring skills, while at the same time providing younger students at GSL with the chance to feel known and make connections early on with their older peers.

This is probably best characterized by the Eighth Graders’ partnership program with Senior Kindergarten. Almost

every month, these two grade levels get together for snacks and activities, from a fun-filled recess in the Saints Gym at the start of the year, to Halloween, Christmas, and Valentine’s activities, to their culminating year-end field trip together to the Memphis Zoo.

Because of these very real connections, SKers are not only excited every time they know Eighth Graders are on the way over, but also on the lookout for Eighth Graders as they move about the campus.

“To see the joy on those little kids’ faces when they happen to see their older buddy in passing—it may seem like a little thing but, honestly, the little things are the big things,” Hendry says.

In addition to building long-lasting connections (and memories) for the younger students, these partnerships also give GSL’s older students a chance to feel like superstars—a powerfully affirming boost during the Middle School years.

Besides the SK-Eighth Grade partnerships, intentional pairings here include GSL’s Fifth and Eighth Grade hot air balloon collaboration, the Fifth and Sixth Grade mix-it-up lunches, visits by Seventh Grade to the Preschool, pairings between every grade level on Read Across America Day, Red and White team activities, and many more.

What’s more, the grade level pairings have also paved the way for connections to happen spontaneously, according to Hendry. “For instance, in the Dogpound student section during basketball games, I have watched our Middle Schoolers notice their littles in the stands with their parents, and then go grab those students by the hand to pull them into the Dogpound to sit with them,” she says. “How powerful is that, for a Junior or Senior Kindergartner or First Grader? That’s really special.”

Moments like these can be just as powerful for the big kids, she adds. “I think these partnerships allow students to show a side of themselves you don’t typically get to show during Middle School,” she explains. “It’s a real humanizing thing that fosters empathy—it’s just beautiful.”

Hendry is quick to note that certain Middle School sports and extracurriculars such as performing arts and Youth in Government (YIG) also provide meaningful opportunities for older and younger students to collaborate. For example, this spring YIG advisor Lily Thompson asked an Eighth Grade team to mentor a Sixth Grader who wanted to participate for the first time. Cross Country Coach Jeff White sees similar collaboration and support on his team every fall.

“Cross Country has the benefit of being a sport that can accommodate students from all grade levels in the Middle School at the same time,” White explains. “We make appropriate adjustments based on skill level and age, but the team practices and sweats together, and the shared experiences can bridge the gap between a veteran Eighth Grade athlete and a Fifth Grader who is new to the sport and new to Middle School.”

How do our Middle Schoolers become so adept at partnering with younger peers? The practice actually starts early, in Lower School. Robust partnership work occurs through Third Graders serving as reading buddies for SK, Fourth Graders becoming chapel buddies for first graders, and our new Fourth Grade Citizens in Action Day activities with Preschoolers. Grade level partnerships also occur on Read Across America Day, from Little Saints all the way through Eighth Grade.

In the end, it’s all about nurturing meaningful relationships that offer true leadership opportunities plus connection, something GSL has always made a top priority. “The ways we facilitate that, getting kids out of their silos, you open their eyes a bit,” Hendry says. “That is what strengthens us the most as a community.”

Class of 2026 Class of 2026

HEADING OFF TO HIGH SCHOOL

Congratulations, Class of 2026! We will miss you and wish you all the best as you begin your high school journey!

Henry Davis

Cameron Gibbs

Ethan Huynh

Charlie Johns

Paul Blankenship

Max Glassman

Crosby High

Joseph Howard

Jack Irvine

Miles Orr

Gabe Ratton

Sebi Sacoto

Matilda Blair

Mary Elizabeth Fisher

Virginia Irvine

Julia Laizure

Alice Moore

Lydia Reardon

Journey Rounds

THE LASTING IMPACT OF YOUR INVESTMENT IN GSL

By Brenda Berry, Director of Advancement

Tuition, revenue from auxiliary programs, and donations to the Anchor Fund are the primary revenue sources for GSL’s operating budget. Fundraising for the Anchor Fund supports every corner of our beloved school, from campus enhancements to classroom innovation, from teacher development to tuition assistance.

We believe that when students love their learning environment, they feel empowered to explore, create, and lead. When we love our space—our school, our classrooms, our community—we invest in more than buildings; we invest in the people within them.

