Good News - Summer 2024 by Good Shepherd Episcopal School

THE GOOD SHEPHERD EPISCOPAL SCHOOL MAGAZINE

Head of School

Dr. Julie McLeod

As we close the 2023-24 school year, I have the honor to reflect on the extraordinary year that unfolded at Good Shepherd. Last August, I challenged our student body, faculty and staff, and myself, to embrace the theme of Light. How could we be a Light in the world and allow our individual Light to shine for others? What impact could we make with our Light?

We saw students shine through the joys of learning and discovery in various classroom projects, SPARQ explorations, Classroom of the Earth excursions, and more. The list is long and all encompassing, but I would like to highlight a few here.

As a community, we witnessed the total solar eclipse in April. Students familiarized themselves in varying degrees to the study of astronomy and discussed the impact that light - or the lack of it - has on humans and animals. April also saw the return of Festival of the Arts; an expansive and immersive exhibit showcasing our students’ artistic abilities. The Cougar track and field team blinded us with their speed and agility in May as they went on to capture both boys and girls D1 TAPS championships.

A few short weeks ago, we also saw 60 young men and women graduate in a beautiful ceremony held at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church. They will be moving on to 13 different high schools to continue their education in the fall, bringing their Light to new environments and opening themselves up to new educational experiences.

Our faculty and staff also leaned into their Light, completing hundreds of hours of professional development to enable them to better serve Good Shepherd, and advance its mission to equip students to learn with confidence, serve with compassion, and lead with courage. Additionally, six grants were awarded to nine individuals to explore professional areas of interest and/or enhance school and classroom experiences; made possible for the first time by

the fundraising efforts of the GSPO Read-A-Thon program. We look forward to sharing their discoveries and successes with you over the summer on our social media accounts!

In addition, the school kicked off a fundraising campaign –the first in 14 years – that will enhance our campus and enable us to better share GSES’s Light with current and future generations of students. The Fit For Our Future campaign, focused on strength, stewardship, and safety, is off to a strong start thanks to the support of many of you. Our focus over the next year will be to make further headway on our fundraising goals and to break ground on the new gymnasium. I invite you to check back frequently at fitforourfuture.com for project and construction updates, as well as to learn how to contribute to this important initiative.

Finally, it hasn’t escaped me that the world is a different place today than when I wrote to you a year ago. Artificial intelligence has been transforming many elements of our lives and it is poised to accelerate its impact over the coming months. Our faculty and staff have already been exploring AI, understanding its benefits and limitations, its objectivity and bias, and its usefulness as a tool in the learning process.

As we explore AI in the lens of substantive societal change, we know it will require a re-evaluation of education. I believe it is incumbent that educators lead the path to the future that preferences children over content. Good Shepherd stands fully committed to cultivating curiosity

and a love of learning in our students, as well as equipping them with the tools they need to make sense of the world through critical thinking and social and self-awareness. While AI will aid in personalizing learning opportunities within the classroom and more, we will ensure that curriculum supports the education of the whole child and that as students graduate and move on from Good Shepherd, they move forward shining their Light as compassionate citizens of the world.

Respectfully,

Julie McLeod, Ph.D. Head of School

REFLECTIONS

On May 23, 2024, Good Shepherd Episcopal School congratulated the 60 students of the graduating class of 2024. The convocation featured a welcome by Dr. Julie McLeod, Head of School, and Mrs. Lori Rolke, Head of Middle School. Alumnus Gavin Perryman ‘17, also returned to campus to share lessons learned in his time away from Good Shepherd. As our graduates look ahead to high school in the fall, they proudly carry with them not only the warm memories gained, but the traditions of service and scholastic excellence we hold dear at GSES.

Gavin Perryman, Good Shepherd Class of 2017 alumnus, is a recent graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, with a degree in Sports Management, and three-year Longhorn basketball player. He returned to campus to depart wisdom, and some hard truths, to the class of 2024 as they start their next chapter.

Graduation Speaker 2024

Gavin Perryman

Lesson #1 Life is not fair.

I promise you in some form or fashion, extreme hardships will inevitably enter your lives. What matters most is how you choose to respond to these difficult times. Will you sulk and let it drag you down for days, weeks, or months? Or will these challenges ignite a fire that can propel you into a more successful future? … I’ve learned that although many of us have been dealt a tough hand, what truly matters is how we respond. Through everything, true toughness is the ability to respond positively to hardships and doing so will help you become a much better person, friend, and human being.

Lesson #2

Don’t ever let anyone tell you what you can or can’t be in life.

… Don’t worry about the opinions of others. Control what you can control and always believe in yourself no matter the circumstances. ...

Lesson #3

There

is a special connection between hard work and success.

Those who truly work hard for their goals have a much better chance of being successful compared to those who do not. … My hope is for you to find something you truly love and feel passionate about, and work extremely hard to improve everyday in that area. Success is not guaranteed, but I promise that you will not regret the work you put in and you will have a much better chance at success than those who do not put in similar effort.

