August 2016
MAGAZINE
Institute Sees Growth in 2015-16
Middle School Design Lab 1
School Leadership
Episcopal Collegiate Magazine
Christopher R. Tompkins Head of School
August 2016 Volume 3, Issue 1
Tom Charlton Director of Finance and Operations
Editor Marty Trieschmann
Davario Hardy Director of Athletics
Graphic Design Kate Trotter
The Reverend Rob Leacock Chaplain Cole Lester Head of Lower School Chuck McCormick, Ph.D. Head of Middle School David Perkinson, Ph.D. Interim Head of Upper School Catherine Radtke Director of Learning Services Matt Radtke Director of Institutional Advancement Don Stalls Director of Innovation and Technology Jo Stoltz Assistant to the Head of School
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Photographers Jim Healey Hendrix College Sara Blancett Reeves Joel Schultz Joy Schultz Stephen Thornton Marty Trieschmann Kate Trotter Contributors Lara Beard Katie Robinson The Episcopal Collegiate Magazine is published by the Office of Marketing and Communications, Episcopal Collegiate School, Jackson T. Stephens Campus, 1701 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, Arkansas. This magazine is published for Episcopal Collegiate School parents, alumni, and friends. If you would like to be added to the mailing list, please email mtrieschmann@episcopalcollegiate.org On the Cover Annie Ellzey, Class of 2016, celebrates Commencement with her classmates.
From the
Head of School Dear Episcopal Collegiate School Community, With the start of the 2016-2017 academic year, we continue our mutual dedication to the education of nearly 800 students from PK3 through Grade 12. Each and every day, our faculty and staff work diligently to know and support each and every child well, while remaining focused on our academic goals, building powerful skills, instilling a love of learning, and sending forth responsible citizens and servant leaders. As we begin a new year together, I am pleased that our impressive Upper School will continue its tradition of exceptional academic preparation with the addition of Advanced Placement United States Government and Politics, bringing our list of AP courses to 18. While there may be schools with more courses, few schools in the nation can compare to the remarkable achievements of our students. Annually, our students earn “passing” scores at a rate nearly three times higher than the rest of the state and 20 points beyond the global averages. More importantly, 50 percent our students earn, on average, the coveted scores of four and five. Even as our students are recognized for their exceptional AP results, strong grades, and excellent standardized testing, they are also known for their commitment to the community, being mindful of the needs of others, and a work ethic second to none. These important life skills are the direct result of living our Mission and embracing our Motto. Without Respect, Reverence, and Responsibility, there would be little substance to the work we accomplish every day. Grades and test scores on their own have meaning, but it is the deeper meaning of being a responsible citizen that differentiates Episcopal Collegiate graduates in the college application process and beyond. These “results” or “product” are not from a factory or a cookie cutter – they are the result of an education that begins with the joy of learning found in our Lower School where we guide our students in an active, hands-on education that encourages asking questions, seeking answers, solving problems, and making deep connections that lead to lifelong academic success. Our commitment to creating engaging classrooms and rich experiences at the earliest grade levels is nationally recognized. Episcopal Collegiate now has the only kindergarten program in Little Rock that is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). We are one of only two NAEYCaccredited preschools in the city. As the parent of a student transitioning from Lower to Middle School this year, I am thankful for that commitment. As we ready ourselves for the 2016-17 year, I see young people who are prepared for the next challenge. More importantly, I know their learning will be grounded and guided by the values we reinforce daily through our program and Episcopal identity. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 Sincerely,
Christopher R. Tompkins Head of School
Follow the Episcopal Collegiate School Headmaster’s Blog at episcopalcollegiateheadmastersblog.wordpress.com
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Congratulations to the Class of 2016
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Commencement 2016 Honors and Awards
Valedictorian Harris Bethel
Salutatorian Will Baker
Jackson T. Stephens Outstanding Senior Will Baker
Upper School Service Award Adrianne Owings
Outstanding Athletes Sydney Morgan Kelvin Robinson
Senior Citizenship Award Arin Jemerson
Montgomery Scholars Sydney Morgan Sally Barnes
National Merit Finalists Adrianne Owings Will Baker John Cai
National Merit Commended Harris Bethel
U.S. Presidential Scholar Nominees Mattie McKinnis Harris Bethel
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Summa Cum Laude Zac Angel Will Baker Sally Barnes Harris Bethel Grace Ann Boudreaux John Cai Hannah Clark Kelsey Claybrook Katie Doderer Emily Franks Abby Graham Haylee Greer Yumi Ha Adam Hall Adam Jackson Arianna Kiaei Gracie Kreth
Stephany Li Chris Macy Caroline Martin Sarah Maxwell Mattie McKinnis Sydney Morgan Adrianne Owings Eliot Peterson Gus Powers Pamela Rogers Blake Russell Will Stebbins Madeline Tabor Susan Tucker Cogan Wade Webb Williams Becca Zolten
Magna Cum Laude Megan Bellfield Aly Broadnax Alyssa Davis Chelsea Flowers
Kiva Hanson Arin Jemerson Margaux Mourot Grace Quinn
Cum Laude Annie Ellzey Josh Gonzales Cole Hartsell Mitch Ross
Anna Toepfer Ladell Tyler Royce Wang
Class Day Awards Citizenship Libby Raffaeli, 6th Grade Meredith Campbell, 7th Grade Olivia Parker, 8th Grade McKinley Morden, 9th Grade Andrew Mathews, 10th Grade Hope Dunn, 11th Grade Arin Jemerson, 12th Grade Middle School Service Award Rand Brewer The Reverend Canon R. Ewing Jackson, Jr. Medal Jed Johnson Junior Book Awards Washington & Lee – Jack Carney Jefferson – Lizzie Strickland Penn – Clay Schuler Harvard – Alice Berry Yale – Alisha Duvall Jackson T. Stephens Outstanding Faculty Award Heather Benton Jackson T. Stephens Outstanding Senior Award Will Baker Harriet Calhoun Stephens Distinguished Service Award Debra Brown
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Class of 2016 by the numbers
55 STUDENTS IN THE CLASS OF 2016
THESE SENIORS WERE ACCEPTED TO AND
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COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES IN
2 COUNTRIES. T
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HEY WILL ATTEND
STATES AND SCOTLAND.
COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES IN
57.4% WILL ATTEND OUT OF STATE, 42.6% IN STATE.
