PILLARS - The Episcopal High School Spring 2017 Magazine

Interim Term • Innovator Knights • Alumni Weekend

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 is an institution of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas established for the purpose of providing a superior education in preparation for college and a significant life thereafter. Through a rich offering of academic, spiritual, artistic, and athletic programs, the School provides an opportunity for each student to reach his or her maximum spiritual, intellectual, social, and ethical potential. Operating as a Christian community within the beliefs and traditions of the Episcopal Church, EHS in its teaching philosophy emphasizes understanding and responding to the individual needs and capabilities of each student.

In an effort to reflect the community we serve, EHS strives to maintain a student body that is diverse in its social, economic, ethnic, and academic backgrounds.

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 Please share your news with the EHS Alumni Association. Send information to: Margaret Young myoung@ehshouston.org 713‑512‑3600

Kendall McCord '03 kmccord@ehshouston.org 713‑512‑3478

b facebook.com/groups/EHSHoustonAlumni x instagram.com/ehs_alumni j linkedin.com/grps/Episcopal‑High‑School‑Houston‑Alumni‑1029617 This publication is printed on FSC certified paper with soy‑based inks.

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Episcopal High School P. O. Box 271299 Houston, TX 77277‑1299

The Episcopal High School Magazine, Spring 2017

IN THIS ISSUE

From the Head of School 04 News at EHS 06 Bright Knights 10 Interim Term 14 Innovator Knights 22 Alumni Weekend 26 Pop Quiz 30 The Last Word 41

ON THE COVER

Students on the Everglades and Florida Keys Interim Term trip enjoyed learning about conservation and kayaking through the mangrove forests in Marathon, Florida. Photo by Emily Forrest.

SAVE THE DATE

Commencement 05‑21‑17 Alumni Leadership Day 11‑07‑17 Auction Gala 02‑23‑18

Richard Ledo '09 shares the impact of an EHS education on his life at the 2017 Auction. Photo by Chris Bailey Photography.

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FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL Dear EHS Family, While other schools push students to fit in, Episcopal High School challenges them to stand out, to stand out in service to others. We bring inspiring faculty together with talented and motivated students, but that is what most great schools do. What distinguishes EHS, as you'll see in the pages that follow, is the School's mission, and in particular its Four Pillars, which gives students the tools to discover their own significance, to discover who they are as well as who we want them to grow to be. And it is magical!

Consider the honors bestowed on our students, some of which are highlighted within. Read the profiles of Holden Markoff '17 and Madison Houston '17, EHS seniors whose experiences bear witness to that magic. "Students will find their passion at EHS!" concludes Holden. Or examine the alumni profiles and listen to those like Jordan Sterling '07, who concludes that "opportunities at EHS prepared me for the real world," to live a life of significance and through Alibi X to "build a better future." What better testament to the power of the EHS experience?

And no wonder our students stand out when they are taught by teachers like Michael Hunt who writes in his feature on page 41, that "mathematics is a window into the very mind of God, and I love teaching at Episcopal High School because every day I get to step to that window and invite young, developing minds to join me and take in that 'awesome view.'" It is indeed the combination of the talents of teachers like Michael, working with students like Jordan, Madison, and Holden, focusing on living lives of significance across our Four Pillars, that makes us great. It is why EHS stands out!

Schools are only as great as the people who inhabit them. It is our people who are at the core of who we are and what we do, and it is our people who make us great!

While Episcopal High School continues to improve its facilities at a rapid pace, it is the people who remain our focus. This summer we open the 66,000‑square‑foot Hildebrand Athletic Center while simultaneously launching the construction of a completely new 35,000‑square‑foot Underwood Student Center. All fundng for these enhancements, it should be noted, is pledged and fully paid for in advance with not one dollar of tuition or endowment, and all of it is for the benefit of those who live our mission every day today and for years to come—our people!

Have a wonderful summer, and Go Knights!

Ned Smith Head of School

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Head of School Ned Smith greets James Taussig '21 and his father at a welcome event for newly accepted families. Photo by Ashleigh Teel.

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NEWS AT EHS Little and Wilson Named Parade Magazine 2017 All‑America Football Team During their four years at Episcopal, seniors Walker Little and Marvin Wilson have landed almost every award and honor possible for high school football players. In addition to being named top national recruits and All‑SPC, and Army and Air Force teams, they also earned selection in Parade Magazine's All‑America Football Team.

In selecting the All‑America Team, Parade sports editors considered all‑state teams, state player‑of‑the‑year honors, statistics, and their own observations. On offense, the Parade looked for players who had outstanding senior seasons while also exhibiting Division I potential. When it came to defensive players, the sports editors looked for elite playmakers—top athletes who could change games.

Parade limits the team size to 56.

Stay tuned for more news about Little and Wilson as these 5‑star players head to their college teams. In February, Little signed with the Stanford University Cardinals and Wilson signed with the Florida State Seminoles.

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Two Students Recognized with Scholastic Writing Awards Since 1923, the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards have provided prestigious recognition for creative teenagers in both writing and art. Past recipients of the writing awards include Sylvia Plath, Steven King, and Truman Capote. Judging is based on originality, technical skill, and the emergence of a personal vision or voice.

This year, out of hundreds of entries, two Episcopal students received regional honorable mentions in the writing program: senior Olivier Goodrich and freshman Anna Moise.

Visual Arts Tallies 38 Scholastic Awards The Visual Arts Department shattered a school record as 24 EHS Art students walked away with 38 awards this year in the regional Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. This year, students were able to submit multiple entries, which resulted in an all‑time number of winners for the School.

Congratulations to our Gold Key winners: Weston Bering for Film and Animation; Sydney Bosarge, Isabella Littlejohn, and Sasha Vermeil for Photography; Rachel Koch and Emma Pulaski for Mixed Media; and Morgan Thompson and Kansas Watts for Drawing and Illustration.

Congratulations to the Silver Key award recipients: Sydney Bosarge, Jack Hernandez, Grace Leggett, and Tate Martin for Photography; Isabella Hornung and Blair Lovoi for Drawing and Illustration; Anna Moise and Leah Rodriguez for Mixed Media; and Morgan Thompson for Painting.

Morgan Thompson also took home three Silver Key awards for Drawing and Illustration, and Weston Bering recieved two awards in Film and Animation.

Congratulations to those students awarded Honorable Mention: Ivan Bastidas, Phoebe Crow, Lauren Foyt, and Sophia Wayne for Photography; Weston Bering and Harrison Williams for Film and Animation; Isabella Hornung and Weston Rembert for Drawing and Illustration; Isabella Hornung for Painting; Elliott Jones and Will Worthington for Mixed Media; Weston Rembert for Printmaking; and Joy Smith for Sculpture. Additionally, Madison Carter earned Honorable Mention on two entries in the Drawing and Illustration category.

News at EHS

Renowned Writer A Knight on the Orient Express Shares Best Practices Declared an Overwhelming Success for Poetry and Life On Friday, February 24, 2017, the EHS community "boarded the train" to celebrate The English Department welcomed world‑renowned poet and teacher E. Ethelbert Miller to campus in March.

Miller—a mentor of English teacher and alumna Hillary Houle '92—taught a writing workshop on poetry that was open to students enrolled in Creative Writing classes. Later, he met with students, faculty, and staff in the Trustees Room for a brown bag lunch and Q&A. Miller shared his thoughts on poetry, life, and culture.

He described poetry as a gift from one heart to another and urged students to build thoughtful relationships and communities, which will bring them rewards as they travel through life.

In the give‑and‑take with students during lunch, he was asked how he overcomes procrastination. He encouraged listeners to "be a closer."

Finish poems, finish projects, and even clean off your desk each evening to better prepare for the next day, he advised.

A self‑described "literary activist," Miller recalled how his professors at Howard University motivated him to pursue writing as a career. His success has brought him friendships with politicians, poets, and artists throughout the world, and he uses his influence to promote causes he believes in such as equal rights and prison reform.

Episcopal High School at A Knight on the Orient Express: A Grand Tour. Co‑chairs Catharine Faulconer, Kim Martin, and Kimberly Miller, along with countless volunteers and generous donors, raised an astounding $1.5 million for the School's operating budget.

During the Paddles Up portion of the Live Auction, EHS alumnae Richard Ledo '09 discussed the impact EHS and the financial aid program had on his life. "EHS not only provided me the ultimate high school experience, but also opened doors that I never thought possible," said Ledo. "The contributions that helped shape not only my life, but my family's, will always be present. It is my hope to be sitting in your shoes one day and giving back to the school, so that someone else that has the brains, the talent, and the skills can be a part of our family." Richard's heartfelt testimony combined with the generous EHS community raised $300,000 for the financial aid program at Episcopal.

Decorations Chairs Allyson Connelly and Gretchen Hilyard transformed River Oaks Country Club into an elegant journey with conductors at the entrance, a train car experience through the foyer, and a scrolling list of stops as you entered the patio. Guests enjoyed a delicious meal, an outstanding Live Auction and finished the evening with gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and pommes frites in the Knight Cap Bar Car, all while supporting EHS. Since the train has left the station, the Auction Office is gearing up for Auction 2018 California Dreaming: A Knight on the Golden Coast. Co‑chairs Tammy Barringer and Molly Shaffer promise a posh retro road trip through California that you do not want to miss!

For the latest "California Dreaming" news and updates, check the School's website and weekly Windows eNewsletter.

If you would like to get involved, contact Debbie Kelley at dkelley@ehshouston.org or Kendall McCord '03 at kmccord@ehshouston.org.

Miller taught for four decades at Howard University, and has been a guest lecturer at American University, Bennington College, George Mason University, among others. He is the author of nine books, two memoirs, and three poetry anthologies.

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NEWS AT EHS Episcopal Faculty and Coaches Stand Out The word is out about the talent and dedication of Episcopal High School faculty and coaches, with many recently receiving accolades from their peers, career organizations, and alma maters.

