Patterns- Winter 2022

MARIA CROLEY MADDEN NAMED AS HEAD OF SCHOOL

Focused

Join us this summer! Summer camps at St. Martin’s Episcopal School provide a variety of child-centered activities focusing on skill building, learning and lots of fun for children in rising Pre-K through 8th Grade. We offer one-week sessions specializing in a variety of activities. Check online for a full list of sessions.

Mark McDaniel, Director | mmcdaniel@stmartinschool.org 404.228.0760 3110-A Ashford Dunwoody Road, Brookhaven, GA 30319

Enrollment at St. Martin’s Episcopal School is not required to attend.

EDITOR

Kristi Gaffney

CONTRIBUTORS

Hanson Berg, Student Writer

Sharon Bentkowski

Brandon Duke

Kanette Fenstermacher

Kristi Gaffney

Ryan Hewitt, Student Writer

Lauren Kohlhoff

Laura Lewis Mark McDaniel

Heidi McKerley Amanda Ore Lauren Ramirez Michael Robinson Shara Sanders

PHOTOGRAPHY

Kristi Gaffney

Adam Linke Lauren Ramirez Paul Ward

DESIGN

Stalling Design

ADMINISTRATION

Michael Robinson

Interim Head of School

Cindy Alexander

Principal, Early Childhood

Lynne Perry

Principal, Elementary School

Kanette Fenstermacher

Interim Principal, Middle School

Cheryl Doughty

Director of Finance & Operations

Kristi Gaffney

Director of Marketing & Communications Blythe Marsau

Director of Enrollment Management & Tuition Assistance Dr. Tiffany Russell

Director of Diversity & Inclusion Lauren Sims Director of Advancement

The Rev. Brandon Duke Chaplain

The Rev. Monica Mainwaring St. Martin’s Church Rector

Patterns is published biannually by St. Martin’s Episcopal School. Please direct any letters, comments or news items to:

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

(404) 237-4260

Attn: Kristi Gaffney 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.

Happy New Year! When I enthusiastically arrived at St. Martin’s in July, honored to begin my tenure as Interim Head of School, I wrote to the community that my educational leadership style and philosophy are simple and are centered around three core beliefs and that these commitments would provide the lens through which I will steward St. Martin’s values, mission, and community. These core beliefs and commitments are that students must feel known and loved and experience academic challenges. Now at the mid-point in the school calendar, I am so excited to tell you that this community of faculty, staff, and parents live up to these noble, childcentered values each and every day.

As Interim Head of School, I have often shared the metaphor of Setting the Table for the next Head of School, and kudos to St. Martin’s Head of School search committee, Board of Trustees, and community for selecting Maria Croley Madden as your next Head of School. In this edition of “Patterns,” Board of Trustees Chair Shara Sanders further introduces Maria to the community, and I know from my years of experience that the community will delight in your new Head of School’s leadership, philosophy, energy, and love of learning.

I hope you will enjoy all the articles and pictures that fill the pages that follow. Rich and colorful, each article provides a wonderful glimpse of how St. Martin’s mission to provide quality education in a loving, Christian environment is being realized every school day. From curriculum news in Math, English, Speech and Drama, and Woodworking to athletic accomplishments, alumni notes and spotlights, the picture of St. Martin’s is a delightful portrait of love and learning in a high-expectations and high-achieving environment. In an article about a Year of Transitions, you’ll learn about some of the forward-thinking changes occurring in and out of the classroom that are consistent with the School’s mission and core values. Also, you can read about a star SMES volunteer, our interim middle school principal and a SMES alum who works in the space industry.

Please enjoy this latest edition of Patterns magazine, and I wish you all the best for 2023!

Go Warriors!

Michael Robinson Interim Head of School

...My educational leadership style and philosophy are simple and are centered around three core beliefs... students must feel known and loved and experience academic challenges.

Seen + Heard

NEWS AND HAPPENINGS IN THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY

HONOR PLEDGE SIGNING

Rite of Passage

During the first chapel service of the year, Middle School students participated in the annual signing of the St. Martin’s Honor Pledge. By signing the pledge, students acknowledge their understanding of and commitment to honesty in and out of the classroom.

A Fan-Favorite Tradition

Fan Friday is a St. Martin’s community favorite tradition! In honor of the start of fall athletics, toddlers through 8th-graders, faculty, and staff proudly wore the jerseys of their favorite teams to showcase team spirit.

OPENING ASSEMBLY

A Sunny Start to the School Year

This year’s opening assembly was filled with lots of cheer as Interim Head of School Michael Robinson welcomed everyone to the new school year. The assembly opened in prayer, followed by faculty introductions to a pumped-up student body. The 8th-graders concluded the gathering with a fun dance routine as the theme song for the school year, “Umbrella” by Rihanna, was introduced. Each day, the school announcements will remind everyone that “when the sun shines, we shine together.”

FAN FRIDAY

Middle School Retreats

Sixth and 8th-graders ventured to Nature’s Classroom in Alabama, while 7th graders traveled to the Nantahala Outdoor Center in North Carolina for fall retreats. Students strengthened their team-bonding skills, explored the outdoors and participated in fun activities like water rafting, candle making, and the art of building a fire!

DASH FOR A CAUSE

Kairos 5K Race

St. Martin’s Kairos students, parents, and teachers had a large turnout at the annual Dyslexia Dash 5K run at Perimeter mall. This event is sponsored by the International Dyslexia Association. All funds raised by the dash are used to provide scholarships and grants to teachers and institutions to provide students with literacy education.

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS

A

Celebration of St. Francis

Students, faculty and staff gathered for a special chapel service to honor all creatures, great and small. Students brought stuffed animals, lovies and pictures of their pets for blessings, alongside many St. Martin’s science-class animals (turtles, frogs, millipedes and more!) Father Duke also blessed Mr. Robinson’s special guest Oliver, the yellow lab puppy.

TEAM BONDING

GEORGIA ONE-ACT FESTIVAL

Bravo, Warriors!

Mrs. McKerley and her team of 27 thespians journeyed to Kingsland, Ga., to participate in the Georgia Jr. One Act Festival. Students received a standing ovation for their performance of “Frozen Jr.” They earned accolades and hardware, including individual awards for best actress to Jasmine Bell and two honors for all-star cast members Dwight Lewis and Henry Duke.

AUTHOR CARLIE SOROSIAK

Campus Visit

Pre-K through 5th-grade students warmly welcomed author Carlie Sorosiak to campus! Sorosiak taught SMES students all about becoming an author and the process of how her stories come to life. She is best known for incorporating her love for animals in her fiction works and is the author of “Books Aren’t for Eating” and “Always Clementine.”

FEAST

DAY

Feast Mode

Students were in full feast mode for the annual Feast Day Celebration. Feast Day in the church is a celebration of our relationship with saints. It is a day to interrupt our rhythms, reminding us that our stories are inextricably part of God’s story. The day began with a unique chapel service and transitioned into a day of celebrating St. Martin. Students participated in special activities such as a school-wide service project, a petting zoo, karaoke, and outdoor games!

STUDENTS

VS. ADULTS VOLLEYBALL GAME

Friendly Competition

MAAC Champions, A-Team Volleyball went head-to-head against faculty and staff in this year’s students vs. adults volleyball game. Students enthusiastically cheered on both teams in the stands. It was a tie match, with each team winning a set.

VETERANS DAY 2022

Honoring our Veterans

A crowd of students, veterans and community members filled the school gym to enjoy a patriotic Veterans Day celebration. The program was full of performances, student essay winner recitations, patriotic music performed by SMES choruses and bands, a flag presentation by the 4th grade and a keynote speech by Captain Nathan Childers, Infantry, U.S. Army (father of 8th grader Emmy Childers).

H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H

WARRIOR RUN

Warrior Fun!

Despite the chilly weather, nearly 450 racers from the St. Martin’s community attended the annual PTO Warrior 5K and Fun Run! The Peachtree Road Race qualifier course loops around the surrounding neighborhood. After the races, participants enjoyed a celebration complete with a DJ, snacks, the “Bubble Lady,” and an award ceremony.