CLASS MEMBERS WERE ADMITTED TO SEVERAL IVY LEAGUE SCHOOLS, INCLUDING:
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Brown University Columbia University University of Pennsylvania
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met the qualifications to be named a University of Arkansas Honors College Fellow: Zachary Angel Will Baker Emily Franks Arianna Kiaei Susan Tucker
Will continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level Kelvin Robinson Allie Freeman
1 University of Arkansas Bodenhamer Fellow Harris Bethel out of only 6 awarded
STUDENTS OUT OF A CLASS OF
55 TOOK
6 or more AP courses OVER 4 YEARS
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Yale University
(only 100 awarded to an incoming freshman class of 5,300) 8 | episcopalcollegiate.org
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32 states
STUDENTS OUT OF A CLASS OF
55 TOOK
5 or more AP courses 84% of seniors were offered academic scholarships in excess of
$7.5 million, including: SMU Presidential Scholarship Harris Bethel
Lewis and Clark Barbara Hirschi Neely Scholarship Mattie McKinnis
Colorado School of Mines Harvey Scholarship Mattie McKinnis
Hendrix College Aspire Scholarship Chelsea Flowers
University of Alabama Presidential Scholarship Gracie Kreth
Class of 2016 Matriculation Zachary Lance Angel • University of Arkansas at Fayetteville
Abby Brooke Graham • University of Central Arkansas
Eliot David Sandusky Peterson • Hendrix College
William Charlson Baker •† University of Arkansas at Fayetteville
Haylee Ann Greer • Hendrix College
Edward Augustus Powers • Southern Methodist University
Sally Grace Barnes • University of Arkansas at Fayetteville
Yumi Nicole Ha • University of Arkansas at Fayetteville
Valarie Grace Quinn Millsaps College
Megan Nicole Bellfield Hendrix College
Adam Johann Hall • Brigham Young University
Kelvin Nicholas Robinson Appalachian State University
Harris Henry Bethel •† University of Arkansas at Fayetteville
Kiva Annelise Hanson University of Oregon
Pamela Rogers • University of Central Arkansas
Grace Ann Boudreaux • University of North Carolina at Wilmington
Cole Harrison Paul Hartsell University of Arkansas at Fayetteville
Robert Mitchell Ross, Jr. University of Arkansas at Fayetteville
Alexis Daria Broadnax Marist College
Jack Kelso Hudleson University of Arkansas at Fayetteville
Blake Thomas Russell • University of Tulsa
John Zhaoxun Cai •† Johns Hopkins University
Adam McKinzie Han Jackson • College of William and Mary
William Easley Stebbins • Southern Methodist University
Hannah Virginia Clark • University of Tulsa
Arin Lachelle Jemerson University of Missouri Columbia
Madeline Claire Tabor • University of Mississippi
Kelsey Anne Claybrook • Savannah College of Art & Design
Arianna Kiaei • University of Arkansas at Fayetteville
Anna Marie Toepfer University of Arkansas at Fayetteville
William Stokes Conyer University of Arkansas at Fayetteville
Rachel Grace Kreth •† University of Virginia
Susan Christine Tucker • University of Arkansas at Fayetteville
Anna Elizabeth Culpepper University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Yuzhou Stephany Li •† University of Pennsylvania
Ladell Dupree Tyler, Jr. University of Central Arkansas
Alyssa Nicole Davis Savannah College of Art & Design
Christopher Shaw Macy • Purdue University
John Cogan Wade, Jr. • University of St. Andrews
Katherine Bliss Doderer •† Washington University
Caroline Grace Martin • Sewanee: University of the South
Fangzhou Wang Stony Brook University
Annie Jordan Ellzey University of Missouri Columbia
Sarah Catherine Maxwell • University of Mississippi
John Webb Williams • Southern Methodist University
Chelsea Leigh Flowers Hendrix College
Mattie Catherine McKinnis • Colorado School of Mines
Ayanna Lanae Worsham University of Central Arkansas
Emily Elizabeth Franks •† University of Georgia
Sydney Raye Morgan • University of Arkansas at Fayetteville
Rebecca Marie Zolten • DePaul University
Allie Eugene Freeman, IV Ouachita Baptist University
Margaux Randall Mourot Texas Christian University
Joshua Lawrence Gonzales University of Arkansas at Fayetteville
Adrianne Lynn Owings •† Yale University
•National Honor Society † The Cum Laude Society
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Episcopal Dowell, Steppig with Honors Service Awards Upper School Physics Teacher, Michelle Dowell, and Upper School Administrative Assistant, Robyn Steppig, were recognized at the 2015-16 end-of-year Faculty and Staff Luncheon for their many years of dedicated service to Episcopal Collegiate School. Michelle Dowell, who began teaching at Episcopal Collegiate in 2001, the year the Upper School was built, celebrated 15 years of service with the school. “There wasn’t even a junior class yet,” said Michelle, of that first year at Episcopal. She taught eighth grade physical science while setting up the Physics curriculum and lab to open the next year. Since then, she has taught Physics, Advanced Physics, AP Physics C, and Astronomy. In 2016-17, Michelle will take on the new role of Assistant Dean of Students and continue to teach Physics. “The strength of Episcopal Collegiate comes from the dedication and commitment to excellence that teachers such as Ms. Dowell bring to our students,” said Head of School Chris Tompkins. “I look forward to working with Michelle for many years to come.” Michelle, and her husband, Joseph, have two sons — Jacob, who graduated from Episcopal Collegiate in 2014 and attends Austin College, and Caleb, who is a senior.
Robyn Steppig, also known affectionately around campus as the “ceremony queen,” celebrated 10 years of service with the school this past year. As Upper School Administrative Assistant, Robyn plays a key role in many of the School’s most important ceremonies and traditions, such as the annual Class Day and Commencement ceremonies. “There is so much care and planning that goes into our traditions and ceremonies at Episcopal,” said Marty Trieschmann, Director of Marketing and Communications. “We have some of the most beautiful events that celebrate our students and Robyn makes sure that they are always timeless and elegant. These are very special days that our students never forget.”
By Katie Robinson, Technology Integration Specialist
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During the 2016-2017 school year, Episcopal Collegiate School will pilot a new program that combines technology, engineering, and design thinking to support the core curriculum. This course will be offered to all incoming 6th graders as an elective and as a semester requirement for 7th and 8th grade students. Students will be placed on collaborative teams and asked to create innovative solutions for real-world design and engineering
challenges. These design challenges will allow students to explore 3D design and fabrication, programming, circuitry, and robotics in combination with content and skills addressed in the core curriculum. The courses will be held in the Design Lab, located in the Whiteside Computer Lab, and will provide students with the equipment and space to think critically and creatively. Additionally, the Design Lab will be open during select mornings and afternoons for students and faculty to work on projects of their choosing or learn more about the tools provided in the space.
Institute for Responsible Citizenship Sees Growth in 2015-16 By Lara Beard, Institute Director Last school year marked a period of growth and exploration for the Institute for Responsible Citizenship (IRC) at Episcopal Collegiate School. The Class of 2019 devoted time and energy to four IRC practicum sessions, which met every Monday for an hour during an activity period. Faculty members led each session, which revolved around themes related to global citizenship; topics included ethics, spirituality, political engagement, environmental activism, and community building. Every member of the freshman class was exposed to a new way of thinking about their role in the world, and importantly, learned about the interdisciplinary connections between global citizenship and the work they do in the classroom every day. At each stop along the way, students found creative ways to share their ideas. The Haiku digital ePortfolio system, which is available for development at all levels of the Middle and Upper School, provided the platform for documenting this project. Much like the freshman who piloted the ePortfolio system, the students who progress through Institute initiatives will curate a collection of digital artifacts that demonstrate their mastery of a wide variety of content and competencies. Truly, the curation process itself provides a unique learning opportunity as students reflect on the trials they have overcome and the goals they have accomplished. Five members of the freshman class agreed to test drive the ePortfolios and share the outstanding results with the rest of the Episcopal Collegiate community in a Chapel Talk at the end of the school year. With a year of instruction and exploration under our belts, the need to expand on the IRC practicum structure became apparent. A new course, aptly named Global Communications, will revolve around promoting the core values of engaged citizenship. The fit was a natural one. As the members of this community daily recite the Episcopal Collegiate School prayer, we are called upon to “look inward to focus on the spirit, and outward to see our obligations to the world.” Global Communications facilitates both practices in a way that directly benefits our community, both inside our gates and out. Adrianne Owings
“This experience has changed my life, and I am very thankful for the opportunity to go.” Lauren Miller
As the Director of the Institute for Responsible Citizenship, I want to express my gratitude for the opportunity to build on these important initiatives within our community, and also to share my enthusiasm about the future of the program. I cannot imagine an institution that is better equipped to take on the task of inspiring engaged citizenship than Episcopal Collegiate School. If you are interested in learning more about IRC initiatives, the ePortfolio platform, or Global Communications - or if you simply have questions - do not hesitate to contact me at lbeard@episcopalcollegiate.org.
IRC Student Spotlights Lauren Miller, Class of 2019, tested her global communication skills in March when she spent a week at the Envision National Security Program in Baltimore, MD. This immersive experience - which represents one of several Institute-sponsored opportunities to which our students have access - came with multiple challenges and rewards. Said Lauren, upon her return, “Throughout the week, I met many new people who I became friends with instantly. We worked as a team of 25 through a simulated ‘national security crisis,’ and out of nine groups, we were one of two to succeed. This experience has changed my life, and I am very thankful for the opportunity to go.” Adrianne Owings, Class of 2016, honed her public policy analysis and communication skills during an internship with Lt. Governor Tim Griffin this spring. After several weeks of working in the office with some of our state’s most devoted public servants, Adrianne commented: “The experience has given me a lot of insight into the workings of government. Even as a high school student, I am treated like a staff member in the office and must assume every responsibility that comes along with that role. I have learned how to correspond with constituents, interact with legislators, and learn about all the duties involved in political positions. I highly recommend the experience for anyone even slightly interested in politics or government.” Adrianne, along with intern David Davila, Class of 2017, represented Episcopal Collegiate well. Similar internship opportunities will be available for the 2016-2017 school year. Interested students should contact Mrs. Beard at lbeard@ 11 episcopalcollegiate.org.
