Harpeth Hall School - Milestones Iris Yearbook (Nashville, TN)

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f m Polly Fessey: Middle School Director While working in the Middle School every year but one since it opened in 1968, Miss Fessey has been important not only in directing the Middle School ' s activities but also in maintaining its unique atmosphere a very caring adminstrator, she continues to be amaded at the efforts of the inventive Middle School faculty to bring interesting new ideas and projects to the students. Besides being involved in all aspects of the Middle School from the play in Interim, Miss Fessey is also very involved in all Fesey is also very involved in her church, serving on the Administrative Board and the Finance Committee. This year Miss Fessey has devoted a great deal of her time to the re-evaluation of the school. As the chairman of the Steering Committee, responsible for all planning involved in the evaluation, Miss Fessey has enjoyed working in a different relationship with the others on the committee — Miss Hensley, Mr. Wood, Mrs. Clark, and Dr. Marney. Thus, through her various roles in the administration and through her devotion to her work. Miss Fessey is an essential key to efficiency and happiness at the Middle School.

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David E. Wood: Headmaster In his second year as headmaster of Harpeth Hall, Mr. Wood has been determined to continue to provide the best academic program for young women in the Nashville community. He has introduced a new school lunch program, taken on the job of college counseling, continued in his devoted support for school organizations such as the Honor Council and Key Club; and most importantly, he has continued to inject his special enthusiasm, spirit, and participation in all the activities of the school. His avid support for the various athletic teams has prompted the student body to become more supportive and enthusiastic as well. Mr. Wood ' s accomplishments and talent as headmaster can perhaps be attributed to his vast and varied experience. As a teacher at B.G.A., Director of Admissions at Vanderbilt University, and headmaster of U.M.S. Preparatory School for boys in Mobile, ALabama, Mr. Wood has acquired and shared many new ideas and programs with the school while still upholding many traditions. Certainly a vital link in the direction of Harpeth Hall, Mr. Wood demonstrates an interest in the well-being of every student.

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Janet Hensley Miss Hensley, Dean of Students and Assistant to the Headmaster, has been indispensable for her twelve years at Harpeth Hall. Besides her obvious roles as sponsor of the Student Council, member of the Student-Faculty Committee, and organizer of Winterim, she is also responsible for the daily running of the Upper School. Her little-known tasks include planning the weekly calendar, scheduling exams, and making arrangements for the use of school facilities. On a more personal level, Miss Hensley counsels students, parents, and faculty members. Whenever a problem arises, from ticket sales to academic work, Miss Hensley is always willing to give advice. Though she says Harpeth Hall has been like her family, she feels that her experience here has given her the desire for new challenges and the self- confidence to meet them. Thus, Miss Hensley has accepted the position of Headmistress of the McGehee School for girls in New Orleans. One aspect of the School that attracts her is its similarity to Harpeth Hall — from the plaid kilts to its commitment to academic excellence for women. She also likes the warm, receptive people at McGehee who remind her of those at Harpeth Hall who have supported her over the years. Because Miss Hensley anticipates her new position with excitement and some nervousness, she feels that she, as the seniors, must graduate from Harpeth Hall. Polly Nichols Mrs. Polly Nichols has played several different roles concerning various aspects of the histories of Ward- Belmont and Harpeth Hall Schools. First as a student at Ward-Belmont, next as Director of Alumnae here at Harpeth Hall, and beginning this year as head of the development campaign, Mrs. Nichols has revealed her continuous support for the fine college preparatory education for girls which Harpeth Hall offers. This most recent position acquired by Mrs. Nichols is one which is indeed vital to the survival of our school, for Harpeth Hall cannot operate without monetary sup- port from outside sources. Mrs. Nichols ' job involves the active pursuit of donations to the development cam- paign from private and public contributors who exhibit an interest in Harpeth Hall. Often, Mrs. Nichols trav- els around the region, seeking these contributions by promoting the basis and benefit of a Harpeth Hall education. Through establishing these successful con- tacts and through the subsequent raising of funds for the development campaign, Mrs. Nichols helps to en- sure the continuation of quality scholarship at Harpeth Hall. As the series of Lady of the Hall portraits on her office wall indicates, Mrs. Nichols continues to take an interest in the past and present of the school, as well as influencing the future of Harpeth Hall. 20