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THE MAGAZINE OF ST. MARTIN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

SUMMER 2022

Congratulations 2022 Graduates

AT THE CORE OF THE MATTER GETTING FUTURE-READY WITH STEAM

ALUMNI NEWS

SNEAK A PEEK NOVEMBER 6

Open House

WholeheartED Dedication To A Child’s Education n 2-year-olds

through 8th grade n Personalized attention and instruction n Unique opportunities to pursue passions n Strong spiritual formation

STMARTINSCHOOL.ORG

CONTENTS

THE MAGAZINE OF ST. MARTIN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL SUMMER 2022

FEATURES 19 Meet Michael Robinson Interim Head of School

20 Salute to the Graduates Graduation highlights and honors

EVERY ISSUE 3

Letter

Seen & Heard

From the Head of School

News and happenings in the school community

Volunteer Spotlight Alex Livingston

33 Portrait of a Graduate

Mollie Belisle (’13)

Student Reporters

42 46

Sports Wrap-Up

Stories around campus

Faculty News Updates from our faculty and administration

Alumni Notes

Voices

Updates from our alumni

Mary Ann McCormick, Beginners lead teacher

26 On Our Minds

Dreams, goals and advice from our 8th-grade grads

28 Après Fling 2022 30 At the CORE of the Matter 32 Annual Golf Tournament 36 Farewell Dr. Ottley 38 Getting Future-Ready with STEAM 40 A Joyous Feast Day 45 St. Martin’s PTO A message from the co-presidents

Teachers Become Students, 47 When Everyone Wins!

ON THE COVER We celebrate the St. Martin’s Episcopal School class of 2022!

53 Senior Dinner 54 Red + Blue Dinner PATTERNS | SUMMER 2022

EDITOR Kristi Gaffney CONTRIBUTORS Laura Bieze Nina Bliley Kate Bobb Abbey Bradner Carolyn Bradshaw Neil Conrad Kristi Gaffney Lauren Kohlhoff Kathy Koporec Lucy Linch, Student Writer Alex Livingston Alexander Mildzikhov, Student Writer Elizabeth Miller Mary Ann McCormick Mark McDaniel Katie Moussouri Amanda Ore Dr. Luis Ottley Michael Robinson Katie Smith Stefanie Taylor PHOTOGRAPHY Sarah Belisle Kristi Gaffney Adam Linke Paul Ward DESIGN Stalling Design ADMINISTRATION Dr. Luis Ottley Head of School Cindy Alexander Principal, Early Childhood Lynne Perry Interim Principal, Elementary School Tony Shaffer 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 The Rev. Dr. Stefanie Taylor 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 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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HEAD OF SCHOOL

Each person has a specific function necessary to the whole. “Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.” 1 CORINTHIANS 12:4 (KJV)

remember my first day on the SMES campus; my meeting with the search committee was scheduled right at noon. It was a Sunday, and I believed I could attend St. Martin in the Fields church before my interview to get some sense of what this community was about. My church visit was perfect, and I felt at home right away. A child approached me during the peace and seemed curious but comfortable greeting a new face. That same warmth I felt that morning at church was what I felt during my twohour interview with the members of the Search Committee. So much so that when I returned to California, I told my wife that if I was invited back for another visit, she needed to attend. There was diversity in that room, and they seemed to care about one another and use their differences to work as one body. As I reflect on the last five years leading Atlanta’s premier infant through 8th-grade school, there is so much for which to be thankful. I am thankful for the diversity of professional teachers and staff who are committed to SMES and to being part of an educational system invested in developing and nurturing confident, committed, and kind difference makers. It has taken a collective force to accomplish so many wonderful things for our students. If you had told me that five years later, every SMES teacher who wanted to remain in the teaching profession could because SMES offered an outstanding, accessible infant program, I wouldn’t have believed it. But here we are. It was impossible to anticipate that an arson fire would have a silver lining to allow the school to invest in a state-of-the-art whimsical space for our toddlers through pre-kindergartners. It took our diversity of gifts to build and design such a space.

If you had advised that this school would create a program unparalleled in the metro area for children with languagebased learning differences (dyslexia) that would also allow many families to keep their children together at SMES, I might not have believed it. However, we did it together. The new Industrial Arts Collaborative (woodworking) will add another unique dimension to our students’ zone of proximal development. Using their hands, hearts and minds to try and fail and try again will be an invaluable life lesson to hone their problem-solving skills. I can’t wait to hear about how this story unfolds. I cannot see the future, but after being in this community, I know the desire to continue to refine existing programs and build new ones is ingrained in the culture at SMES. And I will continue to marvel at SMES’ ability to see the gifts of all and continue to work as one. The spring semester was an exercise in moving closer to normal, and the campus was alive with learning, loving and many activities that had been on hold over the past few years. As you peruse this issue of Patterns magazine, you’ll read about many things that make St. Martin’s such a special place. You’ll see a feature about Feast Day and learn about why we honor this special day at our school. The class of 2022 is celebrated throughout the magazine as they finally enjoyed the end of their journey at St. Martin’s in the way the school designed their experience to end. And you’ll gain some insight into the future of STEAM at St. Martin’s, along with many other regular features of the magazine. Please enjoy! In closing, it has been an honor to have served as your third Head of School. Carrie, Paloma, Luisito and I will miss you dearly. You are and will continue to be one body, one school, one community. Love, light and blessings always,

PATTERNS | SUMMER 2022

Seen + Heard

NEWS AND HAPPENINGS IN THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY

BABY WARRIORS

Too-Two Fun 8 High Point infants celebrated the very special “two’s day” on 2-22-22 by donning their favorite tutus! High Point staff created a fun way to highlight this numeric day that only occurs once a century. It was definitely nacho average taco twosday! :)

OVERCOMING OBSTACLES

The Pease Brothers Speak

8 Middle School students listened closely as motivational speakers Kyle and Brent Pease shared their inspiring stories of inclusion and overcoming life’s challenges. SMES parents were invited to stream the event from home as the Pease brothers explained how they beat the odds to “find their finish.” Students asked questions and learned how to see beyond their differences and obstacles.

First row (l-r): Luc Rusché, Natalia Parra, Charlotte Terry, Zari Preyor, Hanson Berg, Mackenzie Palmer; Second row (l-r): Cara Gardiner, John Parks Gunnels, John Coke, Evelyn Grace Hyde, Lexi Allen, Alessandro Paiardin; Third row (l-r): Mrs. McKerley, Bryson Seebach, Amay Cholia, Ayotomiwa Durojaiye, Julie Urban, Esha Cholia, Aanya Damji, Chayce Oliver, Katherine Bryson; Back row (l-r): Ryan Akin, Daisy Whittington, Addison Davis, Mara Gardiner, Charlie Kaufman, Coach Murphy, Mr. Ortega, Mr. Schwartz Luc Rusche and Hanson Berg also qualified in the Musical Theater Duet category. Rylie Gardnier scored an overall Superior in Costume Construction, while Hanson Berg earned an overall Superior in Costume Design.

ENCORE!

Georgia Thespian Conference 8 The St. Martin’s Drama Club attended the Georgia Jr. Thespian Conference in Columbus, Ga. and brought home the hardware! The event brings together middle school students from across the state. The Warrior Thespians came away with four overall Superior scores and qualified 17 students for the International Thespian Conference, to be held this summer at Indiana University. SMES was honored to have three out of nine entries in the conference final Showcase of top scorers for the conference.

SUMMER 2022 | ST. MARTIN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

SEEN + HEARD

AND YOU DIDN’T EVEN KNOW IT!

National Poet Visits 7th Grade BATTLE OF THE WARRIORS

Basketball Hoopla

8 This spring, members of the 8th-grade SMES basketball team took on the Faculty Warriors for a memorable Hoopla game. The students fought hard, but the teachers pulled it off in the end. Next year, the 8th graders are coming for the win!

8 In February, poet Richard Blanco visited 7th-grade students. Mr. Blanco taught a lesson in each 7th grade English class and provided feedback to students as they read their own poetry. What a treat to have a groundbreaking writer visit and share his poem “One Today,” which he originally read during President Barack Obama’s second inauguration.

WHAT IN THE WORLD?

Geography Bee

8 Through competition in mini “bees” in their social studies classrooms, Middle School students secured a spot in the annual St. Martin’s Geography Bee. Neil Conrad moderated the “historical” event, posing questions related to locations on planet Earth. Congratulations to Middle School Geography Bee winner Alex Loffredio (8th grade, above) and runner-up Amay Cholia (8th grade, right).

PATTERNS | SUMMER 2022

SEEN + HEARD

THE BUZZ

MS Spelling Bee 8 St. Martin’s Middle School students participated in this popular annual tradition in mid-January. The 23 contestants selected through homeroom competitions spelled their way through several rounds until 8th grader Amay Cholia emerged as the Bee winner! Runner-up was returning SMES champion, 7th grader Patrick Feagin. Amay and Patrick proudly represented St. Martin’s during the first round of the GISA Spelling Bee.

ONCE UPON A TIME…

Pre-K Storybook Character Day

8 Students in Pre-K classes loved coming to school dressed as their favorite storybook characters. Pinkalicious, Clifford, Harold and the Purple Crayon, Pete the Cat, Cinderella, and Corduroy were among the characters who inspired our students and encouraged their love of reading.

Patrick Feagin (l) and Amay Cholia (r)

MINI-ME’S

Kindergarten DressLike-Your-Parent Day

8 One of the Kindergarteners’ favorite topics at school is “family.” They love talking about their closest, favorite people. On this special day, Kindergarten students got to dress up as their parent or another special person in their life. Everyone loved the creative dress-ups and the chance to tell their friends all about their moms, dads and loved ones.

SUMMER 2022 | ST. MARTIN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

SEEN + HEARD

GAME ON!

Field Day Fun

8 Elementary students enjoyed a day filled with fun and games throughout the school. From giant jumpies and games of prison ball in the gym to corn hole and dancing throughout the school, everyone enjoyed a fun-filled day. Early Childhood field day had lots of fun activities for our youngest students to play games and have fun. A giant circus tent on the field, along with many games spread around the campus, made for a fun day for everyone!

PATTERNS | SUMMER 2022

SEEN + HEARD

ALL THAT AND A BAG OF CHIPS!

Teacher Appreciation Week

8 The PTO showed loads of love during Teacher Appreciation week this year! Monday brought Spring Flowers with bouquets for every staff member, a wonderful way to say, “thanks a bunch for all they do. Throughout the week, faculty were treated to breakroom snacks, doughnuts, Crumbl Cookies and Chick-fil-A gift cards! SMES families, led by PTO volunteers, outdid themselves to show their love for teachers and staff!

VIRTUAL GARDEN

ES Grandparent’s Day OLDER AND WISER

100th Day

8 St.Martin’s Early Childhood and Elementary Students celebrated the 100th day of school on January 28. Kindergarten and first-grade students showed they were 100 days smarter by donning 100-themed outfits and participating in fun activities. What fun to see small centenarians coming to school with wigs, glasses and canes!

SUMMER 2022 | ST. MARTIN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

8 Grandparents are a special part of the St. Martin’s family, and we missed hosting them on campus for the annual Grandparent’s Day celebration this year. Despite our time apart, the Elementary School wanted to showcase its love for grandparents with a unique virtual presentation. In art classes, students created a beautiful garden using handprints to represent their families. Each grade was represented by a particular tree color, and together they made a beautiful garden filled with love for their grandparents.

SEEN + HEARD

COLOR ME HAPPY

Crayon Day 8 SMES created a special day to celebrate the color wheel as part of the Elementary art show. Each grade dressed in a designated color, and classes enjoyed the monochromatic day. Student artwork was displayed around the school for everyone to enjoy.

MARCH BRACKETS

Library Book Madness

8 Book Madness was the name of the game as the SMES library hosted a bracket-style tournament coinciding with the NCAA’s March Madness competition. Students and faculty voted on fan favorites in each matchup, and the titles with the most votes moved on to the next round. The annual competition is a fun way to rally the community around reading and books.

