Making Our Mark - Summer 2018

st. mark's episcopal school

summer 2018

2

st. mark’s class of 2018

12

m ag a z i n e

heritage festival

vol. 3

32

remembering dorinda howard

summer 2018

2

class of 2018

Check out past yearbook photos from Class of 2018’s first years at St. Mark’s

12

in this issue

heritage festival

International flags wave in the hallways during Heritage Festival

From the Headmaster garhett wagers

vol. 3

32

remembering

Remembering Dorinda Howard’s life and St. Mark’s legacy Cate Stamets, ‘28, gets ready for the ring toss at Field Day

table of contents 1

From the Headmaster

2

Class of 2018

6

Alumni: Class of 2014

9

Alumni Week

10

Alumni Notes

12

Heritage Festival

14

Engaging Children,

Inspiring Learning

17

Episcopal Identity

20

Student Snapshots

28

Student Work

32

Faculty News

35

Athletics News

37

Athletics Records

38

Fine Arts

40

2018 Gala

43

Development Office

44

Parent Guild

45

Admission Office

46

Board of Trustees

Left: A group of blue team boys from the class of 2028 celebrate a victory in the tug-o-war at Field Day

On the cover: Matt Kaplan, ’27, soaks up the fun on Splash Day On the back cover: Bryleigh Bell and Vero Perryman, ‘27, enjoy Field Day

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Garhett Wagers Headmaster

hy is the school here? I believe we are here to help children learn about two things; the world, and themselves.

Teaching is about environment setting. We, teachers and parents, are called to create an environment where a child can learn these two things. At St. Mark’s, we believe that partnership in this endeavor is essential to the development of the whole child. As part of our children “making meaning of the world,” they are looking to see if there are patterns, consistencies and inconsistencies around them. When things are predictable and consistent, they gain comfort and will begin taking risks that lend to learning and discovery of self. When unpredictable and inconsistent, the child spends more time testing the environment, rather than testing him/herself.

Learning about the world happens through the lens of subjects, such as math, reading, science, religion, etc., and, it also happens through the lens of socialization with others. Learning does not happen in a vacuum. We can’t just open the top of a

child’s head and pour in the knowledge, and send them on their way.

So, as our children interface with math, reading, science, religion, one another, teachers, and their parents, they are evaluating what the world means to them, and who they are in it. “What am I good at? What comes easily to me vs what is hard for me? How do I evaluate and navigate dealing with these things?”

They are learning about themselves and the world, and, they are best served when we let them figure these things out; sometimes without help, sometimes without words, and sometimes without confirmation that their effort is correct.

In The Genius in Every Child, Rick Ackerly says, “Discipline is the business of education. Everything a child does is behavior, and all behavior takes place in the same brain, which is, moment to moment, in the business of linking up all of its parts. Education is the lifelong process of learning and practicing the disciplines of making it in the world.”

Unfortunately, discipline, as it is most frequently defined, is often negative.

One definition I found is: “The practice of ensuring that people obey rules, by teaching them to do so and punishing them if they do not.”

Obey and punish! Is obedience what learning is about? Maybe learning to obey. I think we want more. We want discernment of what is real or imaginary, just or unjust, fact or opinion.

I think we should view discipline differently. Here is one way; “developing a skill or working toward a goal through the use of self-control.” Or if we look at the origin of the word, from disciple, which is a student or follower of a learner or thinker.

If we view discipline as something we do to ourselves, rather than something that someone else does to us, we learn how we can best navigate the world, with a mindfulness that we are, ourselves, in that world. This is how agency is developed.

Each person is unique, so one size fits all strategies are not best. Seeing, knowing, and meeting our students where they are, in partnership between parent and school, while honoring the third member of this partnership; the child.

This is the ideal, creating the atmosphere in which learning the disciplines of self can happen.

When you’re in it, it’s hard to know if it’s working. Sometimes, we might think it isn’t. However, my experience tells me to trust this and stay the course. Years of alumni success have demonstrated this plan is ideal when viewed through the lens of the long game.

Garhett Wagers Headmaster

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Started Preschool 2s

Siler Fisher

Future Radiologist

Future Stock Market Broker

Future IT Specialist

Future not sure yet

These are Class of 2018's

Matt Harkness

yearbook photos from their

Future Engineer Jamilah Citizen

Started Kindergar David Andrews

ten

they looked like back then...

