SPIRIT
Head of School
Peter Klekamp
Middle School Head
Amy Vernon
Lower School Head
Brenda Hagen
Director of Early Learning
Michele Proctor
Director of Finance
Lorie Frederick
Director of Technology
Paul Fitzgerald
Director of Advancement
Ida Thompson
Director of Admissions
Meghan Wilson ‘02
Director of Human Resources
Janet Parrish
Athletic Director
Jeremy Barlow
Director of Extended Day
Chelsi Blankenship
Director of Buildings and Grounds
Charlie Williams
Director of Communications and Marketing/Editor
Vanessa Culpepper ‘02
A Letter from the Head of School
Dear Holy Comforter Families,
It has been great to bring our “school family” back to campus and begin another fantastic school year! We are excited to welcome over eighty new students this year with an overall enrollment of 570. There is much to be thankful for in the Holy Comforter Episcopal School community as we embark on another inspiring journey together.
The summer months allow for us to rest, relax and rejuvenate for the upcoming school year. Several of our teachers and administrators traveled to Orlando to participate in Get Your Teach On & Get Your Lead On Conference which allow for educators to share their enthusiasm and passion for education and provide tips and best practices to building engaging and rigorous classrooms. We are so grateful to the Annual Fund which supports and allows us to continue to grow and shape our craft as lifelong learners and educators. We are excited to welcome our children back and implement what we have learned and work with your families in carrying out our mission which is to nourish the spirit, challenge the mind and strengthen the body of each student so they are inspired to be the difference in our world.
Our children and families made a difference earlier in the summer as we participated in the 12th annual “A Full Summer,” food event where they packed 9,000 snacks that will feed kids in need during the summer months and raised over $40,000. In June our middle school students participated in Crusaders in the Community by lending a hand at Second Harvest, Echo Outreach Ministries, Redemptive Love Farm, Villas at Killearn and with our own summer camp. For two weeks they served others and made a difference in Tallahassee. This past spring, we invited our high school senior alumni back to campus for our annual chapel service/program and an opportunity to reconnect with HCES. As a school we take great pride in staying connected and acting as “proud parents” when we learn about their next steps in life and have the opportunity to see them “all grown up.” It is a true blessing to remember our alumni as young students developing into confident young adults in the classroom. It is even more rewarding to witness the incredible individuals they have become as they head off into a new chapter in their lives.
It is a true blessing to be a part of the Holy Comforter Episcopal School family and I look forward to seeing you on campus!
Most Sincerely,
Peter M. Klekamp Head of School
Key Dates for the 2024-25 School Year
August
Back to School | August 14th
Middle School Open House | August 29th
September
Labor Day Holiday* | September 2nd
Lower School Open House | September 5th
Mother Son Night | September 13th
Spirit Week | September 30th - October 4th
October
Crusader Cup Golf Tournament | October 7th
Fall Festival | October 18th
Episcopal School Celebration | October 18th
Teacher Workday* | October 21st
Fall Book Fair | October 22nd - 25th
Lower School Halloween Parade | October 31st
November
Conference Day* | November 1st
Veterans Day Holiday* | November 11th
Grandpeople’s Day | November 26th
Thanksgiving Holidays* | November 27th - 29th
December
Fall Music Concert | December 9th
1st Grade Nativity | December 13th
Christmas Programs | December 20th
Christmas Holidays* | December 23rd - January 6th
January
Students Return | January 7th
Meet in the Middle | January 16th
MLK Jr. Holiday* | January 20th
February
Gala | February 8th
Daddy Daughter Dance | February 14th
Presidents’ Day* | February 17th
March
Talent Show | March 6th
Spring Break* | March 10th - 14th
April
Middle School Sport Banquet | April 15th
Easter Holidays* | April 18th & April 21st
Alumni and Families of Alumni Week | April 24th - 28th
Faculty / Staff Appreciation | April 28th - May 2nd
May
Spring Music Concert | May 5th
Conference Day* | May 7th
8th Grade Graduation | May 22nd
Last Day of School | May 23rd
* No school for students
Dancing Through
This year’s Camp Crusader took campers on adventures through the decades with a completely reimagined camp experience! Campers enjoyed fan favorites such as water day and the weekly field trips, but this year’s theme brought fun competitions such a the weekly lip sync battles (shout out to the 50’s -90’s music themes!), Christmas in July activities, Pirate day, Mini Mad Scientists, fun curriculum each week and much more. Camp Director Chelsi Blankenship and Hope Zagar, Alyssa House and all of the camp counselors created special experiences for families all summer. In addition, many specialty and sports camps offered activities through out the summer, taught by our teachers and coaches - such as baseball, skateboarding, Lego camp, volleyball, Cheerleading, art camps, food truck frenzy and much more.
