The Path - Fall 2023 by The Epiphany School of Global Studies

Epiphany Family Trips are Back! For the first time since the pandemic, Epiphany families enjoyed traveling through Europe together.

By Dare Oliver Coordinator of Fine Arts/ Director of Marketing

Epiphany family trips have returned in a BIG way! Thirty-four travelers (even three generations of one family) went to Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein with EFTours over Spring Break. Here are just a few highlights of our trip. Our first few days were spent in Germany: Rothenburg, Nuremberg, Munich, and the Dachau Concentration Camp. In Rothenburg, we visited the Rothenburg ob der Tauber (right). The picturesque town is said to be the inspiration for the village in Disney’s old Pinocchio movie. We walked around the city on the fortress wall and went through the old drawbridge that residents and visitors have been using for hundreds of years. Munich was full of history! We passed by the Olympic Stadium, walked around Residenz and through the heart of the city - Marienplatz. We saw the Munich Cathedral, the new Town Hall, and Hofbrauhaus. After our tour, we visited the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site. Next, we traveled to Salzburg and Berchtesgaden. We watched “The Sound of Music” on the bus on the way to Salzburg, with the beautiful Alps as our backdrop. Once we arrived, we visited the famous spots from the movie in addition to the birthplace and residence of Mozart. After some souvenir shopping, we rode to the salt mine in Berchtesgaden, where visitors go to celebrate 14

the uninterrupted 500-year mining of “white gold” from the depths of the Alps. We slid down two slides (110 feet and 140 feet into the shaft). We rode a boat on mirror lake, we took a fast train deep into the cave, and we learned how pumps and drills made salt mining more efficient through the 500-year history of the Petersberg tunnel. Most of us experienced a “first” on day 6 of our trip. This one-day road trip took us through FOUR countries! We started in Munich and made a stop at Ettal Abbey and then Linderhof Palace (home to the reclusive “Fairytale King”, King Ludwig II, crowned in 1864). We saw the beautiful Neuschwanstein Castle - as majestic as the alps surrounding it - briefly driving through Austria, and on to Liechtenstein (Vaduz). We eventually stopped at a beautiful hotel near the water’s edge in Weggis, Switzerland. Next we had one very full, beautiful day in Lucerne. The weather was gorgeous. We rode cable cars to the top of Mt. Pilatus - one of the majestic peaks that towers over the city. After riding up 7,000 feet, we toured around the visitor center and stepped outside into the snow. We even saw caves where the dragons live! — Cont. on next page

After descending Mt. Pilatus, we traveled into the lovely city of Lucerne for sight-seeing and shopping. We walked the Chapel Bridge, saw the Jesuit Church, and toured the many beautiful landmark squares. On the last day of our trip, we visited two beautiful German cities - Freiburg and Heidelberg. They reminded us a little of home. It was one more day to play, learn, shop, eat traditional food, and fellowship together. We saw a wine barrel as big as a house - it holds almost 59,000 gallons! We visited castle ruins, explored bell towers, and even constructed a human cathedral. That evening in the hotel, our lovely tour guide Sonia had us close our eyes and relive all of the incredible moments on our trip. It was very bittersweet...On the plane ride home, we all decided we’re signing up for next year’s trip to Italy. Please consider joining us. These are memories you’ll make with your family that will last a lifetime! Special thanks to Sandy Haddock, Director of Global Education, and Tahira Copland, Director of Admissions, for making this such an amazing experience. To get more information about the 2024 family trip, contact Sandy Haddock at shaddock@ epiphanyglobal school.org.

