EHS The Magazine: Fall 2023

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Contents ON THE COVER

OF ETHICAL LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE 42 PORTRAITS EHS alumni in the armed forces on impact, sacrifice, and making a difference.

FEATURES

THE CAMPAIGN FOR EPISCOPAL 32 COURAGE: Episcopal is one year into the public phase of our most

ambitious campaign yet with plenty of good news to share.

A BEACON OF LIGHT 38 Take a look inside the deButts Health & Wellness Center, meant to be a beacon of light for the community and to prioritize physical health and mental well-being among our students.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS THROUGH THE YEARS 54 Journey back into the history of health and wellness at Episcopal High School, beginning with diary entries from Launcelot Blackford, EHS Principal from 1870-1913.

MUTHAIAH ’24 ON HONOR 100 AtJAYDEN the start of the 2023-24 school year, Head of the Honor Committee Jayden Muthaiah ’24 told new and returning students the importance of the Honor Code and the ties that bind us all.

DEPARTMENTS

2 FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL 4 EPISCOPAL UP CLOSE CLASS NOTES 60 After Episcopal: Dr. Edward Rackley ’84, Luke Zehner ’96, Kate Leggett Mabry ’00, and Maya Glenn ’16

95 IN MEMORIAM

Head of School: Charley Stillwell Assistant Head for Advancement: Christina Holt Director of Communications: Irfan Latimer Associate Director of Communications: Ann deSaussure Biondi ’08 Assistant Director of Communications & Class Notes Editor: Marissa Murdock Assistant Director of Communications & School Photographer: Piper Hartman Photographers: Natalie Davies, Rebecca Drobis, Grant Gibson, Sam Levitan, Cory Royster Archivist: Laura Vetter Design: Linda Loughran Printer: Dominion Paper Products, Inc. Published by Episcopal High School for alumni, parents, grandparents, and friends of Episcopal High School. ©2023 Episcopal High School Please send address corrections to: Advancement Office, Episcopal High School, 1200 North Quaker Lane, Alexandria, VA 22302. Or by email to communications@episcopalhighschool.org.

Episcopal High School does not discriminate in its admissions, or in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship programs, or in access to or treatment in any other School-administered program on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, ancestry, sexual orientation, disability, national origin, or any other protected category in accordance with applicable Federal, State, and local laws.

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From the Head of School The start of a new school year on campus is always an exciting and energetic moment. I love each year having the chance to watch as our returning students reconnect with their close friends and as our new students begin to establish friendships that will last a lifetime. Having an opportunity for all of us to live here together in our 100% boarding community enhances tremendously the power of these relationships and the important learning about oneself and others that result. Putting the feelings of others first, overcoming social hesitancies, being curious and not judgmental, and always looking to expand one’s group of friends on a campus like ours is not always an easy or straightforward process. The exciting moments

The exciting moments shared together and the inevitable bumps that come along with this critical learning help all our students grow into the caring and collaborative leaders we need them to be in our world today. shared together and the inevitable bumps that come along with this critical learning help all our students grow into the caring and collaborative leaders we need them to be in our world today. What I especially appreciate as I watch this journey unfold for each of our students is that the powerful relationships they are developing here are not simply with their peers but also with this outstanding group of adults. I am constantly amazed by the passion and dedication our faculty and staff exhibit in all that they do. From modeling intellectual curiosity to having a work ethic where no job is too big or too small to being ready to support our students through each challenge and bump both night and day, our adults represent the secret sauce that makes this community an incredible learning environment for all.

This past summer and earlier this fall, I was reminded how fortunate Episcopal has been to attract such a gifted group of adults to our community when our school family sadly said farewell to several legendary individuals from our school’s past, Perry Epes ’65, Hazel Mines, and Sandy Ainslie ’56. Collectively these three exceptional educators dedicated over 85 years of service to Episcopal. Perry Epes was an English teacher like no other, whose love of literature and poetry and gentle, caring spirit put all at ease and inspired colleagues and students alike. Hazel Mines played a critical role supporting both students and adults as a key leader with our dining hall staff. The stories shared about her ability to connect with students, see those moments when they needed her wisdom, and then deliver that wisdom in her direct, sometimes forceful, and often humorous style so powerfully capture why she was such an important presence on our campus. Finally, it was especially sad to learn of the death of Sandy Ainslie this fall. His long tenure in our community with Sharon and his family revealed his powerful commitment to the long-standing core values of Episcopal combined with the courage to help the School grow and improve. From playing a key support role as Assistant and Associate Headmaster during the early years of integration to guiding the School as Headmaster through our transition to coeducation, Sandy exhibited remarkable courage and steadfastness with a constant focus on developing the strength of character, intellectual curiosity, and ethical leadership skills of the students. Since 1839, Perry, Hazel, and Sandy represent just three of a long line of incredible educators on our campus. Our students learn critical lessons in all aspects of their day — in the classroom, in Chapel, in the dining hall, on the athletic field, on the stage, in every corner of our campus, and in the city of D.C. as well. All our adults here are educators, and we owe a huge debt of gratitude and appreciation to all that they have done for Episcopal students over many generations. We owe it to the inspirational examples from our past to continue the tradition of care, commitment, and dedication that lies at the heart of Episcopal’s success. Sincerely,

Charles M. Stillwell Head of School

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Episcopal Up Close n TRIBUTE

“left Episcopal a better place than he found it…” Episcopal honors the memory of former Headmaster Sandy Ainslie ’56. The Episcopal community mourns the loss of former Headmaster Sandy Ainslie ’56. An alumnus, an EHS parent and grandparent, and Episcopal’s 10th Headmaster, Ainslie left an indelible mark on our institution that forever changed the course of The High School’s future. While a student at Episcopal, Ainslie was chairman of the Honor Committee, a Senior Monitor, President of E Club, a Church Usher, and Schoolroom Keeper. He was a member of the Advisory Board, Blackford Literary Society, Whispers, Hop Committee, and Missionary Society. Ainslie also was captain of the varsity basketball team and the J.V. football team, and co-captain of track. He earned the William Caskie Watts Award for Basketball and the J.C. Herbert Bryant Scholarship Medal. After graduating from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Ainslie returned to Episcopal to teach English and Latin in 1961. A respected member of the faculty, Ainslie also served as Assistant Headmaster and Associate Headmaster before departing in 1974 to become Headmaster of Virginia Episcopal School. Fortunately for EHS, Ainslie returned to The Holy Hill in 1981 as the School’s 10th Headmaster, a role he held for 17 years before retiring in 1998. During his 30 years of service to Episcopal, Ainslie oversaw and initiated a great deal of positive growth and change for The High School. As Associate Headmaster, he actively supported the integration of Episcopal in 1968 alongside Headmaster Flick Hoxton ’35. As Headmaster, he advocated for, and thoughtfully led, the School through its evolution to become a coeducational institution in 1991. In a recent interview with Head of School Charley Stillwell, Historian in Residence Mike Reynolds, and School Archivist Laura Vetter, Ainslie harkened back to the discussions about and planning for this sea-change moment for the School. The exchange provided insight to his deep-seated commitment to and love for Episcopal, as well as his forward-thinking vision for all the School could become. An educator at heart, he guided a complete revision of the academic curriculum, not only enhancing traditional subject matter but also expanding the program to include a computer science department. Additionally, Ainslie oversaw significant expansion, renovation, 4

and modernization of the campus facilities and led the way for the construction of Penick Hall and our beautiful Callaway Chapel, which he envisioned as a purposeful place for our community to gather, to share, to heal, to pray, and to be thankful. While ensuring the School was on strong financial footing and positioned to grow and thrive, Ainslie always placed significant emphasis on retaining Episcopal’s character as it evolved, tirelessly working to maintain and strengthen its high standards and strong traditions. As stated in the Resolution of the Executive Council of the Alumni Association upon his retirement, Ainslie “left Episcopal a better place than he found it and…through it all has remained true to its spiritual, moral, intellectual, and physical pillars….” Ainslie’s impact on the School cannot solely be measured by the changes to buildings, revisions to the academic curriculum, or the strength of the endowment; his impact on the people of this institution was also second to none. Billy Peebles ’73, the current Interim Head of Collegiate School, wrote of coming to Episcopal


“With a strong moral sense, he always endeavored to be fair and respectful to the dignity of all.” JACKIE MAHER

at fourteen years old and getting to know Ainslie and his wife Sharon throughout his high school experience. “This caring twosome was always there for me — pulling for me, supporting me, and helping me to be a much better self than I would have been without them,” Peebles wrote. It was Ainslie and other Episcopal teachers who inspired Peebles to pursue a career in teaching after his graduation, a career that led him directly to Virginia Episcopal School, once again with Ainslie at the helm. “I had the benefit of Sandy’s steadfast support and the blessing of serving under a leader who believed in me when I did not always believe in myself,” the lifelong educator said. Forty-one years of teaching later, it is still Ainslie’s impact that lights Peebles’ way. In reflecting on Ainslie’s legacy, Head of School Charley Stillwell said, “Sandy had the unique ability to pursue important and transformational change for the School while never losing sight of Episcopal’s core values of honor, integrity, and respect. He cared deeply for the students, faculty, and staff, and understood that strength of character and academic excellence go hand in hand.” Longtime EHS teacher and administrator Jackie Maher also spoke to the strength of Ainslie’s character: “With a strong moral sense, he always endeavored to be fair and respectful to the dignity of all.” It is impossible to honor Ainslie and his impact on Episcopal without mentioning his family and their devotion to the School. Ainslie is survived by his wife Sharon, who was his steadfast partner in community-building during his time on The Holy Hill. Active in all aspects of school life, Sharon was known and adored by students, faculty, and staff alike. Growing up on campus, their children also developed deep connections to the School with son Lee Ainslie ’82 serving on the Board of Trustees, most recently as

Chair. Following in his father’s footsteps, Garth Ainslie ’84 worked for a time at EHS and is presently Head of School at Virginia Episcopal School. Lee, Garth, and their sister Elizabeth Ainslie Green all went on to have children attend EHS. As Episcopal mourns the loss of Ainslie, the School endeavors to continue honoring his memory in all we do. Stillwell said: “The spirit of Sandy’s determination to push Episcopal to be its very best continues to guide us today.” Former Headmaster Rob Hershey (1998-2016), who succeeded Ainslie, agreed: “All of us who care deeply about EHS have truly benefited from his years of strong leadership to maintain the mission of the School.”

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n N E W FA C E S

Welcome,

NEW FACULTY AND STAFF!

Ingrid Boyum

admissions, head girls’ varsity lacrosse coach B.S., United States Naval Academy

Dr. Charlotte Fryar social studies and English teacher

Ph.D., The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill B.A., The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

COMING FROM?

Five years as a Navy intelligence officer stationed in Norfolk, Va., attached to the USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group. EXCITED FOR?

Lacrosse season!

COMING FROM?

Teaching undergraduates at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where I earned my Ph.D. in American Studies. EXCITED FOR?

Getting to teach both history and literature, and learning more about the history of Alexandria with my students.

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Dr. Luis Gamboa

Spanish teacher Ph.D., University of New Mexico

M.A., Loyola University Chicago B.A., Loyola University Chicago

COMING FROM?

Teaching at St. John’s School in Houston, Texas. EXCITED FOR?

The opportunity to work alongside a remarkable team of language teachers.

Morgan Luster

payroll and benefits specialist B.A., Marymount University

COMING FROM?

William Mebane ’91

visual arts teacher

J. William Fulbright Fellowship, Nepal M.F.A., San Francisco Art Institute

Being one (of many!) human resources managers at Target.

B.A., University of Colorado, Boulder

EXCITED FOR?

Brooklyn, N.Y., where I have been working as a freelance photographer and educator for the last 20 years.

COMING FROM?

Working with and getting to know the community!

EXCITED FOR?

Sharing my passion for photography, film, and design with students.


Charlie Moore

physics teacher, head boys’ varsity golf coach

M.S., Johns Hopkins University B.S., United States Naval Academy

COMING FROM?

The Navy, where I taught at Naval Nuclear Power Training Command in Charleston, S.C. EXCITED FOR?

Being surrounded by a talented faculty and student body.

Luke Peterson science teacher

B.S., University of Rochester B.A., University of Rochester

Tommy Pratt

math and computer science teacher B.S., Duke University

Dr. Alan Roe

Michael Windsor

Ph.D., Georgetown University

B.A., Salisbury University

history teacher

theater director

M.A., University of Montana B.A., Davidson College

COMING FROM? COMING FROM?

COMING FROM?

A small boarding school in rural Utah, where I taught chemistry and behavioral neuroscience.

Straight from earning my undergraduate degree from Duke University in 2022.

EXCITED FOR?

Getting to teach some really cool material in my advanced computer science class!

EXCITED FOR?

The opportunity to share my passion for biology with curious and inquisitive students!

COMING FROM?

Loyola University, Maryland and covering a sabbatical leave in the social studies department at Episcopal last spring. EXCITED FOR?

Sharing my love for history and wrestling, inspiring a passion for these in Episcopal students, and getting to know Episcopal’s vibrant culture and community of The High School.

Being Episcopal’s arts assistant and working within the D.C. theater scene, where I am a freelance director and co-artistic director of Monumental Theatre Company. EXCITED FOR?

Connecting the incredible D.C. theater community to Episcopal’s student population.

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n N E W FA C E S

OUR NEW TRUSTEES In the 2023-24 school year, Episcopal welcomed four new members to our Board. From past parents to current parents and alumni, these individuals each bring a unique point of view and skill set to our leadership team. We look forward to seeing the impact they have on the School in the years to come!

NED DURDEN ’88 P’20 ’22

As a past parent, I’m no longer on campus for the big moments like Family Weekend or The Game. I miss seeing that energy and am excited to stay connected to Episcopal in this new capacity. I can’t wait to be involved in determining the direction of the School for all future EHS students in my own small way.

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BILL FARISH P’14 ’24 ’27

I’m most excited about learning more about what makes EHS such a unique place for my daughter who has graduated, Lulu ’14, and my daughters who are current students, Coco ’24 and Stormy ’27. The love they share for EHS is incredible. As a member of the Board, you certainly get a more intimate view into what makes a school special.

DR. LENORA GANT P’96

As a new and returning trustee, I’m excited and honored to have the privilege to give back to The High School. It’s a humbling experience to be able to work collaboratively with the EHS leadership and the Board of Trustees to shape the next generation of leaders among our talented students. Years from now, based on our collective contributions, our constituencies will continue to be proud that we’ve contributed to upholding the EHS values — moral courage, intellectual courage, and courageous action — that strengthen the institution’s founding principles.

BARBARA KENNEDY HARTY ’96 P’26

As both an alumna and current parent, I am honored to join the Board and help continue the momentum and success that has been achieved since my time here as a student. With the focus of the Courage Campaign, I believe this is an exciting time to support EHS in achieving its goals and thinking toward the future for the better of our faculty, staff, and students.


n M c C A I N - R AV E N E L D AY S

Leadership, Community Building, & Courageous Action ——————

Challenging students to grapple with and reflect on foundational questions about what it means to lead with honor, ethics, and courage is a focus of the McCain-Ravenel Center for Intellectual and Moral Courage. The Center faculty plan five McCain-Ravenel Days each year, which are full academic days devoted to thoughtful explorations of timely topics. The Keynote speakers set the tone for the day’s work, which generally includes a combination of small group activities, workshops, and service projects. The faculty also organize the Civil Dialogue Project, which invites speakers to campus to help students develop and hone the skills necessary to engage in productive and meaningful discussion as part of their educational journey and growth into effective and ethical leaders. The focus of all programming for 2023-24 is leadership, community building, and courageous action. Three compelling speakers visited with students this fall.

McCAIN-RAVENEL DAYS

In September students enjoyed an impactful visit from United States Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, who recounted stories of his childhood as a Cuban immigrant, his journey to the Naval Academy, his interactions with Senator John McCain ’54, and his current appointment. He spoke of leadership and courage, showing our students firsthand the epitome of a life dedicated to service. In addressing student questions, Del Toro emphasized the importance of making decisions based on facts and not emotion, and the power of hard work and perseverance. The bit of advice he asked the students to remember was “to always follow your passion, to always be passionate about what you want to do in your life and to give it your all.” October brought Amy Liu, interim president of the Brookings Institution, to campus to address the importance of civil dialogue as part of productive civic engagement. She emphasized that “we are not as polarized as we are led to believe on social media or cable TV,” and reminded students not to make assumptions about the politics, educational levels, or financial status of people. She talked about the powerful impact people can make by focusing on civic issues at the local level, and explained how important it is to understand how our metro areas have a far-reaching economic impact. Instead of just understanding differences and different perspectives, Liu emphasized the importance of working together: “Progress does not come from talk. Progress comes from leaders who find ways to solve problems together despite coming from different

U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro

cultural backgrounds, income levels, neighborhoods, and beliefs… we need to move from civic discourse to civic action, which is our civic duty.”

CIVIL DIALOGUE PROJECT

The School’s first Civil Dialogue Project speaker of the year was author and founding director of the American University Project on Civic Dialogue Lara Schwartz whose work focused on understanding and improving civic discourse. Schwartz challenged students to “Flip the script by not searching for evidence to back up assertions but rather to make assertions backed up by evidence,” and to avoid “binary yes/no questions,” using instead “lovable questions” that seek to broaden the circle of those who can engage in the conversation and help us understand differing perspectives. Before having students break into advisory groups for collaborative problem-solving exercises, she reminded them that the best answer one can have is “I don’t know” because it allows them the opportunity to be curious and search for the best solution. Learning how to listen, produce insightful questions, and be accountable for our actions and words are hallmarks of ethical citizen leaders,” said Dr. Ryan Pemberton, the William Stamps Farish Fund Director of the McCain-Ravenel Center for Intellectual and Moral Courage. “The skills we are actively helping students learn and practice at Episcopal are designed to cultivate the ethical servant leaders our world so desperately needs.

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n FA L L FA M I LY W E E K E N D

A FAMILY AFFAIR Campus was full of energy this Fall Family Weekend as families came from across the country and around the world to visit The Holy Hill. The sports fields saw fierce competition; students demonstrated their robots’ talents in a friendly robotics showdown; dancers, musicians, and singers wowed the audience in Pendleton Hall; and families enjoyed quality time with students and teachers.

BEFORE THE weekend WEEKEND Before the STARTED, WE polled POLLEDour started, we OUR PARENTS AND parents and families: FAMILIES:

What WHAT are AREyou YOU most looking MOST LOOKING forward to?TO? FORWARD

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“coming “comingtotosee seemy myfavorite favoriteperson” person”

“seeing the kids’ daily lives”

“spending “spendingtime timewith withmy mydaughter” daughter”

“seeing the kids’ daily lives” “the football game!” “the football game!”

“meeting “meetingall allthe theother otherstudents studentsand andparents” parents”


“the buzz, the atmosphere” “the buzz, the atmosphere” “bringing home a win the Maroon” “bringing home a win forfor the Maroon”

“seeing “seeing where where people people are are from”. from”. “getting “getting a better a better view view ofof what what happens happens day day toto day”. day”. “being “being part part ofof the the community community forfor a day a day oror two”. two”.

FRIDAY NIGHT

LIGHTS

The atmosphere in Hummel Bowl was electric as Episcopal kicked-off the biennial tradition of Friday Night Lights during Fall Family Weekend. In a highly anticipated showdown, girls’ varsity field hockey went head-tohead with Georgetown Visitation in an epic defensive battle, resulting in a 1-0 victory for Georgetown Visitation. Varsity football dominated neighborhood rivals, St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes, with an impressive score of 34-9.

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n BOARD OF TRUSTEES RESOLUTION

Our Ongoing Work In June 2022, Episcopal’s Board of Trustees unanimously approved a resolution to address the findings of the School History Working Group, which had been charged with developing a deep understanding of the role enslaved people played in Episcopal’s pre-Civil War history. In seeking to integrate that understanding into the present-day life of the School in a way that lives up to our ideals, the Board resolution called upon the School to: Pursue meaningful steps to honor our duties as a community, always aspiring to integrity, respect, and care for one another;

Honor and commemorate the enslaved men, women, and children, who helped build and sustain Episcopal High School in the 1839-1861 period in a meaningful, respectful, and lasting way; and

Review academic courses, historical exhibits, and online histories of the School to ensure that they are thorough and appropriately comprehensive.

MEMORIAL WORKING GROUP In fall 2022, Head of School Charley Stillwell established the Memorial Working Group (MWG) to help review how other institutions have approached campus commemorations and to advise Episcopal’s leadership on how to thoughtfully commemorate the enslaved men, women, and children, who helped build and sustain Episcopal High School in the 1839-1861 period. The group has spent significant time educating themselves about the memorialization process, gathering data, researching memorials, and developing and using a rubric for evaluating other schools’ commemorative efforts. Their approach is designed to ensure that Episcopal’s institutional goals and values are clearly taken into account in ways that are easily identifiable while looking at a range of institutional approaches. Over the course of the past year, the group visited memorials at the University of Virginia, McDonogh School, University of Richmond, and William & Mary. In addition to evaluating physical spaces of commemoration, the group took each opportunity to connect with individuals at these institutions to learn from their experiences in establishing their respective memorializations. The weight of this work is tremendous and the care with which each committee member has approached the

task is commendable. What has become evident, and has been confirmed by peers, is that it is imperative that institutions give the process the time it deserves so the ultimate memorial responsibly and compassionately honors all the individuals it sets out to commemorate. Based on its growing body of research, which includes community outreach and continued historical research, the MWG is developing a timeline and plans to provide an update to the Board during the spring meeting in April.

Members of the Memorial Working Group visited the Memorial to Enslaved Laborers at the University of Virginia, among other sites.

Memorial Working Group Members DR. LENORA GANT P’96

CAROLINE DEVOE

MIKE REYNOLDS

DAVID DOUGLAS

LOUIS SMITH

KIAMANI WILSON ’14

MWG Chair, Trustee 1996-2002, 2023-present

Social Studies Teacher

Historian in Residence, Social Studies Teacher

Arts Teacher

Office of Community & Equity Director

Math Teacherr

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TELLING OUR COMPREHENSIVE HISTORY In support of how Episcopal tells its comprehensive history, the School history curriculum in EHS 101, a course for all new students, was enhanced to include more about the antebellum period. Additionally, all students taking United States History will learn about the ways enslaved people helped to build and sustain EHS in its earliest years as a part of their study of antebellum America thanks to materials created by Historian in Residence Mike Reynolds. An advanced research seminar for juniors and seniors was also unveiled this fall: EHS, Virginia, DC examines four key turning-point eras that are important for understanding the historical “place” of Episcopal as a high school founded in 1839, less than ten miles from the White House. The course covers the Early Republic era and the creation of the District of Columbia

(1790-1820), the antebellum and Civil War eras in Virginia and D.C. (1830-1865), Reconstruction and the early Jim Crow time period (1865-1900), and the era of WWII and the modern civil rights struggle (1940-1970). For their final project in the class, students will have the unique opportunity to conduct original research using manuscript materials in the EHS archives. A revamping of the history page on the School’s website is also in process. The initial phase will include an acknowledgment of the enslaved individuals whose work helped establish and maintain the School and the addition of historical “From the Archives” articles to celebrate multiple facets of the School’s history. An upcoming review of Episcopal’s history as depicted in Bryan Library will also be undertaken after the MWG has completed its work.

ONGOING RESEARCH With an abiding commitment to continue the research into the School’s antebellum history, Historian in Residence Mike Reynolds was able to add several names to the current listing of enslaved people who worked at Episcopal High School bringing the number of named individuals to 36. During a research trip this summer, Reynolds continued to make important discoveries. As just one example, in the archives of

the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, Reynolds came across the papers of Robert Nelson, a teacher at EHS in the early 1840s. Nelson’s letters include detailed accounts of life on campus during the School’s first years, including interactions with and descriptions of those enslaved at EHS. Work in this arena is, and will be, ongoing as we seek to learn more about these men, women, and children.

UPDATE S ABO UT THE S C H O O L’ S C O N T IN U IN G WO R K TO M EAN IN G F U L LY R ESPO N D TO THE BOARD ’S RE SO L U T IO N W IL L B E S H A R ED IN F U T U R E PU B L IC AT IO N S. TO L EA R N MO RE ABO UT THE WO R K L EAD IN G U P TO T H E R ESO L U T IO N VISIT EPIS C O PA L’ S P R ECIVIL W AR HISTORY W EB PAG E: EPIS C O PA L H IG H SC H O O L .O R G / 2 022R ES O L U T IO N .

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n ACADEMICS

Visiting Authors Make a

IMPACT

JENNIFER PHARR DAVIS ,

BRENDAN SLOCUMB ,

Five years after spending a week on campus as Episcopal’s Writer in Residence, Jennifer Pharr Davis returned to the Hill to speak about her book “Becoming Odyssa: Adventures on the Appalachian Trail.” Davis spent time with each ninth grade English class, answering questions about her book, guiding students through a creative writing exercise, talking about the publishing industry, and inspiring confidence in students to take off on their own hiking adventures. She also spoke to the entire school, framing life lessons with tales of her hiking adventures. Before Davis left, the author and hiker met with the entire ninth grade class before they embarked on the Burch Trip to address their worries and questions and gave, in her words, a “pep rally” for their four days in the woods.

When EHS librarian Sarah Fite first read Brendan Slocumb’s “The Violin Conspiracy,”she knew the thriller would be a hit with students. Once the book was assigned as summer reading for sophomores, Fite and the English department invited the D.C.-based author, violinist, and teacher to come to campus to meet with the Class of 2026. Slocumb, who has been named to Who’s Who of American Teachers and is a Nobel Teacher of Distinction, spoke with the students about his own career as a violinist, his experience as an author, the correlation between the work of fiction and his life, and more. The accomplished musician spent his time on campus teaching classes to the tenth grade, having lunch with the student book club, and playing music for the entire sophomore class in Callaway Chapel, accompanied by Episcopal’s own Director of Choral Music Mike Schmidt.

AUTHOR OF “BECOMING ODYSSA: ADVENTURES ON THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL”

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AUTHOR OF “THE VIOLIN CONSPIRACY”


This fall, English and social studies classes have welcomed a wealth of authors to campus to share their expertise, discuss their work, and inspire students to ask big questions. From an exclusive violin performance in Callaway Chapel to a “lunch and learn” on the steps of Episcopal’s historic Hoxton House, all authors left a lasting impression on EHS students.

CASSANDRA GOOD , AUTHOR OF “FIRST FAMILY: GEORGE WASHINGTON’S HEIRS AND THE MAKING OF AMERICA” In September, Historian in Residence and social studies teacher Mike Reynolds invited author Cassandra Good to campus to discuss her book “First Family: George Washington’s Heirs and the Making of America.” Good addressed history students on the steps of Episcopal’s iconic Hoxton House, regaling them with tales of Martha Washington’s eldest grandchild, Eliza Custis, who built Hoxton House in the early 1800s after divorcing her first husband. Episcopal’s history students got to hear first hand stories of Custis’ temperament, which Good described as “very spirited.” Good spoke of Custis breaking gender barriers and wanting her independence post divorce, which was considered “crazy” in 1804. Searching for a quiet life, she built Hoxton House, which she referred to as “Mount Washington” and retreated to the country from nearby Georgetown. After fielding questions from students about the building’s history, Good closed by discussing the importance of preserving historical objects. “I tend to get excited about historical objects and figuring out their stories,” the author said.

OKEZIE NWOKA , AUTHOR OF “GOD OF MERCY” English teacher Jamie Biondi recently welcomed D.C.-based author Okezie Nwoka to his upperclassmen Postcolonial Literature elective to discuss his novel “God of Mercy.” Biondi knew he was taking a risk wedging an American-born author into a globally oriented course, but Nwoka’s teenage years spent in Nigeria and his stated desire to write a postcolonial novel about Igbo encounters with Christianity, English, and other forces of the British Empire helped students to contextualize and relate to the postcolonial arts more broadly. Students were fired up to ask the author about some of the novel’s more ambiguous moments, plus they loved picking Nwoka’s brain about postcolonial theory, his theory of radical empathy captured in the novel’s title, and what it takes to be a working writer in D.C. (with a day job as a high school science teacher, no less!). Nwoka also met with students from the African Diaspora Club and Social Studies teacher Heidi Huntley’s Honors Modern World History sections over lunch to explore how young people should be thinking about their place in a world that simultaneously feels increasingly divided ideologically and connected technologically.

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Down to a

SCIENCE

Episcopal’s science curriculum gets creative.

SCIENCE TEACHER KATHLEEN CASLOW IMMERSES HER ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY CLASS IN THEIR COURSEWORK WITH VARIOUS FIELD TRIPS AND HANDS-ON LABORATORY EXPERIENCES Over the years, Caslow has organized scuba diving excursions to explore how partial pressure affects the human body underwater and led visits to Georgetown University, where students had the unique opportunity to work with cadavers alongside Dr. John Marshall ’79 P’11, the Chief of Hematology and Oncology at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. This semester, Caslow is planning a muscle yoga lab, collaborating with a yoga instructor to delve into the functioning of muscles and the importance of mindfulness in relation to physical and mental health. Additionally, she has been actively collaborating with fellow science teachers Javier Bastos and Tyler Salmon to enhance their teaching methods in the classroom. The trio is using the research-based book “Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics” by Peter Liljedahl to guide their approach by advocating for a learner-centered and student-driven classroom. Students are presented with thought-provoking questions that steer them toward the topics under discussion, promoting collaborative learning in small groups. “It’s truly remarkable to witness students taking ownership of their learning and collaborating with their peers,” says Caslow. “It has been transformative for both my teaching and student learning.”

BIOLOGY TEACHER LUKE PETERSON FOSTERS ENGAGEMENT THROUGH UNIQUE ACTIVITIES AND EXCITING LESSONS This fall, Peterson assigned each student a specific cell structure, encouraging them to research and gain a deeper appreciation for their assigned organelle using a scientific approach. Once students grasped their cell structure, they prepared to present their findings to the class. Peterson organized a “cell speed dating” activity, allowing students three minutes to interact with their peers, embodying their respective cell structures. The purpose was for students to determine which two organelles would pair best based on their location within the cell and functions. Not only did students convey their cell’s function and characteristics, but they also had a bit of creative license and shared what they thought their cell structures’ favorite movie or favorite song would be. As the year progresses, Peterson looks forward to connecting with his students and continuing to implement non-traditional lessons, such as conducting experiments on carbohydrates in bananas or using tablets to inhibit taste receptors.

