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Girls Preparatory School inducts into Cum Laude 11 seniors, young women recognized for their academic excellence.
Eleven from the Class of 2018 are honored Friday, May 4, with the highest academic accolade bestowed upon a Girls Preparatory School student—membership in Cum Laude.
Bryant Haynes, President of the GPS Chapter of Cum Laude, announces that the following members of the GPS Class of 2018 are inductees of GPS Cum Laude Society: Mary Margaret Arrowsmith, Khadija Aslam, Pierson Brown, Murfee Jones, Margaret Lim, Meg Marshall, Meher Memon, Ritika Modi, Tatiana Poggi, Kate Thel, and Libby Welborn, while their classmates, teachers, coaches, friends, and family watch with admiration.
First to be introduced is Mary Margaret Arrowsmith, who will attend Davidson College (Davidson, North Carolina) this fall. Mr. Bryant Haynes, Arrowsmith’s physics teacher, used an arrow as a visual aid to describe her. “Just as an arrow flexes as it flies and spins about its long axis in gyroscopic stabilization, so Mary Margaret has exhibited that balance of hard work, focus, and determination that has brought her to this point in her career and onto this stage today,” Haynes says.
Arrowsmith and Haynes have a special connection outside the classroom—as bandmates. She plays the banjo and he the fiddle in the GPS Irregular String Band. Haynes says Arrowsmith will continue playing music when she goes off to Davidson College, having been invited by one of the professors there to join in the old-time music scene. “How appropriate that her musical skills, begun and developed here on the western side of these mountains, go with her over to the eastern side of the Appalachians,” Haynes says.
Khadija Sohail Aslam, who will attend Fordham University (Bronx, New York), is introduced by Jill Pala Pieritz ’97, Computer Science Department Chair. Pieritz compares Aslam’s mind to a Rubik’s Cube—the colorful puzzle Aslam taught herself how to solve as a GPS Middle School student. “When Khadija’s nimble mind undertakes a task, she does not get lost on the journey, but keeps her eye on the end goal,” Pieritz says.
Sarah Jackson ’06, Upper School Dean of Students, conveys to Pieritz that her “favorite moments are when Khadija’s algorithms are made manifest in our classroom, and [we] get to bear witness to her methodical mind clicking and shifting as it works toward its ultimate goal.”
Aslam is also lauded for her sense of humor, musical talent, leadership, and sense of caring. “Lucky for us,” Pieritz continues, “Khadija is both curious and determined. She fearlessly tackles problems that speak to her. The best part is that she has fun along the way.” And her puzzle-solving skills? Aslam can complete the Rubik’s Cube in 14 seconds now.
Attending American University (Washington, D.C.) this fall will be Mary Pierson Brown, introduced by Diane Walker, math teacher. Walker speaks about having Brown in the classroom and how she enriches the significance of classroom interpretations and conversations by making connections that go beyond the scope of the material being presented. “She asks the difficult questions when others may be reluctant,” Walker says. “She is brilliant yet humble. I see this in her discourse with others and I appreciate her gentle demeanor when she encourages her friends.”
Walker goes on to praise Brown for her innate sense of curiosity, her love of learning and travel, her willingness to take risks, her ambition for learning beyond the classroom. “While GPS has given Miss Brown the platform, she has taken full advantage,” Walker says. “Honor. Respect. Curiosity. Individuality. Relationships. Miss Brown is a complete product of these GPS values.”
Lyla Murfee Jones is introduced by Callie Hamilton, her history teacher, who describes her student as “unencumbered by ego” and unafraid to learn. “The world fascinates Murfee,” Hamilton says. “It is her life’s curriculum, and natural curiosity will fuel her ever-growing wisdom. While excellence looks easy for Murfee, it’s not inevitable.”
A four-sport athlete, Jones will attend Washington and Lee University (Lexington, Virginia) this fall and has signed a national letter of intent to run track for the Generals; she co-holds the GPS record for pole vaulting at 10’. Hamilton shares what Jones means to others as a much-loved sister and daughter, a fun-loving friend, a scholar, an artist. “What’s remarkable is Murfee’s internal metronome,” she says. “Her spirit sets the tempo; her body keeps pace. It takes mental toughness and physical strength to push through. Murfee’s prowess in athletics and academics—from cheering to AP courses—comes from hard work, dedication, and hours and hours of practice and study. She carries herself lightly, even laden with medals and awards.”
