Summer '23 Patterns Magazine

EDITOR

Kristi Gaffney

CONTRIBUTORS

Whitney DeWit

Brandon Duke

Kristi Gaffney

Michelle Hartman

Sarah Jowers

Lauren Kohlhoff

Maria Croley Madden

Mark McDaniel

Alessandro Paiardini, Student Writer

Natalia Parra, Student Writer

Lynne Perry

Lauren Ramirez

Michael Robinson

DESIGN

Stalling Design

ADMINISTRATION

Michael Robinson

Interim Head of School

Cindy Alexander

Principal, Early Childhood

Lynne Perry

Principal, Elementary School

Kanette Fenstermacher

Interim Principal, Middle School

Cheryl Doughty

Director of Finance & Operations

Kristi Gaffney

Director of Marketing & Communications

Blythe Marsau

Director of Enrollment Management & Tuition Assistance

Dr. Tiffany Russell

Director of Diversity & Inclusion

Lauren Sims

Director of Advancement

Mark McDaniel

Director of Campus Safety & Director of Athletics

The Rev. Brandon Duke Chaplain

The Rev. Monica Mainwaring

St. Martin’s 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 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.

...It has been a joy to serve as Interim Head of School, where I have observed a heartfelt commitment to upholding the school’s mission to provide a quality education of the whole person in a loving, Christian atmosphere which fosters lifelong learning

As you receive this issue of Patterns, I hope you’re enjoying a restful and rejuvenating summer break. The 2022-23 school year was packed full of activities, achievements and learning for students from our infants through our recent 8th-grade graduates. I am truly grateful to have been part of the St. Martin’s tradition this year, to receive the baton from Luis Ottley, to run a school year lap with this wonderful community, and to hand it to Maria Madden as she begins a new chapter as St. Martin’s fourth Head of School.

As I reflect on the 2022-2023 school year, I am reminded of many accomplishments made by our students and the St. Martin’s community at large. Along with the regular Patterns features of our 8th-grade writers, graduation, class trips, alumni events, sports wrap up, PTO highlights, and volunteer spotlight, you’ll also be treated to a first-person interview with Maria Madden and a special article about SMES’ new language arts curriculum.

In closing, it has been a joy to serve as Interim Head of School, where I have observed a heartfelt commitment to upholding the school’s mission to provide a quality education of the whole person in a loving, Christian atmosphere which fosters lifelong learning. This community will always have a special place in my heart. Have a nice summer!

Michael Robinson Interim Head of School

Seen + Heard

NEWS AND HAPPENINGS IN THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY

SMES HONOR SOCIETY Exemplary Achievement

Congratulations to the 29 students inducted into the St. Martin’s Honor Society (SMHS) this year. Families and classmates attended a ceremony to watch attendees receive their pins and recite the SMHS pledge. SMHS members demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership and community contributions.

MS SPELLING BEE C-O-N-G-R-A-T-S!

The annual St. Martin’s spelling bee kicked off the New Year with 23 Middle School students competing. The contestants were selected through homeroom competitions and spelled their way through several rounds until 8th-grader Mackenzie Palmer was declared the winner. Sawyer Straley (7th grade) was runner-up.

2022-23 INDUCTEES

Front (l-r) Alessandro Paiardini, Gabriel Zagoria, Tanner Vassian, Mackenzie Palmer, Natalia Parra, Charlotte Terry, Zari Preyor, Sebastian Restrepo-Cantillo, Bobby Rohs, Heidi Rohrer, Father Duke, Mr. Robinson.

Middle (l-r) Gabriel Welty, Evelyn Grace Hyde, Claire Jowers, Grant Pearch, McCall Smith, Tommy Schweninger, Alvin Nguyen, Colin Blackmon, Abbie Livingston, Jake McLaren, Griffin Moore. Back (l-r) Ms. Fenstermacher, Hanson Berg, Ryan Hewitt,Logan Gunckel, Thomas Koziol, Katherine Bryson,Henry Dickert, Jackson Dorris. Not pictured- Jameson Hilton.

A Magical Time!

Middle School band students visited Orlando, FL, to attend the University of Central Florida’s band workshop. Students worked on sound development and ensemble playing skills. While there, students visited Hollywood Studios and created lifelong memories with their classmates.

GEOGRAPHY BEE Out of This World

Middle School students participated in mini Geography Bees in their social studies classes to secure a spot in the annual St. Martin’s Geography Bee. Neil Conrad moderated the event. Congratulations to winner Juliet Purdie (7th grade). After a close round, four students tied for runner-up: Campbell Hilton (7th grade), Esha Cholia (8th grade), Colin Blackmon (8th grade), and Evelyn Grace Hyde (8th grade).

100TH DAY OF SCHOOL

100 Days Wiser!

St. Martin’s kindergarten and first-grade classes celebrated the 100th day of school with fun 100-themed outfits. Kindergarteners donned homemade t-shirts sporting 100 basketballs, gumballs, hearts and more. First-graders channeled their inner centenarians and dressed in nightgowns, gray wigs and scratchy sweaters.

WORLD CULTURES DAY Global Warriors

St. Martin’s was thrilled to bring back World Cultures Day! Students celebrated cultures around the world by “traveling” to different continents throughout the day. Students enjoyed a wide variety of music, art and storytelling from around the globe while experiencing a glimpse of diverse cultural traditions and cuisines. Many community members volunteered to speak about their countries of origin and the traditions they practice.

St. Martin’s brought the cultures of six contents to life for students through educational presentations and interactive activities. Students enjoyed making homemade spaghetti noodles, learning to salsa dance, learning fun facts about Canada, listening to the Djembe Drum in Africa, learning about the wildlife in Australia and enjoying the traditional cuisine of India in Eastern Asia.

BASKETBALL HOOPLA Battle of the Warriors

The annual St. Martin’s basketball hoopla was a fierce competition between faculty/ staff hoopsters and 8th-grade basketball players. The game was a nail-biter as the teams went head to head in back-andforth action for a very close game. The students fought hard, and ultimately the faculty secured the win by one point during overtime.

MARTIN’S COMMUNITY School Sunday

SPRING CIVIC DINNER

Belonging

More than 30 SMES community members came together to engage in meaningful conversations on the topic of “Belonging” at the Spring Civic Dinner. The night was filled with open discussions, laughter and storytelling. Attendees discussed belonging and shared hopes and dreams for SMES.

The SMES community worshiped alongside St. Martin in the Fields Episcopal Church parishioners at the annual School Sunday services. The early service was tailored to preschoolers, and the main service was filled with worship, music and fellowship among attendees. Students had the opportunity to serve as readers, acolytes, choristers and ushers.

ST.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Seventh-grade students visited the Center for Civil and Human Rights to further expand on topics taught in their civil rights unit in social studies class. Students learned about freedom riders and lunch counter sit-ins through audiovisual experiences, heard the stories of human rights champions and perused artwork and historical facts in the exhibitions.

Live on Air!

Second-grade students had the exciting opportunity to visit the WSB-TV station in Atlanta! Students toured the studio with seasoned news anchors, tested their meteorology skills and visited the lottery studio to watch a live Powerball drawing.

7TH-GRADE FIELD TRIP

WSB-TV FIELD TRIP

LUCKY TO HAVE YOU!

ES Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day

St. Martin’s welcomed grandparents and special friends of Elementary School students to campus for a morning of fun. Special guests enjoyed breakfast and heard remarks from St. Martin’s Fund grandparent chair Mike Fowler and Interim Head of School Michael Robinson, and students in each grade level performed for their guests. At the end of the program, guests could visit classrooms for light refreshments and to learn more about day-to-day classroom activities.

WE LOVE YOU!

MS Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day

Middle School Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day was a heartwarming celebration of family and community. Attendees enjoyed a delicious breakfast and had the opportunity to see a sneak peek of the spring musical, “The Wizard of Oz.”

GOOD SAMARITAN PROJECT

Service Learning

The Early Childhood division spearheaded a full-school service project, “Kids Helping Kids,” this spring. For 26 years, St. Martin’s has partnered with The Good Samaritan Health Center, an inner-city health clinic. This year, the St. Martin’s community donated 200 books, 97 hygiene kits and 63 first aid kids.

TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK Thanks a Bunch!

The PTO showed a bunch of love during Teacher Appreciation week! Monday brought beautiful floral arrangements for every staff member. Throughout the week, faculty were treated to breakroom snacks, delicious doughnuts, Crumbl Cookies and SMES beach towels! The PTO volunteers outdid themselves to show their appreciation for teachers and staff!

EC/ES/MS PRINCIPAL FOR THE DAY STUDENTS

IN CHARGE

Each division had a great time with students in charge for the annual Principal for the Day. Claire Jowers (MS), Coker and Bo Bayer (ES), Kate and Lila Jennings ruled the school by declaring a non-uniform day, reading the morning announcements, having a special lunch with each division principal and fulfilling important duties throughout the day.

PTO DAUGHTERS’ DANCE

New York, New York!

The St. Martin’s gym was transformed into the Big Apple for the annual PTO Daughters’ Dance! Students from beginners through 8th- grade joined their dads and special guests for a night in NYC. Everyone was dressed to the nines and danced the night away to incredible music. As a part of the tradition, each girl received a special charm to add to her charm bracelet and 8th-grade girls were celebrated with a special ceremony and received a beautiful necklace.

PTO SONS’ EVENT B-I-N-G-O

The Annual PTO Sons’ event was a funfilled afternoon of BINGO with nearly 230 mothers/special guests and sons in attendance. The afternoon was packed with exciting prizes, photo opportunities and delicious treats such as pizza and shaved ice!

