In this episode of the Be the One Podcast, we are joined by Jason Branch, a proud Brookstone alumni, parent, and board member. Jason reflects on his personal journey through Brookstone, sharing how his experiences shaped who he is today. He also discusses how his children are thriving at Brookstone, highlighting the growth and opportunities they have encountered.

Tune in to hear Jason’s vision for the future of Brookstone School, as he talks about the values that make Brookstone special and what he hopes to see in the years ahead.

Key Discussion Points:

• Jason’s Brookstone experience as a student and alumni
• His children’s development and experiences at Brookstone
• His role on the board and his hopes for the school’s future

Don't miss this insightful episode with one of Brookstone's most dedicated community members!

Today, we are talking to a special guest, Will Straughan, Founder and CEO of Soundcheck Prevention Network, an organization dedicated to substance misuse prevention. Will and his team have been on campus working with our Upper and Middle School students and holding meetings with parents. We are so grateful to partner with them and to have them here to help us navigate these waters, which always seem to be changing and where there is always more to learn. 

If you are interested in having your child become a part of the Brookstone family, reach out to Anne Parker, our Director of Enrollment for more information or visit the Admissions Tab on our website. We are still accepting applications for the 24-25 school year. 

Lastly, if you prefer to watch this podcast instead of listen, you can watch this episode and other podcast episodes on our YouTube Channel, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CougarLive⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We also invite you to visit our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠brookstoneschool.org⁠⁠⁠⁠ and follow us on social media.

Go Cougars!

Today, we are talking to Student Ambassador Prefects, Marjorie Bickerstaff and Anaya Johnson. I so enjoyed my conversation with them about all the things they love about Brookstone and about being an Ambassador. They do a fantastic job in that role, by the way, which you know if you've ever been given a tour by them!  

If you are interested in your child becoming a part of the Brookstone family, reach out to ⁠⁠Anne Parker,⁠⁠ our Director of Enrollment or visit the Admissions Tab on our website. We only have one more Open House this admissions season and we would love to see you there! Registration is required, so visit our ⁠⁠website ⁠⁠today.

Lastly, if you prefer to watch instead of listen, you can watch this episode and other podcast episodes on our YouTube Channel, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CougarLive⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We also invite you to visit our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠brookstoneschool.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and follow us on social media.

Go Cougars!

Today, we are talking to Bonnie Smith, Asst. Head of School and Director of the Learning Center here at Brookstone. This episode focuses specifically on some of the terminology associated with the Learning Center that parents might have questions about, but if you have questions about the services the Learning Center offers, we invite you to listen to Bonnie's first podcast interview, is Episode 9. 

If you are interested in your child becoming a part of the Brookstone family, reach out to ⁠Anne Parker,⁠ our Director of Enrollment or visit the Admissions Tab on our website. We only have one more Open House this admissions season and we would love to see you there! Registration is required, so visit our ⁠website ⁠today.

Lastly, if you prefer to watch instead of listen, you can watch this episode and other podcast episodes on our YouTube Channel, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CougarLive⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We also invite you to visit our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠brookstoneschool.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and follow us on social media.

Go Cougars!

Today, we are talking to Dr. John Harkey, Upper School English teacher, and our Page One Nominee for teacher of the year this year. John has been a basketball coach, is heavily involved in our Deliberate Life Program and has also recently written the screenplay for an actual movie - "Let Light Perpetual," which debuted on the side of the Ponce Building in Atlanta this past fall. 

If you think your child would love to sit under the instruction of such an amazing teacher like Dr. Harkey, reach out to Anne Parker, our Director of Enrollment or visit the Admissions Tab on our website. We only have one more Open House this admissions season and we would love to see you there! Registration is required, so visit our website today.

Lastly, if you prefer to watch instead of listen, you can watch this episode and other podcast episodes on our YouTube Channel, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CougarLive⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We also invite you to visit our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠brookstoneschool.org⁠⁠⁠⁠ and follow us on social media.

Go Cougars!

Today we have a special episode for you - the audio from our Positive Masculinity Panel held last month for our teenage boys.

The title of the panel was Positive Masculinity in Action: Fostering conversations about character, healthy relationships, and respect. Over the course of the evening, the panel discussed such topics as, what is positive masculinity? How do we equip our boys to contribute to society in meaningful and positive ways? What are the tools for fostering healthy relationships? So join us to hear this amazing group of men, all of whom are Brookstone teachers, parents, and coaches, share their wisdom to the younger generation. You'll hear from Henry Heil, Phil Farmer, Jeff Jones, Matt Lage, Nate McConnell, Garry Sullivan, Col. Ryan Wylie, and Jacob Crowder.  

