2026 VOLUME II
T H E G O O D S H E P H E R D E P I S C O PA L S C H O O L M A G A Z I N E
GOOD NEWS MAGAZINE 2026 Volume II
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BUILT FOR IMPACT
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CHAPEL TALKS
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VISION STATEMENT
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CLASS OF 2026
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2026 GRADUATION SPEAKER
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FACULTY & STAFF MILESTONES
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CLASS OF 2022: COLLEGE BOUND
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MIDDLE SCHOOL AWARDS
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A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS
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CLASSROOM OF THE EARTH
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LEADERSHIP
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AROUND CAMPUS
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BUILT FOR IMPACT By Julie McLeod, Ph.D. Head of School
The completion of the Fit For Our Future building project and the opening of Hopkins Gymnasium mark an exciting and meaningful moment in the life of Good Shepherd. For years, our community imagined, planned, prayed, gave, adjusted, waited, and worked toward this day. What began as a vision has now become a reality: a place where our students gather with friends, move freely, learn together, compete, celebrate, and grow. There is something powerful about seeing students enter a new space for the first time. Their energy fills the room before any scoreboard lights up or whistle blows. They notice the size, the brightness, the possibilities. They run, laugh, look around, and begin almost immediately to make the space their own. In those moments, the years of planning and construction give way to the project's real purpose. This space was built for them. I am deeply grateful for the generosity, vision, patience, and faith of the many families, donors, faculty, staff, trustees, alumni, and friends who made Fit For Our Future possible. Our community delivered in a powerful way, not simply because we completed a building project, but because we invested together in the life and future of our school.
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As we celebrate this milestone, I find myself returning to an
evidence of our Portrait of a Graduate coming to life. They
important question: What are we really building?
represent years of partnership among families, teachers, coaches, advisors, mentors, and friends. They remind
Of course, we are building spaces. We are building athletic
us that children are shaped over time through countless
facilities, a Classroom of the Earth learning environment,
moments of encouragement, challenge, belonging, and
classrooms, gathering areas, and places of safety,
care.
movement, joy, and connection. We are also building spaces that reflect our commitment to the growth and well-
The completion of Fit For Our Future is not a finish line.
being of children.
It is an investment in future generations. The gymnasium will host games, practices, performances, assemblies,
But Good Shepherd has never been only about bricks and
celebrations, and ordinary school days that become lasting
mortar. Students have always been at the heart of our
memories. It will be a place where students gather, try, fail,
school. Every space on our campus exists to support the
cheer, lead, serve, and grow.
deeper work of shaping lives. In classrooms, students learn to think deeply and ask thoughtful questions. In Chapel,
The greatest measure of its success will never be the
they practice prayer, reflection, gratitude, and belonging.
building itself, but the lives shaped within it.
On playgrounds and fields, they learn teamwork, courage, resilience, and joy. In the new gym, they will discover what it
Fit For Our Future reminds us what we can accomplish
means to push themselves, encourage one another, recover
together. The graduates featured in these pages remind
from disappointment, celebrate effort, and experience the
us why we do it. Every gift, every volunteer hour, every
strength of community.
lesson taught, every prayer offered, and every act of encouragement contribute to the formation of young
The spaces matter because students matter.
people who are equipped and eager to make a meaningful impact on the world around them.
In this issue of the Good News magazine, you will read Chapel Talks from three of our Class of 2026 graduates.
As we close another school year and look toward the
Their voices provide a beautiful reminder of why our work
next, I do so with deep gratitude and great hope: May
matters. In their reflections, we hear students thinking
we continue to build wisely, love generously, and remain
honestly about who they are, what they have experienced,
faithful to the sacred work of forming children for lives of
what has challenged them, and what they hope to carry
purpose, service, and joy. ·
forward. These talks reveal identity, growth, and perseverance. They show students learning to name their experiences with courage and clarity. They show empathy, reflection, gratitude, humor, faith, and hope. They remind us that the impact of a Good Shepherd education is seen not only in what students know, but in who they are becoming and how they respond to the world around them. It is especially fitting that as we open a new physical space on campus for students to grow and gather, we also hear the voices of graduates reflecting the deeper work of formation taking place within them. Their words are
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VISION STATEMENT
students leave Good Shepherd equipped and eager to make a meaningful impact on the world around them
Several years ago, our community undertook the important work of defining the outcomes we hope for every Good Shepherd graduate. That work became our Portrait of a Graduate, a shared picture of the qualities, values, and dispositions we believe prepare students for lives of purpose, service, and impact. We named our desire for students to thrive with confidence and character, embrace intellectual curiosity and creativity, value all voices, respect the environment, and embody a servant’s heart. Out of that work emerged a simple but powerful vision: that Good Shepherd students leave our school equipped and eager to make a meaningful impact on the world around them. Those words continue to guide us today. They remind us that a school’s picture of success must extend beyond academic achievement alone. We absolutely want our students to be strong readers, writers, mathematicians, scientists, historians, artists, athletes, and thinkers. However, we also want them to become people of character and compassion, people who know how to listen, serve, lead, wonder, create, and contribute. The words “equipped and eager” matter. Our students need the preparation, skills, habits, and confidence to make a difference. They also need the desire and belief that their gifts matter, their voices matter, and their choices can bring goodness into the world around them. This is the daily work of Good Shepherd. Every lesson taught, relationship formed, challenge overcome, and opportunity embraced contributes to this larger goal. Our mission, values, programs, worship, traditions, and learning environments all work together to form students who can learn with confidence, serve with compassion, and lead with courage. ·
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READY FOR THE NEXT SEASON
2026 keynote graduation speech By Dori Araiza Class of 2001
Graduates, you did it! You survived Middle School. That’s a
For me, that includes faith and the knowledge that God is
championship season right there. So much work went into
with me when I make decisions. Let those values be your
putting you right where you are today. But remember, how
coach on the sidelines.
