Head of School
David Wang
Assistant Head of School and Director of Global Education
Sandra Haddock
Director of Admissions
Molly Ostmann
Director of Athletics
Matt James Director of Development
Julia Connolly
Director of Finance
Nancy Coughlin
of Lower School
Calah Ronzheimer Director of Marketing
Dare Oliver Director of Middle School
Dr Morgan James
Director of Spiritual Life
Kirk Ronzheimer Director of
Ryan Seeger
Director of Technology
Bobbi Jo Kelly
R O M
Another summer has come and gone, and we begin our nineteenth year as a school. Wow! We are excited to kick off another school year at Epiphany, and we look forward to welcoming over 480 students to our campuses. This year we center our ministry on one of "Intention." Purpose . . . focus . . . plan-these synonyms remind us of the meaning of intention. Years ago a parent once told me that when he thought of Epiphany, he reflected that intention and integrity are the two words he thought of when thinking of Epiphany. What a great compliment!
In this edition of The Path, you will see our intention to focus on the culmination of an Epiphany education. We highlight the accomplishments of our Upper School in articles about the AP scores of our students and and Epiphany's Youth and Government (YAG) Club The first recognition names
Epiphany as a "Platinum" school, showcasing the excellent performance of our students on these nationally recognized assessments. The second honor names our YAG club as a "Model Delegation" at the annual convention, an award that singles out one club from across North Carolina. These kinds of awards come from the tireless efforts of our students and teachers--very well deserved Additionally, this edition covers our school's efforts to engage our ever-growing alumni population. We were thrilled when Harrison Little, class of 2016, spoke at the annual Gala, sharing his reflections on what an Epiphanyeducationhasmeanttohim.
Abraham Lincoln once said, "Having chosen our course, without guile and with pure purpose, let us renew our faith in God, and go forward without fear" My hope as you read this edition of The Path is that you will see some of the many ways we intentionally plan programs and opportunities to enrich the lives of our students, helping them tobecomebetterhumanbeings.Enjoy!
David Wang Head of School
College Board announced that The Epiphany School of Global Studies has been named to the Advanced Placement® Program (AP®) School Honor Roll, earning Platinum distinction.
The AP® School Honor Roll recognizes schools whose AP programs are delivering results for students while broadening access. Schools can earn this recognition annually based on criteria that reflect a commitment to increasing college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximizing college readiness.
Epiphany currently offers the following AP courses: Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, English Language, English Literature, European History, Human
Geography, Latin, Spanish Culture and Language, and US Government and Politics.
Epiphany had 84% of seniors who took at least one AP exam during high school, 76% of seniors scoring a three or higher on at least one AP exam, and 32% of seniors who took five or more AP exams!
“We are very excited about the recognition from the College Board,” says David Wang, Head of School at Epiphany. “The acknowledgment is a testament to the dedication of the school’s AP teachers and the hard work of the school’s students ”
“AP represents an opportunity for students to stand out to colleges, earn
college credit and placement, and potentially boost their grade point averages,” said Trevor Packer, head of the AP program. “The schools have shown that they can expand access to these college-level courses and still drive high performance – they represent the best of our AP program ”
College Board’s Advanced Placement® Program (AP®) enables students to pursue college-level studies with the opportunity to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both while still in high school. Through AP courses in 38 subjects, each culminating in a challenging exam, students learn to think critically, construct solid arguments, and see many sides of an issue skills that prepare them for
Epiphany’s Youth and Government Club is one of the Upper School’s most popular clubs. Every year, students in Grades 9-12 participate in mock state government, including legislative, judicial, and executive positions. These students work hard all year writing mock bills and learning how to argue that legislation in chambers; they write briefs to argue both sides of cases in mock appellate courts or prepare for their mock criminal proceedings, and they work as members of broadcast, print,
photo, or social media to report on the amazing work their other classmates have done. Some students work to achieve leadership positions in the executive branch as Chief Justice, State Treasurer, or even Governor. Being part of this amazing club helps students build life-long skills and amazing friendships.
This year, the Epiphany Youth and Government Delegation had one of its most successful years at the conference to date. We took 33 delegates to
conference, more than doubling our membership from last year. Our Mock Trial Team of Lily Huber, Luis McElearney, Peyton Raper, and Kevin Coughlin made it to the All Stars round of competition. We had two bills signed into YAG law by the Youth Governor: House Bill 33, written by Paige Christman and Leah Standen, about creating a redistricting commission to end partisan gerrymandering, and House Bill 34, written by Wood Mattocks, Elizabeth Moore, and Colt Raper about repealing the clean language claus to its violation of the First Amend In addition to these accomplishm Maria Padro, because of her incr welcoming personality, was voted Outgoing,” and Lily Huber, becau her impeccable attention to deta knowledge of law and order, was “Best Witness” for the 2024 confe year.