PATTERNS | SUMMER 2022

SEEN + HEARD

CONGRATULATIONS

SMES Honor Society

8 Congratulations to students inducted into the St. Martin’s Honor Society (SMHS) this spring. Families attended a ceremony to watch the inductees receive their pins and recite the SMHS pledge. SMHS members demonstrate outstanding academic accomplishments, leadership and community contributions. Harris Ackel, Dagem Addis, Ryan Akin, Finn Botham, Charlotte Brettell, Quin Brown, Chase Charette, Aniston Fisher, Rylie Gardiner, Caroline Glenn, Amelia Gunnels, John David Linch, Lucy Linch, Alex Loffredio, Nathan Loope, Ashlyn Loving, Alexander Mildzikhov, Sarah Miller, Andrew Moore, Gabby Nama, Devin O’Connor, William Owen, Georgia Price, Reese Richardson, Bryson Seebach, Andrew Sims, Kiley Spink, Jillian Studdard, Grayson Weatherly and Daisy Whittington.

5TH GRADE TRIP

Skidaway Island

8 Fifth-graders headed to the Georgia coast for a three-day adventure to the UGA Marine Institute on Skidaway Island near Savannah for their first overnight field trip. Students learned about marine plants and animals up close, dissected squid in a lab, set out on a trawler to collect specimens and participated in many other outdoor and classroom activities. The highlight may have been dinner at Savannah’s world-famous Pirate House.

SUMMER 2022 | ST. MARTIN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

SEEN + HEARD

A MILESTONE MOMENT

Crossing the Green 8 The 5th-grade class ceremoniously 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, where MS principal Tony Shaffer greeted them. Parents were on hand to cheer on the students as they enjoyed this milestone moment.

HIGH SCHOOL ACCEPTANCES

Moving On

8 Good Luck to our SMES graduates as they move on to their respective high schools! Atlanta Girls’ School Ben Franklin Academy Dunwoody High School Greater Atlanta Christian School Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School The Lovett School Marist School The Mount Vernon School Pace Academy St. Pius X Catholic High School Riverwood International Charter School Wesleyan School Woodward Academy

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SEEN + HEARD

DAUGHTER DANCE

It Was a Marvelous Night for a Moondance

8 The St. Martin’s gym was transformed into a fabulous moonlit night for the annual PTO Daughter Dance. Students from pre-k through 8th grade joined their dads or special guests for a glittering night under the stars at the 2022 Moondance. Beautifully dressed girls and their special guests danced the night away to out-of-this-world DJ music under a giant, glowing moon. Guests enjoyed glow-in-the-dark rings and necklaces, professional photographs, a selfie photo station, and delicious treats, including popcorn, moon punch, galactic cupcakes, space rock candy, and Dippin’ Dots. As part of the annual SMES tradition, each girl received a moon and star charm to add to her charm bracelet, and each 8th-grade girl received a beautiful personalized necklace.

SUMMER 2022 | ST. MARTIN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

SEEN + HEARD

ANNUAL EC TRADITION

Puppet Show 8 Early Childhood students were treated to a special puppet show with a “circus fanta-sea” theme. The children loved watching the big top bazaar!

OLD MOTHER HUBBARD

WHEN I GROW UP…

Beginner’s Career Dress-up Day 8 Learning about careers at an early age helps develop interests and talents. In February, our three-year-old classes were introduced to careers and community workers by dressing up as aspiring career choices. This fun day built awareness of various jobs and emphasized the importance of different vocations in their community.

Toddler Nursery Rhyme Day

8 Toddler students were invited to come to school dressed as their favorite nursery rhyme characters. This creative way to celebrate literacy and foster a love of reading with two-year-old students at High Point and Ashford Dunwoody was a huge hit! Among the characters seen were the kitten who lost her mittens and the itsy bitsy spider!

PATTERNS | SUMMER 2022

SEEN + HEARD

COMMUNITY ARTIST

High Point Art 8 Local artist and entrepreneur Crystal Bowen, owner of Steel and Stilettos Studios, installed a fun art piece at St. Martin’s High Point location. Bowen is a self-taught metal artist and painter who creates stunning works of art that can be functional and expressive. This whimsical trio of pieces represents each of the three Infant classrooms: a wind chime for the Acorns, a bird feeder for the Sprouts, and a flag holder for the Seedlings. Special thanks to Louise Labus of Collins Cooper Carusi Architects. She worked with Bowen to fine-tune ideas and personally funded the creation of these three beautiful pieces.

SUMMER 2022 | ST. MARTIN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

MOTHER-SON TRADITION

PTO Bingo Extravaganza

8 The annual PTO Mother-Son event was a fun-filled afternoon of BINGO with lots of exciting prizes, a photo booth enjoyed by all, and treats from Dippin’ Dots. There was record attendance, with nearly 300 mothers or special guests and sons participating. A special dinner for 8th graders and their mothers, catered by Qdoba, wrapped up the day.

SEEN + HEARD

ANNUAL BOXCAR RACE

8th Graders—Start Your Engines 8 And they’re off! The annual 8th-grade boxcar race saw Team WWE come out on top! Fifteen teams raced their cars, competed in a team dance competition and showed off their boxcar design as part of the day’s festivities. This STEAM project requires teams to design and build all aspects of a working boxcar. The boxcar-themed project honors the memory of Carter Davis, son of a former SMES teacher and brother of 8thgrade student Greta Davis.

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SEEN + HEARD

MIDDLE SCHOOL CLASS TRIPS

8th Grade—A Grand Experience! The SMES class of 2022 spent five days hiking, rafting and exploring the Grand Canyon and neighboring national parks and recreation sites. Students spent the week enjoying many adventures during this capstone trip while bonding with their classmates and reflecting on their years at St. Martin’s. This is the first trip this class has been able to embark on due to covid-19 restrictions these past few years, so it was extra special!

SUMMER 2022 | ST. MARTIN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

SEEN + HEARD

7th Grade—A Capital Idea

The 7th grade traveled to Washington, D.C., where they toured many famous memorials, museums and historic sites in our nation’s capital.

6th Grade—Civil Rights for All SMES 6th graders set out on a tour of Alabama’s historically significant civil rights sites. They visited the Rosa Parks and Freedom Ride Museums, walked across the Edmund Pettus Bridge, and toured the Dexter Avenue and 16th Street Baptist Churches and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. The group also found time to take in a baseball game.

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SEEN + HEARD

Spring Performance

The SpongeBob Musical

8 The middle school spring musical was back in full force this year after a two-year hiatus due to COVID. “The SpongeBob Musical” held three performances of the musical adaptation of our favorite sponge who lives in a pineapple under the sea. In this lively show, the St. Martin’s performers entertained full-house audiences with a fun tale of SpongeBob, Patrick and the whole gang from Bikini Bottom. Students, parent volunteers and SMES drama staff dedicated many hours of hard work to bring this musical to life with singing and dancing in fun costumes on a lively set. Bravo!

SUMMER 2022 | ST. MARTIN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

2 0 2 2 - 2 3

S C H O O L

Y E A R

Meet Michael Robinson Interim Head of School The St. Martin’s community wholeheartedly welcomes Mr. Michael Robinson to campus as Interim Head of School for the 2022-23 school year. Michael attended the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and the Virginia Theological Seminary. His career as a Head of School has spanned more than 20 years, serving independent schools in Chattanooga, Tennessee; Lake Forest, Illinois; Brookline, Massachusetts and most recently in Staunton, Virginia. In addition, Michael has served as a board member of the National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES), of which St. Martin’s is a member school. Michael and his wife Frances are the proud parents of three adult daughters, all of whom received excellent educations at Episcopal schools and independent schools similar to SMES. Together with their yellow lab puppy, Oliver, the Robinsons are excited to join the St. Martin’s community in Brookhaven for this interim year.

Q: As Interim Head, what is your top priority for St. Martin’s during this upcoming school year?

St. Martin’s mission and program are unfolding in children’s lives. Years ago, a wise mentor shared with me a Danish proverb, “when you hold the hand of a child, you hold the heart of a parent.” As a parent of three myself, I know this to be true. It’s a trust that I never forget and, perhaps more than anything, informs how I approach school leadership. Q: How about student engagement? What are some ways SMES students can look forward to getting to know you?

My focus will be to care for St. Martin’s I have mentioned this already, but it bears reand its people and peating - I love schools. From helping to lead identify and advise chapels and visiting classrooms to playing on the school on opportunities to celebrate its the playground with students,and watching abundant strengths. The past few years have sports and activities, I love to be out and about been challenging for schools, teachers, parto participate, learn, and encourage. ents, and children - really, for our enI am every student and teacher’s bigtire society. I am full of hope that our gest fan! Not only is this the most year together will be an opportunity I just love the enjoyable and satisfying way to lead to gather and focus on a few well-chovariety, the fast a school, but it’s also essential that I sen priorities that build community learning, and the have a deep knowledge and appreciainterpersonal and ‘set the table’ for the permanent tion for students’ and teachers’ expework of Head of School. I love schools and riences. This is the only way I can be transitions will delight in working side-by-side sure that people have what they need with St. Martin’s amazing faculty and to fulfill St. Martin’s mission of prostaff, who are clearly the heartbeat of viding a quality education. the school. St. Martin’s embraces children’s Q: As St. Martin’s looks to its future leaderhearts and minds in equal measure. This comship, how will you help to bridge the transimitment matches mine and will inspire me to tion during this interim year? do my very best to advance St. Martin’s most cherished, mission-based ideals. Over many years of being a Head of School, I have discovered that I derive great satisfacQ: How will you engage with families? tion by leading at times of change and tranI’m dedicated to creating meaningful ways sition, especially leadership transitions. I am to engage families. Schools are a wonderful well suited for the work of interim headship. I collaboration of children, educational profesenjoy meeting communities and individuals sionals, and families, all working together to where they are and collaboratively mentorprovide a quality education for all students. ing, coaching, and walking-side-by-side with A great education needs the contributions of the community to get operations, roles, and each of these essential constituencies. Parents responsibilities well organized for the permaare each child’s most important teacher. When nent Head of School. I hope I can be helpful a child knows that their parents and teachers in facilitating the introduction of the next are working together for their good, there is a Head of School. firm foundation for learning. It’s really quite I just love the variety, the fast learning, essential. Whether it’s a quick conversation and the interpersonal work of transitions at morning arrival or a community Q&A foand shepherding a community in times of rum, I want to be sure there’s a sense of bechange. longing and shared understanding about how

PATTERNS | SUMMER 2022

A Salute to the Class of 2022 b y KRISTI G A F F N EY DIRECTO R OF M A R KET IN G A N D COM MU N I C ATI O N S

SUMMER 2022 | ST. MARTIN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

SMES 2022

We offer warm congratulations to all graduates and those who love and support them!

raduation! It’s a moving and majestic life passage that never disappoints. That was certainly the case on May 26, when members of the SMES Class of 2022 donned their caps and gowns for St. Martin’s 29th 8th-grade commencement. Graduates, families and faculty gathered in the Cathedral of St. Philip to honor accomplished, ambitious eighth-graders and mark the end of their time at St. Martin’s. The ceremony concluded a month of celebratory events kicked off by the annual trek to the Grand Canyon. The group also bonded through their capstone STEAM project, Carter’s Boxcar Race, where they designed and built boxcars culminating in a race across the SMES parking lot. Final exams, special luncheons, chapel services and non-uniform days filled their last weeks of school leading up to graduation. Whether we had the joy of educating them since preschool or welcoming them for middle school, every graduate made their mark on the SMES community. Some will be remembered for academic strength, others for athletics, leadership, kindness, humor, volunteerism, devotion to faith, family and more. We offer warm congratulations to all graduates and those who love and support them!

