The Student News Site of Memphis University School

The Owl's Hoot
Mrs. Gates poses, surrounded by current and former students, after Chapel.
Gates Leaves Legacy of Excellence in Mathematics
Mrs. Hopper poses with her family in front of the amphitheatre
Hopper Retires after Years of Math and Mentorship
The Askews group up for a photo after the Retirees Chapel.
The Queen of Quippy Replies Gives Sorrowful Goodbyes
George Willmott (12) reads the “Class of 2026 Ode”
Mock Grad Brings Poetry and Tradition to Hyde Chapel
Mr. and Mrs. Roper on a nature getaway. Courtesy of: Hart Roper
Hartwell Roper: an Exciting Future
A bleeding platypus of the Outdoors punctured by an arrow.
Outdoors Inc. was Outsourced. Neat.
Headshot of Joseph Goebbels, by Heinrich Hoffmann, licensed under CC BY 3.0. Original Wikimedia Commons file: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bundesarchiv_Bild_146-1968-101-20A,_Joseph_Goebbels.jpg
The Intersection of Religion and Media: How Goebbels Shaped Germany’s Mind
The Infamous Sketch of Jack the Ripper, by R. Taylor. Original Wikimedia Commons file: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:JacktheRipper1888.jpg
How Jack the Ripper Shaped Forensic Infrastructure in the Scotland Yard
A photo of the main entrance to Oak Hall, one of the locations Atkinson (11) spent his summer working at.
We Can Learn a Lot From the Memphis Workforce
Fake news is everywhere, especially your phone.
Short Form News, Long Term Problems
Headshot of Joseph Goebbels, by Heinrich Hoffmann, licensed under CC BY 3.0. Original Wikimedia Commons file: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bundesarchiv_Bild_146-1968-101-20A,_Joseph_Goebbels.jpg
The Intersection of Religion and Media: How Goebbels Shaped Germany’s Mind
The Infamous Sketch of Jack the Ripper, by R. Taylor. Original Wikimedia Commons file: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:JacktheRipper1888.jpg
How Jack the Ripper Shaped Forensic Infrastructure in the Scotland Yard
An illustration of SARMs underscores the harmful effects of using them for sports performance.
SARMs: a Risky Alternative
Landon Hottinger (9) makes a PB&J before practice at the sandwich bar.
New Peanut Butter and Jelly Bar Fuels Student-Athletes
Fernando Mendoza, Indiana University quarterback, number 15, throws the football during the 2026 Rose Bowl at Pasadena, California, Jan. 1, 2026. Photo Courtesy of Tech. Sgt. Anthony Hetlage, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
What to Expect in Indiana and Miami’s Battle for the CFP National Championship
Ehi Ataga (12) soars with a massive dunk over a Booker T. player.
Varsity Basketball Starts Season Hot
BEAR TRACKS: McEwen Taylor (12) and his coach, Drew Hinote, dap each other up on his signing day to join the Belmont University Bruins.
Bear Tracks: Senior Taylor Commits to Belmont University to Pursue D1 Track