Your Anchor Fund gifts help us:

• Enhance classrooms with flexible, student-centered design

• Enrich the student experience with new technology, the arts, and outdoor learning spaces

• Support our faculty with tools and training that help great teachers thrive

• Ensure access to GSL for all families through robust financial aid

Regardless of the size of the gift, your investment makes a lasting impact and will ensure that Grace-St. Luke’s can continue to support and enhance the GSL experience—for our students, for our teachers, and for the future of Grace-St. Luke’s. To discuss giving options, contact Director of Advancement Brenda Berry (at 901-278-0200 or bberry@gslschool.org). Thank you for being part of our special school and community!

4th Annual Celebration of Giving to GSL Video

Scan the QR code to watch this year’s video. You will see faculty, staff, and students convey the many ways your Anchor Fund donations help GSL continue to be An Anchor for Life to everyone in our special community.

4th Annual Celebration of Giving to GSL

The 4th Annual Celebration of Giving to GSL was a great success thanks to the generosity of our GSL community! During this weeklong event in February, we received 71 Anchor Fund donations totaling more than $27,000.

Thank you for supporting your GSL Saints!

Please consider making a one-time donation, setting up a recurring gift, or pledging your support at gslschool.org/give or by scanning the red QR code. All donations received by July 31, 2026 will be recognized in the Fall 2026 Giving Report.

EVENTS STRENGTHEN SCHOOL COMMUNITY

Yes, some gatherings ended up being rescheduled due to the unexpected Snowmageddon Week in January, but it did not diminish our enjoyment one bit! Many thanks to all who participated this year in our P.A. events. Go, Saints!

Trivia Event

Front row: Stuart and Mary Maxwell, Elliott Cooper, Margaux and Kellan Bartosch; back row: Jonathan Cooper, Katie ’03 and Grant McDermott

Faculty/Staff Appreciation Luncheon

We enjoyed celebrating current faculty/staff as well as some beloved GSL retirees!

Italian Dinner

In March, the 8th Grade Class of 2026 hosted a fantastic Italian Dinner for the entire school community—a tradition for more than 50 years at GSL!

Son-Day Fun Day

From left, Eighth Graders Gabe Ratton, Cameron Gibbs, Max Glassman, Crosby High, Miles Orr, and Sebi Sacoto with moms Ashley High, Katie Ratton, Kristy Glassman, Julie Markham, Lupita Sacoto, and Jenn Gibbs

Sweetheart Dance

and

Anchor Auction

We had a fantastic Anchor Auction! Many thanks to all our sponsors and to our chairs Liz McKee, Heather Grosvenor, and Kendall Franklin '04.

SAINTS SUPERLATIVES

FALL THESPIAN AWARDS

Best Techie

Eighth Grader Cooper Billings

Best Actor

Seventh Grader Drake Shehan

Best Actresses

Eighth Grader Lilly Obasuyi and Seventh Grader Isabella Fundo

WINTER SPIRIT AWARD WINNERS

Eighth Graders Cameron Gibbs and Matilda Blair

SPECTACULAR STUDENTS

CHRISTMAS CARD ART CONTEST WINNERS

Preschool Runner-Up: Alice Franklin, Junior Kindergarten

Lower School Runner-Up: Ari Cardenas-Hernandez, 3rd Grade

Middle School Runner-Up: Annie Buckner, 5th Grade

Eighth Graders Alice Moore and Virginia Irvine; Seventh Graders Sage McKenna, Louise Behnke, and Elizabeth Robinson; Eighth Grader Matilda Blair (All-Tournament); Seventh Graders Notley Maddox and Libby Behnke; Eighth Graders Julia Laizure (AllTournament MVP) and Lydia Reardon (All-Tournament)

Eighth Graders Justice Howard, Cameron Gibbs (All-Tournament MVP), Crosby High (All-Tournament), Max Glassman, Miles Orr (All-Tournament), Paul Blankenship, Gabe Ratton; Seventh Grader Marshall Lawrence; Sixth Grader Luca Federico

Fifth Grader Alex Gardner; Sixth Graders Miles McCarty, Harrison Sheffer, Bennett Jancelewicz, and Rowan Halpern; Fifth Grader Henry Cantrell; Sixth Grader Mac Blair; back row: Coaches Charles Heiter ’15 and Andrew Sichting ’15

Sixth Grader and Germantown Legends Soccer player Brennan Gibbs was selected to the ODP National Team and competed in the Easter International Cup in Orlando.

