The mission of The Episcopal School of Knoxville is to prepare students for higher education and a lifetime of learning within the context of a loving, inclusive and family-centered community. We enrich our students’ intellectual, physical, cultural and spiritual growth so that they may realize their potential as children of God and citizens of the world.
Board of Trustees Administration
Chair
Mrs. Stella Sudderth
Secretary
Dr. Angela Smithey
Bishop’s Representative
Mr. John Mayo
Vice Chair
Mr. Joshua Bishop
Treasurer
Mrs. Nicole Underwood
Members:
Mr. Glenn Bowden
Ms. Amanda Busby
Ms. Anna Graham
The Honorable Jill E. McCook
Ms. Venice Peek
Mrs. Beth Townsend
Mrs. Jan Brown
Mr. Ryan Clearman
Mr. Jeff Johnson
Mr. Douglas J. McKamey
Ms. Anne Sprouse
Head of School
Dr. Jack Talmadge
Director of Lower School
Ms. Beth Sterchi
Director of Middle School
Mrs. Mary lovely
Director of Finance & Operations
Ms. Katie McHargue
Director of Advancement & Admissions
Mrs. Corinne Mattern
Dean of Students
Mr. David Spates
Scribe: The Magazine of the Episcopal School of Knoxville
Scribe Magazine is published twice a year by the Episcopal School of Knoxville’s Advancement & Communications Office. Contact amassey@esknoxville.org with Questions.
Contributors
Ms. Avery Askew :: Dr. Jack Talmadge :: Mrs. Corinne Mattern :: Mrs. Mary Lovely :: Ms. Beth Sterchi
Dear ESK Families and Friends,
Happy New Year! Amongst the resolutions and renewals that accompany the turning of a new calendar year, there also lies an excitement for the unknowns that await us in 2025. Who will get to play the first tennis match on ESK’s new courts? How much bigger will the pigs get? When will we add more saplings to our Christmas tree farm? What will be the size of our student body next fall? These questions of curiosity inspire a wonderful vision for ESK in 2025, and we are excited to turn the page in our next chapter of growth.
The National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES) has promoted the beacon of light this year as its connecting theme to its member schools. From the “lighthouse effect” our teachers provide in their guidance to students, to the “Magi effect” of seeking the light of epiphany, curiosity, and wonder, ESK has indeed embraced the light as a guiding principle during this time of change. The investment of care and hard work our families, faculty, and board members have recently committed in developing our new strategic direction and master campus plan has been both an extreme comfort and moment of inspiration as we navigate our path to an exciting future for the school.
I remain very grateful for the many special lights that shine throughout our school community, and I look forward to shedding additional light as we seek answers to the courts, pigs, trees, and new students waiting to come to ESK. Enjoy the Winter Scribe, and thank you for being a part of our school family.
Dr. Jack Talmadge Head of School
Leadership
Cocktail Reception:
ESK’s Top Supporters Enjoy Fellowship and an Exclusive Preview of Our Future
As the sun set on a crisp October evening, ESK hosted a special thank-you event to honor its top donors and supporters. The cocktail reception, complete with delectable hors d’oeuvres, provided a meaningful opportunity for our leadership to express their sincere appreciation for the generosity that fuels the growth and success of our institution.
The reception featured remarks from the school’s administration, including Head of School, Dr. Jack Talmadge, who reflected on the impact of the donors’ contributions thus far, including: increasing our faculty in numbers to offer more enrichment initiatives for our students, providing additional scholarship opportunities, faculty training to enhance the overall academic experience for all students, and the new additions to our campus.
The highlight of the evening though was an intimate look into future plans for our students and community. Next to our newly completed service road, which has provided convenience for our kitchen staff and additional safety to our students, our guests were able to see blueprints for the future tennis courts and additional rear parking behind the Middle School building. Excitedly, we were able to announce that these features will be completed in 2025! They were also able to see beautiful watercolor renderings of the future Chapel venue, which will include
a 450-seat auditorium for daily chapels and student performances (see page 10).
These gatherings will continue to serve as a reminder that leadership in development is a continuous journey, one that requires constant learning, self-reflection, and engagement with others. Whether through forging new connections or gaining valuable advice from seasoned leaders, attendees leave these events feeling motivated and empowered to make a greater impact in their child’s educational journey. The plans reflect the school’s ongoing commitment to providing an exceptional education and preparing students for success in a rapidly changing world, and for those who support us most, whether it be physical, financial, or otherwise, we give thanks.
A Library of Intention A Library of Intention
At the Episcopal School of Knoxville, we have the unique opportunity to provide a space where each of our students can see themselves reflected in their education. At the heart of our mission lies the goal of nurturing a passion for life-long learning. By providing comprehensive tools to do so, we cultivate a safe, inclusive space where curiosity thrives, and students are empowered to explore, question, and grow. We pursue this each day not only by nourishing a culture that celebrates each child’s individuality through our actions, but also within the rich literature available to our students. As with any school, the library is its hub, holding a responsibility to provide students with as much information as possible to keep the wheel turning. Fortunately for us, both our lower and middle school libraries are carefully curated to incorporate countless genres, authors, and types of books, all of which represent different facets of our diverse, exceptional world.
N
o matter how you’ve been a part of the ESK community, it’s likely you know Miranda Clark. Not only is she the daughter of one of our founding Saints, Kae Wrinkle, but she is also ESK’s cherished, long-time Librarian. Her saintly roots as a librarian span generationally, as she now teaches some of the children of students she once taught in the infant days of our school. To say she’s left her mark here would be an understatement! From the very beginning, she has been continuously trusted by our Board of Trustees to build a space that can nourish ESK’s students on both a personal and academic level. Clark recalls, “As a young professional librarian in 1997, it was an absolute dream to work for a board with this priority. In my Information Sciences Masters program from UT I had learned about children’s library services pioneer, Anne Carrol Moore, who, in 1906, became the supervisor of the newly established children’s services department in the New York Public library system. She believed that rather than stuffy library spaces where children were either not allowed or expected to be silent, children deserved the highest quality literature alongside library spaces and programs designed for their edification. I was trained to provide ‘the right book for the right reader at the right time.’
This simple philosophy has guided me in building the collection at ESK and accounts for the wonderfully diverse collection that reflects our student population over 25 years of school history.”
Today, Carol Anne Moore would be proud to know that Mrs. Clark has the perfect knack for finding just the right book for each and every student who comes looking for a literary adventure. For those browsing without librarian assistance, the spaces incorporate fun, but informative visual cues to aid book location. However, what’s more striking than the perfectly anthologized shelves is the vast array of available texts. Authors, illustrators, genres, and books of all types with stories ranging from deeply emotional to downright silly can be found. From classic literature pieces turned to graphic novels, such as To Kill a Mockingbird, to the ever-popular Choose-Your-Own-Adventure books, to Bill Nye the Science Guy’s Big World of Science, our libraries have them, and Mrs. Clark is ready to recommend them.
By reading stories that reflect the rich variety of human experiences, children are better equipped to navigate the complexities of the world with compassion, curiosity, and a deeper sense of connection to others.
Clark notes, “Our students range in age from 3-14, which obviously results in a variety of interests and reading levels. Naturally these students come from different family backgrounds - deeply rooted local families, international transplants from such far flung countries as Turkey, Sweden, Haiti, and Korea to name a few. My goal is to provide all our students and their families with a collection in which each child can find materials that not only match their interests and reading levels, but also materials in which they can see characters both like and unlike themselves.”