Head football and wrestling coach Steve Leisz was recognized as a finalist for the Touchdown Club's private school coach of the year and was selected to be one of six coaches from the western United States to coach the West Squad in the Army All‑American Football game. In addition, Leisz marked 400 wins as a wrestling coach, and his football coaching staff and players were honored for good sportsmanship by the Texas Association of Sports Officials.

Performing Arts Chair Garmon Ashby, who directs music for Chapel and the spring musical, as well as conducts the chorale and Midnight Blues, was named as one of six new fellows in the world by The Royal School of Church Music.

Creative Writing instructor Hillary Houle '92 had her poem "I Still See You" published in the Fall/Winter 2016 edition of Poet Lore, America's oldest poetry journal.

Dan Binder, religion teacher and faculty sponsor for the Class of 2017, was recently featured in the Yale Divinity School Alumni Magazine.

Studio Arts instructor Sharon Willcutts was one of 69 teachers throughout the U.S. to have her work showcased at the National Art Education Association Studio and Gallery in Alexandria, Virginia, this spring.

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EHS Community Learns How to Stretch Empathy Muscles Dr. Michele Borba, a nationally recognized motivational speaker and author who has appeared on the Today Show and other national news outlets, visited the campus this spring to bring a focus on empathy. Her presentation interwove anecdotes and strategies to demonstrate ways to activate empathy in everyday situations at school or work. "More than intellectual ability and test scores, empathy is a quality that students and adults need to succeed in school, the workplace, and relationships," she told the crowd.

Dr. Borba explained that empathy must be practiced each day in big and small ways. She suggested that parents model empathetic behavior and make it a part of regular family discussions, using current events and school situations as springboards for conversations.

Dr. Borba's mission is to help schools create caring and resilient students as well as compassionate and safe cultures. The audience in Underwood Theatre included students, faculty and staff, and parents, who joined Dr. Borba for a dessert reception and booksigning of her new book, "UnSelfie."

EHSPreparesSeniors for the Next Step EHS helped students prepare for the academic and social aspects of college in two sessions called "Preparing for College Life." On March 29, girls and boys split up to learn about sexual assault, consent, responsibility, and how to stand up and speak out to protect friends from danger as they navigate the college social scene. On April 5, seniors attended small group sessions, selected from a variety of topics such as Time Management, Sororities and Fraternities, and Summer Jobs and Research Opportunities.

Speakers included EHS faculty and staff and guests from Rice University and University of Houston.

Senior Nicole Shanks praised the program, saying, "The sessions helped me nail down what I wanted to major in—communications—as well as provided me with tips on safety and social issues."

Tips from speakers included: take your syllabi and enter all project and test dates on a calendar; attend office hours to build strong relationships with professors; have the "money talk" with parents before college to establish clear expectations; and have a self‑help plan in place ahead of time to alleviate stress during finals and personal struggles.

"The transition from high school to college is fraught with exciting opportunities as well as the kinds of experiences that challenge our children to learn what kinds of risks are healthy and what kind of adults they want to be," says workshop organizer Rev. Beth Holden. "The sessions were designed to help our students with both the tangible issues like money management and the untangibles, such as navigating high‑risk social situations."

News at EHS

2017 Texas VASE New Underwood Student Center Competition Shines Opens Doors in Fall 2018 Light on EHS Artists The planning, design, and construction of Episcopal High School's new two‑story, In February, 22 Visual Arts students participated in the 2017 regional Texas Art Education Association Visual Arts (VASE) competition. This year more than 3,000 students competed in the event, representing more than 500 area high schools.

During the event, students meet one‑on‑one with a judge to defend the merits of their artwork. Each student is allowed to submit up to two pieces.

In March, the EHS Visual Arts Department announced that in the regional competition, 16 out of the 22 students participating received the highest possible score of 4.

Four artworks, created by senior Morgan Thompson, freshman Vivika Rodriguez, and two works by freshman Anna Moise, advanced to the state level competition in late April.

35,000‑square‑foot student center is beginning to take shape at the heart of campus. The center, which is scheduled to open by the Fall 2018 semester, will offer new dining options, innovative learning spaces, an art gallery, and the expansion of performing arts areas in a revolutionary approach to high school education unlike anything seen in the state of Texas.

With student education and a positive school culture at the forefront of the Board of Trustees and the Construction Committee's purpose and direction, Director of Advancement Mrs. Peggy Haney points out that "the focus is on students and putting them into the center of every decision that we make." "The new student center will be the heartbeat of campus, where our mission will be felt, lived, and breathed daily," she adds.

The student center will expand on the footprint of the Underwood Student Center and C‑wing classrooms, and ground‑breaking will begin this summer. The first floor of the center will feature interior seating for up to 500 people, an art gallery for students and visiting artists to display their work, a coffee bar, improved backstage space for the theater program, including three dressing rooms. A platform in the cafeteria for either conducting casual meetings or student events like Coffee House is a functional bonus. The second floor of the center will have two innovation spaces, which can be used for science labs and co‑curricular projects that require more space, such as 3D printing or a solar car build, a reception area, and offices.

In its entirety, the center will provide centralized access and increased interaction among faculty and students.

In his capacity as Director of Facilities, Mr. Robert Buckelew says, "The excitement over this revitalized space is palpable. It will create indoor and outdoor areas for student interaction while offering beautiful curb appeal from Fournace Place, with the Trotter Academic Building and Hildebrand Athletic Center serving as bookends for the new student center."

For more information about the Lead the Way campaign, please contact Peggy Haney, Director of Advancement at phaney@ehshouston.org.

—Sydney Hutchins '19 This excerpt is from an article in the February 2017 edition of the school newspaper, "The Knight Times."

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Bright Knights

HOLDEN MARKOFF '17

A Champion for EHS

Senior Holden Markoff appreciates his years at Episcopal for the rigorous academics and caring teachers, but mostly he values how he learned to make genuine connections. "Without a doubt, I have learned how to connect," he says. "Everyone arrives at EHS as a 9th grader from various middle schools and Houston neighborhoods, and through the cycle of campus events and programs we are encouraged to get to know each other and make new friends," he explains.

"There is so much going on all year," he continues, "including dozens of student clubs. Clubs introduce us to different interests and teach us how to interact with students from different walks of life. I dove into a variety of clubs and activities: student government, broadcast news, pep rally planning, the Latin Club, lacrosse, and an independent study course on talent management for athletes and entertainers." That independent study course led to an internship with a sports agent during the Super Bowl where he served as a right‑hand man, including shuttling the agent's clients to and from the airport. The experience also solidified his choice of major in college. Markoff will attend St. John's University in New York City at the Tobin College of Business, pursuing a B.S. in management.

Strong relationships with EHS teachers have boosted his confidence and propelled him to take risks. When Student Council was planning a student‑run pep rally, faculty sponsor Ms. Courtney Goldberg suggested that Markoff emcee. "I was anxious about it at first," he admits, "but I ended up loving the role. And this year, we organized the School's first spring pep rally. Our goal for the event was to show the love to all the athletes and teams, from football in October to softball in April."

Coming to EHS from a large public middle school, what has impressed Markoff most, and what he witnesses at pep rallies, is the genuine love that his classmates have for each other. "There is so much cross‑support among the students. Athletes attend the spring musical, dancers attend sports games, artists attend chorale performances," he explains.

He was also surprised how a teacher would become a mentor. "Mr. Dan Binder has been such a role model for me. His Ethics class was my favorite class in high school," Markoff says. "The way Mr. Binder acts on a daily basis—the way he teaches in the classroom and leads his personal life—shows me how to be a good person. No question—he is there for me."

If Markoff could counsel the underclassmen, he would tell them that high school speeds by quickly and he would encourage them to take advantage of all the opportunities at EHS. "As a freshman, I was interested mostly in lacrosse. Then I joined student council and learned leadership skills and how to entertain and engage a crowd."

And while he enjoys the limelight, Markoff discovered that his true passion is to work behind the scenes, helping others pursue their dreams. "My ambition is to advise and support athletes and entertainers so that they succeed in their professions and accomplish great things."

One thing he knows for sure, "Students will find their passion at EHS!" —Claire C. Fletcher

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Bright Knights

MADISON HOUSTON '17

Achieving Excellence Through Effort

Senior Madison Houston could not imagine attending any other school than Episcopal High School. She appreciates how invested the teachers are in the students beyond the classroom and how every student on campus is engaged in some kind of extracurricular activity. "The School really fosters a safe environment to try new things," Houston believes. She also feels her basketball teammates and fellow dance members have made it easier for her to make connections and genuine friendships on campus.

Houston has always been a fast learner, but excellence requires work. She puts in hours of studying and training to improve her skills in academics as well as on the basketball court. Her earliest memory in achievement in basketball is winning the AAU National Championship in her eighth grade year. Her team was down in the closing four minutes of the game, and she found a way to ignite a shift in momentum for her team to overtake the opponent. "Looking back, that was the first time I realized my efforts and hard work can be pivotal to the success of any group I join," she says.

Houston is proud to report that she got into Stanford, which has been a lifelong dream. She didn't tell many people how long she had been wanting to attend the university because she was too afraid to sound overconfident in herself or experience the sad looks of friends if she didn't get in. Houston received the letter on a Friday night but waited until Saturday to open it because she wanted her mother with her. At first, she didn't get much further than the opening sentence. "All I needed to see was the word 'congratulations, '" she explains. Of course, the reading of that life‑changing sentence was followed by celebratory praying, crying, and running through the house in excitement. She hopes to major in biomedical engineering at Stanford and then attend medical school.

A poem that used to hang on the wall of her very first bedroom called Education First by Carlton Hardy exemplifies her priorities and how she's lived her life: There's pleasure in the game of sports and you can love it all...

There's something about the challenges and the rising when you fall.

The one thing we know for sure is education keeps you standing tall... sports is a game that can lead to fame, but education beats it all.

"I love the poem because it is a constant reminder to prioritize education," sums up Houston.

—Emma Lyders

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INTERIM TERM AT EHS: WHY, HOW, AND WOW! Interim Term, a two-week period at the start of the spring semester each year, gives students the opportunity to broaden their high school learning experience through courses not offered in the standard curriculum. Diverse topics range from fashion to film, and food chemistry to funeral rituals. Four travel experiences were also available this year, featuring trips to China, the Everglades, Disney Land, and the Texas Hill Country, where students step off campus and learn from the wider world.

