INDIANA MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OFSPRINGS INDIAN SPRINGS SCHOOL SPRING 2018

STRENGTH IN WORDS Since the school’s founding, Springs has inspired young people to write with purpose, clarity, and courage. PAGE 20

‘ONE STEP CLOSER’ TO A CURE page 16 NEW APPROACH TO ADVISING page 18 MEET OUR 2018 OUTSTANDING ALUM page 48 INDIAN SPRINGS MAGAZINE

HEAD OF SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT Guided by our motto, Learning through Living, DR. SHARON HOWELL Indian Springs School fosters a love of learning and creativity, a sense of integrity and moral courage, and an ethic of participatory citizenship with respect for individuality and independent thought. DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & OPERATIONS Tanya Yeager

DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT Loren Gary ’76 EDITOR Mindy Keyes Black DIRECTOR OF ADMISSION GRAPHIC DESIGNER Claire Cassady Ellen S. Padgett DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS CONTRIBUTORS Mindy Keyes Black Susan Emack Alison DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL PROJECTS & STRATEGY Claire Cassady Lauren Wainwright ’88 Kathryn D’Arcy DEAN OF ACADEMICS Dr. Tanya Hyatt Sunny Dong ’17

DEAN OF STUDENT DEVELOPMENT Stewart Edmonds & COMMUNITY LIFE Janae Peters Dr. Bill Engel ’75 Loren Gary ’76 DEAN OF STUDENT LIFE Jan Fortson Hal Jones DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE ADVISING Art Meripol Amelia Johnson Peter Moss ATHLETIC DIRECTOR Steven Ross Greg Van Horn Michael Sheehan Jaye Vlachos ’18 Rachel Wallace Graham Yelton BOARD OF GOVERNORS 2017-18 Libby Pantazis P ’03, ’06, ’09, Chairman COVER PHOTO Graham Yelton Robert Aland ’80, Gail Andrews P ’03 Janet Perry Book P ’04, ’09, Myla Calhoun P ’11, ’13 Clara Chung P ’13, ’16, Emma Embry ’05, P ’20 INDIAN SPRINGS SCHOOL Alan Engel ’73, P ’03, ’12, Joe Farley ’81, P ’14, ’16 publishes Indian Springs magazine twice a year, in fall/winter and Rob Henrikson ’65, Ben Hunt ’82, Leo Kayser III ’62 spring/summer. Printed by Craftsman Printing, Birmingham, Alabama. Ellen McElroy ’78, Catherine McLean P ’03, ’06, ’11 Eli Phillips, Scott Pulliam ’85, P ’16, ’17 CLASS NOTES Rusty Rushton ’74, P ’09, ’11, John Simmons ’65, P ’96 [email protected] Hanson Slaughter ’90, P ’20, ’22, Fergus Tuohy ’96 ADDRESS CHANGES Annie Damsky ’98, Ex Officio, Alumni Council Indian Springs School • 190 Woodward Drive • Indian Springs, AL 35124 • Michele Reisner P ’18, Ex Officio, Parents Association 205.988.3350 [email protected]

At Indian Springs School, we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint. If you would prefer to receive Indian Springs magazine or other school ©2018 Indian Springs School. All rights reserved. 190 Woodward Drive, communications electronically, please let us know Indian Springs, AL 35124 | Phone: 205.988.3350 by emailing us at [email protected]. Website: www.indiansprings.org

NOTICE OF NONDISCIMINATORY POLICY AS TO STUDENTS Indian Springs School, an independent school nationally recognized as a leader in boarding and day education for grades 8-12, serves a talented and diverse student body and offers its admission to qualified students regardless of race, gender, religion, national origin, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. Located in Indian Springs, Alabama, just south of Birmingham, the school does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, national origin, ethnicity, or sexual orientation in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, or athletic and other school-administered programs. FEATURED 16 INDIAN SPRINGS Contributing to a Cure Driven by his own mother’s breast SPRING 2018 I VOLUME SIXTEEN, ISSUE ONE {CONTENTS} cancer scare and wanting “to make an impact on the world through medicine,” Ken Jiao ’18 decided as a sophomore to take on an area of research that few others had explored. Three years later, experts say his award-winning work could bring scientists one step closer to finding a cure. 18 A New Approach to Advising For new Dean of Student Develop- ment and Community Life Janae Peters, mentoring during her teen years helped her see opportunities she had never dreamed possible. Peters is now laying the ground- work for Indian Springs’ advising program to offer the same potential for our students. 34 2016–2017 Annual Report Students, faculty, staff, parents, friends—Indian Springs stretches us all to become our best selves and to share our gifts fully with the com- munities to which we belong. Thank you for your deep commitment to Springs and the heartfelt ways that you give back, year after year. 48 Meet Our 2018 Outstanding Alum Get to know clinical psychologist and social activist Lara Embry ’87, who will receive Indian Springs’ 2018 Outstanding Alum Award on April 20 for her achievements in her field and her efforts to promote and protect LGBTQ+ rights. 20 COVER STORY IN EVERY ISSUE

Strength in Words Since our founding, Springs has inspired young people to write with purpose, 2 clarity, and courage. As notable alumni and passionate students continue WELCOME LETTERS to share important narratives through skilled storytelling, we look at the art of writing—and why it’s more important than ever to practice it. 4 CAMPUS NEWS Photos by Graham Yelton 8 HIGH MARKS 48 NOTEWORTHY WELCOME FROM BOARD CHAIR LIBBY PANTAZIS

LIBBY PANTAZIS CAME TO INDIAN SPRINGS AS A PARENT 20 years ago and immediately appreciated Chair, why my children wanted to attend: This is a remarkable school, fueled by exceptional Indian Springs School students and teachers, passionate alumni, and dedicated families. As our specially appointed Mission Review Committee highlighted last fall (more on this in the pages Board of Governors I ahead!), Springs teaches young people to view themselves not only as individual learners but also as members of a respectful, creative community. Creativity has become the mantra of Head of School Dr. Sharon Howell as she works with faculty and staff to promote a Creative Campus, Curriculum, and Community. During my 17 years of service on the Board of Governors, I have also recognized creativity in the work of Board members—both past and present—who give back to the school tirelessly as they safeguard its mission for future generations. My three immediate predecessors as Chairman of the Board—Bill Slaughter ’56, Gray Plosser ’63, and Donald Hess ’66—exhibited incredible creativity as they shepherded Springs through pivotal times in its history. From Bill’s creation of the school’s endowment, to Gray’s raising of our iconic Town Hall, to Donald’s preservation of Springs’ resources during a time of international economic turmoil—creative solutions have sustained us and paved the way for a bright future. The vision of Henry Goodrich and son Mike Goodrich ’63 connected us with the Malone Family Foundation, which led to our participation in two superb initiatives: the prestigious Malone Scholars Program and the Malone Schools Online Network. The list goes on…. Kip Porter ’60, Jeff Cohn ’64, Peggy Monaghan, Muff Johnston: I am incredibly grateful to these painters, poets, and prophets who came before me. During my tenure as Chairman, because of the incredible generosity of alumni, parents, and friends, we have updated our infrastructure, opened three beautiful new classroom buildings, and dedicated the Armstrong Administration building, Kayser Academic Center, and Samford Way. These milestones—the first phase of our campus master plan—have allowed the school to focus on excellent programming and to continue to attract top students, faculty, and our forward-thinking Head of School—individuals who serve as brilliant colors on Springs’ canvas. In May, my second term as Chairman will draw to a close. I will pass the torch to my successor, Alan Engel ’73. Alan is equally passionate about education and Springs’ mission; I can assure you that the future is bright as he takes the helm. Before I go, I urge you to do your part to make Springs the very best it can be. Give—and give often. Visit this inspiring campus regularly. Tell friends and family about Springs. Your commitment is vital to this creative community.

Warmest regards,

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: Libby in August 2015 at a special preview commemorating the opening of Springs’ new classrooms, Armstrong Administration building, and newly renovated Kayser Academic Center. Speaking to students, alumni, and faculty at the presentation of the 2017 Outstanding Alum Award. Libby with fellow Board members at the September 2017 Board meeting. Celebrating the appointment of Head of School Dr. Sharon Howell at Springs’ February 2016 reception for New York-area alumni and friends. Spring 2018

2 FROM HEAD OF SCHOOL DR. SHARON HOWELL WELCOME

RITING IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS TO TALK ABOUT. So I was delighted when we decided to devote our Spring 2018 magazine to the importance of writing to an Indian Springs education. Many worthy Wthings compel us as educators—and I will mention some of these in a moment. But let’s be clear, as we talk about the exciting educational innovation and rigorous creativity that will define the future of Springs, that one of the few indispensable tools we must commit to giving our students remains the ability to form and communicate their ideas in writing. So I can happily forecast that sending excellent writers into the world will continue to be one of our priorities. But I also want to take this chance to share a little more about my vision for Springs for the coming years, and what we are beginning to do to advance it. My hope is that Springs will become a truly creative school—meaning that our minds are open, our approach is flexible and inclusive, and we are willing and eager to create new, original paths for students as they show us what they need in order to be challenged and stimulated. We will be creative in our community: making the most of our boarding program; teaching critical social and emotional skills; finding, and funding, students with rich and various backgrounds; and developing an extraordinary faculty to teach them. We will DR. SHARON HOWELL be creative in our curriculum: encouraging independent study and special seminars; Head of School, exploring opportunities for original research and projects; challenging students to Indian Springs School make connections among the things they learn; and collaborating with our peer schools to expand our students’ range of curricular options. And we will be creative with our campus: using it as a living laboratory; making campus projects learning opportunities; and building the facilities we need for an inspiring environment. The Planning Committee of our Board has begun the process—with a recent survey you should have received—of listening to the community to make sure that our strategy for the coming years will allow us to realize these goals in ways that are true to our roots. In the next few months they will be talking with constituent groups and helping us synthesize what I hope you will come to see as our best strategy for Indian Springs. So we will have much more to say about our new strategic plan soon. Whatever steps we decide to take to reach our goals, I can say for sure that your support will be vital to taking them sure-footedly. Please know how grateful we are to be able to count on the generosity of this alumni community to help move us forward. I cannot close without noting that so much of what is happening at Springs right now— the new buildings, the record enrollment, the alumni outreach, the creative spirit—has been made possible by the leadership of our Chairman of the Board, Libby Pantazis, whose term ends this May. Libby has been an inspiration to me, as she has guided and challenged the Board of Governors to be its best and held all of us to her high standard. Without her openness to progress and incredible devotion to this school, it would not be where it is—poised to become one of the best independent schools in the country. We will miss her very much, and look forward to celebrating her properly later this spring.

Yours Gratefully, Indian Springs

3 CAMPUS NEWS

SITE FEATURES • Responsive design • Fresh photography • Stunning drone footage by Springs senior Carter Gaché ’18 • New Boarding tab highlighting Springs’ residential life program • Faculty bios and photos • Search and Google Translate • Student, faculty, and alumni news • Visual timeline of school history • Notable alumni page • Best of Birmingham page • New Springs: Unscripted video series featuring candid student interviews

SPRINGS LAUNCHES DYNAMIC NEW WEBSITE

NDIAN SPRINGS LAUNCHED a newly minisite to promote our distinctive Summer@ redesigned, user-friendly website in Springs program, which offers students in grades November to showcase the school’s diverse 4-12 a wide variety of academic enrichment Icommunity, broad curriculum, beautiful setting, courses. Explore the new sites at IndianSprings.org cutting-edge classrooms, and important mission. and SummeratSprings.org. “The new website captures the essence of Springs,” says Head of School Dr. Sharon Howell. “We are delighted to have this inviting new digital front door, which is already attracting prospective families from across the country and around the world and giving us a fantastic medium for celebrating the very best of Springs student, faculty, and alumni accomplishments.”

In January, Springs released a companion Yelton Photos by Graham Spring 2018

4 SPRINGS INTRODUCES NEW LOGO

T THE START of the 2017-18 school year, Indian Springs celebrated the launch of a new bell logo designed to move the symbol of the bell and all that it represents forward by capturing the Amodern look of the school’s new buildings while also honoring Springs’ important past. The culmination of a yearlong process that included a school-wide survey and focus groups throughout the year, the new logo was created by Birmingham-based designer Graham Yelton. Like its predecessors, it represents the bronze bell atop Springs’ dining hall. The bell was a gift to the school from SPRINGSREVEAL.ORG Indian Springs introduced its new Southern Railway, which was retiring its steam locomotives just as Indian Springs was preparing to open logo through a short animated video its doors in 1952. that celebrates both the school’s new “Over the years, the bell has come to symbolize the importance of gathering to build community, visual identity and this extraordinary listen to one another, deepen friendships, and continue conversations—the very core of Learning through community of learners. See the video Living,” says Head of School Dr. Sharon Howell. “The new logo is an emblem of our freedom to choose at SpringsReveal.org. and follow our individual, open-ended paths while also being called to learn together.”

BEFORE 1966 MID-’60S TO MID-’70S MID-’70S TO MID-’80S MID-’80S TO 2017 CURRENT

Niche ‘Best Private High School’ for 5th Year Indian Springs is honored to be recognized as No. 1 on Niche’s list of Best Private High Schools in Alabama for 2018. Rankings, which were released for the start of the 2017-18 school year, are determined by average SAT/ ACT scores; rankings of the colleges that graduates attend; the percent of seniors who go to four-year colleges; student culture and diversity; the ratio of students to full-time teachers; and parent and student experiences. This is the fifth consecutive year that Indian Springs has topped the Niche.com list.

‘Best Private School’ in Birmingham Birmingham magazine readers named Indian Springs School the winner of the Best Private School category in the magazine’s 2018 Best of Birmingham Family & Kids poll! The results were announced in the March issue. Thank you, Birmingham!

Vote for Springs! Cast your vote for Indian Springs as “Favorite Private School” in the Birmingham Parent 2018 Family Favorite 3 awards and be entered to win a family trip to the Sandestin Beach & Golf Resort! Visit BirminghamParent.com/ directory/family-favorites-survey. Voting will remain open until midnight on April 25; winners will be announced in the June 2018 issue. We thank you! Indian Springs

5 CAMPUS NEWS

SPRINGS UPDATES MISSION STATEMENT TO INCLUDE CREATIVITY, INDIVIDUALITY, AND INDEPENDENT THOUGHT By Mindy Keyes Black

OLLOWING A YEARLONG REVIEW Committee member Rusty Rushton ’74 believes WHO WE ARE by a specially appointed committee of that the updated statement “honors past English teacher D’Anthony Allen feels that the alumni, students, faculty, parents, and articulations of itself while leaning confidently review process signaled Springs’ desires “to be inclu- Fcommunity and Board members, Indian Springs’ toward the years and changes to come.” sive and intentional in creating spaces for dialogue Board of Governors has approved an updated “It was great getting input from several and to be flexible in looking at ideas and terminol- mission statement to guide the school in strategic corners of the known world of Springs—current ogy and the way that language reveals who we are decision-making and to articulate Springs’ students and teachers, variously aged alumni, presently and who we want to become.” philosophy and core values: administrators—and reinforcing to discover what “It’s so unique to have Board members, Guided by our motto, Learning through one might have supposed but couldn’t know for teachers, alums, administrators, current students, Living, Indian Springs School fosters a love of sure until the conversation got going: that Springs and even future parents who happen to be Board learning and creativity, a sense of integrity and has held on to virtually the same core values over all members and alums—all these different levels of moral courage, and an ethic of participatory these years,” he says. connectivity to the school—involved,” he says. citizenship with respect for individuality and “There were debates over what to specify versus “We all had a vested interest in preserving the independent thought. what to leave general, but I think we all got to intangibles of Springs but also in positioning The statement, which went from 77 words recognize, in each other’s lists of essential Springs ourselves to be attractive to new generations to 37 words in length, maintains the heart of the traits, the same school as the one we’d each gone to, through the wording of the statement, which we school’s previous statement while also emphasizing been hired by, or chosen for our children,” he adds. hope will intrigue and entice them to want to two equally vital aspects of Indian Springs School For many committee members, the review know more about this place.” culture: creativity, and respect for individuality and process reflected those qualities that the newly The Board of Governors convened the independent thought. revised statement affirms. Mission Review Committee in fall 2016 in “These values, as we discussed in our Mission “When I was offered the chance to be on accordance with National Association of Review Committee meetings throughout the the committee, I was so excited,” says senior Liz Independent Schools (NAIS) best practice 2016-17 school year, help define and differentiate Jones ’18. “We hoped to take a new look at what guidelines, which encourage regular review to us, and the Board believes that their inclusion adds the mission statement portrayed about our core ensure that the mission statement is relevant depth and strength to Springs’ important mission,” values. In the end we felt that we needed to update and vital to the community it serves. Springs’ says Planning Committee Chair Janet Perry Book the statement to represent more accurately what previous mission statement dates to fourth P ’04, ’09, who led the ad hoc committee. “We also Springs embodies: We are creative in the way we Director Mel MacKay’s tenure (2002-07). applaud committee members for thinking carefully problem solve. We are independent in the way we “The passion, thoughtfulness, and attention about word choice and for recommending revisions time manage. We are all individuals and admire to detail of our dedicated committee members that capture the essence of the previous statement the differences and similarities among us. With ensured that the statement reflects a broad range while also making it easy to remember.” the addition of these three qualities, our mission of voices within our community and presents an HONORING THE PAST, statement accurately represents who we are as a eloquent, memorable assertion of who we are as a SIGNALING THE FUTURE community, and I could not be more proud to have school,” says Board Chair Libby Pantazis. “Indian Board member, alumnus, and Mission Review been a part of it.” Springs’ mission informs all that we do, and the

“Guided by our motto, Learning through Living, Indian Springs School fosters a love of learning and creativity, a sense of integrity and moral courage, and an ethic of

participatory citizenship with respect for individuality and independent thought.” ­ Spring 2018

6 Max Klapow ’17, Nomiah Keyton ’17, and Liz Jones ’18 shared student perspectives as part STUDENTS of Springs’ specially appointed Mission ON A MISSION Review Committee. Max, Nomiah, and Liz talk about Springs’ distinctive mission review process: www. IndianSprings.org/ mission