Middle School Spelling Bee Winner

Sixth Grader and 2025 Spelling Bee winner Jonas Pretzer competed in the 2026 Shelby County Regional Spelling Bee at the University of Memphis and made it to the third round. He is pictured here with his uncle Tim Frizzell ’96, who also represented GSL in the city spelling bee when he was in the sixth grade!

Lower School Spelling Bee Winner

Eighth Grade Cheerleader & Red

Team Captain Mary Elizabeth Fisher traveled to Disney World in November to participate in Varsity Spirit's Orlando Thanksgiving Tour.

IN MEMORIAM

FANTASTIC FACULTY

Head of Preschool Cynthia Hill published a children's book in January titled Timmy's Big Bed Night for Kindle. It's the first in a series she has written, and it is illustrated by former GSL Preschool teacher and artist Jamie Bell. Find it online here: https://a.co/d/0939h3cw.

Myrna Joyce Adams Whitt December 24, 1944–December 18, 2025 GSL Preschool Teacher, 1996-2012

Myrna Joyce Adams Whitt, 80, of Memphis, passed away peacefully at home in December. A native Memphian, Myrna was a graduate of Rhodes College and New Orleans Theological Seminary, and she dedicated her career to nurturing young minds and caring for vulnerable families.

Known for her kind and gentle spirit, Myrna was appointed to GSL in 1996 and is best remembered as the lead teacher in the Junior Kindergarten Bucky Beavers classroom. She held that role for some 15 years until stepping into a support teacher role. Early Childhood Librarian Laura Lemly Willis was her assistant teacher in the Bucky Beavers room for 11 years until they eventually swapped roles, with Myrna serving as Laura’s assistant in the Junior Kindergarten Playful Pups room during her final year at GSL before retiring in 2012.

Myrna was the recipient of GSL’s prestigious Lorena Webber Walker Award in 2009.

She is survived by her daughter Lydia, 13 grandchildren, and one greatgranddaughter, among other family members.

“Myrna was a wonderful teacher and friend, but it was also her kind deeds and words that will be remembered by many,” said Lemly Willis. “She will be greatly missed.”

Scan to Register

CALLING ALL SAINTS TO OVERTON PARK

INAUGURAL SAINTS SCRAMBLE GOLF TOURNAMENT SET FOR SEPT. 25

On behalf of Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal School and the Alumni Association, we are thrilled to announce the launch of a golf tournament, the Saints Scramble, which will be held on Friday, September 25, at the Overton Park 9 golf course. We are excited to bring together GSL parents, alumni, and supporters for a day of fun, fellowship, and friendly competition. We are especially proud to say that this is the first-ever community event launched by the GSL Alumni Board, created as a meaningful new way for graduates to give back to the school that means so much to all of us.

The tournament will offer teams of four the opportunity to enjoy a round of golf while supporting the school’s mission to provide a top-notch academic experience. Proceeds from the event will directly benefit the school’s Anchor Fund, GSL’s primary fundraising priority, which supports the operating budget, student programs, campus enhancements, and educational initiatives.

Players of all skill levels are welcome, and the event will include contests, prizes, and a lot of fun. There are also

opportunities for sponsorship ahead of the event. Please scan the QR code above to find out how you can join us!

Not a golfer? You can still participate by attending the Celebration Event after-party at Overton Park 9’s Abe Goodman Clubhouse. It’s going to be a blast!

The Overton Park 9 course has recently been reimagined and improved, and we intentionally chose this location due to the fact it has always been the “home course” for the Saints golf teams. It is a beloved Midtown staple, just like GSL, and we felt the two were a perfect match for this inaugural event. We invite everyone in the Grace-St. Luke’s community to join us!

Cheers,

Alex Boggs ’02 & Ross Larson Kyle ’05 2026 Saints Scramble Co-Chairs

LUKERS FOR LIFE ALUMNI NEWS

1966

Oliver Cobb is the house shepherd, a part of the re-entry ministry of HopeWorks. He is an active member of Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, remains a registered Reserve Scouter Adult Leader in the church’s Boy Scout Troop 34, is an active MUS alumnus, and a supporter of the fine arts, especially the Memphis Symphony, Opera Memphis, and the Tennessee Shakespeare Company. His proudest accomplishment is as a parent to Oliver P. Cobb ’04.

