Patterns Magazine - Summer 2019

Patterns

SUMMER

2019

The Magazine of St. Martin’s Episcopal School

At St. Martin’s, we celebrate... faith, kindness, friendships, uniqueness, possibilities, milestones, growing up

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WHOLE

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Patterns EDITOR Kristi Gaffney

CONTRIBUTORS Dr. Luis Ottley Kristi Gaffney Sarah Taylor Wade Hanse Mark McDaniel Devin Fisher, 8th grade Bryant Lisenby, 8th grade Photography: Kristi Gaffney Sarah Taylor Adam Linke Paul Ward Design: Kathy Florence ADMINISTRATION Dr. Luis Ottley Head of School Cindy Alexander Principal, Early Childhood Dr. Mary McPherson Principal, Elementary School Tony Shaffer Principal, Middle School John Cunningham Chief Financial Officer Kristi Gaffney Director of Marketing Tina Haas Director of Advancement Blythe Marsau Director of Enrollment Management and Tuition Assistance Dr. Tiffany Russell Director of Diversity and Inclusion The Rev. Dr. Stefanie Taylor Chaplain Deacon Amy Dills-Moore Associate Church Rector Patterns is published biannually by St. Martin’s Episcopal School. Please direct any letters, comments or news items to: St. Martin’s Episcopal School 3110-A Ashford Dunwoody Rd. Atlanta, GA 30319 (404) 237-4260 Attn: Kristi Gaffney www.stmartinschool.org kgaffney@stmartinschool.org

Mission Statement : St. Martin’s Episcopal School is dedicated to providing a quality education of the whole person in a loving, Christian atmosphere, which fosters lifelong learning.

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LETTER

From the Head of School SEEN & HEARD

News and happenings in the school community S A LU T I N G O U R G R A D UAT E S

A fitting farewell as SMES’ class of 2019 heads to high school N E W F O R 2019 -2020 S C H O O L Y E A R

Kairos Learning Center O P E N I N G O F E A R LY C H I L D H O O D W I N G

Dedicated to WholeheartED GOLF TOURNAMENT

Spring event raises more than $60,000 FAC U LT Y N E W S

Updates from our faculty and administration S T E A M U P DAT E

The Human Element FROM OUR STUDENT REPORTERS

Stories around campus SMES VOLUNTEERS

Warrior Wings and a message from our PTO co-presidents SPORTS WRAP-UP

Sports teams complete seasons P O R T R A I T O F A G R A D UAT E

Julia White, Class of 2006 CLASS NOTES

Updates from our alumni VOICES

Mark McDaniel, SMES athletic director

@NewsatSMES

smesatl

from the head of school Dear SMES Families, As you receive this issue of Patterns, I hope you’re enjoying a restful and rejuvenating summer break. The 2018-19 school year was packed full of activities, achievements and learning for students from our Toddlers through our recent 8th-grade graduates. Now, it’s time to take a short break before we begin again.

“We must always change, renew, rejuvenate ourselves; otherwise, we harden.

— Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

As I reflect on the 2018-19 school year, I’m reminded of the many accomplishments made by our students and the St. Martin’s community at large. We finished building our state-of-the-art Early Childhood Learning Center, and students were able to spend much of the second semester in the new space enjoying all that it has to offer. We will be forever grateful to St. Martin in the Fields Episcopal Church for its generosity and support that ensured our students could stay on campus during this unexpected construction phase in the life of our school. I also want to thank everyone in the community who supported the Together We Rise campaign to fund this innovative learning space for young children. It has been a Herculean effort to make this happen and is a testament to the strength and resolve of the St. Martin’s community. So, thank you!

This issue of Patterns showcases some of the many programs and activities we offer and gives a proper send off to our recent 8th-grade graduates. Enjoy reading about graduation festivities and special awards. Kudos to this group, and best of luck as you enter high school in the fall. We’re proud to congratulate this year’s Oglethorpe Award winner, Matthew Aronowitz. This student award honors an 8th grader who exhibits intelligence, compassion, enthusiasm, responsibility and common sense— qualities desired and embodied by St. Martin’s students.

Also, drama teacher Heidi McKerley was awarded the Reeder Excellence in Teaching Award for her positive contribution to the school for 16 years.

In addition to our 8th graders graduating, we also celebrated our 5th graders “crossing the green” to Middle School and the Kindergartners receiving certificates for completion of the Early Childhood curriculum. They will cross the bridge to join the Elementary School in the fall. You’ll also read about the enhanced STEAM program that will be fully integrated into the spectrum of the SMES experience from Early Childhood through Middle School. We welcome veteran Elementary School science teacher Wade Hanse as he takes the reigns as STEAM Coordinator for

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the whole school. We held several alumni events this spring, and it’s always exciting to have alums back on campus.

Be sure to read about the many accomplishments of St. Martin’s graduates and all of the wonderful things they are doing in high school, college and as young professionals in our Class Notes section.

Again, St. Martin’s athletics had impressive seasons with several teams winning their league championships. You can read the details in this edition’s sports wrap and also learn a bit more about the man behind the scenes of St. Martin’s sports through a spotlight on athletic director Mark McDaniel.

We’re happy to report that a few new programs will launch in the fall. We’re excited to integrate the Kairos Learning Center into the St. Martin’s experience and also look forward to offering an extensive online curriculum for Middle School students who may want a bit more.

At St. Martin’s, we’re always striving to uphold our mission to provide a quality education of the whole person in a loving, Christian atmosphere which fosters lifelong learning. I don’t take that statement lightly and want to express my appreciation to all of our families, past and present, who’ve entrusted your children to be in our care for a wholehearted education. This summer, we’ll be busy balancing our time between planning for the school year and rejuvenating. We look forward to seeing everyone back on campus in mid-August. Have a great summer!

With love, light and blessings always,

PATTERNS

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seen & heard spring semester

Rocking

the Bees!

St. Martin’s kicked off the new year with the annual Middle School Geography Bee. Congratulations to first-place winner Peter van der Mandele (8th grade), and runners-up Drew Park (6th grade) and Christopher Kartsonas (7th grade).

“Peter did not miss a single question,” said event moderator and Director of High School Placement Neil Conrad. “All of the finalists answered more questions correctly than in previous years, possibly even in SMES history.”

Drew Park, Peter van der Mandele and Christopher Kartsonas.

A week later SMES held its annual Middle School Spelling Bee. Fourth- through 8th-grade audience members watched as the final two contestants, Avalana Brock (7th grade) and Adelaide Hanna (6th grade) competed for several rounds before Adelaide spelled the winning word “status quo.” The two went on to compete at the GISA Unit Spelling Bee, and Avalana made SMES history by progressing to Round 3 of this state-level competition.

Avalana Brock and Adelaide Hanna with Dr. Ottley

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S PR I N G

Open Houses

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SMES faculty, staff and student volunteers welcomed prospective families to campus for three Open House events in late January and early February. At the Early Childhood events, visitors enjoyed guided tours of the new Early Childhood Learning Center and learned how the intentionally designed space supports lowerdivision curriculum and programs. Parents at each event had the opportunity to hear opening remarks from Head of School Luis Ottley and to meet and speak with student ambassadors, teachers and staff while their children enjoyed STEAM-based activities.

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Praying Together in Community The annual School Sunday service held special significance this year because it marked 60 years since St. Martin in the Fields Episcopal Church founded SMES as a preschool in 1959. Church members and school parents and students gathered together for a morning of worship and enjoyed performances by the St. Martin’s chorus and praise band.

Cookies for a Cause

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The annual 5th-grade Cookie Company service project raised $1,000 for the University of Georgia’s Marine Extension Service on Skidaway Island. The proceeds were raised at the annual schoolwide cookie sale where 5th-grade “companies” sold original recipe cookies. The cookie creations ranged from Wookie Cookies to Rainbowlicious. Throughout the project, “employees” learned about product design, marketing strategies, sales and more. The “CFO” from each company deposited the proceeds at Fidelity Bank alongside SMES CFO John Cunningham. The 5th-grade students hand-delivered the donation on their first overnight field trip to Skidaway Island.

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seen & heard spring semester

Break a Leg!

#smesfinearts

Orlando Band Trip The Middle School Band traveled to Orlando’s Walt Disney World to attend a music workshop and also enjoy the parks.

During the workshop, students recorded the music for a scene from “Despicable Me,” and five lucky students were selected to be voice actors for the scene.

Ga. Jr. Thespian Conference For the sixth year in a row, SMES drama students scored big at the Ga. Jr. Thespian Conference. The troupe entered three musical numbers, three acting pieces and two sound design projects.

Three of the troupe’s competition pieces were selected for the final showcase, an honor reserved for the conference’s eight highest scoring entries.

The troupe also received six overall Superior scores and two overall Excellent scores, and all 35 SMES students earned the opportunity to compete at the International Thespian Festival in June.

Chorus at Center Court SMES’ combined chorus performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” to open an Atlanta Hawks basketball game in March. After the performance, the chorus and their St. Martin’s fans enjoyed the game together.

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May the Best Water Rocket

Win!

SMES students won medals in nine of the 17 categories they competed in at the DeKalb County Elementary Science Olympiad. Congratulations to Patrick Feagin, McCall Smith and Tanner Vassian, who received first-place medals for their projects.

As part of the PTO Fling’s silent auction, one student from each division enjoyed the title of “Principal for the Day.” Each “principal” enjoyed special perks and chose activities for his or her division.

St. Martin’s principals were Hank Jowers (EC), Cooper Martenson (ES) and Katherine Davis (MS). A few of the day’s highlights included Hank greeting students at carpool, Cooper speaking on live Warrior TV announcements, and Katherine taking a limousine to lunch with friends.

MS Musical The St. Martin’s spring musical “Newsies” received standing ovations for all three performances. The story of Jack Kelly and his band of newsies came to life through skilled and practiced acting, dancing and singing. An audience favorite, tap dancing, was incorporated into the spring musical for the third year in a row. The play was supported by an incredible set design, turn-of-the-century inspired costumes and a talented tech crew. Students, parent volunteers and staff dedicated hours of hard work to bring this musical to the SMES stage.

Congratulations to all involved.

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seen & heard spring semester

Fellowship and Fun For All St. Martin’s celebrated its inaugural Feast Day, a full day of fellowship and fun in honor of the school’s patron saint: Martin of Tours. Festivities began with a parade highlighting St. Martin’s seven Core Values: Faith, Kindness, Friendships, Uniqueness, Possibilities, Milestones and Growing Up. Elementary and Middle School students enjoyed a morning outdoor chapel service while Early Childhood students listened to a special musical guest. ES and MS students spent the day rotating through stations including a dance party, oversized games, karaoke, an art project, a service project and an arcade put on by the 8th-grade class. The day ended with a surprise faculty lipsync contest.

Martin of Tours was a member of the Roman imperial army.

One day, he encountered a beggar and decided to cut his heavy officer’s cloak in half to share with the beggar.

Later Martin had a vision of Christ wearing the cloak.

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The PTO held its biennial Fling gala, “Illuminate,” in January at the InterContinental Buckhead. Highlights included a sponsor preview party with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres followed by the main events, silent and live auctions, seated dinner and, of course, dancing.

