Memphis University School - Owl Yearbook (Memphis, TN)

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MUS often participates in varsity athletics against larger schools; these schools may have more students, but they rarely have more school spirit than Memphis University School. The MUS stands during the Harding game provided much color and excitement in cheering the Buzzards on to victory. Tod Singer and John Sebes sit mesmerized by some abstruse precalculus symbols on the blackboard. Mrs. Scrimger, chairman of the math department at MUS, left school to teach in Alabama; her students will remember her intellectually stimulating, and often nearly impossible precalculus tests. Cross-Country runners Russ Billings and Mark Frazier struggle to the finish line of the Bishop Byrne Invitational. MUS athletes have varying degrees of success, but they always display a total effort. INTRODUCTION 5

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MUS 25 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE In just twenty-five years, Memphis University School has emerged as the finest independent school in the Memphis area, and one of the finest institutions in the southeastern United States. One of the keys to the school ' s success is the unique balance of academic, athletic, and extracurricular emphases. The best proof of the success of MUS ' program is the performance of the alumni in society; alumni of the school hold many positions of leadership in all areas of the Memphis community. In addition to the balanced training provided by the school, another reason for the school ' s success is the learning atmosphere which permeates life at MUS. Concern, trust, and honor are the three foundations of the MUS experience. These three qualities lead to a mutual respect among the student body and faculty, and this, in turn, leads to the formation of a healthy medium for learning. MUS students are highly competitive; however, at MUS this condition is constructive rather than destructive. Leadership has also been an important contributor to the success of MUS. The faculty is dedicated to motivating all students to achieve their maximum potential in all subject areas. In addition to academic leadership, headmasters Col. Lynn and Mr. Thorn have continually stressed character development as one of the major contributions that MUS makes to its students. The MUS faculty is not self-conscious, and therefore, they participate in most school activities. Here, Mr. Saunders demonstrates his physical prowess during the 1980 family festival. Scott Snyder is made an honorary member of the City Council for his performance in the national spelling bee held in Washington, DC. Mr. Omundson ' s Chemistry II class is just one part of MUS ' participation in the advanced placement program; advanced placement classes offer college-level work in high school. Mr. Omundson is in the process of handing out a patented First Period Kwik Kwiz to his bewildered Chem II class. 4 OPENING

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COLONEL LYNN LOOKS BACK It is a pleasure to reminisce about some of the history and events that have taken place in the first twenty-five years of Memphis University School. Mr. Wellford, the first Chairman of the Board, who held that position for twenty- three years, has stated that the founding of MUS was a venture in faith, and I agree with him. Little did we realize when the charter was granted on May 20, 1 954, that twenty-five years later we would have the facilities, the program, and the reputation for excellence which the school now enjoys. Originally we planned to have a school for 350 students, and later some consideration was given to making it a boarding school. It was fortunate that we did not raise enough money to complete the facilities as originally planned, as our original projections were too small. A committee worked for a year Mr. Wellford, the first Chairman of the Board stated that the founding of MUS was a venture in faith and I agree with him. searching for a site for the new school. The final two choices were one on Poplar in the area of the present Jewish Community Center, and the one chosen at Park and Ridgeway. The ninety-four acres purchased from the Wills and May families was a wise choice, not only from the standpoint of location, but also as an excellent investment. The school was located outside the city limits, a situation which posed some problems. Over the years we had several forest fires with no ready access to fire- fighting equipment. Special arrangements had to be made with the post office department to get mail service. We had to dig our own well and build our own septic tank. Because sixty percent of the students lived west of Highland, we had to run buses. Another interesting thing about the property was the fact that we received a cotton subsidy for two years for not planting cotton. Choosing a name for the new school did not pose a problem as a number of the Trustees and other people interested in the new school had attended the old MUS; therefore, the new school adopted MUS as its name. Some of the traditions and customs from the old school were adopted, such as the honor system, the school colors of red and blue, and the school seal with its motto Veritas Honorque. The student body decided to use the Owl as a school mascot and decided there would be no smoking on campus. The name of the first school paper was the MUS News, but later this was changed to The Owl ' s Hoot; the annual was called The Sabre and changed later to The Owl. The new school opened in September, 1 955, with ninety students in grades 7-1 0, and a faculty of six. The building consisted of six classrooms, one lab, a room for the library, a dressing room for physical education, and a cafeteria which also served as an auditorium for seven years. The auditorium was originally planned for the area occupied by the student lounge. The headmaster ' s office was in an area partitioned off from the hall, near the present bookstore. The eleventh and twelfth grades were added in succeeding years. Because of the quality program being offered, the school was accredited by the Southern Association before the first graduates received their diplomas in June, 1958. Another interesting thing about the property was the fact that we received a subsidy for two years for not planting cotton. Over the years we had several forest fires with no ready access to fire-fighting equipment. J 6 OPENING