Alumni Bulletin | Fall/Winter 2025

Webb

Dear Fellow Alumni,

It’s an honor to share this edition of our Alumni Bulletin with you. I’ve now been in my role as Assistant Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations for just over a year, and it has been such a joy to reconnect with familiar faces and meet new ones across our Webb School community. Working at my alma mater has long been a dream of mine. I often joke that if our class had voted on superlatives, I would have been “Most Likely to Work at Webb.” I’m humbled to serve in this position and excited to keep strengthening the bonds that make our Spartan alumni network so special.

Inside these pages, you’ll find a feature on how Webb is thoughtfully embracing the possibilities of artificial intelligence – helping students harness this powerful tool while staying grounded in critical thinking and integrity. You’ll also learn about Webb’s new phone-free school day – an initiative designed to help students focus, connect and be fully present.

This issue also shines a spotlight on the remarkable accomplishments of our alumni. From artists making their mark in the creative world to fellow graduates who have returned to campus as coaches and mentors, these profiles celebrate the many ways Spartans give back and inspire the next generation. I hope they encourage you to stay involved and perhaps even come back to share your own experiences with today’s students.

We also take a moment in this edition to honor Ron Gratz, a longtime Spartan coach, teacher, administrator, and true Renaissance man. Coach Gratz made a lasting impact on the lives of countless Spartan alumni. As Webb’s head football coach, he not only guided the Spartans to their first state championship in football but also delivered Knox County its very first title in the sport. His legacy continues to live on through the students, players and colleagues he inspired.

Finally, we’re proud to introduce our new planned giving campaign, offering meaningful ways for alumni to invest in Webb’s future and ensure that our mission endures for years to come.

I hope these stories leave you inspired by all that Webb has been – and all it continues to become. Thank you for being such an important part of this community. I’m proud to be a Webb graduate, and I look forward to connecting with you soon.

With Spartan Pride,

Ellie Johnson Foy ’10 Assistant Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations

Webb Alumni Association Board 2025-2026

Amy Carnathan Moody ’90

President

Whitfield Bailey ’97

Jeanette Carlson Brewington ’12

Melissa Tomiko Burleson ’93

Meg Sienknecht Crawford ’74

Matthew Cross ’06

Deb Kile Hotchkiss ’66

Dorn Kile ’68

Allison Lacy Lederer ’95

Fletcher Lee ’95

Julie McWhorter Moore ’94

Russ Powell ’87

Jared Smith ’00

Mollie Tucker Turner ’03

Webb School Board of Trustees 2025-2026

Jonathan P. Johnson ’93

Board Chair

F. Whitfield Addicks ’92

Christopher S. Cameron

Jill Carroll

Annie Haslam Colquitt ’05

Rob Frost ’86

Matthew R. Kaye

Allison Lacy Lederer ’95

Sharon G. Lee ’71

Amy Carnathan Moody ’90

Tommy Nguyen ’08

Stephanie Barnes Ogden ’76

John Osborne ’88

David Ownby

James W. Paddon ’83

Carey Parker

Ayaz M. Rahman ’98

Janine Stephens

Lisa Stinnett

Mark D. Taylor

Ryan White

Donovan Whiteside ’10

Taylor Wortham ’96

S PARTY

2.0 FROM THE EARLY DAYS OF A STUDENT IN SPARTAN GEAR WITH A HELMET AND SHIELD TO THIS YEAR’S LARGERTHAN-LIFE MASCOT, WEBB’S SPARTY HAS LEVELED UP –CHEERING LOUDER, STANDING PROUDER AND SHOWING OFF SCHOOL SPIRIT IN STYLE!

Spartans at the Smokies

Webb kicked off the new school year with a celebration of community and Spartan Spirit at Spartans at the Smokies at Knoxville’s Covenant Health Park. A great afternoon of friends, family, fun, and America’s pastime. From Lower School science teacher Charlie Arp belting out the national anthem and the Big Green Army cheerleaders firing up the crowd, to the début of Webb’s new Sparty mascot and Webb President Ansel Sanders throwing out the first pitch, it was a winning start to the year.

A Taste of WebbFest – Classic Puppy Chow

Recipe found at thekitchn.com.

What comes to mind when you think about Webb’s annual WebbFest? Community celebration? The carnival? Amazing parent volunteers? The themes (this year, it was Seaside Adventure)? Or maybe . . . the food? Ah yes, the food! Carnival cotton candy and pizza, Cake Walk baked goodies and the lunchtime bake sale treats, including a timeless favorite – Puppy Chow! We know there are loads of flavor variations to this sweet and salty delight, but for a taste of WebbFest tradition, here’s a classic version we found online.

INGREDIENTS:

1 (12-ounce) box Rice Chex cereal (about 11 cups)

1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips (10 ounces)

3/4 cup smooth peanut butter, such as Skippy or Jif

6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter

1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 1/2 cups powdered sugar, divided

EQUIPMENT:

Large mixing bowl

Medium microwave-safe bowl

1 gallon zip-top bag

Parchment paper

Rimmed baking sheet

INSTRUCTIONS:

DID YOU KNOW?

Webb School’s first WebbFest was in 1994. The theme that year was The Super Sixties.

Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside. Pour the cereal into the largest mixing bowl you own; set aside.

Place the chocolate chips, peanut butter, butter, and salt in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir, then continue microwaving in 15 second intervals, stirring in between each, until almost melted – about 45 seconds more. Remove from the microwave and stir until smooth. Stir in the vanilla.

Pour the chocolate peanut butter mixture over the cereal and toss until all the cereal is evenly coated.

Place 1 cup of the powdered sugar in a gallon-sized zip-top bag. Add half of the cereal, a second cup powdered sugar, the remaining cereal, and then the remaining 1/2 cup powdered sugar. (You’re layering it so the powdered sugar coats the cereal evenly). Seal the bag.

Shake vigorously until the cereal is evenly coated with the powdered sugar.

Pour onto the baking sheet and spread into an even layer. Let cool, about 10 minutes; then store in an airtight container or a clean zip-top bag if not serving immediately. Enjoy!

Ron Gratz 1942-2025

TEACHER COACH MENTOR RENAISSANCE MAN

On August 20, 2025, the Webb School community mourned the loss of longtime Spartan teacher, coach, administrator, and

mentor, Ron Gratz, whose decades of service at Webb left a lasting impact on generations of students, families and colleagues.

As head football coach from 1973 to 1984, he led Webb to its first state championship and Knox County’s first as well. However, his influence extended far beyond Faust Field. Over the years, he served as Middle School science teacher, athletic director, Upper School dean of students, technology coordinator, track & field coach, and even bus driver.

Beyond Webb, Ron earned more than 80 Senior Olympic medals, and after retiring, returned as the W.O.W. Network’s first analyst, lending insight, credibility and his unique sense of humor to its broadcasts – setting the stage for hundreds of student-broadcasters to follow.

A talented actor who performed in numerous area productions and at Webb – including two memorable performances as Benjamin Franklin in 1776, each earning a standing ovation – Ron was also an avid painter, writer and poet, as well as a proud U.S. Air Force veteran. Truly a Renaissance man, he lived fully by Webb’s motto, Principes Non Homines

To honor his memory, we are sharing comments from Webb alumni, colleagues and others who posted online at Dignity Memorial in remembrance of Ron Gratz.

CCoach was not just my coach. He was a mentor for me. I landed the job as starting fullback in 1979, my sophomore year under Jeff McMichael who went on to play at Tennessee and has been my doctor for 30-plus years. Coach told me I was ready to take over as featured back my junior year. I explored the idea of transferring to Farragut, but Coach was so laid back and said we had something special ahead of us. The Farragut coach was not as real as Coach Gratz. Coach was tough on us, but I knew he cared about us kids. I put my faith in him and lo and behold, he got this undersized group of kids, who were super close, to their first state championship – not only for Webb but also for the whole Knoxville area. Our team has stayed close over 40 years, meeting every month for breakfast. We love you Coach!

– Stephen Fry ’82

II was a science student of Coach Gratz as an eighth grader at Webb. Circa 1974? As a science lover, I always enjoyed his class. He told us his goal was to discover a new element and he was going to call it Gratzinium. The class pulled all kinds of pranks on him, but he always took it in stride. I have thought of him many times over the years. My sincere condolences to the family.

– Evelyn Barnes (’79)

CCondolences to Alan and the entire family of Coach Gratz. He meant so much to his communities, to our sons Adam and Philip, and indeed to us. Part of that meaningful Webb School community that was so important to our family. It was people like Ron who made Webb School what it was.

– Phil and Sharron King

RRon Gratz was the epitome of a great teacher, coach and mentor. He was wise, kind and inspiring. I had the privilege of being one of his students in 1975, and I admired his leadership at Webb until I graduated in 1983. May God bless and comfort his family always. The world was a better place with Coach Gratz.

– Carl Koella ’83

RRon was a great teacher and coach, because he cared about the students first and foremost. He was the football coach when I was at Webb from 1976 to 1979, but he helped out at all the athletic events, including the track meets, which could go on a long time. He will be missed, and we are sorry for your loss; but he was a great man who left behind a legacy of caring and kindness, and a great sense of humor!

– Tracy Brennan ’79

RRemembering with gratitude the encouragement Coach Ron extended through the years we were teaching at Webb. Watching the 1981 state championship from the Bearden High press box was a great thrill – a 7-6 win.

– Richard Paddon, Webb Chaplain, 1970-84

EEighth-grade Earth Science: still my favorite science class ever. I remember Coach Gratz as kind, calm and patient, even when one of my classmates left a Bunsen burner on for a very long time. Rest in peace, Coach Gratz.

– Laura Leigh Finley Shore ’81

SSorry for the loss of a great man and a great coach. His leading us to the 1981 state championship is still one of the greatest experiences of my life. Prayers and condolences to all his family.

– Sean Brennan ’83

I I began at Webb in 1975, when Coach Gratz was my homeroom teacher. We quickly bonded over football, and he was a steady influence throughout my six years there. I am grateful for my time with Coach and wish his family and friends comfort during this period.

– Bill Wood ’81

GGreat man. Great mentor. Thanks, Coach Gratz. “First Down! Alright!”

– Fulton Wold ’93

BY

DIANA CURTIS

Webb Upper School English instructor and Educational Technology Coordinator

BEYOND THE PROMPT

AI, Integrity and Innovation

MA closer look at how Webb School is harnessing AI for innovation in the classroom, rooted in integrity and powered by critical thinking .

Y FIRST EXPERIENCE WITH CHATGPT provoked a professional existential crisis. In

November of 2022 when the tool first released, I had just finished writing my AP English 11 midterm exam. I decided to throw my essay question into this new AI tool to see what it could do. My gut reaction upon reading the response was something like: “Oh no.” Though the AI answer lacked specifics and remained a bit surface level, the essay I received was not much different from one I would get from a student. The computer answer

would have passed my exam, no doubt. I walked calmly to Upper School English Department Chair Elli Shellist’s classroom and showed him what I had discovered. The following semester, our department spent significant time discussing the practical changes we needed to make in light of this emerging technology. The integrity of student work was in jeopardy; this tool had the potential to undermine our core work as educators. No longer would we give the prompts in advance! No more pre-written outlines! We must order more Blue Books! >>

>> THAT SAME SPRING, AS I WAS LOOKING to lock down computer use in my classroom, I attended a Technology and Innovation Committee meeting (a subcommittee of Webb’s Board of Trustees). In our discussion of the school’s path through the new AI landscape, then board chair Misty Mayes rocked my world when she asked aloud the opposite question to one that I had been asking myself. I was thinking, “How do we keep students off of this thing?” She was asking, “How do we teach students to use this thing?” That challenge changed my perspective, much like one of those optical illusion photos where one thinks they’re looking at the profile of an elderly woman, when in fact, there is a young lady pictured as well.