CONGRATULATIONS WINNERS

Fun Run Female 0-6 yrs: Margo Aust

Fun Run Male 0-6 yrs: Conner Francis

Fun Run Female 7-11 yrs: Lila Botham

Fun Run Male 7-11 yrs: Holder Brinson

5K Overall Female: Ella Long

5K Overall Male: Andrew Marshall

AGE GROUP WINNERS

5K Female 0-7 yrs: Ava Reed

5K Male 0-7 yrs: Wesley Peat

5K Female 8-10 yrs: Alix Gerspacher

5K Male 8-10 yrs: Nathan Debold

5K Female 11-14: Emma Kelly

5K Male 11-14 yrs: Thomas Koziol

5K Male 15-19 yrs: Pierson Clardy

5K Female 20-29 yrs: Heidi Gama

5K Male 20-29 yrs: Alejandro Mata

5K Female 30-39 yrs: Julie Schrader

5K Male 30-39 yrs: Hunter Bradshaw

5K Female 40-49 yrs: Amanda Walker

5K Male 40-49 yrs: Richard Gerspacher

5K Female 50-99 yrs: Nikki Tanner

5K Male 50-99 yrs: Scott Koziol

PTO FALL FESTIVAL Fall is in the Air!

Back for the first time since 2019, the PTO Fall Festival was a huge success! The SMES community enjoyed an afternoon of carnival rides, face painting, a fright walk and more on a lovely fall afternoon. A large crowd gathered to watch raffle winners pie a SMES faculty or staff.

Supporting Families in Need

First-grade students collected canned and nonperishable food to help families facing food insecurity celebrate Thanksgiving. The students visited the Suthers Center Food Pantry and packaged many meal kits for distribution during the holiday.

STEAM Fun!

Third-grade students had their very own Thanksgiving parade. As a part of their STEAM curriculum, students designed “floats” using balloons and construction paper. They paraded around the green space for a large audience of students, parents and faculty and staff.

Reading Warriors!

Students were ecstatic to shop at this year’s Fall Book Fair hosted by the PTO. Students shopped throughout the week with their class. They enjoyed a wide variety of books curated for various age groups.

THIRD-GRADE THANKSGIVING PARADE

TRICKS AND TREATS Halloween Fun!

The annual Halloween parade is a beloved tradition amongst the SMES community. Despite the rain, Early Childhood students and 8th-graders wore their best costumes and paraded around the gym for a morning of Halloween fun! Kindergarteners got to share the special moment with their 8th-grade buddies.

Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day: We Love You a Bunch!

St. Martin’s warmly welcomed the grandparents of Early Childhood students to campus. Visitors enjoyed breakfast while students performed a special program. Highlights from the program included precious sing-alongs to “Grandma’s Glasses,” “Happy Grandparent’s Day,” “Go In Peace,” and many more.

Grandparents heard remarks from St. Martin’s Fund grandparent chair Mike Fowler, Interim Head of School Michael Robinson and received a blessing from school chaplain Father Duke.

SO MUCH FUN!

FALL CIVIC DINNER

Belonging

More than 25 SMES community members came together to engage in meaningful conversations on the topic of Belonging at the fall Civic Dinner. The night was filled with storytelling, laughter and open discussions among attendees. St. Martin’s families can look forward to another Civic Dinner scheduled in the spring.

STUDENT COUNCIL

Leadership: Your Vote Matters

Each fall, every 5th through 8th-grade homeroom elects two representatives to serve on the Student Council. From that group, seven students are elected to serve as leadership officers on the executive board. Congratulations to the 202223 executive board!

KINDERGARTEN

CHRISTMAS PERFORMANCE

‘Tis the Season for Cuteness

SMES Kindergarten students entertained friends and family at the annual Christmas pageant. Everyone was in the Christmas spirit watching the Nativity story unfold as students performed as angels, shepherds, kings and animals. And to the delight of everyone, students sang Christmas songs to close out the event.

Left to right: Jasmine Bell, Corresponding Secretary; Chayce Oliver, Treasurer; Tanner Vassian, VP of School Service; Thomas Koziol, VP of Community Service; McCall Smith, President; Scotty Hamilton, Recording Secretary; and Evelyn Grace Hyde, VP for Administration.

HOLIDAY JOY

Middle School Holiday Concert

Middle school handbell and band students put on an outstanding Holiday concert for friends and family! Students showcased their musical talents and played festive songs such as “Joy to the World,” “My Dredyl,” and “We Three Kings.”

FACULTY CHRISTMAS CAROLING

Jingle All The Way

Faculty and staff spread Christmas joy by greeting students with Christmas carols during morning carpool. The group donned festive holiday apparel and performed many fan favorites such as “Deck The Halls” and “Up On The Rooftop.”

4TH & 5TH GRADE BAND AND CHORUS HOLIDAY SHOWCASE

Spreading Christmas Cheer

Fourth and fifth-grade band and chorus students showcased their musical skills at the annual Christmas concert. Friends and families enjoyed student performances of holiday favorites such as “Listen, Shepherds, Listen,” “Ode to Joy,” and “Jingle Bells.” To close out the show, the audience joined students to sing, “We Wish You A Merry Christmas.”

OH, WHAT FUN!

Cookies and Carols

Santa Claus joined students on campus for a fun storytime while PTO parent volunteers spread Christmas cheer by passing out delicious cookies donated by parent elves. Students enjoyed singing songs with one another and visiting with Santa.

WELCOME TO WHOVILLE!

Grinch Day

Second-grade classrooms transformed into Whoville for the day. Students and teachers dressed like the residents of Whoville from the Dr. Seuss classic “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” to celebrate “Grinch Day.” Students spread the festive sentiment of the story and spread joy throughout St. Martin’s. n

Volunteer Spotlight

Allyson Miller

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

Our family joined the St. Martin’s community in 2016 when our oldest son, John, started kindergarten.

In what capacities have you volunteered at SMES?

I have volunteered in a number of different ways over the past seven years. I’ve done everything from room rep, mystery reader, field day volunteer, EC & ES Parent’s Council Representative, New Family Committee Chair, school store manager, PTO Executive Board Member At Large and currently PTO Executive Board Vice President.

What is your favorite activity for parents offered by St. Martin’s and why?

My favorite ways to be involved at St. Martin’s are in the classroom with the kids - whether it’s mystery reader, lunch visitor or holiday party helper! I love to see my children in action and be around their teachers and friends.

Why is volunteering important to you and your family?

Volunteering at our children’s school is important to my husband and me because it shows our children we are invested in their “job,” where they spend the most time during the week. We pour our time, talents and resources into St. Martin’s so that all of the current and future students can have the best possible experience. We are firm believers in paying it forward because someone volunteered years ago to raise the money, put in the time and show up so that St. Martin’s could be what it is today, ensuring that John, Harrison and Reagan have a school to call home.

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

One thing that makes St. Martin’s special to our family is, without a doubt, the people. All of the people that pour into our children and their school home help to make St. Martin’s a safe, warm, fun environment for our children to grow up in.

“I love to see my children in action and be around their teachers and friends.”

MariaMaddenCroley Welcome

by SHARA SANDERS CHAIR, SMES BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Happy New Year! As we embark upon a new year, I am enthusiastic about the bright future of St. Martin’s as we prepare for the arrival of our new Head of School in July. After a comprehensive search process, the SMES Board of Trustees unanimously agreed that Maria Croley Madden was the right-fit candidate to become our next Head of School at St. Martin’s, and we’re so happy for her to join us this summer. This current year of transition has given our community some time to settle into a school year filled with more opportunities to be on campus and participate in the life of the school than has been possible over the past few years.

As such, it is a great time to embrace change and look toward the next phase for St. Martin’s.

At the outset of the search process last February, the SMES Head of School search committee pondered the question, “What type of a leader does St. Martin’s need?” Our group quickly created a portrait of our ideal Head of School with qualities such as charisma, approachability, intelligence, friendliness, vision, ability to collaborate, and boldness. We thought we were aiming too high until we met Maria Croley Madden.