you got here and where you are going is a journey. Years from now, you won’t remember most of the final …I credit a lot of my success to learning and exploring who
scores. You won’t obsess over the test you bombed or the
I am and understanding what I enjoyed and didn’t from my
party you missed. What you will remember is how you felt.
time at Good Shepherd. One thing I have learned is that
Were your teammates kind? Were you kind? Did you have
regardless of where you are in life or what you are doing, at
fun? Did you lift others up when they were having a rough
the core we are all athletes, even if we never step foot on a
game?
traditional sports field. I was never the kid with the best grades. Grades can open Some of you crush it in soccer, basketball, or track. Others
doors, but they don’t define you, and they definitely don’t
are athletes in the classroom, on the stage, or mastering
define your success. Be the first one in and the last one out.
the art of teenage TikTok choreography. But here’s what
Show up in ways other people do not. You’re entering a
matters: your teammates are your friends and family. Your
place in your lives where work ethic matters most. Make the
training is showing up every day—studying, practicing,
study session, take the extra training, explore an internship,
pushing through tough days. Your game days are the tests,
and work harder than everyone around you.
the projects, the moments when you have to perform. And the best part? You get to decide what kind of athlete you
My first internship was a short one at 13 years old in the
want to be.
marketing closet at SELF Magazine (which sadly doesn’t exist today). I helped with shipping samples and organizing
That’s the real question as you head to high school: Who
products. I found something I loved, and I kept going back
do you want to be? You don’t need to have your entire
for more, continuing with internships at the Fashion Industry
future mapped out. I certainly didn’t. What you do need is a
Gallery, Vanity Fair, and Saks Fifth Avenue. Don’t be afraid
strong set of values and a good compass.
to learn from the ground up. Setting a good foundation builds successful people for the future.
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Finding yourself is supposed to feel a little uncomfortable.
also remember showing up at the boys' basketball tryouts
I still remember the first time I ever had to give a speech
and being turned away after trying to convince the coaches
in Mr. Burgess’ seventh-grade English class. He taught me
that girls should also be able to play basketball with the
how to stand, how to pause, how to deliver, and keep my
boys.
composure. We were all learning together. It was hard, awkward, and uncomfortable. I overcame feeling nervous
That’s the same mindset I took into my career. I started in
about speaking to people during that year. Going through
marketing at L’Oréal in New York, then founded my own
that made me learn we are more alike than we are different.
advertising firm, Neil Media Group. I’ve had wins and
You all share these same experiences.
losses, learning moments, and plenty of days where I had to train harder and adjust the game plan. Life keeps giving you
Being an athlete is hard work. None of it ends up being
new seasons. High school is your next season.
worth it if you can’t have some fun! Some of my favorite memories from my time at Good Shepherd happened
So as you step into this next chapter, take the good with
on those Classroom of the Earth trips. Chocolate chip
you—the memories, the friendships, the lessons, the faith,
quesadillas at 9,000 feet in Colorado. Learning to say the
and the fun. Lose the rest: the pressure to be perfect,
alphabet backward as we looked for ways to entertain
the unnecessary drama, and the idea that one bad game
ourselves during a hike. And of course, that “interesting
defines your season. It doesn’t.
person” we met in Big Bend National Park. Those trips taught me how to laugh at myself and be a good teammate
Class of 2026, you are ready. You’ve already shown you can
even when the plan was unpredictable. The friendships and
train, compete, reflect, and grow. Now go play the next
people you meet along the way are equally as important
season like the champions you are—create, inspire, build,
as the journey. My best friend today, Colleen Byrne, is a
lead, and have an absolute blast doing it.
friend I made at Good Shepherd. When you leave here, not everything will change. Some of what you built will always
Congratulations! Go make this next chapter unforgettable. ·
be the same. Look for ways to set yourself apart. It’s so easy to find ways to fit in, but look for ways to stand out. When everyone goes left, you go right. When we worked on creating Dallas
Dori Araiza, a Southern Methodist University alumna, began
Trinity FC, we intentionally didn’t put a star in our logo
her professional career in 2009 in marketing at L’Oréal in
or use green and blue as our colors. Our logo stands out amongst other Dallas sports teams because we’re different. We also decided to do something [different] by calling the Cotton Bowl Stadium home. The fair has historically been dominated by men’s sports. Everyone knows Texas/ OU and the State Fair Classic match between Grambling State University and Prairie View A&M. We claimed the last Saturday of the fair and crowned it the State Fair of Texas
New York before founding Neil Media Group, her own advertising firm, in 2011, representing top publications including Allure, Inc. and Modern Luxury’s national portfolio. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she is deeply involved in her community, formerly serving as the President of the Preston Hollow Early Childhood Association and currently as a committee member for the Cattle Baron’s Ball. She is also a co-chair of the Catholic Foundation, having helped raise more than $1 million for
Clásico when we played Club América and set a new state
charitable causes. A mother of four, Dori coaches two of her
record for the highest-attended professional female sports
children in soccer alongside her father, Jim Neil, reflecting
event in Texas with over 28,000 attendees. Stand out,
her family’s shared passion for sports. Together, the Neil
create a new path.
family founded Dallas Trinity FC, the city’s first professional women’s soccer team, and earlier this year, she was named
During my time at Good Shepherd, I played soccer and basketball, and ran track. I loved playing on the coed soccer team; some of my favorite memories came from that. But I
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to the Dallas Business Journal’s 40 Under 40.
CHAPEL TALKS
by the Class of 2026 By Leigh Ann Brown Faith Studies Teacher
At the heart of our Middle School experience lies an opportunity for students to reflect on the values, challenges, and experiences that have helped shape who they are: the Eighth Grade Chapel Talk. Far more than just a public speaking assignment in their Faith Studies course, these capstone projects represent a milestone moment for our students. It is a time when students step up to the lectern during Chapel to share a piece of their hearts—reflecting on the lessons they’ve learned, the hurdles they’ve overcome, and the ways they have grown during their time at Good Shepherd. This year, our eighth graders blew us away with their honesty, wisdom, and vulnerability. In this special feature, we are proud to showcase three remarkable speeches from the Class of 2026. The following voices represent the spirit of our entire graduating class: resilient, self-aware, and deeply grounded. We invite you to read, reflect, and be inspired by their words.
