Four Columns: Class of 2025

the class

of 2025

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28 Faculty Masterships and Incentive Awards

“True Community” Head of School Charley Stillwell reflects on the heart of the Class of 2025.

Years of Service: A Tribute to 30 48 Rick Stubbs upon His Retirement

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“One Family” Head Monitor Brunson Wickham ’25 realizes that the more things change at Episcopal, the more they stay the same.

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“Love Sustaineth” Dr. Anthony Sgro P’25 ’28 reminds the Class of 2025 that love is all they need.

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“The Compass We Carry” Valedictorian Ruby Gonzalez ’25 takes the audience on a tour of her own map of Episcopal.

“Be Generous in All Ways” Jenner Wood ’70 P’06 accepts the Integrity in Action Award posthumously for Lettie Pate Evans, the School’s most significant and generous benefactor.

Lessons Bravely, 34 Learning Faithfully, and Happily Senior Doruk Konak and brothers Ashby and John Wickham ’16 reflect on their Episcopal journeys.

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From the Archives School Archivist Laura Vetter details the history of the EHS diploma.

12 Commencement Awards 24 Academics in Review

36 Athletics 49

“It’s Okay to Be Learning” Communications extern Logan Dearing ’25 highlights some transformative externship experiences, from the D.C. Superior Court to an OB-GYN office and the Alexandria mayor’s office.

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Lessons Learned at Episcopal Seniors share their biggest takeaways from their time on The Holy Hill.

26 Cum Laude Society

View all photos from Commencement Weekend.

Summer 2025 Four Columns is published annually for alumni, parents, grandparents, and friends of Episcopal High School.

Copyright ©2025, Episcopal High School

HEAD OF SCHOOL

ASSISTANT DIRECTORS OF COMMUNICATION

Charley Stillwell

Harrison Griffin, Marissa Murdock

ASSISTANT HEAD FOR INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Christina Holt DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Irfan Latimer ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND MAGAZINE EDITOR

Ann deSaussure Biondi ’08

Natalie Davies, Rebecca Drobis, Harrison Griffin, Sam Levitan, Cory Royster DESIGN

Linda Loughran PRINTER

Dominion Printing

Episcopal High School does not discriminate in its admissions, or in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship programs, or in access to or treatment in any other school-administered program on the basis of religion, race, color, sex, ancestry, sexual orientation, disability, national origin, or any other protected category in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Episcopal High School | FOUR COLUMNS

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H E AD O F S C H O O L A D D R E S S

“True Community” Head of School Charley Stillwell thanks the Class of 2025 for its leadership.

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I want to send a special welcome to all the parents and grandparents and other family members and friends of our graduates who are with us today and thank you for the many hours of care and guidance that you have given to this very special group of seniors in front of you. They and the school have benefited greatly from your love and support.

We will forever be grateful for the remarkable leadership example that your Class of 2025 has set for all who follow.

Seniors, I do hope you will take time today and in the future to thank all those who have guided you along the way to this very special moment, from your family and friends to our wonderful faculty and staff. I know your parents join me in being especially grateful for the talented and dedicated adults here who have gone above and beyond the call over the past four years in supporting you through good times and bad and helping you be your best selves… .

As you all know, a ceremony like this and our special events from yesterday are only possible through the hard work of many individuals. Please join me in thanking our terrific maintenance, grounds, and housekeeping staff; our amazing dining hall staff; Rev. Betsy Carmody and her vestry team; our special Baccalaureate presenter, Dr. Anthony Sgro; Mrs. Forsythe, our Director of Events; and Mrs. Lang in my office for their hard work and preparation this week to help make this weekend so memorable.

Before moving to the rest of the program, I would like to take a brief moment to share my personal thanks with this group of seniors. From their first weeks back on campus this past August, these seniors have fostered an amazingly positive and caring tone in supporting the younger students and guiding the School, and they have set an impressive example in so many areas of school life.

When these seniors arrived as new students, many of them already had well-established gifts and talents that they have shared generously with our community. This class includes gifted writers, historians, mathematicians, engineers and computer scientists, amazing singers, beautiful instrumentalists and dancers, talented artists, students dedicated to countless hours of service in the community outside our gates, and impressive athletes — 20 of whom will continue with their sport at the college level — and one international level climber. This class has also developed a remarkable level

of friendship and close personal bonds that has helped them accomplish so much together. They have found so many creative ways to have fun with each other and have kept a healthy perspective and maintained a sense of humor that has been mostly appropriate which has helped them navigate the hectic nature of junior and senior year and thrive in so many areas.

I have also appreciated the tremendous growth that this group has experienced over the past four years. While some of our seniors brought well established talents with them, many of these seniors arrived still exploring different paths and wondering where they would make their mark. There were moments, especially in ninth and tenth grade when maturity was a struggle for a number of these seniors. I have been incredibly proud, however, to watch these students emerge during their time here and step up this year in particular as helpful leaders building very positive school spirit and as important sources of support for our current younger students who now face similar maturity challenges.

These seniors also have taught us important lessons about what true community can mean. As our Young Republicans, Young Democrats, and Government Clubs helped us organize programs and moments to watch the election events this fall, I was so pleased that so many of our seniors wanted to watch these moments together, despite their different views, and to do so with curiosity and respect. Their enthusiasm for creating our new Senior-Freshman Buddy Program also reminded us that kindness and putting the needs of others ahead of our own lie at the heart of true community.

As you depart from campus today, please know that we will forever be grateful for the remarkable leadership example that your Class of 2025 has set for all who follow. Your families, the faculty, the staff, and I are so proud of all that you have accomplished and how impressive you have become. We hope that you will return to The Holy Hill often to visit with us and let us know about all the wonderful things you will do in the future.

Watch the ceremony.

Episcopal High School | FOUR COLUMNS

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H E AD MO N I T O R R E MA R K S

“One Family” Head Monitor Brunson Wickham ’25 looks back on his time on The Holy Hill and realizes that, despite constant change, Episcopal’s timeless values and experiences remain the same. … On the eve of our graduation, I would like to explore two questions. Who is the Class of 2025 now? And what makes Episcopal special?

In trying to answer these questions, I sought counsel from classmates, teachers, and former Head Monitors. Two themes emerged.

The first is that while the Class of 2025 is incredibly diverse in our interests, personalities, backgrounds, we also are deeply unified and bonded.

The second is that Episcopal is a place of constant change, and yet it somehow remains the same.

Hearing these contradictory conclusions evoked a certain feeling, the feeling I get after leaving statistics — a bit of confusion. And at this point, you may be feeling the same way.

To work through this confusion, let us start by looking at the Class of 2025. How are we different, yet unified?

Well, our class is one filled with different interests, talents, and backgrounds. In the classroom, Mr. Pratt described David Song as “a once in a generation computer scientist.” (Keep us in mind when you’re running your own tech firm, David.)

Victoria and Adele got A’s on a paper in Ms. George’s class, which we all thought previously was impossible.

epic recital last week and Annabelle and Gigi created masterpieces that hang on the walls of Ainslie Arts Center.

We are also from different backgrounds. Our class represents 21 different states and 11 countries, and we have 13 classmates who are faculty kids (which is the most ever). Those 13 have made their home our home. …

This year, we have shared a senior sunrise, snowball fights, and a senior slip and slide. We spent hours at Mark Mills’ desk in the Athletics Center, or hours speaking broken Spanish with Ms. Irma, whom I will always love even though she still thinks I am Carson Cowburn.

But while these experiences bind us together, what truly unites our class is our shared values of kindness and support. When we decided to send out sign ups for a new Senior-Freshman Buddy Program, we did not know what to expect. But by the end of the first day, we had 95 seniors who had signed up.

95. Our class saw a chance to have a positive impact on a new student’s time here, and we took it.

In athletics, we witnessed our classmates break records and become players of the year: specifically Jack Bonello, Henry Cunningham, Ava Reese, Osi Onwudiwe, Reed Phillips, and Max Yang.

I think Mr. Stubbs said it best when I asked him what defines our senior class (and he has seen 5 decades of them). By the way, Mr. Stubbs is retiring this year, and we will always consider you a part of the Class of 2025. He stated, without hesitation, “I’ll remember your class as one that picks other people up.” In our time here, we have supported each other with energy, heart, and enthusiasm. …

In the arts, the cast from “The Addams Family” blew us away with a riveting performance, and Jarett consistently inspired with his talent on the piano. The dance team produced an

Alright, one question down. Now, what makes Episcopal special? As Head Monitor Tom Archie ’90 said, “the more things change here, the more they stay the same.”

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We’ve grown up together, seen each other change and mature, and in the process, made this our home.

Since its founding in 1839, Episcopal has changed tremendously. We, as a class, arrived here in 2021 in a fast-changing world. Near the end of Covid, during the rise of artificial intelligence, we arrived during “unprecedented” times.

Similarly, EHS has been ever-transforming. We have seen the construction of new dorms, a new health center, and saw Dal as a girls’ dorm. We saw an Episcopal without Orah tiles (yes, there was a simpler, perhaps better time, underclassmen, where “tiling in” did not exist). Several babies arrived into our community. We have seen a huge development of the MRC days and Washington program. You get the picture: Episcopal is an evolving place.

But when I reached out to different past Head Monitors to hear their description of EHS, I realized that even with all this change, the core, the essence of the EHS experience has stayed the same.

As Head Monitor Boota deButts ’76 said, “At Episcopal you have to grow. You don’t have a choice.”

As we, the Class of 2025 reflect on our time here, it is evident just how much we have grown, with the support of our faculty, our families, and each other. It has not always been easy, but we have challenged ourselves, and bettered ourselves as a result.

When I arrived here, I remember being nervous to speak, even in small groups. Today, a short four years later, I have the honor to speak in front of hundreds of people in this room.

In hindsight, you may have preferred the quieter me. EHS forces you to develop and encourages you to take chances. As

a result, we will be prepared for whatever may lie ahead.

We often hear in student speeches about Episcopal that EHS is a family, but that is because it is true. The faculty here are simply remarkable, from their expertise in the classroom to their genuine care for our wellbeing and development. …

The teachers here have been our parents away from home.

And we, too, care deeply about them, so much so, we even let them win the student faculty basketball game, again, as they do every year.

And for our bond as students. We arrived as kids, nervous, and full of energy. We were often alone and individuals. But in our time here, we have become brothers and sisters. All of us. And no matter where we go, we will always share this bond. We’ve grown up together, seen each other change and mature, and in the process, made this our home.

As my brother Edward said in his valedictory address on this stage 10 years ago, “I now feel like I am part of something bigger than myself. We belong to the School and to each other.”

Like I said, some parts of this experience just never change.

Look around, this may be the last time we are all in a room together. You all have changed my life and likely each other’s.

It has been an honor to be a part of our class, and each of you has made this group so special. We arrived as individuals, but we will graduate as one family.

Watch Wickham’s speech in full.

Episcopal High School | FOUR COLUMNS

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B AC C A L A U R E AT E A D D R E S S

“Love Sustaineth” This year’s baccalaureate address was given by Dr. Anthony Sgro P’25 ’28. In his sermon, he encouraged graduates to look around them and feel the unconditional love in Callaway Chapel. Despite the uncertainties ahead for the graduating class, Dr. Sgro reminded them that God’s love is constant and will remain with them always.

I grew up the son of two college professors at Virginia Tech. I remember well the end of the school year: the final classes, the exams to be given, and the stacks of grading to finish. There were graduation parties and traffic jams in Blacksburg as parents arrived to move students out of the dorms.

And there was, admittedly, a certain excitement about the quiet summer to come both on campus and in town. The end of the academic year carries its own hum of energy and transition.

Now, I am an educator myself. Over the past thirty years, I’ve attended more graduation ceremonies (and proms, for that matter) than I can count. Each graduation full of promise and expectation. Today is no different. We are gathered in a moment charged with joy, reflection, anticipation, and yes, a little anxiety.

What makes today truly special are the people surrounding you. All around you are people who love and care about you.

Your faculty are filled with both hope and wonder. They’ve walked beside you, watched you grow, and now they send you off with better minds and habits for success. They have started you on an intellectual journey that they hope will last a lifetime.

Your grandparents are here with hearts simply full of love. No expectations. No strings attached. Just unconditional love.

Your parents or guardians are holding a complicated mix of nostalgia, anxiety, pride, and hope. They remember the little you, and they think about what the coming years will bring.

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They have dreams and aspirations. They love you more than you can know.

And you, the graduates, are just thinking about the getting the diploma tomorrow and the celebrations to come. You may be reflecting on graduation gifts and maybe a beach week trip. In the back of your mind, you may be asking yourself questions: What will next year bring?

Will I make friends? Will I like where I am? What does life have in store for me?

Let me tell you: Life will bring you extraordinary moments.

You may find your calling. Perhaps it will be a major in college that excites you and sparks a career that brings purpose and passion to your work life.

You may find a partner, that one lasting love. The person who makes you the best person you can be.

You may have children; they will make you anxious and sometimes drive you crazy and you will love them in a way that you can’t even imagine.

But life will sometimes also bring hardship. (This is the part of this talk where my younger daughter would say, “Womp Womp.”)

You may have relationships that will fail. You may have a career that will stall or take turns you didn’t plan for. Illnesses may come to you and perhaps the people you love. Loss will touch you. These disappointments and challenges, though painful and difficult, are not signs of failure. They are simply part of life.

Let me tell you: Life will bring you extraordinary moments.

In fact, they may become your greatest points of growth. (But that is a sermon for another day.)

Today, you have a start on what you need to thrive through both joy and sorrow.

First, you have people who love you. These people who got you to this school and supported you to this moment. They are your parents, grandparents, guardians, mentors, teachers, advisors, and friends. They are not perfect. But their love is real, and it matters in your life on a daily basis. They want you to have a life full of success and happiness.

Second, you have earned a world-class education at Episcopal High School. You know how to think. You know how to analyze. You know how to communicate. These are foundational skills that will serve you in every aspect of your life. It will serve you in both your personal and your professional lives. This is a gift that can never be taken away. You will have this education for the rest of your life.

By attending a boarding school you have gained an education in the soft skills of working with people. You may have had to navigate irritating hallmates, operate in the complicated dynamics of team sports, be a performer in an ensemble cast on stage, and become your own advocate.

Third, you received your education in a place where people know you and care for you. Your teachers, coaches, advisors are invested in you. They are not just invested in your learning, but in your character also. They have nurtured in you moral courage, intellectual courage, and courageous action. They haven’t just prepared you for college or a job. They have prepared you for a life of meaning and purpose.

