The 1600 Magazine - Spring 2015

of Trustees

David Saustad, Chair

J. Kemp Sawers, Vice Chair

Rob Landin, Treasurer Mark Konradi, Secretary Kim Askew

Dia Baggett Sandford Boyce Debra Bradley Monica Brown Claude Connelly David Cowling Glorias Dixon

Fredye Factor Courtney Ferrell Melissa Fetter Susan Fisk McKay Heim Suki Jarzemsky Ashlee Kleinert

Bill Lively David T. Martineau Paul McArdle David McCombs

Christopher Mitchell Paula Mitchell Rodney Moss

Monica McCoy Purdy Nathaniel St. Clair, II Gloria Snyder Lori White Deren Wilcox Sharon Youngblood

Ex-Officio Members

Dow Crocker, St. Philip’s Foundation Sherrelle Evans, Immediate Past Chair Eugenia Robichaux, Junior League of Dallas

Executive Director/Headmaster

Terry J. Flowers, Ed.D

From

A Word From the Headmaster

Take no credit.

In one of our chapel services, I pulled out scissors and began to cut up credit cards. The message was there are forms of credit we should not take. With a few words, allow me to use this space to place a twist on that homily. By all measures of mortal logic, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Dallas, Texas should not exist. As you browse the pages of our magazine, I urge you to embrace the “True Source” of the mighty impact St. Philip’s continues to have as a school, community center, and neighborhood change agent.

With over three decades of service with this ministry, I stand firm in proclaiming, “I TAKE NO CREDIT.” As our current shepherdess of the school, Principal Gwendolyn Barjon, prepares to take on a new role that will launch us into a new dimension, she would also attest that after over two decades of service with St. Philip’s, she also TAKES NO CREDIT. My prayer is for God to continue to move through the St. Philip’s ministry – for His glorification. It is my desire that all of us humbly accept our role as servants to advance His will, while following His Way and His Word. In the pages to follow, you’ll find irrefutable evidence of God’s masterful hand on St. Philip’s School and Community Center. I invite you to stand with me as supporters, staff, volunteers, ambassadors and recipients of the many blessings and TAKE NO CREDIT.

Our Community Center programming is a manifestation of stewardship in its highest form. St. Philip’s is a “King of Collaboration” with a partnership of over 60 agencies who render services here in South Dallas. Over the past year, the number of people blessed through these critical collaborations has doubled, even tripled.

The St. Philip’s School experience is unparalleled. The richness of the culture that has been built here truly equips our students to be positioned to soar academically, but also to attenuate risks, to live responsibly, and accumulate social savvy. I am convinced that graduates of St. Philip’s strengthen the fiber of our society and community in a way that is effective and infectious.

The impact of St. Philip’s School and Community Center is a catalyst of growth in the surrounding community. Our model positions us as a neighborhood change agent that merits duplication in other regions and urban settings around the world. As the School and Community Center has advanced, the neighborhood surrounding us has declined in crime, homelessness, hunger and illiteracy. Progress is being made through the work being done at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Dallas.

Enjoy our 1600 Magazine! God did all of this. Human capacity is measureless when we are not absorbed with who gets the credit. Remember, TAKE NO CREDIT. It does not have your interest in mind.

Give God the Glory, Dr. Terry J. Flowers

AT A GLANCE: CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Our school currently serves 240+ students, grades PreK2 – 6th (ages 2 – 12) who benefit from St. Philip’s rigorous, nurturing, and dynamic Christian based education.

Early Childhood Highlights (PreK2 – Kindergarten)

St. Philip’s thirty-three Kindergarten students and their teachers – Tameka Selders and Joe Yow - live out their classroom motto daily – “PAPPOM, PAPPOM!” or “Put Away Paper, Pull Out Manipulatives!” Mrs. Selders and Mr. Yow understand that “nothing builds success like success,” and are giving this energetic group every opportunity for success. In addition to the myriad of experiences offered on a daily basis, Kindergarten Accelerated Math (KAM), an afterschool enrichment program, was launched this year to catapult Kinder’s high achieving math students to the next level.

“Teaching kindergarten has been both a challenge and a blessing.”

− Joe Yow, Kindergarten teacher

Primary Highlights (1st – 3rd Grade)

The Dallas Museum of Art hosted the Young Artists Program and Exhibition.

At the 50th Annual Art Ball Gala, our 3rd Grade students’ art project entitled “Distorted Self-Images” was showcased. The project featured imagined portraits of the students as Centenarians.