The Morrison Courtyard, as setup for Spring Formal
Live Music and Lights Mark Spring Formal
Mr. and Mrs. Roper on a nature getaway. Courtesy of: Hart Roper
Hartwell Roper: an Exciting Future
Mark Schonwetter speaks on stage in Hyde Chapel on Feb. 3 about his experience surviving the Holocaust. (Photo Courtesy of MUS Communications)
Pursuing Remembrance
Chase Frazer (11) speaks to the Upper School about "The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness." Photo Courtesy of MUS Communications.
Chase Frazer on the Importance of “Self-Forgetfulness”
Mr. Robert Fogelman II speaks to students on Nov. 12.
Lessons from a Riverboat Gambler: Fogelman on Risk, People, and Memphis
Stringing it all together: Bill Chiang '26 and Will Brezina '27 perform at the Bold Vision Bright Future groundbreaking, an example of the immense musical growth at MUS.
Making Music
MUS Breaks Ground on Campus Upgrades
The stacks of the Hyde stand tall against the wreckage as construction begins.
Hyde Library Final Checkout Concludes a Legacy
Davis Younker (12), Gwen Palmer (SMS ’27) and Jacob Ray (12) participated in spirited dialogue in “Arsenic and Old Lace.” (Photo Courtesy of Brandon Dill)
‘Arsenic and Old Lace’ Closes the Curtain on 2025-2026 Theater
Alex Colley (12), as Shrek, gloomily gazes at a flower in the MUS production of Shrek the Musical.
Shrek the Musical Belches Across the Hyde as 2025 Fall Musical
Falling for U
Falling for U
Musician Sombr has soared to performing for MTV following the release of hit singles and his debut album, I Barely Know Her. Graphic by Brady Ehrhart. Based on “Sombr, Islington Academy, London.jpg” by Drew de F Fawkes, licensed under CC BY 2.0. Original Wikimedia Commons file: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sombr,_Islington_Academy,_London.jpg. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/. Cropped, recolored and edited into a graphic.
REVIEW: Nothing Sad About Sombr’s Hit Debut Album ‘I Barely Know Her’
May Edition 2026 Games
May Edition 2026 Games
Members of Beg To Differ sing on stage during their chapel performance, Dec. 12.
PHOTO ESSAY: Student Bands and A Capella Perform at Friday Chapel
IN MINISCULE: Representatives of the Phillipines prepare food at the beginning of the International Fair, framed by a model of a traditional Filipino home. Their booth was one of 29 total at the fair, including an additional international book table, student artwork booth and an International Exchange Student Programs booth.
PHOTO ESSAY: Cultures Showcased at International Fair
May Edition 2026
May Edition 2026
Student Council Edition 2026
Student Council Edition 2026
March Edition 2026
March Edition 2026
Basketball Homecoming Edition 2026
Basketball Homecoming Edition 2026
December Edition 2025
December Edition 2025
The Student News Site of Memphis University School

