2025
News Archive
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School Holiday: July 2-4
MUS will be closed Wednesday-Friday, July 2-4 in observance of Independence Day.Read More -
ImPACT Testing Email
Concussion management testing is mandatory for all MUS students and must be completed every two years. The Athletic Department is currently conducting testing for students in rising Grades 7, 9, and 11. These parents and students were emailed June 3 about the test.Read More -
Owls Earn Language Awards
Students performed well in the yearly national language exams in French, Greek, Latin, and Spanish.Read More -
Get Summer Reading Assignment Done!
Read MoreSummer Reading Mastery courses will help you knock out your Summer Reading Assignment in style. All grades have an assignment – why not sign up so you can complete this important task over the break? The first set of sessions runs June 2-18, 20. The second set of sessions runs July 7-25. -
Summer Math Packet Labs
Math-packet help labs will be open select Tuesdays (July 8, July 15, July 22, and July 29) from 9 a.m. - noon for any student needing guidance. Visit the Upper School Office for lab locations.Read More -
Class of 2025 Final Transcripts
Once second semester grades are posted, we will send official transcripts to the colleges where students are enrolling and to NCAA (for those registered with the NCAA Initial Eligibility Center). We will also mail students an unofficial copy of their transcripts for their records.Read More -
College Essay and Application Work
College counselors will be in the office during summer hours to meet with rising seniors. Students are welcome to make appointments with their counselors to work ahead on college essays and applications!Read More -
Rising Senior Strengths Assessment
We are excited to provide students with an opportunity to identify their strengths and learn how best to use them. Gallup CliftonStrengths is a powerful online tool helping individuals identify, understand, and maximize their unique talents and strengths.Read More -
Summer Hours
Beginning Tuesday, May 27, our summer hours take affect. Summer hours are 7:30 a.m. - 3 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 7:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Fridays.Read More -
Construction and Endowment Milestones Announced
Headmaster Pete Sanders and Board of Trustees Chair Will Thompson ’95 have announced a special moment in the history and trajectory of MUS. We celebrate the launch of a three-phase campus construction plan and the near-doubling of our endowment, milestones made possible by the Bold Vision Bright Future campaign. A quiet effort to this point, the campaign for Memphis University School now expands to all who embrace our vital mission.Read More -
Graduation Events: May 18
Baccalaureate and Commencement events are Sunday, May 18. Families have been sent details about parking, seating assignments, photography, and more. See the May 5 email here. Those who wish to see the events online can find the live streams and more resources on www.musowls.org/graduation.Read More -
School Holiday: May 19
MUS will be closed for a school holiday Monday, May 19, following Baccalaureate and Commencement services Sunday, May 18.Read More -
Wills Frazer 2025 Valedictorian
Memphis University School valedictorian Wills Frazer is a writer, a mathematician, and an artist who uses his talents to better comprehend various facets of life. To Wills, the world is fascinating and beautiful, and he is eager to explore. His greatest joy is gathering teams together to achieve creative goals, such as preparing cases for Mock Trial competitions, producing another newspaper edition, or creating the latest T-shirt design for a Student Council event.Read More -
Kushal Patel 2025 Salutatorian
Read MoreMemphis University School Salutatorian Kushal Patel stands out for his innovative approach to scholarship and his concern for others. One of Kushal’s most endearing qualities is his ability to make work feel engaging and joyous and to draw friends into his projects. During his internship with Woodberry Associates in Washington, D.C., Kushal joined the office baseball league where he competed in friendly matches against other lobbying firms and political offices. -
Thompson Honored For 53 Years
Headmaster Emeritus Ellis Haguewood called upon Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar while lauding L. Edwin Eleazer III Chair of Excellence in Teaching Norman Thompson for his 53 years of service at Memphis University School during the annual Retiree Chapel.Read More -
Calling All Eagle Owls
Did your Owl become an Eagle Scout this school year? We want to know so that we can celebrate his accomplishment!Read More -
Smithson Lauded for Distinguished Teaching
Headmaster Pete Sanders awarded Science Instructor Garrett Smithson the 2025 Distinguished Teaching Award, given annually to a faculty member who demonstrates excellence.Read More -