Welcome New Wildcats Episcopal Appoints Four to Senior Leadership Team Episcopal Collegiate School is pleased to welcome four new members to the Senior Leadership Team – The Reverend Rob Leacock, School Chaplain, Chuck McCormick, Ph.D., Head of Middle School, David Perkinson, Ph.D., Interim Head of Upper School, and Mr. Davario Hardy, Director of Athletics. These four gentlemen come to Episcopal Collegiate from Virginia, North Carolina, Louisiana, and Texas, and bring a combined 50-plus years of experience in independent school education to our community. Father Leacock hails from St. Andrew’s Episcopal School in Austin, TX, an independent school where he helped establish the young and growing Upper School and its chapel program through collaborative student and faculty involvement. Father Leacock served as the Religious Studies Department Chair, served on the Search Committee for the Head of Upper School, and received the Lucy Collins Nazro Faculty Service Award in 2014. Father Leacock has served as Assisting Priest and Associate Rector in parishes in both Austin and Dallas, and is a member of the Diocesan Commission on Schools for the Episcopal Diocese of Texas. Father Leacock received his AB in Classics from Davidson College and his Master of Divinity from The Berkley Divinity School at Yale University. He joins our community with his wife, Stefanie West Leacock, and their son, Weston, a first grader, and daughter, Matsy (Matilda), who is three. Dr. McCormick comes to Episcopal Collegiate from Norfolk Collegiate School in VA, where he served as both Head of Middle School and Head of Upper School. Dr. McCormick also served as Dean of Students at Cardigan Mountain School, a junior boarding school in New Hampshire, where he taught Western Civilization and leadership, supervised student life, oversaw discipline, and coached football and lacrosse.
Photo (left to right): David Perkinson, Ph.D., Davario Hardy, The Reverend Rob Leacock, and Chuck McCormick, Ph.D.
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Dr. McCormick earned a BA in History from Colby College, and Master of Education and Doctor of Education degrees from Boston University in 1995 and 2002, respectively. Please join us in welcoming Dr. McCormick, his wife, Anne, and their two children, Todd and Alice, to our community. Interim Head of Upper School, Dr. David Perkinson, joins us after his successful tenure at Episcopal High School in Baton Rouge, LA. Dr. Perkinson is a graduate of the McCallie School in Chattanooga, TN, and holds a BA from St. Andrews Presbyterian College in North Carolina, his MA from UNC Charlotte, and a Ph.D. from The Pennsylvania State University. Dr. Perkinson has served as a math teacher at McCallie and Charlotte Country Day School, and as Head of Middle School at Spartanburg Day School in South Carolina, before joining Episcopal High School. Dr. Perkinson looks forward to guiding the Upper School during the search for a permanent Head of Upper School. New Athletic Director, Mr. Davario “Shaun” Hardy, comes to Episcopal Collegiate from Ravenscroft School in Raleigh, NC, where he served as a coach and physical education teacher for the past 10 years. Mr. Hardy successfully coached the topranked Varsity Girls Basketball Team, the Varsity Boys and Girls Track and Field Teams, and the JV Boys Basketball Team at Ravenscroft. Prior to that, he was an Assistant Coach of Women’s Basketball at Northeastern University in Boston, MA. Mr. Hardy earned a BA from North Carolina State University, where he also played football, and a teaching certification from the University of Arizona. He is currently pursuing an MA in Athletic Administration from Grace College and Theological Seminary. He joins the Episcopal Collegiate Community with his wife, Allison.
Episcopal Collegiate Joins
Hendrix Aspire Scholarship Program In a May 3rd signing ceremony, Episcopal Collegiate School and Hendrix College announced that Hendrix, the state’s leading liberal arts college, will offer scholarships to Episcopal Collegiate students. The Hendrix Aspire Scholarships will cover the full cost of attendance for Federal Pell Grant-eligible students. The Federal Pell Grant Program provides need-based grants to low-income students to promote access to postsecondary education. Hendrix will cover the full cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, on-campus housing and meal plans, for up to four students from Episcopal Collegiate each year. The college will also provide academic support services to ensure the recipients graduate in four years. Hendrix President Bill Tsutsui signed a Memoranda of Understanding with Head of School Christopher R. Tompkins at a signing ceremony in the Mills Library on the Hendrix Campus.
“The Hendrix Aspire Scholarship will ensure access to a world-class liberal arts and sciences undergraduate experience for students who otherwise wouldn’t have that opportunity, and will add to the richness and diversity of the Hendrix community with students who are wellprepared to handle the rigors of its challenging undergraduate program,” said Christopher Tompkins. “We are thrilled to partner with Episcopal Collegiate School to offer Aspire Scholarships to make Hendrix an affordable college option for their students,” said Tsutsui. “[Episcopal] students are well-prepared for the rigor of the college classroom and will contribute significantly to campus life at Hendrix.” 13
STUDENT
NEWS 7th grader Lily Radtke is the winner of the 2016 Arkansas’s Healthy Lunchtime Challenge. Lily showcased her culinary skills with a dish called “Asian in Arkansas,” which features spring rolls, edamame salad and watermelon skewers. She represented Arkansas at the Kids’ State Dinner at the White House in July 2016. (photo A)
Spanish program earned a total of seven gold, 12 silver, and 10 bronze medals, along with 29 honor awards.
Katie Doderer ‘16 was one of only two Arkansas students chosen to attend the 53rd National Youth Science Camp for promising young scientists.
About 250 students in the state of Arkansas took the 2016 National Latin Exam, and Episcopal Collegiate students made up almost exactly half of that number. Almost half of the students who took the exam achieved an award of some type, the School’s highest percentage ever. Earning Summa Cum Laude or “Gold Awards” were Jed Johnson, Sarah Ware, Grace Hillman, Boyd Bethel, Colin Bridges, and Mary Toepfer.
The “LegoCats” Robotics Team won the 1st Place Inspiration Award at the Open European Championship in Tenerife, Spain in May 2015. The LegoCats made the 32-hour round-trip journey to attend one the world’s most competitive robotics tournaments, with 88 of the world’s top teams vying for 13 first-place awards. (photo B) Episcopal Collegiate School earned accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) – the nation’s leading organization of early childhood professionals. Junior Steven Angtuaco, the lead programmer for Episcopal’s Advanced Robotics Team, was honored by FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics with the Dean’s List Finalist Award. The award qualified Steven to attend the FIRST Tech World Robotics Championship in St. Louis, MO. (photo C) At the end of the year 5th Grade Recognition Ceremony, Callie Hughes, Emmy Jones, and Garrison Brister were honored with Citizenship Awards. Fifth Grade Scholarships Awards went to Ramsey Jennings, India Knight, and Emma Grace Cooley. (photo D) Fifty-eight Episcopal Collegiate students earned national and state recognition on the 2016 National Spanish Exam. Becca Zolten ‘16 earned first place in the state on the Spanish V exam, and Cecelia Scheider won first place in the state on the 7th Grade exam. Students from Episcopal’s 14 | episcopalcollegiate.org
Out of hundreds of students in the state and nearly 100,000 nationally, 19 Episcopal students ranked in the Top 20 in Arkansas on the 2016 National French Exam. Senior Anna Feldman earned first place in the state on the French III exam.
