The Saints Life, Spring 2025

The Saints Life

ST. STEPHEN'S AND ST. AGNES SCHOOL MAGAZINE

100

REASONS WHY WE

ST. STEPHEN'S AND ST. AGNES SCHOOL

ON THE STAGE: “HADESTOWN: TEEN EDITION”

In March, more than 80 Upper School students and nearly a dozen faculty and outside theatre professionals brought Anaïs Mitchell's “Hadestown: Teen Edition,” an adaptation of the Tony Award-winning, Broadway hit musical, to the CPAC stage.

As the magazine went to print, the production was nominated for two Cappies. The Hadestown Band (featuring 11 students) was nominated for Best Orchestra—their third nomination in four years, and Aden Wright '27 was nominated for Supporting Actor in a Male Role in a Musical—his first Cappies nod!

WHAT'S INSIDE

How Emma Oxford '09 blends physics, wordplay, and wit into a hobby of curiosity

MISSION

To help our students succeed in a complex and changing world, we seek to inspire a passion for learning, an enthusiasm for athletic and artistic endeavor, a striving for excellence, a celebration of diversity, and a commitment to service.

A

Saying

A conversation with Domenick Bailey '18

Ali Winkler '04 transforms spaces with intention, imagination, and heart in a career built by design

Sanyu Kibuka Ntanda '98 publishes her first children's book

Our mission is to pursue goodness as well as knowledge and to honor the unique value of each of our members as a child of God in a caring community.

Concept by

Melissa Ulsaker Maas '76

St. Bernard image generated by ChatGPT

COURSE HIGHLIGHT

Hands-on chemistry in action! Our 10th grade Honors Chemistry students wrapped up their unit on stoichiometry with an experiment to determine limiting reactants and calculate theoretical yield. It's one thing to learn the formulas—another to see the reactions unfold in real time! These experiments happen in our state-of-the-art science labs in our new building. We are so grateful to those who have supported Saints Together: Campaign for Community, making this space a reality for our student scientists.

THE SAINTS LIFE

St. Stephen's and St. Agnes Magazine

SPRING 2025 sssasmagazine.org

Head of School

KIRSTEN PRETTYMAN ADAMS

Director of Communications

JEN DESAUTELS

Magazine Editor & Designer

Director of Design & Production

MELISSA ULSAKER MAAS '76

Director of Digital Media and Marketing

MANDI SAPP

Director of Brand Management and Marketing

MARCIA MALLETT

Alumni News ADVANCEMENT OFFICE

SSSAS Photographers

JAMESON BLOOM '13

RENEE JENKINS '26

MELISSA ULSAKER MAAS '76

MARCIA MALLETT

MANDI SAPP

JOHNNY SHRYOCK OUR EXTRAORDINARY FACULTY

Questions/Comments

MELISSA ULSAKER MAAS '76 mmaas@sssas.org

To Update Your Contact Information or Mailing Preferences Please email atoman@sssas.org or call 703-212-2720.

Published by SSSAS for alumni, current parents, friends, and other regularly supportive members of the school community. © 2024-2025

SSSAS admits students of any race, color, religion, sexual orientation, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs. As a related organization of the Episcopal Church, SSSAS respects the applicable policies and governing principles of the Episcopal Church pertaining to nondiscrimination.

Centennial Reflections

Dear Saints,

Throughout this year of Centennial celebrations, I have relished the opportunity to look back over the past 100 years and revisit the words of former Heads of School—through letters that mark moments of celebration, challenge, and growth, each one a part of our school's storied history.

Their words, though written decades apart, echo a shared truth: the heart of St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School has always been its people— those who teach, learn, lead, and love within this community. I am reminded that while much has changed over the last century, the spirit and mission of who we are as a Saints community have endured.

A hundred years ago, this school was just beginning—built on a bold vision and a deep belief in the promise of every child. As we honor that vision, we do so with profound gratitude for those who came before us: those who, from the very beginning, lived our school's mission each and every day, inspiring each of us to lead with purpose, pursuing goodness as well as knowledge.

Happy Centennial, Saints! And here's to another amazing 100 years!

Warmly,

Kirsten Adams Head of School

“Reflections on Our 50th Anniversary”

Roberta C. McBride, Headmistress Spring 1975 St. Agnes Alumnae Magazine

“As we start into our second halfcentury, I hope that we can continue to serve the community as our founders planned and that we can move forward to broaden and strengthen our curriculum, our financial structure, and our outreach through increased scholarship support. It is easy to get discouraged in times of economic stress, but the faith and effort of those who saw St. Agnes through the depression of the thirties can be matched by those who now are responsible for her future. Faith in the importance of our role as an arm of the Church; a willingness to move with the times; keeping what is good and casting off what is out-worn, and the commitment of faculty.”

Message from the Head of School

Joan G. Ogilvy Holden, Head of School Fall 1990 St. Stephen's and St. Agnes Magazine

“Our students are being educated with a clear sense of values, with a high standard of academic rigor, with a belief in who they are, and with a sense of responsibility for one another.”

“The Right Thing for the Right Reason”

The Rev. Ed Ward, Headmaster Winter 1988 St. Stephen's Magazine

“We will remain an academically demanding college preparatory school, enriched by the participation of both girls and boys, and young men and women. We will remain a structured and traditional school, with the potential for strengthening not weakening the traditions of the school as we grow together. We will continue to offer a strong athletic and extracurricular program, more varied than ever in its offerings. We will remain firmly dedicated to Christian ways as the standard and inspiration for our community life.”

100 REASONS WHY WE

ST. STEPHEN'S AND ST. AGNES SCHOOL

In honor of our Centennial anniversary, we asked all our Saints —alumni, students, current and past parents, current and past faculty— to tell us why they love our school.

The list is not in any particular order or rank. It may not be complete and it's not the last word. It is a fun moment in time, a slice of SSSAS culture and history. The following list is a reflection of your special memories and the depth of your affection for our school and for each other. Here are 100 reasons we love St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School.

1. YOU are the #1 thing to love about St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School.

2. THE “AND” IN OUR NAME

When two schools merge into one and include “and” in the name of the new school, it's more than just a grammatical connection—it's a symbol of unity, history, shared purpose and a promise that both schools and their histories still matter. It means that we are honoring the past while forging a new future and new chapters together…

We

are St. Stephen's and St. Agnes.

3. THE SENIOR WORDS

A tradition that is as unique as the students it celebrates. At a special chapel for seniors in May, every senior is gifted a leather-bound Book of Common Prayer, personalized with a word chosen by the faculty that represents what that student has meant to the Saints Community—think “Brighten,” “Persist,” or “Encourage.” It's a moment of laughter, heads nodding in agreement with the word choice, and plenty of “that's so me” reactions, as the class is honored for who they are and who they're becoming. This tradition is a beautiful reminder that every Saint leaves their own special mark.

4. THE STEPS FROM WINDSOR AVENUE

It is very normal to be out of breath when you reach the top of the wooden stairs that rise quite dauntingly from Windsor Avenue through the woods up to the Lower School campus. It has become common practice to count the stairs while climbing up; any ideas on how many there are?

5. BREAKFAST CLUB

Physical education with a punch, Breakfast Club at the Upper School creates lasting memories. It's an example of the school's passion for helping students improve themselves. A course that teaches you to make and meet goals, while spending time and building camaraderie with Saints who play different sports from you. Breakfast Club fuels healthy competition, too—especially when it comes to seeing whose name lands on “the board” for lifting the most weight. Who says getting fit at 6:40 a.m. can't be fun?

8. THROWING TOILET PAPER AT SLEEPY THOMPSON

A tradition that dates back to the early 90s, throwing toilet paper after the first Saints basket during the first game of the Sleepy Thompson tournament has become a favorite moment for Saints of all ages. The slow arc of toilet paper in the air accompanied by the wild cheers from the bleachers is quite a sight! Former faculty member Doug Adams recalls,

“When I was the athletic director that first year after the merger, I seem to remember how upset I was that the students had raided our bathrooms and taken all of the toilet paper out of the stalls. I was a bit hot under the collar (an overreaction in retrospect), but I let them toss the paper if they agreed to immediately clean it all up. They did! In future years, we insisted that they bring their own TP from home!”

Saints have continued this annual tradition with vigor, even during the pandemic when occupancy limitations in the gym required some students to view the livestream of the game in the CPAC. They still celebrated the first basket with the toilet paper throw!

6. BIRTHDAY SAINTS

There is definitely something extra special about having your birthday recognized publicly at school by friends and teachers. At Lower and Middle School chapels, students stand to be recognized and blessed with the Saints Birthday prayer. New this year at the Upper School, birthdays are recognized during Morning Meeting. If a Saints birthday falls on that actual day, everyone treats them to a rousing singalong of “Happy Birthday!”

7. SAINTS ARE WRITERS

If they didn't know it before, Saints grads quickly realize it in college—SSSAS prepared them to write like pros! Again and again, we hear, “I can write better than most of my classmates!” While others stress over research papers and literary analysis, Saints tackle them with confidence. From essays and poems to scientific reports and news stories, they've mastered it all. Our alumni include novelists, poets, screenwriters, columnists, award-winning journalists, and speechwriters (including one for a First Lady!). But no matter their path, every Saint leaves SSSAS equipped with one of the most powerful tools of all—strong writing skills that open doors and make an impact.

9. CANTERBURY TALES

Dr. Klein has a passion for Chaucer, and starting with her first sophomore English class at St. Agnes she has required students to read selections from “The Canterbury Tales” AND recite to her the first 27 lines of the General Prologue in Middle English. While Dr. Klein has never given below an 80 on the assignment, on one occasion she gave a score of above 100!

“Most students opt to read the selection aloud, but this one student sat down and simply started speaking the lines to me,” says Dr. Klein. “It seemed as if she were a visitor from the Middle Ages who had just wandered into our school to tell me all about this pilgrimage she had gone on!”

To this day Dr. Klein can tell if she's taught a particular student by saying “Whan that Aprille...,” and seeing whether the student can continue the recitation.

10. LUNCH BUNCH

While they are experiencing it, Lower and Middle School students may not even realize how important it is: this special, dedicated time for lunch with their friends in the company of their counselor. But for those looking back years later, Saints clearly remember those moments of truly belonging, being seen and heard while sharing a meal with their classmates and one of the most trusted adults at the school.

11. WE'VE GOT YOU

On the good days and the bad days, members of our community are there to lift each other up. And on the really bad days, the days that become noted moments in history, the days that break our hearts, our community's strength and commitment to one another is even more evident. Many remember the days of shared national tragedy, particularly the assassinations of John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr., and 9/11, and how the school immediately pulled together to provide a sense of calm, safety, and security for the students and adults in the community. When looking back to moments like these in history, people tend to say, “I remember where I was when….” and for so many Saints, they were together in class, in chapel, in the library. And no matter where they were, they remember feeling protected and cared for.

12. LET'S GET COOKING

There was more to the 1968 Spring Festival than the games and traditional booths, a Student Council-Glee Club talent show, and alumnae pony rides–there was a cookbook! The “Beginning and the End Cookbook: Hors d'Oeuvres and Desserts” was a collection of recipes contributed by “the mothers, daughters, friends, and faculty of St. Agnes School.” Although you might pass on the olive filled cheese balls and liver paste, who could resist Manhattan Minutes Mocha Mousse or a delicious Brownie Pie?

13. SOME OF OUR BIGGEST FANS ARE TEACHERS

At every game, concert, exhibit, and performance, you will find at least one teacher in the crowd, enthusiastically applauding and cheering, taking the time to see and experience students outside of the classroom. They send congratulatory notes following a big win or amazing solo, affirming what our students already know… that they are loved and appreciated for their talents big and small. Sometimes teachers even send notes years after their students have left their classrooms, a reminder of how proud they are of them, of their accomplishments, and how excited they are to watch them continue on their journey beyond SSSAS. A Saints teacher is always cheering you on—sometimes even one you never had, but who's proud of you just the same.

“MY

NAME IS WILL AND I AM A SENIOR.”

14. CHAPEL TALKS

It is truly extraordinary when a senior decides to offer a Chapel Talk to the Upper School community. These deeply personal reflections of a student's life experience, whether joyful or difficult, regularly bring the community both to tears and to their feet.

15. BINGO!

One day a year, after the students have left for summer break, the competitive spirit of the Saints faculty and staff can be witnessed all at one event… Bingo. Teachers and staff from all three campuses come together for 10 rounds, all vying to win at least one game for the glory (and also a gift card!). This favorite event is rich with laughter and cheering, and plenty of good-natured heckling.

16. MASTER GRAPHER COMPETITION

Could you sketch 20 complicated graphs in 45 minutes or less with an accuracy rate of 90% or more? In a SSSAS competition that started during the 1990-1991 school year, 545 AP Advanced Precalculus students have become Master Graphers!

17. FRIDAYS ARE FUN

Especially when it's the end of the first week of school and there is music, ice cream, games and a very lively water fight out on the fields.

18. MR. OSUNA'S EXACTNESS FOR THE HISTORY NOTEBOOK

Students in Jim Osuna's Upper School history class remember quickly learning the discipline demanded for the required notebook, referred to as “THE notebook.” Slate blackboards, hanging on three of the four walls in the classroom, each with different colored chalk lessons, were “precursors of copy machines,” remembers Roger Barbee, Osuna's colleague and friend. By requiring his students to take diligent and exact notes, Jim taught them the discipline needed for scholarship. In recognition of its value, Jeff Mills '62 left his “history notebook to the highest bidder” in the list of “Senior Wills” in The Deacon.

19. PIZZA AND COOKIE SALES

A favorite lunchtime event hosted by the Performing Arts Boosters, parents dish out pizza slices and fresh baked cookies to hungry students in support of our arts programs. Parents love the chance to see their kids and their kids' friends in their natural habitat (school!)—and the students love the smell of those chocolate chip cookies wafting through the hallways!

20. BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS

SSSAS animal lovers gather each year at the Lower School for this beloved tradition held in honor of St. Francis of Assisi. From dogs and cats to more unique companions, students, families, and faculty come together to celebrate the special bond between humans and their furry (or feathered!) friends. This heartwarming event reflects the spirit of care and compassion that defines our school.

21. THE ST. AGNES CHRISTMAS BAZAAR

The lamb theme was a favorite for those who had the privilege to attend the annual St. Agnes Christmas Bazaar; everyone hoped to win the large lamb cake in the raffle! Some SAS alumnae still hang their lamb ornaments from the bazaar on their Christmas trees!

22. ARTSTRAVAGANZA

This year the Lower School celebrated 22 years of ARTStravaganza—a one-of-akind full day dedicated solely to the performing and visual arts, where students attend a variety of interactive arts workshops taught by professional musicians, dancers, and artists. The grand finale? A joyful concert or dance program that brings the whole Lower School together in celebration of art, expression, and community.

23. SAINTS GOT TALENT

This annual event showcasing the myriad talents of our Middle Schoolers never disappoints. Each year the audience, made up of their friends, classmates, and teachers, are so impressed with not just the performers' talents, but with the amazing confidence and poise each student possesses. Getting up on stage to perform in front of your peers is never easy and our Middle Schoolers do it effortlessly.

24. THE HONOR CODE

The Honor Code is at the heart of the St. Stephen's and St. Agnes community:

“As a member of the St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School community, I pledge that I will not lie, cheat, steal, nor tolerate those who do.”

Each year, Middle and Upper School students and faculty sign this pledge in meaningful chapel services. These ceremonies include inspiring messages from faculty or alumni who share personal stories about the importance of integrity, making good choices, and living by a strong moral code. The Honor Code isn't just a tradition—it's a commitment to values that guide our community every day.

25. GETTING PINNED

Though our kindergartners are absolutely delighted to receive an angel pin from their senior buddy at the Thanksgiving service, it may be the seniors who most treasure this Saints tradition. It is a bittersweet moment for them; just weeks after receiving their senior pin in a chapel, they are now pinning their buddies. A full circle moment…a rite of passage as our seniors look ahead to their final few months as SSSAS.

26. MIDDLE SCHOOL MINICOURSES

For the last three decades, students have embarked on adventures exploring various interests in and out of the classrooms. Students chose from a variety of fun, focused, and in-depth courses and trips. Teachers offer something for everyone, reflecting their own skills and interests in art, technology, global cultures, music, science, the outdoors, sustainability, service learning, writing, and more! The courses, now a week long, provide students the opportunity to delve deep and learn about their topic in a unique, unforgettable way.

27. BOARDING WASN'T BORING

From the school's opening in 1924 until June of 1979, St. Agnes hosted boarding students in grades seven through 12 in Lloyd House. The boarders decorated their rooms and always found ways to make living in Lloyd House fun, through organized—and unofficial—events; impromptu, slightly mischievous, activities it was better no one knew about; and other shared bonding experiences. There were Christmas and Valentines Parties, Halloween costume competitions, birthday celebrations, late night gab sessions, watermelon and shaving cream battles, and dancing through the halls, field trips, shopping excursions, and Wednesday ice cream night. One alumna who lived in Lloyd House for six years lovingly recalls, “that old Victorian mausoleum,” where she knew “how to open the ice cream freezer late at night and dish it out to the other boarders.”

Amazed that no one ever figured it out, she notes that she came by these sorts of things as naturally as “a smart rascal and a leader in a rebellious, independent kind of way which served her well for many years.”

28. SCHOOL PRAYER

Our school prayer, which originated at St. Agnes, may be one of the very first things a Saint learns. The words, recited by all our students and teachers in unison at weekly chapels and other special events, is a common thread that spans generations. Ask a Saints graduate or former teacher and I bet they could still recite it!.

29. IT'S A ZOO OUT THERE

Field trips to farms and the National Zoo are great and all, but who doesn't love having animals right on campus! Favorite animal visitors to the Lower School over the years include the invasive species-eating goats, baby chicks, service dogs, a tank full of trout, and an assortment of reptiles!

30. IT TAKES A VILLAGE

Greeters, room parents, waffle makers, field trip chaperones, mystery readers, face painters, sign makers, party planners, ticket sellers, dinner donators, money raisers, phone callers, emailers, sign-up genius'rs, cookie sellers… the list could go on and on. Saints parents take on the big and the small jobs, those things that enhance our students' experiences and lighten the load of our busy faculty and staff. They give generously of their time and creativity and they do so with the energy, enthusiasm, and graciousness that has become synonymous with being a Saint.

31. THE ZOOM BOOM

In 2020, as the pandemic set in, the world turned to Zoom—and so did Saints! Our IT team worked at lightning speed to get classrooms online, while students adapted in amazing ways—learning, performing, presenting, and creating from their screens. Even Alumni Reunion Weekend went virtual, keeping #SaintsConnected like never before.

Where it all started in 1924. This iconic building on the Lower School campus has seen more of our school's history than any other spot at our school!

32. LLOYD HOUSE

33. HALLOWEEN PARADE

This Lower School parade is the event of the fall, a spooktacular tradition where creativity and costumes collide in the most fun way! Students strut their stuff in all kinds of imaginative outfits, while families and friends cheer them on. Sixth graders get in on the action too, dressing up and helping pump up the excitement as they root for the younger kids. With class parties, laughter, and the whole campus buzzing with energy, it's a day that captures the spirit of fun and community at SSSAS. It's not just a parade—it's a party on the move!

34. HOW TO WIN FRIENDS AND INFLUENCE PEOPLE

Bring a dog to campus! St. Agnes Headmistress Roberta McBride claimed that her poodle, Bonbon, helped allay any fears a Lower School student might have of her. On the other hand, Pamela Prentice's golden retriever, Bruner, probably didn't relieve student stress before one of her math tests! But certainly, Head of School Kirsten Adams' large and huggable St. Bernard, Aggie, never lacks for love and pets and fills everyone's heart with joy.

35. THE WORLD-FAMOUS PANCAKE SUPPER

A favorite annual event hosted by the Saints Athletic Club… breakfast for dinner, raffles, games, and lots of syrup… what's not to love?

36. THE SSS SENIOR LOUNGE

The St. Stephen's Senior Lounge was more than a gathering spot—it was a symbol of senior status, a hub of tradition, and a highly prized hangout. Mentioned many times in the “Scroll,” it was hailed as a place for “recreation and slumbering, gab sessions, and eating.” Entertainment included a boom-box and a television that only got one channel. In 1981, “frequent closings” were mentioned, implying it was the place to be. In 1988, it was dubbed a “pigsty of broken-down couches and lunch refuse,” complete with “fungus in the refrigerator.” One sharp-witted senior remarked, “The best senior privilege is going to college next year”—presumably to escape the lounge. While not always pristine, it remained a cherished and defining part of the senior experience.

37. THE FIFTH GRADE ELVES

Every winter holiday season, the fifth grade transforms into a squad of Santa's most dedicated helpers for a day! These merry-making elves spread cheer throughout the Lower School, lending a hand wherever it's needed. Whether tidying up offices, wrangling runaway LEGOs, organizing the library, or diving into Lost & Found mysteries, they do it all with festive flair. They even take time to share stories and play math games with younger Saints, proving that leadership comes in all sizes—especially elf-sized!

38. A SENIOR SUNRISE

The start to the 2020-2021 school year, in the midst of the Covid pandemic, was a difficult and disconcerting one for the senior class. To bring some solace and joy in a troubled time, a senior sunrise chapel was organized for September 16, 2020. This early morning gathering has continued, albeit more informally, with the seniors coming together on the steps of the Masonic Temple to watch the sunrise before the start of their final Saints school year.

39. GOODWIN HOUSE

SSSAS has had a long and strong relationship with Goodwin House, two faith-based, not-for-profit senior care communities built by the Diocese of Virginia in Alexandria and Falls Church. Through the years students have arranged Valentine's Day parties, given Christmas concerts, and made regular visits to socialize and play games with the residents.

During the Covid pandemic, SSSAS and Goodwin House joined forces to create the Companion Program to help ease the stress of dealing with the difficulties of changing schedules and very limited social interactions. Students and residents connected through phone calls, emails, photos, and other forms of communication.

One of the residents said of her new friendship with Lindsay Lian '22, “It has helped me tremendously. I have really enjoyed talking with Lindsay. I feel it has kept me in touch with what's going on in the outside world, and with the changes happening in the schools.”

40. IT'S A SMALL WORLD

Saints traveling locally and around the world often tell stories about running into another Saint. An Upper School teacher and a Lower School parent who didn't know each other met for the first time on the metro in Beijing… 2011 and 2013 grads ran into not just one, but two Saints families on a one-week trip to Iceland… a 1976 grad ran into a classmate in a restaurant in Paris. While taking a college tour, an alum rode his bike right through the group to say, “Hey,” to a younger Saint he recognized… The next time you throw a penny in the Trevi Fountain, take a stroll through Hyde Park, pick up a Bánh mì in Bangkok, or buy some paint at Home Depot, don't be surprised if someone you know taps you on the shoulder.

LEGENDS

41. SAINTS STAY

We use the term “lifer” to refer to students who have been at SSSAS since junior kindergarten, kindergarten, or first grade. So, for the teachers who have devoted decades to our school, let's call them legends. At the end of this school year, Girls Lacrosse Coach Kathy Jenkins will mark 54 years as a Saint, surpassing even longtime St. Agnes Lower and Middle School Head Martha Sinclair's 53-year tenure. Other current legends still working among us? Roberta Klein (40 years, Upper School English), Tim Doyle (34, associate director of College Counseling), Laura Walker (34, Middle School French), Beth Barrow (34, fourth grade), Bob Weiman (31, associate head of school), and Leslie Williams (31, kindergarten).

42. CELEBRATION OF CULTURES

This year, our cherished, annual divisional Multicultural Nights were reimagined as a vibrant, all-school Celebration of Cultures, held in the new Upper School Commons and Dining Hall. In keeping with tradition, the Saints community came together to connect, share, and honor the rich diversity of our students, families, faculty, and staff. For 25 years, SSSAS has hosted these culturally enriching events, featuring a delicious potluck dinner, captivating student performances, and heritage tables filled with stories, artifacts, and traditions from around the world. The very first “Multicultural Night” was conceived in April 2000 by Carol Olivera '01 and Ms. Josephine Salvador, former associate director of the Upper School—and their legacy continues to thrive.

43. GREEN AND GOLD

From the very beginning in 1924, St. Agnes students in grades 6-12 were assigned to the green or the gold team for very spirited, even fierce, intramural academic and athletic competitions. To this day, St. Agnes graduates talk about the days of green and gold with a gleam in their eyes and a look of determination on their faces!

44. MAKING MAGIC

At SSSAS, magic is more than just an art—it's a unique way to teach creativity, leadership, and the joy of giving back. Fifth graders dive into the world of magic, learning not only the tricks but also how to perform with confidence and heart. They put on professional-style shows for audiences at places like the Child and Family Network Centers, spreading smiles and inspiration. Guiding this magical journey is Associate Head of School Bob Weiman, a lifelong magician who's been performing since he was five years old. With more than 30 years of experience, Bob has made magic an unforgettable part of our curriculum and community. Students can't resist stopping him on campus, hoping for a quick trick to brighten their day. It's magic with a mission!

45. THE HANDSHAKE

In 1957, a survey in the student newspaper, “Shearings,” determined that “the students are pretty hep on etiquette” and that a “girl should always extend her hand first when meeting someone, especially elders.” Head of School Joan Holden believed every student, from the youngest to the oldest, needed to learn a proper handshake, which should be firm with solid eye contact. At the end of each Upper School chapel, she shook the hand of every senior as they recessed. Head of School Kirsten Adams also advocates the value of a good handshake and is known to say, “Five fingers and two eyes!”

46. SAINTS WRITE THEIR OWN SUCCESS STORY

Celebrating the tremendous writing and creative talent of our Saints first began at St. Agnes in the spring of 1954 with the publication of the school's first literary magazine, “Bleats.” In the years since, additional literary publications have followed, including, “Prattle Tales,” the Middle School magazine first published in 1993, and “Fire and Stones,” the Upper School magazine first published in 1992 and still printed bi-annually today. In the last 30-plus years, students have received recognitions for their poetry and prose submissions, artwork, and photographs, and “Fire and Stones” has been honored with both regional and national awards.

47. CELEBRATING THE ARTS

The first annual Evening of the Arts was held in 1992 to showcase our creative visual and performing arts students. The evening includes a diverse exhibition of our students' 2D and 3D art and a variety of student performances . In October of 2013, English teacher Michelle Brown and a student committee organized a more informal performing arts evening, a “Coffeehouse,” featuring performances by student writers and musicians. This bi-annual event hosted by the school's literary magazine, Fire and Stone offers students, faculty, and staff to recite, strum, and sing!

48. THE DINOSAUR

A timeless treasure of the Lower School playground, our green dinosaur has been a source of joy and imagination for generations of SSSAS students. When plans for a new playground meant its potential removal years ago, an outpouring of love from our community saved this beloved fixture. The dinosaur found a new home on campus (near the basketball court on Macan Field), where it continues to inspire endless adventures and create happy memories.

49. CHAPEL MOMENTS

“I remember the smell of the prayer books we used at the Lower School,” recalls a 1995 graduate about the chapel services that stand out in her memories of SSSAS. She remembers walking across campus years later as an Upper Schooler to the “church up the hill,” where the school community shared so many special moments. Chapel provided a much-needed time of reflection and stillness during an otherwise busy week of classes and activity.

50. INTRODUCING THE COMPUTER

The first computers appeared in the mid-1980s and brought mixed emotions. The fourth graders had Apple computers, which some students described as “fun,” while the fifth graders had TRS-80 computers, which more often were deemed “challenging.” At the time, Awura Gyamfi '91 said, “I think the fifth grade is good, because we have two computers and two hamsters.”

51. A BLESSING AND AN EXAM

Our students find that one of the very best ways to ready their minds, and still their racing hearts, before a midterm or final exam is by receiving an exam blessing from one of our devoted Chaplains waiting for them in the front lobby each morning of exam week.

52. #SAINTSPRIDE

Nothing brings our community together more than cheering for the Saints. Annual athletic competitions, such as the Seminary Hill Cup, Sleepy Thompson Basketball Tournament, the Homecoming games, and the Friday Night Lights football match against Episcopal High School are favorites for the community; the atmosphere is always electric! We don our red and green, we wave the Saints flag, and we chant together… And, we were even recognized for our amazing cheering skills! In 2017, SSSAS was awarded the Best Student Cheering Section Award from the VISAA. This award recognized our students' enthusiasm and togetherness, their cheers that respected opponents and officials, and their overall school spirit, creativity, positivity, and good sportsmanship. Saints take their cheering—and theme dress—seriously, and there is no better way to witness the strength of community than to see our Saints chanting, jumping, and yelling “St. Stephen's, St. Agnes!“

53. IT'S ACADEMIC

Our school's quiz show legacy goes way back! In 1962, St. Stephen's formed its first “It's Academic” team, taking on local high schools in a battle of brains, which aired on WRC-TV, channel 4. St. Agnes joined the fun in 1969, and the tradition continues today with our Upper School team still competing, proving that our students' smarts are always in the spotlight!

54. THANKSGIVING SERVICE

Our all-school Thanksgiving chapel is one of the few opportunities during the school year when our entire student body is able to come together. The morning is spent working together on service projects and concludes with a service of Thanksgiving and gratitude. The seniors accompany their kindergarten buddies into the gym and present them with their angel pin, our musical groups perform together, and the entire Saints community offers a prayer in unison, giving thanks for their families, friends, and each other.

55. KINDERGARTEN AND FIFTH GRADE BUDDIES

One of the most heartwarming traditions at SSSAS is the bond between kindergartners and their fifthgrade buddies. Whether sharing stories, playing on the playground, or tackling creative projects, these pairs build connections that last. A favorite activity is designing clever leprechaun traps for St. Patrick's Day using recycled materials—a fun exercise in creativity and teamwork. Another highlight is the fifth graders' annual play, with a special performance just for their buddies. It's a friendship filled with laughter, learning, and joy!

56. FROM CHALK TO CHAT GPT

SSSAS has kept up with 100 years of classroom teaching aids and rapidly changing technology, FROM radio, the printing press, textbooks, mimeograph and ditto machines, overhead, filmstrip, and slide projectors, chalkboards and blackboards, slide rules, headphones, typewriters, and liquid paper— TO desktop computers, graphing calculators, cassette players and audio tapes, and copy machines— TO laptops and the Internet, compact disks, whiteboards, photocopiers, personal display assistants and blackberries— TO smartboards, digital readers, tablets and smartphones, earbuds, virtual and augmented reality, gamification and collaborative learning platforms, 3D printing, and artificial intelligence.

57. ST. AGNES DAY

Every year around January 21, St. Agnes Day was a beloved and evolving tradition for the St. Agnes lambs—a time to celebrate their patron saint, recognize the senior class, and strengthen their bond as a community. In its early years, the ceremony centered around the St. Agnes Court, a select group of five girls chosen by faculty for embodying the virtues of their namesake: integrity, loyalty, leadership, and scholarship.

The greatest honor was being named St. Agnes herself, a role reserved for a student who exemplified these values. As the lights dimmed and the St. Agnes Hymn filled the room, the Court processed solemnly, candles in hand, setting the stage for heartfelt speeches and class performances. Students from fifth through 12th grades presented skits and symbolic gifts in honor of St. Agnes, adding a creative and personal touch to the occasion. By the 1970s, the tradition evolved to focus on the entire senior class, with five selected speakers representing their peers. No matter the changes, the heart of St. Agnes Day remained the same—a celebration of tradition, unity, and the enduring spirit of the school. And of course, it all ended on a sweet note: cake, ice cream, and joyful camaraderie.

58. PARTNERSHIP WITH ST. PAUL'S IN HAITI

In 2011, SSSAS formed a lasting partnership with St. Paul's Episcopal School in Haiti—an ongoing commitment rooted in service, education, fundraising, and cultural exchange. The connection has deeply impacted students and faculty, fostering empathy and global awareness.

Before the current unrest in Haiti, the partnership gave students the chance to step outside their world, immerse themselves in another culture, and discover the deeper meaning of service. During summer trips to Montrouis, Saints bonded with St. Paul's students through games, sports, and tech lessons, while witnessing the daily challenges Haitians face and the devastation caused by natural disasters— experiences often described as “life-changing.”

SSSAS has provided tangible support, including 20 laptops and funds to supply electricity, tables, and chairs. The Upper School Environmental Club donated solar ovens to promote sustainable energy.

Individual students also made remarkable contributions: Kathryn Cavallo '14 traveled with her father to offer dental care, extracting over 100 teeth. Sarah Shaw '14 partnered with Generosity Water to fund two clean water wells. Jasmine Vargas '19 co-founded the Saints for Haiti Club and later launched The Marot Foundation to support St. Paul's and other communities in need. Through these efforts, the SSSAS community continues to stand in solidarity with St. Paul's, demonstrating how compassion, service, and education can create lasting change.

59. EXTRA, EXTRA, READ ALL ABOUT IT

Student newspapers at SSSAS have come a long way! The first St. Agnes paper, Sparks, kept students in the know with news, a funny cartoon called “School Girl Scandals,” poetry, and essays. It evolved into Shearings, growing more polished over time. Meanwhile, St. Stephen's launched The Paper—though no copies survived—before introducing The Deacon, which kicked off with a humorous poem by ninth grader Maxwell Caskie:

For this, the first issue of the Deacon, More material we have been seekin'. But the students seem not very eager, And the contributions are very meager. More material is a must, Or else our paper will be a bust. So, type together what you can, And give it to that Wenger man. If you look here you will find Articles of every kind. Our scribes have all worked overtime Except the one who wrote this rhyme!

Today, The Voice carries on the tradition, keeping Saints informed and entertained both in print and online.

60. THE SPRING FESTIVAL

Spring Festival began in 1926 when the staff at St. Agnes decided to hold a music and dance recital on May Day. For decades the faculty organized a grand costumed musical production involving all of the students to celebrate this beloved spring holiday. The Association of Parents and Teachers took over, and for more than 30 years the event has consisted of classic outdoor entertainment, like moon bounces, tug-of-war, a cake walk, and a train that young children can ride on. A petting zoo has been added to the event, which has included snakes, iguanas, and unusually coiffed alpacas.

61. OUR SPIRITED CHEERLEADERS

Our school has a long history of cheering from the sidelines—starting with pumping up the Green and Gold teams at St. Agnes, then energizing crowds on the sidelines at St. Stephen's, and later at SSSAS athletic events. French Teacher Laura Walker fondly recalls her tenure as coach of the SSSAS Cheerleading squad… “We learned to spell out S-A-I-N-T-S with large pom poms. That was a crowd favorite! They were always asking us to do that.” The spirit remains strong today, with our modern day “hype squad!” While traditional uniforms have been swapped for themed outfits—white out, black out, USA, Christmas, and decades—the enthusiasm for rallying support hasn't wavered. Should we bring back the cheer written by Gina Kline '98?

Red, green, gold, and white, Come on Saints, Fight! Fight! Red, green, gold, and white, Come on Saints, Do It Right! Gooooo Saints! Fight! Gooooo Saints! Fight!

62. SENIOR PRANKS

Not surprisingly, there aren't a lot of historical records available detailing the creative (sometimes messy, sometimes disruptive) pranks conceived of by the graduating class. Maybe to maintain the anonymity of the culprits? However, one prank does stand out for those in the Upper School in 2015, when the senior class hired a mariachi band to follow Mr. Keith Mills, the dean of students, around school for the day.

63. LIFELONG FRIENDSHIPS

You only need to attend Alumni Reunion Weekend or flip through the Class Notes to see just how deep SSSAS friendships run. Imagine still laughing with the same friends you met in kindergarten—40 years later. Eileen Sullivan '85 shared, “My friends from SSSAS are still my closest. We've been in each other's weddings, we're godmothers to each other's children. We've seen each other through life's highs and lows, and life wouldn't be the same without them.” Julian Wamble '07 said, “My reunion was fantastic! The hustle and bustle of life after high school makes it easy to forget how much seeing old friends and reconnecting can mean.” Richard Lovelace '64 still cherishes summers with his “band of brothers” from St. Stephen's, calling them the best of friends. The bonds formed at SSSAS don't end at graduation— they last a lifetime.