Our state officers for the 2025 year will be Zoe Brougher, who was appointed Managing Media Editor, Nathan Huber, who was appointed Senior Budget Analyst, and Davis Hall, who was appointed State Treasurer. And finally, because of this delegation’s hard work, incredible commitment to making everyone feel welcome at YAG, and carrying out the Y core values, the Epiphany YAG delegation was awarded the prestigious award of Model Delegation! Epiphany is proud of the hard
In December 2023, graduates from various classes returned to New Bern to attend our Alumni Reunion, making the event a resounding success. The reunion was held downtown near the holiday season and saw a great turnout, with alumni representing a broad spectrum of graduating classes.
The school’s Alumni Council expressed their excitement about the enthusiastic participation and hopes to make this reunion a cherished tradition. The gathering provided an opportunity for former students to reconnect, reminisce, and share their post-graduation
experiences.
To ensure alumni stay informed about future events and other alumni news, the council encourages all alumni to update their contact information in the alumni directory, linked below Staying connected is key to maintaining the strong community that Epiphany has cultivated over the years.
The council looks forward to welcoming even more graduates in the years to come!
I spent a large part of my Love in Action time at Habitat for Humanity. If anyone doesn’t know what H4H is, it is an organization that works with families, local communities, and volunteers around the world to provide affordable and safe homes for those who may not be able to afford them. They do incredible work, and I was honored to be a part of it
When I first walked on site, I was quite honestly expecting to be bored out of my mind. I didn’t know what to expect. Maybe I’d dig a hole? Sweep a worksite? Who knows? Instead, I was introduced to
By Patrick Connolly, ‘24
Micheal, the site's supervisor for our time there. He was a very patient man who wanted nothing more than to teach us how to do whatever our task was, and how to do it efficiently and effectively.
On the first day, he was teaching me how to put up siding, then a few days later, flooring, then how to fill the holes the nails left in a door jam, and how to use a nail punch when a nail didn't go in all the way. Throughout my time working with Micheal, I got to know who he was and why he was there. He loved the purpose behind his work; he saw what he did as
more than work. While everything we did was checking off a list to finish this house, to him, it was more than that. It was checking off a list with a family in need in mind He was working so that a family would be able to sleep safely with a roof over their heads. I admired that. It made me realize that while we were there to fulfill a requirement to graduate, our work meant so much more than that.
Sure, we put up siding, after we went home and got to take a nice shower to wash off the day. But the siding that we put up will soon allow a family to sleep safely at night. The flooring we put down may have been infuriating at times when a piece we painstakingly measured and cut broke upon installation, but that flooring will soon support a family that could have earlier been sleeping in a shelter.
Love in Action was what we, as students, made it to be. We got out what we put in. I put in blood, lots of sweat, no tears, and I got out an experience I will never forget. I got to take part in the changing of lives. Sure the work that I alone did may have been minuscule compared to the whole, but I got to be a part of a project that will allow someone else to be a part of something bigger. It made me realize the importance of putting purpose into my work and how much of an impact just one person can have on the lives of others. For that lesson alone, I would put in twice the blood, sweat, and maybe a few tears if I had to. I cannot thank Epiphany and Pastor Kirk enough for giving me this opportunity to learn I am happy to say I will be signing up to do more work with Habitat for Humanity this summer Thank you
The first time I stepped foot in the Trent Campus of Epiphany, I was a rising 6th grader about to have an interview with a very scary and intimidating individual named Mr Seeger To be honest, the interview was a blur to me because I was completely terrified, but I do remember a particular question he asked me: “If you could create your own school, what would be the rules and principles you would incorporate?” I remember replying with something along the lines of, “The school should make everyone feel safe, and it would be an environment where kindness is spread throughout the building.” Looking back
now, I found those exact principles I wanted in my school right here at Epiphany.
Now, when I was preparing for this speech, I knew that it would be nowhere near as great as Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech or President Abraham Lincoln’s “Gettysburg Address” speech. But what I did know was that I wanted to share my experience and leave you all with something you would find useful in your journey of growth
I’ll admit that the first few years of being at Epiphany were hard. I was in middle school and I was still figuring
to hide my background, where I came from, and my identity from everyone around me. The anxiety I felt from anyone asking me about myself was overwhelming, and it was tiring to hide every aspect of my life from my peers and teachers out of fear of being judged. But as I spent more time within these walls with the people in my class, I began to realize that this environment is a safe space; that despite feeling so small and irrelevant, I had found friends and classmates who cared about my story. My identity is the biggest part of who I am, and I wish that I had embraced it sooner.
