Student Stars

 At St. George's, we love to recognize students for their accomplishments. If you know a student who should be listed on our "Student Stars" page, please contact Sarah Cowan, Director of Communications at scowan@sgis.org or 901.261.2390.  Our St. George's athletic accomplishments are featured on our team pages.  Click here to go to the athletic section of the website, then navigate to the specific team page.

 

See what our students have accomplished!  

For the second year, Conner Lambert '18 has organized the JDRF coin drive.  He started the JDRF coin drive last year, because he wanted to help JDRF find a cure for Type 1 diabetes.  Diabetes has had a big effect on his life since his younger brother Benjamin '21 was diagnosed two years ago. Last year the coin drive raised $459 dollars, this year a donation of $446 dollars was made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation through the generosity of the Class of 2018.  Conner is shown here with his brother Benjamin and JDRF Development Coordinator, Deborah Foyle.

Thandie Boudreaux '20 has become quite accomplished at producing stop-motion films and has uploaded several to You Tube for all of us to enjoy!  Click here to view these family-friendly clips and try to figure out how she does it!

Congratulations to the St. George's Chess Team!  Christopher Yarbro, Maddox Davis,  Dwight Foster, Walker Askins and Nate Mencke went to the state chess team tournament on Saturday, March 23 in Cookeville, and our team won 5th place! 200 teams competed to attend and 16 got to the state tournament!

Nick Goode '17 left with his youth group from Emmanuel United Methodist to travel by bus to a Mexican orphanage to spend the entire Spring Break week doing mission work.  There are around 60 children at Casa Hogar Benito Juarez Orphanage ranging in age from approximately 5 to 12 years old.  Nick was the youngest of the 21 people who traveled to work at the orphanage.  They planted a garden, worked on fencing and helped paint a mural.  One of the activities the church planned for the week was to provide a “build a bear workshop”.  They helped the children make bears out of fabric, stuff them; and then the children painted them and put eyes on the faces.  What a wonderful way to spend Spring Break!

Eighth graders (back row)John Slater Mann, Isabel Correia, Shon Wooten, Caroline Farrell, Sarah Thompson, and Mark Clark; (front row) Britney Pepper, Mimi McCarroll, Elizabeth Evans, Cassidy Ohlwein, James Harris and (not pictured) Abbigayle Roberts all placed at the regional History Day competition and will be attending the state competition in Nashville on Apr. 20th.  Click here to see the results.  Congratulations to all!

Shaun Burgess '20 has earned the title of Tennessee State Chess Champion (Elementary Division--grades 6 and under). 
He also won the Memphis City Championship (Elementary Division), and earlier in the year, tied for 10th at the Scholastic National Grade Level Championships (5th Grade Division). His brother Carter Burgess '16 placed second at the Tennessee State Championships (Junior High Division).  Congratulations to these two chess champs!

 

Elizabeth Crane '20 has been chosen as a winner of Picture the Kroc Art Contest.  Her work will be exhibited during the Open House Dedication of this new community center in Memphis. She will be honored at the awards ceremony with Memphis celebrity and artist, Ron Olson on February 23. 

 

Congrats, SGIS writers! We have received results from the annual Wordsmith Writing Olympics :  
120-word dash (persuasive letter to the editor): Dagny Vaughn-1st place, 11th grade; Leann Beard-2nd place, 11th grade;
80-word dash (description of a photograph): Dagny Vaughn-1st place, 11th grade; Nathalie Vacheron-Honorable Mention, 12th grade; 40-word dash (description of an object): Emma Sisson-2nd place, 12th grade; Nathalie Vacheron-3rd place, 12th grade

Following the initial competition, ribbon winners competed in a 400-word dash.  St. George's placed second in the school sweepstakes for both eleventh and twelfth grade.

After final tabulations, SGIS has two medal winners:  Dagny Vaughn has won the bronze medal for the eleventh grade, and Nathalie Vacheron has won the silver medal for the twelfth grade.  Nathalie also placed second in the 400-word dash.  Congratulations team! 

Shown here are Courtney Harshbarger '15, Richard Kuehn '16, Nathalie Vacheron '13, Allie Buckmaster '15, Dagny Vaughn '14,(front) Leann Beard '14, and Emma Sisson '13. 

