Harpeth Hall faculty are “lighthouses” guiding students in learning and life

When senior Annie Lea Choate was asked what her favorite part about Harpeth Hall was, she did not hesitate to enthusiastically respond with “the faculty!”

In fact, in a survey of the entire Harpeth Hall community last year, students overwhelmingly answered that question the same way, while teachers nearly unanimously responded with “the students.”

This mutual respect in itself is a part of what makes Harpeth Hall so special. The appreciation and care between teachers and students create an environment where learning is at the heart. Where else do students go out of their way to thank their teachers after each class?

“Harpeth Hall would not be the same without your compassion, knowledge, and dedication,” Annie Lea said. “You are the foundation of this community. Because of you, Harpeth Hall is a special place for current students and alumnae — who all want to come back just to see you. …Our faculty is a constant source of support and encouragement. Regardless of what is happening on campus or in the world, you believe in us — helping us to grow and flourish. I remain in awe of you.”

Each spring, during what is known as the students' favorite assembly, faculty members are honored with words that capture and reflect the impact each educator has on Harpeth Hall.

“I can think of no better occasion than this time together to honor all our teaching and non-teaching faculty members who are the heart and soul of our school,” Head of School Jess Hill said. “Each year, this gathering is a celebration of all of you and a reflection of our community and our values as a school. To all our faculty and staff — I thank you. You exemplify strength when required and always compassion when needed.”

During the assembly, Ms. Hill recognized three faculty members with the school's highest awards for teaching.

Middle school math teacher Keely Hendricks '16 received the Heath Jones Prize for the Promise of Excellence in Teaching. Upper school social studies teacher Ben Fulwider was presented with the Ellen Bowers Hofstead Chair in the Humanities. Middle school English teacher Clark Elam Harwell '90 was honored with the Lulu Hampton Owen Chair for Excellence in Teaching.

Director of the Upper School Frances Fondren-Bales and Interim Director of the Middle School Mary Lea Bryant '72 joined in honoring faculty and staff members who have been at Harpeth Hall for 10, 15, 20, and 30 years. Ms. Hill also recognized upper school science teacher Hannah Bond '82 and Middle School Dean of Students Traci Keller, who are retiring this school year. With each name called, the theatre erupted into applause, cheers, and standing ovations, especially among this year’s senior class, who are just over 30 days away from graduation.

“As we move to our next chapter, we will take what we have learned into the real world. The world can be a scary place. Uncertainty and tragedy have shaken our peace,” Annie Lea said to all of the faculty gathered in the theatre. “But as we weather the storms of life, you will always be our lighthouse — guiding us to shore. Thanks to you, the real world doesn’t seem so scary. Because of this place, our ‘o’ place beloved,’ we know we can do anything.”

Heath Jones Prize for the Promise of Excellence in Teaching

Keely Hendricks received the Heath Jones Prize for the Promise of Excellence in Teaching. This prize is dedicated to A. Heath Jones, a teacher and academic dean at Harpeth Hall from 1984 to 1996. Harpeth Hall awards this prize annually to a full-time teacher who has had five years or less of classroom experience and who has taught at Harpeth Hall for two years or more.

A Harpeth Hall graduate and past Lady of the Hall recipient, Ms. Hendricks returned to campus two years ago to teach math in the middle school. “Colleagues describe Ms. Hendricks as ‘adaptive, enthusiastic, and approachable’ with a classroom that radiates a welcoming atmosphere where students feel valued,” Ms. Hill said. “Students find her warm and creative.” One of Ms. Hendricks’s students said, “She is very talented at what she does and teaches in ways that are interactive, fun, and challenging. Math used to be something I didn't enjoy, but now I love math!” Ms. Hendricks embodies our mission and vision at the highest levels.

Ellen Bowers Hofstead Chair in the Humanities

Ben Fulwider received the Ellen Bowers Hofstead Chair, an award established by James W. Hofstead in loving memory of his wife. Mrs. Hofstead graduated from Ward-Belmont Preparatory School in 1934 and Ward-Belmont Junior College in 1935. This recognition is awarded for a period of three years. Recipients of the Ellen Bowers Hofstead Chair demonstrate a high level of distinction in learning and teaching, have earned an advanced degree, and have made a full-time commitment to Harpeth Hall for a minimum of five years.

