THE MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI, PARENTS, AND FRIENDS | SPRING 2021
RISE TO THE CHALLENGE. SUPPORT TOMORROW’S LEADERS. The Westminster Fund is essential to Westminster’s mission of helping young people rise to meet any challenge and become the leaders our world needs. Your support of Westminster through The Westminster Fund ensures every student has opportunities to grow as a critical thinker, a compassionate community member, and a courageous leader guided by purpose. Gifts to the annual fund provide everyday support for the School’s innovative academics; athletics and arts programs; financial aid; diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives; and more.
Help Wildcats rise by making your gift at westminster.net/giving
SPRING 2021
CONTENTS CONTRIBUTORS Executive Editors Liz Ball Emilie Henry Managing Editor
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Erin Dentmon Production Manager Jennifer Liu Editorial Staff Justin Abraham Molly Morris
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Stacie Davis Rapson ’83 Caroline Rothschild Contributors President Keith Evans
FEATURES
Jane Lauderdale Armstrong ’74 Brooke Boothby Linda Cherniavsky Liza Garonzik Lyse Herrera Lily Jordan '21 Grayson Lambert '21 Pamela Nye Katie Trainor Bailey Ward Regina Wood Art Direction & Design Green Gate Marketing Photography Dennis Carter
14 The Show Must Go On
Sustaining the performing arts in a pandemic is no easy feat. But we couldn’t imagine our School without them.
24 Stronger Together Take an inside look at how sweeping modifications allowed Westminster to prioritize community in 2020-21.
36 Through the Lower School Lens First graders give us a different perspective on life in Love Hall.
Matthew Warren
Printing Perfect Image
2 From the President 4 Wildcat Tracks 48 Wildcat Den 50 Westminster Fund Volunteers 52 Looking Back 56 Alumni News 60 Class Notes COMMENTS TO THE EDITOR:
Liz Ball Associate Vice President for Strategic Communications lizball@westminster.net Please direct Class Notes submissions to the Office of Alumni Engagement: classnews@westminster.net
Paul Ward
The Lewis H. Beck Archives at Westminster
DEPARTMENTS
Please address comments to:
Mike Glatzer
Student, faculty, staff, and parent photographers
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Westminster continues to follow the most up-to-date public health guidelines regarding COVID-19. Photos in this issue were taken throughout the 2020-21 school year and reflect the guidelines in place at the time they were taken.
For change-of-address requests: advservices@westminster.net
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Dear Friends, Through the warmer days of the fall and even into the early winter, a walk across Westminster’s campus was often accompanied by music. Indoor practice rooms are not sized to COVID-19 spacing nor to managing the vigorous exhaling that is often part of choral and instrumental music-making. So, lessons and practice moved outside to front porches and tents and even covered walkways. As the temperature dropped further with winter’s onset, many of our student musicians and their faculty moved indoors to hallways and foyers where they could spread out, offering a glorious soundtrack to the day.
We don’t fully know how the COVID-19 pandemic story will end, but our musicians point us to the ways hope, joy, and perseverance have not surrendered to difficulty in the Wildcat experience. We have been moved by the devotion of an on-call cadre of parents, former parents, and alumni in medicine and public health who have offered guidance and practical problemsolving from the beginning. Our faculty and staff have been heroic in doing what it takes to adapt to new safety routines in almost every part of the school day. A team of nurses and administrators has managed not only a complicated weekly testing program but the development and execution of a strategy that has kept us on campus and learning in person. Finally, student leaders rallied to the cause early and encouraged everyone to wear masks, wash hands, keep distance, and stay healthy. And, right in the middle of it all, comes a gift to Westminster equal to the moment. In a breathtaking demonstration of generosity and dedication, Olivia and John ’64 Barge have stepped forward with a philanthropic commitment, and Westminster Center will bear a new name in honor of their generosity.
Barge Commons will be our front door and our crossroads, serving as host to students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, colleagues, community leaders, and global partners—an inviting and invigorating home to our community in the broadest definition of the word. The Barges were inspired by the calling to both hospitality and dynamic learning represented by this new facility. We are deeply grateful for their commitment and for giving us yet another view to what awaits us on the other side of the pandemic. We have all run out of words that feel adequate to the experience of this pandemic. Unprecedented, uncertain, unknown—all became clichés months ago, along with a bunch of others. And, truth is, our experience of the disruption, grief— and frequent triumph—is so varied and individual that we each need our own unique word cloud to encompass all that has happened. From the front steps of Pressly, our musicians have added “sublime,” an unexpected contribution, to our Westminster pandemic word cloud. And from Olivia and John and the new Barge Commons, we add “inspired generosity.” Whether musicians or faithful friends, the unyielding spirit of these and so many other Wildcats has made it possible to endure, and prevail, together. Onward,
Keith Evans President
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ADMINISTRATION
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
EMERITUS TRUSTEES
Keith A. Evans President
Joel T. Murphy ’76, Chair Elizabeth Kilcullen Blake, Vice Chair Marilyn S. Black Rosalind G. Brewer J. Donald Childress Michael J. Egan ’74 Jack N. Halpern ’67 Scott D. Hawkins Katharine W. Kelley ’82 Stephen S. Lanier ’96 Janet M. Lavine Sukai Liu David M. Love ’90 Lisa Olivetti McGahan Richard V. McPhail III Allison Bolch Moran ’86 R. Brand Morgan ’94 Floyd C. Newton III ’73 Thomas E. Noonan Rahul Patel William T. Plybon Kelly A. Regal Louise Scott Sams ’75 Stephen L. Schoen ’80 S. Stephen Selig ’61 Jeffrey P. Small Jr. ’85 C. Austin Stephens ’93 Timothy P. Tassopoulos Dana Weeks Ugwonali D. Scott Weimer Jay Yadav
James S. Balloun Betsy Barge Birkholz ’69 Lisa Borders ’75 James E. Bostic Jr. David E. Boyd Peter M. Candler ’60 Samuel G. Candler Richard W. Courts II ’55 Ann Draughon Cousins Suzanne LeCraw Cox ’71 Joseph M. Craver F. T. Davis Jr. ’56 Harold A. Dawson ’82 Virginia Gaines Dearborn ’56 W. Douglas Ellis Jr. Joseph W. Hamilton Jr. Allen S. Hardin Thomas D. Hills ’62 Ronald P. Hogan Barbara Benson Howell W. Stell Huie L. Phillip Humann M. Hill Jeffries Jr. ’73 E. Cody Laird Jr. J. Hicks Lanier ’58 Dennis M. Love ’74 Carolyn Cody McClatchey ’65 Terence F. McGuirk Olga Goizueta Rawls ’73 Margaret Conant Reiser ’73 B. Clayton Rolader ’72 John W. Rooker ’56 L. Barry Teague John A. Wallace James B. Williams George B. Wirth
Toni Boyd Vice President for Finance and Operations Tim Downes Director of Athletics Emilie Henry Vice President for Institutional Advancement Jim Justice Dean of Academics and Curriculum Whit McKnight Head of Lower School Marjorie Dixon Mitchell ’82 Director of Enrollment Management Danette Morton Head of Middle School Thad Persons ’88 Dean of Faculty Bob Ryshke Executive Director, Center for Teaching Cindy Trask Head of Upper School Torrey Williams Chief Information Officer
PRESIDENT Keith A. Evans ALUMNI ASSOCIATION REPRESENTATIVE Sarah Hawkins Warren ’00
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Wildcat Tracks “A year like no other.” It’s a cliché, but it’s true. In spite of the limitations created by the COVID-19 pandemic, Wildcat students, families, and faculty and staff found new ways to celebrate favorite traditions.
PAWS Reinvents Faculty & Staff Holiday Brunch PAWS and PAWSinLS, the School’s parent organizations, organized a holiday breakfast for all faculty and staff in December. Parent volunteers coordinated a selection of individually packaged breakfasts, hundreds of homemade Christmas cookies, and holiday-themed raffles to spread cheer!
Jay Longino ’91
Kathleen Jordan ’07, far right, with lead actors from Teenage Bounty Hunters
Now Streaming: Shows and Movies Featuring Wildcats You may not have realized it, but students and alumni have been a part of (and even responsible for) some of the most popular streaming selections! Selah Jones ’28 starred in Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square, available on Netflix. Also on the platform are two series created and executive produced by alumni: Teenage Bounty Hunters (Kathleen Jordan ’07) and Sneakerheads (Jay Longino ’91). Roe Hartrampf ’05 had a small role in Netflix’s Emily in Paris and the lead role of Prince Charles in Diana: A New Musical, which is planned to premiere on the streaming service ahead of its Broadway debut. Over on HBO, sixth grader Morgan McGill recently worked with J.J. Abrams and Jordan Peele on Lovecraft Country. Read what Roe Hartrampf ’05 had to say about producing Diana: A New Musical for Netflix amid COVID-19 at westminster.net/magazine 4 | Spring 2021
WILDCAT TRACKS
Students Honored with Congressional Award Gold Medals Charlie Kazazian ’22 and Sarah Street ’21 received the Congressional Award Gold Medal, the United States Congress award for young Americans, for achieving goals in four areas: voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness, and expedition/exploration. Among their many accomplishments, the duo collectively volunteered hundreds of hours at various nonprofits in Atlanta including PowerMyLearning, the Atlanta History Center, Mad Housers, and UNICEF.
Students Build Community in Middle School The Middle School Community Council is helping make sure everyone in Middle School is respected and valued. The group is leading the way toward the division earning distinction as a "No Place for Hate" school. No Place for Hate is a longstanding program of the AntiDefamation League that promotes inclusive communities where bullying and bias have no place. Students will sponsor anti-bullying and anti-bias programming throughout the year. Every Middle Schooler participates in “Think About It Thursdays” in homeroom groups. The Community Council and Middle School Equity and Inclusion team create these short video lessons to promote dialogue in each homeroom about race, identity, and inclusion.
Senior Spaghetti Supper To Go The Class of 2021 and their parents gathered for a drive-in version of the annual Senior Spaghetti Supper. Seniors and parents enjoyed a dinner and slideshow, a speech by Upper School Chaplain Rev. David Charney, and a special appearance from Scoot Dimon ’70 and his beloved dog Rambler. WESTMINSTER | 5
WILDCAT TRACKS
The Show Must Go On! The Westminster Players and Junior Players kept the community entertained in the fall! The Upper School staged Vintage Hitchcock, a collection of three classic Alfred Hitchcock thrillers presented in the style of a 1940’s radio broadcast, and a musical revue, Broadway Comes to Westminster!. The Middle School got everyone into the holiday spirit with A Seussified Christmas Carol, a whimsical reinvention of Charles Dickens’ beloved Christmas story. The performances were streamed online for family and friends, both near and far, to watch!
Greeks Go Modern Fifth graders transformed into Greek gods and goddesses—in a never-before-seen way! Deities learning at school and at home dressed up and recorded monologues to show their parents all about ancient Greece.
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WILDCAT TRACKS
NOTEBOOK
Campus Life Tidbits Yearbook work is year-round.
Student-Produced Films Selected for National Film Festival Two short films produced by Upper School students were selected for the 2020 All American High School Film Festival. Marked and Disowned were created by the student-run production group StudioW and were nominated for awards at the festival, the world’s largest for high school and middle school film, photography, and media arts. Visit westminster.net/magazine for details about the films and the students involved.
It’s a Ruff Life Being This Cute There’s a new dog on the block! Meet Ruff, President Keith Evans’ new puppy, who is settling into his new home on campus.
Despite ending the 2019-20 school year by learning and working remotely, the Lynx yearbook staff (and the yearbook itself!) made their mark, earning the 2020 Jostens Program of Excellence award and a superior rating—the highest rating—from the Georgia Scholastic Press Association. Many of the same staff members returned this year to create a yearbook during one of the most unusual school years in the history of Westminster. Creating a yearbook as an extracurricular club has its own challenges (many schools treat the yearbook staff more like a class, offering elective credit), but this year, with a hybrid student/teacher schedule, rolling quarantines, and new photo guidelines, the staff became more nimble and adaptable than ever. In order to reflect the altered school year and events, the staff has modified the usual spreads to incorporate new stories from all around the community. Planning for the 2021 Lynx began in March 2020—much earlier than most people realize—when editors chose a theme. Throughout the spring and summer, editors chose colors, fonts, and templates for the staff to begin using in the fall. One of the biggest decisions—the cover—was designed, deliberated on, and submitted to the publisher before the winter break. As you read this, the main book is being printed to be ready for students this month. The staff will continue to work tirelessly to gather content about sports, activities, and events from March through May for the 2021 supplement, finishing this portion in June.
— Lilly Jordan ’21 and Grayson Lambert ’21 Head Editors
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WILDCAT TRACKS
A Special Homecoming Celebration for Seniors Seniors were the first class to gather in the newly renovated Thompson Stadium for a pep rally at the conclusion of Homecoming week, streamed live to underclassmen. The pep rally featured the CheerCats and the crowning of Homecoming King Vance Elliott. Jenna Brown was crowned Homecoming Queen during halftime of that evening’s varsity football game.
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WILDCAT TRACKS
Lots of Treats, No Tricks at Re-envisioned Halloween Parade Lower Schoolers trick-or-treated with special candy chutes designed and operated by fourth graders at a redesigned Halloween Parade (slightly delayed due to tropical weather!). WCAT streamed the entire event, featuring interviews and a choreographed dance by Love Hall administrators, for families to watch!
65 Seniors Honored by National Merit Scholarship Program The National Merit Scholarship Program recently honored 65 members of the Class of 2021. Twenty-nine seniors (pictured) were selected as semifinalists, and 36 seniors received letters of commendation. To see the full list of students honored, please visit westminster.net/magazine.
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WILDCAT TRACKS
Progress Continues on Barge Commons By Liza Garonzik, Director of Donor Relations At the head of the quad, inside a slightly relocated Adams Gate, stands the newly named Barge Commons. Imagined as the School’s “front door,” the brick-and-limestone building is in the final stages of construction and will come to life as a vibrant community hub in August. It will house both familiar externally facing functions like office suites for admissions, the Glenn Institute for Philanthropy and Service Learning, Odyssey, and the Office for Institutional Advancement, as well as new kinds of spaces: presentation rooms where students can welcome guest speakers, conference rooms for volunteer and committee meetings, a chapel overlooking the quad, and a gallery for student work, to name a few.
“Barge Commons embodies the mission of the campus plan developed by the Board of Trustees: to create spaces that facilitate and celebrate community,” Vice President for Finance and Operations Toni Boyd says. “You walk into Barge Commons and see straight through to the quad: you are part of the activity immediately. The building is designed to have two fronts: one that welcomes Wildcats as they arrive on campus and another, columns-inspired facade that serves as an anchor for the quad.” Construction remains on time and on budget, and we look forward to all that will happen in Barge Commons this fall and beyond.
Generous Community Members Unite
celebrates the servant leader’s spirit that is in our DNA at Westminster and will continue to provide opportunities for all Westminster students to address real community and environmental needs through immersive service experiences. In addition to longstanding investments in the Glenn Institute, the Glenn Family has made a recent gift that will be honored in the atrium of Barge Commons.
The vision and generosity of our community are making Barge Commons possible. Leadership donors believe in the impact of the new space, partnering with the School to create a place with spaces to convene, to ideate, and to connect, where leadership is on display. We are pleased to highlight extraordinary investments by the Glenn Family and the Pannu Family. The Pannu Family Admissions Suite will welcome prospective Wildcats and their families into a welldefined lobby designed to celebrate all stages of the Westminster experience. Adjacent offices and a conference room will enable the cross-divisional admissions team to engage in the critical strategic work of identifying future Wildcats among bright, curious, and motivated students from across Atlanta. The Glenn Institute for Philanthropy and Service Learning will be housed on the second floor, in a sunny corner office with a stunning quad-side view and easy student access. The Glenn Institute
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“Westminster is a place my family and I have developed lifelong friendships. I know my children will always have a great support system, no matter what stage of life they are in. It is especially meaningful to have our gift honored in the new Admissions suite, as it reminds me of my very first memory of Westminster. When I brought my oldest daughter in, we were obviously nervous, but the warmth and friendliness we were met with let me know Westminster was the school I wanted my daughters to attend.” – Macky Pannu P ’26, ’28
Barge Commons, seen from the historic quad, is designed to have two "fronts" that welcome people coming from offcampus or from the quad.
Introducing Barge Commons We are delighted to announce that Olivia and John ’64 Barge have recently made a lead gift that names the 52,000-square-foot hub for leadership and community connection previously referred to as “Westminster Center.” Visit westminster.net/campus-plan to read the official announcement of the naming of Barge Commons in honor of Olivia and John's generosity. We look forward to bringing you even more of the story of their philanthropy and the impact of Barge Commons in the fall issue of Westminster Magazine.