The HCES Kindness Camp hosted a lemonade stand and raised $124.25 for the Leon County Humane Society. A check was presented to the Humane Society by 2nd Grade teacher Laura Mills and Ida Thompson, Director of Advancement.
Through the Decades Camp Crusader
Field Trips and special activities were a highlight - from Urban air to Wakulla Springs to firefighter visits, water days, cooking and more, our campers got out and about and enjoyed many hands-on activities.
Springtime Tallahassee Races 2024
We love our school and we love our city! Thank you Gulf Winds Track Club for choosing to support us through the Springtime Tallahassee run! We look forward to seeing you again next year on March 29, 2025!
On Saturday, April 6th, our HCES families and members of the track and cross country teams came out to support and run in the Annual Springtime Tallahassee races. This year, Gulf Winds Track Club (GWTC) selected HCES and our new 8-lane collegiate track as one of two not-for-profit beneficiaries of the 2024 Springtime Tallahassee Races. In June, Jerry and Jackie McDaniel, on behalf of GWTC, presented HCES with a check for over $8,000 from the 2024 races. We are so grateful to GWTC for choosing to support HCES through the Springtime Run.
We are excited the ongoing partnership between GWTC and HCES will continue to next years Springtime Races, as well! Come run with us on March 29th, 2025!
Thank you Gallegos family for getting us running on a new track, to the Zander and McDaniel families for initiating this partnership and to the Ungru family for volunteering your time and efforts to next year’s race!
A FULL Summer
Spreading the LOVE through the City
In June, members of the HCES family gathered to participate in the 12th annual, A Full Summer, food packing event. It was a huge success! The event welcomed teams to pack over 9,000 snacks that fed kids in need in our community over the summer months. The opportunity was part of the “Spreading the Love through the City” initiative to find ways our HCES parents can serve alongside their children in our local community.
Crusaders in the community
Middle School students volunteer during Crusaders in the Community week.
Again this year, Middle School teachers, Mrs. Butera and Mrs. Cheesborough joined together to offer a unique summer camp experience for our middle school students. Over the course of 2 weeks this summer, students participated in the Crusaders in the Community summer camp. Over 20 students attended each week and spent their time giving back to various organizations around Tallahassee. They partnered with Second Harvest Food Bank, Villas at Killearn Assisted Living and Memory Care, ECHO Outreach Ministries, Redemptive Love Farm and our very own HCES Summer Camp. Students worked on whatever projects the organizations needed and earned service hours in the process. It was a wonderful way to experience faith in action. We are proud of these Crusaders and their heart for our community!
1ST GRADE
Dioramas
Our 1st graders, created their very own animal research projects. They chose an animal to learn about, read about their animals, took notes, completed a research workbook and made dioramas showcasing the habitat. In April the 1st graders presented their projects to families, friends and fellow students. It was a fun hands-on way to learn and share!
7TH GRADE
STEM Fair
Our 7th graders, as part of the science curriculum created STEM Fair projects this spring, recording data, testing their hypothesis and analyzing the results. In April the 7th grade students presented their STEM Fair projects to families, friends and fellow students. The students have been hard at work on their research and experiments, testing and analyzing results, and they were excited to share their findings! Several lower school classes visited and enjoyed learning from the middle schoolers.
Welcome to HCES Meet the new faces on campus
Welcome our new faculty members and some familiar faces in new places for the 2024-2025 school year!
Ms. Martinez & Mr. Washington
This year, two very special members of the HCES community retired after years of dedicated service to the faculty, families and students of HCES.
