Publications & Alumni

List of 12 items.

• Will Brick '23

   After graduating from Woodland in 2023, I attended Christian Brothers High School, where I focused on both academics and baseball. I graduated from high school in just three years so I could pursue my dream of playing baseball at the highest level possible. The time-management and organizational skills I learned at Woodland helped me balance a full academic schedule, take extra classes, and play baseball full time.
  
  That hard work paid off. On July 11, 2026, I was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays, and just four days later, I moved to Dunedin, Florida, to begin my professional baseball career. I get to do what I love every day—play baseball.
  
  One of my favorite memories from Woodland is our class trip to Camp Beartrack. It was my first opportunity to really spend time with the people in my class outside of the school setting, and it was where many of us began creating friendships that have lasted.
  
  I also loved Woodland’s first-grade buddy program. My buddy was Connor O’Hearn, and getting to know him became one of the most meaningful parts of my experience. Having a younger student looking up to me made me want to be a good influence and a good example. In many ways, being his buddy made me a better student.
  
  Connor and I still keep in touch, and I hope we will be friends forever. I love getting to watch him grow up and chase his own dreams, and I hope I can go back to campus and visit him soon. 
  
  My parents have always told my brother, Nathan, and me, “Find what you are passionate about, and you will never have 
  to work a day in your life.” I think about that often. Woodland 
  gave me the tools and confidence to follow my passion and 
  chase my dream.
  
  Woodland’s teachers are passionate about teaching and learning, and that made a lasting impression on me. They seemed to genuinely love teaching and truly care about their students. They made school fun, and that made a difference in how I approached learning.
  
  Now, as I begin my professional baseball career, I hope I can continue to pursue my dream for a long time. More than that, I hope to share my love of the game with kids and encourage them to have the courage to chase their own dreams.
  
  Woodland taught me that everyone has something special to offer. I am grateful for the confidence, friendships, and lessons I gained during my time there, and I know those experiences will stay with me wherever my journey takes me.
  
  Side note: Will played for the U.S. National Under-18 Baseball Team in the 2025 U-18 Baseball World Cup in Japan, where his team won the gold medal.

• Farrar Schaeffer Vaughan '91

  I still remember walking into my fifth-grade classroom at Woodland for the first time. I was nervous, as any new student would be, but Mrs. Lowery and my classmates quickly made me feel welcome. From that first day, I experienced what made Woodland so special: teachers who genuinely cared and a community where every student felt known and valued.
  
  I am grateful for my years at Woodland because the school gave me far more than an education. Ms. Percival and Mrs. Griffith encouraged me to work hard, get involved, meet new people, and step outside of my comfort zone. Coach Gallik helped me discover my love for volleyball while teaching me the importance of teamwork. I was encouraged to take advantage of new opportunities, even when I wasn’t sure of myself. Looking back, I realize how much those experiences helped shape me.
  
  After graduating from Woodland, I attended The Webb School in Bell Buckle, Tennessee, and later Mississippi State University. I believe much of my success is rooted in the values of hard work, service, and responsibility that were reinforced during my years at Woodland.
  
  I’ve been privileged to continue my family’s business, Jaguar Land Rover Bluff City in Memphis, and have served as a commissioner on the Tennessee Motor Vehicle Commision and on the boards of Moore Tech, Greater Mephis Auto Dealers Association, and as Chair of the Board of Trustees for The Webb School.
  
  Woodland helped shape the way I lead and serve. I learned the importance of building relationships, adapting to change, and saying “yes” to opportunities—even when they seem challenging.
  
  Giving back is one of the most meaningful ways we can make a difference, and I encourage others to carry forward lessons learned here by volunteering in our communities.
  
  One of the most influential people during my time at Woodland was former Headmaster Mr. George Elder. He encouraged me to consider The Webb School, a decision that opened new doors and became an important part of my educational journey.
  
  I am especially thankful for the teachers who challenged and encouraged me, the friends who made those years so memorable, and the adults who took the time to know me and believe in me. Those relationships and experiences gave me such a strong foundation.
  