“I have been a Westminster student, parent, trustee, grandparent, and perhaps most significantly, a chauffeur, driving my grandchildren to school several days each week. That’s where I get the real scoop. I know Wednesday is second grade spit day, the day when you have to spit into a tube for a COVID test. Though not popular with my grandson, it’s an example of Westminster’s conscientious, systematic means of dealing with an environmental challenge in exemplary fashion. And it’s a demonstration of how the School is a leader in many respects. As our society has become more pluralistic, schools and other institutions have responded in a variety of ways. I find it reassuring that Westminster’s Trustees allocated a substantial sum of money to nurture and support diversity, equity, and inclusion.”
“The new buildings will allow for a shift in organizational flow, allowing the students and teachers to regularly connect in meaningful and productive ways. We do not succeed in isolation. We benefit from the ideas, encouragement, and critique of others. Providing this experience for our students will prepare them to become effective, productive, and insightful leaders wherever they land. With the new Barge Commons, we hope that the campus will allow for a more seamless and welcoming exchange of strengths and opportunities. Our family is proud and grateful to help provide a warm welcome to everyone that arrives on campus, whether it is the first or 1,000th time.” – Rand Glenn Hagen ’95, P ’26, ’31 Trustee
– Tom Glenn ’65, P ’93, ’95
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Bidding Farewell to Cindy Trask By Liz Ball Associate Vice President for Strategic Communications
A lot of things looked very different when Cindy virtual learning in the spring of 2020, Cindy and Trask first visited Westminster’s campus to interview her faculty took on the challenge of keeping Upper for the role of Head of Upper School in 2016. School students connected and supported: JanTerm was in its second year, and the Upper “I will be forever changed School faculty was busy by the impact of the global “I am beyond grateful to have been thinking of new ways pandemic on all of our a part of this amazing community. to engage students lives and the experience of through STEAM Westminster is able to actively seek successfully opening school curriculum, Student out the brightest minds—faculty during this time. Especially in Support initiatives, those early days, I will never and students—and gives them the and direct experience forget the unwavering faith of freedom to think creatively and create with organizations in the faculty and staff that we understanding together. I know other Atlanta and around would prevail in delivering schools say they do this too, but having academic excellence, and the world. The entire school was beginning to been at a number of independent their discipline in confronting dream about what new schools in two countries over the course each of the ‘unprecedented’ buildings and spaces challenges of keeping school of my career, I can say emphatically could be possible and open. It was and is truly how they might enhance that Westminster does this. Above all, extraordinary.” I will miss the people that make up this the student experience. Cindy’s dedication to the special community. I know I will stay in A renovated Campbell faculty within her care has Hall and brand new touch with many, but I will mourn the been a hallmark of her Upper School academic loss of working daily with such genuine, tenure at Westminster. Cindy building (Hawkins Hall) talented, and dedicated people.” developed deep relationships were merely ideas. with faculty members, – Cindy Trask, Head of Upper School “The realization of the providing them whatever campus plan, the new support they needed to best and renovated spaces, have transformed the Upper engage students and ignite their curiosity. School,” Cindy reflects. “Students felt ownership “During her time at Westminster, Cindy fostered over these new spaces from their very first day faculty growth and development through leadership on campus, and the different types of seating training, training in principles of neuroscience, incorporated into the hallway designs allow their and in the exploration of how issues of diversity, collaboration to be visible, which is energizing for everyone in the building. The beauty and novelty of equity, and inclusion impact life on our campus,” reflects Director of Student Support Dr. Anna Bacon these spaces inspire synergy and interdisciplinary Moore ’89. “Under her leadership, faculty and coordination for faculty and students alike.” staff were nourished and celebrated in the same Cindy’s final two years as Head of Upper School way they show up every day to care for and guide have also been marked by some of the School’s our students. Cindy consistently brought a lens most poignant—and jarring—moments. As the of compassion and kindness with an unwavering COVID-19 pandemic forced Westminster to shift to focus on what was best for students. She gifted
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An Inspiring Legacy of Leadership Beyond Westminster’s Gates Throughout the School’s history, many Westminster faculty members and administrators have gone on to lead at independent schools and universities across the country. Cindy Trask joins a list of at least 16 other faculty members who have gone on to be heads of school—one measure of a strong school. She is the fourth consecutive Head of Upper School to take on this type of leadership position after serving Westminster. Several of these heads of school credit Westminster for lessons learned and experience gained, like Bart Griffith, President of Shady Side Academy in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, since 2019. Bart held a variety of positions at Westminster over 15 years, including as English faculty and English department chair, a dean of students, and coaching positions.
“Westminster pursues excellence and a leadership position in all things, an ethos that no doubt rubbed off on me and continues to drive my commitment to students and schools. More than that, and most importantly, Westminster and its people welcomed and cared for me as a young educator, celebrating and nurturing my gifts, all blessings in my early career that still inform and inspire. Go Cats!” –Bart Griffith, President, Shady Side Academy
our community with her ability to hear and value multiple perspectives at once, appreciating all the complex facets of the work that takes place in the Upper School, while still keeping the focus on the ultimate goals that best served students. Finally, Cindy brought a deep sense of humanity, compassion, and humility. We are better for her having been here, and St. Catherine's is lucky to gain her leadership. Cindy's gifts to our school will last long beyond her days on our campus.” Cindy begins her next chapter at St. Catherine’s School in Richmond, Virginia, this July, serving as their 12th Head of School. For the 2021-22 school year, Westminster's Upper School will be led by a familiar face: Dr. Chanley Small ’87 will transition from her role as Upper School Dean of Academics and act as Interim Head of Upper School.
While helping JanTerm develop as an academic program, Cindy Trask also co-taught the “Happiness” course. Here, Cindy and a student admire the works at the glassblowing shop where they practiced creativity as a way to increase happiness.
As for those things that have changed during Cindy’s tenure, President Keith Evans gives much of the credit to Cindy’s leadership; “So many aspects of the Upper School grew stronger under Cindy's leadership—innovative programs like JanTerm and the Goizueta Center for Innovation flourished, student support expanded and integrated the work of a range of professionals with the efforts of our counselors, and, importantly, we opened some incredible new Upper School facilities that have Cindy's fingerprints all over their design. There is really not an area in the life of the Upper School that was overlooked while she was our division head.”
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THE SHOW MUST GO ON By Erin Dentmon, Advancement Writer IT’S EASY TO NAME THE PROBLEMS a certain respiratory
But with collaboration, creative thinking, and a lot of grit, Wildcats found a way.
Singing pushes air out of the body, increasing the number of particles a person releases with each breath. Brass and woodwind instruments can’t be played through standard face masks. Actors tell stories together on stage and convey emotion with their faces. Worldwide, many theatres and concert halls have yet to reopen after going dark in March 2020 when COVID-19 began its global spread.
“OKAY, WE MIGHT BE ABLE TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN”
virus has caused in the performing arts world.
“Some of the institutions we looked to as lighthouses have shut down. We’re also aware, in our own community and worldwide, of people who have lost their jobs and orchestras that have gone bankrupt,” says Dr. Scott Stewart, an Upper School band and orchestra teacher. But even in bleak times, music, film, television, and the like have played a vital role in keeping humanity connected in a chaotic world. If you’ve texted your friends about a Netflix special or smiled watching a Broadway cast in a Brady Bunch-style on-screen chorus, you’ve seen how the arts can connect people and lift our spirits. The question at Westminster was never if students would continue their artistic pursuits amid COVID-19. The question of how, though, was a big one.
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The core principle that emerged in back-to-school planning for performing arts was to get outside. And so, with large ensembles under tents and small groups utilizing a dozen overhangs and pavilions, live music provided a soundtrack for almost every walk through campus. Stepping outside became a treat for the ears in the 2020-21 school year. You might hear the bass section of the Upper School Ensemble practicing the “Hallelujah” chorus in the parking lot behind Askew Hall or the flute section of the Middle School Concert Band playing “The Pioneer Spirit” as you step out of the Campus Store. The outdoor rehearsals that enabled safe practice amid COVID-19 connected our community through the beauty of music. So, as campus staff prepared around the clock late last summer for students’ return, the Facilities Services department erected tents in several locations: Simons Patio outside Malone Dining Hall, Love
Patio between Scott Hall and Broyles Arts Center, Zakas Courtyard near the lower entrance of Clarkson Hall, and the new Community Plaza between Hawkins Hall and Thompson Stadium. Even with the tents in place, outdoor rehearsals seemed far-fetched. “It was so far outside of anything we’d ever done, but the band looked at it and said, ‘This is better than what we did in spring. We can have sort of a normal band class,’” says senior Jonas Du, a clarinetist. Middle School chorus teacher Adam Fry remembers finally feeling optimistic after testing and measuring one of the tents with fellow chorus teacher Linda Searles: “We set up all the chairs and the piano, and she stood at the front and conducted. That was the first moment when I really felt like, ‘okay, we might be able to make this happen.’” Through weather ranging from 90-degree heat to 40-degree rain, Westminster musicians made the best of their outdoor environments. Low brass players cleared rainfall from the edges of tents before class so the rain wouldn’t puddle and fall unpredictably. And, after one too many students had to chase their sheet music across the quad, students took their teachers’ advice to always clip their music to their stands.
“NO MATTER WHAT, WE HAVE TO MAKE THE ARTS WORK” Even in years with normal rehearsal schedules and locations, the logistic load of a robust performing arts program is enormous: Does the timpani need to move from McCain Chapel back into the practice room for the chorus concert? How many extra chairs are needed when the entire band rehearses together, and where do they all go? Are the proper amplifiers in place? Lower School music teacher Jill McCarden recalls thinking about all the things she’d need for teaching under a carpool pavilion instead of in her classroom: distance markers, portable supplies, and even an electricity source and a projector. She also recalls IT Services and Facilities Services staff problem-solving to accommodate each of those needs. That kind of teamwork has marked the year every step of the way. “I’m so grateful that I work at a school where people said, ‘no matter what, we have to make the arts work. We have to give this to the kids,’” Adam says. “Our administration saw how important the arts are to people and said, ‘We will make it happen.’ The arts are what bring joy to so many kids’ days. It’s where they
Outdoor tents were used in all sorts of weather until the temperatures became cold enough to impact sound and damage instruments. Many students enjoyed it in pleasant weather conditions, and even rain wasn't always bad: “We played while it was raining one day, and for the particular song we were playing, the rain matched the feel of the song, so it felt immersive,” says Braedon Willis ’25, who plays saxophone.
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General music classes in Lower School used all kinds of new techniques for teaching music without singing as a group! Students each used individual music-making kits each including a drum, an egg shaker, rhythm sticks, a ball, a scarf, and a cup to improvise instruments and practice the elements of music. Dancing, all done individually, also played a role in music education!
can express themselves and create. Arts are so crucial for their happiness, their development, and their sense of community and connection.” For the Westminster Players, a radio play and musical revue, Vintage Hitchcock and Broadway Comes to Westminster!, took the place of a more traditional fall play. Senior Christina Boye, like the other actors involved in the revue, learned choreography for solos, duets, and small group numbers alone at home, which she says was the most difficult part of the modified rehearsals. “Doing the revue gave us an opportunity to be musical, which is so hard during COVID, and I’m so grateful that Mrs. Morgens (Kate Morgens ’91, Upper School Performing Arts Department Chair) worked so hard to make sure it was safe and we got to express ourselves,” she says. Even filmmaking was affected by the pandemic. In recent years, Westminster has offered film classes for Upper and Middle School students, and students have formed a filmmaking group, StudioW, which has already produced award-winning short films. In early March, StudioW filmmakers shot a scene at Landmark Diner for their original screenplay, Disowned—one of their last before pandemic restrictions took hold. When restrictions started easing in the early summer, the group moved quickly to submit the film, along with another, Marked, to the All-American High School Film Festival by July 1.
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“We meticulously planned out how we could still get these films done in time,” Jonas Du says. “We had a really great team that put a lot of hours into revising the screenplay. That was one of the big highlights of the year, being able to get out and shoot these films.” The group submitted both films to the now-virtual festival, where they were nominated for four awards including “Best of Fest” awards for direction and rising female artists. “When we traveled to New York the previous year for the festival, we attended the ‘Best of Fest’ screening. We were blown away by the quality of those films, and we said we wanted to be on that screen the next year,” Jonas says. “Because of the films we created this year and despite the obstacles we faced, we made it to that screen this year.”
“WE WANTED TO DO SOMETHING FUN FOR THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY” Tents enabled student performers to gather for rehearsal. But what about performing? With no visitors allowed on campus and strict limits on the number of people gathering for any purpose, in-person events were all but out of the question at the start of the year. “We shifted our entire operation to being recording artists,” Scott says. “With the help of WCAT and StudioW, along with some other students and alumni
who are active videographers, we were able to produce a number of filmed concert experiences.” Ultimately, a concert or performance is evidence of learning. With live events off the table, students and teachers thought creatively of other ways to show how they’ve progressed musically. The change in routine, coupled with the difficulties of outdoor rehearsal, has meant a slower pace. “In a way, it has been kind of refreshing not to have the same level of pressure around our next performance,” Adam Fry says. “It has allowed us to experiment with some things and try new ways of learning music.” Music videos have been one way students have shown their learning while having a little bit of friendly competition. “The students had such a fun time with it, and it let them touch many different skill sets, from singing to audio recording to filmmaking to video editing, and
WATCH ONLINE! Broadway Comes to Westminster! and many student concerts are available on WCAT’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/westminsterWCAT Other theatre performances are limited by distribution licenses and are not available for on-demand streaming.
more. That’s been a lot of fun,” Adam says. Even teachers learned new skills. Adam used his daily commute time to take an audio engineering course through LinkedIn Learning: “For two or three months, every day on the way to and from school, I was learning audio engineering: microphone placement, types of microphones, mixing, mastering, all
STAYING CREATIVE WITH A LAW CAREER
ALISON BESKIN '09 ATTORNEY/FLUTIST
Alison Beskin ’09, a corporate attorney focused on executive compensation and benefits, wanted to play something “bigger and louder” than a flute when she started playing in third grade– maybe drums or saxophone. “My mom steered me towards the flute, thinking it was portable and peaceful. Little did she know that the flute can also be very loud,” Alison jokes. Alison continued her flute studies as a member of the band program under Freddy Martin at Westminster, a formative time for her artistically and socially. “We
would go to All-State and other competitions, and it was like an extended field trip,” she says. “The academic side of school was demanding, and band was a time you could step away from that and focus on something creative.” She also took private lessons with flute teacher Candace Keach and was part of the Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony, conducted by Dr. Scott Stewart, who have both since joined the Westminster faculty. Alison noted how grateful she is for the leadership of all three of these teachers, who each played a fundamental role in her music education. After earning undergraduate and graduate degrees in musicology and music performance, Alison committed to continuing serious flute practice after letting it slip for a time during law school. “I felt like something in my life was missing when I was just head-down in my studies,” she explains. So, Alison started
performing again and continued playing after moving to New York City. When COVID-19 took hold, she was looking forward to playing a second Carnegie Hall performance with the volunteer organization Association of Classical Musicians and Artists. She instead used her time at home to create a series of instructional videos on YouTube while continuing to learn new material—and became a mom! (So far, her daughter is very good at vocals and tolerates the flute.) Alison is quick to say that the attention to detail she has honed over years of rehearsal is a skill she uses daily, even in a career outside of music. “You have to focus on so many layers of the music—it’s not just the notes and how you play them; there’s dynamics and articulation and the tone of the piece, the emotion behind the piece. You have to think about all those things.”
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SEE HOW THEY DID IT! The Upper School Ensemble recorded video in Thompson Stadium and audio in our new parking deck for the 2020 Messiah performance. Watch how it all came together at westminster.net/messiah
A renovated Thompson Stadium provided plenty of space to spread out and sing in a striking setting but didn't allow for choral voices to reverberate while recording Messiah. So, the Upper School Ensemble brought hats, gloves, and even blankets to the middle level of Westminster's new parking deck (inset) on a cold December morning to produce the stunning audio that can be heard in the final piece.
types of different skills. I didn’t even know what a compressor was at the beginning of the semester, and I was shopping for one online by the end.”
our clarinets to school, and performed during the lunch period. It was really fun to perform music that we could see our class enjoying.”
Even outside of class, students found creative ways to share music with the rest of the School community.