Middle School Highlights (4th – 6th Grade)

Eighteen of our middle school students and a few alumni are participating in the STAIRS Program. STAIRS, now in its fifteenth year, offers our students a “step up” in preparation for them to attend and succeed at the most competitive college preparatory high schools in the Dallas area. Participants will be offered academic enrichment sessions for the next three years and ‘give back’ by participating in numerous service learning projects.

“Here at St. Philip’s we are blooming because our roots are planted and growing in God’s good soil. We are upheld by others in prayer when we struggle, and we are challenged to become all that God wants us to be.”

− Julie Saqueton, Chief Financial Officer

AT A GLANCE: HUNGER

Through many collaborations, St. Philip’s has helped address the hunger needs of the South Dallas community it calls home for decades. South Dallas is considered a “food desert” by the City.

Our Community Pantry Update

Since opening this past August, the pantry – a collaboration between North Texas Food Bank and St. Philip’s School and Community Center – has served 3,893 families or 7,010 individuals! The pantry requires seven volunteers each day to assist our neighbors in the shopping and checkout process, Monday – Thursday and with stocking the pantry every Friday. “Our volunteers and staff make everyone feel so much respect every time they come to shop,” says Sara Gorath, Manager of Community Outreach for our community pantry. Additionally, she explains that shoppers are enjoying the comfortable environment and the selection of foods the new pantry offers.

Nettie Ates’ husband, Alton, volunteered by himself for a few years, but for the last four years they’ve been delivering meals together. “It’s rewarding,” says Mrs. Ates. “We enjoy it. We have clients that enjoy seeing us coming. My husband says I just like to talk and it’s true. A lot of the folks on our route just want a conversation. We look forward to volunteering every Wednesday.”

Breakfast of Champions

Meals on Wheels Depot

Texas has the 7th highest rate of hunger among elderly residents in the nation.

For 28 years, St. Philip’s has partnered with Visiting Nurses Association (VNA) by serving as the only Meals on Wheels Depot in South Dallas. We deliver to 476 clients in South Dallas, ages 59 – 106. Nettie and Alton Ates and Kaye Patton are among the 200 loyal volunteers who deliver nutritious, hot meals to homebound elderly South Dallas residents deemed “the hidden hungry” each week through St. Philip’s depot.

Kaye Patton has worked two routes in Oak Cliff and South Dallas for 25 years. “There are so many wonderful people on the route. They’re my people. I have a couple who are 100 years old. Some of my friends are shocked that I do this in South Dallas by myself sometimes but I enjoy this.”

In partnership with Liz and Bill Farmer of the Church of the Incarnation, St. Philip’s piloted a breakfast program called “Breakfast of Champions” in January. Participating students enjoyed a nutritious meal and engaged in interactive activities, entertainment and motivational talks during breakfast. We hope to establish a full breakfast program in the School that will ensure all of our students are receiving a healthy start to their day, especially those in our Before School Care program that arrive at school as early as 6:30 am.

Our Community Pantry

AT A GLANCE: STUDENT ENGAGEMENT

St. Philip’s provides several educational, academic, and cultural enrichment programs for youth through both the School and Community Center.

Neighborhood Community Mural Project

During Spring Break, several neighborhood children and youth assisted with the creation of a unique mobile mural inspired by the neighborhood St. Philip’s calls home. Senay Dennis, an Oakland muralist/educator/activist and founder of AEROSOUL, an international African Diaspora Spray Can Art Movement, was commissioned for the mural project that was created with Dallas artist, Chris Herod , and conceptualized by neighborhood residents. The mural unveiling took place on May 16th, featured a theatrical presentation of the community’s oral history by IV Amenti and area youth, and is sponsored by a GrowSouth grant from the City of Dallas and SMU’s Meadows Arts and Urbanism Initiative.

After School Care’s Capoeira Program Inspires Student

St. Philip’s Arts and Academic Afterschool Care Enrichment (S.P.A. 3C.E.) Program has offered Capoeira classes for the last two years and is proud to announce sixth grader, Jacobie Thornton, recently traveled to San Diego with the Dallas Capoeira group Os Malandros de Mestre Touro. Jacobie received his Green Cord (Cordel Verde) exemplifying his mastery over the first level of skills for Capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian martial arts form. Not only did he get to meet Capoeiristas from around the nation, he also met the grand master, Mestre Touro from Brazil, and received his new name ‘Oculos’, meaning “he who has sight/perception.” Jacobie has immersed himself in Capoeira culture, even learning

During Spring Break, several neighborhood children and youth assisted with the creation of a unique mobile mural.

to play key instruments associated with this acrobatic, dancelike, and even musical art form. He loves playing the Berimbau, a lovely bow-like instrument considered “the soul of Copiera.”