Ms. Martinez joined HCES in 1999 as a Spanish teacher and member of the Middle School faculty, impacting many HCES students and alumni. She returned in 2010 as our Director of Admission and has done a phenomenal job transforming the department and leading the admission team over the past 14 years. She is a beloved member of our HCES family and we are so grateful for her leadership.
Mr. Washington, an adored member of our maintenance team for 16 years, retired this spring. He could be seen all over campus, helping and pitching in however needed. His joyful spirit, contagious smile and love for his Crimson Tide, made him a favorite fixture on campus where you were often greeted with “Alright” and “Roll Tide.” He will be missed in these halls and we are so grateful for his years of dedication.
Join us in wishing Ms. Martinez and Mr. Washington all the best on their retirement! Ms. Martinez and Mr. Washington
make sure to come back and visit!
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L to R: Jordan Walton - MS HOPE and PE, Irene Engelbrecht - Registrar, Heather Minnick - 2nd Grade Teacher, Charlotte Irons - PK4 Teacher, Chelsey Chaney - Kindergarten Teacher, Sarah Brown - Kindergarten Asst., Kala Homan - PK3 Teacher, Alex Long - Guidance, Dana Hill - 3rd Grade Teacher, Libby Hale - Art, Not pictured: Sherri Cox - MS Latin
We are so blessed to be a part of the culmination of building this beautiful campus that began over 25 years ago and celebrate our rich 70 year history. Please join us as thousands have done before you as we get to build a school for this generation and the next and we invite you to play your part.
Announcing the 70th Anniversary CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
Capital campaigns are fundraising efforts that allow us to make necessary additions and upgrades to our beautiful campus. The 70th Anniversary Capital Campaign will launch in the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year honoring our upcoming anniversary - a nod to past donors and now to the future. This Capital Campaign will offer opportunities to support the new track and infrastructure needed to complete the project, as well as The Commons Building - a building used by every child, every day for lunch and performing and classroom space for musicals, Opening Nights, awards programs for students and parents as well as special events, such as the annual Gala, board meetings and parent educational offerings.
You can help advance HCES through contribution to this special capital campaign, as donors have done in the past - envisioning and building the beautiful 80 acre campus we know and love today. There are naming opportunities around campus; columns, classrooms, plaques, outdoor chapel pews, buildings and more. We are excited to unveil a new naming opportunity in the entrance of The Commons, more details to come- sneak peek in the image above! We hope you will join us during this exciting time!
Annual Fund 2024 -2025
The Annual Fund benefits all aspects of campus life - each and every student and teacher at HCES - providing the essential, unrestricted support to our operating budget.
Our Annual Fund now encompasses a new Corporate Sponsorship Program for parents who would like to participate and benefit from advertising exposure through a corporate donation at 3 levels; $1,000, $1,500 and $2,500. Individuals and local companies, parent owned or not, can benefit from their business being advertising in 1, 2 or 3 areas of the campus to parents, students, away game families and the general community who uses our HCES facilities for a variety of organizations such as i9 for children athletics, AAU Basketball, Special Olympic athletes and more. Visit www.support.hces.org/hcesannualfund to learn more about this tax deductible opportunity to help advance HCES.
If you would like to participate in this important Capital Campaign for HCES or learn more about corporate sponsorships and annual giving, please email Ida Thompson, Director of Advancement at ithompson@hces.org. Naming Opportunities available.
Get Your Teach ON!
In July, several of our teachers and admin attended the “Get Your Teach On” National Conference in Orlando. This interactive and engaging professional development conference focuses on inspiring and equipping teachers and leaders with new and innovative strategies. Our team is learning all about interactive teaching methods, technology integration, and more ways to create engaging classroom environments. Professional development is directly supported by your Annual Fund donations.
“ The 2024 Get Your Teach On National Conference in Orlando was a high-energy professional development experience. We spent four days hearing from education experts and learning how to engage students while igniting their love for learning. The “Get Your Lead On” track focused on various ways administrators can empower teachers as they implement research-based strategies in their classrooms. The entire conference was truly the ultimate education celebration!