Junior Samuel Rhee was one of only 12 high school students in Pulaski County to be accepted to the UAMS HEALERS Program, which stands for Health Education Active Learning Experience for Regional Scholars. HEALERS is a handson, interactive program that allows students to gain experience in a clinical setting through volunteering. Broadcast Journalism students Josh Gonzales ‘16, Arin Jemerson ‘16, and Junior Ashley Jemerson won a “Best of ASPA” Award for Best Showing Opening at the Arkansas Scholastic Press Association competition (ASPA). The Reverie literary magazine staff won Superior in the General Excellence category at ASPA, ranking them in the top five magazines in the state! The staff was also awarded an Excellent in Design and Thematic Development—the magazine’s first ever awards in these categories. Staff members are Editor-in-Chief: Caroline Martin ‘16; Co-Editors: Becca Zolten ’16 and Anna Toepfer ‘16; Content Editors and Staff: Kelsey Claybrook ‘16 Will Conyer ‘16, Anna Culpepper ‘16, Annie Ellzey ‘16, Sarah Maxwell ‘16, and Pamela Rogers ‘16. (photo E)
Kiva Hanson ’16 and Lizzie Strickland ’16 won 2015-16 3A Yearbook Editors of the Year at ASPA. (photo F) Will Baker ’16 was featured in the April 27 Academic All-Star edition of the Arkansas Times, which highlights the state’s top high school seniors. (photo G) Thirty-one new Upper School students were inducted into the Episcopal Collegiate Chapter of the National Honor Society. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have achieved a 3.75 GPA are eligible for membership in the spring of each year. (photo H) Senior Emma Lassiter was accepted and placed for a short-term Rotary Exchange through the Little Rock Rotary Club. This summer, Emma lived with a host family in Saint-Germain-Lembron, France in the central region of Auvergne. Her host sister returned with her to learn about life in the U.S. Emma is the first French student at Episcopal Collegiate School to take on the challenge of this rigorous application process and to be placed in an exchange. The Episcopal Collegiate Quiz Bowl Team played in the state championship game at AETN studios in Conway for the 11th consecutive year. In a close match with Haas Hall, Episcopal finished in second place, earning the 3A State Runner-Up trophy. (photo I) Senior Jack Carney made a clean sweep of the regional and state quiz bowl competitions, earning him the 3A MVP Award. The Middle School ChessCats competed with 15 area schools to take second place at the LRSD Chess Championship, finishing a five-game winning season. The Lower School ChessCats also had a strong season, taking first place in two LRSD competitions. (photo J) Second through fifth grade students presented their annual capstone projects at the close of the 2015-16 school year. Students designed experiments, created games, and even planted gardens as part of their projects centered around one of four themes – inequalities, inventiveness, sustainability, and garden. The National Spanish Honor Society awarded Alice Berry ’17 a full-paid travel scholarship. Alice traveled this summer, all expenses paid, to Ecuador to explore the beautiful culture and immerse herself in the Spanish language. The Society awarded Becca Zolten ’16 a $2,000 Senior Award for high achievement in Spanish or Portuguese.
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STUDENT
NEWS Adam Jackson ‘16 was the recipient of a $25,000 Arkansas Rotary Scholarship to study in Peru in 2016-17. Earning spots in the Arkansas All-Region Choir were Gretchen Allen (8) Freshman Robert Shannon, Trey Shurley (8), Sarah Tennille (8), Junior Charlotte Nanteza, Junior Samuel Rhee, Junior Mary Toepfer, and Susan Tucker ‘16. Samuel and Charlotte also earned spots in the Arkansas All-State Choir. Episcopal Collegiate inducted one of its largest classes ever into the National Jr. Honor Society. Membership in the National Junior Honor Society is the highest academic honor the Episcopal Collegiate Middle School bestows. Please join us in congratulating these 23 new members: 6th Graders: Olivia Curtis, Alex Fletcher, Madison Mobley, Lily Radtke, Libby Raffaelli, Sophie Reynolds, Joe Rhee, Beth Shannon, Jada Shorter, Alexa Strauss, and Lance Viscioni; 7th Graders: Jennifer Chen, Brooke Elliott, Allison Jemerson, Teddy Jones, Cecelia Schneider, Trey Shurley, Lowrey West, and Rachel Wilbourn; and 8th Graders: John Peter Braunfisch, Olivia Parker, Pallavi Prodhan, and Sarah Thomas. (photo A)
Tyler ’16, and Juniors Kennedy Brown, Morgan Davis, Alisha Duvall, and Mimi Johnson, attended the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Vigil and Nonviolence Youth Summit at the Arkansas State Capitol. (photo E) The LegoCats took 1st Place in the Robotics Strategy and Innovation category at the FIRST Lego League State Championship Tournament. This award recognized the team for using solid engineering practices and a well- developed strategy to design and build an innovative, high-performing robot. The Episcopal Robot is aptly named, “Big Foot.” Thirty-one Episcopal Collegiate students of Spanish and French competed in the State World Languages Competition. From Episcopal Collegiate, French students
brought home 10 trophies and Spanish students, eight. Students also earned 16 Distinguished Awards and 20 Advanced Awards. Adrianne Owings ‘16 was the recipient of a $3,000 national scholarship from the Washington Crossing Foundation. One of only 36 winners in the U.S., Adrianne was formally recognized as a scholarship winner at a ceremony at the Foundation’s headquarters in Bucks County, PA. Eight students competed in the Arkansas Council of Teachers of Mathematics Regional Contest. Samuel Rhee took first place in Trigonometry/Pre-Calculus and advanced to place third the state competition. (photo F) Middle School students joined over 100 million learners in 180 countries in the Hour of Code. As an afternoon advisory activity, all students participated in this international campaign to learn basic coding and inspire interest in computer science. (photo G) Adrianne Owings ’16 and Megan Bellfield ’16 qualified for the National Speech and Debate Tournament held in Utah in June 2016. The 2nd Annual State Qualifying Tournament of the National History Bee and Bowl was hosted by Episcopal
The 12-member Middle School Quiz Bowl Team advanced to the 3A State Tournament, finishing just behind Harding Academy. Brooke Elliott, 8th grade, was the State Tournament MVP. (photo B) The Episcopal Collegiate community collected 12,150 pounds of food - over SIX TONS - in the annual ArCANsas Food Drive. The food was donated to the Arkansas Food Bank to benefit the hungry in Central Arkansas. (photo C) Junior Shelby Worsham was awarded the Allison Justiss Sweetheart Scholarship at the Central Arkansas Heart Association Heart Ball and the Silver Service Award. Shelby has given over 100 hours of volunteer service to this program through her work at Baptist Hospital. (photo D) Seven Episcopal Collegiate students and Diversity Council members, Aly Broadnax ’16 , Arin Jemerson ‘16, Ladell
Episcopal Collegiate is very fortunate to be able to provide a unique and most rewarding opportunity for rising seniors each summer. The Stella Boyle Smith Summer Science Scholar Award has allowed Dahye Kim to shadow physicians, attend rounds and clinics and participate in a mentored research project at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, allowing her to gain exposure to clinical medicine for eight weeks this summer.
In addition, Jack Carney (photo above), David Davila and Jordan Moore have been the beneficiaries of the Jackson T. Stephens Spine and Neurosciences Institute Summer Research Fellowship Awards at the UAMS Center for Translational Neuroscience. Each of these fellows have spent the summer conducting medical research under the guidance of physicians, scientists and graduate students, gaining exposure to cutting-edge research techniques with the possibility of participation in a published medical study. 17
STUDENT
NEWS Collegiate School. The Wildcats defeated 7A Ft. Smith Southside in the final match to win first place for the second year in a row. Their win qualified the team to compete in the History Bowl National Competition in Washington D.C. (photo H)
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A four-person team from Episcopal Collegiate —Mattie McKinnis ‘16, Adrianne Owings ‘16, Eliot Peterson ‘16, and Sophomore Christian Thomas, competed and won second place in the Regional Ethics Bowl held at UALR. The Upper School Student Council attended a three-day Student Council LEAD Conference in Washington, D.C., a gathering for leadership and idea-sharing for student councils. (photo I) Susan Tucker ’16 won the Mary Ingalls Award, the highest award given by the Arkansas Student Congress. Episcopal students have won the Mary Ingalls Award for five years running. Twenty-eight Episcopal Collegiate students prepared and assembled a total of 620 dinners for Potluck’s Kids Pantry program. Since November 2008, over 675 kids, ranging from Kindergarten to 12th grade from 13 schools, churches and community organizations have participated in this project. They have produced an estimated 9,300 pounds of food, enough for 14,400 meals for hungry kids. (photo J) Episcopal Collegiate celebrated students who have dedicated themselves to academic excellence by induction into the prestigious Cum Laude Society. New student members are Will Baker ’16, Harris Bethel ’16, Emily Franks ’16, John Cai ’16, Stephany Li ’16, Adrianne Owings ’16, Gracie Kreth ’16, and Katie Doderer ’16. New faculty inductees are Catherine Radtke, Christopher Tompkins, Catherine Schuhmacher, Heather McPherson, Laura Crawford, and Molly McNulty.
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Karen Culpepper (photo left) began her career with Episcopal Collegiate in 2009, as an inaugural member of the Lower School Faculty. She served as an associate teacher, a combined associate and art teacher, and, finally, a full-time art teacher.