Future Kardashian Dylan Davis

Future Aerospace engineer or Aeronautical engineer

Future Director James McWhinnie Future Marine Biologist or Underwater Archeologist

Logan Pancheri Vincent Lopez

Future Interior Designer

Future fifth Mexican

Future Chemical Engineer

the NBA

and Author

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Catherine MacConnell Future Doctor

Ryan Somma

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Paris Riconte Sean MacConnell Future Biologist or Doctor

Eliza Thompson Future Broadway actress

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Austen Hill

Started 5th Grade

Joe Anton

Greer Drinnon

Future Sports Lawyer

Future Surgeon

Future NBA basketball player and Entreprenuer

Ava Phillips Future Psychologist Ryan Irr

Lily Pearce

Future Mechanic

Future Actress / Singer Kate Phillips Future Movie Editor or Author

rade Started 8th G Olivia Wang

Future Dancer or Teacher

A Olivia Wang B Austen Hill C Cici Calhoun D Paris Riconte E Christina Amelio F Catherine MacConnell G Eliza Thompson H Joe Anton I Carson Ferstl J Valerie Ortiz K Jamilah Citizen L Ryan Somma M Joel Johnson N Dylan Davis O Hannah Maloney P Greer Drinnon Q Logan Pancheri R Zoe Meshberger S Lily Pearce T David Andrews U Kate Phillips V Alec Brisch W Tess Padon X Siler Fisher Y Matt Harkness Z Jack Burton AA Nia Mclean BB Ava Phillips CC James McWhinnie DD Leanne Currier EE Lauren McGinnis FF Jack Edwards GG Sean MacConnell HH Matthew Ellithorpe II Vincent Lopez JJ Kennedy Gilmore KK Anthony Graham LL Ryan Irr MM Kennan Jones

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Future Cook

Future Chef

Future Supreme Court Justice

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Future good person

Matthew Ellithorpe

Nia Mclean

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in management Future Scientist

Anthony Graham

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Future CEO or someone

Jack Edwards

Future not sure yet

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Future Movie Director Zoe Meshberger

Future Wildlife Rehabilitator

Future Businessman

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Future Golfer

basketball player in

Started Preschool 3s

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Joel Johnson

Lauren McGinnis

Future Veterinarian

See if you can figure out what

Hannah Maloney

Kennedy Gilmore

Valerie Ortiz

first year at St. Mark's.

Future Doctor

Future Photographer

Kennan Jones

Started 6th Grade Alec Brisch

Leanne Currier

Jack Burton

Blast from the past

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our class of 2018 is

high school bound

Class of 2018

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e are often asked, “what makes a preschool through 8th grade school special?” At St. Mark’s, we believe a foundation for lifelong learning is established in the elementary and middle school years, and we are most proud of the way we support our students along their path to high school and beyond. As a school that truly does celebrate each child’s uniqueness, we not only meet children where they are, but personalize, rather than standardize, their path to the next level. The Head of Middle School and the Headmaster spend time, one on one, with 8th grade students and their families to help them target schools of interest that will fit and support them, and, as a result, nearly all our students get into their first or second choice schools. These schools that our students choose represent a diverse collection of faith-based, independent, and public programs, each chosen to help our graduates find a school community that will support their growth at the next level.

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Where will these Lions make their mark? united kingdom

canada

Edinburgh, UK | 1

united states Vancouver, BC | 1 New York | 2 Pennsylvania | 1

Massachusetts | 1 Connecticut | 1 Washington, D.C. | 1 North Carolina | 1 South Carolina | 1 Colorado | 18

Class of 2014

Oklahoma | 2 Texas | 18 Louisiana | 3

where are they headed? it’s hard to believe the st. mark’s class of 2013 is off to college! we are proud of our students, who are attending the following universities.

Zoe Alvarez Alvin High School > No information given

Karina Chaoul Lamar High School > Connecticut College

Parker Ferstl Houston Christian High School > Texas A&M University

Sarah Andrews Episcopal High School > Clemson University

Sydney Cherek St. Agnes Academy > Oklahoma University

Ryan Fulghum Episcopal High School > Georgetown University

Sam Birdwell Episcopal High School > Boston University

Alexis Covington St. Agnes Academy > Alabama University

Victoria Garza Houston Christian High School > University of Miami

Camille Bourgeois Lamar High School > Southern Methodist University

Gregory Dayao Dane Giunta St. John’s School Strake Jesuit College Prep > Edinburgh College (Scotland, UK) > Texas A&M University

