Arts Students Tour • Fond Farewell • Supporting EHS
Episcopal High School was founded in 1983 as a four‑year coeducational day school within the Episcopal Diocese of Texas.
ACCREDITATION
Independent Schools Association of the Southwest
MEMBERSHIPS
National Association of Independent Schools
National Association of Episcopal Schools Council for the Advancement and Support of Education Educational Records Bureau College Board
National Association for College Admission Counseling Texas Association for College Admission Counseling Southwest Preparatory Conference
MISSION
Episcopal High School, founded and guided by the Diocese of Texas, is an inclusive and joyful Christian community where students discover and develop their individual talents through the Four Pillars – academics, arts, athletics, religion – preparing for meaningful lives in service to others.
ADMISSION
Episcopal High School admits students of all races, colors, and national/ethnic origins to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities accorded or made available to students at the School. The School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national/ethnic origin in the administration of its educational and admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, or athletic and other school‑administered programs.
ALUMNI
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The Swimming and Diving teams enjoyed a resurgence this season as the girls placed 4th and the boys 6th in the SPC 4A meet. This is the Knights' best finish in eight years!
FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
Dear EHS Family,
Two candidates for founding head of school were brought to Houston to tour the newly acquired, dilapidated facility that was to become Episcopal High School, recounts Nancy Eisenberg in the latest in our Pillars series on the School’s founding. One tiptoed around the campus, put off by the standing water in the buildings, the broken windows in the Chapel, and the generally rundown reality of the thing. The other, founding Head of School Jess Borg, proclaimed, “You won’t believe the performances we’ll have here!”
Dr. Borg was indeed on to something, and his exclamation stands the test of time with 85% of our Knights participating in the Arts Pillar each year. Several current students recently toured the new Crain Galloway Center for the Arts, and their reaction, pictured in this edition’s cover photo and related article (p.30), was very much the same. This new facility, worthy of the students and faculty who teach and learn within, is a long awaited upgrade to afford the Arts Pillar the space it deserves. Teachers like George Brock (p.18) and David Framel (p.34) along with alums like Chris Bailey ’04 (p.35) yearned for this facility for years, and now they have it!
It is a magicial formula, our expert faculty and our talented students working together each day to live the School’s Mission, a joyful and inclusive Christian community where students discover and develop their individual talents through the Four Pillars. The buildings may be different, but the life lived within is very much the same. Or, paraphrasing retiring teacher and former EHS student Katheryn Shaffer Ray ’89 in her fond farewell (p.20), the School has exploded in size, the buildings are new, and technology has advanced, but at its core, the School remains the same, still forming students in their faith and allowing them to grow, to serve, and to make the world a better place.
Not one of these blessings is possible without your involvement as parent, student, teacher, alum, or friend. We ask a lot of you, giving of your time, your talent, and your treasure. Thank you for giving all that we ask and more! And we commend to those of you considering estate planning the newly relaunched opportunity for planned giving, the Legacy Society (p.32).
Thank you for what you do to make the EHS magic possible. Thank you for believing in our Mission and in us. With deep appreciation for all that you do for our School,
Ned Smith Head of School
SENIOR OUTREACH
The Knights rang in the new year in true EHS style with the activity of Interim Term 2025. There were classroom activities, community time bonding, Senior Outreach volunteer sites, and trips both domestic and international, all allowing students the opportunity to learn outside of the classroom setting. We are proud of the student engagement and faculty and staff led participation!
MODELING STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Drew Nobel ’25
As a student, leader, and dedicated participant in the Religion Pillar, Drew Nobel has cultivated his journey at EHS in support of the School’s Mission: preparing for a meaningful life in service to others. Having moved to Houston just two days before the start of his freshman year, Drew found involvement in the Religion Pillar and community outreach to be stabilizing forces that harkened to his family values: “Service is important to my family, and that helped me find places at EHS where I could get plugged in.” Drew pursued service with a ferocity that propelled him through the Service Achievement Program in which he received a gold medal each year of participating. Sophomore year, Drew received the School’s Humanitarian Award, which honors a student engaged in a significant amount of service who also stewards the same service hearted spirit in the EHS community and beyond. Drew recalls being stunned at receiving this honor in his second year at EHS and notes, “It was shocking to receive this as a sophomore. When he presented the award, Dr. Avalos spoke about my leadership, hard work, and good character—I was honored to be recognized for these things.” Drew enters the last semester of his senior year with over 550 service hours accrued throughout his time at EHS.
While Drew is passionate about serving the greater Houston community, he is equally motivated to serve on campus through leadership in clubs, organizations, and Chapel involvement. Drew has held officer positions in many honor societies and clubs, citing his presidencies of both National Honor Society and Students of Service as the most impactful on his EHS journey. As diligently as Drew serves the greater Houston community, he serves the EHS community as an acolyte in our Daily Chapel services. Drew has served in this capacity since his junior year, and as a senior, he serves as Head Acolyte. Of this, Drew says: “Weekly, I walk down the aisle holding the cross and am proud to serve as Head Acolyte for my senior year. I am so thankful for the opportunity EHS has given me to acolyte as it has helped expand my faith.”
