August 2015
E P I S C O PA L
C O L L E G I AT E MAGAZINE
EPISCOPAL CELEBRATES
12TH COMMENCEMENT Announcing Episcopal Collegiate School’s Institute for Responsible Citizenship
EPISCOPAL COLLEGIATE MAGAZINE
August 2015 Volume 2
Head of School Christopher R. Tompkins
Director of Marketing & Communications Marty Trieschmann
Designer Lauren Hampton (Class of 2005)
Photography Sara Blancett Reeves Nathan Large Amber Meadors Joel Schultz Lara Beard David Webb Kelly Hicks Joy Schultz Erick Saoud Holding the School banner, Senior Gracie Kreth leads the processional on Class Day.
Ashley Honeywell
Cover Photo: Lara Beard gets ready for the launch of the Episcopal Collegiate Institute for Responsible Citizenship. Photo by Sara Blancett Reeves. Back Cover Photo: Mary Kathryn Irby ends the 2014-15 school year with a run down the slip-n-slide!
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WELCOME
Looking Forward from the Head of School
Dear Episcopal Collegiate School Students and Families, It is with great enthusiasm and humility that I prepare to take on the role of Head of School – to work with you, your children, the board, faculty and staff, and our alumni. My wife, Kate, and I are especially pleased to join the Episcopal Collegiate community as fellow parents with a Lower School student, Christopher, and an Upper School student, Phoebe. Our eldest, Hannah, will be in Sewanee, Tennessee, at the University of the South as a first-year student. Over the past several months, Kate and I have enjoyed visiting Little Rock and the Jackson T. Stephens Campus to acquaint ourselves with our new home, church, and school. The entire family has found this new adventure exciting, even as we all recognize the apprehension of such a move. Each of you – students, parents, trustees, faculty and staff – has made us feel welcome and appreciated. For such a warm and enthusiastic welcome, the entire Tompkins family says, “thank you!”. As our family transitions to Arkansas, we look forward to getting to know all of you and to working with you to ensure the continued success of Episcopal Collegiate School. Together, we will protect and enhance cherished traditions, build upon the dedication and success of Steve Hickman and Mary Lou Entzinger, reinforce our Episcopal identity, and continue providing transformative experiences both in and outside the classroom. I look forward to conversations with you to better understand the School’s culture and those aspects of our ethos that are sacred and make us who we are. At the same time, I want to hear from students and faculty to better understand their aspirations – personal, professional, and for alma mater. As Episcopal Collegiate School continues to engage the greater Little Rock community and the world with “Respect, Reverence, and Responsibility,” we will continue our tradition of welcoming students from all walks of life. We will continue to teach students to think critically, write analytically, and speak clearly. We will send students into the world grounded by their experience at Episcopal Collegiate. As we begin what I know will be a long partnership in the education of our students, I hope you will join me in thinking boldly about the future of this school and acting boldly for the benefit of our students as we offer them a firm foundation of wisdom through knowledge. For, in the words of Solomon, son of David, King of Israel:
To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight,
Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance,
to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity;
to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles.
to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth—
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Sincerely,
Christopher R. Tompkins Head of School
Follow the Episcopal Collegiate School Headmaster's Blog at episcopalcollegiateheadmastersblog.wordpress.com
FEATURE
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Announcing Episcopal Collegiate’s Institute for Responsible Citizenship
“I am a citizen, not of Athens or Greece, but of the world.” -- Socrates In March 2014, the Episcopal Collegiate School Board of Trustees unanimously approved plans to build and implement a school-wide program dedicated to engaged citizenship. The Institute for Responsible Citizenship has had, since its inception, two major goals: 1) to strengthen existing educational programs that support students’ abilities to master core subject areas, and 2) to provide new enrichment opportunities that promote thoughtful and confident engagement in the broader global community. The Institute will incorporate service learning and experiential travel into the existing curriculum to promote adventurous exploration and individual passions. Ultimately, the School’s existing community service program will be integrated into the Institute. Veteran Middle School History and World Religions Teacher Lara Beard will serve as the Institute’s Director, and with the help of faculty, administrators, the Head of School, and a newly-formed Advisory Committee, will be responsible for bringing the Institute to life. “I’m excited about so many aspects of the Institute’s initiatives, but two things stand out,” said Beard. “First, the Institute will formalize and expand service opportunities and travel for all of our students, while at the same time customizing the approach that matches these opportunities to individual student interests. “Second, our students will be guided in curating a digital portfolio of their best work, from the classroom as well as from their service and travel commitments. This e-portfolio, which will help to demonstrate our students’ broad range of experiences, becomes a part of their greater educational portfolio upon graduation. “While other independent schools in the state might support service learning and promote travel, the Institute’s initiatives are designed to offer unique opportunities that do not have an equivalent in the state. I am privileged to be a part of these ground-breaking initiatives and look forward to all that the Institute will have to offer as it grows.” As the program begins to rollout in the Upper School in the fall, Head of Upper School Fletcher Carr agrees that the Institute “brings to the fore precisely the skills and dispositions that schools should be embracing today.”
Lara Beard is the Director of Episcopal’s Institute for Responsible Citizenship
“The Institute will provide a holistic educational center designed not only to push students to be active problem solvers, but also to formulate the questions that must be asked in order to uncover and solve those problems,” he said. Mr. Carr was part of the initial Institute Steering Committee of Middle and Upper School faculty members that included Beard, Joy Schultz, then Head of School Steve Hickman, then Academic Dean Mary Lou Entzminger, Nathan Large, and Debbie Pettibone. “With eight broad areas of engagement, Episcopal Collegiate students will have varied and valuable opportunities to find their niche. Through involvement in Institute initiatives, our graduates will leave this community with a set of competencies that help them navigate the much broader global community. Additionally, our students will possess a much keener sense of their civic responsibilities, and perhaps more importantly, how to act on them.” “Our biggest goal is for our students to know themselves—and the communities of which they are a part,” said Carr. “The broadest aim of the Institute is to teach them how to be their best and most productive selves in these various communities, now and over the course of their lives.”
The Evolution of the Institute In developing the Institute, the Steering Committee looked at the skillsets that the School already nurtures. Episcopal Collegiate graduates finish their pre-K-12 experience having mastered a variety of important critical competencies, such as the ability to investigate problems through research and communicate in varied and effective ways. In keeping with the School’s most recent strategic plan, we measure the acquisition and mastery of those skills through 11 specific demonstrations of learning, the vast majority of which are assessed in our existing course of study. As the School has grown, and the desire and need to engage with both the local and global communities has evolved, it is clear that our students will benefit greatly from
additional avenues for engagement. The Institute will provide those avenues through eight areas of engagement. “It’s helpful to think of the demonstrations of learning as the backbone of the Institute, and the eight engagements as the skeleton,” said Beard.