As a school who welcomes all families to join our ESK tribe, our goal is to ensure that when they enter our libraries they feel seen and represented, but also have the opportunity to learn about how others live their lives. Representation of diverse characters and experiences in books is incredibly important for children as it helps harbor empathy, understanding, and a sense of belonging. When children read about characters who are different from themselves, whether in terms of race, culture, abilities, or background, they gain a broader understanding of the world around them. Further, Clark recalls, “Children’s literature scholar, Rudine Simms Bishop, argues that children’s literature should offer readers both ‘windows and mirrors’ as a way of saying that children should be provided with books in which they are able to
see themselves represented by characters as well as to see, as if through a window, characters who are from different walks of life.”
Diverse representation in literature plays a crucial role in helping children build self-esteem and confidence, assuring our readers that their stories, cultures, and identities matter and should be told. We often demonstrate how even the smallest of Saints can make an impact in changing the world, and we hope that our libraries invigorate our students’ pursuit of knowledge and solidify their role in building a brighter future for us all.
“It is my hope that students at ESK find the library to be a welcoming space to share stories, to come to see themselves as learners with access to an infinite amount of information at their fingertips, to explore their interests, and to learn about themselves and others in the process. It is an extraordinary gift to be at their service in their academic journey.”
-Miranda Clark
AStrategic Path
We are excited to share the progress on the ESK Strategic Plan as we implement Phase 1, marking a pivotal moment in our campus growth and expansion. This phase is focusing on enhancing both the security and infrastructure of our school, ensuring our camp is primed to support the evolving needs of our growing students and faculty. We have a rapidly growing student body of over 420, and our goal is to continue expanding alongside this growth.
Phase One: Nearing an End Strengthening Security and Expanding Facilities
Phase 1 of the plan has introduced a series of crucial upgrades that have already made a significant impact on our campus. Among the key improvements made during our 2023/2024 school year have been:
• Main Entrance Gate: Installed in January of 2024, this beautiful Episcopal shield-donning, entrance gate enhances our overall smart technology security and controls access to the campus.
• Expanded Video Surveillance: Additional perimeter and facility video surveillance has been installed to further safeguard our community visually, including trail cams covering our beloved ESK forest.
• Lower School Classroom Remodel: In order to accomodate the student body’s lateral expansion, our previous Lower School Library location transformed into two full JK4 classrooms, creating a complete Junior Kindergarten wing.
During the 2024/2025 school year, we’ve made impressive strides in expanding and preparing for growth on our north end of campus, including:
• A new service road to improve traffic flow and secure our students as they transition from one building to another during class changes, eliminating through-traffic for large food and equipment deliveries.
• Additional parking to accommodate our growing community and make room for future building of new structures where current parking sits.
• A tennis complex to be used at the leisure of our families during the day and to further grow our current largest ESK sport.
As the north end additional parking and the tennis complex projects wrap up this spring, we will complete this Phase 1 with:
• Dining Hall Expansion to ensure plenty of elbow room for our growing student body and their growing bodies.
• Lower School Addition of six Classrooms to accommodate the addition of one section per grade, per year.
Forward
Advancing Master Campus Planning with Precision
Phase Two: Up Next on the Agenda
Supporting our Growing Student Body
Moving into Phase 2, our focus shifts to supporting the growth of our student body as it approaches our middle school aged students, building on and enhancing the academic and social experience for all. This phase will include several key additions and upgrades designed to meet the increasing demand for space and resources:
• Middle School Classroom Expansion: An 8-classroom addition to the middle school will provide much-needed space for additional science labs, Learning Center spaces, and learning spaces.
• Middle School Courtyard: A vibrant new courtyard will offer an eye-catching communal space for middle school students to socialize, play, and enjoy their time in their own campus space.
• Advancement/Admissions Suite: This new addition will enhance our ability to engage with prospective families and streamline the admissions process.
These improvements will play a vital role in enhancing student experience and supporting the continued academic excellence that ESK is known for.
Phase Three: Worth the Wait
A Central Hub for Spiritual and Community Life
The third and final phase of this period of growth will bring an exciting addition to our campus: a new building that will serve as a central hub for both spiritual and community activities. This building will house:
• A chapel space to support the spiritual needs of our community and provide a permmenant home for our daily chapel services.
• A performance venue to elevate the experience of our art, music, and school events.
• Administrative offices to consolidate various campus operations under one roof and house a place for executive meetings.
This final phase will complete a transformative period of growth for our young school, enriching both the academic and extracurricular experiences for all of our students while fostering the closeknit community feeling ESK prioritizes and what our families have come to expect.
Looking Ahead
More than meets the Eye
These three phases of the ESK Strategic Plan represent more than just physical expansions; they reflect our commitment to providing an environment where students can thrive academically, spiritually, and socially. We are thrilled to watch the future unfold and we look forward to sharing each milestone with our community. Together, we are building more than a campus; we are building long-standing excellence.
Watercolor rendering of future Chapel, Performance, and Administrative Office Building.
Bump, set, saints!
ESK’s Varsity Volleyball Girls Take Us to the Top
After a season of hard work, dedication, and unwavering teamwork, ESK’s 2024 Varsity Volleyball team has triumphed, clinching the KISL Championship title in a thrilling victory that will be remembered for years to come. The team’s victory was the culmination of an incredible, hard-fought season that showcased this team’s determination and unyielding commitment to excellence. From the first serve of the season, the team demonstrated a relentless drive, overcoming numerous challenges along the way. They faced tough competition, with each match testing their skill, teamwork, and mental toughness. Despite multiple high-pressure situations, the players came together, pushing through adversity and supporting one another to reach the pinnacle of their sport.
Their championship win was not just a testament to their physical abilities, but to their spirit and chemistry as a team. Throughout their time playing together, this group of young women displayed remarkable growth, continually refining their strategies, communication, and execution. Each player stepped up when it mattered most, from clutch serves and powerful spikes to critical digs and assists.
Head coach Marsha Brophy notes how special she knew this team would be this season, stating, “This group of girls has always played well together. Because they’ve grown together through this middle school
volleyball program for the last few years, their knowledge of each other’s game is noticeable and effective. Each of these girls have fought hard to earn their right as champions this season and I couldn’t be more proud of their dedication to each other and to their sport”.
The final match of the KISL Championship against St. Joseph School was a true showcase of their hard work, as they battled through every point with intensity and focus. Even without one of their strongest players and team captain, Abigail Shaver, in the final match of their season, they prevailed to victory as a strong unit of Saints. The victory was a well-earned reward for all their dedication, and it solidified their place as champions in a season they will never forget.
This year’s varsity team included:
Captains: Lillian Giever & Abigail Shaver
Riley Creekmore, Abigail Franklin, Stella Mayes, Chloe Newport, Ellen Perry, Paige Tannhauser, and Ginger Wolski
Alumni Updates
Sam Atchley, Class of 2024, wowed the crowd with his impressive performance in the 2024 Middle School Christmas Concet, A Festival of Lessons and Carols. For his performance, he played “Joy to the World” and his own orginal piece “Trumpet Tune”. Sam now attends the Webb School of Knoxville, where he’s thriving as a freshman and is enjoying his time in the pursuit of advancing his musical chops.