Four Retire From Episcopal Collegiate School
Episcopal Collegiate bid farewell to four beloved faculty of the school – Middle and Upper School Chaplain, Father John Childress, 4th Grade Teacher, Billenda Heymeyer, Lower School Art Teacher, Karen Culpepper, and Pre-K Assistant Teacher, Cindy Rotenberry.
Father John retired after 12 years as the School’s Chaplain. He began his career in 1974 as a seventh grade life science teacher at the Rosa Scott Middle School in Madison, MS. In 1976, he moved to Ridgeland High School, also in Madison, where he taught science and health, and coached basketball, football, and baseball until May 1985. During that time, he married his wife of 31 years. Father John had known from childhood that he wanted to be in ministry, and in 1985 he moved to Chicago to attend the Seabury Western Seminary, from which he graduated in 1989. His assignments included St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Abbeyville, LA (home of “the best Cajun food” according to Father John), where he served for 14 months and St. Paul’s Church in Newport, AR, where he served for eight years prior to accepting his position at Episcopal Collegiate. An adventurer at heart, Father John headed a pioneer camping program for junior and senior high youth, taking trips, which included hiking, repelling, white-water rafting, and spelunking. In addition to his responsibility as the school chaplain, Father John taught the seventh grade Survey of Gospels classes, as well as World Religion I and II in the Upper School. “Father John, your singular ability to ‘serve the work’, day in and day out, and your gift of being totally present for anyone in times of sorrow, need, and joy have been the true mortar of these buildings,” said former Head of Upper School Fletcher Carr in a special Chapel service honoring Father John. “The soul that you have shared will always be present within these walls. For all of us here today and for so many others not here, a heartfelt thank you.”
“Karen has contributed so much, not only to our students’ visual arts experience but to the Fine Arts Department throughout the school,” said Cole Lester, Head of Lower School. “The experience they have in the Lower School, learning, experiencing, creating, competing, and showcasing create the foundation they need to launch their future art path. “Karen, thank you for all you have done to define the standard of excellence that marks the Lower School Visual Arts program.” Fourth Grade Teacher, Billenda Hemeyer, (photo below) is another member of the inaugural faculty of the Lower School to retire. 2016 marked Billenda’s seventh year at Episcopal and her 19th year as an educator. “Billenda has been described by students, parents, and colleagues as a positive, loving, encouraging, and creative teacher and colleague,” said Lester. “Her creativity and innovative nature, coupled with her willingness to try and learn new things, have made her a beloved figure in the Lower School.” Cindy Rotenberry (photo below, left) retired at the end of the 2015-16 school year with 28 years of teaching experience, six of those with Episcopal Collegiate as a Kindergarten Associate Teacher. “Cindy’s ability to adapt to new situations, new teaching teams, and new students with enthusiasm and ease is something that sets her apart. She has a work ethic that allows her to far exceed the expectations of a classroom teacher. “Cindy has an easy going but structured, loving but strict, and fun but disciplined combination of personality traits that is hard to achieve. But she does just that - achieves it all with grace and humility.” 19
Guest Speakers Highlighted 2015-16 School Year
The Episcopal Collegiate community welcomed an amazing and diverse range of guest speakers to the Jackson T. Stephens Campus during the 2015-16 academic year, including a Pulitzer-Prize winning poet, two New-York Times best-selling authors, a digital safety expert, a school visionary, a composer, a medical ethicist, and a world music center director.
National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) President, Patrick F. Bassett, led a series of professional development workshops with faculty, administrators, and board members. Having studied and visited schools in 42 states and 38 countries, Bassett is one of the foremost thinkers and senior consultants on education in the world today (photo A).
Middle School students were treated to presentations by New York Times best-selling authors, Ally Carter and Trenton Lee Stewart, this year. Carter’s teen spy novels are sold all over the world and have been translated into over 20 languages (photo C). A Little Rock resident, Stewart is the author of the popular Mysterious Benedict Society series, as well as Flood Summer, a novel for adults (photo B).
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UAMS Medical Ethicist, Micah Hester, spoke with the Upper School’s film studies class to discuss the class’s recent reading of Never Let Me Go, a novel by Kazuo Ishiguro that was also adapted into a 2010 film. A common conundrum of a medical ethicist is that of organ transplantation, which is a major theme in Ishiguro’s novel (photo D).
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Gregory Pardlo, who received a 2015 Pulitzer Prize for his collection of poems entitled Digest, spoke to Episcopal Collegiate Upper School students as part of the Writers in the Schools program (photo E).
Composer, Dan Visconti, talked with 8th graders about the science of music to coincide with their study of waves, sound, and light. Episcopal Orchestra Director and ASO Concertmaster, Kiril Laskarov, was also onhand to demonstrate (on a 1712 Stradivarius Violin) the variation in sound waves as Visconti explained them to students. Visconti was in Little Rock working with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, which performed one of his original compositions during the Stella Boyle Smith Masterworks Series (photo G).
Children’s Authors and Illustrators, Susan Stevens Crummel and Janet Stevens, and Kevin O’Malley, were guests in the Braunfisch Stella Boyle Smith Lower School Children’s Library this year (photo F).
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Episcopal Collegiate welcomed back, Dr. Mike Vercelli, as guest percussion instructor. Dr. Vercelli is director of the World Music Center at West Virginia University (photo H).
One of the country’s most highly-regarded student safety experts and sought-after lecturers, Katie Koestner, led parent, student, and faculty workshops on digital safety this year. Koestner appeared on the cover of TIME at age 18 after becoming the first woman in history to speak out about being the victim of date rape. She has appeared on Oprah, Good Morning America, CNN, NBC Nightly News, and over 50 other national media outlets. She is the subject of movies by HBO and Lifetime. She is the architect of federal student safety legislation and the author of numerous published works (photo I).
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Madison Zamilpa
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Kelvin Robinson
Gabi Rancifer
Alisha Duvall
ART in action
Episcopal Collegiate students are actively involved in wide variety of fine and performing arts, exploring their potential through visual arts, broadcast journalism, fashion design, drama, percussion, orchestra, choir, and forensics. In the past year, Episcopal students have received 18 regional, state, and national honors in visual art, including the National Scholastic Art and Writing Awards and the Congressional Art Competition.
Our three choirs and orchestra ensemble once again received superior ratings in their respective assessment events and maintained a busy performance schedule. The Steelcats percussion ensemble performed 12 concerts, bringing their fun and unique sound to Episcopal and Central Arkansas audiences throughout the year. During the 2015-16 season, the drama department presented Murder’s in the Heir and the musical, Honk!, which featured the work of more than 70 students on-stage and behind the scenes. Upper School students published the annual Reverie literary magazine, featuring poetry, prose, and art by 39 students. Episcopal student designers also won top awards in the Curbside Couture Fashion Show. There’s so much more! Read on to learn more about what’s happening in the arts at Episcopal Collegiate.
