CHRONICLES OF BUSEY - Woodward Academy

C HRONICLES OF B USEY 

Vol. 1 No. 1 May 20, 2007 Commemorative Issue 

The Busey Legacy 

Debbie Herzig 

Once upon a time. . . the quintessential 

beginning of any fairy tale known to both children 

and adults. . . So begins the story of the 

Busey Campus, home to thousands of children 

since 1971. However, we must travel back in 

time to 1943 to meet a young boy named Tom 

Busey from Fayetteville, Georgia. This young 

man, who wanted to serve his country, yearned 

to fulfill “his love of the military and the esprit 

de corps” offered to Georgia Military students. 

This spirit of comradeship, enthusiasm, and devotion 

has continued to be a passionate presence 

in the man we know today as Dr. Thomas 

J. Busey, the benefactor of the Busey School. 

The son of a physician in Fayetteville, Dr. 

Busey entered Georgia Military Academy as a 

sixth grade Junior School student At this time 

in Woodward Academy’s history, there was a 

Junior School for first through seventh grade 

students, a Senior School, and even a Junior 

two-year accredited College located on the 

College Park campus. On Mondays through 

Fridays, Dr. Busey could be found on his motor 

scooter traveling the sixteen miles from his 

home to the GMA campus in College Park. 

By the time that Dr. Busey became a senior, 

he was a boarding student who lived and 

breathed the “esprit de corps” established by 

Georgia Military Academy founder, Colonel 

Woodward. His day would begin with reveille; 

it was mandatory that cadets were dressed, out 

front of their dorms, and at attention in a matter 

of ten minutes. (One day, Dr. Busey, in a 

hurry to get at attention, fell down his dorm 

steps, broke his ankle, and ended up spending 

the night in the infirmary.) The “Daily Routine 

of Duty” would continue with assemblies, 

chapel, drills on the Parade Field, meals, and 

end with taps and “Amen,” Bible reading and 

prayer. Dr. Busey recalled that the main food 

served in the dining hall was spaghetti. Both a 

teacher and a cadet officer would sit at the ends 

of the table, and strict table manners were enforced. 

During his tenure at GMA, Dr. Busey was 

involved in numerous activities. His many 

roles included being in charge of the Junior 

College athletic students, being company commander 

of the “I” Company, and achieving the 

rank of Captain. Extracurricular activities were 

varied. Dr. Busey was a staff member of both 

the newspaper, The Gamilacad, and the yearbook, 

The Grenadier. Singing in the glee club 

and winning the regimental swimming championship 

were counted among Dr. Busey’s 

fond memories. 

Dr. Busey’s education didn’t end when he 

graduated from GMA in the spring of 1949; he 

began his undergraduate degree as a student at 

Emory University. After having had only boys 

as fellow students at both GMA and Emory, 

Dr. Busey decided that he “needed to have a 

co-ed educational experience” and transferred 

to the University of Georgia. He continued his 

studies and graduated from the Medical College 

of Georgia with a specialty in urology. 

Postgraduate work was completed at Johns 

Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland and 

at Grady Hospital which was affiliated with 

Emory University. 

As the first urologist on Atlanta’s Southside, 

Dr. Busey was instrumental in forming a 

partnership which owned the South Fulton Professional 

Plaza, a 

group of doctors’ 

offices adjacent to 

South Fulton 

Hospital. He was 

a charter member 

of Clayton General 

Hospital, 

now known as 

Southern Regional 

Hospital, 

as well as on the 

staff at South Fulton, 

Crawford 

Long, and St. Joseph’s Hospitals. In addition, 

Dr. Busey was asked by Governor Joe Frank 

Harris to serve on the State Medical Board; his 

tenure there lasted from 1984 – 1998. When he 

closed his practice in 1992, Dr. Busey then 

worked for the Emory Clinic that was located 

in Fayetteville. 

Aside from his medical duties, Dr. 

Busey’s time was devoted to both his family 

and his hobbies. In 1957 Dr. Busey married 

the former Joan Carlton and began a family that 

included Joan, William, and Thomas III. Joan 

began her Woodward Academy education in 

1964 when the school became coeducational, 

and both sons, William and Thomas III, attended 

the Busey School and graduated from 

the Academy. Dr. Busey even built a bridge 

that connected his property and the Busey 

School so that his sons could continue the tradition 

of riding a motor scooter to school! His 

most enjoyable hobby was farming, especially 

breeding and caring for beef cattle and raising 

chickens on his 400 acre farm on Helmer Road 

in Riverdale. 

Collecting is a pastime that Dr. Busey continues 

to take pleasure in; his impressive collections 

are wide and varied. His twelve 

restored antique cars, which include several 

Model A Ford trucks and Rolls Royce cars 

from the 1960’s, and a 1955 Oldsmobile to 

name a few, are carefully housed and meticulously 

cared for on his farm. Many of Dr. 

Busey’s collections have family ties. His walking 

canes, many of which were carved by family 

members, are displayed proudly in his home 

along with antique glass paperweights, some 

of which were originally displayed in his father’s 

medical office in Fayetteville. Old medical 

tools and WW I items belonging to Dr. 

Busey’s father hold a special place in his collections. 

Arrowheads and a grinding stone belonging 

to Creek Indians were found by Dr. 

Busey and his father as they hunted for relics in 

the Fayette County area. Mementos from his 

GMA days, including his uniforms, sabers, and 

printed material such as yearbooks, newspapers, 

and newspaper articles, are also fond possessions. 

Indeed, Dr. Busey’s collections could 

be housed in a Busey Museum one day! 

How did Dr. Busey come to donate the 

land for the Busey Campus? We must travel 

back to the 1890’s, the earliest history of the 

land known by Dr. Busey. The first inhabitants 

of the area were the Creek Indians. Following 

the Civil War in 1865, the A and F Railroad 

was built in the vicinity of the present-day 

Busey School. This important railway system, 

which was originally planned as a passageway 

from Atlanta to Florida, was only completed as 

far as Warm Springs, Georgia, second home to 

President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Helmer Station 

was an important stop along the way because 

of the cotton that was grown in the area. 

The railroad remained until 1939 when the 

State of Georgia decided that the trucking industry 

was becoming a more efficient mode of 

transportation. Dr. Busey recovered some of 

the original railroad spikes from his property 

and added these to his many collections. 

In the late 1890’s, A. G. Helmer came to 

the Riverdale area from Alaska following the 

Gold Rush and established a cotton farm. His 

success as a farmer was short lived due to a boll 

weevil infestation in 1915 which destroyed his 

crop and that of many Georgia farmers. The 

farm then changed owners and became known 

Web page online copies of The Chronicles of Busey www.woodward.edu/busey 

as the Patterson Farm. In 1947, the Carlton 

family, Dr. Busey’s in-laws, purchased the 

farm which originally consisted of 500 acres. 

Mr. Carlton was a successful cattle farmer, and 

even his daughter, Joan Carlton, enjoyed raising 

sheep on this beautiful pastoral setting. 

After completing his studies at Johns Hopkins 

in 1959, Dr. and Mrs. Busey returned to the 

family home place and lived in the original 

Helmer home where they have lived for close 

to fifty years. 

In the late 1960’s Woodward Academy 

was enjoying such a surge in its population that 

many capable students were being turned away 

due to lack of space on the College Park Campus. 

Colonel Brewster, along with the Governing 

Board, felt that an expansion, a satellite 

school, was necessary to meet the needs of the 

Academy. It was about the same time, 1968, 

when Dr. Busey was invited to join the Woodward 

Academy Governing Board. In 1969 

Captain Brewster, headmaster, approached Dr. 

Busey to discuss the possibility of a satellite 

campus in the Riverdale area. Riverdale, 

which was experiencing a boom in population 

at the time, seemed to be a logical home for this 

new school. Dr. Busey generously gave the 

gift of twenty – seven acres, from the original 

Helmer and Carlton Farms, which he hoped 

would be a “permanent gift.” It was his dream 

that Woodward Academy would expand to 

Fayette County in the future. 

After conducting surveys and holding dinners 

for prospective parents, the Governing 

Board decided to move forward with its plans 

for a satellite school which would house prekindergarten 

- sixth grades. In May 1971 site 

preparation for the “Riverdale Campus of 

Woodward Academy;” however, little did the 

planners know that the rains would come and 

impede the construction of the new jewel in 

Woodward Academy’s crown. Perseverance 

persisted despite the weather, and on September 

7, 1971, Mr. Don Woolf, Busey’s first principal, 

welcomed 121 eager students. To honor 

the gift given by Dr. and Mrs. Busey, the Governing 

Board voted to change the name to the 

“Busey School” in 1972. 

…Now, twenty-six years later, as we sadly 

close the book of this storybook fairy tale, we 

remember Dr. Seuss's memorable quotation: 

"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it 

happened." Thank you, Dr. and Mrs. Busey 

for providing this magical opportunity for students, 

teachers, and parents.

PAGE 2 CHRONICLES OF BUSEY MAY 20, 2007 

ASSOCIATE HEADMASTER ANDY PHILLIPS: 

O’ CAPTAIN, MY CAPTAIN 

Shawn Evans Mitchell 

When Judy Garland’s character, 

Dorothy, was whisked off to the unknown 

land of the Wizard of Oz—by way of an 

imaginative dream—the epic moral to this 

classic full of twists and tornados was one 

very close to the Busey Campus family: 

“There’s No Place Like Home.” 

After word spread like the forceful 

winds in this Kansas based novel/ film, 

that a major change was going to take 

place involving the school, many, like Garland’s 

character, awoke bewildered at the 

very notion of having to leave so many 

dear and familiar faces behind. 

At the helm of the beloved Busey 

Campus in Riverdale—Woodard Academy’s 

first satellite school nestled miles 

from the noise and bustle of a hectic outside 

world—is Associate Headmaster 

Andy Phillips, who somewhat like the 

Wizard, was called upon to try and change 

the way the winds were going to blow. 

