USJ Magazine "Ethos" - Summer 2023

USJ’s Mission

We instill a passion for academic, artistic, and athletic excellence, while committing to personal integrity, mutual respect, and lifelong learning.

Identity Statement

USJ is a non-denominational, non-sectarian, college preparatory school dedicated to academic excellence and to our founding principles of faith, service, and scholarship. Based on a heritage grounded in Judeo-Christian values, we provide an educational environment where students of all ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds are valued and respected. The faculty, administration, and students are empowered to nurture and embrace the Judeo-Christian values and our operating principles. Through the fulfillment of our mission and adherence to these core principles and values, we prepare our graduates to be responsible and informed world citizens.

232/240 McClellan Road Jackson, TN 38305 731.664.0812 • usjbruins.org

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Geoffrey Lindley, Chair

Matt Fite, Vice-Chair

Jennifer Craig

Will Dement

Brian Dougan

Stephen Hammond

Meredith Maroney

Preston Miller

Whitney Overton

Ajay Patel

Henry Smith

Todd Smith

Trey Teague

Kathryn Tucker

Sara Jane Via

Jeff Watlington

ADMINISTRATION

Don Roe Head of School

Jim Hardegree

Associate Head of School Dean of Students

David Suber

Upper School Director

Margaret Livingston Middle School Director

Courtney Burnette Lower School Director

Hayley Wilkerson

Early Childhood Director

Laura Moore Director of Admissions

Welcome from Head of School

Fall serves traditionally as a time of renewal in a school calendarrebirth. There is no better time of year to be reminded of our potential, not just to be reminded who we are but who we are meant to be.

This past school year at USJ, we have doubled down on mission, strategy and fundamentals.

Our purpose should guide everything we do. We daily accept this challenge by asking, “Is what I am doing today advancing the mission?” Is this lesson, practice, meeting, rehearsal or decision advancing the mission? As we go about the business of school, are we intentionally growing people?

The mission statement is the foundation of our 5-year strategic plan. In year one, we have focused these efforts on the following:

• Expanding professional development funding and opportunities for our faculty

• Collaboratively aligning curriculum in bridge years between divisions

• Completing dramatic campus enhancements to make our students’ and parents’ experience safer and more efficient

• Updating assessments by implementing new testing in Lower School and Middle School while advancing our ACT initiative in the Upper School

• Reviewing and upgrading our SEL/Character Ed programs

• Inaugurating a Middle School Stem lab/class

• Enhancing security campus-wide

In developing and initiating our new plan, we are proud that USJ has been recommended for re-accreditation by the Southern Association of Independent Schools.

We all understand the importance of relying on fundamentals to accomplish any objective. In addition to mission-based decisionmaking, the heart of a school depends on sound instruction. Our teachers and their daily efforts allow this institution to excel and achieve the growth we seek. We strive to continue to improve in our craft and to do so while conducting ourselves professionally and communicating well with all stakeholders.

Let us together be renewed this fall, focusing on our united purpose.

Victor Frankl wrote:

“For success, like happiness, cannot be pursued; it must ensue. And it only does so as the unintended side effect of one’s personal dedication to a cause greater than oneself or as the by-product of one’s surrender to a person other than oneself.”

I am truly honored to partner with you as we strive toward a greater cause.

Empty Bowl Project Helps Local Cafe Continue Mission of Feeding Everyone Regardless of Their Ability to Pay

Members of the National Art Honor Society (NAHS) and art students at the University School of Jackson handcrafted almost 100 artisanal ceramic bowls to sell before a musical theatre performance at the Upper School on December 2nd. After purchasing a bowl, patrons were treated to a savory bowl of soup donated by the Arts Guild. More than $2,000 in proceeds from the art event were donated to ComeUnity Cafe, which will feed 200 people.

“Our NAHS and Arts Guild decided to start this event where the creativity and talents of the art students were able to give back to our community,” said Upper School art teacher Leah Hackett. “It was exhilarating to have my students making beautiful pottery and hosting an evening for the public that gave such a substantial amount. We are already planning for next year.”

ComeUnity Cafe is a non-profit donation-based café in downtown Jackson. The organization strives to treat all customers exactly the same. Diners order from a menu selection of two soups, two salads, and two sandwiches. They are then allowed to choose how they will donate for their meal – volunteering their time or donating money.

Teaching the Value of Community Service Starts in Preschool at USJ

USJ is a non-denominational, non-sectarian, college preparatory school dedicated to academic excellence and to the founding principles of faith, service, and scholarship. Through the fulfillment of our mission and adherence to these core principles, we prepare our students to be responsible and informed world citizens. This process starts with our youngest Bruins in Jr. Cubs and continues through graduation day.

Each year, dozens of donation drives and fundraisers are organized by faculty, teachers, and students in each of our three divisions. USJ has invested thousands in our community in both time and supplies. Many of our students’ initiatives happen in the background, but during the holiday season, a collaborative effort takes place to bring the holiday spirit to underserved communities. At this time, each grade in the Lower School selects a charitable cause and works together to meet their goals teaching students the value of teamwork.

To give a few examples, Jr. K students collected more than 45 bags of supplies to stock the closet at the Dream Center, an organization dedicated to helping homeless women and children get back on their feet. The Kindergarten class collected supplies for Youth Town of Tennessee which offers professional residential treatment services for co-occurring mental health disorders. Second graders made care bags with socks, books, chapstick, and snacks for people receiving treatment at the Kirkland Cancer Center. Third graders purchased various items from a wishlist supplied by Lebonheur Children’s Hospital in Jackson. This included toys and educational materials for their patients.

Fighting Hunger In Our Community

USJ students in Lower, Middle, and Upper School collected thousands of canned vegetables and goods to donate to the Regional Inter-Faith Association (RIFA). Can collection is an annual tradition at USJ and took place September 12-22. This effort is led by USJ’s Student Government Association (SGA).

For the past 11 years, USJ has partnered with JCS and Trinity to collect cans for RIFA. This year combined efforts equaled 46,000 lbs.

SGA President Mimi Campbell said, “This is one of my favorite traditions at our school. We’ve been collecting cans at the school since we were in the Lower School and could barely carry them in our backpacks. For most, this is their first philanthropic activity to participate in and helps students realize how important community services is for our area to thrive.”

More than 40% of people in Jackson struggle with providing basic needs for their families including battling food scarcity. RIFA helps bridge this gap by providing free meals through their soup kitchen, household necessities through the thrift shop, pantry essentials through the food bank, and snack backpack programs.

Donations are accepted at RIFA year-round. The requested items include canned fruit, canned vegetables, canned meat, soup, peanut butter, and monetary donations.

USJ and JCS Students Partner to Collect Coats for Children

In November, the University School of Jackson (USJ) and Jackson Christian School (JCS) encouraged students to bring new coats to keep Madison County children warm during the winter.

University School of Jackson sophomore Ava Jerman started this project in 2018 when Jerman was in sixth grade and noticed that several children on school buses were not wearing coats. After transferring from JCS to USJ in 2022, Jerman sought help from senior Katie Alexander to run the program at JCS in her absence.

“My parents raised me to do good in the world, and this is my way of helping people,” said Jerman. “I pour my heart and soul into planning and preparing every fall; it consumes my whole world. I can’t see myself ever not doing my coat drive. I plan on including more and more private schools in the coat drive in the future. My hope is that by the time I graduate, I will have built a firm foundation for whomever takes it over so my coat drive can help kids and teens after I’m gone.”

Jerman spends several months preparing for each coat drive by developing a marketing plan that includes promoting the event through grassroots efforts on social media and by word of mouth. She is responsible for collecting boxes, sorting inventory by size, and coordinating delivery to Rhonda Heard, the Director of Family and Community Engagement at Jackson Madison County School System. Jerman serves as the primary contact for communication with Heard.

More than 900 coats were collected this year, including 27 from Jerman personally. Organizers were thrilled to see a 50% increase in the number of coats donated in 2023 compared to 2022 and hope to continue to see that trend grow.

Jerman intends to continue coordinating this annual event throughout her remaining years at USJ.

ACADEMIC NEWS

University School of Jackson Students Inducted into Prestigious Academic Honor Societies

Academic excellence is one of the cornerstones that the University School of Jackson was built upon in 1970. As West Tennessee’s premier college preparatory school, USJ strives to help each student maximize their potential, beginning with development curriculum pre-kindergarten and continuing with Advanced Placement courses in the Upper School. USJ is proud of the high percentage of students selected to participate in various honor societies including but not limited to the Science National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics Honor Society, International Thespian Society, Tri-M Honor Society, and the National Art Honor Society. Each honor society has unique requirements, but all have strict demands regarding GPA, AP or honors courses, and volunteer hours.