The Search Committee, Board of Trustees, faculty, and parents met with Maria last October and

overwhelmingly felt she was the right fit for the SMES Head of School. Her warm smile, active listening skills, and calm personality put everyone at ease. Teachers connected with Maria’s experience in the classroom, and it was obvious that she had done her research, as she asked each audience direct questions about our school’s needs and a vision for the future.

Maria’s knowledge of Atlanta’s private school community and her desire to return to her hometown were bonuses.

Maria’s diverse leadership experience in private schools was a critical skill set leading to the Search Committee’s decision.

Maria has been the middle school head at Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, a toddler to 12th grade, 877-student independent school in Columbia, S.C., since 2020. Prior to joining Heathwood Hall, Maria served as middle school assistant director, dean of student life, world language teacher, and coach at The Lovett School here in Atlanta for 13 years. Her teaching career began at her alma mater, The Walker School, also here in Atlanta.

Maria received a bachelor of arts in Spanish from Furman University. She also earned a master’s in Educational Leadership and an Ed. S. in Education Leadership from Kennesaw State University. Maria is passionate about upholding the school’s

mission and the Episcopal faith’s values and will be a wise steward of resources. Maria and her husband James have three boys; Sanders, a rising fifth grader; Louis, a rising third grader; and Carter, who will be three this year.

When Maria starts as Head of School on July 1, 2023, we know she will be prepared and hit the ground running. She will succeed Michael Robinson, Interim Head of School, who is skillfully and artfully leading the SMES community for this transition year. The SMES community is so appreciative of Michael’s work to “set the table”

for Maria and for putting Maria in a superb position to capitalize on our momentum.

Over the coming months, Michael and the SMES leadership team will work closely with Maria to ensure a seamless transition. Looking to the fall, the Board is confident that the 2023-24 school year will bring continued energy and enthusiasm as St. Martin’s moves into the next phase in the life of our school. We know our school community will thrive under Maria’s leadership and look forward to welcoming the Madden family back to Atlanta and to SMES in July 2023.

Maria Croley Madden with her family (l-r) Louis, Carter, Maria, James and Sanders

The Future of Math

by SHARON BENTKOWSKI SMES MATH DEPARTMENT CHAIR

n our world of education, curriculum and resources can change rapidly. Particularly in recent history, discoveries are frequently made to content and learning strategies, and just when we think we know the state of any discipline, new research becomes available, and an updated curriculum is born.

Textbooks, workbooks, and supporting resources are replaced approximately every four to six years. And thanks to the pandemic, more digital content than ever is available to transmit lessons and supporting materials. As a result, textbook publishers are always hard at work expanding digital support for student learning.

No longer are educators required to “reinvent the wheel” and spend inordinate amounts of time finding supplemental materials for their students to gain mastery and expand their knowledge base.

Coincidentally, digital access for teachers has followed suit - not just for lesson presentations on Smartboards but offering myriad additional resources at their fingertips. No longer are educators required to “reinvent the wheel” and spend inordinate amounts of time finding supplemental materials for their students to gain mastery and expand their knowledge base.

A Plus for SMES

At St. Martin’s, we are currently undergoing a critical review process to find a new curriculum to replace the current mathematics series, Go Math, in kindergarten through eighth grade for the 2023-24 school year. A Mathematics Curriculum Committee (MCC,) composed of grade-level representatives, elementary and middle school academic deans, division principals and the head of school, meets every two weeks as part of a thorough review of the various math options up for consideration. Ongoing daily communication among members of the Committee offer opportunities for discovery of the functionalities across the divisions.

The most highly-rated curricula are being reviewed to find the best fit for adoption in the 2023-24 school year. An objective third party, EdReports, has ranked the finalists in three key areas: Focus and Coherence, Rigor and Mathematical Practices, and Usability. Last semester, the MCC examined the most highly rated series using teacher insights and the current scope and sequence as part of the holistic evaluation process. They have been working with various publishers to learn more about the scope of features and strength of content. The MCC has participated in webinars with the Publisher Content Specialists, reviewed teacher and student print materials as well as online capabilities available to teachers and students. Each of the curricula under consideration follows the instructional model of:

• A Growth Mindset

• Meaningful Mathematical Discourse

• Productive Struggle

• Rich Tasks Completely Relatable to Today’s World

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) recognizes that instances of student confidence in their mathematical abilities can be threatened at an early age for some children, and rote memorization of facts, timed tests, and negative messages can erode confidence. Its research shows that the speed of determining a strategy, solving a problem, and getting a correct answer is less important than the thought processes, strategizing and collaboration. Considering the options being reviewed, the MCC is confident that teachers will be better able to offer a variety of learning and teaching strategies to mitigate those adverse encounters. Offering options in math class will lead to procedural skill mastery, understanding of concepts and general fluency as opposed to memorization.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) has just recently been a part of mathematics curriculum. Many of the series being considered offer opportunities for building class norms at the beginning of the school year. This sets the stage to design a positive environment where students become “doers’’ of mathematics while collaborating. This model allows students to take ownership of their personal learning journey to find success.

Using Technology

Throughout the evaluation process, the MCC has learned that advances in technology are proving to be very advantageous for teaching and learning. In the classroom, teachers can more easily identify individual successes as well as struggles. Digital practice, in addition to in-class practice, is recorded for each student showing step-by-step detail, even keystrokes, offering teachers in-depth insight into student habits. Adaptive technologies support and encourage students by assuring the concepts are mastered before advancing to the next level. Discernment by the artificial intelligence engine identifies the types of errors - conceptual, process, or computational and mimics an in-person tutor. All of this additional data will allow teachers to customize assignments and practice to ensure students are being supported at an individual level.

The shift from computation and algorithms (as many of us learned) to developing numeracy and problem-solving skills is the way of the future. Mathematics in 2023 and beyond is not always about getting the correct answer quickly but being able to use various strategies to arrive at the answer.

Problem-solving skills carry over into all disciplines, as well as in our personal and professional lives. At St. Martin’s, we educate our students to be critical thinkers and lifelong problem solvers ready for success.

Speech and Drama Education has the ability to transform a student’s life! Here’s how the Speech and Drama program at SMES has really “counted” since 2003!

Number of years the Speech and Drama Department has been a part of St. Martin’s. Mrs. McKerley was hired to create the department 20 years ago, and she is still leading the charge today.

20 1 6 10

The number of musicals performed more than one time at St. Martin’s. In honor of the 20th anniversary year of the department, “The Wizard of Oz” will be the first show presented for a second time.

St. Martin’s attended its first Georgia Jr. Thespian Conference 10 years ago, and St. Martin’s has qualified students for the International Thespian Festival all 10 years.

The number of years we have attended the Georgia Jr. One

STUDENTS

The number of students who will be involved in “The Wizard of Oz,” the 2023 spring musical. This includes actors, stage managers, lighting and sound techs, costume assistants, house managers, and the elementary chorus.

Speech and Drama Really Counts! 90+ 40 65 100+

Forty students are a part of this year’s Drama Club for students in grades 5-8.

STUDENTS STUDENTS

Sixty-five students in grades 1-4 are a part of the Jr. Drama Club at St. Martin’s.

The number of students who are involved in the annual Veterans Day Assembly.

SMES

Spring Musicals - Through the Years

Pet Project for Middle School Kairos

LAURA LEWIS MIDDLE SCHOOL ACADEMIC DEAN & KAIROS TEACHER

s a teacher, I always look for opportunities for student learning outside the classroom. Last fall, a St. Martin’s parent reached out regarding a unique writing opportunity for the 6th grade English Kairos class that would allow them to see their writing impact the lives of people and pets in our community.

The Lifeline Animal Project within DeKalb Animal Services always seeks ways to generate interest in its shelter dog adoption program. One of the best ways is for each dog’s biography to stand out. The opportunity for SMES 6th grade English Kairos students to help out was a great fit.