More than 370 guests arrived to find an elegantly decorated ballroom where they enjoyed a social cocktail hour while bidding

on silent auction items such as teacher treasures, class artwork and much more. The highly-anticipated live auction followed dinner, and guests raised their paddles for items ranging from tickets to KISS and Queen with Adam Lambert concerts to a private eight-course meal prepared by Local Three chef, Chris Hall. The PTO raised $126,500 and plans to help purchase an industrial dishwasher for the kitchen and to provide important enhancements to SMES buildings, campus and curriculum.

‘Ohana’ means Family

Staff Showered with with th Spring Flowers

The PTO helds its beloved annual Father Daughter Dance on a warm Saturday in March. This year the attendees enjoyed a Hawaiian Luau theme complete with festive food and treats, tropical slushie drinks and fabulous decorations.

April brought the annual St. Martin’s PTO Spring Flowers tradition to campus for everyone to enjoy.

PTO parents arranged and delivered beautiful bouquets to every SMES faculty and staff member.

PATTERNS PATT PA TTER ERNS NS

Summer Summ mmeer 2019 201 0199

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seen & heard spring semester ISHING FOR KNOWLEDGE

o

St. Martin’s 5th graders traveled to the UGA Marine Institute on Skidaway Island near Savannah for their first overnight field trip. Students learned about Georgia’s coastal flora and fauna up close through outdoor excursions and classroom activities. Fifth-grade scientists collected their own samples to test in the lab, picked up horseshoe crabs and other creatures in the touch tank, and dissected squid.

Packed House @ STEAM Night St. Martin’s welcomed 4th- and 5thgrade parents to campus for the fourth-annual Elementary School STEAM Night in early May. Teams of students lined the halls of the Middle School building ready to explain and demonstrate their STEAM projects to guests. Students wowed the crowd with projects ranging from magnetic slime and balloon-powered cars to spirographs and pollock catapults.

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Music and Movement

on Georgia’s Coast

Toddlers, Beginners and Pre-K students shared their developing vocal, auditory and spatial skills with parents at their annual spring music programs. Entertainment abounded as students performed choreographed songs, danced with colorful props and played instruments. As always, the music programs stole the hearts of all in attendance.

The 2019 8th-grade graduating class spent five days hiking and rafting in the Grand Canyon and neighboring national parks and recreation sites.

During this capstone trip, the views captivated students as they spent the week bonding with their classmates and reflecting on their years at St. Martin’s.

The 7th-grade class traveled to the nation’s capital and toured many famous memorials, museums and other historic sites in Washington, D.C. New this year, the 6th-grade class embarked on a tour of Alabama’s historically significant civil rights sites. They visited the Rosa Parks Museum, walked across the Edmund Pettus Bridge, toured the 16th Street Baptist Church and also found time to take in a baseball game.

middle School Class Trips

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seen & heard spring semester

Kids helping Kids

The Francophonie Drawing Contest celebrates the French language and the richness of francophonie cultures from around the world. Congratulations to SMES contest winners: first row (l-r): Ben Hoover, Lila Botham, Madeline Bradner, Adeline Viens and Molly Flaman; second row (l-r): Bennett Ford, Fletcher Black, Lexi Allen, Emily Schrier and Stella House; and third row (l-r): Nathan Loope, Flynn Keppen, Charlotte Zalenski, Kiley Spink and Gabby Nama (placed 3rd overall).

Félicitations The 23rdannual “Kids Helping Kids” service learning project collected more than 400 items including books, first-aid kits and hygiene kits for The Good Samaritan Health Center. The SOLVE Jr. Club delivered the donations to the center and learned more about how the items will impact children and families in the Atlanta area who are in need of basic medical and personal supplies.

Welcome to SMESwarts!

St. Martin’s transformed into the magical wizarding world of SMESwarts for the EC and ES Field Day celebrations in early May. Elementary students stepped through platform 9 ¾’s curtain to find the main field filled with toys and games. Each grade level dressed as a different Hogwarts house and participated in games and activities such as Quidditch, hip-hop dancing, karate and more.

At Early Childhood Field Day, students donned Harry Potter props and posed for the camera in a special photo booth. Classes also enjoyed some muggle fun outside including hula hoops, dancing, obstacle courses and sidewalk chalk.

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CELEBR ATING MILESTONES The Early Childhood End of Year Assembly is a bittersweet tradition at St. Martin’s, celebrating the accomplishments and progress of every Early Childhood student, from Toddlers to Kindergartners, as they prepare to transition to a new grade level in the fall.

Adoring parents crowded into the chapel and watched with pride as children received certificates from teachers.

Toddlers led the way followed by the Kindergartners who received “diplomas.”

This SMES milestone is a sign of transition from Early Childhood to 1st grade and the entry into Elementary School in the fall. Pre-K and Beginner classes were also recognized before students were dismissed for summer break. The students enjoyed this St. Martin’s tradition while parents shed a tear or two as they recognized this ceremony as an important sign of growing up.

The 5th-grade class ceremoniously “crossed the green” in this beloved annual event to signify their entry into middle school. Led by ES Principal Dr. Mac and accompanied by their 7th-grade buddies, the 5th graders walked from the ES building across the green turf to the MS building, where MS Principal Tony Shaffer greeted them and welcomed them inside for treats. Younger ES students cheered on the class of 2022 as they move on to their next stage of growing up.

These students will enjoy a new building, different uniforms and all of the opportunities offered as middle school students at St. Martin’s.

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s the St. Martin’s Episcopal School class of 2019 processed into the Cathedral of St. Philip to celebrate the important milestone of graduation, students were greeted with love and support from a community who celebrates both the opportunity to cherish childhood and the importance of growing up. Some members of the class have been together since Pre-K while others joined the class for Middle School, but the bond created and memories shared by these 46 students will stay with them for a lifetime.

The May 23 ceremony closed a month filled with activities, events and trips to honor this group of 8th graders, and commenced the moment and opportunity for each to begin moving on to their respective high schools — or to a new “circle” as class of 2019 Student Council President Liza Love pointed out in her graduation address.

“I like to think of life as multiple circles,” she said. “Each person has their own set of circles, and the decisions they make impact everyone else’s circles.” She underscored her thought by reading a poignant quote from Pope Francis: “This is important: to get to know people, listen, expand the circle of ideas. The world is crisscrossed by roads that come closer together and move apart, but the important thing is that they lead toward the good.” Love reminded her classmates of the many circles created during their time at St. Martin’s and the importance of the impact these circles have had on one another along the way.

Immeasurable Moments

Veteran SMES parent and professional speaker and trainer Dr. Lori Hart delivered the commencement address filled with love, humor and a challenge to the graduates to create “immeasurable moments” in their lives. She defined immeasurable moments as “moments you will never forget... moments you will always remember; however, others might not. These moments quickly move from the short term to longterm cognition. Experiences from SMES are immeasurable moments. They stay with you.”

She illustrated this idea through thoughtful storytelling from her own life as well as recounting some special moments shared with her by St. Martin’s faculty who’ve known the class of 2019 through the years. Dr. Hart stressed the impact that kindness can have on the lives of the graduates and concluded with some sage advice: “It is gratefulness that makes us happy, not happiness that makes us grateful. So, be grateful. Be grateful for this ceremony. For the rituals. For the

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St. Martin’s values. For your education. For the friendships you have made and for all of your immeasurable moments.”

The ceremony capped off a number of immeasurable moments for graduates as together they experienced a week-long trip to the Grand Canyon, completed their semesterlong capstone STEAM boxcar project and enjoyed being honored at numerous special events leading up to graduation day.

Honors Assembly

The annual Honors Assembly was kicked off by the SMES tradition of the 8th-grade clap out. This ceremonious event was led

by Dr. Ottley, who rang the official St. Martin’s bell as the students and 8th-grade faculty processed through the halls of the

school lined by lowerclassmen who officially clapped them out as they passed by on their way to the school gym where they were greeted with cheers.

The assembly honored outstanding achievements of students in Elementary and Middle School with recognitions including Duke TIP recipients, honor roll and headmaster’s list, student council and student vestry recognitions along with Elementary and Middle school academic awards. Eighth-grade student council representatives Jack Schmitt and Austin Scott presented the class of 2019’s gift to the school of an outdoor light to illuminate the American flag that’s flown in the carpool key.

This gift will allow the flag to remain raised day and night to honor our country.

Best of luck to the class of 2019!

Baylor School, Chattanooga, TN

Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School

Blessed Trinity Catholic High School

The Lovett School Marist School

Chamblee High School Dunwoody High School The Galloway School

Mount Vernon Presbyterian School Pace Academy Riverwood International Charter School

Grady High School St. Pius X Catholic High School

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Special highlights at the assembly were top awards given to both a student and a teacher. The Oglethorpe Award is given to an 8th-grade student who must be a good citizen of the school and community and exhibit intelligence, compassion, enthusiasm, responsibility and common sense.

Faculty members nominated students, and a committee determined the winner. This year’s award recipient was Matthew Aronowitz.

who is characterized by positive contributions to the school.

Criteria for nomination include a dedicated commitment to students, a positive attitude, loyalty, dedication, flexibility and good relationships with students, parents, administrators and other teachers. In addition to the honor, Mrs. McKerley received a generous stipend from the Reeder Foundation. The Reeder Award is peer-nominated and previous award winners choose the recipient.

Matthew was recognized on the Headmaster’s list and is a member of the St. Martin’s Honor Society. He was awarded Student of the Week and has been involved in several activities during his middle school years. He played on the St. Martin’s basketball team for three years, was named Most Improved and earned the Warrior Award. Matthew also played Ultimate Frisbee, and was a member of the French Club, Fishing Club and Japan Club. Outside of school, he was active as a volunteer for the Community Food Bank, CHC and Fur Kids, and also worked as a counselor at The Camp at St. Martin’s during the summer months.

Mrs. McKerley is a 16-year veteran at St. Martin’s and has grown the theater department into a thriving, award-winning arts program for the school. With 16 musicals, six oneact competitions and seven Georgia Jr. Thespian Festival conferences under her belt, she works tirelessly to bring out the best in all of the students who participate in the drama program. She also directs the annual SMES Veteran’s Day assembly and has produced the World Storytelling Celebration for many years. McKerley serves on a number of school committees, sponsors a variety of clubs and is incredibly active in the Atlanta theater community where she writes, directs and teaches for more than 19 theaters in the region. She’s also been nominated for 13 Suzi Bass Awards and won Best Director of a musical for “Avenue Q.”

This year’s top teacher award was presented to Director of Speech and Drama Heidi McKerley. The Reeder Excellence in Teaching Award is an annual award that recognizes a teacher

Oglethorpe Award winner Matthew Aronowitz (l) and SMES Reeder Excellence in Teaching Award winner Heidi McKerley (r) with Dr. Ottley at the Honors Assembly.

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On your mark, get set, go!

8th-Grade Capstone STEAM Project

The competition was fierce as 8th-graders rolled their boxcars to the starting line to compete in the second annual 8th-grade boxcar race.