Dr. Ralph Covino, history and Latin teacher and Dean of the Junior Class, receives the honor of introducing Margaret Stacy Lim, who will attend Duke University (Durham, North Carolina) this fall. “Margaret is quiet, thoughtful, and kind,” Dr. Covino says. “She is both driven and humble. Most of all, though, we all know Margaret as a talented musician, a dutiful servant-leader, and a serious scholar.”
Lim plays the violin in the GPS Tango string quartet and this year received the Grace McCallie Scholarship, awarded to the rising senior who has maintained the highest GPA during her Upper School years. She’s also a National Merit Scholarship Finalist. “My main job over the years where she is concerned has been to get out of her way and let her forge ahead, do so on her own terms, and be nearby on the off-chance that she needed some support,” Dr. Covino continues. “Margaret’s being in the classroom made my life very easy. I am envious of Margaret’s capacity to work hard behind the scenes to make the things that she does look serenely effortless.”
Corrie White, English teacher, is next to pay her regards to Margaret (Meg) Peterson Marshall, who will attend the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. White begins with summarizing Plato’s “Allegory of a Cave,” a story about “pitfalls and opportunities of leaving the familiar and uninformed for truth that is difficult to get to and see,” White says. Plato writes: “the instrument with which each [person] learns is like an eye that cannot be turned around from darkness to light without turning the whole body.”
Bryant Haynes, President of the GPS Chapter of Cum Laude, announces that the following members of the GPS Class of 2018 are inductees of GPS Cum Laude Society: Mary Margaret Arrowsmith, Khadija Aslam, Pierson Brown, Murfee Jones, Margaret Lim, Meg Marshall, Meher Memon, Ritika Modi, Tatiana Poggi, Kate Thel, and Libby Welborn, while their classmates, teachers, coaches, friends, and family watch with admiration.
First to be introduced is Mary Margaret Arrowsmith, who will attend Davidson College (Davidson, North Carolina) this fall. Mr. Bryant Haynes, Arrowsmith’s physics teacher, used an arrow as a visual aid to describe her. “Just as an arrow flexes as it flies and spins about its long axis in gyroscopic stabilization, so Mary Margaret has exhibited that balance of hard work, focus, and determination that has brought her to this point in her career and onto this stage today,” Haynes says.
Arrowsmith and Haynes have a special connection outside the classroom—as bandmates. She plays the banjo and he the fiddle in the GPS Irregular String Band. Haynes says Arrowsmith will continue playing music when she goes off to Davidson College, having been invited by one of the professors there to join in the old-time music scene. “How appropriate that her musical skills, begun and developed here on the western side of these mountains, go with her over to the eastern side of the Appalachians,” Haynes says.
Khadija Sohail Aslam, who will attend Fordham University (Bronx, New York), is introduced by Jill Pala Pieritz ’97, Computer Science Department Chair. Pieritz compares Aslam’s mind to a Rubik’s Cube—the colorful puzzle Aslam taught herself how to solve as a GPS Middle School student. “When Khadija’s nimble mind undertakes a task, she does not get lost on the journey, but keeps her eye on the end goal,” Pieritz says.
Sarah Jackson ’06, Upper School Dean of Students, conveys to Pieritz that her “favorite moments are when Khadija’s algorithms are made manifest in our classroom, and [we] get to bear witness to her methodical mind clicking and shifting as it works toward its ultimate goal.”
Aslam is also lauded for her sense of humor, musical talent, leadership, and sense of caring. “Lucky for us,” Pieritz continues, “Khadija is both curious and determined. She fearlessly tackles problems that speak to her. The best part is that she has fun along the way.” And her puzzle-solving skills? Aslam can complete the Rubik’s Cube in 14 seconds now.
Attending American University (Washington, D.C.) this fall will be Mary Pierson Brown, introduced by Diane Walker, math teacher. Walker speaks about having Brown in the classroom and how she enriches the significance of classroom interpretations and conversations by making connections that go beyond the scope of the material being presented. “She asks the difficult questions when others may be reluctant,” Walker says. “She is brilliant yet humble. I see this in her discourse with others and I appreciate her gentle demeanor when she encourages her friends.”
Walker goes on to praise Brown for her innate sense of curiosity, her love of learning and travel, her willingness to take risks, her ambition for learning beyond the classroom. “While GPS has given Miss Brown the platform, she has taken full advantage,” Walker says. “Honor. Respect. Curiosity. Individuality. Relationships. Miss Brown is a complete product of these GPS values.”