Each week, DeKalb Animal Services emails pictures of six dogs in need of adoption, as well as any notes that field volunteers have about the size and behavior of each dog. Students choose a dog to write about and create a pet biography, highlighting the size, weight, color and unique quality of the dog. The students can put their own spin on each pet biography, hoping to attract people with their descriptions.

Students LOVE this project and eagerly await each week’s dogs.

THEIR WRITING IMPACTS THE LIVES OF PEOPLE AND PETS IN OUR COMMUNITY.

Snickers

If you love chocolate, you will love Snickers! This sweet little boy with speckled ears and snout is the sweetest piece of candy you will ever meet. He is a 1-year-old, lovable, 54 pound pup who sometimes snorts like a pig!! He might not be able to run a marathon, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t love walks. If you want a dog for a companion, he is the one to get! He loves to cuddle and gives a lot of love. If you adopt him, I’m sure you will love him a choco(LOT).

Smokey Bandit

Hey y’all, meet Smokey Bandit! He’s a super chill 5-year-old, 75-pound lap dog. Smokey is super handsome and easy going. He rambles and ambles in the yard and is also a big sniffer. He knows how to sit down for treat time and he knows he’s good at it! He has low-medium energy and would make a great lowkey household pet. Smokey Bandit will be your best friend if you let him. Come meet him today!

Candy Corn

Halloween is right around the corner, so come meet Candy Corn! Candy Corn is a 2-year-old, 59 pound white dog with orange patches over both eyes. Candy Corn is very sweet and pretty, but can be quite shy. He loves other pets, so no need to worry if you already have other pets. Candy Corn just needs some love and affection to help him come out of his shell. Come meet Candy Corn today!

SMES Embraces the Power of Transition

by KRISTI GAFFNEY DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

t is when we are in transition that we are most completely alive.” This quote by author William Bridges is more than an optimistic spin on the role of change. It is an affirmation of the power of growth to inspire and motivate. That’s exactly where St. Martin’s Episcopal School finds itself in this promising school year.

“I

Our community is feeling more vibrant and forward-looking than ever, thanks to an open campus and a number of exciting developments. At the top of the list is the naming of Maria Croley Madden as our new Head of School. A thorough search led us to Maria, and we look forward to welcoming the Madden family to the SMES community in July. See page 18 in this issue to learn more.

music, sports, drama and clubs in full swing. Our PTO is also busy organizing and overseeing many activities and events. From the Fall Festival, Warrior Run and Book Fair to the upcoming Winter Social fundraiser and other spring events, the PTO is the heartbeat of St. Martin’s, working tirelessly to foster a tight-knit sense of community for families, faculty and staff. This flurry of activity is especially important for families who joined the SMES community during the pandemic, as this is the first time they’ve experienced our school in action.

Positive Energy

There’s a sense of positive energy on our campuses and in our classrooms these days. After several years of pandemic-related separation, we’ve connected in real ways in real time. Parents are again visiting for lunch and chapel, and spectating the many events supporting

We’re also excited about the opening of the new Woodworking Studio for Pre-K through 8th-grade students. The curriculum delivers on multiple levels, emphasizing mathematical thinking, engineering, artistry and creativity with activities and projects tailored for each grade level. Students are especially excited about applying design skills to hand work using a variety of developmentally appropriate tools. And for older grades, shop machines and power tools are gradually introduced.

The SMES K-5 language arts curriculum has undergone a promising makeover and was rolled out last semester. The goal of the refresh was to implement a cohesive and researched-based reading, writing, speaking and listening curriculum. Highlights of the innovative program include individualized instruction, collaborative study of rich and diverse texts, and predictable routines that foster increased stamina and independence in reading and writing. Unit topics provide opportunities for integrated STEAM learning experiences as well as cross-curricular projects.

This year also brings a renewed focus on elementary science, with more time slotted for lab-based, hands-on instruction. As well, we’re building more efficiency and accountability in the middle school classrooms with the introduction of digital class logs. Students who miss a class or need a reminder of what was covered can consult the log, a tool accessible from each teacher’s web page.

The More Things Change

The French writer Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr wrote, “The more things change, the more they remain the same.” At St. Martin’s, we’re discovering that the more things change, the richer our community becomes. We look forward to sharing more with you as we pursue these and other enhancements to our school.

Meanwhile, our passion and purpose remain unchanged—to provide a quality education of the whole person in a loving, Christian atmosphere, which fosters lifelong learning.

The Building Blocks of SMES

BY HANSON BERG, 8TH GRADE

It was about to be my 8th grade year at St. Martin’s Episcopal School. I woke up for the first day of school excited but filled with butterflies. So many questions were filling my head, and I did not know how to answer them. Then I remembered all the previous years I had felt this way and it was all for nothing. Every single year at SMES, I have been very prepared. If it weren’t for St. Martins preparing me, I would not be a strong student like I am today.

Middle school provides you with many classes a day to help prepare you for high school. The main core subjects we take are Math, ELA, Social Studies, Science and a foreign language or Kairos. This year my classmates and I had the opportunity to take the SSAT prep class. Mr. Conrad did an incredible job helping us prepare and become confident in the SSAT. I was able to ask questions and grasp the concept of the SSAT. I also got to take many fun co-curricular classes. Some of my favorite co-curriculars throughout the year have been musical theater and art. I love musical theater because I am an aspiring actress and Mrs. McKerly helped my confidence in this class. I have always done acting but this class really helped me develop skills I never knew I could have. I love art because the room is such a safe place. Mrs. Tyler is one of the teachers I can talk to and relate to. Mrs. Tyler gives me advice and is very helpful. Many of our teachers are helpful and give amazing advice.

The teachers at St. Martin’s are the most kind and loving people. I love how I can just sit and have a conversation with one of them and gain so much advice and knowledge. The teachers prepare you very well for what big chapters are coming up in your life. Seventh grade prepared me for 8th, and 8th has prepared me for high school. In both semesters of 7th grade, you learn the foundations

or fundamentals for what you need to know in 8th grade.

One of my favorite classes was ELA with Mrs. McAleer because she helped prepare all of us for our ELA class this year. I learned how to analyze and annotate, vocabulary, parallelism, and lots more. One of my favorite activities was learning the different writing brushstrokes. I loved learning these because they helped my essays and papers grow and become more interesting. Mrs. McAleer provided us with many examples of each brushstroke, and they are still stuck in my head. For example, for an absolute brush stroke, she told us this: “Paws clawing, cats purring, the kittens played.” These brushstrokes helped me with my 8th grade papers.

I loved all my classes in 7th grade, and I love all my classes more in 8th grade. This year in 8th grade the teachers are really helping me prepare for high school and become a

stronger student. In Spanish class, Mrs. Diaz is giving us all the info and basics we need for our high school language classes. These are just a couple of many examples of how SMES has prepared me for my future.

SMES is an amazing environment and has prepared me for the challenges I face. SMES truly stands out because it has made me ready to face life’s challenges. I look forward to my high school years to come but will truly never forget the amazing experiences I have had at St Martin’s Episcopal School.

SMES truly stands out because it has made me ready to face life’s challenges.

Teachers and Mentors

BY RYAN HEWITT, 8TH GRADE

When I first stepped into St. Martin’s in 2014, five-year-old me was astounded by the sheer size of the school compared to my small preschool. I was overwhelmed by all the new things at St. Martin’s: the people, the teachers, the subjects, and just about everything else. I was apprehensive about all my new teachers. I had known all the teachers at my preschool very well, so I never had to worry about meeting new teachers. On the first day of kindergarten, I was scared. But then I met Mrs. Hurlburt, my kindergarten teacher. She was just one of the many amazing teachers, coaches, and club sponsors I would meet throughout my years at St. Martin’s.

If I could describe my first year at St. Martin’s, I would say that it was one of the best years of school I’ve ever had to this day. Mrs. Hurlburt made me feel comfortable and happy by telling me that there were many new students who felt the same way I did. I learned so many new things, all while having fun and enjoying myself. The kid who was afraid of switching schools was no longer present, all because of Mrs. Hurlburt. To this day, I still smile when I imagine that kindergarten class; the memories I made, the people I met, and of course, the teachers.