“My initial reaction, and that from 

most everyone, was to fight it,” Phillips 

says from his office stocked with eagles— 

close to a dozen, representing the mighty 

Woodward mascot and bulldogs—just as 

many, symbols of his allegiance to UGA. 

However, the changing student enrollment, 

continuous upkeep of the buildings, 

and the economic climate warranted the 

closing of the campus, Phillips conceded, 

forcing the transfer of the Busey students—close 

to 200 in grades kindergarten 

through sixth—to move in August to the 

newly constructed Primary School (K-3), 

Lower School (4-6), or Middle School (7- 

8). 

“I don’t have my head in the sand; I do 

understand economics, and I understand 

how many students you have to have in a 

classroom to make it feasible,” he says, 

1943 Dr. Busey enters GMA 

1949 Dr. Busey graduates from GMA 

gazing out of his window that showcases 

the property where he and his wife, Anita, 

and daughter Alex (6 th grade) and son 

Micah (9 th grade) reside. 

While many offices and classroom 

within the one-story administrative/classroom 

building show evidence of a move, 

either with boxes, empty shelves or teachers 

removing personal items, Phillips’ office 

is the same, because he’s not ready to 

pack things up. His office, just beyond 

the main reception area staffed by Mrs. 

Drue Norton, is full of life: art, family 

memorabilia, trophies and plaques showcasing 

his winning seasons as a coach 

(1995-96 Girls Basketball AAA State 

Champions) (Region Coach of the Year, 

Region 4-AAA Boys Tennis, 1997-1998), 

inspirational paintings, a Scripture Reading 

(Isaiah 40:31 “But They That Wait. . 

.”), a huge painting directly above his desk 

of a country school house and a big yellow 

bus with the inscription, “Ya’ll Best Be On 

That Bus,” and on the door to his office, 

this plaque: “This is not Burger King, Federal 

Express, or the Library of Congress: 

You Can’t Have it Your Way, Overnight, 

and I Don’t Have all the Answers.” 

Even he realizes he does not have the 

answers that parents and staff still ask, and 

he admits to having spent many hours agonizing 

over the possible reasons for the 

change. 

“This has been a long process,” he 

says, head bowing and eyes tearing. “It’s 

like losing a family member. In fact, the 

grieving process is exactly the same. You 

start to ask ‘Why?’ and ‘Am I responsible?’ 

I asked myself time and again if I 

could have done something differently. 

Then, the grief turns to anger and you start 

to say, ‘People just don’t understand what 

we have here.’” Choking back and reaching 

for his tissue box, Phillips moves to 

1968 Dr. Busey becomes a member of the Governing Board 

April 1970 Governing Board’s first discussion of the possibility of a 

satellite elementary school 

Dr. Busey offers 26 acres to Woodward for the satellite school 

June 1970 Governing Board accepts “Dr. Busey’s generous offer” 

Spring 1970 Survey conducted in South Atlanta area to see if parents 

are willing to support a “Woodward Academy” satellite school 

1971 Red Gates Estates subdivision was built 

January 1971 Suppers for prospective parents held at Main Campus, 

and Carlton Road was constructed 

April 1971 Woodward Academy receives the first 60 applicants for 

the new satellite school 

May 1971 Site preparation begins 

June 1971 First parent/teacher meeting 

July 1971 Zoning petition approves by Clayton County Planning 

Commission 

reconciliation with the change. “I am now 

in the acceptance stage. It’s OK. It’s sad, 

but it’s time to move. I want to now celebrate 

what we have done,” he says, referring 

to the Sunday, May 20th “Busey 

Celebration,” in which more than 1,000 

will gather to recall the memories, view 

student performances and slide presentations, 

and take part in celebratory games 

and food. 

“Some people have asked why are we 

calling this a celebration, but just like with 

a funeral, you mourn the loss, but you also 

celebrate what you had. I could sit around 

here and cry all day, I assure you I could,” 

he chuckles, but I am an optimist, and I 

would like to think we can take some of 

the intimate atmosphere from here to the 

Main Campus.” 

Phillips, who’s been in his position for 

seven years after serving for two years as 

the assistant principal, began his tenure in 

1985 with the 27-acre, gated Riverdale 

campus on Carlton Road. He started as a 

physical education teacher. 

Next year, he will work in an administrative 

capacity on the Main Campus in the 

Middle School and teach seventh grade 

World Culture. Future plans from there involve 

him taking the helm of the Lower 

School in two years, after the retirement of 

Mr. Cobb. 

In addition to the emotional move 

from the Busey Campus to the Main, 

Phillips and his family have to move from 

their home as well, but he has managed to 

put a positive spin on that also. His wife 

and he are getting excited about selecting 

the paint colors for the College Park townhouse 

walls. 

“I would hope, as in any situation, I 

will be able to change with the demands of 

my new job. My interaction with the students 

and faculty in terms of how I do 

things here will definitely change because 

of the new demands, but I will not change 

my personality,” he assures. “You can’t fit 

a square peg in a round hole. I won’t 

change the way I deal with people. I won’t 

change from being a softy. For me, that is 

my strength.” 

His strength may not afford him the 

ability to “click his heels three times,” like 

Dorothy, and awaken from what he discovered 

was only a dream, but Phillips will 

somehow continue to generate only positive 

energy for all he connects with along 

his very own Yellow Brick Road. 

*Shawn Evans Mitchell is a Busey 

parent (mother to rising 5 th grader Maya 

Mitchell), and a professional journalist. 

TIMELINE OF BUSEY CAMPUS 

August 1971 Goal of 120 students met 

September 6, 1971 First registration day 

September 7, 1971 First day of school with 121 students 

May 29, 1972 Official name changes to “The Busey School – A 

Branch of Woodward Academy” to honor Dr. and Mrs. Busey 

June 1972 Governing Board changed the name of the “Riverdale 

Campus of Woodward Academy” to the “Busey School” to honor 

Dr. and Mrs. Busey 

1972 – 1973 173 students are enrolled 

1972 Principal’s residence built 

November 1983 Science building opened 

1984 Pre-School building opened 

1988 Busey caboose arrives 

1989 Busey baseball field constructed 

1993 Peaden Library addition constructed 

2003 Art/Music annex added

MAY 20, 2007 CHRONICLES OF BUSEY PAGE 3 

Don Woolf — 

Founding Principal 1971-1976 

As I reflect on my career at G.M.A. - 

Woodward Academy, there are several things 

which I consider as milestones. The Busey 

Years would be at 

the top of the list, 

and they bring back 

fond memories. 

The 70’s in private 

education reflected 

a lot of 

change, and it was 

during this time that 

Capt. William R. 

Brewster Jr. had the 

vision to develop a 

branch elementary 

school for Woodward Academy. I, along 

with several other staff members, had the 

privilege of helping to develop his vision. 

After a very generous gift of land from Dr. 

Tom Busey, a Governing Board member 

from Riverdale, Ga., the dream was under 

way. Ray Crocker, another Governing Board 

member was selected as general contractor, 

and ground was broken in the fall of 1970. 

Mr. Crocker assured us the building would be 

completed for the start of school in the fall of 

William S. Cobb III 

Principal 1981-90 

In the fall of 1980, Don Woolf called me to his office to 

talk. After we discussed with glee the successes of Herschel 

Walker, Don told me that he wanted me to consider taking the 

position of principal at the Busey Campus. I jumped at the 

opportunity! 

I had spent eight years in the Upper School teaching history, 

coaching, and living in the dormitory with my family. 

Having almost completed my masters in counseling, I felt that 

I was ready for more responsibility. 

My initial response to being on the Busey Campus was 

very positive. The faculty was welcoming, talkative, and quite 

proud of their school. The students seemed happy and felt 

comfortable in their surroundings. Parents loved the closeness 

and warmth of Busey. They wanted their students to have 

the same academics, athletics and arts that were offered in College 

Park. I agreed and made this one of my top priorities 

while at Busey. Suzuki strings, band, art clubs, and athletic intramurals 

became an integral part of the Busey program. 

Prior to my tenure at Busey, a feeling of “ separation” had 

developed in the faculty and among the parents. I knew that 

Busey could only be successful and grow as a part of Woodward 

Academy- not as a separate entity. We started Busey 

Nights at the football and basketball games as opportunities 

for our parents and students to interact with people and events 

in College Park. 

My fondest memories of Busey were working with a 

child-centered, dedicated faculty and staff. During my tenure, 

1981 to 1990, Busey doubled in enrollment from 125 to 250 

students. A dedicated and hard-working faculty was responsible 

for this growth. Parents knew that Busey was a small, 

Principals of Busey Campus Timeline 

1971-1976 Don Woolf 

1976-1981 Lindell Polk* 

1981-1990 Bill Cobb 

1990-1991 Dick Mitchell 

FORMER BUSEY PRINCIPALS 

1971, and with some minor exceptions, we 

opened the doors on time. 

During the building process and for the 

first few years, Carlton Road did not exist, and 

the entrance to the school was from Ga. 85 on 

Warren Drive. This was a very narrow road 

and presented many problems for mothers 

driving children to school. Several times we 

had to call wreckers to pull cars out of the 

deep ditches. There was one single original 

building which was composed of the present 

entrance hall, office, computer room and 

kitchen. There were two wings, one for 

grades 1-3 and the other for grades 4-7. When 

the middle school concept was developed at 

Main Campus, the seventh grade was discontinued 

at Busey and moved to College Park. 

No walls existed in the wings, and everything 

was very open, even the dining hall-gym. P. 

E. classes were taught in the morning; tables 

were put up for lunch and then removed for 

afternoon P. E. classes. Coaches from College 

Park came down each day and taught P. 