John Cadena Episcopal High School > Southern Methodist University

Lana Elserag Carnegie Vanguard High School > The University of Texas

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Helen Hecht Episcopal High School > Rhodes College

Blake Hetherington The High School for the Performing and Visual Arts > New York University Alex Ho Bellaire High School > Rice University Pierce Hollier Strake Jesuit College Prep > Duke University Natalie Janssen St. Agnes Academy > University of Colorado Boulder Sean Kerrigan Houston Christian High School > Texas A&M University

Private Schools | 17

Public Schools | 20

Tennessee | 1 Alabama | 2 Florida | 1

In-State | 18

Out-of-State | 19

Abroad | 2

Sonia Kerrigan Houston Christian High School > Samford University

Chris Pollard Episcopal High School > Temple University

Sam Shapiro Houston Christian High School > Louisiana State University

Charlie Wailes Episcopal High School > St. Edward’s University

Phillip Kung Clements High School > The University of Texas

Daniela Rumbaut St. Agnes Academy > The University of Texas

Sean Sisolak St. Thomas High School > Texas A&M University, Galveston

Emily Lander St. Agnes Academy > Southern Methodist University

Christopher Scheffer Episcopal High School > The University of Texas

Daphne Stubblefield St. Agnes Academy > The University of Texas at Dallas

Lucy Wall West Island College, Calgary, Alberta Canada > University of British Columbia, Vancouver

Will Leathers Episcopal High School > Baylor University

Grace Schrimsher St. Agnes Academy > University of Oklahoma

Joey Urso Bellaire High School > Louisiana State University

Austin McGinnis Episcopal High School > The University of Texas

Kate Settoon St. Agnes Academy > Tulane University

Emily Villarreal Houston Christian High School > New York University

Christian Walmsley Episcopal High School > Baylor University Alice Watts St. Agnes Academy > The University of Texas

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Alumni Week

st. mark’s alumni are welcomed back to campus

Ashley Mamuko ’16, Garhett Wagers, and Natalie Gonzales ’16; Scott Basso, and Neil Kerrigan ‘14; Emily Brabo, Ryan Fulghum ’14, and Austin McGinnis ‘14

Class of 2014 grads pose with Mr. Wagers at the Senior Send-off Lunch: Mr. Wagers, Sarah Andrews, Pierce Hollier, Daphne Stubblefield, Sonia Kerrigan, Sean Kerrigan, Camille Bourgeois (seated), Ryan Fulghum, Natalie Janssen, Helen Hecht (seated), Austin McGinnis, and Philip Kung

E ach spring, we welcome high school aged alumni back to campus for Alumni stmeshouston

lots of likes stmeshouston #stmes2014

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Week. During Alumni Week, our students reconnect with St. Mark’s classmates and former teachers through an after school social and a special Senior Send Off lunch.

Our alumni share that they were well prepared, both academically and interpersonally, and local high schools often tell us that our students are highly

attractive to them. St. Mark’s graduates represent many of the best community members their schools have; they thrive in the classroom, contribute on the court, field, and stage, and are representative of well-rounded people. Ultimately, our alumni are exactly the types of students you would expect from a strong, childcentered environment.

lots of likes stmeshouston #stmes2017

Alums from the classes of 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 enjoyed catching up with friends at the annual Alumni After School Social; Follow us on Instagram @stmeshouston

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Beloved sexton Guermillo Monge stops in to say hello to the graduates at the Senior Send-off Lunch

ALUMNI NOTES Michael Artlip, ‘16, competed in the Junior Olympic National Championships for Men’s Gymnastics in May, where he placed in the top 5 on vault, and in the Top 15 in the All-Around for the nation! At the Texas State Championships, he placed 1st on floor exercise; 2nd on parallel bars, high bar and vault; and 3rd on pommel horse, and placed 2nd in the All-Around for the state. He was also named an Academic All-American by USA Gymnastics based on his high school GPA. Michael currently attends Strake Jesuit.

Congratulations to Alexis Covington, ‘14, shown left.

She graduated Magna Cum Laude from St. Agnes Academy

and has been accepted to the Honors College at The University of Alabama and will receive a National Merit Finalist Scholarship package there. She will be majoring in International Relations and English with a minor in Spanish, and plans on attending law school.

President at CVHS, and recently won a “best speaker” at Texas Junior State of America (Junior Government) competition. Lana is attending UT Austin in the fall.