64. FOURTH GRADE BAKE SALE

The fourth grade bake sale is one of the sweetest traditions at SSSAS—literally! For over 30 years, students have been baking up a storm, making everything from cookies to cupcakes to fill the Lower School with delicious treats. With “cash registers” at their stations and a little friendly haggling, fourth graders master money skills while the whole school enjoys picking out their favorite goodies. The best part? This event raises thousands of dollars for the Children's National Medical Center. Teachers and students then head to Target to turn the funds into toys, which fourth-grade Saints personally deliver to brighten the holidays for young patients. It's an event full of service, community, and lots of sugar!

65. FIFTH AND EIGHTH GRADE RECOGNITIONS

Pomp and circumstance isn't reserved for just our senior graduates… our fifth and eighth graders get to revel in their own celebrations marking the end of one chapter before beginning the next. These recognitions are incredibly special for our students; their teachers and families cheering for them as they are honored for their accomplishments as individuals and as a class.

66. LESSONS AND CAROLS

As winter break approaches, the halls ring with festive cheer as Middle and Upper School faculty greet the students with joyful Christmas carols! But the true heart of our longstanding holiday traditions are the Lessons & Carols services on each campus. The chapels begin with the lighting of the Advent wreath candles. Students take turns reading sacred lessons that tell the story of Christ's birth, each passage thoughtfully paired with hymns and carols. From soaring voices to the delicate chime of handbells at the Upper School, the music interweaves with the spoken word, creating a powerful moment of unity, reflection, and the true spirit of Christmas.

67. A FAMILY AFFAIR

SSSAS is more than a school—it's a family affair! Walk through campus, and you'll find generations of alumni, siblings following in each other's footsteps, and the children of beloved faculty learning in the same classrooms where their parents teach. Traditions run deep, with grandparents reminiscing about their own school days while cheering on their grandchildren on the sidelines and at performances. Whether by birth or by bond, Saints share lifelong connections, making every student, teacher, and alum part of one big, extended family.

68. SING IT LOUD, SING IT PROUD!

From chapel services to pep rallies, athletic contests to graduation, music has always been a powerful thread in our school's history. The songs we've sung over the decades bring back memories of school spirit, unity, and tradition. The 1934 “Lambs' Tail” yearbook featured the new “St. Agnes School Song,” written by Linette Macan '34 and sung to the stirring tune of “Men of Harlech:”

Hail! St. Agnes, we will ever, Loyal be in our endeavor, To deserve her name and never, Let her standard fall.

At St. Agnes, graduates processed into Daniel Gym to the hymn “God of Our Fathers,” while the sidelines came alive with chants of “Fight, Fight, St. Agnes!” Meanwhile, at St. Stephen's, students rallied behind their fight song, “Go Big Red!”—a bold anthem inspiring every player to give their all:

Go, Big Red, down the field, Roll up the school, St. Stephen's! Go, Big Red, do not yield, Let ev'ry man cry 'VIC-TO-RY!' Yea!

And, of course, there have been some rousing renditions of “When the Saints Go Marching In!”—because at SSSAS, we don't just sing our songs, we live them!

69. WHO DOESN'T LOVE BLOOMERS?

Lipstick, skirt length, and pants were hot topics at St. Agnes, but there was nothing as controversial as the green bloomers worn for sports. Although a common uniform in the 1920s and 30s, by the 50s, they had become notorious. In 1958 “four distraught girls” on the basketball squad wrote a letter to the editor of Shearings asking for uniforms “other than bloomers” which had “gone out of style, as exemplified by the uniforms of other girls' schools.” They were replaced by “stylish beltless tunics” the following year and in 1973, the well-known plaid skirt was introduced.

70. CELEBRATING THE LEGACIES OF OUR SAINTS

When your school is 100 years old, there is quite a long list of Saints who have come before, paving the way, incredible examples who have left rich legacies behind. One way we honor those individuals is to honor those members of our community who best exemplify them today, whether through academics, artistic endeavors, athletics, service to the community, or citizenship. Each year we celebrate our Saints and award students and faculty members with prizes that have been established over the last century. Among those prizes are those named in honor of beloved teachers and administrators, including ones named for former heads of school Helen Arny Macan (given to the junior for highest scholastic record) and Emmett H. Joy, Jr. (given to a student who exemplifies the highest ideals of citizenship and service), and for former principal, administrator, and math teacher, Richard P. Babyak, (recognizing students who make the school community a better place through their actions). We are grateful to these individuals and the many, many more who are honored through these recognitions; they have all made indelible impacts on our school community.

71. GRANDPARENTS AND SPECIAL FRIENDS' DAY

This annual event tops the list of favorite occasions at the Lower School, especially for the special guests in attendance! Each spring, Saints grandparents and other very special friends are treated to a festive and energetic musical show put on by their favorite young people. It is an incredibly special performance, followed by a morning of our youngest Saints showing off their talents and their school to their beloved guests.

72. SAINTS HELP SAINTS

Whether it is a current student serving as an admission ambassador and touring prospective families around campus, a senior peer leader serving as a mentor and friend to freshmen students, a student tutor helping a classmate, our students are committed to helping and bettering the lives of those around them. And that doesn't stop when they graduate. Our alumni serve fellow Saints in so many different ways, whether by offering career advice or networking opportunities, serving on the Alumni Association Board, planning alumni receptions and events, writing class notes, or leading affinity groups. Once a Saint, always a Saint! They make the world a better place!

73. THEATER TRADITIONS

IYKYK… Salt the Fries and Forsooth Woohoo… Where Narnia is a real place and being a theater kid is about more than just opening night…

74. PARTICIPATING IN CHAPEL

Did you sing a hymn, play the handbells, or give a chapel talk?

Over the years, student participation in chapel has increased and been deeply meaningful for many Saints. On all three campuses, students are part of the procession and recession, carrying the cross, candles, and flags to the altar. Students offer readings, sing songs, and provide musical accompaniment. In 1998, the Upper School student Vestry was formed. Led by Zach Terwilliger '99, the goal of the Vestry was to increase student participation in the weekly chapels. Students started regularly reading in chapel, assisting with communion services, and actively planning the services.

75. INTRODUCING STEVE & AGGIE

SSSAS has spirit galore, but for years, something was missing—a true mascot. That all changed in 2024, when lots of love for our head of school's St. Bernard, Aggie, inspired the official debut of not one, but two mascots: Steve and Aggie! Of course, there were some unofficial mascots that paved the way. The 1969 St. Agnes field hockey team carried a stuffed bull named Algernon for luck (because let's face it, lambs aren't exactly intimidating). In 1975, Bruner, a golden retriever with an iron grip on his favorite teddy, became a beloved—if slightly possessive—mascot. And in 1959, Tardy, a miniature beagle in a dazzling red sweater, proudly cheered on St. Stephen's football. When he mysteriously vanished during practice, a full-blown “dognapping” panic ensued before he was safely returned to his rightful spot—and securely fastened to the bench! Now, with Steve and Aggie leading the charge—the fun is bigger, better, and furrier than ever!

76. SHRINE MONT RETREATS

A treasured Saints tradition, the annual Shrine Mont retreat for seniors is a time for them to bond with their teachers and each other, reflect, and embrace their role as leaders of the Upper School. Held at the beautiful Shrine Mont conference center in Orkney Springs, Va., the two-day retreat is filled with games, social activities, and teamwork exercises, creating lasting memories for students and faculty alike. This beloved tradition has its roots in 1955, when Coach Al “Sleepy” Thompson organized a football training camp at Shrine Mont. That eight-day summer program for 28 students, was the first of many meaningful retreats at Shrine Mont that foster connection, growth, and a spirit of community.

79. HISTORY BROUGHT TO LIFE

Middle School history at SSSAS is anything but boring! Saints remember taking up the gauntlet in sixth grade at the legendary Middle Ages Fair, diving into medieval research while crafting clay dwellings, coats of arms, and illuminated manuscripts. Seventh graders used to put history on trial—literally arguing cases for famous figures in mock courtrooms, complete with costumes, attorneys, and faculty judges. Today, they take on the American Progressive Era “Changemaker” project, connecting historical innovators to the present and debuting their documentaries at the Changemaker Film Festival. Eighth graders wrap things up with the History + Science World's Fair, channeling the spirit of the 1939 New York World's Fair to showcase groundbreaking inventions and their impact.

77. THE LITTLE RED SCHOOLHOUSE

How many of us have memories of our very first days of school? Meeting your teacher, finding your friends, learning where to hang your backpack, and put your coat? From 1939 to 1989, Saints had their first days on the Lower School campus in the Little Red Schoolhouse. In 1989, it was replaced by MacKinnon Hall, a purpose-built space for our youngest Saints, complete with a multipurpose room for events and indoor play— designed to support learning, growth, and joyful beginnings.

78. PIZZA LUNCHES WITH THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

Sharing meals together is one of the best ways to come together as a community, especially when these meals are also celebrations! Head of School Kirsten Adams looks forward to each spring when she has the chance to share a few slices with the Saints who are moving on to their next great adventure (or the next division!) Our seniors, eighth graders, and fifth graders enjoy their time with Mrs. Adams, sharing highlights, funny stories, and some of their dreams for what is yet to come.

80. A TRADITION OF SCOUTING

Scouting has a long and rich history at SSSAS, dating back to the early days of St. Agnes School when Troop No. 1—one of the first Girl Scout troops in Alexandria, Va.—was started by Headmistress Helen Army Macan in 1933. The troop was led by teacher Henricka Stebbins for more than 40 years until her retirement in 1977. Today there are active Girl Scout Troops in second through 12th grades, facilitated by parent and adult volunteers who serve in various roles such as troop leaders, camping facilitators, and cookie parents. Boy Scout Troop 1515 has a 32-year record of guiding young Saints along the path to Eagle Scout, while building lifelong friendships. In 2014, Cub Scout Pack 1515 included about 60 Saints in first through fifth grades; that's more than one of every three boys at the Lower School! One of the ultimate forms of learning by doing, nearly every year Eagle Scouts of Troop 1515 are among the Saints' graduating class.

81. SAINTSGIVING

On the morning before Thanksgiving, students, families, faculty, and staff volunteer to return to school for Saintsgiving, an annual tradition devoted to giving back to our community. Over the years, Saints have joined together in a variety of activities, including making sandwiches, writing cards, decorating and filling care packages, and working with local organizations to help distribute Thanksgiving meals to hundreds of Alexandria families. Our Episcopal identity touches every aspect of our community, shapes our programs, and inspires students to serve both locally and globally. Regular engagement opportunities are posted by our director of community engagement, 30% of our Upper School clubs and 21% of our Middle School clubs are service-based, and our seniors' service projects have helped both local and global communities.

82. AMAZING LOWER SCHOOL FIELD TRIPS

Every student who passes through the Lower School never forgets two specific class trips… The fourth grade journey to Williamsburg and Jamestown and the fifth grade trip to Philadelphia. While we are sure the students certainly appreciate and value the trips for enhancing and complimenting what they are learning in the classroom, we expect that most students remember the palpable exuberance and energy of the bus rides, the movie choice for the ride, the tasty snacks, and the sense of adventure strolling through an unfamiliar city with their friends.

84. CAPTURING THE SCHOOL YEAR

Few projects require more dedication—or create more lasting memories—than the yearbook! What started as a simple publication in 1934 grew into a labor of love led by talented photographers, writers, artists, and designers. From classic covers to creative themes, each edition tells the story of a year at SSSAS. In 1992, the first combined yearbook, Traditions, set the tone for celebrating the past while embracing the future. And they were right—our story keeps getting better!

85. RUNNING THE HOSPITAL LOOP

83. GO SAINTS!

Pep rallies on all three campuses for Homecoming and the Sleepy Thompson Basketball Tournament make a big impression. They are deafening, with cheers of “St. Stephen's, St. Agnes” rocking the gyms. At the Lower School, a group of Upper School student-athletes come to join the fun, high fiving the students, leading some cheers, and competing in some fun games and challenges.

A staple in all Saints coaches' practice arsenal—the team run, the “let's check your fitness level before the season really gets going” test, or simply a regular workout in the rotation. Why you ran or who you ran with, all Saints athletes remember the loop… Up St. Stephen's Road, hang a left at Seminary, another left at Howard, pass the hospital, up the long driveway of the church (about the point when the breathing really starts to get heavy), and down the stairs to Kelleher and back on campus… The brief off-campus run is certainly a fan favorite for the red and green.

86. THIS I BELIEVE

A culmination of their eighth grade seminar class, students prepare a “This I Believe” essay. The powerful yet simple format combines a statement of a belief or set of values that are important to the student with a personal story from the student's life. As this project intersects with our mission: goodness, community, and honoring the unique thoughts and experiences of each of our students, each year a student is chosen to deliver their essay at the Eighth Grade Recognition ceremony.

87. IN MEMORY, IN GRATITUDE, IN SPIRIT

Faculty, staff, and alumni are honored and remembered in meaningful ways across our campuses. Alumni have dedicated trees and benches to classmates who left a lasting impact on their lives. Beautiful spaces for reflection can be found throughout the school: The Rev. Michael Hinson Garden at the Middle School, the Sleepy Thompson statue courtyard at the Upper School, and the Jacob “Jake” Currie bench beneath the shade of a towering tree at the Lower School. Athletes honor Matthew J. Kelleher '98 with every game played on Kelleher Field. The wrestling room scoreboard bears the name of Coach David Hooper, a tribute to his dedication to Saints athletics. Each year, students give blood in memory of Dr. Matthew Geiger, a beloved religion teacher whose influence endures. Through these tributes, the Saints we have lost remain an unforgettable part of our community, their legacy woven into the heart of SSSAS.

89. FROM ONE BUILDING TO THREE CAMPUSES

What began in 1924 as a single building with just 45 students has flourished into three vibrant campuses, home to 1,219 Saints today! Over the years, eight buildings, multiple playgrounds, athletic fields, courts, and tracks have been added, shaping a school designed to inspire every stage of learning. Each campus has been thoughtfully developed to meet the unique needs of Lower, Middle, and Upper School students, creating spaces where memories are made. St. Agnes basketball players once braved the cold on outdoor courts—until the warmth of Daniel Gym became their new home. Performing Arts students eagerly stepped into the spotlight when the Chapel and Performing Arts building opened its doors, while chaplains found a sacred space for worship and reflection. For generations, Saints have grown, learned, and thrived on these campuses—each one a testament to the school's enduring spirit and commitment to excellence.

88.

2020 COMMENCEMENT: A PROCESSION LIKE NO OTHER

A singular moment in our history. Who knew that a socially distanced graduation recognition could be so joyful. After three long months of forced separation, faculty and staff gathered to cheer on the Class of 2020 during a touching and heartfelt procession around campus where they received well-wishes, their diploma, yearbook, and Saints swag. Some grads enjoyed seeing everyone so much, they drove around again.

90. SNOW DAYS

A crowd favorite—there is nothing quite like the joy of a snow day!

91. LITTLE PEOPLE, BIG IMPRESSIONS

Ask a Saints grad what their favorite project was at SSSAS and they often remember a Lower School experience first! Did you create a working game out of recycled materials for the Crenshaw Arcade in fourth grade? Maybe you recall putting on a tricorne hat, ruffled shirt, and vest to present your Profile in History on Nathan Hale or digging up artifacts in the third grade Archaeological Dig? Perhaps you were a veterinarian at the first grade Town Fair or you baked 100 cookies for the famous fourth grade Bake Sale? No matter where life takes them, Saints always remember where the magic began!

92. SAINTS SING TOGETHER

The annual Winter Chorus Concert for grades five through 12 is a much-anticipated evening—there's nothing like kicking off the holiday season by bringing together choral groups from all three campuses in song. The concert ends on a high note as students lead the audience in a joyful (and very loud!) rendition of “The 12 Days of Christmas,” with each grade assigned a verse. It is the best kind of a chaotic cheer and has become a favorite moment of this favorite evening.

94. SAINTS MAKE IT HAPPEN

93. SAINTS STORIES

We love to share what our Saints are up to, whether in the classroom, on stage or in the studios, across the region, and around the world. Be sure to keep up with the latest SSSAS news at @thesaintslife on Instagram and in our magazine. And be sure to

We are who we are and where we are because of the generations of generous Saints who have made SSSAS a philanthropic priority, allowing us to dream big, hire and retain amazing faculty and staff, and provide incredible resources, facilities, and programs for our students.

A PLACE FOR EVERYONE

96. FINDING YOUR JAM

At St. Stephen's and St. Agnes, we pledge not only to educate our students, but to truly know them—each and every one. Over the past 100 years, Saints have shared stories of teachers who encouraged them to try something new, simply because they believed they would enjoy it—or even be great at it. Like the shy, creative student who joined the yearbook staff and went on to design pages and the cover. The football player who never imagined auditioning for the school musical, but did and landed the lead role. The student who didn't want to be in the spotlight, but brought productions to life with imaginative set and costume designs. The avid reader who brought fresh insight to the literary magazine, or the math whiz who discovered a passion for painting and sculpting. The student who expressed his love of sports through the lens of a camera.

Saints are encouraged to share their interests by sponsoring a club, inspired to volunteer for service, emboldened to take a leadership role on the student council or honor board, and empowered to express themselves through the student newspaper. These discoveries often spark new student initiatives, lifelong passions, college majors, and careers, while building self-confidence, giving students the courage to choose different paths, opening their eyes to all the opportunities life has to offer, and fostering a deep sense of belonging.

95. SAINTS TRAVEL

Each year Upper School students take off to destinations in the U.S. and around the world for eye-opening learning and service experiences. In addition to community engagement trips within the U.S., during the past 10 years Saints have been to the Bahamas, China, Croatia, Cuba, Ecuador, Greece, Haiti, Israel, Italy, Kenya, Mexico, Nepal, Nicaragua, Palestine, Panama, Romania, Spain, and Thailand, as well as exchange programs to Denmark, France, Spain, and Taiwan. This spring Saints walked the Camino de Santiago Trail in Spain, explored theater in the United Kingdom, worked with a partner in international peace initiatives in Kenya, and explored the history and cultures of Morocco and Japan.

97. ROCKIN' ROBOTICS TEAMS

Before there were official robotics teams, there was a very active robotics club at the Upper School in the early 2000s. By 2009, there was a robust interest in the Lower School. Some fourth grade students participated in the FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Robotics Challenge and a team called “Rockin' Robots,” which included four Lower School students, placed first in the Robot Design competition at the Smithsonian Institute. By 2011, Middle School roboticists were also competing and winning awards in the FIRST LEGO League. The first Upper School team, Thunderstone, was formed in 2011. As interest grew, the program blossomed into three teams. Upper School robotics teams have won many awards in region and state competitions, and competed in the First Worlds Championship in 2019 and 2024! Today, the Upper School robotics program has more than 60 participating students.

98. THE FINAL MOMENTS

In what is perhaps the most poignant moment at Commencement, the senior class recesses through a tunnel formed by the school's faculty. Hugs and handshakes are exchanged, diplomas are held high, and sometimes happy tears flow as teachers applaud the graduates' accomplishments, offer congratulations, and wish them a fond farewell. They arrive early in the morning as seniors but exit the faculty tunnel fully prepared for their next journey. “Graduates, until we meet again, may God bless you and keep you safe.”

99. THE FAREWELL ADDRESS

Every year a senior is nominated through a class vote to give the Farewell Address at Prize Day. Always a highlight of the event, the speeches are funny, poignant, touching, and a heartfelt goodbye to the graduating class and their time at the school.

“IT'S A GREAT DAY TO BE A SAINT!”

100. OUR CATCHPHRASE

St. Stephen's and St. Agnes is made up of all kinds of people, from lots of different places, with a wide variety of experiences, but we are all connected as a community. Our catchphrase, “It's a great day to be a Saint,” has become a powerful expression of school spirit and shared pride. From games to pep rallies and school events, these words have become a unifying rally, bringing students, faculty, and alumni together. It echoes throughout our halls, fields, and hearts—because every day is truly a great day to be a Saint!

HOOKED ON TROUT

A Fin-tastic Journey Exploring Life Cycles, Ecosystems, and Stewardship

BY MICHELLE BRUCH Lower School Science Teacher

Our youngest scientists (age 3 through second grades) took on a truly amazing adventure this school year—raising brook trout from tiny eggs to lively fry as part of the “Trout in the Classroom” program. Along the way, they explored life cycles, ecosystems, water quality, and the importance of caring for our local watershed. Through observation, hands-on learning, and a whole lot of wonder, the classroom was transformed into a mini hatchery—and our little scientists into passionate stewards of the environment. This is our tale of the trout!

SEPTEMBER 2024

September 24: Getting Ready

We prepared for the arrival of our trout eggs by fully insulating their tank with brightly decorated foam panels. This helped keep the water at a steady, cool temperature— essential for brook trout, which thrive in cold, oxygen-rich streams.

FUN FACT

Keeping the water cool reduces stress on cold-water species, like brook trout, and mimics their natural mountain-stream habitat.

Our tank, prepared and ready for the fish!

September 25: The Eggs

Arrive

The translucent, orange brook trout eggs arrived in late September, when water temperature is typically cold. Every day we monitored temperature and ammonia/nitrate levels to ensure a healthy environment. When the power went out during their first week with us, we added ice to the tank to keep it cold for the delicate eggs. We had to dispose of any eggs that had no embryos, so fungus would not grow.

OCTOBER 2024

Learning about Alevin

October 1:

A newly hatched trout is called an “alevin.” After hatching, the students could see their large yolk sacs were still attached, providing the alevin with the necessary nutrients to survive. The students were also able to observe the alevin's blood vessels and their hearts beating!

FUN FACT

Brook trout eggs usually hatch in 4–6 weeks, depending on the water temperature.

October 19:

We watched our trout alevin absorb their yolk sacs, getting ready to grow fully developed fins and they became “fry,” ready for new adventures in the water!

FUN FACT

During the alevin stage, trout rely on their yolk sac for food and don't need external feeding. This stage is crucial for survival in the wild, hidden away under gravel or stream bed rocks.

NOVEMBER 2024

November 14:

Once the alevin had become fry, they were ready for their very first feeding! In the wild, they feed on zooplankton. We introduced our fry to specialized trout feed and watched them dart around to grab it.

FUN FACT

In a sustainability lesson, the students learned how to monitor water quality to ensure the fry never received more food than they could eat. Overfeeding can lead to waste buildup and poor water quality.

Developing into “fry.”

The eggs when they arrived. This is what the brook trout look like when they hatch.

The first feeding was a frenzy of activity!

We learned more about trout reading this book by award-winning author April Pulley!

Continued Growth & Activity

In mid-November we transferred the fry into a big 55-gallon fish tank, just in time for Thanksgiving!

MARCH 2025

The trout grew bigger and very active. They swam together as a school and always seemed hungry. By March, many of them were a few centimeters long (some pushing 8–10 cm!).

FUN FACT

Healthy water equals healthy fish. We tested pH balance, temperature, and nitrogen compounds often. Good results meant our trout were thriving, but we also learned how small changes can have a big impact on aquatic life.

APRIL 2025

How big did our fish grow?

Our 44 brook trout grew so much over the course of this year! We measured their mass and length just before we released them.

Total Length:

44 trout × 8 cm = 352 cm

(That's over 3 meters of fish lined up)

Total Mass:

44 trout × 6 g = 264 g

(About the same as a big apple)

The scientists from Trout Unlimited said that our fish were among the largest and healthiest they had seen this year!

April 12: Brook Trout Release

On Saturday, April 12, we gathered at Elizabeth Furnace in the George

Washington National Forest to release our classroom raised fish into a clean, flowing stream. We learned how to fly fish and all about aquatic insects and bait. We walked across the suspension bridge over the Passage Creek, and of course, we released all of our brook trout!

WHY IT MATTERS

Returning our trout to a native stream was the final step in this sustainability cycle. By raising trout in a controlled environment, our students developed a real-world understanding of how human actions—like pollution or overfishing— affect local biodiversity.

FUN FACT

“Fishing is a chance to wash one's soul with pure air.”

President Herbert Hoover

President Hoover often fished in Passage Creek, where we released our fish!

The trout checking out their new, larger habitat.

We learned all about PH balance and how to test it.

On April 12 we released our brook trout in the George Washington National Forest. John Davey, from Trout Unlimited, to talk to us about trout and fishing.

THE PROGRESSIVE ERA GETS A CLOSE-UP

The Seventh Grade Changemaker Project

BY MELISSA ULSAKER MAAS '76

Many Saints fondly remember the seventh grade History Trials—the dramatic courtroom reenactments during which classmates played prosecutors, defense attorneys, and historical figures on the stand. After years of lively debate and creative flair, the final trials took place over Zoom during the pandemic, closing the curtain on a beloved tradition. In its place a new project emerged, rooted in the same research, deep thinking, and presentation, but with a modern twist. Enter the Changemaker Project; students don't just study the Progressive Era—they connect it to the world they live in today.

History teachers Katherine Miller, Jon Japha, and Andy Carr collaborated to create the project. “We wanted something with the pizzazz of the History Trials that required the same skills, but focused on a different time in history with a fresh way of presenting,” Katherine explains.

The Time Period

The Progressive Era (1890s-1920s) was a time of widespread social, political, and economic reform in the United States. Reformers, also known as progressives, aimed to tackle problems brought on by industrialization, urbanization, immigration, and political corruption. They focused on improving labor conditions, addressing poverty and slum life, and regulating monopolies. Reformers promoted environmental protection, better urban living standards, and

scientific approaches to governance and problem-solving. Efforts included creating new regulatory agencies and professionalizing fields like education, medicine, and economics.

The progressives set out to make American society safer, fairer, and more democratic. They pushed for regulations to hold big business accountable, fought corruption in city governments, and worked to improve factory conditions and life in overcrowded urban slums. Many also championed environmental conservation.

These reformers believed democracy should extend beyond government halls. They fought for women's suffrage and supported political reforms like the recall, referendum, and direct election of senators—tools they believed would give citizens a stronger voice in shaping the nation's future.

“History matters, and we wanted the students to recognize that it's still relevant today. Asking them to make a modern-day connection with a past reformer forces them to ask important questions.”

Katherine Miller Middle School History Teacher

The Project

The two-month, multi-phase Changemaker project challenges students to dig deep: they conduct research, take notes, write a script, create an iMovie, and present it to parents and friends at the culminating in a film festival in May. But this is far more than a traditional research assignment. What sets it apart— and truly stretches their critical-thinking skills—is the requirement to connect past to present. Students must not only study a Progressive Era reformer and the issue they championed, but also identify and investigate a modern-day issue that echoes their reformer's cause, drawing meaningful connections across time.

“History matters, and we wanted the students to recognize that it's still relevant today,” Katherine said. “Asking them to make a modern-day connection with a past reformer forces them to ask important questions, like how does that impact me? How would that affect me today? What would it be like if I did

MAKING CONNECTIONS

Josephine Goldmark and The Child Labor Coalition

By

Victoria Giles '30

Today, the Child Labor Coalition continues to work on the same issues that Josephine Goldmark cared about a hundred years ago. The Child Labor Coalition is a branch of the National

something like that?”

Students select from a rich and diverse list of 62 reformers—some household names, others far less known but equally compelling. The lineup spans writers, activists, artists, inventors, and change agents, including figures like political cartoonist Thomas Nast,

Consumers League. This organization was founded in 1989, and its director is Reid Maki. The organization was made to influence public policy on child labor through an increased understanding of the impact of work on children's health. Because they believe children should not work, they want to help all children regardless of race, sex, nationality, religion, economic status, where they live, or the type of job they do. Their main goals are to help the quality of children's lives, to work to strengthen protection, to advocate for better enforcement of regulations, to educate the public to broaden awareness, and to urge the Congress of the US to act and stop the problems. They do work in the US and internationally to help publicize what is happening to children.

disability rights pioneer Helen Keller, conservationist Ansel Adams, public health advocate Julia Lathrop, labor leader Emma Tenayuca, legal scholar Sophonisba Preston Breckinridge, civil rights organizer George Edmunds Haynes, Hawaiian queen Liliuokalani, and inventor Garrett Morgan. For many students, the project becomes a first encounter with voices history often

MAKING CONNECTIONS

W.E.B. DuBois and The NAACP

By Elia Hervé '30

W.E.B DuBois had a lasting impact on African American rights and development, extending far into the modern age, especially through

overlooks—and a chance to bring those voices back into the conversation.

Seeing the project requirements on paper looks daunting, but the teachers break it down, step by step, starting with the research and choosing appropriate sources and images. “I'd say they mainly use databases and books, but we've been talking about using the Internet and fact checking all year,” Katherine says.

They take their notes in an app called NoodleTools. “The program was created by a librarian to provide students with a platform that helps them navigate, plan and organize their research,” history teacher Larisa Showalter explains. “Teachers can track each student's progression, from citing their sources to the notes they are taking, as well as the original source. Learning how to paraphrase is one of the most difficult skills we teach.”

Their research must include the background of the movement and how their reformer is associated with it; what factors motivated their reformer; and the strategies their reformer used to advance their cause. They also have to discuss any challenges and biases their reformer faces from outside or inside the movement. Some students encounter unexpected facts about the men and women who fought so hard for positive change. It can be surprising to discover someone can be a hero on one hand, while holding a questionable belief in the other, like Henry Ford—a lesson that people are human and fallible. Students also learn about reformers who want the same things, but have very different strategies, like W.E.B. DuBois and Booker T. Washington.

The Presentation

his organization, the NAACP. Even though the organization was founded on February 12, 1909, in W.E.B DuBois' time, it currently holds many protests and promotes speeches that aligns with their founding ideals and spreads awareness to the world. The NAACP seeks a goal of political, educational, social, and economic equality for all people. They continue working towards the prohibition of race-based discrimination through a variety of means: including advocacy and community organizing. They continue DuBois' work by focusing on criminal justice reform, the right to vote, and economic empowerment.

For their presentations, the students create documentaries in iMovie. This format introduces them to digital storytelling and challenges them to transform weeks of research into a concise, engaging, and meaningful five-minute film. Along the way, they develop essential 21st-century skills— learning to distill complex information, make intentional design choices, and communicate ideas clearly and creatively. It's not just about mastering the technology—it's about learning how to shape a narrative, find their voice, and make history feel real for an audience.

The night of the film festival is filled with nervous energy. The students arrive in chapel dress, fully prepared to present their films and answer

questions afterwards. Each room has five presenters and an audience of people who love and care for them. Excited and maybe relieved, that the project is coming to an end, each one steps up to the microphone, introduces themselves and their reformer, and hits play on the culmination of all their efforts.

The Changemaker Film Festival is more than a presentation—it's a celebration of hard work, deep thinking, and personal growth. After weeks of research, revision, and reflection, students walk away with not just knowledge of a historical reformer, but with a deeper understanding of how people—flawed and inspiring—have shaped the world they live in. They've connected past to present, developed their voices, and practiced the art of storytelling. “I hope they're proud of what they've accomplished,” Katherine says. “This project pushes them in so many ways, and the skills they walk away with— research, analysis, empathy, confidence— those last well beyond seventh grade.”

MAKING CONNECTIONS

Theodore Roosevelt and The Nature Conservancy

By Charlie Dore '30

Theodore Roosevelt's pioneering legacy lives on in modern efforts to protect the environment, such as those led by The Nature Conservancy. Founded in 1951, this nonprofit works to combat climate change,

deforestation, and biodiversity loss. Like Roosevelt, the Conservancy acquires and preserves land, and partners with governments to enact policy. They operate across the United States and worldwide, with key projects in the Great Lakes and U.S. national forests. By building partnerships with Indigenous peoples and local communities, they honor Roosevelt's belief that protecting nature must involve the people most affected. The Nature Conservancy recognizes that climate change and environmental destruction also impact air and water quality, food scarcity, and will affect the health of future generations.

RETIRING IN 2025

Saying a fond

BY MANDI SAPP

farewell to Beth Chase, Susan DeLaurentis, and Kati Towle.

BETH CHASE

Chief Financial Officer

After an incredible 30 years of service, Chief Financial Officer Beth Chase is retiring. Since joining St. Stephen's and St. Agnes on Nov. 1, 1994, Beth has been a steadfast leader, shaping the financial and operational landscape of our institution with her dedication, vision, and unwavering commitment.

Beth began her journey at SSSAS as Controller and in 2004, she assumed the role of CFO. Over the years, she has played a pivotal role in many of the school's most significant projects and initiatives. Among her most cherished accomplishments are the acquisition of the Saint Andrew's United Methodist Church property adjacent to the Upper

School campus, as well as managing the financing and funding of the recent Upper School construction project. Beth worked closely with her colleague, Chief Operating Officer Lizzie Callahan '03, on many of these major projects and initiatives.

“Beth has shown unwavering dedication to our school, guiding our community through countless transitions with wisdom, grace, and a tireless work ethic,” said Lizzie. “At the end of her 30-year tenure, I had the privilege of working closely with Beth in our school's latest major transformation as we executed our Upper School construction project. I couldn't have asked for a more

dedicated or insightful teammate. One of Beth's most remarkable qualities is her selflessness, which often manifests through her sharp self-deprecating sense of humor. She has always preferred to work behind the scenes and truly embodies the spirit of a humble servant. I've also always appreciated Beth's leadership style that is grounded in a genuine commitment to putting the needs of our students first, which has shaped the way we operate and make key financial decisions. Beth's steadfast presence, love for our school, and commitment to its future have been clear in everything she's accomplished and her contributions will continue to shape our path forward.”

In addition to her leadership in financial management, Beth has been an integral member of several key committees, including the Finance Committee, Buildings and Grounds Committee, Risk Management Committee, and the Foundation Board. She also took great pride in her involvement with the Student Investment Club, mentoring students in financial literacy and investment strategies. A meaningful moment in Beth's career came when a generous donation was made in her honor, with a seat named after her in the CPAC—an enduring tribute to her lasting impact on the school.

Beth's journey began long before SSSAS. She started her career at the age of 22 as a CPA with a prestigious Big Eight accounting firm, before moving on to a smaller firm in San Francisco. Eventually, she transitioned to Virginia, where she worked as a controller for a forprofit company before deciding to

Beth Chase and her husband, Chris Gray

join SSSAS—an institution that would become not just her workplace, but her second family. Her children, Catherine “Katy” Chase '10 (current SSSAS first grade teacher) and Christopher “Chris” Chase '15, are also proud alumni of the school.

Reflecting on her time at SSSAS, Beth shared, “Over the last 30 years, this school has become my family. Daily interaction with colleagues brings me joy and excitement about what we do and why we do it. Every day presents new challenges and opportunities. This job allows you to figure out how to say 'yes' to ideas that enhance the SSSAS community's experience.”

Associate Head of School Bob Weiman has worked closely with Beth over the past three decades. “Beth truly embodies the mission of the school, especially the 'goodness as well as knowledge aspect of it.' Beth is a kind, thoughtful, and supportive colleague, and she is New England solid. She loves numbers and data and is the personification of ‘prudent fiscal management’ which has kept SSSAS in such a strong financial position through all of the economic ups and downs of the past three decades. Despite her deep grasp of complex finance and accounting, she is able to explain things in ways that even I can understand! Beth is a voracious reader who is always quick to share a recommendation, and she has a wonderful sense of adventure, always eager to try new things. In addition to carving out time for family, she enjoys attending what she calls 'aging rock star' concerts. I am so excited for Beth as she enters this wonderful new chapter of her life.”

As Beth steps into her retirement, she is looking forward to new adventures in Rhode Island, where she will be moving to be closer to her family. She will live in the same town where generations of her family have lived, across the street from her grandparents' first farm in Little Compton in a home she purchased and renovated. With plans to transform her two-acre plot into a natural habitat for birds and butterflies, Beth is excited to reconnect with nature and the land that has been in her family for so long.

SUSAN DELAURENTIS

Director of Counseling and Lower School Counselor

After an extraordinary 32-year career, Susan DeLaurentis, director of counseling and Lower School counselor, is retiring. Affectionately known as “Ms. D,” Susan has made an indelible impact on generations of Saints, embodying the spirit of our community through her compassion, dedication, and unwavering support.

Susan earned an undergraduate degree in early childhood education and taught pre-K before returning to school for a master's in counseling. She came to SSSAS in 1993 in a part-time role and became a full-time counselor just a few months later. Throughout her time as a Saint, Susan has worn many hats, including associate director of the Lower School, family life teacher, Middle School counselor, Lower School counselor, and director of counseling. No matter the role, Susan found joy in fostering the growth and well-being of our

students and families, celebrating their achievements, and guiding them through challenges.