Parents, faculty and students lined the school parking lot to cheer on the class of 2019 as they raced their cars to cap off this semester-long STEAM project. Students were divided into teams of three or four and asked to apply their skills in science, technology, engineering, art and math to build a working boxcar to race against their peers.

Each team kicked off the project by producing a to-scale blueprint of their design, and then the fun began. The students were tasked with building a boxcar made of mostly recycled materials to accommodate one rider and two pushers. To support the project, students were also required to create a website to communicate the intention behind the design

and determine a fun theme (think Moana or Minecraft) for their car design and costumes.

A twist to the project was the requirement for each team to perform a choreographed dance in front of the crowd prior to racing.

Sixteen teams competed for four titles: fastest boxcar, most agile boxcar, best overall theme and best website. After four rounds of racing, the “Cars” team screeched into first place with an impressive winning time of 8.5 seconds.

“High School Musical” clenched first-place in the agility course. Fifth-grade students and their teachers voted to award the “Powerpuff Girls” with best theme, costumes and dance.

Finally, the 8th-grade faculty team awarded “Surfer Girls” with the trophy for best website.

The project was created and named for Carter Davis, son of St. Martin’s 8th-grade English teacher Michele Davis, who passed away in August of 2016.

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My Best Advice

Here’s what’s

On the minds of our graduates...

• Do your homework or any other work first before what you like to do. Matthew Aronowitz • Ask your teachers for help if you don’t understand.

Don’t be nervous. Reese Butler • Keep a strong work ethic. Stella Jane Eskew • Try new things, make memories, and work hard.

Devin Fisher • Trust the process. Hugo Fleming • Pay attention in class. Tanner Grady • Study for every new thing you learn. Ryan Lisowski • Never give up. Connor Hawk • Put yourself out there. Defy people’s ’ss expectations. e Make lots of memories. Sophia Karampelas • Get enough sleep. Connor McCarthy • Try your hardest and communicate with your teachers. Max Miller

• Enjoy it while you can. Satya Patel • You only have a few years with your friends. Don’t let drama ruin your time. Kate Perry • Try new things. Jesse Sherrill • Treat others the way you want to be treated.

If you’re not nice, middle school isn’t fun.

Ainsley Thomas • Don’t be fake. Parker Vedell

Matthew Aronowitz—Class trips ••• Hadley Broughton—8th Grade PE Buddies ••• Maddie Crofton—Superstitions to tonguetwisters ••• Devin Fisher—Boxcar race and Middle School dances ••• Sophia Karampelas—The animals on St. Francis Day ••• Caroline Koziol—Halloween parade with the Kindergarteners ••• Nicholas Lennon—the Spring Musical ••• Liza Love—Field trips ••• Luca Schittone—Spirit Day ••• Jules Schmidt—The Halloween Parade and the Grand Canyon trip ••• Lilly Grace Short—End-of-year trips ••• Leila Shujaee— Box car •••Truman Thompson— Sports assemblies

Cele Camp—Marine Biologist ••• Griffin Clare— NBA Player ••• Gracie Crofton—3D modeler of video games ••• Matthew Gillin—Engineer ••• Tanner Grady—Actor ••• Simon Guterman— Broadway sound designer ••• Henry Hildreth–A marketing job ••• Thomas Kinser—Chemist ••• Bryant Lisenby—Something involving sports: reporter, player or writer ••• Carson Lott—Fashion designer ••• Katie Nama—Behavioral Analyst or a field journalist ••• Jack O’Donnell—Doctor ••• Jesse Sherrill— Soccer player ••• Leila Shujaee—Lawyer ••• Ainsley Thomas—Neuroscientist ••• Truman Thompson— Olympian/professional runner/athlete ••• Peter van der Mandele—Dentist ••• Lucas Voorhies—Engineer ••• Abby Williams—Physical therapist for kids with Down Syndrome

Cele Camp—Playing softball and basketball ••• Maddie Crofton—Writing fiction •••Matthew Gillin—Golf ••• Isabella Halkos—Triatholon training ••• Thomas Kinser–Scouts ••• Nicholas Lennon—Spending time with friends ••• Ryan Lisowski—Playing the guitar ••• Ansley Massanelli—Reading ••• Jack O’Donnell—Soccer ••• Satya Patel— Making mix tapes, playing music and practicing with my band ••• Emma Schwind—Hanging out with friends, singing, dancing and baking •••Lilly Grace Short—Playing volleyball

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Three words to describe my SMES experience

HADLEY BROUGHTON GRIFFIN CLARE ISABELLA HALKOS

We prefer...

CONNOR HAWK CAROLINE KOZIOL BRYANT LISENBY CARSON LOTT JACKSON MATHIS CONNOR MCCARTHY

55%

MAX MILLER

Snapchat>Instagram

KATE PERRY JULES SCHMIDT

71%

Physical Books>E-Readers

JACK SCHMITT EMMA SCHWIND PETER VAN DER MANDELE

74% 91%

The Office>Stranger Things

ABBY WILLIAMS

1 Acceptance Fun Growth Loving Fun Fun Fun Fun Community Fun Community Educational Loving Roller Kind Welcoming

2 3 Community Exciting Inspiration Family Caring Challenging Interesting Hope Discipline Supporting Friendships Remarkable Friendly Coaster Friendship Loving

Inspiring Special Family Kind Community Meaningful Educational Trust Action Academic Memorable Enjoyable Exciting Ride Education Happy

Chick-fil-A>Mellow Mushroom 58%

Drake>Ariana Grande

My Dream Career Favorite SMES Traditions

High School Goals

Reese Butler—Play varsity sports and get into my topchoice college ••• Gracie Crofton—Be valedictorian••• Stella Jane Eskew—Be more independent••• Hugo Fleming—Be varsity quarterback ••• Simon Guterman—Make all As before graduation ••• Henry Hildreth— Get good grades ••• Liza Love—Be on a dance team••• Ansley Massanelli—Go to the Georgia Thespian Conference ••• Jackson Mathis—Get all As ••• Katie Nama—Make good grades and get into an amazing college ••• Luca Schittone— Letter in sports ••• Jack Schmitt—Score a Superior in Thespian Conference ••• Austin Scott—Be Top 3 in class and drama••• Parker Vedell—Continue to learn••• Lucas Voorhies—Make a club

HOBBIES PATTERNS PA ATT TER E NS

Summer Summer 2019

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What’s New@SMES? he 2018-19 school year brought two new educational programs to campus to enhance the SMES learning experience and better serve the needs of bright students with language-based learning differences and those who may want enriched programming.

Kairos Learning Center

The Kairos Learning Center and the Hybrid Learning Consortium were piloted in the spring semester and will be fully-integrated for the 2019-20 school year.

independent schools, teachers and students from around the world to provide innovative online and blended learning opportunities. HLC creates a globalized learning community through online courses taught by faculty at our partner schools. Courses such as Geometry, Algebra II, Latin and Mandarin Chinese are just some of the course offerings, and students can also pursue mini-courses such as coding, game theory and chemistry in cooking.

These mission-appropriate programs came about as a result of internal program assessment and parent feedback for ways to enhance the overall learning experience at St. Martin’s.

SMES Goes Global

St. Martin’s concluded its second school year of offering global travel opportunities to Middle School students.

Last fall, SMES again welcomed a group of 8th-grade students from Colegio Episcopal de Panamá for three weeks of cultural immersion including a home-stay with SMES families, trips to notable cultural sites in and around Atlanta and time at school to experience Kairos offers a unique learning environment for students in Elementary and Middle School who have languagebased learning differences such as dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia that affect their ability to learn in larger classes utilizing traditional teaching methods. This “school-within-a-school” approach will allow identified students to receive additional support balanced with immersion in the educational experience, extracurricular opportunities and overall culture offered at St. Martin’s Episcopal School. The program provides speciallytailored programs allowing bright students to become stronger and more confident learners.

For Middle School students who may want a bit more, the Hybrid Learning Consortium (HLC) brings together

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ST. MARTIN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

all that St. Martin’s has to offer. This month, nine SMES students and five chaperons are visiting Panamá for an immersive experience of their own.

They are enjoying a home-stay with Colegio Episcopal de Panamá families and will have the opportunity to attend school, visit cultural sites, volunteer at an orphanage and more.

In addition to the exchange to Central America, St. Martin’s was also chosen by the Office of the Ministry of Japan to take part in a 10-day cultural exchange program in Tokyo, Japan.

Last March, six 8th–grade students and five chaperons enjoyed a unique international cultural experience through the Kakehashi Project.

This youth exchange program between Japan and the United States is funded by the Japanese government to promote a global understanding of Japan’s economy, society, history, diverse culture, politics and foreign policy.

The trip included visits to several historical and educational sites, museums and opportunities to experience traditional and cultural activities. The group also enjoyed a two-day “home-stay” with Japanese host families for an immersive cultural experience.

In addition to traveling the globe, St. Martin’s students are introduced to world languages in the classroom beginning in Early Childhood, and they build on that knowledge throughout their journey at SMES. Early Childhood students begin learning the fundamentals of both Spanish and French through age-appropriate, multisensory methods. The study continues through the Elementary years, and in Middle School, students choose their language of choice for a deeper dive in preparation for high school.

Dedicated to

EA R LY CHILDHOOOD LEARNING CENTER

After an 18month building process, early 2019 was an eventful time as St. Martin’s Episcopal School dedicated its new Early Childhood Learning Center and opened for students to experience a “second first day” of school. SMES’ youngest students, aged two through Kindergarten, were excited to move into their innovative new space offering double the size of the previous building. With classrooms and an outdoor space designed specifically for young children, the building replaces the school’s Early Childhood wing that was destroyed by an arson fire on July 4, 2017.

“It has long been the school’s vision to create a larger, purpose-built space to meet the unique needs of our youngest students,” said Head of School Dr. Luis Ottley. “When the fire destroyed the home of our Early Childhood Program, we embraced the opportunity to execute that vision.”

The new building includes a STEAM village that intentionally connects a

science lab, tinker space and art room, all geared to foster engagement and collaborative learning among young children. The outdoor learning space and natural play area are accessible from classrooms using garage doors, allowing a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor learning.

“We have been incredibly blessed to build such a unique space for our students,” said Early Childhood Principal Cindy Alexander. “Our teachers and students are thrilled about all of the active learning opportunities the building has to offer. I’m so proud for St. Martin’s to be on the cutting edge of early childhood education with our curriculum supported by this innovative new building. It couldn’t have happened without the support of so many in the community, and I want to thank all of the SMES parents, community members, St. Martin’s Church and the staff and crew at Evergreen Construction who all helped make this vision a reality.”

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A Golf Tourney You Won’t FORE Get! t. Martin’s held its 17th Annual Golf Tournament on a windy spring day at the Cherokee Country Club to raise money for the St. Martin’s Endowment Fund. The tournament began with a putting contest, followed by a shotgun start for the 29 teams of golfers.

On the 18th hole, participants could pay to have a middleschool golfer putt for them. At the end of the day, golfers enjoyed a dinner, raffle and award ceremony to celebrate the tournament winners. More than $60,000 was raised for the Endowment Fund as a result of the tournament.