  Today, I live in Collierville with my husband, Rob, and two children, Harrell and Nicklin, who continue to make us incredibly proud, and one of my greatest joys is watching them build lives of their own.
  
  I will always be grateful for the Woodland teachers, classmates, and experiences that helped set me on a path toward a successful and meaningful life. I am proud to know that Woodland continues to provide students with the same sense of belonging and encouragement that meant so much to me—helping them learn, grow, discover their strengths, and create memories that last long after they leave campus.

• Harrison Nickele '24

  When I look back on my eight years at Woodland, one of the things I appreciate most is how my teachers encouraged me to explore my interests and continually challenge myself. I have always loved math, and throughout my years at Woodland, different teachers helped that interest grow in meaningful and sometimes unexpected ways.
  
  In first grade, I remember staying after school with Mrs. Lirette to work on “math mysteries.” Those puzzles sparked my interest in problem-solving at an early age. In Lower School, I was part of the school’s gifted program, SpARK (Special Abilities Reaching for Knowledge), and was able to push myself by working on logic puzzles with Mrs. Orians, which helped develop that interest even further. In Middle School, I participated in MathCounts with 
  Mrs. Lester, which allowed me to explore math in a more competitive environment. I am grateful for each of these experiences—and for all of the teachers who encouraged me along the way—for helping turn an early interest into a genuine passion.
  
  Woodland also taught me the value of trying new things. Teachers encouraged me to get involved in a variety of activities—academic, athletic, and artistic—and that willingness to explore has stayed with me. I have carried that mindset with me into high school at Lausanne Collegiate School, where I participate in three sports as well as several academic clubs.
  
  Beginning new activities, such as cross country and lacrosse, didn’t feel particularly daunting because Woodland had already taught me how to step outside of my familiar interests and embrace new experiences. Woodland helped me find my passions and also taught me not to limit myself to the things I already knew I enjoyed.
  
  Some of my favorite memories, however, have nothing to do with academics or accomplishments. One of the highlights was our class trip to Camp Beartrack. I especially remember playing Balderdash late at night in our cabin with Mr. Miller. That memory stays with me because it was a chance to be silly and simply have fun in a school-related setting. Experiences like that taught me that learning and growing don’t always have to be serious and that some of the best memories come from the moments in between.
  
  Another lasting part of my Woodland experience was the sense of community. Having a small and intimate school setting for elementary and middle school allowed me to develop close relationships with my classmates—the connections we made are really special.
  
  I have been fortunate to carry those friendships with me while also building new relationships at Lausanne and beyond. Being at a relatively small high school has given me a similar sense of connection and belonging. In addition to sports, I am also involved in Mu Alpha Theta, Youth in Government, and Science Club at Lausanne. Through Youth in Government, I have discovered an interest in law and have had the opportunity to compete as an appellate lawyer and serve as Associate Justice for 2027. I have qualified for the YMCA National Judicial Competition the past two summers, and this summer I received the Outstanding Justice Award, given to the top four competitors at the conference.
  
  I have been fortunate to have received academic awards in several classes, and I credit the foundation provided by my teachers at Woodland for helping prepare me for those successes. My experience with the Scholastic Writing Competition at Woodland, under Mrs. Sully’s guidance, also encouraged me to continue writing. In high school, I submitted pieces in the competition and received multiple awards in the short story and poetry categories.
  
  As I look toward college, I am interested in pursuing a career in law, possibly focusing on immigration or patent law. I am just beginning the college search process, but I hope to attend Notre Dame. More than anything, I am grateful that Woodland taught me to be curious, to try new things, and to pursue the interests that excite me. The school gave me the confidence to expand my horizons while also giving me a strong sense of community. Those are lessons and relationships I will carry with me wherever I go next.

• Kirsten Webb-Washington '09

  Woodland was—and still is—one of my favorite places. I grew up there and felt welcomed and loved from the moment I started until the day I left. Each year brought new challenges, but every teacher nurtured me, encouraged me, and helped reveal the best in me.
  
  Sixth grade was a particularly pivotal time. Ms. Percival held us to the highest standards while also guiding us as we matured into middle school students. Her bean bag chairs were legendary, and sitting in one felt like a rite of passage. Looking back, I realize how much those high expectations and genuine care helped prepare me for the years ahead.
  
