Patterns Winter 2024

THE MAGAZINE OF ST. MARTIN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

WINTER 2024

What’s Inside: INNOVATION & DESIGN AT SMES SMES ALMA MATER-A TIMELESS BOND

The Super-Fantastic-Skill-BuildingFriend-Making-Sports-Playing Camp!

REGISTRATION OPENS FEBRUARY 1, 2024 CAMP BROCHURE POSTED ONLINE: STMARTINSCHOOL.ORG 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.

SESSION 1: June 3 - June 28 SESSION 2: July 8 - August 2

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.

CONTENTS

THE MAGAZINE OF ST. MARTIN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL WINTER 2024

FEATURES 16 Groovin’ on the Green

The St. Martin’s Fund Community Celebration

18 St. Martin’s Alma Mater A Timeless Bond

and Design 20 Innovation at SMES

EVERY ISSUE 3 Letter

From the Head of School

4 Seen & Heard

News and happenings in the school community

26 Student Writers Scary Stories

Fostering Young Innovators

Sustainability at 22 Embracing SMES Together The Reinvigoration of the Green Committee

24 Expect the Unexpected 7th Grade Science Project

28 Sports Wrap-Up Spotlight 31 Volunteer Autumn Francis 32 Portrait of a Graduate

Adelyn Tyler-Williams

News 33 Faculty Updates from our faculty and administration

34 Alumni Notes

ON THE COVER Second graders in Mrs. Lisowski’s class collaborate in small groups during math class.

Updates from our alumni

40 Voices Christina Larrea Johnson PATTERNS | WINTER 2024

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EDITOR Kristi Gaffney CONTRIBUTORS Michael Albanese Lexi Allen, Student Writer Mili Bergantinos Brandon Collins Kristi Gaffney Teddy Hawkins, Student Writer Christina Johnson Lauren Kohlhoff Maria Croley Madden Mark McDaniel Lauren Ramirez Lauren Sims DESIGN Stalling Design ADMINISTRATION Maria Croley Madden Head of School Cindy Alexander Principal, Early Childhood Lynne Perry Principal, Lower School Kanette Fenstermacher Principal, Middle School Cheryl Doughty Director of Finance & Operations Kristi Gaffney Director of Marketing & Communications Blythe Marsau Director of Enrollment Management & Tuition Assistance Lauren Sims Director of Advancement Mark McDaniel Director of Campus Safety & Director of Athletics The Rev. Brandon Duke Chaplain The Rev. Monica Mainwaring St. Martin’s Church Rector Patterns is published biannually by St. Martin’s Episcopal School.

Please direct any letters, comments or news items to: St. Martin’s Episcopal School 3110-A Ashford Dunwoody Rd. Atlanta, GA 30319 (404) 237-4260 Attn: Kristi Gaffney stmartinschool.org kgaffney@stmartinschool.org MISSION STATEMENT St. Martin’s Episcopal School is dedicated to providing a quality education of the whole person in a loving, Christian atmosphere, which fosters lifelong learning.

Students recite the Pledge of Allegiance at the start of the school day.

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HEAD OF SCHOOL

H

appy New Year! As I look back and reflect on the first half of the 2023-24 school year and review this edition of Patterns, I am reminded of all that we have accomplished together already this year and am excited for what’s to come. I invite you to peruse the magazine to learn more about all of the activities, programs, learning and fun happening at St. Martin’s.

As someone new to St. Martin’s, I feel incredibly blessed to have joined a community whose values echo mine. I am honored to serve here as a part of a school that values the milestones of childhood - learning, kindness, faith, gratitude, belonging, and joy!

Experiencing so many special SMES traditions for the first time this fall has been a wonderful way to be welcomed into the community. We kicked off the school year with what I hope will become a new community tradition - Groovin’ on the Green. This adults-only event was a wonderful way to reengage after the summer break and become energized for the school year.

Thanks to our incredible PTO, there were many other wellattended community events this fall, including the Fall Festival and Warrior Run. These highly-anticipated events garnered lots of support, even from those outside our school, which speaks to their success!

I’ve not worked at a school that honors and recognizes the sacrifices of our country’s veterans with such a moving ceremony as our Veteran’s Day assembly. This year’s event held particular meaning for me, as my father served as our guest speaker.

As someone new to St. Martin’s, I feel incredibly blessed to have joined a community whose values echo mine.

One of the most impactful things that has resonated with me is how often I hear that students who have graduated from SMES still consider our school their school home and feel strong connections to our community. In this issue, thanks to SMES alumni liaison Michael Albanese, you can catch up on many of our alums and where they are now. The sheer number of alums eager to share what is going on in their lives with their previous school truly speaks to their experience as students. I was impressed with the variety of schools they represent and the wide range of what the adult graduates are doing out in the world. Many schools brag about their “portraits of a graduate,” and this idea looks a little different at a preschool-8 school like SMES. Yet seeing where our students go and who they become is incredibly inspiring and is a testament that we are a school committed to helping provide students with the foundation to become the best versions of themselves prepared to go out and make a difference in the world.

I hope you enjoy reading about all of the wonderful things happening at St. Martin’s, and I’m excited for what the future holds for our very special school.

Gratefully,

Maria Croley Madden

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Seen + Heard

NEWS AND HAPPENINGS IN THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY

CELEBRATION OF NEW MINISTRY OPENING ASSEMBLY

We’re All in this Together, Warriors!

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the first day of school opening assembly. Head of School Maria Croley Madden delivered words of encouragement to students, reminding them to always have a great day, be a good friend and make good choices. The 8thgrade leaders set the tone for the school year with a fun performance of this year’s school song, “We’re All in This Together,” from “High School Musical.”

The Start of Something New! The SMES community gathered for an opening chapel service to celebrate the new ministry of Maria Croley Madden as the fourth head of school.

The Right Rev. Robert C. Wright, Bishop of the Episcopal Dioceses of Atlanta, joined the school community and St. Martin’s Church clergy to commission Mrs. Madden as the new Head of School.

COMMUNITY COFFEE TRUCK

We Love Our Families a Latte!

St. Martin’s invited parents to a community coffee truck after carpool to celebrate the first full week of school. It was a joy-filled morning offering new and old friends an opportunity to gather and, of course, coffee!

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SEEN + HEARD

SCHOOL SUNDAY

One Community Together

On School Sunday, SMES and St. Martin in the Fields Church collectively worshiped as one body. Students enjoyed hands-on music and activities throughout the service and learned about perseverance through the sermon.

FOOTBALL FRIDAY

A Fall Tradition!

Football Friday is a fan-favorite tradition at St. Martin’s. In honor of the start of fall sports, students, faculty and staff proudly wore the jerseys of their favorite teams!

MS HONOR PLEDGE

Leading by Example

To kick off the school year, Middle School students proudly signed the St. Martin’s code of conduct. With this special pledge, they promise to always be honest, trustworthy, equitable and kind.

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STUDENT COUNCIL

Your Voice Counts

Each fall, every 5th through 8th-grade homeroom elects two representatives to serve on the SMES Student Council. From that group, seven students are elected to serve as leadership officers on the executive board. Congratulations to the 2023-24 executive board!

L-R: VP for School Administration Jasmine Bell, Recording Secretary Ella Long, Corresponding Secretary Molly Flaman, VP of Community Service Scotty Hamilton, VP of School Service Dameon Billie Jr., and President Carson Hollier. Not Pictured - Treasurer Stella House

MS RETREATS

A Time to Bond Sixth and 8th graders ventured to Nature’s Classroom in Alabama, while 7th graders traveled to the Nantahala Outdoor Center in North Carolina for overnight fall retreats. Students strengthened their team-bonding skills, explored the outdoors and participated in fun activities like ziplining, water rafting and s’mores over a campfire!

THANKSGIVING BAG IT AND SHARE IT

Giving Back to the Community First-grade students gathered canned and non-perishable food items to support families experiencing food insecurity during the Thanksgiving season. They visited the Suthers Center Food Pantry, where they contributed to the packing of meal kits that will provide comfort to those in need during the holiday season.

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SEEN + HEARD

FALL FESTIVAL

Fall Fun!

The annual PTO fall festival was a huge success! The St. Martin’s community enjoyed a beautiful fall afternoon filled with fun carnival rides, face painting, a cake walk and more. A large crowd of students gathered to watch raffle winners pie a SMES faculty or staff member!

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SEEN + HEARD

NED JOHNSON

Inspiring the Community

STUDENTS VS. ADULTS VOLLEYBALL GAME

Friendly Competition!

