ALUMNI IN THE NEWS
Kinkaid Alum to star in upcoming film James Hamrick ’11, currently enrolled in the drama department at Nebraska Wesleyan University, has landed the controversial and interesting role of Damien Echols, the alleged "ringleader" of the West Memphis Three, in Atom Egoyen’s dramatization “The Devil’s Knot.”
James Hamrick ’11
James will be supported by an all-star cast led by Colin Firth and Reese Witherspoon, as well as “The Killing” star Mireille Enos, Alessandro Nivola, Dane DeHaan, Amy Ryan, Colette Wolfe and Kris Polaha. The film is based on the bestselling book by Mara Leveritt. and follows Firth’s private detective Ron Lax, who took the case of
continued from page 31 performance, baseball game, or Boy Scout ceremony, she always made a special effort to support and get to know her advisees by recognizing the events and activities that were important to them outside of school. In addition to Mrs. Martinson’s significant contributions to the growth and development of Kinkaid’s students, her helpful and gracious demeanor characterized her time at the school. An experienced teacher with a warm sense of humor, her professionalism and patience made her an excellent official mentor to various new faculty members. She was unparalleled organizationally, and for the last several years flawlessly carried out the complicated task of coordinating the Middle School’s Honor Day. It was a privilege to work alongside Mrs. Martinson, and her colleagues, Kinkaid friends, and former students will sorely miss her as she retires from a long and beloved career in education. Congratulations and best wishes, Jackie!
MANAGING DIRECTOR OF THE KINKAID THEATRE AND MS SPEECH TEACHER NADINE BURTON-FLANDERS Contributed by Kinkaid Parent Adele Bentsen Nadine started at Kinkaid in August of 2004 as the Managing Director of The Kinkaid Theatre and Middle School Speech Teacher. Nadine's expertise in teaching speech gave her students the confidence that they needed to succeed on the stage in the Middle & Upper School Musicals and in the classroom. She also managed the Fine Arts calendar and the Kinkaid Nadine Theatres. Thank you Nadine for your genuine interest Burton-Flanders 8 years in our children and we wish you continued success!
KINDERGARTEN ASSISTANT JENNY MOORE Contributed by Kindergarten Teacher Cordie Hayden Jenny Moore came to Kinkaid in August 2006 to join the Lower School as a Kindergarten Assistant. She helped with organizational duties to ensure that the classroom could run smoothly. She especially enjoyed and excelled in creating attractive displays of student work. Her valuable participation with the Kindergarten team helped to foster an inviting, engaging and nurturing environment. Mrs. Moore Jenny Moore showed genuine interest in the lives of her students 6 years and colleagues and made a lasting impact on those who were privileged to work with her. She is retiring from full-time teaching after 25 years. This summer, she'll help coordinate the weddings of her two children. She will be missed!
Echols, Baldwin and Misskelley pro bono and was one of their earliest supporters. He eventually provided key DNA evidence implicating Nivola’s Terry Hobbs, which led to the WM3's release in 2011, 17 years after their conviction. James is currently in Atlanta, Georgia where filming started on June 25th. The movie is expected in theaters in early 2013. For more information on James' acheivements, please visit: http://bit.ly/N46ljW.
Mike Akel, who taught Upper School Introduction to Filmmaking and Advanced Filmmaking for the past three years, will be selling his two films Chalk and An Ordinary Family on various mediums including iTunes and Amazon. Alia Al-Mutawa taught Third Grade at the Lower School for three years. She now lives in London to be closer to her family. She begins her new teaching post in the fall as Learning Specialist in The American School in London working with students with learning differences. Middle School Spanish teacher Gloria Araiza has been at Kinkaid for two years. She is moving to Kansas City where her husband will begin his residency in orthopedic surgery at the KU Medical Center and where she will teach Middle School Spanish at the Pembroke Hill School. Ben Burford has been the Upper School Director of Drama for the past four years. He is moving to Austin to work on independent films Upper School Visual Arts Studio Assistant Jeanette Degollado is leaving Kinkaid after two years. Joy Deshmukh just finished her first year as part-time Upper School Science teacher. She will be staying home with her children. Lindsay Giam finished her first year at as an assistant in prekindergarten in the Green Door. She will be moving on to become a kindergarten teacher at The School at St. George Place, a Houston ISD elementary school. Heidi Kaim taught music for three years. After welcoming her first child, Eleanor, she went part-time this last year, teaching just fifth grade music. She has decided to stay home full time for now, but plans on returning to teach music in years to come. After three years of working as the Upper School History teacher and directing the school’s Habitat for Humanity Project, Jamie Lee is relocating to Austin. Middle School Debate Coach and Upper School Economics Teacher Kyle Morris is leaving Kinkaid after four years of service. He will be pursuing a MBA and attending Law School to pursue a JD. Lower School Assistant Librarian Amy Parker has been at Kinkaid for two years. She is now a stay-at-home mom with her daughter, Hadley.
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