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CHEMISTRY TEACHERS BLAIR DEWING AND TYLER SALMON’S STUDENTS CREATED “THE PERIODIC TABLE OF WHAT,” A PROJECT IN WHICH STUDENTS’ PERSONAL INTERESTS MERGE WITH THE PERIODIC TABLE They achieved this by crafting tables that categorized different breeds of dogs, shoe brands, scary movies, and a plethora of other themes. This approach placed the periodic table within the context of the student’s lives and aligned their interests with their chemistry curriculum. Students selected the subject they wished to categorize and structured their chosen categories within the rows and columns of the table. “If you can grasp one element on the periodic table, you can comprehend them all,” Salmon explains. He notes one student’s choice to make a dog periodic table: “If you understand German Shepherds, you can understand how they relate to Corgis, similar to relationships between elements on the periodic table. We aim to empower students with a solid understanding of chemistry and its connection to the world around them, and this project is one way to do just that.”

EHS ROBOTICS, IN COLLABORATION WITH THEIR CO-COACHES, SCIENCE TEACHER DR. KACEY MEAKER AND HEAD CHAPLAIN REV. BETSY CARMODY, DILIGENTLY PREPARED FOR THEIR FIRST ROBOTICS COMPETITION THROUGH PRACTICE, ROBOT CONSTRUCTION, AND SOME FRIENDLY RIVALRY “We have three strong teams this year, and it’s a fantastic group of students,” said Meaker. Newcomer to the robotics team Lola Mason ’25 added: “I have loved my experience of building, creating, and problem-solving with the rest of the team. Dr. Meaker and Rev. Carmody have been nothing but supportive in expanding my knowledge and making each day enjoyable and exciting.” Over Fall Family Weekend, the students and teammates came together to operate their robots and propel inflatable triangles from one side of the playing field to the other. They competed with determination and were well equipped to resolve any issues with their robot builds.

STUDENTS FROM SCIENCE TEACHER JAVIER BASTOS’ ADVANCED ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE CLASS EMBARKED ON A PASSION PROJECT, WHICH INVOLVED IDENTIFYING SPECIFIC TREES ON CAMPUS AND TAGGING THEM WITH THEIR GENUS AND SPECIES Assisted by science teacher Nat Duffield and head groundskeeper Jess Evans, the students selected trees and accurately identified them during the spring semester of 2023, with the tagging process taking place this past fall. Determined by location, visibility, and the student’s interest in particular trees, 14 trees were chosen for the project. Students tagged a tree Evans identified as a Southern Red Oak growing outside of Hoxton House, which happened to be the first tree he planted when he began working at EHS in 1998; that tree is now 70-80 feet tall! Bastos shared, “The students have already developed a sense of ownership for the trees they tag. They have expressed a desire to return after graduation to check on ‘their tree’ and observe how it’s faring. They genuinely feel a sense of ownership.” Bastos envisions a future where they identify more trees, surpassing the 14 that are currently tagged.

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Ellie Jackson ’24

Sheryl Zha ’25

Drawing 1 Class

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Logan Calvert ’27


‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ Visual

ARTS

Anna McMillan ’25

Tilford Griggs ’25

William Custard ’24

Annie Carr ’25

Amelia Hanson ’24

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EHS Theater REACHES FOR THE STARS This fall, the EHS Theater Department presented a magical adventure “Peter and the Starcatcher.” The play tells the story of a mundane orphan becoming the infamous flying boy on the island of Neverland. With pirates and shipwrecks, flying cats and pineapples, this Tony-award winning play had it all. Performed in Episcopal’s intimate Breeden Black Box Theater in the theatrical staging method of in-theround where the audience surrounds the performers, the students worked together to create a true ensemble piece. It was a swash-buckling, Working all-hands-ondeck experience on ‘Peter for all.

and the Starcatcher’ was a really exciting opportunity to develop my acting skills and get to know these incredible people inside and outside the theater. It has been such a gift, and I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my last fall season at EHS. – GRAHAM JEWETT ’24, WHO PLAYED THE ROLE OF PETER

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‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ Performing

ARTS

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n H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S

A Comedic Approach to Wellness

Episcopal’s Healthy Choices Speaker Series brings knowledgeable speakers to campus as one of the many ways the School engages students in important conversations and helps them to develop skills to support all dimensions of their well-being. In October, Dr. Matt Bellace returned to Episcopal, delivering a captivating and insightful speech on natural highs, emotional resilience, and mental health as the first Healthy Choices speaker of the year. As a stand-up comedian with a PhD in clinical neuropsychology, Bellace utilizes techniques that keep the audience laughing, entertained, and fully engaged as they come away with valuable information to help them thrive. Drawing on research, Bellace emphasized the impact of a supportive network in reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, self-injury, and suicidality, stressing the immense influence these relationships hold over mental well-being. Reminding students that they each have an important role to play in supporting our community, he asked that they always consider “is this good for the community?” before posting or saying anything and remember to not only lean on others but also to be someone who can be leaned upon. In addressing how individuals choose how we deal with adversity, he said, “We can choose unhealthy behaviors to numb ourselves to the pain or discomfort, which can become a lifelong habit, or we can get the ‘full benefit’ of that situation by learning from it and using it

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to motivate us.” Designated “a rare find” by Wellness Coordinator Emily Straight, Bellace strives to empower students to be leaders in their own lives and to make changes in their environment. “Our wellness education is thoughtfully integrated into multiple areas of school life throughout a student’s four years at Episcopal,” Straight said. “We discuss all aspects of wellness including sleep, resiliency, healthy relationships, communication skills, substance abuse, and healthy decision making. Our goal is for students to understand that we all need to be continuously intentional about the choices we make that support our wellbeing throughout our lives.” In March, Episcopal will welcome nationally renowned health educator and author Shafia Zaloom who will speak about healthy relationships and making decisions that honor one’s integrity.


Watch the full service.

n C H A P E L TA L K

“I had a job to do…” U.S. NAVY VETERAN INGRID BOYUM ON SERVICE

During Episcopal’s annual Veterans Day Chapel service, head girls’ varsity lacrosse coach and admissions associate Ingrid Boyum looked back at her career in the U.S. Navy. Boyum’s first salute at the United

My path to service began when I was a sophomore at Madeira and was recruited to play Division 1 lacrosse at the Naval Academy. I didn’t fully comprehend what I was committing to, but I knew that I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself. When you commit to attend any service academy, you sign up for four years of school and five years of active duty after graduation. I was only 17 when I reported for duty at the Naval Academy, so my mom had to sign the paperwork before I could start training. Over my four years in school, I studied leadership, ethics, calculus, thermodynamics, and aeronautical engineering — all as an English major. Compared to EHS, our room inspections involved the use of a white glove to see if there was any dust on the blinds. I lived “on dorm” all four years, and if I wanted to “co-ed visi,” the door had to be open at a 90-degree angle, and the point of the co-ed visi was usually to review chemistry homework. Instead of MRC Days and externships, my experiential learning consisted of training the Navy’s bomb-finding dolphins (which is a talk for another time), running around in the woods with Marines, and navigating warships. After graduating, I commissioned as an Ensign in the Navy, which means I became a brand-new baby officer. A few years later, I found myself onboard the mighty USS Harry S. Truman, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. We set out for what was scheduled to be a six-month deployment, and almost 10 months later we finally came home. We missed holidays, birthdays, graduations, and weddings. While onboard, I led a team of sailors and was in charge of providing tactical intelligence updates to the entire carrier strike group, about 7,500 people spread across 5 ships to include an entire air wing of pilots. One night I was on duty, on a dark, windowless watch floor full of screens. Around 3 a.m., one of my sailors turned around and asked me to look at her monitor, which was flashing red. That night, my team tracked the onset of the Russian invasion into Ukraine. Our strike group was operating in the Mediterranean Sea, in close proximity to Russian warships and submarines. A lot of things were riding on our ability to handle the pressure in that situation. On my ability to lead my team. When I signed up to join the Navy at 17, I couldn’t have imagined it would be my voice coming across the communications network announcing the reality of the situation to other US Navy ships in the region, and briefing senior officers who I’d just woken up about how our world changed so

States Naval Academy in May 2018 suddenly. There was no way to comprehend the devastation that would follow and still continues today, or all the lives that would be changed. But, for me, once again, I had a job to do. I hope thinking of the veterans in your life — family members, Boyum and her husband, Tim, while neighbors, and those stationed in Hawaii here at EHS, encourages you to follow their example of service. While the military certainly isn’t for everyone, we all get to serve those around us, and have an impact in ways that you may never know the full extent of. We serve others in small moments, in being a Boyum and her Navy Women’s good teammate or dorm Lacrosse teammates onboard the neighbor to organized USS Harry S. Truman while deployed service opportunities like an hour in the student garden. We can live our lives the way we want because others are serving in a big way, prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice so that we have the privilege of going about our lives. As we go through our days here at Episcopal, instead of thinking about all the things we HAVE to do, think about everything we GET to do. We get to eat in the dining hall, we get to go to practice. Now that I am no longer in uniform, I found a way to continue representing my country: as a box lacrosse goalie on Team USA. When things get tough on the field, I take a deep breath and then I smile, feeling grateful that I get to be where I am in that moment because, around the world, brave men and women are standing the watch, protecting our freedom. EHS THE MAGAZINE OF EPISCOPAL HIGH SCHOOL

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n AT H L E T I C S

What a Fall Season! While the leaves fell on The Holy Hill, our athletes rose to the occasion this fall athletics season. The Maroon won their first Seminary Hill Cup since 2016; girls’ soccer collected their first ISL A Division regular-season and tournament titles; girls’ tennis made it to the semifinals of the ​​ISL AA Tournament; varsity football finished 7-2, capturing a share of the IAC title for the second year in a row; and girls’ cross country finished top eight in the State Championships. Way to go, High School!

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n AT H L E T I C S

15TH SHC

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SEMINARY HILL CUP

The girls’ fall sports teams secured their first Seminary Hill Cup victory in six years after defeating the St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes Saints. The annual Seminary Hill Cup Dinner kicked off the 15th SHC with some inspirational words from Shantell Bingham ’11, a participant in the inaugural SHC in fall 2008. Sixteen years after her first competition on the Hill, she reminded the athletes that SHC is also a tribute to the trailblazing women of the past. “Every time a girl picked up her racket or field hockey stick, we built a new culture and tradition. Every time we huddled together drenched in sweat, we were being nothing less than revolutionary.”

Every time a girl picked up her racket or field hockey stick, we built a new culture and tradition. Every time we huddled together drenched in sweat, we were being nothing less than revolutionary. The competition started with Margaret Hodges ’27 claiming the Cross Country championship, crossing the finish line with an impressive time of 20:23.6. With 8 of the top 15 runners representing Episcopal, Cross Country earned a SHC point for the first time since 2016. The junior varsity teams held their own against the Saints, with JV field hockey recording its first-ever SHC win. The Maroon varsity teams delivered a dominant performance and did not drop a match on a chilly second day of competition. Varsity soccer’s victory over the Saints marked their first win since the inaugural competition. EHS rounded out the competition with an incredible final score of 8-1. Go Maroon!

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GO HIGH

SCHOOL! CROSS COUNTRY

EHS 20 – SSSAS 35 JV TENNIS

EHS 6 – SSSAS 1 JV FIELD HOCKEY

EHS 3 – SSSAS 1 JV SOCCER

EHS 0 – SSSAS 2 JV VOLLEYBALL

EHS 2 – SSSAS 0 VARSITY TENNIS

EHS 6 – SSSAS 1 VARSITY FIELD HOCKEY

EHS 3 – SSSAS 1 VARSITY SOCCER

EHS 3 – SSSAS 1 VARSITY VOLLEYBALL

EHS 3 – SSSAS 0

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SPIRITWEEKEND SPIRITWEEKEND SPIRITWEEKEND

THE BONFIRE

THE SPIRIT OF THE HIGH SCHOOL CELEBRATION

MAROON AND BLACK SEMIFORMAL

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SPIRITWEEKEND SPIRITWEEKEND SPIRITWEEKEND

BLACK ALUMNI NETWORK BRUNCH

WITH THE BLACK STUDENT AFFINITY GROUP

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SPIRITWEEKEND SPIRITWEEKEND SPIRITWEEKEND

THE 122ND GAME

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WITH SEVEN WINS UNDER THEIR HELMETS AND A SHARE OF THE 2023 IAC TITLE, The High School was poised to take on the Tigers. The first half wrapped with Episcopal down just 21-14 after gaining momentum and fighting back from a 21-6 deficit. With victory well within reach, The High School battled back behind a touchdown from quarterback Alexander Brady ’24 to tie The Game 21-21. After a score from Woodberry, Cedric Benning ’24 punched it into the end zone to tie it up 28-28. The battle on the gridiron came down to the wire, leaving spectators on the edge of their seats as they witnessed the School’s relentless determination for victory. In a thrilling football showdown, The 122nd Game saw the Maroon battle to the end before falling to Woodberry 35-28; capping off an incredible season with an electrifying crowd in Orange, Va.


SPIRITWEEKEND SPIRITWEEKEND SPIRITWEEKEND

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FEATURE

CAMPAIGN LEADERSHIP CHAIR, BOARD OF TRUSTEES Sarah Akridge Knutson ’96 P’26 CAMPAIGN CABINET Lee Ainslie ’82 P’14 ’17 | Robert Mason ’77 P’15 | Rodney Robinson ’86 | Kathryn Tyree P’17 ’19 HEAD OF SCHOOL Charles M. Stillwell P’18 ASSISTANT HEAD FOR ADVANCEMENT Christina M. Holt P’12 ’15 ’17

Always advancing our mission to prepare young people with the intellectual and moral courage to pursue lives of leadership and service, Episcopal High School is evolving with the world around us and within an educational landscape that demands distinction. Positioned to deliver an educational journey that no other school can, Episcopal publicly launched C O U R A GE: THE CAM PAIGN FOR EPIS COPA L in November 2022.

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WHAT IS COURAGE? Hear from students, alumni, faculty, and school leadership in their own words.

THERE ARE THREE SIMPLE WAYS TO JOIN EPISCOPAL’S HISTORIC CAMPAIGN WITH YOUR GIFT OR PLEDGE SUPPORTING COURAGE. ROLL CALL First and foremost, commit to supporting Episcopal’s annual fund, the Roll Call, by setting up a monthly recurring gift, committing to a five-year pledge, or making an increased one-time gift today. CAMPAIGN PRIORITIES Make a pledge to support one of the School’s strategic priorities or an unrestricted donation that can be used in the area of greatest need. LEGACY Secure the School’s future by including Episcopal in your estate plans, such as through your will or living trust, or by making EHS a beneficiary in your retirement plan.

Supporting priorities set forth in the 2018 Strategic Plan, CO U R A GE is a $150 million campaign — the most ambitious in Episcopal’s 184-year history.

This is a defining moment for The High School. Our bold plans are only possible with equally bold support from our community. Our thanks to all the donors who have joined this historic effort to date! DONORS: 717

PARENT (CURRENT & PAST): 210

ALUMNI: 406

FOUNDATIONS: 19

$120 MILLION RAISED

$150 MILLION GOAL as of October 2023

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PERSPECTIVES ON COURAGE

JENNER WOOD III ’70 P’06, CHAIR, ADVANCEMENT COMMITTEE OF THE EHS BOARD OF TRUSTEES On a cold, rainy day in September 1966 I was dropped off on The Holy Hill where I didn’t know a soul. But I quickly realized that this is a wonderful, caring, and supportive community. It was then, and it is now, and the friends I made then are still my friends today. My hope is that more young people have the opportunity to discover the power of the Episcopal experience. I believe that courage starts with the Honor Code at Episcopal. You need a strong character to be willing not to lie, cheat, or steal, and to report the person who does. The courage you learn through the Honor Code, and through life at Episcopal, sets you on the path to do the right thing. That has always been important, but it is more important today than ever. And The High School has a role to play in developing ethical leaders for tomorrow. With the COURAGE C AM P A IG N , we will take advantage of all that Episcopal has to offer, and our first priority will always be integrity — the willingness to do the right thing for yourself, for your fellow students, and for the community in which you live.

With COURAGE , we have the opportunity to really set the school apart with a robust addition to the endowment in support of financial aid. It is important that the families who want to come here and who deserve to be here, but just cannot make the numbers add up, are given the opportunity. This is not only a benefit to these families, it strengthens the whole school when we are able to bring together the best and the brightest students from many different backgrounds and life experiences. This is why I am proud to have endowed the E. Jenner Wood III ’70 Family Scholarship Fund as part of my philanthropic support of the COURAGE CAMPAIGN . I hope every member of our community will join me in support of COURAGE . Your gift to the endowment will grow over time and provide ongoing funding for the School, year after year. By supporting our financial aid program you are helping Episcopal develop and guide more future leaders. With COURAGE , we will…

“I have loved every minute of my experience at The High School, and I wouldn’t change anything about it. I am so thankful for my scholarship and all the wonderful opportunities it has brought me. I plan on taking full advantage of my time here at Episcopal and learning the most that I can. There is no place I would rather call home and no people I would rather call my second family. For that, I am forever grateful.”

CLASS OF 2026 STUDENT

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FINANCIAL AID BY THE NUMBERS

$45mm

$51,958

GOAL FOR ENDOWMENT RESTRICTED TO FINANCIAL AID

$22.6mm

AVERAGE FINANCIAL AID AWARD FOR 2023-24 SCHOOL YEAR

160

RAISED TO DATE (as of October 2023)

STUDENTS RECEIVING FINANCIAL AID FOR 2023-24 SCHOOL YEAR

A FAMILY COMMITMENT The children and grandchildren of Alicia and Carl Ragsdale ’58 came together to create and name a scholarship fund in their honor, recognizing their lifelong support of EHS.

“Education is something no one can ever take away from you, and so my parents were always huge proponents of investing in education.” ALICIA RAGSDALE ALFORD P’11 ’13 ’17

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CELEBRATING OUR NEWEST SPACES “The students love the new deButts Health & Wellness Center! They now have a bright and comfortable place they can come to when ill or just needing to talk, as well as a place they can quietly study and enjoy The deButts Health & Wellness Center opened its doors in March 2023. At the community ribbon cutting, Head of School Charley Stillwell told students, “I hope you all understand that this new facility represents that, for us, there is nothing more important at Episcopal than the health and well-being of all of you. I think that approaching health and wellness at a foundational level starts first and foremost with being in a community where we care for and support each other in all different ways.”

health and wellness programming. It’s a place they want to come to and one that offers something for every student on campus.”

See how COURAGE is helping EHS create opportunities for students and faculty to thrive through an intentional and inspirational balance of ambitious pursuits and healthy lifestyles.

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–DR. KATIE HUMPHRIES, MEDICAL DIRECTOR


THE J.W. COUCH COUNSELING CENTER With a generous grant from The J.W. Couch Foundation, the center is named in memory of Jesse W. Couch ’40 in recognition of the dedication and generosity to Episcopal he exhibited throughout his lifetime.

J.W. Couch ’40

INMAN FAMILY CONFERENCE ROOM Named with a commitment from the Inman family and given in tribute to their EHS experience by Edward H. Inman ’68, Samuel Walker Inman ’99, Susanne Inman Frayser ’02, Caroline Inman Dyson ’03.

BLAKE TERRACE & THE HENRY E. BLAKE ’57 NURSES STATION Honoring the School’s focus on support of student wellness, these spaces were named with a commitment from Caroline Blake Faris and Stephen G. Faris and their children Philip ’13, Stephen ’16, and Juliet ’19, in memory of their father and grandfather Henry E. Blake ’57.

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FEATURE

A BEACON OF LIGHT How the deButts Health & Wellness Center lights the way for unparalleled adolescent care.

W

hen Episcopal began discussing plans for a new health and wellness center, the architect met with members of the School’s leadership team, including its medical professionals, to envision how this building would serve the entire community. The group kept coming back to the same phrase. They wanted this building to be a beacon of light for all students — sick and well — to come ask for help, prioritize self-care, and learn the connection between physical health and mental well-being. “We wanted a beautiful, well-lit space that took the ‘infirmary’ out of health and wellness,” said Episcopal’s Medical Director Dr. Katie Humphries. “The goal was to create a beautiful place for students to come and take care of themselves and their friends. They don’t have to be sick to come here.” The resulting brand-new, light-filled 17,000 square-foot health and wellness center enables Episcopal’s medical professionals to provide unparalleled care to the student body. Constructed to replace McAllister Health Center, originally built in 1934 to serve a significantly smaller, all-male student body, the new building was constructed to address the changing needs of today’s teenagers. Recent data indicates there is a mental health crisis among adolescents, and Episcopal is now equipped to flexibly support our students in all areas of health.

DR. KATIE HUMPHRIES

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PROVIDING COMPREHENSIVE PHYSICAL CARE TO KEEP STUDENTS HEALTHY Humphries has always known that adolescent care is her passion, but she was never able to focus on the age group exclusively until coming to Episcopal. Before moving to campus with her family in the fall of 2021, she worked at a community hospital in Atlanta, Ga., where she primarily focused on women’s health and pediatrics. While at the hospital, she learned that “adolescent medicine is hard to practice in the real world,” as most teenagers continue to go to their pediatrician into their early twenties. Now at Episcopal, she can do what she loves and work with a diverse community of teenagers in a 24/7 environment. “It’s such a period of incredible change and growth, and to know that you are one more person in their corner that they can come to is so rewarding for me as a doctor,” Humphries explained. “I immediately knew this was the most ideal place for me to practice family medicine.” With one director of health services and eight nurses on the team, Humphries has marveled at how seamlessly their office is now able to operate thanks to the building’s resources. The medical facilities in the health and wellness center comprise:

1 nurses station, 1 pharmacy, 4 exam and treatment rooms (versus only 2 in McAllister), 7 night-observation rooms with 8 beds, 3 quiet rooms, and a kitchen and break room for staff.

It is night and day from McAllister, the health and wellness center staff says, in creating more cohesion between Humphries, Director of Health Services Beth Blaum, Director of Counseling Kristin Hosmer, and Community Wellness Coordinator Emily Straight. The health and wellness center works as a regular doctor’s office. The staff provides comprehensive and acute care services, from monitoring students with chronic illnesses to drawing blood and sending out lab work to stitching up a wound. They work with outside doctors and counselors to manage treatment on the ground at Episcopal, and they keep parents apprised every step of the way. The equipment

SITTING DOWN with KAYE HALING SITTING DOWN WITH Any Episcopal student from the last 30 years would recognize nurse Kaye Haling, who started her career in McAllister Health Center in September of 1993. Now in her 30th year at Episcopal, she has seen significant changes in the programming to better serve our students.

What has been the biggest change in Episcopal’s health and wellness program over the last 30 years? I think the name of our facility says it best. We’ve moved away from using “infirmary.” We’re not framing our role on campus with the more negative nomenclature but have shifted to a more positive and all-encompassing position of both physical and mental health.

How has the move from McAllister changed your day-to-day work? From a sentimental perspective, I miss the old-school feel of McAllister, but I don’t miss the outdated facility and cramped spaces. Being reunited with the Counseling Department, having everything on one floor, and the upgrade of medical equipment has been wonderful.

What do you think is next for health and wellness at EHS? I think health and wellness at EHS is a microcosm of what’s happening in our society as a whole. As awareness of the importance and acceptance of holistic treatments for both body and mind continue to spread, I think we’ll be adapting to those modalities and incorporating them into the services we provide. If anything, I believe health and wellness will only grow and expand and become even more significant to the success of our EHS community.

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A BEACON OF LIGHT

in the health and wellness center supports a full variety of testing, and Humphries looks forward to getting a small X-ray machine soon so that she can provide even more urgent care for the students. “It’s the full spectrum of primary care with some urgent care,” Humphries explained of the services they provide. When a student comes to the health and wellness center feeling ill, they are greeted by one of the eight nurses. While the nursing staff was the same size in McAllister, they are now much more visible to students thanks to the new nurses station. A nurse will take them into a room for a preliminary conversation, and then determine next steps. Humphries often sees three to four students a day, and is always available for drop-ins, as determined by the nurses. “They’re so incredibly skilled,” Humphries says of the school’s nursing staff who expertly manage the flow of students when every day is different. “They’re so smart and experienced in the boarding school world.” While Beth Blaum, director of health services, is a member of the School’s administrative leadership team, she is first and foremost a nurse trained to care for students. Before coming to Episcopal, she spent 27 years as the sole high school nurse at Wyoming Seminary, an independent day and boarding school in Pennsylvania, and she brings that wealth of experience to her role. If the day is busy, she will put on her scrubs and jump right in with the rest of the nurses. “Some schools have a health and wellness administrator, but they are not medically trained professionals,” Blaum noted. When Episcopal was adjusting to post-Covid protocols, Blaum often worked a full day as a nurse and took care of administrative tasks in the evening. The new health and wellness center lends itself to more organic connections between Episcopal’s medical professionals and the student body — moments that were not always possible in much smaller McAllister. “There might be a student on our radar, and having another adult walk through and say, ‘Hey, how are you doing? How’s your day going?’ is so valuable. It’s like a parent walking through a living room.” Fostering those relationships is so important, Blaum has learned, because “it gives the student’s the courage to come to us when something’s wrong.” Over her extensive career as a school nurse, Blaum has learned to refute the Ferris Bueller notion of teenagers faking sickness to get out of classes. She knows that “every child who walks through our doors has a problem,” whether that problem BETH BLAUM

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This building messages to our community that we prioritize health and wellness. is the flu, stress over a looming assignment, the pain of a first heartbreak, or an argument with a friend. “Our job is to assess that student and figure out the problem, then determine how best to support them or where to refer them.” Humphries and Blaum have both noticed an uptick in students who simply gravitate toward the health and wellness center to relax. They come to use the foot and leg massagers in the lobby, to study in the quiet room, or to simply relax in a beautiful and bright space with their friends. In EHS 101, a class all freshmen are required to take to learn the ins and outs of Episcopal, Humphries and Blaum take students on a tour of the health and wellness center to demystify the space and get them comfortable. “We walk them from department to department and show them what each team is doing and why it matters,” Blaum said.


PRIORITIZING MENTAL HEALTH TO EQUIP STUDENTS FOR LONG-TERM SUCCESS Another significant change between McAllister and the deButts Health & Wellness Center is the dedicated space to prioritize mental health and well-being. The counseling office, led by director Kristin Hosmer, now has four primary offices for each counselor and the office manager, plus three extra flex offices that may be used for telehealth appointments or in-person appointments with off-campus counselors. Before the construction of the new building, the counseling office was on the second floor of Hoxton House with very little room for the growing number of students. Counseling currently sees roughly 48% of the student body from year to year, up from 30% only five years ago. “When I first started, there was a lot of homesickness, academic stress, friendship challenges, and more typical adjustment issues,” said Director of Counseling Kristin Hosmer, who came to Episcopal in 2011 from Georgetown Visitation, a day school in Washington, D.C. “Over time, we started to see more impairing kinds of anxiety and bigger mood issues that were making it hard for students to be present in the classroom.” The counseling office was much more reactive 12 years ago according to Hosmer, and the DR. KRISTIN HOSMER new health and wellness programming enables them to be more proactive in discussing topics that plague today’s teenagers, from the prevalence of mental health issues to the importance of nutrition, sleep, and the dangers of substance use. When discussing counseling at a boarding school, Hosmer noted the opportunities for more interventions than at a typical day school. “If I know the student had a bad day,” Hosmer said, “I can check in with them in the evening and make sure that they’re doing okay.” At a day school, she would send students home and not necessarily know how they were coping at night. At Episcopal, thanks to the dedicated network of counselors, advisors, coaches, dorm duty adults, deans, and more who constantly check in on students, the counselors have a whole picture of how a student is faring. Over the years, Episcopal’s wellness needs have changed. With the rise of social media, the isolation during the Covid-19 pandemic, and the increased conversation surrounding mental health, Episcopal realized the students needed more proactive programming to equip them with actionable tools to effectively cope in stressful situations and thrive later in life.

In 2021, longtime community member Emily Straight stepped into a new role as community wellness coordinator to support such programming in a full-time capacity. Straight, who moved to campus E M I LY S T R A I G H T in 1997 with her husband Rick Wilcox, associate director of institutional advancement, has championed community wellness for students, faculty, and staff alike for years, teaching yoga to students and adults, hosting sound healing sessions in Callaway Chapel during exam week, and sharing mental health resources widely. When she began teaching yoga, Straight was schlepping yoga mats and blocks across campus because there was no designated space to practice. Now, everything she needs is in one dedicated place and she does not constantly have to create and carve out spots for yoga, meditation, sound healing, and more across campus. Straight notes the convenience of all health and wellness programming being under one roof. If a student is distressed and stays after class to talk to her, she can talk to them about the resources of the counseling center and even walk them right down the hall to introduce them to one of the three counselors. The different arms of health and wellness are all right there, and they are able to quickly and efficiently communicate with each other to better serve the students. “Simply put, this building has given us back time,” she said, a sentiment shared by Humphries, Blaum, and Hosmer. According to Straight, the beautiful spaces within the deButts Health & Wellness Center enable her to turn her classes into labs. “We don’t just have the opportunity to talk about wellness practices, we can now practice wellness practices. We can learn about something and then go to the other side of the space and do some yoga or breathing exercises. We can go to Blake Terrace to sit in the sunshine, overlook the new quad, and talk about environmental wellness.” Hosmer and the rest of the counseling team have noticed a change in the students now that proactive programs are repeatedly taught throughout their years on campus. By destigmatizing conversations around mental health and continuously reminding students that adults on campus are here for them, Episcopal is encouraging students to seek help, no matter how big or small their problem might seem. “I think one of the biggest protective factors for mental health is a sense of belonging and a sense of community,” said Hosmer of the importance of continuing to highlight health and wellness in all aspects of community life. And thanks to the deButts Health & Wellness Center, the School can continue to build out programming and adapt to changing national trends. “This building messages to our community that we prioritize health and wellness,” Hosmer said in closing.