St. Philip’s Rites of Passage Experience for Sons (ROPES) is Shaping Lives

St. Philip’s Rites of Passage program was created three years ago to provide ongoing mentoring and developmental support to boys ages 10 – 13. Through this program, St. Philip’s is able to play a vital role in the lives of boys transitioning into teens. ROPES participants meet weekly and are immersed in discussions and activities surrounding manhood, spirituality, relationships, integrity, leadership and even courage. These “future men” also explore career paths, goal setting and basic life skills.

Given the national discussion around young Black men in recent months, St. Philip’s held a panel discussion to address Ferguson

and issues of law enforcement, race and social justice. This event proved to be a safe, productive platform for the community, parents, and our “future men” to share ideas and empower one another.

St. Philip’s students during a Capoeira class, offered as part of S.P.A. 3C.E.

AT A GLANCE: ATHLETICS

For several decades, St. Philip’s has provided arguably the largest and most diverse athletics program for 4 – 14 year olds in the southern sector of Dallas.

Athletics Stats

Currently, over 300 children participate as St. Philip’s Saints in football, cheer, basketball (girls and boys), baseball and lacrosse.

Our Girls 14U and Boys 10U basketball teams advanced to the 2014 TAAF State Tournament in Waco. Our Pee Wee Football Team are North Pop Warner League Champions and the Pee Wee Cheerleaders are 1st Place Southwest Regional Champions.

Former and Current St. Philip’s Saints Excelling on the Field and in the Classroom Chase Kennedy and Anthony Andrews are named Pop Warner Little Scholars. This coveted honor recognizes football players who maintain a 93% average and above.

Kylan Johnson, a former Saint, graduated Skyline High School and recently signed with the University of Florida, where he received a full athletic scholarship.

Former Saint, Desmond Dwayne Luster, Jr., recently graduated in the top 10% of his class at Skyline High School. He will be attending Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant, OK on an athletic and academic scholarship.

Brandon Averette currently attends Richardson High School and was named MVP of the district, All region, First Team, and received Academic All District Honors.

St. Philip’s Secures a Former Minor League Player as Baseball Coach

Harold Myles, Sr., CEO of Throw Strikes Baseball Academy, is committed to revitalizing inner city communities through the game of baseball and the wholesome family atmosphere associated with “America’s favorite pastime.” Myles, a native of Mississippi and former player for Mississippi State University and the New York Mets, is trying to penetrate the southern region of Dallas. “We started our programs with Dallas Park and Recreation and

Texas Rangers’ community outreach,” he explains. “It’s been a challenge because most parents look at baseball as a hobby, instead of a serious sport. Through Throw Strikes and growing St. Philip’s baseball program, we hope to promote and recruit a new generation of baseball players and fans.”

Like all of St. Philip’s athletics coaches, Myles is a volunteer and his passion for the game is infectious. He’s holding out hope that baseball will improve families and the inner city as a whole.

Meet New Athletics Department Staff, Tosheia Smith

“My experience with St. Philip’s has been excellent. I love working in such a diverse, family-oriented environment. I am very happy to be a part of the St. Philip’s family.”

– Tosheia Smith, St. Philip’s Athletics Assistant

“I love working in such a diverse, family-oriented environment. I am very happy to be a part of the St. Philip’s family.”

Kylan Johnson Desmond Dwayne, Jr. Harold Myles, Sr. Tosheia Smith

AT A GLANCE: SENIOR SERVICES

St. Philip’s has provided programs serving its elderly neighbors for over three decades. In addition to Meals on Wheels, our elderly neighbors take part in a weekly transportation program, computer classes, health and wellness activities, and social programs.

Cachet Youth Group Adopts St. Philip’s Senior Prom

Cachet Youth Group, a mentoring and leadership program for girls ages 13 – 18 sponsored by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, has partnered with St. Philip’s for the last four years. Cachet members meet on our campus monthly for workshops, meetings, and events to assist in building their self-esteem, self-confidence, and leadership skills.