Ed classes. They also brought our lunch and 

any other supplies in a van from Main Campus. 

The present gym, pre-school, science, 

music, and art buildings were added in later 

years. The principal’s house was built in 

1972, and my family continued to live there 

until my retirement in 2000. 

1991-1997 Sandra Oliver** 

1997-2000 Ed Notestine 

2000-2007 Andy Phillips 

(*deceased **unavailable) 

The Busey Years: The Beginning of An Era 

Ken Kimbrough, a first grader, was the 

first student to register, and we opened the 

doors with 120 students in grades PK-7. Mr. 

Crocker had promised to have the building 

ready, and most of it was complete; however, 

there were no ceilings or permanent lights, no 

running water, and no school furniture. Not to 

be outdone, the contractor, faculty and parents 

all came together, and in a very short time, 

temporary lights were hung from the open 

beams, water was brought in using construction 

coolers, and porta-potties were used for 

the restroom facilities. We rented school furniture 

for a month and we were under way. 

During the first month of school, we would 

have school during the day, and the contractor 

would work all night to complete the 

building. What a memory! 

Academics were always first, and I am 

proud to say Busey has produced many Honor 

Graduates and several Valedictorians for 

Woodward Academy. In addition to the wonderful 

instruction by a very dedicated faculty, 

several unique programs were offered over 

the years. Horseback riding was a very popular 

addition as was canoeing on Mr. Jackson’s 

pond. We also had a very good archery 

range and nature trail in the surrounding 

woods and streams. One fond memory is Mr. 

Ward and his science class doing its stream 

warm environment where teachers instructed and mentored 

students in a caring manner. 

The covered dish dinners were spectacular! Several parents 

prepared dishes that were very delicious and coveted by 

all. If you were not in line early you were going to miss out 

on Dr. Jung’s egg rolls, Mimi Zakaria’s rice dish, and Jane 

Smick’s cheesecake. It was all so good! 

There were many special events and special memories. 

The holiday programs and fields 

days were a total effort by everyone 

involved. Busey would come together 

for these events like one, big, 

happy family. 

A family in the neighborhood 

had a pair of turkeys that they kept in 

a large pen. The hen died in an accident, 

so for companionship the 

tom would get free and come to 

school for visits. Several mornings he would stand in the front 

of school to “greet” students coming into the building. Tom 

turkey added a special touch to our Thanksgiving programs. 

Two events that were most memorable during my tenure 

were gaining initial SACS accreditation and the construction 

of the pre-school building. Busey was accredited under the 

umbrella of main campus until 1985. The next year SACS required 

that each school have individual accreditation. The faculty 

and staff prepared a self study and a group of private and 

public educators visited on campus in March. Initial accreditation 

was achieved in December 1986. The Busey family 

was proud of this accomplishment. 

The pre-school building was completed for the 1985-86 

school year. This space was greatly needed for a growing program. 

The back classrooms have picturesque views of the 

study back of the playground. Mr. Ward also 

took the sixth and seventh grades on some 

fabulous trips to the Okefenokee Swamp. The 

Busey School grades four through six joined 

Main Campus for grade level trips. Busey had 

five boarding students who lived in the dorms 

on Main Campus and were transported by van 

each morning and returned to College Park at 

the end of the school day. This boarding program 

was discontinued when the Middle 

School came into existence. 

The heart and soul of any good school is 

a dedicated faculty. Busey had the best, and 

I can’t say enough about their dedication, 

flexibility, support and love for the wonderful 

children who were entrusted to their care. 

Vision, dedication and hard work are 

what made the Busey School possible, and 

there are many to be thanked for making it 

happen. First is Capt. William R. Brewster Jr. 

for his vision, second is Dr. Tom Busey for 

his most generous gift, and third is the Woodward 

Academy Governing Board for its faith 

and support. The school would never have 

been possible without the group of founding 

Parents who in 1970 gave their time and financial 

support to change a beautiful meadow 

and pecan orchard in Clayton County into the 

wonderful educational institution called the 

“Busey School.” 

Busey Memories: The Years of Expansion 

playground. This presents a warm, colorful venue for preschoolers 

to learn and play. 

There were many special students during my years at 

Busey. One particular, special student is my youngest son 

Stephen, who spent eight years with me at Busey. 

I would be remiss if I did not mention a few special faculty 

who made Busey a unique place. 

• Debbie Steele and Zoe Miller were pre-kindergarten 

teachers who many parents just “had to have” teach their 

children. They are wonderful educators and mothers. 

• Margaret Buhl had been at Busey since its inception. 

She is an incredible reading and language arts teacher. 

• Dixie Fausett came to Busey with me from Main Campus. 

She is a remarkable teacher, and her students were 

well-trained in developing good habits. 

• Mark Rothstein was my first physical education 

teacher/coach. He began athletic intramurals at Busey 

and formed the first American Heart Association jump 

rope team. 

• Patricia Sanders is an outstanding art teacher. Her students 

created special artifacts for the shows at field day. 

• Mrs. Nell was the chief housekeeper and kitchen director. 

She opened Busey with Mr. Woolf, and she loved 

it as if it were one of her own children. 

• Helen Frazier came from Main Campus to run the Busey 

kitchen. She would often fix biscuits in the morning for 

the students and take them to the classrooms! She was 

very popular. 

Surely I have left people out, but I could not list them all. 

As Busey closes its doors after thirty-six years, it will always 

be a special place in the hearts and minds of those who 

were privileged to work, learn and play there. Its legacy will 

be a part of Woodward Academy for many years.


Short Reflections: Lasting Legacy 

Busey School 1990-1991 

Richard W. Mitchell 

When I was introduced to the parents at 

Busey in the spring of 1990 as the new principal 

from Connecticut, I was given a copy 

of How to Speak Southern. The truth is that 

though I was the first principal to come from 

outside of Woodward, my father’s Kentucky 

birth led to my understanding of, and even 

my use of, many of those “southernisms” 

that many natives had not heard. Even so, it 

was hard for some to accept the idea that a 

Headmaster from a small Connecticut 

school could function effectively in this new 

and different setting. The Southern Association 

of Colleges and Schools can be numbered 

among them. Because it was not as 

accepting of me as had been the New England 

Association, my time as principal of 

Busey was much shorter than I would have 

wished – one year. 

It was an eventful year, though. That 

year produced some lasting friends, and, I 

hope, some lasting impact on the educational 

process at Busey. As the teachers and 

I explored expanding some of our understandings 

of the best ways to help children 

grow and learn, some felt change was coming 

too fast, and some welcomed the opportunity 

to try new materials and techniques. 

It was a year of some tension, but I believe 

much of the tension was a healthy stretch- 

Ed Notestine 

Principal 1997-2000 

I was Principal of Busey School from 

1997-2000. I have many fond memories of 

the time I spent at the Busey Campus. I 

would like to express my appreciation to 

both Mr. Don Woolf and Mr. Tom Jackson, 

who served as Headmaster and President of 

the Academy, for the trust they placed in me 

by asking me to serve as Principal of Busey. 

I also wish to thank Mrs. Boston, Mr. Vin- 

ing of minds and attitudes, both for the 

teachers and for me. Professionally and personally, 

I’m glad I had that year at Busey. 

The assessment of its educational impact, 

though, is best left to those who stayed there 

beyond my limited time. 

I do have several other memories of a 

non-educational nature that stay in my mind, 

however. I remember September 18, 1990, 

when the announcement of the host city for 

the 1996 Olympics was to be made. Before 

classes began, we set up a small television in 

the gym – this before the technological explosion 

at Woodward – and listened as the 

words “the city of …. Atlanta!” were 

drowned out by cheers and shouts. This 

new resident of the metro area was as excited 

and proud as were the native Atlantans 

in the room. 

I remember the day Mr. Peaden came to 

my office and asked if we could use some 

Atlanta Hawks tickets for our students and 

their parents. Of course I replied affirmatively. 

Little did I know that the next day he 

would come in with 25 tickets to each of 25 

Hawks games! Thanks again, Harry. 

Just a couple of years ago, after I began 

teaching in the Middle School, one of my 

students reminded me of an incident his 

older sister told him about her former principal. 

She was in second or third grade at 

the time and got carried away one day practicing 

her pitching skills. The problem was 

cent, and Mr. Cobb, who mentored me daily 

on how to be an elementary school Principal. 

To be honest, I was fairly frightened at 

the prospect of serving at Busey. While I 

had minored in elementary education in college, 

I had been teaching middle school 

students for almost 20 years. I felt unprepared 

for the challenge of working with students 

of elementary school age. I had only 

visited the Busey campus a few times, so 

while driving there on my first day of work 

in mid-July, I actually lost my way. When 

I finally arrived, I parked in a parking spot 

reserved for visitors, not in the designated 

spot for the Principal! As I was fumbling 

to open the front door of the school with my 

new keys, two boys greeted me. These two 

boys, the Dodson brothers, were there that 

fine summer day to be tutored in math by 

Mr. Rogie. I introduced myself to Tyler and 

Cody as the new Principal at Busey, and 

they appeared very unimpressed. As I spoke 

with them, they told me how much they 

loved the school and demanded that I not 

“mess the place up.” This was their school – 

Woodward Academy’s Busey Campus - 

and they were proud of it! I asked them to 

that she was pitching peas at her fellow students 

during lunch. Her teacher rightfully 

brought her to my office, an experience 

completely foreign to her. She was in tears, 

fearing the unknown of that mysterious 

place. (Her brother reported that she was 

expecting a spanking or some such punishment 

for her unspeakable deed.) After a few 

words, I could tell that she knew she had 

made a mistake, and I guessed that it was 

one she would remember for a long, long 

time. So I sat her on my knee, and we had a 

chat about why we don’t throw peas at 

lunch. It was probably one of the most effective 

disciplinary actions I’ve ever taken. 

