Bright Knights

MARY HELEN KENNEDY '18

An Eye for Design

Mary Helen Kennedy has always been interested in art, but through EHS's robust Arts Pillar she's learned that she also likes design. "I never really thought my artistic abilities would translate into a career, but through knowledge and encouragement I found I was interested in architecture," she says, and now she's looking to further her study of architecture in college.

What she appreciates most about Episcopal is how the school is such a tight‑knit community, with each of the Four Pillars working in sync to develop the whole person. "A lot of times in math I've looked at proportions, how the eye moves, and I try to figure out how that relates to what I'm learning in physics or biology," says Kennedy. "Even learning about history can help my research in art projects. This school really lends itself to relating my different classes together."

The faculty and structure of the arts program have made Kennedy the artist she is today. Arts teacher Sharon Wilcutts has been an inspiration to her during her four years at EHS and helped broaden her artistic interests. "We did a project together called 'Color Theory Matching' that really interested me. Mrs. Willcutts is good at encouraging me to keep exploring new things." Kennedy appreciates how Episcopal weaves arts electives into the schedule and makes creativity a priority. "We have so many opportunities within the Arts Pillar. We're encouraged to take a class every semester, not just once in four years," she explains. "The variety of options, not to mention after‑school opportunities and workshops, allows you to explore many areas. Even if you're not in a class, you're always welcome in the Art Wing of the Convent."

The turning point for her, where art became not just a hobby or a pastime but something she would explore the rest of her life, was a project called "Grief and Relief." "I was working with more design in painting. That was the moment where I solidified my interest in design. It wasn't so much the actual painting but the experience that led to it. Although it was a simple piece with bubbles and cloth, I was working with shapes and placement and contrast, incorporating all these concepts that I'd never used before," she explains. "The prompt was about the Seven Deadly Sins. I made it relatable to my life at that time—stress—and ended up winning a citywide competition."

The EHS arts program focuses a lot on the creative process, and Kennedy has not only improved her artistic skills but also the ability to take risks and problem solve. "We've worked on projects that are challenging and call us to do more than what's expected in a typical art class. These courses incorporate the students' ideas, not just, 'I'll show you what to do, now do it,' but 'we'll figure out which process to take, and how we are going to formulate that together.'"

TAYJON MARTIN '18

The Power of Patience

August 2005. That's when 5‑year‑old TayJon Martin began to comprehend the grace and power of patience. Hurricane Katrina destroyed his family's New Orleans home and pitched him, his mom, brothers, and sister into a nomad's life of bunking with relatives, starting new schools, and bouncing from Oklahoma to Georgia, before landing in Houston in 2007. The moves were tough, but Martin taught himself to be patient and to believe that things happen for a reason. He knew he would do better than simply survive in life—he would thrive.

During middle school in the Cy‑Fair district, Martin's athletic prowess lit up the football field and basketball court, and he quickly realized that those talents could lead to a college scholarship.

To reach his full potential as a scholar‑athlete, Martin researched area coaches and high schools. "Coach Jones and Coach Leisz are known for bringing out the best in their athletes," he explains. "My goal was to transfer to Episcopal, so I could achieve my full potential both athletically and academically."

Martin left the 3,600‑student Cy‑Falls High School after sophomore year to transfer to EHS. His instincts were spot‑on. "I love a small school where you know almost everyone in your grade. The teachers here listen, and I have been fortunate to build relationships with coaches and faculty like Ms. Nancy Eisenberg and Mr. Eric Lerch. I also appreciate daily Chapel," he continues, "because it provides a break from the rigor of classes. Hearing personal stories of student homilists helped me build connections and make friends here."

The qualities of patience and good instincts made Martin a standout cornerback in the SPC. "I'm fast, but the key is to not act too soon or a receiver can fake a route," he says. "I wait, read the route, then go for the burst and tackle." Coach Leisz concurs, adding, "TayJon stays with a play better than any athlete I've seen. He never gives up, and in every game he makes a touchdown‑saving tackle on the other side of the field."

When college scouts came calling, Martin evaluated his opportunities and trusted his gut to determine which program would be the best fit. "I'd like a chance at both a stint in the NFL and a career on Wall Street," he asserts. "I want to play Division I, but have the support of a small school environment." With that wish list in mind, he signed with the Lafayette Leopards in Pennsylvania, where he will play in the Patriot League.