The A volleyball team went head-to-head against faculty and staff in this year’s students vs. adults volleyball game. Students cheered on both teams in the stands, and a large group of MS students performed a dance learned at Feast Day at the half. It was a close match, but in the end, the students won! Way to go!

St. Martin’s welcomed Ned Johnson, coauthor of “The Self-Driven Child,” to campus.

Faculty, staff, parents and 5th through 8thgrade students enjoyed hearing him speak about being a non-anxious presence and give helpful tips that benefit children’s learning and managing their lives.

SMES TAKES ON MACY’S

Third-Grade Thanksgiving Parade Third-grade students had their very own Macy’s Thanksgiving parade! As a part of their curriculum, students designed “floats” using balloons and construction paper.

They paraded around the green space for an audience of parents, faculty and staff!

GEORGIA ONE-ACT FESTIVAL

Bravo!

St. Martin’s drama students performed William Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” at the Georgia Jr. One Act Festival in Columbus, GA. 7th-grader Henry Duke (not pictured) won Best Leading Actor and (shown l-r) 8th-grader Jasmine Bell won Best Supporting Actress, 6th-graders Paxton Greene and Blake Debold won Best All-Star Cast and the production won a special judges prize for Best Tech and Design. Way to go, Warrior Thespians!

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SEEN + HEARD

HALLOWEEN PARADE

Spooktacular Fun!

The annual Halloween Parade is a beloved St. Martin’s community tradition. Early Childhood students and their 8th-grade buddies donned their best costumes and paraded through the parking lot for families and friends to enjoy.

Barbies, ninjas, princesses, superheroes, and so many other costumes made for a super fun morning. Kindergarten and 8th-graders walked hand in hand throughout the parade, making this a memorable moment!

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SEEN + HEARD

FEAST DAY

We Love St. Martin!

Students had a blast at the annual Feast Day celebration.

Feast Day is a celebration of our relationship with saints.

It is a day to interrupt our rhythms, reminding us that we are a part of God’s story. The day began with our Veterans Day assembly and transitioned into a day of celebrating our patron saint, Martin of Tours. Students participated in many activities, such as a school-wide service project, a petting zoo, karaoke and outdoor games!

WARRIOR RUN

WARRIOR FUN! Despite the rainy weather, 427 racers from the St. Martin’s community participated in the annual PTO Warrior 5K and Fun Run! This Peachtree Road Race qualifier loops around the surrounding Brookhaven neighborhoods. After the races, runners enjoyed a celebration complete with a DJ, snacks and the “Bubble Lady.” The morning wrapped with an award ceremony. Go, Warriors!

Congratulations Winners Boys Fun Run: Harry Stevens, Connor Francis and Charlie Beckham Girls Fun Run: Kendall Redavid, Hayden Eberle and Margo Aust 5K Overall Female...........................................................Ella Long 5K Overall Male.........................................Bennett Gerspacher Overall 5K Male Master 50+................................. Jim Stewart Overall 5K Female Master 50+...................... Deanna Purdie Age Group Winners 5K Male 1-7 yrs..................................................James Lighthiser 5K Female 8-10 yrs.......................................Hensley Lichtman 5K Male 8-10 yrs......................................................Jack Duckett 5K Female 11-14 yrs...........................................Alix Gerspacher 5K Male 11-14 yrs................................................... Fletcher Black 5K Male 15-19 yrs................................................... William Culler 5K Female 20-29 yrs...........................................Sabrina Jones 5K Female 30-39............................................. Caroline Weldon 5K Male 30-39..................................................................Ed White 5K Female 40-49......................................... Jenny Gerspacher 5K Male 40-49............................................Richard Gerspacher 5K Female 50+.................................................. Claude Sessions 5K Male 50+.................................................................... Kim Krebs

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SEEN + HEARD

VETERANS DAY

Thank You For Your Service!

A large crowd of students, veterans and St. Martin’s community members filled the school gym to enjoy the annual patriotic Veterans Day assembly. The program was filled with performances, student essay winners’ recitations, and patriotic music played by the SMES band and kindergarten chorus. There was a flag presentation by the fourth grade and a keynote speech by Major General John M. Croley (Father of Head of School Maria Madden.)

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SEEN + HEARD

SMES @ ATLANTA HAWKS

Warriors Play at State Farm Arena The St. Martin’s boys’ and girls’ basketball teams showcased their skills at State Farm Arena in an exciting scrimmage against Eagle’s Landing Christian School. The SMES community gathered to support both teams. Way to go, Warriors!

KINDERGARTEN CHRISTMAS PROGRAM

Oh, What Fun!

Kindergarten students brought joy to friends and family at the annual Christmas program. The little ones portrayed angels, shepherds, kings and animals as they told the Nativity story.

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SEEN + HEARD

EC/ LS GRANDPARENTS’ DAY

Cherished Moments

St. Martin’s warmly welcomed grandparents and special friends of Early Childhood and Lower School students to campus in November. Celebrations featured student performances in the Chapel and Gym for all to enjoy, followed by a classroom tour. Grandparents heard remarks from St. Martin’s Fund grandparent chair Jerry Wilkinson, Head of School Maria Croley Madden and received a blessing from Father Duke. It was a wonderful time for students to share what makes St. Martin’s so special.

EARLY CHILDHOOD

LOWER SCHOOL

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PTO COOKIES & CAROLS

Spreading Christmas Joy Santa Claus left the North Pole to make a special visit to St. Martin’s. He shared festive cheer with students during a lively storytime session. PTO parent elves worked their magic in the kitchen, baking delicious treats for students to enjoy!

MS HOLIDAY CONCERT

Jingle All The Way!

Middle School handbell and band students treated their friends and families to an amazing holiday concert. The students showcased their musical skills, playing festive songs like “Jolly Old St. Nicholas” and “Joy to the World.” There was also a special chorus performance of “Christ Child Lullaby” by Sky Schrader and Caroline Miller (6th grade).

GRINCH DAY

Welcome to Whoville Second-grade classrooms magically transformed into Whoville! Teachers and students dressed as the wacky residents of Whoville from the Dr. Seuss classic, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” to celebrate Grinch Day in style. The festive sentiment of the story radiated joy through SMES!

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SEEN + HEARD

WE LOVE OUR STUDENTS

At SMES, We Start the Day with a Smile!

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b y LAURE N SI M S SMES DIRECTOR OF A DVA N CEM EN T

T

he day was finally here! Friday, September 29, marked the first-ever Groovin’ on the Green inaugural outdoor concert, a memorable on-campus gathering that drew in more than 150 enthusiastic St. Martin’s Fund (SMF) donor parents.

The event took on a “Chastain style” ambiance, with live music filling the green space, creating an atmosphere of celebration exclusively for adults. The evening featured tables arranged along the carpool circle, while attendees brought blankets and tailgate chairs to secure their front-row spots to enjoy the live music. The event allowed parents the freedom to bring their preferred food and beverages, creating an enjoyable experience for all.

The idea for Groovin’ on the Green stemmed from a roundtable discussion with other independent schools in the area as a way to bring the SMES community together for a night of thankful celebration for support of The St. Martin’s Fund. The SMF is a necessary annual fundraising ask and is critically important for St. Martin’s to provide a full St. Martin’s student experience successfully and to expand school programming. Because the annual brass-tacks fundraising initiative lacks the glamorous appeal of a gala event, the SMES Advancement team sought

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to find a new way to experientially thank families for their support.

So, over the summer, the Advancement team set out to determine the right concept to articulate the outdoor music concert idea, and Groovin’ on the Green was born. Event planning went into motion, along with creating a festive logo and searching for the right band with the perfect playlist. After several jam sessions, the team hired “The Potentials,” who offered a playlist that would resonate with all guests.

Supported by a team of more than 40 SMF parent volunteers, event promotion ran for six weeks, inviting families to make a generous gift or pledge support for this year’s annual fund initiative with the Groovin’ ticket as a thank-you acknowledgment for their commitment.

The concept was that simple, and it was a huge success.

On the night of the big event, the culinary offerings were diverse. Parents treated themselves to various food options, impressively showcasing their culinary skills with charcuterie boards, pizza, and even a sushi tray. With perfect weather, an exceptional band, and the opportunity to foster a sense of togetherness and excitement for SMES, the event was a resounding success, leaving everyone eagerly anticipating its return next fall.

“The event was a unique, energetic, entertaining, and fun experience. The weather, band, and location made for such an enjoyable evening.

I look forward to another similar event.”