PATTERNS | SUMMER 2022

“In Their Own Hands” The tone of the ceremony was set by student council president Ryan Akin who shared a series of meaningful quotes and personal observations that highlighted his St. Martin’s experience and hopes for the future. Among those he cited was Anne Frank, who said, “Parents can only give good advice or put them on the right paths, but the final forming of a person’s character lies in their own hands.” Ryan recalled feeling “excited, sad and nervous” on his first day as a SMES kindergartener, reminding his

fellow graduates that succeeding in new, potentially daunting settings requires optimism and strength. Also essential, he said, is to be yourself and pursue your unique path. Ryan thanked his parents and teachers and urged his classmates to “hold on to the things our community has taught us.” Ryan’s upbeat message was reinforced by this year’s keynote speaker, SMES Board Chair Derek Porter, in his address to attendees. In his remarks, Porter shed new light on the teachings and life of Paul the

SUMMER 2022 | ST. MARTIN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

Apostle, who wrote about the power of hope. “Today, we typically think of hope as a wish (‘I hope the teacher doesn’t call on me!’),” he noted. Porter then spoke about traditional hope, which he defined as the expectation that you obtain what you desire. He told the graduates, “Traditional hope does not let us quit, because we know we can do what others claim cannot be done. We can finish the drill.”

SMES 2022

That’s a Wrap

Outgoing middle school principal Tony Shaffer gave his final introduction of an 8th-grade class at a SMES graduation. Shaffer joyfully introduced each student in his hallmark storytelling manner chronicling each student’s grade-level arrival to St. Martin’s, punctuated by student-provided adjectives to describe the class of 2022. Students excitedly received diplomas from Dr. Ottley and Mr. Porter, and that was a wrap for the SMES Class of 2022.

The ceremony was capped off by a reception for graduates and families. Everyone enjoyed a memorable slideshow, with lots of laughs and a few tears, that captured the spirit of the Class of 2022. Graduates received a fun swag bag and tons of candy before final pictures and hugs concluded the event. Happy graduation and best of luck to the St. Martin’s Episcopal School Class of 2022!

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Well-Deserved Honors “We know what we can do” also defined those recognized at the annual honors assemblies held on the last day of school to celebrate the achievements of Elementary and Middle School students. The assembly kicked off with the official 8th-grade clap out where fellow students and 8thgrade families ceremoniously send the 8th graders into their last on-campus activity. Those honored this year received academic awards, honor roll and headmaster’s list, student council and student vestry awards, among others. A highlight of the event was

a presentation by 8th-grade students Sofie Sergent and Alexander Mildzikhov, who announced the Class of 2022 gift of a new trophy case for the school. A much-anticipated assembly tradition is naming the winner of the Oglethorpe Award, which goes to our top eighth-grade student. This year, Ryan Akin was recognized not just for academic excellence, but also for citizenship, intelligence, compassion, enthusiasm, responsibility and common sense. Ryan was recognized on the Headmaster’s List each semester of

SUMMER 2022 | ST. MARTIN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

middle school, is a member of the SMES Honor Society, is an active member of the Drama program, played soccer and basketball, and served on Student Vestry and Student Council (including President this school year) and is the voice of St. Martin’s every morning as part of daily school announcements. Faculty members nominate students for the award, and a committee determines the winner. Congratulations, Ryan, on this well-deserved honor! The 2002 Reeder Excellence in Teaching Award went to 6th-grade science teacher

SMES 2022

OGLETHORPE 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 Ryan Akin. 1st row (l-r): Aniston Fisher, Lucy Linch, Greta Davis, Hannelis Rodas Gabby Nama, Harris Ackel; 2nd row (l-r): Alexander Mildzikhov, Ryan Akin, John David Linch, Alex Loffredio

Brandon Collins. The prestigious award recognizes a SMES educator for their positive contributions to the school. The winner is a teacher who demonstrates a commitment to students, a positive attitude, loyalty, dedication, flexibility and positive relationships with school community members. Teachers are nominated by their peers, with the finalist chosen by past winners. In addition to the honor, the recipient receives a generous stipend from the Reeder Foundation.

Mr. Collins is a 10-year veteran at St. Martin’s and has been a key member of the 6th-grade team. His high classroom standards and commitment to nurturing and connecting with students are instrumental for students as they transition into middle school. Collins has served on the middle school admissions team, SMES professional development committee, multicultural education committee, and as a sponsor for many clubs, including International Club, SOLVE, Outdoor Club and more. He is also the Ultimate Frisbee coach and most

recently chaired the multi-year reaccreditation process for the school. “Receiving the Reeder Award is a tremendous honor to me,” he said. “For the last decade at St. Martin’s, I’ve been blessed to spend my days in a place that I love, where I can pursue my passion with friends who I deeply respect and students who make me a better teacher and person. I am incredibly proud and humbled to be this year’s recipient of the Reeder Award.”

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ON OUR MINDS DREAMS, GOALS AND ADVICE FROM OUR 8TH GRADE GRADS

THIS OR THAT?

78% 22%

52%

48%

FAVORITE ACTIVITY OUTSIDE OF ST. MARTIN’S Ryan Akin.................................Baking Harris Ackel.............................Baseball Alex Loffredio........................Baseball Amay Cholia...........................Basketball and School of Rock Georgiana Elwell..................Boy Scouts Katy Scott................................Club Volleyball Aniston Fisher........................Dance Sarah Miller.............................Dance Emily Foster............................Drawing Jack Story................................Fishing Dallin Worrill-Meyers.........Flying airplanes in simulation Jonathan Regnier.................Football Jillian Sanders.......................Golf Amelia Gunnels.....................Hanging out with friends Reese Pearch..........................Hanging out and playing sports Charlotte Brettell.................Hiking Ashlyn Loving........................Lacrosse Daisy Whittington ..............piano Jillian Studdard.....................Playing basketball Bryson Seebach....................Playing guitar & drums Kiley Spink...............................Playing soccer Audrey Jackson....................Playing softball Cameron Kim..........................Playing sports Humberto Perez....................Ride around on my bike William Owen.........................Rowing Nico Oldland..........................Rugby Eden Seib.................................Sewing/ Designing Caroline Glenn.......................Soccer and shopping. Andrew Sims...........................Sports Carolyn Sophia Ocampo.......YPL, basketball,volleyball Devin O’Connor.....................Summer Camp Charlie Kaufman...................Surfing Greta Davis..............................Tennis Jack Watson...........................Tennis Finn Botham...........................Tennis Kayla Myron............................Tumbling/ Competitive Cheer Avery Riley..............................Volleyball and tennis Lucy Linch................................Working in the church with little kids

DREAM CAREER Noah Williams............................Own a fishing charter Humberto Perez........................Software engineer Carolyn Sophia Ocampo.......Be in the WNBA or be a vet Amelia Gunnels.........................Business owner Dagem Addis..............................Celebrity Ashlyn Loving............................Chemist Eden Seib.....................................Disney Imagineer Greta Davis..................................Doctor Eila Jackson................................Doctor Devin O’Connor.........................Doctor Lucy Linch....................................Doctor or veterinarian Charlie Kaufman.......................Engineer Emily Foster................................Fashion designer Kayla Myron................................FBI agent or lawyer Jonathan Regnier.....................Investment Banker Jack Watson...............................Lawyer Devin May.....................................Lawyer or computer engineer Andrew Moore........................... Living in other countries doing different jobs Finn Botham............................... Marine biologist Alexander Mildzikhov............ Math teacher Jillian Studdard......................... Neurosurgeon Nathan Loope ........................... Playing baseball Ayotomiwa Durojaiye............ Professional soccer player Reese Richardson.................... Realtor in LA or Buckhead Addison Davis............................ Sketch comedy on SNL Gabby Nama............................... Teacher Quin Brown................................. To be a rich contractor Aniston Fisher............................ To make intros to movies or logos for companies Walker Adams........................... To work at Cartoon Network like my dad

FAVORITE ST. MARTIN’S TRADITION

Riley Mitchell— Carter’s Boxcar Race • • • Caroline Glenn— Cookies and Carols & Field Day • • • Chase Charette— Dances and Retreats • • • Mara Gardiner—8th grade walking with younger kids in the Halloween parade. • • • Kiley Spink—All the trips, including The Grand Canyon. • • • Guy Gardner—Box Car • • • Bryson Seebach—Boxcar • • • Andrew Sims—Boxcar • • • Anna Mitchell—Boxcar & grade trips (Grand Canyon, Washington, Alabama) • • • Ayotomiwa Durojaiye—Boxcars • • • Georgia Price—clap out at the end of 8th grade Dallin Worrill-Meyers—Cookies & Carols - sharing and eating cookies that the parents helped to make & singing Carols.• • • Addison Davis—Cookies and Carols• • • Emily Foster—Cookies and Carols • • • Katy Scott—End-of-year assembly• • • Jack Watson—Fall Festival Devin May—Fall Festival• • • Charlotte Brettell—Feast Day• • • Kayla Myron—Feast Day• • • Avery Riley—Field Day• • • Gabby Nama— Halloween Parade• • • Sofie Sergent —Halloween Parade • • • Reese Richardson—Halloween Parade. • • • John David Linch—No Finals for 8th graders & Skidaway• • • Hannelis Rodas—Spirit week - a different category each day. • • • Reese Pearch—Sports Award Ceremony Days• • • Daisy Whittington —ThesCon

SUMMER 2022 | ST. MARTIN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

ADVICE TO INCOMING MIDDLE SCHOOLERS ST. MARTIN’S IN THREE WORDS Walker Adams Jack Story Nico Oldland Addison Davis Noah Williams Quin Brown Harris Ackel Alexander Mildzikhov Chase Charette Dagem Addis Alex Loffredio Devin May Nathan Loope Ayotomiwa Durojaiye Gabby Nama William Owen Andrew Moore Bryson Seebach Sarah Miller Georgia Price Greta Davis Mara Gardiner Jillian Sanders Lucy Linch Ryan Akin Sofie Sergent Grayson Weatherly Amay Cholia Charlie Kaufman Riley Mitchell

Awesome, Cool, Fun Caring, Encouraging, Awesome Community, Involving, Creative Crazy, Good, Chaotic Educational, Engaging, Enjoyable Enthralling, Educational, Exploring Exciting, Welcoming, Improvement Fantastic, Well-Organized, Educational Fun, Active, Helpful Fun, Crazy, Hardworking Fun, Enjoyable, Challenging Fun, Exciting, Friendly Fun, Exciting, Enjoyable Fun, Interesting, Exciting Fun, Memorable, Happy Fun, Tough, Great Fun, Unique, Interesting Funny, Awkward, New Good, Nice, Fun Helpful, Friendly, Nice Including, Welcoming, Fun Loving, Eye-Opening, Long-Lasting Loving, Heartfelt, Honest Nurturing, Welcoming, Educational Unique, Amazing, Life-Changing Welcoming, Challenging, Supportive Welcoming, Exciting, Amazing Welcoming, Humble, Dedicated Welcoming, Loving, Cool Whole-hearted, Friendly, Religious

Kiley Spink �� Be kind to everyone. Humberto Perez �� Be yourself. Mara Gardiner �� Do what is best for yourself, not your friends or even your best friend. Nathan Loope �� Do your work . Jillian Studdard �� Don’t be scared to ask your teacher for help. Guy Gardner �� Don’t have missing work. Jonathan Regnier �� Enjoy everyday of school, because it will fly by and you won’t even realize it, Avery Riley �� Enjoy it! John David Linch �� Enjoy your classes and get involved in clubs/sports. Ashlyn Loving �� Friends make life easier. William Owen �� Listen to your teachers. Audrey Jackson �� Make friends that motivate you to be a good person. Carolyn Sophia Ocampo �� Make sure to study a lot for test and quizzes. Dallin Worrill-Meyers �� No matter how far you fall, you will always find light at the end of the tunnel. Eila Jackson �� School is not just about learning, it is also about having fun with friends. Walker Adams �� Stay strong and don’t slack off during assignments. Grayson Weatherly �� Study a lot. Amelia Gunnels �� Surround yourself with a good group of friends. Cameron Kim �� To just keep up with homework and tests. Caroline Glenn �� To study hard, keep a good attitude, and push through the hard and stressful barriers that block you in life. Anna Mitchell �� To turn in assignments on time and be involved in the school. Alexander Mildzikhov �� Try to be ahead on your assignments. Don’t procrastinate. Georgiana Elwell �� Try your hardest, cause it counts. Daisy Whittington �� Turn in your assignments on time! Hannelis Rodas �� You shouldn’t push yourself to your limits, try to stay calm and you’ll be fine. Reese Richardson �� Your SMES life will be over before you know it so keep living it and having fun.