Lyla Murfee Jones is introduced by Callie Hamilton, her history teacher, who describes her student as “unencumbered by ego” and unafraid to learn. “The world fascinates Murfee,” Hamilton says. “It is her life’s curriculum, and natural curiosity will fuel her ever-growing wisdom. While excellence looks easy for Murfee, it’s not inevitable.”
A four-sport athlete, Jones will attend Washington and Lee University (Lexington, Virginia) this fall and has signed a national letter of intent to run track for the Generals; she co-holds the GPS record for pole vaulting at 10’. Hamilton shares what Jones means to others as a much-loved sister and daughter, a fun-loving friend, a scholar, an artist. “What’s remarkable is Murfee’s internal metronome,” she says. “Her spirit sets the tempo; her body keeps pace. It takes mental toughness and physical strength to push through. Murfee’s prowess in athletics and academics—from cheering to AP courses—comes from hard work, dedication, and hours and hours of practice and study. She carries herself lightly, even laden with medals and awards.”
Dr. Ralph Covino, history and Latin teacher and Dean of the Junior Class, receives the honor of introducing Margaret Stacy Lim, who will attend Duke University (Durham, North Carolina) this fall. “Margaret is quiet, thoughtful, and kind,” Dr. Covino says. “She is both driven and humble. Most of all, though, we all know Margaret as a talented musician, a dutiful servant-leader, and a serious scholar.”
Lim plays the violin in the GPS Tango string quartet and this year received the Grace McCallie Scholarship, awarded to the rising senior who has maintained the highest GPA during her Upper School years. She’s also a National Merit Scholarship Finalist. “My main job over the years where she is concerned has been to get out of her way and let her forge ahead, do so on her own terms, and be nearby on the off-chance that she needed some support,” Dr. Covino continues. “Margaret’s being in the classroom made my life very easy. I am envious of Margaret’s capacity to work hard behind the scenes to make the things that she does look serenely effortless.”
Corrie White, English teacher, is next to pay her regards to Margaret (Meg) Peterson Marshall, who will attend the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. White begins with summarizing Plato’s “Allegory of a Cave,” a story about “pitfalls and opportunities of leaving the familiar and uninformed for truth that is difficult to get to and see,” White says. Plato writes: “the instrument with which each [person] learns is like an eye that cannot be turned around from darkness to light without turning the whole body.”
“No truer instruction describes how Meg Marshall conducts her life,” White says. The president of Partnerships in the Community (PIC), Marshall has a heart for service and a penchant for leadership. “Her intrinsic motivation appears to match Socrates’ belief that, once you’ve turned toward the sun, one must return to the cave and bring all people into harmony without judgment,” White says. “Knowledge, for her, isn’t meant to sit still, fester in the ego of the high achiever. It is meant to be shared, made useful in a relationally wounded world.”
Meher Memon, who will attend the University of Tennessee Knoxville, is introduced by English teacher Katy Berotti. When Berotti met Memon, she noticed the sixth-grader listened in a way that showed mature kindness. “Earnest but introspective, Meher has worked hard at GPS, balancing and blending responsibilities, seeking classes and clubs to challenge and satisfy her talent and appetite,” says Berotti.
She recalls Memon’s teachers praising “her ‘sound writing and analytical ability’ (AP English), her ‘lovely aesthetic’ (AP Art), and mathematical ‘insight’ (AP Calculus), and so on and so on, extending to note her ‘integrity,’ her impact on others,” continues Berotti. “Wholehearted, Meher raves about the fascinations of anatomy, gasps at how much she respects a political or philosophical revelation.”
As president of Amnesty International at GPS, Memon leads by example. Berotti shares that Dr. Becksvoort, Amnesty sponsor, describes Memon as “kind, strategic and brilliant, leading the group to focus on education and access, moving the club in a new direction with inclusivity and gentleness.”
Next at the lectern is Head of Upper School Jenise Gordon, who introduces Ritika Divyesh Modi. Modi plans to attend the University of Miami (Miami, Florida). Gordon shares that Ritika means “of a stream” in its original Sanskrit and says she is strong, like water. “Even though she may seem quiet and gentle, she has the strength to move mountains and carve new paths,” Gordon says. “Like a continued drip of water on a rock surface, Ritika has eroded away the lacquer of superficial understanding and revealed the heart of a true scholar.”
