The Shield Magazine 2026

Volume XX, Winter 2026

in this issue Building for the Future Bots and Barons: a look at AI Celebrating Master Teachers

A P U B L I C AT I O N O F S A I N T M A R Y ’ S H A L L

And more...

ou r gu i di ng s tat e m e n t s mission To teach students to grow in character, lead with integrity, thrive in college, and know fulfillment in life.

v ision To know oneself, to know each other, and to know the world.

c or e va lu e s Community Curiosity Legacy Respect Spirituality

statement of belonging Saint Mary’s Hall cultivates an environment where all community members are seen, safe, and valued.

s tat e m e n t of spi r i t ua l i t y Grounded in the Episcopalian tradition of our founders, we welcome and value the religious and spiritual backgrounds of all students, families, faculty, and staff.

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Saint Mary’s Hall | 3

First Bell: Letter from the Head of School

The SMH Fund Our mission is to teach students to grow in character, lead with integrity, thrive in college, and know fulfillment in life. What’s crucial is who surrounds them: teachers, coaches, and peers. Gifts to the SMH Fund are a way to invest in the people who help students run their races. Support our growing, thriving school with a gift today. Gifts to the SMH fund are an expression of support for our mission and values.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE TODAY

Celebrating Students, Faculty, and Alumni

“Nobody runs their race alone.”

A S H M E N I C K ‘25 Senior Class President during his commencement address

AC A D E MI C S | AT H LE T I C S | F I N E A R TS S AF E T Y & S E CUR I T Y | W E LLN E S S

$3.7 MILLION

AWARDED IN FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIPS

$17,900 AVERAGE AWARD OF FINANCIAL AIDE PER QUALIFYING STUDENT

Each issue of The Shield offers a window into life at Saint Mary’s Hall, but this edition captures something especially meaningful: a community deeply rooted in tradition while boldly preparing for what comes next. As you turn these pages, you will see students, faculty, and alumni living our mission in ways that are both timeless and forward-looking.

From immersive global experiences to interdisciplinary projects that unite science, art, and inquiry, our students are learning how to engage thoughtfully with the world around them. These experiences, whether in classrooms, laboratories, studios, or across continents, reflect our commitment to helping students know themselves, know one another, and know the world.

You will also meet educators whose passion and creativity define the Saint Mary’s Hall experience. Our Master Teachers model lifelong learning, curiosity, and care, shaping classrooms where students feel challenged, supported, and known. Their work reminds us that meaningful education is built on relationships as much as intellectual rigor.

Athletics, service, leadership, and tradition continue to play a vital role in student life. From playoff-bound teams and collegiate athletes to the enduring symbolism of the Blue Tie, our students learn what it means to lead with integrity, resilience, and joy. Our alumni, featured throughout this issue, carry those lessons forward, enriching their communities and staying connected to the Long Blue Line.

THE IMPACT OF YOUR GIFT:

MORE THAN

Dear Parents, Alumni, and Friends of Saint Mary’s Hall,

5% 807 58

Finally, this issue marks an important moment of reflection and possibility as we share our campus master planning journey. Guided by listening, collaboration, and purpose, we are envisioning spaces that will support the next generation of learners while honoring the spirit that has defined Saint Mary’s Hall for nearly 150 years.

Thank you for being part of this remarkable community. I invite you to explore these stories with pride and optimism, confident in the work we are doing together to prepare our students not only for college, but for lives of meaning and fulfillment.

With gratitude,

OPERATING BUDGET ENROLLED STUDENTS DIFFERENT ZIP CODES

Len Miller Head of School

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Volume XX - Winter 2026

January 2026 Contents 5 First Bell Letter from the Head of School

Editorial Team With a circulation of 5,000, The Shield is published annually by the Saint Mary’s Hall Office of Communications.

The Shield is distributed free of charge to alumni, parents, future families, faculty, staff, schools, and friends of Saint Mary’s Hall.

Write to us at editor@smhall.org editor@smhall.org.. www.smhall.org

Angela Rabke

J. Daniel Escareño

Director of Communications Editor-in-chief

Communications Coordinator Multimedia Contributor

Molly Bruni P’37

J. Daniel Escareño Michael Kriegshauser

Writer and Managing Editor

Nancy Lee Archer ’16

Design

Director of Alumni Relations Writer and Editor

Albert David J. Daniel Escareño Kimberly Flores Robin Jerstad Lauren Keller

Kimberly Flores Communications Coordinator Multimedia Contributor

8 Class of 2025 14 Around the Hall

Featured 30 Designed for the Future A new chapter begins at Saint Mary's Hall 34 Bots and Barons School committee charts a thoughtful course for artificial intelligence at SMH 38 Meet Saint Mary's Hall Master Teachers 2024-2025 Master Teacher Awards 50 Alumni

66 In Memoriam

Photography

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Class of 2025 Congratulations!

Class of 2025 Meet the Graduates

By the Numbers

68

students

Tanzeel Ali Gray Altmeyer Zach Alvarez Adam Berg Michelle Bieler Natalia Chapa Keith Chbeir Ian Choisne Ana Cruz Gonzalo Cuervo Cooper Curry Evaristo Derby Elizondo Venkaya Dutta Kate Edwards Andres Fernandez Olivia Garcia Abby Gillham

Celebrating the Class of 2025 146th Saint Mary’s Hall Commencement May 23, 2025 commencement speakers:

national merit finalists

Len Miller Head of School

Elise Ring Boyan Chair, Board of Trustees

Gaige Lipscomb

Dr. Elizabeth Stockdale Head of Upper School

Dr. Fredricc Brock Chaplain and Assistant Head of School for Belonging

Ash Menick Class President

23

zip codes

Rusham Goyal Augie Grohman Henry Guven Wynton Harris Genevieve Hercule Alex Hoeker Alexandra Holmgreen Andrew Hoppas Zach Johnson Eleanor Jones Teagan Kaase Calista Kayatta Lily Kelly Greer Kemmett Justus Kleberg Walker Kruger Harper Kuhn

17

“lifers”

38

presidential volunteer s e r v i c e awa r d s

Pablo Lambreton Pedro Lambreton Joe Lechowick Gaige Lipscomb Eashaan Malladi Jolie Mao Ash Menick Wesley Mitchell Hudson Moore Cuatro Morrill Ava Myers Sai Ono San Ono Juan Pablo Orozco JC Pena John Presutti Cypress Rabke

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colleges and universities i n 23 s t a t e s

Gracie Randolph Lawson Runge Genevieve Seeligson Rohith Siddabattula Peyton Soltis Landon Stowers Johnnie Thienpont Preston Thill Emily Ton Saviandra Trevino Helen Trottmann MichaelMac Turner Sedelia Wilson-Larkin Madison Winston Ellie Wyche J.C. Yaeger Haik Zacharian

Gonzalo Cuervo

national merit commended scholars Rusham Goyal

Jolie Mao

Alexandra Hoeker

Helen Trottmann

Lily Kelly

medal recipients Presented to students who have excelled in the following areas: English Evaristo Derby Elizondo

Media Arts Kate Edwards

History and Social Science Rusham Goyal

longevity recognition Landon Stowers ’25

Alexandra Holmgreen ’25

Visual Arts Cypress Rabke

Adam Berg ’25

Lily Kelly ’25

Kate Edwards ’25

Wesley Mitchell ’25

Mathematics Gaige Lipscomb

Performing Arts Eliana Wyche

Rusham Goyal ’25

John Presutti ’25

World Languages and Cultures Calista Kayatta

Senior Male Athlete of the Year Justus Kleberg

Genevieve Seeligson ’25

Peyton Soltis ’25

Madison Winston ’25

Walker Kruger ’25

Science Gonzalo Cuervo

Senior Female Athlete of the Year Greer Kemmett

Keith Chbeir ’25

Hudson Moore ’25

Cooper Curry ’25

Natalia Chapa ’25

school awards

Wynton Harris ’25

Bishops’ Christian Citizen Cup – Genevieve Hercule Jamie Armstrong Bennett Award –Brian Kaestner 8 | the shield

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Class of 2025

Off to Great Places Amherst College *1

Huntingdon College *1

Texas A&M University *3

University of Miami *1

Boston College *1

Middlebury College *1

Texas A&M University at Galveston *1

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill *1

Boston University *2

New York University *2

Texas Christian University *4

University of North Texas *1

Catholic University of America *1

Northeastern University *1

The University of Tennessee (Knoxville) *2

University of Notre Dame *1

Clemson University *1

Northwestern University *1

The University of Texas at Austin *1

University of Oklahoma *1

Colorado School of Mines *1

Pepperdine University *1

The University of Texas at San Antonio *1

University of Pennsylvania *3

Creighton University *1

Reed College *1

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley *1

University of Southern California *1

Dartmouth College *1

Rhode Island School of Design *1

Trinity University *2

University of the Incarnate Word *1

DePaul University *1

Rice University

Tulane University of Louisiana *2

University of Wisconsin (Madison) *1

Duke University *1

Rochester Institute of Technology *1

University of Arkansas *1

William & Mary *1

Florida Gulf Coast University *1

Santa Clara University *1

University of California (Los Angeles) *1

Haverford College *1

Stanford University *1

University of California (Santa Barbara) *1

Howard University *1

Syracuse University *1

University of Colorado Boulder *1

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*1

*# Number of students attending

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The classes of ’26 and ’38 “Decked the Hall” with twinkle lights and joy before heading home for Thanksgiving Break. For the second year, our seniors and kindergarteners have delighted in sharing hot cocoa and festooning the upper school trees with loads of lights to welcome the holiday season.

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Around the Hall

Form 1 Amateur Golfer Cracks Top 60 at World Championship

Junior Model UN Delegates Win Conference Awards

Amateur golfer Nando Starbuck ’37 competed in the U.S. Kids Golf World Championships this summer, placing T59 in the Boys 6 and Under division. This placement puts him as one of the top 100 amateur golfers in the country. Nando also earned the title of U.S. Kids Golf San Antonio Tour Champion twice in 2025, including on a summer tour where he won all seven tournaments, posting a scoring average of 38.

Nine Middle School delegates from the SMH Junior Model UN Club attended a conference at Trinity Episcopal School in Austin in November.

Four of our delegates brought home accolades: Abegail Hockersmith ’31 and Aashi Bhakta ’31 received Distinguished Delegate awards, and Sanya Singh ’30 and Bella Trivedi ’31 received Best Delegate awards.

Literary Magazine Receives National Recognition The Walrus, the Upper School literary magazine, was ranked First Class and The Crossroads, the Middle School literary magazine, was ranked Superior in the 2024 National Council of Teachers of English Recognizing Excellence in Art and Literary Magazines (REALM) program. This year, schools in 46 states and five countries nominated 422 student magazines from middle school, high school, and higher education.

Form 4 Student Recognized Nationally for Storytelling Lily May ’33 has been named a National Youth Storyteller for 2025, an honor given to only ten students nationwide. Lily wowed audiences at the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival in Utah with her original tale, “Old Coyote: A Texas Folktale,” sharing the stage with world-renowned storytellers.

Cinema Students Receive International Nomination Over fall break, Upper School Cinema students traveled to New York City to compete in the All American High School Film Festival—the largest student film festival in the world. Their hard work paid off with a nomination for Best Film in the “Invitational - Complete Experience” category, marking an unforgettable achievement and a proud moment for SMH Cinema.

Alamo Historians Four SMH students—Bianca Rodriguez '26, Amruta Patel '26, Rabani Bajaj '27, and Sophia Garza '27—stepped into the past through a unique and immersive internship at the Alamo. They engaged in a variety of museum and archival activities that deepen their understanding of historical preservation and research.

Science Scholars Twelve students were named Science Research Scholars and spent the summer diving into the world of scientific inquiry and research. Over the summer, they practiced techniques such as sterile lab practices, gram staining, micropipetting, and experimental design and also learned to navigate scientific literature and data analysis.

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Around the Hall

Seniors Earn National Merit Scholarship Recognition An impressive 20% of the Class of 2026 was recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Program, one of the most prestigious academic honors in the United States. Of our recognized scholars, three were named semifinalists (Harini Logan ’26, Violet Swart ’26, and Kathryn Tubb ’26), an honor given to less than 1% of the nation’s high school graduating seniors.

Middle School French Students Medal in National Contest This past spring, nine Middle School students were recognized for their performance in the National French Contest. Collectively, Barons took home two bronze medals, four silver medals, and three gold medals in the contest.

Our Form 5 Change Makers After reading Malala: My Story of Standing Up for Girls’ Rights—a chapter book edition of Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai’s bestselling story—our Form 5 students were inspired to think big.

Malala’s message of courage and advocacy sparked an important question: How can we make a positive change right here at Saint Mary’s Hall?

The answer came through the Change Makers Presentation, a Form 5 favorite that empowers our students to take initiative and improve life on campus. No idea is too big or too small. Students brainstorm ways to enhance our community, develop a detailed plan, and present their proposals to the SMH Leadership Team, which includes our Head of School, Head of Lower School, Director of Facilities, and Assistant Head of School for Advancement.

Some ideas have already come to life! Thanks to our Change Makers, the Lower School playground now boasts a second gaga ball pit—a student-led improvement that became reality through collaboration with our Facilities team. And more exciting changes are on the way, like larger whiteboards for math classes, new dining hall seating, treehouse updates, and colorful murals that will transform campus spaces.

Our Form 5 students are proving that positive change starts with a single idea—and the courage to share it.

Form 4 Student Represents at Regional Spelling Bee Naren Logan ’34 won the Saint Mary’s Hall School Championship Spelling Bee and was the runner up at the San Antonio Regional Spelling Bee this year, coming in second out of the 25 school champions who cleared the written test. He continues the legacy of spelling expertise established by his sister, Harini Logan ’26, the 2022 Scripps National Spelling Bee Champion.

Student Researchers Lela Tabatabai ’28 and Max Windscheffel ’28 were accepted into the prestigious Voelcker Biomedical Research Academy at UT Health San Antonio. Now in their first year of the highly selective three-year program, they spent seven weeks this summer conducting research alongside leading biomedical scientists.