GOALS FOR HIGH SCHOOL Grayson Weatherly • All A’s and varsity soccer Ryan Akin • Be on the student council and have all A’s Eden Seib • Be the best I can Jillian Sanders • Being a leader Nico Oldland • Do the best I can, get all A’s and B’s, try my hardest at rugby Georgia Price • Do well in math Finn Botham • Get good grades Hannelis Rodas • Getting good grades and getting into a good college John David Linch • Have fun and make all As Guy Gardner • I want straight A’s Sofie Sergent • Make a varsity team Charlotte Brettell • Make new friends Amay Cholia • Make the Varsity Basketball team as a freshman and maintain a 4.0 throughout high school Chase Charette • Making friends and making the soccer team Devin O’Connor • Making straight A’s Harris Ackel • My goal is to get into a good college

Aniston Fisher • To be in more clubs Katy Scott • To be on a athletic honor roll Andrew Sims • To be starting long snapper Riley Mitchell • To be the best academic student I can possibly be Noah Williams • To do very well so I can be successful in my life Quin Brown • To find my passion Sarah Miller • To get good grades Dagem Addis • To get involved in activities Jack Story • To have A’s and B’s Audrey Jackson • To have above a 3.5 GPA Georgiana Elwell • To have almost all A’s Eila Jackson • To improve on my tennis game and make the varsity team Reese Pearch • To keep high grades Andrew Moore • To make honor roll Alex Loffredio • To make the varsity baseball and cross country teams Anna Mitchell • To play sports and be active Cameron Kim • To set myself up for college

55% 45% BEACHING

66%

SKIING

34%

PATTERNS | SUMMER 2022

Après Fling 2022 b y N I N A BL I L EY A N D KAT E B O B B 202 2 F L IN G CO-C HA I R S

he St. Regis Atlanta Hotel was transformed into a posh ski chalet for the PTO’s biennial Fling gala, Après, on February 5. More than 400 parents, guests, alumni, faculty and administrators enjoyed a festive evening of community and fellowship. Highlights included a seated dinner, silent and live auctions and dancing. Après was a spectacular celebration of the strength and resilience of the St. Martin’s family!

Robert Watson emerged from a highly competitive game of Heads or Tails as the winner of a weekend staycation at The St. Regis Atlanta! The evening was complete with a beautiful seated dinner, fun music, and lots of dancing! It was a true celebration of a wonderful community. The 2022 Fling was made even more meaningful because it was the first gala to be held in three years! Guests willingly complied with COVID-19 testing requirements, which helped guarantee a safe event for everyone. As co-chairs of the event, we cannot express enough our sincere appreciation for our wonderful volunteer planning committee. Their commitment was evident in every detail of this beautifully planned and executed evening. When the music ended, the celebration continued a few weeks later with an 80s-themed Après sponsor party at the Brittany Club. Alyssa Steele won the sponsor raffle for a fabulous wine dinner for six at Yebo Ski Haus. Thanks to everyone for welcoming back Fling and creating such great memories!

Thanks to the generosity of our community, especially our corporate and family sponsors, Après set a Fling record for overall giving.

Thanks to the generosity of our community, especially our corporate and family sponsors, Après set a Fling record for overall giving. During the silent auction, bidders vied for hot items, including sports memorabilia, vacation getaways, teacher treasures and more. Once seated in the ballroom, the generosity of the St. Martin’s community truly shined when the PTO raised $36,000 to fund state-of-the-art equipment for the drama department - including a new stage curtain. The items will support the Drama department and other schoolwide programs that share the space. Guests eagerly raised their paddles for the live auction to bid on unique treasures such as a school-wide class art piece, VIP Braves tickets and a weekend in the Blue Ridge mountains. The evening’s big winners included Kristen Black, who won the Golden Ticket raffle for a $7,500 tuition discount and Dean of Students Patti Pitoscia, who scored the teacher parking spot raffle.

SUMMER 2022 | ST. MARTIN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Volunteer Spotlight Alex Livingston

it all worth it. I’ve even received personal thank you notes from Dads. Why is giving back to St. Martin’s important to you? Volunteering for St. Martin’s is an important part of building and maintaining a community. I have made many life-long friendships throughout my volunteer opportunities. These friendships will continue long after our children have graduated from St. Martin’s. I am so grateful to the teachers, staff, and families at St. Martin’s for preparing my children to be confident and caring members of society.

W hen did your family become part of the St. Martin’s communit y? My e lde s t d au g ht e r, H a n n a , be g a n pre -K at St. Martin’s in 2009 and graduated from 8th grade in 2022. Abbie started in the Beginners program in 2011 and is just completed 7th grade. Our family has loved our years at St. Martin’s, and it’s hard to believe next year will be our last. How have you volunteered at SMES (in and out of the classroom)? I began volunteering when my girls were in Early Childhood, assisting with Fling Art Auction projects and as a Room Parent. I have one of the beautiful art pieces the kids created and have received many compliments. And being a room parent is a great opportunity to spend time in the classroom and get to know fellow students, parents, and teachers. When the girls were in Elementary School, I cochaired the Warrior Buddy program and began chairing the annual Father Daughter Dance. The annual dance has been one of the most rewarding roles I’ve taken on at St. Martin’s. This coming year will be my sixth and, sadly, last year chairing the dance before my youngest moves on to high school. The 2019 Barnyard Bash Winter Social party was probably the most fun event I co-chaired. We have a fun group of parents at SMES, and they embraced the theme, dressing up and dancing the night away! What is your favorite SMES event that you’ve supported? That’s easy - the Father Daughter Dance is my favorite by far! I feel it’s one of the most anticipated events of the year, and both girls and Dads or their special friends always have an amazing time. It’s a lot of work and coordination, and with our incredible volunteers, we pull it together! Seeing the girls show up in their fancy dresses and the smiles from ear to ear makes

PATTERNS | SUMMER 2022

At the CORE of the Matter

b y N EI L CON R A D D IR EC TOR O F H I G H S C H O O L P L AC E M E N T

The program was developed to expose SMES students to the local Atlanta community and bring Atlanta to the SMES campus.

mong the big questions engaging middle school educators might ask these days are “How has education evolved as we move further into the 21st century?” and “Are young students equipped with the knowledge and skills to tackle the world’s problems?” The answers are essential as we work to prepare students better to be global citizens in a rapidly changing world. As with most educational concepts, preparation begins with a solid foundation and, in this case, it begins with “learning locally.” This is our effort to expose SMES Middle School students to diverse local community roles as a way to understand and actively connect with our city. Several years ago, SMES launched C.O.R.E., Community Oriented Research and Education, to discover that local connection. C.O.R.E. is an extension of the St. Martin’s Middle School academic curriculum that provides students with meaningful, real-world experiences. The program was developed to expose SMES students to the local Atlanta community and bring Atlanta to the SMES campus. These community partnerships will help students become active, informed and engaged citizens. St. Martin’s faculty members are at the center of the program. Teachers design and implement projects, units, and courses to enhance the existing curriculum. Community partners serve as co-educators, creating rich opportunities for students to prepare for the challenges of high school and beyond. SMES recognizes that school is just one center of community learning, along with museums, businesses, libraries and other community organizations.

C.O.R.E. Community Oriented Research and Education

30 SUMMER 2022 | ST. MARTIN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

Though COVID protocols have prevented the C.O.R.E. program from being as fully active as in the past, St. Martin’s has worked to bring meaningful experiences to students.

The Atlanta History Center zoomed in with 7th graders to share a virtual tour experience, “The Price of Freedom.” Students were invited to think critically about the causes and consequences of the Civil War and engage in a lively discussion. They examined the painful realities of slavery, roleplayed as a soldier and studied South Carolina and Mississippi’s Declaration of Secession.

Middle School students learned from the Pease Brothers, motivational speakers who came to campus to speak about overcoming adversity. Born with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, Kyle never stopped striving to achieve his very best. Together with his brother Brent, Kyle has become one of the world’s most recognized endurance athletes.

Christopher Columbus, aka Hank Fincken, visited our students through the power of technology. During his presentation, members of the student audience played The Spanish Royal Court as Columbus tried to explain his goals and deeds from 1492 to 1506. The audience decided whether the Admiral was a hero or villain.

Poet Richard Blanco presented a workshop to 7th graders examining his poem “El Florida Room.” Students wrote a companion poem about what makes families special and unique, illustrated by highlighting a room in their house. Mr. Blanco also met with the Spanish Club to discuss Our Little Roses, an orphanage close to his heart that has also received gifts from St. Martin’s through fundraising from the Spanish Club.

These and other community connections provide students with a greater understanding of and deeper empathy for the world and people around them.

PATTERNS | SUMMER 2022

A N N IV E RSA RY

We are thankful to all those that participated and look forward to another outstanding tournament next spring. The school will announce the confirmed date of the 2023 tournament in the fall.

SUMMER 2022 | ST. MARTIN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

Low Gross First Place Team: Luke Bayer Jeff Dils Michael Howell Steve Kindregan

Longest Drive: Mike Stewart

TIN

’S GOLF

M EN T

St. Martin’s is grateful for the hard work and dedication of the father-son co-chair team of Kirby Thompson (former SMES Board Member, parent of SMES alumni - Betsy Thompson Oliver ‘95, Macie Thompson ‘98, and Kip Thompson ‘02) and Kip Thompson (SMES alumni ’02 and parent to SMES toddler students Avery and Kaylan).

Low Net First Place Team: James Bauer, Billy Caitlin, David Gamsey, Jordan Holley

NA UR

It was certainly a day to remember. The rain held off and made for a perfect day of golf, followed by an awards ceremony, which included announcing the tournament winners and a raffle drawing for prizes. This milestone anniversary tournament raised over $85,000 – breaking records!

t. Martin’s celebrated its 20th annual golf tournament at Peachtree Golf Club on April 18 to raise money for the St. Martin’s Endowment Fund. Since 2002, the golf tournament has raised more than $600,000 for the school’s endowment, which is now over $6.5 million.

PEA

A Tourney not to be FOREgotten!

ST .M

20TH

YEA

G O LF CLU

Closest to Pin: Greg Belatti

Portrait of a Graduate MOLLIE BELISLE SMES graduation year: 2013 High School: Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School Colleges/Degrees: University of Georgia, Bachelor in Sports Management, Minor in Business, Master in Sports Management Current Job: Pursuing a career in professional soccer Personal: I played my fifth year of eligibility for the University of Georgia soccer team this past fall while finishing my final semester of grad school. I am currently pursuing a career in professional soccer, exploring options here in the United States and overseas. Hobbies: Listening to podcasts, checking out coffee shops, going on long walks with my dog, reading on my Kindle, learning about nutrition, watching my favorite YouTubers, and eating latenight ice cream. Something special you learned at SMES: Thinking about some of the special relationships I still have today from my

better than we thought we could.

time at SMES, I realize that St. Martin’s taught me the importance from a young age, of recognizing that people will always remember how you made them feel. Favorite SMES tradition: = Father Daughter Dance Most influential SMES teacher and why: Early Childhood: Mrs. Hurlburt had patience and passion for teaching younger children. Elementary School: Mr. Eden taught us to learn through his love of music. Middle School: Mrs. Byrd always challenged us to do

Person I’d most like to meet? Emma Chamberlain Dream job: Professional Soccer Player in the NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League) Favorite way to give back: Mentoring children or volunteering with Extra Special People and Special Olympics Favorite place I’ve visited: San Francisco, California (vacation) and Montego Bay, Jamaica (mission trip) Do you stay in touch with fellow SMES alums? Yes, many! n

Favorite food: Oatmeal, Moose Tracks Ice Cream Favorite app: Goodreads Favorite book: “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Reid, “Jenkins and Verity” by Colleen Hoover Favorite TV show: One Tree Hill Favorite holiday: Christmas Eve Pick one per line:

7 7 7

___ Books ___ Sweet ___ Beach ___ Baseball

___ Movies ___Surfing the Internet ___ Savory ___ Mountains ___ Lake ___ Football ___ Tennis ___ Soccer!

PATTERNS | SUMMER 2022

STUDENT WRITER

Through the Years 8 BY

LUCY LINCH, 8 T H G R A D E

had just finished preschool at my church, and my parents were looking for a new school. They had searched every school in the Atlanta area, but when they stepped into St. Martin’s, it was different. My mom said it reminded her of her school back in her hometown of Macon, Georgia, and my dad just knew it was the one. After a tour, I was enrolled along with my twin brother, John David. I was shy and had trouble making friends because of it, but one of my teachers, Ms. Livings, made my experience better. During recess, I used to sit and talk with her and make bird nests with whatever materials I could get my hands on. She was my best friend until I met Lila, and I always loved seeing her in the hallways after that year. Even though I was new, it felt like home, even from the beginning.