Each morning, Susan greets students, parents, and even their four-legged companions during carpool. Armed with dog treats and a warm smile, she connects with countless members of our community, reflecting her commitment to being present and approachable for all. This philosophy has guided her work, ensuring that emotional well-being and academic growth go hand in hand.

“It is hard to imagine the Lower School without Susan DeLaurentis,” said Beth Barrow, fourth grade teacher, longtime colleague, and friend. “For the past 30-plus years, Susan has been a constant source of support, comfort, and laughter for countless children and adults on our campus. No matter your age, once you formed a bond with Susan, you knew it was genuine, and you knew it would

last. She will be dearly missed by her exuberant Lunch Bunchers, her grateful colleagues, and all the dogs at carpool who knew Susan would always give them love and a treat from her pocket.”

Susan has touched every corner of the SSSAS experience in her three decades. From pioneering programs like the beloved Lunch Bunch to collaborating with her fellow counselors in the Middle and Upper Schools, she has worked tirelessly to create a nurturing and supportive environment. Her insight, wisdom, and authentic care have left an indelible mark on all who have known her.

Associate Head of School Bob Weiman said: “For decades, Susan has appeared by our sides, sharing wisdom and providing incredible support. Susan helps colleagues navigate complex situations and supports us personally as well. And she gives such sage advice to parents that many seek her counsel long after their children have left the Lower School. At SSSAS, we pride ourselves on how well we know our students. Susan epitomizes this, as she gets to know students so well—and she develops such a caring, comforting, and trusting relationship with them—that they seek her out in times of need and return to the Lower School years later to visit her. As the director of counseling, her reach extends across divisions as she supports the counseling department and champions student mental health and wellbeing initiatives. She does all of this with empathy, thoughtfulness, and her signature, often irreverent, sense of humor. I cannot think of anyone during my tenure at SSSAS who has had a greater and deeper impact on the Saints community than Susan.”

As Susan prepares to begin a new chapter—with both of her own children now grown—she looks forward to discovering meaningful and innovative ways to continue supporting students. Her retirement marks the conclusion of an extraordinary chapter at SSSAS under her caring guidance, and our gratitude and hearts go with her.

KATI TOWLE

Middle School Visual Arts Teacher

After 28 years of inspiring creativity, fostering inclusion, and shaping young artists, Kati Towle is retiring from her role as Middle School Visual Arts Teacher in June. Since joining our community in 1997, Kati has left an indelible mark on our students, colleagues, and the Art Department.

Kati has worn many hats throughout her almost three decades at SSSAS, most notably serving as a Middle School visual arts teacher and Visual Arts Department chair (2005-2015). Known for her creativity and leadership, Kati brought art to life both in and beyond the classroom. She spearheaded projects like “A Place for Everyone,” where seventh graders combined creativity and critical thinking to design more accessible spaces, and coordinated field trips and mini-courses that immersed students in art museums, galleries, and hands-on projects, from murals to sculptures.

“Kati's leadership and passion for art education have transformed not only our students' experiences, but also our entire Art Department!” said Kate Elkins, Visual Arts Department chair. “She's committed to teaching through a diverse range of contemporary artists and perspectives, setting an example that

inspires our Saints to connect their artmaking to the world we live in. As many know from taking her art journaling faculty courses, Kati believes in the power of self-expression, encouraging everyone she works with--students and colleagues alike--to explore and develop their unique artistic voice. As a colleague and friend, she epitomizes kindness and support. Whether I'm wrestling with a tough question or looking for ideas, Kati is the first person I turn to. Despite her busy schedule, she makes time to offer guidance when it's needed most.”

Kati's impact extended beyond visual arts—she mentored students through clubs like UNITE and Alphabet Alliance, fostered inclusivity with UNITE chapels and diversity conferences, and showcased student work through events like the Sixth Grade Visual Art Open House. She also taught Summertimes art camps for over 20 years, sharing her love for natural art-making. She has also enjoyed faculty choir singing for special chapel services during the years.

Middle School History Teacher

Katherine Miller, colleague and friend for over two decades, shared, “As the former Art Department chair, she encouraged collaboration across

campuses, and she brought creative ideas to her own classroom, especially in two of her favorite mediums, clay and textiles. She spent many years as the lead faculty member of UNITE, the former Middle School diversity organization. Under her guidance, we hosted after-school activities, ran assemblies, and planned advisory activities. In all of her roles over the years, Kati has helped both students and faculty feel included and valued in our community.”

Kati, her wife, and their dog and cat will be moving to Baltimore to be closer to family. She looks forward to focusing on her own art, teaching for fun, and enjoying more time for hiking, swimming, and a well-deserved break from long commutes. Fun fact: Kati's daughter, Harper, spent her first two years in the nursery at SSSAS, long before it was known as the ELC.

When asked why she enjoys working at SSSAS, Kati replied, “I can be myself here.” She continued, “I have always had autonomy as a visual arts teacher–to create a vibrant curriculum and to alter it to fit with the changing times. Simultaneously, I have also had the collaborative support of fellow teachers, administrators, and students–working together to connect various disciplines with visual art projects and build creative thinking and growth opportunities. I am inspired all the time by my colleagues and my students, and by the rich cultural region we live in. I have been able to grow here–as an artist, a teacher, and as a thoughtful human being because of the kindness, care, and curiosity that abounds in the people in our school community.”

Kati's passion for creativity, collaboration, and inclusion has left an indelible mark on the school community, inspiring generations of students and colleagues alike. Colleague and friend David Hunsicker, Middle School technology coordinator, summed up Kati's presence with this beautiful reflection: “Kati Towle is like a Monet painting— layered with depth, beauty, and just the right touch of whimsy. Up close, her teacher's brush illustrates knowledge, creativity, and fun, and from afar, she is an absolute masterpiece!”

Save the Date!

SEPTEMBER 26-27, 2025

Homecoming Weekend

APRIL 17-20, 2026

2026 Alumni Reunion Weekend

Highlight the classes ending in 1s and 6s

All alumni are welcome to attend!

A Transformational Gift, A Legacy of Opportunity

BY JENNIE WILLS Chief Advancement Officer

For more than 100 years, St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School has nurtured generations of Saints called not only to succeed, but to serve, lead, and inspire. Today, Saints Together: Our Campaign for Community ensures that legacy continues—rooted in tradition and reimagined for a new century.

This bold, strategic initiative delivers on the promise of our vision: to reimagine the Upper School with signature spaces, strengthen the Saints Fund, and invest in our endowment through the Gift of a Saints Education, making this transformational experience more accessible for generations to come.

An Extraordinary Matching Gift

At the heart of this momentum is an extraordinary act of generosity. Marguerite Orr Pitts '62 has made a transformational matching gift to inspire others to support the Gift of a Saints Education , one of the three pillars of the Saints Together campaign.

Her impressive career spans the Foreign Service, community revitalization, and real estate finance, including roles as a real estate construction lender advisor at Citicorp and as an independent investor. A passionate supporter of the arts and environment, she has also offered her leadership to organizations including

Marguerite Orr Pitts ‘62

This incredible matching gift is not just an investment—it is a call to action—Every gift to the Gift of a Saints Education endowment will be matched dollar for dollar, doubling its impact and accelerating our progress toward fulfilling this critical goal.

the Nature Conservancy, Teatown nature preserve, the Concert Artists Guild, and the Ensemble Studio Theatre.

Marguerite shared her inspiration for the gift—“The culture of acceptance and valuing each individual is what I remember and appreciate most about my years at St. Agnes. We were strongly encouraged to look for the good in everyone, and see differences in our fellow students as strengths rather than deficiencies.” As such, her matching gift is not just an investment—it is a call to action, inviting our community to help shape a future which includes a more diverse set of experiences and perspectives.

The Gift of a Saints Education: Goals & Impact

Reflecting on our Episcopal identity, the Gift of a Saints Education is an answer to our call to love and serve others. Through this philanthropic opportunity, we aim to raise $3 million to endow five full scholarships, expanding our financial assistance program to reach students whose families need comprehensive support—

beginning in kindergarten and continuing through grade 12. These scholarships are designed to be fully inclusive, covering not just tuition but the full scope of the student experience:

• Textbooks and academic materials

• Athletics, performing arts, and co-curricular activities

• Field trips, travel courses, and out-of-pocket expenses

This support ensures equitable access and affirms our commitment to building a community that reflects socioeconomic diversity

Philanthropy in Action

Thanks to the generosity of donors, we have already made significant progress raising $1.8 million toward the $3 million goal, and have awarded three of the five scholarships to current and incoming students.

Gifts made to this transformational Saints Together priority will provide critical, lasting support for generations of Saints

The Saints Fund: Supporting Excellence, Today and Tomorrow

While the Gift of a Saints Education ensures access for tomorrow's Saints, the Saints Fund sustains what makes a Saints education extraordinary today. From classroom innovation and faculty excellence to arts, athletics, chapel, and student life, the Saints Fund powers every aspect of our values-driven, joyful learning environment.

Gifts through the Saints Fund have immediate impact, allowing us to remain bold, creative, and intentional in how we teach, lead, and serve.

Together, We Are Saints

Throughout the 100-year history, the generosity of Saints has transformed dreams into reality. Saints Together gives us the opportunity—and the responsibility—to do the same for future generations.

We are close to completing this historic campaign— but we need you to help us cross the finish line. Whether you help fund a full scholarship and double your impact through the current match, support daily operations and programming through the Saints Fund, or name a space in the reimagined Upper School, your gift will impact our current students, and echo forward for decades to come.

This is our moment.

Together, we honor the past.

Together, we build the future.

Together, we are Saints.

Marguerite with fellow St. Agnes alumna Donnie Wintermute ‘65.

Dr. Bill McNiel

What is the one thing in the world you would fix if you could wave a magic wand?

I would rid the world and myself of prejudice.

What one piece of advice would you offer anyone who asks?

Read books and articles and learn as much as you can.

What is your greatest strength?

I never consider myself to be the smartest person in the room and try to learn from others.

Dr. Bill McNiel is reflective, principled, wry, unexpectedly warm, and just a little contrarian. Affectionately dubbed DMAC by a student, it's not a name he uses, but he'll answer to it. Born and raised in Huntsville, Ala., he still keeps in touch with friends from his competitive swimming days, and yes, he's been coaching swimming for 23 of the 24 years he's taught history at SSSAS. A high school teacher sparked his fascination with history, introducing him to European ideas like liberalism and Marxism. DMAC majored in history at the University of Alabama, where his interest in Germany deepened. He was captivated by the intersection of religion and politics, which led him to the German Reformation. He went way north to the University of Manitoba for his master's and to Queen's University for his Ph.D. He considers finishing and defending his dissertation on the radical phase of the German Reformation (1517–1525) the most difficult thing he's ever done—and his greatest accomplishment, learning German just to write it! DMAC thinks German priest and theologian Martin Luther would be an interesting dinner guest, not because he likes him, but because Luther enjoyed pontificating over a meal with students. If he could time travel to any historical event, he'd drop into the German Peasants' War in 1525, preferably on the winning Princes' side. He has nothing against the peasants, he just doesn't have a death wish. DMAC enjoys using humor in class, but admits his jokes may not be for everyone. He does think the 1618 Defenestration of Prague is a winner—not, of course, because people were tossed out a window, but because they got lucky and landed in a pile of manure. He must be funny, or at least memorable, because his students have been posting his sayings on his classroom wall for years. He'd be the first to tell you that most of what he says depends heavily on context and really doesn't have a place in civilized discussion. DMAC wears a tie every day, because he likes formality—especially when it's out of fashion. Outside the classroom he and his wife live a quiet life. His favorite quote is from “Hamlet,” emphasizing the importance of integrity and honesty. He doesn't “binge” shows, but appreciates a good historical drama. And, of course, he recommends reading the World War II histories “Black Earth” and “Bloodland” by Timothy Snyder. Somewhat out of character, he's currently reading Boris Pasternak's “Dr. Zhivago.” But in a truly quirky twist, his favorite movie is “The Life Aquatic” with Bill Murray. DMAC enjoys long walks and visiting museums on the Mall. He's also partial to listening to the news and Nats games while he does the dishes—on the radio! He's not a foodie, but he'll take salmon or Indian food any day. His bucket list includes going to India and China, and the most adventurous thing he's ever done? That, he says, would be traveling in East Germany before the Berlin wall came down. While he may spend much of his time looking backward through history, DMAC keeps moving forward—with curiosity, gentility, and just the right amount of sarcasm.

What is the best compliment someone can give you?

That I tried my best under the circumstances.

What is the biggest risk you have ever taken in your life?

Maybe going to graduate school, but probably driving to work every day.

For what in your life do you feel most grateful?

I feel most grateful for my parents. They gave me the freedom to fail and were always there to support me.

RECOGNIZING ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT

At Academic Convocation in January, we recognized eight Commended Merit Scholars, four Commended Scholar Finalists, two National African-American Recognition Award recipients, and one National First Generation Recognition Award. Congratulations, Saints!

In addition, Domenick Bailey '18, currently a student at Harvard Law School, addressed the students and shared inspiring advice on the risks worth taking in their academic and professional journeys. “I believe that if you're willing to go to new places, surround yourself with people who know more than you, take on the unexpected, answer the phone, and do the small things, you'll be that much more prepared, fulfilled, and better off because of it. Remember, no risk—no story.” After the convocation, students and faculty were invited to lunch to chat and ask questions with Domenick in the Chiaramonte Family Seminar Room. [Read more about Domenick on p. 76]

In February, seniors Tate Commission, Dimitri Criswell, Paul Eisenberg, and Anne Louden Kostel were named as Finalists in the National

Merit Scholarship Program! This honor establishes them among the top 1% of U.S. high school seniors who took the PSAT. The determination is also based on test scores, academic records, recommendations, and essays.

COMMENDED SCHOLARS

Sandhya Augustine '25

Karina Constandy '25

Micah Gura '25

Anderson Jones '25

Ella Joshi '25

Carmyn Lee '25

Lydia Penkiunas '25

Jake Welter '25

NATIONAL MERIT FINALISTS

Tate Commission '25

Dimitri Criswell '25

Paul Eisenberg '25

Anne Louden Kostel '25

NATIONAL AFRICAN-AMERICAN RECOGNITION AWARD

Amaya Nicholls '25

Ramtulai Jalloh '26

NATIONAL FIRST GENERATION RECOGNITION AWARD

Ramtulai Jalloh '26

RANKED #1

We're proud to share that St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School has been ranked the #1 K-12 Independent School in Virginia in Virginia Living Magazine! This recognition is especially meaningful as we celebrate our 100th year—a century of inspiring students to pursue knowledge + goodness together. A heartfelt thank you to our incredible teachers, dedicated parents, curious students, loyal alumni, and supportive community. This honor belongs to all of you.

From the Best of Virginia 2025 Edition of Virginia Living Magazine:

“On three campuses in Alexandria, SSSAS provides exceptional education within an Episcopal tradition. This independent school offers rigorous academics, competitive athletics, and comprehensive arts programs. The school's nurturing community emphasizes character development, service learning, and spiritual growth. With dedicated faculty, students receive personalized attention preparing them for college and beyond.”

SSSAS

ART AND LITERARY AWARDS

Sixteen Saints received top honors for their artistic and literary skills in local and regional contests and exhibitions.

Charlotte Barnes '27

“Time Warp”

Painting, Honorable Mention Regional Scholastic Award

Charlotte Barnes '27

“The Carnival: Barkers” Painting, Gold Key Regional Scholastic Award

Dava Boyce '26

“St. Milburga”

Digital Art, Gold Key Regional Scholastic Award

“King”

Ceramics & Glass, Silver Key Regional Scholastic Award

Ian Niemira '25

“Roadtrip”

Digital Art, Honorable Mention Regional Scholastic Award

Willa Johnson '27

“Jelly”

Ceramics & Glass, Honorable Mention Regional Scholastic Award

Tyler Troy '25

“Expectation”

Mixed Media, Silver Key

Regional Scholastic Award

Tyler Troy '25

“Vessel With Two Hands” Ceramics & Glass, Gold Key Regional Scholastic Award

Malcolm Beane '27

“James Beeane”

Digital Art, Gold Key Regional Scholastic Award

American Visions Nominee

“James Beeane” was selected as an American Visions Nominee for the Fairfax County Art Region, an exceptional honor. The region sends only five nominees to be reviewed during National adjudication, when a panel of judges chooses one of the works to receive the American Visions Award for our region. The American Visions Award is considered the best individual artwork from our region.

Makayla Jones '25

“Fragmentation”

“23”

Rose

Self Portrait

Found Cardboard

Studio Gallery Student Show

REGIONAL SCHOLASTIC WRITING AWARDS

Ramtulai Jalloh '26

“That One Night When It Was Raining”

Dramatic Script, Gold Key

Ella Schneider '27

“Summer Haibun”

Poetry, Gold Key

Dava Boyce '26

“The Glass”

Dramatic Script, Silver Key

Janney Cooper '26

“The Temperature of Extinction”

Poetry, Silver Key

Jackson Sipple-Asher '27

“Whale”

Poetry, Silver Key

You can read Fire & Stones online at issuu.com/sssas/stacks

Charlotte Secrist '27

“Faces of the Past” Digital Art, Silver Key Regional Scholastic Award

Colin Adams '26

Cardboard Sculpture, Third Place Winter Independent Schools Juried Exhibition

Tyler Troy '25

“Overgrown” Ceramics, First Place Winter Independent Schools Juried Exhibition

Ariya Harrington '26

Glass Mosaic Studio Gallery Student Show

Breckinridge '26 “Red Blossoms” Oil on Canvas

Studio Gallery Student Show

Suri Wang '25

“Live, Land, Love” Colored Pencil Studio Gallery Student Show

Tyler Troy '25

SAINTS HONORED BY VISAA

In May, the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association (VISAA) honored past Head of School Joan Holden (1984-2014), current Coach Kathy Jenkins, and past Coach Betsey Rice (1983-2013) with Silver Anniversary Legacy Awards at their 25th Anniversary Dinner. The award recognizes the vision, dedication, and enduring contributions of those who established and nurtured the foundation of VISAA. The honorees embody the core values of VISAA: fostering character development, inspiring excellence, and promoting respect and teamwork among diverse member schools.

From drafting the VISAA mission statement in snowstorms to becoming a dynamic statewide organization with 100 member schools and championships in 24 sports, the honorees stayed true to VISAA's founding values—promoting character, inspiring excellence, encouraging fair play, and cultivating respect and teamwork.

In a letter in the event program, VISAA Executive Director Adam Brick said, “We come together to say thank you—to the leaders whose dedication made a difference, to the coaches who shaped lives, and to the communities that supported this vision every step of the way.”

Excerpts from the program:

Joan Holden Independent School Visionary

“During her 30 years as head of school at SSSAS, Joan Holden helped shape generations of young people and fostered a culture that celebrated academics, character, and athleticism. A passionate advocate for youth sports, she coached varsity field hockey and JV boys' tennis at Groton before coming to SSSAS.

Joan played an integral role during the formative years of VISAA, where she and fellow visionaries brought to life a model that celebrated excellence, integrity, and opportunity in independent school athletics. 'It was an exciting time,' Joan reflected. 'There was a vision, and we worked hard to fulfill it—promoting the scholar-athlete, fair play, and a love for sports in young people.'”

Kathy

Jenkins Champion

of Girls' Sports

“Kathy has coached basketball, tennis, and lacrosse, and while she transitioned from teaching physical education in 2020, she continues to coach—driven by a passion for competition, team building, and character development. Her influence extends beyond SSSAS through her role as a director for St. James/ Stars Lacrosse, and her dedication to promoting girls' sports at all levels.

Her favorite VISAA memory dates back to 1996, at the very first state tournament she attended. Her girls' team faced the Potomac School in Charlottesville during UVA's graduation weekend—a logistical challenge that led the two schools to share hotel rooms. 'It was electric,' she recalls. 'The atmosphere, the opportunity, and the camaraderie made it unforgettable. I've attended many state tournaments, especially with my daughters who played field hockey. Each one was an honor.'

Betsey Rice Volleyball Committee Leader

“Betsey was instrumental in shaping the competitive landscape of volleyball in VISAA. Working alongside fellow honoree Donna Satterwhite, she served on the volleyball committee, a crucial role that involved ranking and selecting teams for state tournaments, organizing events, and choosing all-tournament and all-state players. Betsey is a member of the SSSAS Hall of Fame.

'I really loved seeing the growth of volleyball in the state,' Betsey reflected. Her passion for the sport and her commitment to excellence helped elevate volleyball to a new level across Virginia.

She brought a deep joy to her role as a coach and committee member, enjoying the chance to travel, meet teams, and witness the evolution of girls' sports in independent schools. Through her work, Betsey helped create a culture that celebrated opportunity, hard work, and team spirit—a lasting impact that continues to ripple through VISAA athletics today.”

St. Stephen's and St. Agnes is very proud of Joan, Kathy, and Betsey, and grateful for the extensive contributions they made to our school and others across the state of Virginia.

VISAA honorees Joan Holden, Kathy Jenkins, and Betsey Rice

Kathy Jenkins

What is the one thing in the world you would fix if you could wave a magic wand?

Replace the present discord with world peace. I wish people would be more accepting and kinder to each other.

What is the best piece of advice you received and who gave it to you?

“The sun will rise tomorrow! “ ~Alex Fellows

What is your greatest strength?

Commitment

Coach Kathy Jenkins and I were chatting the other day, when she posed a question that blew my mind, “I've been here 54 of the 100 years the school has been in existence, how did that happen?” Whoa. I've clocked 20 years at SSSAS and Kathy was my P.E. teacher 50 years ago. We just stared at each other…and started talking about the weather. Everyone knows about Kathy's accomplishments as a coach—38 conference tournament championships, 32 league titles, 11 state titles, eight undefeated seasons, and nearly 900 wins—so let's talk about what you may not know. Kathy was adopted by Edna and Clarence Davitt in Erie, Penn., and had a younger brother, Bill. She poured her energy into ice skating, swimming, bowling, basketball, skiing, playing the violin, and riding ponies at her uncle's farm. She worked at an orphanage and adored caring for the babies and taking the children to the beach. Kathy attended the historic Marjorie Webster Junior College in D.C., and earned a two-year degree in P.E. She was working in a typewriter shop in Georgetown, when a friend leaving St. Agnes recommended Kathy as her replacement. She literally walked into her first—and only—job teaching as a fresh-faced 20-year-old. While inspiring young ladies to be active and fit, she was working her way through a bachelor's at American University. One of her courses required her to start a new sport. She chose lacrosse because it combined her passion for basketball with the dynamics of a field sport and created more opportunities for girls to play. She built the program with fellow Saints parent and coach Alix Fellows. Kathy worked in every division and enjoyed every age— literally raising hundreds of athletes from kindergarten through graduation. In addition to basketball and lacrosse, she loves coaching and playing tennis. Her philosophy in four words—inspire, listen, motivate, and support. Kathy married Henry Jenkins and fulfilled her dreams of being a mom with four children, Ande, Brooke '96, Molly '00, and Alec '06. She has seven grandchildren, four girls and three boys she dotes on. She's all about family time, playing spades, going out with friends, and traveling. In fact, Kathy is known for her trip-planning prowess, finding great discounts and deals for her team, family, and friends. She has traveled to Paris, Italy, Greece, and the 1972 Olympics in Munich, and taken teams to London (8 times!), Edinburgh, and Prague for the Women's Lacrosse World Cup. You could say she's adventurous, or a little crazy. She enjoys reading Elin Hilderbrand's Nantucket novels, and binge-watching “House Hunters,” “Top Chef,” and “The Bachelor.” The perfect weekend includes pasta, walking Draper track, a movie with friends, and a fun activity with her grandchildren. You might catch her enjoying penne at the Carlyle or a chocolate beignet at Delray Café. So, how has she stayed motivated for 54 years? Simple, she is passionate about what she does. Kathy's greatest legacy isn't in her stats—it's in the lives she's shaped. She's built more than teams; she's built generations of confident, capable young women who carry her lessons far beyond the field.

What is the best compliment someone can give you?

That I changed their life.

For what in your life do you feel most grateful?

My family and my friends

What's the best gift you've ever received?

A good luck fish necklace given to me by Leigh Miller Pyle '91, Anna Yates McDermott '91, and Tia Brunelli Mahaffy '91. I wore it during this year's Alumni Reunion Weekend, at the Saturday game!

HALEY LEHMAN '25

3:37.13 400 FREESTYLE HALEY LEHMAN '25, ELISABETH CARROLL '25, ANNABELLE BREMNER '27, AND LILA BROCK '27 58.21 100 BACKSTROKE LILA BROCK '27

JACK GANS '25 | MAPHL ALL STAR

EVAN INGRAHAM '25 | ALL-IAC

MARCUS HANCOCK '26 | ALL-IAC

GIRLS VARSITY SQUASH TEAM

COLTON MOORE '26 | ALL-STATE | NATIONAL PREP QUALIFIER

JOE GIFFORD '25 VARSITY WRESTLING ALL-STATE NATIONAL PREP QUALIFIER

RILEY JACOBS '25 VARSITY BASKETBALL

1000 POINTS WASHINGTON POST ALL-MET HONORABLE MENTION

MADISON HUGHES '26 VARSITY WINTER TRACK ALL-STATE SECOND TEAM QUALIFIED FOR THE ADIDAS INDOOR NATIONALS

OTHER TRACK RECORDS

4:29.07 GIRLS SPRINT MEDLEY RELAY

3:43.34

COLIN POLLOCK '25 | ALL-IAC

FARRAH DEVAUGHN '25 | ALL-ISL

BOYS SQUASH SENIORS: RJ DAVIS, MICAH GURA, DIMITRI CRISWELL, WILLIAM THISSELL, WILLIAM PRICE, SAMUEL CATLIN

NAHEEMA GOIN '26 | ALL-ISL

ELLA SCHNEIDER '27, MADISON HUGHES '26, HAYLEY LOOKADOO '25, SYLVIE MCGOLDRICK '27

BOYS SPRINT MEDLEY RELAY

JACK RUTTER '26, MILES SPENCER '26, TAWON FIGARO '26, JAMES LONDON '25

Planting New Seeds

By Catie Poersch '25

Each week during Upper School chapel, a member of the community gives the homily. These are often powerful and personal reflections on their life experiences.

Hi, my name is Catie Poersch, and I'm a senior.

When I was a baby, my parents planted a cherry blossom tree in our front yard. Every year, right around my birthday, the tree would bloom into beautiful pink blossoms—my favorite color.

When you have a sibling, not a lot of things feel like your own. But that tree was mine . It outshone every other sapling on the block,

including my sister's puny excuse for a tree. (Sorry, Claire.)

As I grew up, the tree grew with me. I watched it grow season after season from my bedroom window. I used to hug its trunk and climb its branches.

When I was 10, we moved houses. The tree that had captivated my childhood had to be left behind as I packed my old life away. But despite the move, driving past my old house and seeing my tree still made me feel connected to my childhood.

But then, a few years ago I drove by my old house to find the tree gone! All that remained was a small stump barely peeking out behind overgrown grass.

This new discovery affected me deeply. Even though it was just a tree, it felt like a part of me was gone, that my childhood—all that joy, all those happy memories, all my feelings of success—was in danger of slipping away. If I didn't have that tree, what did I have?

My sophomore year cut me down to a stump. Everything that had been going well for me suddenly wasn't. I had always been a great student, but my classes were the hardest they had ever been and my grades began to drop.

As a freshman I'd been a starter in softball, but now I was struggling. I found myself benched mid-season because I wasn't performing.

I used to go to bed relaxed, able

to let go of my day and wake up refreshed, but now I never felt rested.

I suffered through the school day and struggled through practice. When I got home, I found myself mindlessly scrolling on my phone trying to forget the day. By the time I started my homework, it was late at night, and I'd wake up again the next morning feeling worse.

It was a vicious cycle. I felt like the only reason I could drag myself out of bed each morning was knowing that I would get to go back to sleep at the end of the day. I was burnt out, exhausted, and unhealthy. I hated myself. I hated the way I looked, the way I felt, and the way I behaved.

All the things I'd prided myself on—grades and success and a balanced life—were all off. I felt lost, cut down, a lifeless stump.

But there was something about that pain that forced me to take a step back and examine myself—to examine the person who I used to be and the person who I wanted to become.

I realized that I couldn't just keep going the way I was. I had lost a piece of myself somewhere. I had been listening to the voice in my head that told me I wasn't enough unless I was succeeding. The voice that punished me whenever I did anything wrong. But I didn't need

“I learned that my value isn't determined by my performance, my achievements, or society. My value comes from my role as a friend, the way I serve others, and my relationship with God. My foundation is my personhood.”

to listen to that voice, because it wasn't me. I had to build my selfesteem on a new foundation. It was time to decide who I wanted to grow into.

In our reading from Matthew's gospel today, Jesus says that those who follow him are like someone who builds their house on rock. He says those who build their houses on rock will not fall, but those who build their houses on sand will. Jesus is calling us to find stability. He doesn't say that a strong base stops the rain and the floods, but it

keeps us from falling. When we build a strong foundation, we stay firm in hard times.

In my time of struggle, I realized that true stability doesn't come from the things that are going right, but from where I turn to when they are going wrong. That realization helped me remember the things that mattered most, the things that could serve as a strong foundation no matter what came my way. My family, friends, God, but most of all myself— the true self that had been with me all along.

I learned that my value isn't determined by my performance, my achievements, or society. My value comes from my role as a friend, the way I serve others, and my relationship with God. My foundation is my personhood.

Every day, I work to become the person that I want to be, but that doesn't mean the person I am now isn't someone to be proud of. My former experiences are like the rings inside of the trunk of my old tree, each shaped by the next, all part of the whole. It includes myself today, at 17, standing on a firm foundation, my 16-year-old self learning to heal from pain, my 15-year-old self steadying her course, and so on, all the way

back to my 7-year-old self picking blossoms from the tree each spring…and beyond. Each ring of the tree makes the trunk stronger.

Even though the old me was deeply flawed, I wouldn't be here without her. Every version of myself has helped make me who I am today. And while the girl who used to dance around the cherry blossom tree may now feel distant and even a little unrecognizable, it's because of her, and the many others after her, that I am the person I have become.

Our past, even the parts that feel like failure, is always with us. Unlike that cherry tree, the past can't be cut down, not really. But the pain of the past can be what forces us to become better people; it allows us to plant new seeds and start new beginnings, to build strong foundations.

Recently I came home to a baby cherry blossom in the front yard.

“That's your tree,” my dad said. It was my tree—it was just a little different; something new and beautiful to grow into in my own way.

Amen.

INDOMITABLE

Doug Mustin St. Denis '55 has led her life with determination, resilience, and creativity, and she's still going strong!

BY TAYLOR KILAND

'85

In spring of 2020, as the world shut down, the Coronado Island Film Festival was faced with a dilemma. Should they go dark? With four years of experience, the nascent film festival was building an audience and a reputation as a walkable, friendly, intimate venue for both established and student filmmakers to showcase their work.

The organizers had spent two years laying the groundwork, planning and hustling before the first festival debuted in 2016 in the small community of

Coronado, California—home to some 18,000 residents, pristine beaches, and year-round perfect weather.

But the global pandemic threw the fledgling organization into a crisis. And its founder, Douglas “Doug” Mustin St. Denis '55, had to decide. “Doug dug in her heels during COVID,” the festival's chief executive officer and artistic director Merridee Book insists. “She was adamant that we needed to continue.”

The fledgling festival simply could not afford to go dark for a year. Several

board members disagreed with her. They were unsure how to navigate such an uncharted path.

With Doug's guidance, CIFF pivoted to Zoom and even rented out a drivein movie theater to screen some of the films in person—with “pods” arriving in their cars and taking isolated photos on a lonely red carpet. The attendance numbers were, expectedly, smaller than in previous years, but Doug proved to the community and to the industry that it was possible. And the young

PORTRAIT BY JAMIE HOWREN '85

festival earned respect for its tenacity and dedication to providing filmmakers a platform—in good times and bad. In 2021, they did it again: CIFF was one of only a few festivals that opened in person.

Calling it a “small town film festival with a huge heart,” Doug and her organization are now marking the 10th anniversary of the festival this year. Since 2020, the festival has doubled in size and now attracts large studio films “prerelease,” as well as celebrity actor appearances. And that sells tickets to the festival. But, once attendees are there, they view independent films and meet the independent filmmakers. And CIFF really is passionate about this segment of the industry. Doug insists, “What we really love are the independent films and the emerging directors and producers.”

“If she's gonna dream it, she's gonna do it.”

In 2011, when Doug envisioned the film festival, a “perfect storm” of events was converging in the Coronado community. The city had just created a cultural arts commission, a citysponsored group that wanted to advocate for local performing and visual artists, and with a mission to organize a public arts program. After a long career as a model, painter, and architect, Doug joined this commission to elevate the profile of other artists in her hometown, one that has a unique claim in the history of film and filmmaking dating back to 1910.

Merridee Book

Coronado Island Film Festival CEO and Artistic Director

At the same time, the city's vintage Art Deco-style movie theater, built in 1947 and designed by noted theater interior designer Joseph Musil, had just reopened after being abandoned for a decade and a lengthy renovation. And the school district had launched the Coronado School for the Performing Arts in the 1990s, a school within a school with a mission to cultivate local talent in painting, sculpting, acting, designing, and filmmaking.

The confluence of all these initiatives was fortuitous. As Doug recalls, “And I

thought to myself, 'We need a film festival here.'” Doug repeatedly spoke up at the Cultural Arts Commission meetings, making her case: “My gosh, you guys, the time is right for a film festival in this town.”

She called Coronado's mayor and the city manager to garner their support. They encouraged Doug and the mayor told her, “Go for it. It's meant to be here.” Why? Because Coronado's ties to Hollywood date back to the origins of the industry itself. Many island visitors learn that Marilyn Monroe's “Some

Like It Hot” was filmed on the island at the iconic Hotel del Coronado, but most do not know that Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford, Frank Capra, Douglas Fairbanks, Clark Gable, Jimmy Cagney, Errol Flynn, John Wayne, and Olivia De Havilland all filmed movies on the island in the early twentieth century. (Scenes from “Top Gun and Top Gun: Maverick” also featured the island.) And Coronado was also the home to a shortlived film studio, the Lubin Film Studio, a Philadelphia-based global silent movie empire. Siegmund “Pop” Lubin made 50

films on the island until he shuttered his studio there in 1916.

Determined to get a film festival established, Doug set out to start a non-profit, something she had never attempted. But she tapped into her network, recruiting friends with legal and finance experience to help her incorporate the Coronado Island Film Festival as a charitable corporation. The state government bureaucracy proved vexing enough to require the intervention of her congressman. She personally lobbied him.

She recruited a board of directors, made up of local residents with banking, education, non-profit, and film industry experience—all of whom could advise Doug as she applied for community grants, filed the legal documents, and planned the launch. With two children working as senior marketing executives in Hollywood, she was able to make some critical contacts with studios and filmmakers. And one meeting with the Hotel del Coronado's general manager secured the festival's first corporate sponsor.

Film historian and critic Leonard Maltin, a friend of a friend, signed up to be the festival's first host (and he has remained in this role ever since).

This gave the brand-new festival some instant industry credibility. And Doug was insistent that the festival include a professionally juried competition, starting in year one.

“We were told that it would take three years to get a studio film or a name actor,” Doug admits. “We did it our first year.”

Doug conceived and created CIFF at age 77. Now, at age 87, she is still serving as chair of the festival's board of directors. At an age when many of her peers are retired, Doug is still working and creating. And this is a pattern for her. After a long career as a print and advertising model in Los Angeles, she earned a college degree and became an architect at age 56, the same year she became a grandmother. She was the oldest student at the school. Inspired by her husband Dale St. Denis, who was a well-known architect in southern California, Doug graduated with honors and went to work with him.

“I've always known the power of art and the power of film, but the power of architecture just thrilled me.” Together, Doug and Dale designed and redesigned many homes in San Diego and Coronado. Doug also served as a commissioner on the city's Design Review Commission and its Planning Commission before

she joined the newly formed Cultural Arts Commission in 2011. And it was in this role where she conceived the film festival, which has now become a soughtafter venue for studios, screenwriters, filmmakers, and actors.