MY INTEREST IN AI LED ME TO A leadership position in the AI Co-Lab, a national and collaborative network of educators exploring AI’s role and impact on teaching and learning.

Building on this organization’s framework, I have facilitated various workshops offering AI-focused professional development for teachers at Webb School and beyond.

As I work with teachers to engage with these new tools, I see my own experience with AI mirrored in other educators. Maybe you could call it the “innovation stages of acceptance.” First, there’s fear. Next, skepticism. Then, somewhere along the journey, teachers reach a hesitant optimism – even excitement.

The more fluent we become, the more we realize that AI is not magic; it takes time to receive good responses, and it is simply another resource that can help us hone our skills and evaluate our teaching methods.

WE ARE IN GOOD COMPANY; TOP

educators have experienced the same angst over new technology for centuries. Before large language models upended humanities classes, word processors, spellcheck, Google searches, laptops, Photoshop, and calculators changed the way teachers teach and students learn. Even the great philosopher Socrates, in 370 BCE, worried that the advent of writing would undermine learning, making students more forgetful.

At first, most teachers likely reacted as both Socrates and I did – seeking to keep students away from pens and computers and calculators. After all, we run the risk of losing skills that we give over to say, the computer or iPads.

Once we move from fear to possibility, however, we realize that young people must learn to use new tools with the guidance of quality educators, enabling them to apply these technologies effectively for optimal development and long-term success.

Whether that tool is a pen, calculator or large language model, new technology has the potential to open the door to a deeper level of thinking and understanding. >>

Whether that “

“ tool is a pen, calculator or large language model, new technology has the potential to open the door to a deeper level of thinking and understanding.

RECOGNIZING THIS POTENTIAL

serendipitously coincided with the advent of Webb’s new strategic plan, True to Webb. In the summer of 2024, a group of Webb teachers and administrators developed a guidepost for Webb School in this new technological landscape; one that married our desire for innovation with our key values of academic excellence, honor and integrity, critical thinking, and respect.

The outcome of that summer work was an AI position statement and policy for use, and the technology staff focused its energy in the fall of 2024 on delivering this information to various stakeholders. In practice, this has meant introducing our faculty to AI tools at a basic level, explaining how they work and exploring how they might both enhance and harm the classroom environment.

We have held workshops on creating meaningful prompts, explored specific tools and discussed with departments strategies for safeguarding academic

A NEW FRONTIER IN THE CLASSROOM

By Miller Callaway Webb Middle School Technology Coordinator

integrity. We have modeled for our students how AI tools actually build an answer (and sometimes lead us astray), and teachers have used classroom time to demonstrate how AI tools can be helpful and how they can get in the way of student learning.

WEBB SCHOOL HAS PROCEEDED WITH care and intention, not running out to purchase shiny AI educational tools that claim to be a panacea for our AI unease. Instead, we have methodically piloted tools that help teachers introduce this technology safely and we are just now

For alumni who recall the days of chalkboards and overhead projectors, the modern Webb classroom might feel like a chapter out of a science fiction novel. Yet, the integration of AI here is less about replacing the teacher and more about providing a highly personalized, powerful and productive thought partner for both students and faculty. At Webb, we have always been committed to forging leaders of character – a mission that echoes the tenacity of our Spartan heritage. Today, that tenacity is applied to embracing new technology, ensuring our students are equipped for tomorrow’s world.

We are not just observing the AI revolution, we’re actively participating in it – carefully deploying tools that enhance learning and restore valuable time to our educators. This article, in fact, was composed with the assistance of an AI tool, Gemini, underscoring our commitment to using these powerful resources responsibly and effectively.

Our focus is on platforms that offer safety, control and verifiable results, with two tools in particular leading the charge: Flintk12 and NotebookLM.

moving forward in licensing products that we have deemed most helpful in meeting our educational goals. Our position on and careful, slow adoption of AI tools have helped ensure that solid pedagogy and student safety remain in the driver’s seat.

>> WEBB TRUSTS ITS EXCELLENT FACULTY to make determinations on where and when these tools make sense, providing training and a framework that is flexible. This year, Upper School science teacher Jenifer Lawrie is teaching an AI course in her classroom. At the same time, the English department continues to hand out paperback books and often requires students to write down exam answers in Blue Books.

In fact, our mindful consideration of technology’s impact on learning and safety has led Webb to remove cell phones from classroom spaces while simultaneously adopting new AI applications. After all, tools must be understood and used for the right purpose to be useful. Hammers are great for building decks, but not for paving driveways. The right tool for the right job at the right time matters. Educators have experienced enough of the consequences of cell phones and social media to conclude (with the help of extensive research) that these tools often hinder student learning. Because these language models and other AI tools are so new, we do not know yet how the dust will settle.

n FLINTK12: THE INTERACTIVE TUTOR & DESIGN COACH

Flintk12, a secure layer built atop a large language model, moves beyond simple lesson planning to deliver highly customizable, interactive experiences. It acts as an AI teaching assistant, capable of fulfilling sophisticated, preprogrammed roles that offer automated oversight and live feedback.

One of its most compelling applications is in role-playing simulations. An example in Webb’s seventh-grade literature class illustrates this impact. After reading The Boy Who

Webb educators still wake up in the morning called to help students learn through taking risks, thinking critically, communicating thoughtfully, and playing collaboratively. Part of this learning now entails AI literacy and ethics, and the school has positioned its faculty to meet this challenge.

ANOTHER OUTCOME OF OUR STRATEGIC plan and thoughtful evaluation of technology’s impact has been a restructuring of the school’s technology team. The former title of Director of >>

Harnessed the Wind – the inspiring story of a young man in sub-Saharan Africa who built a windmill from scrap to generate electricity for his family – students were tasked with an innovation design project: identify a problem on campus or in the local community and propose a resourceful solution.

The Flintk12 activity was programmed to assume the role of an end user – a person who would potentially benefit from the students’ solution. Students would input their problem, the affected demographic and their proposed fix. The AI, playing

“ still wake up in the morning called to help students learn through taking risks, thinking critically, communicating thoughtfully, and playing collaboratively. Part of this learning now entails AI literacy and ethics, and the school has positioned its faculty to meet this challenge. Webb educators “

its role, would then provide thoughtful, critical feedback based on the supplied information. Crucially, the bot was excellent at encouraging deeper, critical thinking, often pointing out flaws or research gaps in the proposed solution that required students to iterate and refine their work.

This saves the teacher from having to manually role-play dozens of scenarios, allowing them to focus on high-level discussion while the AI handles the real-time, personalized lower-level coaching.

The result is a more engaged, critical and selfdirected student body.

n NOTEBOOKLM: GROUNDED RESEARCH & ADMINISTRATIVE EFFICIENCY

For our high school students, we utilize NotebookLM, Google’s AI-powered research and thinking partner. The tool’s greatest strength lies in its concept of grounded AI –it produces responses and insights only from the documents and notes the user provides. This approach effectively eliminates the risk of misinformation (or “hallucination” in AI terms) and ensures that students are working with accurate, relevant data.

Technology is now Director of Technology and Emerging Trends, and Webb is very fortunate to have Kris Gilbert in this role. Kris’ background in the classroom and in school administration marries pedagogical foundations with technological tools. Aaron Teffeteller’s role has shifted to Systems Administrator, and he oversees the nuts and bolts of the technology operation. Along with members from each division – Jo Ann Guidry (Lower School), Miller Callaway (Middle School) and Doug Bright and myself (Upper School) –our technology team is uniquely positioned not just to fix laptops, iPads and screens, but also to ground decisions in teaching and learning.

NOW, I NO LONGER FEEL DEEP

ANGST

when I see how well an AI model can answer my exam question. Instead, I am rethinking my exam and evaluating whether the question assesses the skill I have asked students to master.

This functionality is a boon for academic life. Students can upload a textbook chapter, alongside their class notes, and prompt NotebookLM to generate a customized study guide, flashcards or a practice test for an upcoming exam. By synthesizing information from their own materials, students move quickly past simple summarization and focus on true comprehension. The benefits of grounded AI are also reaching the administrative side of the school. For example, Webb’s athletic department has used NotebookLM to build a coach and athlete-facing chatbot based

I’m challenged to rise to this unique moment in education, to maintain a steady pace with progress and to keep student learning at the forefront of every assignment, activity and assessment.

WEBB SCHOOL IS READY TO SUPPORT students by offering AI classes and camps, by finding tools that allow students to safely explore and by openly discussing the ethical, environmental and metacognitive implications of AI.

We are institutionally well poised to support teachers through training and autonomy. Pens, calculators and AI have all impacted education; our challenge as educators is (and always has been) to discover how to use new technologies to advance learning, preparing each student to be a leader in tomorrow’s world.

Pens, calculators “

“ and AI have all impacted education; our challenge as educators is (and always has been) to discover how to use new technologies to advance learning, preparing each student to be a leader in tomorrow’s world.

The future challenge – and opportunity – lies in maintaining this spark, ensuring educators are supported as they thoughtfully find the ‘right place’ to integrate these new creative and analytical tools into the Webb experience.

entirely on the dense Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) rulebooks. Coaches can now ask a specific question and instantly receive the precise rule, complete with a direct citation to the provided TSSAA documents. This saves time, reduces ambiguity and ensures rule compliance across all sports.

n LOOKING AHEAD

While the tools are clearly demonstrating their value, the overall shift in teaching is steady, not sudden. For many faculty members, this is a new frontier and the comfort of tried-and-true methods is powerful. Webb’s technology department is actively

providing robust professional development, sparking interest and new classroom ideas. The future challenge – and opportunity – lies in maintaining this spark, ensuring educators are supported as they thoughtfully find the “right place” to integrate these new creative and analytical tools into the Webb experience.

The goal is clear: not to simply adopt technology, but to use it to create a richer, more powerful educational experience for every student.

Unplugged. Connected. Present.

webb launches phone-free school day

WHEN THE DOORS OPENED TO THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR AT WEBB, THIS FALL, something felt different: fewer screens, more conversations and laughter, and a renewed sense of presence – all a reflection of the school’s new

“phone-free” school day to help deepen focus, strengthen relationships and enhance the school’s mission-driven culture of connection and well-being.

Webb School President Ansel Sanders shared that the initiative reflects the school’s enduring commitment to nurturing each student’s potential and cultivating leaders of character. Backed by a growing body of research, it also aligns with a nationwide shift among peer schools toward fostering more focused and engaged learning environments. “While phones are an integral part of modern life, their presence during the school day, especially during unstructured times such as lunch, passing periods and free periods, can undermine focus, limit face-to-face interaction and distract students from being fully present in their learning and relationships,” Sanders explained. “As alumni often tell us, the relational culture of Webb School – the community of connection and care – is among the most memorable aspects of their experience,” he said. “We remain eager to explore ways to more fully live into and enhance this cherished culture.”