In this article, illustrated by ETV filmmaker Gwyneth Bryan '17, teachers explain why they are passionate about their Interim Term topics, and students share their favorite takeaways. Read on!

THE FLORIDA EVERGLADES Science and Snorkeling in The Sunshine Sate Why The goal of this trip was to provide students with opportunities to observe and learn about marine biology and environmental science, through hands‑on, field‑based experiences. We wanted students to understand the importance of ecosystem conservation, the ecological and economic services provided by marine habitats (especially wetlands), and the interactions that exist within and among marine organisms.

How The class explored various topics from marine biology, environmental science, and environmental ethics. They snorkeled in three different aquatic environments: an aquifer, a river, and an estuary. Students swam with manatees and

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dolphins and participated in manatee, dolphin, and sea turtle conservation, protection, and education. They observed the Florida Everglades up close (in an airboat ride and on a Shark Valley tram tour) to witness this very fragile and essential ecosystem and learn the importance of protecting these wetlands.

Highlights of the trip included a visit to the Marathon, Florida Sea Turtle Hospital, swimming with the manatees in one of the only places in the world where that is possible, drift snorkeling the Rainbow River, and kayaking through mangrove tunnels in 30 mile per hour winds!

—Erin Russe, Department of Science

Wow I had a blast in Florida. I loved that I got to learn so much about the environment as well as marine and land animals.

My favorite part was swimming in the various bodies of water, including the Rainbow River and the ocean in Key West. I enjoyed seeing the marine life and learning about all the different species. We swam with manatees and observed sea turtles and learned that they are endangered due to the damage boats and pollution cause. While in the Everglades,

we learned about various types of birds, sea grass, crocodilians, and ecosystems.

The chaperones, Mr. Derek Sanders and Mrs. Erin Russe, were great leaders who energized our interest in marine biology.

—Mylana Byrd '18

SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP Business is Dog Help Dog

Why The professional landscape our students will be graduating into will not be the same as the one their parents entered.

Since the start of TOMS Shoes with their famous "One for One" business model, social enterprise has exploded onto the scene, radically redefining the possibilities for what businesses can be and do. Since TOMS, there have been a growing number of businesses specifically designed to do good in the world.

How Through my experience as the co‑owner of A 2nd Cup, a coffee shop that donates profits to help eradicate human trafficking, I could share my experience in starting a social enterprise and landing with success. The students studied the history of social entrepreneurship and the different models followed by these new hybrids of business and charity. We heard from local social entrepreneurs including my wife and partner, Erica Raggett of A 2nd Cup, and Jeff Kaplan of New Living, who are doing business in new and creative ways.

create spreadsheets, pitch ideas to my classmates, and make business decisions as a collective group. I even created a logo design for my own business, The Black Rose Boutique.

My vision for the Black Rose Boutique was to create a place where homeless people can purchase nice, inexpensive clothes to wear to job interviews to restart their lives.

Mr. Mark Raggett really opened my eyes to the exciting world of social entrepreneurship, where the end goal is helping other people, while not expecting anything in return.

—Armani Cavitt '20

Participants learned how to create spreadsheets for budgets, analyzed market share, and discussed the importance of logo design. At the end of the course, they had completed a basic business plan for their own social enterprise.

—Mark Raggett, Department of Mathematics Wow Although Social Entrepreneurship was not one of my top choices when applying for Interim Term courses, I am extremely happy that I was placed in this class. As I completed the lessons and activities, I learned many valuable skills that I can use going forward such as how to

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The Episcopal High School Theatre Department Takes a

TOUR OF TEXAS Why When I first started teaching 14 years ago, I would pontificate at lunch that the last thing I wished to do was travel anywhere with children. When I think back on that sad, misguided young teacher, I just want to shake him. Taking students out of the school building and immersing them in the real world to complete an experiential learning project—in this case, mounting a production in a strange space in front of a strange audience—has been one of the most fulfilling teaching experiences of my career to date. I have experienced no greater satisfaction than watching the students overcome the obstacles that the not‑quite theatrical spaces presented them at Christ Episcopal and Country Day, or seeing the look of profound understanding on their faces as they listened to a fellow student share her life experiences after watching Selma in the historic Carver Theatre on last year's Birmingham trip. I intend to continue these tours and look for more and better ways of providing these types of experiences for our performers. We live in an amazing world and should make that world our classroom.

How EHS Onstage took our production of "The Women of Lockerbie" on the road. This is the second time we have taken a production out of the friendly confines of the Underwood Theatre and into the wider world. We first visited Washington on the Brazos (the birthplace of Texas) and performed at Unity Theatre Brenham. Then we continued to Fort Worth where we toured the Sixth Floor Museum at the School Book Depository and performed at Ft. Worth Country Day School. In both instances, it was fascinating to watch how each student approached taking in the information while experiencing the psycho‑emotional energy of being present in these places of enormous historical importance.

—George Brock, Department of Performing Arts Wow A traveling show provides the whole company with a different set of challenges than the ones we would face on our own stage. You are dealing with a foreign audience and a foreign stage that your set might not fit on. Taking a show on the road was an incredibly rewarding experience, not only as an actor, but as a Texan. I was able to learn a part of Texas history that I had never been exposed to before. Not only that, but I was able to learn about it on the grounds where those events actually took place. The high point of the trip was our performance at Fort Worth Country Day. The cast put on an amazing show, so much so that the theatre director of the school left the room crying when it was over. Overall it was a truly amazing experience.

—Morgan Cuenod '17

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Exploring Food Science

THERE'S CHEMISTRY IN THE KITCHEN Why Food Science is the study of producing, processing, preparing, evaluating, and using food. The field crosses many branches of science including biology, botany, physiology, zoology, chemistry and bacteriology. Students studied a variety of topics that included nutrition, metabolism, energy transfer in living organisms, homeostasis, food additives, food safety, and food preparation.

How The class made their own pH indicator and tested different household products (juices, shampoo, vinegar). The students also tested different foods for the presence of protein, lipids, and carbohydrates. They demonstrated how different prokaryotes are used to prepare different types of food by making root beer, pickles, and cheese. To study how food production occurs on a large scale, EHS's own food services director, Ms. Borges‑Pasini, came to class and discussed the management of the EHS breakfast, break, and lunch. She told us about ordering and prepping of food on a large scale and how she troubleshoots the various aspects of running a large food service enterprise on a budget and with a limited number of dedicated workers.

—Cade Slepitza, Department of Science Wow I love food! My parents still tease me about the fact that, as a small child, I dreamed of candy and cake. I have always liked to eat, no matter the type of food. When choosing my Interim Term electives, the Food Science Interim Term class jumped out at me; not only would it teach me about the process of making food behind the scenes, but it would also educate me about what I am eating. In this class, I learned about all the effort and work that goes into the industrialized processing of America's food. This included watching the documentary "Food, Inc.," which is a true eye‑opener to many of the not‑so‑good processes that are in practice in order to feed the public.

In this class, I had the opportunity to make root beer (my favorite drink) as well as goat cheese—something I had never dreamed of doing before! I had a lot of fun learning how to create and prepare different foods. Food Science also included a private tour of Kegg's Candy Factory, where we had the opportunity to watch multiple types of chocolate being made and flavored. I had never seen the creation of candy up close—a true fulfillment of my childhood dreams!

Food Science not only offered a window of extensive knowledge into both food and nutrition—it changed the way I eat.

—Noah Dahlberg '18

Myparentsteasemeaboutthefactthat, as a child, I dreamed of candy and cake.

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Introduction to

COMPUTER LANGUAGES AND MOBILE PHONE APPS Why Interim Term is a unique opportunity for both faculty and students to explore, imagine, and broaden the educational experience in a personal and fun classroom environment.

There have been various courses offered during Interim Term that involve technology such as mobile phone application development, 3D printing, and grade‑level learning for 9th graders. Each year, I survey students to understand where their technology interests reside. This year the result was an Interim Term course intended to be a light, student‑friendly introduction to Computer Science designed to change the perspective students have when consuming everyday technology and, deliberately, to encourage students to consider enrolling in one of the Computer Science courses offered here at EHS. How Over two weeks, the Introduction to Programming Languages course curriculum allowed students to build a simple game, solve some fun problems, laugh every day, understand the demand and

opportunities for computer programmers—especially for women—in today's world, and to overcome some of the common fears, misconceptions, and stereotypes associated with computer languages and programmers. The course was purposely structured to allow all students, not just the math or computer whiz kids, to practice problem solving, experience successes, and demonstrate the importance and relevance of applied mathematics in our lives. Students had an opportunity to build a computer game, discuss how their own personal career aspirations depend on computer processing, and play computer games developed by other EHS students during one of the regular term computer science courses.

—Alan Duncan, Department of Mathematics and Computational Sciences Wow Among my favorite activities in the class was programming my BrickBreaker Game using Scratch. Mr. Duncan made the language easy to understand, and I was able to make a fun game to show my family and friends. Other highlights included learning about the basic way that these apps work. I was amazed at how the programming all comes together to form the technology.

This course gave me a basic understanding of computer science.

Over the course of the next few years at Episcopal, I would like to pursue computer science. I was surprised by how complex programming isn't. Entering the class, I thought that programming apps was super complicated, but I was amazed at how easy it is once you get the hang of it.

—Liam Griffin '20

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MAN UP!

The Psychology and Culture of Being a Man in Modern Society Why We see our boys growing up in a confusing world, and it's a part of our EHS mission not only to help them become good scholars, good athletes, good artists, etc.—but also to become good men. Through discussions, readings, and films (with some practical 'manly skills' along the way!), we spent two weeks learning and growing.

How In this class, we explored ideas about manhood and masculinity, including chivalry, dating, gender roles, feminism, and, most importantly, traditional understandings about virtue and how they apply to men in our modern society.