Spring into Music

The spring music programs for Toddler, Beginner, and Pre-K students were delightful showcases of their musical talents. These three performances by SMES’s youngest students were met with great enthusiasm and joy by the audience.

Feast Day Project

As a part of last fall’s Feast Day festivities, students participated in a schoolwide service project of collecting small toys for an art installation. Middle school students worked with local artist Craig Griffin to create a 3-D multimedia piece that now hangs in Warrior Hall!

Caring for our Furry Friends

The 6th-grade Kairos English class visited the DeKalb County Animal Shelter to culminate their year-long pet biography project. In the fall, students began writing creative animal biographies to help generate interest in its shelter dog adoption program. Students had the opportunity to volunteer and spend time with the animals at the shelter.

ART INSTALLATION

6TH-GRADE KAIROS FIELD TRIP

“THE WIZARD OF OZ” SPRING MUSICAL Follow the Yellow Brick Road

“The Wizard of Oz” musical was an enchanting production that brought to life the timeless tale of Dorothy and her journey through the magical land of Oz. With a talented cast of middle school students and fourth and fifth graders, the musical showcased the passion, creativity, and dedication of the young performers. Students, parent volunteers and the SMES drama staff dedicated many hours of hard work to bring the musical to life on a vibrant set as they sang, danced, and acted their way along the yellow brick road.

EC/ES

Field Day

Early Childhood and Elementary students had a blast at their Field Day events. Elementary students enjoyed dressing for the Super Mario Brothers theme. They participated in a variety of games and activities. The event was filled with fun, laughter and cheers making it a memorable day for all.

Diving Deep into Marine Biology!

Fifth-graders embarked on a three-day adventure to the UGA Marine Institute on Skidaway Island near Savannah, Ga, where they learned about marine plants and animals up close, dissected a squid, boated in the marsh, and more as they immersed themselves in the exciting world of marine biology through a variety of indoor and outdoor classroom activities. A visit to the Pirate House in Savannah topped off the fun.

5TH-GRADE SKIDAWAY TRIP

SUPER MARIO FIELD FUN

Civil Rights for All!

6th-grade students embarked on a memorable trip to several historic civil rights sites across Alabama. They toured museums, walked across the Edmund Pettus Bridge, and visited churches that played significant roles in the fight for equality. Through this experience, the students gained a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices and struggles of those who fought for civil rights, and were inspired to make a positive difference in their own communities.

7TH GRADE TRIP A Trip to the Nation’s Capital

Seventh-grade students embarked on an exciting three-day field trip to Washington D.C. where they visited many landmarks, museums, and historical sites in the nation’s capital. They learned about the rich history and culture of the city, and had a fun and educational experience.

6TH GRADE TRIP

8TH GRADERS On your Mark, Get Set, Go!

And they’re off! The annual 8thgrade boxcar race saw Team Black Panther come out on top. Each team raced their cars, competed in a team dance competition and showed off their student-made boxcar designs. This STEAM project requires teams to design and make all aspects of a functioning boxcar. The boxcar project honors the memory of Carter Davis, son of a former SMES teacher.

CROSSING THE GREEN A Milestone Moment

The 5th-grade class crossed the green in the beloved annual event to signify their entry into middle school. The 5th-graders trekked across the green turf, led by ES principal Lynne Perry, and were warmly greeted by Interim MS principal Kanette Fenstermacher. Parents and other students cheered on students as they accomplished this milestone.

HIGH SCHOOL ACCEPTANCES

The Places You’ll Go!

Good luck to our SMES Class of 2023 as they move on to their respective high schools!

Arabia Mountain High School

Chamblee Charter High School

Dunwoody High School

Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School

Marist School

North Atlanta High School

Pace Academy

Paul Duke STEM High School

St. Pius X Catholic High School

The Lovett School

Wesleyan School Westminister School

PTO Farewell W

hen our turn came to take the helm, the PTO was set to offer a full calendar of in-person events and programs for the first time since 2019. And, if we’re being honest, we were a little worried we had gotten ourselves in over our heads. But we were also excited about getting our community back together. So, with the help of our stalwart crew, we started planning for the year ahead.

We are exceedingly proud of all the PTO — buoyed by the support of dedicated parent volunteers, sage administrators, and our gracious St. Martin’s community — accomplished this year. We managed ten on-going programs and organized 38 successful in-person events, including some of our favorite traditions like Fall Festival and Winter Social that many in our community had never before gotten to experience. More than 700 people came out for the first Fall Festival since 2019, and the inaugural Pie-the-Face Raffles, where students entered to win the chance to “pie” a brave SMES teacher in the face, were a huge hit (pun definitely intended). And more than 425 people attended our yacht rock-themed Winter Social, Smooth Sailing, which raised an unprecedented amount of money for our school.

& Thanks!

“Smooth Sailing” was more than just a theme; for us, it became a mantra, guiding our efforts all year long. To make things a little smoother for our community, we worked with the school’s administration to streamline PTO communications and fundraising efforts. To help new and veteran families navigate the school year with ease, we wrote and published the first-ever Unofficial Guide to St. Martin’s, which combines need-to-know information, our own institutional knowledge, and valuable insider tips and advice. To help busy parents find volunteer opportunities that fit their schedule, we created a “Volunteer Opportunities Catalogue,” which lists volunteer spots by time of day, day-of-the-week, and time required. And to make things easier for future PTO chairs and Executive Board members, we created planning guides for the PTO’s Executive Board and each of the PTO’s 30 committees. We also established a dedicated PTO Google Drive, codified important internal processes and procedures, and made thoughtful changes to PTO programming for the year ahead.

As always, the PTO owes its success to the support, hard work, and generosity of countless volunteers. There are no words big enough to express the depth of our gratitude to each and every person who helped us along the way. So, we will simply say thank you.

To our PTO co-president predecesJennifer House, Erin Spink, Abbey Bradner, and Elizabeth Miller, thank you for guiding us through uncharted waters. Your leadership was and is a shining example for others to follow.

To St. Martin’s teachers, staff, administrators, and trustees, thank you for your enduring support and invaluable guidance.

To our fellow St. Martin’s parents, thank you for giving so generously of your time, talent, and resources.

To our dedicated and indispensable PTO committee chairs, thank you for making each PTO event and every PTO program possible this year. We quite literally could not have done it without you

To our 2023 Winter Social Chairs, Hilary Bayer and Kim Watson, thank you for bravely going where no Winter Social has gone before: off campus. Because of your creativity and dedication, Smooth Sailing was not only a whale of a party; it was also the most successful Winter Social to date, raising well over $100,000 for our school. (Also, thanks to you, we got the chance to use more nautical puns and slang than we ever thought possible.) To us, you ladies were and always will be the true “Captains of Smooth.”

To the incomparable women of our Executive Board, Allyson Miller, Leah Antoniazzi, Courtenay O’Mara, Andrea Botham, Keeli Simpson, and Sarah Moffat, thank you for helping us keep an even keel all year long. When there was a storm, you were our port. When we ran out of steam, you put wind in our sails. Thank you. Thank you for your patience, your dedication, your diligence, and, most importantly, your friendship. And finally, to the SMES community, we hold so dear, thank you for the opportunity to serve as your PTO presidents this year. It truly was an honor and a privilege. We wish our very capable successors, Allyson Miller and Leah Antoniazzi, nothing but calm waters and smooth sailing in the year ahead.

With gratitude and appreciation,

Sarah Jowers & Michelle Hartman

Volunteer Spotlight

Steven Girardot

When did your family become part of the St. Martin’s community?

We joined in the fall of 2020 when our daughter Chrissy started in Beginners with Mrs. Beshears and Mrs. Kim.

In what capacities have you volunteered at SMES?

I have been a room parent; St. Martin’s Fund Committee; Diversity Committee; Warrior Buddy; and always try to offer to help anytime we need to send treats or snacks for our teachers and staff- we love showing our appreciation for the great work they all do.

As a parent, what is your favorite opportunity for SMES parents to engage with each other?

When we started at SMES in the Fall of 2020, it was during COVID so opportunities to engage with other parents were limited. However, as the pandemic has subsided, I have really enjoyed the informal ways to interact with parents both inside and outside of the school. This may be through running the Warrior 5K race, attending the Daddy-Daughter Dance, or joining one of the committees. I have also enjoyed the civic dinners organized by Dr. Russell.

Why is volunteering important to you and your family?

When we were looking at schools for our daughter, one of the things that stood out to me about St. Martin’s was the parent involvement in the school. Even during COVID, parents were highly engaged and involved in the school community. A lot of educational research indicates that a student’s success is enhanced when parents are involved in their education. Finally, for us, it’s important to show our daughter that her education is a priority to us. It can be hard at times; my husband and I both have busy careers, but we make the time.

What is one thing that makes St. Martin’s special to you and your family?

It is hard to pick just ONE thing. But, at the top of the list is that we love the diversity of our school community and the emphasis that St. Martin’s places on ensuring that families of all types and backgrounds feel welcome and included.

Learning to Fly

Congratulations Graduates

by LAUREN RAMIREZ COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

Transitioning from middle school to high school is a significant milestone in every St. Martin’s student’s academic journey. The class of 2023 is preparing to embark on new adventures as they metaphorically spread their wings and take flight. On May 25, 55 students proudly donned graduation attire for the 30th annual 8th-grade commencement ceremony held at the Cathedral of St. Philip. Joined by their families and SMES faculty and staff, they gathered to acknowledge this achievement and bid farewell to their time at St. Martin’s. The bittersweet event marked the conclusion of a month filled with various festivities, including a class trip to the Grand Canyon, the completion of a STEAM boxcar race, special luncheons, chapel services, and non-uniform days. Regardless of when they joined St. Martin’s, each and every graduate has left a lasting impression on the SMES community. Some will be fondly remembered for their academics, athletic achievements, leadership, kindness or sense of humor, while others evoke memories of creativity, passion, devotion to faith and much more. We extend heartfelt congratulations to all the graduates and express our gratitude to those who have provided love and guidance throughout their journey.