His impressive involvement in the community has not impeded Drew’s success as a student. He has taken a heavy load of Honors and AP classes since his freshman year, gravitating toward science and math courses. Drew has been part of the math and science honor societies since his sophomore year and has served in leadership positions with the English and Spanish honor societies, too. Science teacher Justin Hickey admires Drew’s “problem
solving tenacity,” noting that “when faced with a challenging physics problem, I can count on Drew to really try to work it out for himself first before asking for help. When he does ask a question, I can tell that he is approaching the problem with thoughtfulness.” As much as Drew shines as an individual thinker, Mr. Hickey takes care to note that Drew is also “a true collaborator as a lab partner, leading when he’s confident on what to do next, but also being willing to collect the data or set up the equipment or whatever else to keep the team moving forward.”
“I entered EHS anxious and unsure of what to expect. My time at EHS has been unforgettable, filled with growth, unity, and support. The Knight community is like none other, strengthened through its traditions, support, faculty, and opportunities.”
Drew has also been an integral part of the School’s Academic Team since its inception his freshman year. He says, “I took Academic Olympics during Interim Term my freshman year and did well on the number sense, so I joined the Academic Team when it had just a few students. Now, it’s grown triple the size. I’m so happy to be part of it and watch the team grow.” Academic Team sponsor Scotty Johnson recalls Drew’s dedication and optimism as a key to the team’s growth and success: “For the first year of Academic Team, Drew led the way on all our virtual contests doing as many events as he could. In the process, more and more kids would wander by, ask what was going on, and join us.” Mr. Johnson describes Drew as “quietly tenacious” and celebrates his current standing in the Best of Texas Academic Contest, ranked second* among all 4A Calculator students, and as an integral part of the EHS Calculator Team which holds first* place with “Drew leading the way.”
*EHS Calculator Team results as of print deadline.
– Tennessee Sipe, Communications Faculty Liaison
CAPTURING COMMUNITY THROUGH PHOTOGRAPHY AND SERVICE
Kennedy Greene ’25
Kennedy Greene has spent her time at EHS carving out ways to learn, lead, and establish lasting friendships in each of the Four Pillars. She stands out as a superb teammate, fiercely curious student, and ardent artist. In Kennedy’s wake is a legacy of kindness and willingness, made possible by her dedication to excellence and unwavering sense of self.
Much of what Kennedy has gravitated toward at EHS has been influenced by her family, joining Photojournalism on the heels of her older sister who served as a Yearbook editor in chief at EHS, and pursuing basketball with the encouragement of her parents. In each of these disciplines though, Kennedy has made her own way. Of basketball Kennedy says, “My dad encouraged my sibling and me to play team sports because you learn so much being on a team, including leadership. Basketball has taught me to be mentally and physically tough and to persevere. The high
pressure of Varsity makes basketball fun and competitive.” Coach Chelsea Bass recognizes the same mental and physical toughness in Kennedy, recalling that although Kennedy sprained her ankle in the first few minutes of the season’s Senior Night game, “Kennedy wasn’t concerned about the pain she was in, but rather, the thought that she wouldn’t be able to finish out the game with her teammates, specifically her fellow seniors. She didn’t want to let the team down. This same ankle continued to bother her for the remainder of the season, but she did everything in her power to fight through discomfort for the betterment of the team.” Of Kennedy’s leadership style, Coach Bass says, “Kennedy is a selfless young woman who will do anything to help those around her. She is not a boisterous or vocal leader, but she epitomizes leading by example.”
“...When talent meets effort, consistency, and confidence–you get Kennedy.” – College Counselor Ikechi Achilefu
Inspired by her older sister’s time in Yearbook, Kennedy joined Photojournalism, where she found a love for photography and a freedom of expression in the visual arts. She notes, “I love art because you can’t mess it up. Photography and the visual arts are a chance for me to materialize the things in my head. There’s a great sense of accomplishment and feeling free in doing that. I love that I get a chance to be free.” In a project particularly close to Kennedy’s heart, she created a series of triptychs, which explored memory and connection through photographs of various subjects with items important to them, accompanied by notes about the object, handwritten by her subjects. Kennedy says, “I photographed random items from a 1970’s Raggedy Ann doll to a vintage Chevy truck, and viewers gained an understanding of an experience that heavily impacted my subjects. My goal was to draw emotions from the viewer and bring attention to the human nature that we so easily forget in times of disagreement, doubt, and division.” This project reflects Kennedy’s idiosyncratic point of view and willingness to create outside of the box. Visual Arts Department Chair and photography teacher Japheth Storlie notes that Kennedy “is the first student to step out of her comfort zone to experiment with new techniques, materials, and equipment.” He also notes that Kennedy is quick to volunteer to capture special events, even basketball games she is actively playing in! Mr. Storlie adds, “Kennedy’s diligence and determination, in combination with a strong work ethic and self motivation, have allowed her to grow in class both as an artist and as a person.”
