Bright alumni share many things in common, but our alumni who graduated prior to 1963 often describe memories of their school building on Fort Wood Street and of Miss Bright herself that vary in great detail from graduates of today. Because of this, the school has established the Fort Wood Society for all alumni who attended the school at 833 Fort Wood Street. Here are some recollections of alumni who attended school at both locations.
From their own school days to teaching school and now to retirement, Vicki Everett and Kathi Wagner have always been together.
When the two teachers independently decided to retire after this past school year, they notified Assistant Head of School Christy Lusk within days of each other.
When the two teachers independently decided to retire after this past school year, they notified Assistant Head of School Christy Lusk within days of each other.
At Bright School's 103rd graduation, 43 fifth graders became alumni and are continuing their educational journeys in middle school. The ceremony included the traditional singing and playing of "Country Gardens" with soprano recorders, autoharps and handbells. Before the ceremony finished, they sang a special tribute to fifth grade teacher Vicki Everett, who retired after teaching at Bright since 1991.
Becoming wise and compassionate citizens of the world is part of the educational experience at The Bright School. This year, the school is honoring young alumni for the first time with an award to recognize leadership in service to others. The Class of 2017 presented the inaugural Citizen of the World Award today at graduation to Mimi Vance ’10, who graduated from Girls Preparatory School last week and served as president of the school’s Partnerships in the Community organization.
Fifth graders were recognized for academic and athletic achievement and participation in activities. Seventeen fifth graders received the President’s Award for Educational Excellence, which means they achieved a 90 or higher grade average and high scores on national standardized testing.
The Bright School, founded in 1913 by progressive educator Mary G. Bright, enrolls more than 300 students in preschool through fifth grade. Bright School seeks motivated students, offers a child-centered curriculum and develops in children a lifelong love of learning and a sense of responsibility that provides a critical foundation for their future endeavors. Schedule a tour and see us in action!
The Bright School had 17 winners in the Young Southern Student Writers Contest, which is coordinated by the Southern Lit Alliance and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Department of English. Students submitted works of poetry and prose, and the awards ceremony was held last week at the Tivoli Theatre. Two students were honored in both poetry and prose. The area contest has been held since 1999, and this year, there were more than 4,600 submitted works. Awards were given to 500 students in grades kindergarten through 12th.
Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Sharon Lee visited Bright School on Monday and shared with students in grades 3-5 her toolkit for being a judge.
The Bright School celebrated the cultural heritage of all its families with a special week of activities. Bright families represent more than 20 countries, and the flag of each country is on display at our Guerry International Plaza flag court.