The 2024 San Diego premieres and first screenings included “A Real Pain,” “FLOW,” “Seed of the Sacred Fig,” “Sugarcane,” “Sing Sing,” “Unstoppable,” and “Marcella.” In 2023, the festival premiered “Past Lives,” “Fallen Leaves,” “May December,” “Maxine's Baby,” “Shayda,” “Common Ground,” “Deep Rising,” “Robot Dreams,” “Eileen,” and “Taste of Things.” And in 2022, they screened “Empire of Light,” “She Said” (2022 CIFF Audience winner), “Women Talking,” “The Inspection,” “Corsage,” “C'mon C'mon,” “King Richard,” “Julia,” “7 Days,” “PIG,” “Nomadland,” “JoJo Rabbit,” “Marriage Story,” “Clemency,” “A Hidden Life,” “The Finest Hours,” “Darkest Hour,” “Green Book,” “ROMA,” “The Favourite,” “Dealing with Dad,” “One Child Nation,” “The Donut King,” “Kiss the Ground,” “The Capote Tapes,” “Billie” and “River.”

Their short film exhibition is hosted by the Hotel del Coronado and the annual line up of documentary, animation, narrative, and international

Doug with Academy Award winner French Composer Alexandré Desplat [Courtesy of CIFF] and Academy Award winner and legendary cinematographer Dean Cundey [Amanda SanMartin Photography]

“shorts” has become a festival within a festival. Past highlights include: “Wander to Wonder,” “The Masterpiece,” “The Last Repair Shop” (Oscar Winner, CIFF Jury Winner Best Doc), “Stranger at the Gate,” “Steak,” “Nuisance Bear” (Oscar-shortlisted), “Bus Girl” (BAFTAnominated, CIFF 2022 Jury Winner), “The Queen of Basketball” (Oscar Winner), “The Criminals” (Oscarshortlisted), “Nefta Football Club” (Oscar-nominated Live Action short), and “The Neighbors' Window” (Oscar Winner).

In 2024, CIFF launched a screenwriting competition to support writers, and the event includes a “pitch” workshop, industry panel discussions, and awards to feature and limited series scripts.

In a tribute to her late husband, Doug underwrites cash awards at the festival with the Dale St. Denis Female Filmmaker Awards, honoring outstanding female filmmakers and screenwriters.

Doug discovered her love of visual and performing arts during her high school days at St. Agnes. While the rest of her family was pursuing careers in the Navy (she grew up in the Mustin family—five generations of naval officers and two Navy destroyers named for them), she became fluent in French, thanks in part to Mademoiselle MarieAntoinette Michalot, and she developed a love of literature and writing, courtesy of her English and fine arts teachers, Mrs. Beatrice Van Sant and Mrs. Paul Johnson. Mrs. Van Sant encouraged

her: “Doug, you're a writer. In your soul, you're a writer. You've got to keep at this.” And she was hooked, falling in love with the arts: writing poetry, painting, ballet, acting. She took ballet classes at St. Agnes and participated in all the school's plays. “My family did not quite know what to do with me,” Doug admits. “But they would come to my performances and plays.”

When the Navy transferred her father back to Coronado, she stayed behind for her senior year at St. Agnes and became a boarder—living on the third floor of Lloyd House. “Those St. Agnes years were really formative for me.” The first-rate education gave her a sense of confidence in her talents and abilities. “I just felt like I had the best foundation for life.”

And even though she dropped out of college to marry and start a family at age 17, she continued her pursuit of a career in the arts. Doug has never been deterred by the odds against her. As Merridee Book describes her, “Doug is a dreamer, but she is a realist when it comes to execution.” Her elevation of the arts in the public domain on this iconic island community is her legacy.

Someone asked Doug what her original vision was for the Coronado Island Film Festival. “And I said, 'I can just picture it: the whole community getting behind it. And then we invite people from all over the world who are makers and lovers of film. And they come to Coronado and we all are part of it.'” And that is what she did.

Doug's 1955 senior portrait

Wired for DISCOVERY

Mark Bear '75 is Applying Decades of Neuroscience Research to New Treatments for Brain and Vision Disorders

BY SARAH C.P. WILLIAMS

[Photo by David Sella]

Mark Bear '75 has spent his career unlocking one of the brain's most fascinating abilities: its power to change and adapt based on what it experiences. But long before he became a neuroscientist making groundbreaking discoveries, Mark's own brain was shaped by his time at St. Stephen's School. The curiosity, collaboration, and determination that drive his research today were already forming back then, sparked by inspiring teachers and challenging coursework.

“I learned how to learn at St. Stephen's,” says Mark. “Then, the question was how does the brain learn?”

Today, Mark's lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is testing new treatments for “lazy eye” and for Fragile X syndrome—a leading inherited cause of intellectual disability and autism. In both cases, he has developed drugs that work by precisely altering how the brain forms or weakens connections between brain cells.

“I've gotten a lot of joy over the years from tackling the challenge of understanding the brain at a fundamental level,” says Mark. “And it would really be the capstone of my career if we could advance these treatments into the clinic.”

THE SPARK OF DISCOVERY

Growing up, Mark was captivated by the brain. A Christmas list from his early childhood included a model of the human brain. When he was six, Mark watched the television coverage of John F. Kennedy's assassination and listened to reporters speculate on the effects of a bullet to the brain.

“I remember sitting there being amazed, because I had never thought about what goes on inside the skull before that,” says Mark. “It initiated this lifelong interest in the brain.”

Throughout his years at St. Stephen's, Mark continued to remain fascinated by science; he credits physics teacher and St. Stephen's grad Marty Baumberger '61 with showing him how even complex topics like the theory of relativity could be made simple.

As an undergraduate at Duke University, Mark joined a research lab where he experienced the thrill of scientific discovery for the first time. Mark, working with a postdoctoral fellow, carried out research to show how brain cells connected with each other. The experiments revealed a previously unknown cluster of brain cells involved in vision.

“All of us were whooping and hollering and giving high-fives. I just remember vividly at the time thinking, 'I can't believe we didn't know this already and I can't believe I, as an undergraduate, could make this discovery,'” he says. “That is what gave me the confidence to keep going in science.”

REWIRING VISION

In graduate school at Brown University, and then when he launched his own lab, Mark's research revolved around the emerging field of synaptic plasticity—the idea that the brain's connections are constantly strengthening or weakening based on experience.

“Synaptic plasticity is fundamental to neuroscience,” Mark explains. “Experiences during childhood, or during high school, or any other time, shape our brains.”

Mark's studies began to show how, at a molecular level, brain cell connections called synapses became stronger or weaker. He pioneered the concept of metaplasticitiy—the idea that different conditions can change how easy it is for the brain to strengthen or weaken these synapses. His research revealed that previous activity in the brain can raise or lower the threshold for change, helping to explain why some experiences stick while others fade.

One of the main models that Mark used to study metaplasticity was the visual system in the brain. His early work showed how temporarily covering one eye in young animals caused longlasting changes in brain wiring, altering how synapses strengthen and weaken. Over time, this research transformed

PATH AND IMPACT

EDUCATION

Ph.D. degree, Brown University, 1984

B.Sc. degree, Duke University, 1979

RESEARCH AREAS

F Vision and visual cortex

F The mechanisms of visual recognition memory

F Synaptic plasticity

F The pathophysiology and treatment of amblyopia

F The pathophysiology and treatment of fragile X syndrome

PUBLICATIONS

In addition to publishing more than 200 papers, Mark co-authored a textbook with Barry Connors and Michael A. Paradiso, “Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain.” The 5th Edition is coming out this summer.

SIGNIFICANT MEMBERSHIPS

Mark has more than 20 significant memberships, including the following very prestigious honors:

Member, National Academy of Medicine, 2022–Present

Elected Fellow, American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 2004

Elected Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science, 2003

AWARDS

F 2023 Julius Axelrod Prize from the Society for Neuroscience

F 2021 Disney Award for Amblyopia Research, Research to Prevent Blindness

F 2018 Beckman-Argyros Vision Award

F 2015 IPSEN Foundation Neuroscience Prize

F 2012 Ray Fuller Award, American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics

F 2011 Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Study of Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors, 7th International mGluR Meeting, Taormina, Italy

F 2011 Pioneer Award, FRAXA Research Foundation

F 2006 William and Enid Rosen Award for Outstanding Contributions to Understanding Fragile X Syndrome, National Fragile X Foundation

F 2000 Brown University Elizabeth H. Leduc Award for Teaching Excellence

F Brown University Class of 2000 Barrett Hazeltine Citation for Teaching Excellence

F 1993 Fogarty Senior International Fellowship

F 1993 Society for Neuroscience Young Investigator Award

the understanding and treatment of amblyopia, commonly known as “lazy eye.”

A condition that affects about 3% of the global population, amblyopia occurs when the brain favors one eye over the other. Traditionally, it was considered irreversible in adults—who struggle with blurry vision, poor depth perception and eye fatigue. But Mark challenged that belief.

Drawing on decades of research into synaptic plasticity, he and his team developed an approach that uses drugs to temporarily inactivate the signals from either the strong eye or both eyes to the brain. Mark explains that this “reboot” gives the brain a chance to rewire itself and respond to the weaker eye once again.

“It actually induces the brain to start making new connections,” he says. “It's very profound and impactful.”

The strategy was successful in animal models and his lab is now moving it closer to clinical trials. If successful in humans, the treatment could offer new optimism to millions of people who were once told their vision could never improve.

TACKLING FRAGILE X

While that work focused on how the brain processes visual input, Mark's next major project explored how these same brain mechanisms go awry in a rare but devastating genetic condition.

During their research on how the brain's connections form and change, Mark's lab discovered that the molecules that coaxed brain cells to make new connections were not functioning correctly in people with Fragile X syndrome. He proposed that overactive cellular responses to a brain molecule, called mGluR5, disrupted how brain circuits formed, contributing to the learning difficulties, sensory sensitivities, and behavioral challenges seen in Fragile X. What's more, he hypothesized that blocking mGluR5 might reverse some of the damage.

It was a bold idea, and the science held up. Mark's team was able to correct

symptoms of Fragile X in mice by dialing down the activity of mGluR5. The findings sparked enormous interest across the scientific community – and hope amongst patients and their families.

“Throughout the course of my research on Fragile X, I've met a lot of families with children with Fragile X, and it's a terrible disease,” says Mark. “My spine was tingling when we had results that suggested we could do something to help them.”

Early clinical trials of mGluR5 blockers in patients, however, suggested that although the drugs worked in the short term, they lost effectiveness over time due to the brain's ability to adapt.

The expectations for those trials were so high that their failure led to large amounts of negative publicity on Mark's approach to treating Fragile X, garnering headlines in scientific journals citing disappointment, and “what went wrong.”

In the wake of the results, pharmaceutical companies began to shy away from funding new research on mGluR5. Mark, however, remained committed to the work—and to the idea that conceptually related treatment approaches could still work. Recently, he and his colleagues discovered a new molecular target that overcomes the problem of resistance with the earlier drugs, sustaining the effects on the brain

Mark in the lab [Photo by Nina Palisano]

“St. Stephen's and St. Agnes teaches you how to learn and conduct yourself, and when you get to college you can then take full advantage of this new universe of opportunities to learn different things. Professors love to teach those who love to learn.”

for much longer. Results using the new compounds, in both mice and humans, are very encouraging.

Mark has founded his own startup, Allos Pharma, to try to raise money for clinical trials of the drugs. Many of the same molecular pathways important in Fragile X are also at play in autism spectrum disorders, and studies have shown the same drug improves social function in children with autism.

“We've corrected Fragile X in mice many times over,” he says. “I still believe we can do it in humans.”

LESSONS THAT LAST

Despite publishing more than 200 papers, receiving prestigious national awards like the Julius Axelrod Prize from the Society of Neuroscience, and being elected to the National Academy of Medicine, Mark says his greatest accomplishment is the mentorship he's provided to students. He has taught introductory neuroscience to more than 10,000 students, written a leading neuroscience textbook for undergraduates, trained more than 25 Ph.D. candidates, and mentored countless postdoctoral fellows in his lab.

“My individual contribution to science pales in comparison with the contributions all these people are making,” says Mark.

He believes much of his success can be traced back to the habits and

values he developed at St. Stephen's. He credits the school not just with academic rigor—teaching him how to write and think critically—but also with helping him feel comfortable around adults, behave professionally, and engage meaningfully with ideas, even those as complex as Chaucer or the Bible. “It prepared me to be an adult,” he says. “And it gave me really great examples of how to teach effectively.”

He adds that faculty members never disparaged students for failing to understand something; always patiently explaining ideas in different ways. That open dialogue taught Mark how to work with scientists and clinicians from all walks of life, including long-time friend and Nobel Prize winning physicist Leon Cooper.

“His theories really influenced my work on the brain and I would say probably my work influenced his ideas,” says Mark. “Even though we were speaking different languages, we had a super fruitful collaboration.”

When asked what advice he would give to current St. Stephen's and St. Agnes students, Mark returns to the idea that the school taught him how to learn. That, he says, gave him the ability to figure out what career path he wanted to pursue.

“Don't differentiate too early, because you don't know as an 18-yearold what new things you'll be exposed to,” he says. “St. Stephen's and St. Agnes teaches you how to learn and conduct yourself, and when you get to college you can then take full advantage of this new universe of opportunities to learn different things. Professors love to teach those who love to learn.”

Ultimately, Mark's own research was shaped by the colleagues, students, patients, and ideas circulating around him, just as his early fascination with the brain was shaped by the experiences and mentors he encountered at St. Stephen's. And that, in a way, is the ultimate lesson of his work: our experiences shape us—and our brains— in ways both seen and unseen, every single day.

THINGS I LEARNED AT ST. STEPHEN'S

To write well and tell an interesting story.

The first few lines of Chaucer's “Canterbury Tales,” which I remember to this day and which so impressed my girlfriend that she married me!

To behave like an adult, as St. Stephen's held us to a higher standard of behavior.

To feel comfortable in the company of adults and hold my own in conversations. This helped me become a college faculty member at the young age of 30.

I learned how to teach through the mentorship of St. Stephen's teachers, which was so meaningful to me. You learn to teach by being taught by great teachers.

Although I am not religious, I learned the lessons of the Bible and they enriched me as a human being and were integral to preparing me for college and life and what it means to be an adult.

F R O M Q U A R

R S K T O C O S S W R D S

How Emma Oxford '09 blends physics, wordplay, and wit into a hobby of curiosity.

BY MELISSA MAAS '76

Hmm, I need a really clever theme...

By day, physicist Emma Oxford '09 works in the realm of science, technology, and details as a patent examiner. She's a thinker, an analyst, a solver. And while most people choose either science or wordplay, she lives somewhere in the delicious overlap, where logic dances with language. She solves problems for a living—and invents them for fun. She builds entire worlds out of black-and-white squares, where every answer is a story, and every clue is a challenge. Emma is a cruciverbalist. And if you enjoy solving—or creating— crossword puzzles, you are, too.

Talking to Emma is like being inside a popcorn machine with thought kernels flying so fast it can be hard to keep up. She's exceptionally smart, competitive, and isn't someone who sits around doing nothing. The 2009 St. Stephen's and St. Agnes valedictorian, Emma was drawn to math and science, but could excel in any subject. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with high honors and a bachelor's in physics from Haverford College, but continuing in physics wasn't a given.

“I really liked physics and interacting with people who think and process information the same way I do,” Emma explains. “But grad school in physics is a pretty substantial commitment and at

that point, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with my life.”

As a lover of data, information, and statistics, she decided to pursue a master's in library and information science at the University of Pittsburgh. Armed with her new degree, she found her niche as a science librarian assisting professors and students with instruction and research at Rollins College and James Madison University. But by 2017, Emma was ready to commit to pursuing a Ph.D. in physics.

Off she went to Carnegie Mellon to spend five years submerged in Roy Briere's research group studying charm physics at the Belle II experiment—specifically seeking new physics beyond the Standard Model through the study of charm quark decays, including searches for CP violation… Whew, what? Emma understandably struggles to describe the research in layman's terms, but she can break down how physicists solve a problem.

“You simplify the problem as much as possible ('assume a spherical cow' being a common joke about this), you list out everything you know very clearly, and you proceed from point A to point B to point C, etc. until you get where you want to go,” Emma says. “And you do this all on paper, clearly demonstrating every step of your thinking so that someone else can follow along.” But that “someone” better be another physicist. Her

Ph.D. thesis was “Measurements of CP asymmetries in D0 → π+ π− π0 decays in Dalitz plot regions at Belle II (which is why we are focusing on her other, clearly understandable and fun passion, crosswords!)

It All Adds Up

Constructing crosswords requires a unique blend of creativity, wordplay, and a strong knowledge base. Constructors are skilled at designing puzzles that are both challenging and enjoyable, requiring a nuanced understanding of language and a knack for forming logical connections between words and clues.

Emma's passion for math, science, and all things logical ties in well with constructing crossword puzzles. Her love of numbers began in Lower School, but everything truly clicked when she took physics in Upper School. In fourth grade Emma started studying another favorite subject she later minored in at Haverford, French, which no doubt helped broaden her vocabulary and deepen her appreciation for wordplay.

Emma recalls a vivid wordplay memory from third grade, “My teacher, Sue Brooks, was in the process of reading my class the second Harry Potter book. One day she wrote TOM MARVOLO RIDDLE on the board, and then rearranged the letters to reveal I AM LORD VOLDEMORT. That absolutely blew

Did You Know…

…the crossword puzzle was born in December 1913, on the eve of World War I

…the first crossword puzzle was created by Arthur Wynne, a New York World editor

…Roger (Rufus) Squires holds the Guinness Book of World Records for the most crossword puzzles produced, with nearly 75,000 puzzles and over 2 million clues written .

…The New York Times editor Will Shortz receives 75-100 submissions a week.

…The New York Times pays $500 for daily puzzles (Mon.-Sat.) for the first or second publication, increasing to $750 for the third or more. Sunday puzzles pay $1,500 for the first or second publication, and $2,250 for the third or more.

…in 2024, 244 constructors were published in The New York Times—88 of those were debut constructors, including 32 women (36%).

I'm grateful for every SSSAS English teacher who taught me how to write...Knowing how to write and express yourself well boosts your confidence. “ “

my eight-year-old mind!”

So, surely crossword constructors are English buffs? Not necessarily. “I really didn't enjoy writing in school,” Emma admits. “But I do now and I'm grateful for every SSSAS English teacher who taught me how to write.” That training paid off in unexpected ways. When she met with the head of Carnegie Mellon's physics department, he noted her unusually high GRE writing score, which was, he said, “remarkable for a physics applicant.”

“Knowing how to write and express yourself well boosts your confidence,” Emma says. “I knew a lot of students who understood the science, but found writing really daunting. All the practice writing essays and papers on a wide variety of topics at SSSAS has been enormously valuable.”

Emma liked to hang out in the Upper School library and noticed that librarian Joyce Ames shared photocopies of The Washington Post crossword and Sudoku puzzles. She liked to snag one of each. “I would finish the Sudoku in about five minutes, but I had to work on the crossword all day,” Emma confides. Don't tell anyone, but she wasn't taking notes in class. She was doing the crossword. Between classes she would “farm out tough clues” to her classmates to see if they knew the answer.

An SSSAS Centennial Crossword

An SSSAS Centennial Crossword by

Emma Oxford '09

BY EMMA OXFORD '09

Across

1 ___ to school (season beginning in early August)

5. Absorbs, with "up"

9. Cairo's river

13. "Night" author Wiesel

14. Group of experts

15 Lots and lots

16 Building which was the original home of St. Agnes School and is now part of SSSAS's Lower School campus

18. Exam for jrs.

19. Faux ___ (misstep)

20. ___ Agnès (St. Agnes, in French class)

21. Takes advantage of the summer sun

22. Basics a kindergartner might learn

26. Physics of light

28. Word in big letters on posters seen in many an English classroom and library

29. Goal

31. Arizona city

32. By ___ (how some people learn music)

33. "Pomp and Circumstance" composer

35. Ushered

38 City about 640 miles (by car) SSW of DC

39. Kathy ___ (beloved coach who started the St. Agnes girls lacrosse program in 1975 and, as of 2025, is SSSAS's longest tenured employee)

41. Before, to Shakespeare

42. What one might dress as for Halloween, if their friends are parsley, sage, and rosemary

44. Color of a photo in an old yearbook

45. More, in Spanish class

46. Sets (on)

48. "Hold on a ___!"

49. Piece of equipment for a baseball or softball player

50. Squanders

52. Lessens

54. Pupil's place?

55. Prefix with -logical

57. Ref. work a student might consult before a vocabulary test

58. Pro ___ (for free)

59. Location of a summer training camp for St. Stephen's football team in 1955, which is now a destination for an annual retreat taken by SSSAS freshmen and seniors

64. "___, Brute?" (phrase which may be heard in English or Latin class)

65. In the know

66. Comes to a close

67. The "T" of 18-Across

68. Pace at which one should generally navigate a school hallway

69. Certain tide

Down

1 Loudness measure commonly preceded by deci-

2. Not just some

3. Certain tech exec

4. Part of a calculator

5. ___ Paulo, Brazil

6. Burden

7. Basil-based sauce

8. Albert "___" Thompson, Jr. (legendary coach at St. Stephen's School after whom a yearly basketball tournament is named)

9. Part of a kindergartener's schedule

10 Still-running (as of 2025) local quiz show which students from St. Stephen's first appeared on in 1962

11. Library transactions

12. Docs consulted about strep

14. Range a student might learn about in chemistry class

17. Apply gently

22. Trick-or-

23. Moorland

24. Program for three-year-olds started at SSSAS in 2020

25 They can be found around all three SSSAS campuses, helping visitors and new students find their way

27. Oklahoma city

30. Creates, as an art project

33 VCR button

34. More mature, as a fruit

36. Just absolutely furious

37. Tree houses?

40. "Good shot!"

43. Not attend Alumni Reunion Weekend, probably

47 Piece of playground equipment

49. Nickname of St. Stephen's first soccer team (so named because they got very dirty playing on grass fields in the winter)

50. Completed an essay

51. The last vowel sound in "Stephen," for example

53. Grade between cee and eff

54. "Yeah, sure"

56. Face-to-face exam

60. Irritate

61. Stage ___ (SSSAS's Upper School thespian troupe)

62. Confidentiality doc.

63. Cooking meas.

IT'S A FACT!

Besides being an enjoyable pastime, crossword puzzles have been found to be quite beneficial for mental health. Routine completion of word puzzles, and playing online word games helps with memory, vocabulary, problem solving, and much more!

From Solver to Constructor

When Emma first started doing crosswords, she didn't notice the bylines or think about the people who created them. When she started constructing them in 2019, she was transported into another dimension filled with constructors, solvers, bloggers, podcasters, editors, and publishers.

The five main outlets for constructors looking to have their puzzles published in newspapers are The New York Times, LA Times, USA Today, NBC Universal, and The Wall Street Journal. Each paper has an editor who reviews submissions. Probably the most well-known, Will Shortz, has been The New York Times crossword editor since 1993; he designed his own major at Indiana University and is the only known person to have a degree in enigmatology (the academic study of puzzles).

The first and most important step to constructing crosswords is acquiring the right technology, like Crossword Compiler. The next four steps are essential to creating a strong puzzle: choosing a theme, designing the grid, filling the grid with words, and writing all the clues.

Choosing a good theme—which Emma claims is the hardest part for her—is key, because the newspapers are looking for fresh, intriguing, and

narrowly defined themes that are consistently applied throughout the puzzle. If constructors don't have a theme that grabs the editor's attention, they won't be selected. The New York Times is the only paper that does not allow constructors to submit a theme idea on its own, constructors must submit a fully clued crossword grid. [Fun Fact: The Times only started accepting submissions electronically within the last five years.]

When Emma first started constructing, the challenge was technical. “The hardest part was definitely filling the grid,” she says. “I didn't have a good intuition for how to design a grid that would be easy to fill, or what counted as a bad entry—like junk fill I should be trying to avoid.”

“After choosing a theme, creating a good crossword really comes down to the word list,” Emma says. “Is it full of good, accessible words, or is it packed with obscure entries and weird abbreviations no one wants to see in a puzzle?” Crossword constructors rely on word lists to help them build and fill the grid. Emma prefers the scored lists that usually have a standard of scores ranging from 5 (the worst) to 50 (the best).

Once all the answers are in the grid, it's time to write the clues, a process that varies in difficulty depending on the constructor. “It requires creativity and wordplay skills, but it also gets easier with practice,” Emma reveals. “While some clues are straightforward, others require more complex wordplay or misdirection.” This is especially true for harder puzzles like those in The New York Times on Fridays and Saturdays. Although many think the Sunday Times is the hardest, Shortz says that's a misconception and that Sunday's puzzle is more like a larger, mid-week puzzle.

Emma has been published in The L.A. Times (which also publishes the puzzles in The Washington Post), The Wall Street Journal, NBC

Universal, and other outlets, having the most success with The L.A. Times. It's definitely not lucrative, but it's very satisfying.

Across & Against the Odds

Emma is not afraid of jumping in where men dominate. According to the National Science Foundation, the proportion of women in physics is around 20% across all levels, making it the lowest among the physical sciences. The balance of men to women in the world of crosswords is pretty similar.

In 2015, The Washington Post hired Evan Birnholz as its new crossword editor. Like Emma, he graduated from Haverford College with a science degree, which she thought was “a cool, weird coincidence.” She began solving the Sunday Post puzzle more regularly, drawn to the challenge of meta puzzles and Birnholz's insightful blog posts.

“In 2020, Birnholz put a link in his blog to an open letter written to The New York Times about the alarming gender disparity in the published crossword constructors, of which only 19% were women,” Emma notes. The Times responded by hiring some new staff and making the submission process more transparent and the number of published women constructors jumped to 30%.

A former assistant to Will Shortz,

Anna Shectman, was one of the women who signed that letter. According to an article she wrote in The New Yorker in 2024, “What Turned Crossword Constructing into a Boys' Club?,” the early history of the crossword was shaped by women. Margaret Petherbridge Farrar was the founding editor of The New York Times crossword, overseeing the section from 1942 to 1968. Many of the most significant contributions to crossword culture—the first crossword contest, the rules for the grid's symmetry and design—were pioneered by women. Crossword puzzles were an intellectual outlet and an escape from the boredom of housework.

So, what happened? Shechtman and others point to the rise of puzzle software, which entered the scene in the 1990s. With far more men entering the field of computer science, women constructors may simply have been left behind as the requirements for being a good programmer aligned closely with those of crossword enthusiasts. Emma is doing what she can to change the balance.

Filling Every Minute of Every Day

When Emma isn't solving scientific problems or creating crosswords for others to solve, she likes to crossstitch. “I dunno what it is with me and hobbies that start with 'cross,'” Emma laughs. Although she started with small pieces, Emma is now doing stunning, large-scale pieces that take months to finish, working two hours a day. Cross-stitch artwork of a similar size and quality sells for as much as $500 on Etsy, but Emma does them for love.

Emma also finds the time (when?) to read “a fair amount.” The last book she read was a school-themed novel, “The Faculty Lounge,” by Jennifer Mathieu. She recently binge-watched “The White Lotus,” but preferred “Running Point.” She loves a good murder mystery, like “Knives Out,” and listens to Agatha Christie audiobooks. And she has recently started to garden with her husband, Bradley Treece, a physics professor. He mostly plants vegetables, so Emma is planting flowers.

Whether decoding charm quark decays, constructing a cleverly themed puzzle, or making very tiny stitches into exquisite art, Emma Oxford brings patience, precision, and a clear love of problem-solving to everything she does. Her passions may span from science to crosswords to cross-stitching, but they're all united by a single thread: the joy of figuring things out.

LEARN MORE!

If we've peaked your interest in crosswords, check out The New York Times online “Crossword Constructor Resource Guide.”

It's an incredibly thorough introduction to the world of crosswords!

T H E E N D

From Crosswords to Cross-Stitch! Three of Emma's amazing cross-stitch pieces.

Rooted in Community, Driven by Purpose A Conversation with Domenick Bailey '18

By Melissa Ulsaker Maas '76

Growing up in a military family Domenick Bailey '18 learned early how to find his footing in new places, how to lead by example, and serve with humility. By the time he arrived at St. Stephen's and St. Agnes in 2016, he had already changed high schools twice—but it wasn't apparent. Dom carried himself with quiet confidence, excelling in the classroom and on the basketball court. He quickly bonded with classmates and teammates, earning a reputation among teachers as “always positive and ready to engage in class.”

Diving into school life without hesitation, Dom served as a peer leader, captained the varsity basketball team for two years, and was inducted into the

Cum Laude Society in 2018. At Prize Day, he received the Scholar Athlete Award for Boys and a Saints Medal.

A four-year Echols and University Achievement Award scholar, Dom graduated with distinction from the University of Virginia, where he majored in psychology and sociology. He was the recipient of two awards, the Office of African American Affairs Dean's Award and the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Student Leadership Award. Fellow student and member of the selection committee for the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Awards, Chloe Leon, spoke about Dom's accomplishments in a 2022 UVA Today article: “Dom Bailey has amassed an impressive legacy of

scholarship and service to the University and the surrounding community, but you will never hear that from him. A leader both in and outside of the classroom, Dom has co-authored a section of a book with a professor and served as a teaching team member for a course in the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy.” Leon also lauded Dom's service as one of the creators and moderators of the BRIDGE program—Bringing Race Into Dialogue with Group Engagement— where he was known as a gifted listener and facilitator.

During his junior year, Dom applied to Harvard Law School's Junior Deferral Program, securing his place in a future class while gaining two years in between

for real-world work experience. At both UVA and Harvard, Dom has been deeply involved in public service, leadership, and advocacy.

In January, Dom returned home to SSSAS to speak at Academic Convocation. Now in his first year at Harvard, we met in April to talk about his journey and the values that guide him.

Q&A

Q. Looking back at your time as a Saint, are there any moments that stand out?

A. I heard about the Sleepy Thompson Tournament and the rivalry with Episcopal, but didn't know what was in store for me. I soon found out, because I scored the first basket and the toilet paper rained down on the court! Being on the team was a large part of my SSSAS experience. Although I mentioned basketball first, I put my academics first. Doing that allowed me to embark on the path that I have.

Q. In what ways did SSSAS prepare you for college and support your endeavors?

A. I had so many talented and influential teachers. The first one that comes to mind is Mr. Bud Garikes. His AP Government class is part of why I'm in law school right now. He took us to tour

the Capitol and later I worked on the Hill and gave tours! The seeds planted by Mr. Garikes shaped a large number of experiences I had at UVA. Coach Dionna Jordan's AP Psychology class inspired me to major in psychology, which remains ever so relevant now. Much of what I study at Harvard Law has either an explicit or an implicit element of psychology to it. In my senior year I chose AP Biology with Mr. Ted Yoder, but I loved Ms. Sarah Oakes' chemistry class, too, and sometimes wonder how life might be different had I chosen AP Chemistry. She made it so accessible and helped us develop a particular way of thinking that has applied to all my studies.

I discovered how high the caliber of a Saint's education is when I went to UVA. I transitioned rather seamlessly, while many of my friends found it very challenging. When I walked into Psych 101, I already knew a lot of the material. That foundation of academic confidence infused my entire experience and opened doors down the road.

I can't say enough about the SSSAS family and alumni network. While working in D.C., I joined the Legal and Public Policy Group—Saints parents and alumni who are attorneys on Capitol Hill—who generously share their insight and support. And there is a Boston area alumni group that meets periodically,

UVA ACTIVITIES

z Admissions Fellow

z Senior Peer Advisor for Academic Affairs, Office of African American Affairs

z Resident Advisor; Housing and Residence Life

z Director of Strategy, Bringing Race into Dialogue with Group Engagement (BRIDGE)

z Co-Chair of Professional Development, Undergraduate Black Law Student Association

z Judge, First Year Judiciary Committee

z Mitigation and Investigative Intern, Virginia Indigent Defense Commission

z Meriwether Lewis Institute for Citizen Leadership

z IMP Society

z Lawn Resident

UVA AWARDS

z Algernon Sydney Sullivan Student Leadership Award for excellence of character and service to humanity.

z Office of African American Affairs Dean's Award for leadership and service.

which feels familiar—like home. It's great to know that should anything happen, should I need something, or should I just want to hang out, they are there.

Q. How did your time at UVA shape your interests and future plans?

A. I came into UVA broadly thinking about law school, but I didn't know what that meant or how I would get there. So, I had a series of conversations with deans at UVA and students at UVA Law School,

Left photo: Dom with his parents, Roxana and Eric Bailey, after the SSSAS Cum Laude induction ceremony. Right photo: Dom receiving his SSSAS diploma at Commencement.

and a plan began taking shape. At its best, I think the law can be a means to provide, in effect, positive social change. That's not always the case, but it certainly can be if we choose to use it in that way. That's what shaped my interests. One of my mentors told me about the Junior Deferral Program at Harvard, and I spent that two-year gap mostly working in public service.

Q. You took on so many meaningful leadership roles at UVA. What motivated you to get involved there?

A. For me there is no way to exist without building community. UVA's Office of African American Affairs pairs every admitted black student with a peer advisor and I had an incredible experience with mine. She really looked out for me—everything from academic and course advice to driving me to the grocery store. When I had the opportunity to serve in that role, it was a no brainer. I advanced to senior peer advisor for academic affairs, and helped administer the academic programming for the office. Now, I'm at this interesting place where I'm still being mentored while also mentoring others.

Q. What was it like living on the Lawn?

A. Living on the Lawn is quite an honor.

It's a very peculiar experience, but for me it relates to many different things. I consider myself to be very fortunate. Many black Americans in this country are not able to trace their lineage. But my family's heritage has been traced to a small plantation outside of Fork Union, Va., very close to Charlottesville. Historically, my ancestors would not have had the opportunity to attend UVA, whereas the descendants of plantation owners did attend UVA. So, 200 years later, being the first member of my family to walk across the stage at UVA was incredibly meaningful and connects directly to an experience like living on the Lawn.

Living on the Lawn is basically like living in a public park. Tourists and prospective students just stop by, presenting the opportunity for a lot of different conversations and a chance to highlight how phenomenal UVA is. I love UVA and all that it represents. I love the school because it is emblematic of so many people's perseverance. It's emblematic of the best and worst that our nation has to offer. It's emblematic of striving to fulfill the promise that set forth that all men are created equal and we should all be able to access a high-quality, public-school education at a university like UVA. I didn't know that living on the Lawn would mean as much to me as it has.

“You cannot do this journey on your own. There's an old African proverb, 'If you want to go fast, go alone, and if you want to go far, go together.'”

Q. After graduating, you had a wide range of work experiences from the D.C. court of Appeals to Capitol Hill to Covington and Burling. What have those chapters taught you?

A. Interning for Judge Howard at the D.C. Court of Appeals was an eyeopening experience—being in a judge's chamber and seeing first-hand how the court worked. I was also a paralegal, which gave me an inside look at working in a big law firm, something I will most likely do after law school.

Then I hoped to work on Capitol Hill and was fortunate to land a position with my hometown member of Congress. I learned a lot of lessons through that job. One is to take ownership in charting your own career. There's no one way to do anything, but if you want an experience you have to speak up for yourself to make it happen. In the beginning, my job with Congresswoman Spanberger was working out of her district office doing constituent services. I really enjoyed that position, but with law school on the horizon I also hoped to gain more legislative and policyoriented experience as well. Having the confidence to make that known was important and I was eventually able to move into a more policy-oriented role. Another lesson I learned is the importance of being willing to do the

Left photo by Erin Edgerton: Dom with UVA Dean Michael Gerard Mason after receiving the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award. Right photo: Dom with Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger.

small things—and doing them well. Honestly, I wasn't doing any of the more glorious types of work in any of those roles. I was doing the small things. But by doing the small things well, I was able to gain trust, move up and do a little more of the work I wanted to do.