Finally, and most importantly, you have learned that you are a beloved child of God. We are all beloved children of God. This is the message of the Episcopal Church.

As the scripture today from Jeremiah reminds us, God has a plan for you. A good plan. A plan filled with hope, joy, and purpose. Even when the path is unclear and when the next steps feel uncertain, know that God’s love is constant. It will never leave you. You cannot be separated from it. It is unconditional. And it will last you through this life and beyond.

Through every celebration and disappointment, through every triumph and loss, God’s love will be there to sustain you.

You’ve already seen that love in action here at Episcopal High School. You saw it in the teacher who edited, edited and edited again your “The Great Gatsby” paper. You saw it in coaches who believed you could win even when you were doubtful, and your teammates were doubtful. It was in directors who taught you to dance even though you could not hear the beat in the music. It was in dorm parents who made cupcakes on your birthday. It was in your advisors who listened when no one else heard you and in friends who stuck by you even when you were not your best self.

So, as you prepare to depart The Holy Hill tomorrow, I hope you will do so in peace and joy.

Let go of the anxieties about what’s next. You are surrounded by love. You are equipped with gifts and skills to sustain you.

God loves you.

Watch the service.

Episcopal High School | FOUR COLUMNS

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VAL E D I C T O RY A D D R E S S

“The Compass We Carry” Valedictorian Ruby Gonzalez ’25 reflects on her time at Episcopal — as both a “faculty kid” and a student — through the metaphor of a well-worn map.

… If you are given a map in books, movies, or video games, you know an adventure is about to take place.

The locations might be confusing or hold little value at first, but by the end of the journey, each place has meaning because it has charted fascinating stories and fascinating characters. With personal maps in our lives, we fill them in with memories and experiences in unique ways and the maps cease to be flat drawings on the page. Episcopal is a place I have experienced from multiple perspectives, as a faculty kid, a worker, and a student. Though I’ve observed the same locations for 11 years, they have held various meanings and added new dimensions to this beautiful place where we find ourselves this morning.

In the beginning (2014), Episcopal was the Baker Science Center that housed epic Nerf gun fights. Episcopal was the Dalrymple patio where my dad helped found the Grill N Chill Club. Episcopal was the mats in Flippin Field House that taught me how to do a front flip, and, if you all look to your right at the beautiful Japanese maple tree in front of Evans, you might see the spot where I jumped on a branch, snapped it, and fell on my butt in the dirt. My mom was horrified because eight-year-old Ruby didn’t know that Japanese maple trees take a full year to grow one inch.

I gained a new perspective on my map when I worked on the grounds crew for two summers. Episcopal became the hoses I would drag across the Front Drive at 7 a.m. or the blessed shade as I trimmed ivy by the old McAllister Health Center. I saw Episcopal for its hidden irrigation boxes, poison ivy, and magnolia trees that never stopped providing leaves to rake after storms. …

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We have all been the younger kids, looking up to older siblings, cousins, or friends, wondering what we will be like when we finally reach that stage. Maybe not everyone would hide in bushes to tackle their mom’s advisees, but high school looked different when we were younger. We all saw this place and wondered what it would be like. I know this is true even if you are not a faculty kid like me. Some of you have older siblings, a father, mother, uncle, or grandfather who attended this place. You may have been dragged to The Game for years, bought candy at the concession stand, and tossed a football near the end zone. Or, you may have only encountered Episcopal jet-lagged and 10,000 miles away from home on a sunny day in September. …

In four years, we have all found our destinations on this campus: stops on our maps that mean so much to us, whether we spent time there for a moment, every afternoon for a season, or every single day. … These locations are highlighted in our minds, defined by the sweet and sour memories, and now hold great significance and deeper meaning.

Without a doubt, our perspective of this campus has changed because we have changed. As shown by Doruk no longer needing a stool to reach the Chapel podium, we have all grown and changed perspectives, becoming more thoughtful, open, and growing into incredible leaders. In the same way that this campus has grown and changed in our time with two new dorms, the deButts Health & Wellness Center, and a giant new quad to make our own, we are leaving as different people, too.

Ruby with her parents, EHS Head Chaplain Rev. Betsy Carmody and Eddie Gonzalez

...we have all grown and

members, and we owe them so much Despite our transformations, I can changed perspectives, gratitude. … confidently say one thing has remained becoming more thoughtful, the same. Our heart. Acting as our map’s open, and growing into And now, it is time to say goodbye. compass, always guiding us through Our maps are full of colors, annotations, every journey, the heart of the Class incredible leaders. highlights, and sticky notes on the most of 2025 is definitely our most defining important places we will first remember characteristic. We have always been passionwhen we hear the words “Episcopal High ately gutsy, ready to charge head-on into any School.” … situation, even if it sometimes gets us in trouble.

Since freshman year, we have been the loudest to cheer Next year, most of us will look at different campus maps. … at Friday Night Lights, the first to shout that dorm games is We will create new memories with new destinations, and meet rigged (which it is), and the most enthusiastic audience when new people who define our experiences, and though we may someone works up the courage to share their talents with fold and put away this map, only looking back at it when we the School. … scroll through our camera roll, it will always be with us. We will take the lessons from our mentors who have molded and Despite the highs, we have had our lows, losses that weighed forged us into knowledgeable and considerate individuals, and heavily and dampened the days. Moments where we made we will take every memory from The Holy Hill. Every triumph mistakes of all shapes and sizes — even times when we and tribulation that praised or challenged us. Every relationthought we could not come back from what we left on the ship where we found someone who made us be better, laugh field, in the classroom, in a friendship, or on dorm, we would harder, and never give up. Finally, we will carry our compasses. not be us if our compass did not lead us back to the truth: that we never stop pushing.

The heart that we started with and that has consistently guided us will follow us out but with clarity from an older, wiser, you. … This is our time, and I can’t wait to see the places the Class Of course, none of our map-memory-making would have of 2025 will go and the amazing things we will do. occurred without the crazy skilled group of adults sitting right there. Acting as our guides, the EHS faculty encouraged us to look within ourselves and ask the big questions.

Wearing many hats, they’ve encouraged us as teachers, coaches, mentors, dorm heads, neighbors, and family Watch Gonzalez’s speech in full.

Episcopal High School | FOUR COLUMNS

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F RO M T H E A R C H I V E S

More Than a Piece of Paper A history of the EHS diploma from School Archivist Laura Vetter.

The Episcopal High School diploma, signed by each faculty member in order of seniority, is a unique testament to each EHS student’s accomplishment, as well as the meaningful relationships forged here. While reflecting on the signatures on his own diploma as he signed diplomas himself, Tim Rogers ’79 said, “Each one I can look back at, even today, and associate those names with the wisdom they imparted, their classroom manner, the way they made me feel proud of the work I was doing.”

Episcopal’s first diplomas were not awarded until 1899 to Charles Hartwell Cocke and Edgar Snowden. Until that time, and even for many years after, students who completed the highest-level courses in the Classics, mathematics, and English were considered graduates of Episcopal High School, regardless of whether they received an actual diploma. As former Principal Launcelot Blackford explained in 1880, “We give no certificate as of graduation of the school, but consider any one as a graduate who has been distinguished in both examinations in the highest classes…” This distinction was acknowledged with individual certificates awarded in each subject attained.

Now that I am Dean of Faculty at EHS, my diploma reinforces the sacred duty I have to help our teachers be at their very best for each of these students. To know that a whole phalanx of faculty members spent parts of their lives caring for me in my formative years — and that I can see their signatures from so long ago — inspires me to do the same for all of our students now.”

– Lucy Whittle Goldstein ’97 The decision to issue diplomas may have developed either internally or arisen in response to colleges and universities requiring proof of high school graduation.

Even with this trend, it was not uncommon for EHS students to advance to college without having fulfilled all of Episcopal’s requirements for graduation. Particularly during the World Wars, satisfying Episcopal High School’s graduation requirements was deprioritized by students who enlisted straight out of high school, but they still found they were well prepared upon matriculating to universities following their service. While diplomas are not among Episcopal High School’s oldest traditions, they are certainly among our most cherished.

FRAMING YOUR FUTURE: PRESERVING YOUR DIPLOMA Do not lose your diploma. It is unique.

1 Keep your diploma in a dry space with a consistent temperature.

2 Avoid storing your diploma in a basement or attic.

When framing, make sure acid free materials are used, as well as 3 UV filtering glass to protect from light damage. A mat should be used to prevent contact between the diploma and the glass. Your diploma should not be permanently adhered to a backing board.

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1927

As a boy, Page Dame III ’59 would admire his father’s diploma, proudly displayed in his law office. His father, Page Dame Jr. ’27, often reflected on the impact of those who signed his diploma. Thirty-two years later, five of those same faculty members would sign the younger Dame’s diploma. “Going from ink on my father’s diploma to flesh and blood individuals I saw every day for five years gave them a larger-than-life aura they fully deserved,” Dame said of those mutual beloved teachers.

1997

Diploma Awarded to Dean of Faculty Lucy Whittle Goldstein ’97

1898

Certificate of Distinction Awarded to Rutherfoord Fleet Class of 1898

Watch a recap of this year’s diploma signing.

Episcopal High School | FOUR COLUMNS

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C O M M E N C E ME N T AWA R D S

Honoring Excellence

Sanaa Baldwin ’25

ARCHIBALD EUBANK SUTTON JR. MEMORIAL MEDAL

To the Valedictorian Katrina Reed writes: The parents of our valedictory speaker selected a perfect name for their daughter back in 2007: Ruby. This exceptional young woman has embodied the brilliance of a precious gem throughout her time at EHS. Her sparkling intellect, rare emotional maturity, and shining leadership have permeated all corners of this community. As Ruby’s advisor, teacher, and neighbor, I have joyfully witnessed her brilliance firsthand. From the classroom to the choir, softball field to the stage, from Table 90 to the Honor Committee, she has made Episcopal a better place, and her legacy will reverberate long after this graduation day ends.

RUBY GONZALEZ ’25

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Summer 2025

THE J. MICHAEL MILLER AWARD

THE PATRICK H. CALLAWAY PRIZE

for Senior Scholarship Jessie George writes: It’s rare to find someone as talented and well-rounded as this student: someone who excels in math and English, computer science and French, physics and photography.

It’s even rarer to find someone as kind, patient, and thoughtful. But that’s exactly who this student is: an intellectual superstar, driven by an unquenchable curiosity and deep love of learning, AND a genuinely wonderful human being who has dedicated countless hours of his time to helping others as a tutor, TA, and friend. Four years ago he earned the award for the highest freshmen-year academic average, and it is only fitting that he bookends his EHS career with this award.

for Excellence in Theology Dr. Becky Keller writes: Many second semester seniors are prone to senioritis: hitting the snooze button rather than being on time for class, zoning out during lectures, doing the bare minimum. This student, however, showed a willingness to put in the effort and do his best, right up to that final class meeting. He was always willing to ask and answer tough questions and keep the conversation going deeper and into new realms. His curiosity and passion for excellence make him an ideal candidate for this honor.

DAVID SONG ’25

JACK DAUGHTREY ’25

David Song ’25

THE ARTHUR WAXTER FAMILY AWARD

THE ALEXANDER JENNETTE JOHNSTON AWARD

for Excellence in Visual Arts Liz Vorlicek writes: Georgia O’Keefe said, “To create one’s own world in any of the arts takes courage.” This student’s intricate acrylic paintings of gorgeous mountainscapes and boutique shop windows stopped people in their tracks in the Ainslie Arts Center. She pushed her creativity further in brave and compelling ways in the live portrait painting on the stage of Pendleton Hall. Her courageous artistic journey will continue as she travels to Michigan to study and expand her vision in all things.

for Excellence in Performing Arts Michael Windsor writes: Whether in the choir room, the orchestra, or center stage, this artist has consistently brought skill, heart, and an unshakable work ethic to every rehearsal and performance. Over the years, his presence has become a cornerstone of the Episcopal arts community, stepping up as both a performer and a leader, always ready to support others and exceed expectations.

With an ever-present positivity that inspires everyone around, this artist has truly made an impact that will be felt for years to come.

ANNABELLE CLARK ’25

MAC HALM ’25

Jack Daughtrey ’25

THE GUY BLAN NEWCOMB MEDAL

for Excellence in Modern or Classical Languages Alec Robinson writes: This student arrived at Episcopal with English as a second language. But now, he leaves as a true polyglot who has done stellar work in three more languages than the two he arrived with: Latin, ancient Greek, and Spanish. If that were not enough, this student also used his other linguistic talent, computer programming, to create a searchable, digital index of Episcopal’s rare books collection. This contribution was the fruit of his own initiative and, just like his demeanor in class, it was done with no regard for recognition of his genius. It is therefore fitting that we congratulate him in Russian, his first language, by saying “Mahl-uh-dyets.”

(Well done.)

ARHIP DMITRIEV ’25 Episcopal High School | FOUR COLUMNS

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Annabelle Clark ’25 Arhip Dmitriev ’25

THE EVELYN PRETLOW RUTLEDGE AWARD

for Excellence in Science Luke Peterson writes: This award is a testament to this individual’s journey through the sciences at EHS. Everpresent and consistent, this student embodies the definition of a scientist. Challenging herself in Advanced Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, and Physics, she sought out connections between seemingly disparate fields, finding the underlying threads between far-flung concepts.

Her time in Baker Science Center has been well spent: exploring the world, offering a helping hand to peers, asking thought-provoking questions, and continuously reveling in the simple joy of the learning process.

SARAH RAE KIM ’25

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Summer 2025

THE DAVID TUCKER BROWN JR. AND EDWARD TRIGG BROWN PRIZE

for Excellence in Social Studies Dr. Ryan Pemberton writes: Known for her maturity, intellectual curiosity, respectful discourse, and the ability to weave multiple complicated ideas into a clearly articulated whole, this student took a total of nine different social studies classes while at EHS. She moderated all-School programming, including a discussion with the president of the Brookings Institution; interacted with other high school students at a national conference about civic engagement; and volunteered on a presidential campaign at an externship on Capitol Hill — proving her ability to connect learning in the classroom to real-world leadership opportunities.

