St. Andrew's-Sewanee School celebrated the 2018-2019 school year with a weekend of ceremonies culminating in the graduation of the Class of 2019.
The 37 members of the St. Andrew's-Sewanee School Class of 2019 will enroll in 30 different schools, from the University of California, Santa Cruz to Rhode Island School of Design.
SAS is currently accepting applications for Fall 2019.
Saeed Abdilahi attended St. Andrew's-Sewanee School as a one-year ASSIST Scholar from Somaliland. He will return to Somaliland for a gap year before pursuing university study abroad.
Craig Akiri is a two-year, boarding students from Nairobi, Kenya. He was an honors student and an SAS Ambassador. He will attend The College of Wooster in Wooster, Ohio. He is the son of Jacqueline and Morris Akiri.
John Beavers is a six-and-a-half year, day student from Sewanee, Tenn., having taken one semester to study in Germany as part of the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange his junior year. He was an honors student, acolyte, and SAS Ambassador and received numerous awards for high achievement in Latin, including magna cum laude recognition on the National Latin Exam. John participated in the school's theater program, literary magazine, Bible Study, Debate Club, and Student Vestry. He was president of the History and Dungeons and Dragons Clubs. John completed independent study in voice and took history courses at the University of the South. John participated in the SUMMA Theological Debate Club. He will attend University of Tennessee, Knoxville where he plans to study Medieval Studies and Food Chemistry as a double major and a minor in German. He is the son of Ben (SA '81) and Kiki (SA '82) Beavers.
Kathryn Bridgers is a three-year, boarding student from Sylva, N.C., and recipient of this year's Head of School's Award. She was a high honors student, a Proctor, a member of the Honor Council, and president of the school's Art Club. Over the years she has won awards for outstanding achievement in history and biology and was recipient of this year's Advanced Biology award. She organized the school's first student film festival and the annual student art sale. She was chosen by her classmates to present the Class of 2019's senior gift and banner at Honors Day and received the G. Sanford McGee Outing Award. Kathryn will attend Appalachian State University. She is the daughter of Sean Bridgers '86 and Rachel York-Bridgers.
Kate Butler is a seven-year, day student from Sewanee, Tenn. Kate was an honors student and Proctor. Over the years, she has received numerous sports awards in soccer and basketball. She was co-recipient of this year's Best Female Athlete award. Kate will attend the University of the South. She is the daughter of Buck and Sarah Butler.
Spencer Davis is a six-year student at SAS having begun his career as a day student before becoming a boarding student. He will attend Iowa State University. Spencer is the son of Kevin Davis and Mindy Valentine Davis of West Bend, Wisc.
Derenge Fu is a four-year boarding student from Beijing, China. He was an honors student, a member of the school's Guitar Ensemble, and president of the Archery Club. Derenge will attend the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Davis Gill is a three-year day, day student from South Pittsburg, Tenn. He received numerous awards in track and field, holds the school's Triple Jump record, and qualified for this year's State Track & Field championships. He will attend University of Tennessee, Chattanooga. Davis is the son of David Gill and Jocelyn Gill.
The Class of 2019 Salutatorian, Sophia Hartman[DM1] , is a seven-year, day student from Sewanee, Tenn. She was a high honors student, a Proctor, an acolyte, an SAS Ambassador, and a member of the Honor Council. Over the years she received awards for soccer, Spanish, history, chemistry, and writing. She took several courses at the University of the South. On this year's Honors Day, she received the Sewanee Military Academy Memorial Merit Award, presented annually to the student who has displayed athletic proficiency, academic excellence, and outstanding character. Sophia will attend University of Richmond. She is the daughter of Eric and Lisa Hartman.
Larson Heitzenrater is a seven-year, day student from Sewanee, Tenn., and recipient of this year's Day Student and Best Male Athlete Awards. He was an honors student and served as a Proctor, acolyte, and house leader. A three-sport, four-year athlete, Larson competed on the school's varsity basketball, football, and soccer teams and swam for the Sewanee Tigersharks during the summers. Over the years he has received awards for algebra, football, and basketball, including Most Improved Player and Coaches' Awards. Larson received recognition as the Praters Hardwood Flooring Scholar Athlete. Larson participated in the school's Fashion and ECO-SAS Clubs and completed an independent study in Fashion Design. He helped to organize the SAS Fashion Show during a Creative Expression Assembly. Larson took advantage of the opportunity for SAS students to take courses at the University of the South by taking courses in Macroeconomics and American Government and Politics. He will attend Wofford College in Spartanburg, S.C. Larson is the son of Jeff and Kim Heitzenrater. In reflecting on his time at SAS, Larson wrote "The TEAM athletic experience as a whole is the most memorable for me. A team is the closest-knit group, I believe, that there can be." He also thanked several teachers for being major influences on his life and worldview.
Ananda Janke is a two-year, day student from Shelbyville, Tenn. She was chosen by her classmates to present the Class of 2019's senior gift and banner at Honors Day. She is the daughter of Esther Gallman.