The Eight Engagements Each area of engagement offers Episcopal Collegiate students access to courses of study that have been specifically curated to explore global issues in the 21st Century, and further, to promote responsible citizenship. The engagements will allow for the thoughtful incorporation of travel (international and domestic), service, and experiential learning opportunities into
Launching the Institute This fall, the Episcopal Collegiate School Class of 2019 will kick-off the inaugural year of the Episcopal Collegiate Institute for Responsible Citizenship in the Upper School. Through a series of practicums during the first and second years of high school, every student in this class will be exposed to an introductory course of study in each engagement area. Year One practicums will focus on community, ethics, politics, and the environment. “Students will develop a broad baseline of knowledge as they explore the practicums,” said Carr. “Following sophomore year, they will be able to ‘major’ in one of the engagements, a piece that is unique to Episcopal’s program. For example,
“Twenty-first century independent schools must prepare students to be knowledgeable, compassionate citizens and effective leaders within a rapidly transforming world.” - The National Association for Independent Schools (NAIS)
each student’s Institute experience. Additionally, freshmen and sophomores will rotate through a series of engagement-specific practicums, or “minicourses,” with small group seminars, expert speakers, and a larger-scale lecture series. As students progress through the Institute, they will be asked to “major,” or focus, in one specific engagement and encouraged to propose their own ideas for engaged citizenship experiences. The Institute programs will revolve around eight broad engagements that fuel the best notions of what we mean by responsible citizenship. As they engage and learn more about each area, students will: I. Community – Understand the dynamics of the individual within broader communities and engage in purposeful service to the community. II. Political – Examine and practice the role of a citizen in a democracy. III. Economic – Explore the financial and economic factors that drive the global economy. IV. Global – Develop cultural competencies so as to address problems and challenges America shares with the rest of the world. V. Ethics and Spirituality – Study actions/policies that are very closely aligned to core American values and require ethical judgment on the part of lawmakers and the average citizen. VI. Environmental – Understand environmental preservation and sustainability, while exploring and assessing best practices, environmental policies and laws. VII. Entrepreneurial – Experience entrepreneurial action in the marketplace by working with or becoming entrepreneurs. VIII. Wellness – Develop sensitivities, understandings, and competencies surrounding physical, spiritual, and psychological wellness and work with peers and professionals through the Advisory program.
a student can choose to do his/her service hours intensively in one of the engagement areas, linking the service back to the concept of citizenship, whether in an environmental, entrepreneurial, community, Episcopal, political, or wellnessrelated area. It may or may not turn out to be a lifelong interest, but the most important aspect of the service is that it will teach our students to take an interest and run with it--and are then able to tie that broad experience back into their own intellectual and social development. Ultimately, we should be graduating students who are more directed, self-aware good citizens – all with the support of the Institute and Episcopal Collegiate School.” The junior and senior years will provide opportunities for hands-on, projectbased learning in an engagement of each student’s choice. With the help of teachers, advisors, and Beard, every student will build an e-portfolio in the new Haiku Learning Management System (see related story, page 30) that includes thoughtfully coordinated and carefully archived demonstrations of learning. These digital portfolios will be thoughtfully curated to reflect a student’s growth and passion for a particular engagement, and leadership in specific areas of the community. Additionally, because these portfolios have been built in a web 2.0 format, they are available for others to view on a variety of devices, and are packaged for easy display to colleges or potential employers. In 2015, it can be difficult for educators and parents alike to conceive of the kind of world our young people will need to navigate in the future. A technological revolution is fundamentally changing the way people live and work, and preparing students for jobs that do not yet exist is a daunting task. Despite these inherent difficulties, it is becoming increasingly clear that a diversity of skill sets that go beyond the traditional academic measures is critical to long-term success outside of the classroom. Veronica Boix Mansilla and Anthony Jackson, co-authors of “Educating for Global Competence: Preparing our Youth to Engage the World,” support this idea when they suggest that there is “a pressing need for minds that can go beyond standard disciplinary mastery.” The Institute for Responsible Citizenship at Episcopal Collegiate School will provide the structure and support our students need to move beyond content mastery, focusing instead on promoting global competencies and a keen awareness of civic responsibilities.
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SPOTLIGHT
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A Tribute to Mary Lou
Mary Lou Entzminger knew that she wanted to be a teacher by the time she was in the tenth grade. “I love school- both teaching, and learning, and working with young people and watching them grow and realize their potential.” Episcopal Collegiate School has been the beneficiary of that love and passion for education for more than a decade. The Upper School Head and Academic Dean retired in May 2015 after guiding the School through one of its greatest periods of growth and change. “When I came to Episcopal, the oldest grade was the eleventh grade. The Middle and Upper School faculty and I worked very hard to develop the curriculum, map the curriculum, and establish strong vertical teams to evaluate and adjust curriculum. That was huge and a critical part of why our graduates, even the first classes, have been able to earn college acceptances at highly-selective universities. “Another big change is the development of a school culture that was more in line with the best Episcopal and independent schools in the nation. We established a daily chapel, an Honor Code and Honor Council, provided many leadership opportunities for students, and fully embraced the culture of Respect, Reverence, and Responsibility. On May 5th, a special Chapel service was held in Mary Lou’s honor and attended by hundreds of current and former trustees, parents, alumni, students, and faculty and staff. The Chapel included performances by the Episcopal Collegiate Concert Choir, Percussion Ensemble, and Orchestra. A reception was held in the Championship Gym following the service. In a heartfelt tribute, Mrs. Harriet Stephens said, “Her arrival at Episcopal Collegiate was divine intervention and I mean it with all of my heart.” “At the heart of it all, though, is her love of students and teaching. She is an educator first and foremost. After 22 years of teaching at Virginia Tech, Laussanne Collegiate School, and St. Mary’s Episcopal, it made me so happy to see Mrs. Entzminger return to the classroom several years ago to teach Humanities. A graduate of Episcopal describes her experience in Mrs. Entzminger’s class and serving with her on the Honor Council as ‘having a profound impact on me. She taught me to look at life and the world around me in a different way and I am eternally grateful.’ “Mrs. Entzminger, that student is one of many people whose lives you have changed,” said Mrs. Stephens. “Your impact on Episcopal Collegiate School cannot be overstated. Your vision, determination, and devotion to the students and the School will remain embedded in our very fabric. Your contributions are the core of what is right and fine and good about Episcopal Collegiate School. On behalf of everyone in this room and many more, I thank you.” During the Chapel service, Mrs. Stephens unveiled a limestone paver that will be installed outside the east door of the Upper School that reads: Mary Lou Entzminger First Head of Upper School, 2003-2013 Academic Dean, 2013-2014 Head of School Transition Consultant and Special Projects, 2014-2015 6 | episcopalcollegiate.org
Photo (l to r) Mary Lou poses next to the limestone paver in tribute to her that will be installed outside the east door of the Upper School
With Profound Appreciation For Her Vital Role In Laying the Foundation Of Excellence and Integrity For Episcopal Collegiate School Upper School English Teacher Tandy Cobb had this to say about Mary Lou: “Mrs. Entzminger shared the vision that the founding families had for the School that Episcopal could become. She insisted that we were not ‘growing a pretty good school;’ we were growing the best independent school in the state and one of the best in the country. She taught us how to do that, and she allowed faculty, students, and parents to take ownership of the process. Mrs. Entzminger brought out the best in all of us. Just look around you at what we have accomplished by not settling for “pretty good.” Mary Lou, you have been my mentor, ally, co-conspirator and cherished friend for almost 13 years. As Elphaba said to Glinda in Wicked, ‘So, let me say before we part, so much of me is made of what I’ve learned from you.
Class Day Awards More than 100 academic and special awards were presented to students in grades 6-12 at the Middle and Upper School Class Day on May 15. Highlights of Class Day included; The Rev. Canon R. Ewing Jackson, Jr. Medal - Emma Hall The Rev. Canon R, Ewing Jackson, Jr. Medal is given to one 8th grade student who exhibits excellence in academics, leadership, citizenship, and character during his/her tenure as a student at Episcopal Collegiate School. Congratulations, Emma!
Photo (l to r): The Entzminger Family; husband Bob, son Chris Milam Entzminger, Mary Lou, and son Justin Entzminger
SERVICE AWARDS Middle School - Sadia Rivers-Hughes Given to the Middle School student who has served the community the most during the last year, as reflected by his/her record of service. Upper School - Liza Hill The Upper School Service Award is given to the student who has shown a four-year, consistent commitment to a variety of service projects.
JUNIOR BOOK AWARDS Photo (l to r) Mrs. Harriet Stephens embraces Mary Lou after Mrs. Stephens delivered an emotional speech in her honor. | Mary Lou with her predecessor, Ms. Tommy Warren.