Board is excited to reaffirm its commitment to the tual respect for individual creativity, thought, and proficient writers,” she says. “Even for just one important ideas that it articulates.” achievement. I for one am pleased with the result. It sentence: Each word is weighed and measured.” “The mission statement is crucially operative rings true today not only for our students, staff, and Cole encouraged her students to start by for me,” says Head of School Dr. Sharon Howell. parents but also for those of us who must rely on considering the statement’s structure. “One thing “I go back to it as a touchstone when making now-distant memories of coming of age in this very I always stress with my students is understanding decisions to ensure that we are genuinely adhering special community.” the relationship between form and function,” she to who we are and want to be. That’s why it felt For English teacher and committee member says. “We examined how the statement was built, especially important to me to preserve our emphasis Lauren Cole, the review process provided “a greater digging into the syntax and diction of the sentence.” on participatory citizenship, independence, appreciation and awareness of the ‘Springs tradi- They then moved on to its meaning. “They individuality, and courage, and to add a new tion.’ I want to continue to honor these important discussed ways we see each of the ideas in the emphasis on creativity.” traditions and core values as I work with today’s statement manifested on campus,” says Cole. “How, learners,” she says. SHARED EXPERIENCES The updated statement has also created for instance, do we see a love of learning, or a sense For committee member Lawrence Katz ’82, the numerous teachable moments. Cole recently of integrity and moral courage? experience confirmed that new and longtime mem- presented the revised statement to her 10th grade “We discussed what these ideas mean on a bers of the Springs community share an affinity for Critical Reading & Analytical Writing class and practical level, and ways we can encourage and the precepts of Springs’ mission statement. “It was explained how the new statement was constructed. promote these values on campus,” she says. “They through the lens of student and staff perspectives “Students tend to think that good writing is liked that the statement is broad enough to apply and our shared experiences that we were able to some sort of instantaneous magic, when, in fact, to both students and faculty, and that we are all one coalesce around the need to add the primacy of mu- it is a difficult process, even for people who are community aspiring to these goals together.” Indian Springs

7 CAMPUS NEWS HIGH MARKS Honney, who was named Grand Prize Winner of the 2017 Lois Pickard Scholarship Competition, performed the first movement of the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto on March 18 as featured soloist on the ASO & ASYO Side by Side Concert. Hear her play at a

recent Musical Friday:

www.indiansprings.org/ honney

SIX STUDENTS NAMED Kim ’19 Selected for New York String NATIONAL MERIT FINALISTS Seminar

Six Indian Springs seniors have been named finalists in the 63rd annual AFTER MAKING HER DEBUT at Carnegie Hall in National Merit Scholarship Program. Sam St. John ’18, Peter Scalise ’18, summer 2017, Springs violinist Honney Kim ’19 once Henry Goff ’18, Danielle Wu ’18, Amy Li ’18, and Ken Jiao ’18 were among again took the stage as one of the youngest players in the about 15,000 students nationwide (representing less than 1 percent of 49th New York String Orchestra Seminar. Kim spent graduating seniors) who were selected based on their achievements on 10 days in late December in New York City playing the 2016 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, high under the direction of top ensemble instructors. On the SAT scores, strong academic performance in grades 9–12, participation in evenings of Dec. 24 and 28, she and fellow instrumental- school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, and ists, ages 16 to 23, performed in concerts presented honors and awards received. Also recognized by the 2018 NMSP were by Carnegie Hall. In late fall, Kim was also awarded Lauren Jones ’18 (semifinalist) andRachael Murdock ’18, Grace O’Malley an honorable mention in the Classical Music category of ’18, Delaney Porter ’18, and Mark Romero ’18 (commended students). the Young Arts National Arts Competition.

SIMMONS ’19 ATTENDS 2018 COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN

SPRINGS JUNIOR Sarah Niles Simmons ’19 was one of out there but had never personally experienced. One of 12 Girl Scouts nationwide selected to take part in the 62nd the most impactful things I heard came from a 14-year- Commission on the Status of Women held March 12–23 at the old girl from a small town in Mexico who said, ‘We don’t United Nations Headquarters in New York City. The session need you to come in and solve all our problems for us. We focused on the challenges of achieving gender equality and the just need you to listen and support us while we work.’ I’ve empowerment of women and girls in rural communities. A never felt more inspired to make a positive change in my secondary discussion looked at ways to improve women’s access community, and despite the fact that I can’t fix everything, to news media and technology. I’ve never been more sure that I can make some change.” As a participant, Simmons had the opportunity to talk Simmons, a Girl Scout since the first grade, was selected to with women from all over the world. “I heard stories about represent the Girl Scouts of North Central Alabama through an issues I never knew existed,” she says, “and I was able to put application process requiring essays, letters of recommendation, names and faces with the global issues I always knew were and an interview.

8 Photos by Michael Sheehan, Rachel Wallace, and Sunny Dong ’17 Finalists willbeannounced thisspring. intonation, and knowledge of style. incisiveness, tone quality, accuracy, include overall effect, musicality, rhythmic from around thecountry. Judgingcriteria accomplished musiciansandeducators mances to bejudgedby apanelof submit videorecordings oftheirperfor- professional recognition. Competitors compete nationally for cashawards and soloists, ensembles,anddirectors to invites choral, musical, andtheatrical American Prize inConducting. Division semifinalists for the2017-18 as oneofonlytwo Youth &SchoolChorus Music Andrew Dibble hasalsobeennamed in Choral Performance. Director ofChoral semifinalist for the2017-18 AmericanPrize named aYouth &HighSchoolDivision Indian SpringsSchoolChoirhasbeen The Prize Semifinalists Named American Choral Director Springs Choir, The AmericanPrize, founded in2009,

more than 70members. issues, has grown into equality gender the school’sto highlight student-run largest club, with less than ayear, the club, hosts which after-school moviediscussions, screenings, fundraisers and the importance rights and ofgender. ofequal opportunities regardless forto all, highlight In Porter ’18,Wiatrak founded Indian Springs’ Club Gender in Equality 2016in an effort at Indianpromote equality gender Springs and beyond. Generation” was chosen for current for her efforts to or college), category school students (high Wiatrak,open for the women doors first to succeed. recipientbe honored to in “Nextthe new some ofBirmingham’s most innovative women to and accomplished raising while money of Greater Birmingham at Smart Party 6.0,the organization’s annual fundraiser that celebrates Dr. Sharon Howell, andWiatrak at arecent GenderEquality Clubmovie screening. BELOW: FUND OFGREATER BIRMINGHAM WIATRAK ’18HONORED BY WOMEN’S SPRINGS SENIOR SENIOR SPRINGS Alongside Springs’Alongside first Dr. female headofschool, Sharon Howell, and classmate Delaney Katie Wiatrak ’18at SmartParty 6.0; Delaney Porter ’18,HeadofSchool was one of 11 women recognized by The Katie Wiatrak ’18was one of11women recognized Women’s Fund

9 Indian Springs ONSTAGE PERFORMING ARTS

SPRINGS Throughout the year, Springs students take the stage to entertain, inspire, and share their talents ONSTAGE through the performing arts.

THEATER

NDIAN SPRINGS THEATRE tackled the themes of justice, prejudice, and perceptions of reality through the school’s fall play, Twelve Angry Jurors. Directed Iand staged by Theatre Director Dane Peterson, the play allowed students to explore the story of a jury that has retired to deliberate the fate of an urban teen accused of the fatal stabbing of his father. Eleven jurors believe he is guilty, but it takes 12 to convict. Is he guilty, or is he not? TOP: The cast of Twelve Angry Jurors takes its final bow. ABOVE: Eliza Black ’18, Juror No. 8, faces down Bennett Atkins ’18, Juror No. 10, during a heated debate. Spring 2018

10 CONTEMPORARY MUSIC

PRINGS’ RAPIDLY GROWING “Contemp” program gives students a chance to learn skills in vocals, guitar, drums, and keyboards and to perform popular songs Sfor the school community. Led by Contemporary Music and Recording Arts teacher Clint Jacobs, the program offered nine sections in 2017-18 to meet rising student demand and hired audio engineer Penn Robertson, who has worked with a number of high-profile Southern rock CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: At Springs’ November Student Concert, Tate bands, to assist with audio, production, and rehearsing. Shuttlesworth ’18 takes lead vocals on a lighthearted cover of “Casimir Pulaski Day” by Sufjan Stevens, with Max Simon ’19 on guitar and Will Davis ’19 on keys/backup vocals; Rikki Palmer ’18 sings the disco hit “Stomp” “While popular and commercial by Brothers Johnson; Hyo In Park ’19 and Kadie Jacobs ’19 belt out the Radiohead showstopper “Creep,” with Luke Molbak ’19 on guitar, Sarah music studies are becoming more Wammack ’19 on drums, and Haden Ryan-Embry ’20 on bass. common in colleges and universities, few high schools have followed suit. Indian Springs, on the other hand, has recognized an opportunity to provide music education to more students by giving them

options to pick what they enjoy.”

—Contemporary Music and Recording Arts teacher Clint Jacobs

CHOIR

OR CHOIR TOUR 2018, Springs’ Concert Choir traveled in February to New York City, where students sang at The Cathedral of Saint John Fthe Divine and St. Bart’s. Led by Director of Choral Music Andrew Dibble and accompanied by Director of Instrumental Music Dr. Hye-Sook Jung, the Chamber Choir also performed for more than 3,000 educators in March at the general session of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) Annual Conference in Atlanta.

THE ARTS AT SPRINGS Learn more about these programs, as well as our instru- mental and visual art offerings, at www.IndianSprings.org/arts Photos by Steven Ross (theater), Michael Sheehan (contemporary music), Hal Jones (choir) Photos by Steven Indian Springs

11 CAMPUS NEWS ATHLETICS

BUZZER BEATER! See our video of Logan’s winning goal at Facebook. com/experiencesprings. GO SPRINGS! MEN’S BASKETBALL

SPRINGS’ MEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM claimed seven impressive victories during its 2017–18 season, securing an important area win. The highlight of the season was a buzzer-beating layup by Logan Mercer ’19 in the 47–46 defeat of Fultondale High School. Logan averaged 12 points per game, and teammate Evan Dascher ’18 averaged 13 points. Congratulations to the Men’s Basketball Team!

WOMEN’S BOWLING

THREE YEARS AFTER Springs’ Women’s Bowling Team began competing, the determination of its founding members—Brianna Jones ’19, Chloe Miller ’18, Juliet Wiatrak ’18, and Katie Wiatrak ’18—has paid off. The team beat out Spain Park, Vestavia Hills, and Oak Mountain to place second in the area, then went on to play at the regional WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL tournament. During the 2017–18 season, Brianna bowled a high game of 137; Juliet, 150; Katie, 157; and Chloe, 183, SPRINGS’ VARSITY VOLLEYBALL TEAM—led by eight seniors who finished which set the high game record for Springs’ Women’s Bowling. their career with four area championships—closed out its 2017–18 season with an Congratulations to the team! overall record of 18–14 and an Area 7 record of 6–0. Ava Davis ’18 was the team leader in assists, Sonia Gueye ’18 and Caroline Baker ’18 were the team leaders in kills, Madei Davis ’18 was the team leader in defensive digs, and Danielle Wu ’18 was the team leader in service points. Congratulations to the Women’s Volleyball Team! Photos by Jaye Vlachos ’18, Christina Tetzlaff, Michael Sheehan, Mindy Keyes Black, Rachel Wallace, Gary Clark Wallace, Black, Rachel Keyes Michael Sheehan, Mindy Tetzlaff, ’18, Christina Vlachos Jaye by Photos Spring 2018

12 1. Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Springs’ Women’s Cross Country Team qualified for state after a great performance at sectionals. Carolyn Calvert-Grimes ’18 came in fifth place in Class 3A, andIsabella Yaghmai ’21 finished 11th place for 3A. Four individual runners from Springs’ Men’s Team (Mark Romero ’18, Ian Huh ’19, Ken Jiao ’18, and Henry Goff ’18) also qualified for state. Congratulations to the Women’s Team and to the qualifying members of the Men’s Team! 2. Karle ’19 Wraps Up Great Swim Season Springs swimmer Mia Karle ’19 finished eighth place in the state in the 100-yard breaststroke and 15th in the state in the 500-yard freestyle at the AHSAA State Championship Meet in December. 1 Karle claimed second place in the 100-yard breaststroke and fifth in the 500-yard freestyle at the Central Alabama Sectional Meet. Prior to sectionals, she placed first in both the 100-yard breaststroke and the 500-yard freestyle at the Warriors/Knight Autumn Invitational. Congratulations, Mia! 3. Max Hull ’22 To Attend Elite Summer Lacrosse Camps Springs lacrosse player Max Hull ’22, who plays with the Vestavia Hills High School team and an Atlanta-based travel team, has received an 2 invitation to the 2018 National Lacrosse Elite 100 Recruiting Camp in Beverly, Massachusetts, where he will play for UPenn’s head coach. Max will also participate in the invitation-only 2018 STX Rising Division I 2 Showcase in Columbia, Maryland, and travel to tournaments in Balti- more, Denver, and North Carolina this summer. Congratulations, Max! 4. Mason Inducted into Alabama Tennis Hall of Fame Varsity Men’s and Women’s Tennis Coach Boo Mason has been named to the 2018 Alabama Tennis Foundation Hall of Fame. Mason has served as the teams’ head coach since 1980. He was named Southern United States Professional Tennis Association Pro of the Year in 2011 and United States Tennis Association of Alabama (USTA) Pro 3 of the Year in 2007, 1999, and 1992. In addition to coaching at Springs, he teaches private lessons through Boo Mason Tennis, which hosts five USTA-sanctioned junior tennis tournaments each year and is the home of the USTA Alabama Competitive Training Center. He is also Director of Tennis at Hoover Country Club. Congratulations, Coach Mason!

5. Tozzi Named Alabama Men’s Soccer Coach of the Year Varsity Men’s Soccer Coach Rik Tozzi has been named the 2017–18 Alabama Coach of the Year for Boys Soccer by the National Federation of State High School Associations. Tozzi has served as the team’s head coach since 2002. During his tenure, the team has won three state championships, played for two others, and finished in the top four 10 other times. The team has also won several Lakeshore Shootout and Birmingham Metro tournaments. Under his direction, Springs players have also set state records for scoring and defense. Multiple team alumni have gone on to play at Division I, 4 5 II, and III colleges. Congratulations, Coach Tozzi! Indian Springs

13 CAMPUS NEWS STUDENTS IN THE COMMUNITY

AN EARLY DEVELOPMENT DAY AT SPRINGS CODY ZHOU ’19: SAVING THE WILD

XCITED TO EXPERIENCE his first African safari while visiting his father’s Ugandan mining business, Springs junior ECody Zhou ’19 imagined a “vast land … removed from urbanization and untouched by man.” What he found instead was an ecosystem in danger, with habitats shrinking due to human activity and many animals “struggling to keep up.” Wanting to do his part, Cody founded the Save the Wild Fund (SWF). He invited high school and college students from China and Uganda to join his team, and in 2017, SWF became the first local conservation organization to be qualified by the Ugandan government to accept donations. Last June, the Save the Wild Fund received its first major gift: $15,000—the joint effort of seven local mining companies. SWF used the money to purchase 10,000 saplings to plant along the banks SPRINGS SERVES of Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest reservoir. SWF now also funds care for injured and sick animals at the Uganda Wildlife Education Center. Since we opened our doors in 1952, Springs students and faculty have (Two birds and an elephant have been “adopted.”) In January, in an effort to expand awareness devoted time to working together to better our campus and community. and partner with other interested citizens and companies worldwide, Cody launched a new Committed to the ideal of participatory citizenship and the importance website: SavetheWildFund.org. Future projects include a documentary about endangered animals. of engaging in community-minded efforts to shape and improve the “We all know that reversing the course of climate change will not be easy, but the tools are world around us, students since 1955 have devoted a full class day each in our hands—if we apply them before it is too late,” says Cody. “We, as a whole community, fall and spring to service, both on and off campus. should consider ourselves the guardians of our Our culture of service extends far beyond Springs’ all-school Development [planet]. Across any religious or political tie, we are together bound to protect our home.” Days. On their own time, students find meaningful ways to serve in their neighborhoods—and far beyond. Here, we showcase the recent efforts of four students seeking to make a difference.

By Rachel Wallace Spring 2018

14 EVAN CARTER AVA DAVIS ’18: BRANDON ’18: GACHÉ ’18: BUILDING CLEANING MINING A SHELTER UP TRAILS FOR GOOD

FTER NOTICING PEOPLE standing URING A RECENT VISIT to RIVEN BY HIS FAITH and his mission in the heat and rain to catch the bus Tennessee’s Long Hunter State Park, to “employ technology to empower along Georgia Road in Birmingham’s Springs senior Evan Brandon ’18 found others,” tech-savvy senior Carter WoodlawnA neighborhood, Springs senior and Dthe hiking trails along Percy Priest Lake—where DGaché ’18 has drawn on his social networking longtime Girl Scout Ava Davis ’18 came up with a he has spent many carefree hours with his Scout and digital marketing skills and his experiences plan to build them a shelter. troop—to be strewn with litter. Not only was as a missionary in Cuba and the Dominican Ava’s idea came to fruition in June when she the litter an unsightly distraction for locals and Republic to create a new nonprofit, LifeTab. received a $1,000 grant from the Birmingham tourists who flock to the park (located just Through his websiteGiveaTab.org, which Carter chapter of The Awesome Foundation—a global southeast of Nashville) for a breath of fresh air; launched in March with help from fellow senior organization that supports local projects in arts, it was also polluting a major water source for Valentino Lim ’18 and mentoring from Springs technology, community development, and more local communities. parent Dr. Franz Lohrke, LifeTab harnesses through one-time microgrants. With funding “I knew something should be done about it,” cutting-edge cryptocurrency technology to secured, she created an original design for the open- Evan says. “Even though the water is filtered, fund child-focused services of the faith-based air, wooden shelter. chemical pollutants can still get through.” So humanitarian organization Holt International. She presented it to the City of Birmingham, when it came time to choose an Eagle Scout GiveaTab.org borrows the computational power which issued her a building permit, and to the project, Evan decided to organize a cleanup of the of a donor’s computer browser to “mine” the cryp- Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority, trails. He submitted a proposal to the Nashville tocurrency Monero. “You’re not actually donating which granted her building permissions. Troop Committee Chairman, who granted the money,” explains Carter. “No information is The application and approval processes took five necessary approvals in less than three weeks. collected, and we don’t gain access to any of your months, but the hands-on construction process was With help from the local Friends of Long computer’s information. You’re simply lending us completed in just two days. Ava, excited to learn Hunter State Park preservation society and other your computer’s processing power in an anony- about using power tools, recruited her parents, twin members of his troop, he and 20 volunteers mous and safe way to solve complex computer sister, and a small group of friends to help. (She has together cleaned up more than two square miles of algorithms. The market value of the solutions written a guide, including costs of materials, for ground over the course of a day. varies but can be used to benefit charities.” others interested in re-creating her model.) “Everyone wants the world to be a better Carter, who in 2017 founded WayPoint Pilots, an “The community was my main reason for doing place, but it’s always hard to think about how aerial photography and videography company (see this,” says Ava, “but I have been overwhelmed you can make it a better place until you have an his beautiful aerials of Springs at IndianSprings.org), and surprised by the outpouring of support opportunity like this,” Evan says. hopes to continue to find creative ways to serve. and appreciation. At a Woodlawn meeting, a At the completion of his project, he created “My goals are to continue to pursue my passions community member hugged me and told me how a guide for others who might be interested in of innovative engineering and business and move helpful and meaningful my project was.” organizing a cleanup at the park. He hopes it into the tech entrepreneurship scene. It is a dream On her way to Springs each morning, Davis is will provide them with the same opportunity of mine to plant and grow start-up companies. I greeted by a humbling and rewarding sight—bus he had, and that conditions in the park will hope to do that for the rest of my life, Lord willing. riders waiting in the new shelter. continue to improve. We will see what God has in store for me.”