Fast forward to sixth grade, and I was nervous about the transition to middle school. Middle school held more new things: new classes, more freedom, and more teachers. It was significantly different because COVID-19 was spreading throughout the country. We needed to wear masks, use dividers, eat lunch outside, and keep our distance from each other. School was going to be very different in sixth grade. And lucky for me, I had some fantastic teachers who would help all of us through the difficult year. My homeroom teacher, Mrs. Riley, felt like a friend who loved all of us and

helped us get settled into middle school even with all the extra COVID protocols. In the beginning of the year, she acknowledged that it would be a difficult year and promised to help us through it. Mrs. Fenstermacher, my English teacher (now the principal of the middle school), made me excited for English class. We learned so many valuable things that I still use today, and we had loads of fun doing different activities, games, and competitions.

Jump to today, and I am in eighth grade, my final year at St. Martin’s. For the ninth year in a row, I have extraordinary teachers and club sponsors. Mrs. Diaz, my homeroom teacher, Spanish teacher, and Spanish club sponsor, is remarkably wonderful. Every day, she welcomes me into her class with open arms and says hello to me with such energy that I can’t help but feel loved and cheerful. Mr. Barbee, my band teacher and yearbook club sponsor, has been my teacher since fifth grade. Every time I have band class, I walk into the room with a huge grin on my face. Not only do I love band class, but Mr. Barbee makes me laugh every day and helps me so much with the saxophone.

I am so grateful for all the teachers that I’ve had over the years at St. Martin’s. They have taught me so much not only in the class-

room but in the real world. I owe it all to my teachers for every test, every class, and every year that has helped me become the best version of myself that I can be. Every year at St. Martin’s, I’ve had the best teachers in the world, and they have prepared me so extremely well for high school. I am so thankful for every single one of them.

I owe it all to my teachers for every test, every class, and every year that has helped me become the best version of myself that I can be.

Woodworking: Building a New Skill Set

by LAUREN RAMIREZ COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

The STEAM@SMES program started with a bang this school year! Students at St. Martin’s have been exploring woodworking through a new and unique co-curricular program that blends creativity with a hands-on craft to help develop creative and critical thinking skills. From toolboxes and benches to birdhouses and tic-tac-toe wooden game boards, the Woodworking Studio at St. Martin’s provides students with an opportunity to learn a new skill, collaborate on solutions with peers, and have fun.

In July 2021, St. Martins received a grant from The Goizueta Foundation to expand STEAM initiatives, and in the fall of 2022, the program came to life as a co-curricular offering for students from Pre-K through 8th grade. Woodworking allows students to further develop their problem-solving skills within a framework of science, technology, engineering, art and math through interactive learning experiences they can apply in and out of the Woodworking Studio.

“Woodworking at St. Martin’s reimagines a student’s

creativity,” says Lauren Kohlhoff, Elementary Academic Dean and STEAM Coordinator. “This new curriculum is a differentiator for St. Martin’s, allowing students to learn about wood, tools and safety, all while gaining first-hand experience in the art of woodworking. Students live in a world filled with technology, so balancing that with developing skills in handcrafting strengthens students’ logic and reasoning skills.” Woodworking projects can be an extension of lessons learned in core classes and further familiarize students with classroom concepts. When early childhood students study numbers, they can use this knowledge and apply it to using woodworker’s triangles in the Woodworking Studio. The EC Tinker Lab also provides foundational knowledge as children are familiar with using plastic tools, gears and other manipulatives.

The Magic of the Studio

As students progress, the curriculum expands as new concepts are introduced and foundational skills are further developed. Pre-K students begin with basic hand tools and measurements. Elementary students take previously learned skills and carefully continue using handheld tools ranging from mallets and sanding blocks to coping saws to create age-appropriate projects. By upper-elementary and into middle school, students begin working on more complex projects using hand tools and power tools, such as a drill press, orbital and belt sanders, and band and miter saws. In middle school, more involved projects necessitate students to exercise their craft skills and collaboration techniques. Middle school students learn about the qualities and properties of wood as a material. And with this knowledge, students follow a process from formulating design plans to a finished product. Projects range from toolboxes and stepstools to the 8th-grade boxcar project featuring advanced finishing details such as staining, rounded/ beveled edgings and joinery techniques.

With this STEAM course, all woodworking students develop skills in “the four Cs:” cooperation, collaboration, communication and creativity. The program allows students to hone woodworking skills and cre-

ativity, and build life skills such as attention to direction, perseverance and patience.

Woodworking can often be considered a challenge for students who may need help knowing where or how to begin. Along with learning woodworking techniques, learning the proper safety protocols is equally important for success. The SMES curriculum is thoughtfully paced, allowing students to learn the basics and build on them over a semester. “The program allows students to be challenged while strengthening their problem-solving and reasoning skills,” says woodworking instructor Taylor Hall. Each grade level uses age-appropriate tools, and projects are assigned based on skill levels. And classroom rules always find students actively participating in following proper safety procedures. From donning protective goggles and gloves while working with wood and tools to hands-on assistance from Mr. Hall, students

work with a safety-first attitude. Mr. Hall explains, “Having patience is key when it comes to working on projects and safely executing them.”

Woodworking can be a powerful outlet for students and help to build confidence and self-esteem. “In just a semester, I’ve seen student’s confidence grow exponentially,” says Mr. Hall. “Oftentimes, they feel empowered by being given the responsibility to use real tools and accomplish tasks that may seem difficult. It’s been great to watch the students take pride in their projects. Allowing students to see firsthand how projects form together over time is valuable and teaches students that hard work pays off over time. By safely taking a risk, students feel empowered.”

As the woodworking program at St. Martin’s continues to evolve, student development of core skills will be evident in and out of the classroom. “It is an iterative process that will be refined as students continue to grow their ability to work well with their hands, problem solve and apply the skills they learn to their personal and academic lives,” says Mr. Hall. “Safety, respect and teamwork are key elements that allow students to thrive in St. Martin’s Woodworking Studio.”

Walking Sacraments

by FR. BRANDON DUKE SMES CHAPLAIN

The Church defines a sacrament as an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace. Although various denominations disagree on how many sanctioned sacraments exist, they all acknowledge two - Holy Baptism and the Holy Eucharist. The outward and visible sign in baptism is water, while the outward sign found in the Eucharist is bread and wine. Although there are theologically specified graces conferred within these rites, both are undergirded by love, most fully expressed in Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. Within The Episcopal Church’s rite of baptism, there’s a section called the Baptismal Covenant. In it, the one to be baptized joins with the Christian community in a call and response, beginning with belief statements, followed by the specifics of the Christian life. At the end of these promises, the below question is asked by the priest.

“Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?

The people answer, “I will, with God’s help.”

By beginning the Baptismal Covenant with a belief statement, it helps the one being baptized to remember what the saints have professed for thousands of years. And ending the promises with a pragmatic how to (i.e. “striving for justice and peace among all people…”) allows for

personal interpretive freedom within the bounds of tradition. Put differently, how one strives for justice, peace, respect, and dignity of the human race is based upon the gifts God gives each person. The point is to strive for them always, and “with God’s help.”

This year, the girl’s volleyball team won the MAAC championship. I attended the final game against Galloway. It was a back-and-forth match, and each side had its own list of virtues and vices. At one point in the game, the scoreboard was not in our favor. Coach Nama called a timeout. What coach said, I do not know, but once the girls found themselves back in position on the court, I locked eyes with the young SMES Warrior playing center. Not only did we lock eyes, but seeing she gained my attention, she waved her hands at me and called my name, “Fr. D! Fr. D! Give me a blessing!” The request was not unlike Jacob asking for a blessing while trying to pin down a fighting angel (Gen 32:26b). I acquiesced, raised my right hand and made the sign-of-the-cross toward her and the team, asking God’s blessing be upon them.

Later, I shared this story with a colleague. She smiled, and simply said, “I love it when they get it. It means that what we do around here matters.” Perhaps what the young athlete needed that night was “God’s help,” and what my

colleague meant was that St. Martin’s School strives for what truly matters when it comes to education; and what matters to educators and parents in the life of our school is captured in our school’s mission.