I think the best moments of the course were the spaces in which the boys and I could talk about real issues, like dating or family struggles, while focused on things like tying neckties and shining our boots. It was rewarding to be able to break through the outward and everyday activities of manliness and reach a deeper level of mature and meaningful masculinity. I hope my students took away from the course a deeper and richer understanding of what it means to be a man today— and what it means to be human, regardless of sex or gender.

Wow This class adds to the curriculum at EHS by teaching young men how to do proper manly things. We discussed the typical stereotypes surrounding masculinity and also learned practical lessons to implement in our daily lives. My favorite lessons were tying neckties and polishing shoes. We learned how to tie a variety of knots like the Windsor Knot, Bow Knot, and the Pratt Knot. I was surprised that most of my classmates didn't know how to tie a tie either. We also learned how to polish our dress shoes, which is not quite as important now that most young people wear tennis shoes almost every day!

We also had in-depth discussions about the three key responsibilities of a man, which still hold true to this day. They are the three P's: protect, provide, and procreate. Though traditional, most men who are great leaders show these three characteristics in their everyday life.

—Obe Lewis '20

—Dan Binder, Department of Religion

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MOMENTS

There was lots of blue on the greens at the 24th Annual Dads Club Golf Tournament, and even a couple of birdie putts! Photo by Mauro Gomez.

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INNOVATOR KNIGHTS

From tech start‑ups to better car seat buckles, EHS alumni exhibit creativity and leadership

JORDAN STERLING '07 Fail Faster

Jordan Sterling has two words for millennials who want to succeed as tech entrepreneurs: Fail faster. "Entrepreneurs sometimes stick with a bad idea too long," explains Sterling.

"They fall in love with the idea, and try to force it to work. If a company isn't thriving, move on. Learn from mistakes that were made, whether they involved personnel, financing, or timing." Entrepreneurs, especially those focused on tech, must adapt quickly to achieve success, he adds.

As a founder and former vice president of sales for Austin‑based Datafiniti, Sterling helps businesses mine intelligent data. They scour for data online, tracking metrics such as prices, inventories, and consumer reviews. The results help a client such as Nickelodeon find out what consumers pay for a "Sponge Bob Square Pants" game in different regions of the U.S., filter product reviews, and determine strategies for marketing and inventory.

In addition to advising Datafiniti, Sterling is now working at YouEarnedIt, a venture start‑up that partners with companies to provide a rewards and recognition platform that dramatically improves employee experience. He is also the founder of Alibi X, an online blog and branding platform that explores the black experience in America. "Our goal is to share stories, educate, and build a better future for our culture," explains Sterling. Alibi X also connects minority business owners with technological professionals and digital marketers to help grow their digital reach.

Viewers of "Shark Tank" know that entrepreneurs frequently get their starts as problem‑solvers, identifying a problem and creating a product or application to address it. Sterling honed his problem‑solving skills in college. After graduating from Episcopal High School in '07, he attended Kansas State University where he created a learning platform called MyRiBit. "I noticed that sororities and fraternities acquired academic advantages because they shared class notes and

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study guides, and I decided to open the knowledge to everyone on campus by establishing a digital community for test prep and notes." The learning platform was popular and profitable, earning advertising revenue from local restaurants and businesses frequented by KSU students.

After completing a degree in business management and entrepreneurship, he returned to Texas to be near his family in Houston and join the growing tech ecosystem in Austin, which includes EHS alumni such as David Ikechi Nwabuisi '08 and Adam Zeplain '06.

Though he works in technology, he feels that people don't have to be "geeks" to achieve in the field. "What's more important for start‑ups is an employee's cultural fit and the willingness to learn new things," he says. "When I interview potential employees, I look for resilience, tenacity, and well‑roundedness."

Sterling says his own balance was nurtured at EHS, where he and his classmates were encouraged to be creative and find passions by exploring a variety of activities and interests.

"I took a photography elective as a junior, and that was fun, but I never expected that nine years later my hobby would be photography and that I'd write online reviews for camera products and post photos on my blog. Opportunities at EHS prepared me for the real world."

—Claire C. Fletcher

HUGH ZABRISKIE '12

Keys to Keyboard

When Hugh Zabriskie started at Harvard University in the fall of 2012, he planned to study music, as a pianist as well as a composer. Zabriskie excelled at music during high school, and it seemed the natural path to pursue, along with his interest in politics and international relations.

Returning home for summer break after his freshman year at Harvard, he took an introductory computer science class at the University of Houston. "At that point, everything changed," he recalls. He was fascinated by the study of software and computational theory, and he was intrigued by the potential to apply algorithms to his work in music. As a result, he decided to undertake a joint thesis in music and computer science at Harvard, in which he applied machine learning to the task of "learning" and then writing Bach chorales.

Like a concerto or a waltz, Zabriskie thinks code— instructions for a computer written by a programmer—can be masterful. "Writing code is an art in itself. There are many ways to write the same logic in code, but some ways are much more efficient, readable, and maintainable. Like an artist, an engineer works on expressing complicated problems as simple, elegant solutions."

During his junior year at Harvard, he applied for summer internships, and after several interviews and what he terms "mixed success," he eventually landed an internship with Microsoft. They offered him a job after he graduated, and he relocated from Cambridge to Redmond, Washington.

He works as a software engineer for Microsoft Azure, a cloud computing service created by Microsoft for building,

deploying, and managing applications and services through a global network of Microsoft‑managed data centers.

Zabriskie still keeps his hand in music, and volunteers his time composing orchestrations for the Harvard Hasty Pudding Theatricals. He enjoys the Seattle Symphony and would like to do get more involved with local arts groups in the future.

While he admits he wasn't too "sporty" at Episcopal, today he bikes each day and is training for a triathlon. "There is a culture of being outdoors that I really enjoy about Seattle," says Zabriskie, "and an attitude of politeness and ease that is distinctly West Coast."

He encourages current EHS students to "pay attention in Mr. Hunt's linear algebra class" and give computer science a shot. "In the future, everyone's job will be a tech job," he says. "I think it is essential to explore computer science, learn about the tools, and have a basic knowledge of code."

Speaking pragmatically, he adds, "The career prospects are good."

—Claire C. Fletcher

BECCA DAVISON '03

The Mother of Invention

As with most inventions, UnbuckleMe was born from a simple need. When Becca Davison's daughter, Eve, was born in November 2015, Becca's mother, Barbara Heilman, offered to help her with childcare when she returned to work. However Heilman quickly realized that because of some arthritis in her thumb, she was unable to release the car seat buckle.

This meant that she couldn't go anywhere in the car with her granddaughter. Davison and Heilman researched the problem, and discovered that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards regulates infant and child car seat buckles to require at least

nine pounds of pressure to release, so that children can't unbuckle themselves. As a consequence, many adults lack the necessary strength to safely operate them. Heilman, an Occupational Hand Therapist, started experimenting with splint‑making material to develop a solution. When she designed a prototype that worked for her, Davison realized that there might be a broader market for the device.

Davison and Heilman began fine‑tuning their prototypes last summer. They attended an Inventor's Showcase at the ABC

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Kids Expo in October, which is the largest children's products trade show in the country. After receiving highly positive feedback, they consulted an engineering company to help refine the design manufacturing. By December, they had computer‑assisted design (CAD) drawings nearly finalized to prepare for the process of injection molded tooling, which is how they have decided to manufacture.

Navigating the process has been one of the most challenging aspects of UnbuckleMe. "Up front we had to take a leap of faith. We had some savings to get us started, but figuring out the next step was always challenging, since we've never done this before. We have learned so much about the process, the terminology, types of tooling, material options, not to mention digital marketing, crowdfunding, and patent protection. It was a whole new world to us," Davison recalls.

The duo benefited from conversations with other inventors, and networking has been a huge component of their success.

They met dozens of entrepreneurs at the ABC Kids Expo who were eager to give advice, share resources, and answer questions. They have also taken advantage of Houston's vast network of entrepreneurs and start‑ups, and have attended some local events at Station Houston.

Today, Davison and Heilman realize that together, they have complementary skills for bringing a new product to market. Heilman's occupational therapy background brings an experimental and iterative approach to product design, while Davison is more quantitative and detail‑oriented, with a background in project and business management.

Regardless of any future sales successes, Davison has already benefited from the experience. "I've learned that entrepreneurship takes patience, perseverance, and resourcefulness. I've been fortunate to be surrounded by people with an incredible range of skills that have helped us move forward at each step. EHS has been an essential part of that, and is truly a unique community that supports its students, long after they have graduated."

—Emma Lyders UnbuckleMe is available to pre‑order online at www.unbuckleme.com.

Davison credits Science Department Chair John Flanagan as a role model who helped them work through some early design questions. Before they went to the ABC Kids Expo, Davison and Heilman met with him to review physics principles of angles, leverage, and pressure. They used the white board to draw out scenarios, hypothesizing how the length of the lever and "peg" would make a difference, from both a scientific and ergonomic perspective. "Basically, it was a physics problem on paper," says Davison. And though Flanagan cautions that he "isn't an engineer," he was able to help them think through concepts and theory. "He reminded us of the example of a high heel's pressure on pavement—the narrower the heel, the more pressure it exerts vs. a wider heel like a wedge," says Davison. "This helped us think about the science to accelerate our design phase with engineers."

ADAM ZEPLAIN '06 Passion Plus Skills Equals Success Adam Zeplain often describes himself as having a "venture capitalist's mind, but an entrepreneur's heart." As a recent article in Forbes magazine mentioned, Zeplain is truly blazing a path for how he helps entrepreneurs set their companies up for long‑term success. Zeplain's work and hobbies often overlap, and therein lies his passion for not only investing in emerging businesses, but helping guide them throughout their entrepreneurial journey.

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It all started in 2006 when Zeplain graduated from EHS and enrolled at St. Edward's to play baseball and to study communications with a focus in advertising. As a student, he began frequenting West Campus (west of UT campus) and observing the many new businesses popping up in the area. Many struggled when trying to compete against the established spots well known to college students. Zeplain recognized that there was a problem he could solve; hence

his first start‑up, West Campus Marketing Group, and he never looked back.