FCIS Annual Leadership Conference
Our Advancement Team, Ida Thompson (Director of Advancement) and Emily Lockard (Associate Director of Advancement) attended the annual Florida Council of Independent Schools Leadership Conference - Fundraising Institute. The conference was led by the FCIS team pictured here - Barbara Hodges, FCIS Executive Director and Bob Weston, Senior Vice President of CCS Fundraising. Ida and Emily soaked up information on the philanthropic landscape for Independent Schools, Annual Giving, and Capital Campaigns. Our team returned ready with knowledge and passion to inspire our culture of giving at HCES.
- Brenda Hagen, Head of Lower School
SMART Boards
New this year, every 5th through 8th grade classroom will be equipped with BRAND NEW Smart boards! In July, our teachers received hands on training straight from Cleartouch on how to harness the most out of these incredible smart boards for their classrooms and students!
Amy Vernon (Head of Middle School), Brenda Hagen (Head of Lower School), Jenn Bonell & Kristen Korepanov (4th Grade), Brooke Spicer (3rd Grade), & Katie Cowart (Reading Specialist) all attended the incredible summer workshop!
Congratulations, Class of 2024
On Monday, May 22nd, the Holy Comforter Episcopal School 8th grade class graduated in a ceremony held in the Student Center. The service welcomed hundreds of parents, families, and friends to a traditional chapel service followed by the presentation of awards and diplomas. They took a trip down memory lane as they watched the much-anticipated annual “8th Grade Slideshow” and closed the evening singing our beloved song, “The Lord Has a Will.” After the ceremony, graduates and their families gathered in the courtyard for a special reception organized by the Parent Association.
Prior to graduation, the eighth graders wrapped up their final months at Holy Comforter with a myriad of activities and exciting moments (see next page). Students and their families attended a Baccalaureate Ceremony where Penny the Bell was rung once for each student as their name was read aloud, a yearly tradition that has become especially meaningful to the students and their families. 8th graders walked through the buildings on campus one last time as hallways were lined with all of our students and teachers. Congratulations to the Class of 2024, our newest Holy Comforter alumni!
End of Year Events for the Class of ‘24
Each year, 8th graders celebrate their time at HCES with many end of the year traditions leading up to graduation. They were surprised with a special snack and shirt from the Alumni Association, marking their induction as new HCES alumni. During the month of April, 8th graders enjoyed special activities as a countdown to graduation, such as spontaneous playground time! In May, students and families gathered for a Baccalaureate service and bell ceremony and as a last goodbye, 8th graders ventured to Camp Weed for two days of fun and fellowship together reminiscing and reflecting on their time as students at HCES.
Baccalaureate Reception in May
Surprise Breakfast
Camp Weed
Camp Weed
Lower School Highlights
1. PK4 Rocked and Rolled for families and friends! 2. Fourth graders wrote friendly letters to people around campus and we had the full range of emotions from laughter to tears. This picture captures the impact on both those who gave and those who received!. 3. Our 4th graders took on the role of safety patrols while our 5th graders were away in Tremont 4. Kindergarten Egg Drop - a fave Easter tradition! 5. A favorite preschool event, Mr. Quincy Q and Miss Letterlight U are wed! 6. Eucharist with Mother Beth. 7. Annual Idiom Day in 3rd grade - when life gives you lemons, make lemonade! 8. 5th grade auction - the students save up 5th grade bucks all year long for a fun end of the year auction. 9. PK students ended the year with a musical performance for families and friends. 10. The annual talent show showcased the many talents of our 3rd - 5th graders! 11. The Kindergarten Author’s Tea welcomed families to a special book preview and tea. Each student wrote their very own story and read it for their classmates and families and then celebrated with a reception.