Kennedy’s consistent eagerness to be involved at EHS carried her beyond the basketball court and photography studio, all the way into the Chapel space where she has participated as an acolyte in Daily Chapel since her sophomore year. Kennedy says she feels proud to have strengthened her personal faith while stewarding
such an important part of EHS. “I have found so much beauty in how specific the Daily Chapel service is, like lighting the candles and the special cloths and the holiday services and bowing to the cross every time we walk past. As an acolyte, I notice details that I might miss if I weren’t a part of it.” Of Kennedy’s commitment to the Religion Pillar, The Reverend Art Callaham shares: “I always tell new acolytes that ‘half of acolyting is just showing up.’ What I don’t tell them is that the other half is knot tying, fire safety, climbing stairs in a long dress, carrying heavy objects, and making it look like being in the presence of God is the most normal thing that someone can do. In this way, Kennedy is the consummate acolyte. Kennedy’s self understanding is that she is always walking in the presence of God. So maintaining that posture while performing the various tasks of acolyting comes naturally to her.”
A key component of Kennedy’s steadfast participation in various areas of EHS campus culture is balance. College Counselor Ikechi Achilefu highlights the versatility with which Kennedy balances her many commitments across the Four Pillars: “What I admire most about Kennedy is that she refuses to be defined by a single interest. She is a brilliant writer, a dedicated teammate, and a passionate photographer. Time and time again, I watched her transition seamlessly from competing on the basketball court to grabbing her camera and capturing moments for School publications. When talent meets effort, consistency, and confidence—you get Kennedy.”
Above all else, Kennedy values building relationships that will endure beyond her journey at EHS: “I love EHS because of my friends. They’ve made EHS so fun and I look forward to being here just to see them. People are so outgoing and social, and we all find ways to connect. There feels like a space for everyone here.” When she began to pursue service through Students of Service (SOS) and the Service Achievement Program, the first thing she did was push her friends to join. “I often asked my friends to come with me when I went to the Beacon or the Guild Shop to volunteer like every weekend, and we’d have fun! It became a great way to spend time together.” In all she does, Kennedy finds ways to turn her passions into opportunities to create connections with peers, faculty, and the community at large.
As she looks forward to beginning her college journey at the University of Texas at Austin where she intends to study Public Relations, Kennedy reminisces about her time at EHS and the lessons, skills, and memories she will carry with her into the future: “Being a Knight means being your best self in everything you do and simultaneously encouraging others around you while they do the same. I’ve had so much personal growth during my four years and have come out of my Episcopal experience equipped to take on the many challenges life will throw at me. I will always remember the compassion and support I’ve received from EHS faculty and staff as well as the joy I’ve found through photography.” When asked to capture her time at EHS in three words, Kennedy cooly says, “Challenging, encouraging, and rewarding.”
– Tennessee Sipe, Communications Faculty Liaison
“My ordination was the most extraordinary day. Rather than feeling like the end of a journey, it has felt like the most incredible beginning. I was so honored to be both supported and presented by the EHS community.”
THE REV. TORI GILLILAND'S ORDINATION
EHS chaplain and religion teacher The Rev. Tori Gilliland was recently ordained at Holy Family Episcopal Church in Houston. The Rev. Gilliland joined EHS this school year, and we are thrilled to be part of her ordination to the Priesthood. EHS juniors Marisol Hess, Will Giesler, and Colin Tobola joined Dean of Religion The Rev. Art Callaham in presenting Tori to The Rt. Rev. Héctor F. Monterroso, the Bishop Assistant in the Diocese of Texas.
KNIGHTS STAND OUT | ATHLETICS
The EHS winter athletic teams enjoyed another exceptional SPC tournament as the Knights returned to Houston with some hardware. The Boys Soccer team enjoyed an outstanding three days of competition as the Knights outscored their three opponents 12 0 on their way to the third straight championship. The Knights defeated Houston Christian 7 0 in the opener, Kinkaid 2 0 in the semifinal, and Greenhill 3 0 in the final.
The Boys Basketball team made another trip to the SPC 4A final after a thrilling 58 55 win over Houston Christian in the semifinal. The Knights battled #1 overall seed Greenhill in the championship game but fell 79 65. The Girls Basketball team defeated St. John’s in the opening round before falling to a talented Greenhill team in the semifinals. The Knights rallied to defeat Houston Christian 61 49 to take home third place in the 4A division.
The Swimming and Diving teams enjoyed a resurgence this season as the girls placed 4th and the boys 6th in the SPC 4A meet.
This is the Knights' best finish in eight years!
The Wrestling team performed well throughout the championship tournament
and came away with 4th place. The Knights were in a heated race for second place late into the event but finished just behind St. John’s, Fort Worth Country Day School, and Kinkaid.
The Girls Soccer team finished third in a very competitive bracket. The Knights defeated Houston Christian 3 0 in the opener before losing 2 1 to eventual champion St. Stephen’s in the semifinal. The Knights rallied to defeat St. John’s 5 0 in the third place game.
At of the conclusion of the winter season, EHS is in the lead for all three SPC Athletic Director Cups. The Knights won all three in 2023 24, a feat that had not been accomplished before in the SPC.
