Back-to-School Picnic CommUNITY

ESD’s CommUNITY Event on Friday, September 16, 2022, was an inclusive, welcoming school year kickoff to bring the entire ESD community together under a global theme. Hosted by the ESDPA and the Classical and Modern Languages Department, parents, students, staff, and teachers gathered in Stoffel Commons to experience cultural activities, decorations, food, and takeaways from around the world.

“Transforming our back-to-school picnic into a CommUNITY celebration was a beautiful opportunity for our students and their families to share cultural traditions with our school community,” said Jomita Fleming, ESDPA Episcopal Identity chair. “I loved seeing new and returning families, faculty, and staff across all divisions joining together to host tents establishing new friendships and support networks.”

Many thanks to the Classical and Modern Languages Department, parent and student volunteers, and SAGE Dining for this incredible event. “We hope to continue engaging with our commUNITY in meaningful and memorable ways here at ESD,” said Laila Kharrat, Classical and Modern Languages Department chair. “I am thankful for everyone who helped with this first event and excited for what’s to come.”

Later that evening, ESD football defeated Trinity Leadership Cedar Hill. It was a great night to be an Eagle.

I am a school –But so much more. I am a family, a sanctuary, a catalyst. My mission is lofty, and my standards are extraordinary. I appreciate the importance of exemplary test scores, but my goal is exemplary lives. I strive to send my graduates to exceptional universities, but my ultimate destination for them is exceptional happiness. I am not just educating, not just mentoring, not just shepherding, not just inspiring.

I am preparing lives that will go out from the classroom, reach out to the community, and stand out in the world.

I am The Episcopal School of Dallas.

And I am igniting lives of purpose. Meet eight ESD seniors who exemplify our manifesto in action, and learn how ESD has nurtured them and the ways they have influenced our school community in an effort to positively impact all the Eagles who follow.

MADISON MCCLOUD ’23

Madison has been an ESD Eagle since Beginner. She said her favorite memory during her time here was in lower school when she was greeted in the morning by Father Harmuth and Eve.

She said she thinks her most important contribution to the ESD community is “being a good example of a young, black girl who began at ESD at the age of four and has grown up in this community and has thrived, as well as being a well-rounded student who participates in arts, sports, and different councils.”

Her activities include Discipline Council on which she served as head moderator, Diversity Council, varsity volleyball, varsity basketball, varsity softball, varsity track, field hockey (captain), and vestry co-chair.

She said she would tell younger students to “never conform to the people around you.” She said, “Be your true, authentic self, and keep on being a happy and loving child.”

Ella joined the ESD family at the beginning of her freshman year, and she jumped right into becoming an Eagle. Her participation in daily ESD life is vast and varied. Over her four years, she could be found on the lacrosse field, the soccer pitch (serving as co-captain her senior season), the publications room, serving the greater DFW community, and a whole host of other places.

Her activities have included soccer (co-captain), lacrosse, Student Council executive board (public relations and treasurer), yearbook (managing editor and senior page editor), Mu Alpha Theta, political science, Spanish club (president), class officer, and Horde Board (ESD’s spirit organization that focuses on promoting attendance at ESD student events).

She said what she will remember most about ESD is how close her senior class has become and the camaraderie of the entire school. “Looking up to the upperclassmen, you can envision what you hope to be and what you have to look forward to,” she said. “Then you become those people and make your best friends along the way. I think the ESD traditions that progress as you get older and move through upper school build lasting bonds that make ESD really special.”

HENRY HAMLIN ’23

Described by his classmates as “the spirit of ESD,” Henry has been a part of the ESD community since Beginner.

Fittingly, he was part of the rebooted Wingmen this year. Henry was one of five seniors to lead the ESD student section, the Horde, as a 2022-23 Wingman – the popular flag bearers who bring sideline excitement to games. Henry said one of his favorite ESD traditions is the Hockaday and St. Marks rivalry games because the Eagle spirit comes out in full force.

He also played basketball during his freshman and sophomore years and tennis during his junior and senior years.

He earned Eagle Scout distinction and was in the orchestra all four years of high school. He plans to attend the University of Virginia to major in performing arts.

“When I think about ESD, I will remember my friends the most,” Henry said. “I will remember all the fun times we had together.” He said he would also encourage younger students to have fun during their time here while building their character, potential, and the foundations for a strong future.

Finally, he said that he is grateful for his teachers. “ESD has so many great teachers. They have been so influential during my experience here.”

Ogden entered ESD in third grade. Some of his favorite traditions during his 11 years as an Eagle are Field Day, the Hockaday and St. Mark’s rivalry games, and trips to Wolf Run.

“Wolf Run is a great place for students to learn in a different environment,” he said. “I still remember going for the tree trip and learning about Wolf Run’s environment from Mr. Eason.”

During upper school, he participated in athletics, PVSA-level community service, student publications, the performing arts, the Student Managed Investment Fund, and the visual arts. He was also a member of the fishing and car clubs and the National Honor Society and was named an AP Scholar.

BRIGGS BRINER ’23

grade. Since then, he has enjoyed nearly

During upper school, he earned Eagle ambassadors, Honor Council, Wingmen, crew, and basketball. “These activities required a good amount of time over the years, but it was time well spent,” he said. “I have grown so much as a person and cemented my values. My experiences have helped me become more independent — buddy for a senior, and a good friend. He also enjoyed Field Day, the Hockaday and St. Mark’s rivalry games, Rally Days, and senior year traditions.