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1. Allie Winsor made it to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in late May after winning at HCES and then regionally! 2. Latin students brought home plenty of hardware from the Annual Latin Forum. 3. 8th grade Civics classes played Presidential March Madness. Starting with the Play-in Round, through the Sweet Sixteen, and all the way to the National Championship, our 45 former Presidents had the chance to advance through the bracket based on how 100+ historians ranked their performance on categories such as Crisis Management, Pursuit of Equal Justice for All, and Public Persuasion. Students learned about the qualities needed to be an effective President and had fun rooting for their favorites. The Championship game featuring President Abe Lincoln and President Franklin D Roosevelt went to overtime, and Lincoln won on a buzzer beater! 4. Our 8th grade students crossed the courtyard for a visit in our 2nd grade classrooms. The middle schoolers organized games, crafts and spent time reading with their younger peers. There were lots of laughs and new friendships were formed by the end of their time together. 5. 8th graders spend their last days together at Camp Weed. 6. 7th graders view the 2024 solar eclipse. 7. Middle school TARGET classes held their can castle competition using items they collected that were donated to the Holy Comforter Church food pantry. They had approximately 10 minutes to build their can creations. 8. TARGET Regatta Races! 9. Congratulations to the newest members of the Middle School National Junior Honor Society. Students were inducted during a special ceremony.
Middle School Highlights
Crusader Athletics
A YEAR IN REVIEW
We had a great 2023-2024 Athletic year! We celebrated 9 championships this year and one of our teams competed at the state level and finished in the top 5!
2023-2024 CHAMPIONSHIP TEAMS
Boys Soccer - Undefeated Season
Girls Cross Country - 4th Place State Finish
Boys Basketball Golf Volleyball
Baseball
Girls Basketball
Sweet Summertime! I hope you all have enjoyed a nice slow paced summer and took this time to rest your mind and bodies and enjoyed time with your families! We have had our student athletes on campus for preseason training to get ready for the 2024 Fall season. Soon you will be able to see your Crusaders in action!
As we went through a year with much success on the field, we are extremely proud of all of the hard work our student athletes have put into their respective sports. Our student athletes compete at a high level
Beach Volleyball - Undefeated Season
Tennis
on the field and off the field. A big part of our athletic program is the inclusion of all of our students, as a part of our no cut policy. This helps us build relationships and build confidence in each and everyone one of our students outside of the classroom! We had 147 student athletes participate in our program, which is 93% of our middle school student body.
We look forward to the continued growth of our Athletic program. I hope to see everyone around campus throughout the year watching our Crusaders compete on the game field! - Jeremy Barlow, Athletic Director
Athletic Banquet 2023-2024
On Tuesday, April 16, we celebrated the culmination of the HCES athletic year with an incredible evening of fellowship and awards at the annual banquet. Over 400 students and their families attended as we recognized 147 middle school student-athletes for their hard work this year across 12 sports in Crusader Athletics. Awards were given for each sport and two 8th grade students, Nicky Fiore and Bailey Dyke spoke, reflecting on their time as Crusader athletes. The final award of the night is the Timothy award.
The origins of the Timothy Award can be traced to the Book of 1 Timothy, Chapter 4, Verse 12. The Timothy Award is the highest honor that is given from our Crusader Athletic Department. It requires the nomination and support of faculty members, and is voted on by our entire middle school student body. The Timothy Award is given annually to one male athlete and one female athlete who exhibit the qualities which the Apostle Paul witnessed from his young protege Saint Timothy of Ephesus.
In spite of their youth, these Crusaders represent themselves, their families, their school and their teams in a positive way through their actions, their words, and their sportsmanship.
Male Winner: Caleb Knipple
Female Winner: Harper McKee
Thank you to everyone involved in putting together an unforgettable night for our student-athletes and their families, including our banquet chair, Colby Lindsay, and co-chair Katherine Boland! Thank you to all the parents and coaches for their time and effort each day on and off the fields. Go Crusaders!
2023-2024 IRON CRUSADERS
Lilly Scott Anway
Vivi Beckley
Day Brown
Ford Brown
Joshua Butera Kynley Cheesborough
Charlie Coughlin
Bailey Dyke
Nicky Fiore
Logan Inglese
Caleb Knipple
Bo Long
Gavin McVay
Andrew Nordby
Johnny Papuchis
Abbie Rose Shiver
Kelan Yoshikawa
Matilda, JR. the musical
Our middle school Opening Night class is a year-long elective that helps students develop skills crucial to musical theatre production and performance. These skills included acting, dancing, vocal production, singing, directing, design of props and costumes, publicity, working cooperatively as a team, and implementing time management skills. These performers, alongside their directors Mrs. Ogden and Dr. Spengler, worked all year to bring this performance to life. They had the opportunity to showcase their work for our students in several showings and performed live for families in sold out shows in The Commons.