Olivia Moore
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Art News
BRIEFS
More than 75 students in grades 6 – 12 delivered three incredible performance of the musical Honk! to sold-out audiences in the spring. Honk! is a musical comedy based on the familiar story of The Ugly Ducking. Congratulations to Theatre Director James Mainard O’Connell and a great cast and crew! Junior Steven Angtuaco won first-place in the 6th Annual Central Arkansas Library System’s (CALS) Teen Photography Contest. The Upper School Forensics Team, 22-students strong, won 2nd place in the Little Rock Central Forensics Tournament. Students competed in Prose Interpretation, Poetry Interpretation, Improvised Duet Acting, Original Oratory, Congressional Debate, and International Public Debate. The team advanced to the finals in Congressional Debate. Episcopal’s principal harpist/cellist Katie Doderer ’16 performed with the Arkansas Youth Symphony Orchestra before the National Symphony Orchestra Board of Trustees. The program took place at the Clinton Presidential Library and included selections by Prokofiev and Offenbach. Senior Alisha Duvall and Junior Steven Angtuaco earned honors in the 2016 National Scholastic Art and Writing Awards Competition. Steven received an Honorable Mention for his photograph entitled, “The Bond.” Alisha’s piece, entitled, “Archetype Ingrained,” won the Silver Key Award. The Episcopal Collegiate percussion students presented a spring concert featuring traditional percussion ensemble performances, the African dance and drumming ensemble, a ragtime marimba band, and xylophone solos by Sophomore Will McDonough and Senior Caleb Dowell. The Episcopal Collegiate Choirs earned Excellent and Superior ratings in concert performance and sight-reading at the Regional Choral Performance Assessments. Episcopal Advanced Percussion and Orchestra students were the invited performers for the 50th Anniversary Gala of the Arkansas Museum Association. Juniors Samuel Rhee and Charlotte Nanteza were selected to the Arkansas All-State Mixed Choir at the Annual All-State Choir auditions. Samuel was selected as the 12th Chair, Tenor 2, advancing past 90 other students vying for the spot. Charlotte was selected as the 23rd Chair, Alto 1 bypassing 80 other students across the state in her section. This is Charlotte’s second consecutive selection to an Arkansas All-State Choir. Anna Culpepper’s ‘16 photograph, entitled “Bridges,” was named Best Photograph in the Arkansas Governor’s Young Artist Competition. Sophomore Gabrielle Rancifer’s sculpture, “Industrial Nature,” received the Best in Class Award, the highest award in the 55th Annual Young Arkansas Artists Competition. Kelsey Claybrook ‘16 received a third place award in the highlycompetitive Congressional Art Competition for her piece entitled, 24 | episcopalcollegiate.org
“First Touch.” Kelsey was presented with her award by U.S. Congressman French Hill (AR-02) at a ceremony at the Historic Arkansas Heritage Museum. The Steelcats performed at the State Capitol Tree Lighting Ceremony and Wildwood’s Lanterns Festival. Guillermo Escobar, first grade, and Madison Zamilpa, third grade, had their work accepted to the Arkansas Arts Center 55th Young Arkansas Artists Exhibit. The artwork of 10 Episcopal Collegiate students earned recognition in the Arkansas Art Educators Central Regional Art Show. Congratulations to Kelvin Robinson ‘16, Olivia Moore ‘17, Alisha Duvall ‘17, Junior Steven Angtuaco, Sophomore Braden Seale, Freshman Caroline Harrelson, Callie Hughes, 6th grade, Christopher Tompkins, 5th grade, Morgan Davis, 4th grade, and Emma Beard, 2nd grade. Upper School students sponsored a booth at he Pulaski Heights Methodist Church Mission Market to sell student-designed pins, magnets, and ornaments. Proceeds from the sale of the pins went to the Clinton Haiti Relief Fund. Episcopal art students have raised more than $60,000 to support Haitian relief efforts. The Fine Arts Department hosted the First Arts Reveal Night in the Upper School Simpson Library, featuring exhibits and discussions by six student artists - Ben Gatewood ‘16, Alisha Duvall ‘17, Ladell Tyler ‘16, Olivia Moore ‘17, Anna Toepfer ‘16, and Sarah Maxwell ‘16.
Emma Beard
Episcopal Collegiate students hit the catwalk at the Curbside Couture fashion show, held in the Great hall of the Clinton library. In the show, students literally to turn “trash into treasure” by designing original creations with recycled materials. All creations must be 75 percent recycled. Congratulations to student designers Alisha Duvall ‘17, Pamela Rogers ‘16, Haylee Greer ‘16, Annie Ellzey ‘16, Kiva Hanson ‘16, Lily Warren ‘17, and Ladell Tyler ‘16. Models were Sophomore Alana Duvall, Stephany Li ‘16, Arin Jemerson ‘16, Caroline Martin ‘16, Haylee Greer ‘16, Alyssa Davis ‘16, Anna Culpepper ‘16, Anna Feldman ‘17, and Ladell Tyler ‘16. Three Episcopal Collegiate students won awards in the show. First place overall went to Haylee Greer ‘16 ($500), and third place was awarded to Ladell Tyler ’16 ($200). Annie Ellzey ‘16 won Best Creative Design. This year’s show also included the work of the Thea Foundation fashion scholarship winners, Ally Broadnax ’16 and Alyssa Davis ‘16. Ally won first place and received a $4,000 scholarship. Alyssa won second place and received a $2,500 scholarship.
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Wildcat Wrap-Up 2015-2016 Girls Golf Finished 7th in State All-Conference - Mary Claire Briggs finished in 2nd Boys Golf Adv. to State Tournament All-Conference - Preston Pitts finished 2nd All-State - Preston Pitts – finished 3rd in State Varsity Volleyball -Regular Season Conference Title -Conference Tournament Champions -Undefeated Regular Season -Advanced to State Tournament All-Conference - Sally Barnes, Caroline Burns, Haley Henderson, Sydney Morgan, Charlotte Powers, and Micaylah Thomas Monty Smith – Coach of the Year All-State - Caroline Burns* and Sydney Morgan *also All-State Tournament Team Varsity Football Advanced to Quarter-Finals of State Tournament All-Conference - Harris Bethel, Josef Braunfisch, Will Conyer, Allie Freeman, Jacob Howard, Erbie Jennings, Jackson Owens, Charles Pyron, RJ Rice, Kelvin Robinson, and Ladell Tyler All-State - Allie Freeman and Kelvin Robinson Boys Tennis Won State Championship All-Conference - Harrison Janes, Jack Nolan, and Ethan Strauss All-State - Harrison Janes, Jack Nolan, and Ethan Strauss Girls Tennis Won State Championship All-Conference - Lily Jackson, Mary Claire Patton, Hailey Pruett, Madeline Tabor, and Shelby Worsham All-State - Lily Jackson, Mary Claire Patton, Hailey Pruett, Madeline Tabor, and Shelby Worsham Varsity Girls Basketball All-Conference - Annie Ellzey and Micaylah Thomas Varsity Boys Basketball -Won Regular Season Conference Title -Runner-Up Conference Tourn. -Advanced to Quarter-Final in State Tournament All-Conference - Harris Bethel, Kamron Brassfield, Allie Freeman, and Kelvin Robinson All-State - Allie Freeman and Kelvin Robinson 26 | episcopalcollegiate.org
Jr. Boys Basketball -Won Regular Season Conference Title -Won Conference Tournament All-Conference - Conference Title -Won Conference Tournament Wrestling -10th in 1A-5A State Tournament (smallest school in top 10) All-Conference - Owen Hadden, Gus Powers, and Cogan Wade All-State - Gus Powers and Cogan Wade Baseball All-Conference - Clay Schuler and Kori Winning Girls Soccer -Shiloh Christian Invitational Champions -Qualified for State Tournament All-Conference - Morgan Davis, Madison Davis, Amalie King, and Micaylah Thomas All-State - Morgan Davis, Madison Davis, and Amalie King Boys Soccer -Qualified for State Tournament All-Conference - Will Bateman, Josef Braunfisch, Harris Bethel, Jack Carney, and Chris Macy All-State - Chris Macy Girls Varsity Track and Field -Finished 3rd in Conference -Qualified for State All-Conference -Raivin Jackson Conference Champion in 200 Meters, 2nd 400 Meters, Conference Champion Long Jump -Hope Dunn Conference Champion 800 Meter Dash -Sally Barnes 2nd 800 Meter Dash All-State -Hope Dunn 7th in 800 meters -Sally Barnes 8th in 800 meters – finished in top 8 all four years of varsity career Boys Varsity Track and Field -Qualified for State All-Conference - Erbie Jennings Conference Champion 400 meters All-State - Erbie Jennings finished 6th in 400 meters Middle School Track and Field -Allison Jemerson – double Conference Championships in 100m and 200m dash -Joel Fleming – Conference Championship in the 400m dash -Hannah Jackson – Conference Champion 300m hurdles Overall All-Conference -50 Student-Athletes -1 Coach of the Year All-State 21 Student-Athletes
This year, the Wildcats competed in
Wildcats Tennis No. 1 in State Again In an amazing series of performances, the Wildcat Tennis Teams earned yet another 3A State Championship. Both the Varsity Boys and Girls Teams won in a clean sweep of both the boys and girls singles and doubles matches. As a team, the Varsity Girls brought home their eighth consecutive state championship, while the Varsity Boys added their third consecutive title, bringing their total state championship wins to 11. Congratulations to Harrison Janes, winner in boys singles; Shelby Worsham, winner in girls singles for the second year in a row; Jack Nolan and Ethan Strauss, winner in boys doubles; and Madeline Tabor and Lilly Jackson, winner in girls doubles. This was Lilly’s second win in girls doubles.