  Some of the most important lessons I took from Woodland were lessons I didn’t fully appreciate until later. Teachers helped me build strong study habits while helping me learn and understand material. When I got to high school and college, I realized that not everyone had been given the same tools for studying. I found myself using techniques I had learned as early as second grade with Mrs. Matthews—even in my anatomy and physiology classes in nursing school.
  
  Woodland also gave me confidence. Being part of such a small, close-knit community made me feel special, loved, and safe enough to explore the world around me. I was able to excel academically, socially, and athletically, and that foundation gave me the confidence to continue challenging myself as I moved into high school and beyond.
  
  After graduation, I attended Lausanne for high school and then college at Christian Brothers University and the University of Memphis. I am a registered nurse with eight years of experience in labor and delivery, and I have recently accepted a position with Methodist Cancer Institute.
  
  My greatest joy is my family. I married my high school sweetheart in 2019, and we have two boys, Ellis, age five, and Elijah, age one. It is especially meaningful to me that Ellis is in his second year at Woodland. He loved his time in Ms. Jabbour’s class last year, and watching him experience the same sense of belonging that meant so much to me makes Woodland even more special.
  
  One of my favorite Woodland memories is the annual Favorite Guy Breakfast. My dad and I attended almost every year, and there is a photo from 2001 of the two of us at the breakfast when I was in kindergarten that was captured in the yearbook. We both have the biggest smiles on our faces. Looking back, I think we were both so proud of each other, and having that moment preserved means so much to me. This photograph represents so much of what Woodland gave me: a place where I felt loved, supported, and celebrated—and where my family was part of the community alongside me.
  
  As I look ahead, I hope to return to school to earn my master’s degree in nursing education. Ultimately, I would love to become a nursing instructor, lactation specialist, and clinical director. I hope to continue learning, teaching, and caring for others throughout my career.
  
  When I think about my years at Woodland, I am grateful not only for what I learned, but for how the school made me feel. Woodland gave me confidence, taught me how to work hard, and showed me the importance of relationships and community. Now, watching my own son grow at Woodland, I feel incredibly fortunate that this place that shaped me is becoming part of his story, too.

• Robert Vestal '05

  My journey at Woodland included seven formative years that fostered my curiosity and shaped my future career trajectory. 

  
  

  From 4th grade onward, I consistently sought challenging academic work. My math teachers recognized and supported advanced learning, providing me with Algebra II and pre-calculus textbooks to explore beyond the standard curriculum. This early intellectual hunger would become a defining characteristic of my academic and professional path.

  
  

  My time at Woodland was marked by significant personal growth. As the 8th-grade yearbook editor, I developed critical leadership skills in organization, delegation, and meeting deadlines – capabilities that would serve me well in my future medical career. Involvement in school plays also nurtured my creativity, teaching me the value of spontaneity and self-expression.

  
  

  Perhaps most importantly, Woodland provided me with transformative relationships, including Debbie Brooks, a teacher who profoundly influenced my approach to interpersonal interactions. Her ability to bridge different groups and her infectious warmth became a model for my own social approach.

  
  

  My Woodland experience laid the groundwork for remarkable achievements:

  • Graduated salutatorian from Memphis University School
  • Earned a full scholarship to Washington and Lee University
  • Received a fully funded research grant in 2011, working in the Nobel Prize-winning Brown Goldstein Lab at UT Southwestern
  • Pursued and achieved childhood dream of becoming a physician
  • Specialized in ophthalmology

  
  Today, I am more than just a comprehensive ophthalmologist at Memphis Eye & Cataract Associates. I have translated professional skills into meaningful community service, including founding a volunteer ophthalmology clinic at the Memphis Muslim Medical Center and serving as a volunteer physician at Church Health Center, performing cataract surgeries for uninsured patients.

  
  

  Beyond professional accomplishments, I define my current journey through faith. As a church leader, I am dedicated to "growing in knowledge of the Lord, and obedience to Christ, and living in step with the Holy Spirit."

