Tennessee's Presidential Scholars are Both USN Students
Two high school seniors in Tennessee have been named Presidential Scholars, one of the highest honors for young people in the country, and both are USN students.
In June Ian Ball and Lauren Coleman will be honored in Washington, D.C., and each will be accompanied on the trip by his or her "most inspiring and challenging teacher." They chose French teacher Richard Espenant and English teacher and debate coach Thom O'Rourke.
Both Ian and Lauren came to USN in kindergarten, and they have been stellar students ever since. But both have interests well beyond the classroom. Ian is co-captain of the soccer team and captain of the debate team. Throughout his high school years, he has been a lower school aide, giving advanced math instruction to a group of fourth graders. The editor of USN's literary magazine The Gallery, Lauren is co-chair of USN's Edgehill Community Center tutoring program. Next year Lauren will attend Princeton University; Ian will attend Stanford University.
From the Department of Education press release: "The 141 U.S. Presidential Scholars include one young man and one young woman from each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and from U.S. families living abroad, as well as 15 chosen at-large and 20 Presidential Scholars in the Arts. The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars appointed by the President selected the scholars based on their academic success, artistic excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership, and demonstrated commitment to high ideals."
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.