Knights rolled into the spring season with a strong push toward the SPC tournaments held in early May. The softball team is eager to challenge for their eighth straight SPC title and twenty third in School history. The Girls Lacrosse team, fresh off their TGHSLL D II state title, is poised to make a run at an SPC championship. The Girls and Boys Track teams have been dominant in the early portion of their schedule as they have competed in the Texas Relays, the
Bluebonnet Invitational at Texas A&M, and the Victor Lopez Invitational at Rice. The Knights have broken several School records as they look to defend both the girls and boys SPC championships. The Girls and Boys Golf teams have been playing very well in local tournaments as they both are set to challenge for the top spot on the SPC leaderboard. The tennis teams are enjoying strong seasons as the girls team jumped out to a big win in their SPC opener over Duchesne. Both the Baseball and Boys Lacrosse teams have battled injuries in the early going but are getting healthy just in time for SPC play.
The final college commitment celebration was held on April 23 as we honored the members of the class of 2025 who will compete at the next level. In total, over 20 members of the senior class will continue their sport in college.
*Spring SPC results can be found on social media and the School website. Tournaments took place after print deadline.
Go Knights!
Jason
Grove, Director of Athletics
Matilda The Musical, George Brock's final EHS musical.
GEORGE BROCK
by Brad Telford, Ph.D. (Former Associate Director of Theatre)
Many years ago, a wise Episco mom I know was sitting in the back of the Underwood Theatre and—perhaps because she’d just spent the week before wrangling spring musical costumes or perhaps because now she was about to start wrangling Episco mom volunteers—she was in the mood to philosophize. “When I think of all that these students learn.” She spoke reverentially and her eyes were nearly glistening. “When I think of the leadership, collaboration, project management, communication, and other skills each kid develops during the course of the fall play or spring musical, it makes my own MBA training look…a little shabby.” She then scanned the theatre and locked in on a figure sitting with his back to us, on the aisle, in row 7, who was blocking what I now recall as a crucial and complicated scene (with horses and even a cow!).
“And that’s just a small part of what he’s teaching these kids…every single day.” And who was this skillful and very busy ‘ he’?
It was George Brock.
That he came to Episcopal High School in the fall of 2003. As so often occurs with artists, Brock was in between projects. His company, The Actors’ Theatre of Houston, was in a period of transition; he needed a new gig, and EHS needed a director and teacher, pronto. Brock’s original contract stipulated that he stage two shows and teach two classes each year. What it did not stipulate—but what was tacitly understood by all parties—was his being tasked with elevating the standards, practices, and profile of the EHS Theatre Program. It was a big and somewhat scary job. But everything in the arts seems terrifying at first. Brock just shrugged (my friend George is a county class shrugger) and got to work.
As can happen in good independent schools, with their institutional capacities to act nimbly, think creatively, and attract job candidates from all walks of life, Brock at first was an accidental teacher. But those who start teaching by accident often start changing lives very much on purpose. Word started to get out. Weeks and months turned into semesters and years; an excellent high school theatre program morphed into an extraordinary one, a program with national recognition, spiritual ambition, and cosmic
GEORGEBROCKcirca
reach, (just like George himself). There were now legendary shows like Into the Woods, Lucky Stiff, The Drowsy Chaperone, South Pacific, and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, to name but a few. There were multiple regional and national awards (and even more nominations) for Brock’s directing and design vision, for students’ acting, and for the all important ensemble work. There was far flung travel, touring shows and conducting workshops throughout Texas, the Deep South, Washington DC, New York, and London. There was the doubling of the season’s length and the addition of many new classes.
And, today, there are the careers. Broadway actors like Ben Estus ’09, Billy Cohen ’12, and Mia Gerachis ’13. Film theatre and television triple threats like Stephanie Styles ’10, Catherine Cohen ’09, and Jennifer Laporte ’13. Producers, writers, and content creators like Blair Baker ’07, Josh Tobin ’06, and Nick Murchison ’04. And the hundreds of alums who’ve gone into business, medicine, law, tech, or entrepreneurship. Perhaps they profited most of all. Liz Buzbee ’15 reflects that George’s holding students to the highest of standards coupled with his ability to provide both tough love and gentle support has informed both of her careers (as a social worker and a real estate agent). And Forrest Surles ’12, a Data Governance Analyst for STEM recruiters in Houston and London, sums up George’s influence when he says, “He always taught us that story is everything, that without story, you really couldn’t communicate at all.” Surles considers his fast paced, science driven professional life and concludes that “one crucial concept of story drives me to develop novel methods for translating complex data governance topics in a way that’s relatable for all my colleagues. It’s also—in all parts of my life—my daily call to creativity.”
So. George retires after 22 years of service, leaving us all with daily calls to create, doses of tough love and warm support, and a charge to know and create story in just about everything we do. And he leaves us—at the heart of it all—to ponder a core relationship that is the essence of our mission at EHS, one from his last (and maybe best) musical, this year’s Matilda. In that show, a student and a teacher face untellable obstacles, though incredibly funny and musically charming ones. To survive and surmount them, they must find each other, know each other, and learn each other’s story. Because together, they must make a new one, one full of joy, one very much in service to others.
Thank you, George, for your service in helping us make our stories so fresh and alive all these years. Bravo!