“In return for use of the facility, our ladies do service projects with St. Philip’s, specifically the Senior Prom and Christmas Store,” explains Elizabeth Flash Durham, Cachet Youth Group Committee Chair for the last two years. The members enjoy working with the senior citizens. According to Mrs. Durham, raising money for this annual event and planning and implementing it helps the youth develop their hospitality, interpersonal, and customer service skills. “We are happy to be here and serve,” she says.

St. Philip’s created the “Senior Prom” several years ago as a fun, engaging way to recognize and celebrate elders in the community. It’s like most proms, complete with great food, music, lots of dancing, impressive outfits, and yes – a crowned King and Queen! Nearly 100 senior citizens participated in this year’s senior prom, held in April.

2015 Senior Prom King

Mrs. Ruth Lee Carter A Life Well Lived & Loved IN MEMORIAM

“Mrs. Ruth”, as she was known by the St. Philip’s community, passed away last fall. At 91, she was a great neighbor, well loved and respected by many. Mrs. Carter moved to this South Dallas community in 1955 and resided in a home across the street from St. Philip’s campus. She moved here when the community was still racially and economically mixed and witnessed its transition into blight and even participated in its revitalization as a board member of the St. Philip’s Neighborhood Development Corporation.

She was very pro-education and community minded and was notorious for never meeting a stranger. Mrs. Ruth would talk to anybody and everybody and could find “the good” in anyone. According to her son, Richard, the most amazing thing about Mrs. Carter is she was a true believer in the advancement of ALL people. She believed everybody deserved a chance. She even sent two of her grandchildren to St. Philip’s.

She played the piano and worked at a belt factory early on, however due to her tenacity and personality, she became a trainer. Mrs. Ruth worked as a trainer for Texas Instruments for decades and then retired. Many were beneficiaries of her gift of encouragement and tremendous sense of excellence.

Since her passing, her son misses her smile the most. And what a smile she had! St. Philip’s misses that smile, too, in addition to her laughter, and overall sweet, energetic spirit. Mrs. Ruth had many MAKE GOD SMILE moments with us and for that we are eternally grateful.

Rest in peace our dear loving, kind, cheerful, friend and neighbor.

St. Philip’s School and Community Center Reaches a Milestone

Thirty years ago, St. Philip’s School and Community Center took a major step toward preserving its place as a permanent institution and source of light and transformation in South Dallas, through the establishment of an Endowment. In ten years, with the leverage of our Great Things Lie Ahead Capital Campaign, a match gift by a longtime ambassador of St. Philip’s and former trustee, we were able to grow our endowment to over $8 million. And then, the market crashed. With God’s favor, a new matching gift by an Anonymous donor and the hard, dedicated work of our trustees, Philanthropy staff, and Foundation Board, St. Philip’s endowment has come back from the brink and has finally reached $8 million.

Why is this significant?

For one, it’s the largest endowment of any South Dallas institution. Secondly, it will yield a higher return in investment income to support the operations of St. Philip’s as we continue to be committed to and effective in enhancing the lives of children and families, regardless of economic background, but with particular emphasis on low and moderate income families through educational excellence, Christian principles, and compatible community services. And most importantly, it allows St. Philip’s to directly impact

the lives of over half of its student body through the provision of scholarships and tuition assistance.

“It’s amazing to see what the endowment has grown into over the last 15 years. I remember how we started,” says Dow Crocker, Chair of St. Philip’s Foundation Board and longtime supporter of St. Philip’s. “Now we can contribute more than 10% of St. Philip’s School and Community Center’s annual operating budget that is now approximately $4 million a year. We are so thankful for those who have supported this effort.”

The $400,000 that will be contributed to St. Philip’s in the coming year will specifically be used toward the School’s Tuition Assistance program that has doubled in recent years. Over 60% of our student body receives some type of Tuition Assistance. St. Philip’s is committed to ensuring a first generation private school education to families, especially working and lower middle class households.

“This is a game changer,” says Dr. Terry J. Flowers, Executive Director and Headmaster. “We look forward to sustainability in the coming years and blessing even more lives.”

“…it allows St. Philip’s to directly impact the lives of over half its student body.”

St. Philip’s endowment has come back from the brink.

Alumni News

St. Philip’s Class of 2009 Are Going Places!

Jonathan Bailey will graduate from Skyline High School and begin his career in Logistics & Supply Management.

Michah Bodwin is graduating from Naaman Forest High School in Garland and will be attending El Centro Community College. Micah plans to transition to a university in two years to major in the medical or arts field.

Erin Boyce is graduating from Lakehill Preparatory School. She was accepted to Columbia College, DePaul University, St. Edward’s University, University of La Verne, University of North Texas and Wiley College. She will attend DePaul University on an academic scholarship and major in Art History.