“THERE WAS SOME DISAPPOINTMENT, AND NOW THEY HAVE NEW FAVORITES”
Jonas and a friend had always wanted to play an arrangement of Earth, Wind & Fire's “September” on clarinet but never had because the version they liked required about a dozen different players. “We wanted to do something fun for the school community, so we decided we wanted to perform at school on the 21st night of September,” Jonas explains. “We put together a backing track, brought
18 | Spring 2021
In addition to performances, several other traditions and favorite events, ranging from games in Lower School music classes to ensemble retreats in Upper School, had to be reimagined. “The students came in so excited to play their favorite game from last year, but we had to talk about why
FROM FEAR TO OPTIMISM: REFLECTIONS ON PERFORMING ARTS IN COVID TIMES
LINDA CHERNIAVSKY DIRECTOR OF PERFORMING ARTS
I admit I was in denial regarding the COVID-19 pandemic as a traumatic event. Since the lockdown began in March, I was isolated in the comfort of my home, rarely venturing out except for walks in Morningside. I was unprepared for the opening of school despite working through the summer to reassign instructional spaces, research safety protocols, and rethink curriculum and production designs. Returning to campus in August made me nervous and anxious. I was fearful. Yet each and every day I returned to campus, I felt a growing sense of security knowing the School had protocols in place to keep students, faculty, and staff safe. The work in the opening days of Forum (pre-planning time for faculty and staff) was overwhelming; I felt as though I was digging out of
an avalanche. The faculty returned to school to open 2020-21 without having ever closed 2019-20. Instructional spaces were reset for social distancing, signage in public spaces was placed, large community spaces were reconfigured for new uses, student traffic patterns were planned, and tents were erected and furnished. The challenge was not only the volume of the work, but not knowing what the future would bring. I, and all my colleagues, had to solve numerous problems we had never thought about before COVID. Living in constant reactive mode was stressful and exhausting; each day seemed like a week. At the end of the week, I felt as though I had worked for a month without a weekend. The effort was rewarded when students returned to campus. I witnessed the joy in their eyes when they entered McCain Chapel. They were excited to see their friends and resume in-person school. It has been a struggle for both the students and the teachers as life behind masks has had an impact on the pace, rigor, and breadth of instruction. Curriculum was redesigned to accommodate these factors. Band and choral music classes are held outside in
tents. Performances have been presented in Stembler Amphitheatre and the new parking deck or filmed for virtual performance. I am grateful for our COVID Support Team for keeping our school safe; the Office for Institutional Advancement for their support in event production and keeping our community informed through the performing arts webpages; the Facilities Services team for support in events setup, HVAC, and housekeeping; Athletics for flexibility in coordinating schedules and sharing spaces; and WCAT for production and streaming support. The Performing Arts faculty is highly commended for the innovative design and creative delivery of the curriculum and extracurricular programming. BRAVO to all! I have been comforted and inspired by the following quote from Julian of Norwich (1342–1416): “All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.” I remain hopeful for the Performing Arts program post-pandemic. I do not believe we can go back to our old “normal,” but we will continue to strive for excellence for our students and the Westminster community.
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For Frozen, Jr., the Westminster Junior Players limited the on-stage ensemble to no more than 12 people at a time and pre-recorded all singing before a day of filming on the Kellett Theatre stage. “Usually when you finish a show, there’s a sense of exhilaration—you get a round of applause, you see your parents, you go around hugging and high-fiving your friends. With Frozen, we filmed in a six-hour time period on a Saturday. When we finally finished, it was more of a feeling of relief,” says Ethan Mattingly ’25, who played the role of Kristoff. “Then watching it together as a cast (spaced out in the seats of Kellett Theatre with the show projected above the stage) was lots of fun.”
LIFELONG DREAMS IN A TIME OF COVID Roe was in rehearsals for Diana: A New Musical, a Broadway show in which he plays the lead role of Prince Charles. The television show he filmed for was Emily in Paris, a series featuring Roe in two early episodes.
ROE HARTRAMPF ’05 ACTOR
The fall before COVID-19 took hold, Roe Hartrampf ’05 had the type of moment he’d dreamt about since performing Les Miserables in Kellett Theatre. While in rehearsal for a Broadway musical, he booked a multi-episode television arc: “I had to leave my rehearsal, get in a car, go to JFK airport, fly to Paris, film for three days, fly back to JFK, into another car, and return to the same rehearsal room and start singing. That was a dream come true. It was very much a bucket-list thing.”
About a year and a half after that moment, Diana hasn’t had its official opening night, which was scheduled for March 31, 2020—only a few weeks after the onset of COVID-19 required the closure of Broadway theatres. Its first debut will be for international audiences via Netflix—a pivot made during the pandemic. It has taken about 10 years of regular auditions and taking on small projects to get to this point. Roe has wanted to be an actor since childhood, even entering Westminster as a sixth grader having acted professionally with the Alliance Theatre. Roe remembers being pleased to learn the School had a dedicated theatre
space. But he soon learned that the best part was the sense of community support. “I would look up to the ‘big kids’ in the a cappella groups and the chorus, and it was through the music program that I got really excited about the theatre program. Chorus involved everybody—the football team, the girls soccer team, all walks of student life would come together in that chorus room. I never, ever felt marginalized or judged or uncool for doing theatre,” he says. “Quite the contrary.” That supportive environment, Roe says, is one of the things that gave him the confidence to pursue an acting career. From the “mountaintop moment” of approaching his Broadway debut in a lead role to the sudden shuttering of Broadway and adapting the musical for film, the road to production for Diana has been full of ups and downs.
Roe shares more about filming Diana: A New Musical at westminster.net/magazine
20 | Spring 2021
we couldn’t play that game,” Jill says. “There was some disappointment, but we thought of new games to play, and now they have some new favorites! In the beginning, there was a sad cloud hanging over us because we couldn’t do those things, but that’s been swept away by some new happy sunshine they’ve discovered in their ability to be flexible.” Across the school, the changes in performing arts have given students time to explore other parts of music and performance they might not have otherwise. Singers in Middle School used ukeleles and choir chimes when they couldn’t sing outside to learn concepts like music theory and chord progression.
“ENSEMBLE MEANS ‘TOGETHER’ IN FRENCH” The almost-unanimous favorite part of returning to in-person music instruction was the opportunity to play music together in community.
The Christmas Pageant combined video of more than 400 performers. Jaina Alexander '28 describes being in the orchestra from home: "We all recorded audio of ourselves playing, then we recorded ourselves in a Zoom meeting, but muted. A videographer combined it all together, and it was really beautiful."
RETURNING TO A PASSION
JIMMIE WILLIAMS ’94 COMPOSER
Jimmie Williams ’94 remembers having unmatched opportunities at Westminster, like master classes and the ability to play in world-class venues and top competitions. The example the faculty members set for him is never far from his mind either: “The first time I had the opportunity to conduct a small chamber orchestra, I remembered the way Linda Cherniavsky had been able to communicate through her conducting. Her power in being able to lead an orchestra was really quite moving.”
Many of Jimmie’s orchestra memories revolve around the emotions evoked through music. And now, he creates pieces that evoke emotion in people all over the world as a composer. After about 10 years working in hedge fund management, Jimmie dove into a music composition career in 2013 amid an increasing sense of dissatisfaction. “I’d kept in touch with some of my music professors from Columbia (where he earned a composition degree), and they were saying, ‘Enough’s enough. Get back into it,’” he says. “So, I found ways to meet my goal of becoming a professional composer. I found my passion again.” Jimmie applied to a few competitive mentorship programs and re-started his studies with a mentorship through the BMI Foundation. After completing that and a few other competitive mentorships and residencies,
Jimmie now composes music for movies, television, and even video games. An upcoming Emmett Till documentary is among the recent projects he’s most proud of. Composing music for media involves balancing many factors: character arcs, plot changes, the vision of directors and producers, the time period and setting of a story, and more. Jimmie’s years playing violin in Westminster’s orchestra guide him in the teamwork necessary for working on projects with so many people vested in the final result. “When you’re playing in an orchestra, you have to listen to the conductor, to each other, and work together. I try to bring in aspects of that with everything I do,” he says. With an analytical mindset and a teamwork approach, success is possible—even in fields as different as finance and fine arts.
View the short version of an Emmett Till documentary scored by Jimmie at westminster.net/magazine
WESTMINSTER | 21
“It had been months and months of practicing alone at home,” Jonas remembers. “To be able to play with other people in the band, even if a lot of people hadn’t practiced very much going into the school year, even though it wasn’t the most amazing band in the world considering the circumstances, it still felt like a breath of fresh air.” For faculty, too, in-person classes opened up opportunities that had been missing during the remote spring. “It gives our students opportunities to learn, in a safe place, how to be part of an ensemble. Those teamwork skills can be applied to so many life situations. You’re not always the person who has to be in charge or be the center of attention,” Jill says. Individual performance, small-group performance, and large-group performance are all intertwined into the music curriculum in a typical year, and each of these aspects develops particular skills the others do not. “Ensemble means ‘together’ in French. The reason, honestly, that most of our students are in music at this point in their lives is because they love the social aspect of making music in a large group. When that is taken away, you're left with that one component of making music by yourself,” Scott says.
“I'M JUST GRATEFUL WE GOT THE OPPORTUNITY” It was clear from the beginning of the year that Wildcats would find a way to put on the Lower School Christmas Pageant as well as the Upper School performance of Handel’s Messiah. With more all-hands-on-deck thinking, both premiered via recorded video in December. For the pageant, students learned songs at home from recorded videos by their teachers. In November, it was time to record the performance without having ever sung the pieces together as a group. “We took the kids outside, one grade level at a time, hoping they had watched the videos we’d made
Outdoor rehearsal enabled students to keep pursuing artistic endeavors. “I honestly had no idea what band was going to look like. I thought it might just be small groups, but I think it ended up working out great, and I’m really happy it did,” says Stan Watkins ’25, a trombone player.
Actors tried many new kinds of performances: a radio show with a separate microphone for each cast member, ensemble numbers with pre-recorded audio and blocking designed to keep everyone distanced, and a variety of individual and small-group work.
and practiced at home,” says Lower School music teacher Sonya Peebles. “The feat those students accomplished is pretty remarkable when you know they hadn’t had any vocal instruction all year.” Using the Stembler Amphitheatre behind Clarkson Hall, students stood six feet away from one another on spots marked with masking tape to sing their group numbers while wearing the traditional pageant robes. Speakers stood on the stage of McCain Chapel one at a time and delivered spoken lines into a camera. Shepherds and wise men arrived at the scene in face masks and dared not approach the baby Jesus too closely. New spaces proved key for recording Messiah. The new concrete stands of Thompson Stadium were the perfect location for singing large-group numbers, and the acoustics of a new parking deck heightened the audio quality.
“In the end, it worked out really well, and I’m just grateful we got the opportunity to do Messiah in my senior year,” Christina Boye says.
“I'M REALLY GLAD WE DIDN'T GIVE UP ON THIS YEAR” Grit. Adaptability. Dedication. These are among the words applied over and over again to the ways people have persevered through the pandemic. In the case of our performing arts department, they are also the very traits the program develops in students over many years. “I’m really glad that we didn’t give up on this year and we continued creating: creating music, creating films. Not only did it help the Westminster community, it helped us as creators,” Jonas says. And when you hear the music drifting through campus, watch recordings of performances, and see students with a new spring in their step after a performing arts class, it’s clear that every tent, every specialized mask, every moment spent recording video was worth it.
Remote learners used a variety of apps to learn music and play alongside those attending school in person. Creative videography and video editing helped audiences see the remote musicians!
SAYING ‘YES’ TO OPPORTUNITIES GEORGE CASE ’01 CONDUCTOR AND VOCALIST
George Case ’01 still remembers Westminster as a place where “yes” was the answer when he wanted a new challenge. “Westminster was such a good match for me because as I was searching for ways to express myself and manifest my art, I was met with a constant stream of, ‘Yes, try it. Here are some resources and some support,’” he says. From Pam Elrod inviting him to conduct a group for the annual concert at Holy Spirit Catholic
Church to Scott Morris bringing him on as a section leader in the church choir he conducted to Eric Brannen giving him increasing responsibility levels in the summer theatre intensive, George remembers many opportunities to stretch himself: “One of the best parts of Westminster, for me, was having such incredible faculty members, especially in music, who would provide every bit of training I wanted, who could recognize and nurture their students’ talents, and who could prepare us in such great ways.” After finishing a doctoral program in conducting in 2013, George joined the Boston Conservatory as the Director of Choral Activities and continues to teach online since moving to New Mexico in
2020 (a move planned pre-pandemic). George sings with both the Santa Fe Desert Chorale and the Skylark Vocal Ensemble, founded by fellow Wildcat Matthew Guard ’98. A performance with Skylark in McCain Chapel actually ended up being George’s last live engagement before COVID-19 hit! In the midst of the changes brought on by COVID-19, George calls the resilience of the music world “spectacular.” “I have seen so many colleagues continue creating and embracing technology in a way we’ve shied away from in the past. With that, though, is the hope we can return to live music while carrying the things we’ve learned with us.”
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T
he 2019-20 school year ended on the highest of high notes: fireworks lit up the campus sky in celebration of our graduating seniors—and in recognition of the hardships thrust at them as they arrived at the precipice of life’s next chapter. The elation of the moment belied the uncertainties still plaguing the nation and even Westminster. But behind the scenes, faculty and staff were already thinking about how to return to as much of the “normal” Westminster experience as possible in the fall amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Months before committing to a definite in-person return, plans were in motion. No scenario was left unconsidered. Certainty about in-person learning grew as school leaders coalesced around a strategy prioritizing mask wearing, social distancing, and modifications to our physical environment. The strategy behind the strategy relied on the entire Westminster community to find strength in togetherness. As President Keith Evans wrote to introduce parents to the 2020-21 school year: “In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, our success in creating a safe environment for our whole school will depend on our commitment to those values that have always undergirded our community: selflessness, taking care of one another, and good leadership by everyone who counts themselves a Wildcat.” Optimism, pride, and uncertainty co-exist every day on our campus and in our community. Wildcats have stepped up to challenge after challenge—together. “If you look at all the work that gets done here every day, it’s extraordinary,” says Jim Justice, Dean of Academics and Curriculum. “From the teaching to turning the facility around every single day to do it all again. In the midst of a pandemic, we have made a place that’s joyful for children.” We call our COVID-19 response program “Stronger Together.” And, as we continue to face COVID-19 every day, together is truly where we find our strength.
CREATING THE ROADMAP As the 2020-21 school year approached, a COVID-19 Support Team of nurses, operations staff, and administrators developed protocols and began putting them into action. Our protocols were first used in limited Summer Camp sessions, where no community transmission occurred. Staff stocked up on hundreds of gallons of hand sanitizer, disinfectant spray, and hand soap. Some worked
amid supply boxes stacked to the ceiling in their Scott Hall offices. Faculty and staff placed hundreds of signs around campus: floor markers for where to stand in line in Malone Dining Hall, table tents directing maximum occupancy of any given table, arrows showing traffic patterns for stairwells, reminders about maskwearing in carpool circles, and more. New furniture arrived. The CDC continued issuing new safety
ARRIVING ON CAMPUS
When the alarm clock rings and it’s time to get ready for school, Wildcats grab their bookbags and a few extras this year: a mask and a backup mask, a personal water bottle, and a few snacks (water fountains have been converted to bottle fillers, and students have fewer opportunities to purchase snacks due to schedule changes and occupancy limits). Arrival times are staggered so every student can be greeted by a faculty member upon arrival to school and receive a temperature check. The Kogniz thermal scanners at carpool dropoffs and key campus locations can scan up to 40 people at once, eliminating the need for individual checks.
FIRST THINGS FIRST
guidelines. Plans were updated again and again. Orientations were held virtually. There were hundreds—maybe thousands—of tasks to prepare for the arrival of students for the first time in more than five months. Perhaps none of those tasks was sweeter than hanging a 50-foot “Welcome Back, Wildcats!” banner across our front entrance.
A TEST YOU CAN'T STUDY FOR WEEKLY COVID-19 TESTING
One of the biggest differentiators of Westminster’s COVID-19 response has been weekly testing for our entire on-campus community. Every week, all 2,200 people on campus submit a vial of saliva for “pooled community testing.” Our lab partner tests the samples in batches, allowing a more efficient and costeffective process than individual testing. When the virus is detected in a batch, each person included receives a follow-up PCR test, and our COVID Support Team ushers students and families through our response protocols, including quarantine for students who test positive or have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive. Siblings of close contacts are also asked to quarantine—a move more conservative than what the CDC recommends. Testing happens every weekday and is almost a 24-hour affair. Importantly, it allows for swift contact tracing, one of the keys to preventing widespread community transmission. “We knew early on that testing was going to be important for providing data, particularly if we wanted students to be able to engage
in activities like athletics and maintain the fullest range of the student experience,” says Jim Justice, Dean of Academics and Curriculum and one of the members of the COVID Support Team. For many, the availability of weekly testing reduced anxiety around inperson teaching and learning. “I don't even think about whether or not I have COVID as a result of testing each week. I feel completely reassured with all of the protocols we have in place,” says Upper School visual arts teacher Pamela Martinez. It also provided data that helped administrators make informed decisions, like choosing to move Upper School exams and exam prep online after seeing case trends after Thanksgiving break. “Over time, we saw how important testing would become to limiting the disruption of the pandemic, whether by early detection to prevent spread or navigating vulnerable time periods like return to classes after a break,” says President Keith Evans. “Testing is one tool of many but quickly came to be indispensable to us.” The securing and continued offering of these weekly tests has been a testament to perseverance from all the faculty, staff, and community partners involved in this important piece of our Stronger Together plan.