You’ll be with me like a handprint on my heart. Because I knew you, I have been changed for good.’ What’s next for Mary Lou? “Getting unpacked in Memphis,” she says. “Seriously, I have intentionally not made specific plans except to travel with my husband after we get settled in our new home. I need to have some time to adjust to retirement and determine what I want to do in this next stage of life. I know that I will always return to Episcopal to visit and, if needed, to help the School in any way that I can. I love our School and want to watch it become recognized as one of the best college preparatory schools in the nation.”
The following Junior Book Award recipients were chosen by vote of the Episcopal Collegiate faculty. Harvard Book Award - John Cai Yale Book Award - Adrianne Owings Jefferson Book Award - Gracie Kreth Penn Book Award - Will Baker Washington & Lee Book Award - Harris Bethel
CITIZENSHIP AWARDS Citizenship Awards are presented to students who: • Demonstrate good conduct and deportment • Are responsible, reliable, and dependable • Meet expectations regarding attendance/lack of • Serve as a role model to others • Reflect a positive attitude toward the School and School community MIDDLE SCHOOL • 6th Grade: Phoebe Sanders • 7th Grade: Adrian Rogers • 8th Grade: Graham Gordon UPPER SCHOOL • 9th Grade: Cooper Calvery • 10th Grade: Milo McGehee • 11th Grade: John Cai • 12th Grade: Dara Rowell
GRADS
Episcopal Celebrates 12th Commencement
Photo: After receiving her diploma and senior gift, SMU Hunt Leadership Scholar Riley Blair receives a final blessing from The Reverend John Childress.
“We are strong. We are bold. And we are not afraid of the challenges that are ahead,” Episcopal Senior Laura Dunnagan told a gymnasium full of people gathered to see her and her classmates graduate. “If there was ever a class to dream big and accomplish more than anyone thought possible, it’s been us, and this fact will be no different as we head our separate ways.” In the Senior Address that Dunnagan, Honor Council President, offered at Episcopal’s 12th Commencement, she explored the journey of the Class of 2015 and the bonds that they formed, urging them to persevere and trust themselves in the years ahead.
Dunnagan’s address was one of several peak moments in the May 16 ceremony, also highlighted by a Commencement Address by invited speaker Aron Ralston, who spoke to graduates about the powerful role of adversity in his life. Ralston is the author of the international best-selling book, Between a Rock and a Hard Place, which details his six-day ordeal trapped under a boulder in a remote Utah canyon. An avid outdoorsman, Ralston was on a hiking trip in 2003 and accidentally dislodged a boulder that crushed and pinned his right hand. After six days of entrapment alone, he amputated his hand with a multi-knife tool and hiked to a miraculous rescue.
“There are going to be challenges ahead that our generation will have to face, and the perseverance, in addition to the education, that we have earned here will help us make a difference and be better able to manage and solve the problems that arise,” Dunnagan said. “The perseverance that we have learned will allow us to stand up to challenges, to embrace conflict, and to work through each and every hardship, because then, as now, we will see the tangible benefits that such perseverance can bring. “But perseverance alone is not the most important lesson of high school,” Dunnagan said. “There is something more personal, more intimate, and even more challenging than learning how to persevere, and that is learning to trust yourself. Maybe it is better said that the true lesson is having the courage to trust yourself.” Photo (l to r): Interim Head of School Tom Southard with Class of 2015 Valedictorian Alan May, and Co-Salutatorians Victoria Jones and Shelby Powers.
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Ralston’s ordeal was the subject of the major motion picture, 127 Hours, starring James Franco and directed by Danny Boyle. The film was nominated for six Oscars. Episcopal conferred diplomas on 47 graduates during the ceremony held in Championship Gym. The ceremony began with an inspirational message from Interim Head of School Tom Southard. “I want to congratulate you, the graduating class, for the depth as well as the breadth of all you have accomplished,” he said. “Not only have you reflected the academic achievement for which this school is known, but you have also manifested the emotional, spiritual, physical, and social strength and maturity which has characterized you individually, as well as a class.” Southard led the procession of graduates, along with rising senior and Jefferson Book Award Winner Gracie Kreth, who carried the ceremonial school banner. The achievements of the Class of 2015 to which Southard referred could also be quantified. The Class of 2015 includes the School’s first U.S. Presidential Scholar (Alan May), four U.S. Presidential Scholar Candidates, four National Merit finalists, four National Merit Commended Students, and seven All-State Athletes. The Class amassed an amazing $5.6 million in merit scholarship offers, and 5,857 hours of community service. Forty-three percent of the Class scored a 30 or above on the ACT, with a median ACT score of 28. In closing, Dunnagan offered her classmates some final words of encouragement. “As we cross the stage today, I hope that you all are proud of what you, and we, have accomplished, and at the end of the ceremony, in the words of The Office’s Michael Scott, “may your hats fly as high as your dreams.”
Photo left (l to r): Praised as one of the best speakers in Episcopal Commencement history, Aron Ralston (center), with Interim Head of School Tom Southard and Head of Upper School Fletcher Carr, delivered a powerful message on the role of adversity to the Class of 2015; Photo right, second from top (l to r): Happy graduates Natalie Zolten and Jaala Smith; Photo bottom right: Class-elected speaker Shelby Powers
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NEW GRADS
Congratulations Episcopal Class of 2015!
NEW GRADS
Class of 2015 College Acceptances Arizona State University
Northwestern University
*University of Chicago (1)
*Arkansas State University (1)
Oklahoma State University
*University of Kentucky (1)
Austin College
*Ouachita Baptist University (3)
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Baylor University
*Pratt Institute (1)
*University of Mississippi (2)
Belmont University
Rhodes College
University of Missouri, Columbia
California College of the Arts
Rice University
*University of Montana, Missoula (1)
California Lutheran University
Saint Louis University
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Centre College
Sam Houston State University
University of Oklahoma
College of Charleston
Sewanee: The University of the South
*University of Richmond (1)
*Davidson College (1)
*Southern Methodist University (1)
University of St. Andrews, Scotland
*Duke University (1)
Swarthmore College
*University of Texas, Austin (1)
Florida Institute of Technology
Syracuse University
*University of Tulsa (1)
*Georgia Institute of Technology (2)
*Texas Christian University (1)
University of Virginia
*Henderson State University (2)
Trinity College
*Vanderbilt University (1)
*Hendrix College (5)
Trinity University
Virginia Tech
High Point University
University of Alabama
Wake Forest University
*Lipscomb University (1)
*University of Arkansas (11)
*Washington and Lee University (1)
*Louisiana State University (2)
*University of Arkansas at Little Rock (1)
Washington University in St. Louis
Lyon College
University of California, Davis
*Yale University (1)
*Millsaps College (1)
University of California, Santa Cruz
New York University
University of Central Arkansas
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*matriculation
NEWS
Student News Merit Scholarship winner, two-time MVP of the Class 3A State Quiz Bowl Tournament, and member of the Upper School Honor Council and the Wildcat Cross-Country Team. He has won virtually every award offered by the Arkansas Student Congress. Middle School History and Upper School World Religion Teacher Lara Kemp Beard received the outstanding faculty award. Beard received a $10,000 grant: $5,000 for continuing education and $5,000 to be used at her discretion.
Alan May ‘15 receives the Jackson T. Stephens Outstanding Senior Award from Board President Chuck Erwin on Class Day.
“[Lara] has an electrifying and compelling passion for her subject and one which describes her drive as a teacher,” said Erwin. “She has a blended classroom setting, bringing the best of technology and research to her classroom instruction; she demonstrates in all that she does what it means to be a 21st Century teacher.”
Jackson T. Stephens Outstanding Faculty and Senior Awards
Lara has over the past three summers attended the Clarice Smith National Teacher Institute, the Gilder Leman Institute, the AP Government Workshop, and this summer attended the George Washington Teacher Institute Summer Residential Program at Mount Vernon.