The Science National Honor Society is a prominent scientific organization that engenders a new group of young thinkers who will be the future of industry, research, and scientific exploration for America.

New members include Madelyn Badgett, Mimi Campbell, Brilee Davis, Chester Evans, Amelia Freeman, Tripp Hooper, Ashlynn Isbell, Gracie Lin, Bailey Miller, Madeline Miller, Khushi Patel, Anderson Preston, Will Ragon, Abe Stonecipher, Owen Stonecipher, Corinne Sullivan, Toni Tremblay, and Ella West.

Faculty Advisor: Jane Ramer

The Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics Honor

Society inspires an interest in mathematics, develops strong scholarship in the subject, and promotes the enjoyment of mathematics in high school students.

New members include Kennedy Creech, Autumn Hanna, Gracie Lin, Ty Oneal, Berkeley Pettigrew, and Davis Sain.

Faculty Advisor: Tina Plunk

The International Thespian Society is an honorary group for high school theatre students and a division of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA). The mission of ITS is to honor student excellence in the theatre arts.

New members include Anna Badgett, Kamryn DePriest, Mary Caryl Gwatney, Hayden Hight, Noah Martin, Reyn Montgomery, and Taylor Prince.

Faculty Advisor: Erica Davidson

The Tri-M Honor Society is a program of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), which focuses on creating future leaders in music education and music advocacy.

New members include Catherine Bell, Reilly Denaburg, Mary Caryl Gwatney, Alli Harbin, Hayden Hight, Kenley Hines, Aydon Isbell, Jade Jones, Rebekah Lafferty, Amelia Lutrell, Noah Martin, Reyn Montgomery, Diego Montoya, Matthew Murray, Paige Persons, Sophie Whybrew, and Chase Wimer.

Faculty Advisor: Dian Eddleman

The National Art Honor Society supports student members in their efforts to attain the highest standards in art scholarship, character, and service.

New members include Zainab Baba, Sydney Burke, Josie Dougan, Mary Caryl Gwatney, Mary Hooper, Vinita Kumari, Lidiah Mahalati, Bryleigh McCord, Alivia Newman, Vaidehi Prasad, Jane Claire Ragon, Jenna Schultz, Bolton Smith, Olivia Welch, Maggie Wright, Macy Smith, Stella Spencer, and Leven Van Winkle.

Faculty Advisor: Leah Hackett

Fifth Grade Students Experience History In New Way at Discovery Park

The 5th grade class visited Discovery Park of America in Union City on October 3rd. While there, the group experienced the full history of Northwestern Tennessee in a nutshell. From colonial life to Davy Crockett, from Native American history to military history, our students were able to see it all, up close and personal. Some topics were general overviews, such as technology, agriculture, transportation, space, natural history, and more; but there were always specific tie-ins to West Tennessee.

“The best part of our trip was that former Tennessee Congressman John Tanner joined us to show us around his office replica,” said teacher Leslie Garrett. “The students loved this chance to interact and ask questions.”

“Visiting a place like Discovery Park makes history tangible for our students, so giving them the opportunity to experience so much of what we have discussed in class is important.”

Cassidy Bruno is Named a National Merit Scholarship Finalist

The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships that began in 1955. Students enter the National Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, which serves as an initial screen.

This year, University School of Jackson senior Cassidy Bruno was recognized as a National Merit Finalist. This award is reserved for the highest-achieving students in the nation, with only 7,600 Finalists out of 1.5 million applicants being selected to receive a Merit Scholarship® award.

Over 145 USJ students have received National Merit Recognition awards since 1973.

Cassidy Bruno is the daughter of Dr. Greg Bruno and Sondra Bruno and has attended USJ for 15 years. She was the founder and president of USJ’s Astronomy Club and served as secretary for the National Science Honor Society. A seven-year member of the USJ Band, Cassidy represented the school at All-West and played for numerous musicals at USJ. She also cheered competitively for 11 years outside of school for Jackson Cheer Company. An AP Scholar with Distinction, Cassidy was a member of multiple honor societies and was the recipient of numerous academic awards, including the Harvard Book Award. She was a Junior Rotarian, Volunteer for Boys and Girls Club, two-time first-place winner in Scholastic Art Competition, two-time national champion in All-Star Cheerleading, and was selected to attend Tennessee Governor’s School for Science and Engineering in Knoxville. Cassidy plans to major in Aerospace Engineering and continue her passion for creativity and visual arts in college.

“Cassidy joins USJ’s extensive list of National Merit alumni that dates back to 1973. This program not only provides scholarships but also aids these students in their acceptance to schools and programs with selective admissions requirements,” says Director of College Advising Carol Ryan.

Expanding Opportunities to Connect in Middle School

A new addition came to the Middle School this year: interest groups. USJ prides itself on meeting the needs of students, and interest groups allow for that by guiding students to explore interests beyond the classroom.

“We knew that there should be more leadership opportunities for Middle School students, so interest groups are how we decided to make that happen,” says Middle School Director Margaret Livingston.

The following clubs were implemented:

Agriculture Club

The Agriculture Club explores the importance of agriculture in our community and everyday lives. Topics researched include gardening, bees, crops, dairy, and meat.

Meeting time(s): Twice monthly during break or lunch

Sponsor: Mrs. Brauss

Art Club

The Art Club gives creative students who would enjoy having more opportunities to explore different disciplines of art. This group updated the hallway bulletin board, made props for plays, created fun projects, and designed greeting cards to be sold for a fundraiser.

Meeting time(s): Monthly during lunch

Sponsor: Mrs. McPeake

Book Club

The purpose of Book Club is to promote a lifelong interest in literature by reading a variety of books and discussing them in a safe and welcoming environment. Participants in Book Club collectively select a book to read and meet one month later to have a meaningful discussion about the book’s plot, characters, pace, etc., and to share their opinions and favorite parts.

Meeting time(s): Monthly during lunch

Sponsor: Mrs. Vivio

“Interest groups are so important the Middle School culture because they allow students another way to connect with their peers beyond the classroom,” said Mrs. Livingston. “The clubs support our mission by providing leadership opportunities for students, opportunities to enhance the broader life of the school, and by allowing students to interact with people they may not otherwise know.”

French Conversation Club

This group practiced casual French conversation surrounding the topics that most interested the students.

Meeting time(s): Twice monthly

Madame Barton

Board games encourage teamwork and healthy competition, sharpen strategy and thinking skills, strengthen friendships, encourage new friendships, reduce stress, and create laughter. Some games to be played include Trouble, Chess, Checkers, Jinga, Tetris, and Sorry.

Meeting time(s): Monthly during

Sponsors: Mrs. Vargason and Mrs. Davis

Guitar Club

This club is for students who share an interest in acoustic guitar or similar instrument (ukulele, banjo, mandolin, etc.). This is a great opportunity to meet and also get to know fellow musicians. It is an opportunity to share knowledge, play music, make friends, and have fun.

Meeting time(s): Monthly during break

Sponsors: Mr. Hight

Living Out Loud

This club discussed Biblical truths in order to learn to be faithful and become a person of character. Students engaged in devotions related to character, consistency, and courage. The aspects of a strong prayer life will be used to encourage and lift one another up.

Meeting time(s): Monthly during break

Sponsors: Mrs. Pearson, Mrs. Morris, Mr. Hight

Multicultural Club

The Multicultural Club gives students the opportunity to meet, learn, and share ideas about diversity. The goal is to have a student club that has various cultures, lifestyles, and opinions. This USJ club is for any students who wants to expand their world view.

Meeting time(s): Monthly during break Sponsor: Coach Jones

Rippin’ Lips Fishing Club

The mission for RLFC is to encourage mutual respect, personal integrity, and lifelong learning. Their purpose is to strive for sportsmanship and conservation while emphasizing the skills and knowledge needed to be successful anglers. They engaged in hands-on training and experience while facilitating the development of young anglers. They also had opportunities to expand fishing skills. Meeting time(s): Monthly at break and lunch

Sponsors: Coach King, Coach Pledger, and Coach Nelson

Spirit Club

This group creates and designs shirts, sweatshirts, posters, etc. to show student support. The purpose is to inspire individuality through their designs. This allows students to showcase their talents and create easily accessible shirts for all Middle School students. The end goal is to show students that their voices matter.

Meeting time(s): Twice monthly during break

Sponsors: Mrs. Engles

Naval Commanding Officer Justin Allen

Encourages Middle School Students

Commander Justin Allen came to speak to USJ Middle Schoolers during their assembly on October 25th. A Humboldt High School graduate, he gave a comprehensive presentation about his deployment and being a Top Gun pilot.