Finally, is my memory of one of those 

tasks they don’t teach in “Preparation for 

Being an Administrator 101.” A tearful 

fourth- or fifth-grader came to my office just 

after lunch to tell me that she had wrapped 

her retainer in a napkin during lunch, and 

that the retainer had remained in the napkin 

as it went to its temporary resting place in 

the dumpster. Assuring her that I would do 

what I could, I took off my jacket, tucked in 

my tie, rolled up my sleeves, and dove (well, 

perhaps stepped) into the dumpster. The position 

of the tied up sacks gave me a bit of a 

clue on which bags were from that day’s 

lunch and which held the remains of the previous 

day or days. Before I found the retainer 

three or four bags later, several 

parents drove around for carpool pickup and 

give me a tour of the school, which they 

proudly did. As they showed me each classroom, 

they told me how wonderful each 

teacher was who taught there. When the 

tour was ended, I knew I was in the right 

place. If those two boys in first and fourth 

grades were that thankful and appreciative 

of their school, I faced the daunting responsibility 

to keep it that way. 

I hope that I lived up to the trust those 

teachers, students and parents placed in me. 

I know I am a better person for the opportunity 

I had to work with the Busey family. 

I’m not sure I ever thanked my own 

children, Brian and Sara, for leaving their 

friends at Main Campus to come and be 

with Dad at Busey. I am especially thankful 

to Sara who left her sixth grade friends at 

Main Campus. Friends are so important at 

this age, but she was willing to leave them to 

make new friends and be with me. 

The Busey Campus of Woodward 

Academy was and always will be a special 

place. The education of students today takes 

place in many different locations and on 

many levels. The teaching that took place 

at Busey for many years will have a positive 

influence that will never end. I am proud to 

I think they recommended to the Headmas- 

ter that I receive a raise so they wouldn’t be 

embarrassed by their dumpster-diving principal. 

So many really good folks I met that 

year. So many really caring teachers shared 

the year with me. So many really wonderful 

parents helped make me feel welcome. 

That year made me believe that the small 

campus was the crowning jewel of Carlton 

Road. May its years always be held in esteem 

in the history of Woodward Academy. 

Thoughts On Busey: A Daunting Responsibility 

Acknowledgements 

be a part of the Busey family and its heritage. 

I have so many fond memories of my 

time at Busey. Here are just a few: 

• Kindergarten graduations 

• 6th grade “rite of passage” ceremonies 

• Musical productions by Suzanne 

Woodruff 

• Falling asleep while reading a story to 

the Pre-K after-school care 

• Greeting those “willing learners” in 

the carpool line 

• Getting to know, appreciate, and love 

the Busey faculty 

• Ms. Charlie’s cooking 

• Seeing the hallways covered in students’ 

work – so much that it was impossible 

to see the walls beneath 

• Picking strawberries on those great 

field trips 

In conclusion, I believe Busey will be 

remembered as a place where students grew 

and renewed their strength; where they were 

given the opportunity to “mount up on 

wings like eagles”; where they learned to 

“run and not be weary”; and, finally, a place 

where they were loved unconditionally. 

The production of this newspaper was made possible because of the efforts of the following people: Faith Black, 

Sherry Gary, Debbie Herzig, Shawn Evans Mitchell, Kim Mulkey, Drue Norton, Andy Phillips, and Duane Shaver. 

An extra special “Thank You!” goes to Leslie Haskins, Busey Campus Parents Club President, and the members of the 

Busey Commemorative Celebration Committee.


My Days at Busey 

Anita Phillips 

Lindell Polk 

Busey Principal 

1976-1981 

My teaching journey began at the Busey Campus in the spring of 1979. As a 

senior at Woodward Academy, we spent six weeks working in a field that interested us 

as a possible profession. I chose to work with Mrs. Wolf in the kindergarten class at 

Busey. I knew immediately that I had chosen the profession the Lord intended for me. 

Little did I know that four years later I would be returning to this same small environment 

to begin my profession. I worked one year as an art teacher followed by five 

years working with the most precious age…second graders. From here I was “promoted” 

to third grade where I spent my remaining three years at Busey. Then, I moved 

to the Lower School where I still teach. 

Busey, however, has meant more in my life than just the place where I worked 

for nine years. Busey has been the location for many turning points in my life. Busey 

is where I met the most important person in my life, my husband. I remember meeting 

him for the first time. I was standing on a table taking a bulletin board down when 

Memories from Busey 

Being one of the few male members, it was part of my job to come in an hour early on 

rainy days to mop the water up in the gym because it leaked when it rained. 

We, the faculty, had to help serve the food at lunch. 

During the ecology unit, I would take the kids into the creek behind the school and 

wade down it all the way to the paved road. We always found snakes, turtles, water 

insects of all kinds, and had a great time. 

One day for “show and tell” one of the sixth graders had his dad come in and demonstrate 

his automatic machine gun. He blasted the clay bank in front of the school with 

I taught music at Busey from 1973-79. For the first few 

years, I taught on the stage in the gym/cafeteria, over 

the din of whatever was going on at the time! When 

the first addition was built, I had my own little 

room, and it was my castle! 

Our classrooms, at that time, were built in accordance 

to the "open classroom" concept. This 

quickly changed into classrooms divided by petitions, 

which did little to abate the noise of the next 

classroom. 

We were a young faculty, and just as now, a family. It was a great security to have 

my children with me in a close-knit, small school of one class each per grade, but 

certainly prohibited "choosing" your child's teacher! 

My most particularly fond memories center around the Musicals, of course! 

Judy Greene 

Sandra Oliver 

Busey Principal 

1991-1997 

FACULTY MEMORIES 

Mr. Cobb brought him around and introduced him to me. 

Then several years later, in the exact classroom, by the 

same table, Andy proposed to me. Our wedding was 

attended by faculty, students, and parents. In fact, 

our wedding was a contribution of these same special 

people. A quick two years later, our first child 

was born the day after a Busey Field Day. Both of 

our children had the fortune of completing their elementary 

education in this same close-knit environment. 

Busey has been more to me than just a school or 

my first job. It has been a home in every sense of the word 

“home.” It has literally been my house. It has been “home” in the sense of family. 

Ask any faculty member or family who has been through any type of difficulty, and 

they will tell you the same thing. Many times I have heard the phrase “My Busey family.” 

This is a precious term loaded with emotion and meaning. Just as a building 

does not make a church, the building does not make Busey. Busey is and always will 

be family. 

about a thousand bullets in a matter of seconds! 

Just mention the name “Nell,” and all is said. 

And then there was the day my brother-in-law 

brought his dragster and did ‘wheelies’ in the parking 

lot. 

What memories!!! 

Woody Ward 

Science teacher 

My association with the Busey School spanned 23 

years. My first contact was as a parent as I released 

my children into a gentle, caring environment. 

Busey provided rich learning experiences. I 

began teaching at Busey in 1980 and was 

blessed to be able to live my heart’s passion of 

teaching my way. Superb young minds were 

placed in my classroom. I remember planting 

flowers, reading stories under the trees, charting 

the Braves’ progress, turning the milk green on St 

Patrick’s Day, gymnastic class and singing, “God 

Bless America” in chapel. Listening intently to the children’s 

thoughts brought great joy. “I’m not in the mud, Mrs. Steele, just playing in 

God’s earth.” There is nothing more special than shaping young minds. What a 

privilege I had during my years at Busey! 

Debbie Steele 

1973-1996


I know this is a bittersweet and very busy time for you and for all of the Busey community. 

When I think back to the years that I spent at Busey, the word FAMILY is the first 

word that comes to mind. Everyone at Busey was part of a small close-knit group, very 

much like a family. Even today, some of my dearest friends are people I first knew at 

Busey. 

Two very rewarding life experiences began for me at Busey. Our son Mett began his education 

as a pre-kindergarten student in the fall of 1972. At this time Henry and I became 

Woodward parents. We enjoyed this part of our life until May of 1993, when Drake, our 

youngest son, graduated from the Academy, and our 21 years of being Woodward parents 

came to an end. I also began my life as a Woodward teacher at Busey. 

In 1979, I joined the Busey faculty to teach second grade. I spent the next ten years 

teaching various subjects. I enjoyed several years that afforded me the opportunity to 

spend my mornings teaching pre-kindergarten and my afternoons teaching fifth and sixth 

grade social studies. During these years, I was always surrounded by caring and loving 

people. I have wonderful memories of two very special men, Mr. Lindell Polk and Mr. 

Bill Cobb. They offered me encouragement and support and always helped me to help 

others. 

The Day That Changed My Life 

I sat in my car, looking at the Busey School for the first time. I was on maternity leave 

from my position as a Fulton County teacher, which I’d held for almost 10 years. I was 

here for my interview with Mr. Cobb. I was not only nervous and sleep deprived, I was 

anxious and afraid. 

I was a classic teaching “burn-out,” frustrated and disappointed, feeling I had been mistaken 

in my choice of career. I wasn’t sure what the future held for me, except I knew I 

couldn’t go back. Desperation was the motivation that got me out of the car and through 

the front door. That day, my life changed forever. 

Talking to Mr. Cobb, touring the building, seeing the teachers with their students, soft 

voices, reading, working, engaged – learning! In my mind and heart, I felt a sense of 

wonder and recognition. The puzzle pieces suddenly fell into place. I could almost hear 

the click. 

Mr. Cobb said he would call in a few days. I drove home in a daze. My husband was in 

the yard when I drove up. I stepped out of the car and burst into tears! He demanded to 

My “love affair” with Woodward Academy began the minute I opened the door 

onto the Busey Campus in 1972. Little did I know that this “love affair” would blossom 

into a romance that still continues after thirty-four years. 

The Busey Campus was my “home away from home” for twenty years. 

