Class of 2022 raises flood relief funds

Senior class officers raised $438 to help those affected by the late-August flood in Humphreys County with the incentive to pie a teacher in the face. 
By Sierra Smith, Communications Specialist

High School students and faculty crowded around the Edgehill steps on Friday, Oct. 1 for Assembly. As is customary for this full community time, Student Body Vice President Ainsley McMillan began the meeting and various teams, clubs, and organizations shared announcements. Then the meeting took an unusual turn; senior class officers took the mic, and at the top of the steps, four whipped cream topped pumpkin pies could be spotted. 

In September, senior student council members held a fundraiser to help provide relief to those affected by the Humphreys County flood in late-August. 

“I felt obligated to use my platform to help the community beyond USN,” shared Senior Class President Krishin Parikh, who spearheaded the fundraiser. “We landed on flood relief because it was relevant at the time and personal to those who know loved ones in that area.”

Students and faculty were encouraged to donate for a chance to pie one of four High School faculty in the face — Math Teacher Andy Hedman, Science Teacher Wilson Hubbell, Math Teacher Allie Van Konynenburg, and Division Head Quinton Walker. In three days, students raised $438 for the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee’s flood relief fund. Each entry was $2, or donors could unlock a bulk discount by donating $10 for 10 entries; with no limit on the amount one could donate, the more money given increased an individual's chance at winning the honor of throwing a pie in the face of these beloved, and brave, teachers. 

With Assembly underway, the drawing began. Names were called, pies thrown, and cheers and laughter broke out across the lawn, even capturing the attention of nearby Middle School students during their snack break. Though the activity was lighthearted, the fundraiser’s meaning and impact was far from lost on the USN community. As Krishin noted, there were students, faculty, and staff with loved ones affected by the flood including Alumni Director Patti Wexler whose mother’s home was destroyed. 

“Just to know that our students understand the devastation that occurred, and to see them take action to help, meant so much to me,” Wexler shared. “I feel like a lot of people don’t fully realize how hard this has been, so knowing that the school community cares was really uplifting.”
Back

More USN News

List of 3 news stories.

  • Spring sports season ends with podium finishes, trophies

    The girls lacrosse team ended its season in overtime to become state runner-up. Tennis players Carter Kojetin '29 finished as a state quarterfinalist, Sophie Oliver '26 and Mary Kate Adler '28 finished as state semifinalists, and Veer Kodali '29 and Max Parker '29 finished as state champions. Meanwhile, eight runners competed at the state track and field meet in Knoxville, where Griffin Davidson '27, Caleb Freifeld '28, Drew Zwerner '28, and Jack Fruin '27, sprinted to first in the 4x800m relay and Jack also placed first in the 800m dash.
    Read More
  • Interim Director Juliet Douglas roars with laughter as students hold photos of her on sticks during the High School Awards Assembly on Friday, May 8 in Durnan Auditorium.

    USN creates the Juliet Douglas Endowed Fund for Student Success

    For the entire USN community: an invitation to give in gratitude, in celebration, and in honor of the woman who has given so much to our school. Make a gift at usn.org/giving to support students with needs beyond tuition and honor Interim Director Juliet Douglas.
    Read More
  • The team poses for a photo after competing in the Middle School Quiz Bowl National Championships.

    Middle School Quiz Bowl competes at national championship

    The Middle School Quiz Bowl finished off another successful season with a trip to the Middle School National Championship Tournament in Chicago. The team fought hard and ended the season as a top-100 program in the country, finishing 75th overall. Congratulations to the team on a great performance and to Lucas Lupu ’31, named an All Star for being the fifth-highest scorer nationwide.
    Read More
Archive

Contact

Edgehill Campus
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212

Phone:  615-321-8000
Fax:       615-321-0889 
Email:    info@usn.org

River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218

Resources

USN Mission: 
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.