LIM ’18, GACHÉ ’18 Portrait photos by Rachel Wallace Portrait photos by Rachel Wallace Indian Springs

15 CAMPUS NEWS STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

CONTRIBUTING Driven by his own mother’s breast cancer scare and wanting “to make an impact on the world through medicine,” TO A CURE Ken Jiao ’18 decided as a sophomore to take on an area By Mindy Keyes Black of research that few others had explored. Three years later, experts say his award-winning work could bring scientists one step closer to finding a cure.

EN JIAO ’18 was looking for a research $25,000 scholarship after earning top individual project the summer before 10th grade honors and an additional $3,000 scholarship at when his mentor, Dr. Lizhong Wang, an one of six regional competitions earlier in the fall. Kassociate professor at UAB, asked if he would be “It’s a huge honor to make it to the final round of interested in looking at epigenetics—changes in this competition, which is like the Olympics of the regulation of gene activity and expression— Science,” says Head of School Dr. Sharon Howell. related to invasive breast cancer. “He described “He has worked incredibly hard to get here, and epigenetic regulators as being understudied,” we’re excited for him and for us, since we will recalls Ken, “and I was immediately captivated.” likely benefit from his research in the future.” The son of two UAB researchers, Ken had In January, Ken was also named a Top 300 recently suffered a scare when his mother was Scholar in the 77th Regeneron Science Talent diagnosed with a breast tumor. “While I was Search, winning $2,000 for himself and $2,000 waiting for the results to come back, I understood for Indian Springs to use toward STEM (Science, patients’ vulnerability, and the desperation their Ken, allowing doctors to identify and target Technology, Engineering, and Math) activities. families feel,” recalls Ken. Fortunately, his mother’s cancerous cells. Retaining the protein CHD7 in “Kenneth’s research could bring scientists tumor was benign, but the experience motivated the nucleus could also serve as a potential drug one step closer to developing a new biomarker him: He devoted summers and school holidays target for inhibiting breast cancer metastasis. for breast cancer metastasis and saving lives,” to his research at Wang’s lab, and within months It didn’t take scientists long to recognize the says Siemens Competition regional judge Dr. Z. knew that his study showed potential. value of Ken’s findings. In spring of 10th grade, Jeffrey Chen, who serves as D.J. Sibley Centennial “I looked at a protein called CHD7 and when he was named 1st place winner in the Professor of Molecular Biosciences at The where it is located within different cells,” explains Health and Medicine category at the Central University of Texas at Austin. “It’s rare to see Ken. “I found that in normal cells, it is located Alabama Regional Science and Engineering Fair, this level of progress achieved in an independent in the nucleus, where it needs to be to function. Ken was introduced as “the young man who is project. Kenneth’s work is phenomenal, and could However, in metastatic [malignant] breast cancer going to cure cancer.” He advanced to the Intel help reveal the underlying mechanisms in breast cells, this protein is located in the cytoplasm of International Science and Engineering Fair both cancer metastasis.” the cell [outside the nucleus], unable to function. in 2016 and in 2017, when he earned 3rd place— In the fall, Ken will join UPenn’s dual-degree I then found that forcing the CHD7 protein and a $1,000 award—in the category of Cellular Life Sciences and Management program, where he into the nucleus of metastatic breast cancer cells and Molecular Biology for his project. hopes to continue his research while also studying reduces their invasiveness.” In December, Ken also advanced to the the business side of health care. “Breast cancer The research could be important to developing national finals of the 2017 Siemens Competition metastasis is a fascinating topic, and I can’t wait to a new biomarker for invasive breast cancer, says in Math, Science & Technology, where he won a see what lies in store.”

“I found that in normal cells, CHD7 is located in the nucleus, where it needs to be to function. However, in metastatic [malignant] breast cancer cells, this protein is located in the cytoplasm of the cell [outside the nucleus], unable to function. I then found that forcing the CHD7 protein into the nucleus of metastatic breast cancer cells reduces their invasiveness.” ­—Ken Jiao ’18 Spring 2018

16 IN THE LAB WITH KEN Q: What part of your research have you enjoyed most? A: My favorite part of my re- search was planning out the next steps I would take. Whenever experiments are completed, and results are analyzed, there are countless directions to go. Sitting down and working through pos- sibilities (with assistance from my mentor) to determine where I wanted to take it was so fun.

Q: What do you do when you feel stuck in the process? A: Getting frustrating (incon- clusive, mistake in procedure, etc.) results in research can be a pain, but for me I just focused on keeping cool in the lab. Making one small mistake tends to cause an even worse one in the haste to atone for the small mistake.

Q: How has your understanding of research grown? A: I think one of the biggest things I have learned is patience. I have begun to appreciate the immense effort and time it takes to perform research—this is not a clear-cut process. Finding excit- ing results (as in my case) is awe- some, but there is so much more that needs to be done before the basic research becomes a tangible, lifesaving product. But at the same time, I have learned not to become discouraged by this or other setbacks I face in re- search (for example, going in the wrong direction). Because there are millions of researchers trying to solve the same problem as me, and I know that by making a

Photo by Graham Yelton Yelton Photo by Graham contribution—any contribution— humanity gets closer to the cure. ndian Springs I

17 CAMPUS NEWS ADVISING

PAVING THE WAY FOR For new Dean of Student Development and Community IMPORTANT CONNECTIONS: Life Janae Peters, mentoring during her teen years A NEW helped her see opportunities she had never dreamed APPROACH TO possible. Peters is now laying the groundwork for Indian ADVISING Springs’ advising program to offer the same potential By Mindy Keyes Black for our students.

S A GIRL in inner-city Cleveland, what we wanted to be when we grow up, and At the end of the program, he voted me Janae Peters felt that achieving her because I was 16 at the time and thought I most likely to become a Ph.D. That was an dream of becoming a professor was knew it all, I said, ‘I want to be a professor, but important moment for me.” Aabout as likely as vacationing on the moon. To all professors are old white men, so that’s not For Peters, who went on to earn her bachelor’s Peters, she was clearly the wrong race, gender, going to happen.’ in English from Kenyon and a master’s in and age—until Kevin Britz, a teacher at a “My answer was brave, accusatory, and full Clinical Social Work from Smith, it was the Kenyon College summer program for teens, of limited understanding,” she says. “He just first of many experiences with mentors who showed her that professors come in all sizes, nodded and moved on, but for the rest of the have supported her and held her accountable shapes, and colors, including her own. week, he brought in at least two professors “with unconditional positive regard and “He asked us all on the first day of class every day who challenged my perception. mutual respect,” and it impacted both her Spring 2018

18 approach to education and her choice of career. gives students dedicated blocks of time with a “Mentoring enabled me to challenge ideas, ask trusted group of 8–10 fellow students and an adult as many questions as I needed to, grow in ways committed to having critical conversations about that made sense for me, and make connections like important issues. It also allows our faculty to know, never before. I learned the power of using your hear, and see their advisees. It’s hard to track how voice and making it count. I learned to trust that they’re doing if you’re touching base with them people outside of my family could have my best only every four-and-a-half weeks. If you see them PEER MENTORING: interests at heart.” every other week, you know when something’s off. BY STUDENTS, She teases that she spent more time at Kenyon You’re able to value them differently for the simple researching mentors than choosing courses. The fact that they’re on your radar.” FOR STUDENTS summer after her freshman year, she interned “We’re so fortunate to have Janae here to lead While meeting with Springs at the academic advising office, helping assign this effort,” says Head of School Dr. Sharon Howell. students when she inter- first-year students to advisors. After graduation, “We know how important mentors are for student viewed for her new position, a longtime mentor on the faculty of Northfield success, and Janae’s work will help us be the best Janae Peters heard a recur- Mount Hermon suggested that she pursue a mentors we can be.” ring theme: Students wished boarding school career path, and she joined “Not only has advising given me someone to talk that they, as incoming stu- him there as teacher, coach, and dorm head. to when something was going on, but also I have dents, had had an older Inspired by the culture of faculty accessibility and become closer with the students in my advising student to go to for advice approachability—and students’ positive response— group than I probably would have if we weren’t in and guidance. Over the sum- she launched a personal initiative she termed the same group,” says eighth grader Rebekah Dale mer, rising senior Cece Reis- “Project Care,” to encourage caring for students ’22, who has particularly liked talking as a group ner ’18, volunteered to lead in ways that made sure they knew that teachers about students’ future plans. “I’ve enjoyed hearing valued them as individuals and as a collective. about what my peers want to do and how they’ve the effort, and together Peters Wanting to delve deeper into teens’ social and been doing.” and Reisner developed a new emotional identity development, she used her In the fall, Peters plans to move Springs’ advising Peer Mentoring program that graduate studies for long-term learning, with program up another level by allowing students to launched last fall. Through the internships at a crisis center and an outpatient select their advisors and be a part of mixed-grade program, 12 juniors and se- health clinic and a master’s thesis focused on advisee groups. “Empowering them to choose their niors are selected through an adolescent identity development in the educational advisors and advisee groups will give our students application process to serve environment and what happens when adolescents yet another opportunity to connect with an adult as peer mentors to an as- aren’t able to develop a positive, cohesive sense of with whom they feel comfortable and also get to signed eighth or ninth grade self. When she finished the degree, she integrated know one another across grades,” she says. advisee group. Once a month, her clinical skills with her experience as an educator She hopes as well to put together a student these upperclassmen and to take on the role of Director of Advising at NMH. advisory group to ensure that advising discussion -women spend 30 minutes Since joining Springs’ administrative team last topics are addressing students’ concerns and interests. with their advisees, listening, July, she has worked to expand advising from quick, At its best, says Peters, faculty-student advising talking, and sharing wisdom. post-report card check-ins to biweekly, 75-minute serves as that “extra something” that students “We have had a wonderful small group meetings designed to help students can’t find in their friends or their parents. “It’s an experience connecting with explore meaningful discussion topics, from ethics additional sweet spot for teens,” she says. “When all the eighth and ninth graders to goal setting to dealing with stress. these components work together—friends, parents, and guiding them as they are “I’ve been developing the curriculum from mentors—it’s the ideal support network that gives getting to know who they are scratch—getting a sense of what Springs needs students the chance to build connections and have at Springs,” says Reisner. and creating the curriculum around that,” says critical conversations in a world that thrives on Peters. “This takes advising up a few levels and collaboration and exchange.”

“Mentoring enabled me to challenge ideas, ask as many questions as I needed to, grow in ways that made sense for me, and make connections like never before. I learned the power of using your voice and making it count. I learned to trust that

people outside of my family could have my best interests at heart.” ­—Janae Peters Photos by Graham Yelton Yelton Photos by Graham ndian Springs I

19

ISS_W18_Advising_FINAL_esp.indd 19 4/12/18 9:44 AM Photos by Art Meripol, Graham Yelton STRENGTH IN WORDS Purpose, Clarity, and Courage: Since its founding, Indian Springs has inspired students to write with all of these. “I was in a writing group at Springs where we read stories and poems to each other in the cafeteria,” says bestselling author John Green ’95. “I suppose that was the first time I thought of myself as a writer.” For Green’s classmate, award-winning author and journalist Daniel Alarcon ’95, Springs was a place where teachers “noticed that I was serious about writing and fed that interest.” Springs’ curriculum and culture continue to empower young people to find their distinctive voices and express themselves with confidence. In the pages ahead, alumni, students, and faculty share what they have learned about the art of writing, and Head of School Dr. Sharon Howell reflects on why it’s more important than ever to practice it. ] Photos by Art Meripol, Graham Yelton Art Meripol, Graham by Photos Photos by Graham Yelton, Q&A Interviews by Mindy Keyes Black and Rachel Wallace Mindy Keyes by Q&A Interviews Yelton, Graham by Photos Indian Springs 21 By SHARON HOWELL 1644, in a short and vivid tract called Of Education, the English poet John Milton lamented the “many mistakes” made by those trying to teach young people—mistakes he thought “made learning generally so unpleasing and unsuccessful.” Chief among these mistakes was the practice of making children write too early, before they had studied enough good literature and digested enough ideas actually to have IN something to say: “ . . . forcing the empty wits of children to compose themes, verses, and orations, which are the acts of ripest judgment and the final work of a head filled by long reading and observing. . . . These are not matters to be wrung from poor striplings, like blood out of the nose. . . .” As he goes on to propose the ideal order in which we should teach arts, sciences, languages, and literatures, Milton reserves his choicest language to insist that we hold off on forcing students write with their “young unmatriculated voices” before maturing them by wide reading. It was as unfair to make them argue or persuade as it would be to send too light a boat out to sea: Head of School Dr. Sharon Howell, a “ . . . they having but newly left those grammatic flats and shallows where they stuck published poet who unreasonably to learn a few words with lamentable construction, and now on the sudden . . . has taught history and to be tossed and turmoiled with their unballasted wits in fathomless and unquiet deeps literature at Harvard of controversy. . . .” University, talks with I think of Milton’s essay often, in many contexts, but was reminded of it particularly by Abigail Shepherd ’19, this feature. The alumni writers we spoke with all suggest that practicing writing—“write Delaney Porter ’18, and revise for as long as it takes,” as Bill Engel ’75 puts it—is essential to becoming good and students from at it. But they also insist, as Milton does, that reading comes first. “Read widely, first of across the country for all,” says Daniel Alarcon ’95; “ . . . reading is the best apprenticeship we have,” says John her spring semester Green ’95. The key to strong writing for Cam Robertson ’94 ofThe New York Times is to course, “American “Read books. . . . Read books. . . . Read books.” The message is clear . . . the voices you hear Voice, American and internalize when you read will echo in your own; so the better and more varied your Speech,” Springs’ reading, the more agile and versatile your own voice will be. first online class We’ve all spent time in the grammatic flats and shallows, and known what it felt like available through to have a composition wrung from us like blood out of the nose. It may indeed be an the Malone Schools inevitable part of growing as a student. But we hope that more often our students will Online Network. discover what Sally Nemeth ’77 did: that writing is “exciting,” because in doing it you’re “building a world.” For senior Ada Cohen ’18, that was experiencing what “sparks the thought”; for Emma Wang ’20, it was finding that in writing “one is only limited by one’s imagination.” Of course, we hope we will help our students—as R.J. Stegner helped Bill Engel and so many others—to discover the power of writing, to find their own voices, and to “keep fighting” to achieve that clearest and best expression of their ideas. Because without its writers, our culture is mute. Springs has given our shared culture important voices that resonate widely and variously, and we thank those extraordinary people for sharing their thoughts about writing here. It is a privilege to be part of teaching the next generation to follow those leads, to imagine they might find similar success in their careers, and to follow Milton’s hopeful scheme from so long ago: “ . . . now will be the right season of forming them to be able writers and composers in every excellent matter, when they shall be thus fraught with an universal insight into things.” ]

Without its writers, our culture is mute. ­—SHARON HOWELL Yelton Graham by Photos Spring 2018 Spring 2018 22 Photos by Graham Yelton Howell asksstudents to consider what it “American” voice. means to have an In her“American Voice, American peh course, Speech” 23 Indian Springs Learning to read critically helped me begin to think about what kind of stories I might want to tell. —JOHN GREEN

John and his wife, Springs alum Sarah Urist Green ’98, with Head of School Dr. Sharon Howell on a visit to campus last September

OPPOSITE: Strolling Rogers Plaza with children Alice and Henry and in-laws Connie and Marshall Urist

24 John Green ’95 is the award-winning, No. 1 JOHN bestselling author of Looking for Alaska, An Abundance of Katherines, GREEN ’95 Paper Towns, The Fault Bestselling Author and Vlogger in Our Stars, and other works. His latest book, Turtles All the Way Down, about a teen girl struggling with anxiety, What features of Springs inspired you so much from having teachers and friends has been on The New to write? who nonetheless took me seriously.) York Times young adult I learned so much about writing as a Springs What qualities would you say good writing bestseller list since its student. It began for me in my English possesses? release last October. classes. Reading work like Angels in America Green’s accolades include and Song of Solomon helped me understand I think Emily Dickinson put it quite well the Printz Medal, a that literature was not some cold, dead relic when she wrote, “Tell all the truth but tell Printz Honor, and the of the past but a presence in contemporary it slant.” Edgar Award. He has life, and learning to read critically helped me Do you have writing tips or advice for twice been a finalist for begin to think about what kind of stories I current students? the LA Times Book Prize might want to tell. I also learned so much and was selected by about writing in other classes; Dr. Cooper Read broadly and enthusiastically. I think TIME magazine as one of and Mr. Fleming, for instance, both taught reading is the best apprenticeship we have. writing and critical reading as well as history. the 100 Most Influential Do you write every day? People in the World. He But I was also lucky to be surrounded by I don’t. I love writing, but I love it partly and his brother, Hank, wonderful storytellers—telling stories with because I still have a day job (making created the YouTube my friends, written and otherwise, was one video blog Vlogbrothers of our chief pastimes as Springs students. educational videos on the Crash Course and the online educational (This all makes me sound like I was a good YouTube channel). I try to write for a few series Crash Course. student and tremendously intellectually hours early in the morning, but many engaged or whatever, which of course I days I get no writing done, and over the wasn’t. I was a poor student, but I benefited years I’ve become OK with that. ] Photos by Mindy Keyes Black Mindy Keyes by Photos Indian Springs 25 26 Spring 2018 Editor, The Woodward Post ADA COHEN go to www.TheWoodwardPost.com. To read Ada’s Letters from theEditor, in the fall. in thefall. attend Pitzer College to domore.” Shewill last semester andwanted obsessed withjournalism real-life details.Ibecame factual evidence and to tell astory using journalism—being able journalism andnarrative me onto theconcepts of two, whichiswhat turned you could combine the never understood that two separate styles; I research stories meant creative writingand “I always thoughtthat and Composition class. Woodruff’s APLanguage of literary nonfictioninCal discovering theconcept an 11thgrader after Woodward Post as decided to revive The Ada Cohen ’18