Kindergarten Circus
Come one, come all to The Greatest Show on Earth! The Kindergarten Circus has been and HCES tradition for almost 50 years, beginning on the playgrounds off Miccosukee road years ago. The show continues to be a beloved moment and memory for our Kindergarteners as they get to choose their part and perform for families and friends. From tight rope walkers, to strong men, clowns, dancing monkeys, snake charmers and more, it truly is the greatest show!
Traditions these are the moments
May Day
The annual tradition, beloved for over 40 years, serves as a meaningful celebration for families and friends as they prepare to send the 5th graders across the courtyard to middle school. The may pole dance is performed by the girls as the 5th grade boys put on a fun dance for families each year. A special thank you to Jo Marie Olk and Cassie Brooks for organizing the beautiful reception following the special morning as part of our Parent Association.
Gala 2024
400 guests were welcomed to campus for a spectacular evening in Viva la Mexico!, celebrating the exquisite culture & cuisine to benefit our beloved school.
On Saturday, March 2, we hosted the annual Gala and live auction on our beautiful campus. This event is a time-honored tradition which positively impacts our children and teachers through monies raised each year. We gathered to celebrate ¡Viva la México! as parents, teachers, friends and families of alumni enjoyed a themed evening moving from the Commons for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres to dinner in the beautifully transformed courtyard and ventured back to The Commons for dancing and ending entertainment. The night was truly memorable and offered incredible trips, experiences, one of a kind student art and more. This year’s fundraising efforts supported The Commons Building.
A huge thank you to our incredible sponsors and gala committee. Without you, none of this would be possible. Mark your calendars and save the date for Gala 2025: Celebrating 70 Years on February 8th.
2024 Gala Committee Leaders: Molly Bader, Amanda Bell, Katherine Boland, Brandi Brown, Lauren Carpenter, Ashley Chaney, Gina Coffas, Sheesley Crilow, Lindsey Farrell, Dana Giove Holly Hensarling, Nazarae Holcombe, Kelly Jaap, Meghan Kennedy, Amanda Lewis, Randi Mackintosh, Mary-Kathryn Malphurs, Ksenia McKinney, Courtney Munroe, Megan Neal, Kathryn Rippee, Ashley Ross, Sara Santos, Robin Vernon Amy Wells, Kelton Wester, Courtney Whalen
Holy Comforter Episcopal School
Gala Committee Members
Thank you to the following sponsors and to all who contributed for their support of the 2024 Gala. We raised over $400,000!
MEXICO CITY
Better Living Solutions
GUADALAJARA
Rohan Joseph and Beth Medley
OAXACA TECHNOLOGY
First Franklin Financial Services & Hi-Tech System Associates, Inc.
OAXACA BAR
Canopy Roads Advisors
Market Square Liquors
OAXACA ENTERTAINMENT
Tallahassee Ford, Jennifer and Jack Fulford, Malarie and Eric Barineau and Erika and Patton Pennington, Heather and Chris Lowery
Lauren and Chase Carpenter, Dana and Gian Carlo Giove
OAXACA AFTERPARTY
Brittney K. Craig, DMD
OAXACA LIVE AUCTION
C.W. Roberts Contracting, Inc
CORPORATE SPONSORS
Tallahassee National Bank San Juan Inc.
The Gala Art Gallery
This year, the art gallery was transformed into an incredible work of true art with the many handmade pieces from our classes, ranging from PK3 to middle school. Art teacher, Sarah Myrick brought the vision to life and created a one of a kind experience for guests with true treasures that were auctioned during the event.
“My vision for the Gala Art Gallery was threefold: to have students think and make like famous artists of the past and now, for students to see their artwork having a greater purpose in the world, and for students to collaborate to create an artwork together. I started with an artist per grade, learned about their why and how behind creating, and shared with the students their purpose and process. Each student was able to create their own artwork and also contributed to the collaboration. It was really neat to share with students what Gala was and how their creations would contribute to the community they loved! Finally, I wanted students to feel the community-oriented nature of collaborative artwork. This opportunity gave students the ability to think and make like real artists, create with greater purpose in mind, and come together to make something they could not on their own.” - Sarah Myrick
End of Year Cookouts
Author’s Tea
Spring HAPPENINGS
This year’s Faculty and Staff Appreciation Week was incredible, led by Kelly Jaap and her committee who were at school all week to make everyone feel so special. From coffee trucks to flowers, gift cards, lunches, treats and more - the week spoiled our HCES teachers!