• Sarah Grace Taylor '21

  My educational journey at Woodland from 1st to 8th grade was transformative, profoundly shaping my academic and personal development. The school's intimate learning environment and dedicated faculty provided me with experiences that have been instrumental in my growth.
  
  

  Small class sizes at Woodland taught me the importance of building meaningful relationships with educators. These early interactions became a cornerstone of my academic success, helping me develop communication skills and confidence serving me throughout my educational career.
  
  

  Leadership opportunities at Woodland were particularly impactful. The skills I developed in collaboration and group dynamics prepared me to seek and excel in leadership roles during high school at Hutchison. This foundation has been evident in my subsequent achievements, including leadership positions in various school organizations.
  
  

  My passion for learning, cultivated at Woodland, has led to significant academic recognition:

  • Induction into the Cum Laude Society
  • National Honor Society membership
  • College Board AP Scholar with Distinction (2023-24)

  Beyond academics, I've embraced leadership roles that reflect my Woodland experience:

  • Peer Council Representative, supporting freshman transitions
  • President of the Latin Honor Society
  • President of the Government Club

  As a senior at Hutchison School, I'm currently navigating college decisions with a clear vision. My college academic plan is to major in accounting and pursue a graduate degree.
  
  

  The seeds planted at Woodland—a love for learning, leadership, and intellectual curiosity—continue to shape my path forward. 

• Daxton Saunders '22

  My Woodland education gave me a strong foundation that has shaped who I am today. Mrs. Sully’s English class prepared me to write effectively and stay actively engaged while reading—skills that have been invaluable throughout my time in high school at Memphis University School (MUS). Somehow, Mrs. Lester even made math fun and engaging, and the foundations she built allowed me to take AP Statistics in my junior year and stay on track for Calculus, even though math has never been my favorite subject. Mrs. Booten’s class made coming to school a joy and instilled in me a lifelong love of learning that I will carry into college and beyond. Of course, I can’t forget the “B” Coach Creasy gave me in PE—it still haunts me, and I’m plotting my revenge!
  
  

  My lessons and experiences at Woodland have carried over into every part of my academic and personal life. Since leaving, I was named to the MUS Faculty Honor Roll every semester and the MUS Dean’s Scholar list every quarter. I was honored to receive the Jackson James Robert’s Fellowship in the summer of 2024, which allowed me to study Spanish in Panama City, Panama. More recently, I was awarded the National Security Language Initiative for Youth Scholarship for the summer of 2025, which allowed me to study Russian in Riga, Latvia. At MUS, I also played varsity soccer my sophomore year and co-founded and served as President of the Love for Elders Club, which has been deeply meaningful.
  
  

  One of my favorite memories from Woodland was the project in computer science class where we built arcade games. I loved the challenge of creating something functional from scratch and using creativity to solve problems. While COVID unfortunately canceled trips to Chicago and Washington, D.C.—which I know would have been amazing experiences—that project still stands out as a highlight of my time there.
  
  

  This summer, I studied Russian in Riga, Latvia, for six weeks through the State Department’s National Security Language Initiative for Youth Scholarship. I just began my senior year at Memphis University School, and looking ahead, I plan to attend college with a strong international relations and global business program. My dream schools include the University of Southern California, Princeton, Georgetown, the University of Miami, and UCLA—preferably somewhere with palm trees! Ultimately, I hope to serve as a Foreign Service Officer and later pursue a career in international business.
  
  

  Reflecting on my journey, I can say with confidence that Woodland played a huge role in shaping my path. As I like to put it, “Woodland helped foster my curiosity to explore different places, which ultimately led to traveling to Panama and Latvia.” I am incredibly grateful for the teachers and experiences at Woodland that prepared me for high school and beyond. And on a lighter note, I’ll add this: “I’m pretty sure Warrior Ball could be the next pickleball!”

• Molly Aslin '13

  I attended Woodland for ten years, which was an integral part of my upbringing. With my mom working there and my sister enrolled alongside me, Woodland felt like family and gave me the confidence to stand out—a quality that carried into high school and beyond. 