Bruin Webster, Class of 2021, is an active senior at Baylor School, where he co-captain’s their Crew Team. This past October, he earned 1st place in the U17 Men’s Singles Division of the Secret City Regatta. He also continues to cultivate his love for Mandarin Chinese, as is now taking AP Mandarin Chinese. He credits his initial love for the language to Ms. Huang and notes that ESK provided him with the skills he needed to be successful students at Baylor School.
Haley Baker, Class of 2021, was recognized and celebrated this fall when awarded the National Federation of State High School (NFHS) Award of Excellence for Sportsmanship, Ethics & Integrity. She has shown exceptional character and sportsmanship both inside her athletic pursuits and out at Knoxville Catholic High School, where she attends as a senior.
Audrey Dobbs, Class of 2024, Ella Pfohl, Class of 2022, and Timo Daley, Class of 2021, were all selected by their peers at Knoxville Catholic High School to receive their Monsignor Thoni Award, which is given to students who demonstrate outstanding character, work ethic, service, and spirit.
Carson Maierhofer, Class of 2018, is a junior at the University of Tennessee Knoxville. He’s majoring in Supply Chain with a concentration in International Business. In the fall of 2022, Carson studied in London, England and is currently in Rome, Italy studying abroad. He has a desire to travel to as many countries as he possibly can - he been to 15 so far!
Sadie Maierhofer, Class of 2020, is a freshman at the University of Alabama majoring in Sports Nutrition. She’s on the Alabama rugby team and a member of Alpha Omicron Pi sorority. Sadie enjoys cheering on the football team and already has a sibling rivalry with her older brother when Alabama and Tennessee play each other the third week of October on the football field.
Thomas Maierhofer, who attended ESK from preschool through 6th grade, prior to his family moving to Brentwood, TN,b is a freshman at Ravenwood High School and excited to be part of their soccer team. He hasn’t decided where he wants to go to college, but has a desire to play soccer at the collegiate level.
ESK is proudly entering a new chapter of its legacy, as our cherished school is now home to the children of some of our original graduates. For many in the ESK community, it feels like just yesterday we joyfully moved to our current campus from St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church. However, this hard-earned milestone serves as a powerful reminder of the lasting impact The Episcopal School of Knoxville has had on the community – where the values of education, character, and service continue to resonate across generations. The presence of these second-generation students not only strengthens our school’s sense of tradition but also highlights the lasting connections that ESK fosters within families. As we look to the future, the legacy of these families, who have experienced ESK as students and now entrust their own children to our care, reinforces the enduring commitment to excellence that has defined the school for years.
This year, we are thrilled to welcome the son of one of the graduates from the original ESK class, Garrett Johnson. Garrett, the son of founding ESK Board Chair and current Board Member, Jeff Johnson, joined ESK at the age of nine and is so proud to see his own son following in his footsteps as a young Saint.
Welcoming an Era of Legacy &
He and his wife, Amanda, who also has a connection to ESK through her time working in the AfterCare program, fondly recall thinking, “We never planned for our child to be anywhere other than in the loving arms of the ESK family.” Now, they happily embrace their role as parents to their energetic son, James, who has thoroughly enjoyed every day of his Kindergarten year at ESK.
Garrett and his father, Jeff, celebrate his 8th grade ESK graduation (left). Amanda, James, and Garrett are all smiles on the first day of school (center). James settles right into Kindergarten, making fond memories along the way (right)!
Steven Brewington, Class of ‘06 Daughter, Lila (1st) Son, Jack (JK4)
Margaret Googe, Class of ‘05 Son, Thomas (future Saint)
Chelsea Ford, Former Student Daughter, River (K) Son, Reece (JK4)
McKenzie Burkhalter, Class of ‘19
Darian Burkhalter, Class of ‘20 Nieces, Anderson and Conley (K)
Hudson Ross, Class of ‘07 Niece, Andi (3rd)
Avery Askew, Former Student Step-daughter, Harper (5th) Son, Grey (JK3)
Zach Stivers Class of ‘14
Step-daughter, Isla (JK4)
In Memorium
Honoring the Life & Legacy of Bob Samples: Founding Friend of ESK
The Episcopal School of Knoxville mourns the loss of Bob Samples, who along with his wife, Diana, is among one of the founders of the Episcopal School of Knoxville, a long-time friend, and cherished member of both our school and the greater Knoxville community. Bob was a steadfast supporter of the school for many years, offering his time, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to the values that have always defined us. His legacy at ESK is marked not only by his generous contributions, but also by the warmth and integrity with which he approached every relationship. Whether serving as an advocate or simply acting as a friend, Bob’s influence was felt across all corners of our school, and his presence was always a source of encouragement and positivity.
Beyond his work with ESK, Bob was a beloved figure in the wider Knoxville community, where his deep sense of civic duty and service made a lasting impact. He dedicated countless hours to various local organizations, such as Knox County Health Council, Knoxville Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club of Knoxville, United Way, and Knox Heritage, always looking for ways to uplift others and improve the community he cared so much about. Bob’s commitment to fostering connection, whether through his professional endeavors or his personal relationships, left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.
As we reflect on Bob’s life and legacy, we are reminded of the many ways he enriched our school and our community. His passion for education, his tireless service, and his genuine friendship will continue to inspire us as we move forward. Though we will miss him dearly, we take comfort in the knowledge that his impact will live on in the countless lives he touched. Bob Samples will forever hold a special place in the heart of The Episcopal School of Knoxville, and we are grateful for the time we shared with him.
WeBelieve!
WeBelieve!
Got Character
ESK Embarks on New Character Study Initiative
Each morning, just before we recite the Pledge in our first chapel service of the day, Ms. Sterchi will remind each of us to “be our best...”, then inviting all to join her in completing the declaration,”SELF!” The final word, never failing to flood the room in a resounding vow to honor our individual values, holds a stake in everything we do at ESK.
To further drive our mission to provide our students with authentic relationships and a deepened understanding of one another, we’ve launched We Believe, a dynamic new character study focused on essential life traits like empathy, self-control, respect, kindness, tolerance, and fairness. The curriculum is a journey which encourages self-reflection throughout each topic and aims to deepen students’ understanding of themselves and those around them. By exploring these qualities, we anticipate uncovering what we, as Saints, truly stand for. Our hope is for these lessons to spark meaningful conversations both at school and at home about the values that guide us and shape our actions through our lifetime.
To kick off the We Believe study, each class participated in a conversation about what they value most, helping students articulate what matters to them and setting the stage for a deeper exploration of these values throughout the year. Our students then created their own individual class “coats of arms” and developed class mottos. These creative exercises not only helped them identify their shared values, but also allows them to take ownership of the principles they will nav-
The first character trait we chiseled out was empathy, a quality that is often underestimated in its power to shape our success and happiness. Despite its importance, empathy is not always prioritized, which is why we wanted to give it special attention. In fact, recent headlines are regularly highlighting the crucial role empathy plays in shaping successful and happy individuals, as children today are showing less and less empathy in their everyday interactions.
Forbes
article
“Empathy is the Most Important Leadership Skill
According to Research” reveals how empathy is not only essential for effective leadership but also for building strong, supportive communities. Another article, a segment from the Today Show,
“Want Happy, Successful Kids?