Taylor Thanked For 14 Years
Faculty Emeritus Bobby Alston wanted to do a little more coaching during the Retiree Chapel May 9. He urged Owls to ask themselves two questions: “What have you accomplished?” and “Who would be honored to document your journey?” The answers to those questions depend on talent, effort, and energy, said the long-time football and track head coach.Read More -
TN EFS Program Info
MUS will participate in the Tennessee Department of Education’s Education Freedom Scholarship (EFS) program (vouchers) for the 2025-26 academic year. The state’s application portal for families opened May 15. To learn more about eligibility and how to apply, visit the official program website HERE.Read More -
Order of the Owl Inducts 67
Lower School students and families gathered in Hyde Chapel to celebrate the Order of the Owl inductions May 8. Sixty-seven students received Order of the Owl recognition.Read More -
Time to Claim Lost Items
It’s time to claim those lost items from Lost and Found collections in the Upper School and Lower School before the end of the year!Read More -
2025-26 Wingman Deadline: May 23
The Counseling Department is accepting Upper School students for next year’s Wingman mentoring program. Returning Wingmen need only inform Senior Counselor Candy Harris of their planned return via email. New volunteers can sign up here before Friday, May 23.Read More -
CSO Dinner, Games at BCA: May 12
Join us as we lead games and serve dinner for the students living in dorms at Binghampton Christian Academy on Monday, May 12, 5-6 p.m.Read More -
CSO Food Distribution Event: May 19
Volunteers are needed for the next Mid-South Food Bank Distribution on Monday, May 19, 8:30-11 a.m. in the Lower School parking lot.Read More -
Latin Honor Society Inducts 22
Read MoreTwenty-two Owls were inducted into the National Junior Classical League Latin Honor Society May 6. -
Study Sessions, Half Days, Holidays
May is jumping with exams, half-day dismissals, and holidays. See the study calendar Upper School Owls have been given for optimal exam preparation. Bookmark the Academic Calendar for a quick reference to exams, study sessions, half days, and holidays!Read More
Evening Study Sessions are also available in Hyde Library to help students prepare in a quiet, supervised environment. -
Chi Alpha Mu Inducts 19
Read MoreChi Alpha Mu, the national junior mathematics club for middle and junior high school students, inducted 19 new members. The club, named for Creative Adventures in Mathematics, was founded in 1967 and reactivated by the high school math society, Mu Alpha Theta, in 2008 to promote enjoyment and understanding of mathematics by middle school students. -
CSO Dinner at Room in the Inn: May 17
Volunteers will cook and serve a brisket dinner for the guests at Calvary Episcopal Church Room in the Inn on Saturday, May 17, 4:30-7 p.m.Read More -
Patel Awarded Coke Scholarship
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has designated Memphis University School senior Kushal Patel as a Coke Scholar-Select. As one of 150 high school students chosen from among 105,000 applicants nationwide, he receives a $20,000 merit-based scholarship and joins over 7,000 distinguished alumni recipients. The process involves several selection rounds, essay composition, and personal interviews.Read More -
Trigon Takes Over Amphitheater
Students and faculty flocked to Thomas Amphitheater to watch as three Lower School contenders took to the arena for the trigon finals May 5.Read More -
Eight Named Springfield Scholars
Read MoreFaculty and families celebrated eight eighth-grade Springfield Scholars inductees during a banquet May 1. These students are in the top 10% of their class and demonstrate character consistent with the high standards of the school’s Honor Code and Community Creed. -
Musicians Top Competition
Band and orchestra students traveled to St. Louis to compete in the Music in the Parks Festival at Six Flags April 25. The Owls performed first and ended up with the highest score of any instrumental group in the competition.Read More -
Cardozo Urges Students to Follow Interests
Alan Chung ’25 experienced Massachusetts Institute of Technology Instructor Christian Cardozo’s teaching at the Beaver Works Summer Institute at MIT and thought he would make a great chapel speaker. Fellow AI and Ethics Club members Patrick Burke ’25 and Paxton Silver ’25 agreed, and with the help of Student Council funds, they brought him from Boston to the Hyde Chapel stage April 25.Read More -
Two Owls Advance in DECA Competition
Juniors Albert Ding and Ari Thiyagarajaa advanced to the DECA International Career Development Conference in Orlando, Florida, April 26-29 after their performance at the state-level competition.Read More -