Writing the The Post? What doyou enjoy most about working on editorial, an article in editorial, experience to write the article. In another withbaseline further research and personal and others didn’t. to combine this Idecided in some which points made age sense digital in onthe an teenagers article in The Atlantic running with For the idea. example, Iread that read in I’ve another publication, and come from my misunderstanding something for me.Alotofmyfun part topics have music reviews, almost every month,music but every almost we reviews, more traditional articles, like cooking and sure itfinds a in spot paper.the We feature is appropriate and authentic, we make will submission down. Aslong their as article and alums. We’ve never turned astudent easier to share seemed also with parents it on their phone,tablet, or laptop. It now are muchpeople more likely to read than printing physical and copies, Ithink students. It ishonestly more cost-efficient There an was incredible response from itonline. to publish sowe decided level, wantedI really to take the paper to another your helm? How has The Woodward Post evolved under benefits of attendingconcerts. psychological with the ideaand write on the an editorial to run couple months soIdecided back, me ofaconversation Ihad with afriend a Letter from the Editor the from Letter ’ 18 18 Pitchfork

reminded reminded is the most isthe most also be powerful to bend those rules. to powerful bend those be rules. also It’s important to know that stuff, but it can correct punctuation and sentence structure. impactful than grammatically textbook, and whenand style that’s more to be going knowing when to insert your own voice important: Ithink which the isvery rules, easily—and I’m to break some notafraid of years, I’m to able connect my thoughts more atWhen my Ilook writing over the four past me achance to explore adifferent form. culture here. write Ialso poetry, gives which about, and Ithink that sparks the writing about what we’re interested in and passionate At Springs, we have to the write freedom past five years? How have you grown asawriter over the done.”to be “Hey, We guys: look, can dothis, and it needs generation to able comein and be will say, journalismsee make a180.I’m hoping my But Ithink within the next 5–10years, we’ll and importanteditors, steps have lost. been There aren’timpacted the industry: as many has age I can Ithink the doboth. digital journalism. there Hopefully away be will justicefocusing on social issues—and music I’m torninvestigative between journalism— What are your asawriter? goals point ofview.comical New Year at Springs and the WWE from a topics, for example ofthe areview Chinese students encourage also to write on quirky and passionate about, and about, and passionate the freedom to write about about freedomto write the writing culture here.writing what we’rewhat interested in I think that sparks the the sparks that I think

At Springs, we have At have we Springs, —ADA COHEN

Photo by Graham Yelton

Cam on assignment in Iraq in 2008 Life can be tragic and hilarious and stunning and magical and unpredictable, and it’s one of the greatest joys to share that with people through writing. But it takes hard work. I’ve never found a place that was as open to that as Springs. —CAM ROBERTSON

CAM ROBERTSON ’94 National Correspondent, The New York Times

Not long after joining What drew you to a career in journalism? things everybody supposedly already knows. The New York Times I completely backed into journalism, taking Borrowing from others—other writers, as a newsroom clerk in a job answering phones at The New York conventional wisdom, etc.—often means 2001, Cam Robertson ’94 Times when I was unemployed and living in getting defective goods. If you go into a moved into beat reporting Brooklyn. But I just kept saying “yes” when situation with a real openness to surprises and for the paper, covering they asked me to do things. Not sure I’ve details and nuances, to unexpected causes and crime, penning a gossip even figured out how it happened. My goal is effects, you can write with conviction, with column, and writing to keep doing some version of this. precise descriptors, brawny verbs, and sharp about theater. In 2008, insights. You don’t get that awful moment while stationed in Iraq, he What part of the writing process is most where you ask yourself, “Wait, do I really wrote a front-page story challenging for you? Most rewarding? know this or did I just assume I knew this?” about the shrinking of Hard facts assert a discipline over journalism the Euphrates River and writing; it’s like poetry in meter rather than Were there features of Springs that inspired its impact on the Iraqi free verse. I like that, but it also leads to one you to write as a student? people. The next year, of the big frustrations: There will always be At Springs, the know-it-alls generally took he was assigned to New more you don’t know. Deciding to do some a back seat to the want-to-know-it-alls. This Orleans, where he has more reporting before you write is the most was big. It was OK to be hungry, in a way that covered a broad range justifiable form of procrastination. You can’t probably wouldn’t have been terribly cool in of topics—including the report forever, but you do need some degree other places. I wrote a one-act play at Springs. recent Alabama Senate of mastery to put together a story in a way It wasn’t very good! But I worked hard at it race—as a national that makes sense of the messy reality, makes and it was worth a try. There was praise at correspondent. He now it intelligible and even compelling. Ideally, Springs but it didn’t come cheap. Still, if you lives in Pittsburgh. someone who knows things firsthand, even worked your tail off, I learned, you could someone who really didn’t want you writing create something genuinely good. about it, reads what you wrote and says: What writing tips or advice would you “Yeah, that’s really how it is.” share with current Springs students? What qualities does strong writing possess? Read books. Be honest about what you don’t Confidence, though one thing clear: This know. Go see for yourself. Go down rabbit is the opposite of cockiness. You have to holes. Read books. Notice things. Sweat the be willing to be a big-eyed rube, to see and small stuff. Take notes. Be precise. Have fun. hear and learn things for yourself, even the Read books. ]

Cam in the 1994 Khalas yearbook Photo courtesy Cam Robertson courtesy Photo Indian Springs 27

I can’t tell you how many people have said to me, ‘I’ve always wanted to write.’ And I say to them, ‘Well then, write!’ ... You can’t not do it—you’re compelled to do it. Because by writing your stories and your characters and these journeys, it’s how you make sense of the world. —SALLY NEMETH Sally at work in her dining room “office” SALLY NEMETH ’77 Author, Playwight, Screenwriter

How do you approach your writing experienced the pain, it goes away. You forget projects? the pain and mostly remember the joy. Because I write plays, screenplays, and When did you first identify yourself novels, it’s kind of different for everything. as a writer? First off, most of the time a writer spends To some degree, I always thought in story. writing is time spent thinking, not time at the When I was [at Northwestern], I was a keyboard. By the time you sit down to write a theater major, and like many theater majors, story, you have at least a general idea not only I initially gravitated toward acting. As actors, of the story you’re going to tell, but of how we were asked to keep journals. Part of our you’re going to tell it. journals were observational—you were to go What inspires you? out, ride the buses, take the El, look at people, Sally Nemeth ’77 is an Sometimes it’s just a snippet of information and think about what it was about them award-winning playwright that I come across. Sometimes it’s an image that told you their story. Did they have worn and screenwriter whose that just comes into my head. I tend to be shoes? Were their hands calloused? What if plays—Holy Days, Mill very visual in my work, in that I can’t write a their hands were calloused, but their hair and Fire, Water Play, and scene unless I can see it in my head. makeup were perfectly done? What does that Sally’s Shorts—have been say about a person? I found I had actually Tell us about your process. produced worldwide. Since been doing that all my life. So in college, With writing, you’re looking down the barrel starting her TV career they finally offered a playwriting class, and of a really, really long trip. It’s exciting—you writing for the hit NBC I wrote a play. Northwestern produced it; it get to tell yourself a story, build a world. Even show Law & Order, she went through the American College Theatre if you’re not world-building in the sense of has written for every major Festival and was given a production at the network and produced the sci-fi or a dystopia (which I like to do as well), Kennedy Center. At that point, I thought, documentary filmLong anytime you write a book, you’re building a “Oh, who wants to act? This is so much Story Short. Author of The world. It’s fun and amazing, but it’s also quite better!” With story writing, I finally realized Heights, the Depths and a responsibility. Sitting down to initially face this was my means of expression. Everything in Between, all that is sometimes daunting. I find that a novel for young adults, once I launch in, without expectations, parts How did you transition to screenwriting she is currently working of it are like flying, and parts are like you’re and novels? on a book and two TV [the mythological Greek king] Sisyphus After college, I had my first professional pilots. She also teaches [rolling an immense boulder up a hill]. When play produced in London, Chicago, New screenwriting at Loyola

you get to that, it’s like pain; but once you’ve York, and Los Angeles. I got a National Suzanne Plunkett by Photos Marymount University and does grant work pro bono for a nonprofit animal rescue. Spring 2018 Spring 2018 28

EMMA WANG ’20 2018 Silver Key Recipient, Scholastic Art & Writing Competition

Endowment for the Arts grant, and a New York Foundation for the Arts grant. But unless you also teach, playwriting is not a living. My agent at Where do you get writing ideas? the time suggested I write a speculative I get ideas everywhere—when I’m script for a television show. Off that walking, when I’m sitting in class— work sample I got my first job in and these ideas all magically fade television on Law & Order. It was like away when I finally sit down at my being paid to go to graduate school. computer, so I stare at the blank screen After years of writing for television, I for a good half an hour. had some downtime. I had always said that if I have the time and money, I’d Why do you like writing, and what’s like to try to write a novel, so I did. I your favorite thing about it? have since written three novels, one of Writing has helped me to figure out which I’m rewriting right now before it my thoughts and values. When I’m goes out to editors for publishing. writing, whether it’s a novel or a short story, I find out things about Has it been difficult to move from myself that I never knew. What I love form to form? most about writing is that one is only In playwriting, you don’t offer a lot limited by one’s imagination. If a writer For her creative self- of parentheticals. You don’t say, “do it wanted to write about a psychotic reflection on tension angrily or ruefully” or tell actors how to cook who likes tap dancing and goes in family relationships, say their lines. You don’t supply a great on an adventure with a depressed Emma Wang ’20 was deal of stage direction, because that’s the lawyer to help retrieve the tumba that awarded a Silver Key director’s job. You don’t supply a great will save the world, he is completely distinction in the Personal deal of description; you say “Kitchen entitled to do so. Essay & Memoir category 1936 Kansas.” You say what’s in the of the 2018 Scholastic kitchen, and you figure that the set Why do you think writing is Art & Writing Awards, designers are going to take care of the important for young students presented by the Alliance research and do their job. When you get (like yourself )? for Young Artists through into screenplays, you have to describe a Whether it’s a piece of poetry or an the Southeast Writing lot more. Not only emotional moments; essay for AP Euro, writing helps them Region-at-Large. A you write a lot of description, staging, find their personal voice. In order to boarding student from inner thought. Had I gone straight from process the jumbled thoughts and turn Xi’an, China, Wang plays to prose, I think I would have them into words, writers have to reflect considers herself a John written really dialogue-heavy novels. upon their own experiences and ideas, Green afficionado and is The intermediary step of screenwriting evaluate them, and finally write them currently working on her allowed me to learn how to write all the down in their own words. first full-length novel. descriptions, all the inner thoughts, all How do you think being a part of that. of the Springs community has Is there a key to strong writing? influenced your writing? We are human, and we look for the I am extremely lucky that Indian human connection. If your characters Springs has an amazing English are slaves to your plot, we are not going faculty, all of whom have continued When I’m writing, to be emotionally invested. If your to encourage me and help me better plot springs from your characters, then my writing. (I am also inspired whether it’s a novel or a short by the knowledge that John Green we’re going to feel what they feel and story, I find out things about we’re going to be along for the ride with used to go to Springs. I jumped them. That’s key. You’ve really got to be up and down when I found the myself that I never knew. Smoking Hole.) able to inhabit your characters. When —EMMA WANG I read work where they are ticking off What would be a writer’s dream plot points, I’m not engaged. When come true for you? I’m reading a work that has deep, fully My biggest dream would be to walk realized characters, there may not have into Barnes and Noble and see my to be a lot of plot, but I’m with them. Rachel Wallace by Photo book on the bookshelves. I hope that one day someone will stumble upon my novel, and it will inspire them as so many books have inspired me. ] Indian Springs 29 DANIEL ALARCÓN ’95 Author and Journalist

What about Springs inspired you to write? What are your predictions for the future I had the good fortune to be taught of journalism? by great teachers who noticed that I You can’t teach at a place like Columbia was serious about writing and fed me Journalism School and not feel optimistic. intellectually. I was lucky to be in a class The quality of the students, their talents, with John Green. The fact that there were and their dedication—it’s invigorating, it’s two of us who were pretty serious about inspiring. It pushes me to do better work. In writing helped a lot. We had interesting my experience, if you create something that conversations about books at a very early people respond to, and you’re rigorous, and age, and that continued. My junior year, I you do your homework, and you have high was really interested in Russian literature. standards, then audiences will respond and With two other students and a teacher, I you’ll find a way to make it grow. wrote a syllabus for a class about classics of Russian literature—Pushkin, Turgenev, What qualities does great writing possess? Tolstoy, and Dostoevsky. It was such a I always appreciate writing that has a voice, pleasure and a dream to be able to do that. an identity. There are times when you feel Award-winning novelist like you don’t notice who the writer is and journalist Daniel I was an angsty kid, and I always felt like there were big questions out there I needed because the writing itself has no defining Alarcón ’95 is the characteristics or voice. I try to teach my author of four books to wrestle with. A lot of these Russian writers had great philosophical questions students that it’s OK to have personality, and producer of the particularly when you do radio. I don’t have groundbreaking Spanish- front and center, and that made it really intellectual for me. much patience for purple prose, and I don’t language podcast Radio have much patience for prose that’s showing Ambulante, distributed by What part of the writing process do you off for the sake of showing off. It can be NPR. His novel At Night enjoy the most? really off-putting that someone is paying was a We Walk in Circles I quite enjoy the relationship between editor more attention to the form than they are to finalist for the 2014 PEN/ and journalist. I am the editor-in-chief—or the story they are trying to tell. Faulkner Foundation executive producer, as we call it—of Radio Award; his latest book, Ambulante; I edit everything that comes Are there tricks to learning to write? The King Is Always Above through. In fiction, I rely on my editor and Read widely, first of all—in the same way the People, was named other friends. I am a careful writer and careful that an athlete wouldn’t have any realistic to the “longlist” of 10 of what writing I share with people, but I’m ambitions of being a professional athlete nominees for the 2017 also a big fan of the editorial conversation. I without training and going to the gym. National Book Award for think that work inevitably gets better when Writing is about how you glean lessons Fiction. As a journalist, it’s discussed, and when there are other voices from the stuff that inspires you. There’s he often reports on and eyes on the text. no substitute for reading, and there’s no his native Peru and substitute for writing. The next major has been published in What attracts you to a story? piece of advice I give my students is always: Harper’s, The New Yorker, I try to challenge myself and embrace Don’t over-edit. Your editorial voice has The New York Times the unknown. To me, it’s about what to come after your creative voice; the Magazine, and other I’m interested in—the stories that I find voice that says no has to come after the publications worldwide. fascinating, or places of curiosity—that’s voice that says yes. An alumnus of the Iowa what I’m drawn to. Things that I don’t Writers’ Workshop, he know about, or questions that I have— What writing tips do you have for now teaches broadcast there are so many times when I don’t know current Springs students? journalism at the what I think about an issue or a question In our culture now, everything is criticized. Columbia University until I write about it. Right now I’ve been So many things are assumed to come from School of Journalism in asked to make comparisons between the a place of ill will or bad faith. People can be New York. political situations in Peru and America. I embarrassed to have opinions and be shy said yes, in part, out of curiosity, because about being sincere because there is so much I don’t know what I think. In the process snarkiness out there. Writing with heart— of writing this and talking to smart people whether it’s fiction or nonfiction—requires about it, I’ll probably figure it out. that you put your heart out there. ] Spring 2018 Spring 2018 30 / Alamy Sueddeutsche Zeitung by Photo

There should not be anything called writer’s block. Writer’s block is when you have told yourself no before you’ve let yourself say yes. It’s easy to say no, not to try, not to put yourself out there. That’s a dramatic thing you have to overcome with bravery. —DANIEL ALARCÓN Indian Springs 31 HOW DO YOU TEACH GOOD WRITING? We asked three members of our faculty to reflect on the tools and reminders they employ most in their classrooms as they nurture strong writing at Springs.