Congratulations SGIS Knowledge Bowl Team! This year's team is the first SGIS team to make it to the "elite eight," losing in round three to Houston HS. Their second game (a win against St. Agnes) will air on Saturday morning March 16. Our third game (which we lost) will air on April 20th. Each student won a $750 Savings Bond. (left to right) Tyler Durniak '13, Ian John '13, Angela Vanderslice '13, Albert Vacheron '13, and Dean Brown '14.

 

Cassidy Ohlwein '17 received 2nd place in the recent 4H County Public Speaking competition held at the Agriculture center. Cassidy has participated actively for the past 9 years, volunteering in the community in activities such as baking cookies for local fire departments.  She serves as an officer for her local club every year, attended electric and other camps, and leads various citizen and leadership project groups.  She earned 2nd place in the Life Skills competition for the region this fall where she competed in topics covering nutrition, banking, baby sitting, and exercise awareness.  Cass's accomplishments certainly compliment her education and opportunities at SGIS. Great work Cass!

Six young artists will represent St. George's in the Mid-South Scholastic Art Exhibition.  This juried event, presented by the Brooks Museum League and the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, honors exemplary art by students in grades seven through twelve, recognizing their outstanding achievements in a competitive annual exhibition.  St. George’s is proud to announce the following students who received honorable mention:  Dani Cafferty (drawing); Taylor Owens (painting); Pearson Robbins (painting); Dagny Vaughn (sculpture, drawing, and painting).  Awarded a silver key and honorable mention was Maddie Skudder (2 photographs).  Alexis Harshbarger received the gold art portfolio and honorable mention (3 drawings).  Gold and Silver key winners will have their art on exhibit at Brooks Museum from January 26 through February 17.

 

 

The upper school band had the opportunity to perform Christmas songs at Hope Lodge in downtown Memphis recently.  Hope Lodge is a facility for adult cancer patients who are from out-of-town.  This facility is sponsored by the American Cancer Society and Harrah's.  Shown here are Elijah Poston, Marissa Corleone, Payton McGough, Donovan Borum, Samantha Majuri, Richard Kuehn, Chris Cooper, Gigi Rashed, Aidan Cooper, and Zachary Williams.

Team Q was a huge success at the St. Jude Memphis Grizzlies 5K in November.  Mr. Chris Miller, along with many high school students and eighth grade students, gathered to run the 5K in honor of Quinterras Wooten '17.  Quinterras received the great news that he is officially cancer free.  Team Q was able to donate close to $2,000 to St. Jude for their efforts.

 

Our own Aris Federman '18, Alex King '18, and Bennett Matson '18, have lead roles in the Germantown Community Theatre production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.  Show dates are Nov. 30 through Dec. 16.  Be sure to see them in this hilarious Christmas tale!

The St. George's fencing team competed in "the Gathering" fencing competition on Saturday, November 3 at the Ole Miss fencing club. Alex Merino' 16 won 2nd place in mixed epee, and captain Courtney Harshbarger '15 won1st in women's epee.

 

 

Elijah Poston'12, a student at SGIS, is the Music Coordinator for the KDPT Band.  He is very instrumental in the making of the TV Show that airs every Saturday.    Elijah has dedicated his personal time to this community project for over the past 2 years.  He has demonstrated a high level of leadership and commitment in working with the kids.  Rebecca Flax '12 who is an amazing musician, singer and song writer, is also a member of the band. View the show's promotional video here. 

 

Juniors Kellen Young and Jason Crawford performed with the Renegades of Rhythm at the recent Partnerships in Action Foundation's walk/run, supporting a solution to end global poverty and promote a quality education for all.

 

The Collierville Fire Department sponsors a poster contest each year to educate the public on fire safety. The theme this year was "Have Two Ways Out." St. George's is proud to announce that a poster designed by Courtney Tipton '16 won the top award for the ninth grade division in the Collierville area. She was recognized with a medal and a certificate  by Assistant Fire Marshall, Scott Sumner at a recent Chapel. Courtney's award winning poster will be sent to Nashville for the state competition.