The Endowment Fund helps to fund financial aid for deserving students, teacher professional development and more.

A special thank you to the golf committee, volunteers, players and sponsors for making this event a huge success.

LOW GROSS

First-Place Team The Masterson Family: Scott Masterson Judson Wallace Harrison Spires LOW NET

First-Place Team Mellow Mushroom Group: Jon Oswald Ben Marcum Shane Rearick David Cohen

GOLF COMMITTEE Mike Park, Chair Brad Buie Matthew DiVinere Rob Eskew Patrick Fleming

Putting Contest Winner Judson Wallace

Tim Gartland Eric Leister Jared Lisenby

Closest to the Pin David Burdette

Chuck Lisowski Chuck MacPhee

Longest Drive Matt Vaughn

Scott Mathis Santiago Tagtachian

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Summer Sum Su umm mmer er 22019 019 01 019

ST ST. T. MARTIN’S MA A EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

FA C U LT Y N E W S School nurse Pam Pomar welcomed her first grandchild, Isadora, on March 8, 2019. She was 9 lbs., 8.5 oz.

School Chaplain Stefanie Taylor completed her doctorate degree in educational ministry from Columbia Theological Seminary in May. The Rev. Dr. Stefanie Taylor and family Beginner teacher Dylan Miree married Chandler Pope on June 8, 2019, in Jackson Hole, Wyo.

David Gushee and Lydia Fletcher Fourth-grade assistant teacher Lydia Fletcher married David Gushee on Dec. 15, 2018, at the Roswell Mill Club in Roswell. The couple honeymooned in Playa Mujeres, Mexico.

Dylan Miree and Chandler Pope Early Childhood Reading and Technology Specialist Kathy Koporec and 6th-grade teacher Laura Lewis will transition into new positions as Kairos Learning Center instructors for the 2019-20 school year.

Finance Associate Maria Rigby married Etienne Demers Bouchard on April 27, 2019, at Camp Marymount in Nashville. The couple honeymooned in Hawaii.

Curtis Hanse Elementary School science teacher Wade Hanse and wife Mary Beth welcomed son Curtis McCrimmon Hanse on Jan. 18, 2019. He weighed 7 lbs., 4 oz., and was 20.5 in. long.

For the 2019-20 school year, Mr. Hanse will be the new STEAM Coordinator at St. Martin’s and will facilitate the implementation and development of STEAM-based education across the Early Childhood, Elementary School and Middle School divisions.

Maria Rigby and Etienne Demers Bouchard

FAREWELL Long-time Elementary teacher Sally McKenna is retiring after 18 years at St. Martin’s. Over the years, she has served as both a 3rd- and 4thgrade lead teacher and a 5th-grade assistant teacher. “From the first day I walked in the door, St. Martin’s has felt like home,” says McKenna. “I have worked with some awesome people, made great friends, and watched special children grow up.

I feel very fortunate to have found St. Martin’s.” In her retirement, Sally will enjoy time with her four grandchildren, explore the great outdoors and check off bucket-list items with her husband.

Congratulations!

Savanna Ford will join the 4thgrade team as language arts teacher, Julie Ann Stovall will transition into the role of 5th-grade math teacher, Katherine McCauley will become a 2nd-grade lead teacher, and Leah Frechette will move from EC to an ES assistant teacher. Annie Hollett will transition into the role of EC reading and technology instructor, Brandi Tant accepted the Elementary School science teacher position, Kat Conway will be a Beginners lead teacher and Eileen Bernard will assist Ms. Conway in her Beginners’ classroom.

Moving On After eight years at SMES, fifth-grade math teacher Kate Larsen is expecting twins in the fall. She and seven-year veteran, 4th-grade language arts teacher Alex Betts will stay home to spend more time with their families. We also bid farewell to 2nd-grade lead teacher Lauren Steiner, who will marry fiancé Ed Aponte in the fall, and to six-year Spanish teacher Stuart Haddow, 3rd-grade assistant Haley Gordon and six-year EC Assistant Linda Weber, French teacher Amanda Roberson and Associate Director of Enrollment Lauren Stewart, who will be pursuing new opportunities.

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The Human

By Wade Hanse, STEAM Coordinator ver the last decade, I have had the distinct privilege of working with some incredible children and adults.

With each new relationship, I grew as a professional and became a more dedicated educator. In reflection on all I have seen over the years, the two most important lessons I have learned are that students are the most precious resource in schools followed closely by the need for passionate teachers. This human element, a caring will for kindling meaningful development, is what makes good education great.

Take a moment and allow your mind to drift back to your childhood. What did you consider the bleeding edge technology of your time? I was a child of the ’90s.

My youth saw the internet and America Online invade American households, VHS

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ST. MARTIN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

Element gave way to the DVD, and, most significant to the current generation, cell phones sent their first 140-character text messages. Nearly 30 years later and the dial-up internet of the ’90s is laughably obsolete. DVDs have been left to litter the forgotten shelves of our entertainment centers, and SMS messaging is almost unrecognizable, now gilded in memes, emojis and animated GIFs.

...we as a community, must foster, validate, and allow each child to pursue his or her ideas with vigor.

The purpose of our quick trip down memory lane is not to remind everyone how incredible the ’90s were—because we all already know they were—but to provide perspective on how quickly technology and industry move in our contemporary society. The rate of development and change makes it a nearly impossible task to foresee what the future holds with any certainty.

In this era of continuous advancement, the human element has become more critical than ever. So, how best can we prepare our students for the rigors of tomorrow? In a word: Innovation.

Innovation is a talent that requires users to problem-solve, think creatively, and gaze beyond the surface of a situation.

Students learn these skills best when committed teachers provide caring environments that allow for investigation, application, error and revision. Stated more simply, students learn to be innovative through authentic experiences.

In my new role as the STEAM Coordinator at St. Martin’s, it is my mission to amplify the human element in our classrooms

and support teachers in creating inquirybased, problem-solving opportunities for our students. It must be stated that embracing an innovative mindset is a gradual and sometimes arduous process. However, through regular experiential learning, which develops reasoning, planning, and the utilization of appropriate technology, innovative problem solving can become a fundamental, cognitive component of each St. Martin’s student.

The purpose of highlighting “The Human Element” in Patterns is to create a transparent forum for parents, teachers, and students to see and showcase the innovative and creative activities taking place in our school. At St. Martin’s, our students are our most valuable resource, and I firmly believe their creativity will change the face of tomorrow. Therefore, we as a community, must foster, validate, and allow each child to pursue his or her ideas with vigor.

In my career, I have always told my students I want them to see the world and all that is in it as what it can be, rather than merely as what it is. Regardless of what the future brings or how quickly it changes, innovative thinking will provide our St. Martin’s students with a foundation for sustained success.

From our toddlers to our Elementary schoolers, and up through our 8th-grade students, I look forward to sharing their growth with you!

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by student writer Bryant Lisenby, 8th grade

Exceeding Expectations The Story of the 2019 SMES A Boys Basketball Team

“Being on the SMES A Team was a fun and inspiring experience.”

—Jack O’Donnell ast fall, ten athletic students at St. Martin’s Episcopal School were put together to form the St. Martin’s A-team for basketball. With only one returning member from the year before— Truman Thompson— the inexperienced team hoped for the best in the season. After the first week or two of practices, the team realized they were not the most talented of teams and would have to win games with great effort instead of great skill.

The team spent most of their time at practices working on rebounding and defense. A lot of conditioning and hard work was in play during these practices, as the boys would need to be very scrappy every game in order to win.

The first game was thrown very quickly at them, but they managed to put up a good defensive fight against AIS. Offense, however, was a different story and SMES took a close loss at 24-20.

After the game, the coaches and players were proud of their effort and believed that they would have a successful season after gaining more experience.

Two days later was the next game, but the story was much different this time. They played away against Atlanta

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Academy, and dominated on every level possible. SMES was taller, faster, and smarter, which led to a 64-19 win.

The team then had two solid weeks of practice heading into Christmas break.

After the break, many players were thinking that they would tear up the remaining eight games left in the season and possibly even win the league. This was not the case, however. St. Martin’s put up great fights against everyone they played, but their lack in size, strength and experience proved to hurt them in the second part of the season.

The SMES A basketball team struggled, but they did not let it get the best of them. Coach Rob Harris and Coach Mark McDaniel kept the players’ confidence high, and motivated them before each game. “Our team was not the most talented of teams, but our approach to every game ultimately led to us winning some,” said Coach Rob. The Warriors finished the regular season 3-8, but ended on some high notes in the playoffs.

The first round of playoffs was against Holy Spirit, a team SMES lost to earlier in the season. On the bus ride to the

ST. MARTIN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

game, the players learned that their next school day was canceled due to “snow,” so the players knew they would have a day of rest and could give 110 percent to this game. The game tipped off, and SMES’ energy and focus put them up 14-4 quickly. The first quarter ended, and SMES had completely outplayed Holy Spirit. In the second quarter, Holy Spirit cut into the lead and in the third quarter they made a comeback ending with SMES only up by five. In the fourth quarter, Holy Spirit’s momentum caused them to take their first lead of the game.

SMES called a timeout, and was down 34-33 with three minutes left in the game. SMES got right back into it after the timeout, with Bryant Lisenby driving in and kicking to Matthew Aronowitz who hit a clutch three-pointer. Holy Spirit came down the court and made a layup with a very slow, offensive possession.

With 45 seconds left in the game, SMES took the ball down the court. The Holy Spirit defense had a breakdown, and Nathan Altiery was wide open for a layup, putting St. Martin’s ahead with 15 seconds to go. Great defense by St. Martin’s led to a shocking win over Holy Spirit. The next game came and went, with St. Martin’s putting up a great effort but ultimately losing.

Despite the team record, this team went from being predicted as one of the worst teams in the league to exceeding everyone’s expectations.

by student writer Devin Fisher, 8th grade

(This time it’s English class) How does an English teacher engage 8th-grade students when reading a tough novel? Mrs. Davis, SMES 8th-grade English teacher, uses a “Survivor” competition technique which has interested her students for many years. For part of the second semester in 8th-grade English, students are reading “To Kill a Mockingbird,” by Harper Lee. In this novel, the readers follow a young girl’s journey in life as she, Scout, grows older, experiencing the racist ways of the town she lives in, Maycomb, Alabama, in the 1930s. Inside this unit, students competed using various techniques, participated in a Socratic seminar, and read the trial scene aloud in class, which helped this unit to be fun for the students as well as Mrs. Davis.

Mrs. Davis decided to start engaging students using the format of the reality show “Survivor,” a game technique she created in 2005.

“It was so successful and really pushed my previous high school students not only to read, but to discuss, analyze, and critique characters, conflict, and theme that I have continued using this format wherever I have taught,” says Mrs. Davis.

In each class, the students split themselves into groups and completed various challenges to earn points.

The group with the most points wins, and their prize is that they don’t have to write the literary analysis essay.

Instead, Mrs. Davis gives them two unnamed essays from previous years, and the students have to grade and discuss those, which helps practice writing skills as well.