To learn more about how your child can become a part of the Brookstone family, reach out to Anne Parker, our Director of Enrollment or visit the Admissions Tab on our website. Open Houses will be starting soon and we would love to see you at one! Registration is required, so visit our website today

Lastly, if you prefer to watch instead of listen, you can watch this episode and other podcast episodes on our YouTube Channel, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CougarLive⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We also invite you to visit our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠brookstoneschool.org⁠⁠⁠⁠ and follow us on social media.

Go Cougars!

In today's episode, we are talking to Brookstone Alumni, Chris Woodruff. Chris is president of The Cotton Companies, a local real estate developer whose motto is "Cultivating Community Through Impactful and Compelling Real Estate Development." You will love hearing all about his vision for Columbus and the projects he's been involved in. He also has some really great nuggets of wisdom to share, so share this episode with some young people in your life. To learn more about how your child can become a part of the Brookstone family, reach out to Anne Parker, our Director of Enrollment or visit the Admissions Tab on our website. Open Houses will be starting soon and we would love to see you at one! Registration is required, so visit our website today Lastly, if you prefer to watch instead of listen, you can watch this episode and other podcast episodes on our YouTube Channel, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CougarLive⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We also invite you to visit our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠brookstoneschool.org⁠⁠⁠⁠ and follow us on social media. Go Cougars!

Today we are talking to Jeremy Mack from our College Counseling office. Jeremy, alongside Frances Berry, helps guide all of our students and parents through the college process. We are so grateful for all they do for our students and I can't wait for you to hear more.

To learn more about how your child can become a part of the Brookstone family, reach out to Anne Parker, our Director of Enrollment or visit the Admissions Tab on our website. Open Houses will be starting soon and we would love to see you at one! Registration is required, so visit our website today

Lastly, if you prefer to watch instead of listen, you can watch this episode and other podcast episodes on our YouTube Channel, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CougarLive⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We also invite you to visit our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠brookstoneschool.org⁠⁠⁠⁠ and follow us on social media.

Go Cougars!

Today, we are talking to Javonne Stewart, our Head of our Lower and Intermediate Schools. Javonne joined the Brookstone family in 2019 and has led our littlest learners through some difficult years - i.e. a global pandemic! But in addition to navigating COVID, we talk about the importance of our core values, how she ended up in education, and even the story behind how Forest Fridays began. 

To learn more about how your child can become a part of the Brookstone family, reach out to Anne Parker, our Director of Enrollment or visit the Admissions Tab on our website. Open Houses have started and we would love to see you at one! Registration is required, so visit our website today

Lastly, if you prefer to watch instead of listen, you can watch this episode and other podcast episodes on our YouTube Channel, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CougarLive⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We also invite you to visit our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠brookstoneschool.org⁠⁠⁠⁠ and follow us on social media.

Go Cougars!

Today we are talking to Jessica Wolff. Jessica is a member of the Class of 2003 is being honored as one of our Distinguished Alumni this year.

Jessica works at the CDC as a Lead Health Scientist and Team Lead in CDC’s Division of Overdose Prevention. She also serves as the Public Health Director of the Overdose Response Strategy, a national program that brings together public health and law enforcement to address the drug overdose crisis that is gripping our nation right now.

While it is too late to join us at the Distinguished Alumni Dinner this year, reach out to Meg Stewart for more information on the Distinguished Alumni Society. Nominations for next year's class of Distinguished Alumni will open before you know it and we have so many worthy of the distinction. You can reach her at mstewart@brookstoneschool.org. 

To learn more about how your child can become a part of the Brookstone family, reach out to Anne Parker, our Director of Enrollment or visit the Admissions Tab on our website. Open Houses will be starting soon and we would love to see you at one! Registration is required, so visit our website today

If you prefer to watch instead of listen, you can watch this episode and other podcast episodes on our YouTube Channel, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CougarLive⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We also invite you to visit our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠brookstoneschool.org⁠⁠⁠⁠ and follow us on social media.

Go Cougars!

Today we are talking to Libba Dillon, Class of 2005, who is being honored as a Distinguished Alumni this year. Libba is an Interior Designer at Malone Office Environments, owner of Park Place Interiors, and co-owner of Fountain City Coffee. She is a busy woman indeed, making spaces beautiful all over this community! 

While it is too late to join us at the Distinguished Alumni Dinner this year, reach out to Meg Stewart for more information on the Distinguished Alumni Society. Nominations for next year's class of Distinguished Alumni will open before you know it and we have so many worthy of the distinction. You can reach her at mstewart@brookstoneschool.org. 