I’m sure many of you have felt like you couldn't fully be yourself in a place, or you feel ashamed of being judged. But every one of us in this room has a story to tell, a unique background we grew up with, and a talent we can share. I encourage you to not lose sight of that part of you: that identity that makes you so unique. Don’t give yourself up so easily just to fit in with the rest, to fit the mold, or to impress and satisfy others Your confidence in who you are and your identity may inspire others to do the same.
If there was one thing that I looked up to the most, it was the class of 2018. I remember Maggie Polo’s bright smile as she made the morning announcements, and I remember Andrew Breasure dressed as a king, delivering a speaking part during the Feast of Epiphany. I also vividly remember him making an effort to show his gratitude to me after my friend Peyton had ratted me out to him that I had complimented his public speaking skills. That was seven years ago And although they are long gone and graduated, I still remember them and think back on how much of an effect they had on my life. That was when I realized that I wanted to inspire others the way that Maggie Polo, Andrew Breasure, and others in the class of 2018 had inspired me. If I was never going to be student body
president or one o least wanted to le
And I hope I h underclassmen I know we (the class
So, for those o stepping up soon lower campus to middle school to juniors to rising s ones you’ve alway inspire others…because you may never know how many young eyes look up to you and your leadership.
And amidst everything that you do in this school and will continue to do out into the world, stay grounded and thankful for the opportunities you have had here. Not everyone is as blessed as we are to be here, experiencing a journey as special as this one. I hope you won’t take it for granted Remember your goals, your values, and morals, and try to live by them. It’s hard to believe that we won't be sheltered by the walls of this building forever Start building an internal shelter; whether it is your faith in God, what you believe in, or what you stand for, use those things in a world filled with chaos and uncertainty. Epiphany has already given you something to start with: the four pillars, and to love God and your neighbor as yourself Build on that foundation.
I know that every one of us will go out and do great things wherever life takes us. We fought hard for our goals, and for our future careers, and who knows, maybe what we want to do now will completely change later on in life But whatever we choose to do, I hope that all of you, in the audience and up on the stage, will remember why you did this, why you put in so much of your time and effort, and why you are making the sacrifices that you are.
Minor Myers Jr once said, “Go into the world and do well. But more importantly, go into the world and do good.” One day you will be on this stage, preparing yourself for what comes next and reminiscing on the time you spent here at The Epiphany School of Global Studies. But until that time comes, the class of 2024 bids farewell to you all.
Harrison Little, Class of 2016, returned to Epiphany for the annual Gala and Auction to share his reflections on his middle and high school journey and its impact on who he is today. He thanked the community for supporting Epiphany so that the school can continue to give back to students like him and others with the enduring impact of an Epiphany education
Click the video link above to view his speech
“Hello” but not “Goodbye”
We are very grateful for the professionalism and intention Tahira dutifully brought to her role as Director of Admissions for the past four years. We will miss her in the admissions office, but take some comfort in knowing the Copland family is not leaving New Bern or Epiphany! We will see Tahira around as a parent and on the court as a volleyball assistant coach!
A familiar face, Molly Ostmann, moves from Administrative Assistant into the Director of Admissions role. Her 11 years at Epiphany and time spent on both campuses give her a unique perspective of the school and make for an easy transition into Admissions
Amy Willis leaves a legacy of customer service and compassion in the development office as she steps away from Epiphany as an employee. Still, we are grateful to continue to see her around Epiphany’s halls or in Mr. Willis’s science classroom.
Julia Connolly, parent of two Epiphany Alumni, Matthew ‘22 and Patrick ‘24, moved into the development role in May. She brings with her a knowledge of fundraising for non-profits and a passion for Epiphany after her sons' experiences as students
17 Bentley ‘29 and Piper ‘31 Williamson snowmobiling 18 Will Geiger ‘31 after an emergency appendectomy in Vail, CO 9 10 11 13 14 12 15 16 17 18
11 Milah Peters‘30 at Chichen Itza, Mexico
12 & 13 Annabelle ‘20, Amelia ‘31, and Allison ‘34 Mills at the Kennedy Space Center and at the Sombrero Beach Lighthouse in Marathon, FL 14 The Daniels, Geiger, Hall, and Hiner families skiing during enrichment break 15 Kate ‘28 and Will ‘31 Geiger with their parents skiing in Vail 16 Mrs Ostmann after scuba
the
Dan Murphy - Chair
Cathy Sparks
Isa Gratacos
Ken Gray
McKenzie Hall
Kate Horney
John Hawkins
Joe Osenni
Reid Parker
Beth Walker
Published each year
Editor:s
Molly Ostmann
Contributors: Mrs Fitz
Patrick Connolly ‘24
Pawry Shell ‘24
Harrison Little ‘16