  
  

  One vivid memory that shaped my future came in fifth-grade science with Ms. Reese, when we watched a PBS Nova documentary on modern physics. While some classmates were disinterested, I was captivated and told my mom that evening, “I know what I want to do when I grow up. I want to study quantum physics.” That single class sparked my journey toward becoming the scientist I am today. At the same time, teachers such as Mrs. Boeving, Mrs. Joyner, and Mrs. Boydstun instilled in me a love of reading and the value of being well-rounded, which has enriched both my education and my life beyond STEM. 

  
  

  The confidence and curiosity instilled in me during my years at Woodland contributed directly to my later successes in high school at St. Mary’s Episcopal School. At St. Mary’s, I was Salutatorian and Honor Council President and earned the Yale University Book Award and Mary M. Davis Loyalty Award. 

  
  

  At Mount Holyoke College, I pursued physics with passion, earning department honors, conducting research at national labs, publishing as a first author, and balancing academics with athletics as a member of the varsity rowing team. I was:

  • Awarded the 21st Century Scholarship ($25,000/year)
  • Awarded the Joseph Skinner Fellowship for Physics (2021) and the Bennett Prize for Physics (2018)
  • Involved in research internships at Texas A&M University Cyclotron Institute (2019), Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (2019), General Atomics (2020) 
  • Published as a “first author” on an undergraduate research paper
  • A member of the varsity rowing team (NEWMAC Academic All-Conference Team)

  Now, as a PhD candidate in nuclear engineering at UW–Madison, I focus on experimental plasma physics to help advance nuclear fusion energy. Alongside my research, I lead initiatives supporting women and gender minorities in plasma physics and frequently engage in outreach to inspire younger students. 

  
  

  While I remain undecided about my career path after my PhD, I am considering becoming a research scientist or professor. Looking back, I know with certainty that Woodland set me on the path I walk today, teaching me to dive headfirst into new challenges and giving me the confidence to be authentically myself.

• Mollie Marshall '11

  My Woodland education gave me a strong foundation that continues to influence my life today. My fifth-grade teacher, Mrs. Rodgers, fostered an enriching learning environment where I felt both comfortable and confident. Her patience, passion for teaching, and genuine care for each student made a lasting impression and continue to shape the way I approach my work and relationships. Woodland also cultivated in me a deep passion for learning and a strong emphasis on respect, both of which have carried me through my education and into my career.

  The critical thinking and communication skills I developed at Woodland opened the door to many opportunities in college. I co-led interfaith service trips, conducted grant-funded research using data from the New Zealand IDEAL Study to better understand the effects of maternal methamphetamine use and psychopathology on infant mental health and development, and served as secretary of the student government. Today, those same skills support me in my career as a senior Registered Behavior Technician at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, where I collaborate with behavior analysts to review data, design programming, mentor new staff, and connect meaningfully with the children and families I serve.
  
  

  Some of my favorite memories from Woodland come from being part of the cheerleading team in middle school. That experience helped me gain confidence, strengthened my sense of school pride, and allowed me to share that pride with peers, teachers, and the broader community.
  
  

  Currently, I work with a team of professionals to help autistic children develop social and play skills, build emotional regulation toolkits, reduce challenging behaviors, and learn adaptive life skills. Looking ahead, I am committed to continuing a career centered on learning, growth, and service to others.
  
  

  As I reflect on my years at Woodland, one truth stands out clearly: “Woodland’s enriching environment instilled in me a love for learning and a passion for working with and helping others.”

• Levi Miller '21

  My Woodland education was filled with memorable teachers and experiences for 10 years, but without a doubt, the one who had the greatest impact on me was Mrs. Booten. I first had her in 5th and 6th grades, and then she became my 7th and 8th grade science teacher. Over four years, she was my classroom teacher and my coach on the cross-country and track teams. Her influence is hard to capture in words, but she felt more like a close friend than just a teacher. With her relatability, encouragement, and wisdom, she played a significant role in shaping me into who I am today, and I remain deeply grateful to her.
  