Patel Named Presidential Semifinalist
The United States Presidential Scholars Program has named senior Kushal Patel a semifinalist.Read More -
Special Olympics Volunteers: April 26
CSO is holding a Special Olympics Festival on campus Saturday, April 26, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Volunteers will host and officiate games of spikeball, cornhole, soccer, kickball, and relay races for the athletes.Read More -
Class of 2026 Portraits
It is time for the Class of 2026 to schedule senior portraits. These photos are used for The Owl yearbook, the class composite that will hang permanently in the halls of MUS, and many other news and social media posts. Families can also order portrait copies.Read More -
Seniors Honored with Awards
Class of 2025 family members joined students and faculty in Hyde Chapel on April 23 for the Senior Academic Awards program.Read More -
Frazer Studies Interplay of Art and Math
Read MoreWills Frazer ’25 took the Hyde Chapel stage to present his work through an independent study titled “Math and Art: Parametric Cycloids, Polar Rose Curves, and Tessellations.” -
Special Awards and Honors Announced
At the Special Awards and Honor Societies Induction ceremony in Hyde Chapel April 16, seven Owls received college book awards, and 38 students received the President’s Volunteer Service Award. In addition, Upper School scholars were inducted into the Department of Classical and Modern Languages honor societies, International Thespian Society, the Quill and Scroll Society (for high school journalists), Mu Alpha Theta (for math scholars), and Societas Caritas (for community service).Read More -
Beg To Differ Garners Gold
Beg To Differ traveled to New York to participate in the WorldStrides Heritage Festival, coming away with a Gold Medal for the second year in a row.Read More -
Ding Helps Launch State Math Coalition
Why would high school students form a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation to organize Tennessee students for math competitions? Why would they select student officers, solicit donations, develop a website, and plan and run the first Tennessee Math Tournament?Read More -
Nineteen Owls Earn Biliteracy Seal
Nineteen Owls earned the Seal of Biliteracy, a program recognizing students who have achieved proficiency in two or more languages by high school graduation.Read More -
Sly Tate ’13 Speaks on Leadership
Read MoreSylvester “Sly” Tate ’13 returned to his alma mater as the 22nd Rogers Leadership Forum guest to speak about lessons he has learned along his path.“Today I get the awesome opportunity to talk to a school built on leadership about leadership,” he said. -
Bubones Lauded for Latin Translation
Owls achieved recognition in three Latin translation contests.Read More -
College Counseling Meeting for Seniors
Read MoreNow that all college admission decisions are released, seniors will receive a calendar invite for meetings with their college counselors to discuss their options and next steps. -
Latin Students TJCL Champs
For the 16th consecutive year, the Bubones secured the Tennessee Junior Classical League championship. A total of 43 Upper School and Lower School Latin students traveled to the state convention at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville March 28 and 29 and amassed a combined score of 1,802 total points to top the competition.Read More -
2025-26 Cheerleaders Announced
Cheer advisor Mrs. Jennifer McCracken has announced the 2025-26 cheerleading squads! Congratulations to these Owl cheerleaders.Read More -
Thompson Speaks at Manhood Breakfast
L. Edwin Eleazer III Chair of Excellence in Teaching and Honor Council Advisor Norman Thompson spoke to Lower School boys about the value of the Honor System at the March 28 Manhood Breakfast. Upper School Director of Student Life Stephond Allmond ’10 organizes these monthly events to highlight the values of the Community Creed. Mr. Thompson focused upon the first two tenets: Truth and Honor.Read More -
CSO Sports Festival: March 29
Read MoreCSO will host a sports festival and cookout at Emmanuel Center (604 Saint Paul Avenue) on Saturday, March 29, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. -
Math Modelers are Semifinalists
The team of seniors Alan Cheng (captain), Joephen Chen, Rushil Komeravelli, Michael Liu, and junior Albert Ding finished as semifinalists in the MathWorks Math Modeling Challenge.Read More -
NHS Inducts 71 Owls
The Memphis University School chapter of the National Honor Society inducted 71 members from the junior and senior classes in a ceremony March 26.Read More -
2025 Cross Country Information
The Upper School cross-country team is open to all rising Grade 9-12 students. Over the past several years, we have built a strong program that competes with top teams across the state - and we are excited about maintaining that tradition in the new school year.Read More -