Clarke Brown will graduate from Plano West Senior High School. She was accepted to Hampton University, Fisk University, La Sierra University, Mary Baldwin College, Oakwood University, Southern Adventist University, Spelman College, and University of Hartford. She will attend Spelman College and major in Political Science.

Mhyhia Douglas will be graduating from Parish Episcopal School. She has been accepted into Agnes Scott College, Baylor University, Clark Atlanta University, Howard University, Oklahoma Baptist University, Spelman College, University of Missouri at Kansas City, University of North Texas, and Xavier University of Louisiana. She received numerous merit-based scholarships and will attend Xavier University where she will major in Pre-Med Biology. Myhia will also be a member of Xavier’s Biomedical Honor Corps.

Kevin Drain is graduating from Bishop Dunne Catholic School. He was accepted to Morehouse College, Prairie View A&M University and St. John University. He will attend Prairie View A&M University where he will major in Chemical Engineering.

Dilland Gardner will graduate from Desoto High School. He was accepted to East Central University, Southeastern Oklahoma State, Texas Southern University and Texas State University. He will attend East Central University on a football scholarship.

Alexandria Gulley is graduating from Skyline High School. She will attend Baylor University on a full athletic scholarship and major in Health Science.

Bobbye Hampton will graduate from the Talented & Gifted School at the Yvonne E. Ewell Townview Magnet School. She has been accepted to Abilene Christian College, Emory University, Florida A&M University, Fordham University, Howard University, Lubbock Christian College, Prairie View A&M University, Spelman College, Tuskegee University, and the University of Kansas. She will attend Spelman College and major in Chemistry.

Alona Kemp is graduating from Bishop Lynch High School. She was accepted to Hofstra University, Houston Baptist University, Loyola Marymount University, New York University, Pace University, Saint Louis University, the University of Houston and University of Oklahoma. She will attend the University of Oklahoma where she has received an award for Academic Excellence and has been accepted into the OU Global Fellowship Program.

Adam Lee will graduate from Bishop Dunne High School. He has been accepted to Langston University and Tyler Junior College. He will major in Real Estate and Finance.

Miles Longshaw will graduate from the Talented & Gifted School at the Yvonne E. Ewell Townview Magnet School. He was accepted and received academic scholarships to Morehouse College, North Carolina A&T State University, Prairie View A&M University, the University of Arkansas, and University of Oklahoma. He also received scholarships from the Jack and Jill Dallas Chapter and the Alpha Epsilon Boule’ Dallas Chapter. Miles will pursue a dual degree in Physics and Engineering at Morehouse College.

Whytne Stevens is graduating from the Hockaday School. She was accepted to American University, DePaul University, George Washington University, Goucher College, Hampton University, Spelman College, and Occidental College. She is undecided about the college but will major in International Relations/Studies. Scholarships were received at all colleges ranging from $15,000 - $60,000 over four years.

Tyler Thompson is graduating from The Winston School. He was accepted to the University of Arkansas and the University of Houston. He will attend the University of Houston on an Academic Excellence scholarship and major in Kinesiology and Sports Medicine. He will also serve as a student athletic trainer.

Zoria Trail will graduate from Judge Barefoot Sanders Law Magnet Center for Public Services at Yvonne E. Ewell Townview Magnet School. She was accepted to Clark Atlanta University, Dillard University, Prairie View A&M University, Spelman College, and Xavier University. She will attend Clark Atlanta University.

Le’Bria Ware will graduate from Bishop Dunne Catholic School where she will serve as Salutatorian of her class. She was accepted to Baylor University, St. John’s University, Texas A&M University, the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, and the University of Texas at Austin. She will attend Texas A&M University on a full academic scholarship and major in Biomedical Science.

Wesley Willis will graduate from Cedar Hill High School. He has been accepted to Blinn College, Evangel University, Langston University, Navarro College, Prairie View A&M University, Texas A&M Commerce, Tyler Junior College and the University

of Mary Hardin-Baylor. He will major in Communications, with a focus on broadcast journalism at one of these universities.

Sierra Wilson is graduating from Bishop Dunne Catholic School. She was accepted to Texas State University and the University of Texas and was offered full academic scholarships to both universities. She will attend Texas State where she will major in Graphic Art and Communications.