The Carlblom Family

From Minnesota to Malaysia to South Korea to New Bern — Raising a family around the globe raised on a grain farm in southwest Minnesota. As a child, going to Iowa was about as exciting as it got for me; and I still remember my first trip to Minneapolis/St. Paul. I’d never seen anything like it, and I’d also never met anyone who didn’t have We got the phone call on Friday, March 6, 1981. They told white skin and a Minnesota accent. Needless to say, living for us they had a school in Malaysia with positions for both of us, 27 years outside the USA was a tremendous eye-opening experiand we should take the weekend to think about it. ence — something we would not trade away! “Call back with your answer on Monday,” they said. We often get asked if we’d do it again. Was it worth it? The We looked in Encyclopedia Britannica to find out where in answer is an unequivocal “Yes”. In a heartbeat! Four key the world Malaysia was, and within an hour we called back. reasons: “We don’t need a weekend to think about this. We’ve been • We became so much more aware of the value of different waiting six years for this phone call. We’re ready to go!” cultures. If we are going to understand people from other Four months later, on July 10, we arrived in Malaysia to work parts of the world, we need in an international school with a protestant mission organizato understand that they tion, The Christian & Missionary Alliance, and immediately fell have different backgrounds, in love with where we planned to spend the rest of our lives. different histories, different Since that day 42 years ago, we spent 22 years in Malaysia customs; and understanding and five years in South Korea (two different schools). We raised those elements gives us the both daughters in Malaysia and watched them return to the ability to see the beauty in States for college. We lived in “English Spoken Here” areas but those around us. learned enough of the language to enjoy exploring and learn• We now have life-long ing more about our new homes. We celebrated holidays and friends in Malaysia and South birthdays and anniversaries with our neighbors and learned to Korea. Ten years after we left love the cultures in which we found ourselves. Malaysia we went back for Lori was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, and I was my daughter’s “destination

Written by Dr. Dwight Carlblom, Former Head of School at Epiphany

wedding” (after growing up in Malaysia she was always determined to go back and get married on her favorite beach at sunset… check!) In that visit we were able to see former neighbors and friends we’d had during our 22 years there, and it was as if we’d never left. • Once you have made that initial trip across an ocean, it is just a hop, skip and a jump (at a much cheaper rate!) to get to the countries around you. When we moved to Malaysia we had very limited international experience. Within seven years we realized that our children had now been to 13 different countries. The value in that kind of experience cannot be measured. • Sometimes we can take a history class or watch the evening news and wonder why people in other countries do some of the things that they do. Why can’t the Jews and Palestinians get along? Why does Russia seem to find it so hard to establish and utilize a republic form of government? Why are there sometimes such strong feelings of resentment between China, Korea, and Japan? When you have opportunity to travel and live in other countries, you become aware of feelings and perspectives that help to explain some of those actions. Something I and my “Minnesota bound” teachers could never seem to understand.

There is one more element that made living overseas so important for the Carlbloms. If not for that experience, we wouldn’t have found out about The Epiphany School of Global Studies. Living for 27 years in Malaysia and South Korea changed us. It made us people who, when looking for a new home back in the States, looked for an internationally focused, service oriented, Christian based school with a strong comprehensive curriculum. Epiphany fit that bill to a “T”. Looking back on 45 years of being a teacher and then administrator, there isn’t a thing we would change about our experience. It is amazing at this point to look back and see how God led from one situation, one experience, one country, to the next; and now we look forward to seeing how God will lead in retirement. It is certainly an unknown, but God’s word still applies. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

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An interview with Epiphany’s new Head of School David Wang talks about his past, the future, and the importance of being centered in one’s life. Q: Where were you born? Tell us about your life before Epiphany. A: I was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, the son of a career US Navy officer. We moved around the country a lot while I was growing up – Hawaii, California, Virginia, Maine, and Washington DC. After my dad passed away following a battle with cancer, my mom relocated to New Bern to be closer to family. I have one sister who lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with her husband and my two nieces. Q: Where did you attend college? Where did you work before you came to Epiphany? A: After graduating from high school, I attended Davidson College and earned a BA in English with a teacher’s certificate for English Language Arts, grades 6-12. I taught for three years at East Forsyth High School outside Winston Salem and then seven years at Rockingham County High School near Reidsville. While teaching and coaching soccer, I achieved National Board Certification for Early Adolescent English Language Arts. While teaching at East Forsyth, I met my wife Amy, who was in law school at Wake Forest University. It was actually her career that brought our family to New Bern in the fall of 2004. We have two children Conner (Class of 2020) and Emma (Class of 2022). During my first three years at Epiphany,

