The Defender Dispatch - Alumni Newsletter - Winter 2022
Trouble viewing entire email? Be sure to click the "View Entire Message" at the bottom of your screen.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Autumn Baldock Thomas ('07) graduated from Union University with a major in Chemistry and a minor in Biology. She then went on to the University of TN Health Science Center for pharmacy school.

She tells us: "I went to work for Walgreens in Spartanburg, SC as a Pharmacist after graduating in 2014. I became a pharmacy manager in 2016. I managed 3 different pharmacy locations in Spartanburg and Myrtle Beach during my time with Walgreens.

I married my junior high sweetheart, Micah, in 2011. We have 3 children: Hayes (5) Harlan (4) and Hensley (1). Our 4th child is due early June 2022! We recently moved back to Memphis in the summer of 2021 after Micah completed medical school and residency in South Carolina (yay for real barbecue again!) I am now enjoying staying home with my children and watching them grow every day! It is great to be back in the city we both grew up in and introducing our kids to all the Memphis things we love.

Micah and I went on our first medical mission trip together while he was in medical school. We went to El Salvador where I worked as a pharmacist while he diagnosed and treated patients. It is something we enjoy doing together and we look forward to more trips in the future hopefully. We enjoy going to Grizzlies games and Orpheum shows since moving back to Memphis and trying out all the new restaurants out there since we moved away 7 years ago. We have loved getting involved back in the church where we met and seeing our kids get involved there also. I have been busy designing and working on our home we just finished building since moving back to Memphis. It has been great to create a space for our family to put down some roots finally! However, we miss living at the beach, so we make our way to the ocean as often as we can. Our kids are all beach babies and love the sand between their toes!

Westminster is such a unique place that I am honored to have the privilege to claim as my alma mater. From those days playing four square or watching the 9/11 news at the Broadmoor campus to hanging out in the senior lounge or spending extra time in the art room at the Ridgeway campus because Mr. Carter knew just how to make you fall in love with art, Westminster has played a major role in the person I am today. If I had to pick one memory of my time at Westminster, my senior trip to Italy is something I will never forget. Seeing this world we had learned so much about for years in some shape or form in almost all of our classes, was an experience of a lifetime. Honestly though, the fondest memories are the times of feeling seen and heard by the teachers and faculty at Westminster. I am positive I was not the best science student Mrs. Reed ever had, but I truly think her belief that I was capable of learning whatever I wanted to learn played a role in my confidence to pursue a chemistry degree in college. I could go on and on with examples of how each teacher played a role in my life. Westminster is a special place I will always dearly love."
Max Baker ('19) writes: "I started out as an economics major at the University of Tennessee Knoxville but switched to accounting after a year and a half. Accounting isn't as bad as people say! (or maybe I'm just weird). I will be pursuing an undergrad in Accounting with a collateral in Finance. I plan on pursuing a Master of Accountancy at UTK as well in order to be CPA eligible. Over the last year, I have worked in pool sales with Aurora Pool and Spa in Knoxville and have signed for two internships. The first will be a tax internship with Elliott Advisory Group, LLP in the Spring of 2022 and is in Farragut. The second is Technology Risk Consulting internship with Ernst & Young in Memphis, Summer 2022.

I don't always get to see my family but have enjoyed every opportunity I get to come home and see them. I do get to spend more time with my grandparents that live in Farragut which is great! I have spent a lot of time in college making new friends, going to football games, and participating in clubs and school events. I have found a great group of friends and we now live in a house with about 10 people, so it's hard to be bored. There is a homeless cat named Pancho that lives under my porch. She’s very sweet and brings us all kinds of fun gifts (mostly birds and squirrels).

I miss every single Westminster event whether it be 3rd Grade Olympics, any house challenge, Field Day, Secret Santa, Funus Runus, etc. My advice to everybody still at WA is don't take these for granted! One day, you'll be in the middle of finals week wishing you had the craziness of Secret Santa to lift your spirits."
Ginny Fisher ('21) is a Freshman at Mississippi State studying mechanical engineering. She writes: "In the fall, I pledged Chi Omega Fraternity, the largest Greek women’s organization in the country with 181 chapters across the nation and over 370,000 initiated members. In September, I was surprised and honored to receive the honor of being named Chi Omega’s Supreme Governing Council Model initiate. 