THE LLEWELLYN G. HOXTON MEDAL

ABBY SLAP ’25

ERIC SHIN ’25

for Excellence in Mathematics Lionel Rauth writes: Math and science tutors are typically selected more for their patience and organizational skills than their academic ability, but it is convenient when they also happen to be the strongest math student in the school. William Paul Thurston said, “Mathematics is not about numbers, equations, computations, or algorithms; it is about understanding.”

This student mastered the numbers, equations, computations, and algorithms of the curriculum — and a healthy portion of college-level concepts as well — but it is his passion for inculcating understanding, both in himself and others, that marks him as a true mathematician.

C O MME N C E ME N T AWA R D S

Sarah Rae Kim ’25

Mac Halm ’25

THE JOSEPH BRYAN MEDAL

for Excellence in English Hugh Koeze writes: This student’s written pieces are difficult to grade. Her writing is driven by a deeper imperative than the grade: to explore nuance, to offer complex ethical insights, and to face the mysterious nature of life.

For her, the thesis is never the point; in a parenthetical aside in the middle of the third paragraph, she will drop a comment so profound that I have to stop reading and take a walk. We have been fortunate to spend the last four years with her, and we look forward to seeing what insights she offers to a broader world.

MICHELLE ZHANG ’25

THE RINEHART MEDAL

THE QUENTIN ROOSEVELT PRIZE

for Athletic Worth Rick Wilcox writes: This athlete had an outsized impact on the School community during his two years on The Holy Hill. Through his journey, he sharpened his will to win, while learning patience and resilience. He rose to meet every challenge and often rose up to hammer home goals — a lot of goals!

Both skillful and gritty, his character and humility earned the respect of opponents, while his inspiring play and ability to meet the moment earned him the nickname “King” from his teammates.

for Character Steven Keith writes: This student is a shining example of excellence both in the classroom and in the community.

His quiet humility contrasts with his remarkable achievements as a student and gifted musician. With a kind heart and a deep respect for those around him, he leads by example — uplifting others through compassion and integrity. His eagerness to embrace challenges and grow beyond his comfort zone reflects a maturity well beyond his years.

Whether solving complex problems or performing with grace and passion, this student consistently demonstrates dedication, discipline, and empathy.

He is not only a scholar and artist, but a young man of great character and promise.

OSI ONWUDIWE ’25

THE JAMES H. FANNON JR. FAMILY AWARD

for Athletic Worth Ingrid Boyum writes: The recipient of this year’s award stands out for her transformative leadership. Throughout her Episcopal athletic career, she excelled as a vocal and dynamic contributor across many disciplines. Her grit and uplifting spirit will continue to serve as her legacy at Episcopal athletics.

Her teammates will always remember how she made them feel.

JEREMY LIN ’28

SANAA BALDWIN ’25

Episcopal High School | FOUR COLUMNS

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COMM E N C E M E N T AWAR D S

Eric Shin ’25

THE ARCHER ANDERSON WILLIAMS AWARD

for Big Brother/Big Sister Chris Davies writes: That this student was recognized by our newest students as a leader should come as no surprise to those who know her. Some of our Emerging Scholars have been looking up to her on our campus since before she even enrolled at Episcopal, and her contributions to our community have been recognized by the adults who work with her in many ways. This award, though, speaks to her work behind the scenes and out of the view of her teachers. If there’s some truth to the adage about character being “what you do when no one is looking,” this award acknowledges that her character is second to none.

NATANIM BEKELE ’25

THE FIRST FORTYEIGHT MERIT SCHOLARSHIP

to the Returning Girl who is a Spiritual, Moral, Physical, and Intellectual Leader Whit Morgan writes: Having been here when the first forty-eight girls pioneered coeducation at The High School, I know firsthand the dauntless spirit those trailblazers embodied. They would be overjoyed to see this year’s recipient keeping the sisterhood alive.

On the strength of her impish spirit, her compassion for others, and her quirky sense of humor, this amazing young woman has vaulted into the heart of this school, manifesting our highest ideals while taking part in the most humble tasks. Besides, she has a smile that could stop traffic — well, almost.

CLAIRE BRAXTON ’26

Osi Onwudiwe ’25

THE CLASS OF 2019 AWARD

For Humility and Kindness Jim Fitzpatrick writes: This student is a bright and thoughtful young man whose quiet confidence and genuine kindness leave a lasting impression on everyone he meets. Dedicated and insightful, he consistently approaches challenges with a calm determination and intellectual curiosity. His strong moral compass, compassion for others, and drive for excellence make him a natural leader, even without seeking the spotlight. We are excited to see him take his talents to Tufts University, where he is sure to thrive and have a positive impact in the community.

DAVIAN KING ’25

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Summer 2025

THE ROBERT JETT ROGERS MEMORIAL BOWL

Abby Slap ’25

THE DAVIS AWARD

Michelle Zhang ’25

THE LUCIEN MINER GEER SPIRIT AWARD

for Inspiring the Entire School in All Phases of School Life Amila Williams writes: You can find her sitting on dorm dispensing advice, screaming at the top of her lungs for a fellow student, or using her leadership positions to implement ways to improve our school. You may also know her as someone who plays with the campus children, leads a club, a conversation or her team as a captain. She is a quintessential scholar/friend/athlete and leader.

She is funny, loyal, kind and “about business.” For these reasons and more she has captured the heart and confidence of our community.

SANAA BALDWIN ’25

for Community Service The Rev. Richmond Jones writes: Were you to total the number of service hours accrued by this person, it could fill up a week’s worth or more of total hours.

Not only did this person schedule and staff events of their own, they showed up continuously to help out their friends, and did so long before they were even a student here. Their dedication and care helped maintain and share a culture of passion and humble dedication that left an indelible mark on our Service Program that bettered us all.

RUBY GONZALEZ ’25

THE C. C. BALDWIN MEDAL

for Sportsmanship in All Aspects of School Life Natalie Davies writes: There is no better example of this student’s commitment to excellence in athletics and beyond than this past weekend. As a stalwart member of the dance program, she performed Friday night, including a gorgeous duet featuring original choreography. And on Saturday, she strapped on her spikes and closed out her Episcopal track career, winning all-state honors with her relay team. When asked how the two very significant time commitments were working together in her schedule, she replied, “Well, they just are.” This student is always ready to put her head down and put in the work with tenacity and grace, and without complaint.

for Devotion to the Ideals and Traditions of EHS This year, we have two recipients for the Robert Jett Rogers Memorial Bowl.

Whit Morgan writes: She is a living, breathing advertisement for Episcopal High School, a poster child for the spirit, determination, and self-confidence we’d like to imbue within all our students before they walk across the stage and grab their diplomas.

Each time she enters a room, the vibe changes immediately, and always for the better. Her impact has spilled beyond our gates, as her externship supervisors rave about how much the second graders with whom she works adore her.

In truth, the EHS faculty would love to clone her, but, luckily, her parents already did that for us.

VIVIANE NOTZON ’25

Stefanie Smith writes: Edith Wharton once said, “There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.” During this student’s time at Episcopal, she was both. Her light didn’t just shine — it also highlighted others. In the classroom, she brought energy and enthusiasm, illuminating every discussion. As a student leader, teammate, and friend, she was her peers’ strongest advocate and greatest cheerleader. She modeled high standards while inspiring confidence in those around her, encouraging each of us to shine in our own way. We are grateful for the light she has brought to The Holy Hill, an impact that will remain undimmed and enduring.

VICTORIA NOTZON ’25

SOPHIA APPIAH ’25 Episcopal High School | FOUR COLUMNS

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Viviane (left) and Victoria (right) Notzon ’25

THE KELSO FAMILY AWARD

for the Senior Warden of the Vestry The Rev. Betsy Carmody writes: This recipient’s English name means “Who is like God?” While she would never equate herself to the Divine, she strives to see herself and us as God does. We are human, full of flaws, capable of amazing things, and worthy of extravagant love.

The meaning of her name, being in the form of a question, says everything about her leadership as senior warden this year.

She asks great questions of her faith and our work, making us all better in the process.

MICHELLE ZHANG ’25

THE SCHOOL AWARD FOR DISCIPLINARY LEADERSHIP

To the Chair of the Discipline Committee Mark Carter writes: It is said that true strength is saying the hard thing with a soft heart, and this year’s recipient is the embodiment of that truth. She seeks to understand, but more importantly, she helps others understand themselves.

Her ability to ask the difficult questions with empathy and grace allows students to reflect honestly, take ownership, and begin the work of growth. With compassion and conviction, she helps repair the frayed fabric of the community and restores confidence in every student she has supported.

SOPHIA APPIAH ’25

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Summer 2025

Luca McGhee Chavez ’25

THE AINSLIE FAMILY AWARD

for the Chair of the Honor Committee Capt. Joe Eldred writes: “The purpose of life is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” Although written

by American writer Ralph Waldo Emerson in the mid-19th century, these words perfectly describe this student.

Displaying maturity and empathy beyond his years, he ensured that every student who appeared before the Honor Committee was always treated with dignity and respect. Through his dedication and commitment, he truly made an enduring impact on the EHS community that will echo for years to come.

LUCA MCGHEE CHAVEZ ’25

THE W. A. R. GOODWIN JR. MEMORIAL BOWL

for the Head Monitor Mike Reynolds writes: The great Virginian Booker T. Washington once wrote, “If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.” Servant leadership is something that is often talked about, but this student embodies that ideal.

Always quick to make new students and visitors to our community feel welcomed, he is the last person at an event cleaning up and his servant leader mindset has been a great model for our entire community this year.

BRUNSON WICKHAM ’25

C O M M E N C E ME N T AWA R D S

THE BOYD TAYLOR CUMMINGS MEDAL

for Publications Monika Viola writes: Leadership roles are sought out positions — for college applications, the title itself, or perhaps a chance to “call the shots.” But this recipient stepped into her role as Daemon Editor-in-Chief for something rarer: a love of literature and a desire to make space for others who felt the same. Since chosen as Editor-inChief two years ago, she has shaped a Daemon that is inclusive, collaborative, and deeply respectful of every voice it publishes. A gifted writer in her own right, she used her platform not to spotlight herself but to lift up others with her vision, care, and commitment to the EHS literary community.

ADELE YU ’25

Adele Yu ’25

THE RECTOR’S GOLD MEDAL

for Character and Scholarship Lionel Rauth writes: In his 2016 Players’ Tribune article “Elite ‘Glue Guys’ 101,” Shane Battier describes what makes a player a “glue guy”: facilitating your teammates’ strengths on the court by shifting to any position, asking questions, taking extra reps in film and practice sessions, volunteering free time to organize team activities and dinners, and generally doing whatever is necessary to make the team better with no regard for ego or personal sacrifice.

This year’s recipient is the “glue guy” of the Class of 2025. His list of talents and accomplishments is too long for this citation, but his time at EHS has been defined by a selfless attitude of giving to his classmates and our institution, with no expectation of reward or recognition.

He’s a man of honor, wit, and humility, and the ultimate team player.

LUCA MCGHEE CHAVEZ ’25

THE GEORGE WILLIAM LAIRD AWARD

for Outstanding Photography David Douglas writes: This young artist sits quietly at her desk, unassuming, but her incredible talent blares through her work. From one artist to another, I can see it as clear as day. Her talent gives me great joy and affirms my belief in the power of creativity and the teaching of art. Like Patti Smith in Just Kids, who wrote of being “transformed… by the revelation that human beings create art,” this young artist creates with quiet, personal intuition.

Her work reflects an innate ability to see what others cannot, expressing emotion and insight through art in ways that feel both timeless and deeply personal.

ZOE WILLIAMS ’25

THE JOHNNY SMITH AWARD

for Excellence in Music Mike Schmidt writes: It has been an honor and a pleasure to witness this student’s growth over the past three years. She musically guides her peers with a natural gift that is intensely focused and determined, as well as loving and generous. A truly gifted musician, her musical maturity reflects the nuanced intuition one typically finds in seasoned professionals. Being a part of her inspiring journey has been a privilege, and I thank her for her dedication to the orchestra.

SARAH RAE KIM ’25

THE EDWIN WILSON AWARD

for Theater Arts: Acting Michael Windsor writes: Since ninth grade, this student has shown remarkable growth, unwavering dedication, and inspiring involvement in our theater program. He’s embraced a wide range of roles, bringing sharp comedic timing, emotional depth, and vivid characterization to every performance. In musicals or plays, onstage or off, each moment has been met with curiosity, care, and a growing confidence. From those early steps as a magical cat all the way to a man in love with the moon, his journey has been a joy to watch.

ERIK OLSEN ’25

THE EDWIN WILSON AWARD

for Theater Arts: Dance Adrienne Taylor-Wilson writes: This year’s recipient could have honestly been given this award in her freshman year.

Legend has it that she started dancing in her mother’s arms as a newborn and just never stopped. During her time at EHS, she found a way to take every dance class offered, even putting her dancing skills to use on the tennis court when she was supposed to be working on her backhand.

Her love of movement can be seen every time she’s on stage, and her exemplary effort and energy is evident in every performance.

LOREN JANE ROPER ’25 Episcopal High School | FOUR COLUMNS

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CO M M E N C E M E N T AWAR D S

Sophia Appiah ’25

Loren Jane Roper ’25

THE EDWIN WILSON AWARD

For Theater Arts: Technical Performing Arts Caroline Austin writes: This student has demonstrated unwavering commitment to EHS technical theater. He has shown an enthusiastic willingness to volunteer for event support across campus and to find opportunities off campus to hone his craft. He contributed to the production and run-crew of all three shows this season, coming in his free time, on weekends, during office hours, after his other afternoon options, or whenever else he had the chance. This technician’s positive attitude, willingness to help others, and ability to lead have been instrumental to our successful performing arts season.

MATTHEW WILSON ’27

THE CHARLES C. PLUMMER AWARD

for Excellence in Choir Mike Schmidt says: “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” This student’s initial step into the unfamiliar territory of choir, despite his understandable first-year apprehension and uncertainty, set in motion a threeyear journey of dedication, growth, and reward. Embracing the seemingly daunting risk of a new activity, he poured countless hours into mastering challenging choral scores. This commitment, this action, has yielded an equally significant reaction: a truly gifted singer, and a remarkable transformation.

Among an exceptional group of senior leaders, this student’s courage and love for singing stand out.