Lesson #4 Life is about making memories.

… The memories you make with the people you love will stay with you forever - make sure to do everything you can to maximize those opportunities.

Iva Cate Cutler will attend Ursuline Academy of Dallas next year as a member of the Class of 2028.

Class of 2024

Iva Cate Cutler

Following graduation, four eighth grade students were invited back to campus to reflect on their years at Good Shepherd at the Board of Trustees sponsored luncheon for faculty and staff on May 24. Excerpts of their speeches appear on the following pages.

Ever since Pre-K, I knew I had a second home at Good Shepherd Episcopal School. This school embodies what I want to be when I grow up, which is a good person. … The teachers support students through the entire year and the students encourage one another to believe in themselves, and persevere through the rough patches.

... Good Shepherd [empowers students] not to have fear and failure control your learning or how you view yourself as a student. We are all human, we are bound to make mistakes, but we have two options when we make them: either dread the mistakes, or learn from them and become a better learner.

... There have been many times where I have made mistakes in answering questions, getting low grades on tests and quizzes, and just not being the best version of myself. But those mistakes led me to go in early and talk to the teacher about what I was not understanding about the lesson,

and they helped me get stronger on [the curriculum] … eventually making the grades that I wanted, and being the student I had been striving to be all year.

So, I say thank you to all of my teachers that inspired me to become the best version of myself ... they kept believing in me through it all, and I really appreciate each and every one of them.

Alex Dougan will attend Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas next year as a member of the Class of 2028.

Class of 2024

Alex Dougan

For the past 11 years, Good Shepherd has been my second home, and I can honestly say, I haven’t regretted a single moment of it. As I look back on my time here, I’m filled with a mixture of nostalgia and sadness knowing that this chapter of my life is coming to a close. Reflecting on my years here, several words come to mind: character growth, family, and discipline. ... Each of these has played a significant role in shaping my Good Shepherd journey, and the person I am today.

... I recognize a sense of character growth in myself, and in each and every one of my classmates. Good Shepherd does a phenomenal job of providing leadership opportunities for self-improvement and to grow as individuals, whether it be as a leadership mentor, a house leader, or giving students the chance to attend a leadership camp. ...

The relationships that I have developed with my teachers, administrators, coaches, and friends in this community have given me a strong foundation of family. I have been nurtured here. My teachers have gone to great lengths to recognize my academic and artistic passions and grow my potential. ...

Don’t let me give you the wrong impression though, because Good Shepherd hasn’t been all nurturing and

warm blankets. In fact, our sleeping bags on COE were so cold you would wake up with ice on your lips! But as you can see, it didn’t kill me, or even give me frostbite. Instead it encouraged me to adapt to hard times, and gave me a sense of discipline. Quoting Ms. Vawter, “Discomfort is not dangerous.” COE has taught me to keep pushing, even if carrying a 40 pound backpack with wet socks isn’t the most comfortable thing in the world, you have to keep climbing up the mountain to see the beautiful view from the top. ...

As I stand here today, about to take the next step on my journey, I am filled with gratitude. Good Shepherd has been more than just a school; it’s been a place where I’ve discovered who I am and what I can do. …

Long will attend Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas next year as a member of the Class of 2028.

Carter

Class of 2024

Carter

Long

When I arrived at Good Shepherd in kindergarten, I think I was a little bit scared. My family had just moved to Dallas from Washington D.C. I was in a new place, with new people, and a whole new life. Luckily for me, I had come to the right place. Good Shepherd instantly felt like home. …

Good Shepherd has been a second home for me these past nine years. Here I have made some of my very best friends; I have made unforgettable memories; and I have made some unbreakable bonds with my teachers. Some people may say that school is just the same boring cycle of waking up, learning, and repeating, but not at Good Shepherd. We are taught to learn, serve, and lead. These three principles have helped me grow into who I am today.

If there is one thing I will take away from my years at Good Shepherd, it’s to be a friend to others because, with time, it will serve you well. My friendships with peers and teachers have been exceptionally beneficial to me throughout my time here.

The teachers at Good Shepherd always make sure to do whatever they can to ensure that their students succeed, and have a lot of fun in the process. … I will never forget my amazing years at this school, and all of the memories I made along the journey. ...

I want to thank all of our incredible, and hardworking staff members, whether it’s teachers, coaches, administrators, or staff. No one in the class of 2024 would be where they are today without your guidance and support. ... I will take the lessons and values that I have learned here into my future high school endeavors. Good Shepherd students will leave these hallways having the confidence to learn, serve and lead. Remember, “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.”

Camy Valadez will attend Greenhill School next year as a member of the Class of 2028.