A DAY IN TESTING AND TRACING COVID testing and contact tracing happen almost 24 hours a day! This sample schedule shows the daily behind-thescenes activities that keep our testing and tracing programs running.
☐ 4:00 a.m. Test results arrive from
Mirimus Clinical Labs after an average 48-hour turnaround time
☐ 6:00 a.m. COVID Support Team
members check in via phone and text
☐ 7:00 a.m. Administrators notify students and faculty who require follow-up rapid PCR testing based on batch results
☐ 7:15 a.m. Operations staff sets up main testing areas
☐ 7:30 a.m. Testing begins in Love Hall ☐ 8:30 a.m. Testing begins in Turner Gym ☐ 10:00 a.m. COVID Support Team
notifies students and families of returned test results and applicable next steps
☐ 10:30 a.m. Follow-up rapid PCR testing conducted in Tull Hall
☐ 11:00 a.m. Weekly testing results
dashboard updated for parents on Wildcat Web
☐ 12:00 p.m. Testing concludes for the
day; operations staff packages samples
☐ 1:00 p.m. Samples are overnighted to Mirimus Labs in New York City
☐ 2:30 p.m. COVID Support Team holds daily huddle
☐ 3:00 p.m. After school day ends, nurses continue tracing close contacts of students who test positive for COVID-19
☐ 4:00 p.m. The previous day’s samples arrive at Mirimus Labs; diagnostic testing begins
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CLASS IS IN SESSION Parent surveys were clear: Westminster’s top-notch academic program was the thing families were hoping most to preserve as the COVID-19 pandemic continued. The individual desks filling the classrooms looked different than the collaborative furniture of recent years—but students unearthed discoveries about themselves and the world as generations of Wildcats have done before them. “I was amazed when we returned at how seamlessly things seemed to run. It was if every little thing had been thought out. Every detail thought through. Each part of the student day re-imagined for learning, engagement and safety. I was wowed,” says Jenny McGlown, mom of first-grader Parker. Westminster also offered remote learning to all students. Some students chose long-term remote learning, and others have moved in and out as circumstances have changed. Due to quarantine protocols, nearly every class includes at least one remote learner at any given time. In the Lower School, RemoteCats who signed up at the beginning of the year were grouped into the
same class when possible, allowing one team of teachers per grade to concentrate most heavily on the hybrid experience. In Middle and Upper School, each remote learner, long-term or shortterm, is paired with a member of the Student Support team who serves as their learning coordinator. “The role is a bit of a catch-all: some portion learning support, some portion cheerleader, some portion communications guru. My biggest goal is to ensure RemoteCats feel connected and supported during their time learning from home,” Middle School Learning Strategist Cason Given ’05 explains, noting that classroom teachers, administrators, parents, and peers all play an important role in maintaining the virtual learning experience. When her son Parker temporarily transferred into remote learning, Jenny remembers an initial feeling of dread washing away as teachers and administrators contacted her family and packaged up Parker’s supplies so he could pick right back up from home: “He was able to virtually return to his classroom within 48 hours. The process was like a well-oiled machine,
HOW DOES THAT WORK? SETTING UP A HYBRID CLASSROOM
Wildcat faculty have learned a few tricks this year for setting up a hybrid classroom that engages students all around the city just as much as those sitting in the room. Upper School physics teacher Henrik Malmberg offers a few tips:
as if the faculty had practiced it like a fire drill, again and again until all was in line and running smoothly. Again, I was wowed.” Daily agendas, frequent communication, and a classroom “buddy student” who helped Parker hear his teachers and partnered up with him for group work all helped remote learning continue smoothly for the remainder of his quarantine. When schoolwide testing at the end of Christmas Break revealed Parker tested positive for COVID while asymptomatic, the dread didn’t follow when Jenny found out he would learn from home again. “I knew that within 24 hours the teachers would reach out with the next day’s agenda, we would have his school supplies in hand, and his classmates would still be engaged with him,” she reflects. It hasn’t always been easy to learn from home or have classmates attending school from home. But our students have made the best of it. As Cason says: “Even in the midst of a global pandemic, our students demonstrate flexibility and a desire to learn. Of course, I guess this really shouldn’t be surprising… they are Wildcats, after all.”
Have all students—in-person or remote—use a single online system for submitting daily assignments. Show at-home learners to the in-person students a few times during class—and vice versa!
Use an iPad as a whiteboard so remote students can see the notes through their computer screens and in-person learners can see them projected on the board. Make sure every student has a verbal check-in during the class, either answering questions or otherwise.
In addition to your primary computer, set up a secondary camera on a tripod about 10 feet away from your main speaking area. Use a secondary microphone with this camera (it’s hidden on the chair in this photo!). This can be used for a wider classroom view as well as for small-group conversations among students.
Use an isolated area close to your secondary camera for demonstrations. Projecting this on the board even helps students in the room get a better view, since gathering closely around the experiment isn’t an option when you’re trying to maintain social distance.
3 WAYS TO BREAK THE VIRTUAL ICE Kelly Fitzgerald and Victoria Frangoulis, the main team teaching third grade remote learners, share the icebreakers that have brought the most laughs, most connection, and most engagement for learners tuning in through Zoom.
1. 2. Who Pass the Would Win? Dance Set up a silly question, like “Who would win a fight: an ice cream cone or a popsicle?” and let kids make their cases!
Greet each other one by one, including a dance move with your greeting. Each person mirrors the move they were given and creates a new one for the next participant.
3. What’s the News? Never underestimate the power of an open mic—open the floor for people to talk about something that has happened in their lives recently!
THINKING INSIDE THE (TO-GO) BOX FLIK, Westminster's dining partner, distributes more than 2,200 meals a day—an even more extraordinary feat when they must be served and eaten with social distancing! “Our team starts the day early at 5:30 a.m. when the cooking begins,” says Executive Chef Jake Ihara. “Performing service is an enormous feat requiring a lot of back-of-house and frontline logistics from our team.” Before lunchtime, the team prepares the meal elements, packages them individually, and places them in hot boxes with all the accompaniments: juice boxes, water, cutlery kits, takeaway trays, and condiments.
In Lower and Middle Schools, students eat lunch in classrooms after picking it up from to-go stations set up in Love Hall’s Hamilton Room (the cafeteria and multipurpose room) and the Oglesby Room in Clarkson Hall (another multipurpose room typically used for assemblies). For Upper Schoolers, the addition of Brewer Cafe in Hawkins Hall couldn’t have come at a more perfect time: students may choose to pick up a sandwich, soup, and chips combo in Brewer Cafe or a takeaway hot meal in Malone Dining Hall. Additional seating in Brewer Cafe, at the outdoor Schoen Dining Plaza, and elsewhere in
The Oglesby Room, a multipurpose room in the Middle School, transformed into a to-go lunch center serving the entire Middle School this year!
Campbell and Hawkins Halls makes it easier for all students to eat at a safe distance, as the number of tables and seats per table in Malone Dining Hall have been limited this year. Every logistical move of the day helps expedite a safe lunch for all Wildcats. Jake shares: “Our team has worked out all the kinks in expediting a modified COVID-19 lunch service that is delicious and nutritious.” When the lunch hour is done, FLIK staff packs leftovers in to-go pans to deliver the food to Gateway Center, an Atlanta nonprofit that supports upwards of 1,000 people experiencing homelessness at any given time.
Caren Martinez packs sandwiches in to-go containers—every lunch on campus this year has been served takeaway style to minimize lunch lines and sharing of serving utensils.
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STUDENT ATHLETES “We rallied together and supported each other. The mask-wearing, rule changes, and the uncertainties actually brought the team closer and allowed them to really appreciate why they play and focus on what they have versus what was taken away.” — CAT MONROE VARSITY VOLLEYBALL HEAD COACH MASKED AND MIGHTY
Wildcats were back in action in the fall after an abrupt end to competition in spring 2020. Teams adhered to on-campus safety protocols by practicing with masks, and the volleyball and cross country teams even competed with masks. “In some large invitational meets, we might be the only team wearing masks before and after the race, but arguably it paid off,” Joe Tribble, head coach of the 2020 state championship-winning boys cross
country team, says. “Masks and social distancing were a challenge all season at each practice, but maybe it somehow made us tougher.” Middle School coaches focused on skills clinics rather than interscholastic competition. These clinics mirrored a traditional practice setting and focused on skill development and fundamentals while providing a safe, fun, competitive environment for the nearly 400 sixth, seventh, and eighth graders who participated.
During Christmas Break, studentathletes underwent additional rapid COVID testing to return to competition. Additionally, athletics staff modified venues with socially distanced bench areas and clearly marked spectator seating to allow limited viewing of events. For away games, the School doubled its transportation inventory to allow for proper distancing when the Wildcats traveled.
BY THE GALLON Over the summer, Facilities Services
To keep things clean, students
staff installed
and faculty have (so far) used:
34 hands-free water
bottle fillers • upgraded sinks with
262 new touchless faucets • added 7 outdoor sinks
30 | Spring 2021
1,585 gallons of hand sanitizer • 2,000 bottles disinfectant • 305 gallons of hand soap
HOW OUR LIBRARIES STAYED OPEN All three campus libraries are still open for business (in new ways)! Students use digital systems to check out materials, which librarians handle and deliver. Librarians have even offered surveys and info cards to help students try new books when they can’t physically browse! The Carlyle Fraser Library in the Upper School can seat more than 80 students while maintaining social distance, even with the first floor being used as additional classroom space this year. The Middle School’s George Woodruff Library also provided extra classroom space to keep students spread out.
Physical volumes go into a 72-hour “book quarantine” when students return them to minimize any spreading of germs that might happen when books are circulated.
The digital collection of more than 300,000 titles has remained available throughout the pandemic!
STUDENT SUPPORT
FOCUSING ON CONNECTION Counselors offer one-on-one meetings to every sixth grader and every ninth grader each year. Even though some of this year’s meetings were held on Zoom, all students in those grades still had the opportunity to meet with counselors!
Parents of remote learners are invited to a weekly online support group to ask questions, share tips, and build community.
To focus on joy, students shared their hopes for 2021 on a bulletin board outside Malone Dining Hall. All who walk by can see uplifting messages without breaking social distancing protocols!
Housekeeping staff use 34
Wildcat temperatures are
Each week, our community
day and have sprayed 480
Kogniz thermal scanners
COVID-19 tests.
GenEon sanitizing spray
thermometers distributed
disinfecting machines every gallons (and counting!) of
screened daily using 10
and 616 handheld
to faculty and staff
submits 2,200 saliva
That means we collect
about 2.5 quarts of saliva each week
WESTMINSTER | 31
GET OUTSIDE We have always been fortunate to enjoy a beautiful campus, but students have flocked to outside spaces like never before in the 2020-21 school year. Natural ventilation makes outdoor areas the safest places to eat lunch, take a mask break, or play an instrument—the CDC recommends gathering outdoors instead of indoors whenever possible. With many indoor common areas being used as classrooms, ample outdoor space gives students plenty of options when it comes to connecting and socializing.
STEMBLER AMPHITHEATRE MIDDLE SCHOOL SERVICE DAYS
UPPER SCHOOL OUTDOOR DINING SCHOEN DINING PLAZA
LOWER SCHOOL COURTYARD DESIGN THINKING CLASSES
BARBARA JOHNSON PRICKETT CHAPEL MIDDLE SCHOOL VISUAL ARTS
SUMMER CAMP PAVILION FIFTH GRADE GREEK FEAST
32 | Spring 2021
HOW THE PANDEMIC INSPIRED US Wildcats don’t wait to become leaders. So what do they do when a pandemic hits around the globe? They research. They create. They help. They lead. These are just a few of the ways students rose up during the COVID-19 outbreak:
GRAPHIC DESIGNS
SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS The eighth grade virtual science fair featured several projects exploring varying aspects of preventing the spread of COVID-19. In “UnMASKing Your Safety,” Iman Merchant, Arnika Alikhani, and Katie Koenning compared the efficacy of popular mask styles. The trio built a testing environment using six different masks, a darkened space created by a cardboard box, a spray bottle, a laser, and a cell phone camera. Arnika, Katie, and Iman represented Westminster at the Atlanta Science and Regional Engineering Fair alongside six other Middle School and two Upper School projects.
Upper School artists studying introductory graphic design each made T-shirts depicting the year 2020 during the fall semester. Their designs incorporated protests against racial injustice and the police violence leading up to those protests, the deaths of significant people, sports and pop culture events, and, of course, COVID-19. As one of the first art projects displayed in the atrium of Hawkins Hall, the T-shirts were the subject of much admiration and many conversations.
INVENTION PROTOTYPES CHARCOAL DRAWINGS How did some Wildcats learn to stay six feet apart? With charcoal! Students got messy using their span of their entire bodies for an art project inspired by the works of Heather Hansen. The shapes they created represent the “personal space” everyone is asked to keep this year!
Every year, the question at the heart of Economics for Entrepreneurs is how students can create and pitch a product that people would buy to solve a need or want in their lives. Eighth grader Anna Wickliffe was one of several students who looked at the frustrations of dealing with COVID-19 when it was time to choose a product to develop. The “Speak Up” mask, with an embedded microphone, is designed to counteract the muffled voices and difficulty hearing that sometimes accompany maskwearing in school and the workplace.
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ANATOMY OF A MASK One style, one size, one mask doesn’t fit all! Here are some creative ways students and faculty adapted to mask wearing this year, from expressive designs to functional safety.
Disposable masks proved to be the most comfortable lightweight option for runners.
“Adapting to wearing a mask during practice was challenging, to say the least. But I think knowing we were all having to work through this tough adjustment together as an entire team made it much easier to overcome and even brought us closer together as teammates than anything else.” — Selle James ’21, Girls Cross Country Team Captain
Clear masks let actors be safe while expressing emotion!
“For our Upper School 2020 fall musical at Westminster, we decided to try some of every kind of mask-wearing: some students were filmed at home with no masks, some students were acting and lip synching in person on campus with neutral white or black masks, some students were acting and lip synching in person on campus wearing clear masks.” — Kate Morgens ’91, Director of Theatre Arts Apples AND lions?! Where can I get a mask like that?
In the Lower School, students decorated the halls with projects about their identities and personalities—and the masks depicted help them express their interests and ideas!
34 | Spring 2021
Who knew that a custom face mask would be the it accessory of the year?
“The mask project was born out of the idea of how difficult it's been to read the full range of emotion of one's face when masked. Students created several masks that could communicate a range of emotions or personal interest; the masks served as conversation starters.” —Michael Reese, Upper School Graphic Design Faculty
In addition to the fur, these masks sit off the actors’ faces for better enunciation and projection.
“For A Seussified Christmas Carol, we made the masks enhance the costumes with facial expressions and fake fur! As they say, the show must go on! And we are so thankful it did!” — Jennifer Finlayson, Middle School Theatre Faculty
The special flaps on these masks are designed so musicians can easily switch from playing wind instruments to safely breathing and talking. And check out the mask that bassoon is wearing!
“When Westminster said ‘we must keep making music,’ it was clear that we would do whatever it took to make sure our students were safely playing and singing. The COVID-19 protocols, which included outside rehearsal tents, instrument bell covers, and new seating configurations (and generally good weather all fall!) were implemented and worked beautifully!” — Scott Stewart, Upper School Instrumental Music Faculty
DEBATE GONE DIGITAL Outside of class time, Upper School and Middle School clubs and academic teams also had to find safe ways to meet. For large groups like Middle School debate, that meant meeting outdoors or in large multi-purpose spaces like the Oglesby Room in Clarkson Hall (where lunch is served to Middle Schoolers this year). Inter-school competitions through the Atlanta Urban Debate League were all held digitally, which meant an additional crucial change: all debates were held one-onone instead of in the usual two-on-two format. “The idea of debating without a partner definitely threw me off at first; having to read all the speeches alone and not having a second opinion on a rebuttal took some getting used to. Eventually, I grew because of the experience, and it forced me to face some of my weaknesses to become an overall better debater,” Elana Gardner ’25 says. Since many debaters miss working with a partner, the team’s advisors have found opportunities for students to debate outside of the league in the traditional partner format. While the team members had some doubts about whether debate would be a fun activity this year, those who tried it say they still enjoyed the critical thinking and competition at the heart of debate. “It was still debate, and just debating other people is very fun. I thought it would be super boring to debate virtually, but the only real difference is that you don't have hallways to get lost in like you usually do,” Alex Guido ’25 says. And the fall season ended on a sweet note for the team: debater Tenzin Patel ’26 placed second in the Atlanta Urban Debate League’s Argumentative Speech Bowl.
THE GLENN INSTITUTE and PAWS helped families stay connected to opportunities to serve while staying COVID-safe. Families have volunteered to: During the MLK Day of Service, Lower Schoolers: Wildcats have donated items for a variety of organizations around Atlanta. A sample: Students continued raising money for people and causes all around the world! COVID-safe fundraisers ranged from virtual concerts to socially distanced donut sales to Chick-fil-A cookies delivered to classrooms by advisors!