MAZEN ASAD ’25

THE JOHN MONCURE DANIEL JR. SCHOLARSHIP AND BENJAMIN M. BAKER MEDAL

for Excellence in United States History Dr. Charlotte Taylor Fryar writes: At the height of the civil rights movement, James Baldwin reflected that “American history is… more varied, more beautiful, and more terrible than anything anyone has ever said about it.” This student understands, at the very deepest level, the complexity, the beauty, and the terror of our nation’s history. No matter the subject, she brings a well of profound curiosity and intellectual rigor to the study of the past — not just as an academic exercise but, as Baldwin writes, as the work required “to examine society and try to change it and to fight it… no matter the risk.”

PAIGE GOGOLAK ’26

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Summer 2025

THE DASH PIERCE AWARD

THE ROBERT L. WHITTLE MEDAL

for Excellence in Chinese Julie Wang writes: What a joy it has been to teach this student in Chinese throughout his four years at Episcopal.

He demonstrates an exceptional work ethic and has consistently performed at his best, even after his college acceptances, right up to the final class in Advanced Chinese. His high proficiency in Chinese language and culture will give him a competitive edge in the global economy. This foundation will enhance his studies in business and global affairs and prepare him well to thrive in a world where China’s influence continues to grow.

for Excellence in German Hannah Ellington writes: Mastering one language is normal. Two, an impressive feat. But three? Rare indeed. An English and Spanish native speaker, this student took on the additional challenge of four years of German with enthusiasm, curiosity, and joy. More than holding her own in a class of talkative boys, she made a point of avoiding English at all costs, a habit started in German I. During the Austrian exchange, native speakers raved about her pronunciation and ease of speech, which she put to great use tutoring this year. For all she has brought to the German program, we give her our most heartfelt “danke schön.”

RYU HATTORI ’25

Matthew Wilson ’27

THE LAUNCELOT MINOR BLACKFORD MEDAL AND RICHARD PARDEE WILLIAMS JR. SCHOLARSHIP

for Excellence in Classics Alec Robinson writes: It might seem that learning Classical languages offers only the dry business of reading and analyzing literature, without the convivial pleasure of conversation. And yet, the joy and intellectual enthusiasm this student showed for every aspect of Latin and Greek consistently gave the lie to this generalization. No matter the topic, she always wore a broad grin and spoke through her smiles as she offered answers and observations, from technical matters about the syntax of an epic poem to the rich way Sophocles depicted his tragic heroines. Her hard work, happy demeanor, and sheer joy made every class she was in a truly convivial place.

THE WILLIAM WINDER LAIRD MEDAL

ANGELINA INIRIO ’25

for Excellence in French Eleanor Moore writes: This student has made the study of the French language a part of her life for many years, striving to capture those idiomatic nuances and perfect the particularities of pronunciation in order to increase her proficiency.

An explorer with an open spirit and heartwarming smile, it was no surprise that she jumped at the opportunity to study abroad in Rennes, France, in spring of her junior year. She returned to us eager to share her enthusiasm for the French language and culture, and her passion for learning and expanding her horizons shone through her energetic determination and creativity.

THE SELBY BARNES PAPIN MEDAL

ADDY LOCKE ’25

for Excellence in Spanish Dr. Luis Gamboa writes: This student is committed to understanding complex global issues through his thoughtful engagement with Latin American essays, novels, and short stories. His critical thinking has complicated and deepened our class discussions, fostering a richer exploration of Hispanic literature amongst his peers. He thinks, writes, and speaks in excellent Spanish. He has taken the initiative to broaden his worldview beyond his native Turkish tongue, and his English and French, which he speaks as second and third languages.

With Spanish as his fourth language, he has quite the expansive view!

DORUK KONAK ’25

BLUEBELLE RICHERT ’25 Episcopal High School | FOUR COLUMNS

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Charlotte Matiunas ’25

THE BENJAMIN I. JOHNS PRIZE

for Excellence in Biology Luke Peterson writes: This award is a testament to this student’s exceptional dedication and passion for the field of biology. Beyond simple academic success, this award highlights this student’s desire to continually expand his knowledge, with the goal to discover thought-provoking connections between concepts. His consistent presence in office hours, whether it be to converse about an interesting part of a previous class or an unprompted desire to help his peers understand a nuanced topic, only further highlights this young man’s exemplary academic engagement.

NATHANIEL FAMILUA ’26

THE THOMAS E. KILBY III MEDAL

for Excellence in Chemistry Dr. Kim Olsen writes: This student approaches the study of chemistry with a deep-seated joy for the subject. She views chemistry as a dynamic puzzle, eagerly engaging with its complexities and finding true satisfaction in the process of discovery. Working with her peers, she is remarkably willing to tackle challenging questions, embracing difficult concepts as opportunities for deeper understanding. She conquers her work with a sense of humility and wonder, consistently impressing her teacher with not just her insight, but the thoughtful way she approaches learning.

ALLISON LEE ’25

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Summer 2025

THE SCHOOL AWARD

THE LAWTON M. CALHOUN JR. MEDAL

for Excellence in Environmental Studies Javier Bastos writes: This student embodies global environmental citizenship through her worldly perspective and passionate advocacy. She approaches her studies with both intellectual rigor and hands-on dedication — whether analyzing complex global challenges like fast-fashion’s devastating impact in Ghana or fearlessly immersing herself in muddy wetlands during our Chesapeake Bay expedition. Her insatiable curiosity drives her to tackle difficult concepts while her genuine commitment inspires those around her to meaningful action.

She exemplifies the blend of academic excellence and practical engagement that will shape our future.

for Excellence in Physics Dr. Kacey Meaker writes: This student has remained steadfast in his commitment to physics all the way through the end of a busy senior year — no senior slide. He approached every activity with equal degrees of enthusiasm. The most notable thing about him, though, is that he truly wants to learn everything there is to know about physics. Sometimes his enthusiasm ran away with him, like when he started inventing his own laws of physics to replace Newton’s laws, which, spoiler alert, did not go that well.

However, his deep desire to gain true understanding of each and every problem before him in order to better understand the world around him may eventually lead to “Olsen’s Law.”

ALEXA BILLO ’25

ERIK OLSEN ’25

OTHER AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS:

ALLEN C. PHILLIPS PRIZE DAVID SONG ’25

THE ALLEN CARLETON PHILLIPS AND WILLIAM EVANS HANNUM SCHOLARSHIP FOR ENGLISH SARAH JOHNSON ’26

DAVID DOUGHERTY WRITING PRIZE FOR BEST PIECE OF WRITING

BY A 9TH OR 10TH GRADER ELIZABETH WAFULA ’27

THE GEORGE DUNLOP MEMORIAL PRIZE MICHELLE ZHANG ’25

C O M M E N C E ME N T AWA R D S

THE INGLE FAMILY THEOLOGY AWARD

for Excellence in Theology The Rev. Betsy Carmody writes: My hope as a teacher is that students leave our Biblical Theology class knowing that the themes of this book about the relationship between God and humanity, do not just live thousands of years ago. They are alive today because we still wrestle with how we treat one another and ourselves as valued parts of creation. This recipient displayed her mastery through prophecy, creeds, and gospel texts.

Her ability to connect ancient scripture with the experience of a modern-day 15-year-old girl was engaging and outstanding.

AMIRAH JACKSON ’27

THE CHARLES FELLOWS PAGE AWARD

for Excellence in Poetry Katrina Reed writes: Clint Smith once said, “The idea of shared humanity and the connections that we make with one another make life worth living.” This student’s pieces served as connective tissue that bonded our poetry class together, whether it was a lighthearted Seminary Hill Cup sonnet or a heartfelt ode to pen and paper. He consumed all forms of poetry and festooned his own pieces with the flair of a seasoned writer. This young man remarked in his final portfolio reflection, “I’ve always wanted my words to mean something.” I’m certain his peers would agree that his words truly did.

THE WILLIAM GARRETT BIBB MEDAL

for Excellence in Shakespeare Whit Morgan writes: Shakespeare’s character Touchstone quips, “The fool doth think he is wise, but the wiseman knows himself to be a fool.” Inherent here is a recognition of the value of humility, and this year’s Shakespeare medal winner could be the poster child for this trait.

Despite her impressive grasp of the works we covered, she sought out every opportunity to learn more about the Bard. When she was shut out of the second-semester Shakespeare 2 class, she sharpened her elbows and forced her way in, saying, “I’ll just sit in the window sill!” This passion is what sets her apart. And as for humility, just watch her blush as she comes up to receive this well-deserved award.

ROBERT WIATT FARRAR COMMITMENT TO ATHLETICS AWARD SANAA BALDWIN ’25 NATANIM BEKELE ’25 WILKES BROWN ’25 TRAMAYNE BULLOCK ’25 CHELSEA CAMPBELL ’25 ANNIE CARR ’25 JACK DAUGHTREY ’25 ALINA FU ’25 ANNA GREGG ’25 SOPHIA MAGLIO ’25 JUDAH OFORI-ANSAH ’25 REED PHILLIPS ’25 AVA REESE ’25 KEITH SONG ’25

CHARLOTTE MATIUNAS ’25

HANK GREEN ’25

WILLIAM PAGE DAME AWARDS FOR 9TH/10TH GRADE CREATIVE WRITING

THE BENJAMIN IRVING JOHNS SCHOLARSHIP FOR BIOLOGY

THE SEWANEE AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN WRITING

FIRST PLACE: ESSENCE BAGWELL ’28 SECOND PLACE: AURORA MCGOWAN ’27

MARIN CONDRAY ’26

AMAYA KIM-SENIOR ’26

WILLIAM RILEY DEEBLE III SCHOLARSHIP FOR SOCIAL STUDIES

RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE CERTIFICATE FOR OUTSTANDING WORK IN MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE

LUCIEN MINER GEER SCHOLARSHIP FOR MATHEMATICS ISABEL HOMER ’26

THE MARK HALE TEETER SCHOLARSHIP FOR MODERN AND CLASSICAL LANGUAGES GREY GIBBONS ’26

KATHARINE MORRISON ’27

THE MIDDLEBURY COLLEGE AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN MODERN AND CLASSICAL LANGUAGES JACOB ORELUE ’26

JOE LEE ’26

MARTIN BALDWIN WHITAKER MEDAL FOR OUTSTANDING SENIOR EXTERNSHIP DEFENSE GIGI ABED ’25

Episcopal High School | FOUR COLUMNS

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AC AD E MI C S I N R E V I E W

The Whittle, Johns, and Meade Book Prizes For more than a century, Episcopal has recognized academic excellence with book prizes that honor three former bishops of Virginia: the Rev. Francis McNeece Whittle, the Rev. John Johns, and the Rev. William Meade.

THE WHITTLE PRIZE

JOHNS PRIZE

THE MEADE PRIZE

For Academic Excellence

For Eminent Academic Excellence

For the Highest Level of Academic Excellence

MAISIE HALLORAN ’25 RYU HATTORI ’25 ERIK OLSEN ’25 CAMPBELL SHELBY ’25

CINDY LUO ’25 ALLISON LEE ’25 DAVID SONG ’25 ERIC SHIN ’25 MAX YANG ’25

DAISY CAMPF ’25 RUBY GONZALEZ ’25 SARAH RAE KIM ’25 DORUK KONAK ’25 DANIEL LIU ’25 DAVID LIU ’25 LOLA MASON ’25 BLUEBELLE RICHERT ’25 SHERYL ZHA ’25 MICHELLE ZHANG ’25

David Song ’25 Campbell Shelby ’25

Doruk Konak ’25

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Summer 2025

Allison Lee ’25

Daisy Campf ’25

Max Yang ’25

Language Awards The Language Department was thrilled to celebrate French and Latin students for their outstanding work this year.

Isa Moscoso Leon ’26

Louise Williamson ’26

Noah Chung ’26

Catherine Zhong ’28

Arhip Dmitriev ’25

FRENCH EXAM AWARD WINNERS

NATIONAL LATIN EXAM AWARD WINNERS

LEVEL 1

LEVEL 4

CATHERINE ZHONG ’28

VIRGINIA GOODWIN ’26

LEAH COPPOLAKARELIN ’28

LOUISE WILLIAMSON ’26

ARHIP DMITRIEV ’25

IVY TJOENG ’26

GIGI MCFARLAND ’27

Lauréat National – Médaille de platine

Mérite

Mention d’Honneur LEVEL 2 SHRAY CHANDWANI ’28

Mention d’honneur

Lauréat National – Médaille d’argent

Magna Cum Laude

Gold Summa Cum Laude

Magna Cum Laude

Silver Maxima Cum Laude Silver Maxima Cum Laude AVA LIN ’28

GRACE WILLIAMS ’28 NOAH CHUNG ’26

Cum Laude

FOSTER FOGELMAN ’28

Cum Laude

Magna Cum Laude

ISA MOSCOSO LEON ’26

Lauréat National – Médaille de bronze

CALEB POSTON ’26

LEVEL 5 CAMPBELL SHELBY ’25

Mérite LEVEL 3 KATHARINE MORRISON ’27

Mention d’honneur

MAIREAD RADTKE ’26

Lauréat National – Médaille de bronze

LINA RADI ’27

Mention d’honneur

Episcopal High School | FOUR COLUMNS

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AC AD E MI C S I N R E V I E W

The Cum Laude Society Former Assistant Headmaster and current trustee David Dougherty ’64 returned to The Holy Hill for the Cum Laude Induction Ceremony to discuss the importance of teachers. Below is an excerpt from his speech, focused on his relationship with longtime EHS teacher and legend Patrick Henry Callaway. We encourage you to watch the full video to hear all of Dougherty’s beautiful insights and remembrances. ...as I congratulate Cum Laude inductees today, I encourage them — in fact all of you — to give thanks to your wise and far-sighted parents and to your great teachers for their gift to you. Now, this morning I will tell you about teachers, who helped to sustain and grow a legacy, begun here in 1839, of great teaching at EHS. I have my stories. You have yours. Don’t ever forget them.

Patrick Henry Callaway, for whom our chapel is named, was in his seventy years as a teacher admired for his honesty, faith, and modesty. At first, we young boys thought him a phantom, an icon, a fifth-century St. Patrick on a medieval triptych. …

At 15, I finally realized that he was a real person, and began what would become a warm relationship with him that continued through my student and teaching and baseball coaching days (he was our official scorekeeper, rain or shine, for every home game). I wrote to him several times after my departure to become a headmaster in 1989.

However, I would not have recommended my initial approach to him. In my sophomore year, I failed plane geometry badly, and he required of me a summer re-exam, as a condition of my remaining in school. Because I lived in nearby Maryland, I shrewdly asked if I could come here to prepare for the re-exam, reasoning that in eight weeks, one-on-one with him, my tutor, I would know geometry, by osmosis.