Each group has a name and an “insignia” or costume

identifying their team to wear on competition days.

Eighth grader Jules Schmidt says, “I enjoyed reading ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ because we got to play a Survivor game, which was really fun since we got to compete within our class.”

For the competition portion of the unit, each challenge awarded the students with a different amount of points.

Mrs. Davis found ways to make each challenge fun while still having an educational foundation. Throwing cotton balls at bread smothered in peanut butter, Pictionarystyle quizzes, and trying to put penne pasta on a skinny pasta noodle using only their mouths are some of the challenges groups have participated in. Usually

after the physical activity, students sit down with their team and write an analysis of what they think the challenge symbolized. They also occasionally take quizzes in competition form, which enhances the teamwork.

A class favorite was acting out the trial scene. Instead of reading chapters from the book, students played different characters and read aloud from the script version in class.

“We got to act out the trial scene in class which made it easier to understand and more fun,” says 8th-grader Jules Schmidt.

The “To Kill a Mockingbird” unit also involved a Socratic Seminar, which helps prepare the class for high school AP Literature and AP History courses. The final seminar allowed the students to conduct the discussion lasting the whole class period with Mrs. Davis having no say.

Parents were invited to attend the Socratic Seminar in the Middle School atrium.

“I thought it was interesting to see how the interaction between the students was different than how their interactions with their teacher would have been on the same

subject matter,” says 8th-grade parent Cathy Fisher.

Mrs. Davis added, “I teach students how to discuss using the Fishbowl Socratic Seminar method. This is a higher-order thinking skill where they create open-ended questions and respond thoughtfully and respectfully to each other seeking a collective understanding.”

The students agreed that the competition technique is an entertaining and engaging way to comprehend the different parts of a novel.

Working together as a team made the subject interesting and most agree that it makes the whole unit more fun, and prepares students for the next chapter in life, high school.

Fishbowl Socratic Seminar method £ higher-order thinking skills PATTERNS

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volunteers

Spotlighting Warrior Wings @ SMES “Then Jesus declared, I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”

John 6:35 NIV

Six years ago, there was a calling from within the St. Martin’s community to intentionally support families who were experiencing a life transition. The PTO answered the call, and the Warrior Wings program was born.

Warrior Wings supports the school’s Episcopal identity and also serves

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as a PTO function to provide meals to SMES families, faculty and staff during a time of need or transition. Whether to ease the load of a new mom after the birth of a child, to extend support to someone experiencing an illness or to show community support for the loss of a loved one, Warrior Wings strives to provide comfort and love to

SMES families through a home-cooked meal.

The SMES PTO solicits volunteers for the program to facilitate requests, coordinate cooking meals and deliver meals. The meal recipient remains anonymous, and the address is only shared with the person who is responsible for delivery.

ST. MARTIN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

“Requests generally come from SMES parents, faculty, staff or Mother Taylor,” said Warrior Wings co-chair Tia Clarida. “To deliver a meal to someone during a time of need is a nice surprise and is a testament to the culture here at St. Martin’s. It’s also a wonderful way for parents to easily get involved and support the PTO on their own time—whether they prepare food or deliver meals.”

Volunteers can sign up through the PTO web

page, where detailed instructions for meal preparation, freezing methods and storage in the school cafeteria are outlined. Also, for those who prefer to deliver, meal packing instructions are posted in the school cafeteria for a smooth experience.

“It’s so easy to get involved in this program, and it can make a real impact on many families in the community,” said cochair Katherine Kinser.

A message from our 2018-19 PTO co-presidents

“This school year, we’ve served approximately 36 families with meals! Volunteer drivers find it so easy to prepare the cold storage bag including the addition of a sweet note handmade by SMES students for a nice, cheery package!”

To get involved with the Warrior Wings program, look for the PTO volunteer opportunities email that will be sent early in the school year or visit the website at stmartinschool.org and find the PTO volunteer opportunities under the Support tab.

he PTO is proud to enrich the St. Martin’s community in many ways. We organize events to create fellowship with SMES families and faculty, raise money to donate to the school, plan many events and provide opportunities to show our appreciation for our fabulous teachers and staff. We are pleased to report another successful year and want to express our gratitude to everyone who donated their time, talents and financial resources to support the PTO.

We want to thank our PTO Executive Board: Carrie Ackel, Renee Loope, Erin Spink, Lindy MacPhee, Julia Hubbard, Heather Zunzunegui, and Marianne Zalenski. We greatly appreciate them for meeting with us weekly to ensure all events were communicated and run efficiently. A special thank you goes out to our amazing Fling co-chairs, Caroline Kulinski and Shara Sanders, and to all of our event chairs who worked tireless hours organizing and planning our 40-plus PTO sponsored programs and events. Lastly, our thanks to the Board of Trustees and school staff for their continued support of the PTO. We are proud to report that the 2019 Fling raised more than $100,000!

The PTO also hosted the inaugural Warrior 5K and Tricia Anderson and Katie Challen Fun Run, St. Martin’s first USATF-sanctioned course/ Peachtree Road Race Qualifier. Thanks to the more than 300 participants and community sponsors who helped us earn more than $6,000. We are pleased to provide a detailed account of our fundraising efforts and school allocation details in the annual report provided by the school next school year.

Again, we are grateful for the support of each of you and the opportunity to lead the PTO this year. Our successors, Carrie Ackel and Renee Loope, and their seven-member executive board will welcome and appreciate the same support as they work to make the 2019-2020 school year an even bigger success.

Sincerely,

Tricia Anderson and Katie Challen PATTERNS

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Winter/Spring

Sports Wrap-Up

The St. Martin’s athletics program continued to grow and develop during the 2018-2019 winter and spring seasons. The YPL and swim teams benefited from increased turn-outs, and three spring teams brought home trophies.

coachability and strong work ethic and made it to the semifinals game in the top bracket of their end-of-season tournament. The C-boys basketball team developed both as a team and individually, and each player finished the season with increased confidence and understanding of the game.

“Our winter and spring athletes demonstrated great sportsmanship and work ethic this year,” said Athletic Director Mark McDaniel. “I am proud of the effort they put in and look forward to many of them returning next year.”

WINTER The A-girls basketball team had a great mix of underclassmen talent, 8th-grade leadership and team camaraderie that made for a fun season to watch. The B-girls team demonstrated a strong work ethic and positive attitude and played competitively every game. With the help of strong 7th-grade leadership, the C-girls basketball team finished its season with renewed focus and energy.

The A-boys basketball team visibly improved over the course of the season and lost to the eventual champions in round two of the playoffs. The B-boys team demonstrated

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The SMES swim team placed in several individual events and also competed in team relays.

SPRING The golf team played strong all season and finished second in the MAAC team championship tournament after losing the tiebreaker for first place. Each player honed his skills and knowledge of the game throughout the season.

The baseball team won its league championship in a hard, close-fought game. Eighth-grade leadership and underclassmen talent proved effective throughout the season.

The girls soccer Team played hard all season and never gave up. After a slow start, the girls turned up the heat and finished the season strong.

The SMES youth passing league program benefited from an influx of players this season and fielded three teams. Each team finished in the top three of its division, and one B-team clinched first place at the end-of-season tournament.

For the third year in a row, the girls tennis team won the MAAC championship.

The team showed a lot of grit and were undefeated in league play. The boys tennis team demonstrated skill and a strong work ethic all season long.

They finished second in regular season play and lost a tight semifinals match in the end-ofseason tournament.

AWARDS Girls A Basketball Girls B Basketball Girls C Basketball ALL MAAC CONFERENCE AWARD Eloise Smith Reese Butler WARRIOR AWARD Cele Camp Stella Jane Eskew

WARRIOR AWARD Wesleigh Harvey HUSTLE AWARD Handley Greeley MOST IMPROVED Elizabeth McCall Erielle Harris

WARRIOR AWARD Reese Hudson Katherine Davis HUSTLE AWARD Gabby Hollier

Boys A Basketball Boys B Basketball Boys C Basketball ALL MAAC CONFERENCE AWARD Nathan Altiery WARRIOR AWARD Bryant Lisenby MOST IMPROVED Jack Schmitt Logan Kimberl

WARRIOR AWARD Archer Love Jack O’Donnell MOST IMPROVED Luke Williams HUSTLE AWARD Hayden Humphrey

WARRIOR AWARD William Parnell HUSTLE AWARD Harris Eskew MOST IMPROVED Judson DiVenere Charlie Duerr

Golf

MOST IMPROVED Eric Berg WARRIOR AWARD John Madden ALL MAAC CONFERENCE AWARD Simon Guterman

Baseball

DEFENSIVE MVP Logan Kimberl Wesley Lybrook WARRIOR AWARD Aiden Hoath OFFENSIVE MVP Daniel Simontacchi

YPL

ALL MAAC CONFERENCE AWARD Griffin Clare Hugo Fleming MOST IMPROVED Brent Porter Keegan Luisi-Robinson WARRIOR AWARD Brock Bergey Cooper Williams

PATTERNS

Girls Soccer

WARRIOR AWARD Kate Perry Riley Vassian Stella Jane Eskew ALL MAAC CONFERENCE AWARD Janie Alexander

Tennis

ALL MAAC CONFERENCE AWARD Luke Williams Caroline Koziol WARRIOR AWARD Judson DiVenere Abby Williams

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PORTRAIT OF A GRADUATE

Julia currently flies an HH-60M Black Hawk (pictured) which is used primarily for medical evacuations but can also provide disaster relief stateside.

Something special you learned at SMES: At SMES I learned what it means to have a real support structure. I grew up at this school and had mentors every step of the way. SMES ƚĂƵŐŚƚ ŵĞ ƚŚĞ ŝŵƉŽƌƚĂŶĐĞ ŽĨ ŚĂǀŝŶŐ Ă ĨŽƵŶĚĂƟŽŶ ŽĨ ŐŽŽĚ people on your team.