Fond farewell written
ELIZABETH PITTS
POP QUIZ
Science Teacher, Assistant 10th Grade Level Dean, and Interim Term Program Assistant
Completing her fourth year at EHS, science teacher, Assistant Grade Level Dean for the Class of 2027, and Interim Term team member Elizabeth Pitts enjoys helping her students build confidence in themselves, expand their curiosity about science, and work through the challenges of daily adolescent life. Born in Danbury, Connecticut, Elizabeth grew up in Brookfield, Connecticut until the third grade when she moved with her family to Cypress, Texas. Earning both a B.S. and an M.S. from Texas State University in cellular and molecular biology, she began to teach science as a short detour before heading to grad school for a Ph.D. But she fell in love with teaching and never looked back! At EHS Elizabeth teaches Biology 1 to freshmen and Biology 2 AP to juniors and seniors. In her spare time, she heads to the gym, reads, watches her son’s soccer games, spends time with her family, and travels.
What is your favorite family tradition?
By far my favorite family tradition is decorating the Christmas tree. I love reminiscing as we unpack the ornaments collected over the years—from vacations, gifts from friends and family, and the handmade ornaments from when my son was in preschool. (I even have some from my elementary school days.)
Did you have a mentor growing up who inspired you?
My grandfather is a huge inspiration for me. He was not only successful in his career but also a true family man. He was an expert with crossword puzzles, and we spent many a morning at the breakfast table working through them. It has become one of my favorite pastimes when I visit. Even in his absence, I keep the tradition alive, starting each morning with the newspaper, a cup of coffee, and a crossword puzzle at the breakfast table.
If you were not a teacher, what would you choose for a profession?
Originally, I wanted to be a research scientist! I was always an inquisitive child, constantly asking questions and pondering the world. In high school I fell in love with the sciences and never looked back. Initially, I planned to become a chemical engineer like my grandfather but found my way into molecular biology and ultimately my passion for teaching.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
At this point of my life, my proudest accomplishment is my son. To parent a child is the toughest and most rewarding job on the planet, so as he nears adulthood, I look at him, and myself, with a proud heart.
What do you most respect about your students? I love their cheery dispositions; on most days they arrive to class wearing a smile. Even when times are tough, their quick wit and ability to crack a joke are admirable.
In your time at EHS, what is a favorite moment?
There are so many, but since I love the holidays—the cold weather, the sense of togetherness, and the holiday cheer—my first Christmas Chapel before winter break. Singing Christmas songs and being visited by Santa and his elf created such joy! The students’ excitement was palpable!
What do you hope to accomplish as a dean?
I want to help the students explore their interests and find their passion—and guide them to reach for the stars!
What are the biggest challenges and rewards of being a dean?
One of the biggest challenges is supporting students through difficult times. It’s hard to see them struggle, but these experiences help them grow and develop the skills they need to be successful.
Borg proclaimed, “You won’t believe the performances we’ll have here!”
THE SEARCH
With the north tract in hand in early 1983 and an option to purchase the rest of the Duddleston property, it was now time to hire a headmaster. Steering Committee member and soon to be EHS trustee Bill Miller, who ran the Tanglewood Corporation, was appointed to head the Headmaster Search Committee; John Bonner, Betty Key, The Rev. Larry Hall, The Very Rev. Pittman McGehee, Elbert D. Stewart, Jr., and former Kinkaid Headmaster John Cooper were members; and the group met in Bill’s office. According to Betty Key’s calendar, still intact after all these years, the committee met first on January 25, 1983 and continued meeting twice a month until April when they met weekly. At the second meeting of the committee on January 31, 1983, it was announced that John Bonner would draft the School’s statement of purpose and that the School would hire Robert M. Sandoe and Associates as the consultant to the search.
It was during the spring of 1983 at the behest of the search consultant Joseph Milnor that the Mission Statement was written. Just as John Cooper had done, the consultant advised the Search Committee, some of whom were eager to hire a head and get the School started as quickly as possible, that they needed to create a mission and determine what the school would be before he could begin the search. Betty Key remembers that after lots of good discussion on the kind of school they envisioned, the committee wrote the Mission Statement, envisioning a school with “ the finest academic instruction within a Christian atmosphere and with the utmost care and concern for each student so that each could reach his or her potential to live the fullest kind of life.” Of note, the consultant warned the Steering Committee that as the School grew, they would find it exceedingly difficult if not impossible to adhere to the bell curve admission policy they envisioned. He
was wrong. Forty plus years later, EHS remains a school for a wide academic range of students.
Although the committee identified a number of candidates, most were put off by a school in Houston with no history, a great deal of debt, and a campus in need of repair. Eventually, Kinkaid Head Glenn Ballard recommended his friend, an Episcopal priest and fellow Nebraskan, the Reverend Warren R. “Jess” Borg, who had founded St. Andrew’s Episcopal School in Maryland several years earlier. “I wasn’t job hunting at all, and I was content to stay where I was,” said Borg to the Houston Chronicle. “But when I thought about it, I realized that the creation and development of schools was my best talent.”
In early 1983, the campus was far from a verdant haven by which to entice a headmaster. In fact, there was even a hermit who lived in the Convent, managing to elude capture by the Bellaire police. Known as the Fondra Firebug, he was setting fires all over west Houston–and rigging the elevator in the Convent so he’d know when anyone was in the building. When he began making obscene phone calls to the nuns who once lived in the Convent, the FBI got involved in the investigation, surrounded him, and finally arrested him.