The Owl's Hoot
The Student News Site of Memphis University School

The Owl's Hoot
Recent Stories
Hartwell Roper: an Exciting Future
Ike Emmert and Jackson Halpern • May 26, 2026
Ehrhart: Write Like You Mean It
Brady Ehrhart, Contributor • May 19, 2026
Campus Center Dedicated to Trow Gillespie ’65
Kushal Das, News Editor • May 19, 2026
May Edition 2026
May 18, 2026
May Edition 2026 Games
May 18, 2026
News
Mrs. Gates poses, surrounded by current and former students, after Chapel.
Gates Leaves Legacy of Excellence in Mathematics
Mac Wilson, Staff Writer • May 30, 2026
Mrs. Hopper poses with her family in front of the amphitheatre
Hopper Retires after Years of Math and Mentorship
Mac Wilson, Staff Writer • May 30, 2026
The Askews group up for a photo after the Retirees Chapel.
The Queen of Quippy Replies Gives Sorrowful Goodbyes
Coleman Russell, Layout Editor • May 29, 2026
George Willmott (12) reads the “Class of 2026 Ode”
Mock Grad Brings Poetry and Tradition to Hyde Chapel
Ike Emmert, Editor-in-Chief • May 28, 2026
Features
Print Editions
May Edition 2026
Sports
An illustration of SARMs underscores the harmful effects of using them for sports performance.
SARMs: a Risky Alternative
Jackson Halpern, Managing Editor • March 18, 2026
Landon Hottinger (9) makes a PB&J before practice at the sandwich bar.
New Peanut Butter and Jelly Bar Fuels Student-Athletes
Brady Ehrhart, Editor-in-Chief • January 23, 2026
Fernando Mendoza, Indiana University quarterback, number 15, throws the football during the 2026 Rose Bowl at Pasadena, California, Jan. 1, 2026. Photo Courtesy of Tech. Sgt. Anthony Hetlage, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
What to Expect in Indiana and Miami’s Battle for the CFP National Championship
January 19, 2026
Ehi Ataga (12) soars with a massive dunk over a Booker T. player.
Varsity Basketball Starts Season Hot
December 10, 2025
BEAR TRACKS: McEwen Taylor (12) and his coach, Drew Hinote, dap each other up on his signing day to join the Belmont University Bruins.
Bear Tracks: Senior Taylor Commits to Belmont University to Pursue D1 Track
November 18, 2025
Opinion
A bleeding platypus of the Outdoors punctured by an arrow.
Outdoors Inc. was Outsourced. Neat.
Jackson Halpern, Editor-in-Chief • May 17, 2026
Headshot of Joseph Goebbels, by Heinrich Hoffmann, licensed under CC BY 3.0. Original Wikimedia Commons file: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bundesarchiv_Bild_146-1968-101-20A,_Joseph_Goebbels.jpg
The Intersection of Religion and Media: How Goebbels Shaped Germany’s Mind
Jackson Halpern, Editor-in-Chief • April 6, 2026
The Infamous Sketch of Jack the Ripper, by R. Taylor. Original Wikimedia Commons file: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:JacktheRipper1888.jpg
How Jack the Ripper Shaped Forensic Infrastructure in the Scotland Yard
Ike Emmert, Editor-in-Chief • April 6, 2026
A photo of the main entrance to Oak Hall, one of the locations Atkinson (11) spent his summer working at.
We Can Learn a Lot From the Memphis Workforce
Walker Atkinson, Staff Writer • March 20, 2026
Entertainment
Davis Younker (12), Gwen Palmer (SMS ’27) and Jacob Ray (12) participated in spirited dialogue in “Arsenic and Old Lace.” (Photo Courtesy of Brandon Dill)
‘Arsenic and Old Lace’ Closes the Curtain on 2025-2026 Theater
Ike Emmert, Managing Editor • March 4, 2026
Alex Colley (12), as Shrek, gloomily gazes at a flower in the MUS production of Shrek the Musical.
Shrek the Musical Belches Across the Hyde as 2025 Fall Musical
Coleman Russell, Entertainment Editor • December 10, 2025
Falling for U
Falling for U
October 29, 2025
Musician Sombr has soared to performing for MTV following the release of hit singles and his debut album, I Barely Know Her. Graphic by Brady Ehrhart. Based on “Sombr, Islington Academy, London.jpg” by Drew de F Fawkes, licensed under CC BY 2.0. Original Wikimedia Commons file: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sombr,_Islington_Academy,_London.jpg. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/. Cropped, recolored and edited into a graphic.
REVIEW: Nothing Sad About Sombr’s Hit Debut Album ‘I Barely Know Her’
October 3, 2025
Construction
Stringing it all together: Bill Chiang '26 and Will Brezina '27 perform at the Bold Vision Bright Future groundbreaking, an example of the immense musical growth at MUS.
Making Music
Haadi Ranjha and Mustafa Mirza • September 12, 2025
The stacks of the Hyde stand tall against the wreckage as construction begins.
Hyde Library Final Checkout Concludes a Legacy
Ike Emmert, Managing Editor • August 29, 2025
MUS Breaks Ground on Campus Upgrades
August 29, 2025
Multimedia
Members of Beg To Differ sing on stage during their chapel performance, Dec. 12.
PHOTO ESSAY: Student Bands and A Capella Perform at Friday Chapel
Brady Ehrhart, Editor-in-Chief • December 23, 2025

IN MINISCULE: Representatives of the Phillipines prepare food at the beginning of the International Fair, framed by a model of a traditional Filipino home. Their booth was one of 29 total at the fair, including an additional international book table, student artwork booth and an International Exchange Student Programs booth.
PHOTO ESSAY: Cultures Showcased at International Fair
Stephen Mangin, Staff Writer • December 10, 2025

  On Friday, Nov. 21, the MUS community came out in droves to teach and be taught about the school’s diverse culture. From food...