2025-26 Freshman Football Team Invitation
Read MoreRising Grade 9 students, please consider this your official invitation to join next year’s freshman football team. -
Examining Historical Objectivity
Recounting various theories on documenting history, senior Rushil Komeravelli examined the quest for historical objectivity. Speaking of the 1915 film The Birth of a Nation, he described the tale of the Reconstruction-era South that glorifies the KKK and its mission to protect white citizens.Read More -
Free US Physicals Night, May 12
Mark your calendars for the Free Upper School Physicals Night on Monday, May 12, at Zupmed in the Laurelwood Shopping Center. Available for all rising MUS Upper School students, physicals will be conducted in this order: rising seniors will begin at 5:30 p.m.; rising juniors, 5:45 p.m.; rising sophomores, 6 p.m.; rising freshmen, 6:15 p.m.Read More -
Graduation Supplies Arrive: April 3
Graduation supplies are arriving! A Jostens representative will be in Morgan Foyer to deliver graduation orders (announcements and accessories) Thursday, April 3, 10:20 a.m. Families who have placed orders should also receive an email from Jostens about their orders and instructions. Payment in full is required to pick up your order - CASH ONLY. To pay by credit card, call them or go to jostens.com by April 2.Read More -
JV, Varsity Golf Tryouts: July 14-15
Read MoreTryouts for the 2025-26 varsity and JV golf teams will be held July 14-15 at The Links at Audubon. Tee times for tryouts begin at 11 a.m. both days. -
Twenty Owls Inducted into Cum Laude
Read MoreThe Memphis University School chapter of the Cum Laude Society inducted 20 members from the classes of 2025 and 2026 during a ceremony March 21. Membership in the Cum Laude Society is the highest academic honor students in a secondary school can receive. The MUS chapter, modeled on Phi Beta Kappa, was chartered on December 14, 1967. -
Students Elect Wells Honor Council President
The student body elected junior Devin Wells to be the 2025-26 Honor Council president following the Upper School nomination and voting process.Read More -
Campbell Named Golf Coach
Read MoreMemphis University School Athletic Director Thad McCracken announced the appointment of Mr. Chip Campbell ’99 as the school’s varsity golf coach. He assumes the role immediately, following the retirement of Coach Cliff Frisby this winter. -
LS Manhood Breakfast: March 28
Mr. Norman Thompson is the guest speaker at the next Lower School Manhood Breakfast on Friday, March 28. Upper School English instructor and Honor Council and The Owl’s Hoot advisor, Thompson will speak on Truth and Honor.Read More -
Robotics Competes in State Tournament
Two Owls robotics squads competed in the 2025 Tennessee VEX Robotics State Championship at Austin Peay State University where the middle school team, Team 99331S, was awarded the Judges’ Award for their dedication and perseverance.Read More -
Bubones Excel in Latin League
In the National Junior Classical League’s Latin League competition, the team of seniors Joephen Chen, Kushal Patel, Rushil Komeravelli, Michael Liu, and Kip Stalls won the South One regional bracket with an undefeated regular season and finished the competition tied for 13th place out of 159 varsity teams nationwide.Read More -
King Reports on Black Experience
Senior Christon King presented a chapel on The Black Experience at MUS, a report based on a survey he sent to roughly 200 Black alumni, for which he received 37 responses, and conducted 12 follow-up interviews.Read More -
College Admission Fair: April 2
Upper School students will attend a College Fair on Wednesday, April 2, 10:15 a.m., in Morrison Courtyard.Read More -
Mu Alpha Theta Mathletes Three-peat
Eighteen Owls traveled to Dobyns-Bennett High School in Kingsport for the Mu Alpha Theta State Convention and came away the Overall Sweepstakes and Interschool Competition winners for the third straight year.Read More -
WordSmith Owls Claim Hardware
Ten students participated in the 2025 WordSmith Olympics February 16 at the University of Memphis, led by Instructor in English Eric Dalle ’93. The Owls earned a variety of individual awards and two second-place trophies.Read More -
Marks Explores Mind-Body Problem and AI
Dr. Robert J. Marks II, the director of the Walter Bradley Center for Natural and Artificial Intelligence at Discovery Institute and a distinguished professor of engineering at Baylor University, was the featured guest for the 26th annual Robert M. Metcalf Symposium. In chapel February 28, he explored the questions, “Is Your Mind the Same as Your Brain? Are You a Computer Made Out of Meat?” His talk was based on the book he authored with Angus Menuge and Brian Krouse, Minding the Brain: Models of the Mind, Information, and Empirical Science (Discovery Press).Read More -
Summer Programs are Heating Up!