Zipeng "Oscar" Jing is a four-year, boarding student from Zhenjiang. China. Over the years he has won awards for physics, mountain biking, cross country, and baseball. As a student at SAS, Oscar took courses in economics at the University of the South. At this year's Honors Day, he received the Betty Guyear Condra Perseverance Award. In the fall, he will attend Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. He is the son of Jingdong Jing and Bin Lu.
Sarah Jane Kemmer is a three-year, boarding student from Centreville, Ala., and received this year's Boarding Student Award. She was a high honors student, a Proctor, an acolyte, an SAS Ambassador, and a member of the Honor Council. Sarah Jane is past recipient of the SMA Junior Leadership Award and received recognition for outstanding achievement in Chinese. She was chosen by her classmates to present the Class of 2019's senior gift and banner at Honors Day. An outstanding dancer, she participated annually in Sewanee's Perpetual Motion and the community production of The Nutcracker. As an SAS student, she took Studying Asian Religions at the University of the South. She will attend the University of the South in the fall. Sarah Jane is the daughter of Richard and Stephanie Kemmer.
Ben Mathews is a seven-year, day student from South Pittsburg, Tenn. He was an honors student and received numerous awards over the years for baseball and football. He was recipient of this year's Spanish VI award. Ben will attend East Tennessee State University. He is the son of Betsy Jacobs and James Mathews.
Alexander Milford has attended SAS for six and a half years, first as a day student and then as a boarding student. He was an honors student, a Proctor, and an acolyte. Alexander was a frequent performer in the school's Creative Expression Assemblies and received this year's departmental award for Functional Pottery. He will attend Belmont University. Alexander is the son of Casey and Sara Milford of Bentonville, Ark.
Jack Morris attended SAS for two years as a middle school student and re-enrolled as a boarding student his junior year. He was an honors student. Jack will attend Drew University in Madison, N.J. He is the son of Thomas Morris and Hadley Simmonds.
Evan Panzarino is a one-year, boarding student from Monticello, N.Y. He will attend Dutchess Community College. He is the son of Peter and Anna Panzarino.
The Class of 2019 Valedictorian, Sophia Patterson is a six-and-a-half year, day student from Sewanee, Tenn., having taken one semester to travel with her family to Ghana. Sophia was a high honors student, a Proctor, an SAS Ambassador, and a member of the Honor Council. She received National Merit recognition. She was a member of the school's cross country, swimming, and track teams. She was co-recipient of this year's Best Female Athlete award. Over the years, Sophia received awards for outstanding achievement in swimming, cross country, history, writing, Latin, and English, including this year's Danny Griffiths Award for Excellence in English. She was a member of the school's Global and Local Outreach and Great Discussions organizations and organized the school's Ethics Bowl team which won the state championship in its first year. As an SAS student, she took courses at the University of the South in French, religion, math, and politics. She attended the Tennessee Governor's School for the Humanities. In the fall, Sophia will attend Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas on a Trinity Tower Scholarship. Sophia is the daughter of Neil and Amy Patterson.
Randy Paul is a two-year, boarding student from Nassau, Bahamas. Randy was a
Proctor, an acolyte, an SAS Ambassador, and a member of the school's House leadership. He was recognized earlier this year as the Most Valuable Swimmer on the school's varsity swim team. This year he qualified for the state swim meet in four events. Randy will attend Ohio Northern University in Ada, Ohio. He is the son of Milton and Demetria Cooper.
Reagan Rhoton is a seven-year, day student from Winchester, Tenn. An honors student and Proctor, she will attend University of Arkansas. Reagan is the daughter of Troy and Delanna Rhoton.
Bruce Ruzima is a three-year, boarding student from Kigali, Rwanda. He provided leadership to the school's House program and was an acolyte and an SAS Ambassador. He received awards in baseball and Latin and received this year's William S. Wade Religious Studies Award and the Lulu Hampton Owen Service Award. Bruce is the son of Aimable Ruzima and Jacqueline Mukakanyamugenge.
Jeson Rwalinda is a three-year, boarding student from Kigali, Rwanda. He was an acolyte, an SAS Ambassador, provided leadership to the school's House program, and received recognition for outstanding achievement in Spanish and mountain biking. He is the son of Phocas Rwalinda and Sylvie Murungi.
Jonathan Rwalinda is a three-year, boarding student from Kigali, Rwanda. Over the years he received awards for outstanding achievement in Spanish and baseball. He served the school as an admission ambassador and participated in the Anime Club, International Club, Spanish Club, and Christian Athletes. Jonathan was a three-year, three-sport athlete playing baseball, basketball, and football. In 2018 he received the Most Improved Player award in baseball. He is the son of Phocas Rwalinda and Sylvie Murungi. In reflecting on his time at SAS, Jonathan wrote, "Going to SAS is the best thing I've ever done. I feel so much love for everyone who is a part of this community."