 

Maggie Courtney '14, emerging Gryphon artist, was recently recognized at an all school SGIS chapel after being selected as one of approximately 20 students from a three state region selected to take AP Drawing at Memphis College of Art.  Congratulations Maggie!

 

Walker Askins '22 won several ribbons at the Delta Fair for his creativity.  He showed them to students at a recent chapel.  Good job Walker!

 

Allison Newman '21, was the first overall girl in the junior division (10 and under) in the Cory Horton Kids Triathlon at the Collierville campus. Her winning time was 20:27, she was the first out of the water (leading the entire race).  Allison is a member of the Germantown Gators swim team.  Congratulations Allison!

 

 

Abbey Vincent '23 was recognized in chapel for her accomplishments after placing in several categories in the Hunter's Edge Horse Show on September 15.  She will compete again in the MegFord Schooling Show at the Germantown Horse Show Arena on November 16-17.  She is shown here with her teacher Nancy Morrison and several of her numerous ribbons.  Congratulations Abbey!

 

Noah Woods '16 took to the sky at 4,000 ft. on his solo flight in a Blanik L-23 glider after completing four months of flight training at Memphis Soaring Society.  Woods, who began flight training at MSS this past April and at just 14 years of age, joins an elite group of young pilots who have earned their pilot’s license but must wait almost two more years before they are old enough to drive a car. Woods joins a long line of family members who are pilots, including both grandfathers, his father, four uncles, and numerous cousins.

  

 

The Brooks Museum of Art is partnering with Graceland to host an international art contest in honor of the 35th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death. Freshman Courtney Tipton's painting of Elvis, created in response to the quote, “If I Can Dream,” was one of twenty-one works of art chosen for this exhibition. Submissions came from all over the world: Canada, New Zealand, England, India, Germany, and the U.S.A.  A professional panel of judges selected these artworks which are currently on exhibit in the museum until September 16, 2012. Judges looked for outstanding examples of artistic skill and creative content. The judges also placed great emphasis on the artists statements. Artists who were able to clearly articulate how their artwork related to the theme, "If I Can Dream" were well received. In addition to being selected for this exhibition, Courtney also received the First Place Prize for the Youth Division.  Congratulations Courtney!

 

Ethan Cohen '14 has been recognized by Lifeblood as an outstanding volunteer who regularly donates blood and platelets and donates his time to the organization.  Having a fear of needles, Ethan was encouraged by his teachers to give blood at St. George's.  It gave him an incredible feeling of accomplishment to overcome his fears and to be able to help others in the process.

 

Jason Cowan, Class of 2013, and Calla Michalak, Class of 2014, have both been accepted into the Governor’s school for International Studies at the University of Memphis.  The state of Tennessee offers twelve summer programs for gifted and talented high school students. These highly competitive, challenging, and intensive learning experiences take place on twelve different campuses with the University of Tennessee system.  The International Studies program is housed at the University of Memphis where Jason and Calla will reside for five weeks this summer.  

Michalak and Cowan have also been accepted into the fully funded Chinese Bridge Summer Camp for U.S. High School Students offered by the Confucius Institute at the University of Memphis.  This exciting 2-week summer camp offers students a unique chance to experience China on a personal level. Campers have intensive, fun language study as well as a wide range of culture related classes. Campers will also visit cultural landmarks, historical sites, and museums inside and outside of Beijing. The 15-day summer camp is scheduled for July 15 - 29, 2012. The program is a wonderful opportunity for students to expand their horizon and have first-hand experience in one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

Anna Weaver, St George freshman, modeled in New York for Pat Kerr 2012 Fall Bridal Collection. Among attendees at the posh Crosby Street Hotel in the New York shows were the top fashion editors from Americas leading bridal magazines including Martha Stewart Weddings; Brides Magazine; and Bridal Guide. She was photographed by leading fashion photographers from Conde Nast and other national publications. Anna was accompanied  by her parents, Frank and Betsy Weaver. Said Pat Kerr, "Anna looked like an angel and made my gowns look particularly beautiful."

Seven-year-old Logan Wu was named a national co-champion in the K-1st grade division at the National Elementary Championship of the U.S. Chess Federation. Logan will represent the U.S. in the FIDE World Youth Championships in Europe this fall.

