High School students collected winter coats for Metro Nashville Public Schools to help keep our neighbors warm this winter.
By Sierra Smith, Communications Specialist
University School of Nashville’s High School Community Service Organization hosted a collection drive in late November in hopes of harnessing the K-12 community’s generosity.
With the call made for new and gently used winter coats for individuals ages five to 18 and collection boxes placed throughout campus, the group gathered 148 coats along with several pairs of gloves, earmuffs, and winter hats to deliver to USN Parent Catherine Knowles, who runs Metro Nashville Public Schools' Homeless Education Resource Office, often referred to as the HERO program.
"Right now there is a growing housing problem in our city. As Nashville grows, only people who can afford it continue to grow with it, but those who can't are left behind. This is a critical issue that needs more attention. We hope the coat drive raised awareness, while also offering a little help to people right now," shared Ximena Martinez Segoviano '23, who helped organize the drive.
According to the MNPS website, the HERO program “works to provide necessary resources, supports, and referrals to help homeless children and youth to be successful in school and have a positive school experience.”
This support can look like providing school uniforms, supplies, and backpacks; offering transportation so students who move frequently can continue attending the same school; obtaining birth certificates, immunization records, and school records for families; and, sharing countless other resources.
A recent Nashville Scene article reports that the program has served more than 2,000 students during this academic year, and Knowles anticipates that number will continue to rise, surpassing 3,000 before classes end in May. In the past five years, the office has served 18,500 students and their families.
“The circumstances of our students and their needs are varied, but the majority of them need a good winter coat. We are so grateful for our partnership with USN and your donations help [almost 150] students face the winter season with the extra warmth they need,” Knowles said.
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.
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.
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.
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.