Two candidates were brought to Houston, both toured by Larry Neuhaus in his capacity as head of site renovations. The first candidate tiptoed around the campus, put off by the standing water, plentiful rodents, and broken windows in the Chapel and the general dilapidation of the buildings and grounds. The second was Jess Borg, who walked confidently around the campus, undeterred by its sorry state. Unlike the previous candidate, he was not put off by the condition of the property, which was generally a heap of rubble. Touring the theater with Larry, including water in the orchestra pit and torn seats, Borg proclaimed, “You won’t believe the performances we’ll have here!”
Borg interviewed with the newly formed Board of Trustees at the Plaza Club at the top of One Shell Plaza at 7:00 p.m. on May 2, 1983. Pretty quickly, he rose to the top of the short list. He had experience founding a school, he spoke with authority, and he bought into the School’s opportunities and challenges—the whole deal.
Before they made a final decision, however, the Search Committee wanted to make a site visit to St. Andrew’s to ascertain how students and adults perceived Borg and to get a feel for the community he had built. Louisa Bonner, daughter of founding board chair John Bonner, remembers that her father and Bill Miller asked her, then a high school junior, to accompany them to St. Andrew’s during the spring of 1983. Despite the imperfection of memory, she says, the essence of her experience remains etched in her mind, and she is pretty certain that the trip was made under the guise of a prospective student looking at the school. She shadowed a student all day and then reported back to her father and Miller. Her takeaway from the day at St. Andrew’s was that the school possessed a strong sense of “community, belonging, and purpose” and that students held Borg in high regard. Once he was on board, she remembers his coming to dinner often in the years that followed and becoming a sort of mentor to her, particularly during her senior year college application angst.
Having grown up in a farming community, Jess Borg admitted to having been a “terrible student," but he hoped to create the kind of school he had never had himself, one where teachers help students overcome hurdles. Believing that private schools must contribute to society, he insisted that community service be integrated into the academic calendar. He wanted students to know that supporting something meant more than writing a check, and he also recognized that academics must be joined by the arts, athletics, and religion–the Four Pillars–as part of a holistic education. He told the Search Committee that he had one more school in him. Grounded and stubborn, he also had the necessary temperament for a founding headmaster.
At the board meeting of June 15, 1983, the Bishop announced the process to call a head: 1) The Search Committee would report; 2) The floor would be open for discussion; 3) A written ballot would be collected; 4) A “yes” vote of 75% would be needed to call a head. Jess Borg was approved by the board on June 15, 1983 and began his EHS headship in October.
EHS 1994 1995 Football team at the Lychee Festival in China. Photo provided by John Nicholson ’96
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
As you will read below, Dr. Borg was well-respected and even loved by the founding students. Firm but fair, approachable, visible, and present everywhere, he knew them all and encouraged them to work their hardest, get involved, and try new things as together, under his sturdy and committed leadership, they built a community.
JOHN NICHOLSON ’96
Dr. Jess Borg was a dynamic leader who made a lasting impact on the Episcopal High School community. Known for his deep love for the students, he was always present and engaged, whether in the classroom, in Chapel, on the athletic fields, or in the arts. His passion for shaping well rounded individuals was evident in his approach to leadership. Dr. Borg believed strongly in the power of the Four Pillars to transform lives, and he worked tirelessly to ensure that Episcopal High School maintained an environment where every student felt supported, challenged, and encouraged to grow.
A man of diverse interests, Dr. Borg was committed to academics and had a strong affinity for sports. His love for athletics was contagious, and he actively supported all the School's teams, ensuring that students had the resources they needed to succeed in and out of competition. Sports were a cornerstone of his leadership, fostering student teamwork, discipline, and resilience. I remember him always asking me how the game went. Did we win? How did you play? Are you staying out of trouble? Not long ago, I ran into Dick Phillips, head coach of the football team when we traveled to China. We shared many laughs about that trip! It's one that all of us players will never forget. Indeed, a memory of a lifetime.
SPERGON WYNN ’95
That trip was my first time traveling abroad and we had some great memories. I remember Dr. Borg having such enthusiasm for the opportunity to travel to China and play football representing America, Texas, and Episcopal High School. He was always a big supporter of all extracurricular activities that made us well rounded individuals, but I think he really enjoyed our competing on the field and taking that victory back home.
AMANDA WHITEHEAD JOHNSON ’87
As the founding headmaster of Episcopal High School, Dr. Borg was a remarkable and personable leader. He was deeply involved in daily school activities, making himself consistently visible and approachable to students, faculty, and staff. Dr. Borg genuinely valued his faculty and staff, striving to elevate EHS beyond expectations. As a student, I felt heard and valued under his leadership; he truly was a gift to the EHS community. His open door policy and eagerness to listen fostered a sense of belonging and respect among all members of the School.
BRIDGET BUTLER WADE ’87
Dr. Borg was a gem! A smile and a presence each and every day! He set the tone from the very beginning. Dr. Borg knew us all and he could see what each of us had to offer. I could always go to him for ideas, concerns, and counsel. An open door all the time. Dr. Borg was patient–kind and firm at the same time.
I remember the original formal uniform for girls–a high neck, stiff, button up the back blouse and a blue and white plaid A line skirt with a navy blazer.