Q. Did you enter Harvard with a particular area of law in mind?

A. I came in knowing broadly what I was interested in. Constitutional Law has been my favorite course by far, and I suspected it would be. Many of the issues we cover are in the news today, but they're always talked about. They're foundational in a way that makes them always salient. At the end of the day, they are constitutional law questions, or their foundation is rooted in constitutional law. Based on some of my experiences, I knew I wanted to explore Harvard's robust election law. I'm also interested in the private sector and corporate law. Next semester, I'm slated to take part in the transactional law clinic, which I'm very excited about. That will enable me to help small business and nonprofit owners think about the way they run their businesses, draft their contracts, and negotiate with other businesses and other nonprofits. It also relates to the public policy work that I was doing, because one of my portfolio areas with Congresswoman Spanberger was small business.

Q. Once again, you are deeply engaged in public service, leadership, and advocacy at Harvard. Can you talk a little bit about your activities outside the classroom?

A. I just can't help getting involved, because for me, community is so foundational. You cannot do this journey on your own. There's an old African proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone, and if you want to go far, go together.” I started off at the Harvard Black Law Student Association, where I was co-chair of our 1L committee. That that was always going to be important, but with the drastic changes that have occurred via admissions and other policies, our class of black students has significantly

diminished. In light of that, it was especially important for us to come together and help provide community and support for one another. I was recently elected to be our external vice president, with a whole different set of roles and responsibilities.

I also love being an admissions fellow, talking with prospective and admitted students about what it means to be a Harvard Law student. This place can seem big and grandiose. You see it in the movies and on the news, so people question if this is the place for them. I appreciate being in a position to let them know this absolutely is the place for them. There truly is no one type of Harvard Law student, and that's what makes this place special. Maybe I can give them the confidence that was instilled in me by my mentors and other advisors.

I take part in Harvard's bipartisan Journal on Legislation as a Congress editor, which basically means that I work with members of Congress, both House and Senate, to solicit pieces. We aim to publish scholarship from both sides of the aisle, which I believe is also an aspect of community building—publishing pieces across the political spectrum highlighting the different ways that members approach the same problem. I think that speaks to bridging the polarization that currently exists. All of the different aspects of the work that I'm doing across these organizations is fundamentally about bringing people together.

Q. How do you stay grounded or recharge amid all the demands of law school?

A. Lots of coffee and caffeine. It's quite rigorous and I think the most important thing to remember is your “why.” Why are you here? One of the best pieces of advice I ever heard was to reread that great personal statement you wrote that made the admissions office say, “yes, we want you here,” and keep it readily accessible so when it gets tough, you can remind yourself why you're doing this. When I think about the way we see the law being used today and historically— both positively and negatively—I know that my role is to become as educated and equipped as possible in order to take part

HARVARD ACTIVITIES

z External Vice President of the Harvard Black Law Students Association

z J.D. Admissions Fellow

z Congress Editor for the Journal on Legislation

z Subciter (a student who performs a critical role in the publication process of law school journals, verifying the accuracy and formatting of citations in an article)

z Public Service Leaders Program

z Equal Democracy Project

in that process and hopefully shape the law in a way that benefits and provides positive outcomes for my communities.

Q. What would you say to the next generation of change makers, who want to lead and serve and make a difference?

A. A few things. As I've already mentioned, do the small things. When I worked for Congresswoman Spanberger I was asked to be the first person there to open the office, set the newspapers out, and answer the phone. You can't skip that step on your path to doing more. You need to do them and do them well. If you approach your work from the standpoint of nothing being beneath you, then someday you'll get to the point where nothing is above you. If more students approach their work and their service with that mindset, it will take them to the places they want to go. Remember your why. What's your why for service? Why do you want to serve?

Q. What's next for you after Harvard?

A. I have two answers to that and the first is that I'm not sure exactly what will be next. But I'm quite sure that service will be involved in some way. I know that I want to be in a role where I feel like I'm making a difference, where I'm interacting with people on a daily basis, and moving the needle on issues that really matter both to me and the communities that I come from. There's a good quote from former President Obama on this. He was talking to his White House interns and he said, “Worry less about what you want to be, and think more about what you want to do.” I want to make a difference.

FROM THE INSIDE OUT

Ali

Winkler '04 transforms spaces with intention, imagination, and heart in a career built by design

BY MELISSA ULSAKER MAAS '76 and Susie Zimmermann

Photo by Van Sarki

When Ali Reeve Murray Winkler '04 joined the Saints community in seventh grade, she dreamed of becoming a fashion designer. In art class, she sketched a vision of Times Square, nestling her future store between Calvin Klein and MTV's “Total Request Live” studio. Today, that dream lives on in a different form. Based in Brooklyn, she launched Ali Reeve Design in 2015—not for clothing, but for transforming residential and commercial spaces from top to bottom for a wide range of clients.

One of those clients brought Ali's life full circle to Telluride, Colo., where she spent cherished childhood days at her grandparents' home—now owned by her parents. Known for its ski slopes, film festival, and 19th-century charm, Telluride is the tiny home to the biggest project of Ali's career: reimagining the historic Nugget Building from the inside out.

WHERE SEEDS ARE SOWN

Although her path to interior design wasn't linear, Ali credits every step along the way with shaping her success.

At St. Stephen's and St. Agnes, she embraced the academic rigor and athletic opportunities, participating in varsity

lacrosse, tennis, and swimming— experiences that helped her develop skills she has used throughout her career, including time management, leadership, resilience, goal setting, and teamwork. “I've always thrived in fastpaced, dynamic environments,” she says. Her ability to balance school and sports earned her the Helene Haskin Krause Award for excellence in both.

Ali enjoyed her graphic design, biology and statistics classes, but the most influential course she took was AP Environmental Studies. “Even growing up in an environmentally conscious family, this class broadened my perspective and was impactful.” Ali remembers. “My firm prioritizes sourcing durable, high-quality furnishings primarily made and produced in the U.S. We also seek opportunities to repurpose and restore well-crafted pieces whenever feasible.”

At Williams College, where she earned a bachelor's in psychology, Ali played lacrosse and JV squash, dove into creative coursework in art history, studio art, and film production, and chaired the entertainment group planning concerts by global touring artists on campus. A semester abroad in Florence expanded her world view and deepened her appreciation for architecture and design.

“I am grateful for the education

I received at SSSAS and Williams,” she says. “It equipped me with the confidence—and the writing and publicspeaking skills—essential for my success in the real world.”

THE WINDING ROAD TO INTERIOR DESIGN

Ali gathered valuable experience in sales, marketing, and media through summer internships with Warner Music Group and J.P.Morgan's Private Bank event marketing team, and her first job after college working for the sales and marketing team at Disney and ESPN Media Networks. “ESPN was an inspiring environment,” she says. “I learned a ton. The leaders on my team were invested in professional growth and mentorship, which really made an impact on me.”

Ali's enthusiasm for brand storytelling led her back to the event marketing team at JP Morgan Chase & Co., where she worked on highprofile experiences—from CEO-level gatherings to the U.S. Open and major sports and entertainment events. She was promoted to marketing manager of the sports and entertainment sponsorship team to help manage Chase's partnerships with Madison Square Garden, the New York Knicks, and the Beyoncé—Jay-Z On The Run

“I was inspired by the way interior design can shape and elevate the human experience within a space.”

Tour. “It was definitely an exciting role, at the perfect time in my life to really enjoy it!” she says. Her dedication didn't go unnoticed and she was promoted to vice president.

“While at Chase, I worked with an experiential marketing agency to plan and develop the Chase Lounge spaces at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, The Chicago Theatre, and The LA Forum,” Ali says. “Collaborating with the design team on this project sparked my interest in interior design.” Eager to explore the field further, she enrolled in a course at Parsons School of Design—one class

led to another, and she eventually earned a certificate in interior design.

“I was inspired by the way interior design can shape and elevate the human experience within a space, and was looking for a way to combine my business acumen with a creative field,” she says. “Taking on the challenge of working for myself also really appealed to me.”

Halfway through the certificate program, Ali felt confident enough to make the leap and start her own firm. Working nights and on the weekends, she tackled her first project—the gut renovation of a townhouse in Brooklyn.

A year later, she left JP Morgan Chase & Co. and the security it offered to commit full time to Ali Reeve Design.

BUILDING A BUSINESS—ONE DETAIL AT A TIME

Ali's business has flourished—thanks to referrals from satisfied clients, trusted vendors, and loyal collaborators— and expanded from Brooklyn and Alexandria, Va., to Maryland, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, California, Colorado, and the island of Antigua. Her first move was hiring a bookkeeper specializing in interior design firms, Julia Vaughn of JD Vaughn Management, the wife of fellow Saint Eric Vaughn '02, whom she met at a NYC Saints alumni reception. Since then, she's added two designers, a “meticulous, detailoriented and fastidious” procurement manager, Julia Tagliapietra, and an “extremely talented” head draftsperson, Stephen Dobay, who oversees the firm's 2D and 3D drawings, renderings and modeling.

Having Stephen on board enables the team to get involved early in the construction process with detailed floor plans, elevations, millwork and furniture design, ceiling, lighting, and electrical plans. Her procurement manager coordinates with vendors, shippers, and receiving warehouses to juggle the thousands of schedules and elements that go into each project.

This high attention to detail has proven critically valuable to Ali's success. “From my work planning high-level events—which gave me an appreciation for the importance of detail—to now, it's been essential in running my own business and supplying my clients with the information and specificity they expect,” she says.

The projects highlighted on her website are a testament to Ali's ability to masterfully blend color, texture, and shapes that add visually to every space. She has a refined and inviting touch. The furniture, light fixtures, décor, and artwork are intriguing, sometimes

Photo by Van Sarki

unexpected, yet liveable, whispering “come in and get comfortable.”

Following the first project meeting with a client, Ali translates their ideas into visuals—using mood boards and renderings to clarify and refine the design vision in a way that's “in keeping with the client's aesthetic, scaled to the space functional, and timeless.” After the completion of her home renovation in Old Town Alexandria, one of Ali's repeat customers wrote:

“Ali is extraordinarily talented—her sense of style, color, scale, and 'feel' for my vision of my surroundings, reflecting my personality and lifestyle, is impeccable. She has an exquisite sense of detail, sticks to her timetables, always follows up, and even when times are challenging, she handles each aspect of the job with the nicest sense of diplomacy. It has been a marvelous journey!”

IT'S SO MUCH MORE THAN PICKING PILLOWS

Ali Reeve Design is currently handling a home renovation in Easton, Md., a gut renovation in Larchmont, N.Y., another home project in Old Town, and four projects in Colorado, and all of them are large in scale. The Colorado projects include designing the interior for a new, 11,000 sq. ft. house; furnishing and doing a cosmetic renovation to a ski-in/ ski-out resort property residence; and two projects in Telluride that are the largest, multi-year projects she's worked on to date—a residential project and the Nugget building. When she talks about these projects, Ali's excitement is palpable and infectious.

The first project involves the gut renovation and conversion of a 2,500 sq. ft. log cabin into a larger, more modern 5,500 sq. ft. mountain home. The plans include excavating and creating a lower level and adding an upstairs

floor. “The bottom floor will have a Japanese-style onsen soaking tub with a full cedar sauna, and the new top level will have full wraparound windows with panoramic views of the San Juan Mountains.” Ali explains.

The number of moving parts in these projects are extensive, choosing and sourcing everything, from the smallest to the largest interior detail. “It's not just about furnishings, drapery, and bedding,” Ali says. “We design all aspects of the interior including plumbing, tile, lighting, flooring, wall materials, and custom furniture and millwork design. We're able to communicate the designs to the project team through incredibly detailed 2D and 3D drawings outlining each element.” Her team works hand-inhand with the architects and contractors providing detailed elevations; electrical and lighting layouts; and precise kitchen and bathroom renderings, including the cabinetry, where the hardware should go, the thickness of the grout lines and the

Interiors by Ali Reeve Design | Photos by Angela Sun

profile of the countertop edge, and the location of the outlets. And that's just the tip of the iceberg.

Although they don't expect to be finished with the Telluride house before February 2027, Ali's team has already sourced all of the plumbing, including every faucet, shower head, thermostatic control, shower door hardware, toilets, and even toilet flushers and seats.

They are in the process of sourcing and selecting tile, and they are starting on the lighting. “We are focused on electrical plans and switching for the automated Lutron lighting system

and automated window treatments throughout the home,” she notes. “We're also finalizing the exterior materials with the architect and contractor, including the roofing, garage, windows and doors, decking, railings and exterior lighting.

TEAMING UP: THE NUGGET PROJECT

The contractor on the log cabin project recommended Ali's firm for the complex remodeling of the historic Nugget Building and Nugget Theater in the center of Telluride's historic district.

Originally built in 1892 to house the First National Bank of Telluride and the Telluride Power Company, by the mid-1990s the once-grand landmark had fallen into disrepair. Its decorative balustrade was removed in 1910, and its distinctive tower came down in 1925, likely due to structural concerns. By the time Katrine and Bill Formby purchased it in 1999, stones were crumbling from the facade and pink-painted plywood covered the theater. The couple began a 20-year labor of love to bring the building back to life.

The renovation officially concluded

Top left photo: The historic First National Bank of Telluride Top right photo: The renovated building now known as the Nugget Building houses the Nugget Theater.

Bottom left photo: The Telluride log cabin project under construction.

Bottom right photo: Ali, her husband Tom, and her grandfather in Telluride. The photo was taken prior to the completion of the exterior renovation of the Nugget Building, which can be seen on the left side of the street with no tower.

on May 25, 2021, with the placement of a gold-leafed finial atop the rebuilt tower. A month later, the Telluride Film Festival acquired the building as its future permanent headquarters. Plans for the space include a state-of-theart sound and picture movie theater, artist in residency space, office and commercial space, and a new rooftop education pavilion—and like the log cabin project, Ali will be involved in every facet.

“Historic registered spaces will be restored to their 1892 appearance, the remaining areas will strike a balance between honoring the historic style and embracing modern needs and aesthetics,” Ali explains. The project's goal is to preserve the structure's historic character, while transforming it into a vibrant hub for community gatherings, educational programming, national fellowships and residencies, and film-centered celebrations. Internal demolition is currently underway, and Ali and her team are already deep into designing the new interior.

Ali is especially inspired by the lobby and the challenge of blending historic character with modern design. As her team envisions how visitors will move through the space, they're asking key questions: What will their first impression be? Is it their first time in Telluride? Are they attending the film festival?

“We are working on interesting design concepts for the lobby, incorporating some drama with nods to traditional and historic theatrical elements,” she explains. “Upon leaving the lobby, visitors will process from the grand, bright, open space, down a corridor into a very dark, state-ofthe-art theater. We're creating a mood for the corridor that will help with the transition.”

Ali feels honored to be part of the remarkable group of specialists involved. “Because of the historic renovation, the scale of the building, and its multiuse purpose, it requires an incredibly skilled project team,” she says. “The Telluride Film Festival is providing great leadership and a clear vision to the team:

structural, civil, MEP, geotechnical and historic engineers, the architects, contractors, and our team.” Dolby and Meyer Sound are overseeing the stateof-the-art audio and visual systems, a kitchen specialist is optimizing the commercial kitchen for large-scale events, and a historic masonry engineer is helping preserve the building's original character.

“Teamwork has always been central to my life—growing up in a big family and through sports at SSSAS and Williams,” Ali says. “As a designer, it's essential to collaborate, communicate clearly and respectfully, and be decisive.”

At home in Brooklyn's historic Stuyvesant Heights, Ali and her husband, Tom—who works in the music industry—are raising two young children, Jackson (4) and Elle (2). They enjoy exploring New York City, from

Prospect Park to Jacob Riis Beach, rainy-day visits to The Met, trying new restaurants, and catching live music.

“We're public library regulars and love supporting local businesses,” she says.

Ali's dream of a storefront in Times Square never took shape, but she leaves a lasting mark in every space she transforms—infusing each one with care, creativity, and purpose. Guided by curiosity and a deep appreciation for both beauty and functionality, she's built a career that reflects not only her talents but her values. From New York to Colorado and every blueprint in between, Ali has found her place—one that honors where she came from and embraces everything still to come. And she wouldn't change a thing.

If you're interested in learning more about Ali's work, follow her on instagram @alireevedesign

Ali with her husband, Tom, son Jackson, and daughter Elle

COURAGE REDISCOVERED

Sanyu Kibuka Ntanda '98 takes some of her own seventh grade advice and bravely publishes her first children's book.

BY MELISSA ULSAKER MAAS

'76

In 1992, seventh grade English teacher Gail Wolf challenged her class to write a book. She guided them through the process of writing drafts, editing, and producing their final copy. Sanyu Kibuka Ntanda '98 chose to write a book for younger children, “Jama and the Search for Courage.” Jama is a 9-year-old boy living with his family in a small African village. His father sends him on a mission that requires Jama to summon all the courage he has to face whatever challenges he may encounter on his heartwarming journey. After spending 33 years gathering dust on the bookshelf in her childhood bedroom, Jama's story was brought to life and published in February. Sanyu is a joy to talk to, warm, optimistic, funny, and full of laughter.

Q. How did you come to publish Jama's story now?

A. It never would have happened without my mother! Ever since seventh grade, the story sat on a bookshelf in my parents' home with lots of my other school projects. Last year my parents

decided to downsize and move. As my mom was cleaning everything out, she found the book and read it again. She loved it so much, she brought it to a family reunion, pulled it out, and made an announcement in front of everyone about how I needed to publish it. The way she presented it to me was so encouraging and really made me stop and think about it. She could have just called me and said, “Hey, you've got a bunch of stuff in your bedroom, come and get it.”

Q. When you looked at it again and read it again, how did it make you feel?

A. I was really proud of myself. I was instantly transported back to my 12-year-old self sitting in Ms. Wolf's classroom, and I felt elated. It had been so long, it was like looking into a different version of yourself and thinking, “Who is this person?” The rediscovery of this book has made

me feel young and energized. After decades of being in the workforce and having jobs that just didn't fit, I finally feel I've found myself and that there is a place for me in this world.

Q. In addition to Gail Wolf, were there other teachers at SSSAS who inspired you?

A. I loved Gail Wolf. She was tough and amazing, and I'll never forget her classes. I also really connected with Upper School English teacher Nancy Schick. Both of them were special to me. And then there was Upper School French teacher Susan Rhetts. I'd been taking French since the second grade and did really well in her classes. She selected me to go on the French exchange program for ten days. That international experience in high school inspired me to pursue a bachelor's in French and study abroad in Paris for a semester during college.

Her classes impacted me for the rest of my life.

Q. Once you decided to publish Jama's adventure, did you make any changes?

A. I did make some changes, but honestly, it is 95-98% the original story.

Q. What do you hope readers will take away from Jama's story?

A. The book is about Jama's need to be brave in the face of discomfort and finding the courage to overcome any fear. Bravery is about doing things even when you're scared and unsure. My hope is that the book will spark conversation about courage. For many people, facing every first in life requires courage. The story explores this universal theme through the lens of a unique setting—an African

“Bravery is about doing things even when you're scared and unsure. My hope is that the book will spark conversation about courage. For many people, facing every first in life requires courage. ”

village. By weaving a relevant theme into the fabric of African culture, my story should resonate with children and adults across the globe while celebrating the richness of Africa's traditions, landscapes, and daily life.

Q. Was Jama modeled after someone you know?

A. Jama came out of my vivid seventh grade imagination, but I was influenced by a life experience right before I entered Mrs. Wolf's class. I was born and mostly raised in Burke, Va., but I did spend two years (from 1990-1992) living in Ghana, in Accra, where my dad took an expat assignment. I went to the Ghana International School, where I was surrounded by African children. Everyone around me was young and free, childlike, brown, and from all sorts of different backgrounds. That's where my head space was when I wrote the book.

Q. Moving overseas is a very eye-opening experience and can be a bit traumatic. Do you think subconsciously this book may have been a reflection of how you felt when you moved and had to face your own fears?

A. You may be right. I certainly would have benefited from and related to a book with this message. It may have been something I wanted to share with others to help them find courage when they are feeling fearful. Coming back to the U.S. was also a huge change. I experienced some reverse culture shock.

Q. Do you have a favorite scene in the book?

A. Jama's parents promise him that when he turns 10, he can go hunting with his father. Right before his birthday, his father tells him he must “find a gourd, clean it, and pull a string through it,” to carry a supply of water around his neck while hunting. In the following scene, Jama's younger, 7-year-old sister asks him why he looks so sad, and he tells her that their father has asked him to find a gourd and it scares him.

She says, “My goodness, Jama! How are you going to find the courage to climb all the way up the Jub-Jub tree for the gourd?” He simply replies that he doesn't know.

I love the sibling dynamic, the trust between them, and feel it will resonate with everyone who feels most comfortable going to a sibling first when they have a problem. And I like that a younger person is challenging an older one. I have an older sister and younger brothers who are twins.

Q. What was the publishing process like?

A. The first and biggest challenge was understanding how publishing works now, as the industry has changed so much. I had to decide between self-

publishing or going the traditional route. As the goal was to get the book out, enjoy the creative experience, and honor my mom's wishes, selfpublishing was faster and easier.

Then I had to find the right illustrator, which I feel is critical because children's books are so visual.

I found an amazing husband and wife team who live in Connecticut.

All they do is help people self-publish children's books. The back-andforth communication was the most satisfying, amazing creative process as we collaborated to bring the story to life—incredibly joyful. When I saw the cover for the first time, I was ecstatic and danced for two, three minutes straight! Then I thought, where am I going to publish this?

When it comes to choosing a publisher, IngramSpark is B2B, distributing your book to libraries, retailers and online stores, whereas Amazon is, of course, B2C, and the

largest book retailer in the world. I ended up choosing both of them, but I'm really focused more on Amazon. They make it so easy for authors and the book is so accessible. I started the process in September and published the book in February. It's been nothing but a beautiful joyride. I was very nervous as an artist and a creative soul to put something that is so personal and emotive out into the world, but my mother gave me the courage.

Q. So what's next? Can we expect more wonderful books from you?

A. I have a series of five in my head. The next book will be my first time writing as an adult, so there is a little bit of pressure because I'm now a woman and a different person. All the books will contain universal themes, the same characters, and some new ones. Jama's adventure will continue!

STEPHEN'S AND ST. AGNES

ALUMNI RECEPTIONS

ALUMNI REUNION WEEKEND 2025

On Friday, April 25, the Classic Saints celebrating more than 50 years gathered at the Lower School for a special brunch, which included a song from our kindergartners, and commemorative pins from fifth graders. Archivist Erica Williams shared an amazing array of historical items in Lloyd House. At the Upper School, alumni toured the new wing, attended classes, and gathered in the Commons for an evening reception.

Saturday, April 26, was packed with highlights: a Centennial Lunch in the new dining hall and a heartfelt celebration honoring the legendary Coach Kathy Jenkins's 54 years of service. Alumni gathered for the dedication of Titus Terrace, explored the Alumni Association Brick Walk, cheered on our girls lacrosse teams, and enjoyed some postgame fun for all ages. The weekend festivities concluded on Monday, with the 33rd Sleepy Thompson Memorial Golf Tournament!

CLASS NOTES

CLASS OF 1953

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Get Connected!

Visit sssas.org/alumni to get the latest Reunion updates, check out our upcoming events, share your news, or update your contact information.

Join our Facebook and LinkedIn groups, and look for us on Instagram @sssasalumni

Visit Flickr.com/sssasalumni to see photos from our alumni events.

To Update Your Alumni Record

Please contact Director of Alumni Relations and Reunion Giving Allison James Schwartz at ajames@sssas.org

Ann Parish Jackson writes, “In February of 2024, I took a Windstar cruise of the Caribbean. It had five sails and only 304 passengers versus 3,000. In June, I purchased a bed on the Auto Train to Florida to visit two SAS lambs: my sister Windy Parish Gaines '56 in Jacksonville, and my sister Lamar Parish Robitaille '60 in Apopka. Drove home. I'm now back to subbing in Virginia schools and living on the Potomac River.”

CLASS OF 1957

Dave West shares, “Had a great time in September 2023 preparing for and participating in the 2023 SSSAS Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies for our 1956 first undefeated 11-man football team. During the preparation and selection approval process for it, I came in contact with most of our remaining 1957 class and team members. During the weekend activities and the Induction Ceremony, I was able to personally reminisce with several of our players, including Don Young, John Trueblood '58, and Rhett Clarkson. The Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and related activities were extremely well-done by SSSAS, and they gave me an opportunity to communicate with other members of my team and Class of 1957 (68 years ago), from which I still continue to benefit.”

CLASS OF 1958

Julia

L. Shields

Kay Burney Butler reports that it was joyful to be with the families of both her daughters this past Christmas. She visited Elizabeth and her family in Lake Forest for a week, then visited Karen and her family in Boston, Mass., before they returned with her to Arizona to celebrate the New Year. Kay's sad news is that her brother Robert died. Before his death, Kay and the girls went to visit him in Washington, DC. Earlier, he visited Kay for several weeks in Arizona and Illinois. She misses him very much. Kay stays busy with travels, including a planned riverboat trip to

Belgium and Amsterdam in April. Both of Kay's daughters have moved: Karen to Lexington, Mass., and Elizabeth to Boca Grande, Fla. Karen's children like their new schools, Groton and Brooks, where they are juniors. Cedar continues his treatments of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia; he and Posey are working to raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Cedar went to Madrid with Tuey, and Posey went to Italy with her school class. Elizabeth's family enjoyed attending Colgate's football games, where Shelby was the punter and was named punter of the year for The Patriot League. Grayson is in her second year with Jeffries Investment Firm, loving the firm and living in New York. Reding is a sophomore at Lake Forest High School (and is also a punter).

Marcia Kendzie Evans in Atlanta, Ga., revels in her adorable grandnephew and grandniece.

Cary Lamond Courier has returned to Asheville, N.C., after a welcome reprieve in Northern Virginia. Power and water were restored. Bringing buckets of water up from a nearby creek got old fast! She happily reports that her house escaped with only minor damage.

Sue Peery Moore and Bill have dropped “adventure” travel itineraries, but did take a cruise from Lisbon up the coasts of Portugal, Spain, France, and England. Sue's younger sister Linda Peery Markin '60 died in November 2023, but planned her funeral for the spring in her lovely church in Newton, Conn. Sue and Bill visited beautiful Lake Winnipesaukee, N.H., on their way to Hanover for graduation. Then Sue proudly managed connecting flights to visit her sister Brooke Peery Russell '56 in Wilmington, N.C. Once again Sue and Bill rented a cottage in Bethany Beach for two months where most of the family visited. But most of the year they continue to love living an active life in Florida. Sue and Bill's daughter Julia and husband Richard are now empty nesters, leaving time for Garden Club leadership and travel to Egypt and to Prague. Their son Rick has started his new job at Radial Equity Partners.

Ellie, after graduating cum laude from Dartmouth, is working at Brown Brothers Harriman in the Investment Research Group. She successfully completed the NYC Marathon in November. Will, a junior at Georgetown, is currently on a semester abroad in Prague. He has secured an offer in investment banking at UBS for the next year. Sue and Bill's son Tommy and his family live in Bronxville, N.Y. Walker, a junior, plays tight end for the football team and lifeguarded at the club in Rye in the summer. Leila was on a Putney Student Travel trip to Italy and Greece in the summer. During the school year her former ballet teacher asked her to teach ballet to preschoolers at the Village Club in NYC. Both Moore children are active participants in Sunday services at Christ Church in Bronxville. And they are all drop dead gorgeous.

As for Julia Shields, she writes that “my great grandniece, Ruthie, is the joy of my life, along with all the grown up nieces and nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews. They are all kind, smart, and handsome. I am blessed.”

CLASS OF 1962

Carole Stadfield, Doug Hotchkiss, and John Williams

Honey Coan writes, “I am living in Asheville, N.C. I've been here for five years and live very close to my three children. I've lost two of my three brothers in the last few years as well as my husband, Thomas. I am very blessed that I'm in excellent health and look forward to turning 80 in September 2024....how can that be?! I stay in touch with Kitt Boldt and Tandy Martin '61.”

John Williams and his wife, Phylis, continue to live in Fairfax Station, Va., and enjoy being in a semi-rural environment that's close enough to civilization to enjoy the amenities of Fairfax County. They're equally pleased that their married children,son Kenton and daughter Alison, live in the area, complete with one grandchild each. A newly-acquired puppy completes the picture. John's twin sister Susan Williams '63 passed away in late 2024,

leaving a house in Alexandria that his family are in the process of renovating in order to keep it in the family for future generations. During the past year, John and classmate Doug Hotchkiss met up for the wooden boat show in Mystic, Conn., as they have for the past several years. They plan to attend again in 2025.

Leo Andrews writes: “2024 was a year of travel for us: Hawaii cruise in December; San Francisco; Jamaica; Cyprus; Paris (for the Olympics); Prague on a river cruise; three weeks in Morocco; and we ended with a 42-day cruise on Holland America from Ft. Lauderdale to the Mediterranean and back.”

David Bill III reports: “My year revolved around family, friends, and travel. Spent many days enjoying my 6- and 4-year-old grandsons in San Jose, Calif. The eldest is learning Chinese! I visited with friends in San Diego; Palm Springs; Newport, R.I.; Big Fork, Mont.; Houston, Texas; Napa; NYC; Hillsville, Va.; Washington, D.C.; and the tri-cities area of Washington State. I'm staying active personally and professionally, and enjoying good health (daily yoga and routine gym visits help)! I played in two golf tournaments, shooting six shots under my age in the first round of the U.S. Seniors Annual Golf Championship and winning my age group by 11 shots. I also won the consolation bracket of our flight in the Newport Country Club Havemeyer Tournament with a Navy shipmate. I joined the board of directors

of a publicly traded energy company this year, which will take me to Houston where I will visit with my oldest friend, Max Chapman of Episcopal High School fame. Currently, I'm enjoying the winter months in La Quinta, Calif., avoiding the LA fires and hoping to see some of our national issues being addressed.”

From Ben Bryce: “This year we celebrated our 80th. birthday and our 60th anniversary. We attended a reunion of our 1969 credit training class at the National Bank of Detroit. We left Detroit in 1974 for Seattle, Wash. On this trip we traveled on the 'beautiful' Detroit River and listened to three hours of excellent singers performing Motown hits. We moved onto Nashville, Tenn., avoided honky-tonk bars, and visited with cousins we have not seen in over 50 years.”

Dick Fisher shares: “We returned to our permanent home in Ashland, Va., from our summer home on Cape Cod, Mass., in mid November. We had the holidays of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years with our three children and six grandchildren in Virginia. Our oldest daughter, Catherine, is a high school teacher in Henrico County and lives in Hanover County with her husband, who is a fire protection service contractor. Our oldest son lives on the grounds of Foxcroft School just outside Middleburg where his wife teaches, and their son and daughter are in Loudoun County. He is a senior superintendent with a data center contractor. Our youngest son and his

Dick Fisher '62 and wife Cathy in Athens, Greece.

wife live in Mendham, N.J., where his wife is an elementary school teacher. He is a vice president of technology with a company there. This past year we went on a Norwegian Cruise Line in the Aegean Sea with stops at nine different ports of call. Cathy and I visited Athens and ate at a rooftop restaurant with a view of the Acropolis and the Temple of Athena. We walked up there (about 600 plus steps). I now have that off my Bucket List. We had been to Turkey 10 years ago and had two days in Istanbul, and then another stop down the coast where one of the folks in our group of 10 friends had arranged for a private tour of Ephesus and two other ancient sites nearby. I just blinked and another year has flown by and I continue to lose track of the days of the week and days of the month. At least I haven't lost my keys, wallet, cell phone, my way home, or my mind ….YET!

Dave Davidson shares: “I visited my best man, Paul Kincheloe '60, and his wife, Margaret, in Beaufort, S.C., in February 2024. Our three cars log a total of 5,000 miles a year. Couldn't afford a new one if I wanted to. Still holding out for another '66 'Vette convertible before I die. Please remember our teammates/ classmates who are no longer with us.

Randy Earnest and wife Gibby report that they are in good health and still living in Northern Virginia. They are spending time with grandchildren and traveling. This year they had a wonderful, educational road trip to Eastern Europe: Romania, Hungary, Croatia, and Serbia. They are working their way through their bucket list before it is too late.

George Hall writes: “We sold our property in Las Vegas and bought one in Olympia, Wash. The purpose is to be near children and grandchildren (also great grandchildren) as we age. Florida is still our permanent home and we spend six months in each place. I think you can guess which months we spend in Florida. I have reconnected with a friend from my first two years in high school in France, Hugh Mulliken. It turns out he was at St. Stephen's prior to his freshman year, so some of our class

who were there for junior high might have known him.”

Bill Hannan still lives in San Francisco. His wife, Lorraine P. O'Hara Hannan, passed away in January 2025.

Doug Hotchkiss reports: “Like many of us, Joanie and I celebrated our 80th, which is the same age as St. Stephen's. Life has slowed down, but we did get the opportunity to visit with some old Saints classmates. In January, John McRae spent several days ski touring and snowshoeing with us at an old sporting camp near Moosehead Lake, Maine. One night it was 30 below, but we were warm in our wood heated cabin. John Williams and I made our annual visit to the Wooden Boat show at the Mystic Seaport in Connecticut to view beautiful wooden boats (old and new) and boat models. We had an 80th birthday party with Ed Leydon in New Hope, Pa. He and his wife joined me for a sail on the Schooner Bowdoin in Castine, Maine. Ed was at SSS in middle school; he and I were roomies and frat brothers at Bowdoin.”

From Tom Jensen: “Parkinson's disease makes things more challenging, but we are all good. Our two daughters live a few miles away with three grandkids between them, so we spend lots of time with them. From June–October we live in Crested Butte, Colo. Fly fishing and hiking are wonderful, beautiful scenery, and the weather…well, you get the picture! We love it out there.”

Nick Hoskot submits the following: “Three of four main joints (two knees and a shoulder) were successfully replaced over the past several years and all are working as advertised. No running, of course, but walking is a piece of cake. We have been on our 37acre ranch since 2009 and selected the location so that Lair could be closer (125 miles) to her parents on the west side of the Houston metro area. Our children have taken up residence in Arkansas, North Carolina, and Tennessee. The four grandchildren are in Texas and Tennessee. I retired about seven years ago, but, as many of you have learned, if you are on a ranch there is never a lack of things that need repair or

maintenance. No rocking chair porch for us! Fifteen of the hay field acres were replanted with olive trees in 2017, which were about to produce pickable fruit when the first of three deep freeze winters (2020-2022) eventually killed the fruit and almost wiped out the trees. Of the 1,500 trees planted, almost 8085% have grown back from the root balls since those terrible winters, but they are still several years from producing fruit. We are still accompanied here with our cats and dogs, chickens and ducks, donkeys and horses, and goats (the feed store loves us). We remain healthy and keep the 'white coats' employed with routine, regular health checks.”

According to Jim Howard: “This has been an eventful year. Currently, the West Coast Howards have escaped the catastrophic fires in LA and the surrounding area. Every time I begin to think that I live in paradise, Mother Nature causes my paradigm to shift! Unfortunately, both children and their families had to evacuate briefly. During this interval, our second grandson was born, and we visited at the end of January. God is so good!”

John McRae says: “Not much crosscountry skiing last winter. My wife, Cathy, came for the annual month of July hiking in Chamonix, France. A five-day visit to Asheville, N.C., was fun; we got out just before the devastating floods. Had a super Thanksgiving with my son, Duncan, and his fiancé…their wedding is coming in spring. I'm happy that God watched over me for a medical emergency near Christmas.

Charles “Mike” O'Donnell reports that he and Pat are doing well after 62 years of marriage. They had their wedding on the same day our class graduated. Their family includes two sons, eight grandchildren, and four great-grandkids. They have worn out eight golden retrievers and eight houses on the Eastern Shore. Things have been quiet for them since COVID. However, they had visited 40 different countries before travel got so expensive.

John “Pete” Hanes is still teaching at Regent College. Most of his classes are done remotely, which suits him fine. Pete

and Caroline have two grandchildren living at home, so he has time to take care of them. Since his computer was not working, he did not send much news.

Landon Davis III states that he and Elizabeth are doing European and domestic cruises. They recently cruised north from New York along the Atlantic seaboard to Nova Scotia and up the Saint Lawrence seaway. Landon is making real progress on his model railroad layout. When completed it will represent the old Easter Shore railway down to the ferry dock terminal at Cape Charles.