To learn more about how your child can become a part of the Brookstone family, reach out to Anne Parker, our Director of Enrollment or visit the Admissions Tab on our website. Open Houses will be starting soon and we would love to see you at one! Registration is required, so visit our website today

Lastly, if you prefer to watch instead of listen, you can watch this episode and other podcast episodes on our YouTube Channel, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CougarLive⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We also invite you to visit our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠brookstoneschool.org⁠⁠⁠⁠ and follow us on social media.

Go Cougars!

In this week’s episode, we sit down with Ed Martin, Brookstone School's Assistant Head of School for Institutional Advancement. Ed shares his vision for the future of Brookstone, reflecting on the successes and challenges of his first year with the school. He also provides exciting insights into an upcoming capital campaign that promises to propel Brookstone to new heights. Whether you’re a current student, parent, alumni, or friend of the school, this episode is packed with valuable information about the direction our community is heading.

**Key Topics:**

- Ed Martin’s vision for Brookstone School and how he plans to achieve it.

- Reflections on his first year at Brookstone: successes, challenges, and surprises.

- An inside look at the future capital campaign and what it means for the school’s growth.

- How the school community can get involved and support these upcoming initiatives.

Tune in to hear about the exciting plans and the future of Brookstone School straight from one of our key leaders!

Today, we are thrilled to welcome back to the podcast, our Head Boy and Girl Prefects, Madden Dismuke and Remi Miller. We talk about the Prefect system, how their senior year is going, what they are looking forward to and more!  To learn more about how your child can become a part of the Brookstone family, reach out to Anne Parker, our Director of Enrollment or visit the Admissions Tab on our website. Open Houses will be starting soon and we would love to see you at one! Registration is required, so visit our website today Lastly, if you prefer to watch instead of listen, you can watch this episode and other podcast episodes on our YouTube Channel, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CougarLive⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We also invite you to visit our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠brookstoneschool.org⁠⁠⁠⁠ and follow us on social media. Go Cougars!

Today, we are thrilled to welcome back to the podcast our Head of School, Henry Heil. Henry has been in his new role since July and we thought Fall Break was a great time to check in with him! We have been thrilled to have him here at Brookstone, as well as his sweet family. It's been a wonderful start to the school year and I know everyone will look forward to hearing from him on the "State of the School" coming this winter. 

Until then, Admissions Season is in full swing, so to learn more about how your child can become a part of the Brookstone family, reach out to Anne Parker, our Director of Enrollment or visit the Admissions Tab on our website. Open Houses will be starting soon and we would love to see you at one! Registration is required, so visit our website today

Lastly, if you prefer to watch instead of listen, you can watch this episode and other podcast episodes on our YouTube Channel, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CougarLive⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We also invite you to visit our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠brookstoneschool.org⁠⁠⁠⁠ and follow us on social media.

Go Cougars!

We have a very special guest for today's episode, Judge Ben Land. Judge Land was in private practice for over two decades before being appointed to serve as a Superior Court Judge in 2018 and then to the Georgia Court of Appeals in 2020 where he continues to serve today. He is the first of our three Distinguished Alumni being honored this year to be interviewed on the podcast and two others will follow in the coming weeks.

Brookstone Alumni are out in our world doing some pretty incredible things. If you are interested in finding out more about how your child can become a part of the Brookstone family, reach out to Anne Parker, our Director of Enrollment for more information. Her email address is ⁠⁠⁠aparker@brookstoneschool.org⁠⁠⁠.

Lastly, if you prefer to watch instead of listen, you can watch this episode and other podcast episodes on our YouTube Channel, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CougarLive.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We also invite you to visit our website at ⁠⁠⁠brookstoneschool.org⁠⁠⁠ and follow us on social media.

Go Cougars!

In today's episode, we are talking to Anne Parker, Our Director of Enrollment. Even though it feels like we have just started the 23-24 school year, Anne and her assistant Meg Baker are already working in the 24-25 school year and admissions season is in full swing. Applications are live now on our website! Go to brookstoneschool.org/admissions to learn more and to start the application process today!

If you prefer to watch this interview, you can watch this episode and other podcast episodes on our YouTube Channel, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CougarLive.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We also invite you to visit our website at ⁠⁠⁠brookstoneschool.org⁠⁠⁠ and follow us on social media.

Go Cougars!

In today's episode, we are talking to Meghan Blackmon, Director of Servant Leadership and the Blanchard Leadership Institute. We have just wrapped up the Lower School Week of Service and it's the perfect time for her to share with us all about Servant Leadership here at Brookstone and the heart behind it! 

