USN shares valentine joy with Edgehill neighbors
by Betty White, service learning director
K-12 students collaborated for a Valentine’s Day celebration at Gernert Studio Apartments.
Students in each division joined together to give the senior residents at Gernert Studio Apartments a special Valentine's Day celebration Tuesday, Feb. 14. Lindsay Hardy ’17 planned the party as part of the continuing relationship with neighbors down Edgehill; first graders decorated and filled gift bags, and the sixth-grade reading club made valentines. Some members of the Middle School Community Service Club joined high schoolers for this event.
As has become customary, the celebration kicked off with Mathis LeBlanc ’17 entertaining on the piano while the students served refreshments. Each time we go, more and more people attend, and this time, every seat was filled. Soon everyone began playing Bingo as Lauren French ’21 and Ria Patel ’21 called numbers, and the excitement began.
As has become customary, the celebration kicked off with Mathis LeBlanc ’17 entertaining on the piano while the students served refreshments. Each time we go, more and more people attend, and this time, every seat was filled. Soon everyone began playing Bingo as Lauren French ’21 and Ria Patel ’21 called numbers, and the excitement began.
When residents shouted “Bingo,” they were rewarded with adorable gift bags decorated and filled by first graders.
“Our students had so much fun decorating the bags,” commented first grade teacher Betsy Hoffman, “and they took such pride in earning money to buy their gifts.”
Marty Kennedy agreed, “I hope we’ll do this again next year, rather than the traditional Valentine's Day party. Our students really had fun decorating while they enjoyed snacks.”
After the party, we ran into reading club member Taylor Eberl ’23, and asked her to spread the word on how happy all of the residents were to receive the gorgeous valentines. They added a special touch to the event and enhanced the experience for all of the residents.
As the bus moved the short distance down Edgehill back to USN, Rachel Becker ’19 said, “I’m glad we did this on Valentine’s Day.” It was a special day to share a party.
“The residents really enjoy you all coming down here,” said Gernert Director of Resident Services Deborah Prowell. “We all truly appreciate everything you do for us.”
At the beginning of February, another group of students and faculty, led by Hanan Fakhruddin ’18, made valentines with residents at Wedgewood Towers, another residential facility on the outskirts of Edgehill. USN art faculty Delia Seigenthaler and Emily Holt probably enjoyed the interaction as much as the students.
“It is so relaxing and so much fun,” said Sam Horner ’20, as he talked with the residents. Soon Alex Morgan realized he and one of the adults had connections and common interests. Several of the senior residents are familiar faces, as we garden alongside them in the Edgehill Garden on 14th Avenue and Horton Street during the spring and summer.
These parties are continuing the work of the initiative begun in 2014 as part of the USN Centennial Celebration to develop and strengthen relationships with the Edgehill community down the street. Lindsay Hardy, chair of the Centennial Initiative Committee, is eager to have younger students involved to continue the mission of the committee, not just to serve but also to get to know our neighbors on Edgehill Avenue.
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Athletes beyond Edgehill
Read MoreIt is common to have five or more University School of Nashville student-athletes sign college athletic commitment letters each year, and this year, USN saw eight more student-athletes commit to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. USN has several alumni participating in their chosen sport at the collegiate level from the Classes of 2021 through 2025. Continue reading to learn more about where Tigers are competing beyond Edgehill.
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.