In elementary school, I met people that I would know for nearly a lifetime. Both of us loved to do anything with art, so it wasn’t hard to become best friends with Eden. More fun and creative than ever, I was inspired by Daisy. All of us quickly became best friends. We had our own unofficial section of the playground where we would play a special game that we made up, Zombie Popcorn. The equipment looked like popcorn, and the challenge was to see if you could get across the piece of jungle gym without falling off. And if you did, you were a zombie, left to torment whoever was attempting the challenge. Over and over and over, we loved to play that game. To signify the end of recess, Ms. Kalahar would blow her “mighty whistle.” It was the greatest sign of power known at the time. My brother John David and I each week would go to the library with her and pick out a book for us to read. During Christmastime, we went to New York, and after reading “Balto and the Little Lighthouse,” we walked all

around Central Park to find the statue and the lighthouse some blocks away. It was what made the entire trip. Later that year, I overcame obstacles while performing on the stage for the first time during Grandparents’ Day about my grandfather entering WWII. It taught me that what I feared was not so scary. In fifth grade, we went on the first overnight trip to Skidaway. The marine biology labs, the marsh, and the bunks in our rooms were unforgettable and the most fun I have ever experienced. To commemorate our graduation from elementary school, we walked across the green, anxious and anticipating the wonderful years to come. Middle school began, and I was obsessed. In sixth grade, my friends Gabby and Katy dragged me into our expansive gym, and with no experience, I made the volleyball team. I was tenacious about it. The sport was the best thing to happen to me, and at the end of the year, I had gotten the “most improved award.” St. Martin’s does that to people. It brings them out from their shell and allows them to experience things like never before. As school started and nights cooled, Halloween rolled around the corner. It was an honor to be in the St. Martin’s Halloween parade this year. With my best friend Amelia, we walked through the crowd as fairies with our Pre-K buddy, Carter. She was truly a special person to meet. And recently, I was able to participate in the Ash Wednesday service. We read aloud

34 SUMMER 2022 | ST. MARTIN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

Even though I was new, it felt like home, even from the beginning.

trivia as a way of doing our sermon and created vivid signs for the people to read aloud during the Litany of Penitence. After witnessing chapel all through the years, being in the service felt like a dream come true during my final year at St. Martin’s. As I entered St. Martins, I have been able to live through and experience our message, “wholehearted dedication to a child’s education.” And as a student of ten years, it has been nothing but that. As I graduate and leave St. Martin’s, I take with me the memories from my years here, the teachers, the faculty, my friends, and so much more. Being here has been my life, and everything I have experienced has touched and taught me a lesson. As I “go forth into the world,” I hope that I can bring a piece with me of good, a piece of St. Martin’s.

STUDENT WRITER

Eruditio, Veneratio, Beneficium 8 BY

ALEXA N DER M I L DZ I KHOV, 8 T H G R A D E

he motto of the St. Martin’s Honor Society, Eruditio, Veneratio and Beneficium, kept me motivated through the 7th and 8th grade academic years. When translated from Latin, it stands for Knowledge, Respect and Kindness. These are the principles which I try to follow now and will continue to aspire to in my future. These are also the qualities that are required from St. Martin’s students if they want to be inducted into our school Honor Society. It is, of course, an honor to become a member, but for me, these three principles were primarily a North Star in academics, relationships, and my role in the community.

The motto of the St. Martin’s Honor Society... are the principles which I try to follow now and will continue to aspire to in my future. We go to school for Eruditio, f o r knowledge and learning new things. From my experience, middle school is all about learning how to learn in order to grow our intelligence and get ready for high school. Learning routine and good organization are very important, but passion for learning is the key to knowledge. Genuine interest, excitement when solving problems, and curiosity are the drivers to new knowl-

edge and, as a result, high grades. At times, certain subjects or topics are harder than others, but enjoyment from accomplishment overrides all the hard work. This is what is encouraged by the Honor Society, and what high schools are looking for in their applicants. Veneratio, or respect, is a fundamental value. Respect for teachers dedicating their energy to us, their students, is unconditional. However, respect can be spread to so much more, for example to classmates, their different backgrounds, talents, and interests. It is also an appreciation of our school property and what helps to make it a great place. School rules though can be boring but respecting and following them makes our school a safe and comfortable place. Being kind to others and having empathy are very important qualities that St. Martin’s encourages in students. It can start with small things, like supporting a friend, contributing to multiple social activities, or staying involved in the community or schoolwork. I value kindness in people the most, as I truly believe that it can make the world a better place and solve any problems. St. Martin’s celebrates Kindness, or Beneficium, in its students and, therefore, helps to improve our small and welcoming school world.

K N OW L E DGE

RESPECT

K I N DN E SS

In closing, success in academics, promoting respect, and giving back to the community are the foundational values to follow. I’m glad that St. Martin’s School has chosen these principles for the Honor Society, and it has certainly made me a better person.

PATTERNS | SUMMER 2022

Farewell and Best of Luck! b y KRI ST I G A F F N EY DIRE C TOR OF M A R KET I N G & CO M M U N I C ATI O N S

Adiós y Mucha Suerte! Among the stories that will be shared about Dr. Luis Ottley as St. Martin’s Head of School, perhaps most memorable is the “baptism by fire” that jumpstarted his tenure. A day before Dr. Ottley was to assume his duties on July 5, 2017, a devastating arson fire caused extensive damage to Claiborne Hall in the Early Childhood division. The incident united the SMES community and highlighted the visionary leadership approach for which he is known. Our community bid farewell to Dr. Ottley and his family in June as they moved on to their next chapter in Minnesota. Claiborne Hall: God at Work At the time of the fire, Dr. Ottley, the son of a Panamanian Episcopal bishop, reflected on the incident, noting, “As a Christian … I do feel that God is at work because there are many things that could have gone wrong that didn’t.” Dr. Ottley’s faith, leadership and ability to rally support ensured that many things did, in fact, go right.

SUMMER 2022 | ST. MARTIN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

Thanks to our partnership with St. Martin’s Church, the result was a smooth 2017 school opening with minimal disruption for students and teachers. In response to the fire, Dr. Ottley and his team led an unanticipated but highly successful capital campaign to fund a state-of-the-art early learning center that has become a transformational space for St. Martin’s youngest students. Over the next five years, Dr. Ottley’s efforts led to lasting improvements at SMES, both seen and unseen. Many will remember that during his first year, he invited each of the more than 400 SMES families to individual meetings so he could learn about the community and also graciously hosted new SMES families at private dinners at his home. One year, and many successful meetings and delicious meals later, the goal was met. That deep, personal level of engagement became a hallmark of Dr. Ottley’s time at SMES.

Kairos: A Larger Tent His handprint will also endure on the introduction of the Kairos Learning Center at St. Martin’s. Kairos, which opened for students in 2019, is a unique schoolwithin-a-school environment for students with language-based learning differences that can affect their ability to succeed in large classes with traditional methods. True to its name, Kairos, in ancient Greek, refers to the right, critical or opportune moment in time. And the time was right because today, Kairos is a well-respected educational asset that meets the needs of SMES families and attracts new learners from around Atlanta to the SMES community. The program, offered to children from 1st-8th grade, delivers a variety of options based on student needs. The commitment of Dr. Ottley, SMES administrators, teachers, student support services and parents proved to be a powerful force for change. Panama Exchange: Expanding Our World A firm believer in educating the whole child, Dr. Ottley championed the creation of St. Martin’s Panama Exchange Program right out of the gate. In the fall of 2017, a few St. Martin’s 8th-grade families welcomed five students into their homes for two weeks of attending school. The exchange is rooted in the belief that understanding other cultures is a defining characteristic of a mobile society and has been an Ottley-driven program for most of his career. The program offers 7th- and 8th-graders a chance to participate as host or exchange students with our partner school, Colegio Episcopal de Panamá. Students live with local families in Atlanta and Panama City, follow a school schedule, travel together and learn a new language and culture. The program took a hiatus during COVID and the school hopes to bring it back in the future. Infants: Welcome Baby Warriors! Dr. Ottley will also be remembered for spearheading the return of infant classes at the Brookhaven campus and the introduction of a new infant and toddler expansion program at a new location on High Point Road. Exceptional infant care and education were priorities for Dr. Ottley, who led the charge to acquire needed resources and support - including the acquisition of the seven-acre High Point campus located just a few short miles from the main campus. The infant program, which serves families of children from eight weeks to two years, stimulates babies’ social, emotional, cognitive and physical development while meeting their basic needs in a loving, Christian setting.

For the Dignity of All An expansion of St. Martin’s Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) initiatives was a natural outgrowth of Dr. Ottley’s Episcopal identity and values. Led by the school’s D& I director and multicultural education committee, SMES adopted a D&I mission statement in 2021 to articulate the importance that the school ...lives its Episcopal identity by respecting the dignity of all people and cultivating an inclusive environment.” The statement describes a culture of equity achieved through an “ongoing commitment to inclusivity and diversity where each member of our community is valued and heard.” Those words are brought to life through initiatives in the classroom, faculty and staff professional development, and parental involvement. For example, Middle School students deepen their understanding of D&I themes in religion and ethics classes and through unique elective studies. Teachers can participate in professional development opportunities and benefit from the St. Martin’s Multicultural Book Nook, a shared resource with materials focusing on important themes such as inclusion and social justice. Parents learn from the Equity and Belonging speakers’ bureau offering engaging speakers to campus, and St. Martin’s Civic Dinners bring community members together to share a meal and exchange views on timely topics. Campus Expansion: Planning for the future As a landlocked campus, physical expansion has historically been a desire and challenge for SMES. Over the past few years, several real estate opportunities have presented themselves, including the High Point Road acquisition, allowing the school to look toward future expansion creatively. With program growth as a strategic priority of the SMES Board of Trustees and Dr. Ottley, a team of SMES community members successfully helped SMES purchase a tract of land in up-and-coming Doraville in 2018, and the school will sell the property this year. The investment has allowed for the recent purchase of land on Osborne Road slated to become a future athletic complex for the school. The Osborne property is less than a mile from campus and will be a transformative addition to St. Martin’s footprint in the community. Thank You! The SMES community is grateful for Dr. Luis Ottley’s visionary contributions to our school, along with his big heart and fun-loving spirit. We wholeheartedly wish him and his family a bright, productive and blessed future!

PATTERNS | SUMMER 2022

GETTING FUTURE-READY WITH STEAM b y L AU R E N KO H L H O F F E L E ME N TA RY AC A DE MI C DE A N & STE A M CO O R D I N ATO R

at STEAM EDUCATION IS AN APPROACH TO LEARNING THAT USES SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND THE ARTS AS ACCESS POINTS FOR GUIDING STUDENT INQUIRY, DIALOGUE AND CRITICAL THINKING.

hink about a time you were assigned a team project that you were truly passionate about. Deadlines and expectations were made clear from the get-go. Less clear, perhaps, was the process for reaching the goal. Add to the mix a less-than-collaborative teammate and a sprinkle of miscommunication, contributing to some disagreements that had you wondering if you would ever be able to deliver! But with your skills and experience, you prevailed. Sound familiar? Most adults have been there. Did you emerge as a leader and consensus builder or buckle under the pressure and frustration of conflicting team dynamics? Did you reflect with your team after the fact on how you might approach your next project? Imagine if your school experience had purposefully and intentionally prepared you for scenarios like this from an early age. STEAM education in schools around the globe aims to do exactly that, and fortunately for St. Martin’s students, STEAM is a core component of the SMES curriculum. STEAM education is an approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering and the Arts as access points for guiding student inquiry, dialogue and critical thinking.