During my first nine years there as a third grade teacher, I enjoyed watching my students 

advance their phonics and reading skills, learn to write in cursive, develop a positive attitude, 

and memorize the multiplication tables. I did a lot of smiling those years because I 

never knew what the students would do or say. One afternoon as I was lining the students 

up to go home, a little boy came to tell me he had forgotten to show me something he 

brought to school that morning. As you can imagine, I was horrified to see him go to his 

desk and pull out a dead snake. Smiles, screams and laughter immediately erupted in my 

room. My first and only ambulance ride occurred one afternoon when one of my students 

fell off the top of the slide and broke his leg one inch from where it joins into the hip. For 

several weeks after that, I went to his house after school to help him with his work. 

From 1981-1992, I was a first-fifth grade reading teacher and Assistant Principal. 

Those were the years in which I learned from students as well as other faculty members. 

We were truly a family in that everyone pitched in to help accomplish whatever needed to 

be done. I remember preparing various reading plans, listening to students read with expression, 

inventorying boxes of supplies, counting and recounting books, setting-up lunch 

tables, serving food, washing dishes, counting magazine money for hours, taking pictures, 

and decorating the stage for special programs. Some of my favorite memories include 

chasing away “Mr. Tom Turkey,” placing a new role of laminating film on the laminator, 

To The Busey School, 

Thank you for the wonderful years and awesome memories! At the Busey School, I enjoyed 

the opportunity to experience a unique, and very special, learning environment. On 

any given morning, I might be met by a turkey, deer, or horse - a bit of adventure to which 

we all looked forward. And learning went on everywhere, not just in the classroom. At 

almost any time of day, I might see a science class being taught outside, or a reading 

group held under the shadow of a tree. Eager students filled the building, though they 

were equally likely to be running laps around it, taking riding lessons in the ring, painting 

on easels set up all over the grounds, or singing to the heavens. It was a glorious time 

The Busey School will live on in the hearts and minds of so 

many. Countless students have moved on into life with a 

foundation of security and worth that was put in place 

on the Busey campus. Your doors may close, but your 

light will never go out! Change is a certainty in life, 

but purpose, stability and staying power do not depend 

upon a geographic location. The faculty and 

students who now call Busey home will add a new and 

positive dimension to the new Primary School. The 

school that will begin next August will be an entity that is 

in truth greater than the sum of its two parts. I spent ten 

years at Busey and fifteen years at the Primary School. My only 

regret is that I could not have had the joy of teaching in the new school that will unite two 

groups of people and two places I dearly love in one wonderful new facility. May God 

bless you and give you great peace and joy as you move into the future dedicated to your 

ongoing purpose of loving and serving children wherever and whenever you find them. 

Zoe Miller 

know what had happened! “It was wonderful!” I sobbed. 

And it was wonderful. In my Busey years, I never 

worked so hard, learned so much, made such good 

friends, or had so much fun in my life. I love and appreciate 

Mr. Cobb for hiring me. I have often said 

that he gave me back my career. 

The Busey School was more than a job. I saw it from 

the perspectives of a teacher and parent. The qualities 

that distinguished it as “wonderful” to me are intangible. 

In so many ways, Busey exemplified how Woodward Academy 

values education, its respect for tradition as well as innovation, 

the fostering of collegial relationships, the importance of educating the whole child, 

and the way it excites the support of parents. Busey was like my family, and I knew I belonged 

there. There never was, and never will be, another school like it. I will always 

cherish the memory of the Busey School. 

Ruth Miller 

preparing prize eggs and hiding the eggs for the Easter egg 

hunts held each spring, and walking around the school at 

night to find the door that was left open so that the alarm 

would set properly. Going with the Pre-Kindergarten 

to the Krispy Kreme doughnut shop and chaperoning 

the fourth, fifth, and six grade trips to Savannah, 

Williamsburg, and Washington DC were both educational 

and pleasurable. Dressing-up each Halloween 

was enjoyable for students and faculty. One Christmas 

I helped a student put on his Santa costume and encouraged 

him to act jolly as he went out on the stage. That 

time a student actually listened to me, and he was very jolly, 

but he almost lost his pants while moving across the stage. He was 

the hit of the program! 

As you can tell, my years at Busey were filled with terrific experiences, and I am 

blessed to have had the opportunity to work there with such a caring, dedicated faculty. 

My Busey family and memories will be etched on my mind forever, and I am grateful to 

everyone there who enriched my life and impacted it in such a positive way. I know I am 

a better teacher today because of the lessons I learned at Busey. Thanks to Mr. Wolf and 

Captain Brewster for allowing me to be a part of such a wonderful family. The nurturing 

Busey campus was defintently Clayton County’s “best kept secret.” 

Joanne Berry 

with much love and concern for others. Many lives have 

been touched by time spent at Busey. Those days will be 

long cherished - and never forgotten. 

Bonnie Turner 

Instructional Aid-Kindergarten, 1st Grade, Administrative 

Assistant


My Busey Memories 

The Busey School is considered family to me. Currently, I am a third grade 

teacher at the Busey School. I know many refer to it as the Busey Campus, but it will always 

be the Busey School to me. I was born into the Busey family in 1978. My mother, 

Joanne Berry, started teaching school here in 1972. My twin sister, Hollyanne, and I 

started our studentship at Busey in 1982 as pre-kindergarteners in Debbie Steele’s class. I 

am a Vintage Eagle; fourteen years as a student at WA and eight of them were spent at the 

Busey School. 

I have many heartfelt memories; like the time I broke my wrist in second grade 

sliding down the fireman’s pole on the playground. Coach Phillips, my current boss, carried 

me off the playground, and wrapped my arm in ice and towels so my mom could take 

me to the doctor. Almost every time I look out of my classroom window, I picture my 

mom’s car parked out front while Coach Phillips carried me to her car. 

Another memory I have of Busey is Mr. Tom Turkey! Many of you may think 

that sounds strange, but there was a turkey that lived down the road from Busey. He often 

wandered onto the front drive. I remember a few evenings when my sister and I would go 

put our things in mom’s car. Mr. Tom Turkey would be outside, almost like he was waiting 

on us to come out of the building. Hollyanne and I were afraid of him because he 

flared his feathers and started strutting towards us gobbling loudly! Of course, we ran 

My name is Anne Hartzfeld, and I was fortunate to be part of the Busey family during 

the 1987-88 and 1988-89 school years. I taught 4th and 5th grade language arts and social 

studies. For one season, I helped Andy Phillips (then the physical education teacher) 

coach soccer. My credentials certainly did not include anything that would qualify me for 

coaching soccer, but Andy was kind and patient, and I don’t think I did too much damage. 

The memories of those 2 years continue to fill my heart with happiness. My husband’s 

job had brought us, along with our 1-year-old Steven, to the Atlanta area, and although we 

were Yankees, we experienced extraordinary Southern hospitality. It was with great sadness 

that I left Busey when my husband’s career took another turn. Because of the love 

and kindness of my dear friends, Faith Black, Ruthie Miller, and Dee Shirley, I know that 

I will always have a home in the south. 

Traveling with my 4th graders to Savannah was certainly a treat. Not only did I love my 

first visit to Savannah, but the time I got to spend with my students outside of the classroom 

was invaluable in cementing my relationships with them. We experienced the city 

and learned together, side by side. 

The following year, because I moved up to 5th grade, I was able to travel with this same 

group of students to Charlottesville, Williamsburg, and Jamestown. I wonder how many 

of those students remember that it rained all day? Do they also remember Mrs. Hartzfeld 

insisting they all purchase ugly rain ponchos because we were not going to let being wet 

spoil our day in Colonial Williamsburg? It was such a pleasure sharing this, one of my 

favorite spots in America, with that bright, inquisitive group of boys. 

Here are my memories from Busey: 

1. My first teaching job. 

2. Secret Santa jokes from Faith Black 

3. The "Busey Mile" 

4. Extravagant field days 

5. ELVIS!!!! 

6. Building my own office above the stage. 

7. Kids standing outside for the fire drill in their 

underwear 

8. Eating lunch everyday with the 4-year-olds 

9. Writing my book "Hey, Hey, Captain Jack" about Jack 

Humphrey for my grad class and reading it to all the 1st graders 

10. Singing, or should I say reciting, the “Alma Mater” 

Pete Fritts 

I taught 2nd grade from 1975-1980, and then taught 

5th and 6th grade reading and English from 1984- 

1989. 

My children also attended the Busey campus. 

The school was a close knit group of loving, caring 

families. 

Marie Barnette Ellis 

and got Mama; we knew she would protect us! That all 

seems silly now, but it sure does make me laugh! 

Coach Phillips tried to scare him off a few times; 

there’s nothing like chasing a turkey with a yard stick 

from the classroom! 

I spent many Saturday’s at Busey for jump 

rope practice as a child. After practice, Coach Phillips 

and some of the team members would go to Ryan’s 

Steak House or to Hardees’s to get a milkshake! I remember 

riding to Super Goober day with Miss Douglas 

and anticipating the yummy cotton candy I was going to get to 

eat! Mrs. Musto loves to embarrass me with her story about the time I was in kindergarten, 

and we had a fire drill. I got so frightened that I crawled under her desk and refused 

to come out until I could see my mommy! 

Busey was the foundation for my education. I am blessed that I have been so 

fortunate to have been a part of the Busey family as a child and now as an adult. I have 

learned many things as an educator at Busey, and I look forward to many more years with 

Woodward Academy! 

Heather Berry, Class of ‘96 

Faculty Member 2003 - Present 

Mr. Bill Cobb was our principal, and I could never get 

out of the office on Monday mornings in the fall without 

him quizzing me about how Penn State (my alma 

mater) had done on the gridiron. Mr. Cobb, I enjoyed 

working for you. 

As my dear friend, Faith Black tells me, I am an honorary 

Southern Belle. To be named in the same category 

with the generous, thoughtful, and very funny 

women I came to love at Busey is nothing short of an honor. 