On Class Day, May 15, Episcopal Collegiate Board of Trustees President Chuck Erwin announced the 2015 recipients of the Jackson T. Stephens Outstanding Senior Award and the Jackson T. Stephens Outstanding Faculty Award. The awards are the two highest honors awarded by Episcopal Collegiate School. The Stephens family presents the awards annually to the senior student and faculty member who best exemplify the work ethic of Jackson T. Stephens, along with their leadership and contributions to the School. Alan Bellhouse May received the outstanding senior student award. He received a $5,000 grant to be used at his discretion. Quoting written recommendations of Alan, Erwin said, ‘His intellect is so comprehensive and yet so refined that he could easily be excelling as a 17-year-old in high-level graduate courses at top-tier schools. His ability to synthesize ideas of virtually any type and complexity and then write remarkably graceful elucidations of these ideas is jaw-dropping.’ Among his many accomplishments, Alan May was selected as one of only 141 U.S. Presidential Scholars in the United States from a starting pool of over three million American high school students. He is a National
Photo below (l to r): Caroline Kemp, Jordan Beard, Lara Beard, Ann Kemp, Hal Kemp, and Harrison Kemp.
National Merit Program Another bright, young group of Episcopal Collegiate students were among the finalists in the National Merit Scholarship Competition. By virtue of their preliminary SAT scores, four seniors - Ezra Feldman, Therese Janosky, Shelby Powers, and Alan May - advanced through the semifinalist and finalist stages, joining approximately 8,000 high school students from across the country. Josie Hurst, Liza Hill, Laura Dunnagan, and Dylan Wright earned the designation of Commended Student for their high scores. About 1.5 million juniors in more than 22,000 high schools entered the 2014-15 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying test, which serves as an initial screening of entrants. The nationwide pool of semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest scoring entrants in each state. In Arkansas, only about 150 students made it to the semifinalist stage.
Photo (l to r, sitting) Josie Hurst, Therese Janosky, Shelby Powers, Laura Dunnagan, and Liza Hill; (l to r, standing) Ezra Feldman, Alan May, and Dylan Wright. 13
NEWS
“[Mary Lou] has given abundantly of all three throughout her professional career with her focus keenly fixed on what has always meant the most to her - the student. She has worked with passion and conviction to ensure that Episcopal Collegiate’s young people receive the very best education possible.” Mary Lou Entzminger served as Episcopal Collegiate’s first Head of Upper School for ten years and subsequently served as Academic Dean. Last year, she served as Head of School Transition Consultant and worked on special projects, including the Accreditation Team and the School’s archives. She has been critical in establishing the School’s curriculum and traditions, including the first Class Day in 2003, daily Chapel, and the Honor Code. “This award is described as the highest service honor that the School bestows,” said Mr. Southard in presenting the award on Mrs. Stephens’ behalf. “I can think of no one who has given more generously of herself in service of Episcopal Collegiate School and its students than [Mary Lou].”
Harriet Calhoun Stephens Distinguished Service Award Interim Head of School Tom Southard presented the Harriet Calhoun Stephens Distinguished Service Award to retiring Upper School Head and Academic Dean Mary Lou Entzminger on Class Day, May 15, 2015. “This award is presented to honor those community members who have given generously of their time, talent, and resources,” said Mr. Southard
The Harriet Calhoun Stephens Distinguished Service Award was established on Class Day 2012 to honor volunteer service and leadership. The award is named for Harriet Calhoun Stephens, whose commitment to Episcopal Collegiate School is without equal. Past winners are Christy Snowden and Gus Blass III. Photo (l to r): Chuck Erwin, President of the Episcopal Collegiate School Board of Trustees, Terri Erwin, Mary Lou Entzminger, and Bob Entzminger.
Cum Laude Five members of the Class of 2015 and three faculty/staff members earned membership in the prestigious Cum Laude academic honor society this spring. The students are Alan May, Victoria Jones, Shelby Powers, Ezra Feldman, and Liza Hill. New faculty/staff members are Interim Head of School Tom Southard, Middle School Math Teacher Jo Stoltz, and Lower School Music and Drama Teacher Karen Clark. Stan Whittlesey is President of the School’s Cum Laude Society Chapter. Inspired by the Phi Beta Kappa model at the college level, the Cum Laude Society was founded in 1906 to honor scholastic achievement in secondary schools. Episcopal Collegiate was selected for Cum Laude membership in its very first year of eligibility. Photo (l to r) Ezra Feldman, Liza Hill, Victoria Jones, Alan May, Shelby Powers, Tom Southard, Karen Clark, and Jo Stoltz. 14 | episcopalcollegiate.org
Stephens Award The City Education Trust of Little Rock each year recognizes outstanding achievements by selected teachers and students in the central Arkansas area with the presentation of the Stephens Award. A 2015 Stephens Award for student achievement (one of eight) was presented to Ezra Feldman ‘15 (photo, second from left) at a reception on Monday, April 20 at the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce. The award included a $5,000 scholarship. Ezra is a National Merit Finalist, Presidential Scholar Nominee, an Episcopal Collegiate Summer Science Fellow, and a member of the National Honor Society, National Latin Honor Society, National French Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and the Arkansas Quiz Bowl Regional All-Tournament Team. Ezra also played the lead in the School’s production of Harvey. He is a founding member of the Upper School Robotics Club, Comedy Club, and Science Club.
Student News U.S. Presidential Scholar Episcopal Collegiate Senior Alan May is the first Episcopal Collegiate student to be named a U.S. Presidential Scholar. Established in 1964 by executive order of the President, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program recognizes up to 141 of the nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors. Each year, the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars, appointed by President Obama, selects honored scholars based on their academic success, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership, and demonstrated commitment to high ideals. Of the three million students expected to graduate from high school this year, 4,300 qualified as U.S. Presidential Scholar finalists. That field is narrowed to one young man and one young woman from each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and from U.S. families living abroad, as well as 15 chosen at-large and 20 U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts.
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan with Alan May at the U.S. Presidential Scholars Medallion Ceremony in Washington, D.C., June 21, 2015.
Among his many honors and achievements, Alan is a National Merit Finalist, Yale Book Award Winner, and two-time MVP of the 3A State Quiz Bowl Tournament. Alan also received the prestigious Ingalls and Valdez Awards given by the Arkansas Student Congress, and the Outstanding Accomplishment in Classical Studies Award from the Classical Association of the Middle West and South. Alan is Valedictorian of the Class of 2015 and is attending Yale University this fall.
Congressional Art Award Senior Ivy Cox won first place in the Congressional Art Competition for Arkansas’s Second Congressional District. Ivy is the first Episcopal Collegiate student to win the first-place award. She was recognized at a reception held Monday, April 27 by Congressman French Hill. Katie McCain ’13 earned third place in 2013. Ivy’s artwork will hang in the hallway between the Cannon House Office Building and the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. for one year. Ivy received two complimentary airline tickets for two from Southwest Airlines to attend the National Congressional Reception for winning artists this summer. Photo (l to r): Congressional Art Competition Winner Ivy Cox with Arkansas Congressman French Hill
Summer Science Scholars Through partnerships with Arkansas Children’s Hospital and the Jackson T. Stephens Spine and Neurosciences Institute, Episcopal Collegiate offered three science fellowships this summer. Episcopal is the only school invited to participate in these amazing programs, and we are extremely grateful for this opportunity. Two of this year’s fellowship recipients - Gracie Kreth and Susan Tucker - spent eight weeks this summer working at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. As fellows, Gracie and Susan had the unique opportunity to shadow physicians, attend rounds and clinics and participate in a mentored research project involving children’s health. In addition to learning basic science and clinical research techniques, they gained direct exposure to clinical medicine. This summer science fellowship is made possibly by the Stella Boyle Smith Trust. Summer Science Fellow Will Baker worked as a fellow at the Stephens Spine Institute. Baker spent eight weeks directly involved in medical research under the guidance and supervision of a physician/scientist.