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CHAPEL TALK Jordan Elder will attend The Hockaday School next year as a member of the Class of 2030.
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I AM WORTHY Jordan Elder Class of 2026
Have you ever feared you weren’t enough? Looked in the
This reminded me that even if I don’t feel like myself, don’t
mirror and saw someone different than the person you
feel like I'm enough, the Lord will call me His, deeming me
pictured? I am here to talk to you about how true worth is
perfect in His eyes. He will pick me up, carry me through
found in something bigger than yourself.
the battles I can’t fight, and hold the burden I tried so hard to bear. To know that He is always by my side, fighting my
I’m not going to lie, applications for high school stink.
battles and lending me His shoulder to cry on, brings me an
There are interviews, school shadow days, and of course,
immense amount of peace and comfort. Even though I may
the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE). But worst
feel weak, He sees me, and when I feel I don’t belong, He
of all, essays. How many ways can you describe yourself as
tells me with absolute certainty that I am His.
awesome? How many times can you hype yourself up and convince others that you're perfect for their school? While
Even though we didn’t deserve it, God sent His only Son
this sounds like a minor problem, it really wasn’t to me.
to die on the cross for us, paying the ultimate price for our sins. God chooses us, just as we choose Him. His grace is
As I wrote all these amazing attributes about myself, I
sufficient, because even when we make mistakes, or we
started to question. Is this really me? Am I truly writing
sometimes act like the person we don’t want to be, God
about the person I am, or the person I aspire to be?
forgives us. He picks us up and dusts us off, sending us on
Because believe me, there’s a difference. I started to
the right path.
wonder if I was just creating this fictional character, someone only living in the story of her dreams. I
While I sometimes doubt who I am, wondering if I’m failing
desperately wanted to be the girl I thought I saw, but
at being my best self, I can turn to God to realize who I
sometimes she felt so far away.
truly am. I am a daughter in Christ, a child of God, and I will never stop being loved by Him. I am moved by Him
So I turned to God. I opened my Bible and tried to find
and through Him, my actions exemplifying His testimonies;
something to hold on to, to make me remember I am
acting as the hands and feet of God.
all that I say I am. I prayed, and the answer came to me through this verse, 2 Corinthians 12:9. “But He said to me,
Because in the end, I am everything I say I am, through
‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect
Christ who strengthens me. He says I am worthy, and
in weakness.’” That last part really stuck with me—“for my
therefore I am and always will be. So whenever you look in
power is made perfect in weakness.”
the mirror, remember that there is someone behind you, ready to back you up and build you up.
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CHAPEL TALK Nicole Ramos will attend Parish Episcopal School next year as a member of the Class of 2030.
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MISTAKES ARE NOT THE END OF THE STORY Nicole Ramos Class of 2026
Everyone has made at least one mistake. A mistake, by
Achievement in Art and Excellence in Numbers and Beyond
definition, is an action or judgment that is misguided or
Exploration.
wrong, like when you forget your homework assignment or to study for a test. I personally made mistakes like these
Currently, I have improved beyond what I ever thought I
many times when I was in fifth and sixth grade.
could do—lowering the number of assignments I miss and doubling down on properly studying for quizzes and tests.
At the beginning of my Middle School years, I did a pretty
And for the first time since starting Middle School, I made
good job of keeping up with my assignments since they
the Honor Roll during the first semester, a reward for all that
started off easy, so I didn’t really have to put my best foot
hard work and improvement.
forward. By my second trimester, I was forgetting to do assignments left and right, especially in math and Spanish.
Hopefully, after you’ve heard about my struggles,
My grades started to go downhill, and I was worried that I
procrastination, and eventual success, you feel a bit better
wouldn’t be able to move on to sixth grade, but I buckled
about that one late grade. But I also hope you learn from
down and passed. You would think I would have learned
your own mistakes and never give up on yourself; you can
from my past mistakes, but I didn’t. I was developing a
always improve.
pattern of doing my work one day, then forgetting the next. What I really have come to understand is that making In sixth grade, I started staying up late to try to finish my
mistakes isn't the end of the world. They actually point
assignments, and if I didn't, I’d have to constantly rely on
out what you need to fix, like how I had to get better at
my WIN time to get them completed. That meant that if
managing my time and studying the right way. Looking
I wanted to see a teacher, I couldn’t because I was busy
back at those discouraging fifth and sixth grade moments
finishing homework due next period. I needed to make up
makes me appreciate how much I’ve changed. Once I
for my errors somehow.
decided to stop messing around and really committed to getting better, big wins felt possible. The awards are cool,
In seventh grade, I knew I had to focus and take
but the best part is knowing that all that hard work and
responsibility for the mistakes over the last two years.
perseverance turned my mistakes into a story of success.
My first trimester still wasn’t so great, but my second and third showed improvement as I managed to earn my first two academic awards in seventh grade: Outstanding
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CHAPEL TALK Yash Reddy will attend The Episcopal School of Dallas next year as a member of the Class of 2030.
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JUST KEEP PUTTING ONE FOOT IN FRONT OF THE OTHER Yash Reddy Class of 2026
Have you ever felt like you can’t go further? Or felt like you
Everyone was tired, and for me, my legs were aching, and I
wanted to give up? Well, I have. It’s not exactly the best
felt like I couldn’t take another step forward.
feeling. At this point, everyone was walking at their own pace. I This all happened last August on the eighth grade COE trip
was in the middle, alone, with one group about a half-mile
in Colorado. Unfortunately, the weather on the hikes was
in front of me, and another a mile behind me. I stayed on
unforgiving, and it poured incessantly. Our first day started
the trail, but felt lost. No one was in sight, and I felt like
with a rainy 6.5-mile hike to our campsite. When we got
giving up.
there, we set up tents and had dinner. There was a lot of rain overnight, and some even got into our tent. The next
Just when I thought I was completely lost, I turned the
morning, we had to go 3 miles uphill.
corner, and I saw people in the distance. Not only was it my group, but there were more people hiking the trail. After
This wasn’t the hard part of the story. While it took us
all these days, I’d made it back. Getting to that van was a
some time to get up there, we arrived with minimal issues.
huge relief, but the real win was the lesson I took home.