ED ZUNZ U N EG U I

“We had the best night dancing to live music and hanging out with our friends, all while supporting the school that we love! The band was amazing, and the school lawn made an awesome concert venue. We can’t wait to make this an annual tradition!”

A MB E R G E R ARD

“Groovin’ on the Green was such a great idea and so much fun.

I think it will be even more successful in years to come now that parents know what a great night it was! And next year, I’ll bring a charcuterie board like Lori Hart!”

L E I G H KO F F L E R

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St. Martin’s Alma Mater A Timeless Bond b y LAUREN RA M I R EZ COMMUN ICATI ON S COOR D IN ATOR

T

he alma mater is a unifying heartbeat of any school, and St. Martin’s school song never fails to bring the community together in a warm and uplifting manner. The anthem of St. Martin’s was written in 1990 by Sandy Cobia, a dedicated second-grade “To me, the St. Martin’s teaching assistant and an alma mater means active member of St. Margrowing up. I started tin in the Fields Church singing this song in and choir. After many confourth grade, and when versations among school I sing it now, it makes leadership, it was decided me reflect on how I’ve that St. Martin’s needed grown up in the St. an alma mater song to creMartin’s environment.” ate a sense of community Lily Branson and connect current stuCurrent 8th grader dents and alumni. Sandy had a deep-rooted passion for St. Martin’s and its students, so she volunteered to craft the lyrics for the St. Martin’s song. She teamed up with SMES music director Sharon Bohart to find a hymn accompaniment and decided upon “Ellacombe” and wrote the lyrics with the music from that hymn in mind.

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Her vision was to create a piece to unite each division and the students and faculty members. Her gift to the school debuted in 1990 and would already be ingrained in the community in time for SMES’ first middle school graduation, which took place in 1994.

Today, when the community joins together to sing the alma mater more than 33 years later, students still have a strong sense of pride and reflection. At special events like graduation and chapel services, students embrace one another and join in song, reminding us that we are one body, one school and one community. Current eighth-grader Lily Branson reflects, “To me, the St. Martin’s alma mater means growing up. I started singing this song in fourth grade, and when I sing it now, it makes me reflect on how I’ve grown up in the St. Martin’s environment.” The lyrics contain meaningful messages and aspirations for students and act as a beacon guiding them to develop and grow as individuals throughout their St. Martin’s journey.

For many, the alma mater doesn’t symbolize a phase, but instead, it embodies the whole of a student’s time at St. Martin’s as a foundational experience that shapes lives.

The song opens with, “St. Martin’s is something special

we cherish ev’ry day. St. Martin’s is full of loving. It’s great in ev’ry way.” When it was initially composed, St. Martin’s was known as a local gem within the community, known for its passion for students, and this heartfelt opening captured the essence of the school.

Longtime 37-year veteran faculty member dean of students Patti Pitoscia (Miss P) notes, “The alma mater is a way for all of us to bond and to express our gratitude for each other and the many ways our school brings us together.”

The school anthem culminates with an important message, “St. Martin’s gives us leaders strong. Who know which choice to make. But most of all she gives to us the strength to reach our star; and pride in all that we have done and joy in what we are.” As a student’s time at St. Martin’s ends and they reflect on the journey to graduation, the school song can serve as a touchstone to understanding the foundational importance of the milestones achieved along the way. Miss P. explains, “After graduation, when students head off to high school, and they see the ‘man behind the curtain,’ they realize their deep-rooted gratitude for all of the rich experiences instilled in them since their first day setting foot on the St. Martin’s campus.” Eighth-grader Violet Hawkins notes, “The St. Martin’s song is about how this school builds leaders and makes people feel safe and welcomed. To me, it makes me think about how St. Martin’s helps you to become a better person and know what step to take next into high school.”

The SMES alma mater is much more than a school song; it is a timeless bond that connects students, faculty, staff, alums and the whole community. Sandy Cobia crafted this song with her love and dedication for the school, and it is her lasting legacy. As a school, St. Martin’s has grown and flourished in many ways since its founding in 1959, but its strong sense of community, unwavering sense of school pride and cherished school values remain unchanged.

In Latin, alma mater means “nurturing mother” and the SMES school song will forever serve as a gift of the nurturing care given to all St. Martin’s students.

“St. Martin’s Alma Mater ”

Lyrics by Sandy Cobia

St. Martin’s is something special we cherish ev’r y day.

St. Martin’s is full of loving. It’s great in ev’r y way.

St. Martin’s is for children who want to be their best — Who want to know what’s righ t and wrong, who’ll grow with ev’r y test.

St. Martin’s is full of caring for

creatures great and small.

St. Martin’s is full of courage. We learn to stand so tall.

So we are proud to say to all in voices loud and clear: St. Martin’s we love you evermo re; to us you’re ver y dear.

St. Martin’s gives us wisdom to know which path to take.

St. Martin’s gives us leaders stro ng who know which choice to make.

But most of all she gives to us the strength to reach our star, and pride in all that we hav e done, and joy in what we are.

As a student’s time at St. Martin’s ends and they reflect on the journey to graduation, the school song can serve as a touchstone to understanding the foundational importance of the milestones achieved along the way.

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FOSTERING YOUNG INNOVATORS:

AND DESIGN AT SMES b y L AU R EN KOHL HOF F , D I R E C TO R O F T E AC H I N G & L E A R N I N G ( P R E S C H O O L - 5 T H) and M I L I BER G A N T I N OS, I N N OVAT I O N & D E S I G N I N ST R U C TO R

Beginning as young as 1st grade, students begin working with circuits.

First graders create basic circuits and add lights, a buzzer, and a propeller, while upper grades add motors, lights, switches, and more complex components to their creations.

n an age of rapid change, fostering innovation, creativity, and problem-solving skills from an early age is crucial. At St. Martin’s, we understand the importance of nurturing the innovators of tomorrow, and our new Innovation and Design (I&D) program stands as a testament to our commitment. Taught by Mrs. Mili Bergantinos and Mr. Jeff Parker and offered to students in grades 1-8, this program provides myriad benefits to our lower and middle school students, empowering them to thrive in the 21st century and preparing them for the world beyond our campus.

Students visit the I&D studio as part of their normal class schedule. Lower school attend I&D class once per week for one semester, and middle schoolers can choose Innovation and Design as an elective for one semester each year.

Cultivating Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving The cornerstone of our Innovation and Design program is cultivating critical thinking and problem-solving skills. By engaging students in hands-on activities, such as brainstorming, prototyping, and testing, we encourage them to approach challenges with curiosity and creativity. These skills are not only invaluable in the classroom but also in daily life, as they empower our students to navigate complex issues with confidence.

Second graders worked on a group project using robots to create a game board. Students researched popular gameboards and used them as inspiration when creating their own. They worked together to create game rules, guidelines, challenge cards, and more toward a mechanism that goes into a board game. They worked hard, sharing ideas, compromising, and testing the game.

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Technology Integration

Fostering Creativity and Imagination Our program sparks and nurtures the creativity and imagination of students. Through art, design, and technology projects, students learn to think outside the box and explore their potential. They’re encouraged to dream big, find unconventional solutions, and create innovative products and designs.

Lower School students dip into programming using Blockly* to begin learning coding basics. Third graders designed a Minecraft world, rollercoasters, and laser-printed coasters, while fourth graders worked with mapping skills to create an online interactive map.

Students researched a variety of countries and landmarks to start their project. Fifthgrade students took on a larger project that fosters creativity and imagination to create carnival-style games for the entire school to use during Feast Day. Students brainstormed, researched and prototyped existing games before adding a twist to make it their own. Chick-fil-A ring toss, Boba Skee Ball, rainbow hearts for a bean bag toss and a retroinspired Plinko board are just some of the products.

Promoting Collaboration and Communication Innovation often thrives in a collaborative environment.

Our program places a strong emphasis on teamwork and communication. Students work on projects together, share ideas and learn to appreciate diverse perspectives. These skills are not only vital in their core academic classes but also beyond the classroom, where effective collaboration is highly valued.

Seventh graders collaborated and applied skills learned in class for various projects. From the creation of a stop-motion film project to the development of a bionic arm that can lift, their imagination took them to new heights.

Today’s students are digital natives, and teaching them to understand and harness technology is paramount. Our program integrates technology tools and platforms, providing students with hands-on experience in coding, robotics, 3D printing, and more. These skills not only make our students tech-savvy but also equip them for future careers.

All lower and middle school students have worked with various technologies to learn fundamentals that build on each other to create amazing outcomes.