Class of 2010 News

Isaiah Willis and Nicolas Kemp, both juniors at The Winston School, now serve in impressive leadership roles at the school. Isaiah was named President of the National Beta Club and Nicolas, President of the National Honor Society.

Class of 2005 News

“As I finish the last few days of my undergraduate degree, I can’t help but think back to my elementary school days at St. Philip’s and the creed we would regularly recite. A small portion of it rings true

now more than ever before: “Look at me! I am sharp, empowered, talented and proud without limit. I will use my education to explore new heights.” Your foundation is so important. I thank God for every teacher along my educational journey. The time is finally here!”

− Briana August, Class of 2005, Recent graduate of Belmont University, majored in Marketing

The Second Time Around:

St. Philip’s Alumni Among New Parents

A growing number of St. Philip’s alumni are enrolling their children at St. Philip’s School and Community Center. For most, St. Philip’s is the only option for school given their own positive, personal experience with the School. We are excited to welcome and witness a second generation of families to benefit from the unique, effective holistic education St. Philip’s School and Community Center offers.

“I love the friends and experiences I gained from St. Philip’s. So much of who I am came from this school being my foundation. I knew I had to give my daughter the chance to experience the same.”

Ashleigh Jones Class of 2001

“St. Philip’s helped instill so many values in my life that has truly helped me to become the person I am today. There is no other school like St. Philip’s and I wanted my son to receive those same great experiences. It is because of St. Philip’s that kids know they can succeed in anything they put their mind to.”

Amanda McDonald Class of 1994

“We chose St. Philip’s because it was the natural choice and we are so pleased that it has proven to be the best place for our son to thrive and succeed in ways we had not thought possible.”

Brittny Filmore Class of 1994

“I know the type of fruit that St. Philip’s produces, so when I had my child I knew this is where she’d be. St. Philip’s is planting a seed that you can’t get elsewhere.”

Ammber McClure Class of 1995

I Give

WHY I GIVE OF TIME

Monya Logan, a highly gifted and respected musician in Dallas and the region, serves as the Music Director for St. Luke Community United Methodist Church and as volunteer pianist for St. Philip’s daily chapel service. Logan’s consistent, welcomed presence and artistry allows our Music Teacher, Brenda Marshall-McClure, to serve each morning as director of St. Philip’s choir that includes the entire student body, faculty, and staff.

WHY I GIVE OF TIME AND TREASURE

Rob Landin serves as trustee and Treasurer for St. Philip’s Board of Trustees. He is Co-Managing Partner of The Milestone Group and member of The Real Estate Council. Landin effectively serves as an ambassador for St. Philip’s, inviting numerous friends and colleagues to share in his passion for the St. Philip’s School and Community Center ministry.

“I have been fortunate to be a part of the St. Philip’s board for the past four years and to witness firsthand the magnitude of the importance the staff, faculty, administration and parents of this wonderful institution have on molding and nourishing the minds, hearts and souls of the students. The integration of the St. Philip’s experience to each of these youngsters is critical in their development as confident and ethical adolescents and young adults, enabling them to be leaders and contributors in and out of the classroom and examples to others. I consider it a gift that has been given to me to be a part of such a special place and I continue to marvel at the many accomplishments of our great school, students, and faculty.”

“In the New Testament, Luke 12:48 reads “…to whom much is given, much is required.” God has blessed me to be a blessing to others through the gift of music. It is an honor to begin my mornings Monday through Thursday worshiping with the little Saints!”

− Monya Logan

Principal Gwendolyn Barjon to Transition into New Role for School

Gwendolyn Barjon has been a part of the St. Philip’s School and Community Center family for well over two decades. She has been a parent (of three outstanding alumni), a volunteer, an esteemed member of our faculty as master Science Teacher, and served as principal for the last seven years. In the coming year, she will transition into a critical exciting, new role with the organization. She will utilize much of the 2015 – 2016 on sabbatical, engaging in research, development and program design in preparation for her return as Director of Innovation for the School that will provide a keen focus on teaching and learning at St. Philip’s, particularly in Science and Math.

We are grateful for the tremendous impact Mrs. Barjon has made on the St. Philip’s ministry, especially as it relates to the School. In partnership with UTD, she has helped develop a unique science curriculum over the last two decades. Currently, over 30% of St. Philip’s alumni study or work in Science related fields, such as medicine and engineering. We attribute this to the solid foundation they received at St. Philip’s.

We look forward to our future – knowing that with Barjon’s brilliant leadership in this new role, GREAT THINGS LIE AHEAD for St. Philip’s School and Community Center!