Summer Programs are published and ready for registration!Read More -
Three Owls Receive DAR Essay Honors
Three Owls received honors for their submissions to Daughters of the American Revolution essay contests. Representatives of the DAR Watauga Chapter, Mrs. Maria Burke (former MUS math teacher) and Mrs. Jean McSwain, came to campus to make the presentations.Read More -
Chamberlain honored by U of M
Congratulations to MUS Tennis Coach and Director of the Dunavant-Wellford Tennis Center Phil Chamberlain who was honored with the Billy J. Murphy Award at the University of Memphis M Club banquet Saturday. The award is presented to a former student-athlete who excelled in his/her profession since leaving the University of Memphis.Read More -
Mock Trial Team Prevails
For the first time in 17 years, the Mock Trial team won the District Championship, overcoming a St. Mary’s squad that had won four seasons in a row.Read More -
Author Wise Offers Writing Advice
Henry Wise spoke in chapel about his winding path in becoming a successful author and lessons learned along the way. He came to MUS at the invitation of Director of Hyde Library Wendy Trenthem, and his visit included a book signing and lunch with students and faculty.Read More -
Did U Get the Weather Closing Notification?
Urgent notifications and weather closings are sent to families via an opt-in texting system. If you get text messages from 79041 already, you do not need to do anything.Read More -
Frisby Retiring After Successful Career
Coach Cliff Frisby, Memphis University School golf head coach, has announced his retirement after 16 years at the school.Read More -
Support MUS Robotics Tourney: Feb. 22
MUS is hosting the second annual MUS VRS Winter Tournament on Saturday, February 22. Thirty-six teams will compete to qualify for state. Check in for competitors opens at 7:30 a.m. in the Campus Center near No. 1 on our campus map.Read More -
Owls Named to MBJ’s Next Gen
The Memphis Business Journal named juniors Ari Thiyagarajaa and Ethan Zhao to their 2025 Next Gen list.Read More -
Substance Abuse: A Cautionary Tale
David Magee spoke in chapel about a subject he knows all too well: the pain and destruction caused by substance abuse and mental health issues but also the joy of recovery. An accidental overdose killed his older son and nearly took his second son. His daughter struggled with an eating disorder, and Magee battled alcohol and prescription drug addiction.Read More -
Senior Parents, FAFSA Priority Date: March 3
Parents of seniors, if your son applied to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, you must file the FAFSA by Friday, March 3, 2025, UT's priority filing date, to determine eligibility for aid and scholarships.Read More -
Sophomores, Complete Your Scoir Survey
Sophomores need to complete their Class of 2027 sophomore-year college surveys in Scoir.Read More -
Drug, Alcohol Parent Workshop: March 5
MUS and Hutchison parents are invited to a parent workshop with Mr. David Magee, Wednesday, March 5, 5:30 p.m., in the Wiener Theatre of Hutchison School.Read More -
Racial Depictions in Media Explored
Sophomore Carson Alexander spoke in chapel about whitewashing, blackwashing, and the representation of race in the media. He described whitewashing as an alteration of a character’s skin color from black/brown to white. As an example, he cited the decision in the movie Bullet Train to cast white actors instead of the Asian characters from the novel.Read More -
Owls Earn Scholastic Writing Honors
Ten Owls received honors for their writing in the regional Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. Ike Emmert ’27 earned one Gold Key, one Silver Key, and two Honorable Mentions for his work across three categories.Read More -
Robotics Owls Triumph
Read MoreThe Owl robotics team (99331M) were tournament champions and earned the Sportsmanship Award at the 2025 Brighton High VEX High Stakes Robotics Tournament February 1 -- despite missing three of five members. -
