The Defender Dispatch - Alumni Newsletter - Summer 2025

The WA Class of 2015 and friends got together this summer for a fun reunion! They celebrated all weekend with a get-together at Wiseacre on Friday, Saturday brunch at Scott and Anne Walker's home, and a tour of the school. They even managed to squeeze in a round of Knockout in the gym!

Congratulations to Barbara Hale '21 and Laney Hansen '21, who both graduated from the University of Arkansas in May. Barbara majored in Studio Art with a Minor in Italian. Laney graduated with highest honors in PreVet/Animal Science.

Mary Halford Davis '05, her husband Jacob, and children Ford and Elliot welcomed new baby brother Henry this summer!

Congratulations to Mary Banks Hickman Rayburn '17 and her husband ST on the birth of Bruce this June! Sissy Hickman, WA 5th grade teacher, is the delighted grandmother. ST and Mary Banks are also excited to move to Memphis this August as ST will begin to work with Glankler Brown as an associate attorney in September.

But wait, there is another Hickman grandbaby! On Saturday, July 19th, James R. Hickman IV was born to Jake Hickman '18 and Madison in Meridian, MS, where they are stationed for Naval advanced flight training. Madison works in Advancement for the University of Virginia and owns a stationery company called Madly Made. They feel incredibly blessed by baby James and pray that he would know what is good. “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.”

Psalm 127:3 ESV

Congratulations to Joshua Inman and Marianna Jordan '22, who were married on June 15th!

Caroline and Matthew Jordan '14 and their daughter Mary Margaret

celebrate at Aunt Marianna‘s wedding.

Bridesmaids for their sister Marianna, Emily Jordan '17 and Hannah Jordan '20 catch up with former WA teacher and current board member Kelly Wells.

Congratulations to Mackenzie Riggs '22 and William Dawkins '22, who got engaged this month!

We loved seeing Ashton Storey '19 at Field Day in May!

In celebration of Westminster Academy's 30th school year, we invite all alumni to be our special guests at 8:00am on Wednesday, August 20th at this year's Opening Assembly! Afterward at 9:00am, there will be a special Alumni Reception in the conference room, where Deborah Perry will be our honored guest!

Catch a glimpse of future predictions for the class of 2000 during their Senior Banquet. They all agreed an Avila would become Headmaster and chose Jeremy Avila '05!

In the spirit of Christmas-in-July, do you remember your favorite Secret Santa Day?

Did you know that moms of graduates still get together to pray for all of you? (Pictured: Our meeting in April at the home of Bryn Wilson)

Did you know that we have a Dog Day every year, when WA 6th Graders get to bring their dogs to school to meet each other?

We'd love for you to sign up for ZipCast, our 10-minute weekly audio podcast designed to keep you updated and inspired.

Sign up by texting WATN to 833-409-4823. There will be a few short questions to give us a better idea of who is using ZipCast in our community.



Once you sign up, you’ll receive a text each Monday morning inviting you to listen to the latest ZipCast. No apps to download—just click and play, but you must sign up in order to receive the podcast each week.

If you're thinking of planning a reunion for your class, let us know!

We can help by:

• Scheduling tours so that you can see what's new at Westminster
• Passing along available contact info for your classmates
• Advertising your event in the WA Weekly and the Defender Dispatch
• Providing a full list of school events that alumni can attend
• Scheduling visits with former teachers
• Providing WA swag for your event
• Hosting a breakfast or lunch at WA on us

Please click here to email Mary Rachel Pang for help!

Update Your Contact Info

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.

Upcoming Dates to Remember

• August 20 - Opening Assembly (8am) and Alumni Reception (9am)
• August 29 - Substitute Teacher training (8am)
• September 30 - Fall Choir Concert (6:30pm)
• October 3 - US Fall Field Day

Volunteer Opportunities

There are lots of ways that alumni 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 Walker at kwalker@wamemphis.com.

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

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