Teach Them Empathy,” underscores the value of nurturing empathy in children as a means to foster their emotional well-being and success.
To help bring this study to life, students created class mottos and coats of arms. The We Believe study serves as a platform for continued learning and reflection.
Throughout the latter fall months, we shifted our focus to self-control, a trait that is fundamental to emotional and social well-being. Self-control empowers children to manage their emotions, make thoughtful decisions, and navigate challenging situations. It is a crucial skill that lays the foundation for success both in school and in life. However, as many of us know, self-control is one of the hardest traits to master—no matter our age. Therefore, it is essential that we support students in developing this skill early on, making good habits in their navigation of feelings.
To help nurture self-control, there are several practical strategies that both our educators utilize and our parents can employ. These included encouraging practices like prayer, meditation, and mindfulness, as well as prioritizing good sleep habits. Creating helpful routines and celebrating moments when students demonstrate self-control can also reinforce these positive behaviors. Above all, we believe that teaching self-control is an investment in each child’s future, providing skills and tools they need to succeed emotionally, socially, and academically.
As we’ve continued our We Believe character study this winter, we will focus on what lies in the heart of any thriving community: respect & responsibilty In our daily chapel, we conclude with a meaningful response to the sending, “Go in peace,” by saying, “and do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” This well-known Golden Rule serves as a reminder of the importance of treating others with kindness, fairness, and dignity. Although it is simple to recite, applying the Golden Rule consistently in our actions can be more challenging.
These traits are interconnected, requiring self-awareness and of course the two character traits we’ve grown to know, empathy and self-control. Respect involves recognizing the value and virtue of others,
while responsibility emphasizes accountability for our actions and their impact on the people around us. Together, they form the foundation of healthy relationships, whether in the classroom, at home, or in society.
To help children develop respect and responsibility, we’ve taken several key steps and encourage our families to do the same at home.
• Encourage Responsibility: Giving children tasks that involve polite interactions, like ordering food or holding the door open, helps them understand accountability and respect for others.
• Set Clear Expectations: Clearly communicate the value of respect and responsibility, explaining why these traits matter and what behaviors you expect, such as using kind language.
• Provide Positive Reinforcement: Praising respectful and responsible behaviors encourages children to repeat them in the future.
• Model Behavior: Children often mirror the actions of adults, so by demonstrating respect and responsibility ourselves, we set a strong example.
• Engage in Discussion: Open conversations about the importance of respect and responsibility help children understand the impact of their actions on others and the community.
With these simple yet impactful practices, we can help build a better future for our children, where they feel confident in connecting with others and doing so with strong character. At ESK, we expect our 8th grade students to step into high school confident, helpful, and ready to navigate the new relationships they’ll encounter, all while having a clear understanding of what they believe.
New Bernie on the Block
A New Mascot is Born!
Fall 2024
Our beloved Mascot, Saint Bernard “Bernie”, holds so much love in our hearts. However, the costume which served as our mascot suit for a great many years had finally met the end of its days and the time for a new costume to shine was upon us. Luckily, we always have the generous support of our amazing parent association, Saints Circle, who both designed and purchased a state-of-the-art, one-of-a-kind, Bernie costume all the way from the United Kingdom.
A Year with Pastor Laura
May the Laura be With You
This year, we’ve been truly blessed to have Pastor Laura Henrik serve as our Interim School Chaplain, bringing a warm sense of wisdom and spiritual depth to our daily chapel services. Her thoughtful homilies and engaging presence
have made both religion classes and our daily chapel services a special time for reflection, connection, and growth. Pastor Laura’s ability to connect with students and faculty alike has helped foster a deeper sense of kinship with one another, and her guidance has inspired us all to approach the challenges of the year with grace, compassion, and faith. We look forward to continuing to learn from her throughout the rest of the school year together.
A Fresh Mystery on the Menu
Big Changes in 6th Grade Dinner Theatre
Our amazing 6th grade chorus students debuted a brand-new show this fall, titled “The Mysterious Case of the Missing Ring!” As part of a beloved tradition and rite of passage, the 6th grade chorus hosted a Dinner Theatre, featuring a delicious multi-course pasta meal and a fun-filled program. Thanks to the hard work of several clever detectives, the Queen was finally reunited with her missing “ring”!
Bernie Meets his Hometown Hero, Smokey, at ESK’s 2024 Blessing of the Pets
Continued Chip, the ESK Hawk
Injured Redtail Hawk Rescued on ESK’s Playground
On a sunny Monday morning early this fall, our 1st and 2nd graders spotted some thing out of place -- a Red-tailed Hawk hopping across the grass on our playground. The poor bird tried desperately to take flight, but something was wrong with one of his wings. Without the ability to fly, he was vulnerable and unlikely to survive on his own in the wild. Acting quickly, faculty were able to keep up with the lit tle hawk as he hopped around, waiting for a wildlife expert to arrive and rescue him. The hawk was taken to Owl Ridge Raptor Center for just over three months, where he received the delicate care he needed. However, our students were now invested in the little guy. A vote was cast among the children and the hawk has since been named “Chip”! After completing his rehabilitation and regaining his strength, Chip returned to our campus for his release, a mighty demonstation of perserverance. Watching him soar through the winter skies brought a sense of hope to all of us, reminding us that even when we feel broken ourselves, with determination and the right team of support we can all rise again.
ESK Shines at Model U.N.
Problem-Solving Globally
We are incredibly proud of our 7th grade students for their outstanding participation and execution at the Middle School Model United Nations Conference. The group traveled all the way to Murfreesboro, TN where they met with hundreds of other students from local and regional private schools. Their hard work, dedication, and teamwork were truly evident as they represented their assigned countries with poise and professionalism, earning several awards for their exceptional contributions. From researching global issues to delivering speeches and engaging in diplomatic negotiations, they demonstrated an impressive level of understanding in international relations and effective problem-solving. Their confidence and enthusiasm not only made them valuable contributors to the conference, but also showcased their commitment to learning about the world and the importance of international cooperation.
Beautiful New Mural Brightens Kline Gym
We are approaching the anniversary of one of ESK’s most beautiful new additions- a mural showcasing a breathtaking image of our beloved hilltop, complete with barns, the belltower, and plenty of room to grow. Thanks to our fabulous new lower school art teacher and longtime ESK faculty member, Toni Mealor, Kline Gym now shines brighter than ever!
Saints Gala 2024
ESK had a fantastic and fruitful evening at the 2024 ESK Saints Gala in a New Orleans’-style French Quarter affair on a cool Knoxville night. We toasted with beignets, exercised our jazz hands with the smooth music of the Mark Boling Trio, and raised a hurricane glass to the bright future of The Episcopal School of Knoxville.
Saints Gala 2025, Don’t be Late!
Join us for The Episcopal School of Knoxville’s 21st Annual Saints Gala, themed “Through the Looking Glass,” on April 25th, 2025 at the Press Room, located in gorgeous downtown Knoxville. This exciting event promises to be a whimsical evening, filled with celebration and an opportunity to honor our school.
The Gala is a highlight of the year, bringing together parents, faculty, alumni, and friends to support ESK’s mission and continued growth. We look forward to celebrating our incredible school and all that makes ESK truly special.
Promised to be a most frabjous occasion!