Form 8 Student’s Thoughtful Creativity Recognized Internationally Sanya Singh ’30 was selected as a finalist in the 2025 Association for Middle Level Education Middle School Student Sound Off contest for her moving and imaginative submission, “Between Echoes and Stars.” Chosen from entries submitted by students around the world, Sanya is one of just five finalists internationally recognized for their creativity and insight.

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Around the Hall: Global and Experiential Learning

Immersed in Japan To know oneself, to know each other, and to know the world.

What started as an idea from the Asian American Student Union in 2022–23 became a year-long journey of preparation, discovery, and cultural immersion. The Global and Experiential Learning Department’s spring break trip to Japan was designed to help Upper School students deepen their understanding of Japanese culture while embodying SMH’s vision: To know oneself, to know each other, and to know the world.

Throughout the school year, students explored Japan’s multifaceted identity through a variety of immersive learning opportunities.

Students and chaperones are pictured with the Kazaridaru in front of Meiji Jingu, a Shinto Shrine in Tokyo. Kazaridaru are decorated sake barrels that are used as offerings in Shinto traditions; these honor Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.

By the time they landed in Japan, they were ready to truly experience the culture. They stayed in a traditional ryokan, visited landmarks and museums, practiced calligraphy, attended a tea ceremony, and connected with locals.

“Experiential learning allows you to truly do, interact, and be in the moment,” reflected Kenny Huong, trip leader and Upper School chemistry teacher. “By doing so, you make deeper connections with the world, yourself, and others.”

Students returned home with not just memories, but a broadened perspective—and a stronger sense of belonging in our global community.

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Immersive learning opportunities included: • The rise and influence of Buddhism and Shintoism • Japan’s history from ancient to modern times • The ways geography and war shaped Japanese cuisine • Cooking and origami workshops • The history of Hiroshima and the science of the atomic bomb • Cultural etiquette training • Japanese language classes

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Around the Hall: Athletics

Around the Hall

Warm Welcomes and Fond Farewells Saint Mary’s Hall inducted five beloved employees into the Legacy Society, which honors employees who retire with at least 25 years of service to the School. Together, these inductees gave more than 150 years of service to SMH, and we thank them for helping lay and maintain the very foundation that our community is built upon.

Congratulations to Kathy Fetzer (31 years), Brian Kaestner (in memoriam, 44 years), Tomas Munoz (26 years), Raoul Nicoll (26 years), and Nur Mangalji (25 years).

Saint Mary’s Hall welcomed both new and familiar faces into impactful roles on our campus this past year.

SMH Athletics on the Move The Playbook Athletic Director Josh Baker shares that an important component of our mission is to shape an environment where students-athletes with a wide range of experience can grow meaningfully and develop their potential. This means not only building the required technical skills needed to improve and perform, but also cultivating habits that ensure long term health and success:

Tim Reilly was named Head of Lower School. He brings more than 20 years of experience in independent school teaching and leadership, most recently serving as the Elementary Director at Headwaters School in Austin.

Dr. Fredricc G. Brock, who has served as SMH All-School Chaplain since 2021, has been promoted to Assistant Head of School for Community and Belonging. He currently maintains both positions.

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Reece Gains was named the new Head Men’s Basketball Coach and Program Leader. He played basketball professionally in the NBA and across Europe before transitioning to coaching at the collegiate and professional level.

Joseph Muller was named Director of Enrollment Management. He has served the School for 14 years in various leadership and teaching roles, most recently as the Associate Head of Admission & Enrollment Management.

Baker stated, "What makes our program unique is the intentional way we combine high-level athletics with a student-centered approach. At many schools, athletics can sometimes feel like it’s about performance first and the person second. At SMH, we flip that. We hire coaches who not only understand what it takes to prepare athletes for the next level, but also how to support them in the present, as the individual students that they are, with a wide range of commitments and interests. Our students are growing up in a world that demands adaptability, balance, and the ability to navigate challenges with resilience. Our most committed studentathletes learn these traits daily, demonstrating that it’s possible to pursue big goals while also staying grounded in our community. They set an example of what healthy ambition looks like and illustrate that a focus on values and holistic growth can lead to exceptional outcomes."

Strategic collaboration and support of our student-athletes across departments and divisions brings this mission to fruition. Athletic programs are led by expert coaches who are guiding the development of skills and experiences that are first introduced in Lower School and then

further honed in the Middle and Upper School. Specifically assigned Athletic Coordinators work with all three divisions to support coaches and synthesize communication and perspective around the experiences of our student-athletes. Intentional programming on executive functioning, time management, nutrition and the performance mindset is taught within the Wellness Program. There are strength and conditioning options for interested students, both in and off season, trainers who work with our athletes on injury prevention and recovery and even a college counseling class offered during H-block that includes strategies for recruitment. Importantly, our rotating block schedule means that when students leave early for an away game, they are not always missing the same period. The block schedule also contains built in periods for office hours, consultation, and study hall so students can work efficiently with easier access to their teachers who answer questions and provide extra help.

The intentionality of this approach is paying high dividends for all teams and student-athletes. During the 2024-25 season, for example, fourteen out of our seventeen varsity teams made playoffs and all individual teams, such as tennis, swimming and cross country, sent players to States.

More important, however, is the fact that Baron student-athletes are thriving during their time at SMH. They are graduating with a deep love of their sport and with physically strong bodies, spirits and minds.

The data based on a rolling five year average shows that 22% of our senior student athletes are choosing to continue playing a sport in college, compared to the national average of just 6%. And each year, a growing number of Barons are being recruited by coaches across the country at the Division I, II and III levels.

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Around the Hall: 2025 Collegiate Athletes

Around the Hall: Athletics Academic Focus?

SMH Athletics on the Move

“My academic focus has been just to try my best in each and every class I am able to take. I love to push myself, so striving to become a Division I baseball player while pushing to achieve academic excellence kept me busy….Knowing what I was getting into with my honors and AP courses meant I had to make a lot of sacrifices and it mainly came down to my teachers. I am so thankful my teachers have been there to assist me at any moment.”

Favorite Baseball Memory?

Augustine Grohman ’25 University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Baseball

When the Class of 2025 crossed the graduation stage, it included six student-athletes who were recruited to play at the college level.

Throughout their tenure at Saint Mary’s Hall, these Barons balanced the academic rigor of our college preparatory curriculum with the daily challenges required by their respective sports. They competed for SMH at the local, district and state level, donned purple and black jerseys for morning and evening practices, and led their teams with grace through the ups and downs inherent in competition. Outside of school, they trained throughout the year, played on club teams, and competed in showcases and tournaments throughout Texas and even across the nation.

But they weren’t just athletes. They were inquisitive scholars, artists, campus leaders, valued community members, mentors for the younger grades, and inspiring examples of students who somehow managed to do it all.

“There isn’t just one. It’s truly all the dinners and road trips with my team and the bonding and brotherly love we share with each other that make the memory of SMH baseball so great.”

What was the recruitment process like for you?

“Recruitment is something else…It’s the slowest burn process you can think of and with that comes time to continuously improve your game.

A talented pitcher who arrived at SMH in Form 9, Augie quickly became Going into my junior year, I had absolutely no interest in this [process], known for his dedication to baseball and strong academic work in the Art but it only takes one connection. When I decided to play with a travel Department and a plethora of college-level courses. He was a leadership ball team that did showcases at different DI universities around Texas, member of the Fine Arts Council and a gifted artist whose senior project it opened up so many doors. The best advice is to just put yourself out showcased his passions for drawing and collecting 1990s Salem Sports here and be persistent…” t-shirts. The result was a series of slogans juxtaposed with beautifully drafted caricatures of his teammates that will soon be installed in athletic Where does your inspiration come from? spaces around campus.

“Just thank the Lord for another day to get better and when I’m out on the field, I never pray to win, but for God to just be there with me.”

How did you balance athletics with academics?

“I had to learn how to balance my academics while also maintaining a good GPA and playing a sport. I appreciate how SMH provides an off period during your schedule so that is something I always took advantage of. If I had training late that night or a game that weekend, I made sure to get as much work done as I could during off periods or any free time I had during the day, whether during office hours, or if the teacher gave us time in class to complete our homework.”

Academic focus?

“I loved my Sports Medicine class which was taught by a trainer, who was a really wonderful teacher. Because I was the only senior, I was able to be a bit of a leader. It was a very hands-on experience and it allowed me to figure out that I want to pursue this, or a related field, in college.”

Greatest challenge?

Favorite memory?

Sedelia Wilson-Larkin ’25 University of Incarnate Word, Basketball

“My junior year, we made it to semi-finals at State. We lost, but decided to spend the night to watch the championship. We as a team had so much fun together and the bonding was the best.”

Secret to success?

Although Sedelia only joined SMH as a junior, she made an immediate “Running my own race. I’m not going to be a perfect person. I’ve always impact both on and off the basketball court. She averaged 15 points tried to stay true to myself and to understand that my path is not the and 12 rebounds while helping lead the team to a second consecutive same as others around me.” district title and final four appearance. She also earned an important place in our community through her leadership in the Buddy System Mantra? and in the Black Student Union. Sedelia’s work ethic, legendary “Our team had of mantra that we constantly returned to: Culture kindness, dedication to both her academics and athletics, advocacy for of Joy. It’s great to play and also live by. You have to have a positive her own needs–as well as those of her peers–made her a thoughtful outlook in everything you to do and it certainly makes it easier when community member, active problem solver, and important mentor to you face challenges.” younger students.

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Greer Kemmett ’25 Huntington College, Soccer Greer arrived at SMH in Form 5, following proudly in the steps of her mother Kristin ’93 and sister Georgia ’22. From the moment she entered Upper School, Greer made it her goal to play soccer in college.

Despite her own rigorous training schedule, Greer enriched the SMH community with her overarching commitment to school pride and spirit. She was a vocal leader on the Sports Council and supported all athletic teams through her creative organization of school-wide pep rallies. Greer was also a spirited force in maintaining the Caper and Elliot traditions and her efforts as Editor for the yearbook led to an especially professional layout and design.

“Something that has been challenging for me is the sacrifices I have had to make, especially socially. Playing year round on a travel club team [required] that I miss family events, hanging out with my friends, or fun school events. One thing I have learned is that you have to make sacrifices to chase your dream.”

Favorite soccer memory?

“We were playing San Antonio Christian School my junior year and it was our last game of the season before we entered playoffs. There were three seconds left and I shot the ball from 40 yards out and made it. We ended up beating SACS 2-1.”

Secret to success?

“My secret to success is making sure I am okay with failing. That is something that I used to struggle with, but I have come to realize that in order to succeed, you also have to fail.”

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Around the Hall: Athletics Academic Interest?

“I have not had a singular academic focus while at SMH because I enjoy all subjects and work hard to expand my horizons and become familiar with different disciplines. I definitely lean more into the STEM/Math fields though, as most of my immediate and extended family members have occupations in medical fields.”

Favorite field hockey memory?

Madison Winston ’25 Middlebury College, Field Hockey

“My favorite memory on the SMH field hockey team would be the bus ride back after my final high school game. I ended up scoring the winning goal, and that moment was so surreal for me because I saw my progress and evolution as a player from freshman to senior. The girls on the team are experts when it comes to bus ride karaoke, so of course we put on a fantastic show for our coaches…I could not have asked for a better way to close out my SMH field hockey career.”

cont. from Eleanor Jones ’25

What was the recruiting process like?

Favorite mantra or inspiration?

“My recruiting process was a little different from many of my teammates. “I don’t have one specific mantra that I always return to, but this past I started by identifying schools I was interested in academically, regardless season our assistant coach made hair ribbons for each game with of volleyball, and then began consistently reaching out to those coaches. different phrases of encouragement. I kept them all, and they served as From the beginning, I knew I wanted to play at the Division III level so great reminders to play with confidence and heart. Beyond that, I pull I could balance academics with athletics while being involved in campus inspiration from my teammates, coaches and family [which includes life. I started connecting with coaches in the fall of my junior year… sisters Wynne ’29 and Meryl ’27], who constantly remind me of the Consistency was key–for example, I kept following up with the Amherst value of perseverance and positivity.” coach, which ultimately led to her watching me play at AAU Nationals and offering me a spot on the team.”

How did you balance your athletics and academics?

Madison came to SMH for kindergarten and fell in love with field hockey “Flexibility and communication are key to balancing academic work the first time she attended a school-run clinic in Form 4. A dedicated with the demands of being a student-athlete. I always, always, ALWAYS scholar who made many important academic contributions during her went to my teachers about a week before an absence to inform them of time at SMH, Madison also maintained a consistent and robust the situation–whether it was a high school or club travel tournament. involvement in the Student Equity Collective and Black Student Union.

If I knew I wasn’t going to be able to complete any work while I was She also has the distinction of being the first student to read aloud the away, I would set up a realistic timeline as to when assignments Land Acknowledgment Statement at a school-wide event, a testament to could be submitted. But, if I did have the time and resources to complete her commitment to all voices being equitably represented. my coursework while away, I would do so. To be a good studentathlete, one must excel at time management. It is difficult to find free time, and it is even more important not to squander it when it becomes available.”

halls, the classroom, my friends, the faculty and the feeling of stepping onto campus and being a part of a community. I came back sophomore year and the administration was incredibly supportive of my goals…It’s a grind, and I won’t pretend it’s always easy, but I’ve learned how to stay on top of my responsibilities by planning ahead, breaking assignments into manageable pieces and keeping close communication with my teachers. I’m so glad I finished out high school at SMH, surrounded by people who believed in my ability to do both.”

Secret to Success?

Natalia Chapa ’25 Haverford College, Tennis Academic Interests?

“In Upper School, I’ve loved having the freedom to explore subjects that genuinely interest me. Two classes that had a significant impact were Echoes in the Borderlands: An Interdisciplinary Study of Selena Quintanilla and the Transdisciplinary Research elective, where I created my own research project on the way in which age impacts the Venezuelan migrant experience. These courses deepened my appreciation for the Spanish language and culture, especially around Amherst College, Volleyball the Texas-Mexico borderlands, and allowed me to step outside the Eleanor arrived at SMH in Form 5 ready to soak up all the opportunities traditional curriculum in meaningful ways.” for personal and academic growth that it represented, and she has been impacting the SMH community in and out of the classroom ever since. Favorite volleyball memory?