Photo (l to r): Susan Tucker, Will Baker, and Gracie Kreth
Congratulations Gracie, Susan, and Will! 15
NEWS
Quiz Bowl The Episcopal Collegiate School Quiz Bowl Team defeated Centerpoint High School 370 to 240 to win its 8th 3A State Quiz Bowl Championship on Saturday, April 25. This is the tenth consecutive year that the Wildcats have made an appearance in the state quiz bowl finals. The championship match was televised live on AETN. Congratulations to Captain and two-time MVP Alan May ‘15, Jackson Bridges ‘15, Ezra Feldman ‘15, Victoria Jones ‘15, and Dylan Wright ‘15, Junior Adam Hall, Sophomore Anna Feldman, and Freshmen Stephen Angtuaco and Samuel Rhee. Alan May and Ezra Feldman received All-Tournament honors at both the regional and state tournaments for their achievement of answering five or more toss-up questions per game on average. Alan was named 3A MVP for answering an average of 14 toss-up questions per game during the state tournament games. The Wildcats won their first 3A State Quiz Bowl Championship in 2007. The team is coached by Stan Whittlesey and Dr. Bruce Hall.
Photo (l to r, standing) Dr. Bruce Hall, Stephen Angtuaco, Adam Hall, Anna Feldman, Stan Whittlesey (l to r, sitting) Jackson Bridges, Dylan Wright, Alan May, Victoria Jones, and Ezra Feldman
Duke TIP Eight members of the 7th grade class were recognized for their scores on the ACT or SAT through the Duke University Talent Identification Program (TIP). Elek Boone, John Peter Braunfisch, Logan Carney, Taylor Dworkin, Jed Johnson, Robert Shannon, and Sarah Ware were recognized for scoring at or above the national average of recent high school graduates on the ACT or SAT. Sarah Ware was recognized as a member of the top three percent of qualifying scores at a special ceremony on May 18 at Duke University. Photo (front, l to r): Taylor Dworkin, Elek Boone, Jed Johnson, Logan Carney; (back, l to r): Jaxon Lee, John Peter Braunfisch, Robert Shannon, and Sarah Ware
Elek, Logan, Jaxon Lee and Robert were given an opportunity to participate in the Academy for Summer Studies. John Peter, Taylor, Jed, and Sarah were invited to participate in the Center of Summer Studies.
Montgomery Family Scholarships Elsie Pugh ‘15 and Nick Becton ‘15 were the recipients of Montgomery Family Scholarship, given by Susan and Bill Montgomery of Dallas, Texas. Mr. Warren Stephens, President of the Episcopal Collegiate School Foundation Board of Directors, and Dr. Noah Pittman, Associate Director of the UA Honors College, personally awarded the four-year college scholarships to Elsie and Nick during a Chapel ceremony on April 30. The Montgomery Scholarship is given each year to students who have committed to attend the University of Arkansas and have accumulated strong records of academic achievement, leadership, and citizenship outside the classroom.
Photo top (l to r): Dr. Noah Pittman, Associate Director of the UA Honors College, Elsie Pugh, and Warren Stephens. Photo bottom (l to r): Dr. Noah Pittman, Nick Becton, and Warren Stephens.
Elsie Pugh’s accomplishments include membership in Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society, and the Spanish National Honor Society. She is a Senior Peer Leader and member of the Little Rock Mayor’s Youth Council. She is Captain of the Varsity Tennis and Soccer Teams and earned All-Conference and All-State in both sports. This year, she was named Episcopal Collegiate’s Outstanding Female Athlete!
Nick Becton is a three-sport letterman and twice earned All-Conference honors as a wide receiver in football. In addition to playing varsity baseball, Nick has been a member of the two-time State Championship Wildcat Basketball Team. He is a Senior Peer Leader and volunteered his time to assist with the School’s youth football and basketball camps. Nick was also a member of the Upper School Yearbook Staff.
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Art Educator of the Year Veteran Upper School Art Teacher Joy Schultz was honored by the Arkansas Art Educators Association (AAE) with the Secondary Level Art Educator of the Year Award. To win the award, recipients must demonstrate outstanding leadership within the field of teaching and within AAE; contribute to the body of knowledge in the field of art education; advance the cause of art education through strong advocacy and leadership, and; motivate and inspire others including students, colleagues, community members, and members of the teaching profession. “Joy’s energy, innovation, commitment, and generosity to her students and to the larger Episcopal Collegiate and Little Rock communities are just some of the reasons why this award is so well-deserved,” said Head of Upper School Fletcher Carr in a Chapel announcement recognizing the honor. Joy Schultz, Upper School Art Teacher
Triple Accreditation
Episcopal Collegiate School is the first independent school in Arkansas to earn accreditation from the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS). In addition, Episcopal earned accreditation from SAES, the Southwestern Association of Episcopal Schools, and ANSAA, the Arkansas NonPublic School Accrediting Association. No other school in Arkansas is accredited by all three organizations. To earn accreditation, Episcopal had to meet quality standards, be evaluated by an outside group of professionals, and implement a school plan focused on strategic improvement and student performance. The accreditation team was comprised of diverse educational leaders from some of the finest institutions in the southeast and the southwest. Accrediting organizations provide quality assurance for schools, and leadership that helps member schools fulfill their missions. Specifically, SAIS accredited member schools are part of an international network of accredited schools that have demonstrated success in educating children.
Fifth Grade Honors The Episcopal Collegiate Lower School honored 53 members of its fifth grade class on Wednesday, May 20 at the Annual Fifth Grade Recognition Ceremony. The Class of 2022 includes 27 students who are members of the Inaugural Class, meaning they have been enrolled since the School opened in 2009. Thirty students who qualified for the Duke TIP program were also recognized. Students are nominated for Duke TIP as a result of earning a score of 95 percentile or above in one or more of the qualifying subtests on the ERB.
Photo (l to r): 5th Grade Citizenship and Scholarship Winners Lily Kiaei, Sophie Reynolds, Jada Shorter, Porter Herron, Ella Claire Moore, and Beth Shannon.
The faculty and fifth grade student body were proud to name Beth Shannon, Ella Claire Moore, and Porter Van Herron as recipients of the 2015 Citizenship Award. Jada Shorter, Sophie Reynolds, and Lily Kiaei were the recipients of the 2015 Scholarship Award.
Governor Owings This summer, Senior Adrianne Owings became the first Episcopal Collegiate student to be elected Governor of Arkansas Girls State. Adrianne campaigned on the Federalist Party ticket and was one of only twelve girls nominated of the 800 young women attending the leadership program at Harding University. Adrianne was also elected Mayor of her city, and County and City Party Chairman. Adrianne was also selected by the United Nations Foundation to serve as a Teen Advisor of the Girl Up Campaign. In this role, Adrianne will serve as a key spokesperson for the campaign, teaching new audiences about Girl Up, and expanding the UN’s network of advocates in support of the Girl Up Campaign. Adrianne attended her first Girl Up Leadership Summit this summer in Washington, D.C., where she met First Lady Michelle Obama (photo right). Adrianne Owings meets First Lady Michelle Obama at Girl Up!
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HIGHLIGHTS
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STUDENT HIGHLIGHTS left page, from left to right 1. Episcopal Collegiate students were treated to a spectacular tour of The Union League of Philadelphia this summer by Head of School Chris Tompkins. 2-3 Wildcats were honored at City Hall for their back-to-back state basketball championships an 8th state quiz bowl championship. 4. Adrianne Owings sits in the Governor’s office at the Arkansas State Capitol after being elected Governor of Arkansas Girls State. 15
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5-6 Seniors celebrate their college choices at the Annual Senior T-Shirt Picnic on the quad. 7. Kings of the Homecoming Basketball Court! 8. Class of 2014 Graduates William Pollock and Clayton Cunningham returned for the Alumni/Faculty basketball game. 9. Seniors cheer the Wildcats on to victory in the finals of the 3A State Basketball Tournament. 10 – 11 Students enjoyed dressing up on Twin Day during Spirit Week! 12. Faculty and staff enjoyed a farewell reception for Interim Head of School Tom Southard and his wife, Donna. 13. The slip-n-slide is always a favorite on Lower School Field Day. 14. Showing off our classrooms at Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day.