Temperatures had dropped to 20 degrees overnight, and they wouldn’t rise much the following day. On top
That whole COE experience—the freezing cold, the
of that, we had wet sleeping bags. We awoke to the
nonstop rain, the aching legs, and feeling totally lost—
coldest morning yet; a cloud of fog surrounded us and
taught me what perseverance actually means. In that
the mountains. I didn’t feel like God was on my side. After
moment when I wanted to quit the most, I remembered 2
some thought, our leader, Coach Corso, said that due to
Chronicles 15:7: “But as for you, be strong and do not give
the extreme cold, we would be heading back a day early.
up, for your work will be rewarded.”
I was relieved, but also knew we had 10 miles to cover before we got back to the van; 10 miles of limited breaks
That's not just a verse for a tough hike; it’s a promise for
and more cold, wet weather.
every hard thing we face. We all have our own 10-mile treks—those times when the fog sets in, and you feel
Motivated, our group gathered our things and started our
completely by yourself. But here’s the truth: your effort is
return hike. We kept hiking until we hit our first overnight
never wasted, and the reward is always worth the struggle.
camping spot. We took a short break and we were back up
Just keep putting one foot in front of the other. Because
again. We didn’t stop again until we hit the 2.5-mile mark.
even though there might not be a van, there will always be something to reward you at the finish line. ·
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Congratulations!
CLASS OF 2026 GRADUATES
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MILLAN BAKSHI The Episcopal School of Dallas
CAMRYN BAZAN Ursuline Academy of Dallas
CASEY BLANKENSHIP The Episcopal School of Dallas
PIPER BLANTON Ursuline Academy of Dallas
CHARLOTTE BROCK-UTNE The Hockaday School
EMILY CAMPBELL Trinity Christian Academy
LANDON CARROLL The Episcopal School of Dallas
JAMES CASE John Paul II High School
CODY COCOTOS Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas
CARSON DEMLER Memorial High School
CAROLINE DILLARD The Episcopal School of Dallas
EMMY DUNWOODY Ursuline Academy of Dallas
JORDAN ELDER The Hockaday School
GUS FLUME Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas
TATE FOSTER Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas
ZEKE FRANKLIN Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas
ZOIE FREESE Ursuline Academy of Dallas
MORGAN GIRARD J.J. Pearce High School
AVA GRIFFITTS Trinity Christian Academy
SEBASTIAN GROVER Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas
MICHAEL HAAS Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas
LAYLA HAMBERLIN Bishop Lynch High School
LIAM HUCKIN The Episcopal School of Dallas
MAC HUDSON Bishop Lynch High School
ARCHER JOHNSON Culver Girls Academy
GIGI KENNINGTON Ursuline Academy of Dallas
ELLIOTT KOPPA Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas
RYAN MA Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas
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KATE MCCULLOUGH The Episcopal School of Dallas
MADI MILAM Greenhill School
MEG MORSE Ursuline Academy of Dallas
JJ MOSER Greenhill School
SAWYER PLATT Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas
NICOLE RAMOS Parish Episcopal School
YASH REDDY The Episcopal School of Dallas
GRACE RICHESIN Ursuline Academy of Dallas
SEBASTIAN RIOS Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas
JACKSON ROWLEY The Episcopal School of Dallas
AGNES RUMBAUSKAS Ursuline Academy of Dallas
CONNOR RUSSELL Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas
LANDRY SCHUTZE Highland Park High School
GEORGIA SECKER Ursuline Academy of Dallas
OWEN SECKER Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas
EMMA SERBER The Hockaday School
AVA SHAHEEN Ursuline Academy of Dallas
MAX SINGLEY Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas
LUCAS SZYGENDA Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas
FINLEY THOMPSON Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas
GRAHAM TOWNSEND Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas
SERENA ULLAL Ursuline Academy of Dallas
ELLA VICK Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing & Visual Arts
CHARLIE WADDELL The Episcopal School of Dallas
CHARLOTTE WARD Ursuline Academy of Dallas
KINLEY WELSH Trinity Christian Academy
HUNT WILLIAMS Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas
HUDSON WOODS Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas
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Class of 2026 PROUDLY ACCEPTED TO THE FOLLOWING HIGH SCHOOLS Bishop Lynch High School Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing & Visual Arts Culver Girls Academy · The Episcopal School of Dallas · Greenhill School Highland Park High School · The Hockaday School · J.J. Pearce High School Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas · John Paul II High School Memorial High School · Parish Episcopal School · Trinity Christian Academy Ursuline Academy of Dallas
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FACULTY & STAFF MILESTONES
2025-26 school year
RETIREMENT AWARDS 13 YEARS Kathleen Rojas Front Desk Coordinator
SERVICE AWARDS 5 YEARS
15 YEARS
Felice Carr
Jennifer Anderson
Paige Hutchinson
Kate Foster
Daniel Luevanos
Leslie Roetzel
Dr. M. May
Hortencia Trevizo
Kaylee Pavelka
Lori Walters
Elizabeth Schmitt Lauren Younger
10 YEARS Krystin Blount
20 YEARS Andy Blount Amanda Neuschafer
Maria Brito
25 YEARS
Sophie Kinney
Kevin Vaughn
Casey Martin Lori Rolke Armando Sanchez
30 YEARS David Jameson
Marcela Uribe
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CLASS OF
2022 •••••••••••••••
e g e l l o C nd! u o B
Missouri Colorado
Washington University in St. Louis Cade Kirby
Colorado School of Mines Michael Groen Sam Kennington
University of Colorado Boulder James Johnson
California Chapman University Creede Williams
Santa Clara University Pilar Hoitsma