1976

Joanne Rhodes is a professor in the Physics Department at the University of Memphis. She teaches several sections of astronomy and is excited that the UofM now has on display the Memphis Voyage Solar System (MVSS), a 10 billion to 1 scale model of our solar system (one of only a dozen such scale models in the United States). She loves to have school groups visit and show them her Speed of Light robot that moves from the model Sun to the model Earth in 8 minutes, which is how long it takes actual light to travel from the real Sun to the real Earth.

1979

Robert Best is the associate professor of voice at Baylor University in Texas. Since 2001, he has recorded on the Innova, Capstone Records, and the Society of Composers, Inc. Performers’ Series recording labels. He holds a bachelor's and master’s in music from Arizona State University, and a doctorate in Musical Arts from the University of Colorado, Boulder.

Mitch Graves has been named chairman of the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Board of Directors.

Curtis Phillipy is the CEO of Agriculture Guaranty, LLC. He and his wife live in Eads, Tenn.

1992

Saints cheer on the Tigers! Pictured here are Jonathan Hackmeyer, Peter Warren, List Underwood, Justin Taylor, Patrick Whitlock, Alan Smith ’91, Carlos Clardy, and Will Hudson.

2001

Chad Cunningham, president of Valentine Insurance Services, was named to the Memphis Business Journal annual

Top 40 Under 40 listing this spring. (He is one of three GSL alumni recognized; see entries on Elizabeth Ennis and Alex Boggs.) They are recognized among exceptional young professionals who lead with creativity, clarity, and purpose, making a significant impact on the community and shaping Memphis’ future.

Elizabeth Ennis was named to this year’s Top 40 Under 40 list by the Memphis Business Journal. She is the manager of institutional advancement at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital and plays a vital role raising funds that directly support patients, families, and life-changing programs.

2002

Alex Boggs and wife Jenay welcomed their fourth child, Samson, in May. Proud big siblings are Reagan ’32, Thomas ’34, and Henry. Alex was named to the Memphis Business Journal Top 40 Under 40 List and was also named king of the Beale Street St. Patrick’s Day Parade in March. He is serving as the co-chair of the inaugural GSL Saints Scramble golf tournament (scheduled for Sept. 25) alongside Ross Larson ’05

Evan Webster and wife Jessica welcomed baby boy Hudson in November. Sibling Walker ’36 is excited for his new role as big brother.

2003

Once a Luker, always a Luker: Alumni kindly stopped in to support our Italian Dinner pre-event bake sale this year. From left, Sisco Larson, Katie Stephenson McDermott, Kendall Jones Franklin ’04, and Ross Larson Kyle ’05.

McCauley Williams and his Memphis-based spirits company, Morningside Brands, Inc., achieved two major accolades in 2025. Nielsen ranked Alma del Jaguar Tequila as one of America’s top 3 fastestgrowing tequila brands measured by national retail sales, and Williams launched Duck Club Bourbon in November 2025 in partnership with country music sensation Riley Green, garnering significant national press.

2005

Audrey Webster Darrohn and husband Spencer welcomed baby girl Lainey in December. Big brother Ollie loves his little sister. Audrey is a treasury management relationship officer at Regions Bank.

2006

Connor Crawford married Maria Rogers in an intimate, weeklong celebration at a chateau in France’s Loire Valley, surrounded by family and close friends, on June 21, 2025. In attendance was longtime friend and fellow GSL Saint Travis Nauert

Will Taylor and his wife moved to Oxford, England in the fall of 2024. Will is a software engineer on the Solutions QA team for Canonical.

2007

Ross Kerwin is an account manager at Apex Systems. He lives in Verona, N.J., with his wife Micki and daughter Gracie.

Graham Lemly and wife Megan welcomed son Miles Forrest Lemly in January. The family resides in Bartlett, Tenn.

2008

Jordan Upton Schieffler is a Memphis Realtor, designated a Top Agent in 2025 and also licensed in Arkansas. She and her husband live in Memphis with their two children, Martha (GSL PK 26-27) and Hugh, born in January.

2011

St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend Participants: Emma Johnson Napier and Claire Sentilles Nabholz

2014

Vivian Gray served as the production designer on the film, Obsession, which premiered at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival. It was bought by Focus Features and is set to release in theaters May 15, 2026.