For those of you interested in learning more about service opportunities through our Servant Leadership, please click on the link to the ⁠"Sharing the Sunshine"⁠ document to find our more.

Do you have questions about enrollment or admissions or do you want to learn more about how to become a part of the Brookstone family? If so, reach out to Anne Parker, our Director of Enrollment for more information. Her email address is ⁠⁠⁠⁠aparker@brookstoneschool.org⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Lastly, you can watch this episode and other podcast episodes on our YouTube Channel, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CougarLive.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We also invite you to visit our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠brookstoneschool.org⁠⁠⁠⁠ and follow us on social media.

Go Cougars!

In today's episode, we are talking to Josephine Meeks and Kate Depue from the cast of Finding Nemo, Jr, this year's Middle School Musical. Since this episode was recorded, we held the annual Character Breakfast and it was a smashing success! Check out our Instagram page to see the precious pictures. 

To get your tickets for the show, which will run on September 21st, 22nd, and 23rd, click this link: https://www.showtix4u.com/events/nemo

If you are interested in finding out more about how your child can become a part of the Brookstone family, reach out to Anne Parker, our Director of Enrollment for more information on how to apply. Her email address is ⁠⁠⁠aparker@brookstoneschool.org⁠⁠⁠.

If you prefer to watch this video, you can watch this episode and other podcast episodes on our YouTube Channel, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CougarLive.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We also invite you to visit our website at ⁠⁠⁠brookstoneschool.org⁠⁠⁠ and follow us on social media.

Go Cougars!

In today's episode, we are talking to Paul Hampton, Brookstone's Director of our Fine Arts! We are about to kick off another amazing year of the arts at Brookstone, starting with Finding Nemo, Jr, the Middle School Musical in a couple of weeks, and Paul is here to share with us all about it!

If you are interested in finding out more about how your child can become a part of the Brookstone family, reach out to Anne Parker, our Director of Enrollment for more information on how to apply. Her email address is ⁠⁠aparker@brookstoneschool.org⁠⁠.

If you prefer to watch this video, you can watch this episode and other podcast episodes on our YouTube Channel, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CougarLive.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We also invite you to visit our website at ⁠⁠brookstoneschool.org⁠⁠ and follow us on social media.

Go Cougars!

In today's episode, we are talking to Haley Champion, our new Lower and Intermediate School Counselor. Haley has been at Brookstone for a few years working in the Learning Center and we are so excited about her taking on this new role this year. She will be working with our students in Pre-Kindergarten through 5th grade and will serve as a resource for our parents as well. She is going to be fantastic and our students are going to love her.

If you are interested in finding out more about how your child can become a part of the Brookstone family, reach out to Anne Parker, our Director of Enrollment for more information on how to apply. Her email address is ⁠aparker@brookstoneschool.org⁠.

If you prefer to watch this video, you can watch this episode and other podcast episodes on our YouTube Channel, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CougarLive.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We also invite you to visit our website at ⁠brookstoneschool.org⁠ and follow us on social media.

Go Cougars!

In today's episode, we are talking to Mitchi Wade, President of the BPA and Katie Bickerstaff, the Past President of the BPA and Cougar Nation Liaison. The BPA works tirelessly all year long in a variety of ways, hosting events, coordinating volunteers, and funding special projects - all of which help to build community and make our school better in every way! The next big event we have to look forward to is the Back to School Bash on Friday, August 25th during the first official home football game against Glenwood! You won't want to miss it! 

If you are interested in finding out more about how your child can become a part of the Brookstone family, reach out to Anne Parker, our Director of Enrollment for more information on how to apply. Her email address is aparker@brookstoneschool.org.

If you prefer to watch this video, you can watch this episode and other podcast episodes on our YouTube Channel, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CougarLive.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We also invite you to visit our website at brookstoneschool.org and follow us on social media.

Go Cougars!

In today's episode, we are talking to Travis Wade, the newest Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Travis has been on the Board for almost a decade and has just assumed the role of Board Chair this summer. During this interview, he shares with us some insight into how the board works, his role as a board member, what it's like to be an alumni and a parent, as well as what he is looking forward to as the school year begins.

If you are interested in finding out more about how your child can become a part of the Brookstone family, reach out to Anne Parker, our Director of Enrollment for more information on how to apply. Her email address is aparker@brookstoneschool.org.

If you prefer to watch this video, you can watch this episode and other podcast episodes on our YouTube Channel, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CougarLive.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We also invite you to visit our website at brookstoneschool.org and follow us on social media.

Go Cougars!