FIRM GROUND TO STAND ON

Student council president McCall Smith established the tone of the ceremony. Through a series of quotes and personal stories from his own journey at St. Martin’s, he shared reflections that resonated deeply with the graduating class.

McCall touched upon both the triumphs and challenges they encountered during their time in middle school, ranging from championship wins to navigating the unprecedented circumstances of the pandemic. In a powerful quote from Michael Jordan, he reminded his classmates, “Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it or work around it.” This class figured out how to keep their education and friendships thriving no matter the circumstances.

The positive tone set by McCall was further emphasized by Interim Head of School Michael Robinson. During his speech, Mr. Robinson reassured the students that even in the face of challenges, they will always have a firm ground to stand on. He noted that they are not freefalling but rather seizing an opportunity to soar and develop independence. Mr. Robinson conveyed the importance of self-reliance by emphasizing, “Learning to be independent is something only you can do for yourself. Parents, teachers and friends will prepare you to fly, but you have to be the one take off.”

ON TO THE NEXT ADVENTURE

Concluding the ceremony, Interim Middle School Principal Kanette Fenstermacher delivered a heartfelt introduction of the 8th-grade class. She introduced each

student individually, recounting when their journey at SMES began. The excitement radiated from the students as they eagerly awaited the receipt of their diplomas from Mr. Robinson, accompanied by St. Martin’s Board of Trustees Chair Shara Sanders. Each student’s name called brought a sense of readiness for them to take flight.

Following the ceremony, a reception was held to celebrate the graduates. The atmosphere was filled with joy as everyone gathered to enjoy a heartfelt video capturing cherished memories throughout the years, filling the room with laughter and tears. The event concluded with final class pictures and abundant hugs and goodbyes. Congratulations to St. Martin’s class of 2023. Best of luck as you prepare for your next adventure.

“Learning to be independent is something only you can do for yourself. Parents, teachers and friends will prepare you to fly, but you have to be the one take off.”

MICHAEL ROBINSON

WELL-DESERVED HONORS

On the final day of school, the Elementary and Middle Schools Honors Assemblies recognized outstanding students for their achievements. The honored students received various academic awards, including honor roll and headmaster’s list recognition, and accolades for their involvement in student council and other clubs. The assembly commenced with the highly anticipated 8th-grade clapout, where fellow students, teachers, and parents bid a ceremonious farewell to the graduating 8th-graders as they paraded through the campus following a ringing bell by Mr. Robinson en route to their last on-campus activity.

As part of the ceremony, 8th graders Sophia Hamilton and Jake McLaren took the stage to announce the Class of 2023’s gift to the school. They revealed a contribution of new sports equipment and a trophy case, which generated lots of excitement from the crowd.

One of the assembly’s cherished traditions was the announcement of the Oglethorpe Award winner, bestowed upon the top eighth-grade student. This year,

Alessandro Paiardini was recognized for his academic excellence and exemplary citizenship within the St. Martin’s community. Alessandro was inducted into the SMES Honors Society, played basketball, baseball and ultimate frisbee. He also volunteers in the community with Outlaws Serve. Faculty members choose the Oglethorpe Award nominees, and a committee ultimately determines the recipient. Congratulations to Alessandro for this well-deserved honor!

Another significant recognition, the 2023 Reeder Excellence in Teaching Award , was presented to Beginners teacher Mary Ann McCormick . This prestigious award celebrates a dedicated SMES educator who has positively contributed to the school. The recipient is a teacher who demonstrates a commitment to students, a positive attitude, loyalty, dedication, and flexibility and fosters positive relationships within the school community. Teachers are nominated by their peers, and past award recipients select the finalist.

Mrs. McCormick, a respected 15-year veteran at St. Martin’s, is an outstanding member of the school community. Her unwavering passion for teaching and

ability to connect with students have been recognized and appreciated by all. Mrs. McCormick has also served on the past two Head of School search committees, showcasing her commitment to the school’s continued growth and success. Her favorite part about her job is getting to know all the wonderful families and watching the children mature and grow. She said, “I like the challenge of figuring out what makes each child ‘tick,’ and the best teaching style for each one so that they acquire a love of learning. Receiving the Reeder Award was a total shock because I work with so many wonderful teachers and peers who all deserve an award. The saying that best describes this honor is, ‘If you love your job, then you never have to work a day!’ I’m truly honored, and so blessed that I love my job, love the children and love what I do.”

Early Childhood students were also honored at their last day of school assembly. This special chapel service allowed each student to receive a certificate and a hug from their teacher as they moved on to the next level.

A Grand Finale

St. Martin’s Episcopal School’s 8thgrade class recently returned from its highly anticipated capstone trip to the Grand Canyon and surrounding areas. The five-day excursion allowed students to bond with their classmates before graduating and leaving SMES to embark on their high school journey. The trip is a long-standing tradition at St. Martin’s, with many students looking forward to it from the time they enter pre-kindergarten.

This year, 53 students and seven chaperones trekked across the country, beginning with a 3:30 am arrival at school to catch an early morning flight to Las Vegas. Students left behind their cell phones and electronics to bond with each other and enjoy a week of fun, adventure and beauty. Upon arrival, the group met Ryan, Casey, and Jason, who would be their guides for the week.

A few trip norms were established early on in the trip. Ryan coined a clarion call for moving out that was picked up by everyone., “Send it!” could be heard daily, indicating it was time to move. In addition, both buses were filled with singing—lots and lots of awesome singing and laughter that set the tone and continued throughout the week.

by KRISTI GAFFNEY DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS (AND TRIP CHAPERONE)

From Vegas, the group boarded two buses for the long ride to Zion National Park in Utah, where they went on scenic hikes and learned about the geology of the area based on the DUDE concept: Disposition, Uplift, Downcutting, and Erosion. They marveled at the rock formations formed by wind and water. When asked by guides to describe the park in one word, dusty, beautiful, picturesque, large, dry, and slippery topped the list. That night, the group ate under the stars at a nearby ranch, where they enjoyed a cowboy dinner and s’mores over an open fire, met Longhorn cows, and listened to Native American stories and songs.

The next day, the students woke up early for a beautiful hike at Bryce Canyon, where they learned about the history of the area and the unique rock formations called hoodoos. Then back on the bus traveling up in elevation to more than 9,000 feet, they experienced a different terrain and incredible views at Rainbow Point. Even though it was May, a snowball fight ensued, and students enjoyed being in the moment with each other in this unexpected weather. Laughter filled the air as the kids enjoyed being kids. The day then took another unexpected turn when the group arrived at Coral Pink Sand Dunes National Park. A desert of sand where the kids rolled and slid snowboard-style on natural shape-shifting dunes. The juxtaposition of the day’s natural phenomenon left everyone in awe of the great southwest— and very sandy.

Next up, the group enjoyed a short but steep hike in Kanab before heading to a fun adventure at the mysteriously beautiful and narrow Peekaboo Slot Canyon. A bumpy and dusty ride into the canyon aboard open-air Hummers allowed the students to enjoy the beau-

tiful surrounding areas along the way. Back on the bus and on the way to the picturesque Horseshoe Bend was a stop at Lake Powell for some swimming and beach time. The breathtaking views at Horseshoe Bend did not disappoint, and one student commented that being there made them wish they could fly.

The following day in Flagstaff began with souvenir shopping before embarking on a hike at the South Kanab Trail of the Grand Canyon. The students broke into small groups and hiked in and out of the canyon, led by knowledgeable guides. Many were without words to describe this experience, and all agreed it was something they would never forget. The day was capped off by viewing a scenic sunset over the Canyon.

On the final morning of the trip, the group spent time at Slide Rock State Park, where the students enjoyed sliding and jumping off rocks into the chilly water. Before heading to the airport in Phoenix, the group spent some time in Sedona for last-minute snacks and shopping.

When asked about the week’s experience, the kids were filled with many emotions, unforgettable moments, and reflections on their journey. Descriptions included feeling grand, peaceful, sleepy, windy, and quiet, but above all, they felt alive. Many expressed joy and gratitude for the opportunity to bond with their classmates and teachers, make new friendships, and solidify existing ones.

One of the best parts of the trip was the opportunity to be together on the bus rides- the singing, laughter and bonding. And many reflected on how glad they were to have left their phones at home. As one student put it, “This trip makes us family.”

This capstone adventure provides a unique opportunity for the students to disconnect from the digital world and be present and in the moment. For the graduating class of 2023, this was a once-in-alifetime trip that marked the end of their time at St. Martin’s Episcopal School in a grand way. It was an adventure that they will remember forever.

OnOur Minds OnOur Minds

DREAMS, GOALS AND ADVICE FROM OUR 8TH GRADE GRADS

10% 7%

IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SUPERPOWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Reece Underwood Super strength

Jake McLaren Invisibility

Brewer Riley I would want to be very fast

Thomas Koziol I would want to be able to fly

Sophia Hamilton Animal shapeshifting

Gabriel Welty Super stealth

Rhodes Bayliss-Lowe Time traveling

Ella Ziegler

To know everything

Charlotte Terry You be able to hear peoples’ thoughts

Jameson Hilton To fly

Katherine Bryson Shapeshifting

Diego Gopar Vasquez Super speed

Griffin Moore To read minds

Emily O’Mara Teleport

Mackenzie Palmer Healing

Lucy Smith To turn invisible

Abbie Livingston To control time

FAVORITE ST. MARTIN’S TRADITION

Anna Porter Brodnax: Box Car

Alvin Nguyen: Box Car

Ryan Hewitt: Field Day

Nathan Hildreth: Box Car

Tommy Schweninger: Grand Canyon

Zari Preyor: Feast Day

Grant Pearch: Class Trips

Luc Rusche: Christmas

Evelyn Hyde: Halloween Parade

Bobby Rohs: Field Day

Reece Underwood Start studying early on.