Anchored by her commitment to a highly rigorous course load and “[My] senior season was by far my favorite year. With a new coach who her desire to keep all “options open,” Eleanor also devoted herself to is passionate about building this program and our first time having community service, serving as a four-year member and senior leader freshman and junior varsity team in a few years, there was so much of the Community Service Council. With Eleanor’s transition into Club excitement and positive energy surrounding the volleyball program, Volleyball in Form 6, she learned to balance deftly a deep commitment which led to a winning season.” to academic excellence and community life with the increasing demands cont. of her volleyball training.

Eleanor Jones ’25

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“If there’s a secret, it’s that I genuinely and consistently care. I care about the early morning alarms, the late-night study sessions and the moments when no one is watching. I’m not the loudest voice in the room, but I show up focused, prepared and ready to work…I also pull inspiration from strong, grounded women–my sister Luz Elena ’23, and my teammates, past and present, who’ve taught me what it means to compete with heart. If I’ve had success, it’s because I’m driven by gratitude and grounded in the belief that the hardest moments are the ones that shape you the most. Growth comes from being uncomfortable, and I’ve learned to lean into that.”

Natalia joined SMH as a half-day Montessori student when she was three years old. Just one year later, she fell in love with tennis when she played it for the first time during a clinic offered by the School.

A dedicated, spirited and communicative community member, Natalia led the SMH tennis team at #1 singles and with her exemplary Academic focus? performance at the local, district and state level. The consistent care she “I’ve always aimed to be a strong all-around student, but if I had to displayed towards her teammates and the larger SMH community made choose one that really clicked for me it would be AP Government. her legendary. Always on the lookout for ways to better support her Mr. Calhoun’s class challenged me to think critically about how power fellow student-athletes, as well as a valuable force in the School’s Buddy works in our country and he helped me find my voice when discussing System, Natalia led by showing up, her constant advocacy for athletics and real-world issues…because of his class, I’m seriously considering majoring by serving as a dedicated Manager of the Girls’ Varsity Basketball Team. in Political Science.”

How have you balanced your school commitments with your tennis? “[It] has definitely been a challenge, but it’s shaped me into someone who’s organized, disciplined and ready for the next level. Freshman year, I made the tough decision to homeschool and fully focus on training.

But the truth is that I really missed SMH. I missed walking through the

Favorite mantra?

“Do it scared. That’s the phrase I come back to again and again. It reminds me that fear is not a sign to stop; it’s a sign that something valuable worth fighting for is on the other side.”

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Around the Hall: Fine Arts

A Vision in Biology: When Art Meets Science When Honors Drawing & Painting student Cypress Rabke ’25 first imagined a mural for the AP Biology Lab, his idea was more than an art project—it was a bridge between disciplines. After a conversation with Science Department teacher Mrs. Polito, Cypress proposed creating a scientifically accurate “macro-to-micro” image—a piece that would visually connect the vast and the microscopic worlds explored in biology.

Inspired by his fascination with the life cycle of cells, Cypress designed a scene depicting what he described as “a battle between virus cells, resembling COVID, going through apoptosis—programmed cell death.” The image was not only visually striking but deeply rooted in scientific understanding. It told the story of resilience, transformation, and the invisible beauty of life processes—an artistic reflection of the learning that takes place within the lab itself.

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With encouragement from his art teacher, Mr. Blanco, Cypress

Nine months later, the completed mural was installed in the AP Biology

At Saint Mary’s Hall, students are encouraged to take healthy risks,

developed a detailed presentation outlining his concept, research, and

Lab, transforming the space into a vibrant celebration of curiosity

explore the intersections of their interests, and turn questions into

execution plan. His thoughtful preparation and creative risk-taking

and connection.

action. The Bio Lab mural embodies that spirit—it is both a scientific

earned the project approval from the Science Department and support from Head of Upper School, Dr. Stockdale. From there, the vision came to life—through collaboration, persistence, and a shared love of learning.

With Mr. Blanco’s guidance, Cypress learned to prep and stretch four 4x4-foot panels, scale his illustrations, and mix color for large-format painting. The process became a community effort: classmates joined him during a Bishop’s Day community paint session, and over the summer, the mural continued to take shape—each brushstroke adding

Now in his first year at Rhode Island School of Design, Cypress shared, “The most important takeaway from the project was time-management and collaboration, skills that have been incredibly helpful as I’ve started college. If not for the support of my teachers and the many people who volunteered to help paint, a project of this size would have been very difficult to finish. I’m grateful for the SMH community for being a part of this project, and I’m glad I was able to contribute to our campus with the help of others.”

exploration and an artistic achievement, reminding all who see it that learning thrives where curiosity meets creativity.

“I’m grateful for the SMH community for being a part of this project, and I’m glad I was able to contribute to our campus with the help of others.”

to a collective story of creativity and discovery.

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In Case You Missed It

Top Social Media Posts of 2025

Connect With Us! Follow Saint Mary’s Hall on social media to keep up with the latest news and stories from the School

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Featured Story

Built on Courage, Guided by Purpose, Designed for the Future A new chapter begins at Saint Mary’s Hall

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Built on Courage, Guided by Purpose, Designed for the Future

Featured Story Legacy and Sustainability

The design of our campus shapes the student experience, fostering connections with others, including peers, teachers, and nature. Yet, the campus has grown through accretion, the footprint is full, and some facilities are aging and costly to maintain.

This process revealed a strategic direction: we must focus on enhancing the historic design of our campus, while creating a more connected academic experience for all students.

The 2024 Campus Master Plan: A Framework for the Future The multi-year process culminated in the 2024 Campus Master Plan, a flexible framework designed to guide facilities decisions for years to come.

It emphasizes adaptability through a philosophy called “steering over aiming,” and offers a lens that keeps our mission at the center.

The Plan aligns directly with the School’s Strategic Plan and its three pillars: • Enhance & Innovate: Encourage interdisciplinary, agile learning experiences.

A Legacy of Bold Vision Saint Mary’s Hall has been shaped by bold pioneers. Since its founding in 1879, the School has grown, relocated, reinvented itself, and embraced change with determination and optimism. Few decisions embody that spirit more vividly than the move to our Starcrest campus in 1968, when Trustees famously camped on the land before a single building was raised, ensuring that this space was indeed the ideal learning sanctuary they envisioned.

Nearly 60 years later, that same pioneering spirit guides us again. As we approach our 150th anniversary, Saint Mary’s Hall stands at a moment of reflection and possibility. The world around us continues to evolve rapidly, and our students’ needs continue to grow. To prepare wisely for the generations ahead, we began by listening and asking questions.

In this process, we sought to understand who our students are today, how they learn, and what the next 50 years of education will require of our physical spaces. This story begins with that patient, thoughtful work.

A Three-Year Journey of Listening and Reflection In 2021, Saint Mary’s Hall launched the most comprehensive study of its campus in decades. The Blanchard Group, an industry-leading campus master planning firm, was engaged to lead a deep, mission-driven process aligned with our newly completed Strategic Plan. Over nearly three years, this work unfolded with intention: our goal was not to design structures but to understand the present and anticipate the future.

Nearly 100 voices from Saint Mary’s Hall contributed to this effort, including current and former Trustees, senior administrators, faculty and staff from every division, alumni, and students. Conversations were structured through a Steering Committee and four working groups, each focused on specific areas: teaching and learning, campus life, faculty and staff experience, and community culture. Together with the Blanchard Group, we conducted a thorough evaluation of how our programs have evolved, how faculty teach, how students engage with learning, and how the physical campus could elevate these experiences even more.

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During this process, clear themes emerged: The Curve of Change Program needs have evolved much faster than facilities. Many Middle and Upper School academic spaces built 40 to 50 years ago are inflexible, opaque, and disconnected from one another.

Areas of Greatest Need The Middle School is physically set apart and the buildings were designed as dormitories. The Upper School academic experience is disconnected and spread across campus. And critically, both divisions lack many of the modern labs, studios, and makerspaces that define contemporary learning.

• Belong & Unite: Strengthen connections across grades and programs.

• Advance & Sustain: Steward the campus responsibly and sustainably.

With a needs analysis complete and community voices engaged, the Master Plan articulates the School’s first significant opportunity: to create a modern academic core, with enhanced community spaces, to strengthen teaching and learning in the Middle and Upper Schools.

A New Academic Enclave and Quadrangle

initiated a collaborative process expected to take 12 to 18 months to engage faculty, students, Trustees, parents and alumni in helping shape the academic spaces that will define the School’s future.

A Spirit Rooted in Our Mission Saint Mary’s Hall has reinvented itself many times: through four campuses, becoming co-ed, building and ending a boarding program, and generations of innovative academic leadership. Yet through every transformation, the School has held fast to a defining truth:

“Saint Mary's Hall is not a building but a spirit, and the campus we are beginning today will give that spirit a chance to grow and meet the demands placed on education today.”

-Alumni Association President, Dolly Morrow Altgelt ’42 at the groundbreaking of the Starcrest campus, Our work, both now and in the immediate future, is centered on the desire to ensure that the SMH spirit endures. It is about honoring our heritage, supporting today’s students, and imagining boldly for tomorrow’s Barons. It is about creating spaces where every student is known, challenged, inspired, and prepared for the world they will shape.

With gratitude for those who built before us, confidence in the path ahead, and enduring belief in our students, Saint Mary’s Hall moves forward with purpose and pride, ready to shape the next chapter of our extraordinary story.

Central to the Master Plan is the development of a new academic enclave for the Middle and Upper Schools, organized around quads and vibrant community spaces. The initiative includes a purpose-built Middle School designed for collaboration and connection, a unified Upper School hub to strengthen academic continuity, and innovative STEM environments such as science labs, design studios, and a makerspace. Dynamic art studios and a gallery will showcase creative work, while enhanced campus pathways will foster stronger connections between divisions and promote outdoor learning along Salado Creek.

A Gift That Invests in Exploration & Launches SMH Forward After an extensive process of listening, reflection, evaluation, and design, an anonymous donor stepped forward in May 2025 with a commitment to help SMH bring this vision to life. The donor’s partnership enables the School to hire an architectural firm and other project partners.

The donor’s support empowered Saint Mary’s Hall to take its next bold step forward. In May 2025, the School launched a comprehensive process to select an architectural partner, ultimately choosing Lake Flato Architects of San Antonio. With this partnership in place, the School entered the next phase: planning, designing, and preparing for future campus construction. Beginning in October 2025, Lake Flato Saint Mary’s Hall | 33

Featured Story

Bots and Barons

School committee charts a thoughtful course for artificial intelligence at SMH.

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Bots and Barons

Featured Story

The Path Forward

Artificial intelligence is changing the world—and classrooms are no exception. At Saint Mary’s Hall, educators aren’t waiting to react, though.

They’re leading the conversation, thoughtfully exploring and considering the tech’s role in the School with the same spirit of curiosity and collaboration they encourage in their students.

The committee concluded its work in May, recommending that the School responsibly, gradually, and ethically integrate AI into student, faculty, and staff life, with professional development and training to bring everyone, including those early adopters and reluctant skeptics, on the same page. This effort should help reduce negative stigma surrounding the technology.

A Committee of Curiosity While artificial intelligence (AI) isn’t new, generative AI has advanced quickly since ChatGPT launched in 2022. In mere seconds, it can create content based on whatever model the AI has been trained on, such as words, audio, videos, and images.

“For parents who see their kids using AI for homework, they need to know we are teaching students how to appropriately utilize this technology,” Knesek says. “And for teachers, AI is not going to replace knowing the child, knowing how their students learn and work.”

The education field has been concerned about how this tech impacts the classroom. “As educators, our first thought is, ‘Oh no, how will this affect learning?’” says Chad Knesek, Ph.D., Assistant Head of Middle School. “But it’s the new frontier, and it’s not going anywhere.”

For students, Knesek emphasizes the value of critical thinking. “Kids automatically assume that because AI is computer-generated, it’s got to be right,” Knesek says. “We have to teach kids how to filter information for themselves, which is not always the easiest thing for them to do.”

Understanding that AI is here to stay, SMH formed a committee, chaired by Knesek, to examine its role in education and recommend a thoughtful, ethical approach. While academic integrity was a component, the committee’s robust work also touched curriculum enrichment, classroom management, accessibility, communication, and cybersecurity.

At the end of the day, Knesek says, AI is the latest in a long line of once-controversial technologies, such as modern calculators and the internet, that were first met with skepticism in the classroom but have proven to be invaluable. Saint Mary’s Hall is taking a well-rounded, proactive approach to not just keep up with technology, but also prepare students to lead in a world shaped by it.

“We are teaching our students to be computer literate, global citizens so that they have a competitive advantage when they’re out in the world.”

“We have to look at it all because we’re a community,” Knesek says.

“We’re not just siloing AI in one place. We need to look at it for everybody.”

Committee members included Matt Montez (former Educational Technology Support), Kevin Pleshko (Form 8 English), Nur Mangalji (now-retired Assistant Head of Lower School), Raoul Nichol (now-retired Middle School Latin), Christina Baker (Upper School English), and Valerie Bernardin (Upper School French), with support from Ellen O’Neill Deitrich (Assistant Head of School for Academics and Dean of College Counseling).

They examined how AI is being used across educational institutions, including public school districts, independent schools, and universities.

They read academic and industry papers, spoke with colleagues, and reviewed current AI tools and services. “Every question that we had led to “We saw how entrenched it already is, to be accessed that much,” Knesek five more questions,” Knesek says. “In a sense, the process guided itself.” says. “It would behoove us to move forward carefully in acknowledging its existence and harnessing its power for good.”

The committee’s research turned inward, too. “What we found at Saint Mary’s Hall was that AI was still kind of lurking in the shadows,” Knesek says. “There were a lot of teachers and students using it, but not a lot of people were talking about it because it had a negative stigma.”

SMH alumni continue to weigh in on the topic of AI, sharing their own college and corporate experiences with the School. From practices being utilized in college classrooms to learning how Fortune 500 companies are incorporating AI into their managerial and employee review processes, these experiences help shape our thinking and understanding of how to better prepare students for life beyond Saint Mary’s Hall.