I simultaneously attended East Carolina University and earned my master’s degree in school administration. I have worked at Epiphany since its founding in 2006. Q: How do you feel about becoming head of school? A: I am excited about the opportunity to serve Epiphany as its next Head of School. Ironically, this role is not new to me. I served as the interim HOS twice previously, first in the spring of 2013 and second for the final eight months of the 2013-2014 school year. When I think about this role and the future of Epiphany, I am excited about the growth and the opportunities that await us. The students that we serve are amazing, talented young people, and I am eager to offer them the chance to uncover and expand their unique God-given gifts. I know that statement sounds like our marketing materials, but I truly believe in those words. We have passionate leaders, dedicated actors, aspiring athletes, driven scholars, and devoted servants in our student body in all grades. I want to create an environment, both physical and program-based, that gives the students the experience to showcase their talents. Q: What are your future plans for the school? A: Based on the work our building sub-committee of the Board of Trustees completed this past year, I believe our future plans include an update/expansion of our Lower School. 41

Whether we renovate the existing Henderson Campus or move the Lower School to the Trent Road campus, the needs of our littlest Falcons need to be addressed. I feel so fortunate to have had the previous school year to lead the Lower School because I have a better understanding of the wonderful things that happen on the Henderson Campus. Q: What are you most proud of personally and professionally? A: In 2017 I received the Craven Community College Community Fabric Award for Excellence in Educational Leadership. Equally gratifying for me are the accomplishments of the varsity men’s and women’s swim teams at Epiphany, for which I have coached for the past fifteen years. The men’s team won back-to-back state championships in 2019 and 2020, and the women’s team earned state-runners-up in 2020 and 2023. Q: What do you do in your free time? A: I love the game of golf. I think lessons about patience, dedication, and integrity are easily learned on the golf course. I serve on the Board of Directors at New Bern Golf and Country Club, and I appreciate the love of golf that this place offers its members. In regard to the arts, I enjoy pottery. The secret to pottery, especially throwing on the wheel, is centering. If your lump of clay is not centered and balanced on the wheel, then you will encounter problems in the process. That truth sounds a lot like life. The importance of being centered in one’s life, of having balance, is crucial to finding happiness and peace.

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Paideia Award Winners All of our teachers at Epiphany are exceptional, but two were recognized with the Paideia Award in May. Paideia means “training of the physical and mental faculties in such a way as to produce a broad enlightened mature outlook harmoniously combined with maximum cultural development.” On the Lower School campus, art teacher Liss Corona was recognized for the joy she brings to her art students, the hard work she put into creating a student news channel, the creative drama elective she taught in the Fall, and her commitment to the after school program. Choral Music/Concert Band/Music Theory teacher Mabel Rosney was given the prestigious award on the Trent Campus. Mabel created two new programs this year on top of continuously inspiring her singers. The growth of her brand new concert band was amazing to watch throughout the year - she even started a pep band! Thank you to Liss, Mabel, and all of our staff for working so hard.

The Staton Family Proud members of the Epiphany Family

The Arts We had another full year of sharing our artistic talents — from singing, to painting, to acting, to playing instruments, to creative writing...from downtown New Bern to NYC’s Carnegie Hall — we experienced so much in the ’22-’23 school year. We also enjoyed in-house performances by professional artists — the NC Baroque Orchestra, Carolina Ballet, and even a visit and masterclass by “Hamilton” star Thayne Jasperson. This was a year to remember! Here’s a look at our star-studded time in the Arts Department at Epiphany.

Lower School

l Music & Art

ArtWalk: G Congratulations to Bella DeSantis! Her art was chosen for the May ArtWalk map.

All eyes were on Charlie as he entered Cow Cafe with a 14-scoop ice cream sculpture! He created this masterpiece, and it’s now display at the popular ice cream shop in downtown New Bern. 48

Grades K-12

Lower School Art Electives

DRAMA

Falcon News

Photography Club

Lower School Talent Show Photos by Marisa McDonald

Trent Campus Talent Show “Now I’ve...had the time of my life...”