CAL WOODRUFF D’ANTHONY ALLEN LAUREN COLE Because all writing—indeed, all The ideas the students bring with “How so? In what way?” I can still hear communication—is specific to them into the classroom are just as the voice of the teacher across the situation, successful writers adapt. important as those that we intend hall from my own senior English class; While I do introduce students to to introduce. One of the things I find she was known for quietly listening certain formal conventions such as easiest to help motivate students to students’ comments, then slowly organization, mechanics, and genre, to write is challenging them to pushing her glasses up, a signal that what matters most is an ability to consider their own individual dreams the students were about to be asked define each occasion: what audience and aspirations. They come to the at least one of these questions. Making and circumstance require for a writer classrooms knowing more about an assertion was never enough; she to achieve a given purpose. Only themselves than anything else. So, required them to defend their claims then can a writer begin to craft, when we initially engage in the by providing textual evidence. Over to compose. More than anything, writing process, we focus on how we the years, I internalized questions from then, I stress situational, contextual can package ourselves in a way that other teachers that shaped my writing awareness and a process that can lead relates to an audience of our peers. I and, later, my writing instruction. “So students from a rough sketch to a like to teach because, honestly, I love what? To what extent?” One teacher polished product. to learn. I love challenging people cautioned me to avoid “fluff” in my to adopt new perspectives while I AP History essays, and my Freshman constantly adjust the way I think, as Composition professor assured me well. Writing is a very helpful tool in that “nobody cares what you think— doing that. Students in my class must they care what you can prove.” As my be able to assert themselves and own students wrestle with the writing back up their opinions with logical process, I share these stories to let patterns of thought. If I can prepare them know I empathize, and I repeat a safe learning environment for my these mantras frequently with the students and encourage them to hope that the students will internalize create dialogue with themselves and them as well. their peers, their writing flourishes. Becoming conscientious consumers of diverse forms of media translates into developing one’s own critical

voice as well. Black Mindy Keyes Yelton, Graham by Photos Spring 2018 Spring 2018 32 Dr. Bill Engel ’75 serves as the Nick B. Williams DR. BILL ENGEL ’75: Professor of English at Sewanee: The University of REFLECTIONS ON A LIFE the South. A specialist in medieval and Renaissance literature, he has written IN WRITING encyclopedia entries and A Tribute to Springs’ Longtime English Teacher R.J. Stegner chapters in collections and authored five books. He recently co-edited The Memory Arts in Renaissance England: No one would be more surprised than Mr. filing cabinet and pulled out folder after folder A Critical Anthology Stegner that I have become a writing teacher. of decades of blue and white mimeographed (Cambridge, 2016). In 2015, Even more surprised that I have written six exercises. What I take away from Mr. Stegner’s as part of the Campaign books of literary criticism and been a regular backlog of capers is consistent with Indian for Springs Eternal, Engel contributor to The Sewanee Review. I came to Springs School’s motto: discere vivendo [learning named Springs’ Classroom his class the worst writer of my cohort. “Engel, through living]. It is only through practice and 9 in memory of R.J. Stegner, who taught here your writing is baroque—and the baroque is self-examination that one can become a better, from 1965 to 1992. dead.” He did not mince words. With wit and more effective—because more cogent—writer. clarity he made us better stylists. That is why he had us write draft after draft . . In groups we worked on “Error Sheets,” after draft. I do the same with my students today, the gaffs he’d taken from our papers (with our allowing them to revise and rewrite for as long names after each offending sentence). We as it takes. The goal: to express original and well- learned what mistakes to avoid and how to reasoned ideas clearly and with a sense of purpose. self-correct. I have retained and modified If Mr. Stegner could help me learn what I somewhat Mr. Stegner’s “capers,” spirited group needed to know to be understood, then my life in exercises in reasoning and writing. You won’t writing is as much a tribute to him as it is to my know everything, so working with others gets you own perseverance. That is why his catchphrase, farther than you could on your own. Sometimes written in red ink at the bottom of our papers, his capers were grammar questions with jaunty “Keep Fighting,” has become my own motto multiple-choice answers. A lesson learned with for my students. Good writing is the result of laughter is a lesson learned. re-writing. Give students the tools and help them When I was a Ph.D. student and teaching make something that stands on its own. Mr. my first classes I visited Mr. Stegner and asked Stegner helped us find our own voices. Mindful STEGNER him how he came up with his crafty and effective of his legacy, this is what I strive to do for my

Photo by Buck Butler by Photo and Communications) Marketing (Sewanee pedagogical aids. He opened up his metal own students. g Indian Springs 33 ANNUAL REPORT 2016–2017 Photo by Art Meripol by Photo Spring 2018

34 ANNUAL REPORT 2016–2017

“Learning through Living is an accurate description of the way Indian Springs operates, but when the search itself becomes a source of joy, the process goes further. It is not only that we learn through living, but more importantly, that we live through learning.” —Henry McHenry ’68 Photo by Art Meripol by Photo Indian Springs

35 ANNUAL REPORT 2016–2017

ANNUAL REPORT 2016–2017

The Levine family: Violet, 8, Bob, Emily Hess ’01, and Zoe, 6

ONE OF THE DELIGHTS about being back at Indian Springs full- with curiosity and empathy, which tends to lead to a deeper time after a 41-year hiatus has been the occasional need to comb connection to widening circles of endeavor. through the archives with Mac Fleming as my Vergil. During one of Students, faculty, staff, parents, friends—Springs stretches us all, those errands this fall, I came across a few lines penned by Henry pushes us to become our best selves and to share our gifts more McHenry ’68. “Perhaps the most important thing Indian Springs fully with the communities to which we belong. Behind the names teaches,” he wrote, “is that education is not simply a means to of individuals, families (including, in a number of instances, multiple a desirable end. It is a desirable pursuit in itself; in the broadest generations of a family), corporations, and foundations listed in sense, education is the continual, self-initiated process of learning this year’s Annual Report, behind the wide range of activities how to live. Indian Springs brings us to realize that the active supported, is a story of the naturally flowing aquifer of joy created pursuit of learning is the same as the process of growing in life. by deepening connections and widening circles of engagement. “Learning through Living is an accurate description of the way Case in point: the letter the school received recently from 8-year- Indian Springs operates,” McHenry continued, “but when the old Violet Levine, daughter of Emily Hess ’01 and Bob Levine, search itself becomes a source of joy, the process goes further. reproduced above. It is not only that we learn through living, but more importantly, Thank you for being a member of the Springs community. that we live through learning.” Thank you for sharing your energy, your ideas, your abiding care When the search itself becomes a source of joy, the process and concern, as well as your time and treasure with us. Thank goes further. As Sharon Howell has so powerfully reaffirmed you for being willing to be stretched, and for encouraging other in her first 18 months as Head of School, Springs always has community members to do the same. Working alongside you been and will be about teaching students not only how to has given me a deep sense of connection and gratitude. I hope think for themselves but also how to think deeply, broadly, and you feel it, too: When our shared mission “becomes a source of empathetically. Minds that are able to think in such a manner joy, the process goes further,” and our impact is more profound. live through learning. They continually look out on the world ­—Loren Gary ’76, Director of Advancement

“Students, faculty, staff, parents, friends—Springs stretches us all, pushes us to become our best selves and to share our gifts more fully with the communities to which we belong.” —LOREN GARY ’76 Spring 2018

36

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS July 1, 2016–June 30, 2017

FUNDRAISING SOURCES OF OPERATING FUNDS SPRINGS ETERNAL

Building $16.5 million Endowment 3.9 million

Total Committed to Springs Eternal $20.4 million

ANNUAL FUND & ANNUAL FUND RESTRICTED 2016–2017

Annual Fund – Unrestricted $552,224 Annual Fund – Restricted 48,670

Annual Fund Total $600,894 g Tuition and Fees

g Annual Fund and Other Gifts RESTRICTED & OTHER GIFTS 2016–2017 g Endowment Draw Total $92,650

OPERATING STATEMENT USES OF OPERATING FUNDS INCOME

Tuition and Fees $9,119,365 Annual Fund and Other Gifts (adjusted for multiyear pledges) 644,495

Total Income $9,763,860

Endowment Draw $380,523

EXPENSES

Salaries and Benefits $4,711,425 g Salaries and Benefits Financial Aid 1,674,878 g Financial Aid Instructional and Student Activities 459,289 g Instructional and Student Dining, Transportation, Activities and Other Services 949,063 g Dining, Transportation, and Operations and Maintenance 1,271,606 Other Services

General and Administrative 815,964 g Operations and Maintenance

Total Expenses $9,882,225 g General and Administrative Indian Springs

37 ANNUAL REPORT 2016–2017

ANNUAL FUND Gabriella Comer White www.IndianSprings.org/annual FOUNDERS report2017. LEVEL IN MEMORY OF IN HONOR OF Gifts in honor of the following $5,000+ Gifts to Indian Springs School LEADERSHIP LEVEL people were made to Indian Susan and John Abbot ’80 were given in memory of the $25,000+ Springs School in 2016–2017. AJIN USA following people in 2016–2017. Christine Clark Julia and John Badham ’57 Thomas Adrian ’21 Gillian and Mike Goodrich ’63 Dr. Louis Armstrong Elizabeth and Mike Bennett ’18, Drew ’19 Mary and Rob Henrikson ’65 Marvin Balch Goodrich ’90 and Trey ’20 Atkins Leo Kayser ’62 Pamela Nordean Cezayirli Mary and Braxton Goodrich ’93 Kay and Frank Carter Sharon and Frank Samford ’62 Elizabeth Brooks Cox Lee Hollis Kathryn D’Arcy Strain Foundation Brett D’Arcy Lauren and Glen Howard ’67 John Green ’95 Teresa Strain James Davis Cynthia and Ben McDaniel ’84 Nan Hollis ’19 to the Gary H. Dobbs III ARMSTRONG Ellen McElroy ’78 Art Department Glenn Donald SOCIETY Catherine and Emmett McLean Kelly and Clint Jacobs Mason Donovan $10,000+ Margaret and Kip Porter ’60 Mac Lacasse Gordon H. Doss ’56 Acworth Foundation Ronne & Donald Hess Mike Lantrip Dorrie Fuchs Elizabeth and Bob Athey ’59 Foundation Mattilene Rose Lawrence ’19 Pamela Furnas Pilar Kohl Childs ’92 and Schwab Charitable Michael H. Routman ’72 Ray V. Hartwell III ’65 Jared Dostal Young Ju Sung and Elma Tuohy Bill Israel ’73 Lisa and Alan Engel ’73 Jung Ho Sea Dr. Alina Voicu James C. Lewis Mike and Gillian Rene and John Simmons ’65 Zhengcong “Isaac” Zhou ’19 Randy Marks ’65 Goodrich Foundation Anna Jacobs Singer Brandy Martin ’92 Kyung Han ’85 Diana and Bill Slaughter ’56 Lawrence Matthews ’64 DONORS Ronne and Donald Hess ’66 Deborah Kayser Strauss Clay Newsome ’65 Unrestricted Annual Fund Sharon and Tom Howell Keiko and Kayser Strauss ’96 Charles S. Northen ’55 gifts of $100 or more received Heather and Daniel Mosley ’74 The Community Joe Robinson between July 1, 2016, and June Pinkerton Foundation Foundation of Greater Shirley Bajer Sievers 30, 2017, are listed below. Patti and Ed Rogers Birmingham Kate ’93 and Diane Stewart Listings by constituency and Rik Tozzi The John & Julia Blake Van Horn ’02 by class can be found at Badham Family Trust Nancy and Jim Tyrone ’73

GOVERNORS’ CIRCLE $2,500+ Margaret and Bruce Alexander Pris and Eddie Ashworth ’67 Ginny and Joe Farley ’81 Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund Sarah Urist ’98 and John Green ’95 Mary and Cutter Hughes ’61 Jimmie and Emil Hess Jennifer and Ben Hunt ’82 Seung Jae Lee and Young Duk Kim Michael Levine ’74 Sam Moorer ’59 Molly Myers ’92 and Rick Hatfield Susanna Myers ’90 and Gerry Pampaloni Photo by Graham Yelton Yelton Graham by Photo Spring 2018

38 Libby and Dennis Pantazis Carol Dewar and Larry Susan Pizitz ’80 Futrell ’64 JOHN SLAUGHTER ’20 AND HANSON Lia and Rusty Rushton ’74 Dana and Jeff Gale ’92 SLAUGHTER ’90 Melissa and Hanson Alice and Paul Goepfert Slaughter ’90 Janet and Morton Goldfarb Ann and David Tharpe Rachel Krantz and Vanguard Charitable Edward Goldstein ’67 Richard Whitley Sydney and Michael Green Youhong Wang and Yang Xu Sally and Greg Hawley ’75 Nancy and Tommy Healey ’62 TOWN MEETING Jean and Fred Heath ’62 LEVEL Ryan Henderson ’07 $1,000+ Heidi Hess ’89 and Judy and Hal Abroms James Rucker Erin and Adam Adrian Martha Diefendorf and Kelly and Robert Aland ’80 Robert Hogan ’68 Candi and C.P. Bagby ’63 Mary and Jay Holekamp ’63 Kelly Bodnar ’85 and Nyya and John Hudson Brett Battles David Huggin ’59 Mary Jane and Robert Black ’61 J.E. and Marjorie B. Pittman Mindy and Dylan Black Foundation, Inc. Shay and John Michael Qin Wang and Kai Jiao Bodnar ’88 Pamela and Prescott Kelly ’61 Janet Perry Book and Kha Youn Kim Jeff Book Sheri and James Krell Elizabeth and John Breyer ’71 Wendy and Bruce Kuhnel ’84 Caroline and E.T. Brown ’74 Emily Hess ’01 and Bob Levine Julie and Scott Bryant ’82 Hilton Locke ’98 and Myla Calhoun Christian Anthony Patricia and Ehney Camp ’60 Mrs. John A. Lockett, Jr. Jill and Rusty Caranto Cynthia Frownfelter- Liz and John Carraway Lohrke and Franz Lohrke Elquis Castillo Fang Yao and Minfang Lu Myung Ju Kim and Chang Cho Elaine Luria ’93 and Kathy and Eli Phillips Gail and Deak Rushton ’78 Caroline Clark ’82 Robert Blondin Tonya and Bartley Pickron ’91 Tong Zhang and Xiaojun Shao Connie and Doug Clark Cathy and Caldwell Marks ’93 Don Pittman ’78 Joy and Perry Shuttlesworth Leigh and Bobby Collier Scotty and Sam McAliley ’70 Emily and Jerry Pittman ’76 Lesly and Robert Simon Community Foundation Sidney and Michel Janet and Craig Pittman ’74 Patti and Scott Simpson of Northeast Alabama McCullers ’89 Kathy and Bill Pittman ’70 Blakeley and Bill Smith Allan Cruse ’59 Allen Meighen ’78 Marjorie and John Pittman Judy and M. D. Smith ’59 Heidi and Martin Damsky ’68 Yvonne Jiang Miao and Nancy and John Poynor ’58 Tom Smith ’72 Susan and Mitchell Dascher Dickens Miao Stacy and Scott Pulliam ’85 Marty Stallings Missy and Chip Dawson Microsoft Regions Financial Corporation Janet and David Standaert John Dixon ’72 Carole and Matt Miller Michele and Rod Reisner ’84 Merrill H. Stewart, Jr. Sharonda Childs ’03 and Lee and Mac Moncus ’60 Amy and Keith Richards Linda and Leo Eric Fancher, Jr. Ann and Richard Monk ’57 Jennifer and Matthew Riha Sullivan-Bashinsky ’64 Lori and Richard Feist Christy and David Nelson ’93 Laura Schiele ’86 and Jane and Kevin Tavakoli ’98 Barbara and Jim Flowers Hilary and Stuart Nelson ’95 Steven Robinson The Community Foundation of Candi and Mallory Forbes Julie and Mark Nelson ’88 Mary and Burns Roensch Western North Carolina, Inc. Robert Friedel ’67 Martha and Bill Nickell ’56 Mary Rose Santiago and The J. Michael Bodnar Elise May ’88 and Hank Frohsin Sean and Janis O’Malley Cesar Romero Foundation Yan Zhang and Xiaobin Fu Jinsook Won and Rae Kil Park Charlotte and Bill Rose ’63 The San Francisco Foundation Photo by Graham Yelton Yelton Graham by Photo Indian Springs

39 40 40 Spring 2018 Elliott Bell’10 ’87Roger Baldwin ’84 Jennifer Bain Anonymous Foundation American Endowment Adobe Systems Incorporated Joanna andAlAdams ’62 $500+ MAYOR’ Song Yin andWen Zhou Jian GuoandQuanZhou Lu ShenandWei Zhang Rowan andRuss Williams ’73 Steve Williams Amy McDaniel’80and Deborah andBrianWiatrak Tom Whitehurst ’68 Whitehurst ’77 Theresa andRaleigh Marjorie andJimWhite ’60 Ryan Webb ’02 Bucky Weaver ’68 VaughanGareth MariaByars Aye Unnoppet’88and U.S. CharitableGiftTrust MichaelBarnett Fergus Tuohy ’96and Susan andCarlisleTowery ’55 Judy andArthurToole ’58 ANNUAL REPORT S LEVEL

2016–2017

Maria andLawrence Katz ’82 Mitch Ives ’70 Hofammann ’72 Leslie andDabney Mary andVictor Hanson’74 Habeeb’74 Wendy MillsandMark Greene ’90 Lola ElfmanandGreg Sylvia Goldberg Christopher Giattina Ingrid Straeter and Paola andFernando Garza Loren ’76 Gary Jan Fortson Jerolyn andKevin Ferrari Jan andChipFeazel ’63 Ilana Engel’12 Bill Engel’75 Elizabeth andDrew Edge ’84 Patty B.andDavid Driscoll Kathy andLarry DeLucas Rima andLarry Deep ’79Charles DeBardeleben Anna andChandlerCox Christian ’67 Jonette andKenneth Lynn andEd Cassady ’76 Denise andDavid Bryant Kathryn andMarkBrandon Jody Klip’78 andJeffrey Black Birmingham Jewish Foundation

Alison Pool-Crane ’79 Dana andDickPigford ’65 David Phillips Susan Dillard ’80and Jeff Pettus ’73 Melissa andJohnOliver ’60 Jo AndersonandWill Oliver ’81 andTomGail Nolen’66 Frances Ross ’77andBillNolan Network for Good HarryMueller’62 Susan Brand and Helen ZhouandMike Mu Tisha SklenarMorris’79 Cheryl andBurkMcWilliams ’65 Edith andHenryMcHenry’68 June andJoeMays ’63 Tommy Maddox ’69 Ji LiuandXiaoqing Lu Erin andJohnLockett ’95 Shuqui LinandSumingZhang Malinda andJimmy Lewis ’75 AlanLebovitz Alison Goldstein ’88and Hoa Nguyen andAnhLe Elizabeth andAlanLasseter Janice andTim Laney andBillKrueger Beth Folmar Krueger’91 Caroline andRoy Knight’59 Yang SuckandRichard Kim Anya andAndrew Keller ’92

Wendi andRichard Boyen Anne andBillBlackerby Liat andAmitBerger John Beckman’90 W. ’97 C.Bass David Bashford Jen Spears’96and Kitty andRonnieBarrow ’79Sharon andJimBailey andSpencerBarbara Atkins Jill andVikram Arora Stephen Armstrong Bonny Forrest and Thornton Anderson’80 Cathy andTom Adams ’63 David Abroms ‘01 $250+ LEVEL COMMISSIONER’ David Williams Mukesh Patel Heather White ’92 and Hua Yang andYu Wei Ellen andJimWalker ’80 Bonnie andKen Vines ’56 Beba andTasos Touloupis Cathy andRuneToms The PrudentialFoundation Foundation theAyco Charitable The Laney CharitableFund of Greater Chattanooga, Inc. The Community Foundation of Smith Paving Inc. Leslie andRocky Smith Dorothy andJodieSmith andPhillipSmith Beverly VonDer Pool Kate andCharlesSimpson Cathy andSamSimon Kathryn andRichard Shimota Margaret Shepherd Jerry Shadix’68 Beth andJamesScott ’75 Sabel’84 Mary HelmerandMark Steve Rueve ’84 Ginger Grainger ’86and andTom Randall Katrina Armstrong ’82 SuperMarketsPublix