“St. Martin’s is dedicated to providing a quality education of the whole person in a loving, Christian atmosphere, which fosters lifelong learning.”

The education of the whole person provides spaces and opportunities for each child to be seen—body, mind, and spirit grounded in dignity. The Christian atmosphere of St. Martin’s School allows students to inhale belief while exhaling practical and pragmatic ways of living out their faith. None of this is easy, which is why fostering lifelong learning for the body, mind, and spirit is seen as a practice that begins in adolescence. SMES does excellent work allowing each child to explore their God-given gifts while having dedicated educators validate these gifts and talents. It is not unlike the Baptismal Covenant, where the mission is belief, and the action is in the implementation of it. Put theologically, we are walking sacraments out and about in the world. Our outward and visible signs are the ways in which we live a virtuous life in the classroom and beyond, while the inward and

spiritual graces are remembered with intentionality and gratitude.

Just before Christmas break, we had our last chapel Eucharist. It’s the school’s custom to have the head pastor, or rector, of our companion parish, St. Martin in the Fields Episcopal Church lead the worship. The rector, The Rev. Monica Mainwaring, had her arm in a sling because of shoulder surgery. Before processing down the aisle, two SMES students approached Mtr. Mainwaring to ask what happened, and if they could pray for her. It was a beautiful gesture of grace before worship. This time, the girls did not ask for a blessing from the priest, but offered the priest a blessing. It was a human-to-human, walking sacrament to sacramental moment. Quoting my colleague again, “I love it when they get it.”

Although my time here at SMES has only been a few months, it’s a privilege to validate that what this community preaches in the form of a mission is also what it tangibly practices. In this new year, it is my prayer that this community will continue being walking sacraments out and about in the world, always looking upward to God’s companionship, help, and love.

SportsWrap-Up

by MARK MCDANIEL SMES ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

Great job, Warriors! Fall 2022 was one for the record books. Four out of five teams finished first or second in the MAAC (Metro Atlanta Athletics Conference) league, and every team played hard and showed great determination and grit.

CROSS COUNTRY

Cross Country had a great season. Both the Boys’ and Girls’ teams got stronger as the season went along, with many runners cutting times by more than two minutes! Boys Cross Country pulled together as a team and ran their best meet of the year, taking second in the MAAC championship and with two top-10 finishers. Way to gut it out!! Congrats to Coaches Veal, Alexander and Murphy on a great season.

ULTIMATE FRISBEE

Ultimate Frisbee finished the season with a 7-2 record. Led by a solid 8thgrade core, the team played fast and scored at will all season long. In the playoffs, the Warriors beat rival team, The Museum School, in an upset to make it to the championship game against Arbor. We came up short on the scoreboard in the finals but not in effort, class, or determination to finish 2nd in the MAAC. Great job, Coaches Collins and Leifermann

BOYS SOCCER

Boys Soccer had an amazing season finishing as the second seed in league play with a 4-1-1 record. In the semifinals, the boys beat ACA 3-0 to make it to the finals for the first time in 12 years. The final match versus AIS was a hard-fought battle to the bitter end. Despite a 2-1 defeat, the team is proud to have won the second half and never gave up finishing 2nd in the MAAC. Nice work, Coaches Shafir, Visco and McDaniel.

VOLLEYBALL A - MAAC CHAMPIONS

Volleyball A Coach Nama led the team to another undefeated season in league play. In the playoffs, the girls beat a tough Museum School to move to the championship against a hungry Galloway team. The team suffered an early set loss but fought back to pull out a victory to win the MAAC again! Grit! Confidence! Hard Work! Let’s Go! Great job, Coaches Nama and Thomas

VOLLEYBALL B

Volleyball B This team improved in all categories over the course of the season. The girls struggled with consistency early in the season but continued to work. The team grew with each game as they honed their skills to play really well at the close of the season. This group has a lot of promise.

VOLLEYBALL C

This young team had an awesome season. With two teams of 12, the Red and Blue C teams were eager to play and learn. They closed out their seasons undefeated but more importantly, they supported each other and were fun to coach.

The future is looking bright for Volleyball with the growth of the B and C girls. Thanks to Coaches Johnson and Davisson for all your hard work. n

Fall 2022 Athletic Awards

ULTIMATE FRISBEE

MAAC All-Conference Award Colin Blackmon Warrior Award Alessandro Paiardini Most Improved Lexi Allen and Wes Hanna

GIRLS A VOLLEYBALL 2022-23 MAAC CHAMPIONS

MAAC All-Conference Award Sophia Lehwald Warrior Awards Vandy Neumeyer Heidi Rohrer Most Improved Claire Jowers

GIRLS B VOLLEYBALL Warrior Award Natalia Parra Hustle Award Shayne Cosby Most Improved Anna Pattaras

GIRLS C RED VOLLEYBALL Warrior Award Sawyer Straley Hustle Award Greer Lancelotta Most Improved Kailey Marye Simancek-Scott

GIRLS C BLUE VOLLEYBALL Warrior Award .......................................... Stella House Hustle Award Maggie O’Leary Most Improved Lillian Westmoreland

BOYS SOCCER

MAAC All-Conference Award Jake McLaren Tommy Schweninger Warrior Award Bennett Gerspacher Sam Linam

CROSS COUNTRY

MAAC All-Conference Award Thomas Koziol Warrior Award Lily Branson Charlie Fischer Most Improved Lexany Traejo Carson Krebs

Portrait of a Graduate

MATTHEW MCGUFFEY

SMES graduation year: 2013 High School: St. Pius X Catholic High School

Colleges/Degrees: Purdue University, Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering 2021. Master of Science in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering 2022

Current Job: RS-25 Launch Support Engineer at Aerojet Rocketdyne

Personal: Last summer, I moved to Viera, Florida, on the space coast to start my job with Aerojet Rocketdyne working on the Artemis 1 mission. Our team provides technical expertise to NASA on the engines that power Artemis at lift-off. We work out of the Vehicle Assembly Building, which is an amazing sight to walk into every day. Outside of work, I like exploring the new area and finding new hiking trails and pretty beaches. I’m starting to get into surfing which has been fun and full of lots of falls.

Something special you learned at SMES: I learned how much fun science can be.

Favorite SMES tradition: I loved doing the chariot races around the soccer field.

Most influential SMES teacher and why:

Mr. Shafir was my most influential teacher. I remember one day in science class; he told us that the space industry was picking up and that if you had a passion for airplanes and rockets, you should consider aerospace engineering. From that day on, I knew I wanted to be an aerospace engineer, but even then I couldn’t have imagined where it would take me.

Person I’d most like to meet? Neil Armstrong

Dream job: NASA Flight Controller

Favorite way to give back: I like working with younger kids to get them involved in STEM, and specifically aerospace. At Purdue, I’d volunteer to help with Space Day where young kids from across the state would come to Purdue and take part in a bunch of space-themed activities and listen to an astronaut talk.

Favorite place I’ve visited: King’s Bay, Alaska

Do you stay in touch with fellow SMES alums?

Yes! It’s been fun staying in touch with close friends and also getting back in touch with other alums. n

Favorite food: French Toast

Favorite app: Spotify

Favorite book: “Catch-22”

Favorite TV show: “For All Mankind”

Favorite holiday: Halloween

Faculty News

UPDATES FROM OUR FACULTY

CONGRATULATIONS!

Woodworking teacher Taylor Hall and wife Natalie welcomed baby Lindsey Kate Hall on June 9, 2022. She was 8 lbs 13 oz. and 21 & 3/4in.

First-grade teaching assistant Sarah Rawls married William Greene on Oct. 29, 2022, in Johns Creek, GA.

First-grade teaching assistant Madeline Wentworth married SMES alum, Jack Stickney ‘08, on Nov. 5, 2022, in Phoenix, AZ.

TMS staff, Vicente Elizondo and his wife Dina welcomed baby Vicente Jr. on Oct. 21, 2022. He was 9 lbs. 4 oz. and 20.5 in.