Alvin Nguyen Don’t be nervous and play sports more.

Max Etienne Study harder.

Sophia Hamilton Work hard and make good friends.

Tommy Schweninger Work out.

Ella Ziegler Don’t worry so much about how people think of you, it doesn’t matter in the end.

Natalia Parra Don’t give up.

William Ashley Don’t stop working hard.

Matthew Mikita Take homework seriously.

Jameson Hilton Study.

Emily Papirio To not be afraid to ask for help if you need it.

Heidi Rohrer Don’t be weird.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUR SIXTH-GRADE SELF? THIS OR THAT? 90% 93%

Reese Obser Don’t rush everything and don’t grow up too fast.

Lucy Smith I would tell myself to apply myself and get my schoolwork done ahead and not wait until the last minute.

Greg Lisowski Just have fun.

Gabriella Tavel Be yourself.

Emmy Childers My advice would be to really enjoy it because you only go to middle school once.

Claire Jowers: PE and Kindergarten Buddies

Colin Blackmon: Reading to Kindergartners

Alessandro Paiardini : The Trips

Henry Dickert: Field Day

Emily Papirio: 5th-Grade Cookie Sale

Emily O’Mara: Non-Uniform Day

Vandy Neumeyer: Halloween Parade

McCall Smith: The Hoopla

Liv Kartsonas: Feast Day

Sebastian Restrepo-Cantillo: Fall Festival

Amani Price: Retreat Days because we get a break from school, bond with friends and experience new things.

ST. MARTIN’S IN THREE WORDS

Anna Porter Brodnax A Great Place

Tanner Vassian Fun, Creative, Clean

Thomas Koziol Organized, Nice, Fun

Grant Pearch Community, Friendship, Learning

Gabriel Welty Nice, Interesting, Benevolent.

Charlotte Terry Small, Caring, Supportive

Natalia Parra Studious, Fun, Adventurous

Claire Jowers Great, Smart, Kind

Bennett Gerspacher Fun, Academic, Family

Henry Dickert Welcoming, Educating, Exciting

Patrick Feagin Education, Community, Opportunity

Heidi Rohrer Christian Learning School

Vandy Neumeyer Home, Loving, Family

Reese Obser Long Lasting Memories

Sam Linam Community, Uplifting, Fun

Hanson Berg Fun, Accepting, Kind

Sophia Lehwald Fun, Close, Supportive

Amani Price Experiences, Love, Challenging

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE ON CAMPUS?

Tanner Vassian Basketball Court

Gabriel Zagoria Lunch Room

Max Etienne Basketball Gym

Ryan Hewitt Cafeteria

Zari Preyor Band Room

Bobby Rohs Turf

Colin Blackmon Gym

Matthew Mikita PE Room

Alessandro Paiardini Basketball Court

Katherine Bryson Previous Teachers’ Rooms

Diego Gopar Vasquez Gym

Patrick Feagin The Woodworking Lab

Sam Linam Turf

Hanson Berg Art Room, Drama Room

Abbie Livingston Basketball Court

Logan Gunckel Cafeteria

Jackson Dorris Art Room

THIS OR THAT?

71%

29%

62%

38% Apple Music

IF YOU HAD ONE WISH, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Jake McLaren To be the nicest person in the world

Gabriel Zagoria For us to go on more trips

Brewer Riley To cure cancer.

Nathan Hildreth For lots of money

Luc Rusche To have the exact amount of money for anything I want

Evelyn Hyde For climate change to end

Rhodes Bayliss-Lowe To have good grades

William Ashley That I could be good at anything I try

Bennett Gerspacher World peace

Griffin Moore To cure cancer

McCall Smith To always be happy

Mackenzie Palmer Do 8th grade over again, I’m going to miss it

Greg Lisowski To have infinite wishes

Logan Gunckel World peace

Sophia Lehwald To know peoples’ feelings so I know how to help them

Gabriella Tavel To be all-knowing

Liv Kartsonas For peace in the world

Sebastian Restrepo-Cantillo To never stop believing in myself

Emmy Childers To play college volleyball

Jackson Dorris To never be late n

Meet Maria Croley Madden St. Martin’s Head of School

How have your life experiences influenced your professional career?

I felt the pull to work in education very soon after college graduation. My first job right out of school was with the Northwest GA Girl Scout Council overseeing a new initiative to start Girl Scout troops in schools with significant Hispanic populations. The positive impact of scouting in the lives of these girls was powerful, and, as a lifelong Girl Scout myself, I loved sharing scouting with them and working with the teachers and administrators in the local schools. The experience provided me with life lessons that I’ve applied in and out of the classroom, even today.

That work led me to pursue education. Having babysat and served as a day camp counselor as a teenager, the transition to teaching felt right, particularly when the opportunity came available at my alma mater, The Walker School. The leadership I learned in my family’s life, coupled with the lessons learned in and out of the classroom, started me on a path toward educational leadership, where I’m so fortunate to lead talented teachers and serve families in their children’s educational journey.

St. Martin’s is excited to welcome you to the community. Tell us a bit about your family and background.

I grew up in metro Atlanta and like to claim “native” status after

moving to the state when I was four. I was born at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina, and we lived for one year in Virginia before moving to Georgia. I like to say that I have leadership and education in my blood. My father is a retired Marine Corps Major General and commercial pilot, and my mother is a retired preschool director and kindergarten teacher, and they still live in Marietta. I am grateful to have spent my childhood around excellent

examples of leadership through the military and in schools. I am independent school educated, starting with St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Marietta and continuing at The Walker School for 7th-12th grade. I have one younger sister, Caroline. She and her husband live in Brookhaven, and we are incredibly close. We are thrilled to be returning home to Atlanta with our family and friends. My husband, James, has also lived in the area since he was a young boy. He grew up in Marietta and graduated from UGA, and is eager to return to Bulldawg country. James has worked for the last 25 years in public relations.

Our three boys, Sanders, a rising 5th grader, Louis, a rising 3rd grader, and Carter, who’ll start in Beginners this fall, were all born at Piedmont Hospital and love sports and being outside. They are excited to be able to walk to campus, and it will be special for all three boys to be together at SMES starting in the fall.

How will you integrate into the community and engage with families?

I can’t wait to join SMES once we move in late June. We have appreciated the warm welcome we have received from the community, especially the boys’ Warrior Buddies, who have already reached out. We were sad to miss the new family events in May, but we are looking forward to meeting families, participating in all areas of school life, and also worshiping at St. Martin’s church. All three boys are signed up for SMES camps, and Sanders and Louis are interested in playing baseball and soccer this fall, hopefully with some of their new classmates. We are eager to meet the community on day one at the Celebration of New Ministry event and to be part of back-to-school nights and other SMES start-ofschool traditions. And I’m happy to announce a new, parent-only fun event to celebrate the SMES community is planned for September. Look for more information about Groovin’ on the Green as we get closer to the start of school.

What do you want to convey to families as you begin a new endeavor to lead St. Martin’s Episcopal School?

Successful leaders, whether they run a school, a company, or even a sports team, do not begin their tenure by making swift and unilateral changes. They begin by first listening and learning from their team. I’ll be spending a lot of time during my first year listening: and learning from the broad range of stakeholders in our community.

MARIA CROLEY MADDEN

17

13 3 years

years

Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, Columbia, S.C. Middle School Head

Educator, administrator, coach, leader years

The Lovett School, Atlanta, GA Middle School Asst. Head & Dean of Students Middle School Teacher Middle School Coach

Operational experience with all aspects of school administration

My desire to make thoughtful and intentional decisions that are mission and data driven and in the best interest of the school will be rooted in what I hear and learn from the parents, students, and faculty. What I learn from these conversations will be infused into the objectives we identify as I work alongside the board to move the school forward.

Final Thoughts

My enthusiasm for joining a new school community where we celebrate the magic of growing up, and the joy of childhood, are all centered around shared values stemming from our Episcopal identity while providing an excellent educational experience that nourishes students’ minds, bodies, and spirits. I am passionate about leading a school of lifelong learners where students and families feel welcome, safe, heard, and cared for. I have a sign in my office that says, “Mistakes are proof you are trying.” I want students to feel comfortable enough in the classrooms and on our campus so that they can find the right type of support they need as they navigate the ever-changing and dynamic world we live in.

I can’t wait to see all of you on campus and work together to continue to make St. Martin’s Episcopal School an amazing place of learning for our children and a home away from home for our families.

The Return of The

Cookie Company

by WHITNEY DEWIT 5TH GRADE TEACHER

After a two-year hiatus, the 5th grade was excited to bring back Cookie Company! This hallmark collaborative learning project has always been a highlight for 5th grade. Regular classes stop for two weeks allowing students to work together to create a Cookie Company to market and sell their cookies. Although our normal day-to-day classroom routines stop, the learning that is taking place is evident in each 5th-grade classroom during this time. From learning how to market cookies through persuasive writing, adding fractions to double and triple recipes, and working out group conflicts, learning comes to life!