Under the new policy, Lower School students continue without smart devices, while Middle School students keep theirs “parked” in advisories. In the Upper School, students now store their phones and smartwatches each morning in Yondr pouches – lockable storage devices – retaining possession of them while

keeping them out of reach during classes and free time. At the end of the day, students retrieve their devices from access stations located throughout the Upper School. As for other personal tech, such as iPads or headphones, they’re to stay at home.

“A phone-free environment reflects our shared responsibility to show up for one another and to be fully present,” says Webb Upper School Head, Matt Macdonald, “minimizing distractions, deepening face-to-face connection, fostering personal accountability, and reinforcing the integrity of our academic community. Simply put, this initiative creates the best possible conditions for learning, growth and meaningful connection.”

(right) Upper School students’ Yondr pouch, pictured with a mobile magnet that teachers can check out when students need temporary, in-class phone access for assignments. Larger designated magnet stations are located throughout the Upper School for students to unlock their pouches at the end of the day.

the A rt of Success

A Q & A with Spartan alumni artists on how Webb School shaped their creative paths.

KEVIN BURDETTE ’92

Dubbed “the Robin Williams of opera” by The New York Times, Grammy Award-winning bass Kevin Burdette has performed with leading companies and orchestras around the world, including Teatro alla Scala, Metropolitan Opera, Gran Teatre del Liceu, Santa Fe Opera, Washington National Opera, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and Los Angeles Philharmonic. Renowned for his vivid character portrayals, Burdette has created more than a dozen roles in world premieres and is widely regarded as one of the foremost interpreters of buffo repertoire of his generation. His 2024-2025 season included La bohème, Messiah, M. Butterfly, The Listeners, and Der Kaiser von Atlantis. A graduate of the Juilliard Opera Theater and the University of Tennessee, he is a recipient of the prestigious Richard F. Gold Career Grant and New York City Opera’s Dr. Marcia Robbins-Wilf Award for outstanding dramatic ability.

How did your Webb School experience inspire or prepare you to pursue a career in the arts?

KEVIN BURDETTE: It was at Webb School that I began the journey of discovering who I am, what my story might be. Webb allowed me the flexibility to pursue multiple interests – performing, sports, student government – in my search of what moved me, while also laying a foundation of academic rigor and intellectual curiosity that has fed me throughout my career.

One of my favorite stories about Webb comes from my junior year. I had a choir concert that conflicted with a soccer game, and was not sure how I was going to do both. I asked my soccer coach if I could arrive late to the game,

CORWIN LEVI ’97

Corwin Levi is a visual artist whose work spans design, illustration, bookmaking, curating, and writing. A former lawyer turned artist, he holds degrees from Rice University, the University of Virginia School of Law and the Tyler School of Art & Architecture at Temple University. His work has been featured in exhibitions nationwide and reviewed in The Washington Post and Art New England, and on Bloomberg TV. Levi co-created Mirror Mirrored: A Contemporary Artists’ Edition of 25 Grimms’ Tales and illustrated Truer Than True: The Wisdom of Fairy Tales. He has attended more than 20 artist residencies, including one at Webb School. His public artworks include a 175-foot mural in North Adams, Massachusetts, across from MASS MoCA.

which he allowed, and I ended up dashing from the auditorium after my last song, running to the locker room, changing out of my tux, and joining the game in progress. After the game, I thanked the coach for allowing my late arrival, and he replied that if he could go back in time, that is what he would want high school to be – running from one experience to the next, living life, discovering who he is and what he wanted to be. Or, put differently and to steal from Robin Wall Kimmerer, paying attention, being astonished and laying the foundation for a lifetime of telling about it.

WALKER KENNEDY ’13

Walker Kennedy is a Lighting and Look Development Artist, shaping the look and feel of digital scenes through light, color and texture. He has worked with some of the industry’s leading studios, including Walt Disney Animation Studios, Sony Pictures Imageworks, Blur Studio, and The Mill. A 2017 graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in visual effects, Kennedy’s professional portfolio includes major productions such as Encanto, Zootopia+, Frozen 2, Raya and the Last Dragon, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Strange World, and Zootopia 2

CHASE BROWN ’15

Chase Brown graduated from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in acting. He has built an impressive career résumé across stage, screen and voice work. Brown appeared as Lonnie Byers in the West End production of Stranger Things: The First Shadow, which ran from November 2023 through August 2024. His screen credits include playing Larry, the Beat poet, in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. An accomplished voice actor, Brown has brought characters to life in the video games Evil West, Arknights and Wuthering Waves, “The Friendly Invasion” episode of Doctor Who: The Fourth Doctor Adventures podcast series, and as Kai Azer in the Powerless audiobook series by Lauren Roberts.

CORWIN LEVI: The visual arts classes at Webb gave me the freedom to explore what I was passionate about, and the breadth of Webb’s education gave me the language to move through the world, exploring what I loved.

WALKER KENNEDY: The diversity of art classes Webb School offers is amazing. The opportunity to explore so many different mediums like printmaking, darkroom photography and drawing definitely unlocked something in my creative brain.

CHASE BROWN: I had always wanted to act, but the idea of making it a career didn’t really feel like a possibility until I got to Webb. When I arrived in eighth grade, I remember thinking, “Oh, these kids dream big. These teachers genuinely care.”

Of course, doing plays and being on stage was invaluable, but unique to Webb is the sheer amount of opportunity. Opportunity to be a part of any sort of club, to safely venture outside your comfort zone, to learn about and prepare for the world outside that campus. In short, Webb encouraged me to dream big.

QWas there a person, class or program at Webb that left a lasting

impact on you, and how did it influence your experience at Webb and beyond?

KEVIN BURDETTE: Innumerable people and classes at Webb had a lasting impact on me. Frau Briggs’ German class allowed me to move to Vienna during college, find a place to live, interview and audition to gain admission into the Academy of Music –without which I would definitely not be an opera singer today; Dr. Lippincott’s Modern European History class, where we learned much more about ourselves than the material; incredible English teachers who instilled in us a love of reading and an ease with writing.

The program with perhaps the largest lasting impact was Chapel talks, including those given by our teachers. In Middle School, Mr. Tatgenhorst would play his guitar for Chapel, and our seventh-grade geography teacher always invited alum Chip Howard to school to do the same. Those talks introduced me to the idea that music, performance and art could be just as effective as written speeches in reaching people. Performance is storytelling. Performers share their stories, and audiences look for pieces of their own stories in them, creating a common connection that makes everyone feel part of something bigger. That feeling of connection and community, where we learn that we are individuals but not alone, made Chapel one of the most important aspects of any school day at Webb, and laid the foundation in me and so many of my classmates of connecting through stories.

CORWIN LEVI: Upper School art teacher and painter Edgardo Catalán treated me as a more serious creative than I treated myself (and certainly more seriously than my practice warranted). He didn’t coddle me, and the earnestness of his conversations made me consider what I was doing rather than just doing it. He also told me that the whole class always knew what color I was painting with, because it somehow appeared on surfaces across the entire studio. That was his way of telling me to focus on my natural strengths in detail work and maybe a little less so on the giant expressionist paintings I was making. It took me a long time to understand and appreciate what I learned from Señor Catalán, but the best teachers are the ones whose words will occasionally pop back into your head as needed throughout life

WALKER KENNEDY: My Upper School art teachers Sharon Mann and Joe Letitia had a huge impact on my time at Webb. As someone who struggled with the more traditional aspects of academia, their classes were a breath of fresh air for me and energized my desire to create. I can’t imagine myself ending up in art school if it were not for the encouragement and support of those two.

CHASE BROWN: There were so many, I could make this a 10-paragraph essay. Jean Helbig and LeAnne Johnson were always constant supports, gleefully pushing me toward a career in theater. Patrick McCray always instilled a creative curiosity. Elli Shellist helped foster a love of literature and poetry, unlocking in me an interest in storytelling. God, this is sounding like a ‘Thank you’ speech . . . But, I must mention Jane Durkin who, when I was struggling in my first year at Webb, took the time to literally plan my Upper School experience – getting me into the school play, suggesting electives, even connecting me to the students who’d go on to be my closest friends. Had she not cared enough to intervene, I’d have left Webb and likely not have pursued the arts.

QWhat is one lesson, takeaway or memorable story from Webb that has

positively shaped your career in the arts?

KEVIN BURDETTE: I had so many incredible artistic experiences at Webb – performing with and learning from exceptional, talented actors like Jonathan Howell, Katie Norwood and Caleb Whitson; singing with people to whom music came so easily, like Curtis Anderson and Pisut Vongkasemsiri; having legendary strings teacher Corine Rhodes as a substitute teacher for my Middle School strings class; and the list goes on.

Probably the greatest lesson that shaped my career came from sports. I wanted to follow in my siblings’ footsteps as a skilled basketball player. I didn’t make the team in seventh through ninth grade, managed to play in 10th and 11th, but by senior year, I realized that basketball was someone else’s story, not mine. Nothing could have prepared me for a life in the arts better than that. Not everyone is going to like you. Not everyone is going to understand what you are trying to do or say. Don’t tell someone else’s story; tell your own story.

WALKER KENNEDY: The most valuable lesson I learned at Webb was the importance of time management and multitasking. Working on films with compressed production schedules isn’t all that different from juggling a busy course load at Webb, and those skills have been essential in my career.

CHASE BROWN: Senior year, I did my Chapel talk on ‘vulnerability.’ It was my attempt to sort of identify the key ingredient to making my time at Webb School so great.

When I first enrolled, I was terrified of putting myself out there. Scared of doing the play because it ‘might not be cool.’ Reluctant to take choir because I was a ‘shy singer.’ It wasn’t until I actually took risks and branched out of my comfort zone that things started to click.

High schoolers are naturally horrified of failing and can often possess this ‘caring is lame’ mentality. It took me a minute to realize that at Webb, I was allowed to fail, to try again, to care, and to be vulnerable.

When I talk to old classmates, we all say the same thing: “I wish I’d done this, participated in that, given this thing a go.” Never, “I should have done less.”

Vulnerability is everything in my profession. “Strong and wrong,” we say. For me, that ethos began at Webb.

QWhat project or accomplishment in the arts are you most proud of,

and how did your Webb experience play a role?

KEVIN BURDETTE: They say that there are four stages to an opera career: (i) who is Kevin Burdette; (ii) get me Kevin Burdette; (iii) get me someone like (or cheaper/ younger than) Kevin Burdette; and (iv) who is Kevin Burdette? If I am to forestall that fourth stage, it’s likely due to my work in both comic opera and modern opera. The comedy came naturally, but my ability in new works is a direct result of my academic background, my math foundation and my work ethic – all of which have their roots at Webb School.

I’ve appeared in many world premieres, débuted at La Scala in a challenging contemporary opera, specialized in 20thand 21st-century repertoire at the Met, and was once flown cross-country to learn a modern opera mid-flight because no one else knew the music. Modern operas can be wildly complex, with mixed meters, extreme vocal lines, intricate rhythms, and unusual intervals – all requiring a certain type of mind: one that memorized German article tables, took calculus from Ms. Hunter, trained in rhythms and intervals with Mr. Ward in choir, explored great poetry and imagery in Ms. Potts’ class, and was taught to assimilate new ideas, take risks and be bold. All of which, in me, can be traced directly back to Webb.

