Hutchison Latin Students Compete at State Convention
Excelsior! Demonstrating their knowledge of Latin, Hutchison had a total of 10 students win awards at the Tennessee Junior Classical League Convention.
Lorraine Gagliano’s middle and upper school Latin students showcased their knowledge of Latin language and culture at the Tennessee Junior Classical League Convention at the University of Memphis. Our girls competed in academic tests against students of their same level of Latin. Our girls’ artistic submissions, such as pastels, sculpture, and pen and ink, competed against students at the entire convention, regardless of grade or level of Latin.
“I'm so proud of my students for their enthusiasm and their willingness to try something new at the TJCL Convention,” Gagliano said.
Hutchison attendees received fourth place in their division of the spirit contest and third place in their level of Certamen, a quiz bowl-style game for students studying Latin, Greek, and classical civilizations. Below is a list of our student winners at the TJCL Convention.
Academic Competitions
Katie Phan ’28 – First Place and Academic Best of Show in Latin ½ Grammar & Second Place in Essay Grade 8
Abby Livingston ’28 – Second Place (tie) in Latin ½ Grammar
Yilin Pan ’28 – Second Place (tie) in Latin ½ Grammar
Reagan Leavitt ’28 – Third Place in Latin ½ Grammar
Peyton Gabel ’27 – Third Place in Derivatives
Gracie Lirette ’27 – Third Place in Reading Comprehension, Latin 1/2 & I
Sofia Gagliano ’28 – Fourth Place in Latin ½ Grammar & Fourth Place in Poetry Grade 8
Estelle McFall ’27 – Latin I Grammar, Fourth Place
Evie Ferguson ’27 – Fifth Place in Latin I Grammar & Fifth Place in Roman Life
In these student-led R.E.A.L. discussions, our fourth graders sharpen their conversation skills while learning to support their ideas with evidence and think critically.
Through years of theatre, dance, music, and leadership in the arts, Chloe Simpson ’25 found confidence, community, and her voice. From the stage to the classroom, she embraced every opportunity to grow as a performer, student, and civic thinker.
Maggie’s interest in environmental science and forestry has grown through hands-on learning, inspiring mentors, and community involvement. After 15 years at Hutchison, she’s ready to turn her curiosity and love for learning into real-world impact.
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.
Hutchison world language students participated in the 2025 U of M Language Fair, sponsored by The University of Memphis Department of World Languages and Literatures. Demonstrating their knowledge of Spanish and Chinese, Hutchison had nine upper school girls win awards at the fair.
Yes, egg prices are high, according to our fifth graders’ research! Their Mean Monday activity tracking grocery store prices was highlighted on WREG News Channel 3.
Carpe diem! Demonstrating their enthusiasm for Latin and Roman culture, Hutchison had several students win awards at the Tennessee Junior Classical League Convention.
Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test—these are the five steps of design thinking that our lower school girls live by in the Design Lab with academic technology specialist Jennifer Stover.
Our innovative middle school STEM explorations class is designed to inspire young girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Through exposure to different types of STEM-adjacent careers and visits from professionals working in STEM careers, we hope to encourage the next generation of female leaders in these fields.
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.