2023-2024
Annual
Report on Giving
St. Bart’s Society
$25K+
Anonymous
Dr. & Mrs. Steven Brewington
The Clayton Family Foundation
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Gilbertson
Ralph B. Rogers Foundation
Mr. & Mrs. Paul P. Siler, Jr.
founders’ society
$10k-$24,999
Anonymous
Rev. & Mrs. Jerry Askew
Mr. & Mrs. Steve Bailey
Mr. & Mrs. Joshua B. Bishop
Mr. & Mrs. Steven M. Brewington
Mr. & Mrs. Ryan Clearman
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph A. Fielden Sr. Garza Law Firm, PLLC
Mr. & Mrs. Steve Hall
Hardparts Design
Mr. & Mrs. Keith Holdbrooks
Dr. & Mrs. Josh S. Ladd
Jane L. Pettway Foundation
Mr. & Mrs. Edward Rottmann III
Dr. & Mrs. David D. Schumaker
Mr. & Mrs. James J. Secor, III
Mr. & Mrs. Samuel T. Shieh
Stowers Machinery Foundation Inc.
Stella & Robert Sudderth
Trustee’s Society
$5k-$9,999
Anonymous
Barber McMurry Architects
Bright Grove Landscaping
Drs. David Chapman & Kimberly Kim
Mr. Henry E. Christenberry III
Mrs. Nancy Esker
Mr. & Mrs. Jim Ethier
Mr. Larry Jones & Mrs. Veronica Fitzgerald
Mr. & Mrs. James A. Haslam II
Mr. & Mrs. Walter F. Hershey
Mr. & Mrs. Mark McKinnon
Mr. Mark Haub & Mrs. Alicia R. Rojas-Haub
Mrs. Diana Samples
Ms. Anne L. Sprouse
Ms. Susan Sterchi
Dr. & Mrs. Jack Talmadge Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. Bennie L. Underwood
Mr. & Mrs. Steve Ward
Mr. Robert E. Withers
Headmaster’s Society
$2,500-$4,999
American Online Giving Foundation
Mr. & Mrs. Chris Bishop
Mr. & Mrs. Adolphus Brown
The Reverend & Mrs. Cal Calhoun
Mr. & Mrs. Justin D. Church
Mr. & Mrs. James Cogdill
Mr. & Mrs. Doug Conlin
Mr. & Mrs. Jon M. Cope
Mr. & Mrs. Colt Davis
Mr. Ryan & Dr. Mary Ellen Dobbs
Mr. & Mrs. Brian Eckhart
Erosion Supply
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph A. Fielden Jr.
FirstBank
Mr. & Mrs. John R. Foust
Hickory Construction
Ms. Allison R. Jarnagin
Knoxville Pediatric Associates
Little River Creative
Mr. & Mrs. Andrew W. McRee
Mrs. Townes Osborn & Mr. Robert S. Marquis
Mrs. Margie Parrott
Pinnacle Bank
Mr. Ben Pinnell
Mr. & Mrs. Bryan D. Ridgway
Mr. & Mrs. Culver Schmid
Mr. & Mrs. Greg Simpson
Mr. & Ms. George Sterchi
Rev. & Mrs. Bowman Townsend
Mr. Chad Vander Wert
Volunteer Pediatric Dentistry, PC
Mr. & Mrs. Brian Welch
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Wolfinger
Bishop’s Society
$1,500-$2,499
Anonymous
Mr. PeeJay Alexander & Mrs. Allison Easterday Alexander
Bob’s Package Store
Dr. Patrick M. &
Rev. Michelle Warriner Bolt
Mr. & Mrs. Mark Cade
Mr. & Mrs. Andy C. Chadwell
Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Daugherty
Mr. Jack Kreyling & Mrs. Jeannie Ensign
Mrs. & Mr. Pansie Evans
Mr. & Mrs. Brian Fischer
Mr. Mark Hacker & Mrs. Rachel Hacker
Mr. & Mrs. Peter M. Hall
Dr. & Mrs. Kirk Haun
Mr. & Mrs. Kelly Headden
Mr. Andrew MacDonald & Dr. Jacqueline Whittemore
Mr. & Ms. John Matney
Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas McCook
Mr. & Mrs. Kevin McGlothin
Mr. & Mrs. Charles D. Overstreet
Ms. Page Peek-Miller
Stephanie Sirh
Drs. Eric E. & Lauren N. Speckner
Texas Instruments Foundation
Mr. & Mrs. Andrew M. Walls
Chaplain’s Society
$855-$1,499
Mr. & Mrs. Blake L. Bookstaff
Mr. Bart Carey
Dr. & Mrs. James E. Davidson
Mr. & Ms. Bill Draney
Mr. Jeff Drye & Ms. Brianne Yancy
Rev. Matthew & Rev. Elizabeth Farr
FLIK Independent School Dining
Mr. & Mrs. Mack Gentry
Ms. Anna B. Graham
Mr. & Ms. Joe Green
Mr. & Ms. Bert Hampton
Mr. Jack & Dr. Linley Harvie
Mr. & Mrs. Steven Hill
Paiden Hite
The Howell Family
Mr. Nicholas R. & Dr. Christina B. Hymer
Mr. & Mrs. Jordan Knight
Mr. & Mrs. Fred Langley
Mr. & Mrs. John Mayo
Mr. & Mrs. Matthew McClellan III
Mr. Douglas J. McKamey
Ms. Becca Montgomery
Mr. & Mrs. Justin Myers
Ms. Julie Padgett
Ms. Venice Peek
Ms. Susannah Rogers
The Rev. & Mrs. John Ross
Mr. & Mrs. Edward G. Rottmann III
Mr. & Mrs. Nick Saliba
Mr. & Mrs. Louis Sterchi
Mr. & Mrs. Don Stokes
Mr. & Mrs. Matthew S. Strutner
Ms. April Taylor & Ms. Nicole Taylor
Dr. & Mrs. Ron Turner
Mr. & Ms. James R. Wallace
Mr. Peter J. Walsh &
Mrs. Denise A. Antunes de Silva
saint’s Society
$351-$884
Mr. & Mrs. Joel Adcock
Dr. & Mrs. David Aljadir
Ms. Sherri D. Alley
Mr. Dondricus V. Anderson & Mrs. Court-
eney M. Barnes-Anderson
Dr. & Mrs. Dan Baker
Dr. & Mrs. Dan Baker
Gary Bentley
Mr. & Mrs. Mark Bishop
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Blackburn
Mr. Glenn D. & Dr. Harriet W. Bowden
Mrs. Geraldine Boyle
Drs. Paul & Robyn Branca
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Branch
Dr. & Mrs. Daniel Branham
Mr. & Mrs. Christopher S. Byrne
Mr. & Mrs. Tony Cappiello
Ms. Linda F. Chesnutt
Mr. & Mrs. Lindsey P. Chesnutt
Mr. & Mrs. Jon Clark
Mr. & Mrs. Peter Clem
Ms. Valerie A. Clift
Mr. & Ms. Chris L. Cook
Mr. & Mrs. Kevin A. Cox
Dr. Sherry X. Cui
Mr. Will C. Cunningham & Dr. Lauren
M. Cunningham
Mr. & Mrs. John Dix
Mr. & Mrs. John R. Dix
Drs. Matthew E. & Emily M. Edwards
Dr. Kathy Fitzgerald
Ms. Jenny Fogarty
Mr. & Mrs. James J. Fowler
Mr. & Ms. William D. Galyon Sr.