Class of 2024

Camy Valadez

Every day for seven years, my dad would walk in and wake me up at 6:15 to get ready for school. I dreaded leaving the house and driving 30 minutes to get there, but deep down, part of me was excited to be going. Seeing all my friends, my supportive teachers, and learning new things every day, whether it was a new formula in math, or a piece of advice. I felt like I was at home.

Growing up with my classmates and watching us all change over the years was truly something I am forever grateful for. Every single teacher I’ve had during my time here has always been supportive and I could never say anything negative about any of them. Whether it was struggling to learn trigonometry functions in Mrs. Clapp’s math bootcamp, or singing “Mi Burrito Sabanero” in Sra. Uribe’s class, I always had fun with whatever we were doing. ...

I also can’t forget about the GSES coaches, specifically Coach Roney. She always believed in me, and had me try new events [I wouldn’t have tried] if not for her. I was terrified…but she encouraged me the whole time to push through and to do my best. I specifically want to thank every single one of my homeroom teachers in Lower School and advisors in Middle School for being there for me, and helping me become the person I am today. Thank you for helping me get out of my comfort zone.

Another way of getting out of your comfort zone is hiking with a backpack while gaining 12,000 feet of elevation in a couple of hours. The Classroom of the Earth program will always have my heart. ... If there’s anything I learned while I was on COE trips, it was that being selfless is one of the most important assets a person can have. The mentorship program also taught me a lot of things about myself, and how responsible I can be. …

Leaving Good Shepherd is like leaving a piece of myself. I’m excited to start a new chapter in my life, but it’s also scary leaving the only place I’ve really known behind. … I’m excited to have a fresh start, and I’ll miss being here every day, but in the wise words of Sra. Uribe, “You can always come back home.”

Congratulations! CLASS OF 2024 GRADUATES

AAYAN AGARWAL Parish Episcopal School

ANNA ALBERT Hillcrest High School

DEVEN CAGLE Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas

JET COCOTOS Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas

BRYCE BOOHER Ursuline Academy of Dallas

CAROLINE BRADSHAW The Hockaday School

ALESSA CAMU Ursuline Academy of Dallas

STEFAN CHAMPAGNE Greenhill School

ANDREW CHRISTIAN Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas

FIELD COLLINS Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas

MASON COOK De La Salle High School

LEAH CROFFORD Ursuline Academy of Dallas

LILY DUNWOODY Ursuline Academy of Dallas

IVA CATE CUTLER Ursuline Academy of Dallas

ALEX DOUGAN Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas

DARBY DUNN Ursuline Academy of Dallas

LUKE FOGEL Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas

FINN GAULT Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas

CARTER GAVIN Ursuline Academy of Dallas

REX GRABHAM Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas

ELIZABETH GROEN Parish Episcopal School

LOREN HADEN Bishop Lynch High School

HUNTER HAGEN Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas

VIRGINIA HOUSTON Ursuline Academy of Dallas

HENRY HODGES Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas

LIAM HOWARD Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas

NATE HURRY Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas

CLAIRE JACKSON Ursuline Academy of Dallas

AMELIA JOHNSON Ursuline Academy of Dallas

ELI JONES Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas

JUNE KAHN Ursuline Academy of Dallas

CHARLIE KENNINGTON Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas

KONRAD KOWALCZYK Parish Episcopal School

HADLEY KRUEGER Ursuline Academy of Dallas

KATE LANDIS Ursuline Academy of Dallas

DAX LENNOX St. Mark’s School of Texas

CARTER LONG Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas

MARISA MASICA Ursuline Academy of Dallas

PRICE MEYERS St. Mark’s School of Texas

CALEB MORALES Parish Episcopal School

REX NELSON Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas

MIETTE NOURALLAH Ursuline Academy of Dallas

JUDGE PLATT Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas

NICOLAS RAMOS Greenhill School

ANDREW SZYGENDA John Paul II High School

WALKER ROBERTS Lone Star High School

LILAH MAE ROTTER The Hockaday School

CAMY RUSSELL Ursuline Academy of Dallas

SERENA SACHEDINA Greenhill School

WILLIAM SCOTT Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas

GRACE SELLS Ursuline Academy of Dallas

BRYNN SMITH The Hockaday School

HUDSON STILES Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas

EVI TAYLOR Ursuline Academy of Dallas

MADELINE THOMAS Ursuline Academy of Dallas

CLAIRE TRESE Ursuline Academy of Dallas

CAMY VALADEZ Greenhill School

CICI WALTERS Ursuline Academy of Dallas

AVERY WHITE Highland Park High School

KATIE ZEIGFINGER Culver Girls Academy

Class of 2024

PROUDLY ACCEPTED TO THE FOLLOWING HIGH SCHOOLS

Bishop Lynch High School Culver Girls Academy De La Salle High School

Greenhill School Highland Park High School Hillcrest High School

The Hockaday School Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas

John Paul II High School Lone Star High School Parish Episcopal School

St. Mark’s School of Texas Ursuline Academy of Dallas

CLASS OF 2020

College Bound!