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of Ethical Leadership and Service EHS alumni in the armed forces on impact, sacrifice, and making a difference.

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A cobra pilot, a lieutenant with a family service history dating back to the American Revolution, a Navy veteran honored as a Portuguese knight, and a couple of West Point graduates all found their way to the armed forces through The High School. For these alumni, an unwavering sense of duty extended far beyond their high school years, culminating in accomplished careers in the armed services.

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Episcopal alumni have a long tradition of pursuing lives of leadership and service, with well over 100 alumni we know have served or are currently serving our country, across all branches of our military. The following pages include stories of a few of these remarkable graduates who make us so proud. Episcopal would like to gather more information about our alumni in the armed forces, both active and retired. Please complete the form linked to this QR code or email alumni@ episcopalhighschool.org to help us keep our records up to date and to share your stories with us.

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it,” he expressed passionately. “Being a part of a squadron created a wonderful bonding experience, and we created memories that lasted a lifetime.”

John Pearce “Jack” Cann III ’59

started as a Naval Aviation Navigator and eventually became a Portuguese Knight.

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estled in his home, overlooking the tranquil Rivanna Reservoir River right outside Charlottesville, Va., Jack Cann ’59 retrieved his cherished “English Reference Book” from Mr. Ravenel’s class from his bookshelf. “This book was one of my foundations at Episcopal,” Cann said. “We learned to write; we learned to express ourselves regardless of opinions; that is probably the most important thing I took away from EHS.” The lessons he learned at Episcopal played a pivotal role in shaping Cann’s path, guiding him to the University of Virginia (UVA) and ultimately into a Naval career. Originally from Richmond, Va., Cann was drawn to the Navy by Captain Perry Taylor, his Episcopal geometry teacher. At UVA, he joined the Navy ROTC, eventually venturing into flight training as a navigator. After securing a squadron spot to fly large open-ocean patrol planes, he vividly recalled experiencing a sense of teamwork and friendship. “I was made for

We learned to write; we learned to express ourselves regardless of opinions; that is probably the most important thing I took away from EHS.” After experiencing his first tour, Cann found solace in being a “captain of industry.” He decided to return to UVA and enrolled in the MBA program. After receiving his MBA, he once more returned to the Navy’s allure and navigated planes for another 20 years, concluding with service in the U.S. Operation Desert Storm. He also oversaw the Navy’s riverine operations in Latin America which pushed him to pursue a master’s degree in national security studies from Georgetown University. At age 52, Cann retired from his aviation navigator duties but remained dedicated to the service through various assignments. During one of his twilight tours, he participated in a number of naval exercises at the NATO headquarters in Lisbon, Portugal. All the Portuguese officers he collaborated with had experienced the long-forgotten colonial war in Africa. “I went to research the war since there was very little written about it, and since I was an outsider, people were very skeptical about me,” he said.


The war piqued Cann’s interest, leading him to choose it as the topic for his doctoral thesis at King’s College in London. “One of my professors at Georgetown encouraged me to get a doctorate,” he said. “My experience in London was so wonderful. King’s College sent me to Lisbon to do research and found a scholarship for me to go to language school to learn Portuguese.” Cann pieced together the war’s history through documents and interviews with former Portuguese soldiers who had served in the war. He also started learning Portuguese, and meticulously crafted his first book based on these interviews. “These interviews bridged history since the archives were also nonexistent,” he said. “The material I gathered and the friendships I established led to an avalanche of information, and one book led to another.” Cann earned his Ph.D. in 1996 and authored nine books about the war despite taking a decadelong hiatus from writing to serve as a professor at the Marine Corps Command and Staff College in Quantico, Va. This shift in his career marked a transition from military service to academia and international relations. His publications have earned five different Portuguese national writing awards

for the military history genre, and he was honored with Portuguese Knighthood at 78. “I was really surprised when the president of Portugal called me to extend this honor,” he said, expressing his deep appreciation. “I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.”

Everything I did from aviation to research started because I was willing to ‘have a good time’ in the Navy and pursue opportunities that challenged me and grew me as a man.” Now, at 82, Cann has lived many lives as a scholar, professor, and naval officer. He continues to teach at Marine Corps University; and in December, he presented at the War at Sea Congress in Lisbon about the development of the NC-4 aircraft and the technology of its 1919 navigation across the Atlantic. “My biggest advice to anyone pursuing a career in the military is to follow your interests,” he stated. “Everything I did from aviation to research started because I was willing to ‘have a good time’ in the Navy and pursue opportunities that challenged me and grew me as a man.”

Colonel Lee Webster Hemming ’95

kindled an unexpected passion as he followed his Marine Corps father’s footsteps.

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ven after over 20 years in the Marine Corps, Colonel Lee Hemming ’95 still defines his military career as an unexpected twist in his life plans. Growing up with a father in the military, he moved around the country eight times before finding a home at Episcopal. The High School provided a sense of structure and stability for Hemming and his brother, Brian ’93, who found solace on the lacrosse field. “In the nineties, there weren’t many public schools playing lacrosse outside of Fairfax County. Episcopal was a great solution for my family,” he said. “I pretty much followed my older brother to the School, and I would still argue that I’ll probably never come across the education and opportunities I received at Episcopal again.” Lacrosse remained a constant thread in Hemming’s life throughout his formative years. He proudly represented EHS in the 1992 boys’ lacrosse state championship. He was also a 1st Team All-America collegiate lacrosse player at

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Gettysburg College, and he coached the 2000 W.T. Woodson High School boys’ lacrosse team to a state championship. “Everything I learned on the lacrosse field I took with me throughout my life. The physical and mental combination of athletics mirrored what I did with aviation,” he said.

I pretty much followed my older brother to the School, and I would still argue that the education and opportunities I received at Episcopal I’ll probably never come across again.” In August 2001, a month before the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Hemming was commissioned to become a United States Marine Officer. “Long term, I had absolutely no intentions of joining the military,” he said. “It was always in the back of my mind since it was the backdrop of my father’s career. I figured I would return to coaching lacrosse when I was older; I couldn’t return to the Marine Corps when I got older.” Hemming candidly described his commission as a “complete shock” to his family. Initially, he planned to serve seven years as an infantry officer and potentially embark on a single deployment. Desperate for more pilots in the Marines, Hemming’s recruiting officer encouraged him to take the Aviation Selection exam. “I was going to turn down the opportunity to be a pilot,” he said. “However, aviation offers you the ability to stay tactical, and you can even fly as a senior officer.” Hemming’s love for aviation paralleled his passion for sports. He found similarities between the spatial skills he developed as a lacrosse player and the mental aspects of aviation. As a Cobra pilot, he directly supported ground forces under various conditions. Now in his 22nd year with the Marines, Hemming has completed

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four combat deployments, piloting the Attack Helicopter Squadron 269 and the AH-1W Attack Helicopter, providing critical support during Operation Iraqi Freedom III in Iraq. He also was one of the Marines who briefed former President George W. Bush on Iraq in 2007. “There are a lot of memories that kind of blend together, but I can say what stands out to me during those deployment years was being able to support other Marines,” he said. “While daunting and certainly painful at times, the difficult experiences you share with fellow Marines builds you into a better friend, and certainly a better Marine.” After 16 years of piloting Cobras and engaging with what the Marine Corps calls “fleet time,” Hemming is currently stationed in Quantico, Va., on a staff tour. He paused flying missions in 2020 and instead works on officer assignments, or what the service calls “billets.” The position involves officer assignments and correctly placing Marines according to the needs of the service and the individual’s wants, professionally and personally. For a person familiar with combat deployments and constant action, Hemming understandably described the role

as “pretty mundane.” Still, he likens it to one of his biggest lessons in the Armed Forces.

While daunting and certainly painful at times, the difficult experiences you share with fellow Marines builds you into a better friend and certainly a better Marine.” “In the Marines, there are a lot of demands and a lot of requirements, but what makes it worth it is the people you get to work with,” Hemming said. “The relationships built underneath stress, both physical and mental, last the longest.” Next summer, Hemming will move to Japan for three years to take command of an aviation group. He intends to serve at least three more years, totaling 27 years and will continue as long as the Marine Corps requires his services. His mission is to inspire the next generation of Cobra pilots and Marines to “take advantage of each and every opportunity and moment.”


Major Colin Richard Lockhart ’05 fulfilled a lifelong dream of piloting jets.

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ajor Colin Lockhart ’05 was always happiest on the lacrosse field. Hailing from Richmond, Va., he enrolled at Episcopal for its strong lacrosse program. As the younger brother of a fellow EHS alumnus, Lockhart discovered that both the sport and his life on the Hill provided him a much-needed sanctuary. “I loved it because I was leaving home to do something bigger than me,” he said of his time on campus. “That theme has carried over into my adult life, where I constantly ask, ‘What can I do that’s bigger than me?’” The camaraderie that Lockhart cultivated with his teammates was

instrumental in fostering a culture of accountability in all aspects of his life. He vividly remembers the day he met with the Air Force Academy assistant lacrosse coach. The coach sat down with Lockhart in Hoxton Hall, slid a photo of a fighter jet in front of him, and asked, “Do you want to fly this?” Lockhart did not even hesitate before saying a simple yes. “I wanted to fly jets. That was the bottom line; I thought that was the coolest thing you could say about anybody.”

I certainly wouldn’t have been qualified to go to the Air Force Academy without the structure I had at Episcopal.” Lockhart confessed he was“a little immature and naive” when deciding to attend a service-based academy. “I had no idea what it entailed; I just thought it was cool to say that I was going to go to a military academy. I certainly wouldn’t have been qualified to go to the Air Force Academy without the structure I had at Episcopal,” he mused. For 13 years, Lockhart flew nine different airframes in the Air Force, but his most memorable years were the final four of his service flying the Lockheed U-2, called “one of the hardest jets to fly” by US Military News. Operating this ultra-high altitude reconnaissance and surveillance aircraft proved to be one of the most intense and gratifying missions of his career.

The U-2, a single-seat, single-engine airplane, soars at altitudes exceeding 70,000 feet, placing it in a category typically only occupied by astronauts aboard the International Space Station. For 8-10 hours a day, Lockhart wore a full-pressure suit similar to those used by astronauts. Before each high-altitude mission, he underwent a rigorous hour of pre-breathing 100% oxygen to mitigate potential adverse psychological effects. “I would sit in a La-Z-Boy for an hour in my spacesuit with 100% oxygen pumping into my blood,” Lockhart said. “I can’t hear anybody talking to me, and it was a solitary time with just me and my mental Rolodex.” Lockhart described each mission as “sheer boredom, augmented by moments of sheer terror.” While he knew anything could happen, he also acknowledged that 98% of the time, nothing ever did. “I was in a full pressure suit, 2,000 miles away from anybody that spoke English, and I was on my own to conduct these missions,” he said. “I think those moments where I did this alone with the support of a hundred people on the ground are some of my favorite memories. It feels like you’re walking on the moon. It’s incredible.” Throughout his years in the service, Lockhart has served in South Texas, Nebraska, Colorado, and California. He deployed six times to England, the Middle East, Japan, and the Mediterranean. Although he loves traveling and serving his country, the

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sacrifice of being separated from his children ultimately made him retire two years ago.

I think those moments where I did this alone with the support of a hundred people on the ground are some of my favorite memories. It feels like you’re walking on the moon. It’s incredible.” “I missed 11 of the first 13 months of my oldest daughter’s life,” the dad of three recounted. “All of my kids have seen me gone for stretches of time. My wife is amazing, but my kids needed a dad more than the country needed just another pilot.” As he transitions to a new chapter in his life, Lockhart hopes to inspire and guide the next generation of pilots and military personnel. According to him, “Being a pilot is a fascinating blend of being very driven and flexible. I’ve gotten to do such unique and unbelievable things just because I was told not to close the door on opportunity but to explore.”

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Sergeant Tatiana Morrow Bennett ’06 dedicated ten years to a public health career and serving in a branch she says chose her.

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fter a decade of military service, Sergeant Tatiana Morrow Bennett ’06 still believes she didn’t choose the Army; it chose her. After displaying zero interest in the armed forces throughout high school and a limited familial history in the armed forces, Bennett’s decision was surprising to her family. Unlike some other soldiers, Bennett never considered enlisting until her freshman year of college. “It was a very impulsive decision,” Morrow explained. “During Christmas break of my freshman year at William and Mary, I joined the military because I just wanted to do something different.” It was this same impulsiveness and drive that led her to Episcopal. The Daniel Murphy Scholarship Foundation advised her to take the Secondary School Admission Test and, based on her score, recommended she attend EHS. “I went to visit and fell

in love. After that, I didn’t visit any other schools.” At The High School, Bennett participated in multiple clubs. She was a member of A cappella, Girls’ Task Force, Spectrum, and ran Varsity Cross Country. With a quiet but powerful demeanor, she took the lessons she learned at Episcopal and translated them into a public health career in the Army. “Episcopal was my first exposure to different people and cultures from around the world,” the Chicago, Ill., native said. “The School taught me how to work with different types of people, which I’m so grateful for because, in the military, you meet people from all over the country.”

The School taught me how to work with different types of people, which I’m so grateful for because, in the military, you meet people from all over the country.” Bennett took on two distinct roles within the Army, each contributing to the safety and well-being of her fellow service members. She was a preventive medicine specialist in her initial Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) role. In that role, Morrow conducted comprehensive inspections of various spaces, including living quarters, dining facilities, and childcare facilities. Through these inspections, she ensured that each space adhered to the established safety regulations and codes, creating secure and conducive environments for her peers’ health and well-being. For Bennett’s second MOS, she held the position of an additional skill identifier. The job involved working around radiation and required her to achieve the necessary educational requirements becoming a Registered Radiation Protection Technologist.


She conducted inspections, surveys, and tests at locations where radiation was frequent, putting herself at the front line and guaranteeing that service members and civilians did not get exposed to unnecessary risks. As a woman, Bennett remembers continuously having to prove that she belonged in a male-dominated military space. “There were a lot of misconceptions that women were not as capable,” she said. “Especially for me because I’m short; I was not very assertive, but that did not stop me. It pushed me to prove that I was there for a reason. I was constantly proving people wrong.”

It pushed me to prove that I was there for a reason. I was constantly proving people wrong.”

As parents to a teenage boy and both Army veterans, Bennett and her husband Michael continue to instill the lessons they took from their military service into their son. She joked that, “our son can’t get away from the military structure.” Through this approach, the parents and veterans aim to provide their son with a strong foundation of discipline, structure, and the value of consistency that was so crucial to their own growth. After an impulsive decision that led to a rewarding six years in the Army Reserves and four years as an active duty soldier, Bennett hopes people understand “there are a lot of opportunities to follow different career paths. Just don’t be discouraged by anybody who might make you feel like you’re not capable.”

Captain Warren Choi ’08

initially served as Head of the Honor Committee before eventually becoming a drone pilot in the Marine Corps.

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hen asked if any of his teachers inspired him to pursue a career in the Marines, Captain Warren Choi ’08 did not skip a beat. “It’s a definite yes.” He credited Mason New, former EHS English teacher, freshman advisor, and Marine in the Marine Corps Reserves, with encouraging him to attend the United States Naval Academy. “Mr. New told me his stories and challenges he faced in the Marine Corps,” Choi explained. “He helped me think through the decision, and seeing up close what kind of man he was, I knew that’s the type of man I wanted to be.” Originally from Seoul, South Korea, Choi was living in Northern Virginia when his father’s job took their family back to their home country. He elected to stay stateside, and chose Episcopal, and from there, his path to a life of service unfolded. “Episcopal was home for me. My classmates and teachers were family

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for some of the most important years of my life.” While at Episcopal, Choi served as Head of the Honor Committee, a position he says bolstered his confidence in his moral compass, which later influenced his time at the Naval Academy and in service. “That moral grounding started at EHS. We had to make some tough calls, but that experience on the Honor Committee grounded me when making tough decisions in uniform.”

Episcopal was home for me. My classmates and teachers were family for some of the most important years of my life.” Apart from New, Choi drew significant inspiration from fellow Episcopal alumnus John McCain ’54. “I was so inspired by [John McCain],” Choi expressed, “and I knew I had big shoes to fill by attending the Naval Academy.” Over a decade later, his commencement ceremony remains one of his proudest accomplishments due to the Academy’s rigorous academic environment and esteemed reputation. During that same ceremony, New gifted Choi with a ceremonial Mameluke Sword, which serves as a symbol denoting the rank of a Marine officer. “I was so proud to have Mr. New there. As I graduated from Episcopal, he wrote me a letter saying, ‘Episcopal nurtured you like a caring mother; the Naval Academy will raise you like a stern father,” he reminisced. “He was 100 percent right. I had gone through the stern trials of the Naval Academy, and I was very proud to be in the company of outstanding classmates and alumni.”

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That moral grounding started at EHS. We had to make some tough calls, but that experience on the Honor Committee grounded me when making tough decisions in uniform.” After graduating from the Academy, Choi became an Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Pilot. He honed his expertise as an aviation professional and utilized specialized skills to conduct air reconnaissance and surveillance, operating sophisticated drone technology. “I walked into the Marine Corps not knowing what I wanted to do,” he explained. “I just thought drones were the coolest thing, and it was brand new technology that I wanted to be a part of.” Between 2012 and 2020, Choi conducted flight training, orchestrated

deployments, and executed missions as a Marine. Throughout deployments, he oversaw a unit of 24 Marines aboard a ship for eight months. “Serving in uniform is about serving a cause,” Choi said. “We were asked to take on missions that were trying and tough, but I found value in serving a greater cause.” Choi is now a product manager for Wing, a subsidiary of Alphabet and a sister company to Google. In this role, he collaborates with engineers to strategize, develop, and introduce technologies that facilitate drone package delivery. His ongoing focus involves enhancing capabilities for aerial package transportation, enabling last-mile delivery through innovative airborne solutions. “The aviation and leadership experience I gained in the Marine Corps is still with me,” Choi said. “I love the work I’m doing today, and I hope that I’m making the world a better place.”


Captain Haley Robinette Gilland ’14 continued a family legacy of service in the Army.

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aptain Gilland ’14 found her way to The Holy Hill her junior year. Growing up as the daughter of an Army dad, her childhood included 13 different moves around the country until she called Episcopal home. “It took about a week and a half of convincing my mom to let me go to Episcopal because I was the youngest child, and she wasn’t ready to become an empty nester,” she said. “But Episcopal offered the opportunity

for smaller classes, and one-on-one involvement with the teachers and professors, especially with the advisory program. I felt like I had a home away from home.” Gilland’s family had served in the Army dating back to the American Revolution, making it a natural choice when she decided to join the branch dedicated to people. “The Army is definitely ‘the family business’ in a sense. Growing up as a military brat, I was afforded a really unique childhood, so I always wanted to give back to an organization that gave so much to me as a child.” Her love for service only grew at The High School when she consistently volunteered with local organizations in Alexandria, Va. Even with a family lineage of service members, Gilland believes her peers were shocked that she wanted to enter the armed services. Only 20% of people in the Army are women, and at 5’2”, she dismantled the stereotype of what a military member was supposed to look like. “I think a lot of my classmates were confused on why I was going to West Point and why I would join the Army because I did not fit the physical attributes we often associate with service members,” she stated. “But our Army needs women and individuals of different backgrounds, ethnicities, races, and religions because we represent the American people.”

Growing up as a military brat, I was afforded a really unique childhood, so I always wanted to give back to an organization that gave so much to me as a child.” After graduating from West Point, Gilland served a 16-month tour of duty in South Korea, working with the Korean Augmentation to the United States Army (KATUSA). Her unit’s primary responsibility was to ensure bunker security for a combatant commander on the South Korean peninsula. In addition to the challenges of immersing herself in a different culture, Gilland was also the only woman in her unit. “I was thrust into an environment where I shared a one-stall bathroom with 75 other men for 16 months. To say it was a challenging time is an understatement, but I learned a lot.” Now stationed in Tennessee alongside fellow EHS graduate Natalie Block ’18, Gilland remains focused on her role as a human resources professional. She wakes up every day at 5 a.m. for physical training before heading to the office to handle everything from evaluating readiness metrics to determining awards for personnel, a job that

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she says has strengthened her integrity. “Relying on that inculcated value of both Episcopal and West Point’s honor codes feeds into my day-to-day life in terms of following the Army’s values,” she expressed.

Relying on that inculcated value of both Episcopal and West Point’s honor codes feeds into my day-to-day life in terms of following the Army’s values.” At the end of November, Gilland and her husband, a fellow West Point graduate, deployed to Eastern Europe for a 9-month stint supporting Operation European Assure, Deter, and Reinforce (EADR). The initiative helps boost the military readiness of European allies to deter Russian aggression. When she returns to the U.S., she plans to get her master’s degree in data science to teach for three years at her collegiate alma mater, West Point. “As long as I love my job, and I love the people I work with, I’m going to continue to serve,” she said.

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Second Lieutenant Natalie Block ’19

evolved from volunteering with the EHS Service Council to joining the ranks of West Point Academy.

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n true little sister fashion, Second Lieutenant Natalie Block ’19 followed in the footsteps of her older brother, Alexander ’17. A New Hampshire native, Block’s path was heavily influenced and inspired by her brother leading her to Episcopal and eventually inspiring her to pursue a

military career. “My brother and I are very close, and Episcopal offered me the opportunity to go to school with him while still being challenged with academic rigor and participation in various sports.” An active member of the EHS Vestry, Block developed a deep appreciation for the volunteering opportunities that EHS offered within the Alexandria community and abroad. Her brother also started the Military Appreciation Club, which hosted various fundraising and volunteer activities that Block took advantage of throughout her high school career. The club also gave her and other EHS students exposure to current and former military personnel, including distinguished former Secretary of Defense General Jim Mattis.

Episcopal offered me the opportunity to go to school with him while still being challenged with academic rigor and participation in various sports.” In addition to serving the Alexandria community in various volunteer roles, Block attended a


“life-changing” service trip to Greece during her junior year. Her experience in Greece served as her “biggest influence” in ultimately pursuing a career in the military.“The service trip is still one of my best memories at Episcopal,” she remembered. “The impact it left on me cannot be understated, and for that, I’m extremely grateful.” Block was not solely motivated by her brother; the Blocks also have a rich family history of service to country. Their grandfather was awarded two Purple Hearts for his service during World War II. After graduating from Episcopal, she attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, a path she called unconventional yet fulfilling. “West Point provided an immense amount of personal, professional, physical, and mental growth,” she said. “I grew into a person that I probably never anticipated becoming.” Since graduating from West Point and commissioning in May, Block has started at a new unit at Fort Campbell in Kentucky, stationed alongside fellow EHS alumna Captain Haley Robinette Gilland ’14. “I was very attracted to the Army because it is a people organization,” Block said. “The emphasis on leadership and the use of

non-commissioned officers (NCOs) and the rank structure aided in my decision to choose this branch.”

West Point provided an immense amount of personal, professional, physical, and mental growth. I grew into a person that I probably never anticipated becoming.” As a woman in a male-dominated space, Block emphasized her gratitude for fellow women in the Army community who aided in her seamless transition into the armed services. She praised the military women she encountered, describing them as tenacious and supportive. According to Block,“It’s the most tight-knit female community that I have been a part of. The personal and professional mentorship is readily available to whoever is willing to go out and seek it.” Block currently serves as the Treatment Platoon Leader for the 501st Medical Company, overseeing a team of 20 to 24 soldiers specializing in different medical tasks. This platoon primarily focuses on delivering

fundamental medical care in deployed settings. The Army classifies her unit as “Role 2,” which specializes in providing force health protection and support in austere field and deployed settings. “I ensure equipment functions correctly and my personnel are medically proficient, so that if we were to deploy, my soldiers are ready to go.” Block intends to remain in this position for at least a year before transitioning to an assignment with a Brigade Combat Team (BCT). “I want to get a different experience leading medical soldiers in the Army,” she explained. “When I move into a BCT, I’ll be embedded within a combat arms unit and responding much closer to the front lines, which requires training soldiers who will administer aid in the middle of a firefight.” Eventually, she aspires to join the Special Forces sector of the Army to work in a Group Support Battalion before ultimately returning to teach at West Point. “I would love to go back to teach,” Block said of future plans. “I feel like West Point, and specifically my teachers, just gave me so much that I desire to go back and have the opportunity to give back to future cadets and students.”

FAIR WINDS AND FOLLOWING SEAS As we honor our alumni veterans, we would also like to recognize our current faculty who have served. Pictured here are physics teacher Charlie Moore, admissions associate and head girls’ varsity lacrosse coach Ingrid Boyum, and social studies teacher Joe Eldred, who all served in the Navy, on a tour of the U.S. Naval Academy with the Class of 2024. While at the Academy, the group visited the gravesite of Senator John McCain ’54.

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FROM THE ARCHIVES

HEALTH AND WELLNESS THROUGH THE YEARS “No body (sic) is sick now, and our cup runs over with blessings.” – LAUNCELOT BLACKFORD DIARIES, MAY 9, 1882 –

F

rom a time when the School physician was an adjunct position, comprising area doctors who visited campus, to the state-of-the-art deButts Health & Wellness Center of today with a full-time physician, a medical services director, eight nurses, a wellness coordinator, and school counselors, Episcopal has a rich history of individuals who have cared deeply about the health and well-being of students. Launcelot Blackford, EHS Principal 1870-1913, was inarguably ahead of his time in the realm of managing

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Dr. John Roberts and Nurse Helena Beattie 1971

the health and wellness of the School community. In a time that infectious diseases like scarlet and typhoid fever were life threatening, Blackford was ever attentive to the health of the School community, carefully noting in his diary cases of illness, both the cause and number, as well as actions taken to treat and to prevent the spread of any contagious conditions. As his diaries convey, Blackford’s tenor for the day was very much informed by the health of the School. An outbreak reliably depressed his outlook, while recovery could be counted on to lift his spirits. Understandably, the health of the School weighed heavily on Blackford. Illness among the students not only concerned Blackford, but also his wife Eliza, as she frequently cared for the students when they were sick on campus and sometimes accompanied students when they were transferred to a local hospital for more specialized care. Blackford’s cousin Mary Willis Minor was brought in as needed and for more serious cases, the School hired “trained” nurses, sometimes from as far away as Charlottesville. From the earliest years of his tenure, Blackford had to manage the School’s response to illness, facing an incidence of scarlet fever in the 1871-72 school year, his second at Episcopal. Although Blackford could take comfort in the knowledge that the student’s case of scarlet fever was a mild one, he took every precaution to manage its spread. He isolated the student until he had recovered and was no longer contagious, and Blackford also limited campus leaves. The Principal was committed to forthright communication with the School

community, writing each parent to announce the case of scarlet fever and subsequent updates. The Principal updated a parent with the following message, “No other case of Scarletina has appeared, and we now are sanguine none will, but of course time alone can determine that. The convalescent seems well again, but will be confined to his room a week or two, in abundant caution.” The following year Blackford faced a smallpox scare, but thanks to his proactive vaccination campaign, Episcopal High School was spared. With prevalence in Alexandria and the District of Columbia, Blackford secured the vaccination of the entire EHS community, reporting in his History of the 1872-73 Session, “Smallpox being unusually prevalent in the District and Alexandria, and half a dozen cases and four deaths having occurred at the toll-gate near the cemetery on the road to town, I had thorough vaccination performed. In December and January partly by authority and partly by persuasion, I secured the vaccination of every man woman and child, white and black, on the premises.” At other times during Blackford’s tenure, illness could not be avoided. A mumps outbreak of nearly 20 students in February of 1873 necessitated the temporary conversion of a recitation room to isolate the affected students. Coming off of the smallpox scare, Blackford seemed to take the mumps outbreak in stride, although a few years later he and the School’s physician successfully lobbied the Board of Trustees for a new building to house the infirmary. By the turn of the century, Episcopal had outgrown the infirmary building constructed in the 1870s and by 1901 Blackford was again advocating for a new infirmary building. His efforts were rewarded with the construction of a two-story brick building just to the east of Blackford Hall. Blackford

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FROM THE ARCHIVES

1872 Letter from Launcelot Blackford Keeping a Parent Apprised of the Scarlet Fever Outbreak

took a keen interest in the new infirmary, particularly its location. While the Board of Trustees proposed and approved a more remote location, Blackford succeeded in achieving a more centrally located placement. Principal Blackford expressed his pleasure with the location of the new infirmary writing in his diary, “The patients seemed greatly to enjoy the view of the field from the windows of the infirmary, the sunshine removing the danger of cold.” A mumps outbreak put the new infirmary to the test shortly after the start of the 1902-03 school year. As Blackford recorded in his diary, “Eight more cases of mumps were developed and domesticated in the New Infirmary. The chagrin of this is largely offset by the novel satisfaction of having ample and comfortable accommodations for so large a number, especially considering what would have been our dismay had the same emergency arisen a year ago when we had but a single room, the East room over B.L.S.”