2015

Coaches Charles Heiter and Andrew Sichting (pictured here with players) led their 5/6 Boys JV team to victory in the PAA tournament this year. Other alumni coaching championship teams this year include Max White ’17 (7/8 Varsity Girls) and our longtime Director of Boys Basketball Operations Logan Taylor ’95 (7/8 Varsity Boys).

Coach Sichting also ran into classmates coaching opposing teams during basketball season this year: Jack Lakey (Holy Rosary) and Jerry Butler (Collegiate).

2016

Anna Deason is the administrative assistant at New Destiny Housing Corporation in New York City. The non-profit’s mission is to provide affordable housing and services to the homeless population.

2016

Whit Overstreet is finishing his MBA at the UofM and working for their baseball team as the director of video and data analytics.

Harris Tennyson competed in the St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend in December.

Will Woodmansee, J.D. Huber, and Avery Hastings all live in Charleston and play together on a men’s basketball rec team. Still bringing home the hardware, these members of the GSL 7/8 Varsity championship team in 2016 also won their regular season league this spring.

2018

Sara Kate Burnett, a senior journalism major at the University of Missouri, was one of three students who led the Mizzou Alumni Association’s student Homecoming Steering Committee. They spent months planning one of the largest college homecoming celebrations in the nation, which was held in late September. In March, Burnett was named a recipient of the Mizzou Alumni Association Student Board's Mizzou ’39 Award, which honors 39 outstanding seniors each year for their academic achievement, leadership, and service to Mizzou and the community. (Photo courtesy of University of Missouri)

Henry Duncan is the Bridge to Brotherhood Chair for Alpha Kappa Psi at Tufts University. The professional business fraternity is the first and only organization at Tufts to help students network and build skills for their future careers. Henry is majoring in history with a minor in accounting.

Cooper Shannon was elected corresponding secretary for the Kappa Tau Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

2022

J.B. Hoehn signed with Arkansas State University to play football. He graduated from Lausanne early and began school at Arkansas State in January 2026.

Alumni in the Spotlight

Anna Grace Williams ’25, Nora Jacobs ’22, Anna Ratton ’23, and Zoë Johnson ’25 appeared in Hadestown Teen Edition at Hutchison.

Ethan Choo ’22 directed The Drowsy Chaperone this spring at Crosstown High School. Chloe Harris ’22 designed costumes and Temana Kuo ’22 worked stage crew. They’re pictured here with Leslie Reddick.

Legally Blonde was on stage at Lausanne this spring, featuring Beatrix Jackson ’24 and Sam Mascolino ’22. Leslie Reddick, Aiden Orr ’22, and Ruby Brunson ’23 were in attendance. (Not pictured: crew members Katie Young ’23 and Talat Thomas ’24)

Class of 2023 alumni Bear Danosky, Stella Dyer, Caroline Byrnes, Anna Ratton, and Eddie Ferguson: Bear, Caroline, and Eddie were performing in a Beatles show for School of Rock; Stella and Anna were there to cheer them on.

2023

Margaret Fore was elected vice president of the Honor Council and captain of the tennis team at St. Mary’s Episcopal School.

Hutchison Vocal Point ensemble members Nora Jacobs ’22, Anna Ratton ’23, Zoë Johnson ’25, Anna Grace Williams ’25, Margaret Colley ’25, and Sarah Jordan Houseal ’24 performed at GSL during Celebration in October.

2023

Eddie Ferguson and Bear Danosky helped the Environmental Club at Lausanne secure a $500 grant from Memphis Community Against Pollution, which will help advance initiatives that promote environmental responsibility.

2024

Levi Johnson was a nominee for the Commercial Appeal High School Athlete of the Week in November.

Ty Merrell was nominated to attend the HOBY Tennessee Leadership Seminar as an outstanding student leader representing Christian Brothers High School. He will attend this seminar in June at Vanderbilt University.

Zoe Pretzer was a nominee in January in OrthoSouth Grizzlies's Player of the Week presented by the Daily Memphian

Crews Wilkinson performed at Celebration in December as part of St. George’s American

GSL’s 7/8 Boys Varsity team pulled off a big win at MUS in January with support from these alumni (all former Saints basketball standouts!):

Campbell McLean ’24, Parker Taylor ’25, Levi Johnson ’24, Henry Duncan ’20, Jackson Saatkamp ’20, and Hays Prather ’20.