First and second grade have worked with Dash and Ozobots, robots that can be programmed to follow basic commands. Dash is controlled using various apps, including Blockly. Ozobot has an unplugged component where students use markers to create patterns.

These patterns tell Ozobot what to do.

Encouraging a Growth Mindset In the Innovation and Design program, students learn that failure is not the end but a stepping stone to success. They are encouraged to embrace a growth mindset, where challenges are viewed as opportunities to learn and grow. This mindset not only fosters resilience but also motivates students to take risks and push boundaries.

As we consider the implications of our rapidly changing world and look to the future, it’s essential for students to be adaptable and well-rounded. At St. Martin’s, our Innovation and Design program is more than just a class; it’s a gateway to a world of endless possibilities. By fostering creativity, problem-solving, and adaptability, we seek to empower our lower and middle school students to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Innovation, design thinking, and problem-solving are universal skills that will serve them well, regardless of their chosen path beyond St. Martin’s, and we look forward to witnessing the incredible achievements of our future innovators.

*Blockly is a project developed by Google that presents long, text-based code strings in visual blocks. Blockly is a library that provides a visual code editor.

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THE GREEN COMMITTEE

Embracing Sustainability at SMES Together A

t St. Martin’s Episcopal School, the reinvigoration of the Green Committee marks a pivotal step toward fostering sustainability within the school community. Co-chaired by SMES’ Director of Finance and Operations, Cheryl Doughty, and Early Childhood Science Teacher Aleathia Burns, the committee comprises a diverse blend of teachers and staff members. Additionally, Ms. Burns leads an enthusiastic student group of Green Club members united in a mission to champion eco-conscious practices.

An impactful zerowaste audit by Georgia Interfaith Power and Light commended our existing practices and offered invaluable recommendations.

Post-COVID, the return of the Green Committee has sparked renewed enthusiasm, ushering in innovative ideas and initiatives for the upcoming year.

With sustainability at the forefront of programming, both the adult-led Green Committee and the middle school Green Club are poised to propel the school’s green efforts to new heights.

Last year, the achievements were substantial. An impactful zero-waste audit by Georgia Interfaith Power and Light commended our existing practices and offered invaluable recommendations. Notably, the use of real dishes during lunch reduced waste significantly, as did introducing condiment dispensers and water bottle refill stations. SMES employees have enjoyed the addition of AeroGardens in each breakroom. Their special grow lights allow fresh herbs and flowers to blossom in these unique contained pods.

St. Martin’s commitment to green education extends to innovative projects such as using Halloween pumpkins in Early Childhood science classes to demonstrate natural decomposition and creating recycled scarecrows for the Fall Festival. Additionally, last year’s Earth Day celebration was a grand success, featuring activities like seed distribution, poster creation, and greening the cafeteria and outdoor spaces. This spring’s Earth Day will bring even greater awareness and more programming like rock art and a lower school poster contest with green-themed prizes!

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Together, we invite our students, families, alums, and the larger community to join hands in this essential endeavor in your own homes.

Join us in making a positive impact—one eco-conscious step at a time.

And back by popular demand, the middle school Green Club has resumed paper recycling efforts, beginning with service to the middle school building.

Looking ahead, the middle school Green Club has an exciting lineup of initiatives coming soon.

• Farm-to-table during Earth week • Innovation & Design students will create vases using recycled materials • Plastic bag recycling initiative for the Suthers Center Food Pantry to use for food distribution • Student-created posters for SMES breakrooms to encourage faculty and staff to go green • Establishment of a “Teacher Trade Teacher” booth, promoting resource sharing among faculty, and possibly extending schoolwide.

• The return of the Earth Day poster contest for Lower School students • The Green Club members will be creating and designing themes about “Going Green” in our school • Green Club will be working to repurpose items like scarves, pillows and t-shirts for reuse These kinds of projects spearheaded by the Green Committee and Green Club emphasize SMES’s unwavering commitment to sustainability. Together, we invite our students, families, alums, and the larger community to join hands in this essential endeavor in your own homes. Join us in making a positive impact—one eco-conscious step at a time.

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Expect the Unexpected

b y BR A N D O N CO L L I N S 7 T H G R A DE S C I E N C E T E AC H E R

H

ave you ever wondered what mysteries lurk in the nooks and crannies of our school?

Students in Mr. Collins’ seventh-grade science class recently embarked on an enlightening scientific lab experiment to reveal unexpected habitats thriving right under our noses.

The Experiment: Armed with swabs and petri dishes, students were tasked with swabbing different locations around St. Martin’s for bacteria.

From the lunchroom to the clinic, door handles to water fountains - no spot was safe from their investigation.

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After collecting samples, the students cultivated the bacteria in petri dishes and observed their growth over the course of two weeks.

Every seven days, they collected both qualitative and quantitative data about their cultures, tracking growth rates, sizes, locations, colors, and other unique features. On the last day, students took their investigation to the next level by scraping their samples and creating slides, eagerly anticipating what the microscope would reveal.

The data showed whether the bacteria were still active, their shapes and whether these tiny organisms were even producing oxygen.

The Big Reveal Of the variety of locations tested, stairwell railings, floors, PE equipment, and door handles had the most bacterial growth. Conversely, the kitchen and food service areas of our school passed with flying colors! Common lunchroom items - plates, serving utensils and even the dish return area showed the least bacteria, and in some cases, none at all!

The results of the school swab show that bacteria grow almost everywhere in all conditions and are ever-present in the most likely locations where many hands travel across these surfaces each day. This may seem a little scary, but it’s important to know that most bacteria are actually very beneficial. They not only help make some of our favorite foods like cheese and yogurt, but they even create the air we breathe.

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STUDENT WRITER

Scary Stories

The Tunnel

BY LEXI ALLEN, 8 TH G R A D E

’ve been an FBI special agent for three decades, renowned for solving mysterious and gruesome cases across America. But on April 12, a call from a Texas police station threw me into a complex and daunting case.

I

Upon arriving at the police station, I was immediately taken into an interrogation room where two girls were huddled beneath a gray blanket. I approached them cautiously, kneeling to ask questions, but they remained silent. I gathered information from the police, and what I heard was beyond belief.

On April 5, four girls took a shortcut through a tunnel to avoid traffic, but only two emerged ten minutes later.

The others had vanished. Questions flooded my mind. What happened to the car? Where were the missing girls? Was there something or someone inside that tunnel?

As I approached the tunnel, I thought of the risks ahead. With nothing to lose, I began to drive through the tunnel, knowing there was no turning back. After three hours of driving, my car stalled due to an empty gas tank.

Exiting the vehicle, the slam of the car door echoed throughout the never-ending tunnel. I began my journey through the tunnel. Hours passed as I walked, my feet going numb. As I continued, I heard a scream. I began to sprint not knowing the location of the scream. I couldn’t tell if it had come from behind me, but turning back was not an option.

About a day had gone by, and I limped to the wall and began to cry. What if there was no way out for me? As I cried, a shadow appeared in front of me. “Are you alright?” a small voice asked me. The girl’s cheeks were pale and she was dirty. I’d found one of the girls… or I guess she had found me. I asked no questions to or about her. I just started walking again, a feeling of sanity finally coming back to me. I

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built up the courage to ask her a few questions. When I asked her name, she told me she had forgotten it. She had completely forgotten who she was in this tunnel. “Am I next?” I thought to myself. We walked for two miles in silence before we heard another scream.

This time, the screech seemed closer but less human. We looked at each other, our faces expressing fear. As we approached, we realized it was not a human. The figure was at least 20 feet tall. Its face stretching and its chin dropping down to its chest and it had black liquid coming from its mouth.

This is the missing girl… but it’s not.

I do know that it was once a human.

Then, the first girl began to transform into one of those figures herself. Had this been a trap? Had she led me to her?

I started to scoot away from the figures walking towards me, and I eventually stood up and started running. I awoke at the end of the tunnel and my body was aching. Memories flooded back in waves, and I realized I needed to return to my agency headquarters for answers. As I entered the agency, my body inexplicably began to ache and a thick black liquid spilled from my mouth.

STUDENT WRITER

In Mr. Foster’s English class, 8th-grade students had the opportunity to tap into their imagination and immerse themselves in the world of spooky storytelling.

Students were tasked with writing a short-fiction scary story. Here are two samples from this writing assignment.