“The Infirmary a great comfort.” – LAUNCELOT BLACKFORD DIARIES, FEBRUARY 10, 1904 –

56

When a case was serious enough to exceed the capabilities on campus or the local Alexandria Hospital, Blackford would take advantage of the relative proximity of Baltimore’s Johns Hopkins Hospital, as he did in 1903 on behalf of a student who required emergency surgery. For his day, Blackford took an expansive approach to health and wellness. Not only did he track and manage active cases of illness within the School community, he also assumed a broad view of health and wellness, recognizing the connection between lifestyle and health. To keep abreast of developments in adolescent health, Blackford sought out and read the latest publications on the subject. In his September 22, 1895, diary entry Blackford wrote, “Much interested in reading Dr. Duke’s [sic] ‘Health in Schools.’” Clement Dukes was a British physician who served as the medical officer for the Rugby School from 1871-1908. “Health at School: Considered in its Mental, Moral, and Physical Aspects” was a forwardthinking book for its time covering subjects from the control of epidemics in schools to the sanitary construction of dormitories, the relationship between diet, work, and play and mental health, as well as the importance of sleep for healthy development and learning. These concepts have certainly stood the test of time. To communicate this message to his students, Blackford had the school physician deliver a series of lectures on “Physiology & Personal Hygiene” to the student body with topics including tobacco and alcohol, as well as nutrition. Blackford’s successors stood up to the challenge of keeping the Episcopal community healthy, with Archibald Robinson Hoxton, Sr., EHS Class of 1895 and Principal 1913-47 making the decision to dismiss the School in the fall of 1918, due to the worldwide H1N1 Spanish Flu pandemic. Hoxton’s announcement was documented in the November 1918 edition of The Chronicle, “On Friday, October 4th, Mr. Hoxton greeted us in chapel with an announcement that created no more excitement than if a bombshell had dropped into our midst. The epidemic of Spanish influenza being quite prevalent everywhere, and several cases having broken out among us, it was decided to close school before the conditions could take a turn for the worse. Most of the boys hastily packed up their belongings and set out for home, but a few much against their will were left here to compose a select body known as ‘Flu’ school. In many ways we were quite fortunate as none of our number were seriously ill, and the 29th of October found us all established on the old hill once more, ready to hit the lessons harder than ever.”


While looking back at health and wellness programming at Episcopal, Dick Baker ’53 recounted the memories of his father, Charles Baker EHS Class of 1919. “Dad remembers the train ride home, particularly with the caskets of all of the dead stacked up in all of the stations that he went through. His father, S.C. Baker, a surgeon associated with World War I, was training in New York to be a neurosurgeon and traveled home after contracting the flu in New York, only to die shortly thereafter of the flu epidemic; so my father lost his father at about age 17.” As Episcopal’s health program continued to evolve, Dr. John Roberts, EHS physician 1952-84, bridged the gap between “old school medicine” and the practice of medicine today. His son, Dr. Allen Roberts ’72, explained, “Dad was a country doc by background…[who] made house calls and carried the black bag.” When Dick Thomsen ’30, Principal 1951-67, found himself with an immediate need for a school physician, he was fortunate to have connected with Dr. John Roberts. Upon accepting the position, Roberts’ routine was to make sick calls at Episcopal at 8:30 a.m. followed by rounds at neighboring Virginia Theological Seminary. His sense of humor endeared him to the students and faculty, while exemplifying what good medicine should be in the Hippocratic tradition. Unlike other physicians from his era, Dr. Roberts did not assume a paternalistic authority and chose instead to embrace decision making in conversation with his patients. According to his son, Dr. Roberts “brought good bedside medicine to EHS.” Dr. Roberts also brought his sense of service to Episcopal, having served as a medical officer during World War II and, prior to that, as a missionary in China. As was the way in old school medicine, Dr. Roberts was not just a provider of healthcare, he was a trusted confidant. If one saw that the door to his office in the infirmary was closed, one knew Dr. Roberts was meeting with the Head of School and was not to be interrupted. Dr. Allen Roberts’ takeaway from the difference between his father’s time as EHS physician and now is that “one person was expected to do it all and one person did. This would be impossible now. EHS has stayed ahead of the curve. Even when you have the right multidisciplinary team, the wellbeing of the patient still hinges on the individuals (providing care).”

To that end, some of the most important decisions made by Dr. Roberts as Episcopal’s physician were who he hired to provide nursing care to the students. Ken Tyler ’83 remembers Nurse Virginia Settle, “Thankfully, I didn’t spend much time in the Health Center during my time as a student, but I did have a couple of athletic injuries that required Nurse Settle’s care. I remember her being tough, but kind, with a welcoming smile. But she could also cast a stern expression, which she sometimes had to do to deal with 300 rambunctious boys!” Thankfully, most students’ encounters with the infirmary and Nurse Settle were brief and intermittent, but for Lee Hobson ’83 the infirmary was the site for his long recovery from a car accident during a school break that left him in a body cast for six months. Between being in a body cast and in a wheelchair before progressing to crutches, Lee could not climb stairs, so he stayed on the first floor of the infirmary and credits Nurse Settle with being integral to his recovery. While she had a reputation for being gruff, Hobson explains that Nurse Settle had a big heart and gave him the encouragement to get better when he needed it most. As his recovery progressed she encouraged her patient to keep moving and return to the full EHS experience. For Lee, Nurse Settle was the face of the infirmary and by extension the face of his recovery from a life-threatening car accident. Thanks to dedicated instructors and medical professionals like Blackford, Hoxton, Dr. Roberts, and Nurse Settle, Episcopal was well positioned to ride the changing tides of medical needs throughout history and bring Episcopal into the modern day.

Launcelot Blackford’s Account of Securing Smallpox Vaccines for the EHS Community in his History of the Session 1872-73

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Join fellow EHS alumni, families, and friends, and support EHS with a Roll Call gift.

Thank you for the example you set for our students and for all your gifts make possible each year. ehsrollcall.org Questions? Email rollcall@episcopalhighschool.org.


Join

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Members may name Episcopal as a beneficiary in their estate planning. Gifts include bequests, charitable income gifts, or life insurance gifts. Questions? Email Director of Planned Giving Kent Alley P’22, kda@episcopalhighschool.org.


Class Notes

’47

Class Correspondents Needed

If you would like to share an update or volunteer to be the Class Correspondent, please contact Marissa Murdock at mmurdock@episcopalhighschool.org or 703-933-4125.

’48

Class Correspondents Needed

If you would like to share an update or volunteer to be the Class Correspondent, please contact Marissa Murdock at mmurdock@episcopalhighschool.org or 703-933-4125.

’49

Herbert Donovan (C) 914-645-6561 hdonovan@gmail.com

’50

Class Correspondents Needed 75th Reunion: June 2026

If you would like to share an update or volunteer to be the Class Correspondent, please contact Marissa Murdock at mmurdock@episcopalhighschool.org or 703-933-4125.

’51 ’52 ’53

Minor Marston sizzle34@verizon.net

Harte Crow hcahcrow@gmail.com

Edward Mullins (C) 803-463-1440 ewmullinsjr@gmail.com

The survivors of the 1953 class report that all is quiet on the Western Front!

’54

Charles Covell (C) 502-639-2691 covell@louisville.edu

Hello, 1954 classmates. Harrison Braxton reports: “Today, I played my first 18 in 10 months because of rotator cuff issues. Granddaughter matriculated at The High School this year. Grace 60

There are several ways to submit Class Notes: 1. Submit news online through the alumni portal at episcopalhighschool.org; 1 2. Contact your Class Correspondent by phone, mail, or email; or 2 3. Write your news in the space provided on the Roll Call reply card and mail it with 3 your annual gift.

has had a reasonably successful summer. She was not in medal contention in the Berlin Special Olympics until the final day when she found an eagle and four birdies to merit a silver medal. At the USGA Adaptive Open, she wound up 6th overall and second in her disability category.” John Burress wrote: “Mary Louise and I drove to Mount Pleasant to celebrate the life of Clarence Fletcher Carter and arrived at the 5-7 p.m. visitation at exactly 5 p.m. We were seated in a chapel with about 200 seats. At 5:15, they released row by row to go into an adjacent room to speak to the family. By 5:15, 200 people were in the chapel, and others lined up outside. We had a great opportunity to speak to the three sons, wives, and many of the fifteen or so grandchildren and great-grandchildren. This is a real family story; all of his family lives within a few miles, six adults work in the family insurance agency, and the entire group meets for dinner on, I think, Thursday night. Seriously, I have never been around a group of people who showed so much love for one person, Fletcher, and each other. Every member of that family has a firm handshake, looks you in the eye, smiles, loves any EHS comment or story, and wears maroon and black neckties. The church service the next morning was the same. Wonderful comments by family and clergy about the great friend and community leader. Everyone talked about his sense of humor, community, and family. Fletcher left a legacy of friendship and love. It was a wonderful experience for us.” John Mason reported: “All quiet on the lower slower Virginia front. Linda and I are well and busy. I had lunch with Bob Montague ’52 and Ammon Dunton ’53 the other day. I play bridge with Sandy Rowe ’66, and I see Chris Hopper ’81 at church. Both are from classes twenty-some years after ours. Another at church is the granddaughter of Grigsby Shackleford — a favorite master

from a generation earlier. Our organist is the wife of Woodberry’s athletic director. In his day, all the dorms were new and different from our day. But the dining room still had student waiters. They even got paid a small stipend. I don’t recall that our waiters got paid. They were content just to outdo one another at holding a tray full of dishes off the shoulder. Whenever someone dropped a trayful, it was an event. The crash made our day.” Robert Wilson wrote: “Am in Scotland as we speak. Home on Saturday. Will text more information later.” This was his 33rd visit to the Scottish Links. Thank you for giving me the honor of serving as your correspondent. Today, Hurricane Idalia passed through our area, leaving floods, wind damage, and other mayhem in its wake. I hope you and yours escaped major damage. I’m doing fairly well with my Parkinson’s Disease. Do keep in touch with me when you can.

’55

Sandy Wise (C) 614-638-5190 hawppmd@gmail.com

’56

Class Correspondents Needed

’57

Class Correspondents Needed

If you would like to share an update or volunteer to be the Class Correspondent, please contact Marissa Murdock at mmurdock@episcopalhighschool.org or 703-933-4125

If you would like to share an update or volunteer to be the Class Correspondent, please contact Marissa Murdock at mmurdock@episcopalhighschool.org or 703-933-4125. Tom Davenport writes:

SUBMIT YOUR CLASS NOTES ONLINE! Just go to the homepage and click on “Alumni” and then “Submit A Class Note.” For help with passwords or login, please email alumni@episcopalhighschool.org.


Mark Your Calendars

for Reunion Weekend JUNE 7-9, 2024 THIS YEAR’S REUNION IS CELEBRATING THE CLASSES OF: 2008 & 2009

2018 & 2019

5th Reunions

2013 & 2014

10th Reunions

1993 & 1994

1978 & 1979

15th Reunions

30th Reunions

45th Reunions

2003 & 2004

1988 & 1989

1973 & 1974

60th Reunions

1968 & 1969

65th Reunions

20th Reunions

1998 & 1999

25th Reunions

35th Reunions

1983 & 1984

40th Reunions

50th Reunions

1963 & 1964

1958 & 1959

55th Reunions

“Hardly ever does a day pass that I do not, at some fleeting moment, think back fondly and appreciatively of the old School. My years there were just about the best thing, or at least the most formative thing, that ever happened to me. And our Reunion, with its overflowing nostalgia and warm camaraderie, happily carried me back, time and again, to those olden, golden days. Long may The High School thrive!” DRUMMOND AYRES ’53 IN THE FALL 2013 ISSUE OF EHS: THE MAGAZINE

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CLASS NOTES

“DYLSEXIA SCUKS: Notes For My Late-Term Paper On Post Regionalist Poet R. R. Biggs. What to say about a guy who spends at least two hours a day trying to turn mere words into poetry, which is a form of mental, but not actual, masturbation? DYLSEXIA SCUKS is one example. Another is HALT, A Work of Arresting Simplicity. He was particularly fond of HALT but worried it was too short to be a real poem. (Discuss whatever that means.) He actually thought about things like that while he was sleeping and was surprised to learn that others did not. He also wrote little stories about sex, but They weren’t particularly steamy, just borderline pathetic, like his tee-shirt collection featuring the Turkish Rock group PANIK ATAK #2 and his more quotable American favorite, Death Tole Five: ‘Oh, say, can you see by the end of the shift The light at the end of the tunnel, of love,’ etc. That’s about it, but don’t forget to mention the seminal punch of his ‘Nazi Poetry in Translation.’” Pearce Connerat writes: “Sorry to miss the Reunion a year ago. Wanted to ask Tom Davenport if he remembers Feeble Deeble’s French class and thank him for the nice write-up he did for me in the ’57 Whispers. All is well in Savannah. I see Robbie Harrison occasionally and talk to Shep Ansley.”

’58

Surry Roberts surryroberts@adventure777.com

Joint 65th Reunion with 1959: June 2024

Ted Hopkins mentions a strong interest in Sir Francis Drake: “A World Encompassed” by Derek Wilson (1977) and “The Secret Voyage” by Sam Bawlf (2001). Another great Drake story is “In Search of a Kingdom” by Laurence Bergreen (2021). Saunders Midyette relays that his grandson, Zachary Hunter, has completed a master’s in mathematics in Oxford, England, which has awarded him the Gibbs prize for 62

Fred Scott ’59 and his catch of the day, Quebec Atlantic salmon.

the best mathematics dissertation. Beginning this fall with a full scholarship at ETH (a public research university) in Zurich, Switzerland, Zachary will start its 4-year Ph.D. mathematics program under the tutelage of Professor Benny Sudokov, who is internationally renowned in the mathematical field of combinatorics. Midyette also writes: “My strongest memory from EHS was a 15-20 minute ‘discussion’ with Mr. Patrick Callaway in his small office at the Chapel. He asked no probing questions — the best discipline I’ve ever received. I was suspected of ‘skipping off’ to Washington, all together five evenings highlighted by seeing Burl Ives with Rob Spilman along with the bus rides back direct to Fairlington Shopping Center across from the EHS rear entrance. Once, holding a sign for ‘14th Street,’ I was picked up on the down ramp to I-95 by King Kong Karlson on his way to a concert in D.C. Music was the conversation, and no comment ever after. It was a great adventure, made great by a smile from Mr. Callaway on departure.” Rev. Bill Wood tells the story of when he and Junius Fishburne were in the post office, possibly supposed to be there. “With an uncalculated move, one of us accidentally hit the cash box and knocked the full contents onto the floor. Coins scattered in all directions. Mr. Callaway heard the noise and came in. He was the last person I wanted to see at that moment... but he started laughing in that uncontrollable laughter of his. He finally suggested that we start picking up the coins. My immediate terror passed into relaxation. I’ve always remembered that transformation I experienced through the honest reaction of that gentleman of merry perspective.”

Page Dame ‘59 and his wife, Beverly at St. Boniface Episcopal Church right after the renewal of vows in observance of their 25th anniversary.

’59

Page Dame (C) 802-624-0071 wpdame3@gmail.com Joint 65th Reunion with 1958: June 2024

Sam Clark writes: “As of this writing — A. Diana and I are enjoying our days in Charlottesville. Summer activities have slowed down a bit; warm temperatures have forced us indoors. Things should pick up again next month. We are attending a new church which has a Spanish component. Since neither of us speaks or understands Spanish, we have enrolled in a “Beginning Spanish” class at the local senior center. Should be interesting to see how long we last. Still bringing a little

SUBMIT YOUR CLASS NOTES ONLINE! Just go to the homepage and click on “Alumni” and then “Submit A Class Note.” For help with passwords or login, please email alumni@episcopalhighschool.org.


music to area nursing homes two or three times a month. They enjoy old songs that were popular when we were kids, and so do I.” Mac Dick writes: “Little has changed for me since the last note, except one wondrous trip to Austria, Germany, and Switzerland with my daughter Eliza that ended on July 31. We flew to Munich and then drove to Salzburg, Austria. For three days, we enjoyed Salzburg, visiting Mozart’s childhood home and attending two different evening, intimate and magical string quartet concerts playing the best of Mozart (“Eine Kleine Nachtmusik” on both nights) — one at the Hohensalzburg Fortress, the other, in the Hall of Marble at the Mirabel Palace. Visiting the Salzburg Museum and Salzburg Cathedral, among other sights, completed our Salzburg stay, so on the third morning, we drove to St Moritz, Switzerland, where we caught, the next morning, the Glacier Express (“the slowest fast train in the world”) to Zermatt, passing for 8 hours through the magnificent Swiss Alps. After viewing the partially clouded-covered Matterhorn that evening, we got back on the train for the ride back to St. Moritz the next morning. Following a peaceful night, we drove back to Munich through classic, bucolic, picturesque Swiss mountains, vistas, and villages. After checking in at our hotel, we dined at the famous, if not infamous, Hofbräuhaus for some lager, sausages, and sauerkraut, then up early for the flight home. A memorable trip, especially to do it with Eliza, who planned, booked, scheduled, and navigated every detail of our trip. Highly recommended. Stay well.” Bill Flippin writes: “Still golfing three times a week and doing some yard work at a farm next to the golf course.” Donald Haddock writes: “Still living the life (double entendre intended). Attended my 60th Reunion at one of those Yankee schools that used to be for Southerners. Wonderful weekend. One of my classmates, Jim Pugh, told me that his daughter, Molly, is currently the head of the English department at EHS. Hope George Brewer and Fred Dashiell are doing well.” Sam Hale writes: “Just returned from a week on Orcas Island with our Vancouver kids and grandkids. Flew back into Monterey on August 20 to find close to 150 private jets clogging our little airport for Car Week.” Sandy Hutchison has checked in with assurances that he is alive and well in

Rionegro Antioquia, Colombia. I think I will inquire into the backstory of why he is there. Beverly and I had the pleasure of spending a couple of days at The High School in late August on the way to our former home, North Hatley, Quebec, for all of September. Hard to believe we have been Floridians now for six years. Our EHS visit coincided with the service of celebration for the life of Perry Epes ’65. The chapel was full, and the homilist was Marc Andrus, former EHS Chaplain, now Bishop of California. Life in Sarasota continues apace with its sun-washed hot weather. The outdoor temperature reached a high of 110℉ on our patio. As I write this, we watch the imminent arrival of Hurricane Idalia. Last year, likewise, we missed Ian at the end of September but suffered no damage. By the time this goes to press, we will know if we dodged the bullet once more. We look forward to staying at The High School again in early October on our homeward journey. The new dorms on Hoxton Field and the deButts Health & Wellness Center are a sight to behold. I send my very best wishes to all ’59ers, wherever you may be.

’60

Bill Drennen (C) 304-283-5011 wmdrennen1@me.com Joint 65th Reunion with 1961: June 2026

’61

Elliott Randolph elliott.randolph@comcast.net Tim Dudley (C) 202-316-0586 duds2tu@live.com Joint 65th Reunion with 1960: June 2026

Tim Dudley writes, “Had my 80th last fall, but there should be a lot of that going around. Heather and I have been enjoying the beach in Bethany, Del., a lot but also busy at home farming, gardening, and generally busy with projects. I still enjoy working with my son Philip Dudley ’91 at Dudley Capital Management in Middleburg, Va. I have grandchildren who are rising juniors at William & Mary and Texas Christian University — both doing very well thanks to EHS preparation. Otherwise all is well in Upperville.”

Gill Minor reports, “At age 79, I have become a professional musician — got paid $60 as a banjoist in our geezer bluegrass band, “Borrowed Time,” for playing a gig at a local retirement village. One lady fell out of her chair. I like to think we ‘bowled the audience over,’ but she probably just got hypotensive.”

’62

Al Berkeley (C) 443-310-0588 AlfredBerkeley@gmail.com

Joint 65th Reunion with 1963: June 2028

Arch Hoxton writes, “I paid a visit to EHS earlier this year — first in many years — and was astounded at all of the changes. Connie and I are expecting to welcome our second great-granddaughter and attend the wedding of our last granddaughter (her aunt) in September. We are all blessed with good health, those who should be employed are, and life is good here in West Virginia.” Pressly Gilbert writes that “Involution is an opportunity to dust off Fortiter, Feliciter, Fideliter.” I had to look up involution. It is a noun, and it means the shrinkage of an organ! I’ll read that to mean my brain! Rob Wright sends his regards to all. Expect a note from me trying to update our email address list. I get a lot of wrong address notices, and I forget who is alive and who has died! Muriel and I spent most of the summer at Pocono Lake Preserve. Her grandfather started coming here in the 19-teens, and her family has a 100-year-plus legacy. We are blessed with four grandchildren. One of the companies in which I am interested may be on the cusp of being able to detect lung cancer in stage one while it is still treatable. Other cancers in the pipeline. Big clinical trials underway. That has been fun. Best wishes to all, ARB

’63

Class Correspondents Needed

If you would like to share an update or volunteer to be the Class Correspondent, please contact Marissa Murdock at mmurdock@episcopalhighschool.org or 703-933-4125. Joint 60th Reunion with 1964: June 2024

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CLASS NOTES

’64

Alex Jones (C) 617-549-8203 alexsjones2@gmail.com

Joint 60th Reunion with 1963: June 2024

Strong friendships forged at EHS tend to be enduring, and the bond among Rick Smythe, Tom Pope, and Tigger Alexander may be one of the strongest. They have all remained close since 1964 — that’s 60 years, which ain’t bad. So when Tigger’s wife, Poo, developed a debilitating Parkinson’s Disease, Tom, Rick, and their spouses made a road trip to check in with their old buddy. They found Poo the same sharp-witted woman she has long been, though she faces some physical challenges. She has a cherished Hispanic helper (with whom she communicates through a translation app — amazing!). Tigger is always nearby and her chief caregiver. Rick and Tom have been visiting each other regularly for many years. And from the photo, you can say they are hale and hearty in their mid-70s. As is Tigger. Tom and his wife Adele are now engaged in a rolling 50th wedding anniversary celebration in which they have a series of cozy dinners with a friend or two but no big party. “We couldn’t talk to people at a party,” Adele said. Adele is now at work with a co-author on an account of her bizarre adventure as the executor of James Brown’s estate, which is one twisted tale. She hopes to have the book done in a year or two. Tom is still taking trips to unlikely places — like Ukraine — where he teaches the elements of succeeding at trial law. He has been repeatedly received with extreme affection and appreciation, and when he tells stories of his students, his eyes glow. And, of course, Adele goes with him!

’65

Richard Lee (C) 617-512-2034 dlee60@verizon.net

Joint 60th Reunion with 1966: June 2026

Fall in one’s mid-seventies carries a valence somewhat distinct from that during our years on the Hill. One’s notion of time changes. A recent reading of the late Cormac McCarthy’s book, “The Passenger,” offers the declaration that, when it comes to small particle physics, time disappears. There is no discernible 64

Members of the Class of 1964 (L to R): Richard “Tigger” Alexander, Rick Smythe, and Tom Pope this summer at Tigger’s South Carolina home.

From left to right: Gail and Perry Epes ’65, Carter and Angus Randolph ’65.

Sandy von Stackelberg ’65 with Wil Painter ’63.

place for it…at all. It is fair to assume that those among us — those subject to the storied presentations of EHS instructor Mr. Robert Latham ’61 — were not enlightened on this point. The science did not exist. This summer brought us the sad news of two deaths among our classmates — “Dee” Percy ’64 and Perry Epes. Dee, last October, and Perry, in July. We were unaware of Dee’s passing until notice appeared in the last issue of EHS: The Magazine. Angus Randolph has been in touch with Perry and his wife, Gail, over the years. He sends us a photo of a recent visit with them at their eighteenth century Quaker home, “Time’s End,” in Purcellville, Va. Along with Angus, Classmates Clarke

Tucker and Richard Gwathmey were present for Perry’s funeral. Perry’s extraordinary reputation as a teacher at EHS would appear to rival those of Pat Callaway and Willie Bee Ravenel. Angus reports that he had hoped to spend more time with Perry and Gail as he is soon moving to Millwood, Va., his ancestral home. For four decades, he has been overseeing a family manufacturing business in Springfield, Ohio. More recently, he has been director of the Springfield Museum of Art. He and his wife have two grown children, Carter and Jenny. Attending this move is a plan, as well, to see more of Ian Williams and Jack Bowman.

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digs in Raleigh. We like to think that his wife, Mary Lee, and the goings-on of his four children (one an opera singer!) offer respite from too much consideration of the fevered political scene in our midst. We would suggest Cormac McCarthy’s last two books as a diversion.

’66

Jack Sibley (C) 404-290-6427 jack@sibleyfarm.net Phil Terrie (C) 810-300-5311 pterrie@bgsu.edu Howell Hollis Howell.hollis@outlook.com

Joint 60th Reunion with 1965: June 2026

Billy Peelle reports, “Richard Gwathmey ’65 and I had lunch together in Northeast Harbor, Maine, last August. The conversations centered around our overlapping years at EHS 1962-1965 and all the particulars of our experiences with classmates, faculty, and the culture. No harm was done, we agreed.” Don Robinson writes from Lexington, Ky., that he’s still in the racehorse biz. He recently returned from his annual trip to the sales at Saratoga Springs. Sam Dawson writes: “After 42 years as an employee, assistant director, director, and director emeritus, I am retiring from Camp Alleghany for Girls. There has been growth, some expansion, and many good memories from this beautiful camp in the West Virginia mountains! I will miss my time there.”

Glen Stancik ’69 and his wife Valerie in Iceland.

Glen Stancik ’69 and his wife Valerie at Dizengoff Square in Tel Aviv.

Joe Simpson ’69 and his wife Melissa at the Blue Mosque in Istanbul.

Jack and Angus were in London together in 1965, and both were motorcycle devotees. Angus muses about collaring Jack into, once again, covering the back roads of Virginia in said fashion — perhaps, each respectively on the seat of an aging Triumph. Sandy von Stackelberg surprised us with news of a remarkable talk given by Wil Painter ’63 at the Navy War College here in Newport, R.I. The talk regarded his father, Bill Painter’s exploits as a Navy Seabee engineer in the Pacific during WWII, from raising the battleship, West Virginia, at Pearl Harbor to doing airfield work during the Island Campaigns.

Wil himself has generated a fascinating resume with his work as a Navy engineer during the Vietnam War and Desert Storm. In a civilian capacity, he has devoted his energies to an organization called “Engineers Without Borders.” It is dedicated to carrying out training and humanitarian work in underdeveloped countries. Last, Clint Laird has shared with the class some colorful observations as a neighbor for years to the Biden’s in Delaware. Space does not permit this fulsome exposition in all its glory, but re-prints by email are available upon request. Suffice it to say, Clint is quite happy to be spending more time on the golf course in Florida when not at the new family

’67

Charles Coppage (C) 252-202-1323 charles@nccoppagelaw.com

Joint 60th Reunion with 1968: June 2028

Jack Linvill reports, “Jim Everett and his wife Carolyn spent several weeks in Arizona and southern California this past February, and I was able to get together with them one evening. It was great to see “Jimmy” after a 58-year hiatus. Definitely had a lot of catching up to do. It’s pretty remarkable how, with some people, regardless of how long you may have been apart, you’re able to pick right up as if you had never lost contact. It was gratifying to see that our relationship had not changed one bit in that aspect.”

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CLASS NOTES

’68

George Walker Moore (C) 864-941-0666 moorew327@aol.com

Joint 55th Reunion with 1969: June 2024

’69

Marty Martin (C) 919-272-2106 marty_martin@martinlegalhelp.com Kinloch Nelson (C) 585-733-3132 kinloch@rochester.rr.com

Joint 55th Reunion with 1968: June 2024

Chuck Clay lamented the passing of our classmate Scott Bergland. He remembers Scott as a very warm and fun guy with a great heart who represented our class well. Chuck also recalled the summer of ’69 when classmates Scott Bergland, Jim Spaulding, and Bill Lewis shared an apartment on Nantucket. Scott remained the “quiet wallflower” he was at EHS. Chuck writes there was never a dull moment and good stories for the next Reunion. Chuck promises he will not exaggerate too much. Currently, Chuck reports all is quiet on the Georgia home front and hopes all is well with others and their families. Tim Haley, Greg Robertson, Jim Spaulding, Bill French, and Rick Middleton celebrated their 50th reunion at Washington and Lee University on a gorgeous May weekend in Lexington. Thus far, no participant sent detailed notes. Apparently, Las Vegas rules apply. What happened in Lexington stays in Lexington. Knowing this crew, they had a great time! Tim Haley reports he is now retired from the practice of law in Chicago. After his W&L reunion, he spent a week traveling around Virginia, visiting friends and family he had not seen in quite some time. He wrote this is a luxury that retirement affords, and we don’t necessarily have a lot of time left to do that. Tim plans to return for our Reunion in June 2024 and looks forward to seeing all. Another classmate who is enjoying his retirement is T. Ladson Webb. His comments confirm the saying that one is often busier in retirement than when working. Kristin and T. Lad are busy keeping up with children and grandchildren. Since their son Ladson’s ’97 funeral last year, Kristin and T. Lad visit often with Xandria and their children Laddy and Skyla. Daughter Katherine Webb Easterling ’95 is taking her two oldest 66

From left to right: Lyle Farrar ’04, David Clarke ’70, Chip Calloway, and Rob Whittle ’69 in Morehead City, N.C.

daughters for nearly a dozen college visits. Youngest son, Mike Webb ’04, is now flying the Boeing 757/767 on international routes for UPS and flying drones while serving in the Army reserves. T. Lad spends several hours per week volunteering as the “Chairman of Supervisory Committee” for the NCUA credit union. This committee oversees the credit union’s annual audits and keeps his finance and executive management thoughts moving. He took a leisurely twelve-day solo drive from Florida to Pennsylvania in his BMW 2004 MC convertible. He reports Kristin enjoyed her time alone during his drive. T Lad is involved in gun sports, photography, and spirited driving, which is another volunteer role with the BMW Car Club of America Foundation and Museum as an Ambassador. With all of the above, he fits in golf two to three times weekly. By the time this is published, he will have had trips to Acadia National Park, Texas, Mississippi, Georgia, Utah, and Rhode Island. He writes that October is filling up rapidly. [His comments were sent in early June.] Whew! The year 2023 is the year of joint replacements for Cathy and John Cathcart. In May, John had hip replacement surgery. His surgery went very well, and John reports he now feels like a new man. Cathy and John then enjoyed a two-week trip to Scotland. Cathy is scheduled for a knee replacement in October, which they hope will go as smoothly as John’s surgery.