California

Chapman University (2)

Loyola Marymount University

Stanford University

Oregon

Oregon State University

Colorado

University of Colorado Boulder

Oklahoma

The University of Oklahoma (3)

Texas

Southern Methodist University

Texas A&M University (4)

Texas Christian University (3)

The University of Texas at Austin (7)

Boulder

Congratulations Alumni!

The GSES Class of 2020 heads off to college this year. We are so proud of our graduates! Here are just some of the colleges and universities they will be attending:

Ohio

The Ohio State University

Kansas

University of Kansas

New York

Colgate University

New York University (2)

Indiana

University of Notre Dame (2)

South Carolina

Clemson University

Alabama

Auburn University

Mississippi

University of Mississippi (2)

T TALITY AWESOME

On April 8, classrooms and offices emptied as students, faculty, and staff gathered in the courtyard and other open spaces around campus in preparation of the total solar eclipse. Wearing custom GSES t-shirts, a hush fell as darkness descended and the sun slipped behind the moon. Campus lights flickered on - and a joyous roar rippled through the crowd - as participants shed their eclipse glasses and gazed directly at the sky and the sun’s aura. A truly awe-inspiring once-in-a-lifetime celestial event!

A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, casting a shadow on Earth that either fully or partially blocks the Sun’s light. Dallas was the largest city in the path of totality for the once-in-a-lifetime Great North American Eclipse. The last total eclipse in Dallas happened in 1878 and the next won’t be until 2317!

Good Shepherd Parents’ Organization

A Q&A with the Executive Board

On behalf of the Good Shepherd Parents’ Organization (GSPO), we want to welcome you to the 2024-25 school year! In many ways, we as parents are just beginning to look ahead to the start of school, however the GSPO has been working toward kicking off new initiatives since turnover meetings began in May. These initiatives support the school through community engagement and fundraising, enhancing the experiences for our students, faculty, and staff.

You may have asked yourself, “How do I become a member of the GSPO?” or have thought “How can I get more involved?” As a parent at Good Shepherd, you are automatically a member of the GSPO, it’s just a matter of finding the volunteer opportunity that fits your interests and availability! For many new parents, joining a new community can be daunting. Even for a GSES veteran, volunteering with the GSPO may not have been something you’ve ventured into yet. The GSPO provides a warm and welcoming place to truly feel a part of the GSES family!

As your 2024-25 GSPO Executive Board, we represent almost every grade across our community. Collectively, we have spent more than two decades as GSES community members, many of us with kids that started in PDO or Pre-K, and we are honored to be contributing to our school’s lasting legacy.

HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED WITH GSPO?

As a GSES parent, you’re automatically a member of the GSPO. We have opportunities to volunteer at any level that may suit your availability or interests. Serve at the school for an hour during Super Dads’ carpool, help the Chaplain, or assist with Grandparents’ Day. We’d love to have you! Would you like to put your party planning skills to use and spend time getting to know other parents? Join the committee for Auction, Carnival, or Community Building! You can spend as little or as much time volunteering as your schedule allows.

WHAT IS THE GSPO EXECUTIVE BOARD?

The GSPO Executive Board is comprised of a President and four Vice Presidents. Your 2024-25 Executive Board members are:

Celeste McClatchy, President (mom to Stella-8th, Evelyn-4th)

Elizabeth Bilton, VP Fundraising (mom to Caroline-5th, James-3rd)

Riley Greer, VP Finance (mom to Reid and Rhett-2nd, Rynne-Kinder)

Jenny Landry, VP Activities (mom to Jay-6th, Cade-4th)

Stephanie Stoutner, VP Communications (mom to Jack-1st)

WHAT IS THE GSPO BOARD?

The GSPO Board is composed of approximately 50 parent volunteers. Each leadership position is a one-year appointment, overseen by a member of the GSPO Executive Board. Some positions for larger events and initiates have elect years that serve as a shadow under the current chair for the following school year. The team of GSPO Board members leads the efforts for Grade Level Chair and Room Parent coordinating, chairing Valentine’s Candygrams, Angel Tree Service Outreach, Back to School Bash, and organizing on campus volunteers for library duty, admissions, and art room assistance, just to name a few.

WHERE DO THE FUNDS RAISED BY THE GSPO GO?

In any given year, funds have a specific designation toward projects that enhance our community’s shared experience at GSES. The GSPO has funded initiatives including the revamp of Nichols Hall and Mackey Chapel, as well as turfing the courtyard and building the new deck. For the next three school years, all funds raised by the GSPO will benefit the Fit For Our Future comprehensive campaign, which will replace Trinity Hall Gymnasium.

HOW CAN I CONTRIBUTE?

Every contribution, no matter how large or small, holds immense value. Scan the QR code to complete our quick volunteer survey and a GSPO Board member will reach out to see how you can support the school through GSPO efforts!

HELP GOOD SHEPHERD GET FIT FOR OUR FUTURE!