While academic integrity is certainly a concern, AI also offers many productive uses. It can make learning more accessible through study aids, transcripts, and other tools tailored to the individual student.

Some SMH teachers are already using it to enrich curriculum, brainstorm class projects, coach students on written communication, and develop grading rubrics and seating charts.

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A Complement to Critical Thinking So, where do you draw the line?

Passing off AI-generated work as your own definitely crosses a line, Knesek says. But AI can also help students understand material and brainstorm solutions. “Saint Mary’s Hall is all about creativity and original thought,” he says. “You’re not going to learn if AI is doing it for you. But can it potentially be a great starting place? Is it a great thought partner? Absolutely.”

Knesek continues, “AI is an incredibly powerful and useful tool that is not going away.” And because Saint Mary’s Hall is committed to preparing students to thrive in college and beyond, it makes sense that the School is committed to helping students understand and use this technology responsibly. “We are teaching our students to be computer literate, global citizens so that they have a competitive advantage when they’re out in the world,” Knesek says.

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Celebrating Master Teachers

Featured Story

Meet the 2024 and 2025 Saint Mary’s Hall Master Teachers.

2024 & 2025 Master Teacher Awards

From touring the world with Elmo to fending off bug bites on a wind farm, Saint Mary’s Hall teachers model what it means to be a lifelong learner. Their paths to the classroom are as unique as their teaching styles, showing that the best education is built through experience.

SMH recognizes four of these exceptional educators every year with Master Teacher Awards. Based on written nominations from the SMH community, the School honors one faculty member from each division and one at-large faculty member who have “distinguished themselves through exemplary service to the school community and extraordinary performance leading to the progress of their students.”

The Master Teacher Award has been given to more than 79 educators since its inception in 2002.

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During the 2024-2025 school year, Courtney Pierce, Rebecca Dias, Amy Pozza, and Katrina Benoist were honored during the Founders’ Day celebration. They each represent different approaches to teaching— one fosters a cozy and connected classroom, another embraces lively engagement, one flips the script on traditional teaching, and another swaps pencils and paper for hula hoops and kickballs!

In November 2025, Kimberly Scott, Chase Hebert, Tammy Flores, and Kristen Polito received the prestigious honor. Though each of these educators is still early in their SMH journeys—Polito has the longest tenure at 6 years—their impact has already been deeply felt by students, colleagues, and parents alike.

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Celebrating Master Teachers

Featured Story

Courtney Pierce 2024 Lower School Master Teacher As a young child, Courtney Pierce wanted to be someone who rode on the back of garbage trucks, a country singer, or a veterinarian. But a teacher? Absolutely not.

Pierce’s mom was a teacher, so she wanted to be independent and forge her own path. But while in high school, she discovered a passion for mentoring young students. And then, while tutoring elementary-aged children in college, something finally clicked.

“I was like, This is it,” Pierce says. “As much as I keep trying to push it away, this is what I love. This is where my heart keeps telling me I need to be.”

So she changed her major to education, and ever since, teaching hasn’t felt like a job. “It’s just been something I love doing,” Pierce says. “When I finally let myself become what I knew I should become, it was easy.”

Now a Form 2 teacher with 17 years under her belt, Pierce says she has found her “little happy place” in second grade. “It’s the perfect age,” she explains. “They still love you and want to please the teacher and give you hugs, but they also want to be independent and unique, as I did at that age.”

Pierce also enjoys Form 2 because of the curriculum. Students are still mastering basic, core skills, but they are also transitioning from “learning to read” to “reading to learn,” selecting books that get them excited and passionate about reading. “You can see their little personalities through the books they choose,” Pierce says.

Nominators described Pierce as a “shining star” who fosters a warm, happy classroom where children are “eager to learn.” Pierce says it all has to start with community and belonging. “I always begin by building relationships with my students because trust is essential before I can truly challenge them,” she says. “Every child learns differently, so I take the time to connect with each one to discover what makes learning enjoyable and effective for them.”

Pierce says this community building is the key to teaching. “Once the classroom is a strong community where we can trust each other, the academics just fall into place.”

“Mrs. Pierce is the most caring, compassionate, energetic, and passionate teacher my kids have ever had.”

- Parent Nominator

quick facts Current Role: Form 7 Math Teacher At SMH Since: 2021 Education: B.A. and M.A.T., both from Trinity University

Rebecca Dias 2024 Middle School Master Teacher

classmates, and their notes from the lecture for support, they still go through what Dias calls “productive struggling.”

“I want to see you struggle and come out on the other side and feel good, knowing that you can do it and got through it,” she says. Her students learn that even when they get anxious or stressed, they can succeed, Most of Dias’ Form 7 students don’t do their math homework at home; which is a useful skill to have as they mature. instead, they watch videos of Dias teaching the basics. Class time is “Middle schoolers are really coming into themselves,” Dias says. “These then spent working through problem sets together. are really formative years. I really enjoy getting to be part of that and “I really like collaboration,” Dias says. “I shouldn’t be standing and guiding that process in a little way.” talking for 40 minutes—they’re the ones who should be doing the At a preparatory school, Dias gets to see the long-term payoff of helping thinking and the learning.” her students grow. Former students will find her in the dining hall This “flipped classroom” model combines collaboration with immediate to share that they calculated the tax and tip when shopping over the feedback for students. “They’re not at home, stuck on a problem,” Dias weekend, which they learned in her class, or wave at her through her says, “and parents aren’t having to figure their math out and be like, classroom windows. Her first cohort graduates next year. “It’s going to ‘Gosh, I haven’t done this in 15-20 years.’” be so meaningful seeing them walk across that stage,” she says.

Rebecca Dias is saving middle school parents everywhere, one math problem at a time.

quick facts Current Role: Form 2 Teacher At SMH Since: 2019 Education: B.S. from University of Texas at Austin

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This model also lets Dias get to know her students better. As she makes her rounds during class, “I have time for a little conversation with each and every student,” she says. “It’s nice having that relationship building within the class and getting to know the kids.”

While Dias’ classroom management style is collaborative, personal, and built on routine—which she says middle schoolers, in particular, thrive with—it’s not necessarily easy. Though students have Dias, their

“Ms. Dias makes sure that her classes not only understand math, but know how to do it.”

- Student Nominator

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Celebrating Master Teachers

Featured Story

Katrina Benoist 2024 At-Large Master Teacher Capturing flags, rolling on scooter boards, going gaga for Gaga Ball— Saint Mary’s Hall students love PE, and Katrina Benoist loves how much her students love PE. “I think my job is so fun, being able to teach something that most students enjoy,” Benoist says. “They’re so excited to see what they’re doing when they get to the gym.”

can’t do when they begin the unit. “But they can by the end of the unit, and they’re so proud of themselves and so excited,” Benoist says. “I love that part. It’s nice to be able to teach kids that they can do more than they think.”

As Associate Athletic Director, Benoist has a versatile role that extends beyond gym time. Over her 24 years at the School, she has coached more SMH sports than she can count, chaperoned field trips for all divisions, and managed many behind-the-scenes responsibilities such as scheduling and coordinating for athletics. She has also volunteered for social committees, the Lower School Social-Emotional Learning committee, and the Faculty-Staff Council.

While all of the elementary-aged students make her happy, the kindergartners have her heart. “I love teaching kindergarten,” she says. “It’s their first time in the big gym, and I get to introduce them to “I try to help out where I can,” she says. “If I can help somebody do different kinds of equipment and new skills. And they’re so fun!” something, I’m going to try to help.”

Though motor skills and hand-eye coordination are important, the skills Benoist truly prioritizes go beyond (literal) fun and games. She’s aiming to develop a well-rounded child, one who learns foundational skills that set them up for success throughout their lives.

quick facts Current Role: Upper School Social Sciences Teacher and Department Chair At SMH Since: 2021 Education: B.A. from The University of Texas at San Antonio, Ph.D. from Cornell University

Amy Pozza 2024 Upper School Master Teacher When Dr. Amy Pozza, talks about history, she doesn’t just amplify voices of the past. She lifts up the voices of the students in her classroom and shares them with the world.

“I want students not to silence themselves or bench themselves, but to feel like what they have to say is valuable and to contribute,” says Pozza, who also sponsors Model United Nations and the Form 12 grade level. Her classroom is active and participatory, filled with projects, simulations, or debates. “I don’t want students to be passive recipients, where I’m just pummeling them with information,” Pozza says. “I want them to feel that the classroom is a place that has energy and that there’s engaging, active learning happening.”

Her approach is working. Nominators spoke of how inspiring, enthusiastic, and comprehensive Pozza’s classes are, a perfect “balance of fun and rigor,” one student said. They cited Pozza’s passionate and detailed instruction that ensures students get a well-rounded view of history, not just of the winning side.

Pozza’s recent work with two Barons, Rusham Goyal ’25 and Helen Trottmann ’25, sits at the intersection of student voices and historical voices. After finding bias in their textbooks about South Asian culture and British colonialism, Goyal and Trottman worked with Pozza on a comprehensive research project to address the problem of textbook bias

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“I tell them that they’re going to play a lot of games in their lives, so sometimes they’re going to win and sometimes they’re going to lose.

They’ve got to learn to be a good winner and a good loser,” Benoist says.

“They’ve got to learn sportsmanship.”

Perseverance is also high on the list. “My biggest thing is that you have to keep practicing in order to get better. You have to keep trying,” she says. One example she gives is jumping rope, which many students

Benoist may be humble about her service, but her nominators aren’t, with one sharing, “You can ALWAYS count on Katrina!”

“I have witnessed first-hand Katrina’s dedication, selflessness, and energy as a model PE teacher for our kindergarten students. Our classes LOVE PE, and they LOVE Mrs. Benoist!”

- Teacher Nominator

and its limitations. Their work resulted in publication in the World History Bulletin and several presentations at national conferences as well as supplements to SMH’s history curriculum. As department chair, Pozza is now finding ways to incorporate more student voices into the School’s curriculum.

“Sometimes students offer these perspectives that are really valuable correctives or contributions,” Pozza says. “What if we made student contributions to the curriculum just a regular part of our process to open up space or opportunities for them?”

Pozza taught at universities for six years before moving to secondary education. She calls the shift hard but rewarding, mainly because of the relationships she builds with her students. “Teaching young people is more demanding, but it’s also more fulfilling,” she says. “They grow so much over the year—it feels like we’ve gone on a journey together by the end.”

“Social Studies has always been a subject that has failed to capture my full attention.

When I got to Upper School, I learned that history can be fun with the right teacher—and that’s Dr. Pozza.”

quick facts Current Role: Associate Athletic Director and PE Coordinator At SMH Since: 2001 Education: B.S. from Sam Houston St. University

- Student Nominator

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Celebrating Master Teachers

Featured Story

Kimberly Scott 2025 Lower School Master Teacher Toward the beginning of the school year, Form 5 teacher Kim Scott stands in front of her classroom, stoically holding a candle. She asks them to note their observations: the flickering of the flame, the melting of the wax, the dancing of the light around the room.

Then, she lifts the candle, blows it out, and takes a bite.

The shock stays with her students long after class is over. “She had all of us so convinced that what we thought was correct,” one student said about the lesson. “That was what her class was like, and to this day I still think about things differently because of her.”

Activities like this are part of why so many nominators called Scott’s class fun, entertaining, interactive, and informative. “She’s always making even the most boring topics engaging,” one student said.

The “cheese stick” candle lesson, meant to teach students about assumptions and misconceptions, is part of Scott’s core teaching philosophy: Ask big questions, and find the evidence to answer them with reason and logic.

If that sounds like something out of a courtroom, it’s because Scott was an insurance litigation lawyer for 15 years before returning to teaching.

“The pandemic gave me a chance to reflect and think about what I actually want to be doing with my life,” she says. She was drawn back

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to her undergraduate major, education. “Watching the world during the pandemic, I was more convinced than ever that teaching was what I could do that mattered the most. The classroom is one of the very best ways to make a difference in young people.”

Scott puts a lot of effort into cultivating her classroom to be one that is challenging, supportive, and empowering. “I want young people to know that they can do hard things,” she says. Parents and students said Scott prepares students for Middle School with sensitivity, care, and connection. This stability, Scott says, is crucial for Form 5 students as they build the courage to face a new chapter in their lives. “Resiliency comes from taking safe risks, and the classroom should be the best place to do that,” she says. “I like creating a safe place that they can fly from and come back to.”

“Mrs. Scott is so welcoming and so nice.

She makes me feel at home every time I see her.”

- Student Nominator

Chase Hebert 2025 Middle School Master Teacher Middle schoolers are, Chase Hebert says, in a Goldilocks zone: not young children, but not yet young adults. And Form 7, he says, is “the middle of the middle,” where students are beginning to find their footing.

that protects the vulnerable conversations spurring from the students’ reading and writing. “It’s difficult for some of them to write something that is very close to their hearts and share that with their peers, so safety, inclusivity, and belonging is important here,” he says.

Students say that Hebert’s care isn’t just for his classroom, but also defines himself as a teacher. One student even wrote that his “kindness and welcoming nature is a key reason I like to show up to Hebert says that’s why he’s so drawn to teaching them. “I remember school every day.” myself in seventh grade and just being so lost,” he says. “There’s Outside of his classroom, Hebert co-sponsors the National Junior so much change happening, and I think I’m compassionate and sympathetic toward that.” Plus, he adds, “I’m hugely entertained by Honor Society and helps direct middle school theater productions.

A musician at heart, he makes his own music and plans to release middle school students. I think they’re very funny.” a full album soon. “Mr. Hebert handles teaching students on top of Though seventh graders may be his current audience, the first act of making music,” one student wrote. “Truly, we are lucky to have such Hebert’s career played out on much bigger stages. He played guitar in a talented, friendly teacher here at SMH.” a signed band, managed staff for entertainment venues, and hit the road for a decade as a stage hand for Sesame Street Live. When Hebert decided to retire from the touring life, he felt called to return to “Mr. Hebert is one of the most caring, education, the major he began college with.

Because storytelling, whether that be on the stage or the written page, was a constant in Hebert’s life, English was a natural choice to teach.

Student nominators praised his help with telling their own stories, with one saying that he helped them “flourish as a writer.” Because middle school is such a transitory time, Hebert prioritizes a classroom culture

supportive, and respectful teachers I have ever had.”