2025

High School & College Alumni Return for Holiday Basketball Game

Some 40+ Saints joined in the fun to play basketball (red and white points were at stake!) and reminisce at our 3rd Annual Alumni Holiday Basketball Game in December.

Young Alumni Gather for Thanksgiving Throwback Event

We held a special Thanksgiving Throwback party for 21+ Young Alumni (Classes of 2008-2018) in November, and to say it was epic would be an understatement. Some 60 alumni (+ some current and former faculty) gathered in Lass Hall for food and drinks from the snack bar, a group photo in the Saints Gym, and a ride on the Bullet to their next party stop. Caroline Ciaramitaro ’14 hatched the plan, and it was a smash! Memories were shared, funds were raised, and a great time was had by all!

Teacher

Woolard and

alumnae Mary Woodmansee, Margaret Apperson, and Mackenzie Barnes enjoy a laugh over photos from their era at GSL.

ELLEN HENDRY RETIRES AFTER 23 YEARS AT GSL

Head of Middle School leaves legacy of compassion and collaboration

By Marci Woodmansee ’83, Director of Communications

A“beacon of gentility and composure,” and a much-loved “Mother Hen” to students… these were among the tributes printed in the 2008 Banner Yearbook dedication to Ellen Hendry, just five years into her tenure at GSL.

This nod of respect from the graduating eighth graders was not surprising; Hendry’s leadership and positive impact on our community were established quickly upon her arrival at GSL in 2003 as a 6th & 7th Grade English teacher. She brought a unique combination of graceful, laid-back sophistication, quick wit, and a willingness to have fun that resonated immediately with all constituencies—from her GSL colleagues, to students, to parents.

A great example is the yearbook dedication photo of Hendry: Professional attire, name tag in place, and a fluffy pink novelty headband. “What are those called, deelyboppers?” Hendry says with a laugh, when shown the photo. “I have no idea why I was wearing those!”

Of course, this is the English teacher who was willing to do a yoga handstand for students at the end of class when everyone turned in homework complete and on time. Proving herself a true collaborator who was always willing to laugh at herself, or tackle a new challenge, Hendry quickly added various other duties as the years went on,

including stints as the cheerleading advisor, chaperone of Middle School and Europe trips, teacher of world history and occasionally Bible, Dean of Students, and more, before eventually becoming Head of Middle School in 2017.

A Hollins College graduate, Hendry’s life before GSL included some interesting career experiences, including internships on Capitol Hill and in the presidential personnel office at the White House. “I got to meet the president, Jimmy Carter!” Hendry says. Next came a stint working for Time Inc. in New York City, when the company was just branching out into digital technology. She met her husband Ian there, got married, and eventually moved back home to Midtown Memphis, where the two attended Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and enrolled their children, Bryce ’02 and Natalie ’05, at GSL.

“I decided to pursue my master’s in creative writing at UofM and started subbing a bit in Lower School because my kids were at GSL,” Hendry says. “And I just loved it. Then Head of School Tom Beazley hired me to be Kimberly White’s maternity sub. As it turns out, my first day, January 16, 2003, ended up being the day Max White ’17 was born. So my GSL birthday is his real birthday, and I’ll be forever grateful. It was a true tipping point in my life! I taught Kimberly’s 7/8 Latin and 8th grade English classes and, of course, it was a great experience because she had literally mapped it out day-by-day.”

White says Hendry’s stint was a trial by fire that turned out beautifully. “That’s kind of the story of Ellen,” she adds. “She’s willing to walk into whatever crazy fire there is, and it’s going to be ok. I’m super wound up, while she’s a very calming presence, and that balance is what has made us a good team.”

Hendry finds it extremely fortunate that her career path ultimately led to GSL. “Knowing how indecisive I was then about what was next for me—I was even thinking about becoming a yoga teacher!—I mean, it was just wide open. But shortly after the maternity leave position ended, Tom asked me if I’d like to continue full-time in the fall, because English Teacher John Stewart was planning to leave at the end of the year. And I said, you know, I think I would.

“What if I’d missed all of this?” Hendry adds. “I can’t even imagine.”