Today, we are talking to the incoming Head of Upper School, Cindy Todt. Cindy has been at Brookstone in a variety of roles for more than a decade, including US Math teacher, Dean of Faculty, and head of Brookstone Summer Camp. She has seen Brookstone from a lot of different angles and we look forward to talking to her today as she begins this new undertaking. 

If you are interested in having your child become a part of the Brookstone family, reach out to Anne Parker, our Director of Enrollment for more information or visit the Admissions Tab on our website. We are still accepting applications for the 24-25 school year. 

Lastly, if you prefer to watch instead of listen, you can watch this episode and other podcast episodes on our YouTube Channel, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CougarLive⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We also invite you to visit our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠brookstoneschool.org⁠⁠⁠⁠ and follow us on social media.

Go Cougars!

In today's episode, we are sharing the press conference from the Brookstone Football team's Media Day held last week. You'll hear from football parent Jason Branch, Coach Rance Gillespie, and senior football players, Swift Branch, Lane Cannon, Ian McGarry, Brooks Roney, Chris Vickerson, and Holt Young. And for those of you who are Cougar Football Fans, we have our first scrimmage against Chattahoochee County on August 11th with our official season opener at home on August 26th against Glenwood. That game - the first ever "State Line Showdown" - will be aired in its entirety by WTVM!

If you are interested in finding out more about how your child can become a part of the Brookstone family, reach out to Anne Parker, our Director of Enrollment for more information on how to apply. Her email address is aparker@brookstoneschool.org.

If you prefer to watch this video, you can watch this episode and other podcast episodes on our YouTube Channel, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CougarLive.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We also invite you to visit our website at brookstoneschool.org and follow us on social media.

Go Cougars!

In today's episode we are talking to Coach Rance Gillespie about all things football and athletics. Rance has been our Head Football Coach and Athletic Director for the past year and a half and we are thrilled to have him as a part of our Brookstone family. As football season is ramping up into full gear, we are only weeks away from Friday night lights in our Mack Strong Stadium. 

We are also thrilled to announce that on August 25th, Brookstone will be playing Glenwood at home in the first ever "State Line Showdown" that will be aired in its entirety on WTVM.

If you are interested in finding out more about how your child can become a part of the Brookstone family, reach out to Anne Parker, our Director of Enrollment for more information on how to apply. Her email address is aparker@brookstoneschool.org.

If you prefer to watch this video, you can watch this episode and other podcast episodes on our YouTube Channel, ⁠⁠⁠⁠CougarLive.⁠⁠⁠⁠ We also invite you to visit our website at brookstoneschool.org and follow us on social media.

Go Cougars!

Show Notes:

*The book written about Rance mentioned in the podcast is called Must Win by Drew Jubera.

Brookstone school is starting its 72nd school year in just a few weeks! Because we did not have a podcast at the time, we wanted to share a video that we made a couple of years ago in honor of our 70th school year celebration, but in podcast form. In today's episode we are going to hear from former students, board members, teachers, and even our very first Head of School, Jim McCallie as they share memories and stories from throughout the years. Others include Steve Butler, Jimmy Thompson, Catherine Trotter, Henry Swift, Nan Pate, Bob Newton, Kathelen Amos, Dr. Linda Hadley, Scott Wilson, and Dr. Dale Epperson.

If you are interested in finding out more about how your child can become a part of the Brookstone family, reach out to Anne Parker, our Director of Enrollment for more information on how to apply. Her email address is aparker@brookstoneschool.org.

If you prefer to watch this video, you can watch this episode and other podcast episodes on our YouTube Channel, ⁠⁠⁠CougarLive.⁠⁠⁠ We also invite you to visit our website at brookstoneschool.org and follow us on social media.

Go Cougars!

In today's episode we are talking about our Core Values, those values that are part of the Brookstone mission statement -  loyalty, courage, wisdom, honor, respect, and leadership. We're releasing them in two separate episodes and this is part one. 

We released this Core Values video series in the Spring of 2022, but are re-releasing them now in podcast form. In this series, you will hear from board members, parents, alumni, and faculty, as they share what these core values mean to them. In this particular episode, you will hear from Dr. Linda Hadley, Mat Swift, Dr. Lee McCluskey, Matt Lage, Katie Krieg, Javonne Stewart, and Kornisha Brown. If you are interested in finding out more about how your child can become a part of the Brookstone family, reach out to Anne Parker, our Director of Enrollment for more information on how to apply. Her email address is aparker@brookstoneschool.org.

You can watch this episode and other podcast episodes on our YouTube Channel, ⁠⁠CougarLive.⁠⁠ We also invite you to visit our website at brookstoneschool.org and follow us on social media.

Go Cougars!