- Student Nominator

quick facts

quick facts

Current Role: Form 5 Teacher, Science and Social Studies At SMH Since: 2022 Education: B.A. from Boston College, J.D. from Depaul University

Current Role: Form 7 English Teacher At SMH Since: 2021 Education: B.A. from University of Southern Maine, MBA from University of Phoenix

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Celebrating Master Teachers

Featured Story

quick facts

quick facts

Current Role: Upper School Life Science Teacher At SMH Since: 2019 Education: B.A. and M.S, both from Texas Christian University

Current Role: Upper School Math Teacher At SMH Since: 2021 Education: B.A. and M.A., both from West Texas A&M University

Tammy Flores 2025 Upper School Master Teacher As a teacher for all levels of Upper School, Tammy Flores watches the same students who enter Form 9 uncertain and nervous eventually mature into composed and confident graduates. So, when her seniors received Blue Ties this year, she says she couldn’t help gushing over them “just like a mom would.”

It makes sense, as the only thing Flores wanted to be when she grew up was a mother. “I didn’t know what else I was going to be, but I knew I was going to be a mom,” she says. She eventually chose to teach specifically because of the flexibility it offered her to be with her children.

Students often mentioned her maternal nature in their nominations.

“Ms. Flores is the kind of teacher I would accidentally call mom,” one student wrote. Others described her as meticulous, authentic, caring, and kind, with a teaching style that is “beyond personable and rare to find.” One colleague said, “Everything that Tammy does is rooted in being student-centered.”

Flores says her student-centered foundation is the reason she has spent more than two decades at private schools, where she can pace the class according to her students’ needs rather than a rigid schedule.

That flexibility, she says, to give students more time where they need it is crucial for getting them to embrace math instead of giving up.

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In fact, her goal throughout her career has been to eradicate the words “I can’t do math.” They don’t have to enjoy math—“I like math enough for all of us,” she says—but she doesn’t want to hear that they can’t do it. One parent wrote that Flores didn’t just teach their struggling son math, “she restored his confidence in himself and gave him the tools he needed to succeed.”

That same parent noted that Flores attended nearly all of their son’s athletic games, which made him feel like “she saw him as more than just a math student but as a whole person.” And it’s not just athletics—nominators said Flores shows “unwavering support” at all of her students’ extracurriculars. One wrote, “No matter the sport, fine arts event, or school activity, Ms. Flores is a cheerleader and champion of the students!”

“Ms. Flores is the kind of teacher you will never forget and will always be in the front row supporting you throughout your life.”

- Student Nominator

Kristen Polito 2025 At-Large Master Teacher In the hustle and bustle between classes, Saint Mary’s Hall students and faculty alike can stop and take a breath with an unlikely source: Timmy and Maui, two African spurred tortoises kept outside of Kristen Polito’s room.

SMH students help care for the tortoises (as well as Polito’s class pet, a 35-year-old ball python) as part of the botany program Polito revived after a decade-long hiatus. They also head down the hill to work with Montessori and Kindergarten students through another Polito initiative, her outdoor education program. She helps little Barons connect with big concepts, such as how food grows or water cycles. “I want to show them that science is all around us,” Polito says.

This belief is precisely what drew Polito to teaching. After she dabbled in field research, studying birds and bats on a Texas wind farm, a college biology course and professor changed everything. “I thought, ‘Every human being needs to take this class,’” she says. “Biology helps you understand yourself and the inner workings of the world around you.

That’s why I’m trying to teach it in a way that students feel like there’s value in what they’re learning, no matter their eventual career path.”

Polito says there’s no better backdrop for her teaching than the School’s natural landscape. She’s part of a team that secured a city grant to support the native plants and gardening on campus, and she also served on the

strategic plan’s steering committee to help guide sustainability initiatives, such as a food composting system and herb tower for the dining hall.

Though Polito’s work is spread across campus, students say her classroom is their home base. One even called it their “go-to place: a space where I feel safe, understood, and able to be myself.” Nominators cite her warm, infectious energy and genuine investment in every student. “What truly sets Mrs. Polito apart is how deeply she knows and supports her students, not just as students, but as people,” one nominator said.

Polito says her teaching style is most influenced by her psychology minor coupled with mentorship from the late Brian Kaestner, a beloved long-time SMH science teacher. “The biggest thing is that I treat my students the way I hope we all treat each other,” she says. “We’re all human beings.”

“Mrs. Polito teaches with passion, creativity, and an incredible ability to make real-world connections that bring the material to life. But she doesn't just teach science; she teaches resilience, perspective, and how to be a good person.”

- Student Nominator Saint Mary’s Hall | 47

This fall, Form 7 traveled to Rockport, TX for an immersive adventure in marine biology, ecology, and coastal habitats. At the UT Marine Science Institute, students built turtle prosthetics and practiced flying drones. At the Texas State Aquarium, they spent time learning about sharks and dolphins, followed by an afternoon of volunteering at the local food bank – pictured here. On the final day, students deepened their environmental studies through presentations at Camp Aranzazu on topics such as oyster harvesting and hurricane preparedness and planning.

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Alumni: Letter from the Alumni Board President

Alumni: Alumni Awards

Let’s Stay Connected

2025-2026 Alumni Board Members

Dear Fellow Barons,

Jessica Campos Serna ’90 President

It is with tremendous excitement and deep honor that I write to you as your Alumni Board President. As a proud alum and current parent of a junior, I witness daily the profound impact Saint Mary’s Hall continues to have on shaping our students as individuals and future leaders. My vision for our alumni community centers on three pillars: continued engagement that keeps us connected, extended opportunities for participation through events in select cities across the country, and meaningful on-campus events that bring us back to the place where it all began.

We want every alum to feel that Saint Mary’s Hall remains a vital part of their journey, offering resources, connections, and community at every stage of life. We’re committed to bringing Saint Mary’s Hall to you through carefully planned events in select cities where significant numbers of our alumni have settled, while enhancing our on-campus offerings from reunion celebrations to alumni sporting events and speaking engagements.

I encourage each of you to find your own way to stay connected. Attend a regional alumni event. Mentor a recent graduate. Share your professional expertise with current students.

Support our alma mater through The SMH Fund. Any of these engagement opportunities will truly make a difference.

I am honored to lead our Alumni Board and look forward to working alongside our dedicated board members, our outstanding Director of Alumni Relations, Nancy Lee Archer ’16, and each of you in the upcoming year. Let’s stay connected.

Katie Kinder DeBauche ’07 Vice President John Luke Mannix ’16 Secretary

Alumni Awards

Each year, Saint Mary’s Hall recognizes the remarkable achievements and community contributions of our alumni through our highest alumni honors: the Distinguished Alumni Award and the Momentum Award. At Founders’ Day on November 19, 2024, Saint Mary’s Hall presented Michael Wood ’19 with the Momentum Award and Liz Flavin Crawford ’90 with the Distinguished Alumni Award. Continuing this tradition of honoring excellence, Saint Mary’s Hall recognized the 2025 Alumni Awards at Founders’ Day on November 18, 2025, celebrating Adeene Denton ’12 and Brandon Seale ’00.

Parker Atherton ’97 Emily Seale Buescher ’98 Lauren Polunsky Dreszer ’98 Alexandra Flaherty ’15 Luis Garcia ’13 Toyja Kelley ’94 Breanna-Lynn Montalvo ’13 Francisco Pergola ’12 Jacob Roos ’18

With gratitude,

Patrick Rouse ’01

Jessica Serna ’90 Alumni Board President

Ruthie Rubin ’15 McLean Russell ’07 Heather Welder Russo ’96

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Alumni: Momentum Awardees

Alumni: Distinguished Awardees

Momentum Award

Distinguished Alumni Award

2024 Momentum Award Recipient: Michael Wood ’19

2024 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient: Liz Flavin Crawford ’90

Bestowed since 2007, the Momentum Award is presented to alumni who have not yet celebrated their 20th reunion and whose professional achievements in their chosen field show a promise for future success and set a standard of excellence worthy of recognition by Saint Mary’s Hall.

After graduating from Saint Mary’s Hall, Michael Wood ’19 attended Duke University, where he pursued a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and minors in Energy and Entrepreneurship. Having founded his first company at age 9, he entered Duke focused on entrepreneurship then was quickly introduced to the energy industry during an internship at Streamline Innovations in San Antonio after his freshman year. During college, he completed internships at several energy companies and helped lead the Duke Undergraduate Energy Club, including serving as Co-President. In 2021, during his junior year, these experiences led him to co-found Energy Terminal, a media, community, and career platform with the mission to build the next generation of energy leaders. Over the last three years, Energy Terminal has released more than 70 podcast episodes, built a community platform with over 60 universities, launched a leadership program, and worked with top energy companies on talent acquisition. After graduating from Duke, Wood joined DG Matrix, an energy startup commercializing power technology for datacenters, microgrids, and electric vehicles. He currently serves as Chief of Staff to the CEO.

“I think back to my time here at SMH. It’s not any one thing that I learned here, but it was the belief that I built in myself and it was the confidence that allowed me to go and do hard things.”

- Michael Wood ’19 Founders’ Day Speech

2025 Momentum Award Recipient: Adeene Denton ’12 Dr. Adeene Denton is a geologist and planetary scientist who studies the impact of giant ecological events and their influence on the history, evolution, and tectonic activity of Kuiper Belt Objects, ocean worlds, and icy satellites. Denton is a scientist, historian, and dancer—all of which informs the planetary research she conducts. Denton graduated from Rice University in 2016 with a B.S. in Earth Science and a B.A. in History, Brown University in 2019 with a M.Sc. in Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Science, and Purdue University in 2022 with a Ph.D. in Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Science. Incorporating her love of dance into her work, Adeene has dedicated herself to a lifetime of experimentation. At a TEDx event in 2017, she spoke about the intersection of science and the arts, connecting the impact between geologic changes due to weathering and erosion to that of art forms that are altered in similar ways. Denton served as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Arizona, where she studied the evolution of icy bodies in the early solar system through large-scale hydrodynamic modeling. Additionally, in 2024, Denton recently served as the Grand Canyon’s ninth Astronomer in Residence. There, she hosted programs that impacted over 1,000 visitors, served as a guest speaker at the I HEART Pluto Festival in Flagstaff, Arizona, and presented a capstone dance performance at the Shrine of the Ages Auditorium. Denton currently serves as a NASA Postdoctoral Program Fellow in Boulder, Colorado, at Southwest Research Institute.

“Since I earned my PhD, I’ve continued studying Solar System geology and sharing it with others. I love what I do, because at each juncture I’ve chosen to follow what I think is cool, even when it’s hard. It’s not easy to keep going when you’re not sure what the future holds, or if you’ve made the right choice.”

- Adeene Denton ’12, Founders’ Day Speech

Bestowed since 1979, the Distinguished Alumni Award is presented to alumni who have made significant contributions to the community or have achieved professional success that sets a standard of excellence worthy of recognition by Saint Mary’s Hall.

Liz Crawford is a respected San Antonio businesswoman who joined Sendero Wealth Management as a managing director in 2012. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Boston University, is Series 65 licensed, and brings more than 25 years of wealth management and advisement experience. Named CEO of Sendero Wealth Management in 2017, Crawford has helped guide the firm’s growth beyond its founding partners.

In 2018, she founded Sendero Women & Wealth “to educate and empower women to have the confidence, ability and sophistication to understand and steward their financial well-being” (San Antonio Business Journal). The initiative hosts educational workshops and events designed specifically for women and provides financial knowledge, tools, and community cultivation. Crawford is also a co-founder of a national peer group of women CEOs who share best practices and industry insights.

In 2024, Crawford launched the This is Wealth – Living Life Richly podcast, exploring wealth beyond money to include health, friendships, and family dynamics. She was a TEDx San Antonio speaker in 2019, advocating for children’s financial literacy. Her honors include the San Antonio Business Journal’s C-Suite Award (2019), Women’s Leadership Award (2013), and 40 Under 40 Award.

“Curiosity is a driver for those who make a difference in this world. Most of us will not change the world, but curiosity will help us to see the world differently. It will push us to answer questions that we may have let go without curiosity. Curiosity is the sign of a young open mind, someone who believes in possibilities. Don’t stifle your curiosity—encourage it and be willing to take risks and fail, be willing to be wrong and to look for that answer. We learn more from our mistakes than our successes.

And, Saint Mary’s Hall is a safe place to be curious, to ask questions, and to wonder about the possibilities.”

- Liz Crawford ’90, Founders’ Day Speech

2025 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient: Brandon Seale ’00 Brandon Seale is an entrepreneur and business professional dedicated to enriching his community through history and advancing the energy industry across Texas and Mexico. After accepting an opportunity to work in the Mexican oilfields, he reconnected with fellow SMH classmates and completed his college coursework at Monterrey Tec. Over two decades in Mexico, Seale participated in numerous historic firsts, including drilling the first American-operated well in Mexico since 1938, the country’s first unconventional shale well, and developing multiple cross-border pipelines. He ultimately became President and CEO of a Mexican midstream company and was featured on the cover of El Norte’s prestigious “Capitanes” section.

While earning his JD and MBA at the University of Texas, Seale founded and sold a residential solar company and co-founded the Texas Journal of Oil, Gas, and Energy Law, now in its twentyfirst year. He later served as President of an Energy Ventures firm that developed the Gulf Coast’s first clean hydrogen facility and the Coastal Bend Carbon Sequestration partnership, and most recently as President of a West Texas gas utility until its sale in 2024.

Seale views his business ventures as research for his passion project, the KLRN podcast and documentary series A New History of Old Texas. Drawing on his and his wife Susana Canseco’s cross-border experience, the project has uncovered significant historical discoveries, including major battlefields, early declarations of independence, and contributions to Indigenous recognition.

“I think that to the extent that I’ve gotten anything right, it is that I’ve built my community or at least I’ve been seeking to build my community this whole time. And, what else is there in life but to find your community and to find your place in it?”

- Brandon Seale ’00, Founders’ Day Speech

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Alumni: Gatherings

Alumni: Sports Events

Regional Alumni Gatherings The Alumni Office hosts regional alumni gatherings each school year to connect with alumni communities across the country.

