Seniors shine at Fine Arts College Day

Senior Lily Catherine Bury was just 2 years old when she first stepped into the Ann Carroll School of Dance.She didn’t yet know that the studio would become her second home and lead her down the path to her future. Since her formative years in the studio, Lily Catherine has dedicated as many as 12.5 hours a week – three and half hours past the required time set by the pre-professional dance company – training with her mentors to perfect her craft.

During her junior year Winterim, Lily Catherine took another step on her dance path with an independent study in Los Angeles. She trained at locations including the world-famous Millennium Dance Complex, and learned the inner workings of a professional dance company in Nashville called the Found Movement Group.

“There was never really a definitive moment that I decided to pursue dance,” Lily Catherine said. “It was more of a gradual understanding and appreciation for it that made me want to continue.”

And continue she will. After months of applying to and auditioning for colleges, Lily Catherine will pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance at The Ohio State University.

On May 14, the Harpeth Hall community gathered at Fine Arts College Day to recognize Lily Catherine and the seven additional seniors who are continuing to follow their arts passions after graduation. The ceremony honored performing and visual artists who are going on to pursue the arts at the collegiate level.

“It is so important to celebrate [this achievement] because we are acknowledging and honoring the added step these young women take of successfully getting through the audition or portfolio submission process for their intended major,” Director of Performing Arts Brion Kennedy said. “As arts graduates, the fine arts faculty are keenly aware of how difficult that process is and how much work it entails.”

For some, like Lily Catherine, their artistic passion began in childhood. For others, their talents emerged and developed at Harpeth Hall.

Ellery Cook, who will study architecture at the University of Miami, found her spark during a family trip to Venice. Italy inspired an etching that won a Scholastic Art Award Gold Key her freshman year. 

“I have been heavily influenced by my travels,” Ellery said. “Each trip has developed my love for architecture, and that, combined with my love of art, led me to pursue a degree in architecture.”

To gain additional experience, Ellery had the chance to shadow architects in a professional setting during her junior year Winterim internship at Orcutt Winslow and study ancient Greek architectural techniques during an academic travel trip during senior Winterim.

Like Lily Catherine and Ellery, many Harpeth Hall students pursuing art careers beyond high school gained professional experience during Winterim. Among them were Kiki Christopher at The Theatre Bug, Madi Chandler at Hatch Show Print, Mae Eads at Nashville Home and Interiors, and Sari Shaffer at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. Through the opportunities provided by Harpeth Hall, each of these students was able to gain real-world experience that will help them to succeed in the future.

From animation to theatrical design, Harpeth Hall recognizes the talent, dedication, and hard work of the eight students who are pursuing the fine arts in college and beyond.

Lily Catherine Bury
Dance | The Ohio State University

“Lily Catherine is a dancer who is always striving for excellence and is committed to pushing the boundaries of her own potential. … For those who stay in dance throughout high school and then want to continue the journey through college, there must be perseverance, discipline, and diligence. Lily Catherine possesses these qualities and some that dance can inspire, but not teach, such as passion, determination, and a deep love of artistry.”

– Laura Carroll and Cailin Leigh Manning, Ann Carroll School of Dance

Madi Chandler
Animation | Savannah College of Art and Design

“For Madi, the process of creating is truly an expression of joy. When I asked why she wanted to continue her study of art, Madi responded, ‘I wanted to make art for others and give people a reason to be happy.’ I hope that each of you has a chance one day to flip through just a portion of her sketches so that you can see the world through such a unique lens.”

– Robert Womack, AP Art History teacher

Kiki Christopher
Dance | University of Alabama

“Throughout her time at Harpeth Hall, Kiki has grown into a remarkable artist and leader. She’s poured herself into every performance, approached every rehearsal with discipline and joy, and taken on choreography with creativity and heart. She never stopped learning, never stopped pushing herself, and always supported her peers along the way. Whether she was dancing center stage or cheering from the wings, she embodied what it means to be a true teammate and a true leader.”

– Julia Eisen, director of dance

Ellery Cook
Architecture | University of Miami

“Ellery’s AP Art & Design portfolio, focused on life’s fleeting moments, capturing time’s delicate passage. This theme mirrors her journey at Harpeth Hall, where each moment in the Patton studios has been rich with growth and meaning. As her time here comes to a close, I know the experiences and lessons she’s gained will stay with her, always, leaving a lasting impression.”

– Carmen Noel, art teacher

Mae Eads
Studio Art | Sewanee: The University Of The South

“I have witnessed Mae’s growth in skill and concept in her paintings beginning with portraits of her family members (including her dog) to complex compositions of water refraction and sunbathed landscapes. …Mae, I know you will continue to use your talents to make a positive impact on the world.”

– Susie Elder, art teacher

Sari Shaffer
Theatre Design and Technology | Syracuse University

“Sari has thrown herself wholeheartedly into sound and audio engineering, taken on complex props organization projects, and become an essential member of our stage management team. She has taken every technical production and theatre class we offer and was part of our very first Technical Theatre curriculum cohort. There is very little Sari won’t try — and even less she won’t excel at. Her passion for technical theatre shines through in everything she does.”

– Lorrena Harvey, theatre technical director

Katherine Thomas
Music | The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

“Currently one of the top musicians I have had the privilege of teaching in my 30 years of teaching, Katherine not only exudes talent, but passion for her craft. The thing that stands out most about Katherine is her joy from playing music. She truly lights up when she picks up an instrument. It is evident not only in her demeanor, but joy shines through her musicality. …She has the heart of a true artist.”

– Lori McDemott, orchestra director

Carole Waltemath
Studio Art | Wake Forest University

“A gifted portrait artist, Carole possesses a mastery of both drawing and painting. She has pushed the boundaries of these mediums, experimenting with diverse techniques to channel powerful emotions in her work. Whether through dynamic pencil sketches or colorful oil paintings, her talent commands attention.”

– Susie EIder, art teacher