Fit For Our Future is a campus-wide fundraising campaign that will replace Trinity Hall.

The new, 14,983-square-foot multi-use facility, featuring a regulation-sized gymnasium, will be used for daily physical education classes, sporting events, and school community gatherings. It will also include a new space for Classroom of the Earth, all while ensuring the safety and security of our campus.

2023-24 SCHOOL YEAR

Middle School Awards

Middle School students are eligible to earn a special recognition award in core, fine arts, and exploration classes. These awards are based on a variety of factors including academic performance and efforts, growth and progress shown throughout the course, and a demonstration of excellence in specific assignments, projects, or tests. Behavior, leadership qualities, and a student’s character are also considered. Awards are determined by teachers for their individual classes.

8TH GRADE AWARDS

Head of School Award

Athlete of the Year Award

Bob Kohler Citizenship Award

IVA CATE CUTLER CARTER LONG

PRICE MEYERS SERENA SACHEDINA

HENRY HODGES

CARTER GAVIN

REX NELSON BRYNN SMITH

JET COCOTOS FIELD COLLINS VIRGINIA HOUSTON JUNE KAHN JUDGE PLATT MADELINE THOMAS

The eighth grade citizenship award was named in honor of Bob Kohler, Good Shepherd Headmaster from 1995-2011.

ACADEMIC & CLASSROOM AWARDS

8TH GRADE AWARDS

Scholastic Achievement Award

ANNA ALBERT

Scholastic Achievement in Music, Science and Spanish

MASON COOK

Scholastic Achievement in Art, Faith Studies, Mathematics, and Spanish

CARTER LONG

Scholastic Achievement in Faith Studies, Music, Science, and Spanish

Scholastic Achievement in Faith Studies, Science, Social Studies, and Spanish

REX NELSON

Scholastic Achievement in Art, English, Mathematics, and Social Studies

ANNA ALBERT

Significant Achievement in English and Mathematics

Excellence in Design Thinking

Exploration Class

Special Recognition for commitment to “School House Rock Live Jr.”

BRYCE BOOHER

Outstanding Achievement in Mathematics

Excellence in Media Arts Exploration Class

CAROLINE BRADSHAW

Outstanding Achievement in English

Excellence in Design Thinking Exploration Class

DEVEN CAGLE

Outstanding Achievement in Art

Excellence in Design Thinking Exploration Class

ALESSA CAMU

Significant Achievement in Theatre

STEFAN CHAMPAGNE

Outstanding Achievement in Mathematics

Special Recognition for commitment to “School House Rock Live Jr.”

JET COCOTOS

Outstanding Achievement in Faith Studies

Significant Achievement in Music

FIELD COLLINS

Outstanding Achievement in Music

Significant Achievement in Spanish

Excellence in Media Arts

Exploration Class

Special Recognition for commitment to “School House Rock Live Jr.”

MASON COOK

Significant Achievement in English

LEAH CROFFORD

Outstanding Achievement in Social Studies

Significant Achievement in Art

IVA CATE CUTLER

Outstanding Achievement in Spanish

Significant Achievement in Faith Studies and Social Studies

ALEX DOUGAN

Significant Achievement in Music and Social Studies

LILY DUNWOODY

Excellence in Math Bootcamp Exploration Class

LUKE FOGEL

Significant Achievement in Science

Special Recognition for commitment to “School House Rock Live Jr.”

MARISA MASICA

FINN GAULT

Outstanding Achievement in English

Excellence in Media Arts

Exploration Class and Math Bootcamp Exploration Class

CARTER GAVIN

Outstanding Achievement in Social Studies

Significant Achievement in English

REX GRABHAM

Outstanding Achievement in Art Excellence in Media Arts Exploration Class

ELIZABETH GROEN

Outstanding Achievement in Theatre

LOREN HADEN

Significant Achievement in Science

HENRY HODGES

Outstanding Achievement in Music

VIRGINIA HOUSTON

Outstanding Achievement in Theatre

Significant Achievement in Spanish

LIAM HOWARD

Outstanding Achievement in Mathematics

Significant Achievement in Music and Social Studies

ELI JONES

Significant Achievement in Spanish

Special Recognition for commitment to “School House Rock Live Jr.”

JUNE KAHN

Outstanding Achievement in English and Social Studies

HADLEY KRUEGER

Outstanding Achievement in Science

DAX LENNOX

Outstanding Achievement in Spanish Significant Achievement in Art

CARTER LONG

Excellence in Design Thinking Exploration Class

MARISA MASICA

Significant Achievement in Theatre

CALEB MORALES

Outstanding Achievement in Science and Theatre

REX NELSON

Special Recognition for commitment to “School House Rock Live Jr.”

MIETTE NOURALLAH

Significant Achievement in Art Special Recognition for commitment to “School House Rock Live Jr.”

JUDGE PLATT

Outstanding Achievement in Social Studies

Special Recognition for commitment to “School House Rock Live Jr.”

