Senior Reflects on Growth during Hutchison Tradition
A special wave between our first graders and seniors brings back treasured memories for Ellie Bailey ’26, who came to Hutchison in first grade.
Ellie started at Hutchison as a shy girl who didn’t know what opportunities would come her way. At the start of her senior year, she is a confident leader of the Class of 2026, serving as senior class vice president, playing on the varsity soccer team, and exploring her interest in sports medicine.
“I was nervous because I moved from out of state, but when I came to Hutchison, everyone was incredibly welcoming. It’s a special place,” Ellie said. “I can truly be myself around everyone. The students and staff have helped me grow as a person.”
Like Ellie, some of our seniors stood where our first graders were almost 12 years ago. The wave between the Class of 2026 and Class of 2037 represents a powerful moment of reflection for our seniors as they start their final year at Hutchison, as well as a glimpse for our first graders of what their futures could be. This tradition touches our hearts every time!
“I remember feeling excited for the journey to come, since you can see every other grade sitting with you in the gym. I also remember looking forward to being a senior, since I felt so young at the time and ready to grow up,” she said.
“Hutchison helped me grow my confidence in myself. There are so many different leadership positions or opportunities to step out of your comfort zone and put yourself out there. I remember in first grade through probably middle school, I was really shy and really nervous, but now being a senior, I can definitely see a difference in my confidence, which I think I am most grateful for.”
Hutchison Now highlights recent graduates early in their careers who embody how a Hutchison education can lead anywhere you can imagine. We spoke with Morgan Murdock, a senior project manager at W&A Engineering in Atlanta.
Hutchison Now highlights recent graduates early in their careers who embody how a Hutchison education can lead anywhere you can imagine. We spoke with Dorothy Oehmler, who works for Mischief Comedy in London.
Hutchison Now highlights graduates early in their careers who embody how a Hutchison education can lead anywhere you can imagine. We spoke with Mallory Mullis '18, Manager of Leadership Programs at the Dallas Regional Chamber.
Louise Smythe ’06, who works as a storyboard artist at Pixar Animation Studios and contributed to “Inside Out 2” credits her time at Hutchison for building her confidence and skills.
Hutchison Now highlights graduates early in their careers who embody how a Hutchison education can lead anywhere you can imagine. We spoke with Margaret Shaul ’14, a senior experience strategist at Czarnowski, a full-service exhibit and event marketing company. Shaul was named to Nashville’s Top 30 Under 30 leaders list in 2022.
“H” is for Honest, “U” is for Understanding, “T” is for Trustworthy… Hutchison’s beloved acrostic got a makeover in middle school this year, but the familiar character traits of the Ideal Hutchison Girl remain unchanged.
Caroline Orr ’12 has built a unique career that merges her love for art with business acumen. After working at Sotheby’s, she now works as an art services specialist at Bank of America, where she helps collectors navigate the art market with strategic advice.
Hutchison Now highlights graduates early in their careers who embody how a Hutchison education can lead anywhere you can imagine. We spoke with Caroline Kyle ’15, a software engineer for Walmart Global Tech in Bentonville, Arkansas.
As part of a State of Tennessee initiative, the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development recognized how Hutchison has made a difference in local and state communities for over 100 years.
Hutchison Now highlights graduates early in their careers who embody how a Hutchison education can lead anywhere you can imagine. We spoke with Meagan Thornton ’12, the lead pharmacist at CaryRx, a digital pharmacy based in Washington, D.C., that provides access to pharmaceutical services online.
If you have ovaries, you can learn a lot from spending time with Vanessa Ross, CNM, MSCP, Class of 1991. Let’s say hormones are wreaking havoc with your life and your doctor dismisses the symptoms with “it’s all in your head.” According to Ross, you should respond with: “Yes. You’re right. My brain is literally changing, and my body is reacting. My symptoms are real.”
Hutchison Now highlights recent graduates early in their careers who embody how a Hutchison education can lead anywhere you can imagine. We spoke with Gabriela Alvergue, an associate and technical designer at Gensler, a global architecture, design, and planning firm, in Chicago.
Hutchison Now highlights graduates early in their careers who embody how a Hutchison education can lead anywhere you can imagine. We spoke with Elizabeth Gonda ’16, a care manager at Healthfirst based out of New York who serves over 130 people and helps them with healthcare.
Hutchison Now highlights graduates early in their careers who embody how a Hutchison education can lead anywhere you can imagine. We spoke with Shelton Wittenberg ’14, an associate attorney at Baker Donelson who also coaches Hutchison middle school lacrosse.
Hutchison alumna Dr. Kelly Rodney Arnold ’96 had the honor of serving as the commencement speaker for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s College of Arts and Sciences ceremony in May 2024.
Hutchison Now highlights graduates early in their careers who embody how a Hutchison education can lead anywhere you can imagine. We spoke with Mary Catherine Hughes ’10, a development associate at the Nashville Repertory Theatre.
When she was 15 years old, Shea Sisk and her family picked up and moved from Marianna, Arkansas, to Memphis. “It was a significant life change, to say the least … academically, socially, leaving behind all of my friends and coming to a new city,” Shea Sisk Wellford ’87 said. She said her parents empowered her to choose the school she would go to, and she picked Hutchison, but admits it was daunting. “My school in Arkansas was completely fine, but it was not a challenge.”
The March 2024 issue of Memphis Magazine celebrates the work of Ebet Roberts ’63, who has photographed many famous musicians over the past four decades.
Audsley Dunavant Carr ’08 delivered a special Cum Laude address to this year’s Cum Laude Society inductees. She spoke about how Hutchison taught her to become a lifelong learner and how it laid the foundation for her career.