Bayly Buck and Howard Hudgins visit every few weeks. Bayly reports Howard has some medical issues, but, as Howard says, “who doesn’t?” Howard remembers his EHS years on The Holy Hill fondly and far better than Bayly. Joe Simpson writes after 54 years later, it is time for an update: “After retirement from commercial real estate development some years ago, I have enjoyed teaching a lecture series about Abraham Lincoln at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute programs at six different universities, including UVA. In May, Melissa and I toured the Greek Isles aboard a wonderful tall sailing ship. We ended up in Istanbul and marveled at the Blue Mosque. Will try to attend the 55th Reunion next year.” Glen Stancik writes: “Since my wife Valerie and I continue to teach in our semi-retirement read dotage, we concentrate our traveling to the summer months. This year, we visited a number of locations beginning with ‘I,’ namely Iceland, Ireland, Illinois (Chicago), and Israel. Happily, not Iraq, Iran, or India; sadly, not Italy.” Sharon and Marty Martin enjoyed a long May weekend in Cambridge, Mass., which passed all too quickly. They returned for Marty’s 20th Harvard Kennedy School reunion. Marty served as chair for his cohort’s reunion class. His committee had the highest percentage of giving among the reunion mid-career classes, produced a reunion yearbook, and served as a pilot project for the school’s first-ever sale of customized

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Proud grandparents Sara and David Kelso ’70 with their new grandson William Blair Kelso.

reunion-related HKS SWAG. The SWAG raised funds for the World Central Kitchen. The latter are two ideas he has passed along to EHS. Sharon was promoted and now serves as the Deputy Chief Counsel for the North Carolina Department of Commerce Division of Employment Security. Marty reports he has no current plans to retire, especially while Sharon remains gainfully employed. He considers it imprudent to retire full-time under those circumstances. June Facebook entries place Jan and Bo Cheatham in Scotland at the mecca of Scotland’s national sport. During the day, Bo is in search of his best-ever round, and afterward, they appear to enjoy their 19th-hole rounds with friends. No report yet on his scores. The Hawaiian city of Lahaina in Maui recently was devastated by fire. Patt Naul reports he is fine. Patt lives in Honolulu on Oahu, which is about eighty miles northwest of Lahaina, located on the island of Maui with a lot of ocean in between. Patt has worked and played in Lahaina, but their disaster is just heartbreaking. The recovery will take years and the loss of life is staggering. John Zapf was saddened to learn of his good buddy Scott “Cell” Bergland’s passing. John had hoped to get him to return for our June 2024 Reunion. In the meantime, John looks forward to seeing his other classmates during our Reunion. Congratulations to Rob Whittle who recently published an opinion piece in the Alexandria Times about the 1971 match up

between EHS and St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes. You can read the piece at this link: https://bit. ly/48D530P

’70

James Newman (C) 253-677-4697 Newman_jim@comcast.net

Joint 55th Reunion with 1971: June 2026

I reconnected with my old football teammate, Ken Ulsaker, who is doing well. Ken writes that he has given up football but is still playing pickleball, enjoying long walks, and spending time with his grandchildren. I shared with him how much I enjoyed the historical sites on a recent trip to Philadelphia. Ken then shared with me that he was born in a Navy hospital near Independence Hall. It was great to hear from Rob Little again, who is established in Wilmington, N.C. Rob joined his family’s commercial printing business for many years but sold it in 2006. He has two grown sons — an older one in Wilmington and a younger one (who graduated from EHS in 2010) in Minneapolis. Rob has two granddaughters, by his older son. He describes them as fun and illuminating to watch grow up. Sadly, his wife died in 2011, and Rob regrets that she wasn’t able to watch the grands grow up. He’s enjoying the relatively quiet life of retirement and, fortunately, enjoying relatively good health thus far. In the spring, Ed Rutledge and his wife Belinda celebrated their 49th anniversary, which means that next year will be their 50th. Both are enjoying their life in Columbia, S.C.

Their daughter Elizabeth and her hubby have 2 beautiful girls (of course), ages 14 and 10, and currently live in Charlotte. Their son Reeves and his wife also have two girls, ages 10 and 7. They also live in Columbia. They spend a lot of time at their condo in Litchfield Beach, S.C. This September, they will do their annual trip to Key West. They also enjoy going to concerts. He keeps in touch with Vic Grainger, and they often do lunch when possible. From Dallas, Stan Denegre reports that he retired after practicing law for about 44 years. Retirement means that every day is a Saturday or Sunday! He’s enjoying his children and grandchildren who live in the area. After suffering from a month and counting of 115℉ heat index with woefully little rain in N’Awlins, David Kelso and his wife Sara decided to travel to gleefully cool Minneapolis to visit their new grandson. David, along with fellow Princeton Tiger David Luther and myself, reminisced about our respective experiences with our Senior Term Internships. David’s son Brendan ’10, had interned at the Marine Biology Division of the Smithsonian during his senior externship. This culminated in publication while a student at Clemson. His daughter, Sarah ’14, completed an art project during her senior externship and later had her art selected for permanent display at Elon University. It’s great to see that Carl Carlson is still connected with EHS. Craig Stewart reports that he saw Carl at an EHS alumni gathering in Charleston, S.C.

’71

Geoffrey Snodgrass (C) 504-914-4470 geoff@snodgrassplc.com

Joint 55th Reunion with 1970: June 2026

’72

Beau Wilson (C) 828-390-9802 beauatciti@aol.com

Joint 55th Reunion with 1973: June 2028

The following story was submitted to Class Notes by Beau “Preacher” Wilson ’72. I spent the beginning of Lent and Ash Wednesday this spring with my classmates in Atlanta, and recalled the words of Scripture from our Chaplain, Rev. John M. Smith: “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one EHS THE MAGAZINE OF EPISCOPAL HIGH SCHOOL

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who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked” (Luke 12:48). Clearly, Kirk McAlpin, Banky Hipp, and Vince Dobbs were paying attention in our 1972 Theology class! Atlanta, like many American cities, has been overrun with poverty, drugs, mental illness, and homelessness, especially with older American-African males. The problem is very serious. During my Atlanta visit, I learned that “long of the mill” addiction of cigarettes, beer, marijuana, and hard liquor can easily escalate into cocaine, meth, crack, oxycontin, heroin, and fentanyl. Thousands of people die every day in America from overdoses: Black, white, old, young. They die from no mental health plan, and from the lack of love from Christ. These are needless deaths. Kirk has served on the Board of the Good Samaritan Health Center in Atlanta, a 501(c) (3) charitable organization. “Good Sam” was founded in 1997 by Dr. Willian Warren and by concerned citizens in Buckhead for downtown Atlanta. The center provides adult and pediatric care, dental care, mental health counseling, medical network, prenatal care, and dispensary, according to their ability to pay. “Good Sam” has a center in the heart of a drug-infested neighborhood of downtown Atlanta. But, “Good Sam” provides a “farm” to teach their “clients” how to raise produce and to improve their diets and their diabetes. Banky also served on the Board of the Soul Changers Recovery Foundation (SCRF), another 501(c)(3) charitable organization in Marietta, Ga. SCRF is a faith based residential recovery program started in 1992 by Jerry Brooks for addicts and for alcoholics with little or no financial resources. They offer gender specific treatment for men and women from our group homes in Marietta with a minimum stay of 12 months, although clients may stay longer depending on the recovery and life circumstances. SCRF believes alcoholism and addiction is a chronic disease which wreaks havoc on a person’s mind, body, and soul. Without exception, their clients face the daunting task of recovering from the impact of this disease on their health while trying to clear away the wreckage of their past actions and to build a new life. SCRF is one of the few recovery residence facilities licensed to accept men and women released from incarceration on the condition of being enrolled in a residential recovery program. 68

SCRF’s mission is lifting people who are addicted to drugs and to alcohol into longterm recovery. Its client base frequently has complicating factors stemming from broken families, limited education, incarceration, and limited employment skills. Additionally, clients may lack identification like driver’s licenses, may be under court supervision, and are usually financially destitute. The first goal is to remove drugs and alcohol from the equation and to teach the basics of recovery. Simultaneously, SCRF helps its clients learn the social, emotional, financial and work to succeed in long-term recovery. SCRF’s program is based on the 12 Step Program of Alcoholics Anonymous. It teaches the program through group sessions, assignments, and sharing recovery with other residents in the group homes. It also requires attendance at local AA meetings, cocaine anonymous meetings, Bible Study, and Sunday Church Service. Research has shown a direct correlation between length of stay in a residential program and success in long-term recovery. SCRF’s clients have many years of behaviors, thought processes, and belief systems built around using drugs and alcohol and “living on the streets.” It takes a significant investment of time and of intensive work to recover and to learn to live a normal productive life. Addiction and alcoholism are often called “family diseases.” While the addict and the alcoholic are the same disease, their impact on the family is usually devastating. As the family struggles to cope, understand, and accept what is happening to their loved one, the addict is only concerned with getting the next “hit” or the next “drink,” by whatever means including lying, cheating, stealing, committing emotional and physical abuse, selling drugs, prostitution, and crime. Family dynamics are always changed by addiction and its consequences. However, SCRF have found that long-term recovery can have miraculous powers in healing the family. Program fees and recovery service fees are $300/week. These costs paid by clients include groceries, housing, transportation for work, medical, legal and required activities. Unless on disability, all clients can pay SCRF fees, shared grocery expenses, and incidentals from their earnings. Vince Dobbs, a Tulane graduate and 20 year Navy veteran between active duty and active reserve is doing Jesus’s work in the

some of the poverty stricken, drug infested and dangerous neighborhoods of Atlanta by trying to rescue the homeless from “under the bridges” Vince does not need a 501(c)(3) or a Board seat! As a Navy veteran, Vince brings his slightly authoritarian personality to the homeless. Vince will go to “The Bluffs” in Atlanta, which is a neighborhood notorious for poverty, drugs, homelessness, and violence which is referred to by locals as “Better Leave U F------ Fool!” Vince believes in embracing those who have less and are struggling. Among other things Vince tries to provide these homeless people the resources which they desperately need: the Big 3 of identification, birth certificates, and social security cards in order to get a state identification card. One must have all 3 of these at a minimum to get anything. Vince also focuses on the Big 6 of Benefits: Supplemental Security Income (SSI Disability), Medicaid, Subsidized Housing, SNAP (Food Stamps), Lifeline cell phone (Obama phone), Reduced Fare MARTA (Public Transportation) Card. Vince also helps many people manage their very limited financial resources. The homeless people are incapable of getting these resources on their own. In most cases, it would be nearly impossible. Vince also carries hand-out supplies in his car, especially in cold weather. Vince volunteers 2 to 3 days a week with The First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta Community Ministry along with his neighbor and associate, Nancy Harris. They are the only two general long-term counselors and they are actively looking for another one to join them. It sure looks easier to volunteer to help in the mail room. Vince refers people to Good Sam and to SCRF. I witnessed over 125 homeless men and women coming into the parish hall on Tuesday, February 21 for a hot meal, mental health counseling, addiction counseling, financial counseling, SNAP (food stamps), birth certificates, mail, and a myriad of other services. In Vince’s words, “Poverty is the central issue we deal with. All of the people that we help and work with under conditions of poverty, and mostly extreme poverty. Subsequent to that are all of the other potential problems which are often by-products of poverty which especially include untreated mental illness, substance abuse and addiction, homelessness, violence, and crime. There are a broad range of things we have done to try to help. We try to help the

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’73

Class Correspondents Needed

If you would like to share an update or volunteer to be the Class Correspondent, please contact Marissa Murdock at mmurdock@episcopalhighschool.org or 703-933-4125. Joint 50th Reunion with 1974: June 2024

While climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, George VanMeter ran into Caroline Bruns ’25 in a small-world encounter. Check out the photo of them on the mountain!

Caroline Bruns ’25 and George VanMeter ’73 ran into each other while climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro!

Edward MacMahon ’78

disenfranchised receive potential government benefits. SNAP (food stamps) is usually not too difficult. Supplemental Security Income (SSI-Disability) takes 18 to 24 months and is extremely difficult. Government subsidized housing can take years (‘forever’) and is very difficult even then. I never paint a pretty picture on housing because I cannot deliver a pretty picture on housing. I do have one place where I have contacts and some ”pull” but I can only place people sparingly there. We often refer people to charitable or government assisted medical care and I especially want to write that I mostly refer people to

Good Samaritan Health Center where Kirk is on the board. We have reconnected people with their family when we were able to find a family that was capable of and willing to help them. We have shipped people home to other states via bus to their capable and willing families. Knowing Banky enabled me to place 3 people in their Soul Changers program. To go to Soul Changers, a person must be well vetted for his or her chances of success before he goes to his interview to be further vetted. I work on the streets and under the bridges mostly alone. I often work with my neighbor and associate, Nancy Harris, who has more than 3 decades of experience in these matters. There were actually 3 of us until her husband, Alan Harris, died a couple of years ago. He was a highly recognized friend of the disenfranchised, an inspiration to this cause, and we still carry on in memory of him.” Everyone, Kirk, Banky, and Vincent need to recruit the “next generation” of caregivers in Atlanta. Those who see the scourge of poverty and its by-products in their city, and take an active role in caring for their fellow man! During Lent and Easter this year, I thought about the lessons which we learned from our Chaplain, Rev. John Smith. “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked” (Luke 12:48). Both Kirk and Banky said how proud that they were of Vincent for going where virtually nobody goes to help: the crack houses, the streets, and under the bridges. Embracing these homeless with the love of Jesus!

’74

Class Correspondents Needed

If you would like to share an update or volunteer to be the Class Correspondent, please contact Marissa Murdock at mmurdock@episcopalhighschool.org or 703-933-4125. Joint 50th Reunion with 1973: June 2024

’75

Class Correspondents Needed

If you would like to share an update or volunteer to be the Class Correspondent, please contact Marissa Murdock at mmurdock@episcopalhighschool.org or 703-933-4125. Joint 50th Reunion with 1976: June 2026

’76

Boota deButts (C) 703-774-5717 whd@episcopalhighschool.org Joint 50th Reunion with 1975: June 2026

’77

Class Correspondents Needed

If you would like to share an update or volunteer to be the Class Correspondent, please contact Marissa Murdock at mmurdock@episcopalhighschool.org or 703-933-4125. Joint 50th Reunion with 1978: June 2028

’78

James Clardy (C) 704-609-5570 jim.clardy@wellsfargo.com

Joint 45th Reunion with 1979: June 2024

There’s a scene in the 2015 Cold War spy thriller “Bridge of Spies” where Tom Hanks, who has been plucked from obscurity as an EHS THE MAGAZINE OF EPISCOPAL HIGH SCHOOL

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CLASS NOTES

insurance lawyer to represent an accused Soviet spy before the Supreme Court, cajoles the jurists to live up to America’s finest ideals. “Shouldn’t we, by giving him the full benefit of the rights that define our system of governance, show this man who we are? Who we are: Is that not the greatest weapon we have in this Cold War? Will we stand by our cause less resolutely than he stands by his?” says Hanks’ character. Nearly a decade earlier, our classmate Ed MacMahon, who passed away March 12, 2023, presented much the same argument before a jury in the U.S. District Court in Alexandria is his now historic defense of Zacarias Moussaoui known as the “20th September 11th hijacker.” “We’re a nation that’s governed by laws and the Constitution. We try to provide equal justice to everyone. Our Constitution guarantees all defendants the right to a jury trial … and I say to you today that we must give this man a fair trial. No matter who he is, what he thinks of us, or what he represents, this is because of who we are and what we stand for as a people and as a nation.” Two days after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Ed received a call from U.S. District Court Judge Claude M. Hilton, whom he had clerked for in the 1980s. The judge was looking for a court-appointed lawyer to help defend Moussaoui, who had been indicted in December of 2001 for conspiring with al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden and the 19 hijackers of the 9/11 attacks. Representing terrorism-related cases was a far cry from his then-practice of representing employers in discrimination lawsuits. From a converted bungalow in Middleburg, according to the Washington Post, Eddie emerged as a fierce advocate of allowing civilian courts to handle sensitive terrorism trials tied to the 9/11 attacks. He made dozens of trips to Guantanamo Bay (which he called “the worst brand of justice” in the world) as part of an effort to provide experienced defense lawyers to assist military attorneys with several of the most high-profile detainees, including senior al-Qaeda operative Khalid Sheikh Mohammed. While Moussaoui ultimately pled guilty, Ed convinced a jury that his life should be spared (federal prosecutors were seeking the death penalty), arguing that his client “aspires to martyrdom” and that a death sentence would make him “a smiling face on a 70

recruiting poster for Osama Bin Laden.” His closing argument has been posted verbatim on legal websites and studied in law schools. Before he became famous, Ed was our own Holden Caulfield, a funny, acerbic, cynical, deeply talented classmate who was academically and athletically gifted. Ed lettered in soccer and lacrosse and won the William Garrett Bibb Medal for Excellence in Shakespeare his senior year. Following Episcopal, Ed graduated from the University of Virginia and received his law degree from Tulane University. Ben Salt, who roomed with Ed his senior year, said, “My earliest recollections of Eddie was this bushy-haired, quick-witted guy, both engaging and at times obnoxious, confident and insecure, indifferent and eager to impress. Like the rest of us, he was trying to figure things out. I sensed a kindred spirit, and we became good friends and eventually roommates our senior year. Eddie had the reputation of a rebel; he loved The Grateful Dead, but he cared more about academics than he let on. He excelled in both Joe Shelor’s chemistry lab and Dave Dougherty’s tragedy class. He was a good athlete: varsity soccer and lacrosse; the latter he continued to play in adult leagues until Father Time forced him into golf. Eddie studied International Relations at UVA, a school he loved, and he knew its rich history well. He went on to get his law degree from Tulane. Along the way, he no doubt became familiar with the New Orleans culinary and cocktail scene. When I last corresponded with Ed in the fall of ’22, it was prompted by a Politico article which quoted him on the Trump classified documents case. It was then that he revealed his bout with cancer. We promised to get together and play some golf this summer. For some reason, I naively and stupidly had every confidence we would do just that. This spring, when I got news of his death, it left me desolate. And so, brothers, let’s not make the same mistake and assume we’ll always be around. Here’s to Ed, and to steal a title from a book, here’s to golfing with him in the Kingdom.” John Langhammer roomed with Ed his freshman year at UVA and recalled that “Ed had a brilliant and acerbic wit. Once you fought back with the same ammo he lobbed, he was great to be around. He respected and loved good banter. He gave the impression of being nonchalant but really was compassionate (which he would never admit). After our

Brent Yessin ’81 playing the role of Ramses II in Egypt.

first year together, we diverged in different directions but still kept in contact. When we got together, it was always fun and like we never were apart. By the way, he hated being called Eddie. So to raz his spirit, please keep calling him that!” Charles Winston recalls Ed as a “smart guy with a great laugh. He had a great sense of humor and sarcasm that he used liberally. He was a great lacrosse player and teammate.” Ed doubled down on winning the Shakespeare award, according to Charles, because it was rewarded at graduation by Al Phillips, the dean of students who didn’t always see eyeto-eye with our class rebel. “I always had huge respect for him for doing that,” said Charles. Army Wellford remembers that “Eddie had his cool down and an attitude that was attractive in a way even when he was trying to be off-putting, too cool for school. One memory from my senior year is the Tragedy term paper — if you don’t pass Tragedy, you don’t graduate. I ran into Eddie the day it was due in front of the learning center, and he told me he had been up all night writing it and didn’t start it until the night before. I know he got a better grade than me, even though I sweated and labored over it on many weekends. That’s how smart Eddie was.” When he wasn’t in the courtroom, Ed coached youth lacrosse and was a passionate golfer, serving as club president of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club for six years. He was a lifelong student of his Irish heritage, visiting there to play golf before succumbing to cancer at the age of 62. Ed is survived by his three children and six siblings, including Steve ’79.

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Mark Slack ’82, Greg Peete ’82, Macon Baird ’82, and Latane Campbell ’81 enjoying a day on the golf course.

’79

Bill Hughes (C) 203-252-1153 william.hughes@pb.com Joint 45th Reunion with 1978: June 2024

’80

Staige Hoffman (C) 813-597-5059 staigehoffman1@aol.com

Joint 45th Reunion with 1981: June 2026

Harry Warner recently attended a performance of Army’s Army featuring Armistead Wellford ’78 and Andrew Carter ’79 in Richmond. Army’s Army regularly performs in Richmond and at Charles Matheson’s ’81 Chisholm Vineyards in Earlysville, Va. In May, Chip Lyerly attended the graduation of his youngest son, Jett ’19, from the University of Virginia. Also in attendance were Jett’s siblings.

’81

Bernard Totty (C) 859-361-1568 seward.totty@gmail.com

Joint 45th Reunion with 1980: June 2026

I am happy to report that my last Class Notes submission reached Allan Copp, who for decades has maintained the lowest of EHS profiles. After reading, he reached out and supplied all the details of his post-EHS life, which I now share with you. “Finally, taking some time off from the sawmill. I thought I would take a few minutes and give you the full update. After EHS, I went to Georgetown School of Foreign Service. I retired twice from

college. Once to go work in Thailand and once to spend some time in France. Finally managed to graduate in 1985. After Georgetown, I went home. For the summer, I worked in construction. I learned a lot of skills that I still use today. Hoping to get into the Foreign Service, I took the exam a couple of times but did not succeed. With that avenue closed, I found a job in the finance business in South Carolina. In the finance business, I moved to Tennessee and then to Florida. Jacksonville was where I met my wife, Molly. After a couple of years in Jacksonville, we moved back to South Carolina. My father started a medical equipment business and asked me to come home to help. Molly worked as an area manager for Kelly Services, the temp help people. When they offered her the Florence-Myrtle Beach market, we moved to Florence. I stopped working for my father and started a small custom furniture business. When not working, I spent my time fly fishing in the rivers and creeks around Florence. Life was good and simple. Things changed in 1995 when my older brother John was killed in an auto accident in Saudi Arabia. At the same time, Molly was expecting our first son, Allan Moore. After lots of introspection, I returned to the regular workforce. I went to work for a small company in Florence that specialized in loading systems for tank trucks and rail cars. Starting as a sales rep, I eventually became regional manager, then head of international sales. Traveled a lot and worked a lot. Our second son, Hixon, came in 1997. Things were good until I had

a dangerous heart attack at the age of 41. I left the small company and started doing consulting work. Things stabilized again; the boys were in elementary school, and Molly went back to school to get a master’s in library science. That held together until 2008, when everything everywhere shut down. Consulting business evaporated. Hung around the house that summer, playing soccer and baseball with my boys and the neighborhood kids. Basically was a big kid. Savings were dwindling, and prospects in 2008-2009 were bleak. A couple of years before, I had bought a portable sawmill for a pipe dream. This time, I put an ad on Craigslist as a portable sawmill service. Within a day, I had my first customer. That was 15 years ago. I work when I want, where I want, with who I want. I don’t make a lot of money, but I have a lot of fun. To supplement and complement the sawmill, I also do low-impact logging and damaged timber recovery. Since Hurricane Matthew hit South Carolina in 2016, I split my time between the two businesses. When the boys got to high school, they helped me. I also use some local laborers, but I like keeping it small. Molly works as a librarian at a local elementary school. Both boys went through the International Baccalaureate Program in high school. My oldest, Allan Moore, got a full ride to Wofford College on a ROTC scholarship. He majored in Mandarin. He graduated in 2017 and was commissioned as an Army Reserve Lieutenant. Now a captain, he’s on active duty with an engineering brigade out of Montgomery. He’s a sports fan, so we do trips to watch Wofford or Georgetown play hoops. Got to see Wofford take Seton Hall out of the tournament a couple of years ago. We also saw Ewing coach against Mullins the first time they played. Double overtime Georgetown victory! My youngest, Hixon, graduated from Wofford College in 2019. He was a Bonner Scholar and also got a full ride. An international affairs major, he also speaks Spanish. Currently, he lives and works in Florence and fly fishes whenever he can. I try to help him with his fly-fishing bucket list. So far, he’s fished the North Carolina mountains for rainbows, the Yucatan for bonefish, Florida flats for redfish, the Saluda for striped bass, the Snake River in Wyoming for cutthroats, and New Zealand for rainbows. This spring will be the ‘Deliverance’ river for rainbows and browns. EHS THE MAGAZINE OF EPISCOPAL HIGH SCHOOL

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CLASS NOTES

So, life is simple. Finally worked the traveling bug out of my system. I like fly fishing, watching old movies, reading old classics (James Fennimore Cooper and Charles Dickens), and cooking old South food. In the winter, we go up to Mt. Tremblant north of Montreal so we can ski. Well, that’s about it.” Taylor Bowen has some good news. “Happy to report that my scholarly publishing consulting and services company reached a milestone recently — twenty years in business. To celebrate, my wife and I are traveling to the Julian Alps in Slovenia and the Dolomites in Northern Italy to enjoy alpine hikes in late September. Most of our holidays are based around places for great hiking, and we are really looking forward to this trip. We were supposed to go on this adventure a year ago, but I had three detached retinas last year and had surgeries for each of them, which included inserting a gas bubble into my eye. No fun, and you can’t fly with a bubble in your eye. All better now and looking forward to seeing a beautiful part of the world. Speaking of publishing, you mention a new hip is on the horizon for you — well, I am the managing editor of one of the leading hip and knee research journals in the world, The Journal of Arthroplasty, so if you or anyone else among our increasingly decrepit class needs the name of a surgeon for some new joint hardware, I know all the best surgeons in the U.S. and beyond.” Taylor also chastised (kiddingly) me for not serializing the last Class Notes and giving you the scoop in installments. Stringing along subscribers is a tactic for a paid publication, not a free alumni magazine, yes, Taylor? Adelante! Siempre adelante, yes? We all remember Will Stubbs as a man of exactitude, order, and discipline. In keeping with this and, in a nod to his years of military service, he submitted his update in bullet point fashion, which I reproduce for you here: “Living in Alexandria, Va. (since 2012), married to Kashanti Collins (since 2019), and work for Huntington Ingalls Industries as a defense contractor supporting the DoD’s F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office in Arlington, Va. (since 2015). I retired from the U.S. Navy / Navy Reserve in 2015 at the rank of Captain after 30 years. I am still stung by the loss of Steve Six last year around this time — I was hoping to visit 72

him last Fall in San Diego when we were out that way for a ship’s reunion. Was very happy to enjoy a quick visit last week from classmate Carter Lane, his wife Jennifer, and their younger daughter Sarah; they were passing through driving from Boston back to their home in Orlando. I get to see William Nakhleh ’83 and his wife Vanessa periodically. William is an attorney (managing partner at Nakhleh & Rothfeld in Alexandria). I don’t get to see our classmate Jim York and his wife Melissa as often as I like. They live in Leesburg and run the consulting firm Foxhedge, Ltd. Foxhedge specializes in coaching and training firms in the Agile approach. They did join us for our Mardi Gras party earlier this year (as did the Nakhlehs).” Howard Brooks says hello and notes that recently turning 60 invited some introspection. “I turned 60 this summer, which is a daunting number. Edward Wilson ’85 was nice enough to host a group at his and Rob Wilson’s ’80 house on Sullivan’s Island. Rob was playing in the member-guest at Pine Valley with his classmate Don Williams ’80. My brother Thurman Brooks ’83 and Jack Ward ’83 helped celebrate. I do not feel different, but 60 is a big number.” It is hard to believe that most of us will be, or have already turned, 60 this year. Being 60 beats the alternative, though, as they say. Mack Paul is about to be a grandfather for the first time, and he is jazzed about it. “My daughter Emma is expecting our first grandchild in November. She lives near us in Raleigh along with her husband, Matthew, who is from Northern Ireland. Daughter Lee starts law school at Pepperdine this fall. My wife is working at UNC Kenan-Flagler now. Finally, I have a legitimate connection to UNC, but no basketball tickets yet. I’m still practicing law and working with my father on a book about the past and future of Research Triangle Park. Due to come out in fall 2024. Have had occasion to talk to Howard Brooks, Ellis Zaytoun, and George Holden in the past year. All appear to be well. I do read Thomas Mills’ newsletter weekly, “NC Politics,” — always an excellent read. I recently visited J Smith and his wife Julie in Roanoke. The “star city” is the Smith’s latest, though almost assuredly not the last, stop on his working world tour. We had a good catch-up over dinner. Life is good for

them, and I am happy that my old friend is within easy driving distance these days. When we last heard from Brent Yessin, he had just returned from Antarctica, where he had ventured in search of the perfect ice cube. This time, he tells us that he recently visited Cairo, Egypt, where he is working on a healthcare project. He also mentioned that in case anyone gets Covid and wants to try his company’s over-the-counter fix, he’s got a stock of it reserved for “friends, family, and Old Boys.” He has, to this point, remained committed to his decision not to marry for a fourth time. Allan Goldsmith reported from Columbus, Ga. “Hello, everybody. I have a UPS Store on Ft. Moore Army Base, formerly called Ft. Benning. Have to say the greatest customers you would ever want to serve are our military men, women, and their families. Come to visit and check out the National Infantry Museum, voted the best free museum in the country. I’ve been married to Becky Goldsmith for 36 years and live in Columbus, Ga. We have three children also living here and now have joined the grandparents club with three grandbabies.” Goldy wanted to know if it was just a dream or did Mr. Harnly’s VW Bug really end up on the roof of the dining hall. Close, Allan. As I recall, the Volkswagen did end up in the dining hall, but only on the first floor. Getting it to the rooftop would have been a feat of engineering beyond our then-modest abilities. Perhaps you are mixing up that story with the story of the daredevil who snuck onto the roof during winter and turned the bell upside down and filled it with water, temporarily freezing it and giving us the reprieve that Quasimodo long sought. Ellis Zaytoun just “returned from Montana where friends and I fished, hiked, rode horses, biked and dressed like easterners who catalog shop at Orvis. The western United States is majestic.” Oh man, that poor horse. Ellis promised to give a more detailed accounting of his doings soon. Bruce Rinehart and Bruce Pettyjohn ’80 recently met up to fish Virginia Lake in the eastern Sierras. They limited out on trout in just a few hours, which Bruce called “a first for both of us.” They packed the fish in snow, which still was abundant at 9,800 feet elevation in June.

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Dr. Edward Rackley ’84

—— After EPISCOPAL —— societies recovering from conflict to develop

centers in southern Rwanda in the wake of the

the resilience and systems needed to become

1994 genocide.

equal partners on the global playing field.” Rackley joined the Peace Corps after leav-

Later that year, Rackley returned to the U.S. to get his Ph.D. in philosophy from the

ing the University of Richmond in 1988, setting

New School for Social Research in New York.

out for the Republic of Zaire in central Africa.