Although I have been back in Yankee territory for over 17 years 

now, a part of my heart will always be in that little school tucked in the woods in 

Riverdale. My second son, Ryan, was born at Fulton County Hospital and is named for 

one of my special Busey students, not Jefferson Davis, in spite of Miss Faith’s attempts! 

Last summer I was blessed to meet the son of another one of my gifted young men, 

Adam. 

Today, I am an elementary literacy coach in a school district in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 

and will be teaching children’s literature at Penn State this summer. Best wishes to all of 

you who will be leaving Busey with heavy hearts. I trust you will continue to do your 

best for children! 

Please feel free to look me up if you are ever in Hershey, Pennsylvania! 

Busey Memories 

As I take time to reflect over the past thirty years, one 

special memory stands out far beyond the rest…The 

Busey Campus. It truly seems like yesterday when I 

entered the doors of Busey as a pre-kindergarten student. 

Playing kitchen, finger painting, and storytime 

were just a few of my first experiences of where 

I would spend the next eight years of my life. Some 

of my favorite times were performing with the jump 

rope team, playing intramurals, talent shows with the 

Shirley’s, watching the faculty/student basketball games, 

chorus trips to White Water, and the end-of-the-year parties at the 

Schroeder’s and the Koby’s. Among my favorite memories were my teachers too, like 

Mrs. Debbie Steele, Mrs. Buhl, Mrs. Rauk, Mrs. Fausett, Ms. Berry, Mrs. Zoe Miller, 

Coach Phillips, and of course, Mr. Cobb. 

Not only did I enjoy Busey as a student, but I also got to see it through the eyes 

of a teacher…my mom. In third grade, my mom, Sue Mercer, became a part of the faculty 

working in the After School Care program and later becoming a paraprofessional in 

Pre-Kindergarten. I enjoyed seeing my mom at school everyday and I especially loved 

helping my mom cut out laminated numbers/letters and drawing pictures for the class 

bulletin board. Because of my mom, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. 

After graduating from Woodward Academy in 1993 and then completing an education 

degree from Samford University in 1997, my dream came true. I was hired to teach 

third grade at Busey. Students from my first class received diplomas from Woodward 

on May 12th of this year. Oh, how the years go by…..Even though there won’t be a 

Busey Campus next year, my memories of Busey will be with me forever. 

Joella Mercer Potts, Class of ‘93 

Faculty Member 1997-2006


I have been more than blessed in 

my twenty-five year partnership with the 

Busey School. I’ve worn many different 

hats while at Busey – mom, parent club officer, 

art teacher, After School Care Director, 

and pre-kindergarten and kindergarten 

paraprofessional. 

Year in and year out, one thing has 

remained constant, the loving family atmosphere 

that has made Busey what it is to 

all of us. Unless you have been a Busey 

parent, teacher, or a “Busey Baby,” as our 

students are affectionately known, you 

most likely can’t understand when one of 

us says, “We are a part of something 

unique and special – the Busey Family.” 

How does a school campus resemble 

a close-knit family? The answer is simple; 

we nurture each other. Of course, 

teachers nurture students, but at Busey you 

will find faculty members who have been a 

part of a family’s life from the first day of 

pre-kindergarten until the final days of 

sixth grade. That is eight years, hundreds 

of hugs, thousands of kind and encourag- 

When I first came to Busey, 

I thought I'd died and gone to heaven. 

I still think of Busey that way. 

It is a little piece of heaven, 

and will always be in my heart. 

Pat Rodgers 

ing words, 

and a few 

tears shed 

as our 

Busey 

Babies 

move on 

to the 

“Big 

World” of the 

Middle School. 

My twenty-five years of Busey 

memories are so rich and rewarding that I 

believe they will be enough, because I 

couldn’t have asked for more. 

Thankfully, our students have always 

felt the pull back home and have 

come by to visit us often. Although they 

will be visiting their teachers in a new 

building sixteen miles from Riverdale, they 

will find the same family members that 

loved and nurtured them from the start. 

Faith Black 

I began my teaching experience at Busey in the fall of 1993 and continued 

teaching fulltime at Woodward until 2003. Those nine years at Busey were undoubtedly 

the best years of my 43 years in the classroom. The friendships among the faculty 

and the incredible students I taught during that time will never be forgotten. I 

shall always be indebted to Sandra Oliver for giving me the opportunity to teach at 

Busey and Ed Notestine for creating an atmosphere that allowed me to continue to 

grow professionally. I taught Anita Phillips in the SDU class on Georgia History the 

summer before Andy Phillips arrived as the new principal of Busey. I had met Andy 

on the 6th grade trips to Rock Eagle, but I never had the chance to talk to him professionally. 

I knew that if he was married to Anita, he had to be someone special. From 

the beginning, Andy was more like my son than just my principal! I discovered that 

our thoughts and ideals about teaching were right on target. He brought the faculty to 

a new level of professionalism and instilled in us a new joy of teaching at Busey. 

When Debbie Herzig became the assistant principal, I felt God must really be looking 

after us. The two of them working together created my most memorable years at our 

school. I shall never forget the faculty meetings where we prayed together, laughed 

together, and cooperated with each other to make the school years run as smoothly as 

we could make them. Their doors were always open to discuss any personal or student 

problems that we had. I was never disappointed with the advice or solutions that they 

both shared with me. I was so very grateful to them for accepting my wife, Judy, as a 

professional member of the faculty and allowing her to work as a teacher/substitute. 

She had commented several times after she retired from teaching that she would not 

work in a school setting again. Then she met Andy and Debbie, and now she would be 

at the school everyday if they needed her! I am also grateful for the interest and 

friendship they have shown our son, Matt, as a member of the Woodward North Campus 

faculty. 

Since my retirement, I treasure even more the friendships I made at this 

school. So many of us have stayed at Busey, and I attribute it to the teaching atmosphere 

of this place. The love and friendship that I shared with my upper pod teachers 

cannot be replaced. Mrs. Beth Ann Zampol, Mrs. Vicki Musto, Mrs. Suzanne 

Woodruff, Miss Ansley Henkel, Mrs. Pat Rodgers, Mrs. Nicole St. Amand, and Mr. 

David Rogie will forever be in my thoughts and prayers. The “new” group that I have 

worked with since retirement has been just as much a joy to work with as well. Mrs. 

Sherry Gary, Mrs. Kim Mulkey, and Mr. Jason Montague have been a fantastic addition 

to the upper pod group. I am still in amazement to watch our administration teach 

right along with the teaching staff. I have been privileged to teach some Georgia History 

for Mr. Phillips and do some reading classes for Mrs. Herzig. I have also had 

I'll always remember riding my beloved tricycle 

up and down the halls at Busey with the wind 

rushing through my hair as I pedaled faster 

and faster! I loved the way the bell sounded 

as I rang it over and over again. I will 

never forget Mrs. Herzig running down the 

hall on that wonderful day yelling, "Stop It!, 

Stop It! Mr. McCollum is in the Computer 

Lab!" 

Angie Kimbell 

1st Grade, 2002-2006 

For me, Busey was a haven. It was where my 

best friends could be found, where the sweetest 

children grew and flourished, where happy 

children giggled as golden leaves fell to the 

ground, where “every” child felt special and 

earned a part in the play, where shy children 

grew and became accomplished speakers, 

and where teachers were not only colleagues, 

but true friends. 

My fondest memory will always be sitting in the 

bleachers as a shy, little girl with blond curls walked up 

the steps on the big red stage to read Brown Bear, Brown Bear. Little did I 

know that this was only the beginning of the many special memories that my 

daughter Marybeth would experience at Busey. 

Beth Wade 

Busey Faculty 1996-2005 

some fantastic experiences substituting for Mrs. Lundell 

and Miss Berry, as well as for the upper pod teachers. 

How could I ever forget the wonderful times 

we shared in our cafeteria/gym? The plays, dances, 

and food we shared were all unforgettable. My special 

times with “Miss Charlie-Lou” were ones that I 

could write a book about. I will always be indebted 

to her for the hundreds of times she came to my rescue 

with pots and pans I needed for a class project, or 

ingredients I needed that I had forgotten at home. I also 

will remember the extra weight she helped me gain with 

her wonderful pound cakes she made for the faculty! 

I know one of the truly memorable times at Busey will always be the SDU 

class I conducted to Savannah. Most of the class was made up of Busey teachers. Our 

experiences from laughter to fright, from eating to doing a night walk on the beach, 

and from our projects to singing at Ebenezer, will always bring back pleasant memories. 

Trips with our students to Rock Eagle, Williamsburg, Ramah Darom, the state 

capitol, the monastery, the High Museum, Fine Arts Center, and Emory will never be 

forgotten. I learned as much as they did! 

My visits to the lower pod classes to tell stories or share Native American lore 

were always highlights. I will always treasure those moments when a child would 

crawl up on my lap while I told the tales. 

The Christmas parties at the Alumni House and at the Massengale’s home 

were truly a time to celebrate and get to know each other in another light! I will miss 

them. I still feel badly about keeping the ornament Faith Black made and hoped she 

would win it back. Each Christmas season when I put it on our tree, I think of her. 

The last SACS evaluation meeting that I attended at Busey was the best. It 

was then that I heard a statement that sums up my love for this place. The statement 

said, “…Busey is the jewel in Woodward’s crown!” I will always feel that and am really 

saddened that it will cease to be. 

Ted Key 

1993 - 2003


MRS. BARBARA RAUK: 

Touching Lives With Gifts of Humor and Love 

“Have you ever really had a teacher? 

One who saw you as a raw but precious 

thing, a jewel that, with wisdom, could be 

polished to a proud shine? If you are 

lucky enough to find your way to such 

teachers, you will always find your way 

back.” Mitch Albom, Tuesdays with Morrie 


For the students on the receiving end of 

Mrs. Barbara Rauk’s instruction, each day 

brings with it something totally unique. 