SUMMER 2022 | ST. MARTIN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

Schools have a responsibility to prepare students to be future-ready for success in jobs that don’t even exist today. We must teach not only knowledge and content but also essential skills that can transfer across a wide range of career paths and in endless contexts. Those skills–communicating, innovating, iterating, collaborating and even responding to failure–are developed and practiced through collaboration. Creating these learning opportunities is imperative for students if they are to be competitive and successful in the future workplace. SCHOOLS HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO PREPARE STUDENTS TO BE FUTURE-READY FOR SUCCESS IN JOBS THAT DON’T EVEN EXIST TODAY.

At the heart of STEAM education are four core principles: Critical Thinking, Collaboration, Communication and Creativity. Commonly referred to as the 4 Cs, they are in action everywhere, all the time at St. Martin’s. STEAM in Early Childhood harnesses the natural curiosity of our youngest students by guiding them through the processes of inquiry and discovery. The TinkerLab is an extension of the classroom, a dedicated space for hands-on experiential learning. It is equipped with age-appropriate tools and materials to support collaborative problem-solving. STEAM lessons are student-centered and intentionally open-ended. The role of the teacher is to promote verbal communication by encouraging students to AT THE HEART OF think out loud and lead STEAM EDUCATION them in an exploration ARE FOUR CORE of ideas and materials in PRINCIPLES: new ways by asking guiding questions. The goal of CRITICAL THINKING, COLLABORATION, the STEAM program at COMMUNICATION this age is to inspire creAND CREATIVITY. ative thinking and problem-solving through collaborative play and open-ended questioning. At the Elementary level, integrated STEAM projects center around the design-thinking process. Teachers extend the core curriculum to permit students to flex and exercise the 4 Cs. Activities and projects encourage students to take risks, innovate, prototype ideas and devise a plan to solve problems or persevere through a challenge. Students are introduced to simple robotics, computer science concepts, and the engineering design process. As a capstone to the Elementary STEAM experience, 4th and 5th graders participate in the annual STEAM Fair, sharing their innovative ideas with the greater school community.

SO, WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? • A carefully crafted schedule that builds in time for intentional STEAM lessons will roll out for the 22-23 school year. • An effort to reimagine the technology lab in Warrior Hall is also underway, intending to create a dedicated lab space in the ES that inspires innovation and creativity. • The Industrial Arts Center will be outfitted with tools and materials to accommodate students from all divisions. • As STEAM Coordinator, I plan to partner with teachers in all divisions to identify opportunities to integrate STEAM throughout the curriculum. This will lay the foundation for developing a clearly defined and articulated STEAM curriculum designed to scaffold the development of specific essential skills across the grade levels. • In time, the curriculum will expand to include design engineering, computer science and robotics across all divisions.

By the time students enter middle school, they are skillful problem-solvers and agile in the 4Cs. Integrated STEAM projects become more complex and lead students to solve problems and seek them out. They use familiar tools and resources to create new, innovative content and solutions. As the newly-launched Industrial Arts woodworking program grows, the goal is to integrate design thinking and engineering processes with technology and art and apply those skills to a new medium in a fully equipped woodshop. The STEAM program culminates with the annual 8th-grade Boxcar Challenge, a year-long, fully interdisciplinary project that concludes in a schoolwide event each spring. When I reflect on what the last two difficult years have taught us about education, I choose not to dwell on the challenges. Instead, I like to think of it as a productive struggle, an opportunity to put the 4 Cs into practice and reignite a growing STEAM@SMES curriculum every day.

PATTERNS | SUMMER 2022

A Joyous Feast Day b y TH E R E V. D R . STE FA N I E TAY LO R SMES CHAPLAIN

ames matter. To call a thing by name is to give it power. In Christian tradition, names play an important role in the Bible. God changed Abram’s name to Abraham, Sarai’s name to Sarah, Jacob’s name to Israel, Saul’s name is changed to Paul after conversion, and Simon’s name became Peter (the rock), who Jesus named the Rock of the Church. In short, names are important to God and often define that which is named. Martin is a powerful name in our tradition. Martin Luther King Jr., who was sainted by our church, got his name from his father who changed his name from Michael to Martin after being inspired by Martin Luther, the great Reformer, on a trip to Germany during the reign of the Nazi’s. Martin the Reformer got his name from his father, who changed his name to Martin after being inspired by Martin of Tours, our patron, who gave everything he had in order to give to others and inspired a whole generation to reject the cultural norms of the time.

SUMMER 2022 | ST. MARTIN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

Our school is named for a Martin who inspired greatness in this world and for one who lived the words of the prophet Isaiah: “For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until her vindication shines out like the dawn, and her salvation like a burning torch. The nations shall see your vindication, and all the kings your glory; and you shall be called by a new name.” These Martin men were not silent, and they did not rest. They worked for justice, and they tried, with all they had, to open the eyes of the blind. St. Martin’s Episcopal School celebrated St. Martin’s Feast Day on April 22. The day was dedicated to celebrating the life of the school and honoring our patron saint, Martin of Tours. A Feast Day in the church is a celebration of our relationship with our saints. Episcopalians value feast days because they interrupt our rhythms with a reminder that our stories are inextricably a part of God’s story, and our time is inextricably a part of God’s time. In the Episcopal Church, we believe we have a special relationship with our patron saints, who are kin to us all and pray with and for us. We believe St. Martin is active in the life of the school. Just as many of you might feel the presence and guidance of a loved one who has passed, so we believe we

are being watched and guided by our patron saint. Every year, we assign each grade a decade, beginning with our founding in the 1950s. That grade depicts its decade with representative clothing and a special dance in our opening parade. Celebrating the decades allows us to connect with and celebrate the history of our school since its founding. We remember where we started, where we are and where we are going. We are attuned to what grounds us and helps us maintain our identity. We listen to God’s prophetic voice, calling us into who we are meant to be without fear of losing ourselves in the process. The Episcopal Church has always been a prophetic church. We do not fear change because we know we are grounded by Jesus Christ, guided by the host of heaven and uplifted by our traditions, prayers, saints and our trustworthy God. It is no small thing to feel brave and empowered to step into the unknown. Other faiths and denominations have their gifts and access to the prophetic voice. Ours is the one we celebrate in chapel, in Eucharist, and on our Feast Day. We mark the passing of time, attuned to where we have been, where we are, and where we hope to go. We are mindful of where we are being called, and we give thanks for the guides along the way.

PATTERNS | SUMMER 2022

Sports Wrap-Up b y MA RK M C DA N I EL SMES AT HL ET I C D I R EC TOR

C GIRLS This team’s improvement from tryouts to the end of the year was beyond impressive. The season started with some hard losses, but with hard work and determination, they worked together during a fast-paced nail-biter against Ridgeview to secure the first C Girls basketball win in years! New friends were made, new skills were learned, and all had fun!

A BOYS The A Boys team started strong with three straight wins. The boys went into the break 3-3 and returned to finish the season undefeated. The Warriors’ playoff run was cut short by losing in the quarterfinals, but we will return with a solid core of players to vie for the championship next season!

B BOYS

A GIRLS The team started the season with a 7-0 record, then faced its toughest games by suffering a few losses. They battled through the playoffs to make it to the championship game against Atlanta Classical Academy. The girls trailed ACA until the last minute and then scored six points in less than 60 seconds to bring home the MAAC Girls Basketball Championship!

B GIRLS Over the season, the B Girls developed into a team with good ballhandling skills and teamwork, enabling them to fight hard every game. They played an aggressive game with positive and coachable attitudes., The team improved from scoring 16 points in the first game to scoring 34 points later in the season. Way to go, Warriors!

SUMMER 2022 | ST. MARTIN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

The B Boys team used its length and athleticism to smother opposing offenses as they finished the season with an impressive 6-2 record. The team really improved as the year progressed, and all players have a bright future.

C BOYS This team improved tremendously as a unit and individually thorough the season. Their defense was tough, they played fast and physical, and they generated tons of pressure, leading to many turnovers. The team finished 3-1 for the season, and they will all be ready for next year!

SPORTS WRAP-UP

games. They cruised to a 6-1 victory over the NYO Pirates in game one. The Warriors were down 8-1 to Lovett in the 4th inning in the semi-finals. With a return to the playoff championship hope on the line, the Warriors stormed back to score ten unanswered runs to defeat Lovett 11-8. The Warriors’ pitching and defense were on point in the championship game vs. Galloway. The team shut down Galloway’s offense with six innings of no runs while scoring 5. The Warriors took the Championship with a 5-1 win!

SPRING SPORTS

TENNIS

TENNIS The Girls Red team competed against other MAAC conference teams to finish the regular season undefeated. In the playoffs, they swept the semi-finals and faced off against Globe Academy in the finals. They came up short, losing their lines by the slimmest of margins, but finished as the MAAC runner-up. The Red Boys finished the regular season 3-1 in the division and 3-2 overall to earn a two seed in the playoffs. They stepped up to the challenge in the semis to take both doubles lines convincingly to earn a spot in the finals versus Davis Academy. After losing at singles and winning #1 doubles, it came down to the #2 doubles line. They fought hard, came back from an early deficit and closed them out 8-4 to secure the first Boys MAAC Tennis Championship since 2017. The Blue team participated in several practices and competed against many schools for a great experience.

GOLF The coaches were very proud of each player’s hard work and discipline over the season. They came into the championship with a strong team of four. The Warriors came in third place in a closely contested tournament, with All MAAC Player Griffin Moore finishing fifth individually. The coaches are already looking forward to next year. Way to go, Warriors.

BASEBALL SMES Baseball had a great season this spring. They were undefeated in division play and were the regular season champs. They finished with a 13-2-1 record. The playoffs called for three tough

BASEBALL

SOCCER

SOCCER This year, Girls soccer had a strong season and earned SMES the MAAC Championship trophy. The girls clinched the first-place spot during the regular season and continued their undefeated run during the conference tournament. The girls stepped up and delivered some impressive performances as we entered tournament play. These girls showed grit, determination, and a competitive edge that will hopefully live on in the SMES soccer program. Go, Warriors!

YPL The YPL team played awesome all year and continued to improve every practice and game. Both teams started the year 3-0 until they had to play each other, where Team 1 came out on top. Both teams then suffered a loss, rebounded and secured the top two seeds in the end-of-year tournament. Both teams crushed their opponents throughout the tournament to play each other in the Championship, allowing both teams to come out on top.

PATTERNS | SUMMER 2022

SPORTS WRAP-UP

2021-2022 Athletic Awards

A GIRLS BASKETBALL All MAAC...................................................Reese Pearch Jillian Studdard Warrior Award..............................................Kiley Spink Henley Blackburn

Trifecta Champs for the Fab 5 (l-r) Anna Mitchell, Jillian Studdard, Reese Pearch, Kiley Spink and Riley Mitchell

A SMES FIRST! These five young ladies exemplify what it is to be a Warrior athlete. They were great teammates, leaders, and coachable athletes. They started the year by winning the volleyball season, then brought home the first-ever girls’ basketball championship. They finished off the year with a 4-0 victory to win the soccer championship. No group has ever been part of three championships in one year! We will miss all our graduating athletes next year, but a special thank you goes out to these five.