“At that point, I had so much PTSD and burnout

“I didn’t even know the correct pronunciation

that I had to walk away,” he explained, relating

of the country,” Rackley says of his naivete in

some of his experiences. “At 27 years old, I’d

those early days. “But the more I learned, I

been kidnapped, survived three plane crashes,

According to Edward Rackley ’84, curiosity

knew it was my dream destination: no English

and had colleagues murdered right in front of

can take a person far. Over thirty years ago,

spoken, no McDonald’s, no parking lots…

me, all because we were strangers in someone

it led him to board a plane for an unknown

clearly not America. I couldn’t believe my luck.”

else’s war. Dumb luck had kept me alive.”

land with an unfamiliar name. That simple

In a remote savannah village 500 kilome-

Philosophy was another adventure, and

act changed him forever, and he hasn’t

ters from the nearest town, Rackley’s job was

helped Rackley process these early war-

looked back.

to introduce disease-resistant varieties of cas-

time experiences. His doctoral dissertation

That transatlantic flight was the first step

sava, rice, maize, and beans to local farmers,

unpacked the moral logic of humanitarian

in a long career working for Nobel prize-winning

mostly women. “I learned infinitely more from

intervention, the Western ideal that distant

relief agencies, U.N. peacekeeping missions,

that experience than I imparted,” he recalls.

suffering and atrocity present us with a moral

cutting-edge war trauma projects, and field-

Neighbors taught him to build his own bow

burden, the imperative to act. Rackley’s studies

based conflict research groups in dozens of

and arrows, hunt game and trap fish, and raise

taught him that moral hindsight is 20/20,

warzones across four continents. Today Rackley

bees using local techniques. It was a complete

especially when considering inaction before

designs, delivers, and evaluates aid projects

immersion. He learned three local languages

atrocity during the Holocaust. His dissertation

for victims of all forms of atrocity and abuse,

in three years, which passed in the blink of

questioned why humanitarians intervene in

from modern slavery and violent extremism in

an eye. In the distant capital, Kinshasa, the

today’s wars to save lives with food and medi-

the Sahel, to survivors of sexual violence and

national government was crumbling, and

cine, which does nothing to stop the killing.

child soldiers in the DR Congo.

discontent was everywhere. A nationwide out-

After Rackley’s academic studies, he

Originally from Alabama, Rackley grew up

burst of violent unrest forced US government

reunited with Doctors Without Borders, working

in a world that was comfortable but insulated.

staff, including the Peace Corps, to evacuate

on policy and strategy, running conflict mortality

“Alabama was a great place to grow up, but

in 1991. The country descended into full-blown

surveys, and documenting survivor experiences

once I came to Episcopal and got some

war in 1996, a conflict that continues today.

for advocacy campaigns. He watched the

distance, I saw how rewarding taking big leaps

While it was devastating to leave the

organization accept the Nobel Peace Prize in

into the unknown could be,” he said. While at

country under such circumstances, Rackley

1999 with mixed feelings, fully aware that its

The High School, Rackley began to cultivate a

knew it was not yet time to go home. Through

work could not stop or prevent atrocities. In

spirit of volunteerism thanks to his teachers

contacts, he joined Doctors Without Borders

the ensuing years, he migrated towards larger,

and fellow Old Boys. “Volunteerism was a big

in Somalia in the early days of that country’s

more political institutions: overseeing British

part of EHS community and culture,” Rackley

long civil war. He spent the year setting up

government aid in the Darfur crisis in the mid-

remembered. “Looking back on it now, putting

field hospitals and emergency feeding centers

2000s, designing large disarmament programs

others before yourself was the core of the

across the south, staying through Operation

for the World Bank, or evaluating the conflict

rat system.”

Restore Hope, the troubled U.S. military

work of different U.N. agencies. “I was happier

intervention captured in the film “Black Hawk

as a freelancer, instead of flying the flag of a

ent ways, but Rackley credits longtime EHS

Down.” In nearby South Sudan, years of

single institution,” he expressed.

German teacher Steve Six for encouraging him

conflict and drought had created widespread

to think differently about life on the Hill. “To

hunger and famine, an older dynamic similar

governments and aid agencies operating in

be an American today carries privileges and

to that of Somalia. Rackley joined the UN

conflict, but his newest adventure as a hus-

opportunities we can’t always see, but visit any

World Food Programme, whose aircraft were

band and father is one he never thought pos-

developing country and it becomes immediately

dropping bags of grain by the metric tonne into

sible. “I’d always considered the idea of a wife

clear. Even the elites don’t have access to the

pockets of civilians that were locked inside

and kids as impossible given my life choices,

basic services — health, education, safety,

the war. Working on the ground, he helped

so I feel even more fortunate,” he shared.

justice, and rule of law — that we take for

negotiate access with rebel leaders, organized

“And like every parent, I’m guilty of wanting my

granted,” Rackley expressed. As to why he has

the drop zones, and called in the planes. He

daughter to follow my footsteps, but the best

dedicated so much of his life to helping others,

oversaw food distributions to families before

I can do is just be her cheerleader.” The world

he added: “An unequal world is an unstable

moving to the next famine area. Two years

will always be unstable, but family can make it

world. My job is to help fragile states and

later, he helped establish the first medical aid

bearable, Rackley said in closing.

Many teachers were role models in differ-

Rackley continues his work advising donor

EHS THE MAGAZINE OF EPISCOPAL HIGH SCHOOL

73


CLASS NOTES

Latane Campbell took to the links with fellow Old Boys Mark Slack ’82, Greg Peete ’83, and Macon Baird ’82 earlier this summer. No photos of the scorecard, although Latane reports that Greg is a stick. By the time you read this, I will have had hip replacement surgery. Successful hip replacement surgery, hopefully. I shared this news with my classmates and invited them to ease my anxiety with stories of their own successful hip replacements. Steven Machiorlette immediately chimed in with his tale of internal bleeding, blood transfusions, antibiotic resistance, and an ICU stay. Sounds like all that was missing was Nurse Ratchet and an iron lung. He finished up by saying that he was sure mine would be easier. Thanks Steve. Super helpful.

Lee Hobson ’83 and John Sloan ’83 in Provence, France.

’82

Arthur Smith (C) 205-222-3054 wilchester@msn.com Joint 45th Reunion with 1983: June 2028

Hello, Class of ’82, and hope this finds everyone safe and in good health. I apologize again for missing the last edition of Class Notes. I have walked off my 100 demerits and am back at the wheel, but am still on double-secret probation. Notes from hither & yon: Danny Miller writes, “After 20+ years in the Philly area, my wife, Anne, and I moved a few weeks ago to Richmond, Va., and are living in The Fan for a year or two before figuring out our next move. Empty-nesters now (three kids) and always wanted to head back this way. Virtual work environment helps. Looking forward to reconnecting with some of our old classmates as we settle down. If anyone is around RVA, give a holler. Would love to connect.” Parker Johnson reports that he and John Kelly have been catching a few Durham Bull baseball games. Every time someone hits a home run, they both say in unison, “Anything travels that far oughta have a damn stewardess on it, don’t you think?” Mills Fleming reports from Savannah, Ga., that he and his wife Marianne continue to live in Savannah, where Mills is a partner at HunterMaclean, and his wife is an internal medicine physician. Their son Alexander lives in Atlanta and was recently promoted to consultant at Deloitte. Mills also serves on the State of Georgia’s Judicial Nominating Commission. 74

Howard Holley ’87 and his granddaughter Capri.

Macon Baird and Mark Slack reported that they took time off from the LIV tour and played a hot August round in Richmond. Joining them was Greg Peete ’83 and Latane Campbell ’81. Tony Landi reports that things are well in Raleigh, N.C., and he is enjoying all of the benefits afforded him by his AARP membership (he promises to share some of his favorites in future editions). Tony further reports that he has increased his dosage of Prevagen and hopes to extend his five-day Wordle streak. You go, boy! Hugh Tarbutton graciously hosted another Rendezvous ’82 at Burge Plantation for a fun weekend of camaraderie and quail hunting. Joining were Bart Hardison, Nelson Weston, Frank Liddell, Caulley Deringer, James Ragsdale, Jack Bocock, and Bill Hanahan. They must have had a

Howard Holley ’87 and his son Marcellus.

great time because no one thought to take a group photo. Maybe Tony will share some of his Prevagen with you guys. Cheers, Arthur Smith

’83

John Sloan (C) 910-616-6375 jsloan14@ec.rr.com Frank Vasquez (C) 804-873-2212 rfvasquez1965@gmail.com

Joint 40th Reunion with 1984: June 2024

’84

Samuel Froelich (C) 336-402-3772 froelich@me.com Joint 40th Reunion with 1983: June 2024

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(L to r): Tom Archie ’90, Chuck Baldecchi ’89, Ned Durden ’88, Alec Bounds ’89, and Jon Brownlee ’89.

Jeff Clarke ’89 and Bob Dunkin ’89 met for a Dead & Company show at Citi Field in New York in July.

’85

Thorne Gregory Jr (C) 917-922-6250 thornegregoryjr@me.com Joint 40th Reunion with 1986: June 2026

’86

Art Taylor (C) 703-774-5079 art@arttaylorwriter.com

Joint 40th Reunion with 1985: June 2026

’87

David Haddock (C) 301-575-6750 davidhaddock@yahoo.com

Joint 40th Reunion with 1988: June 2028

Murdoch Matheson ’92, Marc Andrus, and Sally Sickles ’94.

Howard Holley writes, “I recently moved to Tampa from Tysons Corner, Va., on July 1 to enjoy the sun, golf, and cigars. The move brought me closer to my family: my son (Marcellus), 31, my granddaughter (Capri), and my father. Marcellus and Capri currently live in Lake Mary, Fla (1.5 hours away), and my father lives in Palm Coast, Fla (2.5 hours away). On July 22, my son got married in Richmond, Va., and announced they were expecting. I am currently employed as a services account executive by Dell Technologies while continuing my entrepreneurial journey. I still play in a basketball league, play golf (when I can make time), and enjoy a great cigar paired with good bourbon to relax. Well, that’s enough for me. I hope everyone in the

class is doing well and is healthy. Until next time, all the best.” Nelson Tyrone writes, “Me, my wife Leslie, and daughter Munday live in Atlanta. Munday is starting her freshman year at Westminster, where she just made the varsity volleyball team (and is really proud of herself ). July 17 was 21 years sober for me (a very good thing). Last year, I ran the Boston Marathon. This year, I am focusing on other activities and, mostly, taking a break from running.” Hampton Nager writes, “I’ve had the good fortune to cross paths with a number of Old Boys since I saw you at Reunion last year. Will Burdell ’88 (former roommate and mutual blackmailer) came to Dallas on business and made my wife fall out of her seat with stories of how ridiculous I am. Then, a ski trip allowed us to join Will Payne ’88 in Boulder to watch Virginia stink up the joint in the ACC tournament. Well, at least the beer was good. Over Memorial Day, Tom Goodrum ’86 met me in Austin for drinks and the kind of conversation that points out that while the world tanks, we’re still here, and that still counts for something. And lastly, what would a trip to San Antonio be without an evening with Christian Anderson? Alamo, schmalamo; it’s Fozzie who’s the draw. Sorry to have missed Steve Hagenlock in Boulder and Danny McGinty in Texas, but I’ll put them on notice here that their presence is commanded for next time.” Tom Mulhern writes, “My daughter Evie is starting her junior year at my alma mater, Davidson College. My son Thomas just obtained his Eagle Scout, which means I’ve happily given away 10 years of camping gear (most of it mine). I’m staying busy supporting Consular Affairs at DOS, and my wife Meredith continues her work at St. Aidan’s Episcopal Day School (a preschool in the Fort Hunt area). Both of my parents have passed away and are now buried at the family plot in Athlone, Ireland — their being 100 yards from the local pub makes up for the 6-hour flight to visit their graves and my second cousins!”

’88

Ned Durden (C) 704-576-5039 neddurden@gmail.com

Joint 35th Reunion with 1989: June 2024

I caught up with Douglas Owens and William Grasty on the golf course this EHS THE MAGAZINE OF EPISCOPAL HIGH SCHOOL

75


CLASS NOTES

summer. The golf was not very memorable, but the stories from our time at EHS were flowing. Douglas did report that he had recently spent time with Thad Wilson and John Allen at John’s new “old” house in New Orleans. I take it that means John is now splitting his time between West Virginia and the Big Easy. Maybe not your typical commute, but then again, John is not your typical guy. I also traveled to Denver recently with Chris Avery to catch some live music at Red Rocks with our brides. We tried to connect with Colorado resident Will Payne while there but, alas, had no success. Will was actually on the East Coast at the time. Will did say he would love to hear from anyone in the Class of ’88 next time you are in the area. Speaking of next time, we have our “super” two-class reunion this coming June with the Class of 1989. It should be a blast, especially if Leppert can get us some tee times while we are there!

’89

Croom Lawrence (C) 540-878-6754 croomlawrence@gmail.com

Joint 35th Reunion with 1988: June 2024

’90

Jason Acosta (C) 301-933-4690 JAcosta_JAh311@hotmail.com Joint 35th Reunion with 1991: June 2026

’91

William Coxe (C) 864-313-9803 williecoxe@gmail.com Joint 35th Reunion with 1990: June 2026

’92

Fred Alexander (C) 704-641-4858 fcaiii@yahoo.com Joint 35th Reunion with 1993: June 2028

Hello, Class of ’92, It’s been a hot summer here in Charlotte. Several classmates connected, and we can share the following: Jim Sibley is keeping his thespian career alive in the North Carolina mountains as he is appearing as a medic in several Civil War reenactments. 76

Murdoch Matheson writes that he attended Mr. Epes’ memorial service on The Holy Hill. His niece, Kathryn Matheson ’14, read a reflection and did a fantastic job. Speaking of Murdoch and reenactments, Mark Masterson writes that he witnessed a Matheson hat trick. First, Murdoch reenacted Jack Jouett’s “The British Are Coming” ride. He jumped off that horse and then onto his trusty hunting steed to fox hunt. He took down six varmints of varying species and completed the hat trick by building a new fence for his alpaca family. If you’d like to view Murdoch’s alpaca, the best time to do this may be Woodberry weekend, as he is hosting an afterparty at his home in Keswick, Va. Please inquire at the local country store where that place is. Murdoch also had lunch with our old chaplain and friend, Bishop Marc Andrus. While eating lunch at a local eatery, in walked old Lynchburg great Sally Baldwin Sickles ’94, with two of her children. Cal Evans writes that after not having children for the first 46 years of his life, he and his wife Ivey welcomed child number two, Carlmond Evans III, on June 3. Kellam Warren says that he and his wife have just moved to Charleston, S.C. He is using his law background, where he is helping to start a new company, Jupiter Building Dynamics. The mission of the firm is to solve the affordable housing crisis. You can visit jupiterbuildingdynamics.com to learn more. As I write this, I may take Murdoch up on his offer for some post-game festivities at the Matheson household. I would imagine a visit with my second favorite Matheson, Robert “Redd” Matheson ’91, can happen there as well, among others. To all the Mathesons, Jane Page Gunnell says hello. Best to all, Fred Alexander

’93

Walker Lamond (C) 301-580-0761 walkerlamond@mac.com Joint 30th Reunion with 1994: June 2024

Greetings from London, where I’ve decamped for the foreseeable. Apologies for the brief update, but my spies are on writer’s strike, so I thought I’d remind you of some of the impressive accomplishments of just a few of our classmates, who I will remind you, all

once had dubious CD collections and questionable haircuts, just like you! John Akridge runs Height Capital Markets, a regulatory-focused investment bank, while his sister Sarah Akridge Knutson ’96 holds down the fort as the current EHS Chair of the Board of Trustees. After cruising through Harvard Business School, Craig Dixon founded the St. James, a premier sports, wellness, and entertainment brand with incredible facilities in Virginia and Maryland. Chip Baysden of Greenville, S.C., is a renowned photojournalist who recently accepted the prestigious National Edward R. Murrow Award for Excellence in Video, the feather in his cap after a long run in news that earned him 39 Emmys, 10 White House Awards, countless trophy marlin, and the thanks of a grateful nation. Hunter Edwards is keeping this country rolling with his company, Diversified Trucking, a transportation and logistics firm down in LaGrange, Ga. Adair Graham, a V.M.I. graduate and permanent dance partner to Peryn Harmon Graham ’94, heads up Graham Land Management, a development company down in Wilmington. And Dr. Denver Graninger is a professor in the history department at the University of California Riverside, where he literally wrote the textbook, a breezy beach-read entitled “Cult and Koinon in Hellenistic Thessaly.” Val Hawkins is a wildly successful D.C.based architect who is as comfortable in Paris and London as he is in Old Town. He just returned from a safari in Tanzania, where, presumably, he spotted some of his fellow Princeton tigers. Kentucky-born Kennedy Helm is a social justice lawyer who practices police-misconduct law out of a repurposed solar-powered shipping container in Oakland, Calif. Did you know Kennedy is a 6th-generation lawyer? If he’s anything like his great-grandfather Benjamin “Old Kitchen Knife” Hardin, I’m sure he’s sticking it to the man on a daily basis, presumably in a seersucker suit. And finally, Bob Holding is the CEO of Seattle-based Waypoint Outdoor, a sales giant in the outdoor gear world, so if you’re looking for any Helly Hansen to fall off a truck and into your closet, Bob’s your man. Next update… J through K! Go, High School.

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Luke Zehner ’96

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Lights, camera, advertising? Behind the camera, Luke Zehner ’96 has worked with celebrities like Serena Williams, Abby Wambach, Ryan Lochte, Rob Gronkowski, DeAndre Hopkins, and T-Pain. The advertising executive’s innovative ideas have reached the homes of millions through companies like Uber, Google, Draft Kings, and more. With an affinity for storytelling, Zehner navigates the intricacies between consumer psychology and creativity, seamlessly fusing two of his greatest passions: journalism and television. Even as a successful advertising executive, creating campaigns was not always the focal point of Zehner’s ambitions. Instead, he thought he would be a sports journalist covering some of the world’s biggest athletic stars. While attending EHS, this self-proclaimed “favorite

head cheerleader” was heavily influenced by Mr. Fraiser, whom he credits with keeping him on the right path. “I always appreciated that about him,” Zehner reminisced. “He related to me, and when he saw me drifting, he would always steer me in the right direction.” After receiving his undergraduate degree from St. Lawrence University, Zehner started his career as a high school sports journalist for a local newspaper in Portland, Oregon. “That was originally my career aspiration, but it wasn’t the most lucrative trade in the world,” he said. After moving back to D.C., he worked for a golf magazine which ultimately sparked his interest in advertising. “I started writing and creating ads for the events I was in charge of, and I gravitated towards that process,” Zehner said, reflecting

on those early days. Enthralled with the concept of an advertising career, he traveled around the D.C. area with a make-shift portfolio of his newspaper clippings. “As ridiculous as that sounds now, someone was finally nice enough to take me out to lunch and told me that I needed a real portfolio,” he laughed. “They told me I needed to have an advertising-geared portfolio.” Just two years later, Zehner graduated top of his class from the Miami Ad School in San Francisco, California. “I was almost 30 years old when I went to ad school, and it was the first time I felt like I found my calling,” Zehner recounted. “The creative process is grueling and intense, but it sparked my passion.” After spending the first ten years of his advertising career with various agencies, Zehner is currently the associate creative director at Rakuten and just completed his third Super Bowl ad that featured Cher. “The coolest part of the job is seeing the idea come to life,” he said. “When I get on set and can bring moments to life and recreate my work, it hits home.” Zehner’s favorite project remains working with the legendary William Shatner on several Priceline advertisements. “To sit down and write ‘open on William Shatner looking out over the beach’ and then two months later I’m standing on the beach with a monitor looking at William Shatner. It’s pretty cool and hard to get sick of that.”

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’94

Emily Fletcher Breinig (C) 480-330-8017 fletchee@hotmail.com

Joint 30th Reunion with 1993: June 2024

’95

Class Correspondents Needed

If you would like to share an update or volunteer to be the Class Correspondent, please contact Marissa Murdock at mmurdock@episcopalhighschool.org or 703-933-4125. Joint 30th Reunion with 1996: June 2026

’96

Temple Forsyth Basham (C) 804-332-1517 templefbasham@gmail.com Luke Zehner (C) 571-338-1389 zehnerlj@gmail.com Joint 30th Reunion with 1995: June 2026

Catherine Cay Dreese writes that she was on campus in September to drop off her youngest daughter, Mary Catherine Dreese ’27, for her freshman year at EHS. The pride of having a child attend The High School is palpable. Catherine has also been in touch with Danny O’Banion ’97, who is in Baltimore as the head women’s basketball coach at Loyola University Maryland. Brentt Brown writes: “I am still living in SF with one teenager and a tweener. Don’t believe all the media hype about the San Francisco “doom loop.” It’s still the best city in the world, so come visit while the getting is cheap. I am still at the VR startup (Mursion) that I helped launch eight years ago, and my band, Pirate Radio, just recorded its fifth album. It should be out by the time this hits your mailboxes. I was in LA in June for Willie Nelson’s 90th birthday bash and had the pleasure of hanging out with several classmates. James Rizzo was out there meeting with Marc Carlini ’97 on a potential new film. I didn’t get to see Marc, but it was great to catch up with James. Thomas Beckner joined us for a very LALA dinner at Dan Tanas in Hollywood. The next morning, I played golf with Joel Bunn ’95, who is living the good life in Pacific Palisades. Not surprisingly, Joel is still playing music in a band called Outer Reef. We are hoping to do some shows together sometime this year. It was great to catch up and reminisce about 78

Truckstop shows on the strip. In July, Luke Zehner and I had the pleasure of catching up with Tuck Fauntleroy, who was out for the last Dead & Company shows in SF. Tuck has little Lord Fauntleroy, who is keeping him busy. Tuck is an amazing photographer; seriously, check out his aerial photography — it’s incredible. He still lives in Jackson Hole but has been spending a lot of time back east recently.” Thomas Beckner has been busy in the land of man buns. While the writers and actors strikes haven’t affected him much, his two boys (2 and 4) have certainly become more defiant. Thomas met up with Andy Smith for the U.S. Open for a day of watching men smack small balls. And he’s been busy building his production company, Little Bear Studios, in hopes of retiring before 80. Temple Forsyth Basham writes: “Greetings from Richmond and the late August humidity that’s caused my hair to resemble Richard Simmons a la Sweatin’ to the Oldies. After a great summer, it’s finally time to get back to school. We just dropped off our older son, Beck, to start his sophomore year at VES in Lynchburg. (I know, he should’ve been in Alexandria but wanted a smaller school experience.) The Head of School is none other than Garth Ainslie ’84, Sandy’s son. Things seem pretty much the same in the boarding school world: skirts cannot exceed 3 inches above the knee, and turkey tetrazzini is a weekly offering in the dining hall. Beck’s dorm room is absolutely tiny, but we were able to make room for a mini-fridge, promptly stocked with three cases of soda and multiple boxes of PopTarts. The bathroom on his hall smelled so bad I thought something had died in there. The only real difference is that now you have to turn in your cell phone and sign an AI policy agreement. I really hope he likes it because his father and I are already enjoying the peace and simplicity of only one child under our roof. I went to see the movie “Barbie” last month with Laura Morton Michau, and we did exactly what you’d expect: laughed out loud, cried, held hands, and sang along with the Indigo Girls. Highly recommend. Caught up with Sarah Akridge Knutson a couple of weeks ago after she’d sent a photo with Sarah Pugh Kadish sunning by the pool. A couple of knockouts, if you ask me. Hopefully, we can connect in person at one

of our sons’ insufferable travel lacrosse tournaments this fall. We had dinner last week with Ben and Hampton Moore Eubanks at their fancy club on the James River, enjoying the last week of summer. Andrew and I plan to have dinner over Labor Day with Laura and Robert Birdsey ’95 at their river house in Gloucester, which is a short drive from our new river house in Mathews, Va. You are all welcome once I have something for you to sit on. Sending good vibes to all of you this fall!” Laura Morton Michau and Jane Pope Cooper took their families on a trip to Chattanooga, Tenn., to watch their husbands, Court and Tyler, compete in the Ironman. Watching them suffer solidified their decision to sit this round out and enjoy margaritas and bowl after bowl of queso on the sidelines. Laura was also surprised by Temple Forsyth Basham, Sarah Akridge Knutson, and Brian Knutson for her 45th birthday in Richmond, Va. Temple threw a lovely surprise party with many old friends. Alex Offutt writes: “I have been living outside of Fort Worth, Texas, for the last eight years with my wife, Norah, and our three kids, Amelia ’26 (15), Violet (12), and Kellan (9). Our oldest daughter, Amelia, just finished her freshman year this past spring at EHS. It was kind of a trip that she had Rick Stubbs as a math teacher! She made the girls’ varsity basketball team and started a number of games for them at center! We just dropped her off early for her sophomore year, where she will be living on Harrison and trying out for the varsity volleyball team. When we visited for The Game in fall ’22, I ran into Evan Remmes and Lexa Sibley Remmes ’97 and their kids, and also bumped into Sarah Akridge Knutson, James Rizzo, Marc Carlini ’97, Chad Stone ’94, and a bunch of other alums that I hadn’t seen in years! Lots of alums from our generation have kids that just started at EHS this past year as well! It was great to reconnect with old friends, and I hope to see more of you in the next few years at family weekends and The Game when it comes back in ’24.” Lela Gant writes: “Campus is absolutely amazing, and I’m so lucky to have been able to visit a few times over the past few months to interact with current parents and alumni while on the Advisory Council and while

SUBMIT YOUR CLASS NOTES ONLINE! Just go to the homepage and click on “Alumni” and then “Submit A Class Note.” For help with passwords or login, please email alumni@episcopalhighschool.org.


Andrew Doehler reports that he is enjoying life as a U.S. diplomat in Tel Aviv, Israel, where his office inside the Embassy Branch Office literally faces the beach. Andrew has worked for the State Department for more than 10 years, serving throughout the Middle East and South Asia, and he speaks Arabic, Farsi, and Urdu. He is still in touch with his friends from EHS, including Rajat Mehta, Bill Cherkauskas, Peter May, and Tony Choi and reunited with them on campus last year during the funeral for Andrew Nelson.

Anita Pressley (daughter of Lowry Pressly, WFS ’01), Evie and Willa Parker (daughters of Carey Parker ’01), Leonora Pressly (daughter of Lowry Pressley), and Emma Rose and Charlotte Gordon (daughters of Zach Gordon, WFS ’01).

’99

Class Correspondent Needed

If you would like to share an update or volunteer to be the Class Correspondent, please contact Marissa Murdock at mmurdock@episcopalhighschool.org or 703-933-4125. Joint 25th Reunion with 1999: June 2024

’00

Schuyler Williams Seifert (C) 703-304-9423 schuyler13@gmail.com Maisie Cunningham Short (C) 310-498-5241 maisieshort12@gmail.com

Joint 25th Reunion with 2001: June 2026

Lacy Baldwin Noble ’01 and Ashley McGrane ’01 in Richmond, Va.

attending the BAN/BSA dinner this past May. It was great catching up with Heather Collins ’93, April Harris Crosby ’94, and Lauren Marshall ’09, amongst others. I sat with one of Hilary and Craig Dixon’s ’93 daughters. So cool. While most have kids graduating or coming to EHS right about now, I’m busy chasing around my one-yearold daughter, Clark, who is pure light and laughter. Hopefully, you all will meet her at our next reunion or The Game! I had a quick visit with my bestie since 2nd grade, Kristine Nelson ’95, and her heirs not too long ago. For now, I’m soaking up the last few months of the beautiful weather we’re having here in the D.C. area, but can’t wait for fall!”

Lacy Baldwin Noble ’01 and Beezie McLaughlin Sayers ’01 at Camp Lachlan in Rockbridge Baths, Va.