This means that I will be initiated into Chi Omega this coming summer in Phoenix, AZ at Chi Omega’s national convention in front of 1,500-2,000 Chi Omegas! All Chi Omega chapters were given the opportunity to nominate a new member that they felt worthy to be considered for this honor. Criteria to be selected as the national model initiate included being a Chi Omega legacy (my mom, grandmother, great aunt, and 2 aunts are Chi Omegas), being involved in campus organizations, having a strong resume from high school, and upholding Chi Omega’s six purposes. 

I definitely think that the leadership opportunities that Westminster afforded me helped me to receive this honor!"
Carter Hall ('07) is a graduate of Furman University. He lives in Greenville, SC, and works as a principal and financial with CAPTRUST, a national registered investment advisory firm. He and his wife Mills and have three daughters, Eleanor, Betsy, and Mary Carter.

Carter loves fly fishing for trout in the mountains of North and South Carolina. He currently serves as a Guardian ad Litem for children in the foster care system and as a deacon and treasurer at their church.

His fondest memory of Westminster is the Senior trip to Italy.

Carter says, "I visited WA for the first time in many years in September. It is amazing how much it has changed!"
Christine Electra Williamson ('13)

Christine Electra Williamson is the first ever America’s Ideal Miss! She works as the Lead Campaign Execution Coordinator for Ubiquitous Marketing Agency where she ensures the success of brand campaigns partnering with influencers. She graduated in 2017 from The University of Mississippi, with her Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism and Public Relations, with a minor in Political Science. She obtained her master’s degree in Business and in Data Analytics from the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga.

Christine has served as Miss Tennessee 2018 and was selected as Miss Tennessee Volunteer, as the first titleholder in the Miss Volunteer America system!

She is an advocate and ambassador for the Alzheimer’s Association & for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Christine volunteers at her local animal shelter and is a mom to one rescue cat that lives with her in Chattanooga, and 3 rescue pups that live with her parents in Memphis, Tennessee.
Margaret Walker Collins ('15) attended the University of Mississippi for her Dental Hygiene Prerequisites, then received her Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. She is currently a Dental Hygienist at Avery and Meadows Dental Practice.

She and her husband Ben enjoy being with friends, eating at wonderful Memphis Restaurants, going on walks, and having game nights at their house. They are members at Second Presbyterian Church and love living in Memphis. Her family includes Anne and Scott Walker, Will and Allison Walker, and Sally Walker.

Of her best Westminster memory, Margaret writes: "Definitely our trip to Italy with my class! We went to Florence, Rome, and Venice, and my favorite thing was some of us took a cooking class at a Florentine’s house. He took us to the market to buy ingredients, then we made a delicious salad, as well as gnocchi, homemade pasta, and tiramisu. I will never forget that experience!"
CELEBRATING CYNTHIA BEHNKE
Westminster Academy celebrates the life and legacy of beloved teacher Cynthia Behnke.

Cynthia was born to Don and Ora Belle Gibson on May 16, 1961. Her intelligence, beauty and stunning red hair were only a few of the incredible attributes she was blessed with. Cynthia grew up in Memphis, TN and attended High School at Southern Baptist Educational Center, graduating in 1979.

She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Christian Brothers University in 1983 with a minor in electrical engineering and a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics; she loved the study of this because of the Truth that is found in the most fundamental language of God's Creation. Upon graduation from CBU Cynthia taught high school Mathematics at Immaculate Conception Cathedral School and then later went on to teach Mathematics at Westminster Academy from 1996-2008 to share this knowledge, but principally to show how God's love is repeated throughout His most beautiful creations.