Catch Gregory Dayao, ’14, this summer at HMNS, where he is serving as a volunteer coordinator before taking off for Ediburgh, Scotland for Mechanical Engineering Honors program. He also served as the Captain of the Golf Team this past year at St. John’s.

We are excited to recognize Ryan Fulghum, ‘14, who recently graduated from Episcopal High School. In addition to being in National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, and graduating Summa Cum Laude, he was recognized at Outstanding Male Student at EHS. Wow, Ryan!

Congrats to Lana Elserag, ‘14, who recently graduated from Carnegie Vanguard High School. She served as the Amnesty International

Congrats to Sam Shapiro, ‘14 who will attend Louisiana State University in the fall, where he will be on a full scholarship to Ogden

Portrait of a St. Mark’s Graduate A St. Mark’s graduate is a mindful, active learner who embraces the challenges of a robust educational experience and is ethically and spiritually motivated to make a positive contribution to the community and the world.

Michael Artlip at the 2018 Men’s Gymnastics National Championships; Head of Lower School, Bobby Hicks, Dr. Mackenzie Dupont, and Steve Hicks

Honors College and Ourso Business School. In addition to playing varsity football and lacrosse for Houston Christian High School, he has served as a volunteer at Camp Blessing, and Challenger Basketball, while also earning the rank of Eagle Scout and serving in St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. He was the 2015 King of the Krewe of Lyonnesse, a family and philanthropic Mardi Gras krewe in Louisiana. He is pictured left with this brother, Joe (‘15), while the two hiked a 60+ mile backpacking trek in the Rocky Mountains of New Mexico.

Our congratulations to Hannah Mortazavi, ‘08.

We heard that she accepted a job as a first year Audit Associate at the Accounting Firm KPMG in Dallas, Texas. Hannah completed her BBA and Masters in Accounting at Baylor in 4 years, while

Ryan Fulghum at graduation, pictured with his family: from left, sister, Caroline, ‘12, mom, Elizabeth, and dad, Roger Fulghum; Shapiro brothers pose during their 60+ mile hiking trek in the Rocky Mountains of New Mexico

also maintaining the Dean’s List, membership in Kappa Kappa Gamma, as well as serving as a small group leader for KLIFE ministries. Way to go, Hannah!

We are extremely proud of Dr. Mackenzie (Hicks) DuPont who graduated from St. Mark’s in 2006. She is now officially an MD, with her MPH, and her Diploma in Tropical Medicine, and Certificate in Global Health! She completed the Baylor College of Medicine and The University of Texas School of Public Health M.D./M.P.H. Program jointly sponsored by the two schools. In addition, she received the 2018 Excellence in Public Health Award from the U.S. Public Health Service at the Baylor College of Medicine Commencement ceremony in May. She is moving on to San Francisco this summer with her new husband, Branden DuPont, where she will complete her residency at the University

of California, San Francisco (Pediatrics). Bravo, Mackenzie!

We were so pleased to hear from Diedrich Schmidt, ‘90, recently. He reached out to Mrs. Howard to send her a farewell message upon her retirement and expressed his gratitude for her teaching. Diedrich has his B.S. in Physics and Engineering from Oregon State University, as well as his Masters of Science in Physics, and Ph.D. in Nanotechnology and Physics from the University of Washington. He spent time as a research scientist in Japan and Germany, and now serves works for one of the world’s leading chemical companies.

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Heritage Festival

an annual celebration of diversity

Syon Doshi, ‘23, poses with her grandparents and her mom, Gury Doshi, who came in to talk about their journey from India to Houston in the 1970s; Emmie Shaw, and Jack Kelly, all class of 2029, parade their homemade flags down the main hallway with the rest of their classmates

O ne of the highlights of our diverse community is our annual Heritage Festival,

To see a video recap of our week, visit www.stmes.org/heritage

held in the early spring. This incredible week-long celebration has evolved from the initial project of dedicated parent volunteers and supportive faculty who formed a multi-cultural committee. The committee’s work aimed at nurturing attitudes toward others that recognize the differences and celebrate the similarities of all people. It is our hope that by learning about each other we can create a positive environment of understanding and mutual respect in which our children grow and learn to be good citizens of the world.

The current celebration, now led by a committee of faculty, has preserved this initial intent, and created a public forum for acknowledging and celebrating our diversity on a yearly basis. Parents are invited to work with classroom teachers

and present individual heritages, traditions, or customs.