’97

Class Correspondent Needed

If you would like to share an update or volunteer to be the Class Correspondent, please contact Marissa Murdock at mmurdock@episcopalhighschool.org or 703-933-4125. Joint 30th Reunion with 1998: June 2028

’98

Katherine Moncure Stuart (C) 434-989-7054 katstu@gmail.com Andrew Nielson (C) 706-254-2277

Joint 25th Reunion with 1998: June 2024

’01

Beezie McLaughlin Sayers (C) 713-560-6210 beezie.sayers@gmail.com

Joint 25th Reunion with 2000: June 2026

Perrin Dent Patterson and her family moved back to her hometown of Spartanburg, S.C., last summer. Her oldest child, Julia, is in the same second-grade class with Gary Pope’s son, Grady, at the Spartanburg Day School! She also gets to see Catherine Bass Black ’02 and her family often. Small world! So special and fun to be back home with dear friends! Lacy Baldwin Noble and Becky Arnesen Jenkins ’00 often run into each other, most recently on a sweltering day at Busch Gardens…the things we do for kids! Andy Nelson and his wife, Kristin, welcomed twins in July! They join their older brother Jeffrey and big bro dog Clyde at home in Nashville. They’re fully in the circus now! The twins are a boy, Benji (named after our dear late classmate Ben Blackburn, one of Andy’s very best friends from childhood), and EHS THE MAGAZINE OF EPISCOPAL HIGH SCHOOL

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Kate Leggett Mabry ’00

CLASS NOTES

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Through her dedication to architecture, Kate Mabry ’00 is shaping a refined aesthetic. Her company, MabryArch, creates thoughtful and sensitive designs to inspire and elevate her client’s experience. She harmoniously blends functionality with fresh designs, which has earned her recognition in publications like “Atlanta Homes.” Mabry started her interest in art early but was unsure about choosing it as a career path. During her time on the Hill, she dedicated countless hours to honing her artistic abilities in the arts department perched above the former bookstore, nestled behind Bryan Library in the late 90s. There she found guidance and inspiration that expanded her horizons beyond art while growing her skills. “David Douglas, John Lisanick, and Kirke Lisk were huge in my art world at Episcopal. They helped me refine my creative skills and fall in love with art,” she said. “Everything that I learned at Episcopal came from my teachers’ passion.” While attending Washington and Lee University, Mabry had the opportunity to shadow the university architect. “While the expectations of the job were simple, his mentorship meant the world to me,” she shared. “He taught me so much, allowed me to attend meetings with him, and told me exactly what to focus on to become an architect.” The summer after her junior year, she completed an 8-week immersive architecture program at Harvard University. “It excited me, but

—— After EPISCOPAL ——

at the same time, it was grueling,” she said, reminiscing about that summer in Cambridge, Mass. “We pulled all-nighters, we got critiques from Harvard professors and local architects in the area, but I loved every minute of it.” After receiving her master’s degree, Mabry spent the initial years of her career in large offices working on international commercial projects, namely highend hotels and unique store upgrades for popular retail brands. She transitioned to a more intimate team at Summerour & Associates Architects in Atlanta, Ga., and spent over five years managing single-family residential projects. As a wife to a fellow architect and a mother of three, she was ready for a shift that accommodated the flexibility needed for her family. Now as the founder of her firm, she’s enjoying experiencing architecture through her lens. Upon starting her company in 2018, Mabry’s first project was the renovation of a former Washington and Lee classmate’s 1940s Georgian house in Atlanta, Ga. For over two years, she orchestrated an extensive renovation which included a kitchen expansion to connect with a 1,000 square foot addition of a family room, garage and mudroom; the renovation of an existing pool in the backyard; and the construction of a pool house to accompany it. “If it weren’t for this project, I would have never taken that leap of faith to start my own business,” she revealed. “This opportunity landed in my lap, and from there, it started

snowballing.” The newly refreshed home has graced multiple publications and remains one of her favorite projects. “When I started MabryArch, I could not have anticipated how many of my high school and college classmates would become my clients,” Mabry said. “Those connections are unforgettable and a major highlight of my work experience.” Mabry’s clientele also includes several EHS parents and former classmates. In mid-2022, she completed a house addition project for Betsy Watts Metcalf ’00 in Atlanta; she is currently working on a mountain house renovation for the mother of Hattie Gruber ’00 in Cashiers, N.C.; and she maintains a close partnership with general contractor Wright Marshall P’25. “To collaborate with several members of the Episcopal community is an honor,” said Mabry. “They automatically know my work ethic and what kind of person I am because we spent our formative years together at The High School.” In the next five years, Mabry would like to attract new talent to her firm while maintaining its intimate roots. “I will remain in a small office because I want to have my hands on every project that comes across my practice,” she said, affirming the preservation of her original plan. “I hope to serve as a mentor to the younger generation, igniting their passion for the industry and inspiring them to foster relationships.”

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Will Nisbet ’01, Matilda Reuter ’02, Hugh Antrim ’02, and Fletcher Slater ’02 at a friend’s party in Middleburg, Va.

girl, Maxine (who will go by Max). He again extends the welcome to anyone who lives in or visits Nashville to get in touch and catch up. And don’t forget to visit his beautiful Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery he co-founded with his brother. They have a full bar, a restaurant, and multiple private event spaces. It’s gorgeous! Look it up at greenbrierdistillery.com. Statesville, N.C. recently saw an EHS/ Woodberry reunion of sorts, as the families of Lowry Pressly (Woodberry Class of ’01), Zach Gordon (Woodberry Class of ’01), and Carey Parker gathered in their childhood hometown to celebrate the birth of Lowry’s youngest child. Carey and Zach currently live in Statesville, and Lowry was visiting home.

’02

Andrew Farrar (C) 919-616-6636 asfarrar@gmail.com Artie Armstrong (C) 805-341-5233 artiearmstrong@yahoo.com

Joint 25th Reunion with 2003: June 2028

Longtime EHS faculty member Steve Castle and his wife, Susan, with Andrew Farrar ’02 and his daughter, Logan.

Nana Opoku ’02 cheering on Princeton at the NCAA March Madness Sweet 16!

Case Anderson ’03 and Sanford Zeigler ’03 patrol the mean streets of Vero.

Carter Moore says, “I hope everyone is doing well. Life pretty much carries on as normal down here. I’m using the leave I accumulated during the lockdown years to take time off work for the rest of this year, and I’m spending my block of free time traveling around the country. My son, Arlo (7), is looking forward to his first post-lockdown trip to the U.S. to spend time with his extended family later this year.” Elisabeth Putney Mygatt writes, “My family relocated from Bethesda, Md., to Augusta, Ga., this summer for my husband’s job as a military urologist. I am thankful to keep working remotely in asset management for Continental Realty Corp. We have three boys Harrison (10), Marshall (7), and Frasier (2). Life is busy and fun and we are settling into our new home. Let me know if you have plans to attend the Masters!” Nana Opoku says, “Hi everyone! I’m doing well and still living in Northern Virginia. It’s been a great summer. Back in the spring, I went to Louisville to cheer on my alma mater Princeton in the NCAA March Madness Sweet 16! We lost, but it was an awesome experience! I also visited Graham Salzer while I was in Kentucky as well. Hope everyone is doing well!” Andrew Farrar writes, “My wife Haley and I welcomed a healthy daughter named EHS THE MAGAZINE OF EPISCOPAL HIGH SCHOOL

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Logan Mills Farrar on August 4. Logan had a few special visitors from Alexandria come to meet her before the fall got cranked up on campus. Both Haley and Logan are doing well.”

’03

Alden Koste Corrigan (C) 443-783-4659 alden.k.corrigan@gmail.com

Joint 20th Reunion with 2004: June 2024

Daphne Clyburn and her husband, Michael MacEwen, welcomed their second boy this past spring, Calvin Gregory MacEwen! They are doing well and adjusting to life as a family of four. Their older son, Benjamin Arlo MacEwen, turned four at the end of June. Daphne and her family live in Rockville, Md. She is still teaching Spanish at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School and serves as the head of the language department. Case Anderson reports that life is good in the D.C. area. He is still teaching and coaching. He and his wife have a 4-year-old son (Jack) and a 1.5-year-old daughter (Sis). Sanford Zeigler and Case spent some time in Vero Beach in mid-August with Sewanee friends. They learned that Sanford can apparently access a pontoon boat anywhere he travels and that he’s not afraid to try surfing.

’04

Charlie Williams (C) 304-669-1170 charlie.e.williams@gmail.com

Joint 20th Reunion with 2003: June 2024

Lyle Farrar writes: “My wife Loftin and I welcomed our first child, a boy named Hamilton Hines Farrar, on June 8, 2023. We couldn’t be more excited!” Phil Glaize reports: “My wife Immy and I love exploring the outdoors with our kids (Nox 6, Margaret 4) in Berryville, Va. Our favorite activities include local truck/tractor pulls and horse shows, respectively. David Glaize ’07 does an amazing job leading Old Town Cidery, which is growing and will be available in more locations. Over the summer, it was great to see Gail Epes and spend time with Sam Duke for Mr. Epes’ memorial. I hope all are well.”

’05

Peebles Squire (C) 434-594-4652 peebles.mobile@gmail.com

Joint 20th Reunion with 2006: June 2026

82

Daphne Clyburn ’03, her husband, Michael, and sons, Benjamin and Calvin.

Lila Warren is living in Unicoi, Tenn., with her husband, Tyler Hern. She works from home selling hunting and fishing trips and has enjoyed having a big garden this summer. She and Tyler traveled to fish for marble trout in Slovenia and redfish in Louisiana in 2023, in addition to their local pursuits for wild trout in the mountains of Tennessee. Tabb Wyllie and his wife, Liza, welcomed their second daughter, Maren, into the world in early June. All family members are happy and healthy, especially new big sister Violet. Andrew Monson just got a new kitty cat. His name is Sushi. Brennan Killeen Lynch’s crew grew by one this year, welcoming Mary Killeen Lynch on February 8, 2023. Big sisters Maeve and Quinn are very smitten. Hoping one day, all three girls will be at EHS at the same time! Spencer Katona’s oldest daughter, Emmy, started first grade this year, and his son, Hundley, turned one at the beginning of August. Ella, the middle daughter, is in preschool but already looking forward to kindergarten next year. They reside in Richmond. Johnny Rockwell joined Whitt Larkin, Colin Lockhart, and Jamie McCardell for a friendly golf match. According to Johnny, “I destroyed everyone by multiple strokes and think that needs to be shared.” They later met up with former Episcopal English teacher Mason New, who imparted his usual brand of wisdom.

Lyle Farrar ’04 and his wife, Loftin, with their son Hamilton Hines Farrar, born on June 8, 2023.

’06

Molly Wheaton (C) 504-247-8674 mewheaton@gmail.com Margaret von Werssowetz Waters (C) 843-607-5788 margaretvonw@gmail.com

Joint 20th Reunion with 2005: June 2026

Hi everyone, Molly Wheaton here. I just hit my 10th year of living in Austin, Texas. It is August, while I’m writing this, so I’m ready to say goodbye to summer and hello to fall! I recently started a new company called

SUBMIT YOUR CLASS NOTES ONLINE! Just go to the homepage and click on “Alumni” and then “Submit A Class Note.” For help with passwords or login, please email alumni@episcopalhighschool.org.


Johnny Rockwell ’05 joined Whitt Larkin ’05, Colin Lockhart ’05, and Jamie McCardell ’05 for a friendly golf match. They later met up with former Episcopal English teacher Mason New.

Lila Warren ’05 traveled to fish for marble trout in Slovenia and redfish in Louisiana in 2023!

EarnBetter, which has been an exciting venture. A lot of EHS alumni have been gracious with their support — from hopping on calls to making connections in their network to providing feedback, etc. Big shout out to the broader EHS community for being the absolute best! As far as alumni run-ins, I was lucky to take a trip to the Bahamas in April with Kingsley Trotter McNeil, Peyton Killeen Walling, Caitlin Dirkes Simmonds, and Sarah Montz Harcus. Shout out to our better halves, who you can imagine are an extremely patient group to put up with our antics for five days straight. I’m also looking forward to two trips this fall: one to Bermuda in September with Nea Fowle and Lizzie MacPherson ’05 and one to Jamaica

Andrew Monson’s ’05 new kitty cat, Sushi.

in October to celebrate Caroline Kelso’s ’07 wedding — looking forward to bunking up with Kelsey Montz Duffey ’07 and Julie Zambie Williams ’07. Katharine Pelzer married Daniel Goldfarb last spring, and they welcomed Ezra Randolph Goldfarb (Ezra) earlier this year. She would not recommend planning a wedding, buying a house, and having a baby in a single 12-month span, but it does make life with a newborn feel relatively relaxing. Their family lives right near Berkeley, Calif., and Katharine is still working in climate change tech. Julia Cammack Truemper lives in her hometown of Nashville, Tenn., with her husband, John, and their three dogs (Lilly, Chessy, and Elvis) and two cats (Liz and Lemon). She left the practice of law behind in 2021 and is now working in admissions and recruiting for

Vanderbilt Law School. She enjoys traveling across the U.S. and even abroad to recruit new law students and is looking forward to an upcoming trip to South America this fall. Rutledge Long is living in seaside Stuart, Fla., with his wife, Tracie, and their three daughters, Eliza (5), Maggie (3) and Kate (1). They’re expecting their fourth (count’m!) this March, and the Longs feel satisfied that four will be plenty of children. Rutledge represents Brown & Brown Risk Solutions as a property and casualty broker serving large real estate and middle market private equity clients nationwide. He recently caught up with Stephen Westerfield on a phone call that involved a few pranks. Rutledge is looking forward to catching up with David Lambeth, Fletcher Dunn, Daniel Gottwald, Mason Tillett, Miller Cornelson, Sloan Battle, Thomas Light, Paul Light, Mark Battin, Walker Francis, Stephen Shaw, Kyler Carr, and Jackson Tucker for a bit of golf in Virginia. Rutledge will be attempting a half marathon in Charlotte this November with Jenner Wood. Kingsley Trotter McNeil is still living in Tryon, N.C., with her husband Fletcher, daughter Annie, and two English bulldogs. Kingsley is working remotely for a nonprofit focused on gun violence prevention and is excited to welcome her second child this winter! Carrie Coker Kuykendall lives in Savannah, Ga., with her husband, Matt Kuykendall, and two sons, Charlie and George. Carrie recently founded a K-12 education consulting firm called Novel Education Partners and works remotely with schools on their academic programs. She enjoyed spending time this summer with Holly Casey Bent, Elizabeth Harrison Carrington, and Thomas Light! Holly Casey Bent finally had the opportunity to visit Camp Merrie-Woode this summer with Carrie Coker Kuykendall and Elizabeth Harrison Carrington after 22 years of brainwashing and propaganda. The camp is glorious, indeed, and lived up to expectations. Mary Lide Parker just flew to Hawaii to board a ship and begin her 20th(!) major research expedition at sea. Over the past two years, ML has spent several months working in Hawai’i. Her colleagues in Maui survived the terrible fires in August, but their business burned to the ground. The situation in Maui will continue to be tenuous for the foreseeable EHS THE MAGAZINE OF EPISCOPAL HIGH SCHOOL

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future. If you haven’t already donated, please consider contributing to relief efforts there. Margaret von Werssowetz Waters is celebrating ten years(!) of working at Episcopal. She’s still living in D.C., with her husband Ned and two very wonderful, funny, and loud children, Goody and Charles. Ina Dixon (aka Dr. Dixon) has just been named a Virginia Humanities Fellow for some public humanities work in Danville! It’s going to be super fun, and the work will include developing a public exhibit about the history of the textile company Dan River Mills. This exhibit will have a web component and a physical display in several restored historic buildings in Danville once owned by the company. Scout Douglas Osborne and her husband, Russell, welcomed their third child and first son, Otis Gove Osborne, this past fall. He joins his two big sisters, who are often found playing with GranDAD on campus. Scout and her family live just a few miles south of Old Town Alexandria. Preston Kelly Fogartie took her son Fulton on a quick trip to Richmond in June to visit with Elizabeth Harrison Carrington and Holly Casey Bent and had a blast getting the next-gen together for some quality time. Preston just started working as director of admissions at Canterbury School in Greensboro, N.C., and loved having Harrison Jobe visit her on opening day! Miller Cornelson reports that he is still living in New York City and working for S&P Global. He was recently down in Bermuda for a friend’s wedding, where he caught up with Nea Fowle. He is heading up to the Homestead for the 12th Annual OBC (“Old Boy Classic”) in August with 14 folks from the Class of 2006. Miller also ran into Zack Hoisington in New Jersey earlier this summer, who sends everyone his best. Clay Schutte says, “I’ve been living in a residential therapeutic community in Houston, Texas called Monarch, for adults with mental health conditions, for almost 17 months. I paint, attend therapy, and play mandolin a lot, and I recently self-released a CD called The Houston Sessions: thehoustonsessions.hearnow.com. I go to church often these days, and I listen to a lot of music. I’m doing great healthwise now, too. Moreover, I just got an e-bike, and I have a girlfriend named Tara, who is cool! Also, I’ve been sober for 2+ years. I plan to move away 84

Children of Elizabeth Harrison Carrington ’06 and Preston Kelly Fogartie ’06 in June 2023.

Sofia Sobieszcyzk was born August 8, 2023 to Cate Smythe Sobieszczyk ’06 and Troy Sobieszczyk in Charleston, S.C.

Ezra Randolph Goldfarb, son of Katharine Pelzer ’06.

Preston Kelly Fogartie ’06 and Harrison Jobe ’06 reunite in Greensboro, N.C.

from Monarch with Tara in 10 months, likely to Denver.” Philip Duggins and his wife, Sarah Beth, are expecting a baby girl in November. I have a feeling we could get a pic of her in a camo onesie for the next issue of Class Notes! Mason Tillett and his wife, Margaret, had their second child, Paul, in March. They are living back in Charlotte with too many EHS alums to count. Cate Smythe Sobieszczyk and her husband, Troy, just welcomed their new daughter

Ina Dixon ’06 points to something in the air at the former Dan River Mills site while she thinks deeply about how she will develop her public history exhibit in Danville.

to the family on August 8, 2023. Sofia Isabelle Sobieszczyk is a wonderful, healthy, and happy addition, and her big sister is thrilled to have a partner in crime. Hendrik de Zwart is still in Navy Yard, working for Amazon and playing as much field hockey as possible. Excited to share

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that he’s been selected as the goalie for the USA Master’s field hockey team to travel to Argentina in December to play in the Pan Am Cup! Julia Rowe Wise is still living in Madison, Miss., with her husband, Clarke, and their two-year-old son, MacNeil. Julia recently started working for the Tennessee Valley Authority, specializing in external and media relations.

Dudley Locke (SSSA ’06), Jeff Hoisington (former faculty member), Tim Hoisington ’05, Tim and Zack’s friend Mike Lynch, Zack Hoisington ’06, Vlad Roosevelt ’06, and Vlad’s two adorable daughters. All were gathered for a barbecue at Tim and his wife Rachel’s house in Denver in July 2023.

’07

Katharine Farrar (C) 540-460-2974 katharine.farrar@gmail.com

Joint 20th Reunion with 2008: June 2028

On June 24, Alexandra French Wholey and her husband Mike welcomed their first child, George Francis Wholey. They’re settling well into their new life as a family of three and can’t wait to one day take George to visit The Holy Hill!

’08

Lucy Glaize Frey (C) 540-327-2267 lglaize@gmail.com

Joint 15th Reunion with 2009: June 2024

Mary Lide Parker ’06 wrangles a 360° underwater camera while working with a team of scientists off the coast of Maui last year.

Otis Gove Osborne, son of Scout Douglas Osborne ’06.

Mason Tillett ’06 and wife Margaret’s son, Paul, rocking an EHS onesie!

Class of 2006 alumni in the Bahamas. L to R: Peyton Killeen Walling, Molly Wheaton, Sarah Montz Harcus, Kingsley Trotter McNeil, and Caitlin Dirkes Simmonds.

Greetings from the Class of ’08. I’ll start our highlight reel with Whit Slagsvol. He first mentioned his girlfriend Hailey in the Spring ’21 Class Notes and first mentioned his intentions to propose to her in the Spring ’22 Class Notes. At that time, he said he was going to surprise her with a big trip and a proposal when she finished her Doctor of Nursing Practice program. Well, Whit is a man of his word. He followed through with a big trip and a proposal after she graduated. Whit writes, “I’ve been planning this trip for over 2 years, knowing that I would propose. Mind you, I saved her contact in my phone as “Future Wife” after our fourth date and asked her to move in after like 5 months. So, this trip was to celebrate graduating her nurse practitioner program and getting her dream job. Big summer. I wanted it to be Portugal and Morocco because they were really close together, and I wanted her to add one more European destination to her bucket list and then get her off the beaten path and experience something totally different.” He added he didn’t have any specific plan for the actual proposal, and it ended up absolutely perfect. “On our third night, after a beautiful day in Porto, I waited until the end of dinner and EHS THE MAGAZINE OF EPISCOPAL HIGH SCHOOL

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got down on one knee and asked, “Will you?” Naturally, the box was upside down. The restaurant erupted, the staff all freaked out, and the head waiter started pouring every table champagne and made a big toast. Even the chefs cleared out for the moment.” It sounds like a scene out of a movie! Congrats, Hailey and Whit! Liz McLean Hughes and Reagan Hughes welcomed their third child, Poppy McLean Hughes, on August 20, 2023. They are adjusting to life as a family of five well. Carson Roberts Paschal and Mark Paschal welcomed their third child exactly a week later, on August 27, 2023. Big brother Charlie and big sister Mary Carson are loving life with their new baby brother. Ann deSaussure Biondi had her second baby, Calvin Ehrhardt Biondi (Hart), and she, Jamie, Willa, and Hart are loving life at EHS. They recently spent a fun weekend with Hannah and Matt Hurley in the Shenandoah Valley. Their daughters, Willa and Lillian, are classmates and besties at The Butterfly House at the Seminary. Holly and Spencer McKenna welcomed their son, Wesley James McKenna, in April. Spencer and Holly celebrated Graham Jones’ wedding with a number of ’08 classmates in Maine this summer. It looked like a beautiful New England wedding! This year has been a big one for Richard Firth. He and his wife Caroline welcomed their first children, twin boys William Thomas (Willy) and Montgomery James (Monty), on August 21. Caroline and Richard were in D.C., in April and took the opportunity to tour the EHS campus. Richard says, “Assuming the boys are open to boarding school, did not inherit my feeblemindedness, and EHS will accept two more Firths, they will be members of the EHS Class of 2042!” Richard resigned his position at Goldman Sachs at the beginning of the year and tried out retirement. He lasted two months before needing to find something productive to do. He started a few ventures and joined a wonderful company he invested in while at the firm. In addition to fatherhood and shifting gears professionally, Richard also started gardening this year. He is growing all sorts of fruits and vegetables even in the 100+ degree heat. Somehow, fatherhood, new work, and gardening aren’t enough to keep Richard busy, so he also spends a fair amount of time golfing between Texas and Georgia. He reports little 86

Alexandra French Wholey ’07, her husband Mike, and their son George Francis Wholey.

Poppy McLean Hughes, daughter of Liz McLean Hughes ’08 and Reagan Hughes.

Whit Slagsvol ’08 celebrating his engagement to his fiance Hailey in Europe!

to no improvement in his handicap, but he is pretty dangerous around the 19th hole.

’09

Jeila Martin Kershaw (C) 334-399-0386 jeilamartin@gmail.com Haley Morgan Tenney (C) 703-509-3117 09hmorga@gmail.com

Joint 15th Reunion with 2008: June 2024

Hello, Class of 2009! How I’ve missed you all! A few changes in my life have occurred since last we spoke — I moved to a new studio space for work and adopted one of my parents’ (many) dogs. The studio is a refreshing change of pace, and the dog is elderly and clingy, but both have been positive developments! I continue to hang out with Hanes Dunn and Smith Marks (when they’re not playing golf ) and their beautiful wives regularly and caught up with Coles Lawton ’10

A bunch of members of the Class of ’08 celebrating Graham Jones’ wedding. 1st row: Spencer McKenna ’08, Upton Stover ’08, Spencer Graves ’08, Lauren Elliott. 2nd row: Holly McKenna, Meg Stover, Graham Jones ’08, Whitney Jones, Hannah Hurley, Matt Hurley ’08. Photoshopped: Clark Wright ’08.

at a mutual friend’s wedding this spring. I am currently with my sister, Courtney Kershaw Taylor ’03, and her family in North Carolina for Labor Day and have my eyes peeled for EHS gear — my number one N.C. association. Catherine Harrison Culp reports that​ she and her husband, Robert, welcomed a new baby girl, Catherine Harrison Culp (Cece), in March! They are still living in LA and enjoying spending time by the beach with their little Cali girl. She says that she wishes that she had an EHS onesie to put her in for

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John “Jock” Rutherford Richey Jr., son of John Richey ’08, sporting his EHS Issue onesie.

Wesley James McKenna, son of Holly and Spencer McKenna ’08.

Hart Biondi, son of Ann deSaussure Biondi ’08 and Jamie Biondi.

Willa Biondi and Lillian Hurley, daughters of Ann deSaussure Biondi ’08 and Matt Hurley ’08, future EHS Class of ’39!

Richard Firth’s ’08 twin boys, William Thomas (Willy) and Montgomery James (Monty), born on August 21.

a pic! #issue forever — who do we contact to get her one?! Molly Seeley writes: “I cannot legally confirm or deny any information regarding my comings and goings. What I can say is two truths and a lie: I am publishing a novel, I recently made it several rounds in The Voice, and I am credited as first author on a paper in a medical journal written entirely in Portuguese, a language I do not speak. Xoxoxo, hope this helps!” Fam — what do we think the lie is? I’d say the Portuguese, but that seems like something that would happen to Molly, so I’m going to go with The Voice being a lie since that appearance likely warrants a nondisclosure agreement, of which she would now be in violation. Ginna Oates is expecting a baby girl at the end of August! She is still living in San Francisco with her husband, Tyler, and their dog, Blue. They are loving the Bay Area and enjoying time with Khoury Ibrahim Kindrish ’10, Will Ryan, and Jordan Martinez. She says that she had a special weekend reconnecting with Bitsy Motley and Kelsey Knutson Tressler at her baby shower in Charlotte this summer! Cuuuuuties! Can’t wait to see pictures of le bebe in the next issue of Class Notes! Sarah Chase Webber married Douglas Barber on March 4, 2023, in Houston! I was not able to be in attendance at the wedding, but I did go to the bachelorette party and will say that if the wedding was half as fun as that, then it was a festive success! Haley Morgan Tenney, Mary Spencer Morten, and Frances Stone Edge were all in attendance, and Frances and her husband, Carl, ventured to New Orleans afterward to hang out with Smith Marks, Hanes Dunn, me, and various other pals for a few days. We had a blast catching up and loving on Baby Edie in the Crescent City! Speaking of, Anne Pennington Carroll and I also visited Frances and Elizabeth Ward Nation and her little family in Richmond in early spring. EHS Nemesis Charles Nation still makes the best cocktails around, and he and Frances had a spirited debate about the complexities of beer vs. wine. A treat of a visit all around! Abbott Matthews states that she and her husband moved back east after living in Oakland, Calif., for a bit — and they’ve settled down with their first house in Durham, N.C. They would love to see anyone in the RDU area! Abbott is in her sixth year working EHS THE MAGAZINE OF EPISCOPAL HIGH SCHOOL

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for Meta, but she’s transitioned now to the Information Security side of the house. She is looking forward to attending our Reunion next year (especially since she couldn’t make the last ones!) and introducing her Brazilian husband to boarding school life... apparently, that’s not a thing where he’s from, but she’s convinced she’ll show him that it’s the best! I look forward to hearing from y’all for our next edition of Class Notes! Please be as silly as possible for my personal entertainment. LYLAS!

’10

Sarah Chase Webber ’09 and Douglas Barber on their wedding day, March 4, 2023, in Houston, Texas.

Whitt Clement (C) 804-477-5732 whitt.clement@gmail.com Joint 15th Reunion with 2011: June 2026

A great report to share from Calvert Bobola. In memory of Mark Herzog ’11, Calvert and his brother Trevor Bobola ’11 finished all of the 46 High Peaks (mountains over 4,000 feet) in the Adirondacks in upstate New York. Shepard Chalkley ’11 joined the fun for the last four high peaks to help celebrate the feat. See photos of the group on Mount Marshall, their final peak. Congrats, guys!

Kelsey Knutson Tressler, Ginna Oates, and Bitsy Motley (all class of 2009) at Ginna’s Baby Shower.

’11

Connor Gallegos (C) 703-919-4833 connorgallegos92@gmail.com

Joint 15th Reunion with 2010: June 2026

’12

Celeste Jones (C) 434-414-4696 jonescelesteh@gmail.com

Shepard Chalkley ’11, Calvert Bobola ’10, and Trevor Bobola ’11 on the summit of Mount Marshall in the Adirondacks.

Calvert Bobola ’10, Trevor Bobola ’11, and Shepard Chalkley ’11 finishing the High Peaks in memory of Mark Herzog.

Emmy Ragsdale Kirby ‘12 with her husband Davis and their twins Eva and Lucy, who were born on May 11, 2023.

Sam Armm ’14 and Tim Hightower ’04 at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Va., as part of a Washington Commanders season ticket holder event.

Joint 15th Reunion with 2013: June 2028

Stuart Agnew writes: “I am still living in Jackson, Wyo., and I just finished up my first year of grad school working towards my Master of Public Health degree from Johns Hopkins. This summer, I’ll be wrapping up my work at our local health department and switching gears to focus more on school. And I’m headed to Cape Town for several months this fall!”

’13

Somer Glubiak (C) 804-370-5886 sglubiak@gwu.edu

Joint 10th Reunion with 2014: June 2024

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Maya Glenn ’16

—— After EPISCOPAL ——

At Episcopal, Maya Glenn ’16 discovered the importance of balancing academics and wellness — a lesson that serves her well as a current doctoral student in sociology at the University of Michigan. A passionate learner, Glenn spent many extra hours working one-onone with her teachers at Episcopal, while also honing her leadership skills as captain of the dance team all four years. While at Episcopal, Glenn logged as much extra time with her teachers as she could. A regular office hours attendee, Glenn was a standout student and was inducted into the Cum Laude Society her senior year. She has fond memories of working with then-English teacher Dr. Emily Wilkinson on developing, revising, and editing her college essay in tutorial, work she now sees as early practice for the thorough process of academic publishing. As a student, Glenn found that movement through Episcopal’s dance program was a vital break from academics and an important outlet for her creativity. During her time as a dance captain at EHS, she saw the program go from sometimes overlooked to filling up the Breeden Black Box Theater and

the Fox Stage in Pendleton Hall to much fanfare. After Episcopal, Glenn went to Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., where she majored in gender and sexuality studies and minored in sociology. There she was energized by finding her experiences represented in class curricula, and she quickly found that going to office hours, as she did at Episcopal, helped her explore classroom ideas in greater depth through conversation with her professors. Because of her enthusiasm for learning, it is no surprise that Glenn is now pursuing her Ph.D., researching the wellness of Black queer women, sex and relationships education, and social media. She remains passionate about creating environments where all people feel supported, just as she did as Episcopal’s dance captain. “Humanities provides me with a set of tools to think about,” Glenn explains. “How can we work toward a society in which everybody is supported and everyone is well?” In 2022, Glenn was awarded prestigious grants from the Ford Foundation and the National Science Foundation to conduct her research. In addition to the

accomplishment of securing grant funding, Glenn is proud of the reaction she has received from the population she is studying. The response from Black women who have learned about her dissertation project has been overwhelmingly positive. “Just knowing that the people I’m trying to do research ‘on,’ are consenting to that and are excited about what I’m trying to do,” she says, “is so big for me.” Glenn hopes her work impacts the lives of the populations she studies for the better — including high school students. Speaking about her peer-reviewed article recently published in the journal “Sex Education,” she explains that the wellness of teenagers is impacted by the structure of society as a whole, which is something that educators should account for when working with students. Glenn believes that the work of sociologists can facilitate compassion for teenagers as they develop and make decisions in adolescence. Speaking about the future of health and wellness education, she says, “My hope is that educators think about how they will equip students with the tools to navigate their way through the different set of risks that come in the different areas of their lives and to make decisions that feel honest and right for them.” While she plans to work in academia following the completion of her degree, Glenn acknowledges that this could change. “My core values motivate me,” she says, “not so much a specific title.”