And finally, Randy Earnest, Leo Andrews, Dave Davidson, and Mike O'Donnell all agreed that John Oberdorfer deserved recognition for his football prowess even though he did not make the 1960-1961 championship team, which was inducted into the SSSAS Hall of Fame in 2011. As they said in a letter to their classmate, “A team cannot succeed without players to practice against. It takes a lot of character to go through that knowing that your chances are limited.” On behalf of the team, the four men gave John the only remaining varsity jacket from that era in honor of his efforts as a junior

varsity team player and his subsequent efforts on the 1961-1962 varsity team.

CLASS OF 1963

Margie Fifer Davenport, Marion MacRae,, Rev. Thomas Margrave, and Andy Kreutzer

It was great to hear from so many of you! I hope this year has been a good year for you all so far. Here is news from classmates since we last heard from them.

Joan Emerson Shoemaker writes: “Our daughter, Cat, and her family hosted a fabulous Christmas for us at their Maine home. Our son, Tom, and our daughter-in-law, Kristen, were able to join us making our holiday extra special! Otherwise, 2024 has been fairly ordinary for us with regular chores and activities sandwiched in between frequent trips from Virginia to Maine and back!” They have their “three season” home on a lake in Maine, where they see a lot of Kristen and family. Joni says their son and daughter-in-law “live in Alexandria so that is an easier visit. In fact, Kristen teaches just down the street from us at our son's old high school. We often have their dog visit our dogs while

both humans are at work.” Other than that, Joan says the new solar panels they put on their home are doing well so far, and she hopes that will be so with the winter.

Barbara Wiles Kreutzer says she has had “an eventful 2024 with a hip revision in late February.” When asked, Barbara explained that it's a replacement of an artificial hip, and that bones break when the old one is removed. But with her good sense of humor and positive attitude, she says, “I am all bailing wire and duct tape.” And in a follow up, she has good news: “I do my exercises every day and when the weather improves I add walking. Right now I stay off the snow and ice.” Barbara says that she and Andy Kreutzer have had a stream of visitors this summer and fall and that she thinks they were trying to escape the record hot temps down our way in Virginia. She adds, “Life is good....quiet in the winter with lots of opportunities to read and knit.”

Madeleine Long Tellekamp tells us: “I am very involved in church activities. I took the class and became a Daughters of the King. I still serve on our Altar Guild and feed homeless people at Faith Cafe. My granddaughter, Elisabeth Grace is very musical. She sings solos at Tampa functions and the National Anthem before sports events at her high school. She also plays the trumpet well. Grace's music department at high school was invited to perform at Carnegie Hall. My daughter and granddaughter fell in love with New York. I am grateful for my family and church.”

Dagmar Giffen Cosby sent a note saying, “Life has its challenges, but mainly wonderful.” That is a positive note and I was hoping the “challenges” were not too great so I called. It seems they are normal life challenges, and Dagmar has a positive attitude so we know she'll be okay. Dagmar says she is still doing artwork and had just put in an order. She mentioned an unusual project she had during the pandemic that involved 250 placemats and pizza pans and designs printed on car decals. I had no idea she could create something so beautiful with that. Other than that,

Mike O'Donnell '62 and Randy Earnest '62 give classmate John Oberdorfer a SSS varsity football jersey and framed team photograph in appreciation of his efforts playing JV football and Varsity football during their junior and senior years.

Dagmar is the same energetic, fun person we all know.

Walda Cornnell Wildman writes that she has “finally quit practicing.” She plans to keep her CPA license for a year or two more, but she has found homes for her clients and will have no 2025 tax season. Walda says she and Mack have traveled some to see children and grandchildren this past year. She adds, “we enjoyed a couple of weeks in Cashiers, N.C., to get out of the Columbia summer heat. Otherwise, we stay busy with the normal things people our age stay busy with. We are planning a trip to Holland next spring—one of my bucket list items is to see the tulips. We're going to Paris for a few days before our cruise so we can see the restored Notre Dame and visit Giverny, also on my bucket list.”

Carol Simon Leach tells about the devastation in the Asheville, N.C., area: “The big thing for me, of course, is living through the rampage of Helene and beyond. The aftermath is just devastating. Asheville's identity is based on its artsy vibe in conjunction with nature and the outdoors. A whole section called the RiverArts district is just gone. The woods near me and Blue Ridge Parkway are impassable. I could walk out the back gate and be on a major hiking trail. This trail is totally blocked. I can only walk on groomed trails and this was one of the few. We lived through five days of no water, electricity, cell service, or Internet. By a fluke of timing we just happened to have a Hilton Head vacation planned. We were able to use the only highway out of Asheville to get there. Our facility had generators for areas where people needed special care like oxygen. However, we returned to about two months without potable water, which means we could use it for everything but ingesting. To this day I unconsciously reach for bottled water to brush my teeth. There has been so much damage that many roads are closed and what used to be a 30-minute trip, now takes an hour.” Carol gives us a message in the end, saying “besides the residuals of my Guillain Barre, I am grateful for being pretty healthy.” (I love her strength

in getting through all her very difficult medical issues, and then after Helene, a positive message of strength!)

Mary Tolbert Matheny tells us that her “occasional writing/proofreading/ editing gigs have been drying up lately,” and says, “I don't know why that is, but I'm hoping that they will resume if I take steps to encourage them.” She says, “I continue to enjoy going to Baltimore Symphony Orchestra concerts and to performances by the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.” And she lists three trips she enjoys every year: “1) I spend a week with my son and his family in Santa Monica, Calif., (not, of course, during wildfires); 2) I spend 10 days in Louisville (where I lived for 29 years before moving to Baltimore) to visit with as many as possible of my good friends there; 3) I always spend a few days at Christmastime with my daughter and her family, who live near Philadelphia.” I love hearing how much she enjoyed the 50th reunion. She says, “It was so much fun to see—and get to know better—classmates I had barely known decades ago. I think that for me, there were more of those than ever before at that Reunion. And of course, seeing classmates who were my close friends in the 60s is always a special joy.”

As Anne Bodman was getting my initial message, she said she was “weepy” because they had just rewatched “Titanic!” She says “I want to be a beautiful old lady like Rose, with a wonderful love story to remember (having a diamond necklace to toss in the ocean wouldn't be that bad either).” She includes her very entertaining newsletter including pictures of her dog climbing a tree, “visiting” miniature horses, and husband Andy and Ann dressed for Halloween! She also includes “the opening paragraph of a shoot-'emup tale starring putative relative Charlie “Guncat” Bodman (“the man with nine lives and death for six in his trigger finger”) discovered by her late brother Dick Bodman '65. She says, “Otherwise, no great drama here. I've enjoyed volunteering for art projects with a local assisted living place, baking apple pies from our trees, and walking with the

dogs every day to strengthen both my bones and an optimistic attitude.”

As Althea Ball Morrissey was writing to us, she was just home from a lovely Lessons and Carols service with their 8- and 6-year-old grandkids. She says, “We are experiencing cold and snow in Logan, Utah, after helping our middle son and his family move here in July. Hard to say goodbye after having them near us in San Diego, but we are here for eight weeks to help as baby Calvin was born December 16. Love the beautiful scenery, making snowmen, and very kind people, but I love the sun and sea more. We still have our 5- and 1-yearold grandkids in San Diego, so lots of babysitting. Our other grandkids who live in Memphis are off in India for a few weeks. Long journey for 6- and 3-year-olds.” Althea says she “continues to exercise in the local pool two or three times a week, walk by the ocean and we travel around in California and keep up with friends and grandkids.” She adds that there is always lots to do and see around San Diego.

From Norvell Jones: “Bob and I are here in Falls Church, Va., in our condo, settled in for the winter. Life is quiet and good. I celebrated my 80th birthday recently with all of Bob's children and most of the grandchildren, my first birthday party in years, and a fine one it was. I continue to amuse myself by writing a little poetry and working with poet Sean Singer, who is an excellent teacher and generous editor (and the age of one of the kids!). I am in touch with Mary Tolbert Matheny and had lunch with Marion MacRae a while back. And I discovered that Wendy Sibbison '64 wrote a lovely, brave first novel in 2021. St. Agnes connections feel so close. Yes, life is good. In my memory I can hear the Carol Service and the harmony of the Sextet.”

Libbie Shackleford Mull, it seems, is a person that doesn't let anything hold her back. Her Parkinson's has slowed her down a bit, but she has an active life. Libbie enjoys going to the senior center, and she takes part in many church activities. She sings in the choir, plays bunco, takes part in zoom social

meetings, and appreciates the nice church friends who pick her up for choir practice, services, and events. Daughter Rebekah is a therapist for the Florida Dept. of Law Enforcement, helping law enforcement officers and personnel who have been through traumatic events. She has five trips this year to train other therapists in the state to understand the law enforcement culture. The grandkids are still doing music. I can remember Rebekah at about the age of four playing the violin. We all should remember Mrs. Shackleford who taught music at SAS. The music gene is evident in that family!

Mary Anne Smith Gertson, being an attentive mother, spent time helping care for her son who had a knee replacement. She was at St. Agnes for the early years. We reminisced about fun times we had back then and had some good laughs! After the recent plane accidents—and her history working for the airlines—it was fascinating to talk with her. She told me of the stress of working in the Air Traffic Control Tower. It seems she has done some pretty amazing things during her tenure, like balancing the airplane, taking the weight of all passengers, luggage, fuel, etc. Mary Anne used to go to Hawaii four times a year. She's had a hiatus due to some surgery, but she is hoping to go again before long. When the weather is suitable she will be opening her pool with the Hawaii motif. Mary Anne is another one of our talented artists—she likes to paint wildlife and she does a wonderful job at it!

I was happy to talk with Marion MacRae. Unfortunately, she had a succession of medical issues, but I admired her for giggling while talking about it! Marion enjoys seeing her two nieces. One is in the Washington area, making that connection easy. She usually goes to North Carolina to see the other niece, but hasn't been able to make the trip. Luckily her niece and her girls play sports in her area, so she didn't miss out!

Louise Knox Livinghouse and Lowell moved to Goodwin House about a year ago. She mentioned how difficult it is to downsize, especially since she had to

give up her mother's furniture, crystal, flatware, and many other items that had been in her family for at least three generations. But the good news is that she says she “more than loves it!” She says she feels “blessed” to be there. In other news, she says her son, Tommy, is in North Carolina and Lowell's daughter–who had been in Phoenix–moved to Dumfries, Va., to be with them! Stephanie Connor Pullen and husband John moved to an independent living community about a year ago. Stephanie says they hated it, so both agreed to check out other options. They found a very nice apartment not far away in Raleigh, N.C. She says they are very happy now. It was great to hear her talk about how she became a pastor. She didn't feel confident but when her church needed her, she stepped up to pastor for 12 years. She then moved to Raleigh at God's calling. As it turns out, she met just the right person, John, who coincidentally worked at St. Stephen's. She feels it was a miracle to find someone with all his qualities and deep faith. Recently Stephanie had a wonderful birthday celebration. Stephanie feels that the years at St. Agnes were a foundation for her. She remembers sitting in a chapel service at St. Agnes and feeling something so special, something that was such a foundation for her faith.

I have not heard back from Susan Walp French, but I know she is very busy with family and volunteer activities, as confirmed by Stephanie Connor Pullen and Mimi Hoppe! And I hear she goes to some pretty impressive events! As for Mimi, she lives near Susan in the Phoenix area, and they get an occasional chance to meet and catch up. Mimi talks of her nice neighbors and how they gave her a wonderful birthday celebration. And she is fun to chat with!

Polly Hagan Sandridge says, “Gerald and I are just toddling along performing those actions which are appropriate to our age and position. I still tackle yoga and volunteer at the library (25 years, but who's counting?), and paddle around in the yard trying to grow roses and feed and water birds and feral cats–a

big contradiction, I know. I will say, some of us have really not gotten used to being retired–not me.” Polly reminds us of Gerald's adoption of an elderly gentleman who needed a little help for a while. She says, “It got pretty onerous and he started having more serious health problems, so we got with his daughter in New York and fixed him up with a live-in caretaker. He was pretty neat, a 95-year-old Jamaican gentleman who still brandishes a machete.” I love that Polly tells us, “I still get a rosy glow when I think about our reunion, friends. It was such fun, and I want to salute Marion, Margie, Tom Margrave, and Barbara and Andy Kreutzer for making it such a success.”

I, Margie Fifer Davenport, can only say that I can remember being excited about being a senior at St. Agnes. I find I am not so excited about that now! All kidding aside, I am hanging in there like the rest of you! I am an almost retired ambassador for USA Pickleball. I feel my work is done there, pickleball is thriving! I have a lot of fun supporting my Virginia Cavaliers. The NIL and transfer portals have been a real problem, but I am trying to be better than the “fairweather fan” so I go and cheer loudly (something I learned as a cheerleader at SAS)! I put my boat on the market last year and finally decided to donate it to Boat Angels. I've been boating my whole life, so we'll see how long I can do without it!

I'll close by saying that I am very much impressed with the strength I see in our classmates, some of whom have endured serious medical problems and have fought and even laughed their way through! One more thing: a couple of years ago during the pandemic, I told my be-masked doctor that I sometimes feel a bit goofy. He said, “I can assure you, you are not goofy.” I said, “But I love goofy!” At that point he turned his mask upside down! (Very cool doctor!) So…don't we all need some goofy in our lives? I can think of nothing better than wishing you, besides good health, some goofy times, laughter, and much happiness! Keep in touch!

Landon Hofman writes: “Now that

I have reached my eighties, wondering where the time went and how fast time passed, I get the opportunity to tell just about everyone, 'that I have been your age, but you have never been mine.' Then I am able to point out that whatever is bothering them, others in the past have experienced the same problems and issues and solved them. Most of today's issues were the same ones we read about in Sacred Studies with Mr. Hoy. I guess there is nothing new under the sun. On reflection I am so grateful for what my parents provided me and the life that I have lived. I have found that life is a series of decisions that one must make. You go one way or another and if you don't change your ways you continue to make the same mistakes only in a different guise. In the end, before this really gets too preachy, I am grateful for the seven years I spent at St. Stephens, the many friends I had, and the foundations in life that it gave me.”

Brian Koepf reports: “My 54-year-old daughter, Quincy, and I are fighting her cancer successfully so far in Wilmington, N.C., while we are sharing an apartment since I am her caregiver. I have lots of friends, and am in great shape. I cook, dance a lot, sing karaoke (still play my guitar badly), play pickleball, and am on a bowling team. I have finally learned how to 'date' casually in our age group.”

Andy Kreutzer says: “Barbara Wiles Kreutzer '63 and I are in our sixth year in our Maine retirement home and, like my classmates, spent 2024 focused on procedures. The outcomes have been positive, and we hope to spend the rest of 2025 celebrating our newly-reached 80s. We do enjoy spending more time with our kids and grands, who are reachable in the Boston area, and luring friends and relatives up to the lake (or from November through April…up to the rink). We also remain so grateful for friendships that, while established in the 1950s and 60s, have remained important for over 60 years. Go Saints!”

From Geoff Layton: “Due to an incomprehensible lack of demand for soon-to-be 80-year-olds, I have given up on the prospect of ever getting

hired. Attention will now be focused (where it should have been all along) on getting published: master's thesis (“Grammar for the Right Brain”) and doctoral dissertation (“Learning to Live a Rhetorical Life”) as books plus journal articles (current project–the power of linguistic formulas), and maybe even a consulting gig. Rather than spending my money going on vacations where I might actually be able to relax and have a good time, I've been draining my bank account on professional conferences where I have the illusion that somebody important might think that I have something interesting to say. Both children disappeared long ago into their own lives: two marriages (one each), one divorce, zero grandchildren, but zero requests for money with an occasional phone call (“Hi!—How are you?—Fine— Okay—Talk to you later—Bye!”). Health is annoying but tolerable with daily water-walking at the YMCA and avoiding all falls and face plants.”

Tom Margrave reports: “It seems that I'm spending a great deal of time in hospitals, clinics, and/or pharmacies. It seems like all the people I know (and myself) have either had a recent medical procedure, are having a medical procedure, or anticipate a medical procedure in the near future. Max, the wonder dog, and I are living 'the dream' through a real winter in upstate NY. He loves the snow and rolls around during our walks. His motto is 'No Lawn Missed.' I stand there with my back to the wind. Thank God for L.L. Bean coats and Stab-Icers. I'm also dealing with the championship losses by the Washington Commanders and the Buffalo Bills–next year…”

Dave Reinheimer summarizes his life as follows: “After graduating from SSS in 1963, I went to Haverford College for two years, then left and joined the Navy from 1965-1971, serving in submarines. Next, I was discharged to attend UVA from 1971-1975, graduating with a bachelor's in mechanical engineering. I worked for GE for one year and then moved to Maine. I married in 1977, and we have two sons. Erich lives in Mesa, Ariz., with one 12-year-old son.

Rob, a LCDR in the US Navy, lives in San Diego, Calif. He is married with two children, one 2.5 years old and the other coming in Feb 2025. I retired in 2018 after 43 years as a mechanical engineer —HVAC. Now I live in Bowdoinham, Maine, in the home we built in 1986. Bill Scarpino writes: “The only thing of merit on our home front is that I had open heart surgery for a 3-way bypass in December. On the road to recovery. I was not expecting it…but it was discovered by my cardiologist and we were able to get a good doc lined up on short notice. Kind of screwed up the holidays!”

From Haywood Wigglesworth: “There have been no changes in my life since we gathered almost two years ago and I guess that's a blessing. When I had my colonoscopy last spring, I knew things were looking up. I'm still a volunteer most mornings at the Virginia Department of Historic Resources and usually come home with something interesting to think about or look up. Of course, I am constantly reminded of my Geezerhood, especially when contemplating my 80th birthday this coming summer. It appears I dress funny since white socks, oxford button-down shirts and jeans without holes seem to be currently out of style. I drive one of two cars, the eldest is a 2000 and my “new” car that we bought last summer is a 2007. I'm sure extricating myself from this smaller car provides much amusement for anyone watching. I avoid our inexpensive 2024 KIA, because it's always telling me the things I am doing wrong when I drive it and trying to wrest the steering wheel from my hands if it thinks it is pointing in the wrong direction.”

CLASS OF 1964

Belinda Lowenhaupt Collins and Richard “Dick” Flynt

Abby Campbell-King has been thinking about us back in 1964, citing the following examples: “At school you couldn't wear a skirt above your knees and pants and shorts were not allowed. Our number one ambition was to get married.” She muses that we have come

a long way and have lots of stories to tell our granddaughters, who think we are from the dark ages.

Camille Heineck Mittelholtz and her husband, Ken, are excited about the birth of their granddaughter, Morgan Allyson Cannon, in January 2025 to daughter Elsa and son-in-law Scott. Morgan joins her sisters, Hailey (3) and Taylor (6). Camille and Ken live in Northern Virginia and stay very busy with volunteer work fighting hunger and poverty and repairing homes. Camille enjoys deep water exercise classes and yoga by Zoom and thinks both help to manage her knee arthritis. Camille has just begun a term serving as a lay leader (senior warden) at her church. Camille and Ken are very happy that they live close enough to see Elsa and her family often. After a business trip to Maryland, their daughter, Julie, will be able to visit family and meet her new niece. Julie lives in Evergreen, Colo.

Cherry Sampson Myers claims she has not done much in the past year so doesn't really have anything to report, but she's pleased that others do.

Andree Gurnee Walper and her husband, Carl, are grateful to have survived the California wildfires with their home intact, though unfortunately quite a few of their friends' homes did not survive. It is a very sad time right now in Los Angeles, as people struggle to rebuild their lives. They are seriously considering moving from their beautiful canyon home with its magnificent oak trees to a townhouse in a more urban setting.

Elizabeth “Betty” Martyn Carter and her husband, John, finished creating a garden in the backyard. As Betty continues to dance, last summer they worked on the deck for dancing outside! Soon they will be planting a tree in the garden. They enjoy working on nature photography and poetry projects.

Ginger Moore Herbert has decided that she no longer wants to keep up a house or cook, so she's on a waiting list for a local full-care retirement home. While she waits for a place to open, she's enjoying time in Florida with old friends, and in April she's taking a cruise around the west coast of England. The cruise

will take her to all the isles, including the Shetlands, and end in Edinburgh. She sees a lot more cruises in her future.

Lynn Davies Holbein made a major move from Boston, Mass., to Chapel Hill, N.C., in 2020 to be near two of her three adult children. She's retired from teaching and is still active in progressive politics. She is also an artist, and you can see her watercolors and sign up to receive an email from her with an original painting at lynnholbein.com (Belinda Lowenhaupt Collins has been receiving them for more than a year; they are always welcome).

Marion “B.B.” Walke Goethals is still in Richmond and is happy to tell us that she feels lucky to still be with the man she started dating in her senior year at St. Agnes. She is reducing her art museum career more and more to work as a City of Richmond tree steward. She advises all of us to “Guard our Tree!” Louisa Stansfield Bennett agrees trees are important, especially when a songbird perches on a limb nearby and sings. She said that she and her husband are downsizing and selling all her large antique furniture and books.

Nancy Zearfoss Lord (your scribe) is finally playing keyboards, singing with a band, and loving it. She says of the band “we are good, not great, but good.” And she is venturing into song writing.

Lastly, Belinda Lowenhaupt Collins, our stalwart class organizer, reports that she and husband Tony avoided any hospitalizations until December, when he fell and broke his hip. He is now doing much better. Earlier in the year, Belinda and Tony took several road trips including going to Tony's 60th high school reunion, in Asheville, N.C., where they spent quality time with long-standing friends. She commented that many of the areas they saw had been totally destroyed by hurricane Helene and the misery and destruction from that storm were unbelievable. Belinda and Tony did go to the Outer Banks (Duck) to celebrate their 51st anniversary. Belinda continues to work as an executive coach for federal employees and truly enjoys it. She commented that it has been so rewarding to see classmates on our

periodic Zoom calls–as well as at the 60th Reunion. She hopes to see more of us for the 100th anniversary of our school.

Richard “Dick” Flynt writes: “Hello '64 Classmates! We had an extraordinary 60th Reunion celebration. Ten of us— Dave Jacobsen, Tom Kreutzer, Tom Plank, Robin Johnson II, Courtney Mallinson Jr., Jim Chambers Jr. '65, Paul Evans, Bill Parker, Jay Davenport Jr., and me—attended and had a great time at a party at my house on Saturday night. There was much spiritual conversation at the party, rather than all war stories, as we reflected on our life situations at this point in our journeys. It was serious and very uplifting for me. Our joy in seeing each other and gratitude for our class unity and enduring lessons learned at SSS were particularly striking.”

Chris Crosman reports that nothing much is happening on his end, which he notes is probably a good thing at our ages. He occasionally writes about art and artists, such as “Chris CrosmanMuseums and Other Women: A Life (with Pictures)” in The Maine Arts Journal: UMVA Quarterly. Also an article about a well known environmental activist and artist titled, “Donald Moffett: Nature Cult, Seeded” on The Brooklyn Rail.

Tom Kreutzer says he and Anne Hoskot Kreutzer '65 have been married for 55 years and, at the urging of their children, are getting rid of stuff and visiting retirement communities. They spend time traveling to see the kids and grandkids. He says that life is pretty good, which sounds like a fine way to end these notes.

CLASS OF 1965

Lee Vosper Dorman

Lee Vosper Dorman reports: “Since y'all know about my medical issues, I'll share the good news: at this point— fingers crossed—all is good for me!

Yea! According to Chesterfield County, my granddaughter is now officially bilingual! I am so intimidated by this fact!”

Donnan C. Wintermute writes: “I am

still working full-time in my real estate business, plus I am still very involved in SSSAS, Inova Alexandria Hospital, William & Mary, and several other non-profit organizations. Next week, I am flying to Atlanta, Ga., for Missy's birthday! I truly can't believe we are approaching our 60th Reunion!”

Jan Walsh-Hohert says, “Going away for the month of February. Plan to come to Virginia in April for the reunion and really look forward to seeing everyone!”

From Sarah “Sally” Hines: “My husband, Ron, and I are in Utah, just finishing up a two-week ski trip. We still live in a loft in NYC and spend time in our Long Island beach house. Bobby lives in Pittsburgh—too far away—where he works for Pittsburgh BikeShare. I retired from the NY County DA's office during the pandemic. Now, I'm of counsel for my husband's firm, Liston Abramson, and also an adjunct professor at NY Law School. I ski, swim laps, ride a bike, belong to a book club, serve on the Grace Church vestry, and sing in the Dalton Chorale. I'm grateful to be active, and look forward to seeing classmates in April!”

Liz Shortley Rogers reports: “Since I retired last February, I am enjoying it immensely and I recommend it highly. Now I can sleep all I want! I have more time to take care of my husband, who has Alzheimer's. He is progressing as expected, but I still am keeping him home as long as I can. We were able to take a trip to Las Vegas last August. Both of us had never seen the Grand Canyon, so we took a helicopter tour and landed in the Canyon for 30 minutes. We were served champagne and cheese and crackers. It was really lovely and we enjoyed it very much. My former manager and best friend, DiAnne, joined us in Las Vegas from Salt Lake City. She and I had a lot of fun with fine dining, which we both like. We also saw a Cirque du Soleil show, went shopping, and of course, some minor gambling. Now for the fun news! On our last night in Las Vegas, my husband and I hit a major jackpot playing slots and came home with $5,386.19!! I was completely overwhelmed! Both of us gamble for the

fun of it, and this is the first time we've ever won this much money in our life. I took my husband to Ohio this past year to see his family. They live on Lake Erie. He's very close to his brother and always enjoys seeing him and his sister. We had a major snowstorm in January with nine inches of snow. Our Great Pyrenees, Charlotte, adores cold weather and snow. When I put her in the backyard for the first time after the snow, she had the zoomies, and rolled and rolled in the snow. Happy doggie!”

Anne Hoskot Kreutzer writes: “Tom and I move a lot slower than we used to and while we don't like that at all, we've been able to keep traveling both overseas and to visit our four sons and their families, who live in Athens, Ga., Carrboro, N.C.; Richmond, Va., and Carlsbad, Calif. All of them and our 10 grands are healthy and doing well, for which we are very grateful.”

Ann Davis Spitler had a wonderful year that included a fabulous trip to Florence, Italy, in March with her daughter, Elizabeth Spitler '06. The pair stayed with Missy Huggins and her husband Bob.”

From Missy Huggins: “Hugs and I continue to love being here in the Atlanta area with lots of wonderful friends, in Italy with our friends there, and those from here that join us over there. A couple bumps in the road healthwise for Hugs, but we are dealing with it best as we can while maintaining our travel schedule! Samantha is still loving the finance world in London and all her philanthropic work there. She visits us often in Florence. Great news about Drew, who is getting married to a lovely gal, Alix, here in Atlanta in mid-February. We are busy doing all we need to get ready, especially planning the menu for me to prepare for the celebration party! I couldn't resist volunteering since that is my thing. I still love doing all that though I am mostly retired. I did get up to Alexandria for a brief visit in June with Ann Spitler and others, and then headed to Rehoboth Beach to play with Candy Michelbach Ramelli. She and I had a wonderful time going to Sicily this fall with two Navy

girlfriends of mine and made lovely new friends during our time there. The four of us went on to Ischia for an adventure staying in an old castle with stunning views of the island. Terrific adventure. Candy and I then met the boys in Florence for a few days.”

Sally Jones Brodie says, “I still live in Jensen Beach, Fla. I still oversee and manage two family real estate businesses which own properties in Northern Virginia and Montgomery County, Md. I am busy. I have had degenerative scoliosis since I was 40, thus I go to a personal trainer three times a week and try to walk or swim other days, as well as other home exercise routines. Very tired of having to do this, but it makes all the difference in how I feel. Since I am at 'that time of life,' I try to eat healthy and generally take care of myself. Boring! My big thing where I live is native plants. I have taken my 2.5-acre property, removed all of the non-native and invasive plants, and replanted with native plants. I did this many years ago so they are all well grown now. The local chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society is taking a tour of my property this Saturday to survey and identify all of the plants that are here.”

Liz Callar writes: “I'm in Short Hills, where I have a photo business. I go to the fox hunts, point-to-points, Middleburg Spring, Gold Cup, and the Upperville Horse Show. I drive the country roads in all seasons and post the landscapes, which kept me busy during COVID. Hard to think it's our 60th Reunion. I was so fortunate to have a strong early background from the wonderful teachers at St. Agnes. I can remember so many important lessons.”

Cynthia Corbin Sharpe reports: “My news is that I recently moved to a retirement community in Charlotte just 10 minutes from my former home. I have a dear little cottage and, as I am alone and not getting any younger, it seemed the responsible thing to do. I am pleasantly surprised at how easy and welcoming this move has been. My two rescue standard poodles have become the community's favorite people.”

CLASS OF 1966

Carter Dudley Flemming

Thanks to all who sent in notes so our class is represented in the magazine!

Karen Bradley Vitolano reports that she and her husband are enjoying golf, their pool, travel, and living in Florida.

Ann Martyn is glad to report that she and Frank are well. They are part of a monthly potluck and book club with old friends who are all “trying hard to hear one another during the discussion.” Sound familiar? Ann has various social projects that ground her locally “while our world is spinning crazily.” She is also dipping back into her watercolors and I can attest that her paintings are wonderful! Mrs. Downs would be proud!

Sara “Pinky” Caples is gradually recovering from a crushed vertebra, but reports that she and her husband's architectural practice remains very active. Current projects include buildings at Medgar Evans College in Brooklyn, N.Y., and starting a master plan to transform a former Episcopalian day school in Brewster, N.Y., into a leading institution for musical composition and performance. Their son, Esteban, continues his successful art career with a one-person show in NYC this year. Pinky and her husband were thrilled to be elected as academicians of the National Academy of Design.

Liz Anglin Simmonds says she and

husband Terry have had quite a year. As you may remember, they lived in Black Mountain, N.C. Hurricane Helene came through and struck their area very hard. Thirteen of their closest neighbors were killed. Liz says the destruction was indescribable. Fortunately, Liz and Terry are fine, as they had just moved into a retirement community off the mountain before the storm struck. Liz says they are getting sorted out one day at a time and are grateful.

Linda “Petey” Cosby moved to a Continuing Care Retirement Community in Annapolis in May 2024. I think that is a conversation that many of us are now having at this point in our lives.

Our class seems to be taking advantage of their retirement years with travel to far-away places. Leslie Ferrell Kauffmann and her husband, Jose, have enjoyed a year of travel, especially to Japan and the Canary Islands. They also make more frequent trips to the U.S. to see their three grandchildren in Florida and California. Hal and Mary “Star” Bales Alterman enjoy taking river cruises and have recently traveled to Morocco. And Margaret “Peggy” Johnson Hayes went to Patagonia and had a terrific time.

I, Carter Dudley Flemming, traveled to Hawaii for the first time ever with my son, David Flemming '94, and his wife on a San Francisco Giants baseball fan

trip. I want to express my gratitude to all of my classmates who reached out to me after the sudden death of my husband last October. It meant so much to me to hear from so many of you. And let's remember, 2026 is our 60th Reunion (gasp!), so try and keep April 2026 open. Carl “Andy” Ettinger shares: “From St. Stephen's Class of '66 Amard/ Encore drama club—with folks like Ed Cragg '63, Belinda Lowenhaupt Collins '64, Alice Reno Malone '67, et cetera—to semi-unretirement, I'm working as a part-time stagehand at Gogue Performing Art Center at Auburn University, Auburn, Ala., and getting an education in all the technology modern theater involves!”

CLASS OF 1967

Alice Reno Malone

We seem to have a growing group of SAS '67s in the central Virginia area with the recent addition of Frances Pollak and her husband, Ernie LaBelle, who are retiring to Charlottesville from Jackson Hole, Wyo. Frances reports that after almost three wonderful decades there, they decided it was time to “move camp.” She has lots of friends nearby not only from SSSAS, but also Hollins College to welcome her back! In fact, there have been several get-togethers. Alice Reno Malone and Jim Malone, along with Beth Grosvenor Boland,

Class of 1967 Photos [Left] Elizabeth Herbert Cottrell and Beth Grosvenor Boland. [Center] Frances Pollak, her husband Ernie LaBelle, and [Right] Alice Reno Malone, Polly Haff Mehring, Frances Pollak, and Jane Grenfell Duffy at the Farmington Country Club.

Jane Duffey, and Polly Haff Mehring, hosted a luncheon for Frances and Ernie at Farmington Country Club when they came to “check out the surroundings” (they are currently renting west of town until they find their next abode)! Frances and Ernie also got together with Elizabeth Herbert Cottrell in Waynesboro.

KC Church writes that she could have copied last year's blurb and it would be relevant. She's still in Colorado, playing lots of pickleball and bridge and reading a ton. Her youngest, Ross (the one who had colon cancer), is doing great and just moved out after four years with her. Her eldest, Grant, got married last summer and moved to Spain. She looks forward to a visit there in 2025. She has an open invitation to any of us who can make it to Colorado!

Polly Haff Mehring reports that 2024 started out on a sad note with the passing of her brother, Peter Kirkland Haff '62, from brain cancer. He is sorely missed. 2024 marked Walter and Polly marked their 2024 50th wedding anniversary with a spring birding trip to the Eastern Shore and a wonderful trip to the Pacific northwest to visit Walter's sister and family.

As for your class ambassador, all is well here! Jim and I have also had our 50th anniversary—that's what happens when you audition for a musical at LTA and there is a new guy in town! I'm still auditing courses at UVA and obviously

continuing as your class scribe as well as secretary for the Dartmouth Class of '71. Lots of people to keep track of! In addition, Jim and I are still involved with theatre even after all these years! I look forward to hearing from each of you and sharing your stories with the rest of our class so please drop me a line, text, call, email, etc.—whatever the newest communication method is these days! Best wishes for good health and friendships!

CLASS OF 1968

Barbara Butler Leonard

Susan Snodgrass Wynne writes: “It has been a challenging year since my husband passed away. We were fortunate to have had almost 51 years together. I am blessed with having my sons and their families living nearby with six grandchildren in Virginia Beach. I continue to be involved with our Children's Hospital, Ronald McDonald House, VB Garden Club, and Galilee Church.”

Lucie Morton Garrett shares: “My life in Charlottesville, Va., when I'm home, is a happy one. I still work full-time as a consulting viticulturist and write the occasional article for Wine Business Monthly (free digital access). Both Katie and Julie love to visit from D.C. and San Francisco as they both went to college here. They also love to visit local wineries. My movie project “Odyssey of

Forbidden Wines” took me to Brazil in January 2024 (visit theforbiddenwines. com). I keep up with Holley Russell Del Giudice who is a happy granny in France, at Christmas, and Kim Koontz Nash, whose sons Stephen and Willie are brothers to my daughters (Katie calls Kim 'Mom').”

Here is Denya Treviranus Clarke's news from gorgeous Caledon, Ontario: “I have a new grandson in Toronto: James (18 months), whose cousins are Charlie (12) Remy (8). Charlie and I visited Virginia in August, walking the Tidal Basin, kayaking on the Shenandoah, zip-lining at Luray, golfing, and swimming as often as possible! My niece, Delia, is a surgical vet in Falls Church, and my niece, Denya, and her husband had their first child, a boy, while overseeing the building of a large house at the top of the Blue Ridge Mountains overlooking the Shenandoah. Andrew and I remain healthy and outdoors a lot in the beautiful snowy hills of Caledon. We enjoyed a week in Dorset, Vt., and a week in Boston, Mass. The JFK Library seemed personal—I remember going up the stairs to French class with Mme. Strong on Friday, Nov 22, around 1:30, when we were told about Kennedy being shot. That moment is indelibly engraved in my memory of St. Agnes, as it is for all of us.”

Sherrie Rook shares: “When I am not walking or playing with my hound, Luna, I continue to enjoy the art museums

Alice Reno Malone '67 and her husband Jim.

Denya Treviranus Clarke '68 and new grandson James.

Lucie Morton Garrett '68 in Brazil.

in Washington. I have discovered the pleasures of vacations within reasonable driving distance, especially one to Winterthur and the Brandywine Valley. Much to my surprise, I have taken up flower arranging for church!”

