Catherine Owen ’17 credits Hutchison with instilling confidence and courage to explore her passions.
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Catherine Owen ’17 Makes a Difference One Oyster at a Time
Hutchison Now highlights recent graduates early in their careers who embody how a Hutchison education can lead anywhere you can imagine. We spoke with Catherine Owen ’17, who works at a sustainable oyster farm owned by Aubrey Sanders ’04 on Edisto Island, South Carolina.
When did you first become interested in environmental issues?
The environmental courses I took at the University of the South (Sewanee) consisted of Agroecology, Ecosystems of the Oceans, and Sustainable Land Development, and with each course, I enjoyed learning about the various aspects of sustainability. My focus on food and agriculture within my major stemmed from my passion for nutrition as an athlete as well as educating others about the importance of having access to healthy foods.
One day, I hope to combine the lessons I learned from my Hutchison service project, which focused on areas in need such as food deserts, with my knowledge from Sewanee. I want to create a community-based outlet for those who don’t have access to healthy, affordable food, which, I believe, everyone should have.
What is a sustainable oyster farm?
Our oyster farm is considered sustainable because we grow them in an environment where each individual oyster can thrive and obtain the necessary nutrients it needs to grow to its full potential. Oysters in general are incredibly beneficial to the environment because they naturally filter our waters. In fact, one adult oyster can filter up to 50 gallons a day! It is rewarding to come across other marine species around our farm as well because that means we are creating a healthy environment for other wildlife to thrive in. One big happy symbiotic relationship! :)
Hutchison alumna Aubrey Sanders '04 owns the Steamboat Creek Oyster Farm where you work. How important are the connections that the Hutchison community provides?
I will always value the relationships and connections that the Hutchison community provided me. Working alongside Aubrey has been so inspiring, and it makes the working environment so much more meaningful and makes me proud to be a Hutchison alumna! The connections Hutchison has provided me have led me down multiple paths in life that I otherwise would not have found, and I will be forever grateful for that.
How did your experiences at Hutchison help you get where you are today?
The biggest lesson Hutchison taught me was not to be afraid to try new things. As I reflect on my time at Hutchison, I remember all the different outlets to explore new passions. The service project I led to help fight food insecurity was a valuable and life-changing experience for me. During four years of tennis, I gained leadership experience as president of the Athletic Council and captain of the team. I also enjoyed the arts and even the Zumba club.
I always felt encouraged to put myself out there when that can actually be a scary thing to do in the real world. I will always be thankful for the confidence and courage Hutchison instilled in me to take the first step toward discovering a new passion.
Catherine Owen ’17 graduated from the University of the South in 2021 with a degree in Environment and Sustainability. She is an assistant at Steamboat Creek Oyster Farm, owned by Aubrey Sanders ’04. In 2017, she won the state doubles championship with Grace Anne Dunavant '19 and was awarded an athletic scholarship to Sewanee.
Nine Hutchison upper school girls served the Memphis community during the Church Health Youth Service Council’s inaugural year and will continue to serve on the council next school year.
Jordan Deupree ’24 and Bailey Wiener ’24 have been recognized for their leadership in their selection for the Next Gen program, which provides students with mentorship and opportunities to learn more about the Memphis business community.
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.
At Hutchison, Zelia Cedeño-Avila ’24 stepped out of her comfort zone to try many different things and hone in on her interest in science and math, from serving as Technology Council president to creating a robotic scarecrow for her myExperience capstone project. A lifelong learner, she will bring her knowledge and skills to Vanderbilt University, where she plans to study mechanical engineering.
Three upper school students will participate in high-intensity summer programs in subjects including emerging technologies, international studies, and computational physics.
A discovery in one science class led Izzy Ellis ’24 to delve deeper into her interest in biology and map out a path for college and beyond. Along the way, she nurtured other interests, from athletics to civics. An aspiring oncologist, her dream is to find a new, innovative treatment that could help save lives.
Hutchison world language students participated in the 2024 U of M Language Fair, sponsored by The University of Memphis Department of World Languages and Literatures. Demonstrating their knowledge of Spanish, Hutchison had a total of 12 students win awards at the fair.
AP Scholar and National African American Recognition Program Scholar Lauren Coleman ’24 explored her interest in science and the environment at Hutchison. She hopes to make a difference through a career in sustainability.
J’oules Williams ’24 is a member of Memphis Parent magazine’s inaugural 10 under 20 class. The award celebrates youth who strive to make a difference in their community and change the lives of others for the better.
Adela Calzada ’24 has attended Hutchison since pre-K, and she said it allowed her to blossom into a leader who also makes Hutchison feel like home for her peers.
Our inaugural graduating class of the myExperience program presented their capstone projects with confidence, poise, and enthusiasm at our first myExperience Senior Showcase.
Excelsior! Demonstrating their knowledge of Latin, Hutchison had a total of 10 students win awards at the Tennessee Junior Classical League Convention.
Jayla Dorsey ’24 was a dedicated member of the varsity basketball team all four years of her high school experience, and she credits her coach, teammates, and Hutchison community members for believing in her.
Avery Webb ’26 enjoyed the opportunity to shadow Rep. John Gillespie in Nashville as he interacted with state officials and legislators, and she even got to meet Tennessee Governor Bill Lee.
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.