About a year after WCMG's launch, Zeplain was convinced to put his company on hold to join the venture capital firm G‑51 where he quickly rose through the ranks from making cold calls to prospective clients to raising the firm's fourth fund with the founder and general partner. Zeplain started at G‑51 while still in school, going to class most of the week and then leaving town on Thursday for road shows to raise capital for the firm. Then he was back in class on Monday. Zeplain continued at G‑51 full‑time after undergrad.

After leaving G‑51, Zeplain had a goal learning the operational side of business. He jumped into early stage companies in operational roles, including Bazaarvoice. Bazaarvoice founder Brett Hurt, now CEO and founder of Data.World, spoke of Zeplain's tenure at the company: "I have rarely seen someone with his level of passion, tenacity, integrity, and skills. He engenders trust with our clients. He proves he cares. He is also one of the most networked young people I know. This is because he is very eager to constantly learn and is also wise enough to know that a large network leads to more success down the line—not just for you, but for your network too— mutual benefit."

Zeplain is now back in his role as a venture capitalist, deeply rooted in the tech‑industry. Currently, he serves as an investor,

advisor, and board member to many start‑ups and funds.

In addition to capital, Zeplain's main goal is to add strategic value to the companies that he and his partners invest in.

Zeplain's process includes working with top venture firms and entrepreneurs from around the country, sourcing and evaluating investment opportunities.

Two of the companies Zeplain is currently spending much time with include: After School, the fastest growing social network for teens, and Andela, an ed tech company with funding led by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative and Google Ventures. Some of the other companies in Zeplain and his partners' portfolio include: Dirty Lemon, Monkey, Umbel, Data.World, and Circuit of the Americas.

—Margaret Young

JENNIFER HERRON '92 Engineering a Brilliant Career

Jennifer Herron is the owner and CEO of Action Engineering, a company that specializes in the promotion, process development, and standardization of 3D CAD Model‑Based Design. When a business trip brought her to Texas in the fall, she spoke to EHS students about her time at Episcopal, pursuing her college and graduate studies, and her career in engineering.

later earned her masters of science in computer engineering from the University of Denver. Her career did indeed lead her into the aerospace and defense industry, where at NASA, she created and built complex hardware systems which included work on spacecraft layout and configuration. In addition, she has developed flight satellite systems, military robot platforms, and holds a patent for a snake propulsion mechanism.

Herron's interest in science began at early age when she started disassembling household items to better understand the components and how their systems worked. This curiosity carried forward to high school where, as a senior, Herron won the 1992 Award for Excellence in the Study of Science.

Although she certainly excelled in science and was an honors student, she also found success as an Impact dancer throughout her high school years.

In 2013, Herron published "Re‑Use Your CAD: The Model‑Based CAD Handbook" and she regularly gives public seminars and consults on model‑based topics and leads in‑house CAD based trainings. Needless to say, we hope to see Herron back on campus again in the very near future!

—Margaret Young

With a strong desire to purse engineering, and with an eye on the aerospace industry, Herron attended Washington University in St. Louis to major in Mechanical Engineering; she

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ALUMNI WEEKEND

Third annual alumni event, featuring awards, tours, and golf, draws more than 200 Knights back to campus Knights came from far and wide for Alumni Weekend 2017, including EHS's inaugural class of 1987 for their 30th reunion.

Representing 17 states and the UK, alumni filled the campus for a variety of activities starting with a special Chapel service and Alumni Weekend Awards Program on Friday, a chance to kick up their boots at the "Stars at Knight" kick‑off party, campus tours and not‑to‑be‑missed class reunions on Saturday, and then capped a fun‑filled weekend by joining current EHS parents for the newly combined Dads Club and Alumni Golf Tournament.

Friday's Chapel and awards program brought the EHS community together to hear from two women whose commitment to Episcopal High School totals 60 years: Amanda Whitehead Johnson '87, recipient of the Bishops Alumni Award, and Nguyet Pham, recipient of the Hexagon Distinguished Achievement Award. Johnson—whose own son will join EHS's class of 2021 in the fall—encouraged students to be proactive in their efforts to give back to Episcopal and "don't wait to be asked." Pham, Dean of Faculty and a beloved math instructor, shared the story of her family's harrowing escape from South Vietnam, her winding road to Houston and eventually to EHS. The "Stars at Knight" party was a fabulous evening thanks to chairs Joanna Slusser Hughes '97 and Jennifer Haikin Zach '97.

An event‑filled Saturday followed with campus tours giving alumni an opportunity to visit new classrooms and buildings, say goodbye to Alkek Gym, and peek at construction that is well underway. Alumni children turned Crum Gym into a Kids Zone while their parents toured the changing campus and reconnected with classmates, faculty, and friends, and Nick Adair '05 of Adair Kitchen treated attendees to a fabulous lunch.

Thank you to all who served on the host committee; we could not have done it without you! We are already looking forward to next year.

—Margaret Young Save the date for Alumni Weekend 2018, on April 6-7!

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Photo by Chris Bailey Photography.

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SEASONS OF FLYING While growing up, we find ourselves by writing out our emotions: the pain, sacrifice, and struggle.

Fulfilled by our relationships, respecting opportunity, new experiences shape us— Wedon’ttakesmallthingsforgranted.

One, together, ready for change, ready for seasons of flying, flowing to the beat, sun fading, we face the long days, the short years, thinking in the backs of our heads…

May strife’s call yield polyphony.

"Seasons of Flying" is a poem composed by the Advanced Creative Writing class to open this year's edition of Light & Shadow, Episcopal High School's literary and arts magazine. Each student in the class crafted a line to complete the collaborative work: Dre Guthrie '17, Sara Koch '18, Margaret Connelly '18, Joy Smith '17, Caroline Campbell '18, Carlos Valdez '17, Olivier Goodrich '17, Marvin Wilson '17, Blake Nethery '17, Emily Hanks '17, Mac Rowe '17, Jack Rowe '18, and Jake LeVrier '17. The accompanying photo entitled "Unique Perspective" was captured by Sophia Casetta '19.

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CORE VALUES PLAY UP THE YEAR'S SUCCESS

by Jason Grove, Director of Athletics

The 2016 ‑ 2017 school year has proven to be a watershed year for the Athletics Pillar. The Knights have experienced a great deal of success on the fields and courts thus far this year while at the same time focusing on core values that were established in August: Character, Commitment, and Teamwork.

The varsity football team was recognized by the Texas Association of Sports Officials as a finalist for the Sportsmanship Award and presented with a certificate at the January luncheon of the Touchdown Club of Houston. EHS was one of just two SPC schools to be recognized. This award comes on the heels of a remarkable season that ended with a runner‑up finish at the SPC championships in Austin.

Six Knights have signed national letters of intent to continue their academic and athletic pursuits at the NCAA D‑1 level at such schools as Stanford, Texas, Florida State, Rice, and Weber State. Others have committed to opportunities at the University of Pennsylvania, Texas Tech, Sewanee, and Hendrix. As the school gathered on National Signing Day to celebrate four members of the senior class, our community was joined by a group of elementary school students from Pro‑Vision Academy, a charter school in southeast Houston where several EHS students volunteered during Senior Outreach. The Pro‑Vision students were there to watch as football stand‑out Marvin Wilson, their beloved classroom assistant, made his pledge to Florida State University. Our students continue to have a positive impact on our community through their commitment to service.

The winter season ended with a very strong showing by all of our teams at the SPC championships hosted by the Houston‑area schools. The boys soccer team captured their second consecutive SPC championship with a dominating 5 ‑ 0 win over Greenhill on Simmons Field. The boys basketball team made their third consecutive appearance in the SPC title game and fell to a very talented Casady team in a thriller. Girls basketball took fifth place with a nice 54 ‑ 26 win over St. John's. The girls soccer team earned their most impressive victory of the season over top‑ranked Greenhill in the opening round and finished sixth in the SPC. The swimming and diving teams performed very well in Conroe as the girls took fifth place and the boys took eighth. Sophomore Delaney Newsome earned gold in the 200‑meter individual medley and set a new school record with a time of 2:13.27. The wrestling team took fifth place in their tournament and placed seven wrestlers in the top three in their respective weight classes.

The spring season has gotten off to a fine start as both the softball and baseball teams remain undefeated in SPC play. Both teams earned impressive wins over highly regarded local public school teams during the first few weeks of the season. The girls lacrosse team traveled to Atlanta to compete in the Dogwood Classic hosted by Westminster and earned two huge wins over JL Mann (SC) and Lovett (GA). The girls golf team will look to defend their SPC title in late April in The Woodlands.

The beautiful Hildebrand Athletic Center, scheduled to open for the 2017 ‑ 2018 school year, has been the talk of the SPC, and our students are eager to enjoy the new basketball court, weight room, wrestling and cheer training area, expanded locker rooms, and athletic training and treatment space. The Knights are poised to continue to lead the way, both on and off the fields and courts.

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Q+A with EHS Teachers

Pop Quiz turns the table on teachers and asks them to respond to 13 quick questions. Their enthusiastic responses reveal the values, quirks, and interests that make them so effective in leading EHS students.

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JOANNA PAPAKONSTANTINOU Math Teacher

Joanna Papakonstantinou has taught at Episcopal for four years (including one served in 2001). She is a math instructor, curriculum developer, and sponsor of the Math Club. She decided to teach at the high school level "because I want to impact students before they decide they don't like math. I also want to share all the cool things that I learned as a science consultant and data analyst. I want to encourage students to pursue STEM fields."

Papakonstantinou has four degrees from Rice University—B.A., M.A., M.A.T., and Ph. D. in Computational and Applied Mathematics—and is president of the Rice Engineering Alumni Board. She is an only child, has a 19‑year‑old cat, and recently married her husband, Chris Hanson.