University of California, Irvine Marcus Kim
University of San Diego Abby Angel
Oklahoma The University of Oklahoma Lucas Mayer Rachela Rhodes Logan Vafa
Texas Baylor University Avery Garner
Southern Methodist University Reva Donepudi Shervin Khalilkhani Brookes Spurgin
Stephen F. Austin State University Kristen Land
Texas A&M University Major McMullen Henry Taylor Shrika Yogeswaran
Texas A&M University at Galveston Harber Lampl
Texas Christian University Maya Stewart Sophie Stewart
Texas Tech University Ausley Albert Cooper Jensen
The University of Texas at Austin Luke Cutler Preston Johnson JJ Kinzer Grant Reed Mary Rae Ryan Holden Spurgin Emily Zeigfinger
Trinity University Jacob Martinez
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Arkansas The University of Arkansas Landry Johnson Presley Williams
CONGRATULATIONS ALUMNI! The Class of 2022 heads off to college this year. We are so proud of our graduates! Here are some of the colleges and universities they will be attending: Wisconsin University of Wisconsin–Madison Thuy An Dao
Indiana Massachusetts
Indiana University Yates Grabham William Wayne
Berklee College of Music Hayden Coats
Boston University Emma Mosley
New York New York University Megan Czuchlewski
Pratt Institute
Leyla Burduroglu
Syracuse University Natasha Zbiljic
Virginia University of Virginia McKinley Nelson
Tennessee Belmont University
Tula Charalambopoulos
University of Tennessee Greyson McComber George Miller
Georgia University of Georgia Ryan Hagood Ella Scott
Alabama Louisiana Tulane University Weber Hamilton
Auburn University
Mississippi University of Mississippi Hunter Hudson Charlotte Kimble
Harry Dow Ella Fogel Lyla Huddleston William Raggio Tripp Rhodus
University of Alabama Wesley Lancaster Harrison Stiles
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A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS: Hopkins Gymnasium By Mary Duncan & Andy Blount Director & Assistant Director of Development
Excitement filled the air on Tuesday, May 19, as nearly 1,000
The new facility will serve many important roles on campus.
students, faculty and staff, parents, grandparents, alumni,
Students will use the gym for PE classes and athletic events,
and community members gathered together to celebrate a
while the school community will also gather for school-wide
historic moment for our school: the official Ribbon-Cutting
functions, dances, performances, and special events. In
Ceremony of our new Hopkins Gymnasium.
addition to serving as a hub for school activities, the new gym serves as a Category 5 storm shelter, providing a safe
Cheers erupted as the ribbon was cut, marking the
and secure space for the entire school community during
culmination of a campaign that began three years ago.
severe weather emergencies.
What began as a vision for the future has become a reality: a place where students will learn, compete, celebrate, and
Guests at the ceremony also heard from several Good
grow for generations to come.
Shepherd students, who shared personal experiences from when there was “no gym” and expressed their excitement
The journey to build this facility was powered by incredible
for the beautiful new facility. Alumni in attendance reflected
generosity and teamwork. Countless donors contributed
on how exciting it was to see the school continue to grow,
gifts of all sizes, while many others gave generously of
while younger students cheered, imagining the memories
their time, talents, and support throughout the campaign.
they would create inside the new space.
Every contribution played an important role in bringing this project to life.
This grand opening of Hopkins Gymnasium represented far more than bricks and beams. It represented our community.
“The Hopkins Gymnasium is so much more than a building,”
It represented a shared investment in the future of our
said Head of School Julie McLeod, Ph.D. “Created with
students and in all that they will become. The energy,
love and care for every member of our community, the new
laughter, and school spirit our students bring to this space
space allows children to move freely, gather with friends,
will truly make it come alive for years to come.
and thrive, while providing safety and security when it
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matters most. This gymnasium reflects who we are and
Congratulations, Good Shepherd! We are FIT FOR OUR
honors all the ways we live our mission each day.”
FUTURE! ·
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GOOD SHEPHERD LEADERSHIP
2025-26 school year Board of Trustees
Leadership Team
Paula Hart President
Julie McLeod, Ph.D. Head of School
Tara Flume Vice President Ken Moore Secretary Laura Kelsoe Vestry Representative The Rev. Michael Mills Rector Julie McLeod, Ph.D. Ex-Officio Member
Jessica Allen Vince Bratton Kim Cocotos Jodie Elder Tom Garrison Julie Harvey Becky Hopkins Justin Kimble Andrew Lauck Ben Mimmack Sawako Miyama Wyn Smith Claire Strange Erin Tate Jason Winford
Krista Volkman Chief Financial & Operating Officer Moira Burgy Director of Teaching & Learning Mary Duncan Director of Development Candie Esch Director of Marketing & Communications Liz Fleskes Head of Early Childhood Jessica Grant Assistant Head of Middle School Casey Martin Head of Lower School Dr. M. May Director of Community & Belonging Amy Melle Director of Academic Technology Jennifer Meyers Director of Admission Lori Rolke Head of Middle School Catherine Scott Director of Innovation
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2025-26 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
JORDAN ELDER
TATE FOSTER
AVA GRIFFITTS
SAWYER PLATT
Athlete of the Year Award
CAROLINE DILLARD
FINLEY THOMPSON
Bob Kohler Citizenship Award
CHARLOTTE BROCK-UTNE
EMILY CAMPBELL
LANDON CARROLL
SEBASTIAN GROVER NICOLE RAMOS
JACKSON ROWLEY
The eighth grade citizenship award was named in honor of Bob Kohler, Good Shepherd Headmaster from 1995-2011.