“I had heard Commander Allen speak at the Boys and Girls Club Bird and Burger event in Humboldt, and I thought his message would be a great one for our campus,” says 8th grade science teacher Sherri Brauss.

Commander Allen graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Quantitative Economics from the United States Naval Academy in May 2000. Designated a Naval Aviator in February 2003, Commander Allen reported to the “Gladiators” of VFA-106 at NAS Oceana, VA, for fleet replacement training in the F/A-18C Hornet. His first operational assignment began in January 2004 with the “Gunslingers” of VFA-105 at NAS Oceana, VA, where he deployed aboard the USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75) in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.

In January 2007, Commander Allen attended the U.S. Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN). Upon completion of the syllabus, he was assigned to Strike Fighter Weapons School, NAS Oceana, VA as a Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor.

In November 2009, he returned to the fleet with his assignment as the Training Officer for the “Warparty” of VFA-87. While attached to the squadron, he embarked on the maiden deployment of USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH (CVN 77) in support of the multiple efforts in the 5th Fleet AOR, including Operations NEW DAWN and ENDURING FREEDOM.

Commander Allen joined the “Checkmates” of VFA-211 for his department head tour in October 2011. As a “Checkmate” he served as the Safety Officer, Administration Officer, and Operations Officer. In 2012, he deployed aboard USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65), for the “Final Ride” in support of multiple efforts in the 5th Fleet AOR, including Operation NEW DAWN and Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.

In February 2014, Commander Allen reported to Naval Special Warfare Development Group as a Fire Support Officer. While assigned, he directly supported Naval Special Warfare Joint Terminal Attack Controller training, while developing and testing new tactics, techniques, procedures, and equipment for the fire support mission. He reported to VFA-143 as Executive Officer on 24 May 2018.

Commander Allen has accumulated over 3,000 flight hours and has logged over 600 carrier arrested landings.

His decorations include Defense Meritorious Service Medals (two awards), Meritorious Service Medals (two awards), Air Medal (3 Strike/ Flight awards), Joint Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards), and various other unit and campaign awards.

Commander Allen is married to Tracy Leigh Allen, and they have two awesome sons, Gage and Porter.

Commander Allen encouraged students to strive to be at least 1% better each day. He also suggested they never be content with who they are right now, but to be happy with who they can be tomorrow, next month, and next year.

Lower School Hosts Fundraiser Under the Big Top

On the evening of September 20, students and parents celebrated the “Greatest Book Fair on Earth” during a family night fundraiser in the Lower School library. The halls were striped in large, draping red and white circus tent material and vibrant decorations with charismatic ringleaders and costumed elephants balancing on balls. Students were treated to circus-themed classic games including ring toss and ball toss with blue and pink cotton candy containers. Other activities included basketball, cornhole, and face painting. Children were delighted by a live musical performance by Mrs. B. with her guitar. A few clowns, lions, and circus performers made their big debut during the children’s costume contest. After picking out best sellers at the Scholastic book fair, families enjoyed a taco food truck and sweet treat from Stacy’s Ice Cream truck.

Middle School cheerleaders helped host the event by performing in the cafeteria as dozens of girls and boys cheered them on.

“It’s always a treat to get together with other USJ families and this year we were thrilled that we were able to raise money for the school through the book fair while having fun,” said Media Specialist Regina Sills. “Money raised through the book fair allows us to purchase new children’s book releases and replace copies of beloved classics. Our inaugural event was so successful that you can count on us having it again in the fall.”

The event raised more than $10,000 for the USJ Lower School Library.

Embracing Curiosity in the Lower School

When fifth-grade teacher Tina Anderson learned that she would be teaching social studies, she was inspired to build an HO scale model train set to give students an interactive visual that would help bring specific historical events in Tennessee’s rich history to life. The fifth-grade curriculum begins with Reconstruction after the Civil War and trains played a large role in Tennessee as the South embraced industrialization, so it was a great addition to her classroom.

The train is set up in an L-shape and incorporates the three divisions of Tennessee complete with a tunnel through the Smokey Mountains. Throughout the layout, students can explore a farming area, a small town, a river, managed tree farms, a sawmill, and a large factory.

The train layout is often used as a starting point in student writing pieces about Tennessee’s history.

Anderson said, “When we studied immigration, students created families getting off the train at the depot, explaining where they came from and what jobs they hoped to get in America. Our study of the Great Depression saw students adding a Shanty Town down by the river and explaining in detail why that location was chosen. During WWII, students decided the factory would stop making cars and begin making airplanes, which prompted the discussion of women taking on men’s jobs since the men were being sent overseas to fight.”

“I like to know the details – movies they would watch, houses they lived in, cars they would drive, etc.,” said student Kayler Grace Hopkins. “Sometimes it’s hard to know the smaller details when it’s not visual. I like to write books independently and this helps me see some of the things that are harder to find in textbooks.”

Anderson updates the track weekly adding in special features based off the time period they are studying or any holidays that are taking place at the time. She had a pumpkin patch around Halloween, Santa at Christmas and every now and then Waldo makes a surprised appearance.

Hopkins continued, “We ask a lot of questions. One day we walked into the classroom, and everyone ran in to see what she added because she told us the day before that she was going to add something cool and it was the Indian mound.”

Students are able to vote on new changes to the track like whether or not they wanted to add a steel factory or textile factory. They had to look up facts on each industry and chose steel because it was instrumental to car production and construction.

Roads running through the downtown area head off into the distance. At the end of the unit, Anderson uses this to prompt students to predict other industries that could lie beyond the tracks.

“When you hear a lesson, you don’t really know what it looks like,” said student Bailey Hager. “Ms. Anderson showing it on the train track gives you more of an idea of what it’s really like. Some of the lesson plans don’t include pictures but we are able to see what’s happening on the train set.”

The train display is just one of the many ways that faculty at USJ go above and beyond for our students, and we are grateful for our top-notch teachers!

Students Strengthen Relationships with Each Other Ahead of Transition to Middle School

In September, 62 sixth-grade students embarked on a one-day retreat at Pinecrest wilderness camp in Moscow, Tennessee.

This is the second year for USJ sixth-graders to participate in this field trip to Pinecrest. It is an excellent bonding activity for students as they adjust to being the new kids on the Middle School campus. Memories and connections made here often last a lifetime and become some of the fondest moments for students at the University School of Jackson.

At Pinecrest, students participate in a series of physical, mental, and emotional challenges facilitated by trained instructors. Through these activities, they learn various social and emotional skills, including communication, overcoming failure, setting and achieving a shared goal, commitment to purpose, trust in classmates, and solving problems through teamwork. In addition, they reflected on their experiences throughout the day to make connections between the activities and leadership/character skills.

They worked together to overcome obstacles that enhance personal and group growth. The day was packed with back-to-back activities including hiking, low ropes courses, a rock climbing wall, spider web challenge (problem-solving activity), balance beam challenge (problem-solving with a partner), free fall (trust activity with a partner), and lunch together in the lodge. Each exercise was designed to highlight individual strengths and capitalize on coming together as a group which illustrates accomplishing things not possible on their own.

“My favorite activity was the spider web challenge,” said student Eliza Dorris. “I liked it because we all learned that we needed to communicate and listen to each other instead of just yelling directions.”

Each group is led by trained camp personnel. Not only do they lead the activity, but they also facilitate discussion after each one. This discussion is perhaps one of the biggest parts in that the students verbalize what they learned through the activity. “It’s fun to watch that ‘a-ha’ moment when they put it all together,” said sixth-grade English teacher Emily Morris who organized the trip.

“The transition to Middle School can be challenging; however, through guided activities on the team-building field trip, students build confidence and trust in their abilities while learning to work together to achieve a common goal,” said Middle School Director Margaret Livingston. “Our mission at USJ is to grow people, and through the Pinecrest field trip, growth comes through overcoming challenges and building confidence. Pinecrest sets students up to experience success and bring those leadership skills back to the classroom.

Moving into Middle School is a big adjustment for many students. There can be a degree of angst that accompanies this transition. By participating as a group, working together to solve problems, and stepping out of their comfort zones, students build relationships with each other and realize that they are not alone. Students have an opportunity to see firsthand that everyone has something to offer and is important. They learn to encourage each other and support one another to succeed. It is a beneficial day not only for those students who have been at USJ throughout the Lower School, but also for those students who join the USJ family for the first time in Middle School. Everyone starts on the same page – together.

Krenis Chosen to Work with Peers to Advise on Issues Affecting Youth In Jackson

Lexi Krenis was chosen to represent the University School of Jackson on the Mayor’s Youth Council (MYC). MYC is comprised of approximately 10 high school juniors, one chosen from each high school. The council’s purpose is to gather opinions on community issues. MYC enables local officials to be more representative of the community as a whole and improve services that directly affect young people.