While attending the Youth in Government conference in Nashville, Andrew Grissom '14,  Emma Sisson '13, and Taylor See '12, were awarded the opportunity to compete at the Conference on National Affairs this summer in North Carolina.  In all, seventeen students from St. George's attended the YIG conference in April.  Andrew was the first sophomore to receive this award.

Fourth graders Isabella Goodwin, Anna Larizza, and Adi Thrasher, were medalists with their "01 Lady Cougars" soccer team in the 2012 Champion's Cup soccer tournament.  Congratulations girls!

 

 

Congratulations to Shane Horton, Ana Hughes and Megan Umansky who competed in the regional history competition on March 24 and placed 1st in their division!  The girls will compete in Nashville on April 21 in the state competition.  They are pictured here with their history teacher Mr. Chris Miller.  Good luck, girls!

Hannah Buckmaster '12 is an artist, scholar, and servant leader extraordinaire, who achieves excellence through her hard work and dedication.  To explore her passion for photography, she proposed an independent study course that included researching master photographers, meeting and working with local artists, and creating personal photographic images.  An exhibition of her work will be on display at St. George's Collierville campus beginning April 20th.

The St. George's fencing team competed in the state championship tournament on March 31st.  Along with the team victory, some notable individual awards include: Josh Walker '15, 8th place in epee; Courtney Harshbarger '15, 3rd place in epee (women); Jake Doan '12, 3rd place in foil and epee.  Additionally, the team is preparing for next year and looking for new additions to the team.  If interested in learning more, please contact either Jake Doan at jdoan12@sgis.org or Courtney Harshbarger at charshbarger15@sgis.org.

 

Lindsey Pepper '19 was recognized during chapel for her entry to the Founding Era Letter-Writing Contest sponsored by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.  She wrote a letter to former President George Washington about the topic of slavery.  She was awarded with an Honorable Mention by this national writing contest.

Congratulations to Hailey Flaherty '22, Annelise Griffin '21, Rachel Crane '19, Lauren Purdy '18, Will Ryan '17, Margaret Porter '16, Molly Courtney '15, and Emily Daniel '14. Their art pieces were selected for the annual art exhibition of the Memphis Association of Independent Schools. This MAIS art will be on exhibit from March 25 through March 31, 2012 in the main entrance lobby of the Baptist Women's Hospital at 6225 Humphreys Boulevard.  Pictured at the opening reception on Sunday, March 25 is Molly Courtney, Margaret Porter, and Lauren Purdy.

 

Congratulations to Aidan Cooper '15 who represented St. George's at this year's All-West Concert Band performance at the Cannon Center.  The All-West Tennessee Concert Band is a regional, auditioned group made up of the finest student musicians in West Tennessee.

 

 

Congratulations to Gryphon artist, Alexis Harshbarger '13. She created a drawing that depicts the 90th Anniversary Celebration of the Junior League of Nashville to be held in Nashville in late March. Alexis' winning entry was selected for her ability to convey the excitement of this special event. Her drawing will be used as the cover of the Jr League's invitation that will be mailed to over 2000 guests.

 

 

On Sunday, March 18th, Kym Young '22 participated in the 2012 Tennessee State Gymnastics Championships in Knoxville, TN. Kym received a medal, and a trophy. Her combined scores were high enough for her to qualify for the 2012 Region 8, Xcel Regional Championships, to be held in Jackson, MS.

 

 

Rebecca Matson '15 recently completed her first Half Marathon on March 4th in Seaside, Florida.   Rebecca finished 7th in her age category with a time of 1:58.35.  Congratulations Rebecca!

 

Heather Walters '15 was one of many finalists that performed in the Kiwanis Club of Germantown "Rising Stars Young Artist Concert."  She sang "Not for the Life of Me" from the Broadway show Thoroughly Modern Millie.

Aris Federman '18 will take the role of Tom Sawyer in the upcoming production, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, playing at the Germantown Community Theater from February 24 - March 11.  Show times are 7:30 pm Thursdays, 8:00 pm Fridays, 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm Saturdays, and 2:30 pm Sundays.  Tickets are $15-$21 and children 12 and under are $10.  Please come out and support Aris as he takes on this challenging role!  www.germantowncommunitytheatre.org.