Julia White SMES Class of 2006 SMES Oglethorpe Award recipient Graduate of St. Pius X and Georgia Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science in International Affairs; Cluster in Counterinsurgency :ƵůŝĂ ŝƐ Ă ŚĞůŝĐŽƉƚĞƌ ƉŝůŽƚ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ 'ĞŽƌŐŝĂ ƌŵLJ EĂƟŽŶĂů 'ƵĂƌĚ ďĂƐĞĚ Ăƚ ŽďďŝŶƐ ŝƌ ZĞƐĞƌǀĞ ĂƐĞ ŝŶ Žďď ŽƵŶƚLJ͘ ^ŚĞ ŇŝĞƐ ĂŶ ,,ͲϲϬD ůĂĐŬ ,ĂǁŬ ŚĞůŝĐŽƉƚĞƌ ĚĞƐŝŐŶĞĚ ĨŽƌ ŶŽŶͲĐŽŵďĂƚ͕ ŵĞĚŝĐĂů ĞǀĂĐƵĂƟŽŶ ŵŝƐƐŝŽŶƐ͘ KŶ Ă ĚĂLJͲƚŽͲĚĂLJ ďĂƐŝƐ͕ :ƵůŝĂ ƚƌĂŝŶƐ ŝŶ ǀĂƌLJŝŶŐ ŇŝŐŚƚ ĐŽŶĚŝƟŽŶƐ ĂŶĚ ŵŽĚĞƐ ;ĚĂLJ͕ ŶŝŐŚƚ͕ ǁĞĂƚŚĞƌ͕ ůŽǁͲůĞǀĞů ƚĞƌƌĂŝŶͿ ŝŶ ƉƌĞƉĂƌĂƟŽŶ ĨŽƌ ǁŚĞŶ ŚĞƌ ŵĞĚĞǀĂĐ ƵŶŝƚ ŝƐ ĂĐƟǀĂƚĞĚ ĨŽƌ Ă ƐƚĂƚĞ ĞŵĞƌŐĞŶĐLJ Žƌ ĚĞƉůŽLJŵĞŶƚ ŽǀĞƌƐĞĂƐ͘ ƚLJƉŝĐĂů ƚƌĂŝŶŝŶŐ ĚĂLJ ŵĂLJ ƚĂŬĞ ŚĞƌ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ŶŽƌƚŚ 'ĞŽƌŐŝĂ ŵŽƵŶƚĂŝŶƐ ǁŚĞƌĞ ƐŚĞ ǁŝůů ƉƌĂĐƟĐĞ ůĂŶĚŝŶŐ ŝŶ ƐŵĂůů ĂƌĞĂƐ͕ ŇLJŝŶŐ ůŽǁ ŽǀĞƌ ƚŚĞ ƚƌĞĞƐ ĂŶĚ ƐŝŵƵůĂƚĞ ĞǀĂĚŝŶŐ ĞŶĞŵLJ ǁĞĂƉŽŶƐ ƐLJƐƚĞŵƐ͘ ,Ğƌ ƵŶŝƚ ŝƐ ƐĐŚĞĚƵůĞĚ ƚŽ ĚĞƉůŽLJ ŝŶ ϮϬϮϮ͕ ďƵƚ ƚŚŝƐ ĐŽƵůĚ ĐŚĂŶŐĞ Ăƚ ĂŶLJ ƟŵĞ͘ /Ŷ ĂĚĚŝƟŽŶ ƚŽ ŇLJŝŶŐ ĚƵƌŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ǁĞĞŬ͕ :ƵůŝĂ ŝƐ ƉƵƌƐƵŝŶŐ ŚĞƌ WĞƌƐŽŶĂů &ŝƚŶĞƐƐ dƌĂŝŶĞƌ ĞƌƟĮĐĂƟŽŶ ĂŶĚ EƵƚƌŝƟŽŶ ^ƉĞĐŝĂůŝƐƚ ĞƌƟĮĐĂƟŽŶ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞ EĂƟŽŶĂů ĐĂĚĞŵLJ ŽĨ ^ƉŽƌƚƐ DĞĚŝĐŝŶĞ ĂƐ ǁĞůů ĂƐ ŚĞƌ DĂƐƚĞƌ &ŝƚŶĞƐƐ dƌĂŝŶĞƌ ĞƌƟĮĐĂƟŽŶ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞ ƌŵLJ͘ ^ŚĞ ĂůƐŽ ƌĞĐĞŶƚůLJ ďĞŐĂŶ ǁŽƌŬŝŶŐ ǁŝƚŚ ŚĞƌ ĨĂƚŚĞƌ͛Ɛ ĐŽŵƉĂŶLJ͕ ,ĂŶĚĐƌĂŌĞĚ ŽŶƐƚƌƵĐƟŽŶ͕ ƚŽ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞ ďĞƩĞƌ ŝŶƚĞƌĨĂĐĞ ďĞƚǁĞĞŶ Śŝŵ ĂŶĚ ŚŝƐ ĐůŝĞŶƚƐ͘

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ST. MARTIN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

&ĂǀŽƌŝƚĞ ^D ^ ƚƌĂĚŝƟŽŶ͗ I always loved Field Day. It was so ŵƵĐŚ ĨƵŶ ƚŽ ŚĂǀĞ ƚŚĞ ĞŶƟƌĞ ƐĐŚŽŽů ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƚLJ͕ ĨĂĐƵůƚLJ ĂŶĚ ƐƚƵĚĞŶƚƐ͕ ƚŽŐĞƚŚĞƌ ƚŽ ĐŽŵƉĞƚĞ͕ ƉůĂLJ ĂŶĚ ŚĂǀĞ ĨƵŶ͘ DŽƐƚ ŝŶŇƵĞŶƟĂů ^D ^ ƚĞĂĐŚĞƌ ĂŶĚ ǁŚLJ: Dr. McPherson and DƌƐ͘ sĂŶĚĞŶ ŽƐ ǁĞƌĞ ŚƵŐĞ ŝŶŇƵĞŶĐĞƐ ŽŶ ŵĞ͘ ĚĚŝƟŽŶĂůůLJ͕ DƌƐ͘ ĂƌƚŚŽůŽŵćŝ͕ DƐ͘ WĂƵůƐĞŶ͕ DƌƐ͘ ZŽďĞƌƚƐ ĂŶĚ Dƌ͘ dĂƵďĞ were also huge as I grew up at SMES. I’ll never look at the ŶŝŐŚƚ ƐŬLJ ƚŚĞ ƐĂŵĞ ĂŌĞƌ ŚĂǀŝŶŐ Dƌ͘ dĂƵďĞ ĂƐ ŵLJ ƐĐŝĞŶĐĞ teacher!

Favorite food: Old Brick Pit on Peachtree Industrial is the ďĞƐƚ ƉůĂĐĞ ƚŽ ŐĞƚ LJŽƵƌ ŐƌƵď ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ŐƌĞĂƚĞƌ ƚůĂŶƚĂ ĂƌĞĂ͘ Favorite app: tŚĂƚƐĂƉƉ ĂŶĚ ^ŶĂƉĐŚĂƚ ĂƌĞ ŝŶ Ă ŚĂƌĚ ƟĞ ĂƐ ƚŚĞLJ ĂƌĞ ƚŚĞ ďĞƐƚ ŵĞĂŶƐ ŽĨ ĐŚĂƫŶŐ ǁŝƚŚ ŵLJ ĨƌŝĞŶĚƐ ǁŚŽ ĂƌĞ deployed.

Favorite book: / ŚĂǀĞ Ă ĚĞĞƉ ŽďƐĞƐƐŝŽŶ ǁŝƚŚ ƚƌƵĞ ĐƌŝŵĞ ďŽŽŬƐ ƐŽ ͞/͛ůů Ğ 'ŽŶĞ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ĂƌŬ͟ ĂŶĚ ͞dŚĞ ^ƚƌĂŶŐĞƌ ĞƐŝĚĞ DĞ͟ ĂƌĞ ƚǁŽ ŽĨ ŵLJ ĨĂǀŽƌŝƚĞƐ͘ Favorite movie: ZŝŐŚƚ ŶŽǁ͕ ͞ ^ƚĂƌ /Ɛ ŽƌŶ͟ ŝƐ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ ƚŽƉ͘ DŽƌĞ 'ĂŐĂ͊ WĞƌƐŽŶ /͛Ě ŵŽƐƚ ůŝŬĞ ƚŽ ŵĞĞƚ ĂŶĚ ǁŚLJ͗ Christopher Walken ďĞĐĂƵƐĞ ǁŚŽ ĚŽĞƐŶ͛ƚ ǁĂŶƚ ƚŽ ŚĞĂƌ ƚŚĂƚ ĂĐĐĞŶƚ ŝŶ ƉĞƌƐŽŶ͍ Dream job: Astronaut &ĂǀŽƌŝƚĞ ǁĂLJ ƚŽ ŐŝǀĞ ďĂĐŬ͗ /͛ŵ ĂďŽƵƚ ƚŽ ƐƚĂƌƚ ďĂĐŬ ǁŝƚŚ DĞĂůƐ ŽŶ tŚĞĞůƐ͕ ƐŽŵĞƚŚŝŶŐ / ƵƐĞĚ ƚŽ ĚŽ ǁŝƚŚ ŵLJ ŐƌĂŶĚƉĂƌĞŶƚƐ͕ ĂŶĚ /͛ŵ ǀĞƌLJ ĞdžĐŝƚĞĚ ĂďŽƵƚ ƚŚĂƚ͊ Favorite place I’ve visited: ^ŽƌƌĞŶƚŽ͕ /ƚĂůLJ͕ ǁĂƐ ŵŽůƚŽ ďĞůůŽ͊ Favorite celebrity: ĂƐLJ͕ ǁĂLJŶĞ ͞dŚĞ ZŽĐŬ͟ :ŽŚŶƐŽŶ

class notes Class of 1997 Mary Sessions graduated from Columbia University with a master’s degree in private school leadership. She and her husband, Antonio, plan to move back to Atlanta.

Haley Gordon is a 3rdgrade assistant teacher at St. Martin’s Episcopal School. In the fall, she will begin her graduate counseling degree at Mercer University. Haley’s goals are to become a middle school counselor and to specialize in family counseling.

Class of 2006 Mary Sessions

Class of 2003 Rachel Roop is engaged to Dr. Nathan Harpe, and they plan to marry in March of 2020 in Atlanta. She owns Roop Residential (Keller Williams Realty) and recently hit the mark of selling 100 homes. She serves on her office’s Agent Leadership Council.

(L-R): Kyra Graap (SMES ‘16), SMES Performing Arts Technical Director Spencer Stephens, Tori Gronczewski (SMES ‘15) and William Stovall (SMES ‘17). Tori played Katherine, Kyra played Albert, and William played Jack in the St. Pius X Catholic High School’s spring musical “Newsies.”

Haley Barnes married Matt Gibson on June 15, 2019, in Atlanta. Many of her SMES classmates were involved in the wedding. Jackie Florence (‘06) was a bridesmaid, Kristi Oltman (‘06) read scripture, and Lucy Griner (‘06) and Eleanor Woodward (‘06) were greeters.

Haley’s sisters, Erin Barnes (‘12) and Caroline Barnes (‘12), were also bridesmaids.

Haley Barnes

Haley is a 2nd grade teacher at Pace Academy.

Class of 2007 Rachel Roop

Class of 2005 Sami Malik is a freelance graphic designer and manages a nonprofit called Blue Skies Riding Academy, which is the only equine riding program in the Southeast to support a rescue and retraining program for horses.

Sami also serves on the Georgia Hunter Jumper Association Board of Directors as the resident graphic designer and webmaster.

Brigid Mary McDonnell graduated from Georgetown University’s public relations and corporate communications master’s program. She also recently celebrated her three-year anniversary working for Fox News in Washington, D.C., where she is the booking producer for Fox News @ Night with Shannon Bream.

Class of 2009 Daniel Kamman currently works for United Rentals, Inc., as the territory

manager for the Kitsap Peninsula and Puget Sound regions of Washington. He graduated from Auburn University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in business administration and was a member of the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity.

Class of 2010 Olivia Haas is living in Brooklyn, N.Y., and working as a paralegal for Central American Legal Assistance.