Fulfill wishlists for Crossroads Community Ministries and Trinity Community Ministries Drop off meals for Agape Youth & Family Center and Trinity Community Ministries Plant daffodils at Bremen Jewish Home Packed 20,736 meals for Rise Against Hunger Painted 12 canvas murals for hospital art Wrote 500 cards for Operation Gratitude 9 computers and other technology to various agencies 60 reusable fabric masks for refugee students 240 toiletry kits for people experiencing homelessness 95 coats for children and adults Groceries and supplies for agencies that serve people experiencing homelessness School supplies for Atlanta Public Schools Pajama sets for nursing home residents
SERVING OUR CITY
AND BEYOND
AFTER THE BELL RINGS
CLEANING THE SLATE Take a moment to picture thousands of disinfectant droplets, dispersed across 775,000 square feet. That’s what happens every day on campus, thanks to the Facilities Services team who go above and beyond to keep our spaces safe. As students leave for the day, the team remains on campus
refilling sanitation stations at every building entrance, repositioning safety protocol signage, and disinfecting all interior spaces with GenEon sanitizing spray. Their work— and that of other dedicated faculty, staff, and community partners who have logged countless hours this school year—is proof that we are Stronger Together.
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Through The Lower School Lens By Jennifer Liu Communications Operations Manager
36 | Spring 2021
S
ee what first graders see! Twenty first graders spent a week in January taking candid photos with their iPads all around the Lower School. In these pages, the students in Beth Abdillah and Heather Widness’s class share a glimpse into the learning, the friendships, and the fun that make Love Hall a special place.
The cold day this photo was taken, students found ice and decided to slide down the frozen hill (again and again)! On the Love Hall playground this year, each class plays in a certain “zone” to minimize potential COVID-19 exposure across classes.
“If you hang from the rope too long, your hands get sore!” — Caroline Gould
“Observing our friends gives us new ideas of what to play.” — Emma Bailey
WESTMINSTER | 37
a 17-foot tall climbing From up high on the “Eiffel Tower,” ze is cold! net, the view is great, but the bree
A stage on the playground gives students a space for all kinds of creative play. In this photo, students are enjoying a game of “shadow chase.”
38 | Spring 2021
when “Sometimes it’s hard work to talk an use to have You k. mas a in ’re you calf Met ce Gra outside voice inside.” —
“We are learning how to talk in book groups. We love to read and share with ou r classmates.” — Julian Harris
ol because we’re with “We’re happy when we’re at scho to learn from home and had we , our classmates. Last year Warren we missed each other.” — Elizabeth
WESTMINSTER | 39
Birthdays are always special at Love Hall. With digital assemblies this year , everyone cheers on the big screen! Students get a crown in class, go to the prize box, and read a book with their pare nts on Zoom.
“Ms. McKnight is a very kind teacher who does a good job teaching us how to sing Joshua 1:9.” — Luke Petcho
Thanks to our photographers Emma Bailey Imogen Baker Hank Bentley Gracie Boone Reed Butkus Meriwether Campbell Mills Conley Aja Neve Dimitroff Griffin DuPriest Caroline Gould
Vehaan Gupta Julian Harris Parker McGlown Grace Metcalf Davis Murphy Mary Claire Patterson Luke Petcho Milania Smith Elizabeth Warren Bond Williams
“Reflex is a math game that helps us learn our facts. You have to answer them fast. This means you’re fluent!” — Mary Claire Patterson
An extra iPhone set up in the middle of the class room gives remote learners another view. Remote learners even get assigned a “classroom buddy” who helps them participate in class. “If you are on Zoom and learning from home, you get to take more breaks at home, and you don’t have to do carpool.” — Parker McGlown
Everyone enjoyed using their imagination to draw their shoes for this question: If your feet could take you anywhere, where would you go?
The charging station gets a lot of use this year. A “technology helper” is responsible for ! making sure everything is charged and ready
Every morning, the class tracks the day of the month and the number of days they’ve been in school.
WESTMINSTER | 41
“We love using our iPads, but sometimes it is difficult to wear headphones AND our mask.” — Griffin DuPriest
Morning free-time is time to create! Waffle blocks can turn into all sorts of things—even ice cream sandwiches!
Every student has a yoga mat, which makes a great place to stretch out and work on math skills!
42 | Spring 2021
Lower Schoolers still gather for assemblies, just on Zoom! Students all over the building tune in from their classrooms.
“You can really see how we hold our pencil in this picture! Handwriting is important because you need your writing to be neat so people can understand you.”— Gracie Boone
You can make anything with your imagination and some construction sticks—even a woodpecker! “I used tiny pieces to make it stand up on the bottom and at the top to make the eye. It can tap just like a woodpecker.” — Vehaan Gupta
Students eat lunch at their desks this year and take a few other “mask breaks” throughout the day. “It’s nice to take a mask break sometimes—you just have to be mindful of others.” — Grace Metcalf
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Wildcat Wayfinding
Westminster Debuts New Campus Map Westminster’s campus, with its more than 180 acres and dozens of academic, athletic, and arts spaces, can be challenging to navigate for even the most seasoned Wildcat. To make it easier to access for families, alumni, and visitors, the School launched a new interactive campus map online! Here, we highlight a few features and a handful of the more than 100 places included.
Using the Campus Map
Tools for Campus Newcomers The map features the entire trail and every athletic venue with turn-by-turn driving directions—handy for families, alumni, and visiting teams alike!
Step-by-Step Directions With the online map, you can use the Wayfinding tool to show walkable, ADA-compliant pathways between any two locations on campus.
Detailed Descriptions and Fun Facts The new map provides detailed descriptions of named spaces across campus that were made possible by generous donors.
Scan this QR code to go directly to the new campus map!
Kosh Trail The 1.9-mile trail, named for beloved cross country coach Paul Koshewa, circles the Westminster campus and is a favorite of students, faculty, and community members.
Stembler Amphitheatre Like many outdoor spaces, Stembler Amphitheatre has been frequently used this year during the COVID-19 pandemic. The amphitheatre, named in memory of 1931 Washington Seminary graduate Kathrine Boothe Jenkins Stembler, has been home to band and orchestra performances, Middle School classes, and outdoor gatherings.
Parking Deck The addition of a 400-space parking deck has made it easier to quickly park and walk to your destination on campus!
Barge Commons The map is a valuable tool for everyone in the community and helps you discover every area of campus with ease, particularly our new spaces like Barge Commons and Hawkins Hall.
EXPLORE AND BOOKMARK THE MAP: WESTMINSTER.NET/CAMPUS-MAP WESTMINSTER | 45
New Trustees Our new trustees are business and community leaders who have attained great success in their fields of commercial real estate, hospitality, science, and Christian ministry. They share a commitment to serving and improving our School as well as the greater community. Get to know a little bit about them here! By Regina Wood Advancement Associate, Alumni and Parent Engagement
Westminster WiredCats supporter
Once won a Pillsbury Bake-Off with her honey wheat bread
Marilyn’s favorite quote: “Passion is one great force that unleashes creativity, because if you are passionate about something, then you are more willing to take risks.” — Yo-Yo Ma
Dr. Marilyn Black P ’06, ’91, ’93, GP Finance Committee Marilyn Black is new to the Board of Trustees; however, she has been supporting the Westminster community for more than 30 years as a parent and grandparent. She is the founder of Air Quality Sciences and the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute as well as the Vice President and Senior Technical and Strategic Advisor for Underwriters Laboratories Inc. As a leader in the study of the impact of chemical and biological pollution on human health, Marilyn is passionate about the ability of science to improve quality of life for people everywhere. Marilyn and her husband Jim established and endowed The Fund for Robotics, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship to support robotics in all three Westminster divisions in 2018. Of accepting the position on the Board of Trustees, Marilyn says: “I am so excited and honored to be on the Board. I look forward to supporting actions that continue to enrich our students’ knowledge and experiences and maintain Westminster’s position as a premier educational institution.”
Don Childress Who would Don invite as his first guests if he hosted a talk show? Entrepreneur Elon Musk, Eagles lead singer Don Henley, and Pulitzer Prizewinning historian and author David McCullough
Skiing in Vail is a favorite family tradition
46 | Spring 2021
Enjoys piloting airplanes
P ’22
Finance Committee New Trustee Don Childress is co-founder and senior managing partner of Childress Klein Properties, one of the largest private commercial real estate firms in the Southeast. During his four-decade career, Don has made a significant imprint on greater Atlanta and the Southeast by navigating the unexpected in real estate as well as committing to invest his time and talent to volunteer in areas that directly improve the community, particularly in areas of education. As part of the Board, Don says he “looks forward to collaboration with fellow Trustees in order to advance the mission and strategic plan of Westminster.” He and his wife Sidney are parents to six children. Their son Preston is in the Westminster Class of 2022.
NEW TRUSTEES
Tim Tassopoulos Has taught Sunday School for more than 35 years
Began his career with Chick-fil-A as a restaurant team member more than 40 years ago
Tim on his favorite recent read, Ego is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday: “This book provides insights to our most vexing current problems that hold us back from making greater contributions to our families, our businesses, and our communities.”
P ’14, ’16
Finance Committee Tim Tassopoulos entered the workforce at age 17 as an hourly employee at Chick-fil-A and quickly discovered that he loved having a positive influence on the customer experience as well as collaborating with his teammates. More than 40 years later, Tim continues to find joy in serving others—now as President and Chief Operating Officer of Chick-fil-A. He sits on the board of several academic and youth development organizations. “I am most interested in the development of future scholars and community leaders as the outcome of the student experience at Westminster,” Tim says of joining our Board. “I believe the pursuit of Westminster’s Christian mission and the School's commitment of service to the entire community will enhance the lives of students in meaningful and long-lasting ways.” Many Wildcat students may recognize Tim’s wife, Maria, from her many years as a library assistant in the Middle School! Tim and Maria are parents to two Westminster alumni, Luke ’14 and Nicholas ’16.
Rev. Dr. Scott Weimer P ’02, ’05
Chair, Christian Mission Committee; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
Pastimes include skydiving and riding motorcycles
Scott on what he has learned from his travels: “The greatest gift in my travel is the realization that loving and openhearted people can be found without much effort, even in the midst of life’s most difficult conditions.”
#1 University of Kansas fan
With more than 35 years of service to the church and community, returning Trustee Scott Weimer remains steadfast in his commitment to making an impact where he serves. Scott led Atlanta’s historic North Avenue Presbyterian Church as senior pastor for 22 years and has already served several terms as a Westminster Trustee. Scott notes “the gift of friendship and collegiality with truly remarkable people” as driving forces for his continued service with the Board of Trustees. When speaking of his current term, Scott says: “I hope to guide the Christian Mission Committee to be of full support to the president and his leadership team as they keenly interpret the Christian mission in light of current and future changes in society and culture.” As a 1977 graduate of the University of Kansas, Scott is proud to be an avid Jayhawks fan and is sure to bring that number-one-fan enthusiasm to the Westminster Board as he advocates for all Wildcats. After retiring from North Avenue, Scott founded a non-profit to help end the stigma, shame, and silence surrounding mental health issues.
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WILDCAT DEN
Fall 2020 Sports By Katie Trainor Assistant Director of Athletics The Wildcats returned to the fields, the courts, and the trail with determination in the 2020-21 school year. All our fall sports teams made it to state tournaments after regular-season play, with the Cats bringing home three championships. Read more about the ways our student-athletes adjusted to COVID-19 safety measures on page 30.
Boys Cross Country
For the fourth consecutive year, the Wildcats are state champions! The Cats were led by three top-10 finishers: Matthew Fernando ’22, Joseph Jacquot ’24, and Noah Chen ’22. Whitaker Swann ’22, Jack Ramsey ’22, Justice Jacquot ’22, and Esfan Daya ’24 all finished in the top 25 to propel the team to victory. The state title is the 29th in program history. For his efforts this season, Matthew received Atlanta Track Club All-Metro honors.
Girls Cross Country
Eight is great! For the eighth straight year, the girls cross country team are state champions! Westminster narrowly beat Oconee County by eight points after two Wildcat runners left the championship race with injuries. The efforts of Janie Cooper ’22, Palmer Walstad ’23, Meredy Jackson ’23, Neal Kincheloe ’22, and Ella Wallace ’23—who all placed in the top 20—secured the Sisterhood’s 33rd state title in program history. For their efforts, Janie and Palmer earned AAA All-State honors.
Football
The Wildcats earned a trip to the state tournament for the 14th straight season. Highlights of the regular season included a win against rival Pace to open the season, beating the Knights for the fifth meeting in a row. The Cats also handed St. Pius X its only regular season loss with an exciting 27-24 win on the road. Connor Weselman ’21 and Alex Bacchetta ’22 earned Class AAA first team All-State honors, and Lowell Jones ’21 and Holden Staes ’22 earned honorable mention All-State honors. Those four players, plus Kiran Gadde ’21 and Phillips Moore ’24, received All-Region honors, with Phillips named Region 5-AAA Freshman of the Year.
Softball
The Wildcats advanced to the state tournament for a ninth straight year after finishing the regular season as the Region 5-AAA runner-up. The Wildcats were led by Jenna Brown ’21, who earned first team All-Region honors, and Julia Rhee ’21, who was named the Region Player of the Year. In addition, Jordan Corley ’23, Elle Shores ’21, and Caroline Rawls ’23 picked up All-Region honors.
48 | Spring 2021
STATE CHAMPIONS!
Even with enhanced COVID safety protocols, including practicing and competing in masks, the Wildcats brought home the gold in three fall sports: girls and boys cross country and volleyball. The Cats look to continue that streak for the remainder of the school year and seek redemption for the abruptly canceled spring 2020 season. Follow the Wildcats in action on our athletics-only Twitter account @WestminsterATH.
Volleyball
The Wildcats are state champions! For the second straight year, Westminster cruised through the first four rounds of the state tournament without losing a set, and that trend continued in the championship match against Morgan County. The disciplined Wildcats defeated the Bulldogs 3-0, securing the program’s 12th state championship and first since 2016. The VolleyCats were led by Class AAA Co-Players of the Year Chloe Emch ’21 and Mary Emily Morgan ’21. Ashley Vincent ’22 was named to the All-State team, and Elena Karas ’21 earned All-State honorable mention. The program ended the season ranked fourth in Georgia among all high school classifications and in the top 50 nationally.
WESTMINSTER | 49
THE WESTMINSTER FUND
Thank You,
Westminster Fund Volunteers
Each gift to The Westminster Fund has an immediate impact on the student experience every day. From hand sanitizing stations to top-of-the-line technology to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, The Westminster Fund touches every area of student life. We are grateful for the volunteers whose dedication empowers the School to meet the challenges we face, together.
