USNA Volunteer Spotlight: Shelby Baxter and Margaret Hill
This month, USNA is recognizing Margaret Hill, mom of Sophia '28, and Shelby Baxter, mom of Emilia '25 and Henry '27.
What event did you volunteer to help with?
Margaret and Shelby replied to a SignUpGenius sent out seeking help with Grandparents' and Special Friends' Day for Lower School.
Why did you reply to that SignUpGenius?
Shelby: I love volunteering for so many reasons, but if I was going to narrow it down to a single reason I would have to say it’s so I can be around other parents. Our lives are so busy, and this community is greatly shaping our children as they spend more time at school than at home during the week, and I want to know what that community really looks and feels like. It’s one of the best ways for me to stay connected with that original decision that USN was a good fit for our family and frankly to be sure that it actually still is a good fit. I am always filled with the overwhelming reassurance that we are in exactly the right place.
Margaret: I choose to volunteer on Grandparents' and Special Friends' Day because it's an easy way to get backstage access to the most exciting event of the year. I always hear the excitement when Sophia comes home and tries not to "spill the beans" and volunteering allows me to see and in a small way be a part of the excitement with my own eyes. Also, it's always a pretty easy, not very strenuous way to get involved and getting to meet and catch up with other parents adds another perk.
What is your favorite part of Grandparents' and Special Friends' Day?
Margaret: My favorite part of Grandparent's Day would have to be the kids. They are all always so proud to show their grandparents and guests what they have been working on. That relationship is so special and to get to see that in person is really amazing, so many smiles and hugs in the best-organized chaos sort of way. It is such a special way to start the Thanksgiving holiday.
Shelby: My favorite part of Grandparents' and Special Friends' Day continues, every single year, to be when the big turkeys trot. I love to watch them parade, some in their original wings, others in newly painted wings, but all carrying evidence of their younger selves. It gets me every time.
Back
Margaret and Shelby replied to a SignUpGenius sent out seeking help with Grandparents' and Special Friends' Day for Lower School.
Why did you reply to that SignUpGenius?
Shelby: I love volunteering for so many reasons, but if I was going to narrow it down to a single reason I would have to say it’s so I can be around other parents. Our lives are so busy, and this community is greatly shaping our children as they spend more time at school than at home during the week, and I want to know what that community really looks and feels like. It’s one of the best ways for me to stay connected with that original decision that USN was a good fit for our family and frankly to be sure that it actually still is a good fit. I am always filled with the overwhelming reassurance that we are in exactly the right place.
Margaret: I choose to volunteer on Grandparents' and Special Friends' Day because it's an easy way to get backstage access to the most exciting event of the year. I always hear the excitement when Sophia comes home and tries not to "spill the beans" and volunteering allows me to see and in a small way be a part of the excitement with my own eyes. Also, it's always a pretty easy, not very strenuous way to get involved and getting to meet and catch up with other parents adds another perk.
What is your favorite part of Grandparents' and Special Friends' Day?
Margaret: My favorite part of Grandparent's Day would have to be the kids. They are all always so proud to show their grandparents and guests what they have been working on. That relationship is so special and to get to see that in person is really amazing, so many smiles and hugs in the best-organized chaos sort of way. It is such a special way to start the Thanksgiving holiday.
Shelby: My favorite part of Grandparents' and Special Friends' Day continues, every single year, to be when the big turkeys trot. I love to watch them parade, some in their original wings, others in newly painted wings, but all carrying evidence of their younger selves. It gets me every time.
More USN News
List of 3 news stories.
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Remembering Cassandra Teague Walker '67
Peabody Demonstration School's first African-American graduate passed away September 3, 2025. Cassandra Teague Walker '67 returned to her alma mater many times to share her experiences with young students and is featured on the 21st Avenue garage mural.Read More -
5 USN students named National Merit Semifinalists
The National Merit Scholarship Program honors seniors whose PSAT scores show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies. Congratulations to seniors Darcy Dove, Finch Fleming, Evan Giles, Ismaeel Moskinzada, and Lin Zheng for this honor.Read More -
Clear, restock your shelves during Fall Book Frenzy
Thank you to the many families, faculty, and staff who have donated their pre-loved books, games, and puzzles for resale. USNA continues to accept donations. Fall Book Frenzy takes place Thursday, September 25 through Saturday, September 27 in Cheek Gym. This annual used book sale benefits the Hassenfeld Library.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.