In today's episode we are talking about our Core Values, those values that are part of the Brookstone mission statement -  loyalty, courage, wisdom, honor, respect, and leadership. We're releasing them in two separate episodes and this is part one. 

We released this Core Values video series in the Spring of 2022, but are re-releasing them now in podcast form. In this series, you will hear from board members, parents, alumni, and faculty, as they share what these core values mean to them. In this particular episode, you will hear from Catherine Trotter, Deana Bass-Williams, Cecil Cheves, Hon. Clay Land, Steve Butler, Kathelen Amos, and Jim Blanchard. 

If you are interested in finding out more about how your child can become a part of the Brookstone family, reach out to Anne Parker, our Director of Enrollment for more information on how to apply. Her email address is aparker@brookstoneschool.org.

You can watch this episode and other podcast episodes on our YouTube Channel, ⁠⁠CougarLive.⁠⁠ We also invite you to visit our website at brookstoneschool.org and follow us on social media.

Go Cougars!

In today's episode, we get to talk to Billy Blanchard, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Billy has been our Board Chair for the past three years and is about to pass that role on to our next chair, Travis Wade, this summer. During this interview, he shares with us some insight into how the Board works, the Head of School search, our Mission Statement, our Core Values and more.

If you are interested in finding out more about how your child can become a part of the Brookstone family, reach out to Anne Parker, our Director of Enrollment for more information on how to apply. Her email address is aparker@brookstoneschool.org.

You can watch this episode and other podcast episodes on our YouTube Channel, ⁠CougarLive.⁠ We also invite you to visit our website at brookstoneschool.org and follow us on social media.

Go Cougars!

In today's episode, we talk to Ruthie Wade, Class of 2022, as she reflects on her time here at Brookstone and her freshman year at Georgia Tech. Ruthie is also interning here with us this summer, so we are enjoying having her back on campus! 

If you are interested in finding out more about how your child can become a part of the Brookstone family like Ruthie, reach out to Anne Parker, our Director of Enrollment for more information. Her email address is aparker@brookstoneschool.org.

You can watch this episode and other podcast episodes on our YouTube Channel, ⁠⁠CougarLive.⁠⁠ We also invite you to visit our website at brookstoneschool.org and follow us on social media.

Go Cougars!

In today's episode, we have the privilege of talking to Myra McGovern, Vice President of Media at NAIS, the National Association of Independent Schools. We talk about the role of NAIS, the importance of independent schools, and what things set us apart. She also has several book recommendations and those are listed below.

If you are interested in finding out more about how your child can become a part of the Brookstone family, reach out to Anne Parker, our Director of Enrollment for more information on how to apply. Her email address is aparker@brookstoneschool.org.

You can watch this episode and other podcast episodes on our YouTube Channel, ⁠CougarLive.⁠ We also invite you to visit our website at brookstoneschool.org and follow us on social media.

Go Cougars!

Myra's Book Recommendations:

The Self-Driven Child: The Science and Sense of Giving Your Kids More Control Over Their Lives by William Stixrud and Ned Johnson

Raising Kids: Your Essential Guide to Everyday Parenting by Sheri Wong and Olaf Jorgenson

The Emotional Lives of Teenagers Raising Connected, Capable, and Compassionate Adolescents by Lisa Damour

Who Gets In and Why: A Year Inside College Admissions by Jeffrey Selingo

In today's episode, we visit with the one and only Cathy Smith, more affectionately known to students and parents as Boofus! Cathy has taught generations of students and she is simply legendary in the classroom. During this conversation, she shares some hilarious stories, some of her favorite Brookstone memories, and offers some sage advice. You are going to love this episode!

Teachers like Boofus are what set Brookstone apart. So if you are interested in finding out more about how your child can become a part of the Brookstone family so they can have the best teachers ever like Boofus, reach out to Anne Parker, our Director of Enrollment for more information on how to apply. Her email address is aparker@brookstoneschool.org.

We also invite you to visit our website at brookstoneschool.org and follow us on social media.

Go Cougars!

Our beautiful Graduation ceremony was held last weekend and in today's episode, we are sharing the speeches from our student-selected speakers, Alex Leary and Luke Snipes. They will give you insight not only into the Class of 2023, but also to the special relationships students and teachers have here at Brookstone.

If you are interested in finding out more about how your child can become a part of the Brookstone family, reach out to Anne Parker, our Director of Enrollment for more information on how to apply. Her email address is aparker@brookstoneschool.org.

You can watch this episode and other podcast episodes on our YouTube Channel, CougarLive. We also invite you to visit our website at brookstoneschool.org and follow us on social media.

Go Cougars!

