Senior Bigs Build Strong Relationships
by Betty White, Service Learning Director
Some of our 20 senior Bigs were recognized at the annual Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee Regional Breakfast Tuesday morning for their dedicated service as mentors to their little brothers and sisters.
Some of our 20 senior Bigs were recognized at the annual Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee Regional Breakfast Tuesday morning for their dedicated service as mentors to their little brothers and sisters.
CEO Carlyle Carroll pulled Dr. Durnan aside prior to the breakfast. “You know,” Carroll said, “whenever we want to showcase our program and bring people around to see our mentors in action, we always choose a school where the USN students are matched.” Currently USN has three groups of Bigs, as the mentors are affectionately called: one at Carter Lawrence Elementary, one at Fall Hamilton, and one at Buena Vista.
“It’s like coming full circle,” Anne Gallo of BBBS stated recently. Our very first BBBS group of eight students began at Buena Vista ten years ago when Avery Durnan ’07 began the initiative as a sophomore after hearing about BBBS during a summer trip. Today the group has become our strongest mentoring program, reaching 55 students in the three schools.
During the program, several pairs of Bigs and Littles told stories and results of their matches. “I liked hearing that even one year makes a difference because my little sister moved this year, and it’s cool knowing that even one year provides strong memories," said Kate Tanner.
Mary Nebel added, “Although we only see each other once a week, we still have an impact and build strong relationships.”
And it’s interesting how we’ve begun to see connections among our partnerships. Tuesday morning Sgt. Rucker of the Metro Precinct spoke about how being a Little Brother enabled him to rise to the position he holds today, and then he spoke of his Little Brother in BBBS, Demonte, who is one of the students we enjoy knowing at the Edgehill Brighter Days Program.
High school students are invited to apply for the Big Brother Big Sister Program at USN in the spring by attending an orientation meeting, followed by an application process. The program is open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors who commit to mentoring each week for at least a year. Students volunteer during the school day by giving up a free period and lunch each week. It’s quite a commitment, but “they really value our being there, and that makes a difference to me,” said Dev Mehrotra.
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 -
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 -
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
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
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
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.
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.