Meet nine teachers and read what they enjoy most about teaching at Baylor.
A new academic page on our website(view it here) takes a closer look at nine Baylor teachers who were gracious enough to let us pry into their interests outside of the classroom and explore what they enjoy most about teaching at Baylor.
These nine faculty members represent a bigger picture of an amazing community of teachers who have earned degrees in everything from classical studies to computational engineering. They bring experience from teaching at all levels of education in both public and independent school settings. Their interests are just as varied: they have won competitive races, paddled rivers, trekked mountains, started their own businesses, volunteered in their communities, and traveled the world. The variety of their lives notwithstanding, the one thing that remains constant is that teaching matters most to them, and they are hopeful about their students and about what the future holds for them.
Members of the senior class and adult leaders discussed how the Class of 2028 can participate in various Baylor activities and support systems that are available to them.
This year's annual Boys’ Night and Girls’ Night provided ninth grade students the opportunity to learn more about leadership opportunities in the Upper School and the many ways they might contribute to the Baylor community.
Guided by the theme, “The B is Greater than Me," members of the senior class and adult leaders discussed how the Class of 2028 can continue to adjust to the Upper School and the various Baylor activities and support systems that are available to them. Each evening included dinner, breakout sessions on various topics, and plenty of great conversations.
History Department Chair Heather Biebel, who has been involved with the annual Girls’ Night events since the history department brought the program back in 2022, said 125 ninth graders were involved. “This is a night when we see our senior leaders shine. Some worked on creating the night’s theme and the breakout sessions, others were group leaders," said Biebel. "They all spent time getting to know our ninth graders, and every senior involved led by example. Our ninth graders left the events with knowledge on how they can get involved in the Baylor Community and how they can become leaders at Baylor as well."
History instructors Cecily Honeycutt and Jack Studer '01 coordinated the programing for the events. Other adult leaders involved with Girls’ Night were faculty members Lizzie Gendimenico, Kelly Good, Mary Beth Hopping, Kelly O’Mara, Carrie Rice, and coach Kelli Howard-Smith ’95. Faculty leaders involved with the Boys’ Night along with Studer were Rev. Matt Farr ’03, Nick Boehm ’98,Andrew Hoffman ’18, Vic Oakes, Angelo Coclanis, along with varsity coaches Erik Kimrey, Toney Easely, and Cole Johnson.
Proceeds from Baylor’s biennial auction goes directly to The Baylor Fund.
Save the Date for Celebrations’25, RED ALERT – Saturday, March 8, 2025, Baylor’s biennial auction when Baylor parents, alumni, and friends will gather in the Field House for a seated dinner, silent auction, energizing live auction and so much more. It is a fun night with all proceeds from this extraordinary event going to The Baylor Fund, which provides direct support for faculty development, community service, academics, arts, athletics, financial aid, and the boarding program.
Hundreds of volunteers and supporters are working hard to ensure the success of this important Baylor event. For more information on how you can be involved, click here!
World Language Instructor Kenneth Parks, pictured with Dean of Faculty William Montgomery ’92 and Head of School Chris Angel ’89, marked his 40-year milestone of teaching at Baylor.
Baylor School recognized 28 faculty, staff, and administrators for years of service during assembly on Sept. 6.
World Language Instructor Kenneth Parks marked his 40th year as a Baylor faculty member, teaching both French and Spanish.
Others marking employment milestones were Betsy Carmichael, Penny Tullock, and Kristin Vines, 35 years; Beth Gumnick, 30 years; Gary Cain, Dallas Joseph, Barbara Kennedy, Carissa Margio, and Gary Partrick, 25 years; Suzie Boyle and Christy Tomisek, 20 years; Bett Adams, Jean Lau, William Montgomery, and Maria Reap; 15 years; Averil Blue, Justin Burner, Lee Casson, Michael Clark, Jeff Gaither, and Walt Kean, 10 years; and Linda Barber, Jennifer Ford, Cecily Honeycutt, Cody McGee, Bruno Poco, Mary Catherine Robbins, Natalie Rodriguez-Nelson, Rhonda Sixto, Doug Smith, Garrison Smith, and Hattie Weams, five years.
Head of School Awards recipients Samuel D. Holmes '83 and Phillip B. Whitaker, Jr. '79.
Baylor School honored 12 members of the school community during the Head of School Awards and Memorial Chapel Service on Oct. 4, as part of the Alumni Weekend 2024 festivities.
Samuel D. Holmes ’83 was the recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award. The John T. “Buddy” Fisher ’46 Distinguished Service Award was Philip B. Whitaker, Jr. ’79.
Dedicated Service honorees were awarded to recent retirees Leslie Davenport (27 years), and Perry Key’81 (36 years).
The eight new Sports Hall of Fame inductees were Precious Birdsong ’14 (softball), Samantha Caswell ’14 (tennis), Ben Cook ’91 (tennis), Martin Grodzki ’09 (swimming), Tim Parker III ’98 (basketball),and Stephanie Napier Threlkeld ’06 (swimming).
Phil Hibdon,former equipment manager, and Doug Moser, girls' softball and basketball coach, were inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame posthumously for their service and contributions to the school's athletic program.
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) announced that seven Baylor seniors have been named semifinalists.