The Last Survivor

BY TEDDY HAW KI N S, 8 T H G R A D E

’ll only be gone for a few weeks,” Nathan told his wife as he set off on a hunting trip with the town’s best hunters. For some reason, all the prey in town had gone scarce and no one knew why. The group, accompanied by a supply wagon, rode horseback into the woods. They believed the animals had moved deeper into the forest. Nathan was uneasy about venturing deep into the woods, as he’d heard childhood stories about a mysterious monster lurking in the woods.

“I

Their journey took them into an eerie and dense part of the forest. Nathan and a small group remained at the camp, while scouts explored. When the scouts returned, they said that they found animals with single bites taken out of them and suspected a bear.

There was a thunderstorm during the night.

Nathan couldn’t sleep and wondered about the animals. He heard a twig snap and heard heavy footsteps. He lit a lantern, and as lightning struck, he saw the silhouette of a creature at least eight feet tall, skinny, with large claws. He grabbed his weapon and the creature froze. His tent swung open, and Mr. Doyle came to check on him. “Is everything alright?” Nathan looked to see if the beast was still there. It was gone. Terrified, Nathan stayed up waiting for its return.

In the morning, the group left to find food, Nathan wondered how could nobody have seen the creature. How didn’t Mr. Doyle see it? It was over his tent. They went about their day hunting for food. That night, Nathan dozed off, only to wake to a scream as the creature attacked someone in his group. They organized a search party the next morning. They ventured deep into the woods and discovered a cave. As the men lit their lanterns, Nathan saw the beast sleeping. They froze in fear and went back to the entrance. Suddenly, a terrifying screech filled the air, and the creature attacked, taking Mr. Simmons and causing panic. Nathan fell and twisted his ankle, unable to get up.

He awoke at the camp to find it trashed, supplies gone, and no sign of the creature or anyone. Nathan embarked on a journey back to his town using a makeshift walking stick. The journey ahead of him was long.

Nathan eventually saw trails of blood on the ground, though no sign of the creature.

His ankle gave out, but he pressed on, driven by determination and fear for his town and family. Nathan found his town in ruins, his group dead with single bites taken out of them. He made it home and his family was missing. The silence was deafening and the only thing Nathan could hear was his breaths and the farm animals nearby.

He was defeated but pulled himself together to find the monster. After searching, he found the beast at the post office. Nathan confronted the creature, which screamed at him. He took down the beast, causing it to fall motionless. He looked around the rest of the town to see if anyone was left but there was nobody. He was the only survivor.

Nathan returned to where he had defeated the beast, but it was gone, with a trail of blood leading back to the woods.

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Sports Wrap-Up b y MA RK M C DA N I EL SMES ATHL ET IC D I R ECTOR

and COACH A L BA N ESE, COAC H DAV ISSON , COAC H H A R R I S, COACH M U R P HY, COAC H V ISCO, A N D COACH WA L KER

CROSS COUNTRY MAAC CHAMPIONS - BOYS The Cross Country team worked hard this season. The girls’ team excelled placing third in two meets and ranked in the top ten during the Independent School Championship. The boys’ team worked hard and landed in second place!

The boys’ team brought home the trophy in the MAAC championship meet and the girls came in second place at their race. It was a great season!

Congratulations to Charlie Fischer (8th) who competed at the Middle School Cross Country National Championship in Louisville, KY. Way to go!

BOYS SOCCER This year’s boys’ soccer team was a younger group of players and spent time at the beginning of this season working on teambuilding skills. They got off to a challenging start but eventually worked to highlight each player’s skills and found a system on the pitch

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that worked. The team secured three consecutive wins and finished up the season with a tie!

A VOLLEYBALL The A Volleyball team ended the season with a 6-4 record. The girls played hard and pushed themselves with determination and grit at each match. Their dedication and teamwork paid off as they improved their skills this season leaving them with a strong foundation.

B VOLLEYBALL The B girls team fought hard and showed resolve to complete a successful season! This cohesive group used teamwork to win their first four games easily and in the fifth game, they were up against a higher-level team and almost secured the victory!

C VOLLEYBALL (TEAM 1 & TEAM 2) These two groups of girls played at a high level and worked hard to make it a great season! The C teams worked hard all season toward a goal to improve and be ready for next year - mission accomplished!

SPORTS WRAP-UP

What Does It Mean To Serve as a Captain on Your Team?

Charlie Fischer, 8th Grade, XC: “It means a lot to me to help out my teammates. I like that I can help with running and other things outside of school.”

Alex Sergent, 8th Grade, XC: “Serving as a captain, to me, means that I am more than just an average team player. I am a part of the team itself. I want to lead my teammates to great success!”

Lily Branson, 8th Grade, XC: “I’ve enjoyed being Cross Country captain this year.

It has made me feel more connected to the sport and my team. This season, I’ve loved forming bonds with my other teammates. “ Scotty Hamilton, 7th Grade, Soccer: “It’s an honor to be a captain because they chose me, and this shows that my teammates admire me. They respect my personality and know that I will not let them down.”

Alejandro Perez, 7th Grade, Soccer:“To me, being a captain is to be a leader and to set an example for other people to follow. Sure, not everyone will follow, but they get the message. I also want to encourage people to play better on the field. I stay positive on the field so no one gets emotional.”

Max Phillips, 7th Grade, Soccer: “It means a lot to be team captain for St. Martins. To be a team captain, you have to be a leader. I am proud to help my team. It is an honor to be a team captain. “ Erin Hall, 8th Grade, A Volleyball: “Severing as a team captain means a lot to me, especially since this year is my last year here at SMES. As a team captain, I look forward to practices and games, and I enjoy watching as my teammates improve. “

Annika Larsen, 8th Grade, A Volleyball: “To me, it means to always be there for your teammates and cheer everyone on, especially when they are down. I also enjoy being captain because it is my 8th-grade year and my last volleyball season at SMES.” Kendall Ervin, 7th Grade, B Volleyball: “Being a team captain means consistently leading by example and earning the trust and respect of my teammates. It’s making great memories with my team and having fun while building strong bonds. It also means that I keep our team motivated, whether winning or losing.

Tatum Smith, 8th Grade, B Volleyball: “To serve as a captain is to be a leader and to always have faith in your team. I liked being able to be there for my teammates. I loved serving as captain for B team volleyball.”

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SPORTS WRAP-UP

cont. from pg. 29, “What Does It Mean...”

Lucia Shammas, 6th Grade, C Volleyball: “To me, to be a captain for my team means to be a leader and a supportive teammate. It was an honor to be selected, and I enjoyed supporting my teammates and encouraging them to do their best. For it being the first time for most of us to play volleyball, I thought we had a great season!”

Ellis Jackson, 7th Grade, C Volleyball: “Being a Captain means to be a leader and always have fun with your teammates. I had a co-captain, Izzy Moore, and she was the best person to be a captain with. Our team was great this year, and that makes me feel so happy. I think being a captain means always having words of encouragement and always being enthusiastic even if we lose.”

Izzy Moore, 7th Grade, C Volleyball: “Being a captain on the volleyball team is a great honor. It has been an opportunity for me to get to know others in the school and encourage my teammates to work hard and show good sportsmanship. It was a lot of fun, and I wish volleyball season would last all year!” n

2023 Athletic Awards

VOLLEYBALL A Most Improved...................................... Aalexys Alexis Warrior Award.................................................. Erin Hall Warrior Award.............................................Clara Owen MAAC Player of Year..................................Katie Rohs VOLLEYBALL B RED TEAM Warrior Award..........................................Kendall Ervin Most Improved............................................... Lily Story Hustle Award...........................................Ella Macauley Hustle Award............................Lillian Westmoreland VOLLEYBALL C RED TEAM Warrior Award................................... Lucia Shammas Most Improved.........................................Bridget Hires Hustle Award........................................Savvy Hartman VOLLEYBALL C BLUE TEAM Warrior Award.............................................. Izzy Moore Most Improved.....................................Sienna Oldland Hustle Award........................................Anna Johnston CROSS COUNTRY Warrior Award.......................................... Alex Sergent Warrior Award........................................... Lily Branson Most improved.......................................Bryna Mowrer All MAAC.............................................. Alix Gerspacher All MAAC................................................ Charlie Fischer Most improved......................................... Calvin Black BOYS SOCCER Warrior Award.............................................Max Phillips Warrior Award....................... Byron Felipe-Gregorio All MAAC.............................................. Alejandro Perez

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VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Volunteer Spotlight Autumn Francis When did your family become part of the SMES community, and what initially made you want to be part of the St. Martin’s community?

Our family joined the SMES community for the 2020-2021 school year. Both of my boys, Connor and Luke, started that year in Early Childhood. We have been part of the community for quite some time as our oldest, Jordan, attended in 2007. We believe the foundation SMES gave him not only academically but with the whole-hearted approach, was positively reflected. We knew we wanted our youngest to experience this as well.

