In Praise of These Seniors

by Vince Durnan

Observing the passing of one of USN’s founding heroes provided an opportunity for reflection on modesty as a virtue. And watching this senior class confirms that virtue is alive and well in our halls.


That paragon of virtue was Bernard Werthan, a quiet, brilliant, community-committed figure from a time that must seem long ago to most USN families. Can you imagine wondering if the school would be able to continue next year?

In 1974, after Peabody College announced the closing of their Demonstration School, such was the case. Then a small, Saturday morning kitchen-table group convened a larger, Neely Auditorium (VU) sized group days later, and a whole new entity emerged in the course of a few months.
 
And it started at that table, with Betty and Bernard Werthan. Most important to this little column is that I’ve never once observed either of them do anything but offer the credit to others. Their humility should continue to inspire our steps, but it carries the risk of their signal accomplishment being lost in the mists of time and current day urgency. When the Werthans and their compatriots came back to USN for visits, I could not help asking if we’d become what they hoped we would, and they invariably answered that they could not have imagined where we are today—deftly turning the spotlight away from them and toward us.
 
What could any of this have to do with this year’s group of soon-to-be graduates? Let me tell you. A week ago, on May 1, the seniors observed the popular if imperfect ritual of wearing to school t-shirts identifying their college destinations. Looking up at the big front steps on which they assembled, I realized that in many cases students had kept their search so quiet that the choice was news to me. They'd heard the message from our college counseling process (and from the superstars who guide that process) that being modest is a virtue.
 
Let me hasten to add that the list of destinations is stunningly impressive, both at first glance and when looked at in any depth. These young people are doing amazing things, have been doing amazing things, and will be doing amazing things—they simply choose to be quieter than is common in our self-aggrandizing pop culture. And I’m grateful. We’re correspondingly no less proud of them—in fact we couldn’t be more proud of them, I’d guess.
 
Consider a counterexample. Where did those yard signs come from, the ones announcing college decisions on front lawns the way mailboxes used to for baby announcements? Who pegged that as a good idea? They’re proliferating now, even as the members of USN 2017 appreciate distance traveled and one another, pretty humbly, even as their accolades, including now one of Tennessee’s Presidential Scholars in their midst, continue to rack up. Remember, that came from me, not from them.
 
This lovable bunch endured months of being asked by nearly every adult who crossed their paths what college was their favorite. And they learned to politely redirect. Meanwhile, they kept things sensible here and considered all the facets of a decision far more complex than picking a favorite. Many are weighing the substantial financial implications of one option or another, among many deep questions extending beyond bumper sticker appeal. And in my view they’ve done admirably well, endearing themselves to us even more along the journey.
 
So ask one of our seniors, if you have the chance, what they’re excited about in their future, and let them take it from there. May their successors be watching closely. I’d be hard pressed to recall a group that has done more and said less about themselves than these seniors. And my guess is that Bernard Werthan would have been proud of them.
 
Graduation here we come,
Vince
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School News

List of 3 news stories.

  • 'They're creepy, they're kooky,' they're on stage at USN

    USN Peabody Players present "The Addams Family: School Edition" on Thursday, November 19 through Sunday, November 22 in Durnan Auditorium. Click here for tickets. This musical is appropriate for K-12 audiences.
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  • Music Night REMIX tickets on sale

    Join USNA on Saturday, January 30, for all the nostalgia, none of the teenage drama. This adult-only concert will feature USN's faculty house band, The K-12 Situation, with proceeds benefiting the school. Click here for tickets.
    Read More

  • Diplomacy wins for USN at Model UN

    High School students traveled to Murfreesboro last weekend for the Model UN conference last weekend, which provided opportunities for leadership and collaboration across grade levels. They had the highest number of resolutions per capita in the General Assembly, had the highest-ranking resolution presented to any committee, and earned awards for Outstanding Statesperson & Outstanding Resolution.
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Athletics News

List of 3 news stories.

  • Mountain Bike Team Takes on “Electric" State Champs Trails, Dehner Snags Overall Podium Medal

    Steve Smail & MTB Team Coaches
    With trail names like Megawatt, Electric Avenue, High Voltage and Livewire, the mountain bike team knew it was time to pedal out some extra watts for their NICA/TICL State Championships at Raccoon Mountain, and survive the technical trails above Chattanooga full of boulder gardens, rock drops and sandy rubble.
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  • Mountain Bike Team Takes on Winged Deer Trails, HS Makes Podium Appearance

    Steve Smail
    Winged Deer Park and trails in Johnson City hosted our 4th race on Sunday October 11th, and despite a bit of hurricane outwash winds and showers - and reduced team numbers due to fall break and distance from Nashville - our racers utilized all available skills and speed which helped “wing" Sophomore Claire Dehner to a 4th place podium spot, our first podium appearance and medal for the season.
     
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  • HS athletics recaps for September 11-17

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

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Nashville, TN 37218

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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.