Campaign Leadership Trustee Chair: Rahul Patel Parent Giving Chairs: Emi Shaffer Gragnani ’95 and Michael Gragnani Alumni Giving Chair: Catherine Humann Callaway ’03 Parent Giving Chairs-Elect: Kathleen and Paul Eidbo Grandparent Giving Chairs: Susie and Bob Buck
Alumni Volunteers Leadership Giving Committee
John Adams ’78 Wiley Ballard ’12 Kenneth Franklin ’00 Henry Grady ’80 Kealy Hartman ’10 Preston Moister ’99 Jill Reid ’07 Franklin Sacha ’08 Mary Dickinson Trammel ’95 Susan Ayres Watson ’83
Class of 1990
Lillian Kim Ivansco Laura Hudson Richards Harrison Roberts John Wheeler Blake Young
Class of 1992
Mary Beth Farr Hutchison Jessica Golden Royko
Class of 1993
Rachel Derr Dickert Amye Walters Evertz
Class of 1994 Tres Carpenter Rob Lathan
Class of 1995
Neale Fisher Rob Henson Nancy Dhue Suh Chris Suh Stephanie McClelland Walstad
Class of 1997
William Kitchens
Class of 1998
Class of 1982
Nathan Kitchens Wade Rakes
Class of 1984
Allison Strueber Dyer Esther Hong
Claude Hemphill Ken Lindeman Judith Anderson Vanderver
Class of 1985
Tillman Douglas
Class of 1988
Kim Maziar Hockstein Deborah Koenig Raptis Matt Tarkenton
Class of 1989
John Beach Randi Tumlin Bevington
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Hank Farmer
Class of 2004
Harrison Anthony Kristen Peifer Dobbs Jonathan Sangster
Class of 2005
Thompson Rawls
Class of 2007
Stephanie Newton Bedard Caroline Warren Montgomery
Class of 2009
Crawford Long Catherine Ellis Lukens
Class of 2010 William Barber Taylor Fischer Alex Puskas
Class of 2012
Chris Greenberg Graham Hill
Class of 2013 Mihika Kohli Nigel Walker
Class of 2014
Class of 1999
Tommy Fort Michael He Liza Linginfelter Maggie Wellborn
Class of 2000
Parent Volunteers
Class of 2002
Jen and Paul Bennecke Bliss and Blake Campbell Ingrid Baker and Michael Chlopek April and Brian Crow Tom and Elizabeth Hawk Jessica Pardi and Bobby Lanier
Spencer Boice Madison Kitchens Jana Dopson Illston Lee Peifer Ellen Richter Julia Woodward Spaht
Class of 2003 Sam Adams Palmer Dobbs
Leadership Giving Committee
Anjeli and Raj Laungani Maryna and Charles Murdock Keven and Leslie Patterson Deanna and Robert Pham Amy and Murray Reavis Michelle and Benton Routh Emily and Rene Sauerteig Heather and Tedd Sellers Nalini Singh and Sanjay Sood Jennifer and David Tetrick
Pre-First (Class of 2033) Emily and Rene Sauerteig Rachel and Chris Routledge Melissa and Austin Merritt Marni and Julian Mohr ’92 Kara and Brian Mylod
1st Grade (Class of 2032)
Taylor Hudson Butkus ’02 and Michael Butkus ’02 Jenn and Matt Gould Amy and Chris Lea Lauren and Mark Lindenbaum
2nd Grade (Class of 2031)
Amy and Jay Harrison Maggie McCune Fuller ’98 and Ross Fuller ’96 Anne and Martin Stephenson ’99 Jackie and Patrick Wallace
3rd Grade (Class of 2030) Mina and Moizz Jooma Carrie Shankle Kitchin ’92 and John Kitchin ’92 Beth and Tarik Lalwani Rachel and Jay Mepani
4th Grade (Class of 2029) Baade Lucas Wilson ’94 and Roger Wilson Laura Kibler Crim ’95 and Clay Crim Ellie Binford Croggon ’92 and Marc Croggon
THE WESTMINSTER FUND
Volunteers Share Why They Give
Westminster Fund volunteers sent 8,649 emails last year sharing reasons they give back to the School—both financially and with their time. Here is just a small sampling: “Much of the donated money from alumni goes to truly vital and worthwhile functions at the school, including support of teacher salaries, COVID-19 testing for students and teachers, funding scholarships to ensure that future students are able to benefit from the same amazing education we enjoyed, and the school’s critical new equity and diversity initiatives.” —William Kitchens ’97 “When I look back at my experiences as a Westminster student, I can’t help but feel overwhelmed at the opportunities I received so early in my life. For me, WCAT gave me invaluable learning experience as a broadcaster. Meanwhile, both my younger brother and sister seized opportunities to travel abroad and have
Ashley and Shawn Hall Maryna and Charles Murdock Sara and John Nastopoulos ’94 Mary Susan and John Wheeler ’90
5th Grade (Class of 2028) Jane Levings Emily and Lance Garrison Chambless and Tony Kalka Lynne and James Rankin
6th Grade (Class of 2027)
Carolyn and Joe Patterson Ashley and Shawn Hall Denise and Vern Hendrix ’80 Jessica Pardi and Bobby Lanier Shannon and Jeff Sugarman ’91 Susan and Thomas Carroll ’92 Efua and Patrick Egbe
7th Grade (Class of 2026)
Michelle and Benton Routh Windsor and Bo Adams Stephanie and Brian Adams '92 Ashley and Lloyd Bell Millay and Bill Chappell Laura Kibler Crim ’95 and Clay Crim Kappy Kellet deButts ’94 and William deButts Urvashi and Omar Damji Tossy and Adam Fogle ’93 Gabriela Olivo-Goss and Ryan Goss
shown interest in international careers. Most importantly, many of the most fulfilling relationships in my life today began at Westminster.” —Wiley Ballard ’12 “As an alum and now a Westminster parent, I have been amazed to watch my first grade son growing emotionally, socially, and academically at school every day. Westminster isn’t just maintaining its high academic standards; it’s growing and changing with the needs and demands of the world we live in. We are always glad to make our annual gift in support of Westminster since they do so much to support my son, our family, and the community at large.” —Karen King ’01 P ’32
Kristen and Lee Hunter ’90 Huma and Syed Ishaqui Hamid Montazeri Jennifer and Kreg Nichols Jeannie and Bennett Sands Jennifer and Brian Schumacher Whitney and Bryan Hill Tiffany and Rich Kent
8th Grade (Class of 2025)
Ellen and Buck Wiley Elizabeth and Andy Ausband Tyler and Jessica Dempsey Elizabeth and Taylor Fairman Mary Ayres and Richard Griggs Angelina and Leo Loughead Wilson and David Overend ’92 Allison and Brad Watkins Kristen and Cliff Willimon
9th Grade (Class of 2024)
Ann and Charlie Henn ’91 Lisa and Randy Alexander Molly Pinkerton Caine ’88 and Matt Caine Beth and Teague Hunter ’91 Marni and Julian Mohr ’92 Lynn and Charlie Morgan Christine and David Quillian ’85 Jenn and Boykin Robinson Annie Hou and Yandong Su Jessie and Tim Xia
10th Grade (Class of 2023) Tjuani and Lawrence Marks Carmen and Jason Chartrand Myra and Brent Stamps Elise and Dan Carbonara John and Laura Pemberton
11th Grade (Class of 2022)
Michele and Ransom James ’92 Kelly and Mike Bernot Jessica Dobresk Bradley ’92 and Rush Bradley ’92 Millar Effinger Freeman ’89 and Matt Freeman Natalie and Tripp Solomon ’86 Libby and Bruce Wanamaker
12th Grade (Class of 2021)
Charlita Stephens-Walker Lana and Cannon Alsobrook Theresa Cho-Bergeron and Christopher Bergeron Kathy and George Bird ’88 Colleen and David Blau Jane and Chris Logie Vanessa and Archie Roberts ’87 Carla and Russ Sklenka Grade chairs are listed in bold.
WESTMINSTER | 51
Looking Back
What a Year!
Retired History Faculty Reflect on the World’s Most Enduring Years By Jane Lauderdale Armstrong ’74 Future historians will speak of 2020 for years to come, but there have been many years when political, cultural, scientific, natural, and religious occurrences made a lasting impact on civilization. We caught up with several of our retired history teachers to ask them their thoughts on the events of other years that had an enduring effect on society.
Florrie Corley 33 CE
Florrie Corley is still living in her Victorian house in Marietta, which fortunately has wide porches for socially distanced family gatherings. Of late, she has done more than 50 jigsaw puzzles, and she has been reading for her book club and Shakespeare class, both of which now meet on Zoom. 33 CE marks the year of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, whose life changed the way we dated the calendar. The crucifixion led to the formation of the Christian religion that offered salvation and hope to believers.
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Jill Allen 1440
Jill writes: “For the first time since I was five, I am not tied to a school calendar, so I wanted to travel when others were in school and I wasn’t. During the first 10 months of retirement before COVID appeared, my husband and I enjoyed eight cruises, even meeting with two of my former students and their parents in Barcelona. We also moved from our home of 21 years to be closer to our three grandsons. The invention of the Gutenberg printing press in 1440 certainly changed the world and society. As an educator, I can’t help but recognize the importance of making knowledge accessible to all, and not just to a select few. This invention revolutionized communication, making scientific, religious, political, and other types of information readily available. In fact, the development of technology and our ability to read the information in this magazine, prepared with the click of a key, can be credited back to Gutenberg’s invention.
Wade Boggs 1598
Wade writes: As often as possible, my wife Julie ’69 (retired from the Lower School) and I visit our daughter Jennifer ’96, her husband Patrick, and our two grandsons in Washington, DC; our son Hamilton ’01, his wife Samantha, and our three grandsons in Denver; and our daughter Dorothy ’98 in London. In 1598, Henry IV of France announced the Edict of Nantes, in the midst of European religious wars, to give French Calvinists (the Huguenots) fortified towns that would guarantee a degree of security and toleration in a predominantly Catholic country. Alas, the edict was undermined over the years and finally revoked by Louis XVIII in 1685, but it was a beacon of religious and general toleration in a challenging time for France and Europe amid religious warfare from 1517-1648. It’s still a beacon of toleration for me.
Fred Young 1688
Fred writes: “Karin and I are gratefully enjoying hiking here in the Smokies and reveling in the matchless beauty of God’s creation. Visiting and hosting our sons, daughters-in-law, and our eight grandchildren (one of whom just arrived in March) has been particularly rewarding.” The English Glorious Revolution of 1688 was a signal event in the history of that country, and the consequent changes in English law, governance, and politics led to major advances for representative government, religious and political liberty, and increased economic freedom. The Glorious Revolution set a superb example for the American Founding Fathers, a priceless inheritance that must be cherished and safeguarded for future generations.
LOOKING BACK
Scoot Dimon ’70 1787
Scoot writes: “Life is good here in Naples, Florida. Maggie, Rambler, and I are all healthy in the southwest Florida sunshine, and we follow the Cats on WCAT!” I love 1787 because that’s the year James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, George Washington, and the Founding Fathers met in Philadelphia to write the Constitution. It is probably the greatest expression of democratic government in the history of the world, and it still guides this great country to this very day. Go Cats!
Rick Byrd 1803
Rick writes: “Martha and I are making the most of our retirement here in Fairhope, Alabama. We take walks, enjoy going to the public park by Mobile Bay, and love having no alarm clocks. I play a bit of tennis and read. I enjoy meeting George Lamplugh, Jack Pickard, and Dave Drake at our 'Zoom Pub.'” In 1803, the United States chose to become an imperial power by making the Louisiana Purchase. At the time, the US had not solved the issue of how to deal with a growing racial minority. Entering 1803, slavery had been the Republic’s solution, yet Jefferson proclaimed that the Purchase would create an “Empire of Liberty.” New Orleans, the real raison d’etre for the Purchase, had slavery, but also had the largest free Black population in North America and an extremely diverse and sophisticated society.
Jack Pickard 1860
George Lamplugh 1945
Jack and his wife, Pat, have taken a couple of major trips per year (at least before the pandemic). They also enjoy reading, keeping up with friends, and spending time with their four grandchildren, ages 3-6.
George Lamplugh began a blog, “Retired But Not Shy: Doing History After Leaving the Classroom,” in 2010, which is still going strong, 200+ posts later (find it at georgelamplugh. com). He has also published two books on Georgia history.
The year that comes to mind is 1860, which saw the election of a new president whose legitimacy was challenged by much of the nation. The issue of slavery, which divided the nation, seemed irreconcilable and beyond the reach of compromise. In 2020, we are again struggling to find common ground and to find the language to speak to those who disagree with us. We are also reminded that echoes of that era still resonate in our politics today.
Because of how WWII ended in 1945 (Hiroshima and Nagasaki), the world was ushered into the “Atomic Age,” featuring a “Cold War” that taught all of us who grew up then to “love the bomb.” The Atomic Age also has included “small” wars (Korea, Vietnam, the Middle East); more recently, our ongoing War on Terror; and a far-reaching movement that’s easy to overlook but should not be, decolonization in Africa and Asia.
Dave Drake ’61 1915
During 2020, Dave Drake has stayed busy reading, working puzzles, and exercising every day. I am choosing 1915. World War I started in 1914, but by 1915 everyone knows the notions of a quick victory are gone. The world will never be the same after this war. It is the prelude to World War II and many future wars. In America, the controversial Birth of a Nation inflames racial tensions.
Nancy Beane 1965
Retiring during the pandemic has been "surreal," but it has given Nancy Beane the chance to spend time with her husband and their dog, and to see their daughter, Kathryn ’97, more frequently. She is serving on the boards for The Cathedral Preschool in Atlanta and Theological Horizons at the University of Virginia. Several important efforts in 1965 toward promoting a better life for all in the United States included the Selma March for civil rights; congressional approval of the Immigration and Naturalization Act and Voting Rights Act; Medicare; and the implementation of the Great Society Program. While many of the problems addressed by those steps still remain today, all were significant then and still greatly impact our lives today.
Dot MacFarlane 1991
Dot MacFarlane moved to Canterbury Court a few years ago and has enjoyed connecting with so many from the Westminster family, including faculty members and parents or grandparents of children she had the privilege of teaching during her 27 years at Westminster. I am selecting 1991 as the year that had a pivotal impact on society, when the breakup of the Soviet Union transformed the global landscape of politics, economics, and military alliances. For most of our lives, we rallied to “Beat the Russians” in the space race, the Cold War, and even the hockey and gymnastics competitions of the Olympic Games. The United States continues to experience an unsettling balance of power with Russia, especially with the nuclear arms race. With so much at risk, time will only tell if we can turn this volatile relationship into a healthier and more constructive one. Jane Lauderdale Armstrong ’74 is a lifelong Wildcat—alumna, teacher, and daughter of David Lauderdale, one of our School’s earliest faculty members. She combines her love for Westminster’s history and her penchant for the written word to write profiles about retired faculty members for each issue of Westminster Magazine.
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School Days By Pamela Nye, Director of Archives Teaching and learning in the middle of a pandemic is nothing new for the alumni of Westminster’s predecessor schools, Washington Seminary and North Avenue Presbyterian School. NAPS and Washington Seminary were closed for three weeks during the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic beginning on October 8, 1918. Students made up the missed classroom instruction in June 1919. A few days before the temporary closure, Washington Seminary students contributed “hundreds of packages” along with Agnes Scott College students to provide an early “Christmas” to recovering soldiers at Camp Gordon. They were to miss more instruction in the 1919-1920 school year, when a second wave hit Atlanta during the colder months. While this is the first pandemic the Westminster community is experiencing firsthand, it is important to note the valuable contributions school nurses have provided to our community throughout the years, including the first school blood drive in the 1977-78 school year.
WESTMINSTER
1990s file photo: Nurse Theresa Dean checks the temperature of a student.
1969 Lynx yearbook: Julie Black Boggs ’69 participated in a research program at the CDC in Atlanta during the summer of 1968 before her senior year. She would later serve as a dorm supervisor in the early part of her career at Westminster and often helped boarding students with minor health and safety issues!
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1978 Lynx yearbook: Mrs. Herbert W. Smith, the first school nurse at Westminster, helped to organize the School’s first Red Cross Blood Drive with the Boys Student Council. Involving a third of the School’s student body, a grand total of 132 units of blood were collected during this drive, far surpassing the original goal of 90 units of blood.
LOOKING BACK
WASHINGTON SEMINARY
1942 Facts and Fancies yearbook: Miss Estelle Martin (Latin) and Mademoiselle Madelein Groleau (French) helped out with the Junior Red Cross Council. During World War I, Estelle served in France with the American Red Cross Unit. She was the faculty advisor for the Junior Red Cross for many years. The archives staff would welcome a positive identification of the individual at far right in the photo. The year after this photo, the Junior Red Cross Council celebrated its 25th anniversary.
1919 Facts and Fancies yearbook: Miss Julia Memminger, Class of 1921, was a sophomore when she shared her thoughts on Saturday school, one of the ways Washington Seminary made up for lost instructional time.
NORTH AVENUE PRESBYTERIAN SCHOOL
1918 Napsonian yearbook: By the time of the printing of the 1918 Napsonian, the Spanish flu had not yet arrived. This illustration of a nurse was intended more to capture the spirit of nursing the WWI soldiers back to health, but it makes for an appropriate image of the time.
1919 Napsonian yearbook: Sophomores took part in the newly formed Red Cross Dietetics class and received their certificates from the National Committee on Dietitian Service of the Red Cross, established in 1916. Uniforms were provided through the Red Cross because they were serving with Red Cross-sponsored hospitals.
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Alumni News Dear Alumni, When I reflect on the past year, I am struck by the number of “first times” we have all experienced. We have been asked to step out of our comfort zones and take numerous risks, not only in our personal lives but also professionally. As an alumni relations team, my colleagues and I have also had the opportunity to rethink our work and take a few leaps of faith. Prior to 2019, schools and universities had merely tested the “virtual waters,” but the pandemic forced us all to lean into the discomfort and try new methods. Our programs and engagement opportunities have looked different and tested our creativity (we never pictured ourselves holding a virtual Reunion 5K instead of a barbecue!). But, if we are honest with ourselves, we have seen many benefits. One benefit has been seeing new faces from all over the world—the Class of 1976 Virtual Happy Hour had classmates join from Singapore and Nicaragua! Our new virtual tools and strategies have also made it easier for our alumni to participate in recurring opportunities like our Golden Wildcats’ memoir class. The economic uncertainty that COVID-19 brought made it an imperative to launch WildcatsWork, an online career platform for alumni to connect,
network, and hire other Westminster alumni. We hope this opportunity will create alumni-to-alumni connections that enhance the Wildcat community. We still remain hopeful that we will be able to gather again in person soon but are extremely grateful for the new connections we have formed with many of you. I hope you continue to find value in being engaged with the Alumni Association through our traditional events and new opportunities.
Warm Regards,
Brooke Boothby
Director of Alumni and Parent Engagement
Save the Date for Homecoming Weekend!