Because of his educational experience, Briggs said he would encourage younger students to take full advantage of Eagle life. “Don’t be afraid to go out and try new things because you may never know what you will love until you try it,” he said. “Always be open-minded, and stay true to yourself and your morals.”

Briggs said some of his favorite memories as a student have been being a Wingman, a senior buddy for a fifth grader, a fifth-grade

His favorite ESD memories are from the classroom. “I think some of my favorite memories here are when Mr. Cook and Mr. Couch told stories during their classes,” he said. “Going to their classes felt like a break from the day [when] I could relax.”

Ogden said the classes that pushed him the most were AP Physics 2 and AP Statistics. “Some of my classes were very difficult, but they forced me to work hard and to put my best foot forward,” he said. “I not only grew academically because of them, but I grew as a person too.”

OGDEN LINDH ’23

Grace has been at ESD since she was a Beginner. She plans to attend Davidson College and plans on majoring in science, political/ social science, or pre-law. But she’s currently cherishing her remaining time at ESD.

“I have been involved in a variety of clubs and academics throughout my time here,” she said. “Newspaper was definitely my largest commitment. I took it for all four years, and my senior year, I was editor-in-chief. It was an amazing experience and well worth the late nights!”

In addition to reflecting on her contributions to ESD, she’s been thinking about the ways ESD has contributed to the person she has become. “One of my favorite ESD memories is in Ms. Neill’s classroom. I have always loved animals, and

Tom’s first year at ESD was eighth grade. He said he believes his biggest contribution to the ESD community is his time spent increasing interest in STEM. For example, he introduced “Math Corner” to the Eagle Edition, ESD’s student newspaper.

“I’ve spent a lot of time sharing the subjects I love with others,” he said. “I’ve been a part of Mu Alpha Theta for four years – serving as vice president and president in 11th and 12th grades – and the Technical Students Association – serving as president in 12th grade – and I founded the Data Science club in 11th grade. Outside of academics, I enjoyed discussing with others about how to serve in Community Service Council and leading our daily chapel service in vestry. I also helped keep clubs running as a member of the Club Committee – serving as vice president in 12th grade.”

Tom said his ESD experience has been enriched because he’s not afraid to broaden his horizons, and he encourages younger ESD students to do the same. “I would tell them don’t be afraid to try new things. Join as many clubs as you can if they interest you. If you never try something, you never know what’s going to happen. You will get a lot further in every aspect of life that way.” having them running around the classroom was a really unique experience. She also let me name one of her fish,” she said. “I also loved Spooktackular and looked forward to it every day in lower school. The visiting author was also a very special experience for me because not only did my friends and I get to hear from amazing authors, but I got to meet the author oneon-one with my grandma and mom because the program was named after my sister who passed away.”

She said her advice to younger students is to make sure to have fun! “I know everyone says time flies,” she said, “but I never believed it until now. It truly does.”

GRACE WORSHAM ’23

Teddy began at ESD as a Beginner, and he said he is grateful for the ESD community and how it has shaped his life.

“My favorite ESD memories are those made with other ESD students,” he said. Being surrounded by such amazing friends, leaders, and mentors made every second on campus enjoyable. The unbreakable bonds I’ve formed are some that I wish to hold on to for many years to come.” appreciates the education ESD has provided him. “Every teacher is so kind,” he said. “Every ESD faculty member shows genuine care for the students they teach. From staying late to help kids out to sending late-night emails to the hundreds of questions before a test, the ESD teachers will always be there for the students.”

His activities range from serving as president of the chess and global culinary clubs to being a three-year varsity football starter. He was named Rookie of the Year in soccer and received the President’s Service Award for three years.

He said he would encourage students to take nothing for granted. “You might not realize how great you have it,” he said, “but make sure you are grateful for the gifts ESD offers you.”

Teddy plans to attend Washington and Lee, where he will play football and major in business.

TEDDY SPARROW ’23

softball) for all four years of high school and participated in vestry for three years, taking on a lead position for two of those. She has also been a member of Latinos Unidos and Strings for four years. As part of Strings, Camila performed for admissions events, spring and fall concerts, and Lessons and Carols on campus and traveled to ISAS.

“My time at ESD has been amazing,” she said. “I honestly don’t know how time has gone by so fast. It seems like just yesterday I was putting on my little sailor outfit and my mom was putting pigtails in my hair. ESD has taught me so many lessons and has given me many life-changing opportunities. The things I will miss the most, however, have nothing to do with my classes or teachers. One thing I will miss the most is the environment cultivated by ESD that is meant to nurture and prepare us for college. I can truthfully say ESD has done a great job of that. Secondly, the familiar faces. Seeing people who I’ve grown up with, matured with, and have shared countless memories with is something I will miss dearly. And lastly, I’m really going to miss the traditions that I have been fortunate enough to participate in. Lessons and Carols, Junior Ring Ceremony, Pass It On, and being a senior buddy are all traditions I will keep with me for the rest of my life. Thank you, ESD, for the best nine years of my life.”