All of the girls had issues with the formal uniform and the daily uniform skirts. Dr. Borg was open to having us help inform what still is the skirt the students wear today.
LINDSAY COHN HOLSTEAD ’88
Dr. Borg was a luminary and led EHS in an honest, fair, caring manner. We were all pioneers when EHS opened, and Dr. Borg did an excellent job of building a community among the entire student body and faculty. He was approachable to all and interested in every student. One of his greatest strengths was ensuring that EHS stayed true to the Four Pillars and the Mission statement. He was unwavering on this, and I believe it is the reason EHS is the School it is today.
A KNIGHT IN THE 80'S
Thank you for your generous support and for making A Knight in the 80's such a totally tubular time! The event raised funds for our students and programs across all Four Pillars with proceeds directed toward the current 2024 2025 school year.
Guests enjoyed a radical evening, with a delicious dinner and great music. Chairs Emily Adams, Greggory Fields Burk, and Leigh Anne Raymond set the vision for the night, bringing in new Live Auction items, incorporating a fabulous band, and recruiting an incredible team of volunteers. Thank you to all who supported A Knight in the 80’s and EHS. We are incredibly grateful!
CRAIN-GALLOWAY CENTER FOR THE ARTS
While the spring musical Matilda delighted audiences over three days of performances, the Masterworks Concert inspired concertgoers as the EHS Choirs, String Orchestra, and guest musicians performed selections by Mozart along with contemporary composers. Likewise, the Visual Arts Spring Exhibit left viewers in awe, showcasing an impressive collection of artwork.
Since our School’s founding, the arts have been at the core of a Four Pillar education, and it is with great anticipation that we await the opening of the new Crain Galloway Center for the Arts. With a new building dedicated to the visual and performing arts in the center of campus, we are eager for our students to experience all that brings the studio and stage to life.
We are thrilled to share an exciting update on the construction of the Crain Galloway Center for the Arts—and it’s all possible because of the immense generosity and support of our many donors.
After months of work laying the foundation and building the structural framework, the project has reached a major milestone— the dry in phase.
The exterior walls are now in place, and several efforts are underway to ensure the building is watertight. In the last few weeks, the exterior really started to take shape with the installation of windows, glass storefronts, and brickwork. Not only does this complete the look of the building, but it allows crews to move forward quickly with interior work. As the brickwork wraps up, sidewalks and landscaping will also begin to take form.
Inside, progress is moving along as well. Many interior walls are already in place, and crews are installing essential systems such as heating, air conditioning, electrical, and plumbing. Once the building is fully enclosed, drywall installation will begin, defining each space inside.
Through the summer and into fall, the Crain Galloway Center for the Arts will truly come to life with the addition of flooring, wall finishes, and ceilings. With so much happening in the coming months, the vision for this incredible arts space is quickly becoming a reality, and we look forward to opening the doors and filling the studios in early 2026.
Thank you for your generous support!
Go Knights,
Margaret Young Chief Development Officer
JOHN FLANAGAN’S LEGACY OF SUPPORT FOR EHS
For over 35 years, John Flanagan has been a cornerstone of the Episcopal High School faculty, shaping the next generation of leaders with his passion for education and commitment to the School’s Mission. His dedication to EHS extends beyond the classroom—through a generous legacy gift, he is ensuring that future students and faculty will continue to thrive for years to come.
John knew from the very beginning that Episcopal High School was the place for him. Having taught on level chemistry and Honors Physics nearly every year of his career, he has had the privilege of working with students of all interests and abilities, helping them build an incredible foundation for their future. “As a teacher, I have the opportunity to work with diverse learners, helping all students reach their full potential and supporting every student on his or her unique path—from discovering new interests to mastering the most demanding skills,” John shares. “That’s what makes this place special.”
“For me, my advisees are like a small family within the larger EHS community. I make it a point to show up for them—whether it’s a wrestling match, a dance concert, or a play. That’s what family does, and I love it.”
A cradle Episcopalian, John has deep family ties to the Episcopal community. His grandfather was the senior warden at Christ Church Cathedral and signed the papers for it to become the Cathedral in 1949. In 1989, John began singing with the choir at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, where he met Sukey Fenoglio, who recognized John’s passion for education and encouraged him to apply to EHS. Though there wasn’t an opening at the time, he persisted, and after completing his teaching credentials, he was offered a position.
“Sukey could describe what was the inspiration, the magic, and the Mission of EHS,” John says. “That Mission hasn’t changed. The core of who we are is still here. We’re still Four Pillars; we still get the athlete who is singing in the choir or acting on stage and also in my Honors Physics class.”
John’s involvement at EHS extends far beyond academics. He is deeply engaged in the School’s spiritual life, having sung in the choir, been a lector, given homilies, and served as a Lay Eucharistic Minister. Though he may not be an athlete, he is one of the School’s most dedicated cheerleaders, attending student events and celebrating student achievements.
“For me, my advisees are like a small family within the larger EHS community. I make it a point to show up for them—whether it’s a wrestling match, a dance concert, or a play. That’s what family does, and I love it.”