Today, we are talking to two seniors Mary Kinnebrew and Olivia Raines from our Applied Leadership Class.

Leadership is one of our Core Values here at Brookstone and it is so important to us that we have an entire class devoted to it. Mary and Olivia share with us some of the things they learn and do in class and then some special reflections on Brookstone as they look back over their senior year.

So if after hearing from these awesome young women, you want your child to become a part of the Brookstone family, reach out to Anne Parker, our Director of Enrollment for more information or visit the Admissions Tab on our website. We are still accepting applications for the 24-25 school year. 

Lastly, if you prefer to watch instead of listen, you can watch this episode and other podcast episodes on our YouTube Channel, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CougarLive⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We also invite you to visit our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠brookstoneschool.org⁠⁠⁠⁠ and follow us on social media.

Go Cougars!

In today's episode, we are talking to our Head of School, Marty Lester as he shares some reflections on his time here at Brookstone. Marty is retiring at the end of the year and we will forever be grateful for the impact he has made on our school.

As Marty says in this interview, Brookstone is an incredibly special place. If you are interested in finding out more about how your child can become a part of the Brookstone family, reach out to Anne Parker, our Director of Enrollment for more information on how to apply. Her email address is aparker@brookstoneschool.org.

We also invite you to visit our website at brookstoneschool.org and follow us on social media.

Go Cougars!

In today's episode, we talk to two Brookstone legends, Mitzi Gaynor and Deedee Branham, who have both taught Upper School Science for years and who are retiring at the end of this school year. They have impacted hundreds and hundreds of students over the years, as is evidenced throughout our conversation, and we are going to miss them! They are leaving very big shoes to fill! If you are interested in finding out more about how your child can become a part of the Brookstone family so they can take part in the coolest classes and go on trips with teachers like Ms. Gaynor and Mrs. Branham, reach out to Anne Parker, our Director of Enrollment for more information on how to apply. Her email address is aparker@brookstoneschool.org. We also invite you to visit our website at brookstoneschool.org and follow us on social media. Go Cougars!

Yesterday was our seniors' last day of classes this year, so In today's episode, we are talking to senior Zoe Zwickey, Communications Prefect, all about life as a student in the Upper School. With graduation quickly approaching, we talk about classes and teachers and all the fun things about being an Upper School student at Brookstone.

If you are interested in finding out more about how your child can become a part of the Brookstone family, reach out to Anne Parker, our Director of Enrollment for more information. Her email address is aparker@brookstoneschool.org. We also invite you to visit our website at brookstoneschool.org and follow us on social media.

Go Cougars!

Today we have a special guest visiting us, Mr. David Magee, the bestselling author of the award-winning book Dear William: A Father’s Memoir of Addiction, Recovery, Love and Loss. He's also the host of his own podcast, The Mayo Lab Podcast with David Magee, and is the creator of and Director of Operations at the William Magee Institute for Student Wellbeing at the University of Mississippi. The Institute is named after David's late son, William, who died of an accidental drug overdose. In this episode, we talk about how David has taken this tragedy and used it as a platform to help others, providing hope and support along the way.

Student mental health and wellness is at the heart of what we do here at Brookstone. If you would like more information about many of the things we have in place to support student well-being, I invite you to reach out to Mr. Jacob Crowder, Director of Counseling, with any questions you might have. His email address is jcrowder@brookstoneschool.org. And if you are interested in finding out more about how your child can become a part of the Brookstone family, please reach out to Anne Parker, our Director of Enrollment for more information. Her email address is aparker@brookstoneschool.org.

Resources:

The William Magee Institute for Student Well Being at the University of Mississippi

The Mayo Lab Podcast with David Magee - Available wherever you listen to podcasts

In today's episode, we are talking to our future Head of School, Henry Heil, who was in town recently to visit campus. We thought it would be fun to do a little "Get to Know You" episode while he was here and we had a great time learning more about him, his family, and his vision for Brookstone.

If you are interested in finding out more about how your child can become a part of the Brookstone family, reach out to Anne Parker, our Director of Enrollment for more information. Her email is aparker@brookstoneschool.org. We also invite you to visit our website at brookstoneschool.org and follow us on social media.

Go Cougars!