Mrs. Ginger B. Gibbons
Mr. & Mrs. Brian Giever
Dr. & Mrs. Paul Googe
Wayne Grimes
Mr. & Mrs. Stephenson Guffey
Ms. Season Guffey
Mr. Hunter Guye & Mrs. Season P. Guffey Guye
Mr. & Mrs. Stephenson Guffey
Mr. & Mrs. Sanchez G. Harley II
Mr. & Mrs. Charles W. Henderson Jr.
Dr. Kristin Herbert
Dr. & Mrs. Heath A. Huckabay
Mr. & Mrs. Darren Hughes
Mr. & Mrs. Ryan E. Jarrard
Mr. & Mrs. Elliott Jessup
Drs. Michael J. Koch & Valerie A. Esker
Dr. & Mrs. Ailee Laham
Mr. & Mrs. Justin Maierhofer
Dr. & Mrs. Patrick Mastin
Mr. & Mrs. Chuck Mattern
Mr. & Mrs. Kevin S. Mattern
Dr. & Mrs. Patrick McConville
Mr. & Mrs. Steve McGlothin
Ms. Katie McHargue
Ms. Stephanie K. McIntosh
Mr. Carl Mehalic
Merit Construction
Mill & Mine
Dr. & Ms. Larry Nickens
Dr. Corinne E. Nicolas & Ms. Suzanne C. Shelton
Mr. & Mrs. Lynn B. Norman
Mr. & Mrs. Nathaniel R. Ogle
Dr. & Ms. Joseph Petit
Mr. & Mrs. Len Phillips
Mr. & Mrs. Cameron Puckett
Mr. & Mrs. Keith Raby
Thom & Cindy Rasnick
Mr. & Mrs. Billy J. Roberts
Dr. & Mrs. Garrett Rose
Mr. & Mrs. Levi Rowlett
Saints Circle
Dr. & Mrs. Jonathan C. Shaver
Drs. Brandon E. & Angela H. Smithey
Dr. Deborah Sousa
Mr. & Mrs. Marshall W. Stair
Mr. & Mrs. John Strutner
Ms. Karla Swersky
Mr. & Mrs. Bill Sykes
Ms. Elizabeth Talmadge
Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Tannhauser
Mr. & Mrs. Robbie Toole
Mr. & Mrs. Doug Traver
Mr. & Mrs. Christopher H. Underwood II
Mr. Michael Wolski & Mrs. Heather
O’Maonaigh
Mr. & Mrs. Max W. Zarchin
Purple & White Society
Gifts up to $350
Mr. & Ms. Willie Alexander Jr.
Mrs. Jessica Allen
Mr. & Mrs. Peter Alliman
Ms. Faith Anderberg
Anonymous
Mrs. JoAnn Armbrister
Ms. Kara Ashburn
Ms. Lake Bailey
Dr. & Mrs. Victor W. Barr
Ms. Heather Blount
Mr. & Mrs. Craig Bornemann
Mrs. Marsha Brophy
Mr. Aaron Buck & Mrs. Yuh Tam
Mr. & Mrs. Luis I. Buhl
Mr. & Mrs. Jeremy Busby
Susan & Jay Bush
Busse Family
Mr. Bill Cameron
Dr. & Ms. Charles Capps
Mr. Bart Carey
Dr. & Mrs. Sam Carnes
Ms. Sharon Cassada
Mr. & Mrs. Brent Caulder
Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Chermely
Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Christensen
Rev. Brian Cole & Ms. Susan Weatherford
Mr. & Mrs. Shawn W. Compton
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Congleton
Ms. Becky Cutshaw
Mr. & Mrs. Colin A. Daley
Mr. Nenad Damjanovic &
Mrs. Daisy Ward
Ms. Amanda Daniel
Mr. & Mrs. Brian J. Daniels
Mr. & Mrs. Mike Darby
Mr. & Mrs. Gary Daugherty
Ms. Jeannie Davenport
Ms. & Mr. Michelle F. Davis
Drew Degges
Mr. & Ms. Hal Denton
Teri Dix
Ms. Leslie Downey
Mr. & Mrs. Luke D. Durham
Ms. Cindi E. Ellison
Ms. Barbara Fairclough
Mr. & Mrs. Matthew E. Fairclough
Mr. & Mrs. David B. Fiser
Ms. Michelle Fuqua
Mr. & Mrs. Aaron L. Gallagher
Mrs. Linda L. Garza
Ms. Claire Gentry
Ms. Margaret Googe
Mr. & Mrs. Cal Gray
Mr. & Mrs. Kyle Guerry
Mr. Simon Hall
Dr. Nicole Hamonic
Mrs. & Mr. Alice S. Harris
Dr. & Mrs. Alexander Hartmann
Mr. & Ms. Paul Hartmann
Mr. & Mrs. Chad Hatala
Mr. Davin O. & Rev. Laura M. Henrik
Mrs. Connie Hershey
Ms. Judy Hill
Rev. & Ms. Christopher W. Hogin
Mrs. Evelyn Homan
Ms. Nancy Huber
Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan H. Humber
Mr. Jason L. Hunnicutt & Mrs. Maria C.
Roberts-Hunnicutt
Mr. Michael Janke
Mr. & Mrs. Aaron Jenkins
Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Johnson
Mrs. Susie J. Justice
Mr. & Mrs. Clarke H. Keown
Marcus G. Keown
Dr. & Mrs. Tom Kim
Mr. & Mrs. Marc A. Kinney
Mr. & Mrs. Randy Kinney
Mr & Mrs. Peter Klekamp
Ms. Katie B. Kline
Mr. Keith Kline & Ms. Virginia Dale
Dr. & Mrs. Joseph Koren
Mr. Skip Ladd
Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Lamb
Mr. & Mrs. Frank Lancaster
Ms. Melanie Lawson
Mr. & Mrs. Terry Lindemer
Mr. Jesse & Dr. Tiffany Lindsey
Mr. & Mrs. Troy Lockhart
Mr. & Mrs. Troy D. Lockhart
Mr. & Mrs. Al Massey
Mr. Cole Massey & Ms. Avery Askew
Mr. & Mrs. David W. Mayes
Dr. & Mrs. David McCollum
Mr. & Mrs. John McCook
Mrs. Stacy McLemore
Mr. & Ms. Larry McPherson
Dr. & Mrs. W.T Mealor
Mr. & Ms. Stephen T. Mealor
Ms. Anita Medlock
Mr. & Ms. Mike Mercer
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Mollenhour
Mr. & Mrs. Saul Najera
Mrs. Barbara F. Neill
Mr. & Mrs. Tommy Neubauer
Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Noland
Ms. Erin O’Connor
Mr. & Mrs. Joey Parker
Mr. & Mrs. Joey Parker
Mr. & Mrs. Danny Patterson
Ms. Janna P. Perry
Mr. & Mrs. Max Phillips
Mr. & Mrs. Dirk Pohlmann
Ms. Kay Preston
Mr. & Ms. Hayes J. Price Jr.
Mrs. & Mr. Barb Quaint
Mr. & Mrs. Keith Raby
Rev. & Mrs. Thomas Rasnick
Ms. Sally Riley
Mr. & Mrs. Gerald E. Risdahl
Mr. Fred Roberson Jr. & Mrs. Althea M.