Gordon shares that Modi has spent years learning the form of Indian dance called Bharatanatyam, driving to Atlanta nearly every Saturday to perfect her movements. At the University of Miami, Modi plans to major in pre-med, and Gordon once asked her what advice she would give to her ninth-grade self. She simply replied, “Be confident in yourself.” Gordon says, “I am confident in you, and I will forever be grateful our paths crossed in your formative years.”
National Merit Scholarship Finalist Tatiana Regina Ledesma Poggi plans to attend Tulane University (New Orleans, Louisiana) this fall. Her dance teacher Cathie Kasch ’72, Performing Arts Coordinator, describes Poggi as a ferocious warrior princess/superhero, “in pursuit of truth, justice and a better, kinder path for Americans and the world.” A dancer, kickboxer, linguist, singer, debater, Poggi plans to major in legal studies and international relations at Tulane. “Tatiana has a keen sense of what constitutes social justice, and so you would rightfully expect that she fights for the underdog,” Kasch says. “She does not belittle or judge others with varying viewpoints. In fact, she welcomes the challenge to learn something new, to strengthen or amend her own perspective.”
Poggi is praised by Kasch for her legendary kindness, open heart, listening ear, and fiery passion. According to Kasch, Poggi dances like she does everything else—with unbridled energy, intensity, and joyful physicality. “The time is almost here to say goodbye to our superhero [as] she leaves to explore new worlds, where I have no doubt, she will continue to use her powers for good,” Kasch says.
Kathryn (Kate) Sarah Thel is introduced by her tennis coach, Sue Bartlett. President of National Honor Society and Editor-in-Chief of Spectrum, Thel is also a National Merit Scholarship Finalist. She will attend the University of Notre Dame (Notre Dame, Indiana) in the fall. Bartlett describes Thel as intelligent, thoughtful, empathetic, humorous, kind, humble, compassionate, fair, and a servant leader. The coach and player first crossed paths on the tennis courts nine years ago when Thel was in fourth grade. “Her racquet was almost as tall as she,” Bartlett recalls. “Kate entered with a shy smile, a calm presence, and an eagerness to learn.”
Bartlett praises Thel for her time management skills, keeping up a rigorous academic load while playing a year-round sport and volunteering. “How can anyone not admire and love a student like Kate?” she asks. “Someone who gives 100 percent of what she can, every day; someone who learns because she wants to, not because she has to; someone who has slight obsessions with One Direction and Hamilton. It has been a pleasure, honor, and privilege to spend these years with Kate.”
Caroline Carlin, Dean of the Freshman Class and history teacher, introduces Elizabeth (Libby) Houston Welborn. This fall, Welborn will attend Wake Forest University (Winston Salem, North Carolina). Carlin knows Welborn best from being her varsity lacrosse coach, and praises her for her diligence and focus on the field, in the classroom, and as Honor Council president. “No matter the variety of her opponent, an equation in math, a case for the honor council,” Carlin says, “she never backs down. She boldly puts herself in front of the play at top speed and strength, determined to greet the challenge head on.”
The truest test to her character happens not when Welborn is at the top of her game, but when she is down. “Not surprisingly, our girl has a plan,” Carlin continues. “Libby teaches us that life is about those moments in the middle—that point where you know where you are headed and distinctly remember where you have been. Today, our heart swells for you at this point in your journey, Libb.”
Welcome to Cum Laude, young GPS women of diverse talents, brave souls, kind hearts, and curious minds. Welcome, indeed! To view and download photos of Cum Laude (or purchase prints for a small fee), please visit our SmugMug account.
Meher Memon, who will attend the University of Tennessee Knoxville, is introduced by English teacher Katy Berotti. When Berotti met Memon, she noticed the sixth-grader listened in a way that showed mature kindness. “Earnest but introspective, Meher has worked hard at GPS, balancing and blending responsibilities, seeking classes and clubs to challenge and satisfy her talent and appetite,” says Berotti.
She recalls Memon’s teachers praising “her ‘sound writing and analytical ability’ (AP English), her ‘lovely aesthetic’ (AP Art), and mathematical ‘insight’ (AP Calculus), and so on and so on, extending to note her ‘integrity,’ her impact on others,” continues Berotti. “Wholehearted, Meher raves about the fascinations of anatomy, gasps at how much she respects a political or philosophical revelation.”