Here is how the cookie crumbles:

Students are put into groups and collaborate to find a cookie recipe. Students then get down to business to create a company name, logo, theme, and slogan. Once the first step is completed, it is a sprint to the finish.

In math, students must figure out the quantity of all the ingredients they need to make their cookies. Since each group makes between 50-60 cookies, recipes must be doubled, tripled, and even quadrupled! Adding and multiplying fractions is a necessity.

In language arts, students work on persuasive writing skills. Students need to market their cookies, so creating advertisements in the form of morning announcements, hallway posters, and commercials is key. To create their commercials, students write scripts, create costumes, and film using their Chromebooks in front of a green screen. They can then add backgrounds, credits, and music to their commercials using WeVideo.

In social studies, students learn the aspects of running a business. What makes a business run and how supply and demand impact businesses are important to making Cookie Company work.

The mix. After finalizing their product, students then mix the cookies in the classroom, and parents volunteer to take the cookie dough home for baking!

The final sale! Students then set up shop around campus to sell their cookies to elementary students. All money raised for this project supports UGA’s Marine Institute Extension Service on Skidaway Island, which the 5th grade visits for its yearly overnight field trip. Students get to experience bringing their ideas to life with this project, and the best part is they don’t even realize all the learning that is taking place. n

SIGNS OF SPRING:

Sowing the Seeds of Service

by FATHER BRANDON DUKE SMES CHAPLAIN

ast year, my wife planted daffodil bulbs in a flower garden off the side of our house. I did not help her with this task, and forgot about her planting spree. Out of sight. Out of mind. Then, all of a sudden, there they were—a sign of spring, a remembering, a smile. This year’s Day-of-Service, which combined the efforts of St. Martin’s School with St. Martin in the Fields Church, revealed similar signs. I had the privilege of leading the day-of-service working committee of representatives from both church and school. They were the bulb planters. Their flowers came in the form of Rise Against Hunger, LifeSouth, Suthers Center, blessing bags, and gardening. The folks that took notice of these flowers were you. You gave your time to pack food that will serve our global neighbors. You donated blood, learned about food scarcity, and got your hands dirty. Spring has sprung, and it is a beautiful season to behold.

April’s Day of Service was a culmination of the creative and diverse ways SMES generously gives back. Throughout this school year, beginning in Early Childhood, every grade level coordinated a service-learning project while the whole school had three - St. Martin’s Feast Day, supporting The Good Samaritan Health Center, and April’s Day of Service. From EC to MS, all of these service-learning opportunities were supported by SMES’ SOLVE committee, the elementary and middle school SOLVE clubs, and the MS Student Council. In fact, the Student Council funded this spring’s Day of Service.

Throughout the projects, the learning runs deep. As a follow up to the fall’s Feast Day, hand-written letters to United States active-duty troops were sent out in the winter. To help students understand more fully the impact of collecting items for the blessing bags, I visited the third-grade classrooms and gave a brief presentation about where the blessing bags they helped assemble would go. We ended our time with the classes writing personal notes placed in each bag. Following up on The Good Samaritan Health Center, SOLVE, Jr. took a tour of the center while dropping off all the health items collected.

If all the above are this year’s flowers, what new bulbs need planting? Like a gardener, I hope to further cultivate service-learning into the soil of SMES. We have the land. We have laborers. Who or what is God calling us to serve next? Where can we join God in his work? What surprises are in store for next year? May we all discern these questions together in a spirit of curiosity and kindness. Thank you for an amazing year of service-learning. I can’t wait to get my hands dirty again next year.

Fun Facts

SERVICE BY THE NUMBERS

10,000+ 200 150+ 97 + 63 12

Meals packed with Rise Against Hunger. These meals will be distributed to our global neighbors who do not have adequate food sources.

Books collected for low-income pediatric patients and their families who visit The Good Samaritan Health Center in downtown Atlanta.

Blessing Bags containing water and nonperishable food distributed by the SMES community to the local homeless population. See a need. Fill that need.

Hygiene kits (97) and First-Aid kits (63) were made and donated to the Good Samaritan Health Center.

Blood donors gave blood resulting in 36 lifesaving products.

Numbers are from Day of Service and Good Samaritan projects

Many pine straw bales were spread to beautify the St. Martin’s prayer garden.

The Dream that Came True

BY ALESSANDRO PAIARDINI, 8TH GRADE

When I walked in the door on my first day of school at St. Martin’s in Pre-K, I instantly knew that this would be my beloved school for the next ten years. I clicked right away with the school’s atmosphere and the loving, super supportive teachers. But the main reason that I loved being at SMES was because of the strong friendships that I made. After ten years, I am still friends with multiple kids in my first class. We would all hang out and do everything together during the day and in Explorers, St. Martin’s after-school program. I still remember being outside together playing keep away and sharks and minnows on the green space. One of my favorite memories is when during Explorers, we were allowed to go watch the A-team basketball games in the gym. Even though basketball was never my main sport, I was fascinated to see other St. Martin’s kids out there playing together. This made me realize that when I am in middle school, it will be my turn to play and fight with my friends for a championship with SMES colors on, and that is exactly what we did.

On Dec. 16, 2022, the tryout for A-team boys basketball was held; when I walked into the gym I realized that we had a lot of talent. The roster got released two days later with all 8th graders, including me. I knew this could help us win because we are good friends that have experience and chemistry when playing together. I realized that after ten years at St Martin’s, I could be part of a talented championship team, but I knew it would not come easy. Every week we would have basketball practice or a game almost every day. We would have to sit through film sessions, work through plays, and run our butts off in every single one of our practices. The opening game for our season was against Eagles Landing Christian Academy

at State Farm Arena, home of the Atlanta Hawks. We won this game by a landslide with the help of a logo shot by Max Etienne. We had officially started the season with a big bang. This fueled our confidence and made the coaches realize that we had potential to win the championship, which caused them to work us even harder and push us beyond our limits. Our teamwork, dedication, and great coaching helped us make it to the playoffs undefeated and first seed in our division. This allowed us to play in front of our home crowd but also brought more tension because every team was now out to get us. We stayed calm and humble

and were able to execute our game plan as we beat The Museum School in the semi-finals and made it to the championship against Ridgeview. As the announcer called out the starters’ names, we knew it was our time to hustle our butts off to make a beautiful dream come through. Four quarters later, with hard defense from Henry Dickert and Jameson Hilton, good shooting from Jackson Dorris and Max Etienne, and finally, great leadership from Jake McLaren, we secured the victory. We became part of St. Martin’s history, and there was no better way of doing it than winning a championship with our close friends.

We became part of St. Martin’s history, and there was no better way of doing it than winning a championship with our close friends.

Teachers and Mentors

BY NATALIA PARRA, 8TH GRADE

When I was ten years old, I was going to transfer from Montgomery Elementary School to St. Martin’s. As any other child would feel, I felt anxious. I thought I was going to be the odd one out mostly because I am Hispanic. I thought people here wouldn’t accept me for who I am because of my skin color. Luckily that wasn’t the case here. The first day I came, everyone was welcoming.

I was starting to get used to the atmosphere because St. Martin’s was the first private school I had ever been to. It wasn’t only the students that were so nice to me, it also was the teachers that helped and guided me through their teaching. For example, in Ms. Fenstermacher’s 6th grade class I was working on a book report for a book called “The Selection” by Kiera Cass. I was struggling with the structure of the essay and how to word the sentences correctly to not make

it sound like nonsense. Fortunately, Ms. Fenstermacher was there to guide me to make the essay I wanted and explained what was wrong or right with the report. Another teacher that helped me through my middle school years is Mrs. McKerley because my experience with the Drama Club has been phenomenal. This year I am one of the co-presidents of the Drama Club. I never thought about being in Drama, but one day in 7th grade Drama class, Mrs. McKerley, the teacher of Drama, saw a spark in me and convinced me to get involved, and I am so glad she did. I have had so many chances to put myself out there, to find my voice, and figure out things that I didn’t know I could do. In Drama, I got to go to special events like the Georgia Jr. One Act Festival and the Georgia Junior Thespian Conference. Last year we won second place for One Act and I won an

award for Best Supporting Actress for our One Act. Then for Thescon, we won state and then went to internationals in Indiana. Drama gave me so much confidence and I found my voice with the Drama people but most importantly were Mrs. McKerley and Mr. McKerley. They helped me with everything they could offer.

Now I am looking at the past and I am very much grateful. Without every SMES faculty I would be way behind and not as bright as I am right now. Everyone puts their effort into every student to help them get into high school but not only that to also be prepared for it. I am looking forward to attending high school because of this school.

I have had so many chances to put myself out there, to find my voice, and figure out things that I didn’t know I could do.

Language Arts Curriculum

A Year in Review

by LYNNE PERRY , ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL & LAUREN KOHLHOFF , DIRECTOR OF TEACHING AND LEARNING

On any given morning, if you walk the halls of St. Martin’s elementary school, you will see students reading in small groups, working one-on-one with a teacher, or engaged in independent reading. Gone are the days of one size fits all, whole-group reading instruction.

Last fall, St. Martin’s implemented a new Language Arts curriculum for the 22-23 school year to better meet the needs of every student in the classroom. The Collaborative Classroom(CC) curriculum is a comprehensive research-based program that meets students at their instructional level and seeks to build independence in young readers and writers. With purposeful, targeted reading and writing instruction, elementary teachers have reported tremendous growth in our students’ reading and writing stamina, ability to think deeply about texts and generate ideas for writing at every grade level.

The adoption of CC resulted from a yearlong review process involving teachers and administrators across all three divisions of the school. The final stamp of approval came from the Instructional Leadership Team (ILT). The ILT was created in 2021 to serve as an oversight committee to review curriculum changes that would impact an entire grade level, department, division, or the whole school and would impact professional development, funding, physical space, or student life.

