The Defender Dispatch - Alumni Newsletter - Spring 2024 | |
Congratulations to Hannah Turner ('13) and Stephen Stewart who married just two weeks ago! | |
(L-R) Sarah, Nicholas ('11), Hannah ('13), Ron and Debbie Turner. | |
Congratulations to Abby Ray ('15), who married Brad Polanco in Kauai in September 2023. The couple now lives in Chattanooga. | |
Several members of the Class of 2015 gathered in Memphis to celebrate Abby Ray's marriage. Pictured: Caroline Walker, Abby Ray Polanco, Margaret Walker Collins, Rachel Halford Bolton, Lizzie Young Reed, Laura Johnson Bennie, and Ellie Lyons Jackson. | |
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Alumni moms gathered to celebrate Ellie Lyons Jackson ('15) and her baby girl.
(L-R) Terri Walker, Elizabeth Laurence, Brenda Halford, Paula Williams, Ellie, Louise Reesman, Anne Walker, Sharon Ray, and Gina Hall.
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Jacob Laurence (‘11) and wife Lauren welcomed baby boy Edison in August! | |
Congratulations to Luke Bolton ('18) on his engagament to Savannah Pilz! | |
Abbay Kellum ('19) is engaged to Jordan Kocsis! They will be married on July 13, 2024 in Oxford, MS. | |
Congratulations to Jamie Moon ('13) and Hallie Nix on their recent marriage! | |
Ethan Collins ('14) and his wife Miranda welcomed Caroline Marie Collins, born January 17th in the middle of a snowstorm! | |
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Many Westminster graduates gathered for the marriage of Addie Funderburg Laird ('13) in August!
(L-R) Lee Ellen Stanley Neihoff, Sarah Wukasch ('16), Mary Katherine Stanley Rhody ('14), Olivia Funderburg Glassell, Walker Laird, Addie Funderburg Laird ('13), Kevin Wukasch ('15), Eric Walker ('13), Daniel Suddoth ('13), Laura Young Oliver ('13), and Andrea Buchanan McQueen ('13).
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Further congratulations are in order for Addie Funderburg Laird ('13) on her December graduation from the University of Memphis. She graduated with a Doctorate in Music, with a degree in viola performance and a cognate in music education.
She and her husband Walker Laird live in Norfolk, VA, where Walker is in the Air Force and is in the middle of his first year of pediatric residency.
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Introducing our Alumni Relations departmental spokesbaby, Walt Pang! Walt was born to Mary Rachel Pang ('06) and her husband Walter in May of last year. Bonus news: In October, Walt will be a big brother! | |
4th Grade castle building with the Class of 2023! | |
Our Latin students won 2nd place! | |
Last weekend, our 9th and 10th grade Latin students participated in the Tennessee Junior Classical League's Latin Convention at the University of Memphis, which they have been preparing for all spring. The convention is a celebration of the study of the Classical world and a statewide competition among Tennessee Latin students, with competitions including academic testing, music, rhetoric, writing, art, costumes, athletics, and more. Our school was returning to the competition for the first time in several years, and our students excelled across the board. Our students placed 55 times in the various events and earned 2nd place in the overall competition. Congratulationes vobis, discipuli! | |
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Join us on May 1st for a celebration of Mrs. Vicki Halford on her final Literary Character Day as we honor her for over 25 years of service as the Westminster Academy librarian!
8:10 am - Literary Character Day Parade lead by Mrs. Halford
8:30 am - Presentation honoring Mrs. Halford
8:45 am - Cupcakes & coffee served
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As we swiftly approach Ralph Janikowsky's retirement from his time as our beloved Headmaster, many of you have inquired about a special way to honor him. In response, we invite you to consider an honorarium gift to "The Captain's Cause", a campaign to celebrate Ralph's longtime dedication to classical Christian education. Your gift will be used specifically for a cause that is near to his heart: the continuing education and training of the teachers who daily model the love of Christ to our students.
Ralph's commanding presence will be greatly missed in these halls, yet his legacy will live on through the steadfast love, service, and prayer that he has poured into our school for the past eight years. Your gift to "The Captain's Cause" will bolster that legacy through the opportunities it will grant our wonderful faculty.
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Upcoming Dates to Remember... | |
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May 1 - Literary Character Day
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May 9 - Spring Fling 3:30-5:00pm
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May 11 - Retirement Reception for Mr. Janikowsky at IPC at 6:00pm
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May 14 - Spring choir concert and Senior art exhibit at 6:30pm
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May 23 - Farewell assembly
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May 23 - Senior Graduation 7:00pm at Independent Presbyterian Church
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There are lots of ways you can get involved here at Westminster. We need your help with:
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Subbing in the main office. Lend a hand with the busy happenings of the school and love on our students. If interested contact Kathryn at kwalker@wamemphis.com.
- Volunteering in the library once a month on Wednesdays, morning or afternoon. Please contact Vicki Halford at (901) 484-0462.
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Teaching an instrument in our Music Conservatory program. Please reach out to Ginger Smith to learn more.
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There are many ways to stay connected to Westminster Academy... | | | | |