We would also like to thank our parent owned business sponsors who made the week possible Nikky Manausa, REALTOR at Joe Manausa Real Estate, Dr. Tiffany Malone at Big Bend Eye Care, Brown and Brown Insurance (Greg Jaap and Doug Saunders), Canopy Road Cafe (David Raney), Randi Mackintosh Psy. D., Tallahassee Memorial Health Care and Lemon & Thyme.
Thank you Appreciation Week Committee (above): Megan Neal, Mary-Kathryn Malphurs, Lauren Carpenter, Kathryn Rippee, Kelly Jaap (Chair), Malarie Barineau, Jessica Potts, Kristen Barstow. Not pictured: Megan Hansen, Rhea Oaks, Ksenia McKinney, Ashley Cote, Molly Bader, Gina Coffas, Cassie Dirks, Anna Jowers, Nazarae Holcombe, Kelton Wester, Kaley Hartman, Taylor Anne Short, Jennifer Ford, Cassie Brooks, Brandy Simmons, April Mitchell, Sheesley Crilow
Faculty Staff Appreciation Week
Low Country Boil and Blues
Pickleball Tournament
Spring JAMBOREE
The 2nd Annual Spring Football Jamboree and Powderpuff Game held on Thursday, May 2nd was a beautiful afternoon full of food, games, fellowship and football for the whole family! From the Lower School cheerleaders to the middle school announcers, there was something for everyone. The 6th - 8th grade Powderpuff game, coached by Middle School football players was a huge success and 8th grade walked away as the 2024 CHAMPIONS!
8TH GRADE BACK TO BACK CHAMPS!
School of Rock recording for the Winter Concert
Middle School announcers
7th Grade Team
6th grade powderpuff players
Little Cheerleaders
Alumni & Families of Alumni Events
Senior Alumni Reunion
Members of Holy Comforter Episcopal School’s 8th Grade Class of 2020 reunited at the annual Senior Alumni Night. The event welcomed the high school seniors to campus one last time for a traditional chapel service and reception before they begin their next chapter! Alumni ventured around campus playing on playgrounds, visiting old classrooms and leaving surprise notes for teachers. One of the best parts was seeing the parents have their own reunion of sorts. Congrats to the class of 2020, you are always part of the HCES family!
Class of 2020
Class of 2020 | college matriculation
Auburn University, Daytona State, Duke University, FAMU, Flagler College, Florida State University, Florida State University, Florida State University Honors, Furman, Hillsdale College, Louisiana State University, Southern Union to Auburn, TCC to, Texas A&M University, Texas Christian University, United States Air Force Academy, University of Alabama, University of Central Florida, University of Florida, University of Georgia. University of South Florida, University of Virginia Honors. Wake Forest University, William & Mary / St. Andrews
High School Spirit Night
In March, we welcomed high school alumni for a special afternoon on the athletics fields cheering on the Crusaders. We loved seeing so many of you back on campus and hearing about high school!
Senior Alumni Reunion 2024
Holy Comforter’s 8th grade class of 2020 graduated from local high schools. We are so proud of their accomplishments.
Alumni Class Notes
Eric Epting ‘09 is is a PGA Golf Professional at Champions Retreat Golf Club in Evans, GA. Eric and his wife Rachel had their first child, William Brooks Epting on June 1, 2023.
Tommy Scarlett ‘10 Tommy is an Electrical
Residential / Commercial Superintendent with Walsh Consulting and Electrical and has been with them 12 years
Porter Crapps ‘11 is starting his fourth year at FSU Medical School.
Catie Scarlett ‘11 graduated from FSU with a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Safety and Security - Crime Scene Investigation program. She received her Master of Science degree in Law Enforcement Intelligence in 2022. She is currently employed as a Crime Scene Investigator with Chattanooga Police Department.