At each of these events, alumni reconnect with each other and SMH faculty present on programs that they lead on campus.

Alumni Sports Events: 2024-2025 Alumni Games: Soccer, Lacrosse, & Baseball Throughout the school year, SMH hosted alumni soccer, lacrosse, and baseball games, bringing together alumni, children of alumni, current student athletes, and current and former coaches in celebration of athletics at SMH, teammates and friendship, and love of the sport.

Austin, TX

Alumni Soccer Game

Alumni Lacrosse Game

Alumni Baseball Game

December 27, 2024

April 12, 2025

May 10, 2025

Austin, TX 2024: Special Guest Nate Cassie, Upper School 3D Fine Arts and Art History Teacher 2025: Special Guest Kristen Polito, Upper School Science Teacher

Dallas, TX 2024: Special Guest Elsa Tonone de Sala, Former Upper School World Language Department Chair and Upper School Spanish Teacher

Dallas, TX

2025: Special Guest Kristen Polito, Upper School Science Teacher

Houston, TX

Alumni Soccer Game

2025: Special Guest Logan Blanco, Upper School Fine Arts Chair and Upper School 2D Drawing & Painting Teacher

Boston, MA and New York, NY 2024: Special Guest Dr. Amy Pozza, Upper School History Department Chair and Upper School Social Sciences Teacher

Boston, MA

2025: Special Guest, Kenny Hoang, Upper School Science Teacher

New York, NY

Class of 2025 Alumni Luncheon

Alumni Lacrosse Game

Just a few days before Commencement, Alumni Board President Jessica Serna welcomed the Class of 2025 into the Alumni Association at the Class of 2025 Alumni Luncheon. There, we celebrated our graduates and their accomplishments, thanked their teachers and families, and encouraged a lifelong relationship with their alma mater. Once a Baron, always a Baron!

Alumni Baseball Game

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Alumni Weekend Each year, Alumni Weekend serves as a time for alumni to reconnect with classmates, teachers, friends, and their beloved alma mater. Alumni Weekend 2025 saw more than 300 alumni, former faculty members, and guests return to campus for celebrations of lifelong friendship and learning at Saint Mary’s Hall.

On Friday, April 4, the school day began with an Alumni Remembrance Service to honor the memory and legacy of those classmates who we have lost over the years. Dr. Fredricc Brock led our service and was accompanied by the Upper School Vocal Ensemble who performed “The Night is Young” by Paul Carey. Alumni in attendance were invited to participate in the lighting of candles to symbolize the light our alumni shine and reflect in their communities around the world. Concluding the service, alumni and guests made their way to the Head of School Welcome, where Len Miller discussed the importance of legacy and tradition, our vision for the future of the school, and the role alumni play in sustaining and advancing their alma mater.

Alumni were then led on a campus tour with Director of Alumni Relations Nancy Lee Archer '16 and Ken Bentley, who worked with Bartlett Cocke General Contractors on the construction of the Saint Mary's Hall campus on Starcrest Drive. Mr. Bentley shared stories of the early days of breaking ground on our campus, and encouraged alumni to look and appreciate the details around them. After walking around campus, alumni and guests stepped into the classroom, where former Upper School English Teacher Laird Loomis led a discussion of two of Robert Frost's most well-known poetry works: "The Road Less Traveled" and "Mending Wall." Mr. Loomis reminded alumni of the power of literature and it’s ability to remain relevant across time. During the Friday evening festivities, alumni and guests joined us on campus for the Spring Alumni Party, where old friends and teachers reconnected and reminisced on their time at SMH in the Marrs and Verna McLean Library Complex.

Saturday morning brought alumni and their families to campus for the Spring Alumni Picnic. Children got their faces painted and jumped in the bounce house, while alumni reconnected with friends and walked around campus. The weekend was filled with joy, laughter, happy tears, and new memories among classmates and friends. It was a delight to welcome our community members back home!

DON’T MISS!

Alumni Weekend 2026 April 10 and 11, 2026 Honoring Class Years Ending in 1 and 6

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Alumni: Black History Month

Alumni: Athletics

Alumni Celebrate Black History Month In February, Saint Mary’s Hall proudly celebrated Black History Month with engaging events and guest speakers to honor and recognize the accomplishments, contributions, and voices of the Black community.

Highlights of the month centered around the inclusion of alumni in this celebration, where two graduates returned to their alma mater to serve as guest speakers, offering stories of personal identity, culture, and representation in industry.

At the beginning of the month, Ainsley Hunter ’23 presented on “Black Hair: Beauty, Power, and Identity” in each division’s Chapel service. Ainsley began her exploration of this topic as a student in Dr. Breanne Hicks’ Interdisciplinary Class, where she extensively researched cultural and historical significance of Black hair across time, and has continued her research as a student at the University of Florida.

She shared her personal journey with students, emphasizing the ways Black hair serves as a symbol of identity, culture, pride, and beauty.

Teammates, Friends, and Brothers 25th Reunion of the Texas High School Lacrosse State Championship Three-peat Almost three decades ago, Saint Mary’s Hall Varsity Lacrosse Players made school program history by securing the Texas High School Lacrosse Championship victory not once, not twice, but three years in a row. This championship three-peat was preceded by long nights and days on the lacrosse field, hours spent training on and off season, and relationships that started as teammates that became friends and ultimately turned into brothers.

In 1993, Coach Earl Bill began his career as the Athletic Director and Head Lacrosse Coach at Saint Mary’s Hall. Coach Bill formed a lacrosse team in his first year, and within two years, the lacrosse team was competing at the highest level in state tournaments, making it to regional and state finals in 1995, 1996, and 1997. With each passing year, the teams became stronger, more cohesive, and more determined than ever to clench victory.

In 1998, Saint Mary’s Hall made it to the state championships tournament and defeated St. John’s School from Houston with a score of 15-11. In 1999, the mighty Barons repeated as state champs by defeating Dallas Jesuit 11-5. The state championship run continued in 2000 when the Barons defeated St. John’s School again with a score of 9-8.

Coach Bill had a keen eye for knowing when, where, and how to place players so they could achieve their maximum potential. As players, they had an unparalleled respect and trust in Coach Bill, and they knew that he had their backs too. Because of Coach Bill, the team learned

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how to build bonds through adversity, how to be a person, how to hold themselves and their teammates accountable, and, most importantly, how to be part of a team.

On April 11 and 12, the School celebrated Coach Bill’s crowning coaching achievement of leading the SMH lacrosse team to 3 back-toback State Championships in 1998, 1999, and 2000, and the former SMH Lacrosse Players who fought with grit, determination, and tenacity to achieve the Texas High School State Lacrosse Championship victory three years in a row. The 25th anniversary of the culmination of this historic championship run was a celebration of legacy, friendship, and teamwork. During this reunion weekend, the alumni lacrosse players and one of their influential coaches had lunch with the Varsity Men’s Lacrosse Team, sharing their wisdom, reflection, and inspiration with the next generation of SMH lacrosse players. The 1998, 1999, and 2000 Texas High School State Lacrosse Championship Teams were honored during halftime at the Varsity Lacrosse Game on April 11. Capping off the weekend, SMH hosted the second annual Alumni Lacrosse Game, where alumni, children of alumni, SMH Lower and Middle School lacrosse players, and coaches enjoyed the great game of lacrosse on Lewis Field.

Ainsley’s presentation, sparking meaningful conversation about selfexpression and cultural identity, resonated with our students, faculty, and staff. Genevieve Hercule ’25, a member of SMH’s Black Student Union, reflected on attending this speaker event: “It was powerful to hear Ainsley share her journey during Chapel and see how SMH is growing its message of belonging by creating spaces for students and alumni to share their experiences. Speaking with Ainsley after the assembly made me realize that I, along with others, related to her and hearing her inspirational words has encouraged me to appreciate my natural hair.”

Later in the month, Chase Huggins ’18 joined the Upper School Assembly to share her experiences as a Black and Filipino model who is navigating the modeling industry in New York City. She spoke candidly about her experience as a student at Saint Mary’s Hall, a young person working in the fashion world, and the power of embracing one’s identity. Chase inspired Upper School students to step into the unknown and celebrate their individuality.

The experiences and perspectives that our alumni gain after graduation day are vast. Our school community is forever enriched by the voices of our graduates who come back to campus to share their stories.

While chapters open and close with athletic seasons, the bond of teammates is strong and lifelong. The legacy that these lacrosse players and their coaches have left behind is inspiring, one that we carry with great pride.

Ainsley Hunter '23 presents during Upper School chapel

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Alumni: Blue Tie Providing perspective, reflection, and inspiration for the Class of 2025, our 2024 Blue Tie Speaker Katie Kinder DeBauche ’07 shared moments from her own Blue Tie Parade, which saw a fire truck, ranch trucks and trailers, and a light blue Volkswagen Beetle filled with water balloons in circulation around the Upper School Circle. Katie encouraged the seniors to share with their teachers the impact that they have had on their lives, take delight in the simple things, cherish this last year together with family and friends, and to always remain curious.

Following the tradition of alumni serving as points of inspiration for our graduates, Bexar County Commissioner Tommy Calvert ’98 served as our 2025 Blue Tie Speaker. Tommy encouraged our seniors to rise to the occasion of their position of power on campus, while ensuring they bring their classmates alongside each other.

Alumni relatives of our graduating seniors are invited to bestow a Blue Tie on their family member during the Blue Tie Ceremony. While many of our students received their Blue Tie from an alumni relative, others started their family legacy as a soon-to-be graduate of Saint Mary’s Hall, receiving the first Blue Tie in their personal Long Blue Line.

Blue Tie: A Storied Tradition

affords you. With your tie come not only the dreams of the future and the exciting unknown, but also the thoughts of the present – of the joy, the work, the fun that will all too soon be ended…Yes, a Blue Tie is the thing that you have worked hard for, and when the day finally comes when you look out over the admiring faces, you are proud to be part of the school you have loved so much, but sad in the expectation of leaving it.”

Eighty-five years ago, a group of Saint Mary’s Hall students approached Headmistress Katherine Lee and proposed the addition of a new tradition at the School: to bestow a Blue Tie on the graduating class to denote their role as leaders of the school. This idea was met with enthusiasm, and the Every year our graduating class kicks off the annual celebration with thirteen members of the Class of 1941 received their Blue Ties during the Blue Tie Parade, where they hopped on trailers and truck beds the inaugural Blue Tie Ceremony in the fall of 1940. Driven by a desire and hurled water balloons at students, faculty members, parents, and to enhance their legacy and strengthen their bonds as classmates, these students sparked a tradition—one that weaves together past, present, and family members alike, officially marking the start of their senior year.

The excitement and joy in the air was palpable as faculty members future graduates through the Long Blue Line. met students with aquatic ammunition of their own, energetically The Blue Tie continues to serve as a physical reminder of the legacy contributing to the controlled chaos of the parade. At the conclusion our seniors carry with them, add to, and leave behind when they of the Blue Tie Parade, Upper School students and the Class of 2025 walk the Commencement stage each May. It symbolizes the honor, made their way to the Ancira Events Center for the long-awaited joy, and responsibility of being a senior at Saint Mary’s Hall. In the moment where they too would receive their Blue Tie. 1945 La Reata, Alice Blundell Swain ’45† shared her reflection on the meaning of the Blue Tie: “You will never really understand what a Blue Tie represents until when that long awaited day arrives, you march up to receive one. Your heart is filled with bliss and exultation as Miss Lee slips it over your head and rewards you with your senior ring, bearing the shield of Saint Mary’s Hall. As you mount the front steps with these two treasured possessions, you know that at last you are a full-fledged senior and a leader of the school. You have attained the goal for which you have worked so diligently and now you may enjoy all the privileges that your position 60 | the shield

“Blue Tie connects past classes like mine and my sister’s class after mine and to all the classes that will come after you. Of course, this is just one of the many Saint Mary’s Hall traditions that we share. And all of these traditions bind us together.”

-Katie Kinder DeBauche ’07 Alumni Board Vice President

“You all are now leading our school and with that comes a lot of power. This year, Class of 2026, you’re going to fly higher than you ever have at Saint Mary’s Hall, but you are not flying alone. You have family, you have teachers, you have a community who wants to see you succeed. Don’t let your ego make you death to their guidance and don’t get caught up in your own ascent that you forget to look around and help others rise with you.”

-Commissioner Tommy Calvert ’98

We were proud to have the following alumni present a Blue Tie to their senior relative: class of 2025 blue tie Catherine Mao ’23 Toby McClelland Tate ’62 Christine McCrae Kelly ’83 Anne Marie Kleberg Bailey ’85 Roxana Seeligson Newsom ’85 Marnie Tate Simpson ’85 Deborah McCrae Thomas ’85 Yolanda Marcos ’88 Meredith Morrill ’90 Adriana Chapa-Stromberg ’93

Kristin Urban Kemmett ’93 Court Urban ’96 Hannah Hudson ’98 Nathan Hudson ’00 Jonathan Stolmeier ’03 Kasey Walker Stolmeier ’03 Zoe Katleman ’09 Danny Bonacci ’10 Nico Bonacci ’10 Michael Bonacci ’12

Rose Wallace ’16 Nikki Curry ’20 Alex Curry ’20 Zachary Berg ’21 Preston Harris ’21 Nicole Johnson ’21 Nabeeha Ali ’22 Alex Alvarez ’22 Gabe Chbeir ’22 Georgia Kemmett ’22

Ashley Mitchell ’22 Bella Presutti ’22 Peyton Randolph ’22 Austin Soltis ’22 Luz Elena Chapa ’23 Ben Cruz ’23 Madison Feik ’23 Alex Gillham ’23

Neal Talukdar ’12 Loken Surya-Patel ’17 Lucia Canseco ’20 Caleb Miller ’20 Raj Talukdar ’20 Matthew Garcia ’21

Karl Sanjana ’21 William Herff ’22 Julia Garcia ’23 Miley Hamilton ’23 Lainey Hopkins ’23 Ferzine Sanjana ’23

Jonathan Tubb ’23 Roman Chase ’24 Kate Whittington ’24

class of 2026 blue tie Mollie Steves Zachry ’53 Luci Pipes Bell ’93 Regina Rocha ’94 Melissa Muse Wiggans ’94 Jessica Muse Vietas ’96 Sara Muse ’98

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Alumni

Class Notes In September 2024, Natalie Dossett ’82 published Sarita, a historical fiction tale of a young woman seeking justice for her brother’s murder in 1920s South Texas. Sarita received the 2025 WILLA Literary Award for Historical Fiction from Women Writing the West.