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Photos by Graham Yelton Photos by Graham Yelton Pat andBillyHiden’71 Will Hebson’06 Carla andLarry Hawley ’68 Beth andKirkHawley ’66 Susan andWyatt Haskell ’57 Linda Harrington Stacey andCharlieHall Caroline andChipHall’78 Abdoulaye Gueye Cassandra Glasco-Gueye and Kim andScott Grumley Greg Groover BrianGouri Anita Jayagopal ’96and Natalie andJedGordon ’67 Chris Genry’78 ’58 and ChipGamble Gail Dana andRussell Gache SamBhasin Lindsay Frost ’97 and Patricia andDannerFrazer ’62 Mac Fleming Peggy andMichaelFleetwood MylesSteiner Amy Finkelstein ’95 and Anne andRickFinch’60 Heath Edwards Claire Maples’89 and Suzette andChrisDoucet Kristi andChrisDobelbower Amy andClintDillard ’84 William Dickerson ‘02 Katie andMichaelDeSocio Susan Swider andColin Davis Lisa SingerandTim Davis Sheri andJohnCorey ’75 Corenblum ’75 Caryn andSteven Foundation ConocoPhillips Petroleum June Conerly of Greater Memphis Community Foundation Stuart Cohen Cason Benton and Teri andEmmettCloud’95 GlennFleisig Clara ChungFleisigand Frank Carter ’62 Kay Armstrong and Cardiac Evaluations, Inc. Suzanne andLewis Brodnax ’63

Camille andTyrone Perkins Hina andRakesh Patel Sarah andD. G.Pantazis ’03 Joyce Addo andKofi Nuako Foundation Matching Gifts Northrop Grumman Betty andCharlesNorthen’55 Beth Mulvey andDavid Noone Louis Doench Naomi Nelson’93 and Anil Nanda’92 Kathy andMarkMyatt ’55 Melinda andPete Mistr ’69 Merck Partnership For Giving Meador-Woodruff Robin andJim McWilliams ’97 Rebecca andThomas Liz andBrendan McGuire JoshKlapow Julie McDonaldand Glendora andAndrew Mayo PhillipMattox Virginia Bledsoe’86and Angie andChadMathis Priscilla andTony Marzoni ’64 Karen andHarryMaring’72 Lelie andDavid MacLeod JianbingLuo Qianying Wang and Michelle Luo ’10 Gina andHankLong ’70 HenryLong ’01 Alice Hawley ’03 and BobLipson’68 Sharon Kean and Kay andJingLi Scottie andBruce Lanier Yoshiki andHiromi Kubagawa Rebecca andBrandon Kirby ’92 Katy andDavid Killion’00 Jessica andBenJohnson’71 Jennifer ShenandFrank Jiang Susie andPeter Jander Laura Kalba Fran Hutchins ’95 and Ann andDavid Hunt’84 Day andScott Hull ReggieHolder Kristin Harperand Amy andKevin Hill

BrianSchoening Bentley Turner ’04and Lisa andBobSchilli Kiki andPierre Scalise Jamie andMarc Samuelson’91 Nirmal Roy ’02 Charles Rossmann Lynda andJoeRobinson’56 Sara andForest Reid Redmon’84 Aileen andRandy Stacy andTimothy Price ’01 Carrie andRichard Pizitz’75 ChrisPerrone Stacy Donohue’86and now with deferred benefits to School. Indian Springs and friends who remember in the their school estates assets or who give honors alumni, parents, Society Springs’ planned giving. Legacy faculty and abright futurefaculty for Springs’ exceptional students. YOUR GIFTWILLPROVIDE PLANNED GIVINGTOOLS LEAVE ALASTING LEGACY Gary at [email protected] at or 205.332.0591to learn more. Gary you and your Contact ones. loved Director ofAdvancement Loren remainder trusts. Manybenefits provide ofplanned gifts for tax types and retirementpolicies, plans to remainder interests and charitable the Legacy Society. Ultimate Gift:Join Give the

range from insurancerange life bequests, important support for dedicated dedicated for support important by including Indian Springs in your Martin Tobias ’95 ClarkThompson Valerie Morrison’87 and Irene andDorionThomas ’90 Cameron Wells Thoma ’95 Linda andEd Stephenson ’65 Patricia andRick Sprague ’66 Karen andSeanSovacool Mona Singh’85andTrevor Jim Susanne andJimShine’77 Linda andRobertSherman’58 Christina andKeck Shepard ’78 andWaidBarbara Shelton Lisa andErikSchwiebert

41 Indian Springs 42 42 Spring 2018 Han GongandLong Zhen Timi andCarlton Young Yabing Chen andHuiWu Ham InnandShihBinWu Mary andTerry Woodrow ’63 Lane andBrianWoodke WoodhamDee andBarry Julie andScott Wilson Amy andChrisWilliams Kathryn andDavid Wiencek Andrea andLarry Whitehead Andrea andGoodloeWhite ’90 Wes Westbrook Emily Sims’82and Kate andHoward Walthall ’90 MichaelWall Robin Greene ’03 and JoelWalker ’87 Kira Druyan and Jenny andBillyWalker Janet andPeter Waldo ’77 Belinda andBryson Waldo ’70 Kris andAndre Toffel ’72 ANNUAL REPORT

2016–2017 DAY LEVEL DEVELOPMENT Marie andBillBaxley Steve ’60 Batson ’85 Lisa Barnard ’88 Medha andAmolBapat ’14 Quinn Balazs Lisa andRobBalazs ’98 Sanjiv Bajaj Phyllis andEarlBailey andAustin Averitt Anne Knox Morton ’04 Sara andPete Arner Misty Appling Steve Apolinsky ’80 Anonymous andRobertMorales Patrick Anderson’92 Allstate -The GivingCampaign Judy andDavid Allgood’67 Laura Aland’06 Judith Lee Aland andJackAland’75Barbara $100+

Sienna Chen’14 Jane andDavid Chaplin Kevin Cassady Masako Shimamura and Brooke andTom Carruthers’78 Judy andBillCardwell Carol andHarryCaldwell Anne andDonBrunson’64 Holly Brown ’96 Adrienne and JulianBrook Chris Breyer ’75 Joseph Bradley ’02 Casey Bradford andGarrett ’96 David Bloom’08 Lynn BledsoeandBillRyan Marie andDuncanBlair’75 Blackerby ’05 Kristin andWilliam Lisa Billings Betsy andWilliam Belser’80 Carol andBillBell’73 Anne andJamesBell’92 ’79 ChrisBaxley Monica Shovlin and

Barbara andMikeBarbara Harper Anna andJonGray Kathleen andJesse Graham ’56 Frances andMillerGorrie Ann andRichard Goldstein ’69 Shira andMatthew Goldberg Reena Glazer ’87 Terri andDavid Glasgow Sarah andReeseGanster ’63 Diane andTom ’60 Gamble Allison andJeff Fuller Constance Frey Marc Sennewald Sarah Frazier ’90and Amber andChrisFlint Ruth Fitts’96 Anne andAlston Fitts Lynn andKen Fisher Sharonda Fifer Nedra andJoey Fetterman ’74 Julia andJamesEngland’96 andLara Embry’87 Emma Dinsmore ’05 Jane andCharlesEllis Anne andJohnDurward ’90 Eva and JiriDubovsky David Drum Starr Turner ’02 and Sherry andAndyDriggers Kyran Dowling ’72 April Preston and Tim Donaldson David Doggett’68 Chip Dillard ’81 Amy andAndrew Dibble Matt DeLaire Radhika Patil ’96and Bill Dawson Mary Lee andDavid Darby ’61 andJeffMeier Hanelle Culpepper’88 Gisèle andSteve Crowe Trae Crocker ’11 Dorothy Crawford Christine andDarrylCopeland Pam andBobCooper Clay Colvin ’95 Caroline Wingo ’95 and Sumter andSteve Coleman ’59 SamuelCohn ’67 Genevieve and Caroline Choy ’11

Photos by Graham Yelton Photos by Graham Yelton Laurie andFrank Jones’58 Muff andGilbertJohnston ’63 Tony Diliberto Amelia Johnsonand Dr. RobertW. Johns,Ph.D. Brett Janich’06 Kelly andClintJacobs Tondra andVince Hutchinson Doug Hunter ’73 Sabina Lee andBillyHuh Jonathan Horn’75 Frannie Horn’83 andRandolph Aisha HolmesThorn ’90 Howard Holley ’72 RobHodson Kristi Kimberlyand Liz andGreg Hodges’66 Kathryn andBryan Hix Hillegass Britta Brott andWilliam Kathy Heacock andGary Judy andBuddyHeacock ’58 Kate Hawley ’09 Carrie Hatfield Travis Harrell ’08

Tameeka Marshall Laili andJimMarkert Nobuchika Mamine’93 Melodie andGreer Mallette ’89 Terri andCharlesLorant ’75 Patricia andTom Lloyd ’59 Lichtenstein ’91 Janet andAdam Joy andMartinLedvina Susan andBillyLapidus Mac LaCasse Elizabeth Kvale Abraham Kunin Sarah Abroms ’04and Michelle Kuba ’94 KomisarKim andBarry Sawyer Klein’12 Melanie andJay Kieve Jesse Kieve ’15 Sanjay Khare ’85 Cathy Bekooy and Ellen Stern Kelsch ’01 JinchulKim Hye-Sook Jungand Natalie Platt andArnoldJones

Morgan Stanley Jenny Morgan ’96 Pam andSteve Moore Sara andTommy Moody’64 Laina andEgon Molbak Carol andB.G.Minisman’63 Meshejian’63 Brenda andWayne Tejal andYogesh Mehta McWilliams ’92 Callan Childs’91andVaughn McSpadden’64 Ruth AnnandJack andJamesMcMinn Cheryl Killingsworth Paul McGee Brandi andJeffMcCormack Dawn andJoeMcCarty Cheryl andRichard McAliley ’77 Carole andMichaelMazer Judy andGersonMay Nancy andMichaelMatte ’74 RichMartinez Laura Payne ’86and Herb Martin’62

Lee Pantazis ’06 Evan Pantazis ’09 andJimPalmer Jocelyn Bradley ’77 Vicki andKeith Owens Norton Owen ’72 Libba andJohnOwen ’70 Justin Ovson ’01 Anne andDavid Ovson ’69 Leslie andPeter O’Neil Jamie andGreg Odrezin Dragana andMakObradovic Lea Novakova andJanNovak Richard Novak ’03 Francesca and Ed Norman’79 Susan Hazlettand Jeffrey Nelson’82 Lisa Rueve ’82and Blossom Nelson andRandy Christie andRichard Neely Sarah Mills’03 andJonNee Stephanie Mullen SusanWatterson Elizabeth Morrisonand

43 Indian Springs 44 44 Spring 2018 Neil Roy ’96 Jamie andJustin Routman’02 Cindi andMichaelRoutman’72 Ramsey Rossmann ’15 Kathleen Rossmann Cheska Romero ’16 Holly andBrianRodgers Charles Robinson’59 Lynn andAlanRitchie David Rinald’59 Matt Burton Shannon Riffe ’00and Jan andDickRichardson ’70 Richardson ’57 Ginny andGrady Sherrie andBruce Richards ’73 Brian Reilly’95 Laura andErskineRamsay ’64 Quillen’96 Tory Stella andHenry Deborah andLarry Quan’68 Trish Powell Crain Dave Porter Paula Pointer Purse Arrtie Pisaturo ’00 George AnnandAlton Parker ANNUAL REPORT

2016–2017 Rita andClifford Spencer ’58 Hardwood, Inc. Southern Carpet& Sue andAllanSolomon’68 Virginia andDavid Smith Ruth andJimSmith’56 Rita andCarlSmith Ed Smith’63 Diane Sheppard andStan Fuller Katherine andJimShepherd Keith Thomson Karen Shepard ’81and Alan Seigel’77 Josie andClarkScott ’71 Schuler’66 The Estate of William S. Lane andJohnSchmitt Kelly andScott Schell Betsy andJohnSaxon Jesse Santos Susan Moore ’86and Judy andEd Rutsky Jill Russell ’94 RobertRussell ’76 Charlotte and Charlotte and Betsy andDanielRussakoff ’92

Heather andRonaldWaldron Adolfo Vargas Ashley Waldron ’89 and Angela andSamWaldo ’69 Missy andStewartWaddell Cindy andGreg Van Horn Ferdinand Urthaler Connie HillandDougTurner Elma andJimTuohy Cynthia andRaymond Tobias Jill andChipThuss ’74 andTyler Thomas Whitney Sprague ’01 Stephanie andDanThomas Carol andTim Thomas ’67 ’01 andWillCallen Bair Thistle The Coca Cola Company Christina Tetzlaff John Terry ’63 Ameer Tavakoli ’91 John Tanquary ’74 Sarah andJimTanner ’64 Elizabeth Sztul Martha andRichard Storm Janet andWalter Stephens ’67 Lee andSamStayer

Yuya ZhuoandRuoying Zhang Ivey Lewis ’85andPeter Young Alton Young Dawn andJobey York Tanya andScott Yeager JimYarbrough ’01 Mills’01 and Rachael Greg Yaghmai Karima Wilson ’99 Darci andBrianWillis ’96 Chris Whitley ’99 HalWhite Rebecca Rutsky ’91and Marjorie Lee White ’88 Prince Whatley Holly Ellis’84and Tina andBrent West Eva-Maria Wedig Lucy andEliasWatson ’58 Amy andTim Wammack Jill andThomas Walton AllanWaller Lissa Waldo ’01 and Alison andRhettWalker ’83

Photos by Graham Yelton, Art Meripol Photos by Graham Yelton, Art Meripol in our 2015–2016 Annual in our2015–2016 Annual campaign was acknowledged or more to theSpringsEternal who madeapledgeof$1,000 history. Because everyone in IndianSpringsSchool the largest capitalcampaign committed to SpringsEternal, more than$20 millionwas 2014 through December 2016, faculty, andfriendsfrom April alumni, parents, grandparents, generosity of more than500 Thanks to theremarkable eternal for springs campaign Samford ’62,whosevisionanddevotion toSpringshelpedturnourcampusmasterplanintoareality. the Armstrong Administrationbuildingtothefront oftheKayser AcademicCenter. Samford Way isnamedinhonorofSharon andFrank campus onplaques,medallions,Gabionbenches,andbrickspavers alongSamford Way, whichrunsfrom thesouthentranceof towardcapitalimprovementsacross concluded thefirstphaseofourcampaignforSpringsEternal.Gifts theseimportant are celebrated classroom Silverbuildings,ArmstrongThe openingofthreeLEED-certified AdministrationBuilding,andKayser state-of-the-art, AcademicCenter VISIT OURNEWSAMFORD WAY

Springs Eternal! you for joiningusinmaking acknowledged here. Thank to berecognized, are also asked for theirpartners and paid,orthosewho they hadalready pledged 2016–2017 beyond what made additionalgiftsin Report, onlythosewho Foundation ConocoPhillips Petroleum $10,000+ COMMUNITY PASSION Jim Burke ‘69 $50,000+

Lawrence ’88 Garcia David ’85and Garcia Ilene Engel Liz andJohnCarraway Cardiac Evaluations, Inc. Brodnax ’63 Suzanne andLewis I $1,000+ LOYALTY Vicky andPeter Sperling’77 Andy Sperling’79 Wendy andHunter Gray Brenda andDoral Atkins $2,500+ HONOR lene andDanBerman’82 SAMFORD

WAY

Venkatesh Yerramsetti Foundation The Walt Disney Company Stan Fuller Diane Sheppard and Trish Powell Crain Sam Pointer ’81 Kat Martin Jacqueline andMarkJamroz Mary andCutter Hughes’61 Sharon andTom Howell Jonathan Horn’75 FRANK SAMFORD ’62 SHARONAND

45 Indian Springs 46 46 Spring 2018 Varsity GirlsSoccer Program Theater Program Soccer Program Science Scholarships Fund Scholars Bowl Program Robotics Program MockTrial Ray Hartwell Memorial Piano Learning through Living Iain Alexander Scholarship History Department Faculty Continuing Education Discretionary Funds Choir Chess Program ProgramBaseball Art Department Acworth Scholarship received in2016–2017. selected by theschoolwere Gifts for thefollowing initiatives gifts restricted fundannual Nancy andJohnPoynor ’58 Art Building Kathy Jones Amnesty International purposes. were madefor thefollowing In 2016–2017 restricted gifts GIFTS RESTRICTED ANNUAL REPORT 2016–2017

Foundation Eli LillyandCompany Foundation ConocoPhillips Petroleum Allstate -The GivingCampaign Adobe Systems Incorporation 2016–2017. to IndianSpringsSchoolin matched theiremployees’ gifts The following employers MATCHING GIFTS Cindy andGreg Van Horn Marsha andSamuelTilden Nathan Shepura ’98 Judy Shepura BrianSchoening Bentley Turner ’04and Blossom Nelson andRandy Anne andJamesBell’92 Lynn Balch Anonymous Van Horn’02 In MemoryofBlake Ginny andJoeFarley ’81 Lara Embry’87 Emma Dinsmore ’05and Technology Dottie andJeffrey Smith’61 MusicScholarship Lara Hoggard Anonymous Director’s PurseFund Troy University Discretionary Fund Confucius Program/Chang Patti andScott Simpson Baseball

Slaughter ’90 Melissa andHanson Patti andEd Rogers Douglas Ray Christie andRichard Neely uted in2016–2017. following peoplewere contrib- the year. Gifts-in-kindfrom the help to IndianSpringsthrough services are alsoasignificant Gifts oftangibleproperty and GIFTS-IN-KIND Karen andBillBoyle ’62 Lois Blackwell Candi andC.P. ’63 Bagby ’57Julia andJohnBadham Pris andEddie Ashworth ’67 Steve Apolinsky ’80 Judy andHalAbroms org/planned giving. found at www.IndianSprings. plans. More information canbe Advancement Office know your benefit Springs,pleaseletthe you have taken similarsteps to policy orretirement plan.If beneficiary ofalife insurance or namedtheschoolas while maintainingalife income, established acharitabletrust ed theschoolintheirwills, These individualshave includ- Springs intheirestate plans. Springs Schoolby including mitment to thefuture ofIndian individuals whoshare acom- The Legacy Societyhonors SOCIETY LEGACY Vulcan Materials Company Foundation The Walt Disney Company The PrudentialFoundation Regions FinancialCorporation Foundation Northrop Grumman Morgan Stanley Microsoft Merck Partnership for Giving

Allison andJ.P. Williams ’77 Marjorie andJimWhite ’60 Nancy andJimTyrone ’73 MichaelBarnett Fergus Tuohy ’96and Jill andChipThuss ’74 Ann andDavid Tharpe Jane andKevin Tavakoli ’98 Cooper Schley ’64 Sharon andFrank Samford ’62 Cindi andMichaelRoutman’72 Carol andWilmer Poynor ’56 Nancy andJohnPoynor ’58 Margaret andKipPorter ’60 JimPalmer Jocelyn Bradley ’77and Joe Nonidez ’62 Frances Ross ’77andBillNolan Bob Montgomery ’74 Margaret R.Monaghan McWilliams ’61 Susan andTennant June andJoeMays ’63 Russell Maulitz’62 Kristine Billmyer and Judy andPhilippeLathrop ’73 Muff andGilbertJohnston ’63 George Johnston ’65 Dr. RobertW. Johns,Ph.D. Ronne andDonaldHess ’66 Joan andPreston Haskell ’56 Eugenia andLarry Greer ’63 Gillian andMike Goodrich’63 Edward Goldstein ’67 KrantzRachel and Sylvia Goldberg Gertrude Gildea Howard Furnas Robert Friedel ’67 Ginny andJoeFarley ’81 David Faber ’66 Cathy andMellDuggan’76 Heidi andMartinDamsky ’68 andJeffMeier Hanelle Culpepper’88 Gil Coutin Pinkie andBryan Chace ’74 Frank Carter ’62 Kay Armstrong and