CORWIN LEVI: I co-created the book Mirror Mirrored , pairing 25 Grimms’ tales with contemporary artists and a mix of collaged, historic illustrations. We had the stories re-translated, worked with both famous and emerging artists, financed it with Kickstarter, and sent copies to libraries and book lovers all over the world. It ended up being an enormously ambitious tome that took years to create.

As an arts student at Webb School, my teachers tried their best to knock some fundamentals into me, but also (admittedly with eye rolls) gave me permission to stretch huge canvases, throw paint everywhere and be as ambitious as I wanted to be. In other words, they gave me the permission to fail. Without that freedom, I don’t think I would have ever had the courage a person needs to make the kind of art I wanted to make and put it out into the world.

WALKER KENNEDY: One of the biggest honors of my career has been working on so many films at Walt Disney Animation Studios. With a legacy stretching back to Snow White in 1937, being even a small part of that history is something I take great pride in. A particular highlight was working on Encanto, which won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature. Fun fact: I worked on that movie remotely from Knoxville during COVID, which I believe makes it the only Oscar-winning film partially created in Knoxville.

CHASE BROWN: There have been juicier parts and tougher jobs, but getting to briefly work with Harrison Ford in the latest Indiana Jones movie was the first time I got to really take stock of where I was and the journey to get there. I live in London, so not everyone from back home can come see me in a play, but getting messages from old teachers and classmates who’d seen the film really felt like a culmination of something. A moment to acknowledge not only the hard work to get there, but to also appreciate the people who believed I could.

QWhat advice would you give to a current Webb student who

dreams of a career in the arts?

KEVIN BURDETTE: Artists need to fall in love with the idea of revealing themselves. So, my advice to the current Webb student would be to do as much as possible, be exposed to as many things as possible, learn who you are and what moves you. Stand in front of a Rothko for 10 minutes and see how it affects you. Read anything and everything. Go to performances. Find a style of music you innately dislike and figure out how to like it. Connect with people. Develop and find your story. This work is as vital as refining your technique. Both will become essential parts of the Apollonian framework on which your Dionysian art will be revealed. Your ability to connect with and move people will rely on your ability to imbue your art with who you are – a lifelong search that starts right now at Webb, the ideal place for that journey to begin.

CORWIN LEVI: We are all artists, but to pursue a career in the arts, you have to choose something you are excited by on a daily basis, because that is the only thing that will keep you creating. The career artists I have met are not inevitably the most talented, but instead are the ones who have kept creating day in and day out, year after year. In the process of that work, you’ll also find a community. Embrace it

(even if you’re an extreme introvert like me). Creators are intrinsically tied to viewers and are interconnected to a larger, wonderful world. You might need a little time to figure out where you fit in the world, but that particular adventure is one of the best (if sometimes the most stressful) parts.

WALKER KENNEDY: My biggest advice is to follow that passion if you feel it. Many people are intimidated by the notion of creating art or pursuing a career in it, because they think they don’t have ‘talent.’ But art and design are crafts, just like math or writing. With practice, patience and good mentorship, your skills will develop.

CHASE BROWN: It’s trite, but the biggest thing is this: surround yourself with the people who are doing it. Get into the environment where it’s happening. The whole thing needs to be disillusioned for it to feel possible. The arts can feel a little out of reach sometimes – like there’s this prerequisite secret sauce. That’s silly. The biggest difference between you and someone who’s doing it is that they’re doing it.

We put this emphasis on natural talent and divine inspiration that can often serve as a deterrent, an impenetrable gate. Get to work. Start making. Get on stage. You’re not gonna be good for a while, but be prolific in these early days and you’ll be grand.

Don’t be embarrassed to dream big. You’re at a school that’s designed to help you achieve those goals. Say them out loud and people will help.

Honoring the artistic spirit of Rob Richardson ’94

WEBB CLASS OF 1994

alum Rob Richardson passed away unexpectedly on February 4, 2019, at the age of 42. Though his time was far too brief, Rob’s energy, humor and love for life left a lasting imprint on those who knew him.

He loved sports, music and travel, but it was in the performing arts that his light shone brightest

at Webb. Rob headlined prom with his high school band, sang with the Chamber Singers and Esprit, and took the stage in productions of Grease, The King and I and West Side Story.

To ensure that Rob’s legacy at Webb endures, his mother, Susan Richardson Williams, took the lead in establishing the Rob Richardson Performing Arts Scholarship Fund, with the love and support of Rob’s entire family. This endowed scholarship will support Webb students who share Rob’s love for music and performance, providing opportunities for talented young people to grow and thrive. Most importantly, it will help open the doors of Webb School to students who may not otherwise be able to afford it, but whose passion for the performing arts mirrors Rob’s own.

A framed photo and tribute to Rob will also be placed in the Upper School choral room, a space he once filled with song and heart. It will stand as a reminder to future students that the arts at Webb are not just about performance, but also about joy, connection and friendship – the very values Rob embodied.

Rob’s family hopes that others will join them in honoring his memory by contributing to this fund. Together, we can celebrate the transformative role of the arts at Webb School and ensure that students like Rob always have a place to shine. To make a gift, please contact Hugh Nystrom ’85, Director of Advancement, at hugh.nystrom@webbschool.org or 865-291-3837, or give online to the Webb Fund at webbschool.org with a designation to the Rob Richardson Performing Arts Scholarship Fund.

Setting the standard in American hospitality, interior design

WEBB 2025 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENT, KREIS BEALL ’70

CO-FOUNDER OF BLACKBERRY FARM AND DESIGN DIRECTOR

Emeritus of Blackberry Design, Kreis Beall ’70, is the recipient of Webb School’s Distinguished Alumni Award for 2025. Regarded as one of the highest honors bestowed upon Webb School alumni, the Distinguished Alumni Award is presented annually to an alum whose business or professional accomplishments and service to others exemplify the goals of Webb School in the spirit of its motto, Principes Non Homines –‘Leaders Not Ordinary People.’

Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, Blackberry Farm is an award-winning Relais & Châteaux resort and renowned farm-to-table destination that has become one of the world’s most celebrated retreats. In 2025, the Robb Report recognized it among “The 50 Greatest Luxury Hotels on Earth,” one of only three North American properties to earn the distinction.

the real world when she received an admission rejection from Tulane University. She credited Webb School with believing in her and for helping her to eventually fulfill her goal of enrolling at Tulane. The experience “taught me that failure isn’t the opposite of success,” Beall told the students. “Failure is the part of success that can teach perseverance. Failure toughens your skin and it strengthens your spirit.”

A Tulane University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in art history, Beall has also forged a distinguished career in both commercial and residential design. In response to growing client demand, she founded Blackberry Design, where her work has been celebrated for its effortless refinement.

For decades, Beall has been a fixture in the entertaining world and on the glossy pages of leading home and lifestyle magazines, leaving a lasting imprint on American hospitality and design. In 2002, she passed the baton to her son Sam, who had the same passion as his mother for home and hospitality. Under his leadership, he grew Blackberry Farm to new heights before his untimely passing in 2016.

Carrying forward the spirit of renewal that has defined her life’s work, Beall more recently added author to her accomplishments with the release of The Great Blue Hills of God, a deeply personal memoir celebrating the resilience, grace and creative spirit that have shaped both her life and career.

Beall returned to her alma mater in October as part of Spartan Alumni Weekend to accept her alumni award and to share her story with Spartan Lower, Middle and Upper School students. During her presentation at Upper School Chapel, she recounted her career journey and how it began with uncertainty as a student at Webb School.

Admitting that she had no idea what she wanted to do with her life, Beall said she was happy with being what she called an average student at Webb. But then one day in her senior year, she got her first taste of

Beall noted that she likes to say she graduated from Tulane with a degree in adventure, embracing a philosophy of saying yes to opportunities – a mindset that eventually led her to a love of entertaining and ultimately co-founding Blackberry Farm with her husband. That path required hard work, long hours, faith, and the support of family, she remarked, adding, “My success didn’t come from perfection. My success came from perseverance.”

Beall went on to describe how her story took a dramatic turn years later when a serious accident left her temporarily deaf. She recalled that she was left feeling isolated and lacking confidence, but through that brokenness, she learned that real success is not about what you can achieve, but about relationships. “It was the people in my life who picked me up and my faith in a God who never left me that put me back together piece by piece,” she stated.

Even more impactful was the lesson “that when you’ve been lifted by others, your job is to lift others too,” Beall added. “Because real purpose doesn’t come from what you build. It comes from what you give.”

She shared that when people ask what she wants to be remembered for, they often expect her answer to be Blackberry Farm – but her legacy runs deeper. “What I really want to be remembered for is my faith in God and my courage to never give up,” she said.

Beall encouraged Webb’s students to find what they love and to pour their whole hearts into it, to believe in themselves even when it’s hard and to give back, “because a life of service is a life of purpose,” she explained. “It’s that simple. And it’s that hard. All it takes is all you’ve got and it’s worth it.”

SPARTAN ALUMNI WEEKEND

ALLALUMNI TAILGATE 10.24.25

AS PART OF THIS YEAR’S SPARTAN ALUMNI

Weekend festivities, Webb alumni and families gathered at Webb’s Upper School back patio and visualization lab for a Spartan Alumni Tailgate – an afternoon filled with food, laughter and school spirit. Graduates reconnected with classmates, cheered on the Spartans under the Friday night lights as Webb took on Chattanooga Christian High School and celebrated the lasting bonds that make the Webb community so special.

Other high points of Spartan Alumni Weekend 2025 included honoring Webb’s Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, Kreis Beall ’70 (page 17), Webb’s annual Alumni Achievement Awards luncheon (page 20) and off-campus class gatherings (page 22).

Golf standout Wes Roach ’07 inducted into Webb Athletic Hall of Fame

Spartan alum Wes Roach ’07 was celebrated during Spartan Alumni Weekend with his induction into the Webb School Athletic Hall of Fame. He returned to campus with his family to receive the honor during halftime of the Webb vs. Chattanooga Christian football game, October 24.

Roach has distinguished himself in golf at Webb, in collegiate competition and at the professional level. During his time as a Spartan, he earned All-Region and All-State accolades all four years, three region championships and the TSSAA state title in 2007. At Duke University, he helped lead the Blue Devils to the 2011 NCAA semifinals while capturing Academic All-American and all-region kudos. Turning professional shortly after college, Roach achieved success on the Korn Ferry Tour and PGA Tour, including five top-10 PGA finishes and a career-best third-place in 2019.

“Wes represents the very best of Webb athletics – grit, humility and excellence at every level of competition,” says Dan Gill, Webb Director of Athletics. “His journey from a high school state champion to a successful professional golfer is both inspiring and deeply deserving of this Hall of Fame honor.”

2025

ALUMNI Achievement Awards

WEBB’S SPARTAN ALUMNI WEEKEND SHINES

A SPOTLIGHT ON THE EXCEPTIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THOSE WHO ONCE WALKED THE SCHOOL’S HALLS, SALUTING THE YEAR’S DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD (PAGE 17) AND ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECIPIENTS.