Joyce Nichols Tomlinson and her husband are enjoying their retirements traveling around the country and Canada in their 25' Airstream. They are heading up to Nova Scotia and Newfoundland/ Labrador this summer. They're also enjoying their six grandchildren every chance they get! Joyce loves living in Snow Camp, N.C..

Virginia “Gini” Charlton Jardim writes, “When my husband died in 2022, I decided to sell our home in Berkeley, Calif., and move to Lexington, Va. I am very happy I did.”

Barbara Butler Leonard says: “We're loving living in Charlottesville, Va., and happy that son Charles and family moved here last year. Our son Thomas Leonard '02 and his family are in Denver, Colo., and son Alden Leonard '04 is in London. These are great places to visit and see our five grandchildren.”

CLASS OF 1969

Barbie Beggs Frank

From Julia Murray: “This past summer I got together with Anne Sagaris (better known to our classmates as Polly White) and her husband, Mark, who came down from Portland, Maine,

to visit us in Somerville, Mass. I had last seen them in 2016, when they still were living on an island off the coast of Seattle. We spent a lovely day catching up on all the years between, even trading stories about recently becoming grandparents.”

CLASS OF 1970

Tara Luther says: “I went to my 50th college reunion last May (Queens University) and visited Cuba in July for a friend's daughter, celebrating her Quinceanera. I'm looking forward to a cruise in South Africa in a few weeks and our 55th St. Agnes reunion in April.”

Natalie “Tali” Olmi writes: “In June 2022, I had the experience of a lifetime, to be an extra in The Chosen. I was one of 10,000 extras filmed in Midlothian, Texas, for Season 3, Episode 8, titled “Feeding of the 5,000”! Dressed up in a Hebrew costume, I was thrilled to be a part of an international hit show about Jesus, the Apostles, the Jewish culture, and the Roman Occupation. Let me know if you find me in the crowd. I'm on the right side near the Roman Soldier on the brown horse! The best part was seeing my name scrolling in the credits at the REGAL theater! Season 7 is being translated into 600 languages, providing coverage of 95% of the world languages. It was a blessing to also attend two ChosenCon conventions in Dallas, Texas, in 2023, and Orlando, Fla., in September 2024.”

CLASS OF 1971

In the last year, Sara Charlton has traveled to the Jazz Festival in New Orleans and the Blues Festival in Portland, Ore. She also traveled in her RV to Sante Fe, Taos, La Cruces, and Angel Fire. Sara is enjoying living in New Mexico and reports that Kate Jordan Goode wishes to say hi to everyone in their class.

CLASS OF 1972

Edie Beardall Weller

It was lovely to hear from a number of classmates at the turn of this year! Lydia Jones Nunn writes that she is thoroughly enjoying retirement, being active in a number of directions, and filling her days with “joy.” She and her husband, Tim, traveled to Hawaii and especially liked Maui with its beautiful scenery and weather. She reported on a wonderful long lunch date with Cindy Peake, catching up and comparing notes on good times past at SAS. Lydia's looking forward to a trip to Ithaca College this spring to celebrate 50 years as a charter member for the sorority Delta Sigma Theta, Inc.

Bobbie Hauck Gribble writes from Virginia Beach that her three children are happily moving forward in life, all married with four lively children among

Sara Charlton

Gini Charlton Jardim '68

Barbara Butler Leonard '68 and her granddaughter Adaline. Polly White '69 and Julie Murray '69

them. The entire family went on a cruise to Alaska to celebrate Bobbie's 70th birthday and enjoyed an amazing, fun-filled, fast-paced time together. Her favorite activity right now is serving as a docent at the Chrysler Museum in Norfolk, Va. She says she loves sharing art with people visiting the museum and the opportunity to continue learning along with all the other docents, many of whom have become good friends. Bobbie affirms that this is a sweet time of life for her, in which she's continuing to savor the gifts each day brings.

Julia Kelly writes that 2024 brought some big changes for her and that 2025 is off to a good start! During the holidays, Julia's daughter, son-in-law, and their three children (3-year-old son and twin girls) visited her at home outside of Charleston, S.C. She says she loved the circus of children, plus all the preparation and anticipation of each age-group! She even ventured into teaching her grandson some basics of sign language. Julia has kept in touch with a number of classmates and enjoyed a recent visit with Patty Herter Taylor

It was great to get a new update from Paula Searle Abels, who lives in Encinitas, what she calls a quintessential Southern California surf town north of San Diego. She shares that her 30-year-old son, Hale, owns his own sport fishing business and has a 22-passenger boat named The Voyager. Paula has managed an insurance business founded by her late husband, Jerry Abels, selling life and health and Medicare products to individuals and small groups for the last 12 years. She has been married to a Canadian, and now a very proud U.S. citizen, Wayne Rabey, for the last seven years. They often visit Wayne's children and grandchildren in Vancouver. Paula has enjoyed visiting and catching up with Lilli Beggs Koebke and husband Heintz, Libby McLean Humason and husband Danny, Ann Gouldin Killalea, and Patty Herter Taylor.

Cindy Peake declares (perhaps for all of us) what a remarkable thing it is to have turned 70 this past year

as she's realized she doesn't feel that is old anymore! Rather, it's made her appreciate all the events, stories, and actions through the years that have been included in our tapestry. She's clear, though, that she is finally fully retired from teaching, after continuing to tutoring students in math for two years beyond her actual retirement. Now she's able to play golf, as the weather permits, from April through October. With the aid of regular physical therapy and some helpful steroid injections, she's playing 18 holes twice a week and is definitely enjoying her new set of Callaway clubs!

Betsy Brownfield Fay enjoyed a full house with all her children on Whidbey Island, Wash., over the Christmas holidays and even found some snow in central Washington state for her grandchildren to play in! She enjoyed a visit with Stephanie Yeonas Ellis in McLean recently, while her youngest son attended the 2025 presidential inauguration as a volunteer participant. Betsy noted she hadn't been in town for inauguration festivities since attending those of 1977 and 1981!

As for me, Edie Beardall Weller, I've continued learning how to live in this new chapter of life following my husband John's death in 2023. I'm still fairly active in my church as a retired associate clergy and volunteer chaplain. On the fun side, I love my Zumba class, which is a source of real joy these days, and likewise getting out with friends for walks, lunch, or whatever miniadventures come our way. I've been blessed by good times across this year with both of my children, my daughter who lives south of Seattle, and my son who's based in Brooklyn, N.Y. It's wonderful to be in touch with you all every so often, and I'm already looking forward to our 55th class reunion in two years–stay tuned!

CLASS OF 1973

Marion Dawson Robinette

From Marion Dawson Robinette, “Here we go again! Another year has passed and most of us are turning 70 in 2025. Not sure how that happened.

Dan and I continue to thrive on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. He is still working full time and still works out at the gym every day. I continue to be very active with my church, the DAR, and of course, the Salisbury Maryland Kennel Club. Our dachshunds, Stanley and Judge, continue to compete in scent trials and continue to earn titles. Our other dachshund, Jeter, keeps the home fires burning. Maybe this time next year I can report he is a daddy …” This past October, Marion, Pam Zimmerman Brislin, Jane Kincheloe Wiles, and Jane's son's mother-in-law went on a Viking Cruise down the Rhine. From there they embarked on a road trip through France and Germany. Marion's final stop was at the Dachshund museum in Regensburg, Germany. Now that was absolutely the thrill of a lifetime! The ladies found that it wasn't necessary to know the language to shop. Jane, however, is proficient in French, so she always selected the most delicious wines. And speaking of wine, Jane reports that Paradise Springs Vineyards is celebrating its 15th year. They also have a tasting room in Santa Barbara, Calif.

It's been a year full of family for Karen Claussen Shields, who reports: “The Army posted our eldest, Andrew, to D.C. with his wife, Meredith, and little ones, so Mark and I enjoy much time with them and their three children,

Marion Dawson Robinette '73at the Dachshund Museum in Regensburg, Germany.

ages 6, 4, and 18 months. Our second son, Ian, and his wife, Mary, had their first son in Phoenix in February, quickly followed by Ian having a minor stroke (now thankfully mostly recovered), so we spent March there helping out. We also took several trips to our youngest two in Nashville, 'Wahoos' Struan and Mary, where he is a singer-songwriter (check out his music at “STRUAN” on Spotify!) and she is a pediatric ICU nurse. A week at the beach with all hands in August and then a week in Hawaii with the Phoenix contingent rounded out a peripatetic year! When on terra firma, I find satisfaction participating in the robust and remarkably extensive healing prayer ministry at The Falls Church Anglican both online and in person. Hugs to all!”

Mary Palmer's big project this year has been building a greenhouse in her garden to enclose her medical botany plants, as well as a resistance pool to give an aquatic equivalent to

a treadmill since her prosthetic knee prevents running. She worked closely with a customer rep, builder, architect, structural engineer and electrician to select the model and plan and build footings, foundation, walls, a closed-loop geothermal system, and navigate vague assembly instructions. She was stalled for months, but not stopped, in the mire of the county permitting process. Operating the tamper was fun, but the heavier pieces of rental equipment overstayed their welcome, the heat was oppressive, and three concrete pours were stressful! The first swim should happen this winter, as the structure is nearly complete but for sundry details. Mary also finished remediating the damage from last year's holiday sewage backflow disaster. As if this wasn't enough, she is also having work done on her house under the historic preservation grant she and Edwin received last year, mainly to keep water out of the walls and cellar.

Meg Babyak Tucker reports that she is still living in Richmond, Va., enjoying working for a large, Catholic healthcare system, and being an active gram to four grandchildren. Last summer, Meg and Mary Palmer took a trip to Chicago, Ill., to see Margaret Stender '74. They got a wonderful tour of the city, saw a Chicago Sky basketball game, and got to stay in Margaret's beautiful, new, passive home. It was a truly enjoyable reunion.

In July, Terri Shelton retired from her position of vice chancellor for research and engagement at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She was proud of the work they did to double the external funding in the last decade to position the university for success. She was honored by the Chamber of Commerce with the Athena International Leadership Award and the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest service award granted by the Governor of North Carolina. Like her husband, Arthur, Terri thinks they have failed at

Marion Dawson Robinette '73, Jane Kincheloe Wiles' son's mother-in-law, Jane Kincheloe Wiles '73, and Pam Zimmerman Brislin '73 in Holland.

Dr. Mary Palmer '73, Margaret Stender '74, and Meg Babyak Tucker '73

retirement. He has opened an LLC and is working with universities across the country in implementing the evidencebased program he has developed to support the success of college students with ADHD, autism spectrum, and other learning challenges. She is doing some consulting with universities on research administration, still busy with her church work (especially focusing on folks transitioning out of homelessness), and serving on the boards of several nonprofits focusing on poverty, intellectual disabilities, patient- and family-centered health care, and early childhood success. But the best part of retirement is more time spent with her son and daughter-in-law and their 3-year-old granddaughter, Riley. Terri, you haven't quite failed at retirement!

This past summer, Claire Fletcher Stock and family toured the British Isles with a short stop in Norway. After a week of London sightseeing, plus dinner with a cousin Claire had recently discovered through her work in genealogy (her hobby), the family toured landmarks across England and then visited the

Isle of Man, Northern Ireland, and several places in Scotland, including the Shetland Islands. The adventure concluded with an e-bike ride in Bergen, Norway. Claire's favorite stop–London's British Museum.

CLASS OF 1975

Effie Cottman Dawson

From Effie Cottman Dawson:

“Where did those 50 years go? It has been exciting to hear from classmates about the lasting friendships from our days at St. Agnes. I welcomed two new granddaughters (four grands in total) and am still in semi-retirement mode. I made my annual beach visit with Sharon Snow Nicholson, Beth Holliman Hart, and Vickers Bryan. And I'm looking forward to more visits with high school friends in the year ahead.”

Effie had the wonderful opportunity to connect with Marie Toler Raney when she was in Annapolis for her college reunion at St. John's College. After 50 years, they were chatting like they were still sitting in math class

together. Marie's been busy lately. She and her husband started a sailing trip in 2020 and ended up quarantined in Mexico. They bought a home there and have been there ever since. She traveled to Europe in 2024 to explore a move to France. Her son was in a hit-and-run accident last year and lived with them while he rehabbed. He's 99% recovered and Marie said she was glad to help him and assist her other son's family, who moved with their four children (and goat farm) from Washington state to the Dallas area.

Nancy Switkay, a therapist in Yorktown, Va., said the class has been incredibly supportive during her yearlong health issues. Swit (yes she still goes by Swit) has seen Page Pettit and also received kind calls from Dori Babyak Chappell, Mary Gotschall, Jan deRegt, and Leslie Hoge, as well as messages from many others. Thanks to all for stepping up. Swit's therapy practice specializes in children and adolescents and lately she also has been working with seniors. Here's wishing her the best in her career and her health.

World traveler Nabers Cabaniss Johnson is back in Virginia. Her husband, Chris, is still practicing law in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and was joined there by their son, Henry. Nabers is staying in Virginia with her daughterin-law, Heidi, and her two grandsons. Nabers and Chris have long had a home in Warrenton. After her dear mother died two years ago, they also have her beautiful home in Old Town, so Nabers, her daughter-in-law, and grandsons enjoy time in the city and country, “Overall, our lives are quite far-flung,” she said, adding that “my special joys include gardening, nature, reading, catching up with old friends, travel, and delighting in all things sublime and beautiful.”

Page Pettit said to mention our class teams (“Go Gold!” she wrote). Page now lives in Melbourne, Fla., and plays lots of golf. She still spends about half the year in Virginia visiting friends and family, including sons Paul and Andrew, who live in Richmond.

Georgia Heard (always Doty to

Karen Claussen Shields '73 and family.

ALUMNI BOOK NOOK GRACE TIFFANY '76

us) shared the sad news that her dear mother, Virginia Lynch Heard, passed in August 2024. Many of you may remember her as the beloved librarian at St. Agnes from 1970 to 1975. Georgia, a gifted poet, recently launched the second edition of “Awakening the Heart,” which she called “a labor of love and a wonderful way to continue exploring the power of poetry in education.” Georgia also teaches online writing workshops at The Poet's Studio. Think we should proclaim Doty our official class poet laureate? She also spends time in Austin, Texas, where her son is a marketing manager for a law firm. She has visited classmate Patricia Livingston McNaught and her family, who live in San Antonio.

Sharon Snow Nicholson had another grandchild (her fifth), enjoys the arts scene in Raleigh, N.C., and loves traveling with family and friends.

CLASS OF 1976

Melissa Ulsaker Maas

Mark your calendars for our 50th Reunion in April 2026! Hoping everyone can come!

Suzanne Eudy Backus reports

that she lives with her cat, Tony, and when he's not in attack mode, he's great company. She's started to travel a bit with her two best friends and has an upcoming trip to France. She is happy that her three children, two of whom are married, all live in Alexandria close to her. Her daughter, Frances, got her real estate license last April and they are having a fun and rewarding time working together at Corcoran McEnearney. Suzanne enjoys volunteering with St. Vincent de Paul at her church, helping people in hardship. Her go to for staying fit is yoga, which she has practiced for many years.

Travis Brownley writes that all is well in California. Her twins are now in ninth grade at Marin Academy, where Travis has served as head of school for 17 years.

Christina Larson writes that she has three grandchildren (10, 5, and 2) and that she feels lucky to watch the 2-year-old every Friday. Christina and husband Mike Unwin still travel all over the West Coast in their travel trailer to unplug, hike, and explore. She continues to volunteer at an equine therapy ranch that supports PTSD veterans, at risk teens, and women escaping trafficking.

Grace Tiffany has released “The Owl Was a Baker's Daughter,” the sequel to “My Father Had a Daughter,” a tale of Judith Shakespeare in her youth. Grace's new book revisits this character— Shakespeare's sharp-tongued, witty youngest child, no less feisty in her maturity. Judith's latest tale offers profound insights—into friendship, motherhood, marriage, religious extremism, and war—which remain resoundingly true today. The book was reviewed in The New York Times.

Christina also just became a Usui/Holy Fire III Reiki Master.

Ruth Hazel Little reports that one of her daughters delivered her third child, a boy, five weeks early, but he is thriving and doing well.

Karen Scrivanos Oztemel is happy to report that her daughter, Alexandra had a baby girl, Mabel, this past August, joining brother Arthur, who is 3. Alexandra and her husband, Chris, live in San Francisco. Karen was happy to be there for the birth and is enjoying visits as often as she can.

Leslie Plummer writes that she has moved into a 55+ community in Manassas City. She says, “It's nice to make friends who know what we've been through and to learn how they managed. My best friend is 82 and wild.” She notes that navigating Social Security is “a trip,” and that she's playing lots of Bingo and

Alex Bloom '11, Ankita Singh, Jameson Bloom '13 (groom), Katie Hull, Brent Maas, and Melissa Ulsaker Maas '76

joining in other community activities.

Amy Goers Rhodes writes that she and husband Dave are still living in Rockville. Between their six combined kids, they have nine grandchildren. Amy's two stepdaughters from her first marriage have five children between them, ranging in age from 11 to 2. Dave's son and his wife have two, who are 3 and 1. Two of their daughters each have one child, 3 and 2. Amy says, “Family vacations are incredibly crazy, but tons of fun!” She and Dave are both retired and spend a lot of time traveling, mostly in their RV. They spend a couple of months in a military campground in Key West. Amy says, “I've always hated the cold and it's wonderful to be in the sunshine, looking at beautiful turquoise water! We've also taken big trips, circumnavigating the five Great Lakes, and meandering our way to and from Grand Teton and Yellowstone.” They took a bucket list cruise to Rapa Nui (Easter Island) and Antarctica in December 2024.

Carol Erikson Saberin-Tener writes that she lost her mother in September 2024, who would have been 100 this past February. Her children and grandchildren live all over the country and she laments that time with them is limited. She is still working long hours and looking for a career change.

Grace Tiffany has a new novel out that is set during the English Civil War, “The Owl Was a Baker's Daughter,” that was reviewed in the New York Times!

As for me, Melissa Ulsaker Maas, I'm celebrating my 20th year of working at SSSAS. My son, Jameson Bloom '13, was married to Katie Hull (a friend from college and a past SSSAS Middle School nurse) on December 7. Upper School Chaplain The Rev. Elizabeth Rees married them in a joyous celebration. They bought a townhouse in February, and are now happily nesting in Burke, Va. Son Alex Bloom '11 started a new job with Arthrex, selling innovative surgical equipment and supporting surgeons during surgery. Husband Brent and I are looking forward to more nuptials in October.

CLASS OF 1977

The news from the class of 1977 includes new homes, travel, adventures, and special times with family and friends. It can't be said too often how grateful we are for our time at St. Agnes and all the special friendships from our years there. Here's all our news.

Dr. Anne Yoder writes that she has “spent the past year adapting to life without parents, without our beautiful German Shepherd, and having my one and only child move 800 miles away from home.” She adds, “in a fit of extreme self-soothing” she and her husband bought an apartment in Toulouse, France where they hope to spend lots of time going forward. They are both “still hard at it at work.” Dave continues in his role of editorial director for Duke's School of Medicine communications, and Anne has taken on the job of interim chair for the Department of Evolutionary Anthropology. They can “see light at the end of the tunnel … to a time of less work and more play, en Francais!”

“This was a quiet year on the Outer Banks” writes Linda Williams . She is finally seriously considering retiring, but hasn't set a date yet. She still loves teaching, but could do without the administrative part of her job. Linda is proud to report that her English Bulldog, Myrtle, was one of only six of her breed to receive the AKC Rally Intermediate Title in 2024. They have started agility training this year and Myrtle competed in her first agility trial at the end of February. Linda writes, “She loves it and gets ALL of the attention since bulldogs are not known for their speed or agility. So, maybe this time next year we can report that we added an agility title to her pedigree!”

Brenda Bertholf Charmey loved seeing Kathy Jenkins at the wedding of Gussie Johns '14 —daughter of Ben Johns Jr. '74 and Deb Johns—back in September.

Tammy McCrory is still in the San Francisco Bay area and writes, “It's been a busy year.” She has been at her

current company for over five years working as a software development project manager. When not spending time with her husband, Ken, and son, Sean (now 24), she's still doing karate and bicycling everywhere. The first half of the year was consumed by training for her sixth degree black belt test in June. After their usual summer holiday at her family's cabin in New Hampshire in August, she started preparing in earnest for a thruhike of the Appalachian Trail, which she'll start after retiring at the end of April 2025! Her husband traveled to New Zealand to do some open water marathon swims in February and March: Cook Strait, Lake Taupo, and Foveaux Strait.

Louise Duncan Sigety and her husband, Todd, are so very lucky to spend time enjoying their first grandchild, Anna, who is now two years old. They are happily looking forward to welcoming their second grandchild—Anna's little brother—in July.

“There are no family weddings to announce, no births; no exciting news to share.” Plain old life is just fine, according to Mimi Beggs Larsen as she and her husband, Kevin, enjoy retirement together. They will be celebrating 40 years of marriage in July. Mimi sends “love and hugs to all you girls!”

Katherine Dols retired from the Department of Veterans Affairs last year and is spending her new free time “trying to survive the Corgi puppy I got (what was I thinking).” She has also survived a second breast cancer diagnosis. Katherine writes, “Stay healthy everyone—don't forget those monthly exams and annual mammograms!”

Jamie Beverly Waldrop's daughter and her husband have moved back to Virginia from overseas and have bought an old farmhouse not far from them. Jamie writes, “I am glad to have them and my grand-dogs close by since we lost our last aging pet in November.” Jamie stays busy with an Afghan family that they sponsor, “trying to navigate

a system that was once well-oiled and now exists no more. Advice welcomed.”

Sad news from Kiki Marnane, “My beloved husband, Philip, died 7 August, four years after having a stroke. He died at home, surrounded by his family, looking out at the wild sea on the Irish coast where we live. His mind and spirit were strong to the end, but his body was done.” Kiki spent time this autumn with SAS best friends—Fran Butler, Jenifer Shockley, Deeme Katson, and Harriet Yancey—who have all been close to her in this time. She writes, “I've never felt so grateful for those years we had together at St. Agnes and the enduring friendships.” Kiki is still working as an executive coach to top teams of global companies and individual leaders. She lives between West Cork, Ireland, and London, but travels a lot. Both of her children live in the U.S. Her son, Luca T, is in Ithaca, N.Y., where he owns a flower business with his partner, Cary. Cary's daughter, Kira, is an artist living in Bend, Ore., with her wonderful husband, Lucas. She sees them quite a lot.

A highlight of 2024 for Deeme Katson was a late fall visit to Fran Robertson Butler's home in Charleston to be among beloved friends, including Kiki Marnane and Harriet Yancey Sadly, Jenifer Shockley could not attend due to illness, just as Deeme couldn't the previous year. They rallied around Kiki after the loss of her husband. Fran

“went whisk-to-whisk with Ina Garten, cooking up fabulous meals” and Fran's husband, Barre, took them out on the boat. Deeme also sang tributes to Burt Bacharach, Van Morrison, and Bruce Springsteen. She continues to delight in the accomplishments of her three nephews, “young men of intelligence, integrity, and heart” and her tween niece as she “pursues singing just like her Aunt Deeme!”

Jenifer Shockley spent a week in Arenal, Costa Rica, in early May. She writes, “Highly recommend. Fruits, vegetables, coffee, beef, all delicious thanks to volcanic soil. And there's nothing like relaxing in warm volcanic pools.”

Clara B. “CB” Bell Guess, her husband, Keith, and their daughter, Julia, had a wonderful Christmas holiday in South Carolina with their daughter, Meg, and her family. CB's brother, Mack, joined them as did her husband Keith's brother, Frank. After navigating a three-month-long process of getting approval from the Historic Preservation Commission for changes to be made to the outside of their house in a historic area of Wilson, N.C., demolition of an old addition and construction of a new one started in March. They are looking forward to living in Wilson when the work is finished. Class of 1977—remember 2027 will be our 50th Reunion! Start thinking about how to celebrate.

CLASS OF 1979

Langford Jordan

After retiring from the Federal government with more than 30 years of service at the end of 2020, Barbara Durham has been spending much of her time volunteering. Girl Scouts is her primary focus, where she's been a service unit training coordinator for two years and is in her fourth year as troop leader. She also volunteers to work all of the elections here in Alexandria at the Beatley Library precinct, where she's been a help desk officer for the last few years. Barbara has been keeping in close contact with two classmates. In addition to texting several times a day, she and

Mimi Larsen '77 and family.

Jenifer Shockley '77 relaxing in a volcanic pool.

Kiki Marnane '77 with daughter Kira Frances in Ireland.

ALUMNI BOOK NOOK JAMES

Francesca Belmonte meet every week or two for a long lunch in Kingstowne. Lynn Ann Dinger Edmonds and Barbara talk every few days—usually right before or after General Hospital—which they've been watching on and off together since eighth grade. Barbara and her sister, Patty Durham '82, made some progress with their genealogy shortly after they retired, on both their mom's side in Germany and Poland and their dad's in North Carolina. Barbara has also spent some time traveling, taking separate trips with each of her kids and also with Patty and her husband, Jay. Over the past year or so, she's visited several Disney resorts, the Outer Banks, Tidewater area, Key West, and central North Carolina.

Dr. Jay Hamilton, vice provost for undergraduate education at Stanford, published a guide to navigating college in March, “You Got In! Now What? 100 Insights into Finding Your Best Life in College.” The book is illustrated by Jim Toomey, the creator of “Sherman's Lagoon.” The book marks a reunion for Jay and Jim, who last worked together in 1979 on the school's literary magazine, Emanon (which is “no name” spelled backwards).

J. Ambler Cusick tells us, “Some of the class of 1979 gathered at Phil Smucker's home in Alexandria, Va., for a November fall BBQ, after a wonderful 45th Reunion Alumni Weekend in April! Looking forward to our 50th!”

CLASS OF 1980

Ann Hepburn Webb

Jane Masterson writes that she and her partner, Stewart, left New York City to live in the country outside Albany, N.Y., three years ago. She and Stewart continue to live in Italy for five months a year, traveling to visit other European countries every time they cross the Atlantic. Jane retired informally in March 2024 and had rotator cuff surgery in the summer of 2024.

Tracy Nelson Geschickter and husband Brian “Bear” Geschickter '85 moved to a place on the water near Topsail Island. Tracy retired from teaching in June 2024 and Bear continues to practice law in downtown Wilmington, N.C. Bear's father, Charles “Bunky” Geschickter, passed away in September 2024. The Geschickter family (Bear, Tad Geschickter '81,

Dr. James Hamilton published a new guide for life in college, “You Got In! Now What?,” that offers 100 lessons to shape a college experience and life beyond. Each lesson is designed to help students find purpose, manage their time, maintain friendships and family relationships, stay physically and mentally healthy, and choose classes, majors, and careers. The book is illustrated by classmate Jim Toomey '79

and Chris Geschickter '83) spent time together in Rehoboth to celebrate Chris's 60th birthday last summer. Tracy sees her brother, Scott Nelson '85, and his wife, Michele, fairly frequently as they live in Raleigh, N.C.

Karen Mierke Hausfeld reports that her sweet husband, Tim, suffered a heart attack and passed away on December 27, 2024, after a short bout with the flu over Christmas. Prayers ascending to Karen and Tim's family.

Class of 1979 [Front Row] Todd Ruback, Steve Payne, Jim Fulcher; [Back Row] Randy Flather, Ambler Cusick, Hannan Jacob, Chris Meloni, Steve Palmer, David Branch, Jim Toomey, Michael Uzer, Craig Rowinski.

Susie Hollender Connors '80 and her great-nephews.

HAMILTON '79

Sophia Phass Doulis is now a grandmother to a beautiful baby boy. Sophia has sold her dental practice, and for the first time in many years she has a boss. She plans to slow down to three days a week in the dental office.

Puma Bridges Cornick continues to enjoy her practice in Rosslyn, where the need for therapy seems to be everincreasing. Her son, Keene Cornick '21, graduates this May from Washington & Lee, and her daughter, Elizabeth Cornick '13, inspired by Mrs. Keith and Dr. Klein, is getting her Ph.D. in English literature.

Susie Holleder Connors has been hanging out with her great-nephews in Wilmington, N.C. They are the grandchildren of her sister, Stacy Holleder Jones '76. Susie and husband Jerry spent time in Naples (Florida, not Italy) for a few weeks in mid-February.

Viki Harwood Bires reports that after graduating from UVA and finishing the Army's cyber security school, her son, Lucas Bires '19, is now a First Lieutenant and is currently stationed at Ft. Shafter in Honolulu, Hawaii. Additionally, after semesters in Chicago, Miami, and abroad, her daughter, Nikki Bires '20, is back in the Alexandria area and due to graduate with a degree in marketing this spring. Viki continues to run the mortgage company her dad started 50 years ago, and she stays involved with both SSSAS and UVA. Viki's mom, Lucy Harwood, passed away in March of 2024, after a long battle with dementia.

Jessica Woodman Godwin and her husband, Terry, enjoyed a trip to England, Ireland, Scotland, and France in the fall of 2024. London was the best part by far—they spent five days there before setting sail. 2025 will keep them busy with twins on the way, thanks to Jessica's son and his wife who have three children under three years old! Jessica is happy to report that her daughter, sisters and their families, and her mom are all doing well

Lynne Rogich Ford will finally and officially claim retirement from fulltime CEO gigs. She was elected to the board of CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield

in December 2023 and has begun to chart her next chapter as a corporate director. Lynne has been named chair of the Audit and Compliance as well as Finance and Investment Committees. Lynne also volunteers on the national board of Junior Achievement. On the family front, she enjoys life as “gram” to three very cute grands: Elba (3) and Ford (1), who live in Arlington, Va., with daughter Blair and husband Seth; and Laurel (8), who lives in Kincardine, Ontario, Canada, with her stepdaughter Allison and husband Kevin. Personally, Lynne has given up running after enjoying it so much for 12 years, switching to yoga to stave off the impacts of an osteo-arthritic hip. In that vein, in late January, Lynne enjoyed a week at a Yoga Retreat in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico—learning more and reconnecting with two girlfriends she met in her late 20s!

Elizabeth Kryder-Reid relays that 2024 wasn't quite the year she had expected. In anticipation of retiring in May 2025 (which she still plans to do), Liz had lots of plans for an exhibit project, some writing projects,

a presentation in Seoul, and reveling in her last year of university teaching. Those goals got complicated when she received a breast cancer diagnosis in June 2024. Fortunately, it was caught early (Stage 1a), but it still involved two surgeries, 12 chemo infusions, five radiation treatments, and some ongoing antibody and hormonal therapies. “Yay for modern medicine!” She was able to keep teaching and stay fairly active, but it was not the fall she expected. Elizabeth is thankful to say she's getting back to all the things she loves: teaching, rowing, and gardening.

After about 50 years, Jennifer Ablard pokes her head in here to say hi. She has spent most of her adult life in New England and is currently living in Northampton, Mass., with husband Alan and Marsha, their black lab. Jennifer's highlights since 1989: one husband, four Labrador retrievers of all colors, two daughters living in Brooklyn, and one son-in-law. As of this writing, both of her parents are still living in their own home in Alexandria. Jennifer's current “retirement” activity has been diving deep into photography,

SSS alumni attending the funeral for Alix Fellows.

FRED DELEYIANNIS '83

Fred Deleyiannis has published “Reflections of a Microvascular Surgeon: Reconstructing Shattered Lives,” illustrating the importance and limitations of microsurgery in taking care of patients suffering from trauma or cancer. In addition to offering an historical perspective of microsurgery, it shows in a very real sense what it is like to be a modern microsurgeon from a standpoint of dedication, quality of life, opportunity cost, and expertise.

specifically Cyanotypes. She mostly uses her own photographs as source material for the images she creates with this low-tech alternative photographic process. Jennifer's website is jenniferablardphotography. com, where you can subscribe to her “infrequent” updates.

Ashley Montague and husband, Michael, sold their bookstore in 2019 and have been happily retired since then. Both their daughter and son are in university overseas. Sarah will graduate from the University of Exeter in the UK in July (bizarre British academic calendar!), and Andrew is in his second year at Trinity College Dublin. Ashley keeps busy with French and Italian classes and painting. Ashley and Michael have enjoyed trips to visit children in Ireland and England and to see Michael's brother in Italy. They would love to host folks visiting Philadelphia, where they have plenty of room and live near the Art Museum and the Barnes Foundation.

Fran Toler is looking forward to our reunion in April! By sheer luck her healthy 89 year-old mom will be in town, and she's hoping others might enjoy having “Mrs. Toler” come to the class reunion. Fran is in touch with

DAN BRITTON '85

Dan Britton has released his ninth book, “Daily Wisdom for Men: A 365-Day Devotional,” to encourage men to live with integrity, strength, and wisdom. Drawing on stories from the Bible, sports, life, and leadership, Dan shares in-the-trenches principles and bold challenges to empower men to live at their best and make an eternal difference in the lives of others.

Margaret Jones Helber and Jane Masterson often and comments, “No babies, no weddings, just a new kitten and a lot of work.”

Kamie McGlynn has been keeping bees since 2015, first working with the beekeeper from SSSAS at the Lower School in Alexandra, and then with her own hives starting in 2016. She is past president of the Northern Virginia Beekeeper Association and assists in teaching its basic beekeeping class and mentoring new beekeepers. Kamie maintains 10 to 15 hives at any time across three separate apiaries, two located in Alexandria and one in Westmoreland County, Va. All honey sales are through Made in ALX (madeinalx.com), a unique shop where everything in the store is handcrafted by artists based in Alexandria. If you are looking for a one of a kind gift or very local honey, Kamie highly recommends checking out the store.

Over the last couple of years, Amy Curtis has enjoyed taking some fun and adventurous trips, including a two-week pilgrimage to Egypt in June 2024. She also started taking French lessons, which she absolutely loves. Amy's teacher has her reading Zola and Malraux and writing weekly “essays.”

Her son, Clay Kane '13 , lives in Jersey City, N.J., and works in Manhattan. She loves having him back on the East Coast.

Margaret Jones Helber continues her work as a principal medical scientist for Kite Pharma, a company that makes a personalized cellular immunotherapy called CAR-T (chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy) for treating a variety of relapsed lymphomas and leukemias. She currently resides west of Charlottesville, Va., near the Blue Ridge Mountains, and returns often to her home in Upstate New York, where she enjoys visiting both sons as well as hiking, climbing, and skiing with friends in the Adirondack Mountains.

Josiah Everly and wife Josephine welcomed a granddaughter, Elliott Elizabeth Saux, of Salt Lake City, Utah, on April 19, 2022. They later welcomed a grandson, Ford Josiah Ingram, of Alexandria, Va., on November 18, 2023. Joe also recently retired from his managing director position with Service Corporation International and has taken on a local role as president of the Demaine Funeral Home group with four locations in Northern Virginia.

CLASS OF 1983

John S. Jenkins, Jr. writes, “Demonstrating that we are a small, but a tight SSSAS community in a big world, I was at the U.S. Embassy in Rabat, Morocco, and met fellow Saints Matt Warin '01, supervisory general services officer, U.S. Embassy Morocco, and his Excellency, Puneet Talwar '83, former U.S. ambassador to Morocco. I am the executive vice president and general counsel for TE Connectivity. I was in Morocco visiting TE Connectivity's five factories in Tangier and traveled two hours south to the capital of Rabat in order to give the ambassador an overview of TE's operations and business in Morocco (5 factories and 4000 employees). During the visit, Puneet advised he had a younger Saint working on Embassy staff … and we had a chance to get together for a picture in front of the Embassy crest … and share some great memories of our time at St. Stephen's.”

Philip Stinton writes, “Having attended St. Stephen's School more than 40 years ago, I was delighted to learn recently that one of our student athletes at Bowling Green State University, Malcolm Johnson, Jr. '21, is a recent graduate of St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School. Malcolm is a very productive member of the BGSU football team who transferred last spring from Auburn University to BGSU for his senior year. I reached out to Malcolm via email and he

quickly replied that he 'never thought [he] would find a fellow Saint' here at BGSU. My wife and I invited Malcolm and his girlfriend to join us at our home for dinner last night and we had a wonderful evening getting to know each other.”