What's on your playlist right now? Greek music, trip hop, lounge, and old‑school hip hop. What was the first concert you attended? Bob Dylan with my parents (involuntarily) in the early '70s but by choice in the '80s! Flock of Seagulls was the first concert I attended on my own. If you weren't a teacher, what would you pick for a career? I would love to be an entertainment/lifestyle host on TV. What is your proudest accomplishment? Earning my Ph.D in Computational and Applied Mathematics from Rice University. Do you have a favorite app or tech gadget? The Apple Watch. Which pro or college sports team do you cheer for? I'm not a big sports fan, so I'd have to say the Texans because my parents and husband are big fans! I'd also say any Rice team strictly because it is Rice. Did you have a mentor growing up who inspired your career? My loving mother, who is also a math educator. What's your favorite city abroad?

In the summer, on the beach of any island in Greece. If you could travel back in time, what period would you choose? I'd rather travel into the future than go back in time. What trait do you most admire in your colleagues? Accuracy and friendliness. What trait do you most admire in your students? Hard work with enthusiasm for math. Read any good books recently? Do math books count? If you could eat only one meal this week, what would it be? Well, everyone knows I eat a lot! My meal would include buttery garlic bread, pizza, egg noodles with a porcini mushroom cream sauce, samosas, spanakopita, a salad with big chunks of blue cheese and lots of croutons, sweet cream ice cream with Reese's peanut butter cups, cheesecake—and we can't forget crunchy Cheetos and donut holes!

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TRAVIS SMITH History Teacher and Coach

Travis Smith, in his 11th year at EHS, teaches U.S. history and coaches the boys soccer team. In 2015, he was awarded the Marc Adler Faculty Award for teaching excellence, and in 2016 and 2017 he led the varsity soccer team to back‑to‑back SPC championships.

"I grew up in Hershey 'Chocolatetown,' Pennsylvania, and attended Lehigh University where I majored in history as an undergrad and received my masters in education," says Smith. While an undergrad, he played soccer for the Mountain Hawks, and during graduate school he joined the coaching staff for two years.

Smith has been married to his wife, Brooke, for eight years and they have two children, 5‑year‑old Bode and 2‑year‑old Avery.

What's on your playlist right now? Belle and Sebastian, Jens Lekman, Sigur Ros, random Swedish Indie bands, 1990s British pop, and "The Boss" Bruce Springsteen.

What was the first concert you attended? I tagged along with a friend to Radiohead during the summer of 1996 at Hershey Park Stadium. I guess I was fortunate that my friends had good taste in music. Even though Hershey was a small town, we had a lot of great bands come through every summer. If you weren't a teacher, what would you pick for a career? I've always been interested in how athletes can maximize their abilities, so I think it would be a lot of fun to work in the field of health and human performance with a particular emphasis on nutrition. What is your proudest accomplishment? Outside of anything connected to my family, I would have to say playing Division One college soccer. Starting in junior high, that was my dream, and the experiences I had as a college athlete are some of my fondest memories. Do you have a favorite app or tech gadget? The podcast app that allows me to listen to Tim Ferriss, Rich Roll, and the Dan Le Betard Show. Which pro or college sports team do you cheer for? As I've gotten older, I've shed most of my allegiances to professional teams but I'm still all in on the U.S. Men's National Soccer Team, Lehigh University Wrestling, and tennis player, Rafael Nadal. Did you have a mentor growing up who inspired your career? My club, high school, and college soccer coaches who also happened to be educators, inspired me to take the path of teaching and coaching.

What's your favorite city abroad? Stockholm, Sweden. I love the sensibilities of the Scandinavians.

Barcelona is a close second. For me, Barcelona is the best combination of beach and city life. If you could travel back in time, what period would you choose? Paris, France, August 1944. I would want to be in Paris when the people of France were liberated from Nazi rule. I've read a lot of amazing books about the French Resistance and I think it would be amazing to experience the joy and happiness as Parisians gained back their freedom. What trait do you most admire in your colleagues? There is a willingness among our faculty to go the extra mile for our students and build meaningful relationships. In the classroom, on the playing field, or in the studio, our faculty will do what it takes to help our students succeed. What trait do you most admire in your students? My best classes are filled with students who are curious about the world, possess a sense of humor, and approach new ideas and differing opinions with an open mind. I've never had a bad class! Read any good books recently? Two books I enjoyed are "Playing Through the Whistle: Steel, Football, and an American Town" and Bruce Springsteen's memoir, "Born to Run." If you could eat only one meal this week, what would it be? I'm pretty boring when it comes to eating, but I'd have to go with either vegetable paella or zucchini and bean burritos.

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DEBORAH BROCK Studio Arts Teacher

Deborah Brock was born outside of Chicago in Hinsdale, Illinois. She has lived in nine states to date (Illinois, Georgia, Ohio, Missouri, North Carolina, California, Kansas, Florida, and Texas). She moved most recently to Texas from south Florida. Brock joined EHS in August 2012 and before that she taught art in a private school in Florida from 2000 to 2012. Currently she is the Studio Arts coordinator and teaches mixed mediums in art, sculpture, and art history. She is also one of the freshman class sponsors.

On school holidays Brock says you can find her in Kansas, Kentucky, or Florida visiting family. After school, you might find her volunteering at Texas Children's Hospital, running, cruising on her stand‑up paddleboard (SUP) or doing SUP yoga, hanging out with friends, or spinning at SoulCycle.

"I love to visit my favorite island, Eluethera in the Bahamas, or hang out at the lake in the Ozarks whenever possible," says Brock. "It sounds like I'm on the go a lot, but I make time to read, meditate, listen to music, pray, and just relax each and every day!"

What's on your playlist right now? Right now... Alabama Shakes, Evan Christian, Rainbow, Kenny Chesney, and My Morning Jacket. What was the first concert you attended? Michael Jackson's Thriller Tour. If you weren't a teacher, what would you pick for a career? Hmmm, at the moment I can't answer, I haven't been looking for an alternative. What is your proudest accomplishment? Each time a student completes an artwork and feels success. Do you have a favorite app or tech gadget? Nope, I could live without them all. Which pro or college sports team do you cheer for? Kansas Jayhawks, Kansas Royals, the Chiefs, and the Miami Dolphins. Did you have a mentor growing up who inspired your career? Jim Novak, he gave me confidence and helped me believe in myself. After I took his photography course at Florida Atlantic University, he encouraged me to major in art, and I spent two additional years in college earning a B.F.A., which has changed my life for the better. What's your favorite city abroad? All the places I have yet to visit. If you could travel back in time, what period would you choose? The 1940s. What trait do you most admire in your colleagues? Their never‑ending support. What trait do you most admire in your students? Their kindness and respect for others. Read any good books recently? "The Shack" by William P. Young. If you could eat only one meal this week, what would it be? A bowl of mashed potatoes with a glass of wine!

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MAKING A DIFFERENCE, ONE PORTRAIT AT A TIME

Portrait of Hassan by Morgan Thompson '17.

At Episcopal High School, we live our days in a nurturing environment where each person receives whatever they need to achieve success. We are blessed by a combination of devoted teachers and families and sheer luck to have a place to call home, a space many of us don't leave until the sun has disappeared beneath the Houston skyline. In Bellaire, it's hard to imagine a world where your house lays in ruins, your parents have vanished, and safety is a distant memory.

YoungSyrianchildren,victimsofa crisis thatbeganbeforetheywereborn,livea lifeofconstantly‑shiftingtentsandshelters, with very few possessions to hold onto.

The violence and rioting in Syria began as a protest against the government under current Syrian president Bashar al‑Assad. Fifteen schoolchildren in the small city of Deraa

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Portrait of Jameel by Morgan McKee '18.

were imprisoned in May of 2011 for writing anti‑government graffiti. In response, the townspeople protested by demanding that the government release the children from unlawful captivity. Army soldiers opened fire on the crowd, killing four and injuring dozens. The next day, mourners attending the funerals of the protesters were shot at, and one was killed.

Military violence fueled the sparks of political unrest already present, setting the country ablaze in civil war.

Assad continued to ignore public outcry for his resignation, and, with the country divided, ISIS found an opportunity to invade southern Syria during the summer of 2014. Families already persecuted by Assad's attempts to quash political unrest found themselves chased out of their homes to escape the Islamic State's extremist views. Those unable to escape were separated from their families, enslaved, or beheaded.

Women, children, the elderly, and the sick fled across borders to live as refugees, unable to secure residence in any country.

Syrian children who have no relatives slip into the cracks of

Portrait of Khaled by Isabelle Hornung '17.

history, alone and forgotten. For the lucky ones, shelters and global charities provide bare necessities, but luxuries are rare. Charitable nonprofits such as the Memory Project fill this need through the most meaningful way possible: art.

Ben Schumaker, director of The Memory Project, volunteered with disadvantaged children in Guatemala in 2004, and observed that many did not have photos or keepsakes that would capture their life stories. An artist, he started a nonprofit to invite art teachers and students to create tangible memories through portraits for the world's orphans and children who may not have any other means of preserving their identities.

Portrait of Lima by Kelsey Benitez '17.

shelters as well as their return to Syria once the violence begins to fade.

The goal of the Memory Project is to reassure these children that their well‑being and happiness are important to someone other than themselves, that they are important and loved and will not be forgotten no matter where they are in life or whatever bad circumstances they endure. The reward doubles itself: a child receives a gift that will last a lifetime, and the artist behind the piece is filled with pride at the kindness provided to someone in need.

—Dre Guthrie '17

This year, the Memory Project selected a group of children from Syria, and Episcopal's Art Portfolio class members all received a picture of their selected child. Each student created a portrait of their child in a variety of mediums, from pastels to photo manipulation, and these works of art will be sent to the children as keepsakes during their stays in

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CLASS NOTES

Send your updates to Kendall Buckalew McCord '03 at kmccord@ehshouston.org so that you can be featured here in the next issue of Pillars magazine!

Colleen Donaghe Hicks and husband Corby became the proud parents of Adeline Carrow (pictured left) on October 6, 2016.

Andy LaGrone and wife Ericka welcomed new addition Marit MacKinnon in July 2016.

Elissa Criner Turner and husband Evan Turner announced the birth of Enna Zenobia in May 2016.