Photos by Graham Yelton, Casey Dunn Photos by Graham Yelton, Casey Dunn talents,andinterests. • offer thefinancialaidthat enablesus to assemble alearning communityof studentswithadiversity ofbackgrounds, classroom enhancements; and • continue ourdistinguished legacy ofproviding experiential learningopportunities,pedagogicalinnovation, and • attract andretain excellent faculty memberswhogenuinelycare abouttheirstudents’ lives; and well-being. Your unrestricted giftto SpringsToday, ourAnnualFund,exponentially increases ourabilityto The financialsupportoftheSprings community, year inand year out,isessential, andnotsimply to ourcurrent health HELP USREACH OURGOAL OF$675,000 FOR 2017–2018 YOUR SUPPORT MEANSEVERYTHING. BY JUNE30. EVERY GIFTMAKES ADIFFERENCE. THANKS TO YOU SPRINGS TO FLOURISHES YOU. THANKS data-driven education inthe country.” and dynamic catalysts for enlightened, inclusive, holistic, and your“With support, Springs canbeone ofthe most creative

www.SpringsToday.com INDIAN SPRINGS Springs Today —Dr. Sharon L.Howell, HeadofSchool I ANNUAL FUND, 2017-2018

47 Indian Springs ALUMNI & FRIENDS NOTEWORTHY

to an unasked question was always Q: Your daughter Haden Ryan- “no,” and I started asking for more Embry ’20 is a sophomore at things that I thought could make Springs. What has it been like a difference. That is what you see to engage with the school as a in this list of accomplishments— parent, rather than as a student? someone who just keeps asking A: A part of why I moved back to myself, “How can I make a Alabama was so that Haden could difference now?” and then actually attend Springs; this was absolutely following through on a few intentional. When I told Haden of those. we were going to move from L.A. Q: Tell us about some to Alabama, her first response was experiences from your time at “Does that mean I can go to Indian Indian Springs that shaped who Springs?” There is something you are today. unique about the overall experience of Indian Springs, and A: I feel I had so many shaping it is wonderful to be able to share experiences at Springs. First, those that with her. I see her coming to years are like dog years, packing so many realizations and working about seven years of change into through so many important one compared to the rest of your concerns, and I remember my life. On top of that, my sister died, thought process being challenged and I realized I was gay (during on a regular basis when I was a the Reagan years). Maybe more student. It all just makes me really than anything, it taught me that I happy that she gets to have such a could get through anything, and fertile ground for thought during the world keeps spinning out new this period of her life. I’ve also days. I wrote my dissertation on been so happy that she gets to go resilience, and I don’t think it’s to Springs when we finally have an accident that I got a Ph.D. in a woman as Head of School. I Adolescent Clinical Psychology. MEET 2018 OUTSTANDING ALUM have been so impressed with the Q: You moved back to Alabama quality of Sharon’s leadership, as LARA EMBRY ’87 while filmingAlabama Bound. well as her genuine concern for Have you found the state has the students. I am just delighted changed since your time growing that my daughter gets to see a up here? strong woman in charge every day, ON APRIL 20, Indian Springs’ Alumni Council will present clinical A: Filming Alabama Bound gave making her school a better place. psychologist and social activist Lara Embry ’87 with the 2018 me a window into what living Q: What advice would you offer Outstanding Alum Award for her achievements in her field and her here would be like, as I spent the to Haden and other current efforts to promote and protect LGBTQ+ rights. In addition first year returning to Alabama to Springs students?

to maintaining a private clinical psychology practice, Embry is interview lesbian families. I found A: My best advice to anyone is ’86 Bill Oliver by Khalas photo a Clinical Assistant Professor in UAB’s Department of Pediatrics; people, like [State Rep.] Patricia to pay attention to their feelings, a lecturer at professional conferences and community events; the Todd, who were standing up for learn about them, and use them, as published author of a children’s book about a girl that learns to themselves in ways that would they are there for a reason. There stop bullying (Marlene, Marlene, Queen of Mean); the co-director and not have been possible before. At isn’t a right way to feel about co-producer of an award-winning documentary about the fight that point, I knew I wanted to anything, but it is important to for LGBTQ+ family rights in the South (Alabama Bound, currently come back to help this be a better understand what your feelings are running on PBS). Alumnae Starr Drum ’02 and Callen Bair Thistle place for the next generation of saying about your experience. So ’01 asked Embry about her work and what inspires her. kids coming up. In addition to many of life’s demands pull you setting up a private practice, I’ve away from your feelings, drawing Q: How did you develop and nurture such a robust professional life? been lucky to get to work with the your attention to whether you are A: Pretty much all of these activities are along a similar theme, that Magic City Acceptance Center being approved of, to the pursuit of pushing the conversation forward for LGBTQ+ rights. I find it as well as Children’s Hospital to of perfection, or to noise—like unconscionable that some people oppress other people, and this is establish services for our queer video games, media, or drugs. my way of working out that sense of injustice. I was also born into youth. I’ve been volunteering as Our culture is so pervasive, and it a family with enough means to allow for me to become really the psychologist for the gender is insistent that we be constantly educated and entitled. I used that sense of entitlement to feel clinic at Children’s for the past unsettled and oriented toward confident enough to challenge the status quo, as well as to open two years, and it has really been an acquiring things in order to find

doors for myself. I learned sometime in my thirties that the answer educative experience. happiness. During adolescence, Black; and Mindy Keyes Rachel Wallace by photos Portrait Spring 2018

48 your brain massively reorganizes, and to whom I have the most to and you emerge with the networks offer. I plan to continue working that will largely govern your at the Gender Clinic at Children’s behavior for the rest of your life. Hospital, and to help train more The habits of attention that you providers in Alabama to work form now will influence how you competently with this group of are able to think in the future. people to improve services overall. Having easy access to and a good I also want to enjoy my family understanding of your feelings can time before both of my kids go GAIL really increase your confidence in off to start their own families, and ANDREWS decision-making now and in the it seems like that time is running future. Being present and knowing shorter by the day. —Starr Drum and yourself are incredibly valuable in Callen Bair Thistle being able to make decisions you Conversation Continued: feel good about, and in trusting Visit IndianSprings.org/alumni to read yourself and others. No matter more from Starr and Callen’s Q&A what, avoid feeling ashamed of with Lara. things—it’s a distracting waste of time. Feel guilty if you have to feel You Are Invited! bad and do something to fix it, but The Alumni Council will present the there is nothing wrong with who Outstanding Alum Award to Lara at you are just because you mess up. 9:20 a.m. on Friday, April 20—during Alumni Weekend 2018—in the Indian Q: What’s next for you? Springs Concert Hall. Please join us for EMMA A: I am really focused on this special event! improving the quality of life of EMBRY ’05 local transgender kids right now. As I see it, these are the queer folks who are in the most peril, Springs Welcomes Two New Board Members LEFT TOP: Lara, Chase, Emma, and Haden on a trip to Prague in summer INDIAN SPRINGS IS EXCITED TO WELCOME 2017 LEFT BOTTOM: two new members to the school’s Board of Governors. Lara in the 1986 Emma Embry ’05 is a real estate developer in Khalas yearbook, Birmingham. Prior to this, she worked as CEO of an which she edited investment firm and in various other corporate finance with Bill Oliver ’86 and financial regulation positions. She graduated magna cum laude from Princeton University in 2009 with an A.B. in History and Urban Studies. She married Lara Embry ’87 in April 2017. Gail Andrews, parent of alumna Julia Trechsel Alabama Bound, a Davis ’03, was, upon her retirement last fall, named documentary about lesbian couples living in Alabama, was a Director Emerita, having served as director from 1996 double winner at the 2017 Sidewalk Film to 2017. She also served as President of her peer or- Festival, receiving the audience ganization, the Association of Art Museum Directors. award for Best Alabama Film and the She is a member of the Alabama Academy of Honor jury prize for Best SHOUT LGBTQ Film in and the Rotary Club of Birmingham and a Board the SHOUT Film Festival, the gay and member of First Commercial Bank. She attended the lesbian film festival that ran concurrently College of William & Mary and the Cooperstown

with Sidewalk. Lara co-directed Graduate Program and has written numerous articles the film with fellow Alabama and catalogues on folk art and textiles. native Carolyn Sherer. Both were approved at the Board’s Dec. 1 Board meeting, and their terms are effective immediately. Embry will serve on the Finance Committee and Investment Subcommittee. Andrews will serve on the Governance and Planning Committees. Thank you for your important service! Indian Springs

49 ALUMNI & FRIENDS NOTEWORTHY

LEFT: In October, John Badham ’57 spoke at a special 40th anniversary screening hosted by the Directors Guild of America. ABOVE: Badham on the set of Saturday Night Fever

JOHN BADHAM ’57 SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER TURNS 40

FORTY YEARS AFTER ITS INITIAL RELEASE, director John Badham ’57 a professor of film and media arts at Chapman University. He has written reignited the disco inferno lit by his legendary 1977 film,Saturday Night Fever, two books on film directing, John Badham on Directing and I’ll Be In My Trailer, by teaming up with Paramount Pictures to produce a special 40th Anniversary which are used in film schools around the world. He has also served on the Director’s Cut. The new edition, which features never-before-seen outtakes, 4K DGA National Board and currently sits on its Western Directors Council. resolution, and enhanced audio quality, was released in Blu-Ray last May and He served as mayor of Indian Springs School in 1957, and received Indian screened at about 700 theaters worldwide. In October, the Directors Guild of Springs’ Outstanding Alum Award in 1984. He established the General America continued the celebration by hosting an evening with Badham in the Henry Badham Scholarship in 1985, and served on the Indian Springs Guild’s Los Angeles Theater. A DGA member since 1970, Badham received School Board of Governors for 16 years, between 1983 and 2003. “Indian Emmy nominations for his directing on the 1970s series The Bold Ones: The Springs is so close to my heart that not a day goes by that I don’t appreciate Senator and The Law before his Saturday Night Fever became a worldwide hit. His the philosophies and the skills for self-starting, self-reliance and openness 1983 feature films, Blue Thunder and WarGames, received four Academy Award to new experiences that I learned at Springs. Things that came not only from nominations. His credits also include the features American Flyers, Short Circuit, the legendary Doc Armstrong but the whole culture of the school. Not just Stakeout, Point of No Return, Drop Zone and Nick of Time; the movies for television a high school in the woods, but a whole way of looking at life.” The Jack Bull and The Last Debate; and episodes of the series Blind Justice, Psych, Rush See Badham’s Director’s Reel at JohnBadham.com. Hour, The Shield, and Supernatural. In addition to his directing work, Badham is —Rachel Wallace Spring 2018

50 Photos by Shane Karns, Courtesy of DGA (Badham); Susan Lapidus (basketball) ’75, ShevinMaury ’70,Lori and Stephen and Alan Engel Dorsky ’71,Lisa Jack and ’73,Barbara Aland in the Olympic Games!” “Being in that arena big in kind the with those stands, oflike people all special, Ifelt Iwas really friends who had participated with mein the Maccabi in last year,” St. games Louis sheexplained. to the hold banner point for “Igot Clara. was the in high the front, with along three ofmy best the Leading Birmingham delegationduring came to our all ple the party!” opening ceremonies kidsto over meet from all the country and even the world. It was like Iwas a host and these peo sister cities and in Israel Ukraine (Vinnytsia) Ha’Ayin). (Rosh from 13to 16,hailed more than 26citiesaged in the United States from and also Birmingham’s Birmingham CrossPlex,College, Bartow Arena, and the Jewish Community Center. The athletes, 4 for five days of athleticcompetitions thatplace at took venues including Birmingham-Southern cabi Games brought more than 1,200athletes to from and the coaches City July Magic 30to Aug. significant event’srole in the success. the the this event; was also first gamestime havethe come to and alumsAlabama, Springs a played and greater metropolitannity Not area. was Birmingham only ever to smallest the host city second —Loren andPeter Gary Moss THE MACCABI GAMES SPRINGS AT Max Rykov ’07was among the more than 1,200 volunteers who with assisted other event logistics. THE 2017 JCC MACCABI GAMES GAMES MACCABI THE 2017 JCC Some 250JewishSome families—including those ofHeidi and Martin Damsky ’68,Joyce and “It was great that were the games in Birmingham,” Lapidus Clara said the chance ’21.“Igot Sponsored by the Jewish Community Centers ofNorth America for the 36years, the past Mac- Caryn and Steven and CorenblumCaryn ’75,and Stephanie and Steve Steinmetz ’75—hosted athletes. weremilestone asignificant for Birmingham’s commu Jewish Jack Aland’75 Maury Shevin ’70, Steven Corenblum ’75, and LEFT BOTTOM: LEFT TOP:

Caryn andSteven Corenblum ’75 Stephen Dorsky MartinDamsky ’71, ’68,

- - the error andisdelighted to set the record straight! in our summer issue. Indian Springs magazine regrets ’59—hisClass ofbrother Allan’s graduating class— Cruse was incorrectly identifiedas a member of the of the world. comics Eisner,Will the awards are considered the Oscars pioneering creator comics novelist and graphic in the Hall ofFame this summer. Named for the industries) four choose will inducted to be working(professionals in the or related comics Cruse from isone of16nominees whom voters for the Eisner Will Awards Comic Hall ofFame. announced that Cruse nominated been has also movement.In January, International Comic-Con with personal identity during the Civil Rights groundbreaking novel, 1995graphic in September. The award honors his forCruse the nonprofit organization’s annualconvention with the “CXC Transformative Work Award” at (CXC) (CXC) GRAPHIC NOVEL GROUNDBREAKING FOR HONORED HOWARD CRUSE’ Baby, CARTOON CROSSROADS COLUMBUS CROSSROADS CARTOON which highlights a gay man’s agay highlights which struggle presented Howard cartoonist Cruse ’62 Stuck Rubber Stuck Rubber

62 62

51 51 Indian Springs ALUMNI & FRIENDS NOTEWORTHY

BABY BENJAMIN EPSTEIN CALLEN BAIR BABY MILO MEGAN FAMILY THISTLE ’01 WES VAN HORN ’05 FRY ’00

Bar Association. Bell is a crimi- is “to help engage in meaningful debates CLASS OF 1967 William A. Edmundson ’67, who nal defense and legal ethics across the aisle.” serves as Regents’ Professor of lawyer with the Paganelli Law Group. CLASS OF 1998 Law and Professor of Philoso- Alumni Council President Annie Damsky phy at Georgia State University CLASS OF 1993 ’98 was awarded a 2017 Alabama Retail- College of Law, has published a Jonathan Epstein ’93 and his er’s Association Gold Award for outstand- new book, John Rawls: Reticent wife, Laura, celebrated the ar- ing sales and service at her Mountain Socialist (Cambridge University rival of a beautiful baby girl, Isla Brook yoga studio, Villager Yoga. Since Press, 2017). Released in July, the Henry Epstein, on Feb. 22, 2017. 2012, Villager Yoga has provided fitness book is the first detailed reconstruction Epstein was also recently named to classes and wellness workshops for com- of the late work of John Rawls, who was Travel + Leisure’s “A-List” as one of the munity members of all ages and levels of perhaps the most influential philosopher world’s most elite travel advisors and to experience, as well as a boutique for yoga of the 20th century. Conde Nast Traveler’s list of the world’s clothing and gifts. Namaste, Annie! “Top Travel Specialists.” CLASS OF 1973 CLASS OF 1999 Dr. Hubert van Tuyll ’73, Professor of Elaine Luria ’93 announced on Jan. 8 William Barclift ’99 married Samantha History at Augusta University, writes, that she is running for Congress to repre- Oliver on Nov. 11 at The Vineyard in Scaly “Just wanted to share the good news sent Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District. Mountain, N.C. about my two most recent publica- Owner of two Mermaid Factory locations tions: Small Countries in a Big Power in Virginia’s Hampton Roads area, Luria CLASS OF 2000 World: The Belgian-Dutch Conflict at retired in 2017 from a 20-year Navy ca- Megan F. Fry ’00 has been selected Versailles, 1919 (Leiden: Brill, 2016) and reer that included six deployments to the to join Leadership Florida Connect, a In Their Own Words: Augusta and Aiken Middle East and the Western Pacific and platform for Florida’s emerging leaders Area Veterans Remember World War II command of an assault craft unit. Her to focus on key issues and opportunities (Augusta, Ga.: ARCHS, 2017; co-editor). goal in running for Congress, says Luria, facing residents. Fry, an attorney at Clark More importantly—my daughter Laura is Partington Attorneys at Law in Pensacola, getting married this October!” specializes in representing title insur- ELAINE ers, real estate owners, individuals, and CLASS OF 1974 LURIA ’93 financial institutions in all types of litiga- Greg Yates ’74 recently joined the staff tion matters. When she is not advocating at the Emory University School of Law’s for clients, she serves on the Board of Center for Professional Development Directors for the Western Division of the and Career Strategy. Writes Greg: Children’s Home Society of Florida and “Looking forward to a new chapter in the NAIOP of Northwest Florida. my career story.” CLASS OF 2001 CLASS OF 1992 Callen Bair Thistle ’01 and her husband, James J. Bell ’92 was installed on Jan. Will, welcomed a son, Benjamin Allen 23 as 2018 President of the Indianapolis Thistle, on Jan. 6. Spring 2018