NICOLAS RAMOS

Outstanding Achievement in Theatre

WALKER ROBERTS

Excellence in Design Thinking Exploration Class

Special Recognition for commitment to “School House Rock Live Jr.”

8TH GRADE

LILAH MAE ROTTER

Outstanding Achievement in Art

Excellence in Media Arts Exploration Class

CAMY RUSSELL

Outstanding Achievement in Faith Studies

Special Recognition for commitment to “School House Rock Live Jr.”

BRYNN SMITH

Outstanding Achievement in Music Excellence in Media Arts Exploration Class

HUDSON STILES

Special Recognition for commitment to “School House Rock Live Jr.”

EVI TAYLOR

Outstanding Achievement in Theatre Excellence in Math Bootcamp Exploration Class

MADELINE THOMAS

Significant Achievement in Mathematics Excellence in Design Thinking Exploration Class

CLAIRE TRESE

Outstanding Achievement in English Significant Achievement in Science

CAMY VALADEZ

Special Recognition for commitment to “School House Rock Live Jr.”

AVERY WHITE

Significant Achievement in Mathematics

ACADEMIC & CLASSROOM AWARDS

7TH GRADE AWARDS

Citizenship Award

Scholastic Achievement Award

BROOKE BACKOFEN

Scholastic Achievement in Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Spanish

AVA CHUNG

Scholastic Achievement in English, Mathematics, Science, and Spanish

PHOEBE CURLETTI

Scholastic Achievement in Art, English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Spanish

AVERY LONG Scholastic Achievement in English, Music, and Theatre

CHRISTINE SALMASSIAN Scholastic Achievement in English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Spanish

ANDREA ARCE

Outstanding Achievement in Music

BROOKE BACKOFEN

Excellence in Financial Literacy Exploration Class and Numbers and Beyond Exploration Class

PEYTON BRADY

Significant Achievement in Art and Social Studies

Excellence in Financial Literacy Exploration Class

VEDA CAGLE

Significant Achievement in Art Excellence in Podcast Power Exploration Class

NINA CANALES

Outstanding Achievement in Social Studies

Significant Achievement in Mathematics

NINA CANALES

PHOEBE CURLETTI

MICHAELA HENDRICKS

WILLIAM HIDELL

NATE HUDDLESTON

JACKSON MCCABE

MARIA CHARALAMBOPOULOS

Excellence in Speech Exploration Class

AVA CHUNG

Excellence in Speech Exploration Class

PHOEBE CURLETTI

Excellence in Counting for Kindness Exploration Class

HARPER DICKSON

Outstanding Achievement in Art and Science

Excellence in Podcast Power Exploration Class and Speech Exploration Class

LILLY DUNBAR

Significant Achievement in Social Studies

BEN DURGIN

Significant Achievement in Social Studies

ABIGAIL EPKER

Significant Achievement in Science and Spanish

KATE GONSOULIN

Significant Achievement in English

MICHAELA HENDRICKS

Outstanding Achievement in Theatre Excellence in Podcast Power Exploration Class

WILLIAM HIDELL

Significant Achievement in English

NATE HUDDLESTON

Outstanding Achievement in Mathematics and Theatre

Significant Achievement in Art

Excellence in Financial Literacy Exploration Class

CHARLIE KIRK

Significant Achievement in Spanish Excellence in Podcast Power Exploration Class

WYATT KIRKPATRICK

Excellence in Financial Literacy Exploration Class

MATTHEW KRAUSS

Significant Achievement in Social Studies

YVIE LAMPL

Significant Achievement in Theatre

AVERY LONG

Excellence in Counting for Kindness Exploration Class and Numbers and Beyond Exploration Class

CHARLOTTE MARTIN

Excellence in Financial Literacy Exploration Class

CAROLINE MCAFEE

Significant Achievement in Science and Spanish

Excellence in Numbers and Beyond Exploration Class

KATE MCALEXANDER

Outstanding Achievement in Spanish Excellence in Financial Literacy Exploration Class and Speech Exploration Class

JACKSON MCCABE

Outstanding Achievement in Spanish

Significant Achievement in Mathematics and Science

Excellence in Numbers and Beyond Exploration Class and Speech Exploration Class

7TH GRADE

STELLA MCCLATCHY

Excellence in Podcast Power Exploration Class and Speech Exploration Class

GAGE MCCOMBER

Outstanding Achievement in Music and Theatre

LILY MOORE

Outstanding Achievement in English and Social Studies

Significant Achievement in Mathematics Excellence in Counting for Kindness Exploration Class and Podcast Power Exploration Class

