USNA Volunteer Spotlight: Carrington Fox

By Shalene France Gray, USNA Volunteer Coordinator

Friends, can you believe we’re almost a month in already? Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you’ve no-doubt received/read an abundance of information, like teacher updates and messages from your room/advisory parents. Tucked amidst those many messages were no doubt lists of important dates for upcoming events, as well as initial invitations to volunteer for said events. 

While our parent socials continue going strong throughout the month of September (thanks again to all of our host families), the first big events of the year are always Fall Fest on Sept. 27 and the ever-popular Fall Book Frenzy from Sept. 26 through 28. Before long, paper grocery bags will head your way. This fundraiser is your chance to alleviate some clutter by gathering those gently-used books and media items you’re no longer using, and donate them all to be resold during this super sale in the Cheek Gym at the end of the month. 

Speaking of books, did you know that USN has a Little Free Library? It was unveiled last spring, and sits on 19th Avenue at the corner of the main parking lot and the Outdoor Classroom. The woman responsible for donating and building the Little Free Library is none other than Carrington Fox. 

Carrington is one of our many superstar volunteers, as her service has run the gamut with USNA. She has been involved as a volunteer for eight years now, since her first child enrolled in first grade. She has co-chaired Artclectic, participated as a maker in POPclectic (the one-day pop-up style artisan market held in conjunction with Artclectic), hosted and taught Evening Classes, helped organize parent socials, and — in her own words — “dances ridiculously at Music Night.” Let’s be honest, the latter is something we should all be doing. 

Carrington and her husband David have three sons at USN: Oscar '21, Julius '23, and Simon '24. When I asked her why she volunteers so much of her time with us, she said, “I should probably say I do it for my kids, but honestly I do it for myself. USNA volunteers include a wide circle of parents, teachers, alumni, alumni parents, artists, writers, restaurateurs, musicians, and other supporters who are among the most interesting, creative and generous people in the city. Who doesn't want in on that?” 

Her words of wisdom on getting involved? “Don't wait for someone to ask for your help. Just show up as soon as you can. Before you know it, your kids won't want you on campus.”

She then added, “I sort of wish it could all slow down. How did my first graders turn into High Schoolers?” Carrington would absolutely volunteer again, as she said she’s met some of her best friends through USNA. 

Outside of USN, Carrington keeps a busy schedule. After spending 10 years as a journalist covering the food scene in Nashville, she went back to school to the Tennessee College of Applied Technology to learn how to build things.

“Now I have a bunch of power tools and like to make stuff,” she said. If you’re interested in following Carrington’s journey, check out her blog Build Me Up, Buttercup.

To learn more available volunteering opportunities, you can read some descriptions as well as complete the volunteer sign-up form, simply by clicking here. The first of monthly USNA meetings, which are open to all USN parents, is 8:15 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18. We do hope you’ll join us.