October 1–2, 2021 We hope to celebrate Homecoming on campus this fall if public health guidelines permit. Mark your calendar, and keep an eye on your inbox for more information as we draw closer to October! 56 | Spring 2021
An Update On the Black Alumni Council Westminster’s Black Alumni Council, formed in summer 2020, has developed mission and vision statements that express the ways the group plans to support students and Westminster’s 500+ Black alumni.
VISION
MISSION
To transform the Wildcat experience by being catalysts for connections and community so all Black Wildcats are valued and embraced for their authentic selves.
The Black Alumni Council exists to support Westminster in fulfilling its call for equity and inclusivity by striving to produce a thriving and vibrant community that embraces all members and produces leaders who lead with compassion and integrity, by pursuing the following aims:
Reconciliation • Re-Engagement Representation • Recruitment • Renewal
“In Transforming the Elite, which chronicles some of the institutional and interpersonal racism the pioneering first Black students at Westminster endured in the 1960s and 1970s, author Michelle Purdy aptly captures Westminster’s ‘complex and contradictory history.’ So, from the stated aims of reconciliation to renewal, the Westminster Black Alumni Council—serving 500+ Black graduates—created mission and vision statements that speak to the wisdom and stature required of us all to meet the moment and lead the way to the future.”
— Ira Jackson ’83, Black Alumni Council member
Listen to the Stories of Black Alumni The Black Alumni Council’s inaugural community event, “The Shared Experiences of Black Alumni,” premiered via video at the end of February. Three alumni, interviewed by friends and family members, share about their Westminster years and their personal and career journeys since graduation.
Corliss Blount Denman ’73 interviewed by Mary Friday Leadbetter ’74
Michael Russell ’82 interviewed by Michael Russell Jr. ’12
Dr. Shirley Thompson ’88 interviewed by Idara Bassey ’87
Watch one or all of these interviews online at westminster.net/wildcats-for-equity WESTMINSTER | 57
Alumni Events and Reunions
Talk about reinvention! Alumni stepped up to host virtual events with the Alumni Association that engaged fellow Wildcats around the world. From a workshop helping Wildcats tell their life stories to trivia nights testing the collective knowledge of our Reunion classes, these hosts have brought our community online events that teach us and connect us!
Memoir Writing Workshop: Your Good Life, One Story at a Time Golden Wildcats told their life stories in a four-part memoir writing workshop led by Susie Soper ’64, a journalist and writing coach who serves on Westminster's Alumni Governing Board.
“Our four sessions together were wonderful to me. I enjoyed every memory that each participant read or shared and the conversations that ensued as a result. It reinforces to me the top quality of Westminster and what it gave us.” — Mike Harris ’64
The Upside of Stress Dr. Anna Bacon Moore ’89, Westminster's Director of Student Support, led a virtual wellness workshop for alumni living in our chapter cities—NYC, DC, and San Francisco. Participants practiced strategies to enhance mental health during times of ongoing hardship.
Coping Tip: COVID-19 has been a disruptive life event. Since our brains are wired to be threat-focused, try to balance awareness of threat and focus on the future. Questions you might ask yourself include: How have you grown from this event? What might you carry forward that has enriched your life during this time?
Beyond the Gates: Think Globally, Vote Locally Alumni joined Patricia Murphy ’89, “Political Insider” for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, for an in-depth look at the importance of local elections and the impact they have on national politics.
Did You Know: You can preview your ballot! Be sure to review your ballot online before you go to the voting booth. In Georgia, use the Secretary of State’s website! Your state representatives are accessible and want to hear from you! Constituents have the opportunity to contact their state representatives directly—if you have questions or concerns, reach out to them! State legislators are (sort of) just like us! State legislators are only in session 40 days per year in Georgia. When they aren’t in session, they attend to their regular day jobs and lead a normal life. 58 | Spring 2021
ALUMNI NEWS
Trivia Nights While living in New York City, Yates Webb ’10 enjoyed hosting trivia in local restaurants and bars. When he transitioned to hosting on Zoom, word of his trivia nights spread among our alumni community, and he has now hosted several trivia nights for our Reunion classes, Young Alumni Council, and alumni chapters!
Trivia Questions: Q: Who wrote the official state song “Georgia on My Mind,” made popular by Ray Charles in the 1960s but originally composed in 1930? Q: Vegemite is a popular Australian spread made of what primary ingredient? Q: What is the technical name for the hashtag symbol (#)? A: Hoagy Carmichael | A: Leftover brewer’s yeast | A: Octothorpe
Reunions Go Virtual! 2021 Reunions—a celebration like no other! Reunion alumni have brought some of their favorite activities from Reunion Weekend online, as well as new experiences to reconnect with classmates and Westminster faculty virtually.
A few of our new opportunities:
REZOOM YOUR STUDIES: A chance to return to the classroom (via Zoom) for a lesson with a favorite teacher!
CAMPUS DRIVETHROUGH: A drive down memory lane for Atlanta-area Reunion alumni to pick up Reunion swag bags and see how campus has changed!
VIRTUAL 5K: Not just for the cross country team! Wildcats everywhere challenged their classmates to a little friendly competition.
Visit westminster.net/reunions to see coverage of Reunion activities! WESTMINSTER | 59
Class News From travel to making Westminster connections to exciting career moves, the Wildcat Nation never sits still—enjoy reading about what your fellow Wildcats have been up to! Be part of the fun—visit westminster.net/class-news to submit your updates for the next issue. This issue reflects Class News reported through January 31, 2021.
1952
1 Patricia Emerson writes, “For the last four years, I have had a pink lemonade tea party for the children in my neighborhood. Usually this was the first Saturday in June, but this year because of the virus, it took me until August to come up with a way to have a ‘virus-safe birthday party.’ I ended up hosting the party outside on the first Saturday in August, which also happened to be my 86th birthday! I enjoyed seeing the children from our neighborhood.”
his two children, Lilly and Brayden. I enjoy hearing about the activities of my Freeman and Harris great-nieces and nephews at Westminster.”
1963
1953
Tyler Burge writes, “I am publishing my second of two selfstanding books in philosophy (in addition to several books of essays, including Foundations of Mind and Cognition Through Understanding). The first self-standing book was Origins of Objectivity. The second will be Perception: First Form of Mind—going into print sometime in the first half of this year. I have been at University of California, Los Angeles since 1971. My wife Dorli Moder Burge ’66 of 53 years is retired, having worked as a clinical psychologist. She enjoys singing, photography, and cooking. I am still teaching, waiting out the pandemic. We are ready to get back to traveling! Stay well, all!”
1958
Eleanor Howell Effinger writes, “We are delighted to have six grandchildren at Westminster. The School is doing the best it can during this pandemic. Teachers and administration should be recognized and appreciated! Not to mention coaches with the unpredictable seasons!”
In 1970, Helene Mewborn founded Atlanta's first photography club, The Atlanta Photography Club (originally known as The Alpine Camera Club). The club now has more than 100 members, hosts annual events, and recently published a special 50th anniversary book filled with members' outstanding photography. Helene has generously donated copies of the book to Westminster's library and the Atlanta History Center. Alan Elsas writes, “I am happy to announce that I and several of my ’58 classmates crossed the 80-year (not finish) line with flying colors. I have been in touch with Tony Askew, Steve Barnett, Bill Darby, Slocum Howland, Jim (Yards) King, Hicks Lanier, John Porter, Ronny Rogers, and Tom Wilkins. They all send their best regards! We are all happy to be very much alive and kicking. Also happy to be loyal Wildcats!” Mary Litton Lloyd writes, “Can't believe it has been 63 years since our class, the first to attend Westminster from 8th through 12th grade, graduated. A few years ago, I walked around the campus to see how it had changed. All I can say about that is ‘WOW!’ My education has served me well. My love for reading has also. I managed to earn a BS, AS, and masters degree with the help of that base. Thank you, Westminster.”
1962
Lindy Howell Rogers writes, “Like most people, we did not travel this past year, other than to our cabin in Blue Ridge and a house in Florida. My daughter Cindy Bishop ’88 visited for a month in October and we spent time with daughter Callie Bishop Fuller’s family here. We Skyped with my son Ken and
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Ken Fisher Gearon writes, “I am moving to a senior citizen community in Buckhead this spring. Three other girls from our class will be living there as well. We will grow older together!”
1968
2 Larry Lipman writes, “It's Zumba time at LA Fitness. Of course, I'm the one with the polka dot cap—getting ready to have a blast!”
1970
After 17 years on OB/GYN faculty at Stanford and 17 years retired in Atlanta, Hal Holbrook was diagnosed with Stage IV gastric cancer last year and has undergone 18 months of treatment at Emory. He is double-board certified in both OB/GYN and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, from Boston University and the University of California at San Francisco. He has delivered many babies and saved many by intrauterine blood transfusion as early as 22 weeks. He hopes to make it to July to shoot off more fireworks and says hello to Perry, Tom Warren, Tom Anderson and others.
CLASS NEWS
1972
3 Tim Mescon writes, “Lauren and I have enjoyed our six+ years in Amsterdam and seeing Westminster alums on their travels across Europe. Great fun in November 2020 running in the ‘virtual’ Peachtree Road Race on Thanksgiving on Texel, an island off the north coast of the Netherlands. Come visit!” Malcolm Ryder writes, “In the wake of Westminster's summer Zoom events, several members from the classes of ’72 and ’73 started an all-volunteer project—the new online Wildcat Alumni Magazine, produced entirely by alumni for alumni. A creative project open to engaging all alumni, there will be quarterly issues bred from the talent and ideas of alumni. The first issue launched in late December 2020. Every issue can be found at www.wildcatalumnimagazine. com. All feedback and suggestions are welcome in the Facebook group, ‘Wildcat Alumni Magazine.’ We aim to expand the workgroup across all alumni classes.”
1974
4 Phil Saul learned to fly in 2016 and bought a Cirrus (the one with a parachute for the plane) to commute from Charleston, South Carolina, to West Virginia University, where he oversaw the Children's and Women's Hospital for three years. Mostly retired now, he and his wife Amy took advantage of the October dip in COVID-19 cases to
fly to the Southwest and visit Santa Fe, the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Zion, Bryce, and Albuquerque, returning via Nashville. His son Davis, living in southern California, met them at the Grand Canyon. “Enjoying part-time work and full-time golf now in Charleston,” he writes.
1975
Pam Neal Fellows writes, “My news is that Hank and I have a four-month-old granddaughter named Hannah Grace Tulloch.”
5 Ted Forbes writes, “Ski season is off to a slow start out here in Utah as the storms are being torn apart by persistent high pressure parked over the Intermountain West. Pray for snow! Meanwhile, we had a great summer traveling through Utah, Wyoming, Montana, Washington, and Oregon. Hoping the Canadian border will reopen this summer. Cheers to all.” Robert Pringle writes, “2020—what a year! Second year teaching in Chesterfield, Virginia. Shop teacher—my first love. Laura and I bought a new home in Chesterfield and will move from Roanoke this year!”
1980
Alan Bomar writes, “In 2020, I was fortunate to help lead the Newport News Shipbuilding response to COVID-19. It was an opportunity to learn, and I think I earned a master's degree in COVID-19! We tested close to 8,000 shipbuilders,
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CLASS NEWS
identifying who could safely return to work after potential exposure to COVID-19. It was the most rewarding work.”
6 Rev. John Cleghorn is pleased to note that his book, Resurrecting Church: Where Justice and Diversity Meet Radical Welcome and Healing Hope, was released on March 2, 2021, by Fortress Press. 7 Ladd Jones writes, “Returned in July from a nine-month deployment to Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan with the United States Navy, where I worked as an orthopedic surgeon at the NATO Role III MMU hospital. Challenging, gratifying, and surreal experience.”
1981
Quillian Reeves writes, “Our son Charles Reeves ’11 is engaged to Nathalie Gerdts of Atlanta. They will marry in Cartagena, Colombia, next year. Katharine and I celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary in 2020, and we just celebrated the third consecutive year of growth at Home Register Atlanta, the brokerage firm we founded in 2018.”
1982
David Ratonyi writes, “Paige and I started a new business—opening our PrideStaff Atlanta Central office in August—since everyone knows the middle of a pandemic is the best time to start a new business!”
1983
Simi Singh writes, ”After 26 years in New York City, my family and I relocated to Atlanta this fall. My 12-yearold twins (Veer and Saachi Singh) are seventh graders at Westminster and it feels great to be on the beautiful campus again (even though right now it's just for pick-ups and dropoffs). Look forward to reconnecting with fellow classmates.”
1984
Amy Cates Lance writes, “The pandemic led to my September 2020 launch of AgingTopic.com, which is a vivid website aggregator of current news and trends geared specifically toward seniors and those who care about them. It covers topics relevant to all seniors from those of us just entering our 60s to those who are on the home stretch. It is 100 percent free and for a nationwide audience—we gained more than 1,000 subscribers during the first week.” Alan Reinach writes, “I have been a pulmonary and critical care physician in the Philadelphia suburbs for 20 years. I am lead physician of a six-physician practice, and on January 1 became president of the medical staff of Holy Redeemer Hospital. My wife, Dana Perlman, is a midwife and Director of the Midwifery Institute at Thomas Jefferson University. My son Henry just graduated from Berklee College of Music and is interning at a Grammy-award-winning music studio in Brooklyn. My daughter Jessica is a first-year student at University of Michigan.”
NAPS and Washington Seminary Milestones We missed celebrating with North Avenue Presbyterian School and Washington Seminary alumnae this year at their annual luncheon! The classes of 1936, 1941, 1946, and 1951 are celebrating milestone reunions.
Class of 1946 | 75th Reunion
Class of 1936 | 85th Reunion
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Class of 1941 | 80th Reunion
Class of 1951 | 70th Reunion
CLASS NEWS
1986
Jennifer Levine Hartz writes, “In October, I celebrated Corporate Hartz's 20th birthday! My firm does corporate social responsibility, sustainability, and family philanthropy consulting around the world. Love seeing Westminster alums all around Atlanta!”
1987
Jiyon Lee writes, “Westminster Class of 1987, Yale College 1991, and Yale Med 1996. The year 2020 was notable for three career milestones: promotion to rank of full Clinical Professor of Radiology at New York University School of Medicine, and earning fellowship in the Society of Breast Imaging and in the American College of Radiology!”
Holocaust survivors, decorated pillowcases for military members through Operation Gratitude, and prepared meals for families staying at the local Ronald McDonald house. They look forward to growing the chapter and serving many more people in the coming years.
9 Nat Turner writes, “After finishing three years in Malaysia, I am on my next diplomatic assignment in Cairo, Egypt, with my family. I will be studying Arabic via an in-country language training program, then I will work in the political section at the Embassy in areas such as security cooperation and human rights with the Egyptian government. This is our second time in Cairo as I was posted here from 2006 to 2008. We will be here through summer 2024.”
1993
1990
Aaron Miller is a partner at Apollo Global Management, where he heads the private equity portfolio operations team for the 60 companies across Apollo's $80 billion of private equity assets. He still lives in Boston with his wife Lucy and their two daughters, Gaby and Ana.”
8 Kimberly Gershon Swartz, Caroline Moore Kelly ’93, and Alison Santillo Woodrow ’93 are founding board members of the National Charity League’s Sandy Springs chapter, which they helped form during the height of COVID-19. Together, with 175 fellow mothers and daughters, they have committed to community service, leadership development, and cultural experiences. They have partnered with local and national charities to provide food and blanket donations to Solidarity Food Pantry, sent Thanksgiving cards to local
Keleigh Thomas Morgan writes, “My company, Sunshine Sachs, opened an office in Atlanta last year (our fifth!). I'd love the opportunity to work with more Wildcat friends. We are a full-service marketing and communications company working with A-list talent, lifestyle, entertainment, healthcare, tech, and non-profit clients. We are already working with some incredible companies in the area and look forward to reconnecting with so many of you.”
1995
Jennifer Kazmarek Sande writes, “After staying at home with my daughters and teaching part-time for 13 years, I have returned to teaching full-time at Westminster. Westminster is even better than when it was when we were there! I'm teaching Honors Pre-Calculus and Geometry as well as assisting with the Robotics team.”
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CLASS NEWS
1997
10 Commander Bobby Rashad Jones, United States Navy, assumed command of Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron FOUR on May 15, 2020. The Maritime Expeditionary Security Force conducts maritime security operations across the full spectrum of naval, joint, and combined operations, enabling access and freedom of action throughout the sea-to-shore and inland operating environments. Its history dates back to the Civil War and reached its peak in Vietnam as “The Brown Water Navy.” Bobby is currently on deployment in the Middle East.
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1998
11 Gus Davis writes, “Best wishes for 2021 from the Davis family: Gus, Sarah, Elizabeth, Thomas, and James.” 12 Bingham Jamison summited Mount Kilimanjaro with the Chris Long Foundation's Waterboys team on February 29, 2020 (Leap Day!). Waterboys brings together professional athletes, coaches, and combat veterans to provide lifesustaining drinking water to communities in Africa. Bingham chronicled his experience here: https://waterboys.org/water-warrior-bingham-jamison.
