The Storm King School traveled south recently as Head of School Lisa Shambaugh and several faculty members made their way to Nashville, Tennessee, for the 2025 National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) Conference. While in town, they took the opportunity to reconnect with alumni in the area, bringing a piece of the Storm King community to the heart of Music City. 

The gathering took place at Barlines a popular venue inside the Omni Hotel, where Ms. Shambaugh was warmly welcomed by John Toney ’69, Stephen Peters ’03, and Vance Brawley ’67, along with his wife Hessie Brawley. The evening set the stage for laughter, reminiscing, and even an unexpected reunion—proof that the bonds formed at Storm King have a way of enduring across time and distance.

In a serendipitous twist of fate, Vance and Hessie realized they had crossed paths with John just months before—he had unknowingly led them on a small-group museum tour, with none of them realizing at the time that they shared a Storm King connection. 

Stephen Peters ’03, Head of School Lisa Shambaugh, Hessie Brawley and her husband Vance Brawley ’67, and John Toney ’69

Throughout the evening, the room buzzed with conversation among alumni and faculty, bridging the years between them. Alumni were eager to hear about today’s campus life, from curriculum updates to student activities, while teachers were fascinated by memories of the School’s earlier days. At one point, Stephen’s stories about playing baseball on the main field led to a hilarious realization—his powerful hits might have been the reason a backstop was later installed to protect the windows on campus! Faculty also listened as alumni reflected on Storm King’s transition from an all-boys institution to the coed boarding and day school it is today.

Adding a memorable moment to the visit, John generously invited the SKS team on a private tour of the historic Ryman Auditorium. The experience included an immersive documentary featuring archival images and historical footage, offering a glimpse into the rich musical legacy of the legendary venue.

As the gathering at Barlines wound down, Ms. Shambaugh raised a toast to Storm King’s future, sharing updates on the School’s upcoming Strategic Plan and the exciting progress on a new academic building. She encouraged alumni to visit campus soon, reminding them that no matter how far they travel, they’ll always have a home on the Mountain. Reflecting on this and other alumni gatherings, she noted a common theme: the profound and transformative impact of The Storm King School on its graduates, and how the lessons learned there continue to shape their lives in many ways.