The Defender Dispatch - Alumni Newsletter - Summer 2024

Congratulations to Christley Vaughn Bergeron ('20) who was married in December to Seth Bergeron! The newlyweds live in Chattanooga, TN, where Christley is soon to begin a teaching job with a Classical Christian school.

Congratulations to Amanda Hall Overduin ('08), who married Tim Overduin in April!

(L-R) Blake Daniels, Katherine Hall Daniels ('04), Holt Hall, Tim Overduin, Amanda Hall Overduin ('08), Kay Hall, Mary Rachel Hall Pang ('06), Walter Pang, and Walt Pang

Congratulations to Sarah Gentry ('20) who has earned a degree in Graphic Design from Samford University!

Sarah is an ADDY Award-winning designer in Birmingham, AL.

Click here to see some of her work.

Ava Vining ('22), who trains at the Royal Academy of Dance, performed at The Wallace Museum in London as part of her participation in the English National Ballet School year long professional trainee program.

Bethan Holland Raines ('02) is our new Librarian! She is married to Drew and mother to Elijah ('28) Eero ('29), John-Wendell ('33) and Betsy ('35). Bethan is thrilled to carry on the legacy of Vicki Halford in the Westminster Library and invest herself in the cultivation of lifelong learners and readers. 

Mary Kathryn Davis ('10) is our new Upper School Art History teacher! After graduating from Westminster Academy, she went on to receive her B.A. in History and Classics from Samford University and her M.A. in Art and Museum Studies at Georgetown University. Mary Kathryn is also mom to Micah (age 4) and Langley (age 2) and wife to Conner Davis, Upper School Latin teacher.

Congratulations to Amy Maugans Callis ('03), who has pubished her book, On The Trivium, The Trinity, and Triplets. Amy is a Physical Education teacher and coach at WA. She is married to Jonathan Callis, our Upper School Academic Dean. They have five children who attend Westminster!

Click to read more about her book.

Lots of alumni came out in support of our Varsity Soccer team in the spring.

(L-R) Clay Smith ('21), Jon David Gibson ('23), Matthew Zinser ('23), Abby Carney ('23), Kennedy Stevens ('23), and Coley Stout ('22)

Welcome to the newest members of our WA Alumni family, Class of 2024!

Lower School Science with Mrs. Dixon

6th Grade Retreat

Members of the Class of 2017

The Class of 2030

We have a Drama Troupe!

This spring, our Defender Drama Troupe, led by Mrs. Allie Smith, put on a wonderful performance of "Where the Sky meets the Sea"!

Welcome to our new Head of School, Dr. Preston Atwood!

Preston has a passion for Classical Christian Education and has an impressive track record of executive leadership. Before coming to Westminster Academy, Dr. Atwood was the Head of School at Regents Academy in Nacogdoches, Texas. He obtained his Ph.D. in Classical and Ancient Near Eastern Studies from the University of Wisconsin. He also holds a Masters of Arts in Hebrew Bible and Semitic Studies, a Master of Theology, and an Advanced Master of Divinity. Preston was classically educated himself during undergraduate studies at The College at Southwestern.

A deeply committed and faithful follower of Jesus Christ, Preston holds a mature faith and seeks opportunities to use his gifts for God’s Kingdom. He is a dedicated husband to Emily, an intentional father to their children, and describes himself as an unashamed family man. Preston also enjoys writing and is a talented musician who enjoys playing piano, especially self-composed pieces. The Atwoods are extremely enthusiastic about Westminster Academy and look forward to their children being Defenders!

Mark your calendar for our Alumni Homecoming gathering and basketball game on Friday, January 10th!

Stayed tuned for more info about dinner, activities, and how to RSVP in the next Dispatch.

Upcoming Dates to Remember...

• August 20 - Opening Assembly @ 8:10am in the Sanctuary
• October 1 - Fall Choir Concert
• October 4 - Upper School Fall Field Day
• November 11 - Veterans Day Assembly
• November 22 - Tailgate
• December 19 - Alumni Cookies & Cocoa/Christmas Choir Concert
• January 10 - Alumni Homecoming

Volunteer Opportunities

There are lots of ways you can get involved here at Westminster. We need your help with:

• Substitute teaching in Grammar School and Upper School. Contact Karla Scott at kscott@wamemphis.com.

• 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.

• Teaching an instrument in our Music Conservatory program. Please reach out to Ginger Smith to learn more.

• We want to see what our graduates are up to! Email any photos or updates to aturner@wamemphis.com. Also, If you would like to suggest yourself or someone else for a future alumni spotlight, click here to let us know.

• If you are a WA graduate and haven't updated your contact info lately, click here to let us know where you are.



• If you are a parent or grandparent of a WA graduate, click here to update your contact info.

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