Fourth-grade teacher Mili Bergantinos and husband Clarke welcomed baby Remy on November 15, 2022. He was 5 lbs. 4oz. and 18 in. n

Madeline Wentworth

Lindsey Kate Hall

Sara Rawls

Vincente Elizondo, Jr.

Remy Bergantinos

Alumni Notes

UPDATES FROM OUR ALUMNI

’96

Betsy Martin Turner is serving as Interim Pastor at Druid Hills Presbyterian Church in Atlanta. She and her husband reside in Atlanta with their three children.

’01

Hank Wyche married Brooke Hastings Parker in New Orleans on Sept. 30, 2022. The couple spent their honeymoon in Indonesia. The Wyches reside in New York City, where Hank works for Mercuria as a global commodity trader in the energy, renewable power and carbon capture sector. Hank credits his SMES 3rd-

grade teacher, Mrs. Karen Marshall, for boosting his confidence and remembers her saying, “One day, long in the future, some special girl will find your humor, energy, and antics charming.” Hank found that girl.

’05

Haley Gordon and her partner, Tyler, welcomed their first child, Luke, in June. Haley also started work as a school counselor in August, and is thrilled to work in such start a fulfilling career.

After many years volunteering as the State Head Referee for FIRST LEGO League Georgia, Cameron Schriner

is now an Assistant Global Head Referee in charge of helping design the game that over 120 countries play. This volunteer position allows Cameron the opportunity to inspire kids to pursue STEAM.

’07

Beth Angel married Matt Kelley on April 23, 2022, at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, with a reception following at the Piedmont Garden Tent in Piedmont Park. Beth and Matt met at Vanderbilt University and now live and work in Atlanta. Beth has worked at The Coca-Cola Company as a chemist since 2015.

Patrick Beless is head of Surety Bonds division for Brown and Brown Insurance. He and his wife, Shelley, reside in Brentwood, Tennessee. Patrick is pictured with his son, Gray.

’08

David Arenz married Robyn Braid on May 7, 2022. He is currently working for Ally Invest as a stock broker. The couple plans to move to Seattle, Washington.

Melissa Morris Fuller has a new job with Ansley Real Estate, Christie’s International Real Estate. In her previous position with The Morris Raney team, the group was recognized

Cameron Schriner, ’05

Hank Wyche ’01

Melissa Morris Fuller, ’08

Patrick Beless, ’07

Beth Angel, ’07

Luke Gordon (Haley Gordon, ’05)

on the 2022 Real Estate All-Star list by Atlanta Magazine and was awarded Top 5 percent Team CityWide by Atlanta Realtors Association.

’11

Jon Walsh, who currently lives in Colorado, was recently visited by former SMES classmate Jenna Kane ’11. As part of the visit, Jon (and girlfriend Acadia) and Jenna (and boyfriend Chasen) enjoyed climbing Mt. Sherma to reach its 14,043-foot summit. (L-R Acadia, Jon, Jenna, and Chasen)

’12

Ansley Harralson graduated magna cum laude from Middlebury College in Vermont with a degree in molecular biology. She is now a firstyear medical student at the Medical College of Georgia, Athens Partnership.

Charlotte Spaeth earned her master of public policy and administration from Northwestern University in June 2022. She accepted a position as Public Affairs Associate at Kivvit Public Affairs in Chicago, IL.

’13

Mollie Belisle has spent the last seven months in Denmark playing professional soccer for the HB Køge women’s football club. She has plans to return to the United States.

’14

Elizabeth Goines graduated cum laude from Georgia Southern University in May 2022 with a degree in public relations. She played on the women’s tennis team all four years at Georgia Southern. She is currently working in Washington, DC as a legislative correspondent for a

member of the House of Representatives.

Nicki Green was a merchandise and retail experience intern for the exhibition baseball team, Savannah Bananas last spring. This completed her curriculum at Georgia Southern University, where she graduated with a BA in sport management and a minor in coaching. Nicki continues to work with the Savannah Bananas and also interns with the Savannah Ghost Pirates hockey team.

Erika Kaivani graduated with honors from Sewanee: The University of the South, with degrees in psychology and education last May. She moved to Atlanta to begin a job as a psychometrist at Georgia Autism Center. Erika is fostering a dog from a local shelter and has a pet bearded dragon.

Bailey Lusk graduated magna cum laude from Georgia Southern University last May with a BA in elementary education and dual-certification in elementary and special education. She is now enrolled in GSU’s online master’s program in elementary education.

Bailey lives in Brookhaven and also works in an afterschool program.

William Arthur Roberts graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy on June 18, 2022. William’s Midshipmen class received the agency’s highest honor, the Outstanding Unit Award

Nicki Green, ’14 William Arthur Roberts, ’14

Erika Kaivani, ’14

Charlotte Spaeth, ’12

Jon Walsh, ’11

Mollie Belisle, ’13

Gold Medal, for the class’s maintenance of military bearing, esprit de corps, and superior achievement during the period of severe global maritime supply chain disruptions. He rowed varsity crew and his team won first place at the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta in 2022. William is employed as a Second Officer with Foss Maritime Company.

Maggie Sjostrom graduated summa cum laude in May 2022 from Boston College with a degree in psychology and neuroscience with a minor in theology. Maggie lives in New York City and attends Columbia University’s Postbac Premed Program in hopes of applying to medical school. Maggie also works at Columbia University Irving Medical Center in the general emergency department as a research intern.

Sarah Van Duser is a graduate student at High Point University pursuing a doctorate in physical therapy and an MBA in healthcare management. In the spring of 2022 she graduated cum laude from Samford University with a bachelor of science in exercise science and a double minor in psychology and strength and conditioning. She was also active in her Tri Delta sorority. Her senior project and paper at Samford were recently published in the Nutraceuticals medical journal.

’15

Tori Gronczewski graduated summa cum laude in December from Georgia College and State University. She is marrying her fiance’, Cody, in February 2023.

Grayson Harralson is a senior at Purdue University studying computer science. He is a member of ATO fraternity and is studying fall semester in Barcelona.

Grey Kenna is a senior at Sewanee: The University of the South working toward her B.A. in religious studies and psychology with an art minor. Her photography has been featured in galleries and online publications, and she has spent the past two summers working for the Huneebee Project and developing communitybased arts curriculum as a tool for trauma healing and youth empowerment. She plans to attend graduate school to continue studying community development and theology.

Gracie Stovall is in her fourth year at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn. Gracie is studying audio engineering.

’16

Mollie Albert is currently a junior at the University of South Carolina where she was admitted to its top-ranked International Business program where she studies operations and supply chain. Mollie continues to be passionate about Spanish and was accepted into ESADE in Barcelona to study this spring.

Davis Futrell is a junior at Auburn University and is studying finance and accounting. Davis is also a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.

A junior at Belmont University in Nashville, TN, Taylor Rand interned at a production company called Taillight TV. Taylor also plans and organizes different philanthropy events for her sorority, Phi Mu, as the current

Sarah Van Duser, '14 Grey Kenna, '15

Mollie Albert, ’16

Maggie Sjostrom, ’14

Tori Gronczewski ’15

Taylor Rand, ’16 Davis Futrell, ’16

Assistant Philanthropy Director. Taylor also worked at multiple entertainmentrelated industry events around Nashville, some of which included award shows and behind the scenes work.

’17

A sophomore at Point Park University, Arden Adams, is majoring in theatre arts and minoring in musical theatre. Last summer, she traveled to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland to play Theseus and Oberon in “A Hipsummer Night’s Dream.” Arden serves as the student representative for the sophomore theatre class, and the assistant apprentice to the head of the theatre arts major. Arden is also a member of Point Park’s honors program, and volunteered for The Pittsburgh Great Race. Arden also played

Dr. Everett Scott in Point Park’s production of The Rocky Horror Picture Show over Halloween weekend.

Ben Azzi is studying biomedical engineering at Queensland University of Technology and assisting in research with selfshaping ceramics for bone replacement.