Once we started looking at schools, it was SMES where we felt the most welcome.

We loved the leadership at the school, the new STEAM area in Early Childhood, the class sizes, and the community feel.

A chance meeting with a SMES family at swim practice sealed the deal for us. After spotting the SMES sticker on their car, we inquired about their experience and learned all the things they loved about the school and what a great experience it had been for their children. After that, we knew we wanted to be part of the school.

Why is volunteering important to you and/or your family?

I grew up in a family that believed in service. One of my favorite memories is getting up early with my father to help him deliver and move furniture for a family in need. The smiling faces, especially the grandmother who had been recently charged with caring for two young boys, are seared into my memory. I want my children to understand that acts of service are impactful. Also, both of my parents

are in education. I know firsthand it takes a lot of work and personal sweat equity to provide students with a quality educational experience. I’ve seen my mother, who is still teaching, volunteer her time, organize small-scale clothes drives, and provide healthy snacks for her students so that they can concentrate on learning.

What is your favorite opportunity for SMES parents to engage with each other?

Often it is the smaller events where I connect with other SMES parents — birthday parties, playdates, class get togethers, walking the kids to school — but I probably engage with the most people at Fling and Warrior Run! I love the Warrior Run because people are pumped up from the early, brisk morning and a little healthy competition. I also enjoy the Fling. I’ve been every year since our younger sons started at SMES. I admit I was a bit nervous going to my first Fling because I did not know many parents at SMES. But In what capacities have you volunteered at SMES? • 2022-2023 Orientation committee and 2023-2024 Orientation Chair with PTO • 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 Inclusion Chair • SMES Board Of Trustees Member (beginning 2023-2024 school year) • 2021-2022, 2022-2023, 2023-2024 Fundraising Committee member • Mystery reader, open house volunteer, used uniform sale volunteer • 2023-2024 Warrior Buddy officially to two families, unofficially to many more • 2020-2021 Civic Dinner Planning Committee

once I got there, I was able to talk with people at my table and, of course, bond over the great equalizer of good music and dancing!

I also think volunteering for any PTO event is a great way to engage with parents. I probably met 75% of SMES families working Orientation last year! SMES parents are welcoming and easy to talk to and because it is a community school, we usually have something in common.

When a new school year begins, what motivates you to continue to give your time and talents to St. Martin’s?

The number one thing that motivates me is seeing how happy my children are to return to school. If they are happy and enjoying school and feel cared for and like they are a part of the community, I want to do what I can to support St. Martin’s. I want to see the school grow, I want to see the school be successful, and I want to see the school continue to be a destination for families looking for a whole-hearted approach for their children. I think these items are the responsibility of not only SMES staff but parents and the community. I can help meet my responsibility by giving what I can to St. Martin’s, which is often my time and willingness to help wherever needed.

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

That is hard…St. Martin’s is special to us because it has just been a great fit! It was easy for me to be engaged with leadership, with teachers, with parents, with the SMES community. I am not sure I would have gotten that at another school.

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Portrait of a Graduate ADELYN TYLER-WILLIAMS SMES graduation year: 2010 High School: The Galloway School Colleges/Degrees: Suwanee: University of the South, BA in Religious Studies; Seminary of the Southwest, M. Div Current Job: Episcopal Priest, Associate Rector of Worship and Discipleship at St. Columba’s Episcopal Church in Washington, DC Personal: Since graduating from SMES, I have earned two degrees and been ordained an Episcopal priest. I began my ordained ministry in Fayetteville, AR, where I married my wife, Angela, a Presbyterian pastor. I recently moved to Washington, DC, to continue my ordained ministry with the people of St. Columba’s.

Hobbies: Cooking, Crafting, Exploring Something special you learned at SMES: The greatest impact of SMES is my encounter with the Episcopal church!

Aside from that, there are numerous lessons I learned as I encountered my most formative years of education at St. Martin’s. I learned everything from how to read to how to be a student

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and member of a learning community, from math and science to civic engagement.

Who is a person you’d like to meet?

Rev. Pauli Murray, Episcopal priest and lawyer

What impact did your Episcopal education at St. Martin’s have on your decision to become an Episcopal priest?

SMES is the reason that my family and I are Episcopalian.

I learned the rhythms of chapel and enjoyed religion classes during school, and decided I wanted to engage those with my family on Sundays. I joined the Episcopal church and had a community in which to explore God’s call on my life because of St. Martin’s.

What is your favorite way to give back?

My favorite way to give back is to be the person my teenage self most needed.

That includes volunteering my time and giving financially to causes that support my local community.

It also means being a mentor and public figure who voices support for marginalized communities, teaching the love of God for all people and living authentically in order to make space for those around me to live authentically as well.

Who was your most Influential SMES Teacher?

Mrs. Byrd, 8th Grade English.

Reading has always been challenging for me, so it was not a source of enjoyment.

Mrs. Byrd helped me learn to enjoy reading! I have fond memories of her classes— of reading together and building skills for interpretation, learning skills for writing, and building my confidence as a reader and writer. I am grateful for all I began to learn because of Mrs. Byrd. Being a priest involves a lot of reading and writing, and I am grateful for the foundation she helped me build.

Favorite food: Tacos Favorite app: Instagram Favorite TV show: “Schitt’s Creek” Favorite holiday: Christmas

Favorite place you’ve visited?

Washington, DC, where I now get to live! Amazing food, museums, and history!

Do you stay in touch with any SMES alums?

I have stayed in touch with a few people and enjoy life updates from those I am less close with.

Favorite SMES Tradition?

SMES Festival Day. I enjoyed the opportunity to learn through active engagement. I remember people in costumes, markets where we sold small goods related to the theme, and a day of immersive learning. n

Faculty News

UPDATES FROM OUR FACULTY

Raven Triplett

Brittany Higgins

EC teaching assistant, Raven Triplett got engaged on July 18, 2023, to Dean Asberry. The couple will marry on September 21, 2024.

EC lead teacher, Brittany Higgins got engaged on July 8, 2023, to Colton Kleban. The couple will marry on June 29, 2024, in Vero Beach, Fl. Kanette Fenstermacher has been named St. Martin’s Middle School Principal after serving as Interim since July 2022. She brings a wealth of experience and

Kanette Fenstermacher

Heidi McKerley

expertise to the role, which will play a pivotal part in the school’s plan to add St. Martin’s fifth-grade students into the middle school division for the 2024-25 school year. Kanette has been a steady presence in the St. Martin’s community for 17 years, as a parent to two graduates and PTO leader, and a Middle School English teacher for eight years before serving as the Interim Middle School Principal. Prior to SMES, she taught honors and AP classes at Brookwood High School.

Marianne Peterson

Emilie Robillard

Kanette is a distinguished educator with an impressive educational background.

She is currently pursuing an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership at Clemson University, reflecting her commitment to ongoing professional development.

Her educational journey also includes a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Georgia State University and a B.S. in Psychology (Industrial Organizational) from The University of Georgia.

Martha Ryan McShane

Heidi McKerley, Director of Speech & Drama, directed the premiere of “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812” at the Horizon Theater. She also received Best Director nomination nods from the Suzi Bass Awards for the Aurora Theatre’s “The Play That Goes Wrong” and the Horizon Theatre’s “Designing Women 2020.”

Marianne Peterson, MS administrative assistant, married her high school sweetheart Chad Peterson on October 14, 2023, in Tybee Island.

Emilie Robillard, secondgrade teaching assistant and Bradley Kostensky were married on October 14, 2023, in Ponchatoula, LA. EC lead teacher, Pearson McShane and husband Chris welcomed baby Martha Ryan McShane on September 9, 2023. She weighed 5 lbs. and 14 oz. and 19 in. n

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Alumni Notes

UPDATES FROM OUR ALUMNI

Walker Suddes ’13

Molly Richardson, ’14

Cole Dewey, ’14

’14

Mary Walker Mixon ’09

Madlyn Wright, ’13

Bailey Lusk, ’14

’09

’13

Joe Regas is working as a senior medical device sales rep for Southern Orthopedics in Atlanta.

He is an assistant coach for the St. Martin’s Middle School baseball team. They have won back-to-back championships and are planning on number three this spring!

Mary Walker Mixon lives in Sarasota and works at IMG Academy. She plays on multiple adult tennis teams in an intramural softball league. She bought her first house in July of 2021.