  

  Woodland instilled in me a deep sense of Warrior pride, something that I still carry with me and strive to recreate in new environments. The close-knit relationships I built with my teachers, coaches, and classmates there became the standard by which I judge every new school or community I’ve been part of since. That family-like atmosphere taught me the importance of belonging, and it continues to shape how I approach relationships and leadership. I loved every moment I spent at Woodland.
  
  

  After graduating, one of my biggest successes has been stepping into leadership opportunities, both in academics and athletics. The closeness of our Class of 2021 encouraged me to lead by example and bring people together, and when I transitioned to high school, I felt equipped to take on challenges with confidence. The leadership skills I developed at Woodland continue to guide me.
  
  

  Some of my favorite memories come from playing basketball. Coach Al Graham invested so much time into helping me grow, not just as a player, but also as a teammate. From my early days shooting around in After School Care, to running plays he designed for me during games, to working out in an empty gym even during high school, Coach Al instilled in me a love of basketball that I will always carry with me.
  
  

  I worked a couple of jobs this summer to save money before heading off to college, one at a plant nursery doing landscaping, and the other was continuing the pressure washing business I started back in Memphis, The Pressure’s On, now operating in St. Louis, where we moved a couple of years ago. This fall, I will begin at the Neeley School of Business at Texas Christian University, and plan to major in Finance and Accounting. My goal is to one day build a successful business, raise a family, and positively impact as many people as I can.
  
  

  Looking back, it’s hard not to smile at some of the moments that defined my Woodland experience. One that stands out came from Mr. Askew, who said right before spring break in 2020: “I don’t know why we are talking about coronavirus instead of doing the assignment. There are literally only 20 cases in the US. It will not affect us at all.” Little did we know how much our lives were about to change.

• Ashlyn Barclay '14

  Ashlyn Barclay ‘14 attended Woodland for 1st through 8th grades. She reflects, “Woodland's intimate educational environment profoundly shaped my academic and personal development. The small class sizes created a nurturing space where I could actively participate, ask questions, and receive personalized attention from invested teachers. This environment allowed me to explore various extracurriculars and forge lifelong friendships.”

  
  

  A pivotal moment was the 7th and 8th-grade trip to Washington, D.C., particularly our visit to the Newseum. This experience ignited a lasting passion for journalism and history. Years later, during my master's studies, I eagerly returned to D.C., and those formative memories are still vivid in my mind.

  
  

  Mrs. Boydstun, my fourth-grade teacher, was instrumental in cultivating my love for reading. Her wisdom that "reading could take us anywhere" became a guiding principle. She instilled in me the understanding that reading is not just an academic skill, but a gateway to broader understanding and exploration.

  
  

  My educational journey has continued with significant milestones:

  • Master's in Mass Communication from Louisiana State University's Manship School
  • Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Communications at Columbia University's Journalism School
  • Research focusing on war reporting, legacy media, and state-controlled narratives

  Looking ahead, I aim to complete my doctoral dissertation and pursue an academic career as a professor, with the opportunity to inspire and work with the next generation of students.

  
  

  From the small classrooms of Woodland to the research halls of Columbia, my educational journey has been defined by curiosity, mentorship, and a commitment to understanding the world through communication and storytelling.

• Madelyn Havard '20

  Madelyn Havard ‘20 attended Woodland for eight years. She graduated from St. Agnes Academy in May 2024 and is a freshman at the University of South Carolina studying Public Health. Madelyn is involved in a social sorority, a pre-professional fraternity, and the top scholars community. She is on the pre-med track, aspiring to become a pediatric physician at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

  
  

  Madelyn credits Woodland with providing a supportive, close-knit community that shaped her educational journey. The school's personalized approach taught her to ask questions, advocate for herself, and develop strong leadership skills that would prove crucial in her future academic pursuits. Because of the strong foundation developed at Woodland, Madelyn went on to achieve the following accomplishments:

  • Valedictorian at St. Agnes Academy
  • Stamps Scholar at the University of South Carolina
  • President of STEM Club in High School
  • Leader of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Fundraising Initiative
  • Tutor in St. Agnes Academy Tutoring Lab

  Madelyn says, "Woodland provided me with a foundational love of learning that I have carried with me throughout my high school journey and my current college career.”