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15. Juniors receive their official senior blazers at the Annual Transition Ceremony. 16. Celebrating the 100th Day of School! 17. Lower School students perform a “skat” music number for Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day. 18. Seventh graders explore the waterfalls of Petit Jean Mountain on an overnight field trip. 19. Eighth graders learn about aviation at the Dallas Air Museum. 19
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20. Sixth graders enjoy some beach time on a field trip to Ocean Springs, Mississippi.
2nd Annual Watermelon Supper Friday, August 28, 2015 6 p.m., Wildcat Football Stadium Show your Wildcat spirit and bring your family to the 2nd Annual Episcopal Collegiate School Watermelon Supper! Enjoy hot dogs, locally-grown watermelon, and watch the Varsity Football team play in the first scrimmage of the season! We will have face painting, water play for the kids (bring your towel!), cheer performances, great music, and more! All fall athletic teams will be introduced.
EXTREME GREEN OUT! Wear your Wildcat green or an Episcopal Collegiate School spirit shirt! Sponsored by the Spirit Committee of the Episcopal Collegiate Schools Parents' Auxiliary. 19
ARTS
Fine & Performing Arts Episcopal Collegiate students participated in a wide range of fine and performing arts activities during the spring semester, including: Video Production and Broadcast Journalism, Choir, Orchestra, Percussion, Theatre, Visual Arts, Speech, Oratory/Debate, Yearbook, and Fashion Design. The fine and performing arts truly have something for every student at Episcopal!
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1. & 16. Episcopal celebrates ten years of drumming at the 10th Annual Percussion Ensembles Concert. 2. Choir Director Stephen Vano gets a hug from departing senior Lara Dunnagan. 3. The award-winning artwork of the 2015 Arkansas Art Educators Central Region Show – Granger Colclasure, Wes Brown, Lawler Carpenter, Alex Orsi and Evelyn Calhoun. 4. Haylee Greer wins a $400 prize for her design in the Curbside Couture Fashion Show. Episcopal had 20 students designers and models in the show this spring. 5. Reigning state junior piano champion Duane Chen performs Brahms Scherzo in Chapel. 6. Nele Isenberg, Grace Quinn, Mattie McKinnis, and Arin Jemerson holding ASPA Superior Awards for ECTV Show Opener and Humorous Feature. 20 | episcopalcollegiate.org
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7. Pamela Rogers holds the portrait she created for an orphan at the BeLikeBrit Orphanage in Haiti. 8. Lower School students perform for their families on Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day. 9 & 14. The cast of Episcopal’s production of the Tony award-winning musical, The Secret Garden. 10. This mixed media portrait by Michael Chen won a silver key in the Southwest At-Large Scholastic Art and Writing Competition. 11. A boy at the BeLikeBrit Orphanage in Haiti receives his portrait created by Episcopal Senior Pamela Rogers. Upper School artists created a series of portraits this spring for the 66 orphans at BeLikeBrit. 12. The Episcopal Orchestra after performing Pharrell Williamson’s 2014 hit Happy in Chapel. 13. & 17. The Episcopal choirs perform music from the musicals Newsies and South Pacific at the spring concert. 15. Neil Grover of the Boston Pops Orchestra holds a clinic for Episcopal percussion students. 21
ATHLETICS
GO CATS!
Spring Sports Wrap-Up BASKETBALL The community of Episcopal Collegiate was buzzing after the varsity boys won the 3A State Basketball Championship for the second consecutive year at Bank of the Ozarks Arena on March 12. This is the team’s third appearance in the state finals. Led by eight seniors, the Wildcats defeated the Mayflower Eagles 57-40 to win the title. Head Coach Micah Marsh says that it takes good players to get to the final game three times in a row and win it all twice, but more than that, “it also takes players who are dedicated and committed to try to do the right things to win. “With a team that’s been the runner-up and won a championship last year, we felt like we had a big bullseye on us all year, not against just 3A schools but against every school we played. Our guys had to be mentally and physically prepared for every game and that’s what they’ve done,” said Marsh, the 2014 Basketball Coach of the Year. “It’s not an easy thing to do even if you’re good. It’s still tough to come out and play against everybody’s best every night,” Marsh said. The boys won nine straight post-season games and ended the season with a record of 26-5. In preparing the team to deal with the pressure of the post-season, Marsh says his players are naturally competitive but very good teammates. “We have a lot of talent on this team but nobody was selfish. Everybody played their part and the guys trusted each other.” Seniors on the team are Sam Baker, Nick Becton, Cori Gooseberry, Justin Gooseberry, Mahlon Martin, Douglas Munson, Dylan Owens, and Colin Soulsby. The team earned numerous post-season honors including All-Conference nods to Allie Freeman, Cori Gooseberry, Justin Gooseberry, Mahlon Martin, and Kelvin Robinson. Making the All-State team were Allie Freeman, Mahlon
Two-time Class 3A State Basketball Champions!
Martin, and Kelvin Robinson. Mahlon Martin was one of only 24 seniors in the state selected to play in the Arkansas All-Star game. As Episcopal’s all-time leading scorer in basketball, Martin was twice named the MVP of the 3A State Tournament. A four-time All-Conference and three-time All-State player, Martin was honored with the Antony Hobbs Spirit Award, Arvest Player of the Week Award, and the Centennial Bank Athletic Community Service Award. Martin signed a letter of intent to play for the Ouachita Baptist University Tigers. Tournament MVP Mahlon Martin
FISHING Wildcats are excited about the newest addition to Episcopal Collegiate Athletics – fishing! The public launch of the team came when the seven-member team, wearing their official Wildcat Fishing jerseys, competed against 77 other teams in the Arkansas High School Fishing Championship at Lake Dardanelle in May. Wildcat Fishermen Jack Lawrence and Calloway Clark came in a respectable 60th place with a 3.9 Ib. bass! 22 | episcopalcollegiate.org
Photo (l to r) Ethan Meadors, Cooper Calvery, Calloway Clark, Nathan Sawyer, Whit Hyde, Jack Noland, Jack Lawrence | Jack Lawrence and Calloway Clark at the High School Fishing Tourney
SOCCER The Lady Wildcats dominated 3A Conference soccer this spring, winning eight games and closing out the season with a perfect record. Picking up their fourth conference title, the girls scored 49 goals and shut out their opponents. They lost only to 7A Central and Mount St. Mary, 5A Maumelle, and 4A CAC during the entire season. The Wildcats were the last 3A team standing when they advanced to the state soccer tournament for the ninth time. The girls lost in the semifinal game to 4A Gentry. Their final record was an impressive 14-5. Elsie Pugh, Sydney Morgan, Amalie King, Morgan Davis, and Madison Davis were named to the All-Conference Team. All-State honorees were Elsie Pugh, Sydney Morgan, Amalie King, and Morgan Davis. Elsie and Jameshia Alexander were also All-Star nominees. Amalie King was named to the All-Tournament Team. Following their third consecutive conference championship win for the Wildcats, boys’ soccer advanced to the state tournament as the No. 3 seed, defeating No. 2 seed Conway St. Joe in the first round! The boys advanced to the quarterfinals and ended the season with a winning record of 10-6-2. Harris Bethel, Kahry Wright, Ethan Brass, Evan Hall, William McCastlain and Chris Macy were named to the All-Conference Team. All-State players are William McCastlain and Chris Macy. McCastlain and Ethan Brass were also nominated for the All-Star Team, and McCastlain to the All-Tournament Team.