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Meredith Walker is co‑founder and executive director of Amy Poehler's Smart Girls, an online community for girls whose mission is "changing the world by being yourself." In an effort to empower young women, Meredith mentors girls in Austin, has spoken at the White House on six occasions, and traveled to a Syrian refugee camp in Jordan—all in the last year.

Grace Olivia was born to Roula Nassar Gerguis and husband Steve on March 25, 2016.

Hillary Brooks Houle, who is a member of the EHS English Department, had her poem "I Still See You" published in Poet Lore, America's oldest poetry journal, in the Fall/Winter 2016 edition.

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Alicia King married Michael Meyers '87 on September 30, 2016, at Walt Disney World.

James Jennings and wife Kathleen welcomed their daughter Evie on October 8, 2016.

Melissa D'Antoni gave birth to Sophia Flora in March 2016.

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Ben Bocell and wife Heather became the proud parents of Luke Benjamin on July 8, 2016.

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John Dunn and wife Kaylan welcomed son John Gage in September 2015.

Jarrett Ellzey and wife Jennifer announced the birth of Astrid Rose on March 21, 2016.

Thomas McCarroll and wife Allison announced the arrival of John Thomas on November 3, 2016.

Carla Molina was named one of PR Week's 2016 "40 Under 40" for her role as Senior Vice President of corporate communications at Bank of America.

She lives in Austin where she manages communications for retail banking.

Edith Louise (pictured below) was born on June 18, 2016, to proud parents Kimberly and Dods Pengra.

Jackie Jeffries Oleskey and husband Greg became the proud parents of Christian Robert in May 2016.

John Duer and wife Shetal welcomed son Jaxon in December 2016.

Mark Adcock and wife Xitlalic welcomed new addition Mila Isla to the family on July 25, 2016.

Gray Spratling and wife Dorothy welcomed their daughter Dorothy, named for her mother, in July 2016.

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Proud parents Kasey Roberts Dillard and Ashley Dillard announced the arrival of their son Joseph Sutton last October.

On January 20, 2017, Rebecca Lewis Elias and husband John welcomed new addition Jett Richard.

Fred Heyne and wife Monica are the proud parents of Luis Charles, born February 27, 2016.

Clayton Katz sold one of the 10 most expensive homes listed in the 2016 issue of Houston Business Journal.

Katherine McDonald wed Brandon Hayes on October 8, 2016, in the Valley of Fire National Park in Moapa Valley, Nevada.

Dillon Knox was born February 15, 2017, to proud parents Cara and Knox Nunnally.

Rabbi Daniel Septimus is the CEO of Shalom Austin.

launched a preschool consulting company "Little Annie Dee's" in the Houston area.

Kyle McIlheran married Alicia Cribbs on April 9, 2016, in Fredericksburg.

Billy Wareing '99 served as best man.

Fowler Carter served as a groomsman.

Annie and Tyler McQueen became the proud parents of daughter Georgia Moye on Janurary 30, 2017.

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Sarah and Alan Bradshaw became the proud parents of son Bear in June 2016.

Amy Krost Gordon and husband Brian became the proud parents of Sloane Golda on November 1, 2016.

Mandy Malone Loper recently

Andrew "Drew" Watkins was born to Stacy Mount Cross and husband Stan on August 22, 2016.

On March 31, 2016, Emily Kingswell‑Smith Day and husband Mike welcomed son Charles Kingswell into the world.

Lauren Rogers Ellis and Leigh Ellis are the proud parents of Harrison Fairfax, born August 2, 2016.

On August 2, 2016, Collin Gerry and wife Lindsey announced the arrival of their son James.

A.D. Achilefu Ebeniro and husband Joseph became the proud parents of Joanna Adaora (pictured right) on June 20, 2016.

On June 22, 2016, Megan and Will Holstien welcomed new addition Blandford "Ford" Harmon.

Ashley Anderson Cavanaugh and her husband Chip welcomed daughter Gretchen Greer (pictured below) on December 13, 2016.

David Van Horn and his wife Marissa became parents to Elsa Bernadette on July 8, 2016.

Proud parents Lucy Caudill and Cora Forsten '00 welcomed daughter Freja Lillian Majlis born in April 2016.

Constance Campbell was born to Caroline and Chris Hadlock on October 6, 2016.

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Nicole Laurent Romano and husband Joseph announced the birth of their daughter Camilla MacAulay on February 6, 2016.

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Meredith Dickens Graham and husband Travis welcomed daughter Addison Quinn in July 2016.

Pemberley Rue was born to Emily and Ross Sloan on March 7, 2016.

Victor Harris works as a Pastor at Heritage Presbyterian Church in Carol Stream, Illinois.

Anthony Heins and wife Alex welcomed daughter Amelia Blake on August 18, 2016.

On June 29, 2016, Sarah Hall Mitchell and husband John became the proud parents of Patrick Joseph.

Kate Mason Kinnison and husband Chance announced the birth of their son Miles in September 2016.

Logan Moncrief and wife Melissa announced the arrival of Logan Anderson Jr. in July 2016.

Matthew Rogers and wife Cambrey welcomed daughter Lauren Carolynne on February 1, 2016.

Nithya Srinivasan and husband Matthew Varzally announced the arrival of Graham Taj on June 18, 2016.

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Class Notes Anabel Fay Thompson and husband Steven Thompson welcomed daughter Carolyn Bel on February 7, 2015, and son Sam Bixby on June 15, 2016.

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Proud parents Carlisle Weaver Brock and Cullen Brock announced the arrival of their daughter Genevieve Carlisle on December 1, 2016.

Jordan Buckalew Glasgow and husband Hank welcomed daughter Kendall Louise (pictured below) on December 4, 2016.

Kyle Nelms and wife Joanna welcomed son Wade Anders on May 23, 2016.

Ariel Reed Spagnoletti and husband Francis are the proud parents of Aster, born September 16, 2015.

Sarah Esfahani Tringhese and husband Tony welcomed new addition Catherine "Cate" Gwinn in May 2016.

On July 10, 2016, Jenny Lynn White and husband Ben welcomed new addition Isabella Grace.

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On February 14, 2017, Rebecca Creel Alsup and Barry Alsup '00 became the proud parents of Sadie McMahan.

Paige Lurie Berns and husband Blake are pleased to announce the arrival of their daughter Annie Caroline, born November 2, 2016.

On April 12, 2016, Hayden and Mike Malone announced the birth of their twin daughters, Emery Anne and Elizabeth "Eli" Hayden (pictured right).

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Josh Sheiman and wife Maegan announced the arrival of son Beckham on January 19, 2016.

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Caroline Dudley Bean and husband Andrew Bean '04 welcomed daughter Virginia Francis on January 30, 2017.

In the summer of 2016, Michelle Kolcun Williams was selected as a cheerleader for the Washington Capitals NHL team. Previously, she cheered for the San Antonio Spurs and the St. Louis Rams. Michelle is also a Captain in the U.S. Air Force, a graduate from the Air Force Academy, and a military hospital administrator.

Abigail Elliott was born to Diana Dunlap Bridger and husband Elliott on August 24, 2016.

Ashley Forgason Willis and husband Bo welcomed daughter Halley Hunt on March 30, 2016.

Jackie Neutzler Crow and husband Drew Crow welcomed daughter Ella Mae in May 2016.

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Matt Franklin and wife Mary Katherine became the proud parents of Warner Jennings on April 16, 2016.

Jude Carlos was born to Debbie Medrano Guelzow and husband Jack on December 12, 2016.

Elizabeth Schlotzhauer Putnam was named one of Boutique Design's Up‑and‑Coming Designers for 2017.

Cooper Brown Lapoint and husband Mike welcomed new addition Rixon, born December 6, 2016.

On January 12, 2017, Lyndsey Gorski Miller and her husband Philip announced the arrival of daughter Morgan Michelle.

In June 2016, Chidi Achilefu graduated from anesthesiology residency at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. He and his family have moved back to Texas to join MidTex Anesthesia Associates in Waco.

Margaret Bonham Born and husband Matt Born welcomed Matthew "Davis" on February 20, 2017.

William Russell (pictured right with brother Michael) was born on October 10, 2016, to proud parents Lesley and George O'Leary.

Olivia Mae was born to Leanne Reeves Gotcher and husband West on April 18, 2016.

Proud parents Lisa and Evan Lee welcomed son Henry Wyatt on September 8, 2016.

Eric LeFebvre and wife Sarah Rutstein announced the arrival of their daughter, Olivia DeChant, on February 11, 2017.

on October 1, 2016 in Houston, Texas.

Bridesmaids included Rachel Doherty Aiello, Meghan Grisell, Becky Helms, and Allison McConnell Monroe.

Ashley Kozak Martin and husband Chris became the proud parents of a son, George, on November 2, 2016.

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Charlotte Marie was born June 8, 2016, to Emily Kugler Thomas and husband Chris Thomas.

Elliott Watson produced a film entitled "Dean" that won the Founder's Award for Best Narrative Feature at the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival.

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On November 12, 2016, Georgia Carter married Stephen Fox '03 in Houston, Texas. Molly Carter served as maid of honor. Bridesmaids included Shaden Abboushi, Lindsey Fox Bates '97, Liz Webster Kappler, Addie D'Agostino Teague, and Sara Downie Zahoryin. Karly Ann Rauch was a member of the house party. Serving as groomsmen were Ross Bates, Fowler Carter '98, and Hunter Wakefield '03.

Caroline Conway wed Stephen Lipscomb on January 7, 2017, in Houston, Texas. Anne Louise Conway '03 served her sister as maid of honor. Bridesmaids included Taylor Throckmorton Jackson and Megan Kaldis. Brother of the bride Tim Conway '09 served as a groomsmen.

The couple now resides in Dallas, Texas.

Katy Pyburn Dunlap and Kevin Dunlap are the proud parents of Andrew Graydon, born March 2, 2016.

Rachel Katz married Zach Schneider on January 14, 2017, in Houston, Texas.

Alissa Rauch served as a bridesmaid.

Karen Morgan was awarded "Coach of the Year" at Skyline Juniors, a volleyball club in Houston. This award is given to a coach who goes above and beyond for their team. Her team is the first second‑ranked team in Skyline history to make it to a national tournament!