CLASS OF 1987

Hillary Vaughn Flanagan and Anne “Shelly” V. Webb

Jeannie Woods Livingston writes, “I'm down to just my youngest child (a high-schooler; the older two in college) at home with a lot more time on my hands. Having cut my teeth singing in Sextette at SAS, I have now joined an international group called Threshold Singers, who sing songs of comfort to those facing death in hospice and to families experiencing grief or suffering. I feel honored to share the sacred space with clients who are at the threshold of life, and the beautiful and gentle harmonies remind me of the joy and comradery I felt when singing with Sextette in high school. I am also a volunteer in the cuddler program of the NICU of our local hospital, so I have the honor of being present with precious newborn life and those who are at the end of their journey. This past summer I had the pleasure of reuniting with Molly Bryan Santos and Katherine Cooper Hoffman, both of whom I hadn't seen in at least 20 years. I fly back to Virginia often to see my parents, sister Elizabeth

Woods Baker '83, and daughter in Charlottesville (UVA '26), but will look forward to seeing SAS '87ers at our 40th in 2027!

Teresa Lee Wu says, “I'm still working at The Cigna Group in Government Affairs and was promoted to senior principal. The work is still interesting and I like my coworkers. My kids, Jameson and Grant, are now both adults (19 and 18, respectively). Jameson is a sophomore engineering student at University of Pittsburgh and Grant is a senior at Georgetown Prep. Now that I'm on the brink of being an empty nester, I'm thinking of engaging in more volunteer work. I'm just trying to identify where my energy is best spent, possibly health care or immigration legal assistance. Other than the above, I'm still working on my golf game and anticipate this pursuit will go on ad infinitum.”

Amy Wagner Hanley reports, “I am now celebrating our 18th and final year as a Saints parent. Our youngest, Claire Hanley '25, will graduate in June. It is very bittersweet, and I am glad that she had the opportunity to enjoy the new space at the Upper School. Hoping everyone comes for the Centennial Celebration of the school in late April. It would be great to catch up with everyone and plan something special for our class at Lloyd House for old times' sake!”

Malika Rasheed states, “2024 was a transformative year of self-care and reflection. At 55, I take more walks in nature and remind myself to pause more often. I am still working at Walter Reed in Bethesda, Md., serving the high risk population of traumatic brain injury and psychological health issues. My 23-yearold daughter is currently enjoying life in New York City, while my 25-year-old son is embarking on a year-long journey through Southeast Asia. Because of the challenges and struggles that today's younger generation faces, particularly surrounding mental health, I wouldn't trade my 80's upbringing for anything.”

Shelly Webb is doing well in Berkeley, Calif., working with seniors at a senior living residence and the homeless in the Tenderloin of San Francisco. On a recent visit to see her sister, Alice Webb Brown

Matt Warin '01, Puneet Talwar '83, and John S. Jenkins, Jr. '83 at the US Embassy in Rabat, Morocco.

Philip Stinson '83 and Malcolm Johnson, Jr. '21

'88, in the D.C. area, she also had coffee with Sarah Williams Mali and had a great time reconnecting.

CLASS OF 1988

Cristin Curry De Silva

Victoria “Vicky” Lavington shares a fun shot of her family on their annual trip to Coney Island. She writes: “My husband, Michael Carrasquillo, and I are on the swing ride that goes really high and spins around and round. You can just about make out our children, Sylvia and Philip, on the swing directly behind us.

We had a fun day! I am still working as a speech language pathologist for the New York City Department of Education. I have been at the same elementary school in Brooklyn for 18 years and really love it there. My son is in the fifth grade at the school where I teach and my daughter is a junior in high school, which is located just two blocks away from where I work, so it's very nice to have both of my children so close by and we all commute into school together each day.

Lisa Yadao and Cristin Curry De Silva were lucky enough to see Sabrina Gilmore Scanlon sing with her band in

Old Town back in December. She was amazing! Sabrina writes: “Monday@ Larry's: Behind The Music (for those like us who are no stranger to VH-1). Like so many classic rock stories, the band name really strikes at the heart of our essence as a righteous collection of musical souls…which happens to get together on Monday at Larry's. Also, Thursday at Brad's was already taken, which prompted the lengthy legal battle that we really don't want to talk about. Like any good BTM, some of that might be inflated to generate intrigue and increased ticket sales, which are free.”

Claire Jenkins Porter shares that she and hubby Stephen are entering the “empty nester” time of their lives with optimism. She is picking up pickleball—thanks to SAS tennis it is pretty intuitive—and traveling as much as possible. This summer will mark the sixth summer in Japan! Daughter Grace is a junior at UNC Chapel Hill, majoring in political science and son Nico is a freshman Capstone Scholar at USC, Darla Moore School of Business. Life is good!

CLASS OF 1989

Amanda Edwards

From Amanda Edwards: “2024 marked 35 years since the St. Agnes Class of 1989 Green and Gold-ed (stomp-stomp) its way off the graduation stage in search of pastures new. Life is obviously quite a bit different since those relatively carefree, analog days but Alumni Reunion Weekend always provides a rare opportunity to laugh, reminisce and temporarily pretend we're all still teenagers. So it was that a handful of us found ourselves representing our class over cocktails and hors d'oeuvres at The Alexandrian in Old Town one Friday night last April. As usual, the evening flew by, but not before Angela Miller, Nicole Zehfuss, Ashley Hanchey Bigelow, Linda LeCraw, Kathleen Ryan Peters, Nancy Ragland Perkins, Kate Studeman, and I snapped a few photos and crammed almost three dozen years' worth of stories into legible soundbites. There was even an opportunity to finally

Sabrina Gilmore Scanlon '88 with her band Monday @ Larry's

Vicky Lavington '88 and husband Michael Carrasquillo at Coney Island.

apologize to Dr. Roberta Klein, live and in-person, for our semi-appalling behavior in sophomore year (when we were Wang Chung-ing when we should have been Chaucer-ing)! The following evening, in lieu of an official class party with the SSS guys, a few of us found ourselves in Alexandra Woodman Johnson's underground pub for a few more rounds of gossip and giggles. Who knew that academic (specifically, biology) catalog shopping could be so scandalous?!”

CLASS OF 1990

Sarah

Goldsmith Campos

Lee Carosi Dunn writes, “After 13 years at Google, I left the company and took a year off to enjoy some time with family. I attended all of my son's senior baseball games, volunteered at my kids' schools, moved my oldest into

his college dorm and did a lot of travel.” Lee returned to government service recently taking a new job as chief counsel to a commissioner at the Consumer Protection Safety Commission. She was also just elected treasurer of the United States Anti-Doping Agency board where she has served since 2023.

Cathi Lisle Barrett tells us, “We are just living our life on the Outer Banks and still loving it here! I attended more births last year and one of my daughters works with me. Juliette is graduating homeschool this year and planning to apply to a midwifery college. I guess the most interesting news is that my second daughter, Rose, is an independent author who published two books this year, the first two of a four-book young adult fantasy series called “Gateway to Arisha.” We were able to do some motherdaughter bonding over the process, because she had me do the line-editing.

I put together the grammar and writing skills taught to me by Roberta Klein, Nancy Schick, Mrs. Babcock, and Mr. Palmer to help her out. It has been a lot of fun and she's getting really great feedback on the books. I'm amazed at how she is marketing her books and getting her name out there. She's finished Book 3, and we are in the editing process for that one, due out this summer.”

Jody Carlberg Astrom reports that she is fine after the fires in LA. This fall she got to catch up with Lee Carosi Dunn, Aida Longo Knowles, Eleanor Hawkins Maguire, and Molly Eppard at a mini-reunion in Old Town. According to Jody, “I had a fabulous Christmas back home in Corolla, N.C., with the grandparents and, best of all, some SAS girls and fams came to spend New Year's with us at the beach. Mags has always been like my big sis and Ann Lefeve Synder '03 has been in my arms since

1989 Alumni [Left] Nicole Zehfuss, Angela Miller, Nancy Ragland Perkins, Amanda Edwards, Linda LeCraw, Kate Studeman, and Kathleen Ryan Peters [Right] Amanda Edwards, Nicole Zehfuss, Alexandra Woodman Johnson, Linda LeCraw, and Ashley Hanchey Bigelow

1990 Alumni [Left] Molly Eppard, Eleanor Hawkins Maguire, Jody Carlberg Astrom, Aida Longo Knowles, and Lee Carosi Dunn. [Center] Maggie Prouty Arnold and Jody Carlberg Astrom. [Right] Maggie Prouty Arnod, Jody Carlberg Astrom, Ann Lefeve '03, and families.

ALUMNI BOOK NOOK

YOUNG WHAN CHOI '93

Young Whan Choi published “Sparks into the Fire: Revitalizing Teacher Practice Through Collective Learning,” outlining design principles for effective professional learning, where teachers actively engage in experiential learning, problemsolving, student work analysis, and peer collaboration. Each principle is introduced with a vivid story drawn from the author's rich experience teaching students and supporting educators in Providence, R.I., Oakland, Calif., and South Korea.

her birth like my lil sis. We had some good laughs thanks to Mags, nice talks, and delicious homemade meals thanks to Ann.”

This past year, Kimi O'HalloranPerez, Olivia Titus Dalu, and Sarah Goldsmith Campos gathered in Iceland with their UVA friends to snowmobile on glaciers, soak in the natural warm spas, walk around waterfalls, and explore black sand beaches. Sarah remembers, “It was an amazing adventure and we have sworn to tackle and explore more northern hemisphere countries! After our adventure, Dr. Roberta Klein was in town, and my family enjoyed hearing stories of our English classes! After a five-year break, my mid-life crisis was to return to work, and I have been enjoying my new role as a senior knowledge and innovation lawyer at Paul, Weiss,

Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison in London. Additionally, I serve as the governing trustee for the Kensington and Chelsea Citizens Advice Bureau, which has proven really rewarding as a member of the community. My daughter, Virginia, is now 13 and at a boarding school in Ascot, St. Mary's Ascot, which reminds me a lot of St. Agnes. I hope to have seen and caught up in person with many of you at the reunion in April; I hope our next class notes are full of even more news!”

CLASS OF 1991

Tamsyn Stewart sent the following press release excerpt: “The U.S. Department of State announced the selection of Tamsyn Stewart of North Carolina for a virtual project, engaging with English language learners and teachers online in Morocco at Regional Centers of Education and Training. Stewart is among the more than 100 Virtual English Language Educator Program participants for the 2024-2025 academic year.”

CLASS OF 1993

Steve Lastelic and Caroline Worsley

Young Whan Choi lives in Oakland, Calif., and retired from the Oakland Unified School District after many years teaching history and leading teacher professional development. He published a book “Sparks Into Fire: Revitalizing Teacher Practice Through Collective Learning” (Teachers College, 2022) and is working on a memoir of his early years as a classroom history teacher called “Yellow Belt: A Teacher's Story of Faking It and Making It.”

Don Theerathada was the stunt coordinator on Netflix's feature film “The Electric State,” released in March 2024.

Lisa Meltz says: “Hi everyone! I am still living in San Francisco with George, Riley (17), Shippen (14), and Potato (the dog). Riley is headed to Tulane next year (roll wave!), so I am excited to spend more time on the East Coast pretending I am still in college! I am playing tons of tennis and traveling to New Zealand for my 50th in April. And no, I will not be

bungee jumping this time around. Miss you all!”

From Bettina Wiedmann: “I have joined the board of the relaunched Coalition for American Public Diplomacy and Leadership, an independent nonprofit organization with a mission to strengthen and expand the U.S. Department of State's BridgeUSA programs. Having experienced a high school exchange in the U.S. at SSSAS, which deeply shaped my life, I'm incredibly passionate about these initiatives. On a more personal note, I'm still living in Bonn, Germany, with my husband, our three daughters, an Au Pair from Sweden, a dog, two cats, and three rabbits—it's quite a lively household!”

Eddie Chu shares: “I got married this year to Annie Cho. Last year I helped launch the Apple Vision Pro at Apple, working on the software and creative design development. Today I'm helping to create the immersive content for the headset. I sit on the Executive Committee Panel for TV Academy, Emerging Media Programming. Also did some panel stuff for Producers Guild Awards for Innovation.”

Gautam Gulati reports: “On a personal note, both my kids are now at SSSAS and loving it! Professionally, I've launched my next venture, The Well Home, focused on blending health and real estate to create luxury wellness spaces and immersive experiences for residential, hospitality, and commercial properties. It's been an incredible journey so far, and I'm excited to see what's next.”

CLASS OF 1996

Dr. Deborah Meister '86 and Mark Elberfeld met at a Gathering of Leaders conference through the Episcopal Church near Seattle, Wash., this past October. Deborah serves as associate priest and acting rector at Christ Church Cathedral in Montreal, Quebec. Mark is an affiliate educator for Aetna Behavioral Health's Employee Assistance Program and longtime GOL facilitator from Atlanta, Ga. They figured out their connection over breakfast when Mark casually mentioned growing up in Virginia!

CLASS OF 1997

Thomas Croker

From Amna Nawaz Werdel: “We were thrilled to rejoin the SSSAS community this year, with our younger daughter, Lina '34, enrolling in third grade, and being welcomed so warmly by Ms. Labrador and the entire class! She and big sis, Karam '31, are busy with basketball season, and helping me and their dad, Paul, take care of our new puppy, Yogi, who joined us at the end of 2024. Looking forward to reconnecting with more alumni parents!”

Meredith Haines Spacie writes: “I remain healthy and well here in the suburbs of Seattle, Wash. I'm working as a neonatology analyst for several area hospitals through Seattle Children's Hospital and sing with a show chorus. My kids, Alice (14) and Sam (12), are also doing well. Please let me know if you're planning to be in the Seattle area!”

CLASS OF 1999

Pender Ellett Graves and Hannah Prentice Traul

Hannah Prentice Traul reports: “It was amazing catching up with so many of you at our reunion last fall! It has also been super fun for me to see, on a regular basis, Stephanie Beyer Kirby, Erin McConnell, Zach Terwilliger, Kim McCue, and Summer Crabtree, as we are all parents of current students at SSSAS. Please keep sending updates to myself or Pender Ellett Graves so we can continue to keep everyone abreast of all the amazing things our Class of 99 is doing.”

Andrew Scott continues to live in the U.K. with his wife and his two children.

This past summer, Ned Bair joined Leidos and has taken a leadership role regarding climate solutions. He and his wife, along with their two children, live in Mammoth Lakes, Calif., and are extremely active on the slopes, ice, and backcountry.

Zach Terwilliger is a partner at the law firm of Vinson & Elkins, where he focuses on all manners of investigations. He was selected to perform the postincident investigation at the University of

Virginia following the tragic loss of three football players.

Harrison Keith married Lynsey Gallagher this past April and is enjoying living in Soutwest D.C.

John Chapman was just elected City Council member of the city of Alexandria for his fifth consecutive term.

Summer Crabtree has just moved into her childhood home in Mt. Vernon after doing extensive renovations. Her two kids are taking Taekwondo at Yoo's Martial Arts, Jason Yoo's '96 family's dojang.

Maris Smith recently joined the digital department at Spotco, a fullservice marketing agency for Broadway shows based in New York City. Her clients include “The Book of Mormon,” “Hadestown,” “The Great Gatsby,” and performing arts institutions like Roundabout Theatre Company and Lincoln Center Theatre to name a few. She is based in Norfolk, Va., but gets to visit New York City frequently.

Kristin Ward Miller resides in Carlsbad, Calif., with her three kids and husband, John. She continues to work as a real estate finance attorney and enjoys the sidelines of her kids sporting events and participating competitively in CrossFit.

Lily Monir Matini continues to be busy performing and teaching dance with Gotta Swing in Dupont Circle and is part of D.C.'s premiere dance troupe, Fidgety Feet. She also writes: “Last month, I

started a new contractor job as a senior inside threat policy analyst for OUSD at the Pentagon. Looking to network with other SSSAS alumni working there, especially those hiring full-time for staff. My late uncle, Jalal Matini, also passed away the same month. Still teaching swing dance Thursday nights for my renewing eight-week series in DuPont circle when we have enough people and performing with my DMV swing dance team. Last month, I also taught and performed swing for the 48th annual Miami Art Deco Weekend. I'm looking forward to joining them again next year and for local/traveling alumni to attend!”

CLASS OF 2000

Elizabeth Donatelli and Andrew Keen

From Elizabeth Donatelli: “I'm here with updates from the Class of 2000! Can you believe we're celebrating our 25th Reunion this year? I'm currently living in Northern Virginia and working at the National Association of Broadcasters. This past year, my family and I took on a new venture—we purchased a historic home in Culpeper, Va., called the Hill House which we've turned into an Airbnb. It's been an incredibly rewarding experience, and we've loved sharing it with guests. I'm looking forward to reconnecting with many of you at the reunion and catching up on all the amazing things happening in your lives.”

Tyler Gray was appointed Louisiana's secretary of the Department of Energy and Natural Resources under Governor Jeff Landry.

Jessica Bigby was admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court Bar and is now a trial attorney in the U.S. Department of Justice, Antitrust Division, Washington Criminal Section.

Andrew Keen enjoyed traveling to Thailand and the Dominican Republic this past year. We are sad to report that his father, Malcom, passed away in April.

Glenn Spitler and his wife Mollye welcomed the birth of their daughter, Meredith Embry Spitler, in November 2024.

Madia Willis is living in Philadelphia and celebrated daughter Étoile's first

Rob Keith '03, Sherley Keith (past English teacher), and Harrison Keith '99

birthday. Products from her company, Black Paper Party, were sold in five big box retailers this holiday season.

Niko Papademetriou and his family, Sara and Luca, are enjoying spending time together traveling whenever they can find the time. Luca is enjoying his first year at The Field School and is spending as much time as he can playing ice hockey for his team, the Tigers! Niko's company has doubled in size again and is working with some of the coolest restaurant enterprises in the U.S.

Long Pham writes: “It semi-breaks my heart to say I've got two kids at Flint Hill. Next year there will be three there. I'm always torn inside when they compete against the Saints. Don't tell my kids, but deep down, I might be OK when they lose to SSSAS.”

Porter Jones retired last summer after 20 years on active duty in the Marine Corps. He moved back to Springfield, Va., from Pensacola, Fla., where his last assignment was as a flight instructor for Naval flight school. He's currently running a small management firm and continuing to fly for fun. His wife, Kacie, is still wrangling their three kids: Ben (8), Allie (5), and Chris (2)! Porter says he is enjoying being back near family and playing in the snow for the first time over the winter!

CLASS OF 2001

Members of the Class of 2001 came together last September in Las Vegas,

Nev., flying in from all over the country to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Saints Keeper Fantasy Football League! The fun-filled weekend included a live draft, reminiscing about the very first draft conducted in the back of a school bus, and a commitment to do it again for the 30th anniversary! The in-person attendees were Robbie Gregg, Jed Dyson, John Whittington, Jr., Mairtin Comey, Colin Brown, Salman Cheema, Nick Gregorios, Dennis Bakke, Jr., and Will Albright. In addition, Mike Patterson, Travis Wooden, and Peter Brodhead joined virtually.

CLASS OF 2002

Virginia B. Pasley

Louisa Hall's musical comedy duo Griefcat was on “America's Got Talent” this year. She tells us, “While our full audition didn't air, we did get a standing ovation from Simon Cowell!” Louisa also performed in a tribute show for Lilith Fair at the Atlantis in Washington, D.C., with fellow musician and alumna Amanda Dove '10 in December 2024. Marsha Kerman graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with a master's in educational technology and applied learning sciences (METALS). As a part of her program, she co-designed two award-winning board games. She tells us, “Lightning in a Bottle is a competitive board game about the design process, and it won a silver medal at the Serious Play Conference in 2023 and was the 2023 GEE! Learning Game

Award Finalist in the Analog category for non-digital games. Kaleidoscope is a party game about gender identity, and it won the Best Student Non-Digital Game Award at the Meaningful Play Conference 2024 and a gold medal at the Serious Play Conference 2024.”

CLASS OF 2004

Peter Davidson

Kelly Finnigan Mechling

A. Taylor Rains III

Joe Sherman

Alison Murray Winkler

Caitlin Blair Fessler and her husband, Andrew, enjoyed traveling to Maine and Portugal this year with several SSSAS classmates. Caitlin was one of many Saints who attended the wedding of Taylor Rains III in Sintra, Portugal. The group gathered together for a photo op with the St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School banner, which traveled to Portugal for the festive occasion. Caitlin also became the godmother of Rachel Rodriguez's daughter, Virginia.

Kendall McBrearty and her wife, Kerry, finished construction on their lake house in Maine and enjoy heading up from Exeter, N.H., with their two girls whenever possible.

Rachel Pollard Rodriguez and her husband, Chris, moved to a new home in the Chevy Chase neighborhood of Washington, D.C. She's recently gotten into Mahjong with Caitlin Fessler. Alden Leonard made the move to London, England, and it's the perfect fit.

Scarlett Bermingham spent the

Salman Cheema

2001 Alumni Gathering [Right] Rob Gregg, Jed Dyson, John Whittington, Mairtin Comey, Colin Brown, Salman Cheema, Nick Gregorios, Dennis Bakke, and Will Albright'03

Marsha Kerman '02 with one of her award-winning board games at the 2023 Serious Play Conference.

summer in Maine with husband Andrew and daughter Tabitha.

Sally Hamilton Griffith lives in Atlanta, Ga., but makes it back to Virginia often. She's known to drop down to Florida to visit Megan Roberson Jennings and her family quite a bit.

Nate Solberg lives in Columbia, Md., with his wife, Ryann, and two kids.

Brent Locke lives in Richmond, Va. He joined several classmates in both Maine and Portugal this year.

Taylor Rains III lives in Charleston, S.C., where he and his new husband, Carter, are restoring a 200-year-old home.

After a spate of recent trips to Germany, Peru, Portugal, Japan and

Morocco, Emily “Pebbles” Russell is back in Brooklyn on the biggest adventure of all: being mom to her infant son, Ace. Pebbles continues to work in commercial and narrative voice over, most recently introducing Serena Williams, Prince Harry, and Jeff Bezos at the New York Times DealBook Summit. She and her family can't wait to spend this summer out east on Long Island clamming, horseback riding, and fishing.

Patrick Holcomb and his wife, Rachel, are expecting the birth of their second child, another girl, in July. Patrick, Rachel, and their 2-year-old daughter Lily are enjoying life in St. Louis, where they have lived since 2020. Patrick currently works as the sales director for USCanna Capital and Management, a leading cannabis company in Missouri.

CLASS OF 2011

Meredith Bentsen and Mathias Heller

When Jack Tokarz is faced with a fork in life's path, he chooses chaos. In the past year he left his software engineering career to pursue his dream of becoming a Broadway actor. Instead, he traveled full circle around the globe, and became a professional dungeon master as well as tour guide.

Margaret Platner married Joseph Franco on June 8, 2024 at River Farm in Alexandria, Va. Many SSSAS classmates

were in attendance, with two acting as bridesmaids.

Alex Freedman was recently promoted to vice president of sales for Techtronic Industries in Greenville, S.C. He has been with the company since graduating from the University of Georgia in 2015. Techtronic Industries is a world leader in cordless technology spanning Power Tools, Outdoor Power Equipment, Floorcare and cleaning products for the professional, industrial, DIY and consumer users in the construction, industrial, commercial, infrastructure, power utility, MRO, and consumer home markets.

CLASS OF 2015

Nina Cotto and Joshua Reed

In May of 2024, Isabelle “Izzy” Franklin completed her doctor of medicine at Kaiser Permanente's School of Medicine in Pasadena, Calif. She remained in SoCal and moved down to the beach (Mar Vista), starting her residency in family medicine at UCLA Santa Monica.

Christen Hicks Sharpless graduated from George Mason University with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering in 2019 and a master's degree in electrical engineering in 2020. Christen married her college sweetheart, Samuel Sharpless III, in 2021. She and her husband are both electrical engineers in Alexandria, Va. They welcomed

Saints alumni at Taylor Rains' wedding in Portugal: Kendall McBrearty '04, Brent Locke '04, Megan Roberson '04, Rachel Pollard '04, Caitlin Blair '04, Taylor Rains '04, Louise Rains '99, Alan Rains '67, Alden Leonard '04, Sally Hamilton Griffith '04.

Chip Phillips '10 with wife Molly, and daughter Evelyn.

Alex Bloom '11 and fiancée Ankita Singh in Florida at one of many destination weddings they have been attending!

Saints alumni at the wedding of Michele Phillips Deline '12 and Brian Deline: parent of alumni Marybeth Dyson, Elizabeth Lavie '12, Erin Phillips '18, Emma Dyson '12, Kathy Jenkins, Mollie Lane '13, Kathleen Williams Spiedel '12, Timmy Phillips '14, Katie Wiseman '12, James “Mac” MacDonald '12, Chip Phillips '10, Layne Voorhees Rassenfoss '13, Paige Patterson Armstrong '12, Chris Dyson '84, Brent Armstrong '12, and Jack Powers '12.

Sarah McAfee Sullivan '12 and James Sullivan with their daughter, Erin Louise.

[Left] Upper School Senior Chaplain Elizabeth Rees married Katie Hull (past Middle School Nurse) and Jameson Bloom '13 on December 7. [Right] Brother Alex Bloom '11 was Jameson's best man.

Izzy Franklin '15 and her family at her graduation from Kaiser Permanente's School of Medicine.

[Left] Campbell Shepherdson '17 and Sam Dyson '16 being married by The Rev. Sean Cavanaugh (past Upper School chaplain). [Right] Surrounded by guests at their wedding including many Saints!

their first child, Troy, in 2023, and they welcomed their second child, Christina, in 2024.

Stephon A. Burton began a new role as an associate attorney with Sneaker & Streetwear Legal Services, a NYCbased law firm focusing on business and intellectual property matters for creativesranging from athletes, entertainers, photographers, movie directors, fashion designers, stylists, and more.

James Kunder serves as a Surface Warfare Officer in the Navy stationed in San Diego, CA. He looks forward to celebrating the Class of 2015's 10th anniversary and the school's 100th! James would love to reconnect!

Joshua Reed graduated from NYU's Tisch School of The Arts with an MFA in film and television production. He is currently working on a feature film documentary titled “The Gift.” It follows the Morehouse Class of 2019, who received debt relief from billionaire philanthropist Robert Smith, and examines what similar relief could look like for all Americans.

After graduating with a bachelor's in chemistry from Stanford, Tucker Burnett joined a new start-up spun out of the lab where he performed his undergraduate research. He lived in San Francisco, Calif., following graduation, enjoying what the Bay Area had to offer, but said

goodbye in 2023 to further his education, pursuing a Ph.D. in biochemistry at UT Southwestern in Dallas, Texas. Tucker took some time off to travel before starting his Ph.D. program, thoroughly enjoying the food and culture of Japan and Thailand. Tucker's Ph.D. studies focus on a mutation linked to a specific subtype of lymphoma. He has been enjoying living in Dallas and looks forward to exploring what Texas has to offer!

CLASS OF 2016

Sarah Lowe

Austin Talbert-Loving was featured in an article, “Visionaries In Action: How Three Social Entrepreneurs Are Transforming Their Communities,” that was published on the ESSENCE website on August 31, 2024.

CLASS OF 2017

Adele Reardon and Brendon Richichi

Mia Howard graduated from the American University Washington College of Law with her J.D. in May 2024. Mia then took and passed the Maryland Bar Exam in August! Mia is currently working in the Washington, D.C. office of Grunfeld, Desiderio, Lebowitz, Silverman and Klestadt LLP in their international

trade practice group, where she focuses on antidumping and countervailing duty cases as well as related appellate litigation.

Campbell Shepherdson Dyson sent this lovely message to Kirsten Adams: “On December 21, Sam Dyson '16 and I were married at the National Museum of Women in the Arts, with Father Sean Cavanaugh officiating. As part of our ceremony, we included the St. Stephen's and St. Agnes prayer, honoring the nearly 90% of our guests who are SSSAS alumni—including both of our fathers, Sam's uncles, my aunts, etc. and my late grandfather, Chuck Shepherdson '61, whose memory was celebrated in the program. SSSAS and Alexandria have always been the thread weaving our lives and love together, and for that, we are profoundly grateful. From eighth grade onward, our teachers, coaches, and staff at SSSAS supported and encouraged our relationship in every way. We truly felt that there was no adult on campus who didn't champion us, and that unwavering support is what carried us to where we are today. We will forever be thankful for the love and guidance this school and its community have given us—and we hope to pass that legacy on to future generations. Hail to St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School!

“A special thank you to you, Mrs. Adams, for always being there for us whenever we needed it. Our entire wedding party consisted of our closest friends from SSSAS (Caroline Wiseman, Wynne Whitley, Jo Herget, Annakate Shepherdson '16, Lea Cox, Torie Cox '18, Annie Dyson '18, Besser Dyson Hooper '13, Matt Dyson '10, CJ Shepherdson '20, Wade Shervin '16, Turner Schmidt '16, Zach Miller '16, Bennett Miller '16, and Emmett “Mettus” Dunn '16), and that alone speaks volumes about the strength of the community that helped shape us. We truly believe that the love and support we received at SSSAS has the power to move mountains.”

Saints alums gathered for Jordan Harrington's '19 wedding, L-R: Tyler Smith '19, Cameron Sweet '19, Roosevelt Davis, Jordan, Ephraim Reed '19, Kirk McLean Jr. '19, Andrew Kiama, and Lucas Bires.

BASEBALL COMPLEX AT THOMPSON FIELD COLLABORATIVE LEARNING CURRICULUM

DEVELOPMENT SEMINARS EXPLORATION AND DISCOVERY ROBOTICS STUDENT COMMONS ARTS CENTER AND GALLERY GIFT OF A SAINTS EDUCATION PROFESSIONAL

DEVELOPMENT KNOWLEDGE AND GOODNESS LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES SUMMER STUDY FELLOWSHIPS SUPPORTS EMPOWERING STUDENTS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

STUDENT LEADERSHIP ALUMNI BRICK WALK LOWER SCHOOL SPORTS COURT

COMMUNITY STUDENT LEADERSHIP SCIENCE WING COLLABORATIVE LEARNING

THOUGHT LAB MENTORING UPPER SCHOOL DINING STUDENT ATHLETE MINDSET TRAINING EXPLORATION AND DISCOVERY BUILDING CONFIDENCE GROWTH MINDSET

New Additions

(Received prior to March 8, 2025)

Alumni

Glenn Spitler '00 and Mollye

Meredith Embry Spitler

November 7, 2024

Michelle Dee '02 and Kyle Stuart '02

Madison “Madi” Nicole Stuart

June 2, 2024

Julia Reeder '03 and Antonio Campos Garcia

Tomás Antonio Campos-Reeder

April 2, 2024

Kirsten Seglem '03 and her partner

Avi Drew Zimmerman

October 11, 2024

Pebbles Russell '04 and Adrian Moeller

Ace Ignatius Moeller

September 2024

Jen Holden Hollingsworth '05 and Thomas

Hayden Claussen Hollingsworth

February 11, 2025

Dabney Ellett Bowe '06 and Tim A daughter

November 11, 2024

Chazzo Habliston V '09 and Caroline

Charles Carroll Habliston VI

July 29, 2024

Sarah Ortman Sams '09 and James

Charlotte “Charlie” Harper Sams

July 11, 2024

Adam Sadick '10 and Era Zara Sadick

January 2, 2025

Sarah McAfee Sullivan '12 and James

Erin Louise Sullivan

July 25, 2024

Christen Hicks Sharpless '15 and Samuel

Christina June Sharpless

June 22, 2024

Faculty and Staff

Allanah Nash-Denis (US Language Teacher & US DEIB Coordinator) and Jean “JD”

Denis A daughter October 12, 2024

Dustin Jones (MS Math Teacher) and Claire Asher Charles Martin Jones

October 14, 2024

Micah Maloney (4th Grade Teacher) and Greg Shiloh and Selah

December 26, 2024

Meredith Embry Spitler

Allanah Nash-Denis' daughter

Tomás Antonio Campos-Reeder

Ace Ignatius Moeller

Charles Carroll Habliston VI

Christina June Sharpless

Selah Williams

Charlotte “Charlie” Harper Sams

Shiloh Williams

Erin Louise Sullivan

Weddings

(Received prior to March 8, 2025)

Alumni

Trace Carson '84 and Christine Simeone

December 7, 2024

Lauren Fiske '98 and Howie Furman

May 3, 2024

Elise Emmons '00 and Tony Ciampitti

July 6, 2024

Taylor Rains '04 and Carter Joyce

October 12, 2024

Margaret Platner '11 and Joseph Franco

June 8, 2024

Michele Phillips '12 and Brian Deline

October 12, 2024

Courtney Johnson '12 and Aurélien Thiverny

November 6, 2024

Blake Pohanka '13 and Satchel Ryan

August 24, 2024

Jameson Bloom '13 and Katie Hull

December 7, 2024

Riley Flynn '15 and Thomas Pitts

October 19, 2024

Campbell Shepherdson '17 and Sam Dyson '16

December 21, 2024

Jordan Harrington '19 and Elizabeth Budhai

February 2025

Faculty and Staff

David Yee (Director of Service Learning and Community Engagement) and Joanna Derman

September 28, 2024

Beth Chase (Chief Financial Officer) and Chris Gray

December 20, 2024

Katie Hull & Jameson Bloom '13

Michele Phillips '12 & Brian Deline

Trace Carson '84 & Christine Simeone

Sam Dyson '16 & Campbell Shepherdson '17

Carter Joyce & Taylor Rains '04

Joseph Franco & Margaret Platner '11

Courtney Johnson '12 & Aurélien Thiverny

Satchel Ryan & Blake Pohanka '13

Chris Gray & Beth Chase

In Memoriam

(Listings received prior to March 8, 2025

Alumni

Nan Wright '53

Cousin of Sue Corey '52

February 24, 2025

Anne Litchfield '55

February 19, 2025

Philip Herrick, Jr. '59

December 25, 2024

Susan Williams '63 sister of John Williams '62

Late 2024

William “Bill” Stilwell Culp '65

September 6, 2024

Donald F. Fontes '65

February 8, 2025

Sharon “Sherrie” Sievers '66

September 16, 2024

Catherine Orem Jackson '72

May 15, 2024

John Argerson '77 brother of Dennis '81 and Bill Argerson '78

April 4, 2024

David Buckner “LB” Berg '80 brother of William Berg '72, Henry “Hank” Berg '74, and Andrew Berg '85

March 9, 2024

Christine “Christie” Price '85 sister of David Price '79

January 5, 2025

Faculty, Staff, and Family

Bill Berry (past assistant basketball coach to Sleepy Thompson)

October 8, 2023

Robert Burney

brother of Kay Burney Butler '58

March 7, 2024

Morris Hoven, Jr.

husband of past faculty member Anne “Holly” Hoven (nee Holcombe), stepfather of Elizabeth Adams Lanou '87 and John Holcombe Lanou '90

May 25, 2024

Irving Smith husband of Lynn Smith '60

June 4, 2024

Virginia Heard (past staff) mother of Lisa Heard Donald '74 and Georgia “Doty” Heard '75

August 3, 2024

Philip Graf husband of Kiki Marnane '77

August 7, 2024

David R. Allison husband of Mary Anne Warner '68 father of Sarah Allison '08

August 8, 2024

Vernon Thomas “Tom” Lankford, Jr. (past SSSAS Board of Governors) father of Taylor Lankford '02, Cooper Lankford '04, and Hadley Lankford '08

August 20, 2024

Timothy Hausfeld husband of Karen Mierke Hausfeld '80

December 27, 2024

Ann Timberlake mother of James Timberlake III '98 and Elizabeth Timberlake '98, grandmother of James Hodgson '37 and Henry Hodgson '34

December 28, 2024

Terence Peterson father of Taylor Grace Peterson '23

January 6, 2025

Lorraine P. O'Hara Hannan wife of Bill Hannan III '62

January 6, 2025

Mary Kay “Katie” Howell (past staff) wife of past employee Jerry Howell '70 (deceased), mother of William Taylor '91 (deceased)

February 27, 2025

Michael Adair husband of Ann Manson Adair '59

February 28, 2025

400 Fontaine Street

Alexandria, Virginia 22302

If the addressee no longer lives at this address, please contact the school: 703-212-2720 or atoman@sssas.org