With a small immediate family, John considers EHS his true home. “This has been my family,” he says. “That’s why I think about EHS when making my estate plans. For me, giving back is a natural thing to do. My church is included in my estate plan, and EHS is, too. It’s part of who I am.”
John also values EHS’s commitment to diversity. From its founding, the School embraced students with a range of talents and abilities, ensuring a well rounded and supportive community.
DAVID FRAMEL HEXAGON
DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
English teacher, Student Publications Coordinator, and Head JV Football Coach David Framel was honored with the 2025 Hexagon Distinguished Achievement Award during the annual EHS Alumni Weekend. This accolade is bestowed upon individuals who embody EHS's deepest ideals, fostering the development of students in mind, body, and spirit and making a lasting impact on the School community.
Spanning 19 years, Four Pillars, numerous course offerings, and countless students, David’s career at EHS has been nothing short of exemplary. Over the years, David has had a hand in nearly every corner of the School. In addition to his current classes in Broadcast Journalism, English, Newspaper, and Yearbook, David is the head JV football coach, sponsors the Quill and Scroll International Honor Society for journalists, serves as the Student Publications Coordinator, oversees “The Guild” publication for the School’s website, sings in the Faculty Choir, and is a Freshman Advisor. Talk about a full commitment!
David’s dedication to EHS has been apparent since he first joined our community in 2006. He is a leader, not only with his words, but also in his daily interactions with his students. We thank David for his unwavering commitment to EHS, our students, and our families. His role as teacher, advisor, and coach serves as a reminder of his enduring impact on so many.
“This is a powerful time where we cover the campus with prayer and pray protection over our community.”
– Katy Murray, EHS Moms in Prayer
MOMS IN PRAYER
Moms in Prayer is an international organization formed in 1984 with groups of mothers in all 50 U.S. states and 150 countries. Its purpose is to provide the structure and opportunity for mothers to gather in prayer. EHS Moms have come together to pray for at least 20 years and—fun fact—met in the driveway of one of the group leaders when EHS was closed for Covid.
EHS Moms in Prayer meets for an hour most Friday mornings to pray for our students and our School. One of the leaders puts together a prayer guide to help lead participating moms through their prayer time.
EHS Moms in Prayer representative Katy Murray says, “Each week we focus on an attribute of God. For example, we might read verses reminding us that God is our strength, our comforter, our shepherd, our healer, our peace, that He is in control, that He goes before us, or that He provides. These verses provide comfort and encouragement to all of us. We also pray for a specific group of teachers by name and then pray for all activities on campus that week.”
The Moms take a walk around campus twice a year and pray for each of the Four Pillars. The EHS Communications staff was able to capture a recent walk.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Chairman
The Rt. Rev. C. Andrew Doyle
Executive Chair
Richard A. Howell ’01
Katie Barnes ’92, Stewart Black, Fowler Carter ’98, Edward B. Crain, Jr., Stacey Crenshaw, Morrow B. Evans ’94, Carl F. Giesler, Jr., Curtis Hartman, Steve W. Herod, Simmi Jaggi, George O. McDaniel III, Amy Melton, Joel Moore, Charlie Neuhaus ’95, Eloise (Fay) Novotny ’94, Charles H. Prioleau, Courtney (Lanier) Sarofim ’88, Ned Smith, The Rev. Dr. R. Leigh Spruill, James E. Taussig, Dr. Ramsi (Bethany) Taylor ’98, Patrick G. Trask, Duncan Underwood ’89, Mollie Phelan Wallace, James Whitehead ’94
Life Trustees
John F. Austin III, Edward C. Becker, The Rt. Rev. Maurice M. Benitez†, W. Craig Childers, Lacy Crain, The Rev. Laurens A. Hall, Victor A. Kormeier, Jr., Frederick R. McCord†, Laurence B. Neuhaus, The Rt. Rev. Claude E. Payne, Joel I. Shannon, Lynda Knapp Underwood, The Rt. Rev. Don A. Wimberly
Executive Committee
Edward B. Crain, Jr., The Rt. Rev. C. Andrew Doyle, Melinda B. Hildebrand, Richard A. Howell ’01, Joel Moore, Eloise (Fay) Novotny ’94, A. Haag Sherman, Ned Smith, Dr. Ramsi (Bethany) Taylor ’98, Duncan Underwood ’89, Lynda Knapp Underwood, Randa Duncan Williams † deceased
LEADERSHIP
Head of School
Ned Smith
Associate Head of School for Finance & Operations
Evelyn Cambria
Associate Head of School for Academics & Student Life
The Rev. Tyler Montgomery
Principal Dr. Antonio Avalos
Dean of Religion
The Rev. Art Callaham
Director of Athletics
Jason Grove
Director of Diversity, Community, and Inclusion
Wayne Jones
Director of Communications
Jessica Morales
Dean of Faculty Nguyet Xuan Pham
Dean of Arts
Paul Revaz
Chief Development Officer
Margaret Young
PILLARS MAGAZINE TEAM
Director of Communications
Jessica Morales
Senior Graphic Designer Diana Mumford
Photography Contributors
Webmaster Charles Holt
Website Content Developer Bob Matthews
Charles Holt, Diana Mumford, Photojournalism Student Ella Rothwell ’26, EHS Archives