“If I could change one thing about our city, it would be the poverty percentage,” said Krenis. “During a recent presentation at my school, the president of United Way of West Tennessee came and spoke about Jackson’s increase in families living in poverty. If I could, I would create more projects and organizations similar to ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), and the Angel Tree Project to benefit those in need, and to achieve an overall decrease in poverty throughout the city.”

The council was sworn in on February 7th at City Hall.

“I’ve been so impressed with the caliber of students who have participated in this council over the last four years,” said City of Jackson Mayor Scott Conger. “We’ve learned so much from them about how city government can adapt to serve all residents - regardless of age. The future of Jackson, Tennessee, is bright. I hope that these students will choose to call Jackson their home after graduation and invest their talents locally.”

Nine Students Join Honor Council

In early September, the University School of Jackson Upper School student body swore in nine new members of the Honor Council.

Members included Laura Kate Prater, Kendall Morris, Corben Howard, Paul Jones, Berkley Pettigrew, Abe Stonecipher, Chester Evans, Max Kilburn, and Charlie Redden.

The council consists of two representatives from each grade and a speaker. Students must maintain a 3.5 grade point average to serve on the council.

“The honor council has been a successful program at the school,” said faculty advisor Jame Ramer. “We have high expectations for our students that revolve around trust, support, and integrity. The honor council helps communicate those ideals when issues arise. The program fosters accountability from our student body and empathy from our honor council.”

The goal of the Honor Council is simple: to hold students accountable for lying, cheating, or stealing while encouraging character development and an honest learning environment at USJ. Any student who is reported to have violated the Honor Code goes before the Council, which consists of a jury of his or her peers. After hearing the details of the case, which are kept highly confidential among members, the Council suggests a recommended course of action to the administration.

Fostering Social and Emotional Learning in the Lower School

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) refers to a framework that helps children learn skills to help them regulate their emotions and build positive relationships with others. The cornerstone of SEL is teaching kids to become self-aware.

Lower School Guidance Counselor Sarah Jones says, “Selfawareness helps students learn how to identify and comprehend their emotions and to better manage their feelings while boosting their confidence in social situations. In doing so, they can improve their lives in a myriad of ways - from communicating with others to making better decisions.”

At the Lower School, teachers foster SEL by allowing all students from JR K- 5th grade to have Character Education class twice per month. In this class, students are taught character words such as honesty, responsibility, respect, empathy, and many others. Students are taught how to apply these characteristics in their daily lives and how to love and care for their neighbors. The Second Step curriculum also has a bullying prevention program and personal safety unit that is taught as part of the Character Education class.

In their grade level classes, teachers are encouraged to model and look for ways to have conversations with their students about the character word of the month.

Each month, two students from each homeroom are chosen based on these character words to be the “Student of the Month.” These children are then rewarded with a popsicle or ice cream party.

Junior Rotarian Nominees Represent USJ

Congratulations to our six Junior Rotarian Nominees: Ijeoma Oleru, Cassidy Bruno, Zainab Baba, Abe Stonecipher, Mimi Campbell, and Lilly Kate Varino.

As a Junior Rotarian, students learn how Rotary impacts the community. The club selects one Junior Rotarian from each area high school to receive a scholarship. The scholarship recipients represent nine high schools in Jackson. Each student receives $2,000, which goes toward the college of his/her choice. The Rotary Club has been helping students pursue higher education through local scholarships for more than 22 years.

Middle School Book Club Shows Great Success

Every two weeks a small group of 12 Middle School students gathers to discuss popular novels during USJ’s Middle School book club meetings. This group was founded in September of 2022 and consisted of four sixth-graders, one seventh-grader and two eighth-graders.

“Book club encourages a love of reading,” said faculty advisor Rachel Vivio. “Members try book genres that they normally may have not read, and they get to discuss the books in a safe and welcoming environment among peers that are also passionate about reading! The camaraderie of book club has been awesome to watch.”

At the first meeting, Vivio asked students how they wanted to select the books the club would read. The students suggested picking books by genre (fantasy, historical fiction, dystopian, drama, etc.). Vivio wrote all of the genres on separate pieces of paper and put them in a cup for students to draw at random to select the next genre. She then selected six books that fit that genre. Students were given a google form with pictures, descriptions, Amazon links, and Goodreads links to each of the six books, and they voted for which one they prefer to read. The book with the most votes is read next.

The club has two different types of meetings. The first is a discussion meeting that takes place during lunch. The students eat together, discuss the book they just read, reveal a new book, and participate in an activity, game, or snack that relates to the book.

The second is a check-in and discussion meeting that happens during the students’ break period. The primary goal is to see what kind of progress everyone is making regarding the current book selection.

Students have read Hide and Seeker by Daka Hermon (horror), The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis (classics), Refugee by Alan Gratz (historical fiction), The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi (action), The Lightning Thief: The Graphic Novel by Rick Riordan (graphic novel), I’d Tell You I Love You, But Then I’d Have to Kill You by Ally Carter (romance), and I Know Your Secret by Daphne Benedis-Grab (mystery).

Some of the book-related snacks students have enjoyed include ice cream for our book Hide and Seeker (one of the bad guys drove an ice cream truck), Turkish Delight and tea for The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (Edmund asks the White Witch for Turkish Delight and the Pevensie siblings enjoy tea with the Beavers), and cans of soda for The Lightning Thief: The Graphic Novel (Grover the satyr loves to eat soda cans).

Some of the book-related activities they’ve participated in include a tea party for The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Wink Assassin for The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, Pictionary for Refugee, and a spy game relying on undetected observations for I’d Tell You I Love You, But Then I’d Have to Kill You

This year’s Book Club had four officers: President Berkley Bledsoe, Vice President Caroline Brandt, Secretary Elizabeth Sue Barnes, and Activities Director Mary Mac Hise.

Question: What do you think led to an increase in book checkouts?

If a student asks about a book that the library doesn’t have, I almost always order it right away and add it to the library’s collection. I want to encourage reading any way I can, so if they are asking for something specific, I want to get it in their hands.

I try very hard to order books I know the students will like. I pay attention to what’s trending on TikTok, Amazon’s bestseller list, books that have been made into new/popular TV shows or movies, Goodreads ratings & reviews, new releases, etc.

I always have at least one book display set up! Displays help bring attention to books that may not be new releases but are still great reads. Some of my past displays have been Read It & Weep (sad books), football books (for football season), Spooky Books (for Halloween), Hispanic Heritage Month books, BookTok books (books that are popular on TikTok), Anti-Hero books (for when Taylor Swift’s latest album came out), Blind Date with a Book, and Black History month books.

The Blind Date with a Book display is not an original idea; it’s actually quite popular in the library world! I chose books I thought the students might like, wrapped them in brown kraft paper, wrote a vague description about the book on the outside, drew

Igniting a Passion for Lifelong Reading in Middle School Students - An Interview with Rachel Vivio

Book checkouts at the Middle School library have increased 449% from 137 checkouts the previous year to 752 checkouts during the same time period this year. Here’s what Middle School and Upper School Media Specialist Rachel Vivio said about the positive trend.

some decorations, and put the books out for the students to see! That was a crazy successful display; I had students who had never checked out a library book before check out a Blind Date book! I think the mystery of which book they were getting was really fun to them.

My first month here, I created two “New Books” sections; I have one section that’s for new middle grade/ juvenile books and another section that’s for young adult books. Any new books that the library gets go straight into these sections. During passing periods, students will pass through the library to get from the Middle School side to the Upper School side (or vice versa), and they pass by the “New Books” section. I think that has helped with checkouts because even though they might not be looking for a book, a new book will catch their eye and they may ask to check it out.

If the library gets a new book that I know a certain student will like, I tell them. For example, I have a student that loves romance novels, so whenever we get a new romance book, I send her an email or make sure to show it to her when she’s passing through the library. I also order books with specific students in mind (as long as it’s a book I know will be a good fit for the library in general).

Question: Why do you think students were overlooking books in the past?

I think the students were in the habit of going to the library regularly when they were in Lower School, but they sometimes grow out of that habit. (I’m trying to get them back into the habit, though!) They have more homework and are often involved in more activities in Middle School/ Upper School, so they don’t have as much time to read as they did in the past. There were few new books in the library collection when I started this position. The students seem especially inclined to check out the new stuff, so I’m sure adding lots of new books has helped!

Question: How do you plan to keep students interested?

I try to think of creative ways to connect students to books, and the checkout numbers keep growing!

Vivio began working at USJ in August 2022.

‘‘I try to think of creative ways to connect students to books’’

Student-Athletes to Continue on the Collegiate Field

Congratulations to the following college sports signees!