Lafayette's Head Football Coach John Garrett told Martin he will start freshman year, and so he heads to Pennsylvania for practice and conditioning in June. "I'm not eager to leave home, but at the same time I am excited to join the Leopards, start college, and see what the future brings."

Equipped with patience, self‑awareness, and faith in the future, it's a good bet that Martin will not only survive his next steps, he will thrive.

MOMENTS

Fairy tale characters came to life when EHS Onstage journeyed "Into the Woods" for a spectacular spring musical. Photo by Ashleigh Teel.

HEART AND HUSTLE

EHS Food Service Dishes "Awesomeness" Every Day

From the first shift at 5:00 a.m. to after‑hours concessions or campus events, the Episcopal High School Food Service team delivers the fuel that powers the Four Pillars.

As the school expands and the new Underwood Student Center undergoes construction, a determined team of cooks and crew presses forward, rolling steaming trays of scratch‑made meals from the kitchen, across the sidewalk, to the temporary dining hall in Crum Gym. This daily choreography unfolds with dedication, cheer, and a commitment to excellence.

But the team's mission incorporates more than lunch. Because the students interact with Food Service every day for four years, many Knights develop friendships with the staff. Class of 2003's Sonny Reil makes a point to visit the group every time he returns to campus for meetings or athletics. "The friendship with the cafeteria staff is just one more example of the unique connections students make during their time at EHS," explains Reil.

Junior Mia Carrabba concurs. "I look forward to lunch because I'm hungry," she says, "but more importantly because I get to interact with people like Ms. Darlene, Ms. Karen, and the staff. Every one of them has genuine care and concern for the students."

Macy Miller '19 says, "I love coming to get a sandwich and visit with the staff. They are always so happy and funny, and it brightens my day."

Food Service Director Susana Borges‑Pasini leads with a combination of precision, unparalleled work ethic, and compassion that brings out the best in her team, and her respect for them is clear. "This group puts their heart and soul into getting here at the crack of dawn, preparing meals, transporting food back and forth from the kitchen to Crum, delivering catered meals to the Trustee Room or Alumni Center, catering special events like Knight Celebration and Open House, and going above and beyond to better serve everyone seamlessly," she states.

"With the challenges a temporary dining facility brings, this year has been tough for our department," she adds, "but I am so proud of our team."

Besides providing a wholesome rotation of menus, Borges‑Pasini and her team are intentional about ambiance and information, decorating the serving areas with seasonal themes or spirit swag, and labeling gluten‑free and vegan options. Each month, Borges‑Pasini sends a monthly nutrition newsletter to students and faculty that highlights fun trivia about vegetables such as snow peas or cuisine from countries like Venezuela.

Next school year, Food Service moves to the re‑imagined Underwood Student Center, complete with plenty of natural light, seating for 500, and a coffee bar. While stunning architecture and amenities will certainly elevate the dining experience, senior Denman Kane says the camaraderie among students and cafeteria staff is the tradition that endures. "I will be sure to come back and visit the Food Service staff after I graduate," he promises. "They have meant so much to me and to EHS."

—Claire C. Fletcher

More Than Lunch: Beloved Food Service Team Impacts Students' Daily Lives

"They not only provide great food, they are also hospitable and funny," Mia Carrabba '19 shares. "The staff never fails to put a smile on my face, no matter how stressed or tired I am."

Senior Denman Kane '18 is a long‑time fan of EHS Food Service. "The Food Staff is awesome. I've been coming to the cafeteria since I was a little kid when my brothers were in school here. They know exactly what I want each day and that means a lot. I will be sad to leave them, but I will make sure to come back and visit because they have meant so much to me and to EHS."

"Whenever I am on campus, I make an effort to visit the Food Service team, many who have worked here since I was in school," says alum Sonny Reil '03. "Not only is the food delicious, it gives the students the fuel necessary to participate in all the extracurricular activities available throughout the Four Pillars."

"Mrs. Maria and Ms. Karen are two of happiest faces on campus," adds Jordan Lang '18. "Every day I get the same sandwich, and now they know my order by heart. When I walk up to the serving line, they greet me with smiles on their faces, which puts a smile on mine!"

Gvahn, Nancy, Karen, Maria, and Darlene.