CALA helps Olivia Haas (r) and SMES’ individuals navigate the José Cruz immigration process. José Cruz, a TMS employee at SMES, was a client of the organization when he immigrated to the U.S. almost 30 years ago. Olivia met up with José on her most recent visit to the SMES campus.

Class of 2011 Lili Byce graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Arts in political science. She plans to take a gap year before applying to law school, and currently works as a desk clerk for a hotel in downtown Athens.

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Kaelyn Lowe graduated magna cum laude from Hampton University with a B.A. in journalism and minor in leadership studies. As an undergraduate, she founded the United States Tennis Association on-campus program, and was a W.D.C. Harvey Scholar, Leadership Fellow Graduate and President’s Cup Award semi-finalist. Kaelyn received the Dean’s Merit Scholarship to attend Syracuse University’s public relations graduate program in the fall.

Class of 2012 Erin Barnes is a rising senior at the University of Georgia where she is majoring in environmental engineering and minoring in French. She is involved with the Wesley Foundation and is a member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority.

Caroline Barnes is a rising senior at the University of Georgia where she is majoring in photojournalism. She is a staff photographer for The Red and Black newspaper, a member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority and is involved with the Wesley Foundation.

Class of 2013 Ryan Connor is working as a tour manager and DJ. He is currently on a world tour across Europe and the U.S.

Ryan Connor

Lily Francour graduated from Woodward Academy in May and will attend the University of Georgia in the fall. She was a member of the National Honor Society, a Main Street Academy tutor Lily Francour and a member of the cross-country team. She was also a teen volunteer and participant in the Founders’ Program at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Grayton Hudson graduated from Marist School, where he played varsity football for four years, ran varsity track for three years and completed six AP courses. He also was a retreat leader, student ambassador, peer leader and National Honor Society member. Grayton will attend Auburn University in the fall.

Garrett McCarthy graduated from Marist School, where he played varsity tennis, ran varsity track and was a member of the National Honor Society.

He will attend the University of Georgia in the fall.

Christopher Carico graduated from North Atlanta High School, where he made the Principal’s List all four years, played in the marching band and received the Community Service Award. He was also a Beta Club member and completed the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.

Christopher will attend the University of Georgia in the fall.

Class of 2015

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Emma Clare Sloan graduated from The New School in Atlanta. She received the National Latin Exam’s silver medal award.

Emma Clare will attend Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in the fall.

Challen Morgan graduated from the Lovett School and will attend William & Mary in the fall.

Victoria Gronczewski graduated from St. Pius X Catholic High School and will attend Georgia College in the fall.

Francesca Herrera graduated from Marist School, where she performed in the Marist Singers and Marist Trio and competed on the robotics team. She will attend Duke University in the fall where she plans to study dance and computer science.

Campbell Huber graduated from Marist School and will attend Auburn University in the fall.

Jackson Brennan graduated from Marist School, where he was a football team captain and played soccer. He was also a member of the Spanish Team and Outdoor Club. Jackson will attend Georgia College in the fall.

Lindsey Smith graduated from The Galloway School, where she ran track, served as a captain for the cross country team and received the Cross Country Coach’s Award. Her art was on display at the High Museum of Art from 2016 - 2018.

Lindsey will attend Georgia Institute of Technology in the fall.

Brock Thrasher graduated from Marist School, where he played football, ran track and played varsity tennis. He will attend the University of Georgia in the fall.

Courtney Walsh graduated from Mount Vernon Presbyterian School and will attend the University of South Carolina in the fall.

Bailey Means graduated from Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School in May and will attend Wofford College in the fall. He was named golf first team all-state in 2017 and 2018 and is currently ranked tenth in Georgia for golf for his age group. Bailey plans to major in business.

Gracie Stovall graduated from Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School, where she competed as a pole vaulter on the track team. She will attend Belmont University in the fall.

Ryan Harvey, Shea Fleming, Bailey Means, Kaki Hailey, Miller Reid and Gracie Stovall graduated from Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School in May.

ST. MARTIN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

Grayson Harralson graduated from The Westminster Schools, where he was a captain on the varsity swim team and was named MVP Boys Swimmer, All American Swimmer, and state swimming champion. He will study engineering at Purdue University in the fall.

Danny Holmes graduated from Marist School and will attend Clemson University in the fall.

Caroline Brown graduated from Marist School, where she was a peer leader and Emmaus House retreat leader. She also co-chaired the school’s Habitat for Humanity chapter. Caroline will attend Samford University in the fall.

Ryan Harvey graduated from Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School, where he received the Engineering II Award, played varsity soccer for four years and competed on the diving team for two years. Ryan will attend Auburn University in the fall.

Miller Reid graduated from Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School and will attend Tufts University in the fall.

Emily Schmitt graduated from Pace Academy, where she co-edited the yearbook, represented her peers in student government and competed on the math team. She also was an arts laureate and Drama Club co-president.

Emily will attend Davidson College in the fall.

Gracie Ackaway graduated from Dunwoody High School and will attend the University of Georgia in the fall.

Lewis Jaynes graduated from Marist School, where he was a captain of the football team. He will attend Clemson University in the fall.

Cece Blasingame graduated from The Westminster Schools, where she made First Team All-State for lacrosse, played varsity lacrosse and cheered on the varsity team. She made the Honor Roll all four years and was a member of the Cum Laude and National Honor societies. Cece will attend the University of Virginia in the fall.

Britton Buchanan graduated from St. Pius X Catholic High School and will attend the University of Tennessee in the fall.

Shea Fleming graduated from Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School and will attend Georgia Institute of Technology in the fall.

Lauren Young graduated from Marist School, where she ran track and was a student ambassador. She was also a member of the French Honor Society and National Honor Society. She will attend Baylor University in the fall.

Amanda Stigaard graduated from Greater Atlanta Christian School, where she played varsity soccer for four years, made the President’s List for six semesters and was a National Honor Society member.

She was also nominated for the Georgia Positive Athlete scholarship.

Amanda will attend Auburn University in the fall.

SMES classmates Bailey Means (left at left; right at right) and Matthew Larkin (right at left; left at right) graduated from HIES and Marist School, respectivley in May. Both will attend and play golf for Wofford College this fall. The two long-time friends began at St. Martin’s in kindergarten and played golf together on the middle school team. Matthew and Bailey are excited to be reunited as teammates in college.

Matthew Eidson graduated from Holy Spirit Preparatory School, where he played varsity soccer. He will attend Elon University in the fall.

Abby Ray graduated from Pace Academy and will attend the University of Pennsylvania in the fall.

Sophie Beck graduated from Pace Academy, where her team won the volleyball state championship her junior and senior years. She also captained the golf and robotics teams. She will attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the fall.

Issy Regas graduated from St. Pius X Catholic High School, where she made the President’s List all four years, received the Golden Lion Award and co-founded the Girl Power Club. Issy also ran varsity track and participated in varsity cheer.

She will attend the University of Georgia in the fall.

Caswell King graduated from Marist School in May. He received the Presidential Scholars award to attend Florida State University in the fall.

Chandler Sharp graduated from Marist School, where he made the Honor Roll and Dean’s List. Chandler played varsity soccer for four years and was team captain his senior year. He served on the senior advisory committee and student council, and was a member of the Spanish, Medical and Environmental clubs. He will attend Auburn University in the fall.

Davis Little graduated from McCallie School, where he played tennis and beach volleyball. He was also the school sports photographer and yearbook editor. He participated in the Cum Laude and KeoKio Leadership societies and received the Strang Memorial English Award and German Award. Davis will attend William & Mary in the fall.

Eliza Griffin graduated from Marist School and will attend Loyola University in Chicago in the fall.

Grey Kenna graduated from St. Pius X Catholic High School, where she was the Humans of SPX President and a Lion Leader. She also received an AP English award. She will attend Suwanee: The University of the South in the fall.

McKenzie Miller graduated from St. Pius X Catholic High School and will attend Auburn University in the fall.

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class notes Class of 2016 Kennedy Walls completed multiple AP and honors classes at Marist School.

She is a varsity crew team and Atlanta Junior Rowing Association member and co-president of the Chinese Club and of Active Minds. She was also a campaign intern for Georgia governor candidate Stacey Abrams.

Jordan Wissman completed AP microeconomics, AP U.S. history and honors biology at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School. He also runs track and cross country and is in the Young Conservatives Club.

Emily Wood ran cross-country and varsity track at St. Pius X Catholic High School. Junior year, she was class copresident.

Caroline Perry completed all honors courses in addition to AP literature, AP psychology and AP Spanish at Dunwoody High School. She played varsity soccer, was president of Students for Soldiers Club, and was a member of the Spanish Club and National English Honor Society.

Davis Futrell is a four-year varsity football player at Pace Academy. He is a Trinity House volunteer and will teach English in Brazil this summer as part of an Isdell Center for Global Leadership team.

Matthew Turner plays varsity baseball at St. Pius X Catholic High School.

Mitchell Maloney plays varsity lacrosse and was on the debate team at St. Pius X Catholic High School.

Patrick Olmstead plays varsity tennis and varsity basketball at St. Pius X Catholic High School.

William Olmstead plays in the school band, was on the varsity tennis team and completed AP music at St. Pius X Catholic High School.

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Summer 2019

Ben Brown plays varsity football and was a Peer Leader at Marist School. He was in the National Honor Society and made the Dean’s List his junior year.

Ruthie Roberts completed AP U.S. history, AP language, AP anatomy and honors algebra II at Mount Vernon Presbyterian School. She manages the boys lacrosse team and was on the varsity diving team. She made the Headmaster’s List her junior year.

Sydney Royal plays volleyball and wrote for the school newspaper at Pope High School. She completed honors literature in her junior year.

Kyra Graap participated in the 2019 spring musical “Newsies” at St. Pius X Catholic High School. In her senior year she plans to participate in her fourth year of drama and take AP studio art.

Class of 2017 Arden Adams, a rising junior at Mount Vernon Presbyterian School, was accepted to the Shakespeare Summer Intensive for Teenagers at the Atlanta Shakespeare Company. She also recently placed as a semifinalist at the 36th Annual National Shakespeare Competition held at Lincoln Center Theater in New York City.

Bobbie Akin was an ambassador, on the competition dance team, in the National Society of High School Scholars and on the homecoming court at Marist School.

CJ King completed AP world history and advanced chemistry, and was selected for the Dean’s List at Marist School. She also plays soccer and lacrosse.

Hadley Nelson danced on the varsity team and participated in student council and the Film and Photo, Latin and Yoga clubs at St. Pius X Catholic High School.

She is on the teen advanced team and works as a dance assistant at The Atlanta Dance Academy.

ST. MARTIN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

Sutton Nelson completed AP human geography and ran cross-country at St. Pius X Catholic High School. She serves on student council and is a member of the Latin and Yoga clubs. Sutton recently won an award for design and fundamentals in visual art.

Gerard Hudson played baseball and ran track at St. Pius X Catholic High School.

Jack Griffin completed AP computer science and statistics at Marist School. He also made the Dean’s List fall term, ran track and played in the band.

Celie Guterman is a varsity softball player at The Galloway School, where she completed AP world history and advanced Algebra II. She also participated in the dance troupe and the French Language Club.