USJ Athletics Department Proudly Adds Another Mr. Football Finalist to the School’s History

USJ Senior Kevin Finch was named a 2022 Mr. Football Finalist for Division II Class A. A committee of statewide sports writers selected winners based on performance in the 2022 regular season. Academics and character were also taken into consideration. High school head coaches and members of the media nominated the finalists.

A ceremony was held at Nissan Stadium in Nashville on December 7th. This is the 38th year that the Mr. Football Awards have been presented to Tennessee’s best high school football players.

Two USJ Athletes Receive Prestigious Heisman High School Scholarship

Congratulations to USJ’s Berkeley Pettigrew and Madeline Miller for being recognized as school winners in the Heisman High School Scholarship Competition. From an applicant pool of thousands of high school scholar-athletes graduating with the class of 2023, only 5,700 have been named School Winners. These students continue on for the chance to become State Winners, National Finalists or National Winners.

The Heisman® High School Scholarship was created in 1994 through a partnership between Wendy’s® and The Heisman Trophy Trust. From its inception, the program has leveraged the reputation of the Heisman Memorial Trophy as a symbol of great ability combined with diligence, perseverance, and hard work.

The Heisman High School Scholarship program extends the Heisman prestige to the nation’s most esteemed high school seniors by celebrating and rewarding outstanding male and female scholar-athletes who understand that the most important victories happen not only on the field, but also in their schools and communities.

Lady Bruins Back to Back Soccer State Champions

The USJ Lady Bruins did it again with an exciting victory against Battle Ground Academy, winning 2-0 at the Division II-AA Soccer State Championship held in October in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

This marks the second straight year that the Lady Bruins have defeated the Lady Wildcats in the state championship game.

In the 2022 final, Betha Pucek scored on an unassisted goal in the 65th minute. Pucek then assisted on the second goal, dishing it to Ava Barham for the score in the 70th minute.

Morgan English had four of the Lady Bruins’ seven shots on goal, while teammate Lilly Kate Varino had seven saves to preserve the shutout.

English, Varino, and Pucek have all signed to play soccer at the collegiate level.

USJ Bass Fishing Team @ Bass Nation Tournament

USJ took three Junior teams (John William Bond, Garrett Steele, Graham Goolsby, Cooper Scallions, Jaxson Wagner, and Sawyer Hutchison) and two Senior teams (Ben Buchanan, Chris Raines, Sam Hines, and Jackson Hays) to the September Bass Nation Tournament at Pickwick Lake on 9/17/22. It was our first tournament of the fishing year. Ben Buchanan and Chris Raines finished 18th out of 121 boats.

Danny Giles Leads Bruins on the Baseball Diamond this Spring

On September 6th, The University School of Jackson announced Danny Giles as the new head baseball coach of the Bruins. A formal meet and greet was held for Coach Giles on Monday, September 12th at Overton Stadium. Upper and Middle School team members, parents, and alumni attended to hear a few words from Giles and welcome him to the USJ family.

“With hard work, attention to detail, and putting your team before yourself to create a winning culture - this team has the possibility to make a deep run in the postseason,” said Giles.

Coach Giles is a native Jacksonian and seasoned head coach, and we are confident his wealth of experience and positive energy will build on the strong Bruins baseball legacy and grow our student-athletes.

He was named the District 13AA Coach of the Year in 2019 and 2021 during his time with the Westview Chargers in Martin, Tennessee. He led the Chargers to win the 2019 district championship, make a 2021 sectional appearance, make a 2022 sectional appearance, and he was selected as the 2022 sectional coach of the year.

Giles also coached baseball at Liberty Technology Magnet High School in Jackson.

He has been married to Laura Giles for 18 years and they have three children - Ryland (17), Beckett (15), and Bella Jewel (12).

Empowering Young Readers through The Read Team

The Read Team, a local literacy coaching program is making a significant impact on the community by fostering a love for reading and improving literacy skills among children in Jackson-Madison County. Two of our administrative team, Pam Stanfield and Elizabeth Atkins, have been actively involved as literacy coaches since the fall. Each donated an hour a week working on literacy skills with 2nd graders selected through The Read Team program.

“My involvment with the Read Team program has been such a blessing in my life. There is nothing quite like helping a child lay the foundation for such a critical life skill and watching their confidence grow each week,” said Pam Stanfield.

If you would like to join Pam, Elizabeth, and the Read Team in their mission to transform lives through the power of reading - volunteer your time, donate books, or contribute resources to help expand the program’s reach and impact. Together, we can continue fostering a love for reading and empowering the next generation of learners in Jackson. Visit the Read Team’s website at thereadteam.org to learn more about how you can get involved and make a difference.

Lower School Students Shine in Fall Musical Performances

Each class of the Lower School spent hours upon hours learning the lines, lyrics, and choreography to shows that did not disappoint. Leslie Scott and Mary Katherine Busuito put in the work to make the shows a success, but the Bruins lived up to the hype each time they took the stage! The performances for each grade were as follows:

Kindergarten: “Lemonade”

1st Grade: “Elfis and the Sleigh Riders”

2nd Grade: “Go West!”

3rd Grade: “Lights! Camera! Christmas!”

Junior Bruin Choir Performs at Grizzlies Game

The Junior Bruin Choir geared up for Thanksgiving in a special way last fall by singing the National Anthem before the Sacramento Kings vs. Memphis Grizzlies game on November 22nd. The students did a fabulous job under the direction of Mary Katherine Busuito and Leslie Scott. We hope to continue what has become a special tradition for years to come!

Leah Hackett, Upper School Visual Arts

Teacher: In Her Words

I grew up in Central New York near Ithaca, surrounded by inspiring art teachers and an exceptional high school art program. With supportive parents, including a creative mother and a father who carried my art portfolio, I pursued my passion. After obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Art Education from the College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY, and an MFA in Visual Arts from Vermont College of Fine Arts, I embarked on my teaching career.

I started in Fairfax County Public Schools outside Washington, DC, teaching over 800 K-6 students. This experience taught me invaluable skills in lesson planning and organization. From there, I moved to Crittenden Middle School in Newport News, Virginia, where I gained expertise in classroom management, especially in handling challenging situations. Following that, I joined York County Public Schools in Yorktown, VA, where I focused on fostering artistic growth and creativity in my students. It was during this time that I also learned the value of teamwork among art teachers, orchestrating large art events, and forming deep connections with my students.

I finally arrived at USJ in a whirlwind of change in August 2021. My sons Andrew and Asher have attended USJ since we moved to Jackson in January 2016. When the Upper School art position suddenly became available, I jumped at the chance. I followed an amazing art teacher. That always comes with apprehension, the need to win over students and parents, and a desire to dazzle them with my enthusiasm. I just want to do my best and give it my all each day.

I love my job. I wake up each day ready to head to my classroom and create magic with my students. I always have the attitude that I “get to” teach them and be a part of their awe-inspiring artistic journey. The students I work with give me hope for the future as they are thoughtful, imaginative, and articulate individuals with creative-thinking and problemsolving minds. It is just fun be there, and I am very lucky.

Fine Arts may not always be viewed as imperative to a student’s learning, but here at USJ, we recognize that the arts are necessary for the development and growth of the humans that come through our doors. You do not have to be the most talented artist ever to be in my class—although I have many who are extremely talented—and to participate and benefit from art experiences. Art is often the place that allows students to think differently, process the world and information in a unique way, and create works of art that are personal and profound. Art class is the place that empowers students to be themselves; their ideas are valid and worth communicating. We are having fun and experimenting with styles and mediums as well as with successes and failures. I have great plans to expand the arts at USJ and envelop even more students in the art experience to feed their souls and help them experience life to the fullest.

USJ Artists Showcase Their Work Across the Region

A number of Upper School art students had the opportunity to highlight their talents in local shows. Students of Leah Hackett displayed work at:

Briarcrest Regional Art Contest & Exhibition:

Eady Davenport –Best Overall Use of Mixed Media

Mattie King –Honorable Mention

Cassidy Bruno –Honorable Mention

Lacie Atkinson

Anna Badgett

Lidiah Mahalati

Abigail Preston

Olivia Welch

West Tennessee Regional Student Art Exhibition Juried Show:

Lacie Atkinson –Honorable Mention - Drawing

Cassidy Bruno

Ella Catherine Donnell

Mia Powell

Vaidehi Prasad

Caitlin Roemen

Mid-South Scholastic Art Awards:

Jenna Schultz –Honorable MentionCeramics

Lacie Atkinson –Honorable Mention - Drawing

Cassidy Bruno –Honorable MentionSculpture

Cassidy Bruno –

2 Honorable MentionsPainting

Cassidy Bruno –Honorable MentionArt Portfolio

Cassidy Bruno –Silver Key - Sculpture

Cassidy Bruno –Silver Key - Painting

Cassidy Bruno –Gold Key - Painting

Cassidy Bruno –Gold Key - Art Portfolio

Recent Theatrical & Musical Performances Rock the Stage

Little Women

Little Women was performed in September and included students in both Upper and Middle School. It was a classic story brought to life on the Blankenship Theater stage. Two 6thgrade girls playing the two younger sisters gave an outstanding performance amongst Upper School students. Hayden Hight, a freshman, was mesmerizing as Jo. There were a plethora of lines, and the entire cast worked diligently to make the production flow seamlessly.