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13 Kaki King released her new album, Modern Yesterdays, in October 2020. Visit www.kakiking.com to learn more!
2003
14 Christy Chorey Spencer, her husband Clay, and their one-year-old daughter Noli Grace moved to Austin, Texas, in January 2021 after more than 14 years of living in New York City. Clay relocated his business, Poncho Outdoors, to Austin, and Christy is working remotely at a law firm based in New York.
2005
15 Sophie Howell, with her 6-year-old son Peter, has embarked on a fabulous adventure as founder and program director of a 145-acre eco-retreat and immersive art park just south of Denver, Colorado. Sophie also serves as Executive Director of Sanctuary of the Inner Compass, a church committed to connection to nature, art as a spiritual practice, and listening to our quiet inner voice and each other. 16 Elizabeth (Liz) Murphy writes, “I got engaged over the summer to Arvid Tchivzhel!”
2009
Jake Krakovsky lives and works in Atlanta as an actor, writer, puppeteer, and teaching artist. Last year, he received a “Reiser Atlanta Artists Lab” grant, a highly competitive grant given by the Alliance Theatre to support the development of new work. He is currently co-teaching a course at Emory
64 | Spring 2021
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CLASS NEWS
University with Professor Miriam Udel on Yiddish political theater. In conjunction with the course, Jake is adapting and directing some of Professor Udel's new translations of Labzik: Tales of a Clever Puppy, a 1935 book of leftist Yiddish children's stories, for a filmed puppet production produced by Theater Emory in spring 2021.
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Carlisle Vason writes, “In June 2020, my wife Kelsey and I moved from Augusta back to Atlanta, where I entered practice as a general dentist with my father at Vason Family Dentistry. We are located right around the corner from Westminster on Howell Mill Road.”
2011
17 Maria Coyne released her debut album, Forward, with her band Maria and the Coins, for which she is songwriter and lead singer. The album release took place at the historic First Avenue and 7th St Entry in Minneapolis on March 4, 2020. For more, visit www.mariaandthecoins.com. Dianne Loftis and her collaborative team recently received a $264,000 grant from the Pew Center for Arts & Heritage in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The grant supports a project at Pennsbury Manor in Morrisville, Pennsylvania (a reconstruction of the home of William Penn), where a sound-based installation will connect listeners to the Delaware Tribe of Indians’ heritage and relationship with the environment while reexamining the site’s colonial history.
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CLASS NEWS
18 John Whelchel and partner Julia Metzger are excited to 2015 share the news of their engagement in Grand Teton National 20 Jacqueline Baltz won an Emmy at the 2019-20 Daytime Park this August. They met at Princeton in 2012; many Emmy Awards. Jacqueline works at NBC News in New York years of friendship later, Julia moved to Washington, DC, City as a researcher for The Today Show. She assists producers where John was already living and working. They started in gathering visual elements and background information dating and left for New York City, where Julia now attends they need for their segments. medical school at New York University while John works for Asana. In the capricious times of the pandemic, they This year, Cole Locascio served as executive producer on backpacked in Idaho and Wyoming where John proposed at the nationally acclaimed podcast series Whistleblower with the base of the South Teton. Tenderfoot TV. Whistleblower was featured on the likes of The Dan Patrick Show, The Dan Le Batard Show, The Daily 2012 Beast and Spotify’s “2020 Spotify Wrapped: End of Year 19 Caroline James started her MBA at Yale School of Top Podcast Picks.” Cole was also a producer on Gaining Management in the fall! While at Westminster, Caroline Ground, a Tenderfoot TV podcast series focused on Georgia’s led the Environmental Campus Organization (ECO), and Senate runoff. Cole is a senior producer and writer with her goal of promoting a more sustainable, circular economy NeoText, a division of the Los-Angeles-based film company hasn’t changed. Caroline is working for the Yale Center Addictive Pictures, and remains part of the Tenderfoot TV for Business and the Environment and is also a first-year production team. leader of the Business and the Environment Club. After her MBA, Caroline is hoping to return to the South to work in 2016 sustainable packaging or waste management. 21 Kevin O'Gara writes, “Inspired by the flora of the traditional Southern gardens I grew up with, I created a signature set of soy candles layered with lush leaves and light florals. From the classic boxwood to climbing jasmine, these sophisticated bouquets take you on a nostalgic journey through some of the most enduring flora of the Southeast. Visit kevinfrancisdesign.com for more information.”
2020
22 Telissa Reynolds is in her second semester at the University
SHOP FOR WILDCAT GEAR ONLINE! Whether it’s a new shirt, a face mask, or a football to toss around in the yard, our campus store is your headquarters for all things Wildcat! Use the code
SPRINGMAGAZINE21
for 15% off your entire purchase! store.westminster.net
66 | Spring 2021
of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she is studying neuroscience on a Foot Locker scholarship, an award that recognized her leadership at Westminster in the classroom and on the track. Recently, she had the chance to shadow dermatologist and Westminster parent Dr. Sylvia Wright. She hopes to spend the summer doing laboratory research.
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CLASS NEWS
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GIVE. GROW. GRANT. Contributions to a donor-advised fund continue to grow until you’re ready to distribute them. Opening one allows you the ability to strategize your charitable giving to Westminster and other organizations you support. A donor-advised fund can be a tax-wise way to maximize your impact! “In our family, we’ve found the donor-advised fund to be an effective tool for teaching the next generation the impact of philanthropy. A parent can set up a donor-advised fund and then give the children the responsibility of recommending the distributions. It’s a way to show children the power of giving back and the difficult decisions in making sure the funds are going to the highest and best use.”
—Sheffield Hale ’78, P ’08 Talk to a financial advisor to learn more about donor-advised funds and whether starting one is right for you.
Marriages Congratulations to all Wildcats celebrating recent weddings! Find each couple’s corresponding photo number to the left of the announcement.
2000
1 Kimberly Kyle Hall and Justin Henry ’01, July 15, 2020
2004
2 Michael Plunkett and Jennifer Accarino, February 15, 2020
2008
3 Caroline Cordle and Tom Parker, September 12, 2020 4 Turner Levison and Frances Williamson ’09, October 10, 2020
2009
5 Emily Egan and John Conners, June 27, 2020 6 Catherine Ellis and Davis Lukens, April 6, 2019
Tom Moak and Mary Rose Perez, June 6, 2020 (not pictured) 7 Jenny NeSmith and Zach Pancoast, July 25, 2020
2010
8 Taylor Ayres and Josh MacGregor, September 5, 2020
2011
9 James Lively and Marie Krider, November 21, 2020 10 Andrew Wynn and Lauren Repasky, November 21, 2020
2014
11 Matthew Clark and Holden Stanley, April 9, 2019
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Births and Adoptions Welcome to the Wildcat family, new additions!
Find each child’s corresponding photo number to the left of the announcement. 1997
1 Parker Daniel Kitchens, July 31, 2020,
son of William Kitchens and Marcella Ducca
2 Caroline Everett Wheatley, July 20, 2020,
daughter of Kara Wheatley and Joe Wheatley
1998 3 Linley Capri Schaffer, March 10, 2020, daughter of Karla Schaffer and Teddy Schaffer 1999 4 Harper Monroe Wingate, February 22, 2020, son of Katelyn Howes '06 and Talton Wingate 2000
5 Shannon "Draper" Burdette, December 3, 2020,
daughter of Elizabeth Loyd Burdette and Britton Burdette
6 Tatum Leah Thomas, January 14, 2021,
daughter of Madeline Thomas and Jordan Thomas
7 Virginia Kathleen Warren, October 1, 2020,
daughter of Sarah Hawkins Warren and Blaise Warren
2001
8 William Reid Childers III, April 6, 2020,
son of Jessica Childers and Reid Childers
9 Amelia Louise Murphy, December 28, 2020,
daughter of Jennifer Murphy and Michael Ferrie
2003
10 Amelia Grace Akers, September 11, 2020,
daughter of Megan Zhao and William Akers
11 Riddick Ellis Beebe, February 2, 2020,
son of Callie Ellis Beebe and Riddick Beebe
12 Mary Davis “Maisie” Cronk, October 2, 2020,
daughter of Ashley Rapson Cronk and Adam Cronk
13 Catherine Coleman DiOrio, November 18, 2020,
daughter of Morgan Shaw DiOrio and Michael DiOrio
14 Henry Allen Haley, October 27, 2020,
son of Michelle Haley and John Haley
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2004
15 Lake Clifton Sangster, May 14, 2020,
son of Amanda Sangster and Jonathan Sangster
2005
16 Katherine Witherspoon Armstrong,
October 30, 2020, daughter of Marjorie Schwann Armstrong and Stuart Armstrong
17 Douglas Edgar Grandstaff, February 1, 2020,
son of Caroline Williams Grandstaff and Kyle Grandstaff
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CLASS NEWS
18 Lewis Musgrove Robinson III, October 28, 2020,
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William Christopher Hrubik, October 28, 2020, son of Paige Kimbel Hrubik and Brian Hrubik
2006 19 Scott Candler Hampton, October 28, 2020, son of Laura Candler Hampton and Dan Hampton
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Frances Elizabeth Riley, December 24, 2020, daughter of Grace Granade Riley and Tim Riley
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Shepherd Michael Vason, January 20, 2021, son of Kelsey Vason and Carlisle Vason
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Hayden Hastings Westphal, December 26, 2020, son of Caroline McKinley Westphal and Hastings Westphal
son of Anna Edwards Robinson and Lewis Robinson
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Emily Nagle, January 17, 2020, daughter of Suzannah Yates Nagle and Chris Nagle Catherine “Bailey” Seiler, July 13, 2020, daughter of Alison Love Seiler and John Seiler 2007 John “Wells” Jamieson, July 7, 2020, son of Fielding Kidd Jamieson and Stewart Jamieson
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Parker Etheridge Mann, September 16, 2020, daughter of Sarah Jane Mann and Brad Mann
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Caldwell Hayden “Tripp” Zimmerman III, July 28, 2020, son of Kara Zimmerman and Caldwell Zimmerman
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2008 Jacob Andrew Philpotts Jr., June 10, 2020, son of Maggie Allen Philpotts and Jake Philpotts
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Ryan Octavia Reagan, December 10, 2020, daughter of Jennie Reagan and Chip Reagan
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Payne Henry Stowe, November 28, 2020, son of Dessie Woodall Stowe and Jordan Stowe
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2009 Florence Elisabeth Ham, July 29, 2020, daughter of Alison Beskin and Stephen Ham Margaret “Mimi” English Davis, November 20, 2020, daughter of Mary Caroline Hunt Davis and Neal Davis
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Faculty & Staff Charlotte “Charlie” Ann Aiken, December 9, 2020, daughter of Claire Aiken (faculty) and Harrison Aiken
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In Memoriam We extend our deepest sympathy to the members of the Westminster community who have lost a loved one.
NAPS Alumnae 1946
Marian Mattison McGaughey, September 23, 2020
1949
Bonnie Sanders Murray, August 25, 2020 Margie Kowski Whipple, November 27, 2020
Washington Seminary Alumnae
1951
Lucia Rawson O’Neill, January 1, 2021
1953
1981
Westminster Alumni
1995
1958
2006
Donn Wright, October 21, 2020
1959
1943
Elizabeth (Betty) Greve Warwick, September 24, 2020
1946
Sandy Hammer, January 1, 2021
1947
Virginia Groves Beach, December 21, 2020 Nancy Keen Butterworth Palmer, August 24, 2020
1948
1963
Paul Wilgus, November 1, 2020, parent of Paul Wilgus ’91 and Margaret Wilgus Lesley ’95
1966
Ginger Lee Duke, January 14, 2021, daughter of Jean Fraser Duke ’44
Mary Charles Fitzpatrick Wilmer, January 15, 2020, mother of Grant Wilmer ’70
1971
1949
1972
Elizabeth Starr Towles, January 25, 2021, mother of Tommy Towles, Jr. ’70, Joan Towles Matthews ’71, and David Towles ’73
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Bob Proctor, November 26, 2020, brother of Richard Proctor ’80 and Evelyn Proctor Sandefur ’82
Nellie Dodd Orme, August 21, 2020
Jim Carr, January 21, 2021, husband of Alice Hurt Carr ’59 and father of Cannon Carr ’85, Melissa Carr Noonan ’86, and Margaret Carr Smith ’88
Caroline Orr James, October 30, 2020
1975
John Towers, August 26, 2020, brother of Andrea Towers ’66 Carol Anne Hunt, July 16, 2020, sister of Barbara Hunt ’67
1973
Sylvia Shortt, December 17, 2020
Catherine Cox Zampini, November 19, 2020 Alison Barnwell, September 29, 2020 Stephen Aldridge, September 5, 2020
Community Madeline Reynolds Adams, November 21, 2020, mother of Edith Adams Allison ’74, Howell Adams III ’76, John Adams ’78, Madeline Adams ’86, and Elizabeth Adams ’88 Edwina Banks, March 8, 2020, mother of Lisa Banks Martin ’72 Kathy Sunday Bernhardt, December 26, 2020, mother of Karen Bernhardt ’97 Louise Deaton, July 25, 2020, mother of Mimi Deaton Arnold ’80 Tal L. Dryman Jr., January 15, 2021, father of Tal Dryman III ’67, John Dryman ’70, Sandy Dominey Lovell ’72, and Dowling Dominey ’79
CLASS NEWS
Sheila Mae Evans, November 5, 2020, mother of Kim Cronkright Raley ’85 and Kelly Cronkright Lindauer ’88 Mary Duckworth Gellerstedt, December 27, 2020, mother of Gayle Gellerstedt ’67, Ellen Gellerstedt ’69, and Larry Gellerstedt ’74 Geoffrey Gill, December 20, 2020, father of Curt Gill ’88 Peggy Griffin, January 5, 2021, mother of Page Griffin Jr ’74 and Neill Griffin Sites ’75 George T. Heery, January 21, 2021, father of Shep Heery ’71 and Laura Heery Prozes ’73 Alton Hunter Hopkins, November 14, 2020, father of Downing Hopkins ’86 and Virginia Hopkins ’90 Bob Ison, July 25, 2020, husband of Ellen Cauble Ison ’69 Cada T. Kilgore III, August 1, 2020, father of Cada Kilgore ’04 and Christopher Kilgore ’08 Elaine Koenig, December 18, 2020, mother of Karen Koenig Winarsky ’86, Deborah Koenig Raptis ’88, and Allison Koenig ’90 Brooks Winchester Lansing, September 28, 2020, husband of Julia Daughdrill Lansing ’55 Rosemary “Posy” Drum Lewis (retired staff), August 26, 2020, mother of Jeff Lewis ’73 Nancy Younger Martin, May 14, 2020, mother of Nancy Martin Frantz ’68
Barbara McClure Moss, April 30, 2020, sister of Michele McClure McKee ’66 Hugh Pendleton Nunnally Jr., September 30, 2020, father of Mary Lee Farrior ’55 and Frances Nunnally ’61 Carolyn Maxwell “Calico” Perry, January 12, 2021, mother of Courtney Guyton McBurney ’89, Kate Guyton Morgens ’91, Robert Guyton ’92, and Carolyn Guyton Altman ’96
Jane Bradley Wheeler, December 11, 2020, mother of Bradley Wheeler Kirsch ’85, John Wheeler ’90, and Molly Wheeler Jackson ’90 Lloyd T. Whitaker, August 31, 2020, father of Andrew Whitaker ’83
Susanne Schlaifer, September 2, 2020, mother of Stephanie Schlaifer ’95 and Jessica Schlaifer Frankel ’92 Doris Bradshaw Shaheen, September 27, 2020, mother of Mary Shaheen ’84 Jack Shields (retired faculty), December 13, 2020, father of John Shields ’83 and Hugh Shields ’86 Nancy Shuford, September 20, 2020, mother of David Shuford ’69, Louise Shuford Rak ’70, and Jamie Shuford ’77 Bob Spence (retired faculty), September 19, 2020 Ken Taratus (emeritus trustee), January 21, 2021, husband of Leila Thompson Taratus ’52 and father of Ken Taratus ’76 and Leila Taratus Evans ’82 Reuben McDavid Tuck, August 31, 2020, son of Penny Irby Lyle ’57 and brother of Betsy Tuck ’77 Mary “Nicky” Parham Woolfolk Waggener, October 31, 2020, mother of Tom Waggener ’69
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SIGNS OF THE TIMES
Signs, signs, and more signs! We could all use a little reminder from time to time to keep our distance, wash our hands, and keep those face masks on tight—but the signs don’t have to be boring! These are just a few examples of the hundreds of signs that communicate our safety protocols in Wildcat style all over campus.
Career networking resources for Wildcats How to connect: • Join Westminster’s exclusive LinkedIn group, The Westminster Career Network • Post a listing to the job board to connect with professionals seeking work opportunities • Network with fellow alumni through WildcatsConnect, our online alumni directory • Support Westminster businesses #Cats4Cats
Leverage your network today by visiting westminster.net/wildcatswork