Instrumental Music

Trent Campus Visual Arts

Choral Music

Five students from Epiphany were selected for and participated in the High School Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Participation in the Honors Ensembles is limited to the highest-rated young performers from across the world. The students attending the Honors Performance Series were accepted after a review by the Honors Selection Board. Acceptance to the elite group is a direct result of the talent, dedication, and achievements demonstrated in their application and audition recording. The Epiphany students joined performers from New York City for a special performance at the world-famous Carnegie Hall, a venue that marks the pinnacle of musical achievement. The finalists learned from world-renowned conduc- From left to right: Caroline Strickland, Emily Haber, Zoe Brougher, Bennett tors and got a taste of big city life. Sanborn, and Amelia Bobbitt participate in the concert on Feb. 4, 2023. 55

Concert Band

It was a year of firsts in Epiphany’s music department! Mrs. Rosney didn’t hesitate when we asked her if she’d be willing to teach something brand new — concert band. Representatives from Fuller’s Music came in at the beginning of the school year to help students decide what instruments they should choose. The group very quickly went from playing “Hot Cross Buns” to more complicated and sophisticated pieces. Mrs. Rosney was so surprised at their quick progress that she decided to teach them some pep band songs. Having a pep band in the gym for our basketball games added so much energy and atmosphere! We’re very proud of these students for being the first to sign up for these new endeavors, and we’re grateful to Mrs. Rosney for leading the charge.

Theater Tech

Students in Theater Tech class helped with almost every aspect of our shows last year. They painted, sewed, cut, glued, designed, ran lights, and helped with sound. Some even tried acting! Theatres can’t run without those who help with costumes, props, and tech. We’re grateful for our hardworking tech students who work on the details that bring our shows to life.

Drama Middle School Drama

Upper School Drama

Musical Theatre

Thank you to the members of Epiphany’s The Arts are growing so fast, and we co Masterclass with Broadway star Thayne Jasperson Thank yo u Roussel, , Mrs. for makin g it all happ en! We had so much fun with Broadway star Thayne Jasperson - the only original castmember who remains in the award-winning musical “Hamilton.” He’s performed in “Hamilton” more than 2,300 times in nine years! He’s also starred in “Matilda,” “Newsies,” “High School Musical,” and more.

NC Baroque Orchestra

In April, FOTA funds were used to bring in the NC Baroque Orchestra. It was such a treat to hear the sounds of instruments from the 1700s. We were given demonstrations and treated to a concert.

Thank you to our 2022-23 FOTA members: Sharon and Chris Bishop Lori and Dwight Carlblom Ed and Mary Ann Koffenberger Nancy and Kevin Coughlin Gary and Ashley Baxter Curry Dr. Robert and Mrs. Jean Ficek Anthony and Angela Genzale

Contact Dare Oliver, Coordinator of Fine Arts, to join FOTA. doliver@epiphanyglobalschool.org

McKenzie and Patrick Hall Dax and Stuart Jennings Paula and Don Jessup Claire and Neil Oliver Dare and George Oliver Gina and Rick Steininger Susan and Mike Watkins Jane and Ken Wooten

Friends of the Arts (FOTA) Booster Club! ouldn’t do it without you. Take a look... PAC Lighting Upgrade

Without a doubt, the most important upgrade made to Epiphany last year was the new lighting system we installed in the PAC. It’s a gift used by the entire school almost daily for gatherings, Chapel, and student activities like Senate campaign speeches. The plans for this major improvement started in Spring of the previous year, and many hours were spent making the truss cost a lot of money. Everything was sure the best option was safely installed. Kris Pierson (from New Bern Civic Theatre) and Neil Oliver (Epiphany purchased for about $15,000 and was made parent and FOTA member) worked with the Arts Depart- possible by a generous donation from Dr. Carlblom, FOTA funds, the PTO, and the school. ment all year. We finally brightened up the stage for the The labor was donated by FOTA members Neil first time during the Instrumental and Choral Music conand Claire Oliver, who also paid for all of the certs in April. The lights added a lot to “Emma JV,” too. costumes in “Emma JV.” Thank you, FOTA! Of course these lights, cables, electrical outlets, and

Carolina Ballet

Our Lower School students were treated to a master class and performance by Carolina Ballet. The program was a gift from Atlantic Dance Theatre. 61