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A C A D E M I C & C L A S S R O O M AWA R D S Scholastic Achievement Award
JORDAN ELDER For excellence in Faith Studies, Mathematics, Spanish, and Theater
AVA GRIFFITTS
For excellence in Faith Studies, Mathematics, Music, Science, Social Studies, and Spanish
MILLAN BAKSHI Significant Achievement in Mathematics CAMRYN BAZAN Significant Achievement in Theater CASEY BLANKENSHIP Excellence in Math Bootcamp; Special Recognition for commitment to "Little Mermaid, Jr." PIPER BLANTON Outstanding Achievement in Faith Studies; Significant Achievement in Art and English; Excellence in Design Thinking Exploration Class; Special Recognition for commitment to "Little Mermaid, Jr." CHARLOTTE BROCK-UTNE Outstanding Achievement in Science and Theater; Significant Achievement in Mathematics and Spanish EMILY CAMPBELL Outstanding Achievement in Science and Spanish; Significant Achievement in Music
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KATE
MCCULLOUGH For excellence in English, Mathematics, and Spanish
SAWYER PLATT
For excellence in Art, English, Faith Studies, Mathematics, and Spanish
LANDON CARROLL Outstanding Achievement in Music and Science; Excellence in Math Bootcamp; Special Recognition for commitment to "Little Mermaid, Jr." CODY COCOTOS Outstanding Achievement in Art and Social Studies; Excellence in Media Arts Exploration Class; Special Recognition for commitment to "Little Mermaid, Jr." CARSON DEMLER Special Recognition for commitment to "Little Mermaid, Jr." CAROLINE DILLARD Outstanding Achievement in Science EMMY DUNWOODY Significant Achievement in Spanish JORDAN ELDER Excellence in Math Bootcamp
GRACE RICHESIN
For excellence in English, Faith Studies, Music, Science, Social Studies, and Spanish
JACKSON ROWLEY For excellence in Art, English, Faith Studies, and Social Studies
TATE FOSTER Outstanding Achievement in Art and Spanish; Significant Achievement in Social Studies; Special Recognition for commitment to "Little Mermaid, Jr." ZEKE FRANKLIN Outstanding Achievement in Mathematics; Significant Achievement in Music and Science ZOIE FREESE Significant Achievement in Faith Studies AVA GRIFFITTS Excellence in Design Thinking Exploration Class; Special Recognition for commitment to "Little Mermaid, Jr." SEBASTIAN GROVER Outstanding Achievement in Theater; Excellence in Media Arts Exploration Class and Math Bootcamp; Special Recognition for commitment to "Little Mermaid, Jr."
8TH GRADE
MICHAEL HAAS Outstanding Achievement in English LAYLA HAMBERLIN Significant Achievement in English LIAM HUCKIN Significant Achievement in Theater MAC HUDSON Significant Achievement in Mathematics; Excellence in Media Arts Exploration Class ARCHER JOHNSON Significant Achievement in Faith Studies and Theater; Excellence in Design Thinking Exploration Class GIGI KENNINGTON Significant Achievement in Music ELLIOTT KOPPA Significant Achievement in Social Studies RYAN MA Outstanding Achievement in Mathematics; Special Recognition for commitment to "Little Mermaid, Jr." MADI MILAM Outstanding Achievement in Art; Significant Achievement in English; Special Recognition for commitment to "Little Mermaid, Jr." MEG MORSE Outstanding Achievement in Science and Social Studies; Significant Achievement in English and Faith Studies; Excellence in Design Thinking Exploration Class and Media Arts Exploration Class JJ MOSER Significant Achievement in English and Science; Special Recognition for commitment to "Little Mermaid, Jr."
SAWYER PLATT Excellence in Media Arts Exploration Class; Special Recognition for commitment to "Little Mermaid, Jr." NICOLE RAMOS Significant Achievement in Art, Faith Studies, and Social Studies YASH REDDY Excellence in Math Bootcamp JACKSON ROWLEY Special Recognition for commitment to "Little Mermaid, Jr." AGNES RUMBAUSKAS Significant Achievement in Social Studies GEORGIA SECKER Excellence in Math Bootcamp
FINLEY THOMPSON Outstanding Achievement in Mathematics ELLA VICK Outstanding Achievement in Theater; Special Recognition for commitment to "Little Mermaid, Jr." CHARLIE WADDELL Outstanding Achievement in Music; Special Recognition for commitment to "Little Mermaid, Jr." KINLEY WELSH Outstanding Achievement in Social Studies and Theater; Special Recognition for commitment to "Little Mermaid, Jr."
OWEN SECKER Excellence in Design Thinking Exploration Class EMMA SERBER Outstanding Achievement in English; Significant Achievement in Spanish AVA SHAHEEN Excellence in Math Bootcamp; Special Recognition for commitment to "Little Mermaid, Jr." MAX SINGLEY Significant Achievement in Theater LUCAS SZYGENDA Outstanding Achievement in Art; Significant Achievement in Mathematics and Spanish; Excellence in Media Arts Exploration Class; Special Recognition for commitment to "Little Mermaid, Jr."