GOOSEBERRY’S SIGN WITH OUACHITA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY TIGERS Twin brothers and Episcopal Collegiate athletes Justin and Cori Gooseberry signed letters of intent Feb. 4 to play football for the NCAA Division II Ouachita Baptist University Tigers. A large crowd of supporters including students, parents, and local media attended a signing ceremony for the Wildcat defensive linemen in the Championship Gym. The Gooseberry’s led the Wildcats to their best season ever in 2014 - making it to the Final Four and losing only twice in conference play. The 6’3 linebacker Justin Gooseberry distinguished himself with 101 tackles and five forced fumbles, while brother and defensive end Cori led the conference in tackles for loss.
The 2014-15 Lady Wildcats!
SENIOR ATHLETIC AWARDS The following awards were presented at the Upper School Athletic Banquet on May 22. Outstanding Female Athlete: Elsie Pugh Outstanding Male Athlete: Mahlon Martin Special Awards:
Sportsmanship Awards:
Cori Gooseberry
Dara Rowell
Justin Gooseberry
Collin Soulsby
William McCastlain
Kahry Wright
Shelby Powers
Robert Pack
Jameshia Alexander
Ethan Brass
Nick Becton
Spencer Kim
Douglas Munson
Emily Fletcher
Kihwan Yoo
Ethan Hall
Scotty Nichols
Whit Hyde
Douglas Munson 23
ATHLETICS
GO CATS! Spring Sports Wrap-Up
BASEBALL Even with uncooperative weather and rainouts that made practices difficult, the Wildcats managed to tie for third place in the district tournament. The varsity boys defeated high-seeded Glen Rose 6-4, with a stunning performance by Senior Pitcher Douglas Munson (photo above right). Munson threw 15 strikeouts, breaking the school record of 14k’s set by Nick Henry in 2013. During one stretch of the game Munson recorded nine straight outs by strikeout. Munson also closed the game with five straight strikeouts. “This was a fun night to coach,” said Coach Travis Hill. “Douglas threw great and was a lot of fun to watch, but more importantly, this was the best team win we had this season. Ours boys really fought together,” he said. Seven of the nine starters had hits but Blake Russell led the surge offensively with a three-hit night. Russell also drove in three runs and scored two runs himself. Due to their third-place tie in district, the boys advanced to regionals, marking the first time in School history to make the state regional tournament three consecutive years. The Wildcats fell in a tough loss to eventual regional champion, Harding Academy, in the first round.
WRESTLING Our young but growing Wildcat Wrestling Team competed well at the state level, ending the season two places higher than last year - 11th place in the 1A-5A division. Junior Gus Powers led the team with a 4th place finish in the 195-lb. division. Sophomore Owen Hadden had the second highest finish for the Wildcats, finishing 6th in the 145-lb. division. Congratulations to all of our Wildcat Wrestlers on a great season! Team members are Whit Hyde, David Davila, Pierce Risinger, Lee Tucker, Cogan Wade, Will Baker, and Hunt Cummins. The team is coached by Athletic Director Amos Branson and Volunteer Asst. Coach Joe Hadden. With Hunt Cummins the only senior graduating from the team, this year looks promising to the eight experienced, returning varsity team members. Gus Powers led the Wildcat Wrestling Team last season.
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TRACK AND FIELD After earning a third-place team finish in the conference meet, the girls’ track and field team qualified five athletes for the state meet. Led by Senior Shelby Powers, who began a parade of season best performances, the team finished 21st overall. Powers ran season bests in both the 1600m, finishing 9th overall, and the 3200m, finishing 7th. Junior Sally Barnes picked up another season best with a time of 2:40.18 in the 800m against a very competitive field – her third consecutive top-eight state finish. The girls 4x800m relay team of Sally Barnes, Emily Fletcher, Therese Janosky, and Gracie Kreth took 7th place with a season best time of 11:34.55. This is the second consecutive state meet for this relay team and their highest finish to date.
Winter/Spring Varsity Athletic Highlights BOYS’ BASKETBALL: State, Regional, and Conference Champions for 2nd Year All-State – Allie Freeman, Mahlon Martin, Kelvin Robinson All-Conference – Allie Freeman, Cori Gooseberry, Justin Gooseberry, Mahlon Martin, Kelvin Robinson
Other notable performances were Gracie Kreth’s 14th place finish in the 1600m with a time of 6:33.59 and Senior Emily Fletcher’s 13th-place finish in the 3200m with a time of 14:42.37.
GIRLS’ BASKETBALL: All-Conference – Micaylah Thomas
Emily Fletcher and Therese Janosky were named to the Arkansas Track Coaches All-Academic Track Team.
WRESTLING: 11th in State All-Conference – Owen Hadden and Gus Powers
Cori Gooseberry finished his senior year with a championship performance at the State Track and Field Championship. Gooseberry set a school record in the discus with a throw of 126’05,” earning sixth place. Other stand-out performances included Senior Scotty Nichols’ 12th place finish in the 400m with a season best time of 53.73. The boys 4x400m relay team of Scotty Nichols, Kihwan Yoo, Carter Bowden, and Henry Schock placed 18th overall. The boys ended the season with a fifth-place conference rank and a tie for 27th place in state. Scotty Nichols was named to the Arkansas Track Coaches All-Academic Track Team.
BASEBALL: 3rd in District, Advanced to Regionals for third year All-Conference - Douglas Munson and Clay Schuler BOYS’ SOCCER: Conference Champions and Advanced to State Quarterfinals All-State – Chris Macy, William McCastlain All-Conference – Kahry Wright, Evan Hall, Ethan Brass and Josef Braunfisch, Harris Bethel All-Tournament Team: William McCastlain GIRLS’ SOCCER: Conference Champions and Advanced to Final Four All-State - Elsie Pugh, Sydney Morgan, Amalie King, and Morgan Davis All-Conference - Elsie Pugh, Sydney Morgan, Amalie King, Morgan Davis, and Madison Davis All-Tournament Team - Amalie King
The girls 4x800m relay team of Emily Fletcher, Therese Janosky, Sally Barnes, and Gracie Kreth achieved their highest finish to date at the state meet with a season best time!
BOYS’ TRACK AND FIELD: 5th in Conference, Advanced to State All-Academic Team: Scotty Nichols GIRLS’ TRACK AND FIELD: 3rd in Conference, Advanced to State All-Academic Team: Emily Fletcher, Therese Janosky FISHING: Competed in first High School Fishing Championship
ALUMNI
Alumni Hurst Earns VaSID All-State Honors The Virginia Sports Information Directors (VaSID) released its 2015 College Division All-State Men’s Golf team and Washington and Lee rising junior Conley Hurst ‘13 was named to the first team. Hurst was a second team selection and the VaSID Rookie of the Year in 2014. A First Team All-ODAC honoree this spring, he also received the ODAC Scholar-Athete of the Year Award after posting a 76.1 stroke average across 18 rounds played in 2015. Hurst tied for fourth at the ODAC Championship with a +2 score of 7274—146 and he finished third at the Al Jones, Jr., Memorial Tournament in the fall with a -1 score of 71-70—141. All told, he had three Top 3 finishes during the school year and fired a low round of 68 in finishing tied for fifth at the Royal Lakes Invitational (75-68—143, -1). Hurst was the 2014 ODAC Rookie of the Year and was a Second Team All-ODAC selection in his first year in 2014. Published by www.generalssports.com. Conley Hurst ‘13
C E L E B R AT E
HOMECOMING FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015 • 7PM
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ALUMNI: Where are they now? JUSTIN WARREN (‘05) graduated from Hendrix College in 2009. After graduation, he earned his MFA in Film and Television production at the USC School of Cinematic Arts, and is preparing to shoot his first feature film back home in Arkansas in September. He successfully raised funds for the film on Kickstarter. Justin lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Heather, and their dog, Piper.