Elf the Musical

Elf the Musical was a schoolwide effort, with students from 3rd grade all the way through 12th grade. This film was transformed into a heartwarming show with some incredible musical numbers. The Blankenship Theater stage had tap dancing and roller skating going on with a few fun surprises for the audience. Faculty members Jimmy Glosson and Erica Davidson played Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Murder on the Orient Express

Murder on the Orient Express brought the house down with the rotating train onstage. Zack Mahalati was phenomenal as Hercule Poirot. The cast and crew had a great time with this show. From the construction of the set to the intricate rotating of the stage and the lighting effects, this play was raved about and has been listed as one of the Theater Department’s best shows. “This show took a lot of blood, sweat, and tears to put together, and it was worth every minute,” said Erica Davidson, theater director.

Lower School Art Gallery

USJ Choir Students Shine Among West Tennessee Singers

Our choir students showed up and showed out at several different recent competitions. Under the training of Dian Eddleman, the following students represented our school’s artistic department well:

Northwest Tennessee Sr. High

Honor Choir

Soprano 1

Kamryn DePriest

Mary Caryl Gwatney

Ashlynn Isbell

Toni Tremblay

Soprano 2

Madelyn Badgett

Ava Bates

Hayden Hight

Alto 1

Catherine Bell

Carmen Biggs

Kim Kabre

Lexi Krenis

Reyn Montogomery

Taylor Tremblay—

Alternate

Alto 2

Ava Beller

Annika Jerge

Addy Measley

Ijeoma Oleru

Andi Cate Via

Claire Whybrew

Tenor 1

Matt Murray

Reed Sullivan

Tenor 2

Cade Jett

Noah Martin

Bass 1

Sawyer Hunley

Zack Mahalati

Diego Montoya

Bass 2

Abe Stonecipher

Owen Stoneciper

Jack Wilkerson

Northwest Tennessee Jr. High

Honor Choir

Soprano 1

Lola Agbetoyin

Caroline Brandt

Mary Blake Ferguson

Addi Simeon

Soprano 2

Anna Kate Ellis

Jax Gwatney

Claire Russell

Reese Ann Sikes

Mary Claire Faulkner—Alternate

Alto 1

Rowan Little

Aarna Mehta

Jordan Thorson

Alto 2

Haylan Crook

Breniah Donaldson

Kyleigh Finch

Emily McKenzie

Tenor 1

Miller Haltom

Chase Hise

Guy Londe

Max Montgomery

Samuel Piercey

Finis Shoaf

Loren Michael Short

Jax Wagner

Tenor 2

Andrew Simeon

Luke Thompson

Bass 1

Aydon Isbell

Bass 2

Ben Alvey

Jack Miller

Joshua O’Neal

Tennessee All-State Choir

Ava Bates

Ashlynn Isbell

Cade Jett

Lexi Krenis

Reed Sullivan

Andi Cate Via Jack Wilkerson

Alternates: Carmen Biggs, Addy Measley, Abe Stonecipher

All National Honors Ensemble Mixed Choir

Reed Sullivan

Band and Orchestra Students Showcase Talent on Campus and at All-West Competition

Our instrumental students have talent far and wide. Under the direction of band teacher Tom Grant, the following Bruins received musical awards:

John Philip Sousa National Band Award - Cassidy Bruno

The Director’s Award - Chase Wimer

Louis Armstrong Jazz Award - Ivan Lopez

Leonard Bernstein Musicianship Award - Michael Nnaji

All-West 9-10 Blue Concert Band - 3rd Chair - Diego Montoya

All-State 9-10 Band First Alternate - Diego Montoya

All-West Red Jazz Band - Auxiliary Percussion - Nicholas Donelli

All-West Red Jazz Band - Auxiliary Percussion First Alternate - Brennan Doyle

Outstanding Student of the Arts - Cassidy Bruno

DEVELOPMENT NEWS

Imagining More in 2023

After nearly four years, the USJ Imagine More Campaign is winding down. Since the Spring of 2019, more than $7.8 million has been raised and 21 capital projects have been completed. A few smaller projects planned are outlined below.

Remodeling of the Upper School Gymnasium/Theatre Foyer

ALUMNI NEWS

MARRIAGES:

Shelby Jordan (‘12) and Brayden Harper married in Salt Lake City, Utah, on August 8, 2022. They honeymooned in Maui, Hawaii, and they reside in Salt Lake City.

Caitlyn Brown (‘18) and Brodey Schluter were married on the evening of May 21, 2022, at Houston’s in Brookland, Arkansas. The couple traveled to Tulum, Mexico, for their honeymoon. They live in Jonesboro, Arkansas, where Caitlyn is a 4th-grade teacher at International Studies Magnet School with the Jonesboro Public Schools, and Brodey is a mechanical engineer at Southworth Products.

Ali Butler (‘17) and Tyler Estes were married on June 4, 2022, at Fyrne Lake Farms in Dyersburg, Tennessee. They honeymooned in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, at Excellence El Carmen. The couple resides in Jackson, where Ali is a 1st-3rd grade Math/Science teacher at Community Montessori School, and Tyler serves as the Assistant Director at the new Chick-fil-A on North Highland.

Caroline Miller (‘16) and Baker Evans were married the evening of June 4, 2022, at West Jackson Baptist Church and celebrated at their reception on the back lawn of the Miller home. The couple traveled to the Dominican Republic for their honeymoon before returning to Jackson, where they were both raised. Caroline is working as a speech-language pathologist at Therapy and Learning Center, and Baker is an attorney at McWherter Scott & Bobbitt.

Catherine Hudson (’10) and Kenneth (Kip) Packer were married on April 23, 2022, in Memphis, Tennessee. It was a beautiful spring day surrounded by family and friends from all over the country. Cat and Kip have enjoyed the last year as a married couple traveling, being outdoors, and getting settled into their home. They both work as certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNA) in Memphis.

Parker Lewis (‘16) and Megan Bullock were married on May 7, 2022, at The Venue at Waddell Place in McKenzie, Tennessee. They honeymooned in Florida. Parker is finishing his third year of medical school at UT Health Science Center. Megan will finish her Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis at the University of Memphis in the summer of 2023. She currently works at Harwood Center as a Registered Behavior Technician. They live in Memphis with their dogs, Ollie, Hazel, and Grizzly.

Kaitlyn Ross (‘15) and Baker

Norsworthy (‘13) were married on October 1, 2022, at the Venue at Twin Oaks in Humboldt, Tennessee. The newly married couple traveled to the Dominican Republic for their honeymoon. They now live in Arlington, Tennessee, where Baker is a Sales Consultant for Depuy Synthes, Johnson & Johnson, and Kaitlyn is a Physical Therapist in the home health setting.

Congratulations are also in order for Ryan Weiss (’12) and Lauren Daudelin, who were married on October 15, 2022, in Charleston, SC. They are planning a delayed honeymoon in Hawaii. Ryan works as a Physician Assistant at St. Francis Hospital in Bartlett, and Lauren is a teacher with Shelby County Schools. They are enjoying living life in Germantown, Tennessee.

Classmates Hannah Schultz (‘18) and Isaias Leon (‘18) were married on June 25, 2022, in Medina, Tennessee. They spent their honeymoon in Akumal, Mexico. They live in Memphis, Tennessee, where Hannah works at Orion Federal Credit Union, and Isaias is in Dental School at UTHSC.

Anna Kate Craig (‘10) married Nolan Vaughan of Natchez, Mississippi, on November 5, 2022, at White Oak Farms in Medina. The couple honeymooned in Oyster Bay, Jamaica. The Vaughans live in Laurel, Mississippi, where Nolan is a design engineer at Hol-Mac, and Anna Kate is an administrative assistant at The University of Southern Mississippi.

CLASS REUNIONS

25th Reunion

Please contact Troy Schneider (taschneider@gmail.com) for more information.

Class of 2003 - 20th Reunion

Please contact Liz Shearin Davis (lizdavis710@gmail.com) or Will DuVal (will.duval@gmail.com) for more information.