NOMINATED BY THEIR CLASSMATES AND RECOGNIZED FOR OUTSTANDING SUCCESS IN THEIR CHOSEN PROFESSIONS, THIS YEAR’S ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT AWARD HONOREES – REPRESENTING THE REUNION CLASSES OF 1960, 1965, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, AND 2020 –WERE CELEBRATED AT A SPECIAL LUNCHEON ON OCTOBER 25.

Jaclyn Conner ’95

Associate Dean of Executive MBA Programs

Emory University Goizueta Business School

Britt Sturm ’10 Vice President Agri Feed Pet Supply

Drew Rowan ’00 Chief Operating Officer Zoo Knoxville

Peighton Meske ’15

Accomplished Distance Runner/ Completing B.S. in Nursing at UT

Taylor Hall ’05 Founder/Principal Locked On Strategies

Sarah Baker ’20 Owner Bella Bridesmaids, Knoxville

Scan to learn more about our 2025 Alumni Achievement Award winners.

SNAPSHOTS FROM REUNION CLASS GATHERINGS, OCTOBER 25: (clockwise from top) Webb Class of 2015 members shared fun and laughter at Xul Beer Company. Spartans from the Class of 2005 celebrated their 20th at Calhoun’s on the River. Members of the Class of 1985 reunited at the home of Hugh Nystrom to mark 40 years of Spartan friendships and memories. Webb Class of 1990 grads got together at Bistro By The Tracks for their 35th reunion. Class of 2010 members gathered at Kern’s Food Hall to catch up on each other’s lives and share stories. Webb Class of 1995 alumni enjoyed a Spartan 30th reunion party at the home of Eugene and Suzanne Stowers. Members of the Webb Class of 1980 came together at Gettysvue Country Club to reconnect, reminisce and raise a toast to 45 years of Spartan memories and lasting bonds.

WEBB SCHOOL’S 2025 GOLF TOURNAMENT, HELD MAY 19 AND HOSTED BY Webb’s Alumni Association, welcomed Webb community members to Cherokee Country Club for tournament play, lunch and prizes. A Spartan shout-out to 2025 golf tournament team champions: Kevin Counts, Heath Brownlee ’01, Blake Bodie ’13, and Grant Bodie ’15. Be sure to mark May 18, 2026 on your calendar for next year’s tournament!

Strengthening Spartan ties

We love seeing alumni back on campus – swapping stories, sharing insights and giving Webb students a glimpse of the world beyond the classroom. The school works to provide plenty of opportunities for graduates to engage with their alma mater, building connections and strengthening the Spartan community. Here’s a look at a few of this fall’s guest speaker visits.

(clockwise from top) Spartan Class of 2024 alumni (l to r) Anna Graves, Arba Zhao, Elise Kennedy, Eli Vickers, Camille Hunt, Ann Baker Tolsma, Cooper Cameron, Blake Carter, and Jack Felton returned to Webb in August to speak with the senior class about their first-year experiences in college. The Lower School hosted an author panel for its first Leadership Speaker series event of the year. Wes Bennett ’97 (right), creator of the children’s picture book The Kitty of Knoxville, and fellow Knoxville author Christine Pelillo, who wrote Shep Learns a Lesson, were the special guests. Speaking with Upper School Math Club members, Bayless Bolt ’24 shared his college journey and his work in the Mathematical Methods in the Social Sciences program at Northwestern University. The program blends mathematics, economics and data analysis in a rigorous, interdisciplinary curriculum. Webb juniors and seniors heard candid insights from Spartan alumni (l to r) Todd Kelly ’14, Megan Hatcher ’12, Julia Cook ’18, and Sarah Baker ’20, who have already navigated college and are pursuing a variety of professional paths. Building on August’s conversation with Class of 2024 members, November’s panel encouraged students – many now immersed in or approaching the college application process – to stay engaged, try new things and remember that they don’t need to have everything figured out just yet.

Graduation 2025

SPOTLIGHTING LEGACY, LEADERSHIP

A LEGACY OF GIVING BACK:

At Commencement 2025, Allison Lacy Lederer ’95 (pictured, fourth from left) was presented with the school’s Robert Webb Service Award, which honors an alum for exceptional service and leadership within the Webb community. Lederer has spent years giving back to Webb in numerous ways: as Alumni Council president, board member, co-chair of the strategic planning process for the school’s True to Webb strategic plan, and longtime coach of the Middle School Dance Team, where she mentors students not only in choreography and competition, but also in confidence, commitment and teamwork. A Wealth Manager at UBS Clarity Wealth Management, Lederer balances her career and family life while remaining deeply committed to the Webb community. Alongside her husband, Reid, she continues to cultivate and inspire the next generation of Spartans, including their children, Parks ’28 and Devon ’29, leaving a lasting legacy of service, leadership and heart.

TAKING UP THE SPARTAN TORCH:

Webb School proudly conferred diplomas to nine Class of 2025 legacy graduates. (left) Webb’s legacy grads with their alumni parents/ grandparents. (standing, l to r) Andrea Liles McDowell ’97, John Tuck ’81, Chris Hovis ’93, Ned DeLozier Sr. ’94, Ned DeLozier Jr. ’23, Bradley Roberts ’97, Allie Roberts ’24, Wesley Roberts ’00, Christin Foster Myers ’94, Cynthia Faust Foster ’66, Beau Myers ’94, Steve Koella ’63, Addison Koella (’90); (seated, l to r) Jack McDowell, Charlie McDowell, Marin Tuck, Julia Hovis, Langley DeLozier, Chase Roberts, Chilton Myers, Jack Ryan, Stephen Koella (not pictured: Wendy Wise Ryan ’83).

Commencement 2025 echoed the school’s yearlong focus on courage and servant leadership, inspired by The Red Bandanna – the inaugural President’s Pick summer reading selection. The book’s hero, Welles Crowther, embodied the selfless leadership that defined the campus all year. To honor his legacy, Webb welcomed his mother, Alison Crowther (left), as keynote speaker. In her Commencement address, Crowther urged the Spartan graduates to lead with compassion, resilience and purpose, reminding them that true leadership lies in using one’s gifts to make the world a better place.

BACK IN THE GAME

A GROWING NUMBER OF FORMER SPARTAN ATHLETES ARE STEPPING BACK ONTO THE WEBB CAMPUS – NOT AS SPECTATORS, BUT AS COACHES. THIS INSPIRING TREND LED US TO ASK THESE ALUMNI MENTORS WHAT IT MEANS TO RETURN TO THEIR ALMA MATER AND GUIDE THE NEXT GENERATION OF SPARTAN STUDENT-ATHLETES.

Q.

“ “ What inspired you to return to Webb as a coach, and what does it mean to you to be back serving in this role?

MIDDLE SCHOOL DANCE

CINDY LACY WAGNER ’93: I was inspired to return to Webb as a coach because this community has always been such an important part of my life. My sister and I cheered at Webb together, and then we both danced on the University of Tennessee Dance Team. It’s such a special opportunity to give back to the school that gave us so much and to pour into the next generation of athletes. Coaching at Webb means carrying on the traditions that helped shape us, while also building new ones. It’s both and honor and joy to be back home at Webb.

ALLISON LACY LEDERER ’95: Coaching Middle School dance at Webb for the past 13 years with my sister, Cindy, has been more than teaching choreography; it’s been about giving back to the place that shaped me, watching young dancers grow in confidence and keeping the spirit of our community alive through every performance. Being a member (and then coach) of the UT Dance Team taught me the discipline, resilience and joy of performing at the highest level. Bringing those lessons back to Webb Middle School dancers has been the most rewarding part. Hopefully, Cindy and I have helped foster a love for dance that will carry them far beyond the gym floor.

SWIMMING/DIVING

JOE PEEDEN ’06: I grew up on the pool deck. As a lifetime swimmer, the water shaped my love of sport and my approach to learning; so stepping back onto the deck as a Webb coach feels like coming home. Returning to teach at Webb immediately sparked a second goal – coaching the Spartans again, and I am beyond excited to be back poolside with a Spartan head on my shirt again. My leadership/coaching roles with KISL, TISCA, GKAISA, and Tennessee Aquatics provide insights on rules, training and recruiting for our swimmers. Coaching at Webb represents a full - circle opportunity to repay the coaches who invested in me, to model the balance of scholarship, character and service that Webb values and to help every Spartan discover a personal definition of success, both in the classroom and in the water.

VARSITY VOLLEYBALL

NICKLIN HAMES ’18: Returning to Webb as a coach is an incredible honor. This school played a major role in shaping who I am, not just as a volleyball player, but also as a person. I’ve experienced firsthand how impactful a coach can be during this stage of life, and having the opportunity to step into that role at a place that means so much to me is truly special.

VARSITY BASEBALL

PARKER WORMSLEY ’11: My inspiration to return and coach comes from all the great memories I have of my time at Webb as a baseball player. I grew up on that field, and the positive impact the program had on my life made me want to give back. My passion for Webb baseball will never fade, and I’m extremely grateful for the chance to coach here. The best part is working with the students. They’re great kids, and I hope to make the same kind of positive impact on them that my coaches had on me.

GRANT BODIE ’15: I have so many great memories from the seven years I spent playing golf for Webb and I was lucky to have great coaches. I guess the thing that inspired me to return was the coaches I had back then. I am very grateful for the opportunity to serve as a coach at Webb, to represent the school and be around these golfers. It means a lot to be a part of their development as players and people.

MIDDLE SCHOOL CHEER

ANN LOUISE BROOME ’10: Some of my very favorite memories from Webb are related to cheer – from football games to pep rallies. Every time I had my uniform on, I felt proud to be cheering for Webb. I am so honored and thankful to be coaching Webb Middle School cheer with one of my lifelong friends. Ellie and I loved being on the sidelines together then and are thrilled to be back now!

ELLIE JOHNSON FOY ’10: The Webb cheer program shaped my high school years in countless ways. It taught me the value of hard work, teamwork and commitment, and I was always proud to cheer on the Spartans. My coaches were pivotal to my growth, and it’s an honor to now coach the program that inspired me. Coaching the Webb cheer squad has always been a dream, and I hope to pass along the same values to today’s athletes that my coaches instilled in me.

MIDDLE SCHOOL BASEBALL

STOKES NEEDHAM ’18:

What inspired me to come back and coach at Webb really came down to wanting to steer kids in the right direction and get them ready for the high school level. When I was in Middle School, I had two great coaches in Andy Huddleston and Bo Johnson. After playing collegiately and stepping

away from the game for a few years, I realized I missed being around baseball and wanted to share the knowledge that I learned from the great coaches who taught me. It means a lot to me to positively impact my players both on and off the field and to help prepare the next generation of Webb baseball athletes for the next level. It’s also special to be back coaching alongside former Spartan teammate Reed Noyes. He was my catcher throughout high school and we hit back-to-back in our lineup.

K.J. PARENT ’11: When Coach Jordan Wormsley asked me to come help out and coach the JV baseball team, I was both surprised and honored. It was not something I thought I would be doing, but once it was presented to me, I knew I wanted to do it. I was excited to be back at Webb and share my passion for baseball. I remembered all of the things I learned from Coach Clark Wormsley and knew I wanted to give back and help the next generation of ball players, teaching them the ins and outs of the game and what it means to be a Spartan. Webb is a special place and I’m honored to help lead these students.