That’s because this favorite teacher on the 

Busey Campus always goes out of her way 

to transform the classroom into an experience 

of a lifetime by creatively encouraging 

the parade of second graders who march 

through her doors. Whether it is a “trip” to 

the North Pole via her “Polar Express,” with 

heavy coats and hot chocolate, or a “voyage” 

to the bottom of the ocean through the 

intricate designs of the students’ dioramas, 

Mrs. Rauk’s eclectic classroom serves as the 

platform for creativity and enthusiastic 

learning. Her world truly becomes her 

stage, and each student has ample opportunities 

to shine under his or her own spotlight. 

From her “Scruffy” journals that each 

child creates—that involve taking the 

beloved plush pooch home for two nights 

before exchanging it with a fellow classmate—to 

the infamous “Mad Minutes” 

math skills, the chocolate-loving instructor 


The parking lot is relatively empty on this particular late 

afternoon, as only a few cars belonging to the After-School 

Care staff sit idle. The sun begins to set upon the open field, 

and silence wraps itself around the beloved Busey Campus, 

preparing its rest for yet another active day that awaits. Inside 

the main building facility, workers busy themselves— 

mopping the floors and readying the classrooms for the early 

morning hustle that begins when children race through the 

gymnasium doors. 

Those who arrive at the top of the 8 o’clock hour, or 

even minutes before, are greeted by someone who has been 

there already for two hours. Someone, who on the evening 

of this interview just before 6 p.m., is still not ready to go 

home and rest, for her work is not yet complete. Inside the 

L-shaped kitchen that clearly belongs to this person, she 

meticulously separates what appears to be miles of dough 

for the homemade biscuits she will serve the next day for 

lunch. 

She is Ms. Charlie Austin, who has dedicated 38 years 

of her life to Woodward Academy and who will retire at the 

close of this academic year. “Ms. Charlie,” as she is known 

to all, students alike, says she decided with the closing of 

this campus that “this was a good time to move on.” 

“I started here [Woodward Academy] when I was 20 

years old. This is the only job I’ve ever been on this long,” 

she says. “I came to the Busey Campus in 1996, right after 

the Olympics. From the top of my head to the tip of my toes, 

it was such a good feeling when I stepped on this campus.” 

Never married and without children of her own, Ms. 

certainly leaves an indelible mark on her 

mentees. 

“Mrs. Rauk is the only teacher that both 

my sister and I had simultaneously in our elementary 

education,” recalls Busey piano 

teacher, Ms. Lauren Roberts. “As twins, we 

were always separated, but my parents knew 

what they were doing by seeing to it that we 

both had Mrs. Rauk.” 

Thus, it goes without saying that this 

year is especially sentimental with both the 

closing of the campus and the retirement of 

everyone’s beloved teacher, who decided 

this is the year she will slip away from her 

classroom after almost three decades. With 

the exception of a one-year leave to have her 

daughter Kellie, Mrs. Rauk has taught second 

grade consecutively except on the year 

of her arrival when she taught first grade for 

Mr. Bill Cobb, principal. “I started at Busey 

in 1979; that’s 28 years,” Mrs. Rauk said recently, 

while reminiscing over this very significant 

decision of her life. “I planned to 

retire [this year] anyway, but when it came 

about that the campus might be closing, I 

thought, ‘This may work out where we’re 

all going to be leaving at the same time.’” 

That initial thought served as a comfort 

to her until the reality hit that with everyone 

leaving at the same time, her intentions on 

dropping in to visit her “second home” 

would be a moot issue. “I live 10 minutes 

from here, but the idea of me just hopping 

in my car and buzzing over just isn’t going 

to happen now,” she said regretfully. 

Before joining the Busey family, Mrs. 

Rauk taught for nine years at a Catholic 

school, and it was during that time she had 

an opportunity to visit the Busey Campus. 

“When I came here for that visit, my 

first reaction was that this school is a 

teacher’s utopia! I’ll never forget it. For one 

thing, the size of the classes [very small student 

to teacher ration] and the way they divided 

the classes into reading groups, both 

appealed to me.” 

Reflecting on the many changes since 

her start, she recalled how “we only had one 

class per grade then, and we used to have 

portable walls with space all around us. We 

didn’t have closed-in classrooms, and there 

were no doors.” This format, Mrs. Rauk recalled, 

made it all more familial. “The noise 

or chatter from the other rooms was never a 

distraction. In fact, we would often chime in 

with the teacher next door,” she mused. 

When Mrs. Rauk began teaching, Mr. 

Lindell Polk was the principal, and Ms. 

Heather Berry’s (current third grade teacher) 

mother, Mrs. Joanne Berry, was the teacher 

for which Mrs. Rauk served as paraprofessional. 

“First grade was a lot of fun, so 

when I was asked to teach the next level, I 

thought, ‘What am I going to teach these 

second graders? They already know how to 

read!’” 

Fast forward 28 years later, and her lesson 

plans run the gamut. “It was never too 

difficult to get down on their level,” she 

quipped. “Humor, to me, is important. The 

CHARLIE AUSTIN 

Staff Dietician is Everyone’s Surrogate Mom 

Charlie counts the long list of students, faculty and staff as 

her family. “Whenever we break for a holiday, or when 

school lets out for the summer, I get so sad. I am so lonely 

without these children.” However, the closing of the campus 

prompted her to “soul search” and weigh her future, which, 

for now, includes simply “resting for a while.” 

Many will say that Ms. Charlie deserves a recess, considering 

she arrives each day to unlock the building at 6 

a.m., makes the coffee for all, has early arrival duty with the 

children until the homeroom bell rings, and begins preparing 

the extensive menu. However, around 10:30, someone 

from the Academy’s Food Services staff arrives to assist in 

the set up of lunch. 

“Most of the food, I cook,” she says from the kitchen 

with a smile. “I order all my bread, milk, ice cream—I always 

order more than enough to make sure everyone has 

enough! I leave the fruit out for the kids to eat after school.” 

Her long tenure at Woodward Academy has allowed her 

to shower hugs on the offspring of the former children that 

she embraced the same way, and in some cases, three generations 

have been served and loved by Ms. Charlie. 

“I don’t even want to think about it [leaving] right now; 

it’s killing me to hear the children say how much they are 

going to miss me.” 

After pouring the remaining pitchers of sweet tea in the 

sink and placing a phone call to order food items for future 

menus, the head dietician and surrogate mom to all is finally 

ready to leave. 

She moves her bright red compact vehicle from its selfreserved 

space at the kitchen door, and the last car to sit idle 

makes its way through the rod-iron gates. 

kids respond to it and to empathy. You have 

to have patience and humor.” 

During this, her final year at Busey, 

Mrs. Rauk said she has found herself “coming 

in much earlier than ever before, and 

leaving much later than I ever have.” 

“I don’t know if it has anything to do 

with it being the last year; I’m sure it does. 

And you know what? I think I’m still going 

to drive down here anyway and just make 

sure they are taking care of this place.” 

*Shawn Evans Mitchell is a Busey parent (mother to 

rising 5 th grader Maya Mitchell), and a professional journalist.


Dear Busey, 

CURRENT STUDENT REFLECTIONS 

You have always been like my second home. I’ve felt loved, and I’ve had fun. My 

first year was pre-k. My teacher was Mrs. Pyke. She taught me many things and 

was nice. She taught me prayers and showed me words and pictures. Mrs. Harris 

was quite fun with after-school care and teaching. Now, she teaches P.E., and I love 

her so. That year was fun! So many things were still in store. Kindergarten, of 

course. In kindergarten we did lots of art with Miss Faith. Mrs. Massengale read us 

stories and fun, fun books, magical, funny books that challenged my imagination. 

Now to first grade, the big building!! Mrs. Noble was great! Fun! Fun! Fun with 

every game. I got tutored, and it paid off. I love Mrs. Nestlehutt, too. Second grade 

is my last year at Busey, I am sad to say. This year has been filled with love and surprises. I will miss Busey 

a lot. Thank you all for being so kind and loving, especially Mr. Rogie in Science, Mrs. Butcher in ballet, 

Mrs. Bowden the nurse, Mrs. St. Amand and Mrs. Lee, Claude our janitor, Mr. Montague with music, Mrs. 

Norton, Mrs. Rodgers, Mr. Shaver, Coach Mygatt, Mrs. Turner, Mrs. Herzig, and Mr. Phillips! They all 

helped me so much! Goodbye Busey! I will take my thoughts with me. 

Sincerely, 

Cole Beckwith Rountree 

Second Grade 

The Loving School 

Bridget Silvert 

First Grade 

I have been at Busey for three 

years. I have had great teachers. It 

is hard to say, but I love this 

school! I’ve seen boxes in some of 

the rooms, and it makes me sad. 

When people talk about summer, it 

reminds me again. We have Trent to make us laugh. I 

could never get through this sad time without Hannah, 

Carissa, and Sydney. 

My Special Years At Busey 

Amelia Vu 

Second Grade 

Busey has been a place where I make 

new friends. Also, I have made friends 

with the teachers and the principal. In 

Pre-K, I made friends with Indira, Erica, 

Samantha, and Pilar. I have made lots of 

new friends in second grade. Next year 

will be bittersweet. It will be bitter because 

we’ll have 

to leave Busey, 

and it will be 

sweet because 

we’ll have a 

bigger classroom. 

I will 

miss Busey. I 

will treasure my 

memories. 

Busey 

Trent Duncan 

First Grade 

Ode To Busey 

Sara Merchant 

Sixth Grade 

I love Busey! What I love most about Busey is that it is a 

second home to me. I also like that we do a lot of very, 

very, fun activities. They have so many great teachers 

here at Busey. I love Busey so much. I will have many 

memories of Busey. 