Jessica Lall ’02 was named President-Elect of the USC Alumni Association Board of Governors and will assume her role in July 2026. Jessica serves as the Managing Director of CBRE’s downtown Los Angeles office and is responsible for developing and implementing strategic direction and day-to-day leadership, as well as engaging in CBRE’s civic engagement efforts.

program, which focused on strengthening the Texas border region. Carlos graduated from Trinity University with a B.B.A. in Economics and International Business and from Southern Methodist University’s Cox School of Business with a Master of Business Administration.

Alexandra Greenwood Beckendorf ’13 serves as the Chief Development Officer at Texas Homeless Network, leading fundraising efforts to support and strengthen communities across Texas.

Griffin Rubin ’13 has been elected as a Council Member of the 2025-26 Antitrust & Business Litigation Section of the State Bar of Texas, where he will serve a two-year term. Griffin has also been recognized as a 2024 and 2025 Texas Rising Star by Super Lawyers and named Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in the 2026 edition In 2016, Nikki Swift ’05 launched Nicole Mera, of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America. He a high-end jeweler specializing in curating and has also been appointed as the Co-Chair of the creating custom fine jewelry pieces for clients. Bar Association of the Fifth Federal Circuit’s Nikki has received numerous awards for her Civil and Administrative Law Committee for jewelry design and most recently received the 2025-26 bar year. He graduated cum laude the 2025 American Gem Trade Association from the University of Pennsylvania with a Spectrum Award Winning Jewel with 1st Place Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and cum for Engagement Rings. laude from Southern Methodist University with a Doctor of Law. Griffin is a Senior Associate at Sbaiti & Company in Dallas.

Ryan Daly ’10 married Megan Curiel ’12 in Vail, Colorado, on September 20 surrounded by numerous SMH friends, including Zoe After working at 1upHealth, Inc. for four years Katleman ’09, Cody Halff ’10, Julian Casillas and most recently holding the title of Customer ’10, Danny Bonacci ’10, Brian Triana ’10, Operations Manager, Ariana Zamora ’14 Jake Lewis ’10, Alex Curiel ’11, Olivia Garcia began pursuing a Master of Science in Project Olivier ’13, Bryn Blanks Lewis ’12, Diana Management with a focus on Analytics at Davis ’12, Rea Cleland ’12, Caroline Howard Northeastern University.

Glousman ’12, and Madison Seward ’12. Ryan and Megan reside in Houston, where Ryan practices pediatric emergency medicine at Jenna Thomas ’15 matched into the General Texas Children's Hospital. Megan is a pastel Surgery Residency program at Columbia artist and Director of Communications for University in New York City after graduating the Lawton Family of Restaurants. Megan is from McGovern Medical School at the showing her work in her first solo art show University of Texas Health Science Center at at Cappy’s Restaurant in San Antonio from Houston (now UTHealth Houston).

December 8 through February 2.

In 2021, Conner Ardman ’16 joined Carlos Ealy ’13 serves as the Assistant Secretary AlgoExpert and created FrontendExpert, where of State for Mexican and Border Affairs. This he shares his expertise and knowledge of frontfall, Carlos joined leaders and community end engineering for those studying front-end members in McAllen, Texas, for the Morning of Diplomacy: Honoring Hispanic Heritage

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development and taking front-end interviews.

Conner has over 119,000 subscribers to his YouTube channel, where he talks about all things tech related.

Jane Emma Barnett ’16 is a Senior Talent Producer at Portal A who has brokered more than $5 million in deals for major brands and top creators. Jane Emma was named one of the 2025 Gen Zers to Watch by AdAge and was featured on The Cube in Times Square.

Jane Emma graduated from Northwestern University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Theatre, and Spanish.

Rose Wallace ’16 has joined the marketing team at Triumph Hotels in New York City. Rose graduated from The University of Alabama with a bachelor's degree in Marketing and recently received a Master of Arts in Luxury and Brand Management from Savannah College of Art and Design this past May.

Gabriela Escalante ’17 is an Internal Medicine Resident at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York City. In 2021, Gabriela graduated from Harvard University with a Bachelor of Arts in Human Developmental and Regenerative Biology and a minor in Economics, and from Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons with a Doctor of Medicine this past May.

Margaret Shetler ’17 is currently pursuing a career in law as a J.D. candidate at Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law. Over the summer, Margaret joined Jackson Walker LLP as a 2025 Summer Associate in the Dallas office. She graduated from Washington and Lee University with a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Minors in Mass Communications and Poverty & Human Capability Studies.

Mia Tolin ’17 joined McDowell Hetherington LLP as a 2025 Summer Associate. Mia is a J.D. candidate at Tulane University Law School in New Orleans. She graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.

Mary Corinne Archer ’18 joined Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP as an Associate on the Capital Markets and Securities team in Houston.

Mary Corinne graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts Honors and magna cum laude from Southern Methodist University with a Doctor of Law, where she was named a member of the Order of the Coif.

Paris Johnson ’20 is pursuing a Master of This fall, Luke Phillips ’21 began pursuing a Science in Bioinformatics at Northeastern Master of Science in Health Care Administration University in Boston, Massachusetts. Paris is at Trinity University in San Antonio. Luke working as a Clinical Research Coordinator in graduated in May from Haverford College with the Cancer Clinical Trial Office at Beth Israel a bachelor’s degree in Economics.

Deaconess Medical Center. She graduated from UC San Diego with a Bachelor of Science in Biology in 2023.

Ricardo Reyna ’21 graduated from Vassar College with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a minor in Economics. Ricardo is Caroline Largoza ’20 began law school at pursuing a career in law as a J.D. candidate at Jon Lloyd ’18 graduated magna cum laude from Loyola University Chicago School of Law Stanford Law School.

Tulane University Law School in May 2025 in August 2025 after graduating from Texas and joined Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell A&M University with a Master of Business LLP in the Corporate Litigation practice group Administration in International Banking and Jennings Stuart ’21 was awarded 2nd place in in Wilmington, Delaware. Jon graduated from Finance and from American University with the SCAD Challenge Scholarship competition the University of North Carolina Wilmington a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and in the photography category. Jennings recently with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government. This past summer, Caroline graduated summa cum laude from Savannah International Studies. worked as a Law Clerk at Lefebvre Michel, College of Art and Design (SCAD) with a PLLC, in Washington, D.C. Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design. Over Ethan Acevedo ’20 is pursuing a Master of Healthcare Administration at the University of Utah. Ethan graduated in 2024 with a Bachelor of Business Administration and Management from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio.

Juliana Czar ’20 graduated magna cum laude from the University of Colorado Boulder with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a certificate in public health. Juliana is continuing her studies at the University of Colorado Denver to pursue a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

Cardo Gutierrez ’20 recently graduated from the Southern Methodist University Cox School of Business with a Master of Real Estate, a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance, and minors in Advertising and Chinese. During this past summer, Cardo interned in Dallas with Kairoi Residential, a premier multifamily investment and development firm.

the summer, Jennings worked at Susan Shaw Jewelry as a Creative Marketing Intern, and this fall she began pursuing a Master of Arts in Creative Business Leadership at SCAD.

Eli Greenberg ’21 is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations, a Business Admin minor, and the Professional Sales and Business Development Program at The University of Texas at Austin. This past summer, Eli interned Adam Swider ’21 graduated from Ohio State with Valero in the Corporate Communications University in May with a B.S. in Environmental department. Additionally, in June 2024, Eli joined Engineering Technology/Environmental the San Antonio Local Organizing Committee as Technology. During his senior year, Adam an intern to help prepare for the 2025 NCAA traveled to Ghana as part of a year-long Men’s Final Four tournament in San Antonio. humanitarian engineering capstone project.

While there, Adam and his team implemented their irrigation designs in a garden and farm In May 2025, Chelsea Huffman ’21 graduated that support Hardthaven Children’s Home, a from the University of Virginia with a B.A. in Global local orphanage for children with HIV/AIDS. Development Studies and a B.A. in Environmental Thought & Practice. Chelsea is working as the Climate Change and Cities Marketing Lead at Katherine Drawert ’22 is a senior in the the Urban Climate Change Research Network McCombs School of Business at The University through Columbia Climate School. Chelsea is of Texas at Austin, pursuing a triple major degree pursuing a Master of Science in Sustainability in Plan II Honors, Canfield Business Honors Management at Columbia University.

Program, and Management on the Consulting

Nicole Kaufeldt ’21 graduated from The University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Sam Hernandez ’20 graduated from Pomona Science in Hospitality Management and a minor College with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy in Psychology. She is currently pursuing a J.D. and a minor in English in 2024, and then began at The University of Alabama School of Law in pursuing a law degree from Columbia Law School, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where she is the recipient where he is in his second year. Sam serves as a Staff of the Phi Eta Sigma Fred H. Turner Graduate Editor of the Columbia Law Review and a Legal Scholarship and has been named a Member of Extern for the Federal Defenders of New York Inc. Distinction for the second year in a row.

and Change Track. Over the summer, Katherine interned at Valero, where she worked on the Commercial Supply and Trading floor.

Emily Harris ’22 was recognized as a recipient of the A. Gene Nelson Financial Planning Service and Leadership Award at the 2025 Financial Planning Conference at Texas A&M. This past summer, Emily interned at Bernstein Private

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Alumni Wealth Management in Houston. Emily is pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting at Texas A&M University.

Emiliana Kosterlitzky ’22 joined the University of Southern California’s Gould School of Law’s Child Interviewing Lab as a Research Assistant.

While there, Emiliana conducted research, collected data through interviews and police reports, and analyzed this information. Emiliana is a senior at the University of Southern California, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Business Finance.

Over the summer, Marissa Garza ’23 joined Dell Technologies as an Undergraduate Intern, where she worked with the services team in Round Rock, Texas. Marissa is a student in the Canfield Business Honors Program, double majoring in Finance with a Business Analytics minor at The University of Texas at Austin.

In the fall of 2025, Max Huddleston ’23 began attending Oxford University, where he is continuing his pre-law journey through studies in Modern Philosophy and Advanced Writing.

During her freshman year at The University of Texas at Austin, Alexis Fuetsch ’24 was inducted into the Texas Pre-Law Honor Society, UT’s largest co-ed organization for undergraduate students interested in pursuing careers in law.

Nattalia Gomez ’24 was part of the Premium Staff at Austin City Limits Music Festival in Austin, where she supported Platinum guests and ensured seamless customer service experiences. Nattalia currently serves as an intern at Wasserman with the Partnerships and Creators Team and as a College Marketing Rep at Sony Music Entertainment’s Arista Records.

She is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations and a minor in the Analytics and Business of Sports at The University of Texas at Austin.

Grace Ogden ’23 is pursuing a double major in Through the San Diego State University Statistics & Data Science and Plan II Honors at Psychology Program and Euroace, Ashley The University of Texas at Austin. In Summer Mitchell ’22 interned at the Valencian Institute 2025, Grace joined McKinsey & Company as of Neurosciences in Valencia, Spain, this past a Sophomore Summer Business Analyst Intern summer. Ashley is a student at San Diego State in Denver. Recently, Grace was accepted into University pursuing a degree in Psychology the Texas Trailblazers: Gay Gaddis Leadership Valleria Gomez ’24 joined the Moody Center with a minor in Counseling & Social Change. Program, a prestigious leadership development ATX as a Guest Services Host and has joined program at UT Austin.

Arista Records, a label under Sony Music Entertainment, as a member of the College Marketing Team. Additionally, Valleria serves Remy White ’22 is serving as the Vice President of Operations for Kappa Kappa Gamma at Catherine Remington ’23 was selected as as the Texas Athletics Creative Development The University of Oklahoma. Remy is a junior the Director of Finance for the University of Student Assistant after completing an internship majoring in Global Energy, Environment, and Colorado Engineering Council, the student as the Texas Athletics Creative Strategy Intern Resources and minoring in International Security. government council representing CU Boulder’s this past August. Valleria is pursuing a Bachelor College of Engineering and Applied Science. of Science in Public Relations, Advertising, and Catherine is a junior in the Honors Business Applied Communications at The University of Over the summer, Payton Wood ’22 joined Program at the Leeds School of Business at the Texas at Austin.

Valero as a Brand Support Intern in San Antonio. University of Colorado-Boulder, where she is Payton is a senior at The University of Georgia majoring in Accounting and Finance. pursuing degrees in Business Marketing and Communications.

Ferzine Sanjana ’23 has been accepted into the UTNY Program for Summer 2026. This Julia Garcia ’23 is a student-athlete on the internship-focused program will give Ferzine women’s golf team at the University of Maryland. hands-on experience in New York City’s media Julia has been accepted into the University of industry and allow her to learn from professors Maryland Women Athletes Leadership Program in the field. She is currently a student at The through a partnership with Under Armour and University of Texas at Austin majoring in Luminary and is serving on the Student Athlete Journalism with a specialization in Law and Advisory Committee Executive Board. Over minoring in Entertainment and Media Business. the summer, she joined Ward & Co. Law as a Legal Intern. She is pursuing a dual degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics, and English on the language, writing, and rhetoric track.

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Calista Kayatta ’25 worked as a summer Law Clerk at Tinsman & Sciano in San Antonio, where she supported litigation efforts through medical research, trial preparation, and case organization. Calista also serves as a Staff Writer at the Texas Undergraduate Law Journal. Calista is a Plan II Honors major at The University of Texas at Austin.

S A V E THE D A T E

PA S S P O RT 2 02 6 | S A I N T M A RY ’ S H A L L

FRIDAY | MAY 1 | 2026 6:30 PM ANCIRA EVENTS CENTER

A N EV E N I N G TO C E L E B RAT E T H E L I G H T WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY On Friday, May 1, 2026, our Saint Mary ’s Hall family will gather on campus for Passport, our signature gala event.