Natalie Chu is taking a year off work and spending it on the move. She has already visited over 14 countries, summited Mt Fuji, hiked the Kumano Kodo trail, visited Iguazú Falls, and hiked Patagonia and Perito Moreno Glacier. She is excited about her future travels.

Nathan Little works for New Mountain Capital as a private equity associate in New York.

David Cooper works for Abbott Labs as an electrophysiology clinical specialist working with 3D heart mapping in multiple hospitals around Mississippi.

Walker Suddes was promoted to senior audit associate at KPMG. Madlyn Wright graduated from Kennesaw University in 2021. She is a construction project manager at Leapley Construction. Madlyn, her fiancé and her mother took on the Everest Base Camp trek in Nepal in October 2023.

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Maggie Mixon has lived in Paris since 2019. In 2021, she graduated magna cum laude from the American University of Paris. She leads a US sales team for PlayPlay, a French startup company. In her spare time, she works as a buyer and antique hunter for her aunt’s store, Objet d’Art.

Molly Richardson graduated with honors from the University of Georgia in May of 2022 with dual degrees in economics and international affairs and relations. Molly was a Zell Miller Scholar and a member of UGA’s Honors College. After graduation, Molly took a position with KPMG in Denver, Colorado, as an advisory associate working in enterprise solutions.

Bailey Lusk received her master’s in elementary education this past summer through Georgia Southern University, making her a double eagle! Almost ten years later, she returned to St. Martin’s, the school that made her want to be a teacher. She serves as a Kindergarten assistant teacher and assistant coach to the B and C volleyball teams.

Cole Dewey is currently working as a prodevelopment associate at The Home Depot in its corporate office in Smyrna.

He is a recent graduate of the University of Tennessee.

ALUMNI NOTES

Lewis Jaynes, ’15

Gracie Stovall, ’15

Nicole Mulford, ’15

Ruthie Roberts, ’16

’16

McKenzie Miller, ’15

Francesca Herrera, ’15

Taylor Rand, ’16

’15

Gracie Stovall attends Belmont University and studies the entertainment and music industry. Her current job is at a Nashville venue called The End. She owns a promotion company called Mean Machine Concerts that books shows in the area.

She has booked over 20 local shows and looks forward to expanding.

was named Outstanding Collegiate Treble by the North Carolina chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing. In the summer of 2023, she was an emerging artist performing at the Seagle Festival. She is applying to graduate school to study vocal performance and opera.

Lewis Jaynes is in his final year at Clemson University.

He studied abroad in Argentina for the fall semester, had a great time, and worked on his Spanish.

He is excited to return and graduate from Clemson in the spring of 2024.

McKenzie Miller is graduating from Emory University in December with a bachelor of science in psychology. After graduation, she will continue working at St. Martin’s in the Explorers program and helping in the guidance department. She will begin her master’s in clinical mental health counseling in the fall of 2024.

Francesca Herrera graduated from Duke University in May 2023, majoring in music (vocal performance) and minoring in computer science and psychology.

She was awarded the Duke Music Department’s Julia Wilkinson Mueller Prize for Excellence in Music and

Nicole Mulford graduated from the University of Alabama Capstone College of Nursing. She accepted a nursing position in the emergency department at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Taylor Rand is a senior at Belmont University in Nashville, TN, majoring in creative & entertainment industries with a minor in music business. She is interning with The Recording Academy/ GRAMMYS Songwriters & Composers Wing. She has made Belmont’s Dean’s List for six consecutive semesters.

Ruthie Roberts will graduate from Texas Christian University in May and plans to attend law school with the goal of practicing criminal law.

Antonia Stanek finished her bachelor’s degree in communication science at the University of Amsterdam and completed her second internship at Heineken in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. She began a new internship at New Balance in e-commerce content and operations and plans to apply for a master’s in business management in Lisbon, Portugal.

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ALUMNI NOTES

Antonia Stanek, ’16

Finn Shaw, '17

Arden Adams, '17

Allie Campbell, '18

Charlie Hawk, ’16

Elisa Herrera, ’17

Laila Ahmed, '18

Drew Chastain, '18

Charlie Hawk graduates from Auburn University in May 2024 and will start a job in the specialty insurance field.

University in New Concord, OH. He is an exercise science major.

undergraduate government association. She recently led an on-campus bone marrow and stem cell registry drive where more than 700 students joined.

Allie Campbell is a sophomore at the University of Tennessee.

She is a member of Chi Omega, a College of Communications Ambassador, a statistics tutor and is involved in several journalism organizations such as Vol News and the Morning JEM. She also has worked with CBS Sports for select UTK college game days.

’17

Finn Shaw is a junior at Georgia College & State University. Finn worked on the beach in St. Simons the last two summers, giving sailboat rides and renting beach chairs. He will start a tax accounting internship in Atlanta this summer.

Elisa Herrera is a junior at Georgia Institute of Technology majoring in industrial and systems engineering. She spent the summer at Georgia Tech’s campus in Metz, France and had the opportunity to meet up with Molly Farrell (SMES Class of 2017) in Lisbon, Portugal.

Gerard Hudson is playing baseball at Muskingum

Arden Adams is a junior at Point Park University.

She made her Pittsburgh professional stage debut in the original one-act musical “One Log Bridge” at the New Hazlett Theatre. She is applying for directing and assistant directing positions throughout school and the Pittsburgh arts community. She is also a senator for Point Park’s Student Government Association and the secretary for Ghostlight Theatre Company.

’18

Annie Quinn is a sophomore at Boston College, majoring in transformational education studies and political science and minoring in Spanish.

She is the Director of Student Initiatives for the

36 WINTER 2024 | ST. MARTIN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

Quinn O’Conner is in the Honors Harbert Business College at Auburn University. He has been a member of the Financial Management Association since the spring of 2023. FMA provides a support network for the top students interested in finance careers. He represents the Harbert College of Business and Department of Finance in premier business engagements, leadership seminars, case competitions and corporate visits.

Laila Ahmed is a sophomore at San Diego State University majoring in psychology. She is a member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority.

Drew Chastain spent this past summer working as a ranch hand at Cherokee Park Ranch, a guest “dude” ranch in Livermore, Colorado. He plans to return there next summer to work as a wrangler. Drew also transferred from the University of North Georgia to the University of Georgia in the fall of 2023. He is a sophomore pre-business major and recently pledged and was initiated into the Sigma Chi fraternity.

ALUMNI NOTES

Grant Gaffney, ’18

Abby Hughes, '18

Will Tuggle '18

Griffin Clare, '19

Ansley Graves, ’18

Sam Alexander, '18

Ryan Pennington, '18

Tulsi Goel, '20

Grant Gaffney is in his sophomore year at Georgia Institute of Technology, studying computer science.

Grant studied abroad in Europe through the Georgia Tech Europe program and was the youngest finisher at Ironman Thun, Switzerland 2023, in July.

currently a sophomore at the University of Georgia on the pre-law track, majoring in psychology and minoring in business and criminal justice.

admitted into GW’s Global Bachelor’s Program, where he will spend three semesters abroad in Singapore and two other countries.

year to teach and work with kids while he rests and recovers.

Sam Alexander is a sophomore at the University of Georgia and a Phi Delta Theta fraternity member. He was recently accepted to the Terry College of Business as a finance major and is on the executive board of Thirst Project.

Ryan Pennington is currently a sophomore at the University of Georgia.

She is majoring in biology and is on a pre-med track in her studies. She lives in her sorority house this year and enjoys life in Athens.

Jack Cunningham is a senior at Whitfield Academy and is known as ‘JCBuckets,’ as the voice of the Wolfpack and is broadcasting for Whitefield varsity football, basketball and girl’s softball. He hopes to attend college and earn a Journalism and Sports Broadcasting degree. His goal is to become a sports commentator for ESPN.

Ansley Graves lived in Italy for four months to start her freshman year at The University of Tennessee.

While living in Italy, she traveled to Germany, Switzerland, Barcelona, and London. Ansley is currently writing a book about her experiences abroad. She is now on campus in Knoxville and studying supply chain management, with a minor in communications, and pledged Phi Mu sorority.

Abby Hughes finished restoring a 1972 Volkswagen Beetle that she bought in 2020. She is

Lydia Davis, a sophomore at the University of Georgia, plans to study sustainable development abroad this summer in Australia and New Zealand.

Will Tuggle is a sophomore at George Washington University in Washington, DC. He is interning in the office of Rep. Neal Dunn of Florida’s 2nd district in Congress, and he was

’19

Griffin Clare is a freshman at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. He is on the lacrosse team and is enjoying his time there.