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Anne Page got married to Emma Whelan Page at Mount Juliet Estate in County Kilkenny, Ireland, in July! Congrats, Anne and Emma!

’14

Cici Sobin (C) 703-999-1277 cici.sobin@gmail.com

Joint 10th Reunion with 2013: June 2024

Sam Armm met Tim Hightower ’04 at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Va., as part of a Washington Commanders season ticket holder event. Tim is the director of alumni relations for the Commanders, and it is Sam’s first season as a Gold member.

’15

Presley Goode (C) 804-441-2286 pgoode2@gmail.com Tyler Hartmeyer (C) 516-474-9843 tyler.hartmeyer@gmail.com Morgan Lineberry (C) 205-789-0447 morganlineberry12@gmail.com

L to R: Hughes Page ’16, Courtney Ferrell, Abby Halm ’13, Jihyun Lee ’13, Virginia Wright ’13, Annie Page ’13, Emma Page, Crawford Horan ’13, Joslyn Chesson ’13, Lee Stewart ’13, Lucy Parks Shackelford ’13 and Craig Stewart ’70 celebrating the wedding of Anne Page ‘13 and Emma Whelan.

Joint 10th Reunion with 2016: June 2026

’16

Kelsey Anderson (C) 703-624-6968 kelseymanderson4@gmail.com Andrew Karo (C) 804-592-9640 andrew@andrewkaro.com Priscilla Barton-Metcalfe (C) 727-410-8746 16bartop@gmail.com

Jett ’19 (center) is joined by his siblings, Carly ’12, Haley ’13, Quinn ’15, and Evan ’17, for festivities in Charlottesville.

Joint 10th Reunion with 2015: June 2026

’17

Halle Hughes (C) 904-322-2828 hughes.halle@me.com LizaBanks Campagna (C) 202-650-7687 lizabankscampagna@gmail.com

Joint 10th Reunion with 2018: June 2028

Luiji Vilain, professional NFL player for the Vikings, and Jonathan Sutherland, professional NFL player for the Seahawks, played against each other in a preseason game. We are so proud of you both! Hayne Ainslie is working for the submarine missile propulsion group at Lockheed Martin in Denver, Colo. 90

Jett Lyerly ’19 and his Spanish exchange student from Episcopal, Jesús Cruz-Bueno.

Gracie Hughes ’19, her parents, and sister Halle Hughes ’17.

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Class of 2019 friends of Colby Grover, including Didi Tyree, Lindsey Harrison, Jonesy Wilbanks, Helen Matheson, McKenna Gribbon, Maggie Moore, Catie Wood, Mary Ives Giblin, Gracie Hughes, and Lilly Schmachtenberger.

Camden Alford is a trip leader specializing in biking trips for Backroads, the world’s #1 active travel company. Congrats to Duncan Trau for winning the state championship as a football coach in South Dakota. Evan Lyerly officially started medical school at George Washington University. LizaBanks Campagna has fully tapped into the comedy scene in Washington, D.C. Check out her social media to find out when you can see her perform live next! Hadiyyah Abdul-Jalaal has officially joined the EHS faculty in the social studies department and coaches for varsity soccer and softball and JV basketball. Jared Young has wrapped up his basketball career and is starting at McKinsey & Company in Charlotte, N.C. Ella Sayre has joined other classmates on the West Coast in San Francisco, working at Pace Gallery.

’18

Lexi Weger (C) 571-721-8585 aweger@princeton.edu

Joint 5th Reunion with 2019: June 2024

’19 Barrett Carney ’19 visited 14 national parks this summer!

Juliet Faris ’19 and Olivia Tucker ’19 at a Taylor Swift concert this summer.

Jarin ’22 and John ’19 Moses during their baseball tournament representing their opposing teams. They had the opportunity to play against each other!

Kate Castle ’19 posing next to her art piece.

Olivia Tucker (C) 415-361-1561 olivia.tucker@yale.edu Lilly Whitner (C) 904-504-5027 lfwhitner@gmail.com

Joint 5th Reunion with 2018: June 2024

Barrett Carney visited 14 national parks this summer, including White Sands, Banff, Grand Tetons, Olympic, and Zion! Kate Castle graduated from the University of Vermont in May with a B.A. in studio art. During the school year, she participated in several art showcases, one of which was entirely run and organized by students. Over the summer, she took an oil paint class at a local craft school, visited Boston for the first time, joined a pick-up soccer league, and has recently been promoted at Patagonia Burlington to assistant store manager. She plans to stay in Burlington for another year and experience the city outside of the college experience. Will Cory hung out with his EHS crew in Dallas this summer while in town for the memorial service for beloved classmate Colby Grover. EHS THE MAGAZINE OF EPISCOPAL HIGH SCHOOL

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Kyndall Donalson graduated from Yale University in May alongside Olivia Tucker. After graduation, she moved back home to Virginia and started a new job as a medical assistant for Washington Orthopaedics Sports Medicine, an orthopedics practice based in D.C. and Chevy Chase, Md. Juliet Faris moved to Denver in August. She is currently working as a medical and surgery oncology nurse at AdventHealth Porter. In November, she plans to start at Children’s Hospital Colorado (Anschutz) in the cardiac progressive care unit. McKenna Gribbon graduated from the University of Virginia and has moved to New York City to begin her career in real estate with Compass. Michael Grogan reports that he has begun classes at Duke’s Fuqua School of Business. Gracie Hughes graduated from Sewanee this spring and is currently living in Nashville with her sister Madison ’15 and working in public relations. In July, she reunited in New York with all her close EHS friends for a memorable and fun get-together. “We always pick up right where we left off, and I’m so lucky to know it will always be that way!” Payton Leeby reports that she has started grad school in Dallas to earn her master’s in industrial organizational psychology. She is also currently working part-time for a tech company. Jett Lyerly and his Spanish exchange student from Episcopal, Jesús Cruz-Bueno, reunited in the U.S., where Jesús lived at the Lyerlys’ house and worked in Arlington as a tennis instructor for the summer. John Moses graduated in May with his Bachelor’s degree in computer science from the University of Rochester and started working at Microsoft in Seattle. Lindy Moss moved to Boston to start her career as a financial consultant. She also recently enjoyed a trip to Maine with Logan Tyler. Paul Pivirotto graduated this spring from Washington and Lee University with a double major in American politics and business administration. During his time at W&L, Paul reports that he played college football, was a member of Phi Gamma Delta, hunted and fished on in-season weekends, and made lifelong friends. This summer, he moved home to D.C., and started working for Forbright Bank as a healthcare lending analyst. 92

Several members of the Class of 2019 at dinner: Max Foulk, Will Cory, Jett Lyerly, Catie Wood, Garrott Braswell, Thomas Williamson, McKenna Gribbon, Jonesy Wilbanks, Cole Wise, Didi Tyree, Lilly Schmachtenberger, and Mary Ives Giblin.

Kyndall Donalson ’19 and Olivia Tucker ’19 wearing fun hats at their Class Day ceremony at Yale University.

Lilly Whitner ’19, Grace Moog ’19, and Lilly Schmachtenberger ’19.

Lindy Moss ’19 and Logan Tyler ’19 during their trip to Maine.

Paul Pivirotto ’19, when he played football for Washington and Lee University.

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Logan Tyler ’19, Lindy Moss ’19, and their significant others during a trip to Maine.

He’s also looking forward to catching some maroon soccer and football games this fall! Logan Tyler traveled up to Maine to visit Lindy Moss and their significant others. Logan reports that they had a great time on the lake jet skiing, boating, and reminiscing about their glory days at EHS around a roaring fire. “It was great to reconnect and de-stress before Lindy and I both started our new jobs — sadly in different cities.” In June, Logan started working at Bridgewater College as an admissions counselor and is loving her new role with young, bright students of the future. Go, High School! Lilly Whitner graduated from the University of Virginia with a B.A. in media studies and a minor in psychology. After some summer travels, she returned to her hometown of Jacksonville, Fla., and enjoyed some time with EHS classmates Grace Moog and Lilly Schmachtenberger. Daman Yang reports he is currently in Taiwan participating in the army service.

’20

South Wallace (C) 843-973-0626 wallas@episcopalhighschool.org Joint 5th Reunion with 2020: June 2026

Paul Pivirotto ’19 celebrating his graduation from Washington and Lee University.

Payton Leeby ’19 celebrating her graduation from SMU.

’21

SS Singh (C) 732-586-9788 ssinghseeds@gmail.com

Joint 5th Reunion with 2021: June 2026

’22

Class Correspondents Needed

If you would like to share an update or volunteer to be the Class Correspondent, please contact Marissa Murdock at mmurdock@episcopalhighschool.org or 703-933-4125. Joint 5th Reunion with 2023: June 2028

’23

Class Correspondents Needed

If you would like to share an update or volunteer to be the Class Correspondent, please contact Marissa Murdock at mmurdock@episcopalhighschool.org or 703-933-4125. Joint 5th Reunion with 2022: June 2028

Gracie Hughes ’19 at her graduation from Sewanee.

L to R: Louisa Hunt ’24, Arabella Dixon ’21, and Olivia Moore ’22 in St. Andrews, Scotland.

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Births and New Arrivals

Marriages

Email alumni@episcopalhighschool.org with news of births, adoptions, and other family additions.

Email alumni@episcopalhighschool.org with news of any and all matrimonial unions.

Carlmond Evans III to Cal ’92 and Ivey Evans on June 3, 2023

Katharine Pelzer ’06 to Daniel Goldfarb last spring

Benji Nelson and Maxine Nelson to Andy ’01 and Kristin Nelson in July 2023 Logan Mills Farrar to Andrew ’02 and Haley Farrar on August 4, 2023 Calvin Gregory MacEwen to Daphne Clyburn ’03 and Michael MacEwen in Spring 2023

Theodore “Teddy” Lewis Richey to John ’08 and Emily Richey on March 18, 2020 John “Jock” Rutherford Richey Jr., to John ’08 and Emily Richey on May 5, 2023 Poppy McLean Hughes to Liz McLean Hughes ’08 and Reagan Hughes on August 20, 2023

Hamilton Hines Farrar to Lyle ’04 and Loftin Farrar on June 8, 2023

George McCauley “Mac” Paschal to Carson Roberts Paschal ’08 and Mark Paschal on August 27, 2023

Cooper Kurek to James ’04 and Taylor Kurek on September 1, 2022

Wesley James McKenna to Spencer ’08 and Holly McKenna in April

Alexandra Maren Wiley to Tabb ’05 and Liza Wiley in June

William Thomas Firth and Montgomery James Firth to Richard ’08 and Caroline Firth on August 21, 2023

Otis Gove Osborne to Scout Douglas Osborne ’06 and Russell Osborne last fall Ezra Randolph Goldfarb to Katharine Pelzer ’06 and Daniel Goldfarb earlier this year Sofia Isabelle Sobieszczyk to Cate Smythe Sobieszczyk ’06 and Troy Sobieszczyk on August 8, 2023

Sarah Chase Webber ’09 to Douglas Barber on March 4, 2023 Anne Page ’13 to Emma Whelan Page on July 21, 2023 Hamilton Charles Drucker ’14 to Kathryn “Kate” Sandridge Oldham ’15 on August 26, 2023

Catherine Harrison Culp to Catherine Harrison Culp ’09 and Robert Culp in March Eva Schall Kirby and Lucy Langley Kirby to Emmy Ragsdale Kirby ’13 on May 11, 2023

George Francis Wholey to Alexandra French Wholey ’07 and Mike Wholey on June 24, 2023

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In Memoriam In Memoriam includes deceased alumni as reported to Episcopal High School on or before September 20, 2023.

Mr. Frank Chesley Smith Jr. ’39

of Houston, Texas, on April 6, 2023

At Episcopal, Mr. Smith was a member of Blackford Literary Society, Check-Up Squad, and the Chronicle Board. He played 130 football, cake football, Centennial Basketball, and tennis. Mr. Smith won the Whittle Prize in 1937, Chemistry Prize in 1939, and English Prize in 1939. Mr. Smith is survived by his wife, Katherine, three children, sister, three stepchildren, and many extended family members. He was predeceased by his son, Frank Chesley Smith III ’70.

Mr. James Addison “Ad” Ingle III ’44

of Charleston, S.C., on April 1, 2023

At Episcopal, Mr. Ingle was a member of Blackford Literary Society, choir, and was a waiter. He played JV football and managed varsity basketball. Mr. Ingle is survived by his wife, Jeanne, three children, including David Jervey Ingle ’80, and four grandchildren, including Penelope Addison Ingle ’14 and Helen Lawton Wilson Ingle ’21. He was predeceased by his first wife, Helen, his father James Addison Ingle Jr., Class of 1913, and his grandfather James Addison Ingle, Class of 1884.

Mr. Brenton Shaw “Brent” Halsey Sr. ’45

of Richmond, Va., on May 28, 2023

At Episcopal, Mr. Halsey was a member of Missionary Society and band. He played JV football, Centennial Basketball, and ran spring track. Mr. Halsey is survived by three children, 16 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, Lindsay.

Dr. Robert Newton Akeley ’47

Of Oakland, Calif., on November 25, 2020 At Episcopal, Dr. Akeley was a Senior Monitor, treasurer for Missionary Society, head cheerleader, and a member of the Whispers Board and E Club. He ran winter track and was the alternate varsity track captain.

Mr. Harvey Lee Lindsay Jr. ’47

of Norfolk, Va., on April 19, 2023

At Episcopal, Mr. Lindsay was a Monitor, waiter, and on the Chronicle Board. He was a member of E Club, Egypt, and played varsity football, varsity baseball, and Centennial Basketball. Mr. Lindsay is survived by five children, 14 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, Frances, and cousin, Joshua Pretlow Darden, Jr. ’54.

Mr. Alfred Brownley “Al” Hodges Jr. ’48

of Broomfield, Colo., on December 19, 2008

At Episcopal, Mr. Hodges was a member of Egypt, Missionary Society, and Check-Up Squad. He played Centennial Basketball and ran track. Mr. Hodges is survived by a stepdaughter, four step-grandchildren, and many extended family members, including cousin Mary Dorsey Clarke ’06. He was survived by his wife, Norma Jean.

We are proud to honor each departed alumnus and celebrate the contributions each made to Episcopal and their respective communities. Scan to read their full obituaries.

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IN MEMORIAM

Dr. Temple Bodley Stites ’49

of Louisville, Ky., on March 20, 2023 At Episcopal, Mr. Stites was a member of Whispers, Stewart A.C., Missionary Society, choir, and E Club. He played tennis and Centennial basketball. Mr. Stites is survived by his wife, Virginia, three children, brother William Fosdick Stites ’60, seven grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, James Walker Stites, Jr. ’44.

Dr. Lamar John Ryan Cecil Jr. ’50

of Lynchburg, Va., on July 16, 2023

At Episcopal, Dr. Cecil was a member of Fairfax Literary Society, Grins & Grimaces, Stewart A.C., dramatics, Missionary Society, and played tennis. He was a 2nd school debater, 1st Fairfax debater, and won the Debater’s Medal for Fairfax Literary Society and the Declaimer’s Medal for second place. Dr. Cecil is survived by his wife, Geri, two children, four stepchildren, including Katherine Leggett Mabry ’00 and Ann Alexander Leggett ’93, greatnephew, Ryan Nicholas Clemons ’07, sister, and four grandchildren. He was predeceased by brother Reed Hallum Cecil ’57.

Mr. James “Jim” Piper III ’52

of Baltimore, Md., on April 1, 2023 Mr. Piper was a Monitor and a member of Missionary society, choir, glee club, and Blackford Literary Society. He played varsity football, varsity tennis, and was an alternate wrestling captain. Mr. Piper is survived by his wife, Mary, three children, two stepchildren, and seven grandchildren.

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Mr. Marion Jack Rinehart Jr. ’52

of Charlottesville, Va., on March 7, 2023 At Episcopal, Mr. Rinehart was a Monitor and a waiter. He was a member of choir, dramatics, E Club, Egypt, glee club, and Blackford Literary Society. He played varsity football and ran spring and winter track. Mr. Rinehart is survived by three children, brother Bruce Huyler Rinehart ’56, nephew Bruce Huyler Rinehart Jr. ’81, great-nephew William Robert Clark ’17, and six grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife Sarah, his father M. Jack Rinehart Sr., Class of 1918, and uncles William A. Rinehart, Class of 1915, and Roger Richmond Rinehart, Class of 1920.

Mr. Charles Douglas “Doug” Leavell ’53

of Waynesboro, Va., on November 27, 2022

At Episcopal, Mr. Leavell ran cross country and track, and was a member of Egypt. Mr. Leavell is survived by his wife, Soni, children, siblings, and many extended family members.

Mr. Clarence Fletcher Carter III ’54

of Mount Pleasant, S.C., on August 5, 2023 At Episcopal, Mr. Carter was a monitor and served on the Advisory Board. He also was a member of dramatics, E club, and Egypt. He played varsity baseball and basketball and captained the varsity football team. Mr. Carter was inducted as an individual into the EHS Athletics Hall of Fame in 2005, and he was inducted again along with the rest of the 1953 football team in 2011. Mr. Carter is survived by three children, nephew William David Simpson Kuhne ’84, eight grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, Betty.


Mr. Richard Ralph Davis ’54

of New York, N.Y., on August 7, 2023 At Episcopal, Mr. Davis was a Monitor. He was a member of chapel committee, dramatics, Fairfax Literary Society, and Missionary Society. He managed JV football and varsity track, was business manager and literary board chairman for The Chronicle, commissary keeper, and business manager for Whispers. Mr. Davis won the Boyd Taylor Cummings

Medal in 1954. Mr. Davis is survived by his wife Christina, daughter Allison Davis O’Keefe ’96, and two grandchildren.

Mr. Alexander Sidney “Alex” Hawes ’59

of Atlanta, Ga., on March 19, 2023

At Episcopal, Mr. Hawes was a member of Missionary Society, dramatics, and Blackford Literary Society. He played JV football, JV soccer, and ran track. Mr. Hawes is survived by his wife, Peggy, two stepchildren, sister, six grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Peyton Samuel Hawes Jr. ’56.

Mr. James Daniel “J.D.” Simpson III ’59

of Little Rock, Ark., on February 19, 2023

At Episcopal, Mr. Simpson was a Monitor, waiter, and vice president of Missionary Society. He was a member of E Club, Sibley Room Committee, and Blackford Literary Society. Mr. Simpson played varsity football, varsity baseball, varsity tennis. Mr. Simpson is survived by his wife, Virginia, two children, three grandchildren, brother, and many extended family members.

Mr. Joseph Andrew “Joe” Owens II ’60

of Beaumont, Texas, on September 3, 2023

At Episcopal, Mr. Owens was a member of E Club, Missionary Society, glee club, choir, chapel committee, and Chairman of the Blackford Lounge Committee. He was also a waiter, Monitor, and a member of Blackford Literary Society. Mr. Owens played varsity football and ran varsity track. Mr. Owens is survived by his wife, Robin, three children, including Jacob Douglas Gay Owens ’88, Robert Logan Owens ’97, Emily Walker Owens ’98, sister, eight grandchildren, and nieces and nephews, including Spencer Marriott Dodington ’86. He was predeceased by his father, Joseph A. Owens, Class of 1927.

Mr. Marvin Lee “Monty” Gray Jr. ’62

of Tacoma, Wash., on March 26, 2023

At Episcopal, Mr. Gray was a Monitor, Valedictorian, Wilmer Literary Society secretary, and Whispers activities editor. He was a member of Missionary Society, Vestry, dramatics, science club, The Chronicle, and Blackford Literary Society. Mr. Gray played Cake football, junior football, JV football, wrestled, and ran track. Mr. Gray is survived by his wife Jill, two children, four grandchildren, and many extended family members.

The Rev. Stanley Kent Higgins ’63

of Charleston, W.Va., on March 20, 2023

At Episcopal, Rev. Higgins was a Monitor, president of choir, chairman of Pendleton Hall committee, board of dramatics, schoolroom keeper, producer of Grins & Grimaces, and president of Wilmer Literary Society. He won the Page Dame Memorial Medal, and was a member of E Club, glee club, Missionary Society, photography club, and A.A. Shop. Rev. Higgins managed varsity football, varsity basketball, and varsity baseball. He was inducted into the EHS Athletics Hall of Fame alongside his 1961 football teammates. Rev. Higgins is survived by his wife Gail, two sons, and cousins Kemble White III ’62 and David Swanton Alter ’68. He was predeceased by his brother David Kent Higgins, ’66.

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IN MEMORIAM

Mr. David Fackler Miller ’63

of Philadelphia, Pa., on June 10, 2023 At Episcopal, Mr. Miller was a member of E Club, dramatics, Missionary Society, press club, Blackford Literary Society, and Wilmer Literary Society. He was Whispers art editor and The Chronicle cartoonist. Miller played soccer, cake football, junior football, ran varsity track, managed Greenway baseball team, and was a varsity wrestler. Mr. Miller is survived by his wife, JoAnn; two children, two grandchildren, two step-grandchildren; two siblings, including Dr. John Hawkins Miller ’61; nephew and EHS faculty member Javier Bastos; great nephew Nathaniel Julian Bastos ’24; and great niece Beatriz Emily Bastos ’26.

Mr. William Perry Epes III ’65

of Lincoln, Va. on July 11, 2023

As a student at Episcopal, Mr. Epes was a member of Whispers, The Chronicle, Daemon, Grins & Grimaces, choir, glee club, and Missionary Society. He was also vice president of Fairfax Literary Society and played varsity soccer and varsity tennis. As a faculty member, Mr. Epes served as the advisor to The Chronicle, Daemon, and The English Bays. He was also co-head of the Student Assistance Team for many years. Mr. Epes is survived by his wife Gail, EHS assistant chaplain from 1991-2013, three siblings, cousins including Richard Blackburn Tucker III ’61 and Clarke Reed Tucker ’65, and eight nieces and nephews including Darrell Anderson Smith ’98.

Mr. Robert Malcolm Kelso ’71

of McLean Va., on March 30, 2023

At Episcopal, Mr. Kelso was a member of Wilmer Literary Society and played cake football, soccer, and tennis. Mr. Kelso is survived by his brother David Blair Kelso ’70 and niece Caroline Blair Kelso ’07.

Mr. Edward Brian “Ed” MacMahon, Jr. ’78

of Middleburg, Va., on March 12, 2023

At Episcopal, Mr. MacMahon played Cake football, varsity lacrosse, and soccer. He won the William Garrett Bibb Award for Excellence in Shakespeare. Mr. MacMahon is survived by his partner, Stephanie, three children, five siblings including brother John Mathew MacMahon ’81 and Stephen James MacMahon ’79, and many nieces and nephews.

Mr. John Davisson Williams ’78

of Southbury, Conn., on June 16, 2023 At Episcopal, Mr. Williams ran JV cross country and winter track. Mr. Williams is survived by two siblings, two step-siblings, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Mr. William Scott Bergland ’69

of Aptos, Calif., on March 22, 2023

At Episcopal, Mr. Bergland was a member of Fairfax Literary Society, E Club, The Chronicle, choir, and chapel committee. He played varsity football, varsity baseball, varsity soccer, junior football, and basketball. Mr. Bergland is survived by his wife Vicki, two children, and many extended family members.

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Mr. William Emerson Teer ’95

of Alexandria, Va., on July 26, 2023 At Episcopal, Mr. Teer played junior football, JV soccer, and was a JV wrestler. Mr. Teer is survived by his wife Alison Lukes Teer ’95, cousin David Bradford Phillips, Jr. ’07, sisterin-law Lillian Smith Teer ’00, and two children.


Mr. Joshua Aaron “Josh” Webster ’97

of Charlotte N.C., on July 8, 2023

At Episcopal, Mr. Webster was a monitor. He played varsity football and was a varsity wrestler. He also was an All-IAC football player and wrestler for the 1996 season. Mr. Webster is survived by his son, father, three siblings, co-parent, nieces and nephews, and many extended family members.

Ms. Frances Hayden Hutto ’08 of Columbia, S.C., on June 6, 2023

At Episcopal, Ms. Hutto played varsity tennis and varsity squash. Ms. Hutto is survived by her mother, father, two siblings, two aunts, one uncle, and many cousins.

Ms. Colby Grace Grover ’19

of Dallas, Texas, on May 12, 2023 At Episcopal, Ms. Grover was a cheerleader, a member of Discipline Committee, afternoon art, and vice president of fashion club. She played varsity squash, JV squash, varsity volleyball, JV volleyball, and varsity tennis. Ms. Grover is survived by family members, including her father and two siblings, including sister Peyton Riley Grover ’18.

A

Ms. Heather Yvonne Slivka

of Denver, N.C., on February 18, 2023 Ms. Slivka worked at EHS as Head Athletic Trainer from 2001-2018. During her tenure, she showed incredible care and concern for hundreds of EHS student-athletes and oversaw the growth and expansion of the athletic training staff. Ms. Slivka is survived by her husband, Brandon Partee, two stepchildren, parents, sister, mother-in-law, two nephews, and many extended family members.

Ms. Hazel Louise Mines

of Washington, D.C., on Monday, September 4, 2023 Ms. Mines worked at Episcopal in Laird Dining Hall for over thirty years. Her warm personality and inviting spirit were essential elements of Hazel, and she was much loved by the Episcopal community. Alumnus and former colleague Vincent Hodge ’89 described Hazel as “Warm. Witty. Wonderful. Always thoughtful. Always caring. Always talking. Always sharing. Strict and lovingly so. Smart. Wise. She knew so much and she knew people so very well.” Ms. Mines is survived by her daughter, two grandchildren, four siblings, niece, and many extended family members. She was predeceased by her husband Mancell.

Prayer

from School Chaplain Rev. Betsy Carmody

O God of grace and glory, we remember before you this day our departed alumni. We thank you for giving them to us, their family and friends, to know and to love as companions on our earthly pilgrimage. In your boundless compassion, console all who mourn. Give us faith to see in death the gate of eternal life, so that in quiet confidence we may continue our course on Earth, until, by your call, we are reunited with those who have gone before; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. EHS THE MAGAZINE OF EPISCOPAL HIGH SCHOOL

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Chapel Talk

“ Binds THE CODE Us Together The following speech was given by Jayden Muthaiah ’24, Head of the Honor Committee, during the first week of the 2023-24 school year. In his speech, Muthaiah told new and returning students of the importance of Episcopal’s Honor Code, and why it makes our community unlike any other.

Hello, everyone. My name is Jayden Muthaiah, and I am serving as this year’s Chair of the Honor Committee. I hope you all had a fantastic summer and were able to rest and rejuvenate. To the returning students, welcome back to The Holy Hill. To the new students, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to each and every one of you. These next years will be some of the most memorable of your life. I hope you all are as excited as I am for the year ahead of us. I stand before you today to emphasize the importance of honor and the role it will play in your life during your time at Episcopal. In addition to myself, the Honor Committee is comprised of 7 other seniors present before you today, and all were elected by student vote last spring. In addition to 8 students, the Honor Committee consists of 4 faculty members: Madame Moore, Mr. Quirett, Mr. Rauth, and Mr. Rogers. Last but certainly not least, Captain Eldred serves as the faculty advisor to the Honor Committee. The Honor Code at Episcopal is among the oldest of any high school in the nation. For 165 years, it has bettered this institution by fostering a climate of trust within our community. While the School has undergone much change, the code has remained a constant. The Honor Code is comprised of 4 pillars, each holding equal importance. It reads:

“ I will notI will lie. not lie. I will notI will cheat. not cheat. not steal. I will notI will steal. I willthe report the student who does. I will report student who does.”

I will 100


The 2023-24 Honor Committee

The first three pillars are relatively self-explanatory. Lying, cheating, and stealing all revolve around one similar principle: They destroy trust. When you lie, cheat, or steal, you erode the trust that others place in you. Your most personal relationships are put in jeopardy. Lying, cheating, and stealing hurt others, and ultimately, they hurt you. The last pillar of the Honor Code, reporting a student who violates the code, is perhaps the most important. But in practice, it may be the most difficult to abide by. A table cannot stand with 3 legs. Without that 4th leg, it topples. Likewise, the 4th pillar of the code guarantees the structural integrity necessary for its effectiveness. It provides a sense of accountability for wrongdoings, and without that 4th pillar, the Honor Code has no potency whatsoever. Because this institution values strong compliance with the Honor Code (for good reason), any person who violates any pillar of the code becomes an obstacle to the goals of this community and is subject to appropriate accountability. The Honor Code is not to be seen as a list of regulations; rather, it is a set of morals that upholds important values within our community. Furthermore, it gives the School a strong backbone that serves as the underlying foundation of this institution, and the wide acknowledgment of the Honor Code has made, and continues to make, this school a very special place. In essence, the code binds us together in many spheres of our lives. It is the reason why when you give someone your word, they take it as the truth. It is the reason why a teacher is able to leave a classroom during an assessment

and have full confidence that their students will not cheat. It is the reason why a backpack can be left in the library and be untouched 24 hours later. Hopefully, these values will stay integral in your life beyond your time at Episcopal. Not only do I want all of you to graduate from this institution, but I also want all of you to graduate with a strong moral compass that guides you everywhere you go. Temptations to break the Honor Code will be present everywhere in your life, but especially in the classroom. It is much better to take a low grade on an assessment than to cheat and ruin your academic integrity. It is much better to ask for an extension than to use tools that will give you an unfair advantage on an essay. This includes the use of AI technologies, which as clearly outlined in the Student Handbook, is forbidden unless you are given direct permission from a teacher. If ever you feel the urge to disregard the Honor Code, consider the impact it will have on not only yourself but on our community as a whole. To the returning students, I hope that this talk refreshed and strengthened your understanding of honor at Episcopal. To the new students, I hope that this talk served as an informative introduction to the Honor Code, and over your time here, you will begin to understand its importance. If you did not listen to a word I said, I hope that instead, you will take with you the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr: “ Education without morals is like a ship without a compass, merely wandering nowhere.” EHS THE MAGAZINE OF EPISCOPAL HIGH SCHOOL

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