EVIE RODAKIS

Significant Achievement in Theatre

MIRAI SHIBAGAKI

Significant Achievement in English

CHARLOTTE SMITH

Significant Achievement in Mathematics

ELLIS STARR

Outstanding Achievement in Art

CHARLIE STREET

Significant Achievement in Theatre

STELLA THOMPSON

Outstanding Achievement in Theatre

TREY TOMASO

Outstanding Achievement in Music

WYATT VELTKAMP

Significant Achievement in Spanish

ACADEMIC & CLASSROOM AWARDS

6TH GRADE AWARDS

Citizenship Award

Scholastic Achievement Award

JORDAN ELDER

Scholastic Achievement in English, Music, and Social Studies

SAWYER PLATT

AVA GRIFFITTS

Scholastic Achievement in English, Mathematics, Music, Spanish, and Theatre

GRACE RICHESIN

MIERS MCCREA

Scholastic Achievement in Art, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies

Scholastic Achievement in Art, Music, Physical Education, and Science

Scholastic Achievement in English, Mathematics, Physical Education, Science, and Social Studies

KATE MCCULLOUGH

Scholastic Achievement in English, Physical Education, Social Studies, and Spanish

JACKSON ROWLEY

Scholastic Achievement in English, Mathematics, and Social Studies

LANDON CARROLL AVA GRIFFITTS

LAYLA HAMBERLIN

SAWYER PLATT

GRAHAM TOWNSEND KINLEY WELSH

MILLAN BAKSHI

Significant Achievement in Music

CASEY BLANKENSHIP

Significant Achievement in Theatre

PIPER BLANTON

Outstanding Achievement in Science and Theatre

Significant Achievement in Mathematics and Social Studies

Excellence in Hispanic Culture Exploration Class

CHARLOTTE BROCK-UTNE

Outstanding Achievement in Theatre

Significant Achievement in English

EMILY CAMPBELL

Outstanding Achievement in Spanish

LANDON CARROLL

Outstanding Achievement in Science

CODY COCOTOS

Significant Achievement in Spanish

JONES DALLMAN

Outstanding Achievement in Art

Significant Achievement in Music

CAROLINE DILLARD

Outstanding Achievement in Science

Excellence in Math Bootcamp Exploration Class

EMMY DUNWOODY

Outstanding Achievement in Music

Significant Achievement in Mathematics, Science, and Spanish

TATE FOSTER

Outstanding Achievement in Art

AVA GRIFFITTS

Significant Achievement in Social Studies Excellence in Hispanic Culture Exploration Class

SEBASTIAN GROVER

Outstanding Achievement in Theatre

LAYLA HAMBERLIN

Significant Achievement in Science Excellence in Hispanic Culture Exploration Class

ARCHER JOHNSON

Significant Achievement in Art

KATE MCCULLOUGH

Excellence in Math Bootcamp Exploration Class

MEG MORSE

Excellence in Math Bootcamp Exploration Class

LAYLA NAPPER

Significant Achievement in Art and Spanish

RAEGAN NEUHOFF

Significant Achievement in English Excellence in Innovations through the Ages Exploration Class

SAWYER PLATT

Significant Achievement in Social Studies and Theatre

Excellence in Math Bootcamp Exploration Class

6TH GRADE

GEORGIA SECKER

Significant Achievement in Science

OWEN SECKER

Outstanding Achievement in Art

EMMA SERBER

Significant Achievement in Art, English, Mathematics, and Science

FINLEY THOMPSON

Outstanding Achievement in Mathematics

GRAHAM TOWNSEND

Outstanding Achievement in Science and Spanish

Excellence in Innovations through the Ages Exploration Class and Math Bootcamp Exploration Class

ELLA VICK

Outstanding Achievement in Theatre

KINLEY WELSH

Significant Achievement in Theatre Excellence in Innovations through the Ages Exploration Class and Math Bootcamp Exploration Class

HUNT WILLIAMS

Significant Achievement in Spanish

ACADEMIC & CLASSROOM AWARDS

5TH GRADE AWARDS

Citizenship Award

BRYNLEY BROOKS EMILIA BRUNO

Scholastic Achievement Award

RYAN APPLEBY

Scholastic Achievement in Mathematics, Science and Social Studies

ZOE CONCORS

Scholastic Achievement in Music, Science, and Spanish

JONNY DOYLE

Scholastic Achievement in Language Arts, Physical Education, and Social Studies

CHRIS WOODS

Scholastic Achievement in Art, Mathematics, and Social Studies

RYAN APPLEBY

Excellence in Reflections and Connections Exploration Class

ARYA BILECKI

Outstanding Achievement in Music

JAMES BRADSHAW

Outstanding Achievement in Spanish

BRYNLEY BROOKS

Outstanding Achievement in Physical Education

Significant Achievement in Science and Social Studies

ZOE CONCORS

Excellence in STEM Exploration Class

CAROLINE COOK

Outstanding Achievement in Physical Education and Music

Excellence in Passion Pursuit Exploration Class

LUCIANA CHAMPAGNE

JONNY DOYLE

FINN GAFFORD JAY LANDRY

CATIE COOPER

Significant Achievement in Language Arts

Excellence in STEM Exploration Class

JONNY DOYLE

Significant Achievement in Art

ANDREW ENOCH

Outstanding Achievement in Spanish Significant Achievement in Music

HUNTER FLORENCE

Outstanding Achievement in Art and Spanish Excellence in STEM Exploration Class

GRACE FORD

Outstanding Achievement in Music

Significant Achievement in Mathematics

FINN GAFFORD

Outstanding Achievement in Art and Science

Excellence in STEM Exploration Class

ANNIE GAVIN

Outstanding Achievement in Mathematics

Significant Achievement in Science Excellence in Reflections and Connections Exploration Class