Unfortunately, in my first lesson, Mr. Callaway read my scheming mind, which said, “Here I am. Make me know this stuff.” When I whiffed on his first two questions, he jabbed a gnarled index finger at me and bellowed, “You haven’t done anything. Go home and don’t come back until you’ve studied 26

Summer 2025

the assignment.” He who never raised his voice had erupted at me.

Too stunned to cry, I raced to my home just inside the D.C. Beltway (before there was a D.C. Beltway) conceding that to know geometry I could not simply sit in a room with someone who already knew it.

I hand-wrote theorems, chanted corollaries into an old tape recorder, played them back at bedtime, set them to folk music, and I learned them. And that was very hard work.

I passed the re-exam. Aced it. And with that accusing index finger — and about a dozen more rigorous lessons that summer, Mr. Callaway taught me about hard work. Hard work, I learned, is the fundamental condition of success, of everything worthwhile. I learned it from him, a great teacher, the hard way. …

In the late winter of 1996, when I was headmaster of The Hill School in Pennsylvania, an envelope arrived in my office, with a brief letter: “This is to advise you that Burke & Herbert Bank & Trust Company is co-executor of the estate of Patrick H. Callaway, who died on December 21, 1995 [at the age of 100]. Article Fourth of Mr. Callaway’s will provided a specific bequest to you of the enclosed check for $500.00.”

As on that hot summer day in 1962, when Mr. Callaway had thundered at me for my failure to prepare for our first class, I was too stunned to cry. He had at first been my geometry teacher; for years afterward I was his colleague, perhaps even a friend, on the faculty of this great school; he was always my mentor, my teacher. With that check in my hand, I fumbled through decades of thoughts about him. I was touched that near the close of his life he’d thought about me. What was he thinking? I think that Mr. Callaway was thinking — that he was proud that I was a teacher. I am too.

The Cum Laude Society, a national organization founded in 1906, recognizes juniors and seniors for outstanding scholarship, leadership, and character. This year’s inductees were: FROM THE CLASS OF 2025 MAISIE HALLORAN, RYU HATTORI, KATIE JOH, DORUK KONAK, ALLISON LEE, LOLA MASON, LUCA MCGHEE CHAVEZ, ERIK OLSEN, AVA QIN, AVI QIN, CAMPBELL SHELBY, BRUNSON WICKHAM, MAX YANG, SUNOOK YOON

FROM THE CLASS OF 2026 LAUREN BAEK, CHLOE CHEN, NATHANIEL FAMILUA, GREY GIBBINS, CHARLOTTE JOHNSTON, AMAYA KIM-SENIOR, KYRA LAMPTEY, JOE LEE, WILLIAM MCCOLLUM, IVY TJOENG, TINA VU, LOUISE WILLIAMSON, JOSH ZHANG

Watch the ceremony.

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FAC U LT Y AWA R D S

Faculty Masterships and Incentive Awards 2025-26

Captain Joe Eldred Hadiyyah A. Abdul-Jalaal ’17

COCHRAN MASTERSHIP FOR FINE ARTS

For Excellence in Teaching Fine Arts MICHAEL A. WINDSOR

NORMAN FARQUHAR AND GORDON N. FARQUHAR MASTERSHIP

JAMES G. KENAN LEARNING FUND MASTERSHIP

For Excellence in Teaching

For an Outstanding Teacher

JOHN MONCURE DANIEL MASTERSHIP

JULIE X. WANG

KEVIN L. POTTER

For Excellence in Teaching Social Studies

JOHN AND ISABELLA GREENWAY MASTERSHIP

ROBERT E. LATHAM MASTERSHIP

HEIDI R. HUNTLEY

R. ALEXANDER ROBINSON

DAVID R. DOUGHERTY MASTERSHIP

For Commitment to the Personal Development of Students in the Residential Life of the EHS Community

For Excellence in Teaching

For Excellence in Inspiring Students and Demonstrating the Joy of Teaching

ANNA H. COLLINS

DR. SHIA-LING AND LILYON CHEN LIU SENIOR TEACHER OF EXCELLENCE

KATRINA M. REED

RIA HUMMEL MASTERSHIP

J. WHITTELSY MORGAN

For Excellence in Teaching Science or Technology KIMBERLY G. ADAMS

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Hugh Koeze with his son Albie Julie Wang

ROBERT E. MASON MASTERSHIP

For Fostering the Development of Strong Character and Self-Discipline Among Students Outside the Classroom SUSAN R. BENTLEY

ELEANOR B. MCGAY MASTERSHIP

For Excellence in Teaching a Foreign Language ROCÍO MENDIZABAL

ALLEN C. PHILLIPS JR. MASTERSHIP

For an Outstanding Teacher HUGH S. KOEZE

Luke Peterson, Tommy Pratt, and Dr. Charlotte Taylor Fryar

WILLIAM BEE RAVENEL MASTERSHIP

For Excellence in Teaching English JAMES A. BIONDI

GRIGSBY C. SHACKELFORD MASTERSHIP

For Excellence in Teaching Mathematics or Science KIAMANI J. WILSON ’14

CHARLES V. TOMPKINS MASTERSHIP

FACULTY INCENTIVE AWARDS

For Excellence in Teaching, Character, Leadership, and School Service

HADIYYAH A. ABDUL-JALAAL ’17 THOMAS B. PRATT LUKE K. PETERSON CHARLOTTE T. FRYAR

DAMIAN C. WALSH

For Young Professionals

C.A. WOODRUM PUBLIC SERVICE FUND MASTERSHIP

For Excellence in Teaching Social Studies or Government JOSEPH J. ELDRED

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R E T I R E E P RO F I L E

48 Years of Service Longtime math teacher Rick Stubbs retires.

Rick Stubbs walks to accept the 2024-25 Whispers dedication

It is difficult to write a tribute young, inexperienced teacher,” Rick simply shows up. piece for someone like Rick said Mimi Schwanda, who Stubbs. For the last 48 years, began working in the math Again and again. You he has quietly, joyfully, and department when she was would be hard pressed to undoubtedly changed the 22 and has worked alongfind anyone who has cared lives of countless students and side Rick for 18 years. “He more than him. colleagues — without ever taught me to raise the bar in expecting recognition or praise my expectations of students, for doing so. Stubbs invested that they can do more than they almost 50 years for one important think they can do. He taught me to reason: his students. He treated his celebrate their success and walk with advisory like family, and generations of them through their failures, both inside advisees found a home away from home in him. (He and outside of the classroom.” has even advised the sons and daughters of former advisees.)

Outside the classroom, Stubbs was known for being one of the School’s most devoted sports fans. “He In a speech delivered at his goodbye party, longwould keep a printed schedule on his desk of every time colleague and friend Whit Morgan recounted one of his advisees’ games or performances,” said a story of one of Stubbs’ advisees who struggled to fellow math teacher Lionel Rauth, “and you could stay focused in study hall: “Rick told him to come find him every afternoon out on the fields attending to his apartment every night and work at his dining their home games.” This devotion taught Rauth that room table while he graded papers. Rick also spent being a teacher at Episcopal meant more than simply time with the same boy in Flippin Field House, teaching geometry or calculus: “Rick saw himself as hitting him ground balls before baseball season got more than a classroom teacher, and the love his adviunderway, just as any father would for his son.” sees and students showed for him was all the evidence you need that he was right.”

Reflecting on his retirement, Stubbs spoke of his mentors — colleagues like Lucien Geer, David Morgan agreed that Stubbs’ devotion went above Hathaway, Dave Collins, and Dr. Kim Olsen. and beyond throughout his time at EHS: “Rick However, it may be more apt to speak of the many simply shows up. Again and again. You would be faculty members he mentored over his 48 years at hard-pressed to find anyone who has cared more Episcopal. “Rick made me feel seen and valued as a than him.”

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IN T E G R I T Y I N AC T I O N

“Be Generous in All Ways” Former EHS trustee and incoming vice-chair Jenner Wood ’70 P’06 accepts Integrity in Action Award on behalf of Lettie Pate Evans.

Each year, the Integrity in Action Award is presented to an individual who has made a significant contribution to bettering our world. The recipient, in turn, presents the annual Phillips Integrity in Action Lecture on campus.

This year, the Integrity Action Award was given posthumously to Lettie Pate Evans, the School’s most generous and significant benefactor. Former EHS trustee and incoming vicechair Jenner Wood ’70 P’06 accepted the Integrity in Action Award on Evans’ behalf and delivered the Phillips Integrity in Action Lecture to highlight her incredible impact on the School. Wood serves as the chair of the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation, the Joseph B. Whitehead Foundation, and the Lettie Pate Evans Foundation.

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Wood began his talk with the history of Lettie Pate Evans, a trailblazer who changed countless lives with her generous philanthropy. “I hope I’ll be able to bring her to life because her life should have meaning to all of us in this room today,” Wood said, “and hopefully inspire in us a purpose in what we do every day and how we lead our lives.”

Raised in Baxton, Virginia, in the Episcopal Church, Evans came from modest means. Her husband, Joseph Whitehead, bought the rights to bottle Coca-Cola in 1899 for $1, “quite a bargain,” Wood laughed. When her husband died only seven years later, Evans “did the unheard of at that time… she took over and ran his business.” Wood stressed how unusual it was for Evans to run a company in 1906 and later sit on

a corporate board — long before women even had the right to vote in the United States. “She was exceptional,” Wood remarked, “and far more faceted than just being a good businesswoman.”

A PRAYER FOR THE DAY God, we offer thanks for the life and work of Lettie Pate Evans and the impact she has made at Episcopal and other institutions.

We pray for your guidance and wisdom so that her example might lead us in our decisions.

A lifelong philanthropist, Evans chose to give her money freely to education, arts, health care, the Episcopal Church, and more. “By the love of God,” Wood said, “Mrs. Evans made it her business to go about the world doing good.” In her will, she chose to fund 11 institutions, from Episcopal to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, and

We pray that you open our hearts and our minds to consider the legacy we can all lead in this place and in the world.

Father of all, we ask that you help push us to integrity in our thoughts and actions in your holy name.

Amen.

Berry College in Georgia, with “any income left” in her estate.

“Those 11 institutions got to split $120 million this past year,” Wood told a stunned student body.

If Evans were in the room to accept the award, Wood believed “she would say thank you for being good stewards of my resources. And she would remind us to practice kindness, be obligated to help others, and be generous in all ways.”

Wood also reflected fondly on former EHS faculty member Allen Carleton Phillips Jr., for whom the lecture is named. “If there was anybody more ethical than Mr. Phillips,” he said, “I didn’t know him. There weren’t many people tougher than him either.”

The lecture ended with a Q&A, where students and faculty asked Wood about whether Evans ever visited Episcopal (she did not), his own journey with philanthropy, and perhaps the most hard-hitting question of the afternoon: Coca-Cola or Pepsi? The answer? Coke, of course, and the students then spilled out of Pendleton Hall and enjoyed cold Coca-Colas in honor of Evans.

The new plaque outside of Callaway Chapel honoring the legacy of Lettie Pate Evans Episcopal High School | FOUR COLUMNS

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SPIRITUAL LIFE

Learning Lessons Bravely, Faithfully, and Happily Ten years ago, Beau Wilson Jr. ’72 came to Episcopal to speak at the last Chapel service of the year. In his talk, he spoke of a life-changing injury. As he recovered, Wilson kept returning to three words: “Fortiter, Fideliter, Feliciter,” the Latin motto of our School which translates to bravely, faithfully, and happily. Every year since, we have invited an alumnus or alumna and a graduating senior to speak about Episcopal’s impact on their lives. This year, we welcomed two alumni, brothers Ashby and John Wickham from the Class of 2016. Ashby and John are also brothers of this year’s Head Monitor Brunson ’25 and Edward ’15. Doruk Konak ’25 was our student speaker.

BE INTENTIONAL, OPEN, AND PRESENT

IT WAS REAL, AND IT WAS SHARED

Ashby Wickham ’16 fell in love with guitar during his time at Episcopal. He admitted he originally signed up for Guitar 1 for an “easy A,” but he could not have predicted the passion that easy A would ultimately inspire.

In true brotherly fashion, Ashby and John deftly shared the microphone from parallel pulpits. After Ashby spoke, John recounted a quote from one of his favorite books he read in Assistant Head for Academics Nate Ebel’s class at Episcopal, “Into the Wild” by Jon Krakauer. A quote from the book, “Happiness is only real when shared,” has stuck with John ever since.

Ashby went on to take more guitar classes, culminating in an independent study in Ainslie Arts Center while also forming a band with friends and practicing his craft at coffee houses on campus. He then studied music at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and continued to play in bands and meet some of his closest friends through music. It “became one of the most fulfilling and exciting parts of my life,” Ashby said.

Ashby used his journey with music as a metaphor for all Episcopal has to offer to its students. “This place really gives you the tools, the system, and the encouragement to try new things,” Ashby learned, while also acknowledging how hard trying new things can be. “When you put yourself out there, you become vulnerable and it means you’ll fail. I hate to tell you guys that doesn’t change.”

Ashby encouraged the audience to never stop pursuing passions in life — even and especially when the Episcopal ecosystem is no longer there to encourage them. “EHS has given you all the tools and the practice to go out and create a life that’s meaningful to you.” He implored the student body to take advantage of all the opportunities Episcopal creates. “You won’t know where these experiences will take you, but if you can be intentional, open, and present during your time here, trust that the resulting experiences will take you to some amazing places.”

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John took the audience back in time to the 2016 senior/ faculty basketball game, a beloved tradition full of trash talk and healthy competition that is often reminisced about years later. Current Assistant Dean of Students Eli Blair-May ’16 threw a beautiful assist to Stuart Ferber ’16 after stealing a rebound from a faculty member. “Swish,” John remembered.

“The gym erupted; the stands cleared; and it turned into the biggest group hug I’d ever seen. Nobody remembers the score, nobody remembers who won, but everyone remembers that shot, because it was real, and it was shared.”

John used this moment as the perfect encapsulation of his time at EHS, but reminded the students that “it’s not just about the celebrations. It’s about the challenges, too, the nights that don’t go as planned.” Thanks to Episcopal, John learned that “some of life’s most meaningful moments are not solo acts. They come from being there for others, letting others be there for you.” Episcopal taught John that this type of community will show up through all the highs and lows: “What we do together is more than we could ever do alone.”