A SPECIAL YEAR b y MA RK M C DA N I EL SMES AT HL ET IC D I R EC TOR

In my first year at St. Martin’s, we had a special 8th-grade class. They were all athletes who loved to compete. In 2017, we had a similar class. But this school year topped them all. With six 1st-place finishes, three runners-up, and a couple of top 4 finishes, this was the most successful athletic year in my tenure and the most successful in school history (as far as I can tell.) We dominated our league in most sports, led by the tremendous 8thgrade girl and 7th-grade boy athletes. The leadership, work ethic, and desire to play were characteristics that anyone would quickly notice when watching almost any team this year. They were fun to watch and even more fun to share time with on the sidelines. n

SUMMER 2022 | ST. MARTIN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

A BOYS BASKETBALL All-MAAC..............................................Bobby Harpring Jake McLaren Warrior Awards.......................................... Quin Brown John David Linch B GIRLS BASKETBALL Warrior Award ........................................ Emily Papirio Hustle Award................................... Campbell Greene Most Improved Award............................ Lily Branson B BOYS BASKETBALL Warrior Awards ................................ Nathan Hildreth Greg Lisowski Hustle Award.............................Alessandro Paiardini C GIRLS BASKETBALL Warrior......................................................Anna Pattaras Hustle........................................................ Cara Gardiner Most Improved...................................... Lilia Lawrence C BOYS BASKETBALL Warrior Awards....................... Tommy Schweninger William Ashley Hustle Award........................................ Fletcher Black YPL All MAAC............................................ Nathan Hildreth Jake McLaren Warrior Awards....................... Tommy Schweninger Greg Lisowski Most Improved...................................... Carson Krebs Carolyn Ocampo Hustle Awards.............................................. Jack Story Georgiana Elwell TENNIS BLUE TEAM Warrior Awards....................................... Lily Branson Finn Botham RED TEAM All MAAC................................................Thomas Koziol Eila Jackson Warrior Awards........................ Bennett Gerspacher Cameron Kim Greta Davis Avery Riley GOLF All MAAC...................................................Griffin Moore Warrior Award.................................John David Linch Most Improved......................................Lilia Lawrence BASEBALL Defensive MVP .................................... Nathan Loope Quin Brown Offensive MVP........................................... Harris Ackel Warrior Award.......................................Alex Loffredio SOCCER All MAAC.................................................. Reese Pearch Warrior Awards.......................................... Kiley Spink Hannelis Rodas Most Improved................................... Jillian Studdard

From the PTO b y ABBEY BRADN ER A N D EL I Z A BET H M I L L ER 2021 - 2022 P TO CO-P R ESI D EN TS

t has been our pleasure to be part of the PTO Executive Board these past two years, last year as co-vice presidents and this year as co-presidents. When we accepted our positions in the summer of 2019, we had no idea what the next two years would have in store. We witnessed changes such as canceled events, brand new events, adding covid safety measures to longstanding events, and this school year’s transition back to almost normal traditional events. The resilience, creativity and dedication of everyone involved has made us proud to be part of such an amazing organization and school. The St. Martin’s PTO is known for creating a sense of community amongst our families, teachers and administrators, and we are so glad to have had an opportunity to be a part of that.

It has been our privilege to lead the PTO this year. We are beyond grateful for the support of each and every one of you. We wish our successors, Sarah Jowers and Michelle Hartman, along with all members of the PTO executive board, all the best. They will welcome and appreciate your continued support as they work toward making the next school year an even bigger success.

The support of the St. Martin’s community has been paramount in making this year’s transition back to “normal” a successful one, and we would like to highlight some of our most dedicated volunteers. First, our 2021-22 PTO Executive Board; Sarah Jowers, Stephanie Kokabi, Anna Rocker, Michelle Hartman, Caroline Kulinski, and Allyson Miller. This team worked countless hours to ensure the PTO’s numerous events were successful, safe and The resilience, fun. A special thank you to creativity and our Fling co-chairs, Nina dedication of Bliley and Kate Bobb, who everyone involved worked tirelessly to bring has made us proud us a night we will not soon to be part of such an forget! Also, many thanks amazing organization to all of our event chairs and school. who planned and organized our 40-plus PTO-sponsored programs and events. Lastly, thank you to the Board of Trustees and school staff for their continued support of the PTO. We are proud to report that the 2022 Fling raised more than $100,000! The PTO was also pleased to bring back other amazing events such as the Warrior Run, Mother Son Bingo and the Father Daughter Dance. Thank you to all who contributed through time, donations, sponsorships and event attendance. A detailed account of our fundraising efforts and school allocation details will be provided in the annual report which will be published by the school next school year.

PATTERNS | SUMMER 2022

Faculty News

UPDATES FROM OUR FACULTY

Kanette Fenstermacher

Madeline Wentworth

BEST OF LUCK IN RETIREMENT! Long-time teacher Kathy Koporec is retiring after 16 years at St. Martin’s. Over the years, Kathy has served as a Beginners lead teacher, Pre-K teacher, EC Reading & Technology teacher for 11 years and most recently as a lead teacher in the elementary Kairos Learning Center program. “I am so grateful for all of the professional and personal support at St. Martin’s through the years, and I have been

Kathy Koporec

Tony Shaffer

fortunate to work with so many wonderful students, families and faculty members and staff,” she said. “I am looking forward to spending more time with my grandchildren, practicing music and playing with my new dachshund puppy, Callie.” CONGRATULATIONS! St. Martin’s welcomes long-time 6th-grade English teacher Kanette Fenstermacher as the Interim Middle School Principal for the 2022-

SUMMER 2022 | ST. MARTIN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

23 school year. “I am excited to step into a new role within our middle school,” she says. “I am dedicated to maintaining our middle school’s high academic standards and warm sense of community, and I am especially appreciative to continue working alongside our talented, hardworking, and compassionate middle school faculty and staff. I also love the energy, humor, and authenticity unique to middle school students.” A special congratulations to 1st-grade assistant teacher Madeline Wentworth who recently completed her master’s degree in education from Arizona State University. MOVING ON St. Martin’s bids farewell to Middle School Principal Tony Shaffer as he moves to Maryland to assume a position as head of school. Tony joined St. Martin’s for the 2017-18 school year and has brought innovative new endeavors and enhancements to SMES programs such as the Constellation

Online Learning Program, the CORE (Community Oriented Research & Education) program along with the global studies program that has sent SMES students to Japan and annually to Panama. He said, “My family will greatly miss our St. Martin’s family as we begin our next chapter.” Head of School Dr. Luis Ottley is moving to a new Head of School position in St. Paul, MN (see pp. 36). We also bid farewell to Religion Teacher Kevin Baldesare, EC Reading & Technology teacher Annie Hollett, 4th-grade teacher Meghan McCabe, middle school English teacher Tori Nagle, Industrial Arts teacher Josh Ortega, EC Music teacher Michael Parker, 4th grade teacher Hagan Brignac, middle school English teacher Christine McAleer and kindergarten assistant teacher Courtney Weinhoff who will all be pursuing new opportunities. And well wishes to Infant program employees Hind Eddouh, Daisy Morales and Wendy Steck as they seek new endeavors. n

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:

When Teachers Become Students, Everyone Wins! b y L AURA BIEZE, CA R OLYN BR A DSHAW, KAT H Y KO P O R E C A N D KATI E M O U SS O U R I S MES TEACHERS

MES teachers have been busy expanding their professional horizons by pursuing stimulating professional development opportunities. Second grade teacher Carolyn Bradshaw and second grade KAIROS math teacher Katie Moussouri attended the SAIS Academic Support Conference in Charlotte, NC. They were especially impressed by the keynote address, which addressed practical ways to reduce student anxiety. The speaker, Jessica Minahan, is an author, special educator and internationally known consultant. Minahan offered insight on the impact of behavior and learning. They also attended sessions on assistive technology for students with learning differences, parent education and executive functioning. At the International Dyslexia Association Conference, Elementary School Kairos teacher Kathy Koporec discovered valuable insights during a session on Mastering Grammar Gremlins in Academic Writing with Explicit Multimodal and Metacognitive Strategies The focus for many students diagnosed with dyslexia is on reading and spelling. In this session, the presenters suggested that the same strategies used to develop decoding and encoding skills, like those used in the OrtonGillingham approach, can be applied to writing skills. Examples include using color-coded cards, “think aloud” strategies and intervening immediately with guidance. Middle School Kairos teacher Laura Bieze completed an online program, The Framework for Academic Management, which she called a “great asset” for her work with 8th grade students. The program addresses the skills students need to succeed in school and life, and how those skills can be developed using school assignments as a vehicle. The program focuses on skills including critical thinking, time management, communication, executive functioning and metacognition (thinking about thinking).

SMES teachers have been busy expanding their professional horizons by pursuing stimulating professional development opportunities. PATTERNS | SUMMER 2022

Alumni Notes Mary Sessions, ’97

Jeanne Davis ’10

Kaelyn Lowe, ’11

Chris Gutschenritter, '03

Madison Mischik, ’10

Alexandria Cannon, ’12

School of Journalism and Communications and her M.S. in public relations in 2020 from Syracuse’s Newhouse School of Public Communications. Kaelyn is now an internal communications specialist at Electronic Arts in Austin, Texas.

administration. The couple resides in Falls Church, Virginia.

’03 Chris Gutschenritter is engaged to Jessica Watson of Watkinsville, GA. The couple will marry in Telluride, CO. They were introduced by SMES alum Alix Rhett in Denver, where they all reside. Alix and Chris have been friends since 2nd grade at St. Martin’s.

’07 Clare Williams Stevens and Chase Williams Cooper ‘04, officially kicked off the annual Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival in the spring. The sisters flew in from Texas to cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony of the festival in

UPDATES FROM OUR ALUMNI

memory of their late mom Rebecca Chase Williams, who founded the festival in 2014.

’10 Jeanne Davis began working with the Charlotte NPR affiliate WFAE in the spring. Madison Mischik graduated in May from the University of Georgia School of Law and will join the Georgia Office of State Administrative Hearings as a Staff Attorney.

’11 Kaelyn Lowe received her B.A. in journalism in 2019 from Hampton University‘s Scripps Howard

SUMMER 2022 | ST. MARTIN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

’12 Alexandria Cannon ’12 married Connor Nunnaley on March 25, 2022 in Washington, D.C. Alexandria is a program project manager with the American Physical Society, a nonprofit organization in Maryland. Alexandria is a graduate student at Pennsylvania State University working on a master’s degree in public

Devin Cochran signed a free agent deal with the Cincinnati Bengals after playing the 2021 season at Georgia Institute of Technology. Pierson Klein graduated Cum Laude from Amherst College in 2020 with a bachelor of arts in law, jurisprudence, and social thought and earned a Five College Consortium International Relations Certificate. She played varsity squash for four years and led the team as a captain in her senior year. Pierson spent two years working with the law firm, Foley & Hoag, in Boston, MA

ALUMNI NOTES

Gabi Johnson, ’14

We Love to Hear from You

Arden Adems, ’17

TO HAVE YOUR UPDATE PUBLISHED IN THE NEXT EDITION OF ALUMNI NOTES, PLEASE CONTACT Amanda Ore Advancement Manager aore@stmartinschool.org Taylor Rand (r), ’16

Avery Graves, ’17

and this fall she will relocate to the United Kingdom to pursue a master of philosophy in criminology at the University of Cambridge.

’15

’14 Gabi Johnson graduated from the University of Georgia in May with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. This summer, she will work at KPMG in its Atlanta office as a Business Tax Services intern. This is her third summer interning for KPMG, and she will return to the classroom this fall to attend UGA’s Terry College of Business working toward her master’s of accountancy degree.

Emily Schmitt is a junior at Davidson College majoring in English and digital studies. She completed an internship in technical writing with wikiHow last summer and serves as president of the on-campus improv group.

’16 Emma Halaburt is pursuing a degree in forestry stewardship/ecosystem sustainability at Colorado State University. She was recently elected president of the CSU Society of American Foresters while maintaining three semesters on the dean’s list. She has also been

Cierra May, ’17

nominated to join CSU’s chapter of Xi Sigma Pi, an international honors society for natural resources students.

Matthew Turner is a sophomore playing baseball at Maryville College.

Taylor Rand made dean’s list for the third semester in a row at Belmont University and is a member of Phi Mu sorority. Taylor also served as a co-chair for Belmont’s annual Greek Sing event and is the assistant philanthropy chair.

Arden Adams is a rising sophomore at Point Park University studying theatre arts. She is in the honors college, an apprentice at the conservatory of performing arts, and a volunteer at the Fair Housing Project of greater Pittsburgh. Arden recently was a part of the stage crew for the university’s production of “Spring Awakening.” This summer, she will perform as Nick Bottom in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland.