Taking on the position did necessitate an important conversation with daughter Natalie, then a sixth grader at GSL. “I remember coming home and telling her, ‘I have some news you’re either going to love or you’re going to hate. Guess who’s going to be your English teacher next year?!’ And as I recall, her little face just fell. But I said, ‘We’ll make this how you want it, I’m not trying to ruin your 7th grade year!’ I think she’d look back now and say that was pretty cool.”

Former Head of School Tom Beazley believes Hendry’s rare talent with students is in providing an environment that fosters excellence and creativity.

“I got to know Ellen through our several trips to Europe, and we shared the same belief and philosophy as it relates to the students: You get what you expect,” Beazley says.

“Taking seventh and eighth graders on a two-week trip abroad can be a daunting undertaking, but we expected them to rise to the occasion, make good decisions, and

Hendry welcomed alumnus Ellis Keplinger ’12 and the Memphis Second Line Jazz Band to perform at GSL for Mardi Gras.

appreciate both the opportunity and responsibility that goes with such a trip. And on every trip, that’s what we got, which is why the trips were such a success. I’m sure that’s the way Ellen continued to lead her Middle School students and faculty.”

A recipient of the school’s Lorena Webber Walker Award in 2012, Hendry’s positive outlook and can-do attitude made her an invaluable team member and advocate for GSL during her 23 years with the school. Middle School Learning Specialist Francesca McKee, who joined the community in August, expressed sincere gratitude for Hendry’s thoughtful advice and guidance to her as a new teacher: “She’s been my North Star since I got here.”

Hendry never minded the fast-paced nature of work that characterizes every independent school, and acknowledges how much change has occurred at GSL in 20+ years.

“I used to keep a list of how many tasks were added on each year," she says. “To succeed at an independent school, you do a lot—it’s more than just your job. But that's part of it.”

Fortunately, her busy days have been filled with a great deal of happiness.

“At one point during this year’s First Grade Hip Hop Celebration, I was smiling so big as I watched,” she says. “Then I got emotional realizing how many random feelings of joy like that come every day at GSL. It’s baked in here! Joy and connection. Those are the two things I’ll miss the most.”

GSL, too, will miss the joy and connection Hendry has brought, tremendously. We wish her all the best.

Ellen Hendry, 2008 Banner Yearbook Dedication page

PAM SMITH APPOINTED NEXT HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL

In March, after a months-long search process, GSL announced the appointment of Pam Smith as its next Head of Middle School. She will succeed outgoing Head of Middle School Ellen Hendry, who announced her retirement earlier this school year and completes her 23-year tenure here at the end of July (see story on page 26).

A Middle School Search Committee of faculty and staff members guided the overall interview process for this position, reviewing some 30 resumes submitted by candidates from across the country. Those applicants were narrowed down to six individuals who interviewed virtually with the committee. Following a review, three finalists were chosen, each of whom visited campus for two days, taking part in comprehensive interviews with various constituencies. Middle School families were invited to parent forums for the chance to meet each candidate and submit feedback.

In appointing Smith, GSL secured a lifelong educator and relationship-centered leader with 30+ years of experience in public, international, and independent schools. A native of Massachusetts, she began her career as a sixth grade mathematics and geography teacher at West Boylston Middle/High School. She went on to teach at Horace Mann Middle School in Massachusetts before her love of travel prompted the launch of an international career, which took her to educational institutions across the globe, from Madrid, to Beirut, to Kuala Lumpur, and more.

Upon returning stateside, Smith moved to Salt Lake City and joined the community at Rowland Hall in 2018. She served as Middle School Principal at the independent PK-12 school, where her accomplishments included the implementation of initiatives to support student learning and student action projects. Her career has been shaped by a strong commitment to student-centered experiences, and she is excited to bring her global perspective and relational leadership style to our community.

Smith earned her bachelor’s degree in education from New Hampshire’s Keene State College and her master’s in education from Lesley College (now Lesley University) in Cambridge, Mass.

“Pam is known by her peers as an educator who fosters a culture of care, creativity, and connection, where relationships are prioritized and learners feel empowered,” says Head of School Andy Surber. “We can’t wait to welcome her to our community.”

JOIN US THIS SUMMER!

For more than 40 years, GSL has offered a wide variety of weekly summer day camps for boys and girls. Preschoolers can enjoy activities from science and sewing to books and bugs, while our older campers will be able to choose from Minecraft to musical theater, Harry Potter to hip-hop, cartooning to crafts, and much, much more! Plus, we have a pool on site to keep campers cool all summer long. Scan the QR code to register today!