Her art was in fabric and lace along with creating couturier for ladies who knew fine custom work when it was worn. Of her many talents, another was making heirloom christening gowns, bridal dresses, and clothing for her grandchildren, friends, family, and students to pass along through the years.

March 8, 2003 was the happiest day of her life when she wed Albert John ""Johnny"" Behnke. With him came a large and loving family and three wonderful children; Fallon Behnke Balmes, Faith Behnke Keeling, and Albert Jacob Behnke. She leaves behind her most beloved husband, her sister Lauren Lucille Gibson, her father, Don Menard Gibson, her mother-in-law Fina Behnke, children, five grandchildren and so many who loved her.

Our Lord welcomed her in to His arms on November 28th, 2021.
LOOKING BACK
School Clubs
Karate Club (2005) led by Dr. Bellott and Mr. Read
...And Basketball Wins
JV/V Boys Basketball Team (2000-2001)
REMEMBER WHEN...
The 4th Grade Play
A cherished tradition then...
Pender Wells ('15), Nicholas Azar, and Andrew Laurence ('15) in 2005
...and it continues today!
Secret Santa Buddies
Seniors Julia Jennings ('21), Catherine Baum ('21), Mae Mae Reneau ('21), and Caroline Cruse ('21) preparing for the festivities in 2020
Current 2nd graders Juliet Callis and Ellie Clowers enjoying time with their Secret Santa buddy Joelle Marino (8th Grade)
DID YOU KNOW?
Mark Clear's birthday was last week!
Mr. Clear has served our school faithfully for over 20 years!
Former US teacher and current parent Bryn Wilson is Westminster Academy's Chairman of the Board
Bryn and George Wilson enjoying an evening at Protocol
Our beloved Debbie Frazier is retiring this year after twenty-two years of service
...Stay tuned for more about this exciting milestone!
(L-R) James Grant, Marti Bolton, Debbie Frazier, Patricia Culp, and Ralph Janikowsky
CURRENT NEWS
Alumni Fun at the Farm!
Many thanks to Alum Frank Roberts ('01) and his entire family for welcoming us to their farm in November for a beautiful afternoon of fellowship.
(L-R) Autumn Baldock Thomas ('07), Frank Roberts ('01), Mary Kathryn Jorgensen Davis ('10), Amy Maugans Callis ('03), Callie Milam Tarver ('02), Mary Rachel Hall Pang ('06), Katherine Allen ('07), Robert Kinney ('10) with his daughter and future Defender, Emma Frances
Sweet Celebrations
Congratulations to Shelby ('11) and Lindsey Hall who were married in Nashville this month!
(L-R) Keith Hall Immanuel ('08), Jacob Laurence ('10), Jean Larroux, Cannon Allen Jr. ('11), Shelby Hall ('11), Amy Hall ('13), Megan Reneau Allen ('10), Amanda Hall ('08), Mary Rachel Hall Pang '(06), Katherine Hall Daniels ('04)
Come and Play!
We hope that you will participate in this year's tournament to benefit Westminster Academy's Purple and Gold Fund! Click here to learn more, register to play, be a sponsor, or donate prizes.
Trivia Night
New Head of Grammar School
After a national search, Westminster Academy has selected Emily Newman to take over from Debbie Frazier as the next Head of Grammar School. 

Emily has a true passion for education and has spent 16 years as an elementary teacher, the last 6 of those being here at Westminster in 3rd grade. For the last two years, Emily served as the Academic Dean of Grammar School, involved in teacher certification, training, mentoring, planning and implementing curriculum, and leading the academic support program in Grammar School. Emily truly loves Westminster and the families that have become part of her family over the last 9 years. She is thrilled for the opportunity to continue using her gifts at Westminster Academy for His glory.
Upcoming Dates to Remember
  • March 4 - Trivia Night @ 6:00 PM
  • March 5 - Choir Pops Concert @ 3:00 and 7:00 PM
  • May 2 - Westminster Classic Golf Tournament
  • May 26 - Graduation - 7:00 PM @ IPC
STAY CONNECTED!
There are many ways to stay connected to Westminster Academy...