Wildcat Volleyball Continues Winning Streak Following their best season in five years, expectations were high for the Lady Wildcat Volleyball Team. The girls finished the 201415 season with a 15-4 record and won both the conference and district championships. For the three seniors on the team - Sydney Morgan, Sally Barnes, and Sarah Maxwell – a winning season meant more than numbers on a scoreboard. Returning juniors were Caroline Burns, Haley Henderson, Mallory Whitehead, Amalie King, Sarah Reddick, and Micaylah Thomas. Sophomores were Emma Towe, Mary Toepfer, Sadie Flannery, Nicole Occidental, Beth Dougherty, and Kaleigh Thomas. A key player was freshman Charlotte Powers. The team opened the season at home against
355 contests! 5
team Conference Championships
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individual Conference Champions
(out of 14 varsity sports)
2 team State Champions 6 individual State Champions
12,729 miles We traveled
Jacksonville, winning in three straight sets and setting the tone for the rest of the season. The girls went on to win their next 22 games and ended the season with a 23-1 record. The girls earned the No. 1 seed in the Class 3A State Volleyball Tournament, entering the tournament undefeated. They have not lost a conference game in two years. “We became very close after long summer practices, practice after school every day, early mornings, and long bus rides to away games,” said Sarah Maxwell. “We really relied on each other throughout the season, leading to our success.” “I can’t count how many times we were losing a game and we were forced to rally together with everything we had to win,” said Caroline Burns. “The determination and will to succeed from the girls was overwhelming throughout the whole season.” “I’m blessed to have been apart of such a fantastic team and I wouldn’t trade this experience for the world,” Senior and Outstanding Female Athlete of the Year Sydney Morgan. “This was a team that had great focus, but the focus was never on winning, it was on getting better every day,” said Monty Smith, 3A Volleyball Coach of the Year. “They were fun because they loved every aspect of the game the same. They loved to play the games, but they also loved to practice just as much, and they loved being around each other. They never cared who got the credit, they just wanted to be successful. “Many times after games and several times before the state tournament, opponents we
played would call and wish us luck and say how much they were cheering for the girls,” he said. “That says a lot about the class our team showed and how well we represented Episcopal Collegiate. “It also helped that they were pushed every day in practice by the junior varsity team who also finished 17-2.
State Leaders Caroline Burns led the conference in Kills, finished top 10 in class in the state in 3A Caroline Burns led the conference in Hitting Percentage, finished #1 in the state in class 3A Sarah Maxwell led the conference in Assists, finished 2nd in the state in class 3A Sydney Morgan led the conference in Digs, finished top in class in the state in class 3A Sally Barnes was second in the conference in Aces, finished top 5 in the state in class 3A
Post-Season Awards Caroline Burns - All-Conference, All-State, All-State Tournament Team Sydney Morgan - All-Conference, All-State Sarah Maxwell - All-Conference Sally Barnes - All-Conference Haley Henderson - Honorable Mention All-Conference Micaylah Thomas - Honorable Mention All-Conference Charlotte Powers - Honorable Mention All-Conference Monty Smith - Coach of the Year 27
Sports BRIEFS Kelvin Robinson ’16 signed a letter of intent to play basketball for the NCAA Division 1 Appalachian State Mountaineers this fall. Kelvin was named Outstanding Male Athlete of the Year at the spring athletic banquet. In football, Kelvin is third all-time in yards per carry in state history. He rushed for over 3,500 yards in 19 games. In basketball, he is a three-time All-Conference player, three-time All-State, and two-time state champion. He scored a total of 1,917 points and is Episcopal’s all-time leading scorer in basketball. (photo A) Congratulations to Allie Freeman IV ’16 on his selection for the second year as a Football All-American by MaxPreps. Allie was also named the Little Rock Touchdown Club Player of the Year. Allie will play football for the Ouachita Baptist University Tigers in the fall. (photo B) Kelvin and Allie were named Most Valuable Players in the Arkansas All-Star games this summer in football and basketball, respectively. Sydney Morgan ’16 was named Outstanding Female Athlete of the Year. Morgan won the individual golf conference championship for two years and helped the golf team to three straight conference championships. In volleyball, she led the team in digs over the last two years, and finished second all-time in that category.
This year, she led the conference in digs and was fifth in Class 3A. She helped the volleyball team win backto-back conference championships and conference tournament championships. This season, against Lee County, Sydney set a school record with 44 digs in one match. She is a three-year starter, two-year captain, and two-time All-Conference and All-State volleyball player. (photo C) In Wildcat tennis, Junior Shelby Worsham won her second consecutive state singles title. Junior Lilly Jackson won her second consecutive state doubles title. (photo D) Episcopal Wide Receiver and Defensive End Blake Russell ‘16 was selected as a finalist for the James Street Outstanding Sportsmanship Award. The Award was presented to Blake by former University of Texas Head Coach and ESPN analyst Mack Brown. (photo E) Harris Bethel ’16 was named male Academic Athlete of the Year by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette (all divisions). (photo F) Congratulations to our 6th grade girls – Olivia Curtis, Kate Jeeter, Avery Marsh, Olivia Jackson, and Lily Kiae – on winning the HoopPlay USA Jingle Slam Basketball Tournament. (photo G)
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1998 Society Members of the Episcopal Collegiate 1998 Society were honored at a spring party hosted by 2015-16 Annual Fund Chairs Joan and Noel Strauss (photo left). Guests enjoyed live music and food prepared by Sage Dining, and received custom Episcopal Collegiate grill sets as gifts. Named in honor of Episcopal Collegiate School’s founding year, the 1998 Society recognizes donors whose Annual Fund gifts are $1,000 and above. This year’s Annual Fund raised over $520,000. If you would like to join the 1998 Society, visit episcopalcollegiate.org/supportus or contact Matt Radtke in the Office of Institutional Advancement at 501.978.4420.
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Like a beautiful bride, the dining hall of Episcopal Collegiate School was a “vision in white” on the night of March 12, 2016. All to benefit faculty professional development, volunteers transformed the space into a winter wonderland with yards of white draping, white leather seating, and silver and crystal table décor. Wildcat
Wonderland was an event that we will never forget. Many thanks to Auction CoChairs Kori Gordon and Amy Brantley, their team of volunteers, and to the many parents and friends who turned out for a spectacular evening of fellowship with the Episcopal Collegiate community. The auction raised over $250,000.
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Ashley Honeywell
Named Director of Alumni Relations
Debra Brown
Receives Harriet Calhoun Stephens Distinguished Service Award The School’s highest volunteer service honor, the Harriet Calhoun Stephens Distinguished Service Award, was presented to Debra Brown on Class Day, May 13. “There are few people who have been involved with the school for as long as this year’s recipient,” said Mrs. Stephens. Debra Brown’s service to Episcopal began as early as 1997. She has served on the Board of Trustees three times for a total of 13 years. “She has served on the Building and Grounds Committee for more years than she’d probably like to count, both as Secretary and Chair. She has been a member of the Long Range Strategic Planning Committee and a member of Search Committees for Head of School. Since 2011, she has been on the Executive Committee and Vice President of the Board of Trustees. “You do not serve in all these capacities for so long, through thick and thin, if you do not have an unwavering love for this school and a steadfast belief in first building and now maintaining its Mission,” said Mrs. Stephens. “Her devotion to Episcopal Collegiate School and its well-being have been obvious for 20 years and the School has been the lucky beneficiary of her time and talents.” The Harriet Calhoun Stephens Distinguished Service Award was established on Class Day 2012 to honor volunteer service and leadership. The award is presented to honor those community members who have given generously of their time, talent, and resources to ensure that Episcopal Collegiate School’s young people receive the very best education possible. The award is named for Harriet Calhoun Stephens whose commitment to Episcopal Collegiate is without equal. 32 | episcopalcollegiate.org
Episcopal Collegiate School is pleased to announce the appointment of Ashley Honeywell to the newly-created position of Director of Alumni Relations. Ashley first served as teacher in 2000 when the Jackson T. Stephens campus opened. She added Director of Admission to her role in 2005 while continuing to teach. Ashley was the School’s fifth Director of Admission and served in that role for 11 years while primarily focused on Middle and Upper School. When Ashley started her work in admissions, the school’s enrollment was 386. Today, it is 780. As a member of the Upper School faculty, Ashley started the school’s broadcast journalism program, creating Episcopal Collegiate School Television or ECTV. The program has consistently been recognized with numerous awards from the Arkansas Scholastic Press Association and the Student Television Network. Ashley will continue as the Broadcast Journalism Advisor in her new role.
