The Robert O. Beauchamp Chair honoring an exemplary educator in the field of science was awarded to High School Science Teacher Tamara Berthel.
By Sierra Smith, Communications Specialist
High School Science Teacher Tamara Berthel was honored during faculty and staff inservice in August as the new Robert O. Beauchamp Memorial Chair. The Beauchamp Chair was established in honor of distinguished Peabody Demonstration School faculty member Robert O. Beauchamp and will be awarded every five years to a science teacher.
“Perhaps the most compelling reason for the selection of Tamara Berthel is that she has the uncanny ability to deepen a student's love of science no matter their native interest in the field,” Head of High School Quinton Walker shared. “I love what she brings to our students — playing the role of cheerleader, supporter, confidant, and master teacher. She makes a difference in the lives of the students that she teaches and the students she mentors in her role as dean.”
Berthel began teaching in the High School in 2005 and since has worked tirelessly to support students in all facets of her work. Prior to her time at USN, Berthel spent several years working as a field biologist around the world and brings this firsthand experience to the classroom in her chemistry, biology, and Advanced Placement biology courses.
The Robert O. Beauchamp Memorial Endowment Fund is a faculty chair established through the estate of Nicholas Beauchamp ’53 to honor the memory of his father, Robert O. Beauchamp, a distinguished faculty member at Peabody Demonstration School from 1923–1966. The Beauchamp Chair will be awarded every five years to a University School of Nashville science teacher.
The first recipient named was Former HS Science Teacher Dawn Matthies. Matthies moved in the summer of 2022, and Berthel was named the endowment’s second chair as a result.
Director of Auxiliary Services Rebecca Stokes was given the Summer Programs and Auxiliary Revenue Collaborative’s award for her work including students in the selection of a new playground, transitioning the school bookstore, refining registration systems and processes for summer camps & enrichment activities, and expanding the school’s cultural and holiday celebrations to be inclusive of USN’s diverse student body.
University School of Nashville welcomes prospective families to tour the Edgehill Campus, speak with students, faculty, and administrators, and learn about our K-12 school's academic, athletic, and arts offerings. Sessions will take place at 9:30 a.m. for Middle & High Schools and 1 p.m. for Lower School. Let us know you are coming at usn.org/preview.
For more than 30 years, Artclectic has been one of Nashville's premier juried art shows, welcoming nationally recognized artists and visitors from across the city to USN's Sperling Gym turned art gallery. The weekend features exceptional artwork, artist demonstrations, student experiences, family activities, and special events that celebrate creativity, with proceeds benefiting USN. Purchase your tickets today.
Tiger golfers have officially qualified for the region tournament, and our other teams are not far behind. Volleyball sits near the top of the district, finishing up regular season play next week with Senior Night. Girls soccer continues to hold first place in the district after another 9-0 win, and our cross country runners are chasing after some school records. To round it all out, our mountain bike team traveled to Oakfield to continue to improve on their times for the season. There’s plenty more where that came from- so be sure to come out to the River Campus, Sperling Gym, or out on the road to cheer on our Tigers before their seasons end.
Middle School volleyball and tennis teams are nearing the final games of their seasons, with the competition heating up while the Tigers play to determine their HVAC rankings. Cross country was finally able to race at the River Campus despite the heat, and our mountain biking team traveled to Oakfield, Tennessee, for a high-temperature race weekend.
The MTB team returned to the the twisty trails of tranquil Oakfield, TN on Sept 13th to take part in the second race of the season, as part of the 5-race series hosted by the NICA/TICL League.
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.