Beginning last summer, teachers were involved in ongoing professional development that continued throughout the school year, along with bi-monthly grade-level meetings with a CC professional learning coordinator. This intentional approach to professional learning during the first year of implementation gave teachers confidence in navigating an array of materials and strengthened instructional practices in every language arts

HOW WE TEACH MATTERS AS MUCH AS WHAT WE TEACH.

Collaborative Classroom’s commitment to continuous, embedded professional learning empowers educators to GROW their teaching practices, BUILD the school community, and CREATE conditions for authentic, student-centered learning.

The evidence-based program helps children DEVELOP as proficient readers and writers, APPRECIATE the ideas and opinions of others, LEARN to agree and disagree respectfully, THINK critically about big ideas, and BECOME responsible citizens of the world.

in respectful discourse using phrases like, “I agree/ disagree with what my classmate said because…”. These discussion routines have become so natural that teachers across campus report students applying these language skills in other academic and co-curricular settings!

classroom. Ongoing professional learning allowed teachers to plan alongside literacy experts and receive grade-level-specific support at strategic points throughout the academic year.

The St. Martin’s mission statement guides every decision we make at St. Martin’s. During the committee’s review process, it couldn’t be ignored that our commitment to serving the whole child in a loving, Christian environment that fosters lifelong learning is directly aligned with CC’s student-centered approach to teaching reading and writing. While we would expect a high-quality literacy curriculum to include a scope and sequence centered around skills such as comprehension, word study, foundational skills, and types of writing, we get so much more with CC’s evidence-based approach.

Research shows that a student’s academic success is directly related to their social and emotional well-being. Environment, relationships, and culture all impact students’ ability to learn. The success of literacy instruction depends on each student’s ability to develop relationships within the classroom, develop strong social skills, and work with others. CC integrates academic and social skill development in every lesson, instructional unit, and grade level. It’s not uncommon to hear students use phrases such as, “What my friend said makes me think…..” to connect ideas and elevate class discussions. Students are also explicitly taught to engage

The positive impact a new curriculum has made in the elementary school is undeniable. Implementing a comprehensive curriculum like CC that includes a research-based scope and sequence in all areas of literacy gives us confidence that our students are receiving the instruction they need when they need it. From Kindergarten to fifth grade, visitors will likely witness students thinking deeply about complex texts or observe thoughtful discussions about a topic or piece of writing. These authentic displays of learning affirm that our students are becoming independent readers and writers and becoming proficient in life skills that will serve them beyond their years at St. Martin’s.

STUDENT-CENTERED/ SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL APPROACH:

• PRACTICE social skills daily during whole-class, small-group, partner, and independent work.

• DEVELOP metacognitive skills by reflecting on their learning, interactions with others, and how their actions impact those around them.

• WEAVE explicit social skill instruction into the daily lessons through discussion and reflection.

• USE cooperative structures to allow students to hear other perspectives, learn from peers, develop interpersonal skills, and reach agreement.

SportsWrap-Up

by MARK MCDANIEL SMES ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

and COACH ALBANESE, COACH DAVISSON, COACH HARRIS, COACH MURPHY, COACH VISCO, AND COACH WALKER

BASKETBALL

A GIRLS

This group liked to work hard. With a heavy 6th-grader team, they lost the height battle every game but outworked each and every opponent. They played aggressively and went full speed from day one. The A girls grew so much as the season progressed. The team lost to league-winner Ridgeview in the first match up by 30, but the playoffs produced a much closer outcome. We led the first 2.5 quarters and lost by only a few points. These girls impressed us all, and they should be so proud of their efforts.

B GIRLS

As a young group, they started the season with good ball-handling skills but limited knowledge of how to work

as a team, but they developed into a team that fought hard every game. The girls improved a great deal over the season. For example, they went from scoring three points in their first game to scoring 31 points later in the season. I was so proud of their effort each game. They were aggressive, never gave up, and weren’t afraid to shoot the ball by the end of the season.

C GIRLS

This group of girls was one of the most hard-working C Teams. For some, it was their first time playing basketball. The amount of improvement throughout the season was impressive, and having seven girls on the team meant lots of playing time and few breaks. They never gave up and fought hard at every game. The season was dedicated to learning new skills, working hard, and, most importantly, having fun.

A BOYS - MAAC CHAMPS

This team was arguably the best Boys’ basketball team in SMES history. Undefeated in league play, they also beat Eagles Landing Christian, Marist (twice), Wesleyan, Perimeter, and other larger, solid teams. They dominated the league and won the MAAC Championship for the first time since 2012. This great group of young men were

At the Winter Sports Assembly, students were awarded for their achievements and sportsmanship throughout the basketball season.

Front Row (Left to right): Ben Ashley, Jack McEwan; Middle Row (L to R): Rachel Kelly, Olivia Tracht, Addison Cooper, WiIl Novascone, Will Acree, Zari Preyor, Catherine Rhino; Back Row (L to R): Lilia Lawrence, Kendall Ervin, Jackson Dorris, Jake McLaren, Reece Underwood, Max Etienne, Matthew Mikita, Madison Davies, Heidi Rohrer, Brooke Davis

coachable, supportive, and gave it their all. It was an incredible season!

B BOYS - MAAC TOURNEY WINNERS

The B Boys basketball team finished the season with an undefeated record and went on to win the MAAC B tournament. Highlight wins include wins over Ridgeview, Epstein, and Perimeter. The boys played hard all season and built great chemistry as a team. They ended the season by winning the tournament at Ridgeview, and we look forward to watching this group grow.

C BOYS

C Boys dominated their competition this season. They played fast and hard all season long. They cruised at the beginning of the season, but their most impressive win was against Globe Academy. They were down almost the entire game but just kept playing their game, playing hard. They cut the lead point by point and won by double digits. They showed fight, determination, and self-belief. Nice work.

SPRING SPORTS

by MARK MCDANIEL SMES ATHLETIC DIRECTOR and COACH NAMA, COACH ALEXANDER, COACH MURPHY, COACH VEAL, COACH CROWE, COACH MILLS, COACH HALL, COACH WALKER, COACH CONRAD, AND COACH ALBANESE.

Our spring athletic season has been the most successful in school history. All seven teams are the top 1 or 2 seeds in the playoffs and had terrific seasons. We brought home three championship trophies, three runners-up, five individual tourney champs in tennis, 2nd the lowest individual score at the golf finals, and it was a whole lot of fun. What a year, and what a way to finish it off this spring. Congrats to all our awesome athletes and great coaches, and thanks for all the parent support.

On the year, we won five MAAC titles and six runners-up, making this the most successful season in school history, edging out last year’s group by two trophies.

2022-2023 Champs

Girls Volleyball

2022-2023 Runners up

Ultimate Frisbee

Boys Basketball Boys Cross Country

Baseball Boys Soccer

Boys Tennis Flag football

Flag Football Girls Soccer

Golf

GOLF

The Golf Team had a great season this year. The coaches were very proud of each player’s hard work and discipline over the season. The golf team’s hard work paid off as the top foursome

Charlie Fischer, Alvin Nguyen, Iverson Means and Griffin Moore advanced to the MAAC Championship, securing an impressive secondplace finish. Maintaining an exceptional average of 38 on the front 9, the team showcased their skills and determination. The coaches are eager for the next season! Way to go, Warriors!

GIRLS SOCCER

This year, The girls’ soccer had a great season. The 8th-graders on the team stepped up and became leaders for the team. Demonstrating exceptional teamwork, the team navigated their way to the MAAC championship game. Although they fell just short of the title, losing 1-0 to AIS, the girls showed determination throughout the season. Go, Warriors!

2022-2023 Athletic Awards

BASKETBALL A BOYS

Colin Blackmon Most Improved

Jackson Dorris Warrior Award

Max Etienne All MAAC Award

Jake McLaren All MAAC Award

BASKETBALL B BOYS

Jack McEwan Warrior Award

Matthew Mikita Warrior Award

Reece Underwood Warrior Award

BASKETBALL C BOYS

Will Acree Warrior Award

Will Novascone Warrior Award

Bennett Gerspacher Hustle Award

Ben Ashley ............................................... Hustle Award

BASKETBALL A GIRLS

Madison Roark Warrior Award

Zari Preyor Most Improved

Catherine Rhino Warrior Award

Heidi Rohrer All MAAC Award

BASKETBALL B GIRLS

Addison Cooper Hustle Award

Brooke Davis Hustle Award

Rachel Kelly Warrior Award

Lilia Lawrence Warrior Award

BASKETBALL C GIRLS

Kendall Ervin Warrior Award

Olivia Tracht Hustle Award

GOLF

Griffin Moore

All MAAC

Iverson Means Hustle Award

Lilia Lawrence Warrior Award

FLAG 1

Max Etienne All MAAC

Jake McLaren Warrior

Greg Lisowiski Most Improved

Matthew Makita Hustle

FLAG 2

Jameson Hilton .............................................. All MAAC

Nathan Hildreth Warrior Award

Alejandro Perez Most improved

Sebastian Restrepo- Cantillo Hustle

GIRL’S SOCCER

Vandy Neumeyer Warrior Award

Ashleigh Rodgers Warrior Award

Aspen Stark Most Improved

Sophia Hamilton All MAAC

BASEBALL

Will Acree Warrior Award

Tanner Vassian Warrior Award

Grayson Albert Offensive MVP

William Ashley Defensive MVP

TENNIS- BEGINNER TEAMS

Katelyn Modisett Warrior Award

Carson Krebs Warrior Award

TENNIS- COMPETITIVE TEAM - GIRLS

Sophia Lehwald

All-MAAC

Lily Branson........................................... Warrior Award

TENNIS- COMPETITIVE TEAM - BOYS

Bobby Rohs

All-MAAC

Thomas Koziol ...................................... Warrior Award

TENNIS - BOYS MAAC CHAMPS

The tennis team dominated their season! The players competed in the first-ever MAAC individual tennis championship at Hudlow Tennis Center. SMES had one team or individual in seven of the eight championships. Nine players from the girls’ team made the individual championship which is by far the most! The boys were the top seed in the team finals and secured 8 out of 24 spots for the championship! For team competition - the boys’ team won their 2nd consecutive MAAC team championship. Girls went into playoffs as 1st seed but lost in the semi-finals. Throughout the season, both teams hustled and played very well together. Congrats on the great season!