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A C A D E M I C & C L A S S R O O M AWA R D S Citizenship Award
ARYA BILECKI
JON DOYLE
HUNTER FLORENCE JAY LANDRY
CAROLINE MCKEE
HANNAH SUIT
Scholastic Achievement Award
RYAN APPLEBY For excellence in Mathematics, Social Studies, and Spanish
CHARLOTTE BUTTS For excellence in English, Social Studies, Spanish, and Theater
ANTONIO BERTO Outstanding Achievement in Science; Significant Achievement in Social Studies ARYA BILECKI Outstanding Achievement in Science and Theater; Excellence in Podcast Power Exploration Class JAMES BRADSHAW Significant Achievement in Science; Excellence in Counting for Kindness Exploration Class and Financial Literacy Exploration Class
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JON DOYLE For excellence in English, Music, Science, and Social Studies
CAROLINE MCKEE For excellence in English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Spanish
ATHAN NAHATIS For excellence in Art, Science, and Spanish
BRYNLEY BROOKS Outstanding Achievement in Spanish; Excellence in Numbers and Beyond Exploration Class
JON DOYLE Excellence in Literature, Speech, & Rhetoric Exploration Class and Math Bootcamp
CHARLOTTE BUTTS Excellence in Literature, Speech, & Rhetoric Exploration Class
ANDREW ENOCH Outstanding Achievement in Science
ZOE CONCORS Significant Achievement in Mathematics WELLS DILLARD Significant Achievement in Theater
ELLIE FERGUSON Outstanding Achievement in Music and Science; Significant Achievement in Social Studies and Spanish HUNTER FLORENCE Outstanding Achievement in Art and Music
7TH GRADE IRIS FLUME Significant Achievement in Mathematics and Science FORD FRANKS Significant Achievement in Spanish FINN GAFFORD Outstanding Achievement in Art and Theater; Excellence in Counting for Kindness Exploration Class ANNIE GAVIN Outstanding Achievement in Mathematics CECILY GURGLE Significant Achievement in English and Spanish; Excellence in Numbers and Beyond Exploration Class LEONIE GURGLE Significant Achievement in English, Science, and Spanish MAKENNA HEIL Outstanding Achievement in Music; Excellence in Counting for Kindness Exploration Class ZAHIN HUSSAIN Outstanding Achievement in Theater; Excellence in Podcast Power Exploration Class IAIN KIRKPATRICK Significant Achievement in Science NAOMI LANDIS Outstanding Achievement in Art and Mathematics; Excellence in Literature, Speech, & Rhetoric Exploration Class JAY LANDRY Outstanding Achievement in Music and Social Studies; Excellence in Financial Literacy Exploration Class and Math Bootcamp
BROOKE LONG Outstanding Achievement in Theater; Excellence in Literature, Speech, & Rhetoric Exploration Class ALI MALIK Significant Achievement in Spanish; Excellence in Financial Literacy Exploration Class and Podcast Power Exploration Class ARIANNA MALPHURS Excellence in Counting for Kindness Exploration Class CAROLINE MARSHALL Excellence in Financial Literacy Exploration Class ELLE MCALEXANDER Significant Achievement in Science AUDEN MCCABE Excellence in Literature, Speech, & Rhetoric Exploration Class and Podcast Power Exploration Class CAROLINE MCKEE Excellence in Counting for Kindness Exploration Class, Literature, Speech, & Rhetoric Exploration Class, Numbers and Beyond Exploration Class, and Podcast Power Exploration Class ATHAN NAHATIS Excellence in Financial Literacy Exploration Class and Numbers and Beyond Exploration Class DREW PARKER Outstanding Achievement in Social Studies; Significant Achievement in English, Science, and Theater; Excellence in Counting for Kindness Exploration Class
FINNEGAN POTTS Outstanding Achievement in Social Studies; Significant Achievement in Art and Theater; Excellence in Counting for Kindness Exploration Class and Numbers and Beyond Exploration Class LILY RODRIGUEZ Significant Achievement in Mathematics; Excellence in Math Bootcamp SALMA SALVAGGIO Outstanding Achievement in English and Mathematics; Significant Achievement in Art; Excellence in Literature, Speech, & Rhetoric Exploration Class CHARLIE SCHARDIN Outstanding Achievement in Mathematics; Significant Achievement in Spanish; Excellence in Numbers and Beyond Exploration Class WELLS SIMMONS Significant Achievement in Social Studies HANNAH SUIT Outstanding Achievement in English and Spanish; Significant Achievement in Art; Excellence in Literature, Speech, & Rhetoric Exploration Class CONNOR VOLKMAN Outstanding Achievement in English and Spanish; Excellence in Financial Literacy Exploration Class CHRIS WOODS Outstanding Achievement in Mathematics; Excellence in Numbers and Beyond Exploration Class
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A C A D E M I C & C L A S S R O O M AWA R D S Citizenship Award
ALLIE GROVER
ELLE HAMILTON
LIAM LYDA
PARKER NEUSCHAFER
ALEX SHAHEEN
ALYSSA STEPHENSON
Scholastic Achievement Award
LEVI BLANTON For excellence in English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Spanish
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ALLIE GROVER For excellence in Art, English, Mathematics, Music, and Spanish
SAM HODGES For excellence in Mathematics, Music, Science, and Spanish
AVA SEARS For excellence in English, Social Studies, and Theater
NORA WELSH For excellence in Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies
6TH GRADE
SOFIA ALLGOOD Outstanding Achievement in Physical Education ERICA BARNES Significant Achievement in Art
COOPER FLORENCE Significant Achievement in Social Studies
ROSE BECKMAN Significant Achievement in Science SWAYZE BERRY Outstanding Achievement in Spanish
SARA HABIB Significant Achievement in Science ELLE HAMILTON Outstanding Achievement in Art and Spanish; Excellence in Innovations Through the Ages Exploration Class
CAROLINE BILTON Outstanding Achievement in English LEVI BLANTON Significant Achievement in Theater; Excellence in Math Bootcamp HADLEY BLOUNT Outstanding Achievement in Mathematics; Excellence in Innovations Through the Ages Exploration Class HARDYN BLOUNT Outstanding Achievement in Social Studies; Significant Achievement in Theater
ALLIE GROVER Excellence in Spanish Culture Exploration Class
GEORGE HODGES Outstanding Achievement in Mathematics; Excellence in Math Bootcamp SAM HODGES Excellence in Math Bootcamp
MYLES BREKKE Excellence in Spanish Culture Exploration Class