Dr. Fulwider has taught history in the upper school since 2016. “He is passionate that our girls have strong skills in reading and processing non-fiction writing, knowledge of the history of our country, and curiosity about our current world,” Ms. Hill said. In the classroom, his ability to adjust his teaching style and lesson plans allows students to not only comprehend, but also engage with, his dense AP history subject matter. A student of Dr. Fulwider said, “He is a great teacher who clearly loves to have fun and teach history at the same time, making class fun and engaging.” He goes above and beyond the call of duty to enrich the learning and academic environment of Harpeth Hall and is committed to helping the school turn out intellectually prepared and curious students.

Lulu Hampton Owen Chair for Excellence in Teaching

Clark Harwell received the ​Lulu Hampton Owen Chair for Excellence in Teaching. This recognition is awarded annually to an outstanding member of the Harpeth Hall faculty who demonstrates excellence in scholarship, an unusual ability to communicate with students, excitement about teaching and learning, a commitment to the moral and intellectual development of students, and dedication to the life of the school. The appointment is for one year and carries with it honor, remuneration, and a Harpeth Hall chair which serves as a symbol for this award.

Ms. Harwell “leads with joy in everything she does, and she wants to bring that joy and love of literature and writing to all of our middle school English classes,” Ms. Hill said. A graduate of Harpeth Hall, Ms. Harwell’s love of the subject matter, willingness to use creative approaches, and good humor are only a few of the reasons her students connect with her so well. Outside of the classroom, she has taken on many roles, including serving as English department chair and a member of the head of school and division director search committees. Next year, she will be the faculty representative to the Harpeth Hall Board of Trustees. Ms. Harwell “goes the extra mile to pull in the resources girls need to be successful,” Ms. Hill said. “But it is her deep love and passion for the school that informs much of what she has done here already and that we hope she will continue to do for many years to come.”

Retiring

This year, two faculty and staff members are retiring after decades of service to our school. Head of School Jess Hill honored the following staff member’s tenure and presented them with a special gift representative of our gratitude.

Hannah Bond, upper school physics teacher, returned to campus 12 years ago to join the science department after she graduated from Harpeth Hall in 1982. Prior to teaching, Ms. Bond worked as a thermal engineer, a spacecraft systems engineer, a manager for GE, and, prior to that, she earned her MBA at NYU, and her bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering MIT. One student shared that “Ms. Bond…really believes in me…. She makes me believe that I can do the work, and it makes me feel good about myself.” Ms. Hill remarked that Ms. Bond has “lit a passion for engineering” in our student body and that her “positive impact on our girls and our community” will be missed!

Traci Keller has been a huge part of the forward growth of the middle school and in the breadth of programs created or advanced during her tenure as the middle school dean of students. “She co-created the  middle school leadership program and defined what leading means for specific grades in order to bring our mission to life for all our students,” Ms. Hill said. In addition, Ms. Keller has been a community builder among middle school students with the creation of the 5th-8th Bear Families and all-middle school activities. “Perhaps no one has left more of a mark on the middle school in recent years than Ms. Keller,” Ms. Hill said. “You will be missed, but the legacy you leave us ensures that you will always remain a part of Harpeth Hall.”

Harpeth Hall congratulates our faculty and staff on these career milestones

10 years
Claire Gonzalez, upper school world languages teacher
Sinclair Kelly, associate director of winterim
Kylene Lee, director of athletics
Emy Noel Sanderson '98, upper school English teacher
Shari Shephard, registrar and database/website administrator

15 years
Nicola Bullard, assistant to the head of school
Bekah Hassell, middle school science teacher
Meggie Lucas, middle school social sciences teacher
Jacquie Watlington, Winterim and international exchange program director
Julie Zhu, world languages teacher

20 years
Tracy Campbell, director of annual giving

30 years
Polly Linden, upper school math teacher