Emily Baker Ries and husband Keith welcomed new addition Annie Aaron (pictured above) on September 7, 2016.

On January 21, 2017, Elise Johnson Swann and husband Evans Swann announced the arrival of thier son, Evans Rowlans III.

In October 2016, Jerry Duff and Gretchen Duff '10 appeared on the Cooking Chanel's hit show Haylie's America. Jerry and Gretchen both work in the restaurant industry and are first cousins with celebrity chef Haylie Duff.

Carter Johnson married Stephanie Blackburn on October 10, 2015, on the banks of the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas. Members of the wedding party included Neat Clark and Peter McLean.

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Rachel Doherty married Marc Aiello on April 2, 2016, in Houston. Hadley Walker Black served as maid of honor. Bridesmaids included Rachel Breitenwischer, Becky Helms, and Julia Robinson Cunningham.

Kaitlin McLaughlin married Kevin Necas '02 on May 28, 2016.

Serving as maids of honor were Lauren McLaughlin '03 and Mollie Yarbrough. Bridesmaids included Jennifer Necas '05, Amy Lyus, Nina Masterson, and Lauren Kerr.

The house party included Regina Romano and the attendants were Tina Hetherington '10 and Isa Hetherington '12. Derek Speck '02 and Zach Freedman '02 served as best men. Grant Mehlhoff '02, Brandon Palmer '02, and Kevin McLaughlin '11 were groomsmen.

Ushers included Edward Shouse '02 and Guido Stefanelli '02.

On December 15, 2016, Catherine Heard Riewoldt and husband Nick became the proud parents of William Frederick.

Hadley Walker married Johnny Black

In April 2016, Catherine Carroll Landis and husband Patrick welcomed daughter Margaret Grace (pictured above with brother William).

Scott Wegmann was born to Jennifer Wegmann Savery and husband Joe on February 8, 2017.

Jordan Sterling (see page 22) is the Vice President of Sales for Datafiniti, an organization providing companies with comprehensive web data that lends insight on market research and applications. Additionally, Jordan co‑founded Alibi X, a platform for a diverse group of women and men to share stories of Blackness.

Parker Willis married Shelby Klutts on June 11, 2016. Laura Willis '09 served

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Class Notes as a bridesmaid and Ryan Gitomer served as a groomsmen.

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In February 2017, Kathryn Reeves Bailey and Jimmy Bailey announced the arrival of James Patrick IV.

Paxton Vantho was born January 30, 2017, to Philianne Van Tho Carden and husband Austin Carden.

Maria Tapia Cavanaugh and husband John Paul welcomed Elena Paige on April 2, 2016.

Lucy Grierson (pictured below) married Nathan Bertsch on January 14, 2017, in Benitez Chapel. Blair Bradford served as a scripture reader in the ceremony.

of Houston Athletics Department in January 2016 as Director of Performance Nutrition.

Stephanie Styles performed in the world premiere of Kingdom Come

by Jenny Rachel Weiner at the Roundabout Theartre in New York.

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Mary Jacobs graduated in May 2016 with a Masters in Social Work from Columbia University and is now working as a mental health counselor in a city clinic serving Spanish speaking children.

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In the summer of 2016, Devon Cash interned at Goldman Sachs in downtown Houston alongside EHS alumni Brian Friday '04.

Andrew Jacobs is a junior at Northwestern Univserity where he serves as the football team equipment manager. During the summer of 2016, he interned with a sports agent in Houston.

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Falyn Page (pictured below) gave Director of College Counseling Julie Rollins a tour of the University of Missouri campus at her recent visit.

Falyn is a journalism major.

Carolyn Thorp married Will Osborne on September 17, 2016, in Basalt, Colorado. Lucy Thorp Rieveschl '07 served as maid of honor. Bridesmaids included Catherine Houren, Virginia Skinner, Alexandera Fisher, and Kelsey Reckling. The couple now resides in Fort Worth, Texas.

Danielle Pels Yudell and husband Vance are the proud parents of Everett Craig, born February 15, 2017.

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Allison Franklin joined the University

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In the fall of 2016, Bryan Strode began an internship in Washington, D.C., as an integral part of the office of Congressman John Culberson.

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Cole Bracey (pictured above with EHS College Counselor Monica Lopez) was the student speaker for the St. John's University Admitted Student Reception in Houston this spring. He shared his experience on moving from Houston to St. John's in New York, the academic resources available to him, and the relationships he's built with his professors that have led him to great internship opportunities. He made himself available to these prospective admitted students and parents to answer their questions, including Holden Markoff '17 (see page 10), who will attend St. John's this fall.

Christian Cain was named NESCAC Player of the Week in April 2016.

Christian plays shortstop for Tufts University.

Autumn Watt is a sophomore at Cornell, and this is her second year as a member of the all‑women Cornell Chorus. Besides earning a leadership role with the Chorus this year, she tried out for the Chorus' subset all‑female cappella group, the After Eight, and received a spot with the group too.

The Last Word

OPENING WINDOWS TO THE UNIVERSE

by Michael Hunt

To me, mathematics is a window into the very mind of God, and I love teaching at Episcopal High School because every day I get to step to that window and invite young, developing minds to join me and take in the "awesome view."

Through the Four Pillars, EHS manifests Christ's commandment to "love God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength." Mark 12:30 Students come to EHS to educate their whole persons—nurtured in the arts to create, nurtured in religion to love and serve others, nurtured in academics to think, and nurtured in athletics to compete with integrity.

Over time, I have come to understand that God has sent us into this cosmic cocoon of time and space that we might exercise our free will to choose our eternal destiny—to spend eternity either with God or not with God. As a Christian, I struggle daily to surrender to Christ as Lord of my life. That's why I relish daily Chapel at EHS—a time in the middle of each busy school day to refocus with all members of the community on what's most important and thereby to model for and mentor to my advisees and math students.

My favorite time of the academic day is tutorial; I love working with students one‑on‑one and in small groups. Nothing thrills me more as a teacher than to be present when a student has a "light bulb" moment or experiences a personal victory in a struggle with what is for them some difficult concept, connection, or problem. I know in those moments especially that I am changing lives.

of teachers who will gently, patiently, and relentlessly serve as the students' guide, helping them scout out pathways through what would otherwise be impenetrable forests of obstacles to learning. Celebrating even the smallest successes with these students is profoundly gratifying to me and leads those students to become more mathematically literate, more self‑confident and persistent, and better equipped to be productive, well‑informed, self‑aware citizens.

After a rewarding career of over 25 years in the United States Coast Guard that included command of two ships and a shore unit, supervision of a leadership school, and assignment as an instructor in the Mathematics Department at the United States Coast Guard Academy, teaching at EHS for the past 19 years has been a blessed opportunity for me to give back. I am thankful to my colleagues, particularly the wonderful Mathematics and Computational Sciences Department of which I am a proud member, the School's benefactors, parents, and especially students for making this a joy‑filled highlight of my life. I have loved every minute of it.

Michael Hunt is chair of the Mathematics and Computational Sciences Department.

From guiding 9th grade algebra students through the proof, (mathematics, after all, is about proof— about knowing things with absolute certainty) all the way through to cultivating in 12th grade AP Calculus students the creative wherewithal and mathematical sophistication to construct complex proofs on their own, secondary school mathematics is full of surprises and powerful tools with which even the most math‑averse students can better understand themselves and the universe.

I particularly love working with students who have previously experienced little success in studying mathematics. In a certain sense, anyone can teach the brightest students, but the weakest students need the help

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Photo by Ashleigh Teel.

2016 ‑ 2017 BOARD OF TRUSTEES Chairman The Rt. Rev. C. Andrew Doyle Executive Chair Melinda Budinger Hildebrand Matthew K. Baird, Shelley Torian Barineau, Ronald P. Cuenod Jr., Rod Cutsinger, Thad T. Dameris, Julie G. Donaldson, David Ducote, Paige Fertitta, J. Todd Frazier '88, Susan C. Garwood, Gregory R. Geib, Laura Gilchrist, The Rev. James M. L. Grace '94, George V. Kane III, George O. McDaniel III, Jeffrey J. McParland, Dis Netland, Townes G. Pressler Jr., Joe Pyne, Ned Smith, Michael O. Strode, Duncan K. Underwood '89, Bridget Butler Wade '87, Randa Duncan Williams 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, 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 Merrell Athon, John F. Austin III, John S. Bonner III †, Thomas L. Carter Jr., Jonathan M. Clarkson, The Rt. Rev. C. Andrew Doyle, William F. Galtney Jr., Melinda Budinger Hildebrand, Victor A. Kormeier, Laurence B. Neuhaus, Joel I. Shannon, Ned Smith, Lynda Knapp Underwood, Thomas M. Wright

LEADERSHIP Head of School Ned Smith Assistant Head of School and Principal Nancy Laufe Eisenberg

Director of Finance and Operations Evelyn Cambria Dean of Faculty Nguyet Xuan Pham

Dean of Spiritual Life The Rev. Phil Kochenburger

Dean of Arts Jay Berckley

Director of Athletics Jason Grove

Director of Advancement Peggy Haney

PILLARS MAGAZINE TEAM Director of Communications Claire Fletcher Graphic Design Ashleigh Teel Photography Claire Fletcher, Mauro Gomez, Ashleigh Teel

Contributors Kate Ahner, Chris Bailey Photography, Dan Binder, George Brock, Gwyneth Bryan '17, Mylana Byrd '18, Armani Cavitt '20, Morgan Cuenod '17, Noah Dahlberg '18, Alan Duncan, Emily Forrest, Liam Griffin '20, Jason Grove, Dre Guthrie '17, Michael Hunt, Sydney Hutchins '19, Obe Lewis '20, Emma Lyders, Kendall Buckalew McCord '03, Mark Raggett, Erin Russe, Cade Slepitza, Margaret Young

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4650 Bissonnet • Bellaire, Texas 77401 • 713‑512‑3400 • 713‑512‑3606 • www.ehshouston.org