Doruk Konak ’25

John (far left) and Ashby (second from left) Wickham ’16 with their parents, John and Charlotte, and brothers Brunson ’25 and Edward ’15.

Because, at the end of the day, “Life is a little bit more fun, it’s a little bit less scary, and a whole lot more meaningful when it’s shared.”

STANDING ON MY OWN TWO FEET Doruk Konak ’25, who gave the very first Class of 2025 Chapel Talk after the Burch Outdoor Program in 2021, beautifully bookended his class’ time on The Holy Hill during the last Chapel Talk of the year. As he began his speech, he cheerfully grabbed a stool under the podium and showed it to the crowd, reminding them that three years ago, he needed the extra height.

By the time he enrolled at Episcopal, Konak, who arrived from the Republic of Mauritius and now calls Turkey home, had gone to school in four different countries. “The concept of being the new kid was something I was familiar with,” he recalled. He spoke of the struggles of learning how to fit in.

Because of his height (or “lack thereof,” he joked), he was a familiar and popular figure on campus. “People knew me, but they didn’t really know me,” Konak said. “I kept my real self locked away.”

To remedy his loneliness, Konak threw himself into extracurriculars. He began a food delivery service, affectionately coined “Doruk Dash” by the student body, and further retreated into himself, while still excelling in the classroom and on the tennis court.

At the end of his sophomore year, Konak recounted feeling defeated and applying for a single. “Why not just throw in the towel on finding close friends?” he asked himself. “I could just choose to avoid the emotions that came from connecting with people and sail through the last two years on my own.”

Thanks to a “blessing in disguise,” Konak did not get the single. Instead, he was assigned a double on Hummel Dormitory, the freshmen boys’ dorm, and began to branch out and connect with peers and underclassmen. “I started trying new things,” Konak said, “but this time, it wasn’t to keep myself busy. It was to spend time with my friends.”

Episcopal taught Konak the powerful lesson written by Dr. Seuss: “Be who you are and say how you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter, don’t mind.”

Once he understood that quote, he blossomed in his friendships and in himself. “I spent this year surrounded by a group of friends who are my friends not because how I feel about them, but how they have made me feel about myself.”

As Konak prepared to graduate and leave EHS, the longest place he has lived in his entire life, he ended his Chapel Talk bravely, faithfully, and happily: “I can leave without the support of this stool, standing on my own two feet. Thank you, and may Allah bless The High School.”

Watch the service.

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AT H L E T I C S

Signed, Sealed, Committed Congratulations to these twenty EHS athletes who will continue their careers at the next level!

PRINCESS AKOJENU

JACK BONELLO

basketball | Elmira College “A captain for the Maroon this year, Princess embodied the selfless attitude that all teams need to be successful. She led the team in scoring, rebounding, steals, deflections, and blocks this season. Beyond the statistics, Princess demonstrated so many of Episcopal’s Portrait of a Graduate qualities to inspire and lead the team: acts with honor and integrity; collaborates with empathy and respect; seizes opportunities to learn; adapts with resilience, etc. We can’t wait to cheer her on as a Soaring Eagle!”

– Katrina Reed

lacrosse | Providence College “Jack capped off a decorated fouryear career in the Episcopal lacrosse program, earning numerous accolades including All-IAC in both 2024 and 2025, All-VISAA in 2024, and Alexandria Lacrosse Player of the Year this spring. He finished his impressive career as the all-time leading goal scorer with 196 goals and also ended up second in all-time points with 247.

Jack’s leadership, heart, and hustle will be missed, and we wish him all the best as he begins his career at Providence.”

– Scott Conklin FINN BOYLE

SANAA BALDWIN

lacrosse | University of Rhode Island “Sanaa served as a tremendous leader for the Maroon. In her four years on The Holy Hill, Sanaa transformed into the anchor of our defense. Her pivotal leadership and mentoring of younger players were instrumental to our team’s success. As a senior, Sanaa earned Second Team All-State, Honorable Mention All-ISL, and the Fannon Award for Athletic Worth. We look forward to cheering on Sanaa at URI over the next four years!”

– Ingrid Boyum

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baseball | Rhode Island College “Finn was only at EHS for two years and he had a massive impact on the program’s success during his time with the Maroon. Finn was always someone that you could count on coming up with a big hit, making an insane play at shortstop, or becoming an ace on the mound when we needed him. I can’t wait to see him continue his career and reach his goals at Rhode Island College.”

– Ben Webster

TRAMAYNE BULLOCK JR.

football | University of Richmond “Tramayne’s legacy at Episcopal is unquestioned. The four year letter winner started as a sophomore on a historic, championship defense (9.6 points per game allowed). After earning All-IAC honors that year, Tramayne returned to help lead his 11th grade squad to a second conference title. As a senior, he wore #2, which is a legacy number in the program. As captain, he helped lead a group that is sure to make waves in the future, and many of those students point to Tramayne when asked to describe leadership and/or those who have impacted them. He will do great things at the University of Richmond!”

– Kadeem Rodgers

Princess Akojenu ’25

Aidan Walsh ’25

Penn Morris ’25

Lawson Marshall ’25

HENRY CUNNINGHAM

lacrosse | Colgate University “Henry was a standout player throughout all four years, earning All-IAC honors in both 2024 and 2025 and All-VISAA in 2024. As a team captain, Henry’s leadership extended from the offseason through the season, and his positive energy and spirit were crucial to the team’s success. He also leaves Episcopal as the all-time leader with over 500 face-off wins. We’re excited to follow his career at Colgate.”

– Scott Conklin

Hope Fireison ’25

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AT H L E T IC S

Adam Velásquez Jr. ’25

Ava Reese ’25

DEVON DEBES

MAC HALM

lacrosse | Oberlin College “Devon capped off a fantastic senior season at Episcopal, overcoming injuries that sidelined him for his first two years. He proved to be a pivotal player as the team’s top short-stick defensive midfielder. His athleticism, physical play, and strong team defensive mindset made him a key contributor on the defensive end. Beyond his on-field performance, Devon was also a tremendous leader and teammate. We wish Devon all the best as he heads to Oberlin.”

– Scott Conklin

baseball | College of Wooster “Mac left his mark on the EHS baseball program. He was the backbone to the team and a leader that everyone looked up to. He capped off his senior season setting a school record for most runners caught stealing by a catcher at 25, a record that will be very hard to beat.

Mac is truly one of the best catchers in the area and we can’t wait to see the success that he will have at Wooster!”

– Ben Webster

HOPE FIREISON

squash | Vassar College “Hope’s journey through high school squash has been defined by passion, commitment, and leadership. As our top player and team captain, she consistently gave her all — proudly representing the maroon colors in every match. Her presence at practice was unwavering, and her on-court leadership led to some of our most memorable wins. She leaves behind a legacy of excellence as she heads to college, and we couldn’t be prouder.”

– Sergio Lopez 38

Summer 2025

Shaima James ’25

SHAIMA JAMES

LAWSON MARSHALL

basketball | Chowan University “From the moment she arrived on campus, this stellar competitor has demonstrated a maturity, work ethic, and tenacity necessary for both individual and team success. As a threeyear captain, Shai embraced whatever role the team needed of her, whether that meant dishing out assists, hitting timely threes, dominating in the post, or recording double-doubles. She also served as a positive voice for her teammates, no matter what the scoreboard said. I am certain she will continue to thrive as she takes her versatility to the collegiate level.”

– Katrina Reed

lacrosse | Washington and Lee University “Lawson was a three-year starter and served as captain of the team in 2025.

He was the leader of our defense and his physical play, high lacrosse IQ, and impressive skill level allowed him to consistently match up against the opposing team’s top attackers. Lawson was also our emotional leader, giving his all in every single game. His presence on the field will be greatly missed and we wish him all the best as he continues his career at Washington and Lee.” – Scott Conklin

Charlie Wilhem ’25

Osi Onwudiwe ’25 Reed Phillips ’25 PENN MORRIS

football | Wofford College “Championship football is complimentary. Penn’s ability to place punts wherever he desired provided an important weapon for the EHS football program. In two years, Penn averaged over 40 yards per punt, had less than 10 returned by opponents, and never had one blocked. It is not often that a punter gets MVP votes, but that data demonstrates just how much we will miss Penn. I can’t wait to watch him continue to grow and mature as a kicking specialist at Wofford College.”

– Kadeem Rodgers

JUDAH OFORI-ANSAH

OSI ONWUDIWE

football | Fordham University “One word: dynamic! Judah’s senior year put a punctuation mark on his three-year career at EHS. The 2024 team MVP caught passes, returned kicks, and carried the football in typical Ofori-Ansah fashion. My favorite way to describe Judah’s play style is, “you can’t touch him in a phone booth.” The 2x All-IAC and All-Conference performer’s quiet confidence, dynamic play, and steely competitiveness will be missed.”

– Kadeem Rodgers

soccer | Virginia Tech “Osi had a historically great season leading the soccer team to a state championship, scoring 20 goals and adding seven assists, including goals in both the VISAA semifinal and final. His grit, will to win, and ability to meet the moment when his team needed him contributed to a winning culture. Osi earned All-America and Washington Post First Team All-Met honors, and was named the Player of the Year by the IAC and VISAA. We look forward to following his successes at Virginia Tech.”

– Rick Wilcox Episcopal High School | FOUR COLUMNS

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Henry Cunningham ’25 Judah Ofori-Ansah ’25 REED PHILLIPS

AIDAN WALSH

football | Harvard University “Reed entered EHS as a fast kid and left as a true wide receiver. Blessed with elite speed, the new school record holder in the 200 meter dash (21.6 seconds) made tough catches, ran polished routes, and played through various injuries in his two seasons at Episcopal.

As a senior, Phillips averaged 30 yards per catch. Harvard will be thrilled to add this playmaker to its roster this upcoming fall!”

– Kadeem Rodgers

soccer | Denison University “Aidan is the rare center midfielder, who has the ability to impact a game with a bone-crunching tackle or a silky smooth move followed by a line breaking pass. He did all that and more in the state championship game, including scoring a world-class goal. He was recognized as First Team All-State and All-IAC. We are going to miss his presence in our midfield and can’t wait to root him on for the big red of Denison.”

– Rick Wilcox

AVA REESE

track and field | Lafayette College “Ava Reese ’25 completed her outstanding EHS competitive career with a state title in the shot put event, her fifth state title and a near personal best in the discus to take the runner up spot and her fifth All-State distinction in her career. A testament to Ava’s legacy is that her personal best performances were not only school and state records but came at the biggest competitions of the year and in some cases on the final throws. Ava’s legacy will be one that has an effect on the girls’ track and field program for many years to come.”

– Damian Walsh

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CHARLIE WILHELM

baseball | Middlebury College “From the beginning, Charlie imprinted himself as the number one pitcher in the program. As a two-year captain of the team, he took on many different roles on the mound, in the box, or in the dugout. Charlie truly taught his teammates what it means to compete day in and day out. He became a sparkplug in the box especially in the playoffs when it seemed like he was always the one to get a massive hit when we needed it the most. We wish him the best of luck and can’t wait to see his success at Middlebury!”

– Ben Webster

Devon Debes ’25

TATE WARDELL

lacrosse | Chapman University “Tate was a standout first-line midfielder this spring, contributing 10 goals and 10 assists. He finished his season on a high note, delivering his best performance in the VISAA quarterfinal game against St. Paul VI with two goals and one assist.

Tate is a talented dodger with excellent vision, and his hard work and dedication were evident throughout the season.

We’re excited to see him accomplish great things for Chapman University in the coming years.”

– Scott Conklin

AT H L E T I C S

Mac Halm ’25

Sanaa Baldwin ’25

Jack Bonello ’25 Tate Wardell ’25

Finn Boyle ’25

ADAM VELÁSQUEZ JR.

football | Elon University “Adam’s energy and leadership were on full display in 2024. No one brought more positivity, picked up their teammates, or found ways to connect with others than Adam. His matriculation to Elon Football is exciting. Although he will be missed, Adam’s spirit will live on in the 2025 team and beyond!”

– Kadeem Rodgers

Tramayne Bullock ’25

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AT H L E T I C S

Spring Athletics Awards BOYS’ VARSITY BASEBALL

BOYS’ VARSITY LACROSSE

GIRLS’ VARSITY TENNIS

MILLER MOST VALUABLE PLAYER AWARD

JOSEPH B. SHELOR ’52 MOST VALUABLE PLAYER AWARD

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER AWARD

MAC HALM ’25

JACK BONELLO ’25

MOST IMPROVED PLAYER AWARD

MOST IMPROVED PLAYER AWARD

MOST IMPROVED PLAYER AWARD

HILL HUBBARD ’27

JACK JESTER ’26

COACHES’ AWARD

COACHES’ AWARD

THOMAS SIGLER ’26

VAN SEGRAVE ’25

GIRLS’ VARSITY CREW

GIRLS’ VARSITY LACROSSE

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER AWARD

TYLER MOST VALUABLE PLAYER AWARD FOR GIRLS’ LACROSSE

SADIE ARCHIE ’26

MOST IMPROVED PLAYER AWARD

ANYA EVERETT ’26

BEATRIZ BASTOS ’26

MOST IMPROVED PLAYER AWARD

COACHES’ AWARD

KATHARINE MORRISON ’27

ABBY SLAP ’25

BOYS’ GOLF WILLIAM W. BOOTHE ’43 MOST VALUABLE PLAYER AWARD CHAD SCHMACHTENBERGER ’25

MOST IMPROVED PLAYER AWARD

COACHES’ AWARD

GREY GIBBINS ’26 GIGI MCFARLAND ’27

COACHES’ AWARD DOROTHY WHATLEY ’28

BOYS’ VARSITY TRACK & FIELD BEAUDRIC L. HOWELL MOST VALUABLE PLAYER AWARD ZION ALLEN ’27

MOST IMPROVED PLAYER AWARD O’NEAL AVERY ’27

COACHES’ AWARD CHIP WATTS ’27

ANNA GREGG ’25

CATHCART SCHOLARSHIP/ TOMPKINS CUP

VARSITY SOFTBALL

HART SANDS ’26

NANCY WALKER ’11 MOST VALUABLE PLAYER AWARD

ROBERT TRAIN ’32 - MENARD DOSWELL ’31 AWARD AVA REESE ’25

NATANIM BEKELE ’25

WILKES BROWN ’25

MOST IMPROVED PLAYER AWARD

GARY LYN HADWIN JR. ’99 COACHES’ AWARD

ELOISE EKSTRAND ’28

BOWEN DERINGER ’26

ISABEL HO ’26

COACHES’ AWARD

GIRLS’ VARSITY TRACK & FIELD CAROLINE ELIZABETH ANDERSON ’97 MOST VALUABLE PLAYER AWARD SOPHIA APPIAH ’25

GIRLS’ GOLF

BOYS’ VARSITY TENNIS

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER AWARD

GEORGE EDMUND BRADFIELD MOST VALUABLE PLAYER AWARD

EMMA BLUE SINCLAIR ’27

MOST IMPROVED PLAYER AWARD

MOST IMPROVED AWARD PAGE DAVIES ’28

COACHES’ AWARD SHAI JAMES ’25

BENNETT KRUSEN ’28

EVELYN KIM ’28

MOST IMPROVED PLAYER AWARD

COACHES’ AWARD

DIEGO SIMARRO MATOS ’27

ULTIMATE FRISBEE

COACHES’ AWARD

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER AWARD

DORUK KONAK ’25

WILLIAM OCASAL ’26

MARGARET HODGES ’27

MOST IMPROVED PLAYER AWARD WILL VERSAGGI ’28

COACHES’ AWARD JOELY GENDELL ’25

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League Awards ALL AMERICAN OSI ONWUDIWE ’25

