The Hubert Smothers Award is the highest honor presented to educators by Tennessee Association of Independent Schools: Five Webb School teachers have received this award since its inception in 1986.
I was just reminded by one of my students that it is close to the five year anniversary of my retirement and having two gyms named in my honor, one at Webb, the other where I grew up at Boys and Girls Club. I am so indebted to both institutions and the families that made this happen. The impact these organizations have made on the lives of young people is difficult to measure. Both gymnasiums are pictured, the first at Webb School followed by the facility at Boys and Girls Club.
A former Webb Spartan takes on a big job in the education community! Everyone associated with Webb should be “sticking their chest out” after hearing this announcement. Congrats Dr. McInnis, recently named President, Yale University!
UPDATE: KEA IS NOW THE 2024 SWISS GYMNASTICS CHAMPION! 🇨🇭🏆👏⭐️💙
This past week I had the privilege of meeting some Instagram friends face to face. I visited Kea and Loa Walser, father Rito, and coach Yana at their gym in Switzerland. Kea recently had a very successful outing at the European Championships in Italy. On this day Yana instructed at least 20 girls who were focused, quick to encourage each other, and clearly passionate about gymnastics. Earlier in the session Kea completed a new stunt on the uneven bars. On the next series she miscalculated, striking the bar and taking a hard hit to the face. She immediately received first aid and her father was on the floor before I could turn my head. I was so impressed by Kea’s response. There was no drama, sulking, or desire for attention. After 20 minutes of ice, without prompting, Kea did core exercises then began storing equipment as the session was about to end. Both she and sister Loa are names you will most likely see in the future. Regardless, their poise and character are above reproach and, they certainly gained my respect. Kudos to the parents!
It was a special day at Boys and Girls Club as Webb’s Robotics Team demonstrated their build to members. The robot was made from scratch, occasionally making parts using the school’s 3-D printer. The kids became especially excited when the robot began to toss rubber rings to the group, (perfectly safe)! These Upper School students under the direction of Dr. Lawrie have been faithful tutors this year working on everything from coding to model construction.
This is my friend Melissa Yavuz. She moved from Moscow to Istanbul several years ago. Melissa learned about Webb’s tutoring program via Instagram and hopes to participate when her family visits the US. Melissa understands the importance of helping other people. She was also was curious about the Steamboat Deli, home of the best ever sandwich (aka “Ghetto Deli”as seen on my Instagram page). It would be great fun to have her visit Webb. Recently Melissa saw the LS Wax Figures program and thought it was “awesome.”
Thanks to former student Yancey Greene Fouché for the nice comments in the Davidson University Journal! Yancey is now the Director of Sustainability at Davidson.