LUCY LIGHTHOLDER ’19: My time at Webb was truly special and some of my favorite memories were made on the sidelines cheering on the Spartans! Webb’s cheer and dance programs have always been amazing, especially under the outstanding leadership of Susie Norris. I had the honor of being one of her cheerleaders during high school, and now, having the opportunity to coach alongside her has only deepened my respect and gratitude for her and for our entire cheer program. Being back on campus, surrounded by such talented and spirited cheerleaders, reminds me just how lucky I am to remain involved in the school’s program. I will always treasure my time at Webb and on those sidelines. Once a Spartan, always a Spartan!

State Sweep

Lady Spartans, Spartans capture historic basketball titles

POST-SEASON PLAY CHECKLIST

for the 2024-25 Lady Spartan and Spartan basketball teams: Win the Division II-AA East-Region championship – check. Advance through the quarterfinals to clinch the Final Four – check. Bring home both state championship crowns and cement their place in school history – check.

Webb’s girls’ and boys’ basketball squads proudly raised their gold ball trophies high at Tennessee Tech’s Hooper Eblen Center in Cookeville, Tennessee, completing a clean sweep of the 2025 TSSAA Division II-AA state finals and marking the first time in Webb varsity basketball history that both the girls’ and boys’ teams have won the state title in the same year.

Avenging last season’s runner-up finish, the Lady Spartans (29-3) claimed their seventh state crown and first since 2018 with a 61-47 win over Christ Presbyterian Academy, while the boys’ team

(34-2) grabbed their second state championship and first since 2019 with a 54-45 victory over 2024 champion Briarcrest.

Lady Spartan guard Zahnyah Rockett ’28 led Webb at state with 20 points, grabbing five steals and finishing 6-of-12 from the field. She also made 8 of 11 shots at the foul line. Division II-AA Miss Basketball winner Meeyah Green ’26 (page 29) posted 19 points on 5-for-11 shooting. Forward Kyndall Mays ’28 sunk 12 points and had seven rebounds on 5-of-5 shooting. All three players were named to the girls’ All-Tournament Team with Green also earning All-Tournament MVP honors.

Guard Owen Lentz ’26 posted a team-high 14 points for the Spartan boys at state, going 4 for 7 beyond the arc. Spartan wing Cam Swearengen ’26 posted 11 points and went 3-for-4 beyond the line.

Point guard Jaylen Pompey ’25 contributed eight assists and, along with Lentz and Swearengen, was selected to the boys’ All-Tournament Team. Swearengen also walked away with All-Tournament MVP kudos.

Meeyah Green ’26

Crowned

DII-AA Miss Basketball

Just when it seemed point guard Meeyah Green’s junior basketball season couldn’t get any more stellar – after lifting her Lady Spartans to a 29-3 record and the 2025 Division II-AA state championship title while also earning state All-Tournament MVP honors – she capped it off with TSSAA Division II-AA Miss Basketball honors. A starter for the Lady Spartan varsity basketball team since eighth grade, Green averaged 13.5 points, seven rebounds, 4.5 assists, and two steals per game during the regular season. A four-time All-State and All-Region standout, the Clemson University signee is poised to finish her career at Webb with over 2,000 points and nearly 1,000 rebounds, with her sights set on bringing home another gold ball state trophy in 2026.

STATE 3-PEAT!

WEBB’S LADY SPARTAN VARSITY CROSScountry team captured their third straight Division II-AA State Cross-Country Championship title this fall, cementing their reputation as a powerhouse and dynasty in the sport. The Lady Spartans commanded the leaderboard at Shelby Farms Park in Memphis, Tennessee, with three runners finishing in the top five and six placing in the top 20. Webb recorded a winning team total of 33 – comfortably ahead of runner-up Knoxville Catholic High School (66). Webb’s Lady Spartan teams have brought home first or second place at the state championship over the past 16 seasons.

Webb senior Calysta Garmer successfully defended her state individual title, crossing the finish line in a winning 5K time of 17:05.62 – a new state record and the fastest girls’ time across all divisions. Twin sister, Jazzlyn Garmer, took the bronze, clocking a time of 17:30.34. Both Garmer sisters, who will carry on their outstanding athletic careers at Furman University, have earned top-10 individual finishes at state in each of their five varsity cross-country seasons. Classmate Carolina Areheart, a Vanderbilt commitment, was fourth, posting a time of 18:07.90. Emma Cissna ’27 ran to a ninth-place showing (19:01.41), while junior Ariana Vargas was 16th (19:27.35), followed by freshman Bennie Diddle who grabbed 17th and a PR of 19:31.38. Junior Gaby Bainbridge nearly cracked the top 20, taking 21st in a time of 19:59.62.

SETTING THE PACE: Calysta Garmer ’26 claimed the 5,000-meter title at the 2025 New Balance Nationals Outdoor Championship in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, setting a new meet record of 16:18.14 and solidifying her status among the nation’s elite. Jazzlyn Garmer ’26 also took All-American honors, finishing fifth in 16:31.22 and placing among the five high school competitors who broke the previous meet record. Named 2024 PrepXtra Girls’ CrossCountry Runner of the Year, Calysta Garmer also earned the 2025 Knox News All-PrepXtra Girls’ Track & Field Athlete of the Year honor. She captured two state titles at the 2025 Division II-AA State Track & Field Championship (page 30) – the 1,600-meter run in a school-record 4:49.41 and the 3,200-meter contest in 10:31.20 – on the Lady Spartans’ road to a second consecutive state team crown.

THIS JUST IN >> At press time, Calysta Garmer clinched second at the 2025 Nike Cross Nationals Southeast Regional Championship, while Jazzlyn Garmer was the Webb team’s next top runner, placing 10th out of nearly 250 competitors. Webb’s seven varsity runners’ strong performance propelled them to a first-place team finish and an automatic berth to this year’s Nike Cross Nationals in Portland, Oregon, on December 6. READ MORE AT WEBBSCHOOL.ORG/NEWS.

Soccer girls’ grit fuels state runner-up run

In another historic milestone for the girls’ varsity soccer program at Webb, the Lady Spartans returned to the Division II-AA state championship final for the second straight year – marking their first-ever backto-back state title appearances. And despite a tough 3-0 loss to defending state champion Baylor, the Lady Spartans’ run (15-2-1) solidified their place among the top programs in Tennessee high school soccer.

After a nail-biting, come-from-behind 2-1 victory over Father Ryan High School in the state quarterfinal that included two goals for Webb in the final 14 minutes, the Spartan girls continued their postseason momentum with a 2-1 win over Girls’ Preparatory School in state final four play to earn another shot at the championship trophy against the Baylor Red Raiders.

SPARTANS SHINE IN INAUGURAL TSSAA LACROSSE CAMPAIGN:

Webb’s varsity boys’ lacrosse team finished runner-up at the 2025 TSSAA Division II-A state championship, following an 8-6 defeat to Christ Presbyterian Academy (CPA). Marking the début of boys’ lacrosse under TSSAA sanctioning, Webb (14-3) returned to the state final to face CPA, having defeated the Lions in the 2024 Tennessee Scholastic Lacrosse Association title game to claim the program’s first state crown. Spartan Class of 2026 players Noah Garcia, Bryce Hooker, Baxter Johnson, Brody Taylor, and Adam Weston, as well as Class of 2025 members Brock Green, Bradyn Hooker and Jonah Sharp, grabbed All-Region kudos. Johnson, Taylor, Weston, Garcia, Green, and Sharp also earned All-State honors.

Barber earns state gold, named TISCA Male Diver of the Year

Top-tier diver and Georgetown University commit Brooks Barber ’25 closed out his Spartan diving career with a gold medal in the men’s 1-meter event at the 2025 TISCA (Tennessee Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association) State Championship meet and earned TISCA Male Diver of the Year distinction. He finished with a final score of 479.10, about 14 points ahead of the state runner-up. The season marked Barber’s fourth consecutive appearance at state. He placed third in the men’s 1-meter diving event at the 2022 TISCA State Championships his freshman year and brought home silver at state in the same event his sophomore and junior seasons. Barber also secured his fourth straight runner-up showing in the men’s 1-meter dive at the 2025 KISL (Knox-Area Interscholastic Swim League) Swimming and Diving Championships

Lady Spartans claim back-to-back state track & field titles

WEBB’S LADY SPARTAN VARSITY track & field squad cruised to its second consecutive state team title at the 2025 Division II-AA State Track & Field Championship, powered by a string of gold-medal victories and podium finishes.

Lacy Young ’28 delivered gold-medal performances in both the girls’ 100-meter and 200-meter races at state, clocking times of 11.79 and 24.97, respectively. Carolina Areheart ’26 captured her second straight state victory in the girls’ 800-meter contest with a time and new school record of 2:09.43. She also teamed up with Gaby Bainbridge ’27, Emma Cissna ’27 and Ariana Vargas ’27 to take first in the 4 X 800-meter relay (9:39.72).

Lennox Langham ’25 cemented her dominance in the girls’ triple jump by claiming her fifth straight state title with a mark of 40 feet, 2.5 inches. Calysta Garmer ’26 won the girls’ 1,600-meter race in a school-record time of 4:49.41 and followed it up with another victory in the 3,200 (10:31.20).

Jazzlyn Garmer ’26 raced to silver-medal finishes in both the girls’ 1,600 (4:51.32) and 3,200-meter (10:31.35) events at state. Langham took runner-up in the girls’ long jump (18-7) and joined Young, Simone Romain ’28 and Carolyne Dye ’26 to grab silver and set a new school record in the girls’ 4 X 200-meter relay (1:42.07).

Romain earned bronze in both the girls’ 100 (12.12) and 200-meter (25.53) races, while Tullulah Carney ’26 claimed third place in the girls’ high jump (5-4), matching her own school record that she set at the 2025 KIL championship. Calysta Garmer also made All-State in the girls’ 800 with a fourth-place finish (2:18.92). Jazzlyn Garmer added points with a sixth-place showing in the 800 (2:24.60) and the Lady Spartans’ 4 x 400meter relay squad – Areheart, Cissna, Romain, and Vargas – came in seventh (4:12.77).

Under the direction of Coach Lexus McDaniel, Webb Director of Sports Performance, the Bailey Family Fitness & Training Center (right) serves as the cornerstone of the school’s exemplary strength and conditioning program, which earned two national honors – the NSCA Strength of America Award and the NHSSCA Program of Excellence Award –for representing the gold standard in high school student-athlete training.