As president of Amnesty International at GPS, Memon leads by example. Berotti shares that Dr. Becksvoort, Amnesty sponsor, describes Memon as “kind, strategic and brilliant, leading the group to focus on education and access, moving the club in a new direction with inclusivity and gentleness.”
Next at the lectern is Head of Upper School Jenise Gordon, who introduces Ritika Divyesh Modi. Modi plans to attend the University of Miami (Miami, Florida). Gordon shares that Ritika means “of a stream” in its original Sanskrit and says she is strong, like water. “Even though she may seem quiet and gentle, she has the strength to move mountains and carve new paths,” Gordon says. “Like a continued drip of water on a rock surface, Ritika has eroded away the lacquer of superficial understanding and revealed the heart of a true scholar.”
Gordon shares that Modi has spent years learning the form of Indian dance called Bharatanatyam, driving to Atlanta nearly every Saturday to perfect her movements. At the University of Miami, Modi plans to major in pre-med, and Gordon once asked her what advice she would give to her ninth-grade self. She simply replied, “Be confident in yourself.” Gordon says, “I am confident in you, and I will forever be grateful our paths crossed in your formative years.”
National Merit Scholarship Finalist Tatiana Regina Ledesma Poggi plans to attend Tulane University (New Orleans, Louisiana) this fall. Her dance teacher Cathie Kasch ’72, Performing Arts Coordinator, describes Poggi as a ferocious warrior princess/superhero, “in pursuit of truth, justice and a better, kinder path for Americans and the world.” A dancer, kickboxer, linguist, singer, debater, Poggi plans to major in legal studies and international relations at Tulane. “Tatiana has a keen sense of what constitutes social justice, and so you would rightfully expect that she fights for the underdog,” Kasch says. “She does not belittle or judge others with varying viewpoints. In fact, she welcomes the challenge to learn something new, to strengthen or amend her own perspective.”
Poggi is praised by Kasch for her legendary kindness, open heart, listening ear, and fiery passion. According to Kasch, Poggi dances like she does everything else—with unbridled energy, intensity, and joyful physicality. “The time is almost here to say goodbye to our superhero [as] she leaves to explore new worlds, where I have no doubt, she will continue to use her powers for good,” Kasch says.
Kathryn (Kate) Sarah Thel is introduced by her tennis coach, Sue Bartlett. President of National Honor Society and Editor-in-Chief of Spectrum, Thel is also a National Merit Scholarship Finalist. She will attend the University of Notre Dame (Notre Dame, Indiana) in the fall. Bartlett describes Thel as intelligent, thoughtful, empathetic, humorous, kind, humble, compassionate, fair, and a servant leader. The coach and player first crossed paths on the tennis courts nine years ago when Thel was in fourth grade. “Her racquet was almost as tall as she,” Bartlett recalls. “Kate entered with a shy smile, a calm presence, and an eagerness to learn.”
Bartlett praises Thel for her time management skills, keeping up a rigorous academic load while playing a year-round sport and volunteering. “How can anyone not admire and love a student like Kate?” she asks. “Someone who gives 100 percent of what she can, every day; someone who learns because she wants to, not because she has to; someone who has slight obsessions with One Direction and Hamilton. It has been a pleasure, honor, and privilege to spend these years with Kate.”
Caroline Carlin, Dean of the Freshman Class and history teacher, introduces Elizabeth (Libby) Houston Welborn. This fall, Welborn will attend Wake Forest University (Winston Salem, North Carolina). Carlin knows Welborn best from being her varsity lacrosse coach, and praises her for her diligence and focus on the field, in the classroom, and as Honor Council president. “No matter the variety of her opponent, an equation in math, a case for the honor council,” Carlin says, “she never backs down. She boldly puts herself in front of the play at top speed and strength, determined to greet the challenge head on.”
The truest test to her character happens not when Welborn is at the top of her game, but when she is down. “Not surprisingly, our girl has a plan,” Carlin continues. “Libby teaches us that life is about those moments in the middle—that point where you know where you are headed and distinctly remember where you have been. Today, our heart swells for you at this point in your journey, Libb.”
Welcome to Cum Laude, young GPS women of diverse talents, brave souls, kind hearts, and curious minds. Welcome, indeed! To view and download photos of Cum Laude (or purchase prints for a small fee), please visit our SmugMug account.