Johnson Tells History of Statue of Liberty
Jeremiah Johnson ’25 kicked off the Black History Month speaker series with a retrospective look at the Statue of Liberty.Read More -
Junior Strengths Assessment
We are excited to provide students with an opportunity to identify their strengths and learn how best to use them.Read More -
Re-Enrollment Deadline: Feb. 7
Thank you for entrusting us with the education of your sons. Your support of our teachers, coaches, and programs helps us uphold a liberal arts tradition designed to meet the needs of boys as they grow into young men of character, service, and leadership.Read More
As you previously signed a contract, you need only complete a few steps and pay the deposit by February 7, 2025, to reserve your spot(s) for next year. -
Owls Earn Scholastic Art Awards
Seven Owls received Mid-South Scholastic Art Awards for their work in the Drawing and Illustration, Mixed Media, Painting, and Portfolio divisions.Read More -
Sophomore Meetings Ahead
It’s already time to start thinking about junior year. We look forward to getting to know the Class of 2027 better!Read More -
Liebenow Discusses His Faith
Watts Liebenow ’26 guided fellow students through his faith journey from the Hyde Chapel stage January 29.Read More
Liebenow described his lack of faith during a period of personal struggle. A late-night moment of clarity where he “encountered God” pushed him toward belief and changed his life. “I cannot explain to you how God has impacted my life. He has helped me in so many ways. He gave me the power to help people and spread his word.” -
27 Owls Earn All-West Honors
Read MoreTwenty-seven musicians earned chairs in All-West Tennessee Bands and Orchestras, and three received alternate status. In addition, five students qualified for All-State honors with three others reaching All-State alternate status. -
Smith Raises Awareness for Conservation
Read MoreChuck Smith ’66, chairman of the board of Ducks Unlimited, returned to the Hyde Chapel stage for the first time since his graduation to teach Owls about Ducks Unlimited and their conservation efforts throughout the country. -
Willmott Examines Rehnquist Legacy
George Willmott ’26 didn’t originally plan to write a book about former Supreme Court Chief Justice William Rehnquist, he explained during a chapel talk about his biographical work The Intellectual Maturation and Ideological Legacy of William Rehnquist (Archway Publishing, May 2024).Read More -
Memphis Day Highlights Music
For our third Memphis Day, we celebrated Memphis music heritage and explored the impact that our hip-hop, blues, rock, and soul sounds have had on the world.Read More
A morning panel, moderated by Instructor in Music Matt Tutor ’91, featured heavy hitters on the Memphis music scene, including Memphis-born rapper Al Kapone (Alphonzo Bailey), Memphis-born producer, performer, and innovator IMAKEMADBEATS (James Dukes), and two-time Grammy-nominated producer, songwriter, arranger, and artist Kurt “KC” Clayton. The panelists then participated in a Memphis recording industry panel facilitated by Music Director Chris Piecuch. -
Cawein Uplifts Memphis Musicians
Elizabeth Cawein, the founder of Music Export Memphis, says the “magic is in the middle” for the local music industry. She spoke in Hyde Chapel about focusing on the “music middle class” – 60% of local musicians who would like to remain in the area and support themselves through music. Music Export Memphis creates opportunities for and subsidizes working musicians, allowing them to tour, build audiences outside the city, and sustain their careers while remaining rooted in the Mid-South.Read More -
Juniors – Complete your Scoir Survey
Juniors need to complete their Class of 2026 junior-year college surveys in Scoir.Read More
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2025
Communications Team:
List of 4 members.
Memphis University School
6191 Park Avenue | Memphis, TN 38119 | Main: (901) 260-1300