Sarah Bradford ‘12 is currently working as an Associate Relationship Manager at Prime Meridian Bank in Tallahassee. She is also a student in the Master of Business Administration program at Florida State University.
Jared Pichard ‘14 is the United States Army newest paratrooper on a special forces contract called 18X. He began his special operations preparation course in July. He graduated summa cum laude in 2022 from Texas Christian University with a degree in supply chain management.
Jordan Pichard ‘15 started basic training in July and is on a special forces contract called 18X. He graduated summa cum laude in 2023 from Texas Christian University with a degree in Finance.
Grace Crapps ‘13 is starting her 3rd year at Emory and has a fellowship in Charleston, South Carolina.
Ann Marshall Weeks ‘13 graduated from the University of Florida in 2021 with a Masters in Mechanical Engineering. She married Palmer Barton Bannester Weeks III on November 10, 2023. She is currently working for Michelin and living in South Carolina
Julianna Heuchan ‘14 graduated from Randolph-Macon College (Class of 2022) as a Student-Athlete with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology. She is currently enrolled in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of South Carolina (Class of 2026).
We want to hear from you! Use the QR code to submit your alumni updates and information!
Brecht Heuchan ‘16 graduated from Randolph-Macon College (Class of 2024) Summa Cum Laude / Phi Beta Kappa as a Student-Athlete with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. He is currently enrolled in the Florida State University College of Medicine (Class of 2028).
Claire Ellen Burton ‘17 will graduate from Florida State University on August 2, 2024. She is graduating magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Criminology. During her time at Florida State, Claire was on the Dean’s or President’s List every semester.
Carson Hobbs ‘17 graduated from Florida State University this spring, joining his older brother and sister, Clayton and Hailey, as a family of FSU grads!
Mercy Crapps ‘18 is a National Scholar and biological sciences major at Clemson University This summer, she did cancer research at George Washington University. She (along with 2 fellow students) recently designed a STEM education initiative for a mobile STEM academy toolkit providing resources, volunteer support and community outreach to students in rural South Carolina winning the statewide competition.
Caleb Heuchan ’19 graduated from Maclay High School (Class of 2023). He is currently attending Savannah College of Art and Design, pursuing a degree in Animation (Class of 2027).
Beverly Elaine Ford ’20 Lainey graduated with honors from Maclay School and will be attending Wake Forest University this Fall. On her desired path to medical school she will be pursuing a degree in Health and Exercise Science.
William Proctor ‘21 was one of two representatives from Leon High School at the 2024 session of The Florida American Legion Boys State in June.
Alumni Family Social Hour
On Wednesday, March 27th, we hosted a social hour for our HCES alumni and families of HCES alumni. The evening welcomed so many wonderful members of the HCES community back to campus! Guests enjoyed jazz music by the Nygel Anderson Quartet, wonderful food by Chef Erik Fisher (an alumni parent) of Simply Entertaining and the event was sponsored by Hummingbird Wine (owned by Mairin Moore and Stuart Nagy-Kato ’00) - a very special thank you to them for their generous contributions! This was the first event to welcome families back to campus in preparation for our 70th anniversary that will kick-off next year and run through 2026! We loved seeing so many familiar faces and look forward to doing it again in the future!
L to R: Austin and Haylee Hobson, Karen and Marion Lamb
Top Left, L to R: Selby Proctor, Mike Thornal, Nancy and Tom Proctor; Above, L to R: Mary Kathryn Malphurs, Tassie Kontos Sheridan, Sheesly Crilow.
Above, L to R: Joseph McCann, Molly McCann, Logan Kinch, Sella Kinch, Scott and Sydney Epting.
L to R: Stuart Nagy-Kato and Mairin Moore, owners of Hummingbird Wine Bar who sponsored the evening
L to R: Ida Thompson, Josie Ciliberto and Nancy Proctor
2001 Fleischmann Road Tallahassee, FL 32308
Families of Alumni: Please Forward this Publication
If your son or daughter no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please notify the Advancement Office (850.383.1007) of the new mailing address as well as cell phone numbers.
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5th grade May Day is a beloved HCES tradition for over 50 years.