Busey 

Autumn Hicklin 

Third Grade 

A great place to 

play. 

A great place to 

learn. 

We will all say 

good-bye. 

Off to main campus I fly 

But Busey will stay 

In our hearts every day. 

I just love a place I can call my 

own 

A haven, a sanctuary, a home 

away from home 

Oh Busey, you’ve been all of 

those things 

A place where everyone rules like kings 

But it’s time for our paths to part, alas 

I’ll never again sit down in your class 

You’ll never again be my school 

Just when I got so used to your intimate rule 

This wonderful structure has been so long 

That the muses are now even singing your song 

But life is a book, and I must turn the page 

Though my time here was the golden age 

So, how do I say it, goodbye, adieu 

What can I say, I’ll miss you 

You’re only a place, you can’t feel sad 

You won’t remember all the good times I’ve had 

But that won’t change the fact that I’ve had them all 

And I’ll take my memories with me, big and small 

Home, Sweet Home 

Sydney Hahn 

First Grade 

Busey 

Clay McMillian 

Third Grade 

Busey is a great educational school. 

It has great teachers. Busey is a 

school that does its best to make it 

fun. It has recess, art, music, P.E., 

science, French, computer, and time 

in your classroom. Busey is the best 

private school in Georgia. I love 

Busey. 

Ode to Busey 

Chelsey Clark 

Sixth Grade 

O, dear Busey, I shall miss you so 

much 

For my heart you did tenderly 

touch. 

But it’s time to move on, seventh 

grade is near. 

My last day with you will cause many a tear. 

Spending seven years here means the world to me 

And you have helped me to a great degree. 

As my next chapter begins, this one shall end. 

Busey, you taught me on myself to depend. 

You are my ice cream on a sunny day 

A peaceful sanctuary where I can stay 

You are my mentor, always keeping me in check 

Even though sometimes I’m a “pain in the neck” 

Mrs. Zampol, Mrs. Gary, Mrs. Musto too 

Mrs. Mulkey, Mrs. Mygatt- just to name a few. 

The time has come for me to tell you all goodbye. 

I will never forget you, and I promise to aim high. 

Busey 

Beautiful, 

Unforgettable, and 

Spectacular. 

Everyone Loves 

You, Busey. 

The legend of Busey will 

live on and on forever. 

Yours truly, 

Sammy Jo Simpson 

Fourth Grade 

We have great teachers at Busey! This is a beautiful campus. There are 

fun activities to do. I never, ever get bored. We also get to meet different 

people. There are small classes, too. We get to go on many field trips. 

We also get to have art, p.e., music, French, science, and library. 

BUSEY 

Sahil Patel 

Fourth Grade 

Busey 

Awesome, 

successful 

Loving, caring, 

educating 

Best school in the world 

Working, teaching, helping 

Thoughtful, grateful 

Woodward


Busey 

Rachel Zinney 

Fifth Grade 

Busey has been 

A second home to us all 

A home that we stay at 

Beginning in fall 

For years, Busey 

has been a playground for our minds 

Every day we are here 

Something new we do find 

I will never forget Mrs. Wade 

Who taught us how to sit 

Indian style 

And to not throw a fit 

Then, in Kindergarten 

We learned how to read 

A great many books 

We had to heed 

Learning S-H blends 

In first grade 

I was called upon 

A great mistake I made 

The Chocolate Touch 

We read the next year 

Don’t eat so much chocolate 

We all did fear 

In third grade 

We had a talent show 

Up onto stage 

We had to go 

We joined the “upper pod” 

In grade four 

Lockers we got 

And homework was 

more 

Now I am in fifth 

And feeling so blue 

Oh, dear Busey 

We will all miss you 

Mrs. Branger’s Kindergarten 

BUSEY IS SPECIAL BECAUSE…. 

Anthony Okolo – I get to play kickball. 

Ama Maiki-- we sing a lot. 

Tahj Gary-- I get to go to P.E. 

Eric Bowden-- I love the teachers. 

Court Kelley-- it helps me learn. 

Cameron Holyfield-- it is fun. 

Tajiah Gary-- we have good teachers. 

Eddie Weathers-- it is a big school. 

Dear Busey School, 

I am going to miss you. 

I remembermeeting my first best friend, 

Grace Brown, here. 

I remember reading my first book, Fox in Sox. 

I can especially remember my third grade teachers, 

Mrs. Turner and Ms. Berry. 

I tied my first shoe here at Busey. 

I went on the playground for my first time. 

I ran straight to the swings and went so high I 

was singing “I believe I can fly.” 

My Years at Busey 

Robert Edwin Bowden, III 

Second Grade 

Beloved Busey has always been 

there for me. 

United-- We are all good 

friends. 

Supportive-- The teachers are 

caring. 

Encouraging-- The teachers are encouraging. 

Yes! I can do my best. 

I want to succeed in school and go to college. 

I want to be an engineer when I grow up. 

Mrs. Gordon will be in my heart to the very end. 

Mrs. Massengale’s Kindergarten 

BUSEY IS SPECIAL TO ME BECAUSE.... 

Dear Busey, 

Alexia Cainion— Miss Faith and Mrs. Massengale let us do a lot of fun 

art and stuff. 

Sarah Olatidoye—there are lots of teachers who teach us good things. 

Teagan Fritts— I have good friends here. 

William Perkins—we go outside. 

McKibben Collins— we learn here and go to art. 

Bryce St. Amand— we have a good bird feeder and a good playground. 

Cole Hicks—the teachers are great! 

Bella Kelley— we have 

assemblies where we see 

plays. 

Maury Weaver— I really 

like my teachers. 

Sayanna Pillay— I have a 

very pretty classroom. 

Robert Crummie—there 

are good teachers here. 

Dear Busey, 

I can’t believe you are actually closing. I 

considered you my best friend. You were always 

there when I needed to find the answer, but now I 

won’t know which path to take. Busey, I want 

you to know, I will never forget you, and you are 

my best friend. Busey, when you leave, you 

won’t be out of my heart, because when I first 

came here, I loved you from the start. 

Your friend, 

Maya Mitchell 

Fourth Grade 

Adaeze Noble-- we learn a lot. 

Wesley Maxey-- it has a good playground. 

Jarrett Thomas-- the principal is nice. 

Having ice cream served on Thursdays I really liked. 

I sure did have a sweet tooth for the Snack Shack on Fridays. 

I learned my math facts, one to a billion. 

I will remember you till I’m a million. 

Waking up in the morning, I enjoyed 

coming here and 

having fun. I will love and remember 

you forever, DEAR BUSEY. 

Love, 

Lauren Zinney 

Third Grade 

I have had a great time on your campus. Busey is God’s 

beautiful creation. You’ve taught me 

math, science, social studies, language 

arts, and reading since I’ve been here. 

Busey is like a blooming flower in the 

spring. I will miss this school next 

year! I will remember this school as 

long as I live. 

Dear Busey, 

Ode to Busey 

Ryan Strat 

Sixth Grade 

Love, 

Michael Weaver 

Fifth Grade 

You have been a very good friend to me, because 

you are friendly and kind. You treat me 

well and respect me 

as I respect you. You 

are a family to me because 

you support me 

and give me the push 

I need to succeed in 

my upcoming life. 

You are my parent in 

a way because you 

discipline me so I can 

do better things in my 

life. Busey, I will 

miss you oh so much when you are gone. You 

have taught me so many lessons that I will use 

when I am at Main Campus. Busey, I will never 

forget you, and you will always be in my heart. 

Thank you Busey, thank you very much. 

I started in pre-K 

when I was a tyke, 

and had a great year 

with Mrs. Pyke. 

Love, 

Hannah Van Vliet 

Fifth Grade 

In kindergarten, I 

had time to play, 

But learned to write along the way. 

Across the drive to first I went, 

Many hours of reading spent. 

In second grade, there was much to do, 

Sports and scouts to name a few. 

In third, I got to star in the play, 

and memorize many lines to say. 

In fourth grade, I moved from room to room, 

No time to waste, we had to zoom. 

On to fifth, I joined the band, 

Mr. Jenkins lent a helping hand. 

Greek Gods, camping, and buddies at lunch, 

In sixth grade, we were a happy bunch. 

My years at Busey were way cool, 

but now I’m off to Middle School. 

Bye, bye Busey, you are gone forever, 

Fear not, I will forget you never.


PATCHWORK OF MEMORIES 

Sherry Gary 

I recently stepped through the door 

of this historical academy 

And learned about its days of yore 

And the farm land it used to be 

This campus wears its antiquity with pride 

Like a robe spun out of history 

Within its bucolic grounds abide 

A spirit that is a mystery 

This spirit is Busey’s hallmark 

The campus’ greatest treasure 

The homespun atmosphere, a trademark 

With value impossible to measure 

Busey is like a vintage quilt 

Whose pieces each tell a story 

The tapestry upon which it is built 

Holds tales of devotion and glory 

Each patchwork piece is the key 

For phenomenal student success 

Threaded together by devoted faculty 

Whose love and time they invest 

This quilt we now fold and put to rest 

Pledging never to forget the warmth it did give 

We place it in our memory chest 

But the sadness and loss still live 

Beautiful Busey 

Beautiful Busey, a garden of joy. 

A rich soil of knowledge for each girl and boy. 

Sprinkled with love from the day they arrive, 

Students will blossom and certainly thrive. 

Teachers tend garden and plant seeds of hope, 

Providing the tools that each child needs to cope. 

Parents realize that this garden is rare, 

Knowing no harvest may ever compare. 

A harvest of dreams cultivated by love, 

Makes Beautiful Busey a gift from above. 

Emma Schifilliti 

Artist 

Sherry Gary 

Poet 

Paige Turner 

Class of 1981 

Current Faculty Member

CHRONICLES OF BUSEY - Woodward Academy

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