ALL-STATE HONORS BASKETBALL PRINCESS AKOJENU ’25

CROSS COUNTRY NISHA ROY ’27

FIELD HOCKEY GRACIE BUXTON ’26

FOOTBALL TIKI BELL JR. ’26 TRAMAYNE BULLOCK JR. ’25 JUDAH OFORI-ANSAH ’25

GOLF EMMA BLUE SINCLAIR ’27

INDOOR TRACK & FIELD ZION ALLEN ’27 SOPHIA APPIAH ’25 SANAA BALDWIN ’25 CLAIRE BRAXTON ’26 TRAMAYNE BULLOCK JR. ’25 RUTHIE GARRISON ’26 KATHARINE MORRISON ’27 JUDAH OFORI-ANSAH ’25 REED PHILLIPS ’25 AVA REESE ’25

LACROSSE SANAA BALDWIN ’25 JACK BONELLO ’25 ANYA EVERETT ’26 GAVIN LEWIS ’26 LAWSON MARSHALL ’25

OUTDOOR TRACK & FIELD

SOCCER

SOPHIA APPIAH ’25 VICKY APPIAH ’27 RUTHIE GARRISON ’26 SHAI JAMES ’25 AVA REESE ’25 CHLOE SMITH ’25

CHARLIE BACDAYAN ’26 OSI ONWUDIWE ’25 Co-player of the year ASHER PARSONS ’25 ZAC ROBERTS ’27 DIEGO SIMARRO MATOS ’27 AIDAN WALSH ’25

SOCCER

ALL-ISL BASKETBALL PRINCESS AKOJENU ’25

FIELD HOCKEY GRACIE BUXTON ’26 WINNIE HUGHES ’27

CHARLIE BACDAYAN ’26 OSI ONWUDIWE ’25 Player of the year ZAC ROBERTS ’27 DIEGO SIMARRO MATOS ’27 AIDAN WALSH ’25

TENNIS

TENNIS

TRAMAYNE BULLOCK JR. ’25

SALLY TAYLOR MCNORRILL ’25

BENNETT KRUSEN ’28 CAMPBELL SHELBY ’25

GOLF

SOFTBALL

CHAD SCHMACHTENBERGER ’25 Second Team EMMA BLUE SINCLAIR ’27 Second Team

NATANIM BEKELE ’25

LACROSSE

AVA REESE ’25

ALL-IAC BASEBALL FINN BOYLE ’25

BASKETBALL BEN EDMONDS ’27 SIMAS KACERAUSKAS ’27

FOOTBALL LEVI BABIN ’27 TIKI BELL JR. ’26 WILKES BROWN ’25 TRAMAYNE BULLOCK JR. ’25 PENN MORRIS ’25 JUDAH OFORI-ANSAH ’25

GOLF CHAD SCHMACHTENBERGER ’25

LACROSSE

BENNETT KRUSEN ’28

SANAA BALDWIN ’25 ANYA EVERETT ’26

ALL-MET

SOCCER

FOOTBALL

JACK BONELLO ’25 Honorable Mention HENRY CUNNINGHAM ’25 Honorable Mention ANYA EVERETT ’25 Honorable Mention

CHARLIE BACDAYAN ’26 OSI ONWUDIWE ’25 DIEGO SIMARRO MATOS ’27 AIDAN WALSH ’25

BENNETT KRUSEN ’28 Honorable Mention

CAMPBELL SHELBY ’25

TRACK & FIELD

VOLLEYBALL CHLOE SMITH ’25 AYOSA STEWART ’27

ALL-WAICL

SOCCER

TENNIS

TENNIS

CLIMBING AMY BRAINE ’26 EVAN LIPSCHUTZ ’26 LEITHEN MCMILLAN ’26 BRUCE THOMPSON ’25 ZOE WILLIAMS ’25 MAX YANG ’25

LACROSSE JACK BONELLO ’25 HENRY CUNNINGHAM ’25 GAVIN LEWIS ’26 Episcopal High School | FOUR COLUMNS

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G R A D U AT I N G S E N I O R S

Congratulations to the Class of 2025 GiGi Stone Abed Princess Akojenu Sophia Adwoa Benewaa Appiah Mazen Ikuma Asad Sanaa Rochelle Baldwin Natanim Yeshak Bekele Caroline Patrice Benavides Alexandra Lowenthal Billo John Kenyon Bonello Sydney Elisse Bouchard Finian Joseph Boyle Wilkes Douglas Brown Caroline Elizabeth Bruns Tramayne Isaac Bullock Jr. Chelsea Stacy Campbell Racquel Stacy Campbell Amos William Campf Daisy Bright Campf Darya Bleue Campi Ann Patterson Carr Chloe You Cha Julia Shannonhouse Clardy Annabelle Jane Clark Meade Hamlin Cogswell MaryMichael Crews Compton Nickolas Ribeiro Correa Henry Bryant Cunningham Nicholas Christopher Daniel Jack Wilson Daughtrey Logan Danielle Dearing Devon Debes Arkhip Dmitriev Triet Anh Duong Bianca Duran Isabella Duran Sierra Pearl Durling Hope Elizabeth Fireison Logan Robert Fruehwirth Lingchang Fu Joely Ilyse Gendell Martin Alfredo Gil de Montes Ruby Pierce Gonzalez Catherine Blake Green

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Joseph Henry Green Aaron Charles Greer Anna Ruth Hotchkiss Gregg John Tilford Griggs Mary Bowditch Halloran Charlie McMillan Halm Olivia Cate Hanson Ryusuke Hattori Angelina Inirio William Cooper Jacoby Shaima Shamiel James Lewis Katie Minseo Joh James Jay Johnson John Worthington Kelly Jr. Isobel MaClean Kennedy Sarah Rae Kim Sean Wonjae Kim Solmon Kim Davian King Doruk Konak Camilla Kent Krusen Allison Seogyung Lee David Haoxiang Liu Zheyin Liu Ziyin Liu Addison Rose Locke Cindy Huixiu Luo Sophia Carol Maglio Annabel Campbell Malin Lawson Wright Marshall Rey Dahviyon Marshall Lola McCall Mason Charlotte Doyle Matiunas Julia Jones Matthews Selah Faith McCray Luca William McGhee Chavez Anna Campbell McMillan Sally Taylor McNorrill James Guy Merkel Nellie Anne Miller Anna Wellons Moog Penry Speight Morris Maximillian Niven Lucy Jane Nolan

Victoria Lee Notzon Viviane Alexandra Notzon Judah Kwesi Ofori-Ansah Erik Ross Olsen Osinachi Odinakachukwu Onwudiwe Daisy Atieno Ouma Emma Chenjing Pan Asher Jesse Parsons Reed Phillips Ava Gan Qin Avi Qin Ava Catherine Reese Louise Blakeslee Richert Loren Jane Roper Peter Beckett Augustine Scardino Chad Benjamin Schmachtenberger Joseph VanKeuren Segrave Huston Twedell Sutherland Sgro Amos Duke Shackelford Campbell Harting Shelby Hyoungseob Shin Abigail Elizabeth Slap Chloe Tiann Smith Thomas Parrish Smith Keith Joohyuk Song Sicheng Song Fiona Louise Sullivan Bruce Wion Thompson Jian Tian Samuel Adam Velásquez Jr. Marion Hampton Walker Aidan Thomas Walsh Tate Carlton Wardell Brunson Mitchell Hill Wickham Charles Emmet Wilhelm Zoe Elizabeth Williams Jarett Jing-tian Xu Lihao Yang Sunook Yoon Adele Carrington Coles Yu Ryan Zarari Rouyi Zha Qiumin Zhang

On Their Way Rejoicing The 130 members of the Class of 2025 will attend 76 colleges in 26 states and Scotland. Colleges in bold will welcome more than one EHS student.*

American University

University of Georgia

Spelman College

Auburn University

University of Maryland, College Park

St. John’s University

Bowdoin College

University of Miami

Stanford University

Bucknell University

University of Michigan

Texas Christian University

Chapman University

University of Mississippi

The College of Wooster

Chowan University

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The University of Alabama

Clemson University Colgate University Columbia University Cornell University Davidson College Denison University Duke University Elmira College Elon University Emory University Fordham University Franklin & Marshall College George Washington University Georgetown University Harvard University Harvey Mudd College Indiana University James Madison University Johns Hopkins University United States Naval Academy University of California, Berkeley

University of Pennsylvania

The University of Texas at Austin

University of Rhode Island

The University of Virginia’s College at Wise

University of Richmond

Trinity College

University of San Francisco

Tufts University

University of South Carolina

Tulane University of Louisiana

Lafayette College

University of Southern California

Maine Maritime Academy

University of St Andrews

Middlebury College

University of Virginia

New York University

Vassar College

North Carolina State University

Villanova University

Northeastern University

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Northwestern University Oberlin College Princeton University Providence College Rhode Island College

Wake Forest University Washington and Lee University Washington University in St. Louis Wesleyan University

Rollins College

William and Mary

Sewanee: The University of the South

Yale University

Wofford College

Southern Methodist University * as of June 17, 2025

Episcopal High School | FOUR COLUMNS

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Theclas Class the 46

Summer 2025

of

s of 2025 ss 2025 Episcopal High School | FOUR COLUMNS

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Thank you to the below companies and friends of Episcopal who graciously hosted the Class of 2025 for their externships.

Ain & Bank, P.C. Alexandria City Council American Bank Association American Beverage Association Alexandria Chamber of Commerce Alexandria City Council Alexandria History Tours Assay Research Athenaeum

Independent Study with Dr. Alan Roe International Federation of Sport Climbing World Cup: Chinese National Climbing Team Kearney’s Global Business Policy Council Laurel Lukaszewski Ceramics LINDER Global Events

Shakespeare Theatre Company Sheridan School Sissy Yates Designs St. Paul’s Episcopal Preschool St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes Lower School Stream Realty Partners Superior Court for the District of Columbia Tewaaraton Foundation

Mayor Alyia Gaskins

The Asheville School Athletics Training

Meat Institute

The Bowers Group at Compass

Buchanan & Edwards

MedStar Georgetown University Hospital

The Butterfly House

Building Momentum

Meg Carter Designs

City of Alexandria Transportation and Environmental Services Department

Mind the Mat Pilates & Yoga

The Fertilizer Institute

Automatic Films Birkett Marine LLC Black Rock Group

Clark Construction Crosby Designs DC Court of Appeals Deringer Design Ekstrand & Ekstrand LLP

Mount Vernon Capital Advisors LLC Murn Properties Neighborhood Health Nealon Law Firm North Carolina Joint Underwriting Association

The Donohoe Companies, Inc. The Herald Group The Lilley Line The Morning Group The Scout Guide The Shoe Hive The St. James Torpedo Factory Art Center

OBGYNNOVA

TSC Enterprise LLC

PIES Fitness Yoga Studio

TTR Sotheby’s Realty

Potomac Riverkeeper Network

Trust for the National Mall

QNAP

Tuckernuck

Episcopal’s Athletic Trainers

Radius Networks

US-Asia Institute

Episcopal’s Communications Office

Recovery Unplugged

Verdence Capital Advisors

Re/Max Top Realty

VERSUS Equity

Episcopal’s Rare Books Collection

Rep. Andrew Garbarino

VIDA STYLE Shop

Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions

Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton

VCI Group, Inc.

Rep. John Larson

Washington Glass School

RiverFront Wealth Advisors

Washington Nationals

Sands Capital

Wesley Housing

Scottie Studios

Whitmer & Worrall LLC

Senator Shelley Moore Capito

Zoe Feldman Design

Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco Emerging Scholars Enthuse Creative

Flag Star Football Georgetown University Law Center

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Howard University Athletics Training

Summer 2025

EXTERNSHIPS

“It’s Okay to Be Learning”

SOPHIA APPIAH ’25

Communications extern Logan Dearing ’25 interviewed 11 of her classmates to capture their externship experiences.

SOPHIA APPIAH’S first day on the

job in Alexandria City Hall did not consist of a slow onboarding experience — in fact, it was the exact opposite.

“The mayor [Alyia Gaskins] just walked in the office and said, ‘Come on, we have to go,’” Appiah recalled. “I had no idea what I was walking into, but I just started taking notes.”

Appiah externed for Mayor Gaskins, the first African American woman to hold the position. Working closely with the mayor and her staff, Appiah contributed to key public outreach efforts, from summarizing key events for Gaskins’ newsletter to designing slides for the city’s Youth Forum event.

Episcopal’s given me the confidence to know what I’m doing.

On that fateful first day, Appiah attended a discussion about an ongoing city plan, where a range of perspectives were shared. She learned that “it takes a lot of different perspectives to move something forward” in local government. Despite having a roomful of people who might not agree, “the fact that they are working toward a common goal provides alternate perspectives and ultimately enhances the final product.”

Despite being thrown into the unexpected, she remained grounded throughout the process. “Episcopal taught me communication skills, being able to write well, organize well…

Episcopal’s given me the confidence to know what I’m doing,” she said.