In today's episode, we talk to Andy Fleming. Andy is the CEO and Co-Founder of the Developmental Edge. He and his team of experts, including Harvard Faculty Dr. Bob Keegan and Dr. Lisa Lahey, as well as Andy's wife, Claire Lee, work with companies all over the world as they seek to accelerate personal and professional growth within the corporate setting. He and his team have also worked with Brookstone faculty and students extensively over the past four years through our Blanchard Leadership Institute. We are proud to be the first and only school in the world to introduce the very same principals of developmental intelligence that they use with corporations across the globe to our students. For information about the work Andy Fleming is doing through The Developmental Edge, you can visit their website at www.developmentaledge.com. If you would like more information on the Blanchard Leadership Institute, reach out to Meghan Blackmon, the Director of Servant Leadership and the Blanchard Leadership Institute to learn more. Her email is mblackmon@brookstoneschool.org. And f you are interested in finding out more about how your child can become a part of the Brookstone family, please reach out to Anne Parker, our Director of Enrollment for more information. Her email is aparker@brookstoneschool.org.

Join us for a conversation with Mr. Garry Sullivan, Head of Upper School, as he shares all about the adventure of working with teenagers and life in the Upper School.

You can also watch this conversation on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pM1JXx5n3xU

For more information on how your child can become a part of the Brookstone family, visit our website at ⁠www.brookstoneschool.org/admissions⁠ or email Mrs. Anne Parker, our Director of Enrollment, at ⁠aparker@brookstoneschool.org⁠ for more information.

Join us for a conversation with Mr. Jacob Crowder, Director of Guidance, as we talk about all kinds of things! We talk about the differences between Generation X, Z, and the new Generation Alpha, healthy and unhealthy social media, how to navigate mistakes and how to give grace. This episode is full of good stuff you are not going to want to miss it! And if there is ever a reason "Why Brookstone?" -  Jacob is one of them! 

To learn more about the many guests we've had on campus this year to visit with our parents and students as a part of our health and wellness program, you can click here. 

If you find yourself wanting more information on how your child can become a part of the Brookstone family, visit our website at www.brookstoneschool.org/admissions or email Mrs. Anne Parker, our Director of Enrollment, at aparker@brookstoneschool.org for more information.

Join us for a conversation with Mr. Joe Mills, Director of Brookstone Preschool, as he shares all about the ins and outs of life in the Preschool.

For more information on how your child can become a part of the Brookstone family, visit our website at www.brookstoneschool.org/admissions or email Mrs. Anne Parker, our Director of Enrollment, at aparker@brookstoneschool.org for more information.

Join us for a conversation with Mrs. Javonne Stewart, Head of Brookstone's Lower and Intermediate School, as she shares all about the ins and outs of life in these divisions.

For more information on how to apply, visit our website at www.brookstoneschool.org/admissions or email Mrs. Anne Parker, our Director of Enrollment, at aparker@brookstoneschool.org for more information.

Today, we are talking to Lower School Counselor Haley Champion and College Counselor Jeremy Mack about College Board testing, timelines, and accommodations. This is a very niche episode, but one full of important information.

If you are interested in having your child become a part of the Brookstone family, reach out to Anne Parker, our Director of Enrollment for more information or visit the Admissions Tab on our website. We are still accepting applications for the 24-25 school year. 

Lastly, if you prefer to watch instead of listen, you can watch this episode and other podcast episodes on our YouTube Channel, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CougarLive⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We also invite you to visit our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠brookstoneschool.org⁠⁠⁠⁠ and follow us on social media.

Go Cougars!

Join us for a conversation with Dr. Kris Maguire, Head of Brookstone Middle School, as he shares all about the ins and outs of life in our Middle School. 

For more information on how to apply, visit our website at www.brookstoneschool.org/admissions or email Mrs. Anne Parker, our Director of Enrollment, at aparker@brookstoneschool.org for more information. 

In today's episode, we are going to answer the question, "Why Brookstone?" Rather, we are going to let you hear from a variety of voices as they answer that question and share THEIR "Why Brookstone?" We originally released all of these interviews in video format, so if you want to go watch them as opposed to listen to them, go to our website and click on the Why Brookstone tab which is under the Admissions Tab. But we also thought it would be great to release them in podcast form as well for your listening pleasure! We hope you enjoy hearing these students, parents, teachers, and alumni speak to their "Why Brookstone!"

Should you find yourself wanting to become part of the Brookstone family, we invite you to reach out to Anne Parker, our Director of Enrollment, for more information on how to apply. You can email her at aparker@brookstoneschool.org.

Join us as we visit with Win Grubb and Lilly Rae Hinton, our Head Boy and Girl Prefects. They share more about what the Prefect System is and how it works, as well as give us insight into life as an Upper School student here at Brookstone.

In this episode, we have a wonderful conversation with Bonnie Smith, the Director of the Learning Center here at Brookstone. She shares with us all about the Learning Center and the services it provides for our students and families. If you have further questions and would like to get in touch with Bonnie directly, you can email her at bsmith@brookstoneschool.org.