Class of 2013 - 10th Reunion

Please contact Margaret Jones Atkins (margaretjones10794@ gmail.com) or Catherine Christie Teel (catherine.c.teel@ gmail.com) for more information.

If you would like to schedule your reunion or need help with a contact list of class members for a reunion, please contact Elizabeth Atkins, Director of Alumni Relations at eatkins@usjbruins.org.

Holly Deming (‘14) and Benjamin Goodwin were married on November 5, 2022, at Green Frog Farm in Alamo, Tennessee. They traveled to St. Maarten for their honeymoon. The couple lives in Ludington, Michigan, where they just purchased their first home. Holly is an associate optometrist at West Shore Eye Care, and Ben is a licensed contractor in the process of starting his own company.

Nicholas Camp (‘12) and Sara Tatay were married on November 5, 2022, at the RitzCarlton Lake Oconee in Greensboro, Georgia. The couple traveled to Cabo San Lucas for their honeymoon. They live in Chicago, Illinois, where Nicholas is a Senior Sales Manager at Barcode, Inc., and Sara is an account supervisor at L. C. Williams and Associates.

USJ faculty member Ella Coy (‘17) and Keifer Engles were married on November 12, 2022, at First Methodist Church with a reception at the New Southern Hotel in Jackson, Tennessee. Ella enjoyed her first year teaching 6th grade Math at USJ, while Keifer owns a content distribution company. They have two dachshunds, Opie and Viva, that keep them on their toes. The Engles are loving this chapter of their lives!

Jordan Ragon (‘12) and Crockett Johnston were married on November 10, 2022, in Jackson, Tennessee. The couple honeymooned in Costa Rica where they befriended the entire resort, and Crockett became a pool volleyball champion. Jordan works as a Special Agent Forensic Scientist for the TBI, and Crockett works in sales. They are currently enjoying endless laughs together in Humboldt, Tennessee.

Benjamin Stuart (‘12) and Olivia Lewis (Peach Tree City, GA) were married on December 10, 2022, in Memphis, Tennessee. Benjamin and Olivia met while attending Mississippi State. Benjamin works as a Scrum Master Advisor for FedEx, and Olivia is a Regulatory Affairs Specialist for Stryker Corporation. They make their home in Southaven, Mississippi.

Thomas Butler (’12) and Corrie Ray exchanged vows on December 17, 2022, in Jackson, Mississippi. They spent their honeymoon in the Cayman Islands. Thomas is an orthodontic resident at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, and Corrie is a Senior Financial Reporting Accountant at Orgill, Inc. They are enjoying living in Memphis with their dog, Pippa.

Grace Howard (‘11) and Christian Kauffman were married on January 7, 2023, in Memphis. The Kauffmans live in Memphis where Grace is a pharmacist at the Memphis Veterans Administration Hospital, and Christian is a consultant with Ernst & Young.

Please update your mailing and email address wirh us! To tell us your latest news or to recieve information about an upcoming reunion, please visit usjbruins.org/alumni or contact Elizabeth Atkins, Director of Alumni Relations at eatkins@usjbruins.org, or call her at 731-300-3687.

BIRTHS:

Sarah Grace Glover Gallichio (‘08) and her husband Christian gave birth to Margot Dale Gallichio on February 2, 2022. She weighed 7 lbs., 3 oz., and measured 19 ¾” long. Sarah Grace is a reference librarian for the University of North Georgia; and Christian just graduated from UGA with a Ph.D. in Transcontinental Literature. This sweet little family resides in Athens, Georgia. Grandmother is former Lower School Librarian Stacey Glover.

Natalie Wilson Abell (‘09) and her husband, George, welcomed their daughter, Sophie Grace Abell, on November 15, 2022, in Germantown, Tennessee. She weighed 6 pounds, 10 ounces and was 19 inches long. She and George are both Clinic Directors and physical therapists with Results Physiotherapy. Sophie’s proud family includes grandparents, Lisa (OHA ‘87) and Jim Wilson, and uncle, John Wilson (‘12).

Sweet Davis Thomas Teel made his appearance on October 29th, 2022, at 3:18 am. He weighed 7lb., 7oz., and he measured 20.5 inches long. Proud parents are classmates Catherine Christie Teel (‘13) and Trey Teel (‘13). Trey is a dentist with Mark Miller, DDS, and Catherine is a Senior Accountant with Leaders Credit Union. Welcome to the world, Davis!

Warner Thomas (‘11) and his wife Ashley welcomed their first child, Charlotte Marie Thomas, on November 22, 2022, in Knoxville, Tennessee, where Warner is in medical residency, and Ashley is a registered dietician. Baby Charlotte arrived after a long labor weighing 6 lbs., 9 oz., and she was 19” long. Charlotte’s grandmother is former USJ Lower School faculty member, Janet Thomas.

Born Dec. 11, 2022, to parents Halle

Preister Gross (‘11) and husband Danny Gross, Dorothy Louise Gross, entered the world at 5 lbs., 11 oz. and measured 20 inches long. Residing in Memphis, Halle is a corporate attorney with FedEx, and Danny is a firefighter/ paramedic with the Memphis Fire Department.

Shelby Jordan Hendley (‘12) and husband

Ty welcomed little Charles David

“Charlie” Hendley on November 10, 2022, in Newburgh, Indiana.

Charlie weighed 4 lbs., 9 oz., and was 17.5” long. Both Shelby and Ty are physical therapists and are thrilled to have their firstborn child!

Audrey Hazelhurst Davis (‘11) and husband Jared Davis (‘09) are the proud new parents of Catherine Elizabeth Davis. Catherine arrived on November 14, 2022, coming in after a long labor of love weighing 8 lbs., 3 oz, and measuring 20” long. Audrey is a Pharmacist in Bolivar, and Jared is a Physician’s Assistant at Jackson Clinic South. The family resides in Jackson.

Not much sleep for Alex Hollman (‘13) and Jessica Garland Hollman (‘14) who gave birth to a precious baby girl on December 16, 2022, at 2:42 am! Sweet little Mia Rose Hollman made her debut at 6 lbs., 9 oz., and measured 19.5 inches. Residing in Jackson, Alex is a civil engineer, residential/commercial contractor, and the owner of Hollman Builders, LLC. His wife Jessica works in the field of real estate appraisal for Johnstone Group, Inc. Both of Mia’s grandmothers are former USJ Lower School faculty members - Kim Garland and Patsy Hollman. Congratulations to all!

Melanie Layden Saggio (‘08) and her husband Matt welcomed their healthy baby boy William Anthony Saggio on October 30, 2022. William is the couple’s first child. He weighed 9 lbs. 2 oz. and measured 22 inches long at birth. Melanie is a TV meteorologist at WSMV in Nashville, Tennessee. Matt is a Senior Account Executive for Cromwell Media.

Haley Anderson Gerber (‘07) and husband Max welcomed their first child, Madelynn Claire, at 7:58 pm on Sunday, February 5, 2023. She weighed 7 lbs., 6 oz. and measured 19.5 inches long. Proud grandmother is USJ’s own Lower School teacher Tina Anderson. Haley is a teacher with the Dickson County School System and Max is in sales at Summertown Metals in Summertown, Tennessee. They are also the owners and operators of Hickory Meadow, an event venue located on their farm in Charlotte, Tennessee.

Gram Northern (‘14) and wife Katie welcomed their first child Michael Ingram Northern on November 27, 2023, at 3:34 am in Jackson, Tennessee. He weighed 5 lb and measured 18 inches long. Gram works for Honeywell in corporate supply planning, and Katie is a former labor and delivery nurse for Jackson Madison County Hospital.

IN MEMORIAM

Nancy Clare Blackwell (OHA ‘74) departed this life on January 19, 2023, in Jackson, Tennessee, at the age of 66. Nancy was born in Jackson on September 18, 1956, to the late Elmo and Betty Rushing. As a young adult, she earned her associate’s degree and became a Registered Nurse. For over forty years, she worked tirelessly at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital as a Registered Nurse. Nancy was a proud wife, mother, and grandmother. She always provided support and love for her family. She was a member of Poplar Heights Baptist Church her whole life. Dachshunds were her passion and she had a great love for them. Left to cherish her memory is her loving husband of 41 years, Barry Blackwell; two daughters, Christina Davis (Adrian) and Leah Moore (Kyle); and two grandchildren, Macon Davis and Claire Moore.

Charles Harris Lawrence (OHA ‘73), age 68, passed away on Friday, December 9, 2022, after a short illness. He was the son of Samuel Matthews Lawrence, Jr., and Leila Frankland Lawrence. His grandparents were Samuel Matthews Lawrence, Sr. and Elyzabeth Tomlinson Lawrence and General Ernest Frankland and Leila Harris Frankland.