David Shipps is a two-year, day student from Sewanee, Tenn. He was an honors student and participated in the school's theater program. David will attend the University of the South. He is the son of David and Sydney Shipps.
Lily Sibold is a one-year, boarding student from Huntsville, Ala. She will spend next year working as a missionary in Africa and will then return to the United States to attend the Savannah College of Art and Design. Lily is the daughter of Kerry Joffrion Holder and Peter Joffrion.
Houston Sims is a four-year, boarding student from Memphis, Tenn. He is an accomplished film producer and director and had one of his films, "Giant's Juice" chosen for the Oxford Film Festival in Oxford, Miss. Houston will attend Loyola University New Orleans. He is the son of Stacy and Jane Sims.
Anna Singer is a two-year, boarding student from Monteagle, Tenn. She will attend Saint Louis University. Anna is the daughter of Lucy Singer.
Gabe Stevens is a three-year, boarding student from Fort Pierce, Fla. Gabe spends his school breaks volunteering in Haiti where his parents are missionaries. He was an acolyte and honors student and a member of the Christian Athletes club. Gabe received recognition over the years for outstanding achievement in soccer and Spanish and was the recipient of this year's Advanced Functional Pottery award and the St. Andrew's-Sewanee School Gallery Award for 3-Dimensional Art. Gabe, who played football at SAS and was a three-time MVP in soccer, will attend Carson-Newman University on a soccer scholarship. Gabe is the son of Frank and Jan ('95) Stevens.
Yueqian "Bella" Sun is a three-year, boarding student from Shanghai, China. She was a high honors student, a Proctor, and an SAS Ambassador. Bella participated in Art Club, Fashion Club, International Club, and was a contributor to the school's literary magazine. She received numerous awards for her art work, including this year's Rosie Paschall Visual Art Award and Gold and Silver Medals for art submitted to the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers. As a student at SAS, she took a math course at the University of the South. Next year, Bella will attend Rhode Island School of Design. Bella is the daughter of Yiping Sun and Ping Li.
Jalen Tillman is a three-year, boarding student from Parkville, Md. He was president of one of the school's houses, an acolyte, and an SAS Ambassador. He received awards for outstanding performance in football and basketball. His junior year he placed 6th in shot put in the Tennessee State Track and Field meet. He will attend Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Va. Jalen is the son of Kim Tillman and Allen Tillman.
Xuan Van "Amelinda" Tran is a one-and-a-half year boarding student from Hanoi, Vietnam. An honors student, Amelinda participated in the school's theater program, International Club, Vocal Ensemble, and led the K-pop Dance Club. She also performed in Creative Expression Assemblies. She will attend Pasadena City College. Amelinda is the daughter of Hoa Tran and Loan Ngo.
Ryan Val is a three-year, day student from Tracy City, Tenn. Ryan was an honors student and a member of the school's Honor Council. Over the years he received awards in swimming and Spanish. Ryan is a three-year, three-sport athlete participating in cross-country, swimming, mountain biking, and track. He organized the school's Dungeons and Dragons Club and participated in the school's Anime and Math Clubs. He was also a member of the school's Boy Scout Troop. He will be attending Drexel University in Philadelphia on an A.J. Drexel Scholarship. Ryan is the son of Raymond and Melanie Val.
Seth Walker is a four-year, day student from Monteagle, Tenn. A high honors student, Seth was a Proctor and a member of the Honor Council. Over the years, he received recognition for outstanding achievement in cross country, track, soccer, and art. He received this year's Andrew Nelson Lytle Writing Award. He was a member of the school's Upper School Vocal Ensemble and Guitar Ensemble. Seth will attend Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, N.C. He is the son of Scott and Robin Walker.
Palmer Whittington is a one-year, boarding senior from Memphis. Palmer was a high honors student. Throughout the year she delighted her classmates and teachers with singing performances in Chapel and Creative Expression Assemblies. She was editor of the yearbook, had a leading part in the fall theater production, and performed with the Upper School Vocal Ensemble. Palmer will attend the University of Tennessee, Knoxville on a HOPE scholarship. She is the daughter of Jimmy Whittington and Amy Whittington. "A particularly memorable experience at SAS was my first time singing in Chapel," wrote Palmer. "I felt so encouraged."
Jarrett Willis is a four-year, day student from Hillsboro, Tenn. He was an honors student and received recognition in baseball. The school's Jamaica Outreach Trip was a life-changing experience for him. He will attend the University of the South in the fall. Jarrett is the son of Quentin and Amanda Willis.
Chenjieshao "Dave" Yang is a two-year, boarding student from Beijing, China. He will attend Indiana University at Bloomington. Dave is the son of Wen Yang and Yanmin Chen.
Lixian "Marshall" Zhao is a four-year, boarding student from Beijing, China. Marshall was editor of the yearbook. He will attend University of California, Santa Cruz. Marshall is the son of Xun Zhao and Ren Tianhong.