Caleb Stansberry is a rising junior at the Waterford School in South Jordan, Utah.

He completed honors chemistry and AP computer science sophomore year and was on the robotics team. Caleb is also a Boy Scout.

Mena Sarradet made Honor Roll first term of her sophomore year at Marist School and qualified for state in swimming. Mena has also completed honors chemistry and math, and helped lead the freshman retreat at Marist School.

Elisa Herrera made the Dean’s List sophomore year and completed AP European history, advanced Algebra II and advanced chemistry at Marist School.

She also qualified for the Interscholastic Equestrian Association of Georgia’s regional competition.

Lyndsey Bryson was involved in theater and drama at Marist School. As a sophomore, she made the Dean’s List and completed advanced chemistry, Algebra II and AP European history.

Sophia Costarides ran cross-country and track at St. Pius X Catholic High School.

Charles Kyle played golf at St. Pius X Catholic High School. Charles also tours regionally for golf.

Walker Flint competes on the wrestling team at St. Pius X Catholic High School.

Grace Demba plays volleyball and was on the Isdell Center for Global Leadership and Student Advisory boards at Pace Academy. She enjoyed a study tour in South Africa in March.

Class of 2018 Dilyn Penn is a rising sophomore at Western Reserve Academy in Hudson, Ohio. She was involved in the Black Student Union, the Chinese Club, dance and yoga. She also recently completed AP algebra.

Charlie Seelke is a rising sophomore at St. Pius X Catholic High School, where he played JV soccer. He also plays for the Concorde Fire Soccer Club and is on the YMCA’s Camp High Harbour leadership team.

Lura Underwood plays on the state champion volleyball team at St. Pius X Catholic High School.

Will McLaren runs cross country, plays lacrosse and completed AP world history at Marist School.

Amelia Hope Harralson made the Honor Roll and swam for the varsity team at The Westminster Schools. She also participated in track and field and completed honors geometry.

Ellen Claxton plays JV lacrosse and cheers for the football team at St. Pius X Catholic High School.

Joseph McGhee plays in the marching band and competed on the wrestling team at St. Pius X Catholic High School.

Sophia Halkos cheers for the football and basketball teams at St. Pius X Catholic High School.

Parsa Pedram swims for the swim team at Greater Atlanta Christian School.

Kate Mitchell plays for the tennis team at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School.

Kendall Buchanan made the Honor Roll at St. Pius X Catholic High School. She also cheered for the football and basketball teams.

Daniel Turner plays baseball at St. Pius X Catholic High School.

Grace Caroline Linam completed AP world history, honors biology and honors geometry at Marist School.

She played soccer, ran crosscountry and is involved with her church’s youth group.

Abby Hughes plays softball and completed honors English at Dunwoody High School.

Ross Ackaway plays football and golf and completed honors English at Dunwoody High School.

Arden Adams (center)

Virginia Harralson made the Honor Roll, swims for the varsity team and completed honors English at the Westminster Schools.

Allie Campbell is a student ambassador and recently completed honors math and French II at Pace Academy.

She participated in Drama Club and performed in the school’s fall and spring plays freshman year.

Drew Chastain plays on the freshman football team and JV basketball team at Marist School.

Edward Hires was named to the Honor Roll and completed honors geometry at Mount Vernon Presbyterian School.

He also played baseball, football and basketball, participated in the Office Club and is on the yearbook staff.

Grant Gaffney ran cross country and track at Marist School. He was awarded Best Newcomer for the cross country team. Grant also recently completed AP world history and honors geometry, was involved in the Investment Club and was named to the Dean’s List.

Mia Pistone played JV soccer and cheered for the football and basketball teams at St. Pius X Catholic High School.

Jazmin Perkins is ranked the #1 foil fencer on the school’s fencing team at The Baylor School. Freshman year she participated in the Psychology Club and Raiders Against Prejudice.

Katie Holmes plays soccer and participated in the Spanish Club at Marist School. She also recently completed AP world history and advanced biology.

Kaitlyn Buie was named to the Honor Roll and swam for the varsity team at Marist School. She also completed AP world history and advanced math.

Sophia Stratford is a rising sophomore at Greater Atlanta Christian School, where she played volleyball.

Annie Quinn was involved in cross country, track, student government and Young Life at Dunwoody High School.

Will Tuggle plays varsity baseball at The Galloway School. He also plays baseball on the East Cobb Astros 22’s travel team.

Sam Alexander is a rising sophomore at Marist School, where he played varsity soccer and freshman football. He made the Dean’s List in the fall of his freshman year and is involved in the Investment Club and his church youth group.

Ansley Graves is a rising sophomore at St. Pius X Catholic High School, where she participated in cross country and cheerleading.

PATTERNS

Summer 2019

37

...class of 2016... ...class of 2017... ...class of 2018...

Red and Blue Alumni Dinner

St. Martin’s alumni from the classes of 2016 - 2018 were welcomed to campus for the annual Red and Blue Alumni Dinner. Former classmates and SMES teachers reconnected, shared news and enjoyed dinner together.

The evening culminated with a competitive trivia game emceed by none other than alumni favorite Michael Albanese.

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Summer 2019

ST. MARTIN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

The St. Martin’s Class of 2015 was welcomed back to campus in May for the annual Senior Dinner to celebrate their graduation from high school.

More than 100 alumni and parents gathered in the atrium for an evening of fellowship and fun. Alumni spent time reconnecting with each other and St. Martin’s faculty and staff before enjoying dinner and the evening’s program.

Senior Dinner

Lauren Buss, guest speaker

Alumni

Guest speaker and SMES class of 2008 alumnus Lauren Buss (top, left) spoke about the impact St. Martin’s teachers have had on her life. The core values and strong work ethic she learned as a SMES student are still an integral part of her life and work as a government health policy analyst.

The alums all enjoyed passing the mic to share their fondest SMES memory, current school and college plans.

SMES Class of 2015: Sampling of colleges they will attend this fall: University of Georgia Belmont University Savannah College of Art and Design William & Mary Georgia College & State University Duke University Auburn University Georgia Institute of Technology Purdue University Tufts University The University of Alabama University of Virginia Baylor University Clemson University University of Tennessee Wofford College Suwanee: The University of the South Loyola University Chicago Florida State University Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

PATTERNS

Summer 2019

39

voices

MARK MCDANIEL,SMES ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

For the love of the game Being dyslexic made school a challenge for me. I was pretty athletic early on, and sports became my outlet—soccer, baseball, basketball, football, running, biking, swimming. Basically, if it had a ball or an eventual winner, I wanted in.

As I got older, basketball became my first true love. My high school team practiced three hours a day, five days a week. Yet, each night after dinner, I would go outside to shoot baskets or go on a run to make sure I stayed ahead of the game. I did not want to be outworked by anyone.

In college, I traded my basketball shoes for hiking boots. Every summer my brother and I would pick a state and spend a few weeks conquering the Appalachian Trail. We would head out with 40-pound packs and the sun overhead and hike toward a destination 10-15 miles away—with only a couple of mountains in between. Hiking the AT gave me the internal belief that I could achieve anything.

Years later I became the athletic director at St. Martin’s, where roughly 80 percent of Middle School students participate in athletics and more than 200 1st-5th graders sign up for the intramural program. Our athletics program allows students to try new sports to find out if they enjoy them — and sometimes they excel. Other students, sometimes overstressed in club sports, join our program for a more relaxed, fun environment. I enjoy seeing the love of the game return to many of these kids and to see them progress. I love to see them play harder, jump higher, run faster than they ever believed they could.

More, I enjoy helping our coaches create a pathway to success for their respective teams by collaborating about the best coaching approach in each sport. I try to challenge the coaches by asking questions or suggesting tactics, and, in return, they challenge me, making the overall experience even better for the players. I’m proud when I see coaches reward their players for hard work, and it makes me even prouder when the kids take note and step up their game, energy and effort.

While my job is to build athletic and leadership skills while teaching life lessons of how hard work pays off, I also get to be a fan. I attend games and practices each season, drive buses and help out wherever I can. I enjoy cheering from the sideline and giving pointers. Best of all is passing athletes in the halls with high fives for a win the night before or a pat on the back for a tough one dropped.

The 2019-20 school year will be my eighth year here at SMES, and I have been tasked by the 30-school Metro Atlanta Athletic Conference (MAAC) to make some suggestions for improvement in a few key league sports. I’ll be looking at ways to make tennis more competitive, trying to figure out a solution to accommodate the hundreds of cross country athletes when no other school in the league has a course, reviewing ways to organize the increasing number of golfers and brainstorming ideas for how to make it a better experience. I’m excited about accepting this challenge and the process of collecting ideas from SMES coaches and athletes to provide meaningful suggestions for improvement.

As I reflect on my role at SMES, it’s the opportunity to mentor the kids and collaborate with the coaches that I find to be the most rewarding work. But when things in my life get tough, I always know that I can call one of my old teammates or I remember my brother and our hiking experiences and I recall that nearly anything can be fixed with a little blood, sweat and tears. As adults, we learned how to do that a long time ago. My goal at SMES is to instill that lesson in St. Martin’s athletes too.

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Summer 2019

ST. MARTIN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

shining stars

he last chapel service of the year highlighted another important award for both a student and a faculty member.

The Patricia Ray Igleheart Memorial Fund was established by the Igleheart family to honor Tricia’s legacy as a teacher at St. Martin’s. The endowment funds a professional development award to a SMES faculty or staff member who embodies qualities that Tricia exuded as a long-time teacher at St. Martin’s. This year’s award recipient is Middle School administrative assistant Marianne Auson. In addition, a Student Character Award was established to honor a deserving student who is curious about the world around them and is a friend to all. This year’s student award winner is rising 6th grader Gabby Nama.

Igleheart Awards

Oglethorpe Award nominees

Nominated by the faculty, these eight 8th-grade students were nominated for the Oglethorpe Award. This annual award is given to an 8th-grade student who is a good citizen of his/her school, is academically sound and is involved in an extracurricular activity.

Congratulations to this year’s nominees and to Oglethorpe winner Matthew Aronowitz. First row (l-r): Devin Fisher, Stella Jane Eskew, Liza Love, and Abby Williams; second row (l-r): Austin Scott, Jack Schmitt, Matthew Aronowitz, and Matthew Gillin.

St. Martin’s Episcopal School 3110-A Ashford Dunwoody Road Atlanta, GA 30319

AUGUST

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

13

4

3

Orientation Day

Parent-Teacher Conferences (no school)

SMES Admission Open House

First Day of School

14

PTO Warrior 5K and Fun Run

22

Fall Holiday (SMES Day Camp)

21

14 Elementary Back-to-School Night

19 PTO Fall Festival

16 Early Childhood Grandparents Day

29

22

Middle School Back-to-School Night

Elementary School Grandparents Day

SEPTEMBER 2 Labor Day Holiday

5 Early Childhood Back-to-School Night

PLUG

IN

these dates

25 - 29 Thanksgiving Break

DECEMBER Dec. 20 (½ day) Jan. 5, 2020 Christmas Break