REFLECTING THE GOLD STANDARD >> Webb School of Knoxville was named a Strength of America Award recipient by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), recognizing the school’s elite strength and conditioning program for Spartan student-athletes. Led by Coach Lexus McDaniel, Director of Sports Performance, the program excelled in supervision, education, program design, and facilities – meeting the NSCA’s rigorous standards for high school athletic performance. Webb’s program was also selected for the Program of Excellence Award from the National High School Strength Coaches Association (NHSSCA), reflecting the gold standard in high school strength and conditioning. Both organizations praised Webb School for professionalism, commitment and dedication to safe, effective training that maximizes studentathlete performance.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

sports highlights fall 2025

football: The Spartan football team posted an outstanding 7-0-1 record this season. The Middle School Men in Green advanced to their first-ever East Tennessee Football League Championship title game against Grace Christian and brought home the crown with a 42-38 victory.

tennis: Both boys’ and girls’ travel teams made their inaugural appearances at the 2025 Tennessee Middle School Athletic Association (TMSAA) State Tennis Championships. The Spartan boys’ team earned first place in the non-TSSAA Boys Flight II division and concluded the tournament as state division runner-up/finalist, finishing behind threetime division champion Memphis University School.

softball: The Webb girls demonstrated continuous growth this season, refining their skills, embracing challenges and giving their all in every game.

cross country: The boys’ and girls’ teams had successful seasons with several top-10 individual finishes in regular season meets. Webb’s Spartan squads consistently placed among the top seven teams throughout the regular schedule, with the girls’ team winning a regular season meet at Roane State Community College! Three girls and two boys secured their spots individually for the state meet.

girls’ soccer: The Lady Spartans turned in an outstanding fall campaign, claiming the regularseason division championship. Their performance earned them a berth to the “Champions” bracket in the end-of-season tournament, which featured the top four teams from a field of 50. Webb concluded tournament play with a strong showing, ultimately falling in the semifinal round.

volleyball: The Middle School volleyball program turned in a solid season that included advancing to the Knoxville Independent School League (KISL) Championship Tournament quarterfinals.

Eastwood honored with top TAIS teaching award

FOR MORE THAN A GENERATION, THE Tennessee Association of Independent Schools (TAIS) has honored educators who have shaped the independent school landscape with unwavering dedication and leadership. This year, that notable distinction belongs to longtime Webb Middle School social studies teacher Heather Eastwood, who has been named a recipient of the TAIS Hubert Smothers Award for 2025. The award, TAIS’ highest recognition for teaching excellence, celebrates individuals whose careers have been defined by exceptional pedagogy, meaningful service to the school and broader community, and an enduring impact on students and peers.

The Hubert Smothers Award recognizes select educators who have met rigorous criteria, including 20 or more years of teaching while remaining lifelong learners, demonstrating enthusiasm for teaching and positively impacting students. Recipients work unselfishly to further student growth, exhibit leadership in extracurricular activities, maintain

positive relationships with colleagues and administration, and make meaningful contributions to the broader educational community at the local, state or national level.

Keenly attuned to her students’ developmental needs, Eastwood creates a classroom environment where middle schoolers feel genuinely safe, supported and valued, according to John Micheletto, Webb Director of Faculty and Instructional Programs. He commended Eastwood for her ability to develop mutual respect with students while maintaining high standards of integrity. He also noted that throughout her 30-plus-year career at Webb, Eastwood has earned the admiration of her students for teaching them ‘how to learn’ – a testament to her ability to cultivate “foundational learning skills that extend far beyond American history and civics content,” Micheletto remarked. “She instills fairness and tolerance in all students under her care, serving as a trusted adult during these crucial adolescent years.”

Eastwood’s commitment to student well-being extends beyond the classroom walls. A longtime coach of both the girls’ and boys’ Spartan Middle School soccer teams, she shares her collegiate athletic experience and passion for the sport, mentoring her athletes in fundamental skills and fostering a healthy competitive spirit. She also

“Heather

doesn’t just teach history; she shapes lives, guiding generations of students with wisdom, respect and unwavering care as an educator, coach and trusted adult. She is the embodiment of what it means to be an extraordinary educator. She embodies the best of Webb School of Knoxville.”

– Webb School President Ansel Sanders

serves on the board of the regional Middle School Soccer Association, where her leadership and reputation reflect a dedication to advancing educational opportunities through athletics. In addition, her focus on creating transformative learning experiences that connect students to their civic heritage is evident in her oversight of the Middle School’s annual eighth-grade Washington, D.C., trip.

Considered a trusted and beloved colleague, Eastwood has mentored new faculty and enriched the school community through initiatives such as faculty book clubs and committee work, embodying the collaborative spirit central to educational excellence.

Micheletto noted that Eastwood is a lifelong learner, as exemplified by seamlessly transitioning from teaching sixth-grade to eighth-grade American History – bringing energy, adaptability and enthusiasm to every aspect of her teaching practice.

Webb School President Ansel Sanders echoed Micheletto’s praise. “Heather doesn’t just teach history; she shapes lives, guiding generations of students with wisdom, respect and unwavering care as an educator, coach and trusted adult,” Sanders said. “She is the embodiment of what it means to be an extraordinary educator. She embodies the best of Webb School of Knoxville.”

LAWRIE RECEIVES TEACHER OF EXCELLENCE AWARD FOR STEM EDUCATION, ROBOTICS

Webb Upper School science teacher and longtime FIRST Robotics coach/mentor, Jenifer Lawrie, received the William Dahlgren Teacher of Excellence Award by the SAMPE (Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering) Foundation. The Dahlgren Award recognizes outstanding K-12 teachers who have inspired students in the math, science and engineering fields, particularly in classes directed toward the field of materials science and engineering, and general entrepreneurship efforts. Lawrie was one of only a handful of teachers, nationwide, to be selected this year for the award.

Dr. Lawrie, who has taught courses in physics (including AP Physics), materials science, engineering, quantum computing, AI applications, and drone and aviation in Webb’s Upper School, has also been integral to the success of the school’s FIRST Robotics programs, including the Spartan

FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) and FIRST Lego League (FLL) squads. For the past 12 years, she has guided FRC Team 1466 to numerous regional and national competitions.

The high school Spartan team has earned multiple prestigious FIRST awards over the years and, on several occasions, has qualified for the finals and advanced to the FIRST World Championship. In addition, a significant number of Lawrie’s students have gone on to earn degrees in STEM disciplines, often crediting her with shaping their academic and career journeys.

This past year, Team 1466 won a FIRST Regional Engineering Inspiration Award, which celebrates outstanding success in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering within a team’s school or organization and community. It also included an automatic invitation to compete at the FIRST World Championship. The

REELING IN SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN FLY FISHING HISTORY:

Upper School English teacher Neil Norman is set to release his book, Tight Lines & Tall Tales: Stories of Southern Appalachian Fly Fishing, in June 2026. The book is published by the University of North Carolina Press. Here’s a sneak peek at Dr. Norman’s new book, straight from the UNC Press website:

“For the first time, Neil Norman uncovers the hidden history of Southern Appalachian fly fishing that stretches back generations. Drawing on archival research, his own memories of fishing, and personally collected oral histories, Norman offers a fascinating history of the sport . . . In recounting the history of Southern Appalachian fly fishing, Norman tells the story of the land itself – its streams, rivers, mountains, and valleys –while also challenging the idea that Southern Appalachia is an insular backwater or simply a tourist destination. He shows us that, as with any angling tradition, understanding where we are is key to understanding who we are.”

award celebrated the robotics students’ dedication to leadership and community impact, highlighted by more than 600 hours of STEM outreach over the past year.

In addition, Lawrie spearheaded an effort to apply for and receive a grant from the SAMPE Foundation for Team 1466 to further elevate STEM education in high school robotics. The $10,000 grant supports the development and distribution of lesson kits on composite materials, reaching thousands of students and engaging the next generation of engineers and scientists with cuttingedge materials and manufacturing processes.

This initiative not only enhances Webb’s commitment to STEM and establishes Team 1466 as an educational leader in FIRST Robotics, but also led to an invitation – its first-ever – to present at a conference during the FIRST World Championship, marking a milestone in the team’s 20-plus-year history.

SERVING THE GREATER GOOD >>

Spartan Bistro Chef Beth Fisher and Webb School Dining have partnered with Bakeroos (bakeroos.org) to make cakes for foster children in the Knoxville area. In November, Fisher delivered her first Bakeroos cake – a Bluey cake (left) –to Bronx for his birthday! Bakeroos serves six foster care agencies, one after-school program and one safe home, reaching more than 500 children across Knox County. The organization partners with agencies that support underprivileged or at-risk children, including those living in group homes, low-income housing or experiencing homelessness – children who might otherwise go without a birthday cake.

This effort is one of several community service outreach activities Webb’s dining crew has embraced this fall. In October, several Webb Dining employees participated in the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk and more recently, team members joined Spartan junior Grayson White to build storage crates for the men’s wing at Knox Area Rescue Ministries.

SCIENCE IN THE STUDIO: Students in Heather Hillesheim’s Upper School Materials Science: Metals & Ceramics class got a front-row look at the Raku firing process with ceramics teacher, Brad Cantrell, discovering how it highlights the intersection of ceramics and materials science. They saw how rapid temperature changes and controlled chemical reactions produce the striking crackle patterns, smoky blacks and metallic sheens of Raku pottery. Each piece becomes a visual record of how heat, oxygen and material composition come together – turning science into art.

Entries by Webb Middle and Upper School student-artists that were juried into the 2025 East Tennessee Regional Student Art Exhibition. Several Spartan students earned high awards, including 1st Place in 12th Grade and 3rd Place in 7th Grade. 29

‘Natural Red 4’ by Callum Caldwell ’26

Rehearsal hours put in by the cast and crew of Webb’s Upper School fall 2025 production of Neil Simon’s Laughter on the 23rd Floor 120+

TWENTY-THREE

Number of Webb Lower, Middle and Upper School students who auditioned for and were selected to participate in this year’s Knoxville Symphony Orchestra (KSO) Youth Orchestras. Students selected for the KSOYO rehearse weekly under the direction of KSO musicians for three concerts to be performed during the year at the Tennessee Theatre. Spartan students, spanning second through 12th grade, are included in every orchestra.

Fifty-Plus

Approximate number of high schools and middle schools from across East Tennessee that are represented annually at the ETVA All-East Honors Choirs Clinic. This year, Webb School had a strong presence, with 13 Spartan choral students in grades 7-12 passing the rigorous audition process to earn All-East distinction and participate in the three-day clinic at Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee.

GALLERY

A quick glance at Webb community efforts to give back through recent service projects, spreading kindness and support to those in need and coming together to honor the courage and sacrifice of those who have dedicated themselves to a purpose greater than oneself.

(clockwise from top) Webb’s Middle School Interact Club, led by faculty advisors Carol Hill and Sarah Parsly, teamed up with Middle School students mentoring at Haslam Family Club University to host an early morning Hot Cocoa & Cider Fundraiser to collect money to buy winter clothing for students at the Boys & Girls Club. The event brought in more than $400! Later, the Interactors and mentors joined their Haslam Club buddies to shop for the new winter wear. Webb fifth graders and the Lower School Student Council spearheaded a weeklong food drive to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee. Lower School families delivered, contributing loads of non-perishable goods and donating over $700 in a virtual food drive. Webb School President Ansel Sanders served as a volunteer escort for three Vietnam veterans on HonorAir Knoxville Flight 37, accompanying them to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials honoring their and other veterans’ service and sacrifice. The Lower School welcomed veterans from the school community for its Veterans Day celebration. Guests were greeted by 1,000 American flags on the Lower School lawn and homemade thank-you displays in the lobby. Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops welcomed the veterans and escorted them to their seats. Guests, including former Webb student and U.S. Air National Guard Col. Robin Grubb (pictured), also visited classrooms to share their experiences and what it means to serve

Spartan Stats

A by-the-numbers peek at some school highlights.

