St. Nicholas School Art Director Mandy Bohner received the Hubert Smothers Award at the Tennessee Association of Independent Schools (TAIS) Annual Conference 2025, held in Chattanooga from Nov. 2 to 3.

The association gives the award to teachers within member schools who are deeply committed to the teaching profession and consistently demonstrate excellence in all their endeavors. TAIS Executive Director Sarah Wilson presented the award to Bohner during the Annual Conference's opening session at Girls Preparatory School (GPS). Bohner was one of three educators to receive the award this year.

"Mandy models patience and the refinement of skills, knowledge, and best teaching practices," Wilson said. “She successfully encourages students to try new creative techniques, allowing them to gain confidence through experimentation and the growth of their skills. Perhaps even more significantly, Mandy's colleagues note that she goes beyond her work as an art teacher and patiently teaches her students to be kind, to love one another, and to support one another."

Bohner has taught art and art history at St. Nicholas since 1993 and is a member of the 1983 graduating class. In the art room, you'll find her teaching students everything from prehistoric cave paintings to pop art, weaving together cultural and American art traditions across time periods. She gives students the chance to try all kinds of art materials and techniques, and along the way, they learn where those styles come from and why they matter.

"I have been fortunate enough to have been a student and a colleague of Mandy Bohner," Assistant Head of School Alice Clark said. "She consistently inspires her students to put forth the effort and determination required to achieve their best work. Whether 30 years ago or today, Mandy makes sure her students know that they are capable and have something to contribute. She still does not allow hand turkeys, corner suns, lollipop trees, or ‘L’ noses, and reminds students that, with perseverance, they can do hard things, even when that means their sky and earth must meet at the horizon line."

Bohner holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in art history from Southern Methodist University and a Master of Education in secondary education with an emphasis on art education from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Bohner is married to Alex Bohner and has two daughters, both of whom are graduates of St. Nicholas. Outside of work, she loves cooking, gardening, reading, and going to the beach.

“We are grateful that TAIS recognized one of our own in this way," Head of School Robert McGehee said. "Mandy’s work is rooted in care, creativity, and a deep belief in the potential of every child. She helps our students see the world with curiosity and wonder, and she has shaped the culture of St. Nicholas for generations. This honor reflects not only her excellence as an educator, but also the love and commitment she brings to our school community every day.”

Bohner follows in the footsteps of her mother, Rev. Janice Robbins, who served St. Nicholas as a long-time teacher, the assistant head of school, and chaplain. Robbins also received the Hubert Smothers Award in 1996.

St. Nicholas is an active member of TAIS, a network dedicated to strengthening and supporting educators serving independent schools across the state. Through this year’s Annual Conference, our faculty and staff engaged in ongoing professional development alongside colleagues from other independent schools. This year’s sessions explored topics such as early childhood readiness, curriculum development, cognitive engagement, and AI literacy for teachers and students. Participation in these conversations helps keep our classrooms thoughtful, relevant, and inspired, which is reflected in the work of educators like Mandy every day.