Appiah’s passion for law and public service stemmed from her own work at The High School, where she serves as Head of the Discipline Committee.

Mark Carter, the faculty advisor to the Discipline Committee saw this leadership from Sophia firsthand: “Sophia leads by example. She believes in her work and herself. She approaches her role on the Discipline Committee with empathy and strives to help others grow.”

In the future, Appiah sees herself going into law and politics, with a focus on advocacy and social justice. “I really want to make sure that what I’m doing is being implemented into the community, and making a difference,” she said.

Sophia’s community-driven mindset will take her far at the University of Pennsylvania this fall, where she plans to pursue a degree in philosophy, politics, and economics.

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SYDNEY BOUCHARD ’25

EXTERNSHIPS

As co-founder of the Legal Club and avid fan of Stefanie Smith’s Introduction to Constitutional Law class, SYDNEY BOUCHARD was made for her externship. With support from Smith, Episcopal’s general counsel and a former trial lawyer, Bouchard spent the month of May shadowing the Honorable Errol R. Arthur at the D.C. Superior Court.

During her first week, Bouchard sat in on hearings at the courtroom secretary desk. From misdemeanor updates to plea hearings, she heard many criminal cases, averaging around 30 cases in a single day. Of everything she witnessed, what stood out to her the most was the jury selection process. Bouchard enjoyed seeing how attorneys evaluate potential jurors. “Sometimes I would take notes on one and think they would be a good juror for this case, but then the lawyers

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Summer 2025

I think this experience has kind of humanized the working world for me.

would rule them out,” Bouchard said, learning what made for a strong jury as her externship progressed.

Bourchard was well equipped for her externship thanks to Smith’s Introduction to Constitutional Law class, which gave her a strong foundation to understand courtroom proceedings. “In Mrs. Smith’s class, we got to do a mock trial,” Bouchard said. “So I’ve always loved being in the court environment and doing the direct exams and the cross exams and the opening and closing statements. Her class helped me a lot to understand the legal system, and some of the terminology they use.”

Outside the courtroom, Bouchard built strong relationships with Judge Arthur,

his law clerk Zach, and his assistant — coincidentally also named Ms. Smith.

“Judge Arthur is the nicest man ever,” Bouchard said fondly. “You forget that they’re people too. And I think this experience has kind of humanized the working world for me.”

Bouchard’s biggest lesson, though, was that everyone, including Judge Arthur, started somewhere. “On my first day, I felt like I was too young or too inexperienced,” she remembered. “But now I realize it’s okay to be learning.”

With her courage and intellectual curiosity, Bouchard is well prepared to attend the University of Virginia this fall.

AMOS CAMPF ’25 AND ANNA MCMILLAN ’25

EXTERNSHIPS

ANNA MCMILLAN and AMOS CAMPF spent their externship navi-

gating the complex machinery of Congress, interning with U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia.

For both seniors and West Virginia natives, the experience was more than a résumé builder — it was a transformative lesson in civics, communication, and the importance of compromise.

“This past election was different from other ones,” McMillan explained. “As a senior who just turned 18, my classmates and I had a lot of discussions, and it taught me that even if someone doesn’t share my views, we can still work well together.”

Being surrounded by people who think differently expanded my understanding of different issues.

from her own. Rather than feeling alienated, McMillan found the challenge enlightening. “Being surrounded by people who think differently expanded my understanding of different issues.”

Her co-worker and fellow EHS student Amos Campf ’25 found the experience similarly eye-opening: “Working with Senator Capito was wonderfully informative and intriguing,” he said. “I gained a more detailed understanding of political institutions and interactions between those agencies and the American people.”

Their duties ranged from giving Capitol tours to attending high-stakes hearings.

“It was incredible to witness firsthand how senators bring their views into questioning people in these powerful roles,” McMillan recalled.

Now back from Capitol Hill, McMillan is registering to vote and looking ahead to Tulane University. She credits her time at Episcopal with preparing her for the rigor and nuance of the externship season. “Episcopal taught me that different ideas aren’t something to fear; they’re what sharpen your thinking and strengthen your voice,” she said. “That mindset made all the difference, and it’s something I’ll carry with me wherever I go.”

This perspective served her well as she found herself working for a Republican senator whose views often diverged

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ARHIP DMITRIEV ’25, ALLISON LEE ’25, DAVID SONG ’25, AVA QIN ’25

EXTERNSHIPS

(left to right) Ava, Allison, Arhip, David

Seniors ARHIP DMITRIEV, ALLISON LEE , DAVID SONG , and AVA QIN spent their senior May externing at QNAP, a Taiwan-based tech company specializing in network-attached storage (NAS) appliances. Over the course of their externship, they learned about storage systems, coding, app development, and most importantly, collaboration.

According to QNAP’s website, the NAS has allowed users to host and develop artificial intelligence, edge computing, and data integration on their cloudbased QNAP solutions. Each extern was assigned their own NAS unit, and was given the task of building a new application that could run on the system after learning the basics.

“They already have so many apps built in — like file organizers, remote access, and even a video editor,” said Qin. “It was hard to come up with something they didn’t already offer.”

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It’s always the four of us talking about it and asking each other for help.

When learning about the app development process, Qin learned to think on her feet. The coworkers “will use an acronym whenever they can. So a lot of times they’ll say something and I’ll have to Google it.”

was now working in tech. Along the way, she learned that “there’s a lot of utilization of technology and computers in lab science fields. So I think that’s why I decided, oh, this could be a good opportunity.”

When they were not leaning on Google, the students were leaning on each other — one of the most valuable lessons they learned on the job. “Arhip is more on the practical side, so he’s doing more practical projects while I’m doing more of the theoretical algorithm stuff,” said Song, showing how they learned to amplify their individual strengths to yield better results. They also learned the importance of asking for help from peers.

What Allison loved most about the experience was how much it reminded her of computer science class with Ned Warner, Episcopal’s former systems administrator. “In my computer science class last year, we did a lot of collaborative work,” she said. “I think that I have been mirroring that experience at my externship. It’s always the four of us talking about it and asking each other for help.”

At first, Lee, who has a love-hate relationship with coding, was not interested in taking up her externship in the tech field. However, she was intrigued after learning that an employee at QNAP majored in biochemistry in college and

All four are enthusiastic about transitioning to college next year, taking their strengths in teamwork and newfound knowledge about data storage with them.

SARAH RAE KIM ’25

EXTERNSHIPS

As her peers dressed in business casual attire for their externships, standout biology student SARAH RAE KIM suited up in scrubs every day to shadow a local OB-GYN at Inova Alexandria Hospital. On her first day working with Dr. Tina Pham, she was told that she would be observing a hysteroscopy that morning. To her surprise, she would also get to see a live birth later that day.

“I was shocked,” Kim said laughing.

“You can’t really control when someone’s going to go into labor.”

From that moment on, Kim knew that unpredictability was a part of the job, and she knew she would get to see many patients throughout the three weeks.

Alternating between Inova Alexandria Hospital and the office, Kim followed Dr. Pham through her busy schedule, seeing around 15 patients each day. She observed C-sections, IUD placements

I doubt most medical students have the opportunity to see all of that.

and removals, and many examinations, gaining rare insight into the medical field so early in her professional journey.

“I doubt most medical students have the opportunity to see all of that,” she said.

Before her externship, Kim knew she wanted to study biology. Her passion for the subject was already evident in the classroom. “Rae constantly strove to expand her understanding and appreciation of the information presented to her,” said biology teacher and science department chair Luke Peterson. “She was always willing to ask the question ‘why’ when exploring new topics.”

career, she witnessed firsthand the large impact the field has. She also learned about the unpredictable nature of the profession with the on-call nights, unexpected births, and the heavy responsibility. Dr. Pham advised Kim to only pursue obstetrics if she “absolutely loves it” — sound career advice for any industry.

However, as Peterson put it, “Rae truly embodies what it means to be a scientist and I am excited to see what she accomplishes at Princeton!”

That curiosity served Kim well during her externship. While she has not decided whether obstetrics is her future

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DAVIAN KING ’25

EXTERNSHIPS

One person isn’t going to get the job done. It takes a whole team.

patience Davian has carried over into his free time, where he has begun to teach himself to code.

DAVIAN KING , standout science

student and winner of The Class of 2019 Award for Humility and Kindness, was bound to make an impact wherever he externed. He chose Building Momentum, a veteran-owned business that provides engineering consulting, technology development, and training to defense, education, and corporate organizations. He spent most of his time with the educational sector, helping introduce young people to the world of engineering.

King assisted with hands-on sessions for elementary school students, high schoolers, and disconnected youth, guiding them through activities like drone coding and welding. Throughout his externship, King said he gave as much as he gained — especially with the younger kids. “I like working with kids,” King reflected. “They are just positive all the time. I feel like they’re more curious.”

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When King was not facilitating educational workshops, he spent time pursuing his own independent projects.

Using skills from Dave Collins’ 3D modeling class, he was excited to create on the 3D printer. “I finally got to print the dorm that I modeled for Mr. Collins’ class there,” he said excitedly.

King’s connection to Building Momentum began during a flex block in his engineering class, where he first learned how to weld. He enjoyed the flex block so much that, with the help of the McCain-Ravenel Center for Intellectual and Moral Courage, he returned to extern there.

King’s passion for engineering came from moments in class (like building mouse trap cars) where he learned from trial and error. Rather than getting him down, those mistakes energized him.

“It’s fun seeing things fail because then you can make it better.” This kind of

Collins, who has taught King in multiple classes, echoed this sentiment: “Davian’s strengths lie in his commitment to reflecting on the strengths and weaknesses of his current design, after which he charts a path toward improving the next iteration.”

During his externship, King also learned many lessons from his supervisor, Julie.

His biggest takeaway was the importance of having good relationships with those you work with, especially in STEM. “One person isn’t going to get the job done. It takes a whole team. It takes different parts, and that’s a part of the business. Even though they’re coworkers, they’re still friends,” he learned.

This experience has only invigorated King’s creative spirit and innovative mind and has made him more excited to dive into engineering at Tufts University in the fall.

LAWSON MARSHALL ’25

EXTERNSHIPS

LAWSON MARSHALL first fell in love

with history in Peter Goodnow’s Watch Office elective, which simulates the operation of the foreign policy wing of the United States government. While visiting the Pentagon’s Office of Foreign Affairs during a flex block, he became fascinated with government action and policy making — a passion that led him to his externship at Whitmer & Worrall, a bipartisan government relations and consulting firm in D.C. During his externship, Marshall watched congressional hearings, wrote detailed reports on those hearings, and got a firsthand look at the complexities of the U.S. Congress, federal agencies, and the White House. Whitmer & Worrall clients range from Fortune 500 companies to universities and local governments, giving Marshall

I learned that being sociable and having people skills is one of the biggest things about being successful.

a wide range of insight into various organizations.

Despite being the only intern at the impressive firm, Marshall did not feel out of place — mostly thanks to soft skills he cultivated at Episcopal. “I learned that being sociable and having people skills is one of the biggest things about being successful,” he said. “EHS did a great job preparing me for that.”

A founding partner of the firm took Marshall out for coffee one day, which he says he will always remember. “He told me that the most important thing is being efficient and trustworthy,” Marshall said, “just being someone people can rely on.”

“Lawson was always very confident and well prepared when he presented class findings to real-world experts in and outside the federal government,” said Goodnow, who was not surprised Marshall went the lobbying route after the Watch Office class. “These interactions can be intimidating, but Lawson always impressed our hosts with his research and analysis. It’s great seeing him now on the other side of the desk!”

Lawson’s strength in his ability to develop connections and attention to detail will make him a force at Washington and Lee University in the fall.

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LOGAN DEARING ’25

EXTERNSHIPS

And, while not compiled by Logan, we could not highlight externships without shining a spotlight on our own incredible Communications extern:

“With every word penned and every story shared, we stitch together the soul of our community. This is my story of three weeks in the EHS Communications Office,” LOGAN DEARING said as she kicked off her externship defense presentation.

For 21 days, she stepped into the Communications Office as a storyteller, a student voice, and a spark of creative energy. She attended meetings with poise, pitched fresh ideas with confidence, and helped bridge the gap between the student experience and the work of the office.

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...we stitch together the soul of our community.

Always dressed with a signature flair, Dearing brought intention to every moment and consistently offered a thoughtful perspective. She captured the rhythm of EHS through photos and videos, helped write stories for senior externships, attended the Advisory Council meetings, and developed social media content that reflected the personality and heart of the School. One of her most memorable contributions was designing a set of iPhone wallpapers for the Class of 2025.

“Logan was truly a breath of fresh air, creative, thoughtful, and always willing to learn something new. From contributing to content development to

inspiring a lighthearted TikTok highlighting her impeccable outfits, Logan left her mark in all the best ways,” Assistant Director of Communications Marissa Murdock said. “We will miss her contagious spirit, infectious laugh, and love for Beyoncé, but know she will be a phenomenal journalist in the future.”

As Dearing turns the page on this chapter and prepares to begin stitching together the soul of her journey at Spelman College, the Communications Office sends her off with immense pride and gratitude.

ADVIC E F RO M T H E C L A S S O F 2 0 2 5

Looking Back, Moving Forward Compiled by Communications Extern Marin Condray ’26

I LEARNED THE IMPORTANCE OF A

GOOD WORK ETHIC

— and how far hard work can take you.

Lead

with love & compassion.

I learned to

reserve judgements or assumptions

As the senior class prepared to graduate, we asked them the most valuable lessons they learned at EHS. Here is a sampling of their replies:

about people until I really got to know them.

Even when things may seem against you,

someone is always in your CORNER.

’t ha Don ne ve o nd group ; rf ie have many.

IT’S

OKAY

to feel not okay at times.

Just remember that everyone is going through something, and there is always someone you can reach out to for help.

BE KIND TO everyone.

1200 North Quaker Lane | Alexandria, Virginia 22302

Non-Profit Org. US Postage PAID Alexandria, VA Permit No. 105

Change Service Requested

LAUNCHING THIS SUMMER A BRAND NEW EPISCOPALHIGHSCHOOL.ORG Our new website is designed to showcase all that makes Episcopal exceptional: our mission, values, and vibrant community.

The site will provide a window into our world for prospective students and families — incorporating video vignettes beautifully compiled by our own Luke David ’93.

Alumni and current families will find links to pages with specially curated information in the upper right-hand corner of the new site. Should you find issues or have suggestions, please email communications@episcopalhighschool.org.