ELISE HAYES

Significant Achievement in Art

ZAHIN HUSSAIN

Outstanding Achievement in Art

JAY LANDRY

Outstanding Achievement in Science Excellence in Reflections and Connections Exploration Class

BROOKE LONG

Outstanding Achievement in Social Studies

SOPHIA MAHTANI

Outstanding Achievement in Language Arts

ARIANNA MALPHURS

Excellence in STEM Exploration Class

ELLE MCALEXANDER

Outstanding Achievement in Mathematics

AUDEN MCCABE

Outstanding Achievement in Music

CAROLINE MCKEE

Outstanding Achievement in Social Studies

ATHAN NAHATIS

Excellence in Passion Pursuit Exploration Class

HENRY PEACH

Excellence in Passion Pursuit Exploration Class

FINNEGAN POTTS

Outstanding Achievement in Spanish Excellence in Passion Pursuit Exploration Class

5TH

GRADE

LILY RODRIGUEZ

Significant Achievement in Science

SALMA SALVAGGIO

Excellence in Passion Pursuit Exploration Class

CHARLIE SCHARDIN

Outstanding Achievement in Mathematics and Science

WELLS SIMMONS

Significant Achievement in Spanish Excellence in STEM Exploration Class

HANNAH SUIT

Outstanding Achievement in Language Arts

JACKSON TRESE

Excellence in Passion Pursuit Exploration Class

CONNOR VOLKMAN

Significant Achievement in Social Studies

RIGGIN WESLEY

Significant Achievement in Art

EMERSON WHALEN

Significant Achievement in Mathematics

2023-24 HEAD OF SCHOOL HONOR ROLL

Good Shepherd Scholars are 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students who maintained their place on the Head of School Honor Roll for all three trimesters of the 2023-24 school year.

This major accomplishment demonstrates self-discipline, conscientious attitude, and dedication to intellectual inquiry. Congratulations!

6th Grade

Piper Blanton

Landon Carroll

Caroline Dillard

Emmy Dunwoody

Jordan Elder

Tate Foster

Zeke Franklin

Ava Griffitts

Elliott Koppa

Kate McCullough

Meg Morse

Layla Napper

Sawyer Platt

Grace Richesin

Jackson Rowley

Finley Thompson

Graham Townsend

Charlie Waddell

Kinley Welsh

7th Grade

Andrea Arce

Brooke Backofen

Maria Charalambopoulos

Ava Chung

Phoebe Curletti

Harper Dickson

Kate Gonsoulin

Caroline McAfee

Kate McAlexander

Stella McClatchy

Lily Moore

Eva Novakowski

Christine Salmassian

Stella Thompson

8th Grade

Anna Albert

Bryce Booher

Stefan Champagne

Andrew Christian

Jet Cocotos

Field Collins

Mason Cook

Iva Cate Cutler

Alex Dougan

Darby Dunn

Finn Gault

Liam Howard

Eli Jones

Hadley Krueger

Dax Lennox

Carter Long

Marisa Masica

Rex Nelson

Walker Roberts

Brynn Smith

Claire Trese

Festival of the Arts

April 18, 2024

The 2024 Festival of the Arts was a one-of-a-kind showcase and celebration of the arts by our remarkably gifted and talented students, led by our fine arts faculty - Ms. Lori Walters and Ms. Kate Foster - and artfully presented by GSPO. The creativity, passion, and energy of nearly 600 students was a sight to behold. Between the glow-in-the-dark immersive experience, poetry readings, and first-ever food-as-art craft in our SPARQ Lab, the night was an undoubted success. We look forward to its next return in 2026!

“I

have nature and art and poetry, and if that is not enough, what is enough?” - Vincent van Gogh

8th Grade Poetry Slam

April 24, 2024

During the month of April - recognized as National Poetry MonthGood Shepherd eighth graders aptly immersed themselves in a wide variety of poetry, culminating in a Poetry Slam. After studying works from poets like William Shakespeare and Brandon Leake, students were tasked with writing and performing a poem on any topic of meaning, either individually or with a partner. Poems could rhyme or be in free verse, were required to contain at least three different literary devices, and be performed between 90 - 180 seconds. Congratulations to Elizabeth Groen who was named the 2024 Poetry Slam Champion for her poem “Beaches or Mountains”!