Congratulations to (front row, left to right) seniors Vivien Webster, Alisha Chandra, and Sasha Smith; (back row, left to right) Johnny Sutter, Harper Kelly, Kristin Spykerman, and Lane Cooper.
Officials of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) have announced that seven Baylor seniors have been named semifinalists in the 70th annual National Merit Scholarship Program.
Vivien Webster, Alisha Chandra, Sasha Smith, Johnny Sutter, Harper Kelly, Kristin Spykerman, and Lane Cooper will have the opportunity to continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarships that will be offered in the spring.
Their recognition is based on their performance as juniors on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). Of the 1.5 million students who took the test in 2023, they were among the 16,000 highest scorers nationwide.
When the curtain rises of Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, more than 55 cast and crew members, as well as 21 members of the orchestra, will play acrucial role in bringing the enchanting tale to life on stage.
The play is directed by Beth Gumnick with set design by Garrett Walsh, and costumes by Laura Smith (a portion of the costumes are being rented from the Chattanooga Theatre Centre). Mae Weiss serves as conductor, Ben Sposet is choral director, and Allison Lamb is prop designer. Lamb is also overseeing 20 Middle Schoolers who are assisting with the set and props as part of the crew.
Music is by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, and book by Linda Woolverton.
Don’t miss your chance to see it come to life April 24-28, (7:30 p.m., Wed.-Sat., and 2:30 p.m.,on Sat. & Sun.) Tickets are $10 and go on sale Wednesday, April 17 and may be purchased by clicking here. Baylor Backers may access their discount codes for tickets starting Monday, April 15 by contacting Rheagan Hall.
In the meantime, we caught up junior Maggie Tansor, who is double cast as Belle (along with senior Mya Houston),three of the four fanatical female followers of Gaston (seniors Ellie and Emery Carico and junior Harper Kelly) and Gaston himself (sophomore Wesley Chi).
The four represent a range of stage experience and hope other students will be inspired to get involved in theater after seeing the production. “Theater is just a really fun experience no matter what part you get. We have space for anyone who wants to be on stage, and we also have a plethora of roles behind the scenes for people interested in theater but not acting. Putting yourself out there can be scary, but it also is really rewarding and gives you a who new group of friends you see after school every day,” says Kelly.
This is Tansor's first Upper School theater performance, although she has been a steady presence on the stage as a member of Verve'. Splitting the lead role of Belle with Houston has helped them develop a friendship, and she has also enjoyed getting to know the rest of the cast and meeting new people. "There are students from all different after school activities and grades, and being able to engage with people that I wouldn't normally see has been really exciting," she said. "I think the challenge for newcomers is keeping up with everyone else who has been in musicals and productions before. Even though this is a challenge, the people in the cast who have done other productions before are extremely supportive and inclusive."
Chi says he has always been drawn to theater because he has a natural love of performing but also finds it to be “just really fun,” but getting into character of Gaston has been particularly enjoyable. “He's such a cartoony character which makes him really fun to portray.” Chi, who most recently played Professor Plum in the fall production of Clue, said he acted “a decent bit before Covid, put it aside for a few years, and came back to it halfway through Middle School at Baylor. Ever since then, I've been in six or seven both small-scale and large-scale productions…forming a sense of community during a production has always been a blast.”
Other than a stint in a Signal Mountain Playhouse production of Peter Pan when she was in elementary school, senior Ellie Caricowas committed to her varsity sport and not able to perform in a play until recently. “It’s my senior year and I finally have time to do it. I love that I have made new friends that I would have never met before,” she says, admitting that she was not expecting the work that had to be done outside of afternoon and evening rehearsals. It does not feel like a task though. It feels like a fun activity that I get to do.” She advises other students to audition for a play before their senior year if possible. “It has been one of my favorite experiences at Baylor so far, and I wish I had been involved with the program before my senior year.”
Senior Emery Carico is also performing on stage for the first time, and like her sister, Ellie, she is a committed athlete and is no stranger to teamwork. “I hope the audience realizes the effort it takes to put on a performance as big as Beauty and The Beast. I can say for myself that I never realized all the time and effort it takes from everyone for the shows to be as good as they are.” She said acting has been challenging due to her lack of experience, but she has enjoyed being surrounded by a new group of peers. “I think at times we can become separated between the people who enjoy sports and who enjoy the arts but it’s fun when we can do things together.”
Gaston's groupies also include freshman Matilda Joels, and Kelly, who has been involved in Baylor plays since middle school and does theater year-round in tech and as a cast member. She is also an officer in The Baylor Players. “Theater would not be so exciting without all the wonderful friends I get to hang out with. Everyone is so kind and welcoming and wants to build each other up. We also have some pretty cool teachers who add even more to the experience.” Even though she is no stranger to the stage, Kelly finds combining singing and dancing together to be a challenge. “We have a limited time to learn our harmonies and dances and then have to put them together,” but adds that she hopes “audiences will allow themselves to simply enjoy the show as we take them on Belle’s journey. I am excited to share our spin on the classic Disney tale that the whole family can enjoy!”
“I hope the audiences not only enjoy the show, but really appreciate how much work goes into the show behind the scenes,” adds Tansor. “Not only is the cast hard at work, but the entire production utilizes the hard work of our teachers, the band and orchestra, the dancers, and the countless talented students that make up the tech crew.”