ELIZABETH HENRY MCKEEVER (‘04) graduated from Davidson College in North Carolina with a BA in Anthropology in 2008. After graduation, she moved to the San Francisco Bay Area, where she managed online communications for a non-profit and served as a member of the Lutheran Volunteer Corps. In 2011, she returned to Little Rock and started working at the Arkansas Children’s Hospital Foundation, where she currently manages online fundraising and digital strategy. In 2014, Elizabeth married Hendrix graduate, Alison McKeever. Elizabeth and Alison live in Park Hill with their rescue dog, Millie.
ERIC MANN (‘06) graduated from Elon University in 2010. Eric performed with the National Tour of A Chorus Line. As an actor, he has performed all over the country and New York, with the shows Enter Laughing, Cloned!, Hello Dolly!, Big River, The Drowsy Chaperone, and West Side Story. In 2013, he founded the film production company Unreel Films, LLC. He has directed, produced, edited, and filmed over 50 films and videos since the founding of his company including the SAG Short Film “Alistair’s Wednesday” featuring Grizz Chapman from 30 Rock and Jen Cody from Disney’s Princess and the Frog, the documentary Just Go and the TV pilot Looking Up.
JONATHAN JOYNER ('04) graduated from Vanderbilt University in 2008 with a B.A. in Philosophy and Economics minor. Jonathan has worked in the Financial Services/Banking Industry since 2009. Jonathan is currently working for MUFG Americas as a Risk Management professional. Jonathan lives in San Francisco with his fiancé, Lauren Hampton ('05) and their two dogs, Scout and Bandit.
ALUMNOTES We enjoy learning about and sharing your news, announcements, and adventures! To send us an update and/or photos for publication in the next issue, visit episcopalcollegiate.org/alumni or e-mail mtrieschmann@episcopalcollegiate.org. 27
SUPPORT
Events Wild Dining For the third year, hundreds of members of the Episcopal Collegiate community gathered on the quad to enjoy an amazing meal and raise funds for the School’s Athletic and Fine Arts programs. The Wild Game Dinner, held on Saturday, May 2, was an amazing display of Episcopal culinary talents. The menu for the evening included smoked pheasant poppers, duck gumbo, and fried alligator, just to name a few of the delicacies. Guests enjoyed live music by Conway band, “The Whole Fam Damly.” The Wild Game Dinner would not have been possible without the generous support of Presenting Sponsor Iberia Bank, Lead Sponsor Wendy’s, members of the Wild Game Dinner Boys’ Club, and in-kind sponsors Tipton and Hurst, Premium Refreshment Services, and George and Lynn O’Connor.
Photo (1 to r) 2015-16 Parents’ Auxiliary President Shelly Tucker with husband, Scott, and Susie Shinn
Photo (l to r) Bob Entzminger, Donna Southard, Mary Lou Entzminger, and Tom Southard
Photo (l to r) Lisa Ferrell and Pete Yuan. Photo courtesy of Little Rock Soiree magazine 28 | episcopalcollegiate.org
Photo (l to r) Susie Munson, Jeanne and Scott Schallhorn, and Stephanie Wade
Party Like It’s 1998 Members of the Episcopal Collegiate 1998 Society were honored at a party on April 29 at the home of Kim and Russ McDonough. The 1998 Society represents those who made a gift of $1,000 or more to the Annual Fund for the 2014-15 year and is named for the School’s founding year. Photo BOTTOM (l to r): Russ and Kim McDonough in front of the goodie bags that guests received filled with mini bottles of Moët & Chandon Champagne and custom champagne corks engraved with the Episcopal Collegiate crest. Photo (l to r, from top): Thomas and Ginger Blackmon and Marci and Mark Doderer. | 2014-15 Parents’ Auxiliary President Michele Carney, Susan Day, and Nancy Bellhouse May. | Lynne Franks, Interim Head of School Tom Southard and his wife, Donna.
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Instructional Technology Specialist Katie Robinson leads the School’s transition to the Haiku Learning Management System This Fall, Episcopal Collegiate School will adopt the Haiku Learning Management System. Learning management systems allow teachers to manage and deliver electronic content to their students, thus extending the walls of the traditional face-to-face classroom. Although widely used at colleges and universities for years, learning management systems are making their way into the K-12 marketplace with companies like Haiku tailoring their services to meet the needs of teachers and students at the K-12 level. Haiku offers faculty members at Episcopal Collegiate a wide array of options for distributing content, assessing learning, and communicating with students outside the regular school day. Each faculty member will have a course that can be populated with pages that are customizable based on the teacher’s curriculum. For example, a literature course could be structured around novels studied or a math course could be structured around units of study. These pages are then populated with content blocks that allow for embedded content. Documents, articles, websites, videos, audio, images, and various web 2.0 tools can all be placed directly into the course pages allowing students access to content without leaving Haiku. Haiku offers teachers the ability to create digital assessments that provide students with immediate feedback on incorrect responses as well as practice assessments that can be used to customize the test and exam review process. Additionally, teachers can extend a class discussion by creating online discussion boards. These boards allow teachers and students to discuss course content before coming to class or reflect on learning after class has ended. Two unique features offered by Haiku are the Wikisite and ePortfolio. Wikisites allow teachers to set up individual or small group projects directly in Haiku. Students have the ability to place all completed project elements directly into Haiku allowing teachers to check student progress and provide assistance quickly and efficiently. The ePortfolio will allow students at Episcopal Collegiate to track and reflect on their learning from the lower grades through their senior year. Upon graduation, Haiku will package the portfolio allowing students to include its contents in college applications and resumes. Through its integration with Veracross, teachers, students and parents will have access to both systems using a single username and password. Students and parents will be able to access grades, attendance, and behavior records in Veracross and course content and calendars in Haiku. The combination of these two systems allows Episcopal Collegiate to provide the best in student information and streamlined delivery of content and digital learning tools.
Nationally Renowned Parenting Expert, John Rosemond, Set to Visit Episcopal John Rosemond, one of the nation’s leading parenting experts, will be a guest speaker at Episcopal Collegiate School in September. Mr. Rosemond will present “Parenting with Love and Leadership” on Tuesday, September 22 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Middle/Upper School Dining Hall. All Episcopal Collegiate School parents are invited to attend. Please visit episcopalcollegiate.org to make reservations. Mr. Rosemond will also offer a special session specifically for mothers, entitled “You’re More Than Just a Mom,” on Wednesday, September 23 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in the Middle School Erwin Library. John Rosemond has authored 14 parenting books and his nationally-syndicated parenting column appears weekly in more than 200 newspapers nationwide. A licensed family psychologist, Mr. Rosemond advocates a traditional, common sense approach to parenting. John and his wife, Willie, have two children, seven grandchildren, and have been married for 40 years.
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EVENTS
Upcoming Events Upcoming Events Friday, August 28, 6 p.m.
Wednesday, September 22, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Watermelon Supper
“Parenting with Love and Leadership, “
and Green/White Scrimmage
John Rosemond
Wildcat Football Stadium
Dining Hall
Friday, September 4, 7:45 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Thursday, September 24, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Parents’ Auxiliary Meeting
Lower School Wildcat Round-Up
Upper School Simpson Library
and Fall Festival Practice Football Field
Friday, September 4, 7 p.m. Opening Football Game Wildcat Football Stadium
Wednesday, September 30 Lower School Family/Teacher Conferences, No School
Monday, September 7 Labor Day, No School
Wednesday, September 16, 9 a.m.
Middle/Upper School Family/Teacher Conferences, Early dismissal at 12:20 p.m.
Sunday, October 4, 5 p.m.
All-School Convocation (K-12)
Installation Ceremony of Chris Tompkins
Championship Gym
Trinity Episcopal Cathedral (students attending should wear dress uniform)
31
Jackson T. Stephens Campus 1701 Cantrell Road Little Rock, Arkansas 72201
Serving Grades PreK3-12
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episcopalcollegiate.org