JULIA HOUSTON Outstanding Achievement in Science and Theater; Significant Achievement in Mathematics and Social Studies; Excellence in Math Bootcamp ZACK JENSEN Outstanding Achievement in Physical Education and Science; Significant Achievement in Spanish; Excellence in Math Bootcamp
HANNAH CANETE Outstanding Achievement in English and Theater; Significant Achievement in Mathematics; Excellence in Spanish Culture Exploration Class
CATHERINE KENNINGTON Significant Achievement in Spanish LIAM LYDA Outstanding Achievement in Science
CAROLINE COATS Significant Achievement in Social Studies and Theater BENJAMIN ELMORE Excellence in Spanish Culture Exploration Class
MADELINE MARTIN Outstanding Achievement in Physical Education MIKAELA NAVARRO Outstanding Achievement in Art
PARKER NEUSCHAFER Outstanding Achievement in Art and Physical Education; Excellence in Innovations Through the Ages Exploration Class WAVERLY OGDEN Outstanding Achievement in Spanish NICO REYES Outstanding Achievement in Science and Social Studies AVA SEARS Significant Achievement in Art and Spanish ALYSSA STEPHENSON Significant Achievement in Spanish CAROLINE STREET Significant Achievement in Spanish CLAIRE STREET Outstanding Achievement in Music and Theater; Significant Achievement in Spanish; Excellence in Spanish Culture Exploration Class BECKETT WCISLO Significant Achievement in Spanish NORA WELSH Excellence in Spanish Culture Exploration Class and Math Bootcamp JUDD WILLIAMS Significant Achievement in Science HATTIE WORKS-LEARY Outstanding Achievement in Spanish; Significant Achievement in Music; Excellence in Math Bootcamp
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A C A D E M I C & C L A S S R O O M AWA R D S Citizenship Award
TRIPP ADERHOLD
EVEY DALLMAN
LOGAN GAIR
EVELYN MCCLATCHY
HENRY MIMMACK
RILEY ROLKE
Scholastic Achievement Award
CHARLOTTE KRAUSS For excellence in English, Music, Science, Social Studies, and Spanish
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EVELYN MCCLATCHY For excellence in English, Mathematics, and Social Studies
ALICE NAHATIS For excellence in Art, Music, Science, Social Studies, and Spanish
SCARLETT ROWLING For excellence in English, Social Studies, and Spanish
5TH GRADE
TRIPP ADERHOLD Outstanding Achievement in Art and Mathematics; Excellence in Passion Pursuit Exploration Class ANA BERTO Outstanding Achievement in Mathematics ZOE CAMU Outstanding Achievement in Physical Education; Excellence in STEM in the Real World Exploration Class JAC CANALES Significant Achievement in Mathematics; Excellence in STEM in the Real World Exploration Class SCOTTY CASE-MILLER Outstanding Achievement in Physical Education; Significant Achievement in Science CC CHARHON Significant Achievement in Mathematics ADDY CLEARY Excellence in Passion Pursuit Exploration Class and STEM in the Real World Exploration Class EVEY DALLMAN Significant Achievement in Science CORA ELIZONDO Outstanding Achievement in Art and Music; Excellence in Math Bootcamp KATIE FLOOD Outstanding Achievement in Spanish; Significant Achievement in Art and Science AVA HENRY Outstanding Achievement in Mathematics; Excellence in Reflections and Connections Exploration Class
CALLAN HOLLINGTON Excellence in Math Bootcamp
GWENDOLYN POTTS Outstanding Achievement in Art
JUDE HOLT Significant Achievement in English WILLIAM JONES Outstanding Achievement in Music; Excellence in Math Bootcamp
ANTONELLA RIOS Significant Achievement in Music OLIVIA ROGERS Outstanding Achievement in English and Science; Excellence in Reflections and Connections Exploration Class
CADE LANDRY
Outstanding Achievement in English MAREN LEE Significant Achievement in Spanish PEYTON LESYNA Outstanding Achievement in Art MATEO LOPEZ Outstanding Achievement in Music ASHER MALPHURS Excellence in Math Bootcamp, Passion Pursuit Exploration Class, and STEM in the Real World Exploration Class MADELYN MANZO Outstanding Achievement in Social Studies HENRY MIMMACK Significant Achievement in English and Social Studies ESTELLA MYHRE Excellence in Passion Pursuit Exploration Class and Reflections and Connections Exploration Class
RILEY ROLKE Outstanding Achievement in Physical Education and Science; Significant Achievement in Spanish
SCARLETT ROWLING Excellence in Math Bootcamp, Reflections and Connections Exploration Class, and STEM in the Real World Exploration Class OLIVER SWARTZ Outstanding Achievement in Spanish THOMAS WAYNE Outstanding Achievement in Physical Education; Significant Achievement in English and Social Studies BODIE WILLIAMS Outstanding Achievement in Mathematics and Science; Significant Achievement in Spanish HAMPTON WOODS Significant Achievement in Mathematics
LINCOLN PLATT Excellence in Math Bootcamp
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2025-26 GOOD SHEPHERD SCHOLARS Good Shepherd Scholars are sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students who maintained their place on the Head of School Honor Roll for all three trimesters of the 2025-26 school year. This major accomplishment demonstrates self-discipline, conscientious attitude, and dedication to intellectual inquiry. Congratulations!
6th Grade
7th Grade
8th Grade
Levi Blanton
Ryan Appleby
Piper Blanton
••••••••••• Hadley Blount
Hardyn Blount Allie Grover
Elle Hamilton
George Hodges Sam Hodges
Waverly Ogden Nora Welsh
Hattie Works-Leary
••••••••••• Arya Bilecki
James Bradshaw Brynley Brooks Emilia Bruno
Charlotte Butts
Luciana Champagne Jon Doyle
Andrew Enoch Ellie Ferguson
Hunter Florence Annie Gavin
Cecily Gurgle
Naomi Landis Jay Landry
Sophia Mahtani
Elle McAlexander Caroline McKee Drew Parker
Finnegan Potts
Salma Salvaggio Charlie Schardin Hannah Suit
Connor Volkman Chris Woods
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••••••••••• Emily Campbell Jordan Elder Gus Flume
Tate Foster
Zeke Franklin Ava Griffitts
Sebastian Grover
Kate McCullough Madi Milam
Sawyer Platt
Lucas Szygenda
CLASSROOM OF THE EARTH spring 2026 adventures
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AROUND CAMPUS a look back at spring 2026
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Good Shepherd Episcopal School 11110 Midway Road Dallas, Texas 75229-4118
gsesdallas.org
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