Austin Scott recently survived a traumatic brain injury. He spent months in the hospital, but he is back and recovering! He will attend Emory University next fall and is taking this

’20

Tulsi Goel is a senior at Westminster and is in her last year of running cross country. She has made wonderful friends and found a sisterhood in cross country. Next semester, she will be a director in the school musical, “Footloose,” and is busy applying to colleges.

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ALUMNI NOTES

Riley Vassian, ’20

Ian Gaffney, ’20

Archer Love, '21

Sapna Goel, '21

Elizabeth McCall, '20

Madden Berg, '21

Lillian Thomas, '21

John David Linch, '22

Riley Vassian is a senior at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School. She is a member of the varsity soccer team and the sports medicine team.

She is a member of the National Honor Society and the Science National Honor Society.

was part of the 6A State Championship team. He will run varsity track this spring. Ian has consistently made the Dean’s List and is a National Honor Society and Science National Honor Society member.

tennis and spending time with her new puppy, ‘Larry Bird Dog.’

Elizabeth McCall received the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Atlanta’s 2023 Teen Volunteer of the Year Award for her impactful fundraising of “Buzzy’’ medical devices for Children’s HealthCare of Atlanta. Her donation helped relieve over 32,000 medical shots across the CHOA sites in Atlanta.

She also donated to a non-profit organization of her choice to help them continue their work.

’21

Ian Gaffney is a senior at Marist School. He was a captain on the varsity cross country team and

Madden Berg is a junior at St. Pius X and is the Varsity punter and kicker for the team.

Archer Love is a junior at St. Pius X and has enjoyed playing football and baseball.

Jamie Vicens is a junior at Marist and has committed to the Georgia Institute of Technology to play baseball.

Lillian Thomas is a junior at Marist School and went on the Bearing Witness trip to Munich, Prague, and Krakow in March 2023. She enjoys swimming, playing

38 WINTER 2024 | ST. MARTIN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

Sapna Goel is involved in theater at Westminster. She just finished a musical, “Into The Woods,” as Cinderella’s stepmother. She’s looking forward to auditioning for next semester’s musical, “Footloose.”

Lucy Linch, '22

’22

John David Linch is a sophomore at Marist School and was proud to win the English Award for Marist’s ninth grade last year. He made Dean’s List every semester since entering Marist and plays center for the JV Basketball Team.

He also competes in Marist Robotics and throws the shot put and discus for the Track team.

Lucy Linch is a Marist School sophomore who has been on the Honor

Roll every semester since entering. Lucy enjoys being a junior varsity and varsity football manager and excelling in sports broadcasting. Lucy sings in the Marist Chorus and is involved with the Marist Habitat for Humanity. Last summer, Lucy and her twin brother traveled to Appalachia on a Mission Trip.

ALUMNI NOTES

Evelyn Grace Hyde, '23

Bennett Gerspacher, '23

Sophia Ocampo, '23

Claire Jowers, '23

Greg Lisowski, '23

Jameson Hilton, '23 , with fellow SMES alums and YMSL members

’23

competed in the state finals.

Devin O’Connor is a freshman at St. Pius X, and is on the honors academic track for math, science and English. He made the Dean’s List his freshman year. He plays football and runs track.

Evelyn Grace Hyde is enjoying her freshman year at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School. She joined the cast of two, 10-minute plays for the Holy Innocents’ drama department.

Claire Jowers is enjoying her freshman year at Pace Academy, where she is playing third base for the varsity softball team.

Jackson Dorris is off to a great start at St. Pius X. He played defensive back and running back/receiver on the freshman football team over the summer and this fall. He has just started practice with the boy’s basketball team for the fall/ winter season.

Bennett Gerspacher ran varsity cross country for Chamblee High School.

He and his teammates

Greg Lisowski is playing football and soccer at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School. He also plays on two other basketball teams in the Atlanta area.

Max Etienne is playing basketball for the junior varsity team at St. Pius X. He hopes to be pulled up to the varsity team at the end of the season.

Natalia Parra is a freshman at Marist School, where she joined the dance company.

Sophia Ocampo started playing goalie for the Pace Academy JV lacrosse team in the middle of the 2023 season and is now playing for a travel team. She has improved with the training and practices and had a shutout in a 13-0 win!

She is hoping to make the varsity team this year as a sophomore.

Devin O’Connor, '23

Jameson Hilton is a freshman at Wesleyan School and a founding member of the Brookhaven Chapter of the Young Men’s Service League. YMSL is a national nonprofit organization offering moms and their teenage sons opportunities to volunteer together during their four years of high school. The Brookhaven Chapter has grown to 54 members, representing ten high schools in the Atlanta area. He is joined by fellow St. Martins alumni Henry Dickert, Logan Gunckel, Thomas Koziol, Greg Lisowski, Jake McLaren, Matthew Mikita, Griffin Moore, Brewer Riley, McCall Smith, Tommy Schweninger, Tanner Vassian, Harris Ackel, Chase Charrete, Dagem Addis, Nathan Loope, Jonny Regnier, and Jack Watson. n

We Love to Hear from You TO HAVE YOUR UPDATE PUBLISHED IN THE NEXT EDITION OF ALUMNI NOTES, PLEASE CONTACT Michael Albanese Alumni Liaison malbanese@stmartinschool.org

PATTERNS | WINTER 2024

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Voices

STORIES FROM FACULTY & STAFF CHRISTINA LARREA JOHNSON DIRECTOR OF COUNSELING AND GUIDANCE

hen I think of St. Martin’s, my heart overflows. As I reflect on the path that led me “home” 25 years ago, this task feels almost surreal. Through it all, there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that God has been at work every step of the way.

W

From a young age growing up in Key Biscayne, FL, I dreamed of working in the financial industry; I had a passion for math, numbers and money. Then, one day, sometime during my junior year of high school, I picked up a book titled “Covenant House,” which told real-life stories of homeless, abused and otherwise neglected children and teens. I remember spending all weekend reading and crying for these children. I believe that is when the switch flipped for me. From that point on, my calling evolved into something different, something deeper and more powerful.

Consequently, I went on to earn degrees in Child Psychology and Community Mental Health Counseling with an emphasis on families and juvenile delinquency.

Life then brought me to Georgia in 1994 when there happened to be a need for therapists to serve severely emotionally disturbed (SED) children ages 3-18. I still think about and pray for those kids and wonder where they might be now. Around 1998, unexpectedly, my resume was shared with SMES Head of School Neely Young and Elementary & Middle School principal Sue Astley. I interviewed twice and fell short due to not having school-based work experience. When I received a third invitation to interview in May of 1999, I clearly recall saying, “If you don’t hire me now, please do not call me again.” And as they say, the rest is history. A beautiful history that I am grateful for every day.

Affectionately known to my students as their crazy Cuban counselor, Ms. J, I remind them regularly that they are the best part of my SMES world. In my role as counselor serving grades 2-8, together, we laugh, cry, and feel joy, frustration, and disappointment, all possible given a trust that has been nurtured slowly over

40 WINTER 2024 | ST. MARTIN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

Christina Larrea Johnson Director of Counseling and Guidance

time, and that impact goes both ways. Our students constantly remind me that life should not be taken too seriously and the present moment is priceless and is not to be wasted. Whether we are having fun with Pats on the Back or exploring the highs and lows that come with being alive , my work at St. Martin’s is rooted in the blessing and understanding that each and every day is an opportunity to give life our best; not to be confused with perfection. The kids hear me say this is a “human” journey that applies to kids of all ages, including myself. And families, not a day goes by that I am not grateful you choose to share your children with me. Thank you.

The truth is I never imagined I’d still be at St. Martin’s 25 years later. Little did I know that my work would grow to become my family; a special community where I feel I belong, where I am loved, where I am safe. Personally and professionally, I understand the intangible value this brings into my life, so I in turn do my best to share these same blessings with those around me.

Thank you, God, for helping me find my way home.

Thank you for unexpected blessings.

Pure joy can always be found in EC Music and Movement class.

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

3110-A Ashford Dunwoody Road Atlanta, GA 30319

Upcoming FEBRUARY 19 23

President’s Day Holiday Parent-Teacher Conference (no school)

MARCH 4-8 28-April 1

Spring Break Easter Break

APRIL 11, 12 & 14

Spring Musical

MAY 22 23

Last Day EC Last Day LS/ MS & 8th-grade graduation

Please consult the online calendar for a complete list of key dates .

All dates are tentative and subject to change.