FLAG FOOTBALL - BLUE TEAM MAAC CHAMPS

SMES had 26 players this season, so they were divided into two teams, blue and white. The teams were both talented and played hard. Each team was 8-0 and dominated their games this season. Both teams competed in the MAAC Championship and held the #1 and #2 spots for the league. The blue and white teams played against each other in the championship. It was a nail-biter game, with the blue team securing the win during overtime. Way to go, Warriors!

BASEBALL - MAAC CHAMPS

The SMES Baseball team enjoyed yet another great spring season, finishing with an impressive record of 9-3 and securing second place in their division. Their outstanding performance qualified them to play in the MAAC championship. They won their championship game 11-6 in a great back-and-forth game. The team displayed teamwork and skill all season. n

TENNIS

BASEBALL BASEBALL

FLAG FOOTBALL

FLAG FOOTBALL

Portrait of a Graduate

Meet three St. Martin’s faculty members who are also SMES alums

SARAH RAWLS GREENE

SMES graduation year: 2009

High School: St. Pius X Catholic High School

Colleges/Degrees:

Bachelor of Science in Sports Management from Georgia Southern University

Master of Business Administration from Mercer University

Hobbies:

Traveling, spending time with my family and dogs, pilates, and reading

Current role(s) at SMES: 1st-grade Assistant Teacher

Assistant Director of The Camp at St. Martin’s

Favorite SMES tradition: Grand Canyon trip

Most influential SMES teacher: Mrs. Laura Lewis

What made you want to work at SMES? St. Martin’s is the place where my brother and I grew up. The sense of community and family here is palpable. It felt right to be able to come back here, be a part of the school and help it be as successful as possible.

Do you stay in touch with fellow SMES alum? Yes, I am still best friends with the entire Thomas family. Tara, Darby and Abby!

CARSON VISCO

SMES graduation year: 2007

High School: St. Pius X Catholic High School

Colleges/Degrees: Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration from Valdosta State University

Master of Science in Athletic Administration from Ohio University

Hobbies: I love going to Falcons and Braves games, taking my dogs out on the river or for a hike, or playing video or board games.

Current role(s) at SMES: 4th & 5th Grade Assistant Teacher

Soccer, Basketball and Baseball Coach

Favorite SMES tradition: Grand Canyon trip

Most influential SMES teacher: Mr. David Taube

What made you want to work at SMES? It was an incredible place for me growing up, and the kids make it a fun place to work.

Do you stay in touch with fellow SMES alum? Yes, My best friend is still Charles Mixon.

SYDNEY MUSE

SMES Graduation Year: 2014

High School: Pace Academy

Colleges/Degrees: Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Auburn University

Hobbies: I love taking my dog on walks and to the dog park!

Current role(s) at SMES: Assistant Kindergarten teacher for Mrs. Hurlburt’s Class.

Favorite SMES tradition Field Day

Most influential SMES teacher: Mr. Alan Shafir and Mrs. Thais Diaz

What made you want to work at SMES? I wanted to work at SMES because of the community. Working for the SMES summer camp over the past few summers, I was reminded how truly special this community is. The kindness and support of the community have helped me grow as an educator in just one year more than I ever thought possible.

Do you stay in touch with fellow SMES alum? I have stayed in touch with a few SMES alum throughout the years and have reconnected with others through working at SMES.

Faculty News

UPDATES FROM OUR FACULTY

BEST OF LUCK IN RETIREMENT

Lead Kindergarten teacher

Janet Hurlburt is retiring after 27 years at St. Martin’s. She first became a part of the SMES community as a parent and then became a Kindergarten teacher shortly after in 1994. “There is so much that I will miss,” she said. “I will miss the community and the love I have for being in the classroom with students. There are no ‘lesson plans’ yet for my retirement, but I look forward to spending time with my grandchildren and my dog Frankie and

having weekdays feel like weekends.”

Middle School teacher

Susan Potenza is retiring after 23 years at St. Martin’s. She became part of the SMES community in 1996 as a parent. In 2000, Susan was hired to teach 7th-grade science and 6th-grade English. Over the years, she also taught 6th-grade science. “SMES has been my second home for a very long time,” she says. “I will miss the students the most, closely followed by my colleagues. I look forward to traveling, learning how

to play pickleball, working toward becoming a master gardener and taking more art classes.”

CONGRATULATIONS!

Religion teacher The Rev. Dr. Taylor Pafford successfully earned her Doctorate of Ministry from Wesley Theological Seminary with her thesis “Making the Word Flesh: Bringing the Biblical Narrative to Life Thru Drama” at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.

Sixth-grade teacher

Brandon Collins and his wife Courtney welcomed baby Cooper Marie on March 25, 2023. She weighed 6 lbs., 1 oz and was 18.5 inches long.

Elementary school P.E. teacher Amanda Walker got engaged to Jody Nelson in Athens, Ga., in February. The couple is planning a December wedding.

First-grade teacher Leah Frechette married Dan

Kluger on May 6, 2023, in Atlanta, Georgia.

First-grade teacher

Katharine Veal and her husband Stuart welcomed baby Mac on April 26, 2023. He weighed 6lbs, 14 oz and was 20 in.

FACULTY MILESTONES

5 YEARS

Sharon Bentkowski

Lynn Beshears

Laura Bieze

Karen Bower

Katharine Veal

Leah Frechette Kluger

Earle Hall

Jeanne Jones

Tiffany Russell

10 YEARS

Liza Turker

Amanda Walker

15 YEARS

Mary Ann McCormick

Alan Shafir

Julie Ann Ullmann

20 YEARS

Maria Canty

Aleathia Burns

Heidi McKerley

Lauren Frutiger n

Janet Hurlburt

The Rev. Dr. Taylor Pafford

Cooper Marie Collins

Susan Potenza

Mac Veal

Leah Frechette

Amanda Walker

Alumni Notes

UPDATES FROM OUR ALUMNI

Kate Moffett, ’11

’05

Sami Malik began a new job in Montana at McGinnis Meadows Ranch as a wrangler, farrier & office manager. The ranch teaches Buck Brannaman style horsemanship and is the best in the country for furthering knowledge and riding skills. ’09

Natalie Chu has been a Commissioning Manager for renewable energy projects, traveling around the country and working on PV solar and battery sites. She will be taking a year off work to volunteer and travel around the world.

Catilin Hubbard, ’12

’11

Kate Moffett graduated in May with a master’s in social work with honors from the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga. She also earned a bachelor of science in sociology and a minor in psychology from UTC. She plans to stay in Chattanooga to pursue a counseling career. ’12

Caitlin Hubbard graduated from the George Washington University Law School and will begin her career as an attorney in Washington, DC!

’14

Davis Hatcher graduated from U.S. Navy Officer Candidate School in June. ’15

Cecelia Blasingame graduated from the University of Virginia with Honors of Distinction in May of 2023. She received a major in media studies and plans to live in Austin, TX.

Jackson Brennan graduated from the University of Georgia this May with a real estate degree from Terry College of Business, and he plans to travel to Europe to study abroad in the summer.

Grayton Hudson graduated summa cum laude from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. He is currently in the Master of Accounting program at Auburn and will graduate with his Master’s in the Spring of 2024. He is a Beta Alpa Psi honor society member and the current President of his fraternity, Lambda Chi Alpha. He received the Amy B. Murphy Service Award in April from Beta Alpha Psi. He completed an internship with Deloitte earlier this year and will begin employment with them in Atlanta after graduation next year.

Abby Ray graduated summa cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania in May with a bachelor of science in cognitive science and a minor in fine arts. She served as the Artistic Director of Quake, a student-run magazine, for the past two years.

Lindsey Smith graduated with honors in May from Georgia Institute

Grayton Hudson, ’15

Sami Malik ’05

Abby Ray, ’15

Davis Hatcher, ’14

Lauren Young, ’15

of Technology with a bachelor of science in business administration, concentrating in marketing with a certificate in supply chain & operations. Lindsey is staying in Atlanta and has accepted a position in marketing at Norfolk Southern.

Lauren Young graduated in May with degrees in biology and French. Lauren has been recognized at Baylor’s Academic Honors Convocation for her achievement as one of the top French majors in the department. She also received an award at the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. South Central Regional Conference for her fall GPA while holding the position

of sorority president. She will attend the University of Notre Dame in the fall for a Ph.D. in biological sciences.

Courtney Walsh received her bachelor’s degree in advertising and fashion merchandising from the University of South Carolina in May. She will relocate to Charlotte to work for Tom James Company, the world’s largest custom clothing manufacturer. Courtney cherished her college experience, including SEC football games, her participation in Phi Mu sorority, supporting the Children’s Miracle Network Dance Marathon, working at The Masters, and exploring Europe

while studying abroad in Florence.