Murphy-Price
Ms. Dorothy H. Roddy
Dr. & Mrs. Gary Rogers Jr.
Mr. Alan & Dr. Pat B. Rutenberg
Mr. & Mrs. Chris Ryg
Safe Splash
Saints Circle
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Schwencer
Mr. & Mrs. Paul Siler
Mr. & Mrs. James Slaughter
Mr. & Mrs. James D. Smith
Mr. Ken Smith
Mr. & Mrs. Neal Smith
Mr. & Mrs. Oliver A. Smith IV
Mr. & Ms. John Snidow
Mr. & Mrs. David Spates
Mr. & Mrs. Caesar Stair
Mr. & Mrs. Robbi D. Stivers
Mr. & Mrs. Zachary R. Stivers
Mr. & Mrs. Wes Stowers
Sweet Frog
Tennessee Propeller & Metalworks, LLC
Mr. & Mrs. Travis Turley
Mrs. & Mr. Lucile C. Tyler
Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Tyrell
Mr. & Mrs. Tom M. Urdal
Mrs. Nancy Vanlandingham
Mr. & Mrs. Phil Walpole
Ms. Tracy Ward
Mr. & Ms. John M. Weldon Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. Lyle West
Ms. Brooks Whitcomb
Mr. & Mrs. Justin Whitt
Dr. & Mrs. Barry Winston
Mr. & Mrs. Alexander J. Winston
Mr. & Mrs. Anthony A. Wise Jr.
Mr. Ryan Woroniecki
Mrs. & Mr. Kae Wrinkle
We are grateful to our generous Annual Giving Donors. The ESK 2023-2024 Annual Report on Giving includes gifts received between July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024
Thank you to those who support the scholarship fund
Mr. & Mrs. Joel Adcock
Rev. & Mrs. Jerry Askew
Mr. & Mrs. Joshua B. Bishop
Dr. & Mrs. Steven Brewington
Mr. & Mrs. Steven M. Brewington
Mr. Bart Carey
Mr. & Mrs. Andy C. Chadwell
Mr. & Mrs. Jon B. Clark
Mr. & Mrs. Peter Clem
Mr. & Mrs. James Cogdill
Mr. & Mrs. Kevin A. Cox
Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Daugherty
Dr. & Mrs. James E. Davidson
Mr. Jack Kreyling & Mrs. Jeannie Ensign
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph A. Fielden Sr.
Dr. Kathy Fitzgerald
Ms. Jenny Fogarty
Mr. & Mrs. James J. Fowler
Ms. Michelle Fuqua
Ms. Claire Gentry
Mr. & Mrs. Brian Giever
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Gilbertson
Mr. Simon Hall
Dr. & Mrs. Kirk Haun
Mr. & Mrs. Kelly Headden
Mr. & Mrs. Walter F. Hershey
Mr. Nicholas R. & Dr. Christina B. Hymer
Mr. & Mrs. Elliott Jessup
Mr. & Mrs. Jordan Knight
Mr. & Mrs. Robby Lockett Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. Andy Lorenz
Mr. & Mrs. John Mayo
Ms. Stephanie K. McIntosh
Mr. Douglas J. McKamey
Mr. & Mrs. Mark McKinnon
Mr. & Mrs. Andrew W. McRee
Mr. & Mrs. Justin Myers
Dr. Corinne E. Nicolas & Ms. Suzanne C. Shelton
Mr. & Mrs. Lynn B. Norman
Mr. & Mrs. Bryan D. Ridgway
Mr. & Mrs. Billy J. Roberts
Rev. & Mrs. John Ross
Mr. & Mrs. Edward G. Rottmann III
Dr. & Mrs. David D. Schumaker
Mr. & Mrs. James J. Secor
Mr. & Mrs. Samuel T. Shieh
Ms. Stephanie Sirh
Dr. Deborah Sousa
Mr. & Mrs. Marshall W. Stair
Ms. Beth Sterchi
Mr. & Mrs. John Strutner
Stella & Robert Sudderth
Mr. & Mrs. Travis Turley
Mr. & Mrs. Christopher H. Underwood II
Mr. & Mrs. Bennie L. Underwood
Mr. & Ms. James R. Wallace
Mr. & Mrs. Brian Welch
Even with our utmost care to be accurate, errors can occur. If you made a gift during the past fiscal year & your name has been omitted, misspelled, or listed incorrectly, please accept our sincere apologies & let us know of the error by contacting Corinne Mattern, Director of Advancement, at 865-777-4212 or cmattern@esknoxville.org.
Thank you for your support for ESK!.
Special Thanks to our 20th Annual Saints Gala Sponsors & Table Hosts
Rev. Dr. & Mrs. Jerry Askew
BarberMcMurry Architects
Mr. & Mrs. Joshua B. Bishop
Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP
Dr. & Mrs. Steven Brewington
Bright Grove Group, LLC
Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Daugherty
Dobbs Orthodontics
Erosion Supply
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph A. Fielden Jr.
FirstBank
FLIK Independent School Dining
Garza Law Firm, PLLC
Mr. & Mrs. Mack Gentry
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Gilbertson
Mr. & Mrs. Peter M. Hall
Dr. & Mrs. Kirk Haun
Hickory Construction Inc.
Knoxville Pediatric Associates, P.C.
Large Services
Lipman Brothers
Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas McCook
McKinnon Construction Co.
Mr. & Mrs. Steve McLean
Merit Construction
Ms. Townes Lavidge Osborn & Mr. Bob
Marquis
Pinnacle Financial Partners
Portraits, Inc.
Stowers Machinery
Stella & Bob Sudderth
Volunteer Pediatric Dentistry, PC
Matching Gifts
American Online Giving Foundation
Texas Instruments Foundation
Honor & memorial Gifts
Anonymous
Mrs. JoAnn Armbrister
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Branch
Dr. & Mrs. Steven Brewington
Mr. & Mrs. Luis I. Buhl
Susan & Jay Bush
Busse Family
Busse Family
Mr. & Mrs. Mark Cade
Drs. David Chapman & Kimberly Kim Chesnutt Family
Mr. Henry E. Christenberry III
Mr. & Mrs. Justin D. Church
Mr. & Mrs. Jon B. Clark Teri Dix
Dr. Kathy Fitzgerald
Dr. Kathy Fitzgerald
Mr. & Mrs. Mack Gentry
Mr. & Mrs. Mark W. Hacker
Mrs. Connie Hershey
Rev. & Ms. Christopher W. Hogin
Mr. & Mrs. Keith Holdbrooks
Ms. Sheau-Fei Huang & Mr. Lee D. Han
Mr. & Mrs. Jordan Knight
Mr. Skip Ladd
Dr. & Mrs. Dan G. Lovely Jr.