Charles, a life-long resident of Jackson, Tennessee, graduated from Old Hickory Academy in 1973 and attended Middle Tennessee State University. During high school, Charles met his future wife, Doris Haynes, whom he married in 1974.

He worked for the family business, S. M. Lawrence Company, for 35 years. During that time, he served as a plumber/welder, a superintendent, a project manager, and vice president. After retirement from the family business, Charles and Doris pursued a career dealing with antiques, which evolved into High Cotton Company. Charles had a deep love for sports and outdoor activities. During high school, he received numerous football and track awards and was one of the top area athletes. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, a passion inherited from his father, and passed down that interest to his children and grandchildren.

He was an active member of Ararat Baptist Church and enjoyed his membership in the Men’s Sunday School Class. Charles is survived by his wife of 48 years, Doris, and his two loving daughters, Elyzabeth Pflasterer (Ryan) and Anna Wilson (Taylor). He has eight grandchildren: Addyson, Ava, and Ridley Pflasterer, Dylan and Riley Todd, and Shelby, Audrey, and Lily Wilson, who lovingly called him Papa. He is also survived by his mother, Leila Frankland Lawrence, and his three brothers, Bo (Amy), Frank (Darleen), and Ernest (Ann) Lawrence.

Former OHA Music faculty member Beverly Williams Lewis, age 76 of Lewisburg, Tennessee, passed away at her home on March 2, 2023. Beverly was born December 21, 1946, in Jackson, Tennessee to Thomas Eugene Williams, Sr., and Annie Margaret Odell Williams.

A wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother (MiMi), teacher, painter, and foremost a believer in Jesus the Messiah, she was blessed with the gifts of song and music, singing with symphonies, oratorio societies, baroque ensembles, her sisters, and other groups. She earned three musical degrees, the most recent being a Doctor of Musical Arts in Vocal Performance in 1979 from the University of Memphis. She had a love for the Jewish people with a desire to see that they be saved and a love for the Jewish roots of her Christian faith. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Mel Lewis, and her sister Rosalyn Hailey of Collierville, Tennessee. She is survived by her two children, Matt (Elizabeth) Lewis of Lewisburg, Tennessee and Margaret (Joe) Cuschieri of Alexandria, Virginia; seven grandchildren, Marshall Lewis, Garrison Lewis, Temperance Lewis, Crockett Lewis, Nels Lewis, Oliver Lewis, and Claire Cuschieri; three siblings, Thomas E. (Barbara) Williams, Jr. of Jackson, Tennessee; Patricia Brock of Lewisburg, Tennessee; and Teresa Irvin of Friendship, Tennessee.

Former EDS Faculty Member Emily Ann Johnsey Canter, age 75, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, March 29, 2023. Born in Jackson, Tennessee on May 5, 1947, she was the daughter of the late John Harry and Emma Jean Bell Johnsey. She graduated from Jackson High School in 1965 and Union University in 1969, where she was a member of the Chi Omega Sorority. In 1974, she graduated from Memphis State University with her master’s degree in education. She taught in the Jackson-Madison County School System and at Episcopal Day School.

Emily married Ronald Earl Canter on March 22, 1970. They were communicants of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, where they sang in the choir, were sponsors of The Episcopal Young Churchmen, directing the annual Feast of Lights Epiphany Pageant and folding palm crosses. She was active with the Episcopal Church Women, especially the annual Calendar Party Luncheon. She considered herself a prop maker, including mouse heads and Beatrix Potter animal head forms, various teapots, and Cinderella carriage paintings for Ballet Arts. She was a past president of The Jackson Theatre Guild, having directed productions of Jesse Hill Ford’s Conversion of Buster Drumright, Quilters, Dracula, and The Miracle Worker. Other than her husband of 53 years, Ron Canter, of Jackson, Tennessee, she is survived by her daughter, Margaret Ruth Jessie of Memphis, Tennessee, and her son, John Robert Canter (Lela) of Germantown, Tennessee, and four grandsons, Caleb Michael Jessie, Joshua Alexander Jessie, Robert McFadden Canter, and Samuel Lee Canter.

USJ has also learned of the recent passing in March 2023 of Bill Hammonds (OHA ‘72) of Riverside, California.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Shayla Reaves (‘02) adds “Author” to Her List of Career Accomplishments

Shayla Reaves is known as many things: journalist, networker, crafter, author—just to name a few. Before she was any of this, though, she was a Bruin, and in the 20+ years since her time at USJ, she has gone on to make her mark on the world.

A 2006 graduate of Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, Shayla was named the top broadcast student in her graduating class. She received the university’s prestigious Gary Cummings Memorial Award, a selection made by faculty members and awarded to seniors who excelled in undergraduate broadcast journalism courses. While attending Northwestern, Shayla led the university’s student chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists to its first-ever national “Student Chapter of the Year” title in 2005.

Shayla has worked as a broadcast journalist across the country, including Louisville, Kentucky; Columbus, Ohio; Tampa, Florida; Greenville, North Carolina; and currently, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Wherever she is, Shayla participates in numerous community activities and enjoys speaking with students at local high schools and universities as well as mentoring broadcast journalism students.

Shayla also enjoys repurposing old items and creating new treasures in her free time. In 2018, she developed a weekly web series called “Let’s Craft” and produced half hour specials for television and web. She edits, writes, voices and (mostly) shoots the series and specials herself.

And now, she is an author, a dream long in the making. Just one year after graduating from USJ, Shayla was selected as the winner of Northwestern University’s “Written Expression Competition” in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In 2003, she performed her original piece, “Echo In the Distance” at Pick Staiger Concert Hall as a college freshman. The guest speaker, Dr. Cornel West, was so impressed by her presentation that he asked if he could use the line “People are people, not color-coated crimes” in one of his speeches.

Twenty years later, Shayla is excited to memorialize this piece in an illustrated children’s book that debuted in June 2023. “Echo In the Distance,” written under the pen name Shayla Michelle, is a moving tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream shared from the Lincoln Memorial on August 28, 1963. Millions watched as the civil rights leader delivered his hope for the future, his dream for what America could be. Decades later, the iconic “I Have A Dream” speech has continued to transcend time. It turns 60 years old in 2023. “Echo In the Distance” reflects on the speech, the history that followed, and serves as a reminder that everyone can play a role in realizing the dream first shared in 1963.

Accomplished? Very. Engaged? Extremely. But above all, Shayla Reaves is inspiring. She reminds us all that we have gifts to embrace and goals to achieve. As she says, “it’s not too late. Dreams can come true. It starts with you.”

USJ Alumnus Charles Campbell (‘18) Signs with University of Tennessee Vols

After an impressive college football career as a veteran Power Five kicker for Indiana University, graduate transfer Charles Campbell is returning to his home state to play on Rocky Top at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.

Campbell climbed in the record books with the Hoosiers, ranking eighth in program history for career-made field goals (37), 9th in extra points (68) and 14th in points scored (179). He drilled five field goals of 50 years or longer which is the second-most in Indiana history. Campbell set an Outback Bowl record for longest-made field goal, drilling a 53-yarder against Ole Miss (1/2/21). He also converted the longest field goal in the Big Ten during both the 2020 (53 yards) and 2021 (55 yards) seasons. Campbell converted 39-of-51 tries for his career at IU with a long of 55.

During his time at USJ, he was a Mr. Football finalist, invited to the Army All-American Bowl and rated No. 5 kicker in the 2018 class. He was also a three-time Tennessee All-State selection and three-time District Kicker of the Year.

We can’t wait to see Charles play for the Volunteers this fall!

USJ Alumnus

Trey Smith

(‘17) wins Superbowl with Kansas City Chiefs

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University School of Jackson could not be more proud of Alumnus Trey Smith who not only helped lead the Kansas City Chiefs to win the Superbowl in 2023; but also goes out of his way to encourage students in his hometown.

After his Superbowl win, Smith returned to Jackson for a special “Trey Day” organized by the City of Jackson in his honor. During his visit to West Tennessee, he was a special guest at several elementary schools in the area

including our own Lower School. Trey gave high fives, toured classrooms and took dozens of photos with students and teachers. It was a great day at USJ for everyone!

While at USJ, he was a three-time AllState offensive lineman. Regarded as a five-star recruit, Smith was ranked as the No. 1 prospect overall in the class of 2017 by ESPN. He chose Tennessee over scholarship offers from Ohio State, Ole Miss, Alabama, and a host of others.

Smith played college football at the University of Tennessee before he was drafted by the Chiefs in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He was named to the NFL All-Rookie Team for the 2021 season. In 2022, Smith started 16 regular season games and the Chiefs’ three playoff games. Smith started at right guard in Super Bowl LVII and solidified an offensive line that gave up zero sacks in the game as the Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 38-35.