Hadley Nelson is a sophomore at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX. She is a student in the Cox School of Business with a major in marketing and a minor in journalism and advertising. She will be dancing for a second year with the SMU Pom Squad and is a member of the Delta Gamma sorority.

Sutton Nelson is a sophomore at Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC. She is currently pursuing a double major in psychology and studio art.

Sutton is currently working at a scuba diving marine exploration program on the island of Little Cayman. She is a member of the sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha and she will be an orientation staff leader for the incoming freshman class.

William Stovall graduated from St. Pius X Catholic High School and is in his second year at Belmont University in Nashville. William is studying audio engineering.

’18

Sam Alexander graduated from Marist School in May, and is now a freshman at the University of Georgia. He plans to major in business/pre-med. Sam pledged Phi Delta Theta fraternity and joined the Atlas Business Society, part of the Terry Business School.

Lydia Davis is a freshman at the University of Georgia studying psychology. Lydia is involved with Wesley ministries and apart of the Sigma Alpha Omega sorority.

Joanna Graham is a freshman at Auburn University studying biochemistry with an emphasis in pharmacology.

Amelia Harralson graduated from The Westminster Schools in May 2022. She is a freshman at Lehigh University studying biology.

Virginia Harralson graduated from The Westminster Schools in May 2022. She will be attending Middlebury College in Vermont as a “FEB” starting in February 2023. She is spending her gap semester hiking the full Camino de Santiago in Spain, and getting her Wilderness and EMT certification.

Alex Norris is a freshman at the University of Georgia.

Charlie Seelke graduated from Dunwoody High School in May and is a freshman at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He is enrolled in the Haslam School of Business in supply chain management. Charlie is competing in intramural football and soccer.

Ben Azzi '17

Sam Alexander, ’18

Joanna Graham, ’18

Arden Adams, ’17

Alex Norris, ’18

Caroline Koziol is a senior at St. Pius X Catholic school. She is in her fourth year running varsity cross country and track. She has completed her college applications and will graduate with honors.

Stella Jane Eskew is a senior at Marist School. Stella Jane was selected by her classmates for Marist Homecoming Court. She was escorted by her father Rob Eskew. Stella Jane is currently on the Dean’s list.

Connor McCarthy is a senior at St. Pius X Catholic High School, was nominated for the Shuler Award for Best Leading Actor in SPX’s production of The Addams Family. Connor played Gomez Addams. The Shuler Awards are fashioned after the Tony Awards to celebrate Georgia High

School Musical Theatre. They were presented live at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

Members from the class of 2019 attended the Marist School homecoming dance. (l-r): Hayden Hightower, Griffin Clare, Bryant Lisenby, Will Bieze, Carter Fletcher, Stella Jane Eskew, Lily Grace Short, Savannah Fleming, Katelyn Porter, Mary Claire Fish, and Anna Clare Keppen .

Students from the class of 2019 gathered for the homecoming dance at St. Pius X Catholic High School. (l-r): Abby Williams, Hayden Humphrey, Katie Nama, Lucas Voorhies, Henry Hildreth, Ryan Liswoski, Reese Butler, Caroline Koziol, Liza Love, Jules Schmidt, Isabella Halkos, and Hank McCord)

Stella Jane Eskew, '19

SMES 2019 classmates at St. Pius X Catholic High School homecoming dance

Caroline Koziol, ’19

SMES 2019 classmates at Marist School homecoming dance

’20

A junior at St. Pius X Catholic High School, Alexandra Craig enjoys rock climbing and repelling. Taylor Norris is a junior at Marist School and is a member of the Marist swim team.

’21

Nicholas Demba is a sophomore at Pace Academy. He is the sophomore class president, a student ambassador, an Isdell Center for Global Leadership Fellow and a member of the International Thespian Society. Nicholas has also performed lead, supporting and ensemble roles in the school’s plays and musicals.

Georgie Futrell is a sophomore at St. Pius X Catholic High School and is on the varsity football and

varsity lacrosse teams. He is a varsity lacrosse letterman.

Katherine Graham is a sophomore at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School. She is on the honor roll and started the Botnay Club this year and works at Pike Nurseries.

Lillian Thomas spent ten days in Europe this summer traveling to Rome and cruising through Greece and had a wonderful trip.

Keegan Luisi-Robinson is enjoying high school at Paul Duke STEM High School and is looking forward to a trip next summer to Japan.

’22

Sophia Ocampo is on the cross country team at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School.

PLEASE CONTACT Amanda Ore Advancement Manager aore@stmartinschool.org

Georgie Futrell '21

Katherine Graham, '21

Alexandra Craig, ’20 Lillian Thomas, ’21

Sophia Ocampo, ’22

Conor Rahiya ‘16 graduated from Marist School in 2020 and was a student at the University of North Georgia.

Voices

STORIES FROM FACULTY & STAFF KANETTE FENSTERMACHER INTERIM MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

My association with St. Martin’s began by baptism. I was baptized at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in the late 1990s as an adult. My mother, raised in the Baptist Church, and my father, raised in the Catholic Church, never agreed upon my baptism as an infant, so, in my twenties, I made the decision for myself.

At the time of my baptism, I was already well into my second career. Immediately after graduating from the University of Georgia, I worked in human resources for a technology placement firm during the technology boom. Since I had always considered working in education, I made the decision to return to school to obtain yet another degree. After student teaching at both Grady High School and Meadowcreek High School, I was hired to teach 9th and 10th grade at Brookwood High School in Gwinnett County. I taught gifted, honors, and AP classes, and I loved it. Ninth grade was my favorite; capitalizing on the nervous energy of students fresh out of middle school was most advantageous.

When I started my own family, I chose to swap one school for another. Who knew that my decision to stay at home with my own children really meant that I would volunteer all of my free time at St. Martin’s? Serving as a volunteer leader through the church naturally led to serving as a volunteer leader within the school. Interestingly enough, as St. Martin’s Co-PTO President, I helped to secure funds for the construction of our existing middle school building during a capital campaign. Somewhere in the steel rib cage of our middle school building, my name is etched, among many other names, into a structural beam.

When I first began volunteering at St. Martin’s Episcopal School, I was immediately struck by all of the enriching day-to-day activities that are commonplace. I often marveled with other parent volunteer leaders that I could not believe so many incredible activities were happening on a regular basis. As a trained educator, I was keenly aware of what a special place St. Martin’s is and this fueled my decision to stay involved in the St. Martin’s community. Stepping away from the high school classroom to stay at home with my children really led me to the classrooms of St. Martin’s. This past spring marked my 15th year at St. Martin’s Episcopal

School—the first five spent as a parent volunteer and the next ten spent in the classroom. As a classroom teacher at St. Martin’s, I relished my time teaching sixth grade English. Channeling nervous student energy was my specialty after all, and nudging those newcomers to Middle School towards academic achievement, emotional maturity, and a sense of purpose was both humbling and rewarding. Sixth grade became my new favorite.

My current role as Interim Middle School Principal allows me to work with students and adults who share a similar passion for education and adolescent development. Our Middle School is a place where students really know one another, students know their teachers, and teachers know their students. It is not uncommon for our graduates to ask St. Martin’s teachers for letters of recommendation long after they have left our campus. While indicative of the authentic, warm, and lasting connections middle school students feel with their teachers, students often simply reflect, they were the last teacher who really knew me.

Another perk in my current role is the ability to collect and analyze data to ensure the academic experience of our middle school students continues to prepare them for success beyond our walls. A few years ago, in addition to teaching middle school English, I built academic schedules for early childhood, elementary school, and middle school. I likened the experience to solving an 80-page Sudoku puzzle, where each page could only be solved by referencing another page. As Interim Middle School Principal, I find myself examining various reports, scores, and notes related to the academic potential of our students. When selective high school Admission Directors visit our eighth grade students year after year, they remark that they love our students. Our students are well equipped for the challenges they face after graduation. St. Martin’s has a strong reputation in the Atlanta area and beyond for preparing students for high school - academically, emotionally, and socially. St. Martin’s Episcopal School is a special place. A place for baptism. A place for learning and growth. A place for all to discover their potential.