Guests will enjoy a cocktail hour, seated dinner, exciting live and silent auctions, and a lively after-party to keep the celebration glowing —all in support of our students, faculty, campus, and programs.

More than a gala, Passport 2026: Illuminate is a celebration of spirit. It’s about the light that shines in each Saint Mary’s Hall student, and the connections that make our community glow. Join us as we celebrate our mission, our vision, and the shared brilliance that makes our community shine.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT SMHALL.ORG/PASSPORT

Roman Chase ’24 is a sophomore at Southern Methodist University pursuing a degree in Economics with Financial Applications.

Roman currently works as a manager for the SMU Men’s Basketball Team, where he assists with practices and game-day operations.

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In Memoriam: Remembering Brian Kaestner

Remembering Brian Kaestner April 5, 1955-April 8, 2025 For 44 years, Saint Mary’s Hall was fortunate to have Brian Kaestner serving as a coach, teacher, colleague, and friend to all. He was more than any singular title he held at SMH—he was our resident O’Neil Ford architectural historian, steward of our native campus flora and fauna, believer in experiencing life outside of the four walls of a building, caretaker of injured animals that students found on campus and at home, and so much more. Whether you knew him as Coach Kaestner, Mr. Kaestner, Kaestner, BK, Brian, or simply the man who wore a fishing shirt with a tie on dress uniform days, Brian Kaestner made an impact on all who crossed his path.

With a bachelor’s degree from Dickinson College and a Master of Science degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio, Brian joined the Saint Mary’s Hall science faculty in the fall of 1981.

He brought to SMH heart, soul, and excitement for teaching science both in and out of his classroom. Throughout his long and meaningful tenured career at SMH, Brian taught AP Environmental Science (APES), for which he was nationally recognized,as well as AP Human Geography and AP Biology. He served as the Science Department Chair and as a trusted student advisor, and he received the Saint Mary’s Hall Master Teacher Award in 2016.

Brian led the way on campus sustainability and beautification efforts, creating opportunities for faculty and students to invest in the natural beauty of our Starcrest campus. Brian was a treasure trove of institutional knowledge, and he made sure to impart his wisdom on any student, faculty or staff member, parent, or alum who would listen to his stories.

Those who knew him recall countless hallway conversations about light fixtures, the layout of campus buildings, the functional or not-sofunctional use of space, and everything in between. At heart, Brian was a lifelong learner who led by example with genuine enthusiasm for learning something new each day.

Outside of his classroom and APES walks down to Salado Creek, Brian was passionate about women’s soccer, coaching both Middle and Upper School Women’s Soccer teams throughout his career. It came as no surprise to his players and colleagues that he was recognized as Texas Coach of the Year four times. Beyond coaching the technical aspects of soccer, Brian was a source of encouragement when times were tough. He saw the potential in everyone, believing in people sometimes before they even believed in themselves. He never let anyone forget that “any weather is perfect soccer weather”—especially during those bone-chilling winter tournaments when we weren’t so sure what we were doing outside.

“I have plenty of on-field memories and lessons from Coach Kaestner, but what I remember most is how he treated me off the field. He was always there for me when I needed it and even when I needed it but didn’t know it. He held me to high standards, but he was right there to help me achieve them and always put my best interest first. He understood my academic and athletic aspirations and was always one of the first people to speak out on my behalf to support those aspirations. I can confidently say I would not be where I am today without Coach Kaestner. He was someone that I knew I could count on for anything at any time—on the field and off the field. I could go on and on about how he helped me while I was at SMH, but one of my favorite memories of Coach Kaestner occurred after I had graduated. Throughout my SMH career, he absolutely despised my mid-warm-up Snickers bar—it was one of the few things we couldn’t agree on. During my senior year he finally started to give in, so as an end-of-season gift, I gave him an engraved glass jar full of Snickers for his office. That fall, as I was pulling onto campus to move in and start pre-season soccer at MIT, I got a text from him with a picture of that glass jar fully restocked with Snickers bars and a good luck message about starting college. In the midst of all the back-to-school chaos, he remembered the exact day I was starting and made sure to reach out —I was halfway across the country and no longer an SMH soccer player, but he still cared. This was just who Coach Kaestner was. It would be easy to assume he treated me this way because I grew up in the SMH women’s soccer program and spent four years on his varsity team, but that assumption couldn’t be more false. He treated everyone this way, not just his soccer players—that was the kind of person Coach Kaestner was. Walking around the Saint Mary’s Hall campus will never be the same without popping into Coach Kaestner’s office for a Snickers bar and a genuine conversation, but his impact will be forever felt and remembered.”

-Alexandra Flaherty ’15

Brian Kaestner didn’t just work at Saint Mary’s Hall—he shaped it.

His legacy will live on through all he taught, coached, and befriended.

The investment he made in our people and our campus will be felt for generations, a testament to a life lived in service of others.

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In Memoriam: 2024-2025

Trustees Steven Quincy Lee

Annabell Ames ’57

Faculty & Staff

née Annabell Sweeney Daughter of Annabell Dilworth Sweeney 1914†, Wife of George J. Ames ’58, Grandmother of George H. Ames ’26

Brian Kaestner

October 1, 2024

Upper School Science Teacher Women’s Soccer Coach from 1981-2025

Valerie Guenther ’57

Trustee, 1985-1986 September 13, 2024

Husband of Jane Kaestner and Father of Branden Kaestner ’13 April 8, 2025

Alumni Barbara Arneson ’46 née Barbara Briggs Mother of Ann Arneson Allen ’73 and Lynn Arneson ’75, and Grandmother of Elizabeth Allen Stephens ’02, Matthew Bewley ’10 and Logan Bewley ’14 September 21, 2024

Joanne Page ’46 née Joanne Truck April 20, 2025

Jean Jensen ’47 née Jean Judkins October 28, 2024

Jane Gregory ’48 née Jane Thurmond September 4, 2024

née Valerie Urschel Mother of Abigail Guenther Kampmann ’84 and Grandmother of Camilla Kampmann ’16

Joan Richter Kennedy

née Sarah Johnson Mother of Allegra Pitt Hawkins ’08

Grandfather of Sarah Cortez ’19 and George Peter Cortez II ’22

June 30, 2024

November 11, 2024

Loyd “Walt” Powell, III ’96

Elizabeth Marie Darling

Son of Celeste Altgelt Dullnig ’65 and Husband of Virginia Frnka Powell ’97

Mother of Emily Seale Buescher ’98 and Quincy Seale ’06, and Grandmother of Adelaide Buescher ’30 and Brewton Buescher ’33

Mother of Mary Kennedy Ballantyne ’80 and Sharon Kennedy Funk ’82, and Grandmother of Moira Kennedy Hogan ’00, Patrick Kennedy III ’03, Phillip Kennedy ’04, and Francis Kennedy ’06

November 19, 2024

Lane “Rett” Redburn, Jr. ’02

June 6, 2025

Grandson of Elaine Seidel Hinds ’43† and Son of Lane Redburn, Sr. ’69†

Michael Kaliski ’61

March 23, 2025

Joseph Maverick

Stanley Schoenbaum Father of Lisa Schoenbaum Kerr ’78

William “Bill” Taylor West

April 30, 2025

Mother of David Klein ’95

Ruth Anne Herbsleb Nash

March 10, 2025

Grandmother of William “Travis” Stoll ’09 and John “Connor” Stoll ’10

July 22, 2024

September 17, 2024

Sheila Maurice Klein

April 3, 2025

December 10, 2024

Laura Gill ’66

March 30, 2025

Grandmother of Michael “Cole” Patterson ’16 and Luke Patterson ’19 March 4, 2025

Mother of Karen Kuper Royce ’67 and Kathryn “Kitty” Kuper Tottenham ’67†

Mother of Roy “Rett” Pena ’21, Robert “Rob” Pena ’22, and John “JC” Pena ’25 June 7, 2025

July 20, 2024

Father of Michael Arthur Pierce ’90

December 24, 2024

Margaret Childress ’66 née Margaret Rabon Mother of Grey Lyn Prowse Fowler ’90

née Priscilla Graham

Diana Sierra Cavazos Grandmother of Mary Caroline Cavazos ’18, Juliana Cavazos ’22, and Eve Cavazos ’27 March 17, 2025

Judith “Judy” Cavender Grandmother of Robert “Rob” Cavender ’09 and Suzanna “Claire” Cavender McNab ’09 May 14, 2025

Dr. Pamela Gillis Chavez Mother of David Chavez ’89†, Robert Chavez ’93, Michael Chavez ’95†, and Jennifer Chavez ’96

December 29, 2024

Edgar A. “Tres” Basse, III ’69

Margie Alford ’55

Son of Anne Wright Basse 1935†, Father of Caroline Basse Mowrey ’03, Nancy Krupinski Clifford and Grandfather of Sloane Basse ’20 Grandmother of Brittney Boucher Coronna ’07 October 21, 2024 September 23, 2024

Devereaux Temple ’70 October 4, 2024

Philip Locke ’75 Son of Betty Stacy Locke ’47†

April 11, 2025

Kathryn Peterson Cocke Grandmother of Thomas Cocke ’10 and Patton Cocke ’12

Cindy Graf Grandmother of Morgan Graf ’28 and Makenna Graf ’31 December 17, 2024

Kathleen Jersig Kuper

Dennis Stacy

May 11, 2025

Marion Williams

Joseph Pierce

Mary Diane Stich Grandmother of Jessica Childress Stone ’98 and Jayme Childress Russell ’03, and Great-Grandmother of Will Russell ’33 and Wyatt Russell ’35

Husband of Mary “Lucy” Gruy Williams ’65, Father of Elizabeth “Ellie” Williams ’93, and Grandfather of Mary “Lucy” Muhlig ’28 January 13, 2025

October 8, 2024

David Uhler

Father of Keil Strickland ’98

Father of Katherine “Katie” Uhler ’14

November 27, 2024

March 21, 2025

November 30, 2024

May 3, 2025

Samuel Earl Maclin

Bennett “Keith” Smith

Father of Heather Stumberg ’89 and George Stumberg IV ’93

Father of Dawson Smith ’20

February 1, 2025

March 31, 2025

Grandmother of Elizabeth “Ellie” Eddy ’16

Lisa Smiley Pena

Grandmother of Alexandra Greenwood Beckendorf ’13 and James Greenwood ’16

Father of Nancy Maclin Kane ’72

Evelyn Louise Jordan Williams

February 5, 2025

Mother of Laurie Light Saunders ’75 and Myssie Light Acomb ’77

Husband of Ethel Affleck Johnson ’65 and Father of Henry “Clay” Johnson ’05

October 31, 2024

September 26, 2024

August 29, 2024

Dr. Johnny Clay Johnson

Father of William T. West, Jr. ’00

Husband of Julia Kelleher Stacy ’75† and Father of Kevin Stacy ’10

Eulallie Patricia “Patsy” Pittman Light

Rose Colleen “Cody” Greenwood

Mother of William “Will” Tucker ’19 and Emma Tucker ’21 November 12, 2024

Eileen Alice Donahue Gaudi

Community Members

Melinda George Tucker

December 16, 2024

Brother of Marc Taylor, Jr.’01, Bart Taylor ’05, and Paul Taylor ’08

née Laura Negley Daughter of Carolyn Brown Negley 1936†, Husband of Christopher Gill ’62, Mother of Christopher B. Gill ’90, Carolyn Gill French ’92, Josephine Gill Schlather ’94, and Richard Gill ’03, and Grandmother of Adele Davidson ’23 and Amelia French ’24

March 28, 2025

Husband of Constance “Connie” Browne Maverick ’54 and Father of Constance Maverick Turner ’76

Joshua “Josh” Taylor ’03

née Marian Crawford

July 4, 2025

Grandfather of Katie Stowers ’12

Grandmother of William “Travis” Kowalski ’04 and Jennifer Kowalski Heinz ’09

September 13, 2024

née Owene Menger

Grandfather of Audrey Markwardt ’18

October 17, 2024

Priscilla Kirkwood ’68

Owene Caruth ’55

Teodoro M. Torres

Grandmother of James “J.J.” Rubin ’11, Diana Rubin Rosenthal ’13, Griffin Rubin ’13, Ruthanna “Ruthie” Rubin ’15, Joseph “Joey” Rubin ’18

July 4, 2024

Father of Sarah Kaliski ’88 and David Kaliski ’94

January 28, 2025

January 3, 2025

Arthur Estrada

Iris Simon Rubin

Rosemary Kowalski

August 26, 2024

née Margie Stewart

November 13, 2024

Edgar K. Markwardt

Father of Andrew Estrada ’91

Julia “Ann” Bahan ’54 Marian Carsey ’54

George Cortez

Sarah Pitt ’78

Phillip “Hoppy” Ray Strickland † deceased

George Rudolph Stumberg III

August 18, 2024

January 4, 2025

Allen “Dick” Carter Jones IV Brother of Susan Jones Miller 62†, Lorine Jones Booth ’63†, Kathleen Jones Avery ’65, and Elizabeth “Libby” Jones ’70† March 9, 2025

Paul Michael Kaihlanen M.D. Grandfather of Christopher “Chris” Kaihlanen ’13 and Kathryn Kaihlanen Barnett ’16 March 21, 2025

November 27, 2024

January 5, 2025

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Last summer, a group of Upper School students traveled to Spain and Morocco. Here they are in Merzouga, a village in Southeastern Morocco. Students trekked up the sand dunes of the Sahara Desert via camelback and went sandboarding before enjoying a breathtaking sunset and traditional Berber music. From Marrakech and Ouarzazate - where Game of Thrones fans stood in awe of filming locations - to the grandeur of the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, the trip provided countless opportunities for discovery. Through it all, students grew more curious, resilient, and globally minded. This kind of travel experience is deeply impactful because it takes learning beyond the classroom and transforms it into a lived experience - one that shapes not just what students know, but who they become.

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Saint Mary’s Hall | 71

Saint Mary’s Hall P.O. Box 33430 San Antonio, Texas 78266-3430 ww.smhall.org ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Designed for Dorm Life From 1968-2003, Saint Mary’s Hall was both a boarding school and a day school, and many students were housed in dorms on our Starcrest campus.

Pictured here are some of our residential students hard at work in their dorm room—a space that serves as a middle school classroom today!