“One of the aspects of this job that excites me the most is the chance to celebrate the accomplishments of our alumni. There is no better group to tell our story and demonstrate the value of the Episcopal Collegiate School experience.” As Director of Alumni Relations, Ashley will be actively involved with our current seniors as they make the transition to alumni at the end of the school year. She will also plan alumni reunions and gatherings, as well as an alumni speaker series in Chapel. Ashley remains a member of the Institutional Advancement Team in her new position.
“I’m thrilled to be back in the classroom again as an active member of our Upper School community. The opportunity to work with our 13 classes of graduates, or ‘Episcalums,’ as we have grown to call them presents me with the exciting chance to reconnect with and engage our alumni on campus,” said Honeywell.
Submit a Class Note! Visit episcopalcollegiate.org/alumni and submit a class note for the next magazine or the alumni section of our website. We love hearing from you and want to share all of your good news. Marriage and birth announcements are welcome. Send us a photo and the details! Recently promoted or taking on a new adventure? Let us know!
alumni news
Becca Moore Fullen and her husband, Witt, welcomed their first child, Witson Ross Moore, Jr., on March 3, 2016. Becca is a realtor with Coldwell Banker RPM. The couple lives in Little Rock.
2013
2006 Conley Hurst was named a Division III PING Golf All-American by the Golf Coaches Association of America. A senior at Washington and Lee University, Conley is a two-time ODAC Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
Elise Davis Elise graduated from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville with a BA in English and Creative Writing. She moved to Nashville after college and released an independent album while also a writer for Horipro Entertainment. She received her first record deal in 2015 and will tour nationally when her new album, “The Token,” is released in 2017. Andrew Charlton Andrew graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a BS in Biomedical Engineering. He is currently a surgical research associate in Cardiac Research for Medtronic in Little Rock.
2005 Katherine Shearon Katherine Shearon graduated from Emerson University in Boston in 2009 with a BA in Visual Media Arts with a Minor in Photography. After working as an assistant editor for a reality TV company, Katherine is now a producer at Disney Junior. Lauren Hampton Lauren ‘05 wed Jonathan Joyner ’04 on October 10, 2015 in Big Sur, California. Jonathan is a Manager of Risk Reporting at Prosper and Lauren is a Sr. Communications Designer at Lookout and owner of LH Creative. The couple lives in San Francisco with their dogs, Scout and Bandit.
Jacob Rowell Jacob Rowell played in the Army-Navy Collegiate Rugby Match televised live on CBS in July. Jacob is a third-year midshipman at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD.
2007 Anne-Elizabeth Snowden Wynne Anne-Elizabeth wed Grant Wynne on March 7, 2015. AnneElizabeth is a realtor with The Janet Jones Company. The couple lives in Little Rock with their dog, Teal.
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15-Aug 16-Aug 23-Aug 23-Aug 24-Aug 26-Aug 27-Aug 29-Aug 29-Aug 30-Aug 30-Aug 1-Sep 1-Sep 1-Sep 2-Sep 6-Sep 6-Sep 6-Sep 7-Sep 7-Sep 8-Sep 8-Sep 8-Sep 9-Sep 10-Sep 12-Sep 12-Sep 12-Sep 12-Sep 13-Sep 13-Sep 14-Sep 14-Sep 15-Sep 15-Sep 16-Sep 19-Sep 20-Sep 20-Sep 20-Sep 20-Sep 21-Sep 21-Sep 22-Sep
Golf Golf VB VB VB Watermelon Supper VB VB Golf VB Tennis VB Golf Tennis FB Golf VB Tennis VB Tennis Golf VB VB FB CC Golf FB VB VB Golf Tennis VB Tennis VB Tennis FB VB Golf VB VB Tennis VB Tennis VB
Baptist Prep Robinson, Mayflower Jacksonville Baptist Prep Conway St. Joe All Sports Spikefest CAC Harding Academy Lee County Harding Academy KIPP Harding Academy Lakeside Conway Christian Mayflower Lonoke PA LRCA PA Harding Academy LISA Academy Robinson Charleston Minuteman Western Mayflower, Bap. Prep Maumelle CAC CAC Mayflower, Robinson V LRCA Anthony School Anthony School Central West Helena Baptist Prep England Bauxite Conference Meet Jessieville Jessieville Pottsville Quest Charter PA Lee County
V V JV/V 7/8/09 JV/V H V 7/8/09 V 9/JV/V V 9/JV/V V V V V 9/JV/V V 7/8/09 MS V JV/V 8-Jul V MS/V V MS 7/JV/V 9-Aug V 8-Jul MS 9/JV/V V V 8-Jul V 9/JV/V 8-Jul V 8-Jul MS 9/JV/V
2016 LOCATION
TIME
CCA Cadron Valley A H H
3:30 3:30 4:30 4:30 4:30 6:00
Episcopal/MSM/LRCA/Anthony A CCA H Burns Park A River Oaks CC Burns Park A Southern Oak H Burns Park A Burns Park River Oaks CC A H H LR CCA A Championship Gym Auxiliary Gym Cadron Creek Burns Park H Burns Park A Burns Park A H Southern Oaks Championship Gym Auxiliary Gym Burns Park H Burns Park A
4:30 3:30 4:30 4:00 4:30 3:30 4:00 7:00 1:00 4:30 4:00 4:00 4:00 3:30 4:30 4:30 7:00 TBA 3:30 7:00 4:30 4:30 3:30 4:00 4:30 4:30 4:30 4:00 7:00 4:30 TBA 4:30 4:30 4:00 4:30 4:00 4:30
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23-Sep 24-Sep 24-Sep 26-Sep 26-Sep 27-Sep 27-Sep 28-Sep 29-Sep 29-Sep 30-Sep 1-Oct 3-Oct 3-Oct 4-Oct 4-Oct 6-Oct 7-Oct 10-Oct 10-Oct 10-Oct 11-Oct 11-Oct 12-Oct 13-Oct 14-Oct 17-18-Oct 17-18-Oct 20-Oct 21-Oct 22-Oct 23-29-Oct 25-27-Oct 28-Oct 29-Oct 3-Nov 4-Nov 11-Nov 12-Nov 18-Nov 25-Nov 2-Dec 9-10-Dec
FB CC VB FB VB VB Tennis VB VB Tennis FB CC VB FB VB Tennis Tennis FB FB VB VB VB Tennis VB VB FB VB Tennis VB FB CC Tennis VB FB VB FB FB FB CC FB FB FB FB
Cedar Ridge Cyclone Invitational CAC Tournament North LR Harding Academy KIPP CAC Bauxite Lonoke LR Central Rose Bud Chili Pepper Anthony School Morrilton LISA Academy PA Conf. Tourn. (tent.) Bald Knob Maumelle Jessieville Jessieville Central West Helena Lakeside Quest Charter Jacksonville Lighthouse 9/JV/V Lee County Conference Tour. State Tournament Harding Academy Barton Lake Hamilton Inv. Overall Champ. State Tournament Mayflower State Finals Harding Academy Harding Academy State 1st Round State Meet State 2nd Round Quarterfinal Round Semi-Final Round State Championship
V MS/V 9 MS 9-Aug 9/JV/V V 8-Jul 9/JV/V V V V 8-Jul MS JV/V V V V MS 8-Jul 9/JV/V 9/JV/V V 8-Jul V V V V V MS/V V V V V MS V V V V V V V
2016 LOCATION
TIME
H Russellville CAC H A H Burns Park A A Burns Park H Fayetteville A H H Burns Park TBA A H A A H Lakeside H A A TBA TBA A H Lake Hamilton TBA Paris A Hot Springs A H TBA Oaklawn TBA TBA TBA TBA
7:00 TBA TBA 7:00 4:30 4:30 4:00 4:30 4:30 4:00 7:00 TBA 4:30 7:00 4:30 4:00 7:00 7:00 4:30 4:30 4:30 4:00 4:30 4:30 7:00
4:30 7:00 TBA
7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 TBA 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00
Nonprofit U.S. Postage PAID Little Rock, AR Permit No. 68
Jackson T. Stephens Campus 1701 Cantrell Road Little Rock, Arkansas 72201
Serving Grades PK3-12 | episcopalcollegiate.org
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