52 REESE COSTA BARCLIFT FEIST ’06 WEDDING WEDDING WEDDING

CLASS OF 2002 CLASS OF 2003 founder and creative director of Loose Lauren Simpson ’02 celebrated L.A. Weekly reports that Mia Leaves Showcase, a twice-annual dance the release of her latest contem- Swier ’03 has opened a retro showcase in Charlotte that helps new porary fantasy novel, Stranger piano bar on Los Angeles’ and emerging choreographers put their Magic (HarperCollins Voyager, North Cahuenga Boulevard work before an audience. Davin is an ar- 2017), in November. Written un- near the Hollywood Walk chitect at Cluck Designs, an architecture der the pseudonym Ash Fitzsim- of Fame. The centerpiece of firm that recently won the AIA Charlotte mons, Stranger Magic is the tale Tramp Stamp Granny’s, named Firm of the Year Award. of an 800-year-old faerie who in tribute to Swier’s “saucy” Wes Van Horn ’05 and his wife, Kristin, joins forces with three unlikely heroes grandmother, is a stage for were delighted to welcome a son, Milo to save the world of magic. It’s available show tune performers. Swier envisions Blake Van Horn, on July 17. Milo is the for purchase as an ebook online and as a the bar as a “raucous outpost” of Hol- first grandson of longtime faculty mem- paperback at major retailers. lywood’s musical scene—something she’s been a part of as a rock/punk singer for bers Greg and Cindy Van Horn. years. Her family also operates the cel- “Indian Springs offered me the perfect CLASS OF 2006 combination of rigorous academics and ebrated Bowery Ballroom and Mercury Reese Feist ’06 married Stephanie Lounge live music venues in New York the freedom to explore my interests Schick on June 24 in Merced, Ca. City. Swier says it’s been her lifelong Members of the wedding party included outside of class. I was fortunate to have dream to own a venue like Tramp Stamp Springs alums Jane Feist ’08 and several excellent English teachers, and Granny’s, continuing her family’s legacy. Jack Feist ’10. somewhere between the literary analysis CLASS OF 2005 Jay Kim ’06 received his M.A. in Earth and poetry recitation, I began to experi- Kassandra Mable Costa ’05 and Dick Sciences in December from Western ment with extracurricular writing. (Hav- Costa were married on April 1, 2017, at Michigan University and has accepted a the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort ing a teacher who didn’t bat an eye when I position as a Field Geologist at Somat Fisher. Her twin sister, Salena Mable Engineering in Taylor, Mich. turned in my first short novella was a gift Stamp ’05 served as the Maid of Honor I only truly appreciated after the fact.) Of and Officiant for the wedding, and Al.com reports that Lee Pantazis ’06 is course, it didn’t hurt that Springs is the her husband, Davin Stamp ’05, was the proud new owner of Gus’s Hot Dogs in in attendance. downtown Birmingham. Pantazis, whose sort of place that encourages creativity--I The Costas and Stamps live in grandfather immigrated to Birmingham mean, when your Mayor speaks through Charlotte. Kassandra is the Marketing from Greece and co-owned the Hickory Mr. Sock Puppet, an ill-tempered swan Manager for U.S. lab sales at Dentsply Hut and Coffee Cup restaurants, has stalks students around the lake, and Sirona, the world’s largest manufacturer been eating at Gus’s since he was a of professional dental products and young boy. Pantazis is excited to con- bewildered hikers wander in from the technologies. Dick is the Creative Direc- tinue his grandfather’s legacy. woods in the middle of the night, you tor for Ultimate Performance Marketing, almost can’t help but start to tell stories.” a firm that specializes in marketing for —LAUREN SIMPSON ‘02 (AKA ASH FITZSIMMONS) the motorsports industry. Salena is the Indian Springs

53 ALUMNI & FRIENDS NOTEWORTHY

JACK FEIST ’10 CASE YEDOYE WEDDING WATSON ’09 TRAVIS ’10

CLASS OF 2009 Party and Coming to the Stage, the Late Emily Bell ’09 recently received her M.A. Show with Stephen Colbert, and Com- IN MEMORIAM in international affairs with a focus in edy Central. He was named a New Face ALUMNI finance and trade from the Hertie School at the 2017 Montreal Just For Laughs Charles Swift Northen III ’55, a member of Governance in Berlin, Germany. She Festival, during which he opened for W. of Indian Springs’ first graduating class, moved to the Netherlands in June 2017 Kamau Bell and taped for Kevin Hart’s passed away on July 1. He was a Pres- to take a job at the Dutch Central Bank Youtube channel, the LOL Network. He byterian Elder, member of Independent in Amsterdam. She is enjoying discover- has also performed in multiple comedy Presbyterian Church, and former president ing her new home, speaking Dutch, and festivals and contributed content to MTV. of the congregation. An Eagle Scout, he was a member of several civic and social riding bikes everywhere! CLASS OF 2013 In addition to being named 2017 Pitcher organizations. He was an honors graduate Casey Stewart ’09 (now Case Watson) of the Year by the Southern Athletic As- of Vanderbilt University, where he studied will be releasing her debut album in New sociation, former Birmingham-Southern investment management. He retired as York this summer! The art rock EP, Ban- baseball player Stephen Himic ’13 was Senior Investment Officer of Regions shee, will combine Case’s Southern folk named to the 2017 Rawlings First All- Financial Corporation and later served as roots with a handful of influences she’s American Team in the South Region a Managing Director of Sterne, Agee & discovered since her student concert days and the 2017 First All-Conference Team. Leach. Survivors include his wife, Betty; at Springs. Special thanks and shoutout Himic graduated with a B.S. in math- daughter, Margaret Allen Northen; sons, to her fellow alums who have helped fund ematics and is now pursuing his Master Charles S. Northen IV and Bryce R. North- the project! Produced by Willie Green at of Civil Engineering (MCE) at Auburn en (Andrea Dent ’96); stepdaughter, Vicki GreenHouse Studio. Sounds like St. Vin- University. Lee Taylor; stepsister, Elizabeth McDavid cent, Lana Del Rey, Fiona Apple. For more Farnsworth; and five grandchildren. info or to pre-order your copy, visit www. CLASS OF 2015 casewatson.com/music. Lourdes University’s Riley Hogan ’15 was Eston Harmon Stead Jr. ’58 passed away named a 2017 Daktronics-NAIA Scholar on Nov. 16 after a long illness. He was a CLASS OF 2010 Athlete for men’s soccer, the National graduate of Birmingham-Southern College Jack Feist ’10 married Hannah Ponders Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and former member of the Alabama Air Feist on Dec. 16 at Christ Church Fred- (NAIA) announced in December. Hogan, National Guard. He retired from Eastern erica in St. Simons Island, Ga. Members a junior, appeared in 12 matches, making State Hospital, where he was Director of of the wedding party included Springs 11 starts for the Gray Wolves last fall. A Operations, and was a former member of alums Reese Feist ’06, Jane Feist ’08, defender, he handed out three assists on Maxwell Street Presbyterian Church. He Jake Woodham ’10, Daniel Woodall ’10, the season, earning his first three col- is survived by his son, Michael E. Stead of Everett Smith ’10, Kevin Lee ’10, and legiate points. He was also named to the Lexington; daughter, Laura E. (Bill) Lochen Keith Marson ’10. Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference of Minneapolis; brother, Walter Edward Yedoye Travis ’10 is celebrating the Jan. All-Academic Team in 2017. (Jean) Stead of Unicoi, Tenn.; niece, 12 release of his debut comedy album, Garner Lee (Mike) Green, and family of OK. Travis’ career in writing, acting, and Morgan Hill, Calif.; ex-wife and best friend, stand-up comedy has earned him ap- Barbara Lewis Stead, and cousins; and pearances on the 2017 TV series Search two grandchildren. Feist wedding photo by Allison Pedigo by photo wedding Feist

Spring 2018 continued on page 56 54 REMEMBERING RICHARD JONES: CREATOR OF THE TRUTH HOUSE Former faculty member Richard N. Jones dreamed of a way to bring prin- ciples of physics to life for Indian Springs students, and in 1960 he found a solution through the design and construction of Springs’ legendary Truth House. The House, styled after an “Ames Room” often found at carnivals and museums, had a tilted floor that caused balls to roll “uphill” and water to drip “sideways.” According to Jones, the House allowed him to demonstrate com- plex concepts such as gravitational force and frame of reference. “We feel that the room will have a definite educational value. Not only will it be valuable in science and physics, it will be an important tool in the teaching of social science as well,” Jones told The Florence Times in October 1960. Built as a $400 addition to an existing classroom, the House stood until 1994.

IN MEMORIAM: CLYDE BUZZARD Clyde Ernest Buzzard, Jr., former Basic Studies teacher, died peacefully in Columbia, Mo., on Oct. 18, 2017. Born in Neosho, Mo., Clyde earned a B.A. in journalism from Tulane University, where he also studied law for a year, then taught at Springs from 1962–1966. After getting a master’s in counseling from Washington University in St. Louis, he returned to Indian Springs from 1971–1978. A gifted writer, photographer, printer, and graphic designer, Clyde used these skills to enhance the extracurricular life of the school. Not only did he oversee the print shop and serve as adviser for the yearbook (several of the most com- pelling and technically brilliant Khalases in the school’s his- tory were produced under his guidance), he also coached the debate team. The name of the Missouri town in which Clyde was born, Neosho, is generally believed to derive from an Osage word meaning “clear, cold water,” in reference to local freshwater springs. The same word aptly describes Clyde’s effect on the students who revered him. “He taught us how to think,” remembers Dick Crocker ’65. “He was an even better debate coach, and I was lucky to be on his team. He himself had been an excel- lent college debater at Tulane, and he took us there every year for their high school tournament. Being a debater meant that you had to be able to appreciate and argue for both sides of a question—there was no escaping it. Clyde Buzzard trained us well to be able to do that. I remember an exercise he gave us in class—one typical of many. After we had settled into our seats in the classroom, he wrote on the board: ‘Out of sight, out of mind,’ and ‘Absence makes the heart gown fonder.’ Then he gave us thirty minutes to write an essay. He gave no further instruction. I still think about that assignment. Ambiguity has been a central fact of my intellectual life. I got it from him.” “Like Doc Armstrong, Clyde drank deeply from American philosopher John Dewey’s well,” remembers Mac Fleming. “Clyde and I cotaught a few classes over the years. I was impressed by the way that he would challenge students to think more cogently, and more deeply—to take responsibility for their own learning. His influence on students and the curriculum was so significant that he was given strong consideration to succeed Doc as director after he retired.” Following his career in education, Clyde started his own printing business, served as a manager at Vulcan Bindery, and owned a résumé writing business. He also wrote poetry, short stories, and books, as well as “Circling,” a Birmingham News column devoted to observances of daily life. Clyde was predeceased by his sister, Beverly Norris. He is survived by his three sisters, Shirley, Karen, and Sharon Buzzard; his children, Regan Harwell, John Buzzard, and Suzanne Dulin; and his grandchildren, Austin Velotas, Madeline LaForest, Chase Velotas, Peyton Harwell, and Vivian, Caroline, and Gideon Buzzard, as well as his former wife Linda Feinberg Miller. Condolences may be posted on Clyde’s Facebook wall or sent to the Buzzard family, 4700 Roemer Road, Columbia, MO 65202. Donations in his memory may be sent to Indian Springs School. —Loren Gary Indian Springs

55 ALUMNI & FRIENDS NOTEWORTHY

A proud member of the Indian Springs Marion Alton Pool IN MEMORIAM School Glee Club, she enjoyed listening MAY 12, 2017 continued from page 54 to music and reading African-American Parent of Alison Pool-Crane ’79 (Rev. literature in her free time. Friends and Lee) and grandparent of Marion Kirby Randy Marks ’65, whose ties to Indian family remember most her warm spirit, Pool ’07 Springs school school ran deep, passed brilliant intellect, and whimsical sense of Richard B. Siegel, M.D. away unexpectedly on June 26 at his humor. Survivors include her husband, JULY 26, 2017 home on Lake Martin. Marks served Geoffrey Stephens; mother, Regina Moyo; two terms on the Indian Springs School Father of Robin Siegel ’12 sisters, Sipiwe Moyo ’01 (Leeroy) and Alumni Council, and his father, C. Cald- Zandile Moyo; brother, Artwell Moyo Margaret H. Tauxe well Marks, was a member of the Board (Emily); and nieces and nephews. JULY 24, 2017 of Governors. After graduating from the Mother of Dr. Caroline S. Tauxe ’76 University of the South, he attended FAMILY & FRIENDS and Dr. John D. Tauxe ’79 Officer Candidate School in Newport, James Earl Bailey R.I., and as a Lieutenant Junior Grade APRIL 9, 2017 Jerry Scott Van Horn in the U.S. Navy served three years in Father of Dr. James E. Bailey, Jr. ’79 NOVEMBER 6, 2017 the National Security Agency working (Sharon) and grandfather of Claire ’09 Father of Greg Van Horn (Cindy) on classified projects. After complet- and Spence ’13 Bailey and grandfather of Wes Van Horn ’05 ing his service, he earned a master’s in (Kristin) Clyde Buzzard architecture at Georgia Tech. His career OCTOBER 18, 2017 focused on luxury residential, light Faculty member from 1960 to 1980 and commercial, and historic preservation father of Regan Harwell ’83 (James), design. Survivors include his wife, Buffie; Suzanne Dulin ’87 (Charles), and John sons, Randolph Caldwell Marks, Jr. ’93 Buzzard ’88 (Cathy), William Brooks Marks (Louisa), Cary Bolling Pollard Marks; sister, Mar- Taylor Harsh garet (Kip Porter ’60); brother, Charles AUGUST 27, 2017 Pollard Marks; three grandchildren; and Son of Carter ’76 and Cindy Harsh, grand- stepmother, Alice Scott Marks. son of Dr. and Mrs. Griffith R. Harsh, and nephew of Griff Harsh ’71 and Meg Whit- William B. Israel ’73 passed away on man and Milton ’72 and Allison Harsh July 21. He graduated with distinction from Rhodes College and is best known John Spencer Howell for becoming the youngest car dealer in SEPTEMBER 5, 2017 the nation after acquiring Adamson Ford Father of Tom Howell (Dr. Sharon Howell) in 1982. During his career, he served as and grandfather of Ethan ’21 and Maggie president of the Better Business Bureau Howell and the Birmingham Auto Dealer’s Asso- ciation. He had a passion for mentoring Richard “Dick” Jones young people in business and coaching JUNE 2017 them in sports, from Little League T-Ball Faculty member during the 1960s, to High School AAU Basketball. He was designer of Indian Springs’ Truth House, also an avid sportsman and co-owner and father of Richard Jones ’67 of the Byron Hill Show Jumpers. Survi- Carol Jemison Lacy vors include his wife, Linnea; daughters JULY 18, 2017 Sarah Rochelle Israel Levey (Jordan), Mother of John “Jack” Blakeway Lacy ’72 Julia Robinson Israel Vaughn (Cory), and (Elizabeth) and Alexander Shelton Lacy Christian Austin Linnea Israel; brothers, Jr. ’79 (Tabitha) and grandparent of John Roy Israel III (Miko) and Charles Elizabeth Blakeway Chancey ’10 Wesley Israel (Linda); sister, Sarah Elizabeth Israel Ratliff (Bill); and step- mother, Edna Riddle Israel. Joseph William Mathews, Sr. DECEMBER 12, 2016 Koliwe Moyo Stephens ’94 passed Grandfather of Joe Bill Mathews ’86 away on Dec. 21. After completing her (Kathy ’86) undergraduate degree in English at the Catholic University of America and her Dr. Edwin Moyo law degree at Howard University, she OCTOBER 25, 2017 dedicated her life to the causes of child Father of Koliwe Moyo Stephens ’94 welfare and education while working in (Geoff Stephens) andSipiwe Moyo ’01 the D.C. and Maryland state governments. (Leeroy) Spring 2018

56 New York City Reception 2018

THE INDIAN SPRINGS School Board of Governors and Head of School Dr. Sharon Howell were delighted to welcome New York-area alumni and friends for a special reception on Feb. 15—the eve of Springs’ February Board meeting—at The Michelangelo Hotel. It is always lovely to see you—thank you for your abiding commitment to Springs!

Director of Special Projects & Strategy Lauren Wainwright ’88 and Head of School Dr. Sharon Howell with Joey and Jana Mestecky ’91 Kreutziger

ABOVE LEFT: Dean of Student Stephen Cockrell ’02, Chairman of the Board Libby Pantazis, Kyung Han ’85 Development & Community Life Janae Peters, Sara Lowery ’09, and Adam Trodd ’08

ABOVE: Kelly and Robert Aland ’80

LEFT: Loren Gary ’76, Harry Kartus ’76

Russ Maulitz ’62, Sandy Petrey ’59, Lem Coley ’62

NEW YORK CITY RECEPTION PHOTO GALLERY See all photos from our reception at https://IndianSpringsSchool.smugmug.com/ Alumni/New-York-2018 1 of 254 Thank you for your commitment to Springs!

Photos by Wendy Barrows Wendy by Photos Leo Kayser III ’62, Tom Howell Indian Springs

57 ALUMNI & FRIENDS NOTEWORTHY

Holiday Party 2017

MORE THAN 300 ALUMNI, alumni parents, and their family members gathered for Alumni Holi- day Party 2017, held Dec. 26 at Iron City. Thanks so much to String Theory (featuring alumna violinist Niamh Tuohy Fields ’89) for providing musical entertainment and to the Alumni Council for helping to plan a fantastic event!

Adrienne James Carter ’94, Ericka Williams ’95 Ginny, Mac ’14, Virginia ’16, and Joe ’81 Farley

Snehal, Shivani, and Sanjiv Bajaj ’98, Nirmal Roy ’02, Felicia Yu ’01, William Wainscott ’00

Donald Hess ’66, Bob and Emily Hess ’01 Levine, Rachael Mills ’02

HOLIDAY PARTY PHOTO GALLERY See all photos from our 2017 Alumni Holiday Party at https://IndianSpringsSchool. smugmug.com/Alumni/ ABOVE LEFT: Niamh Tuohy Fields ’89 Holiday-Party-2017 Thank you for celebrating the ABOVE: Martin, Scarlett, and Leslie Theibert ’02 Cooles 1 of 81 season with Springs!

LEFT: Larry Brook ’87, Dr. Bob Cooper Edmonds Stewart by Photos Spring 2018

58 CLASS OF ’68

Come Home to Springs! JOIN US FOR ALUMNI WEEKEND I APRIL 19–22

Reconnect with friends and family, discover what's new on campus, and meet the next generation of Springs students during Alumni Weekend 2018! Highlights of the weekend will include the 2018 Directors’ Dinner (for those who give $1,000 or more to the 2017–18 Annual Fund), a performance by the Concert Choir, class reunion parties for class years ending in “8” and “3,” the presentation of the Outstanding Alum Award, and celebration of the 50th reunion Class of 1968.

www.IndianSprings.org/ AlumniWeekend2018 Indian Springs

59 D’ARIA LANE ’21 Spring 2018

60 IN THE GREENHOUSE uniquely springs 190 Woodward Drive Indian Springs, AL 35124 205.988.3350 www.IndianSprings.org