Caroline Brown graduated with summa cum laude honors from Samford University with a BA in human development and family science. During her undergraduate experience, she worked as a research assistant contributing to various projects, most notably a textbook entitled “Pathways to Professionalism in Family Science.” Caroline interned at Girls Inc. of Central Alabama, where she developed a college prep and readiness curriculum for at-risk high school students. Caroline was also a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, where

she served her chapter as a Rho Gamma. She will continue her education at Vanderbilt University, pursuing a master’s in clinical mental health and school counseling.

Emily Schmitt graduated from Davidson College in May with a bachelor’s degree in English and as a Phi Beta Kappa society member. This summer, she works for the Kraft Heinz company as a Hotdogger, driving the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile from coast to coast, and serving as an official spokesperson for the brand for a year.

Bailey Means and St. Martin’s classmate and friend, Matthew Larkin graduated from Wofford College in May. Both have been Wofford College D1 men’s golf team members and roommates for the past four years. Over the summer, Bailey and Matthew played in the Georgia Amateur Championship golf tournament with their fathers as caddies for the final round.

Courtney Walsh, ’15

Emily Schmitt, ’15

Caroline Brown, ’15

Bailey Means, ’15 & Matthew Larkin, ’15

Lindsey Smith, ’15

’16

Megan Moffett is a junior at the University of Georgia studying human development/family science with a minor in housing management and policy with a certificate in entrepreneurship. She is a local student mentor, Phi Mu alumnae chair and participates annually in the Miracle Network fundraising. This summer, she will be interning at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Megan spent last summer studying with SMES graduate Ruthie Roberts in South Africa.

Taylor Rand attends Belmont University and has been interning with the Academy of Country Music as an event management intern. She traveled to Los Angeles with members of Belmont’s entertainment volunteer organization to work as a red carpet talent escort at a pre-Grammy gala and the 65th Annual Grammy Awards Show.

Antonia Stanek is in her last year of communication science at the University of Amsterdam with a minor in e-business and online commerce in Amsterdam, Netherlands. She is interning at Heineken in

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and hopes to get a spot on the marketing team one day.

’17

Arden Adams has completed my sophomore year at Point Park University, majoring in theatre arts and minoring in musical theatre. She performed in “Rocky Horror Picture Show,” “Swimming on the Sidewalk,” and “Cupcake Pancakes.” She was the sophomore representative for the conservatory’s theatre department. This fall, she will serve as a senator for the university’s Student Government Association, be a team member for the University’s Inclusive Student Leadership Association and work as the secretary for a student-run theatre company.

’18

Lydia Davis completed her first year at the University of Georgia, where she is in Sigma Alpha Omega. This summer, she will travel to Jamaica on a mission trip with the Wesley Foundation.

’19

Bryant Lisenby graduated from Marist School, where he lettered in football and lacrosse and was a member of the National Honor Society. He will be attending the honors college at Auburn University.

Matthew Arnowitz graduated from Riverwood International Charter School in May. He will attend the University of Richmond in the fall to continue his basketball career.

Abby Williams graduated from St. Pius X in May, where she was active in volleyball and varsity track and field. She received the AVCA Best & Brightest Award for her volleyball skills. She will attend the University of Georgia in the fall.

Katie Nama graduated from St. Pius X in May and will attend the University of Missouri in the fall, majoring in clinical psychology.

Ryan Lisowiski graduated from St. Pius X and will attend the College of Charleston in the fall. He was in the advanced guitar ensemble and the St. Pius golf team.

Jackson Mathis graduated from Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School and will attend Auburn University to study aerospace engineering.

Caroline Koziol graduated from St. Pius X in May. She was on the varsity crosscountry and track and field teams and also served as a St. Pius X Lion Leader. She will attend the University of Georgia in the fall.

Reese Butler graduated from St. Pius X in May. She will attend the University of

Arden Adams, '17

Katie Nama, '19

Ryan Lisowiski, '19

Bryant Lisenby, '19

Taylor Rand, ’16

Lydia Davis ’18

Tennessee in the fall. She has worked at St. Martin’s High Point campus for the after-school program.

Jack Schmitt graduated from Pace Academy, where he was active in the drama program and earned a superior score in a vocal duet which qualified him to compete at the international Thespian Festival. He plans to attend the University of South Carolina in the fall.

Maddie Crofton graduated from St. Pius X in May. In her time at St. Pius X, she received the Phi Beta Kappa Book Award, published in Carpe Diem Library Magazine and was on the President’s List. She will attend the Georgia Institute of Technology in the Fall.

Gracie Crofton graduated from St. Pius X in May. She was an honor thespian and a member of the National

Honor Society. She received the Cook Award for Technical Achievement, Georgia River of Words State Winner and Schuler Hensley Awards Nominee. She is attending the Georgia Institute of Technology in the fall with her twin, Maddie.

Peter van der Mandele graduated from Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School. He was an active member of the varsity soccer team. He was in the National History Honors Society and went to the Academic Decathalon.

’21

Lillian Thomas traveled to Munich, Prague, and Krakow for a Bearing Witness trip with Marist School for spring break. She looks forward to working this summer and beginning her hunt for college.

Hunter Phillips is a rising junior in the National Honor Art Society at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School.

Eloise Smith completed her sophomore year at Marist School and played on the varsity girl’s basketball team and the Junior Varsity girls’ golf team this year.

’22

Sophia Ocampo is on the Holy Innocents Lacrosse team as their goalie. It has been her first season playing the game and has saved 75% of attempted shots from the other teams.

We Love to Hear from You

TO HAVE YOUR UPDATE PUBLISHED IN THE NEXT EDITION OF ALUMNI NOTES, PLEASE CONTACT

Brittany Bruner Advancement Coordinator bbruner@stmartinschool.org

Sophia Ocampo '22

Jackson Mathis, ’19

Lillian Thomas, ’21

Red & Blue Alumni Cookout

St. Martin’s welcomed back more than 75 alums from the SMES classes of 2020, 2021 and 2022 back to campus to catch up, see old friends and enjoy a delicious cookout. Many of these high schoolers have not been back to campus for an alumni event, so it was extra special. They reconnected with one another, visited with some teachers and shared memories and experiences from SMES.

SMES Class of 2019 Senior Dinner

St. Martin’s welcomed back the class of 2019 (high school graduating class of 2023) and their parents for the annual Senior Dinner. It was the conversation and camaraderie that truly made the evening special. The students shared stories about their favorite teachers, classes, and extracurricular activities, and it was clear that the memories made at SMES would stay with them forever.

Guest speaker Mollie Belisle (SMES 2013) spoke about advice she wished she had known going into college and shared her experiences while in college at UGA.

The senior dinner was a wonderful way for the class of 2019 to come together once again and celebrate their achievements before heading off to college in the fall. Each 2019 alum had the opportunity to share a favorite SMES memory and their future plans.

SAMPLING OF COLLEGE

CHOICES:

College of Charleston

Georgia College State University

Auburn University

University of Georgia

Boston University

University of South Carolina

University of Tennessee

Northeastern University

Emory University

University of Richmond

Georgia Institute of Technology

Clemson University

University of Missouri

Georgia Southern University

CLASS OF 2020

CLASS OF 2021

CLASS OF 2022

21ST ANNUAL

Proceeds benefit St. Martin’s Endowment Fund

Swinging for Success

by LAUREN RAMIREZ COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

The morning of the 21st Annual St. Martin Golf Tournament was greeted with clear skies, sunshine, and the excitement of participants eagerly awaiting the chance to hit the greens at Peachtree Golf Club. The tournament was organized to raise funds for the St. Martin’s Endowment Fund, an initiative aimed at providing financial support to the school and ensuring its long-term sustainability. Since 2002, the tournament has raised $750,000 for the school’s endowment, which is now over $6.6 million.

Golfers of all skill levels came out in full force to participate in the event. Some were seasoned veterans of the sport, while others were simply look-

Longest drive

Jeff Dils

Closest to Pin

Bartley Miller

1st Place Gross

Chaz Brownfield, Bobby Mayson, Pierce Mayson, Lamar Wakefield

1st Place Net

Mike Davis, Evan Georgiou, Bobby Jackson, Justin Wilson

ing to have a good time for a great cause. The golfers enjoyed a challenging round of golf on the immaculate course, complete with breathtaking views and a few surprises along the way.

As the event began to wrap up, the golfers headed back for an awards ceremony. Prizes were awarded to the top performers, but everyone felt like a winner knowing that they had helped grow the school’s endowment.

The success of the 21st Annual St. Martin Golf Tournament was a testament to the hard work and dedication of the St. Martin’s community. The funds raised through the tournament will undoubtedly make a significant difference in the future of St. Martin’s Episcopal School, ensuring that it continues to provide the highest quality education to its students.

Igleheart Awards

The final chapel service of the school year called attention to an important award given to both a student and faculty member. The Igleheart family established the Patricia Ray Igleheart Memorial Fund to honor Tricia’s legacy as a teacher at St. Martin’s. The SMES Endowment funds a professional development award to 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 math teacher, Kenneth Alexander. In addition, a Student Character Award honors a deserving student who is curious about the world around them and is a friend to all. This year’s student winner is first-grader Harper Wise

Oglethorpe Award Nominees

Selected by the faculty, these 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 their school, is academically sound and is involved in an extracurricular activity. Congratulations to this year’s nominees and Oglethorpe Award winner Alessandro Paiardini .

First row (l-r): Alessandro Paiardini, Zari

Preyor; Second row (l-r): Emily Pappirio, Katherine Bryson, Vandy Neumeyer; Third row (l-r): Henry Dickert, Ryan Hewitt, Jake McLaren, Alvin Nguyen

Kenneth Alexander

Harper Wise