UNFORGETTABLE MS. FO

Celebrating countless math and life lessons as Lyn Forsyth retires

By Middle School Math Teachers Allyson Campbell and Ellyse Woolard

For 28 years, Lyn Forsyth has been far more than a Middle School math teacher at GSL—she has been an institution, a mentor and, for many, a second mother. With a teaching career spanning an incredible 52 years between Austin and Memphis, her impact has extended well beyond the classroom, touching generations of students who have carried her lessons—both mathematical and personal—into their daily lives.

At the center of Lyn’s life is family. She is the proud mother of three children and a grandmother. But over nearly three decades at GSL, she cultivated a much larger family: her hundreds of students. A recipient of the school’s Lorena Webber Walker Award in 2008, Lyn joined this community and immediately built a classroom that was always a place of belonging, where students felt seen, supported, and encouraged to grow.

Her son John describes what that looked like from home: “When I think of my mom, I picture her sitting in her usual spot, grading papers or working on lesson plans, a Diet Coke in hand—smiling big and breaking into that booming laughter as she shares a story about her latest costume idea or some new, creative way to make learning fun.”

“Ms. Fo” as she is fondly known by all, always stood out because of her unmistakable teaching style—equal parts rigorous, creative, and mesmerizing. Alumni can recall her signature phrases and theatrical lessons with clarity.

“I remember a classic Ms. Fo saying: ‘What goes on one side must go on the other,’” says Max White ’17. “It’s a really general math rule, but it’s pretty metaphorical in life, too. I don’t think this would have stuck with me if it weren’t for her low stress, always happy teaching style.”

For Harper Behnke ’22, it was the KFC bucket Ms. Fo was known to wear on her head to teach students how to divide fractions. “I still use the acronym KFC (keep, flip, change) to this day!” Behnke says.

It’s hard to imagine many classrooms where a fast food bucket becomes a teaching tool, but for Ms. Fo, creativity was always the key to connection. She used her famous vampire voice, dramatically declaring, “X vants to be alone!” during lessons on equations. You could hear her emphatic shout from down the hall, “Less than!” to remind students to reverse the order of terms. She had her own version of Battleship, “Sink the Fo,” to teach the coordinate plane—

one of the many creative games that always filled her room with laughter and learning.

Her creativity extended into projects that allowed students to make math their own. Every year her sixth graders created a video project on why math matters, showcasing how math appears in their everyday lives—in calculating workout goals, adjusting recipes, or even measuring out the “perfect ratio” of snacks for a movie night. She always reminded her students, math isn’t just something that happens in a classroom—it’s everywhere.

Her classroom door was regularly open at 7 a.m., ready to welcome students who needed extra help or simply a place to start their day. “She was always willing to lend a helping hand, no matter the struggle,” says Maggie Taylor ’22.

Her commitment didn’t stop when the school day ended. She made herself available to students even on weekends, offering her personal phone number so they could call for emergency math help. And when students successfully met challenges, they were often rewarded with “Ms. Fo Fo’s No No’s,” her legendary caramel brownies.

“I’ll always remember Ms. Fo with her George Clooney cutout and how much she loves him!” says Glover Patton ’22.

She brought joy and authenticity into the classroom each day, moving energetically around the room in her trusty “Fo-Mobile” rolling chair, ready with a joke, a story, or a perfectly timed piece of encouragement.

John offers a tremendous tribute: “I have an incredible amount of respect for the way she has always—always, always—poured her whole mind and heart into teaching. It’s one of the greatest honors of my life to walk through Memphis as ‘Ms. Fo’s son.’ Everywhere I go, I meet people who not only know her, but stop what they’re doing to tell me I have the best mom ever.”

As Ms. Fo retires, the halls of GSL will feel undeniably quieter without her voice, her laughter, her vibrant presence. But her legacy lives on in her students with the confidence she built, the curiosity she sparked, and the countless lives she shaped. We love her and wish her the happiest retirement, which will undoubtedly be filled with creativity and adventure!

Grace-St. Luke's Episcopal School

246 S. Belvedere Blvd. Memphis, TN 38104 gslschool.org

Fifth Graders Anna Sweeney Hannock and Anna Zou look on in awe as their Eighth Grade partners Julia Laizure and Lydia Reardon launch the hot air balloon their group created together.