Mr. Cole Massey & Ms. Avery Askew
Mr. & Ms. John Matney
Mr. & Mrs. John McCook
Dr. & Mrs. W.T. Mealor
Ms. Anita Medlock
Ms. Anita Medlock
Mr. Carl Mehalic
Ms. Becca Montgomery
Mr. & Mrs. Danny Patterson
Mr. & Mrs. Len Phillips
Ralph B. Rogers Foundation
Ms. Dorothy H. Roddy
Mr. & Mrs. James J. Secor
Mr. & Mrs. James J. Secor
Mr. & Mrs. Paul P. Siler, Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. Neal Smith
Drs. Brandon E. & Angela H. Smithey
Ms. Beth Sterchi
Mr. & Mrs. Louis Sterchi
Ms. Susan Sterchi
Ms. Susan Sterchi
Mr. & Mrs. John Strutner
Stella & Bob Sudderth
Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Tannhauser
Mrs. & Mr. Lucile C. Tyler
Mr. Chad D. Vander Wert
Mrs. Nancy Vanlandingham
Mr. & Mrs. Phil Walpole
Mr. Robert E. Withers
In Honor of Dolly Lynn Keen
In Honor of Blair Strutner
In Honor of Jude Patterson
In Honor of Lila Brewington
In Honor of Chandler & Colin Buhl
In Memory of Percy Brewington
In Honor of Liam & Trista McCarthy
In Memory of Helmut Busse
In Honor of Fleur & Arden Jones
In Honor of the Faculty & Staff at ESK
In Honor of Zeke Chesnutt
In Honor of Karen & Bob Gilbertson
In Honor of Brady Church
In Honor of Kae Wrinkle
In Honor of Sydney, Baylor, & Connor Dix
In Honor of the Library
In Memory of Ann McGrill Puchalski
In Honor of Bob & Karen Gilbertson
In Honor of Megan Hacker
In Memory of LeRoy Hershey
In Honor of the Lower School Library
In Honor of Beau Blackburn
In Honor of JD
In Honor of Hollis Knight
In Honor of Joshua Ladd
In Honor of Nick & Ben Lovely
In Honor of Harper Massey
In Honor of Carson Taylor
In Honor of Beth Talmadge
In Honor of Charlie & Toni Mealor
In Honor of Mark Medlock
In Memory of Patricia Graves
In Memory of Elizabeth Carney Respess
In Honor of Tilly Blamey
In Honor of Jude Chandler Patterson
In Honor of Veronica Phillips
In Honor of the Tennis Facility
In Memory of Percy Brewington
In Memory of Willene Chalmers
In Memory of Ian Greeley
In Honor of the security gate
In Honor of Caroline & Hadley Lovegrove
In Honor of Anna Catherine Smithey
In Honor of Dolly Lynn Keen
In Honor of Beth Sterchi
In Honor of Louis, Jessie, Prater, Leigh, Reed, & Isabelle Sterchi
In Honor of the pigs & Acorns to Oaks
In Memory of B.L. Armbrister
In Honor of the Faculty & Staff at ESK
In Honor of the Faculty & Staff at ESK
In Memory of Marie Gibson
In Honor of Ashlyn Vander Wert
In Honor of Lily & Sabine Bostick
In Honor of Grant Fairclough & Suzanne Fairclough
In Memory of Martha Anne Withers
The Great Pig Escape of 2024! The Great Pig Escape of 2024!
Although our bond with our two newest campus animals, Kunekune piglets Lottie Dot and Flower, has now settled into a straightforward, almost Disney film-like connection, their story began more like an offbeat buddy comedy, full of chaotic mischief and unexpected moments.
This fall our school, known for its welcoming community and commitment to unique learning experiences, agreed to home two piglets as part of a new learning opportunity. The two little pigs have their own cozy pin on the edge of the campus, just outside the classrooms and right next to the vegetable garden. They have everything they could possibly need—soft straw bedding, a little mud wallow for when they feel fancy, and even a small wooden house to curl up in. But, there was just one little problem when the girls first arrived: Lottie Dot and Flower didn’t much like being confined.
On their very first night, under the cover of darkness, the two pigs, who were much smaller at the time, managed to wriggle their way through the posts of their pen and escape into the ESK woods. The next morning, it didn’t take long for the school to realize the hogs had hightailed it! The faculty and students immediately sprang into action, searching every corner of the campus. Collections of ESKers combed the athletic fields, the woods at the back of the property, and even the edges of surrounding neighborhoods. The whole school was full of fret, yet determined to find Lottie Dot and Flower and bring them back home safely. However, after hours of searching there was still no sign of the runaway swine sisters.
As the day wore on and the search grew more desperate, it seemed like the school might have to give up. Just when hope was about to run out, an unlikely friend came to the rescue. The internet of all things, flexed its true communication muscles as a member of a neighborhood app chimed in on the piglet disappearance. For this neighbor had spotted the two pigs trotting down the street, snuffling and squealing as they cruised through west Knoxville. With a big smile and a few handfuls of snacks, she managed to coax Lottie Dot and Flower into her yard, where they happily snorted and dug around in the grass. Realizing the pigs’ situation, the neighbor graciously contacted ESK to let us know she had found the cute escapees.
Within minutes, a relieved group of faculty members and a few excited students raced over to greet the helpful neighborhood heroine. There, in the back of the neighbor’s car, our crew found Lottie Dot and Flower, together and shamelessly unbothered (evident by their wildly wiggling tails), and clearly in need of a good cleaning. The pigs were muddy, but unharmed, which is all we could really ask for. They were promptly given a luxurious bubble bath in our art room work sinks and plenty of fresh food, knowing their adventure was already turning into a cherished story for years to come.
Since then, Lottie Dot and Flower have grown tremendously and have become beloved members of the ESK family. Their playful personalities and sweet nature have captured the hearts of our students, who are thrilled to spend time with them. Watching them grow and thrive alongside our students has been a joyful experience for everyone, and they have quickly become an important part of our school’s community and spirit.
But Wait, there’s myrrh!
Advent Awaits
Advent Awaits
Unveiling the tradition of the giving manger
Unveiling the tradition of the giving manger
As the days grew shorter and the holiday season approached, the Advent season beckoned us to pause and reflect. For many, Advent marks a time of anticipation and spiritual preparation, a period to ready both hearts and homes for the coming of Christ. Doing just that, Pastor Laura Henrik introduced a new tradition inviting the community to engage in Advent through acts of service and kindness. By establishing ESK’s first Giving Manger, our students were able to engage in tangible ways to prepare our community for Christ’s arrival.
The premise was simple yet profound: in order to prepare a place for Jesus, we would actively engage in making our world a warmer, more welcoming space through small, but meaningful gestures. Throughout the Advent season, students were encouraged to perform acts of service and kindness, whether it was a kind word to a classmate, a helping hand at home, or a thoughtful deed for a neighbor in need. Each time a student performed an act of love, they added a representative piece of straw to a designated collection basket for their classroom. As the days went on, classroom baskets began to fill with the physical reminder of the goodness being spread by our young community. The baskets were brought together during our daily chapel service, where the straw collected in each classroom was poured into a communal manger. This modest ritual symbolized how the acts of service helped prepare our hearts for the love that was to come at Christmas—the gift of Jesus, born into our world to bring light and hope.
And just like that, the preparation for the arrival of baby Jesus came to life before our very eyes— through the actions of our students. And in doing so, we learned that Advent is not just a time of waiting—it’s a season of giving, of loving, and of preparing our hearts for the ultimate gift of all— the birth of Christ. It allowed students to actually see that giving is not just about material gifts, but about offering time, energy, and love to others. Whether it was through a simple gesture or a grander act of service, each act was a step closer to the joy and peace that the Advent season promises.
Scribe
the magazine of
School-wide collaborative artwork, a recreation of ESK’s rose window in a vision of unity.