1,500 73

Combined number of cookies, assorted pastries and muffins baked and served by Webb School Dining for this fall’s Grandparents’ & Special Friends’ Day.

Class of 2026 members participating in the Lower School’s Senior Siblings program this year. Now eight years strong, Senior Siblings offers seniors the opportunity to serve not only as mentors but also as genuine buddies to their Junior Spartan and kindergarten friends. From crafts to naptime stories, students connect, build lasting friendships and share plenty of hugs and smiles.

16

Number of seasons Webb’s Lady Spartan cross-country teams have brought home first or second place at the TSSAA state cross-country championships.

50

5

Hot sauce varieties available from the Abercrombie Hot Peppers website (abercrombiehotpeppers.com), the new side gig for Upper School science teacher and Hot Sauce Club sponsor Jason Abercrombie. Every batch is made from peppers Dr. Abercrombie grows in his yard and cooks and bottles in his own kitchen

Faculty and staff who volunteered this fall to play potential ‘suspects’ across 10 crime scenes in Upper School science teacher Laura Kile’s Forensic Science: Biological class. For the end-of-semester unit, students put their forensic skills to the test, working to identify whodunnit and solve the ‘murder’ of Mrs. Kile.

280

Gallons of paint used to refresh the Lee Athletic Center gym, including the ceiling, walls and accents. Upgrades also feature new LED lighting, a revamped paint scheme, resurfaced court with Webb’s Spartan logo and Shane Webb ’85 Court signage, state championship recognitions, and an updated sound system. Go Spartans!

SOARING TOGETHER

For more than 25 years, the Lower School Crane Ceremony has bridged divisions, bringing our youngest and oldest student community members together. Each year, Lower School students fold over 1,000 paper cranes and present them to our graduating seniors as a symbol of peace, hope and kindness – and as a reminder of the community they will always have at Webb School. Depicted in flight, each folded crane is unique, yet each is connected to others. That is the spirit of the Webb experience; students are supported on their individual paths and valued for what they bring to our learning community.

Class Notes Highlights

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

Read all the latest class news and submit your news by scanning the above QR code.

’70s

Ginny Bowers Izydore ’78 and her husband, Keith, partnered with Spartan alum Kathryn Dempster Hall’s ’73 husband, Steve Hall, to open up a new luxury island retreat, Prana Maya Island Resort (pictured). The boutique escape, tucked into five secluded acres on Placencia Caye, just off the coast of southeastern Belize, offers ocean-view suites and private villas, a wellness-focused spa, farm-to-table dining, and curated adventures amid tropical surroundings. Discover more at pranamayaresort.com.

’80s

Dr. James A Killeffer ’83 was part of a medical team that successfully performed a groundbreaking spinal surgery to remove a tumor on a 34year-old chimpanzee at Zoo Knoxville. The delicate operation is considered to be the first documented procedure of its kind performed on a chimpanzee. Working alongside Dr. Talisha Moore, a veterinary neurologist at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, Killeffer – a neurosurgeon at University of Tennessee Medical Center – helped remove a tumor pressing against the chimpanzee’s spinal cord. The chimp, nicknamed ‘Lu,’ had shown weakness in his hind legs, and surgery was the best option to preserve his mobility and quality of life. The team managed to remove most of the tumor, relieving pressure on the spinal cord and allowing Lu to begin recovery.

’00s

Owen Parsons ’04 , has built an awardwinning career in comedy, tracing his roots to his writing and performing days at Webb and later at Dartmouth College, where he contributed to the Dartmouth Jack-O-Lantern and performed with the improv group Casual Thursday. He started his professional career at the website CollegeHumor and then broke into late-night television with The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, earning his first Emmy. He now writes for Last Week Tonight With John Oliver, where he has collected seven more Emmys. Scan the QR code to learn more.

Jenna Purdy ’07 is the production coordinator for Rhett & Link (Rhett McLaughlin and Link Neal), the comedy duo best known as the creators and hosts of the hit YouTube series Good Mythical Morning. They were named to the 2025 TIME100 Creators List as two of the year’s most influential digital voices.

’10s

Carl Edwards ’16 earned his Ph.D. in computer science with a focus on AI and Natural Language Processing (NLP) from the Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Edwards is a Senior Research Scientist at Genentech in South San Francisco, California. His research focuses on investigating the applications of AI and NLP to cancer drug discovery. While pursuing his Bachelor of Science in computer science and math at the University of Tennessee, he was awarded the Goldwater Scholarship, the most prestigious undergraduate STEM scholarship in the United States.

Myles Rasnick ’18 has returned to Maryville College as an assistant men’s basketball coach. Rasnick was a four-year starter and leader for the Scots, finishing with 1,038 points, 305 rebounds, 208 assists, and a program-record 89.3% career free-throw shooting mark. His

Dr. Sean Panella ’09 (left) is a veterinary dentist and oral surgeon with Pacific Coast Veterinary Dentistry & Oral Surgery in Carlsbad, California. His special interests include oral/ maxillofacial oncology and the management of oral pain in animals, ranging from household pets to exotic species and large animals in collaboration with zoos and wildlife centers.

senior season, he earned CCS Player of the Year, First Team All-Region and All-American recognition, leading Maryville to both regular season and tournament titles. After graduating, he played professionally in Poland and Latvia before returning to his collegiate alma mater, where he now coaches two Webb alumni on the roster: Jaylon Green ’22 and Jaylen Pompey ’25.

Looking to show your Spartan pride? Follow @webbbookstore on Instagram to check out the latest in Webb School caps, cozy blankets, T-shirts, sweatshirts, onesies, even “Sparty Stuffies” –plus so much more!

’20s

Georgia Tech leading pitcher Mason Patel ’20 earned 2nd Team AllAmerican distinction from the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA), becoming the first Yellow Jackets pitcher named an NCBWA All-American since 2019, the 20th in program history to earn All-American honors and the first since 2016 to secure a spot on one of the top two teams. Last year, Patel became the first Yellow Jacket in Tech program history to record at least 11 wins in a single season without ever starting a game. He finished 11-2 with a 3.34 ERA, 64 strikeouts, 70 innings pitched, and a .223 opponent batting average.

Spartan golf standout Reece Britt ’21 serves as an assistant coach for the University of Tennessee men’s golf team. Britt played collegiate golf at Austin Peay University, logging four top-25 showings during his senior season. Additionally, Britt led the Governors in his final collegiate tournament, shooting 1-under overall to tie for 26th at the ASUN Championship. Over the course of his Govs golf career, he tallied 14 top-25 finishes, including three podium

appearances, highlighted by a runner-up showing at the 2023 APSU Intercollegiate. Britt also made program history as the first Austin Peay men’s golfer to earn ASUN Golfer of the Week honors. A fiveyear letterman for the Spartan boys’ golf team, he notched three career top-10 finishes in the TSSAA Division II State Championships, including an impressive eighth place as an eighth-grader.

Webb Class of 2025 Salutatorian Ryan Schwartz was awarded a $2,500 STAR Scholarship from the P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) Sisterhood this past summer. Established in 2009, the STAR Scholarship supports outstanding young women in their final year of high school who plan to attend an accredited postsecondary institution in the United States or Canada. The competitive award recognizes students who demonstrate excellence in leadership, academics, extracurricular involvement, community service, and potential for future success. Schwartz is a freshman at University of Virginia.

CLASS OF 1959

CLASS OF 1962

CLASS OF 1964

CLASS OF 1965

CLASS OF 1968

CLASS OF 1985

Ed Hilliard passed away August 3, 2025.

Hilliard was one of Webb School of Knoxville’s first four graduates.

Anne Manning Jenkins passed away April 25, 2025.

Mary Culver Spengler passed away February 19, 2025.

Cindy Flanary Rogers passed away July 10, 2025.

Rick Bowen passed away March 2, 2025.

Bob McClellan passed away May 20, 2025.

Susan Gunning , who led the orchestra program at Webb School for more than 20 years before retiring in 2013, passed away November 8, 2025.

Les Larsen, who served as Upper School Head at Webb School of Knoxville from July 1994 through June 1997, passed away May 30, 2025.

Former Spartan coach, teacher and administrator Ron Gratz passed away August 20, 2025 (pages 4-5).

A LASTING LEGACY: The Robert & Julie Webb Society

EARLIER THIS YEAR, Webb School proudly established the Robert & Julie Webb Society, honoring the school’s founders and celebrating those who choose to include Webb in their estate plans. Much like Robert and Julie themselves, this new society is rooted in vision, generosity and a belief in the lasting power of education. In the conversation that follows, their daughters, Susie Webb Ries ’71 and Julia Webb Bland ’69, reflect on what it was like to grow up and attend Webb as the headmaster’s children and share how their parents’ example continues to shape their own commitment to giving back.

Why is the Robert & Julie Webb Society meaningful to you?

The Robert & Julie Webb Society is especially meaningful to us because it highlights how planned gifts will strengthen Webb’s endowment and ensure the school’s future. Webb School’s commitment to building the endowment truly warms our hearts. While there are many worthy causes endowed funds can support, this society reflects priorities that were central to our parents. Daddy was always learning from school leaders, mentors and independent schools across the country that were offering the very best. He and Mom both wanted Webb School to provide abundant learning opportunities for every student, to operate on sound financial footing and to open doors for students whose families might not otherwise be able to afford an independent school education.

What are your more memorable or funny Webb moments?

Being the headmaster’s daughters was special in many ways:

• When the school was very young, maybe 1957 or 1958, the boys’ school faculty – about five or six of them – held their meetings in our living room. We girls would sit just out of sight and eavesdrop, listening as the faculty shared concerns about who was struggling in algebra, English or another subject.

• At football games in those days, there was no gym or locker room. During halftime, the boys would sit on the ground near the goalpost while the coach talked to them. We’d wander close by, eavesdropping again, and whisper to each other, “He’s the one having trouble in algebra.”

• In those early years, two of the school’s buses were even named ‘Miss Julia’ and ‘Miss Susie.’

• And on snow days, it was our job to answer the phone when the radio or TV stations called to find out if Webb would open. We always enjoyed telling them the answer: “Of course, Webb School is almost always open!”

Why do you give to Webb School?

SUSIE: Our parents were lifelong learners who believed in and practiced tithing, giving 10 percent of their income to worthy causes. It would make them so happy to know that gifts to the Robert & Julie Webb Society will grow and be used to help others. I am proud to be a member of the society myself, carrying forward their example in a way that honors their legacy. As the saying goes, “We sit in the shade of trees we did not plant.” I benefited greatly from the forethought and planning of others, and I want to pay it forward, helping future students by planting more trees.

JULIA: Our parents truly talked the talk and walked the walk when it came to philanthropy and tithing. They never had significant means, but they showed us the importance of sharing what they did have. That example shaped my own priorities and how I think about using my resources to give back. Supporting Webb School allows me to carry forward their values and invest in an institution whose work reflects my own beliefs. W

CHAPEL TALK 1961 >> The Chapel talk tradition has anchored the Webb experience for generations. Often nerve-wracking, always formative, Chapel talks push students to find their voice. Spartan alumni continue to cite those moments at the podium as one of the more memorable and impactful aspects of their time a Webb School.