Alexis Harshbarger '13, has been selected to participate in the Tennessee Governor's School for the Arts. This month long summer program will be held at Middle Tennessee State University for rising junior and senior gifted and talented students in Tennessee. The pre-professional summer curriculum includes individual and group instruction designed to help each student explore and develop his or her talents in the visual arts. About four hours a day, six days a week are spent working in the major area of concentration.

Hannah Gilmore '20 was cast in the play Big City with the Starfish Circus at the Bartlett Performing Arts Center to sold out audiences on January 28th.  She was the youngest cast member of the mostly teenaged cast and performed aerial acrobatics on silk rigging high above the stage without the benefit of safety lines.  The role was very physically demanding for a 9 year-old, but Hanna was ready for the challenge!  She was featured in the finale of the 10-act show and performed several advanced moves for the crowd!  

 

 

 

Hannah Mead '17 was recently selected to the Tennessee Olympic Development Program Soccer Team.  After competing against the top players in the state, she was selected as one of four seventh grade players from Memphis and approximately thirty-five in the state that made the team.  Hannah will have the opportunity to train and play with the best players in her age group throughout the U.S.  She now enters a pool of players from which the U.S. National Team will be selected.  Congratulations Hannah!

Natalie Prodanovich '14 is an active member of the National Art Honor Society (NAHS). She recently wrote and submitted an article about the NAHS at St. George's to the National Art Education Association that was selected for publication in the Winter issue of the national e-news.  Thanks for your commitment to NAHS, Natalie!  Click here to view the winter 2012 issue.

Sophia Mead '21 is the #1 ranked tennis player in the State of Tennessee for her age group!  She is coached by Robert Fly at Windyke Country Club.  In December, her team won the USTA Junior Team Tennis City Championship at the Memphis Racquetclub and Sophia won the Sportsmanship award for her age group.  Congratulations Sophia!

Elizabeth DeGutis '13 was awarded a Sportsmanship plaque at the Junior Team Tennis Finals banquet .  The award recipient is voted on by the coaches within her division.  Elizabeth is coached by Mark Bran and Jennifer Abston who teach students first and foremost that sportsmanship is of utmost importance.
 

 

Cole McLemore '15 has received the award for high honors from The Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth.  He was awarded for being among the highest scoring participants in the International Mathematics and Verbal Talent Search for the 2011 academic year.

Jake Doan '12 (left) has qualified for the Junior Olympics after placing second in the state fencing competition.  He will compete in Salt Lake City in February.  Jake is the team captain for the St. George's fencing team.

 

Congratuations to Adi Thrasher '20 who took first place in the Germantown campus spelling bee!  She won the annual competition with the word "residue".  Evan Dorian '19 earned second place.

Congratulations to Sydney Jones '19 who took first place in the Memphis campus spelling bee! She won the annual competition with the word "closet."  Jamya Chalmers '20 took second place.

 

 

Sophia Mead '21 recently earned two first-place trophies at the CTF (Chongsi Tae Kwon Do Federation) National Championship competition in Nashville.  She earned the first place awards for sparing and forms.  Congratulations Sophia!

 

 

 

Sophie Kennedy '12 is presented with a certificate from the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) and the Tennessee Council of Teachers of English (TCTE) recognizing her outstanding writing ability.  Nationwide, 1,649 students were nominated by their schools.  Only 16 students in the state of Tennessee received this honor.  She is shown here with English Department Chair, Ms. Heidi Rubin de la Borbolla;  English teacher, Ms. Jennifer Vasil; and Assistant Head of School, Mr. J.P. Culley.



Alexis Harshbarger '13 has been chosen to participate in an AP Drawing class at the Memphis College of Art.  She is one of approximately 20 artists from the surrounding three state area to be selected for this class which meets each Saturday for four hours from October through April.  In addition, she will develop a concentration of eight works of art for her portfolio which will be submitted to a National Board of Examiners.




Congratulations to Kelsey Pepper and Courtney Harshbarger who were recognized during  a chapel service after being named Honorary State Historians by State Senator Brian Kelsey.