Maria Antonia Stanek ’16 is currently studying at the University of Amsterdam and has an internship at Young Capital. Despite COVID, Maria reports that she has had an amazing time in Europe.

’17

PATTERNS | SUMMER 2022

ALUMNI NOTES

Paris Adams, ’18

Grant (l) ’18 and Ian Gaffney ’20

Jack Fry (c), ’18

Katie Holmes, ’18

Sam Alexander, '18

Lydia Davis, '18

Ansley Graves, ’18

Abby Hughes, '18

’17

Marist School’s Lady War Eagles golf team in her senior year.

Lydia Davis ’18 was accepted early action to the University of Georgia, and is hoping to conduct undergraduate research in psychology. Lydia loves to scuba dive and has 30 dives under her belt. At Riverwood International Charter School, Lydia was the varsity golf captain, served in NHS and Beta club, helped construct a public park display, and was a chapter head for Letters for Rose.

Ansley Graves graduated from Dunwoody High School this spring. She plans to attend the University of Tennessee in the fall to major in communications and marketing.

Avery Graves graduated from St Pius X Catholic School in May of 2021. She is currently a freshman at CU Boulder and is studying sociology. Cierra May just finished her freshman year at Rhodes College in Memphis, TN where she is working on a double major in chemistry and music. She recently worked as an assistant stage manager at Germantown Community Theater on the production of “Outside Mullingar.”

’18 Paris Adams received the recognition of All-State Golfer by the Georgia High School Coaches Association and Most Improved Golfer by the Georgia State Golf Association Professionals. She served as captain for

Sam Alexander graduated from Marist School where he played varsity soccer and served on both the Emmaus Retreat Board and Honor Council. Sam will attend the University of Georgia in the fall. Grant Gaffney graduated with honors from Marist School and will attend Georgia Tech in the fall. As a senior, Grant served as a varsity team captain for the cross country and track teams, and was part of the GHSA state championship track team in the spring. He was a peer leader, earned dean’s list and served as class VP of finance and Marist NHS board member. Walker Berryman began his freshman year at Texas A&M University in December of 2021 where he is studying Political Science.

SUMMER 2022 | ST. MARTIN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

Jack Fry graduated from Marist School in May. Jack has his own photography business showcased on Instagram. His photos are free to download from his website @jfry_ photography. Jack was a sports photographer, retreat leader, pool manager, peer leader, and member of the Marist School varsity tennis team this year.

Katie Holmes graduated from Maris School where she served as a basketball manager, varsity soccer captain, and was an honor student. Abby Hughes finished her final season of varsity softball at Dunwoody High School. Abby will attend the University of Georgia in the fall to study psychology and pre law. Grace Caroline Linam graduated from Marist School and will play soccer at Hanover College this fall. Benjamin Nordstrom graduated from Marist School and was the

ALUMNI NOTES

Grace Carolline Linam, ’18

Ryan Pennington, ’18

Helen Page, (l) '18

Mia Pistone, '18

varsity swim captain for the three-time state swim championship team and served as peer leader, retreat leader, and student ambassador and a member of the National Honor Society.

Alex Norris graduated from Marist School where she played on the GHSA Girls Basketball State Championship team. She helped lead the Lady War Eagles to victory with 14 rebounds. The game was won by two buzzer beaters including a half-court shot making ESPN’s Top 10 play of the day. Alex will attend the University of Georgia in the fall.

Helen Page graduated from St. Pius X Catholic School and will attend the University of Mississippi in the fall. Ryan Pennington graduated from Wesleyan School and was admitted to University of Georgia early action. He plans to study pre-med next fall as a Dawg. Mia Pistone graduated from St. Pius X Catholic High School this spring. She works as the hostess manager at Arnette’s Chop Shop, interns at Brookhaven Orthodontics, SMRA for Vector Marketing, and is a model for Ursula Weidmann Models.

Hayes Pope graduated from Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School and was a founding member and team captain of the first Esports team at HI. He also played in the senior band. Hayes will spend time in Paris this summer prior to attending Georgia State University in the fall. Lura Underwood graduated from St. Pius X Catholic High School and will attend Berry College to play volleyball in the fall.

Alex Norris, ’18

Hayes Pope, '18

Ciara Wilmath, ’18

Reese Butler, '19

SMES class of 2018 Marist School seniors enjoy spring break in Jamaica.

Ciara Wilmath graduated from Greater Atlanta Christian School where she was crowned homecoming queen. Ciara was on the headmaster’s list and played varsity tennis. She will attend the University of Georgia in the fall.

’19 Reese Butler will be a counselor at Camp High Harbour this summer. She attends St. Pius X Catholic School where she runs cross country, plays lacrosse, and runs on the track team.

PATTERNS | SUMMER 2022

ALUMNI NOTES

Ryan Lisowski, ‘19

Angela Pappadakis, ’19

Ian Gaffney, (l) ’20

Eloise Smith (l), ’21

Ansley Massanelli (l), ‘19

Jesse Sherrill, '19

Sophia Pappadakis, ’20

Lillian Thomas, '21

Hayden Hightower played on the 2020-2021 Marist School varsity baseball team as they won the GHSA 4A State Championship. The War Eagles hope for a repeat during his junior year.

Addams. The Shuler Awards are fashioned after the Tony Awards to celebrate Georgia high school musical theatre.

’20

Ryan Lisowski is a rising senior at St. Pius X Catholic School. Ryan is an honor roll student and is part of the advanced guitar ensemble. Ryan enjoys playing golf in his spare time. Ansley Massanelli serves as the secretary of the Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School International Thespian Society troupe and she participated in the theater’s final show of the season. Connor McCarthy was nominated for the Shuler Award for best leading actor in St. Pius X Catholic School’s production of ”The Addams Family” where he played the role of Gomez

Angela Pappadakis was inducted into Marist School’s National Honors Society as well as the Spanish Honors Society. She also made the high school swim state team for the third year in a row. Jack Schmitt is a rising senior at Pace Academy. Jack played the role of Shrek in the spring musical in April and recently placed first for male solo at the GHSA Region Literary Meet and moved on to compete at the state level. Jesse Sherrill plays club soccer for Concord Fire and as part of the The Mt. Vernon School team. Jesse recently visited Iceland and loved everything it had to offer.

SUMMER 2022 | ST. MARTIN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

Makayli Anochie is a student at Pace Academy where she started a nonprofit organization, ReCalculate, to help students in need. She has a design internship planned for this summer. Jack Cunningham is playing basketball and lacrosse at Whitefield Academy. He was recently captain of the JV basketball team. Ian Gaffney is a rising junior at Marist School where he hs earned dean’s list each term and runs varsity cross Country and track. He was a member of the GHSA state championship track team and is a peer leader. Sophia Pappadakis made the high school state golf team as a freshman at Marist School last school year and they placed division runner. Sophia was

on the varsity golf team again this year and will be a rising junior at Marist in the fall.

’21 Eloise Smith was on the Marist School’s girls basketball varsity team this past school year and helped win state for Marist girls as a freshman. (Smith is posing with the trophy with Anna Claire Keppen ’19) Lillian Thomas ’21 was just confirmed at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church and lettered in varsity swimming while at Marist School. n

ALUMNI EVENTS

Class of 2018

Senior Dinner April 26, 2022

St. Martin’s was delighted to host the SMES class of 2018 and their parents for a special evening to celebrate their graduation from high school. With more than 80 alumni and parents in attendance, guests gathered in the atrium to reconnect with old friends and special teachers and share stories of high school and future plans over dinner. Guest speaker, current SMES parent and alumni, Kip Thompson ‘02, spoke about the impact his time at St. Martin’s had on shaping him into the person he is today. He talked about the importance of the connections made while attending SMES and his journey to recently enrolling his twins to follow in his footsteps. Each 2018 alum had the opportunity to share a favorite memory while at SMES and their college plans. n

SMES Class of 2018 Sampling of colleges they will attend this fall: Auburn University Clemson University George Washington University Georgia College and State University Georgia Institute of Technology Georgia Southern University Georgia State University Hanover College Miami University-Ohio Mississippi State University Saint Mary’s College University of Alabama University of Arizona University of Georgia University of Kentucky University of Mississippi University of North Georgia University of South Carolina University of TennesseeKnoxville University of Virginia

PATTERNS | SUMMER 2022

ALUMNI EVENTS

Red+Blue Dinner April 21, 2022

St. Martin’s welcomed more than 90 alumni from the SMES classes of 2019, 2020, and 2021 back to campus to catch up, see old friends, and enjoy a cookout on the green space. Many of these high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors haven’t been back to campus for an alumni event at St. Martin’s, so this cookout was extra special. Friends swapped stories, took pictures, and enjoyed a wonderful evening at St. Martin’s. n

SUMMER 2022 | ST. MARTIN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

ALUMNI EVENTS

Class of

2019 Class of

2020

Class of

2021 PATTERNS | SUMMER 2022

Voices STORIES FROM FACULTY & STAFF MARY ANN MCCORMICK

hen my three young children started preschool many years ago, I always felt at ease with the teachers who got down on eye level and welcomed their students into the classroom with open arms. While the quality of their education was important, I also wanted them to feel safe, loved and cared for in a nurturing environment. I hope our EC parents feel the love teachers bestow on their students every day! I love watching each child grow socially, emotionally and academically as they become more responsible and independent. My goal is to recognize every

student’s individual needs and potential while encouraging a love of learning in a FUN classroom environment. I LOVE getting to know our wonderful SMES families, teaching siblings and watching them grow. Sixteen years ago, after teaching Pre-K for many years, I recall interviewing at SMES, walking the halls of EC with Mrs. Alexander. I saw some familiar faces, including Tricia Igleheart and Suzanne Ford, and immediately felt the EC teachers’ warm, friendly, accepting attitude. I knew I wanted to be part of this community, and so began my career at St. Martin’s. After a few years in Pre-K, I was asked to start a Beginners class, which the school hadn’t had for many years. I considered returning to Pre-K, “Find a job but I am still here after all these you enjoy years! I love watching the little doing, and ones learn, grow, and mature, you’ll never and they make me laugh every day! work a day in

your life.” I have seen many changes at — Mark Twain SMES over the years, especially the much-needed addition of the Infant and Toddler programs, a silver lining from the devastating 2017 fire (the day before Dr. Ottley’s first day as Head of School!) that destroyed much of EC. During the rebuild, the offices, entrance, Beginners and Pre-K classes were moved to the Church building. The blessing of the fire was our beautiful EC building. Mary Ann McCormick Beginners Lead Teacher

And I also learned a life lesson throughout the process. I wasn’t sure how I could ever replace all the “things” (personal and classroom) that I had accumulated over the many years but soon realized that they were just that, things that could be replaced. Mark Twain once said, “Find a job you enjoy doing, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” Fortunately for me, I found that job - I feel very grateful to work with such wonderful colleagues that I also get to call friends. I love our EC team!

SUMMER 2022 | ST. MARTIN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

Graduation 2022 at The Cathedral of St. Philip

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID ATLANTA, GA PERMIT NO. 1084

3110-A Ashford Dunwoody Road Atlanta, GA 30319

Fall Dates 2022 AUGUST 17 Orientation Day 18 First Day of School

SEPTEMBER 1 Elementary School - Back-to-School Night 5 Labor Day Holiday 8 Middle School - Back-to-School Night 15 Early Childhood - Back-to-School Night OCTOBER 7 & 10 Fall Holiday 14 Parent-Teacher Conferences (no school) 22 PTO Fall Festival

NOVEMBER 1 Faculty/Staff In-Service (no school) 6 Admission Open House 12 PTO Warrior 5K & Fun Run 16 SMES Civic Dinner 21-25 Thanksgiving Break DECEMBER 2 Kindergarten Early Dismissal @ 1:30 pm 16 Mid-Day Early Dismissal (consult school calendar) 19 Christmas Break Begins JANUARY 2023 3 School Resumes

Please consult the online calendar for a complete list of key dates . All dates are tentative and subject to change.