We are in our second year of following a curriculum plan to for each grade level for Heritage Festival, which allows students to enjoy different activities from year to year, instead of repeating projects, like researching their family tree.

Ultimately, our goal is to provide an age and developmentally-appropriate celebration of the diversity of our school community. This year, we brought back the popular Parade of Flags to our Opening Ceremony. Our 8th graders carried the flags of countries represented in our school family, and students who chose to participate paraded in behind their country’s flag. We ended the week with Folk Dances from Around the World, an opportunity to learn new folk dances from Russia, Sweden, Israel, and more!

Heritage Festival Annual Grade Level Programming Preschool 2s Who I Am: Flag Project 3rd Grade How We Got Here: Immigration and Family Movement

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Preschool 3s Find the Beat: Songs and Dance 4th Grade Traversing Verse: Biographical Poetry

Pre-K Tour of Fun: Toys and Games

Kindergarten Sharing Our Stories: Folktales and Languages

5th Grade My Family’s History: A Comprehensive Research Project

1st Grade Exploring Our Roots: My Family Tree

6th Grade Digging In: Exploring the Wide World of Food

2nd Grade Discovering Dress: Traditional Attire

7th and 8th Grades Speaker Series: Diversity / Tolerance Racism / Conflict Resolution

Sasha Reed, ‘23, in traditional Russian attire

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Gauri Arora

Brandon Scott

Caity Dillon

Engaging Children create a caring community than in our schools–the heart of our future.”

- Patricia Gándara

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Inspiring Learning

Gauri Arora,

Brandon Scott,

Caity Dillon, Spanish Teacher, 3rd through 5th Grade

6th Grade Math Teacher

As a current parent, a parent of a St. Mark’s alumna, and a teacher, I love my association with this small community, where everyone knows everyone by name. I find no better place to watch our children grow than our early childhood classrooms! The playful, joyful, and nurturing environment that we create for the children is what makes St. Mark’s a special place. I’ve always been passionate about teaching young children. Watching them grow and develop as confident learners gives me immense satisfaction and joy. Through my involvement with the Classroom Storytelling Project (School Literacy & Culture, Rice University), I have been able to provide opportunities to my students for learning important literacy skills this year.

The real spirit of St. Mark’s is the way the community comes together on a day to day basis. Everyone supports each other like a championship team through good and bad times. I also love the smiling faces that I see running around all day.

Our students are always SMILING! At St. Mark’s, we definitely embrace every unique child. We promote learning in a fun and adventurous way so that all the students will be engaged in learning. I love teaching mainly because it brings a smile to my face to see students of all ages grow and reach new achievements.

Teaching P.E. and coaching students in Kindergarten through 8th grade gives me the opportunity to help our kids develop life skills while having fun in each game or activity that we play. All of my age groups vary, so that also challenges me to bring the best out of them in different ways.

Every time that we play a game, one of my students learn something new about themselves or their team that will be with them throughout their journey of life.

I was drawn to the St. Mark’s community as soon as I walked through the door. The faculty, staff, and administration always make me feel welcome and supported. At St. Mark’s there is a focus on recognizing and celebrating the uniqueness of our students. As a result, our students know that they have a lot to contribute to the learning environment as well as how much they can learn from one another. Their understanding of these things creates an environment that is comfortable, playful, and inviting. Watching kids grow up and mature into students that take ownership of their learning is the most exciting part of teaching. I love piquing students’ curiosity about the Spanish language and cultures and watching them dig deeper to learn more. Offering our students the opportunity to travel and use their Spanish in authentic contexts is a dream come true.

I have loved seeing how their motivation has soared since they have realized how their learning will influence their life outside of the classroom.

I love St. Mark’s because it is a community that accepts and celebrates every individual within it. I am excited to get to know each child as an individual and see how I can help them to move forward in their journey. I see our mission in action in the way we balance academic pursuits with time spent in play and in character growth. We really live out our mission every day, helping each student (and each teacher) to become their best selves. Math is my favorite subject because there are so many ways to solve each problem. Every student sees things differently, and from studying their techniques we all learn more. This year I have learned that hearing each child’s voice is a crucial component to engaged learning. Because there are multiple ways to solve each problem, each child has something to contribute to the lesson.

Preschool 3s Teacher

“There is no better place to

Kathy Howe

Physical Education Teacher, Kindergarten through 3rd Grade

Kathy Howe,

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Knowing You Belong: Chapel at St. Mark’s

Episcopal Identity the rev. kristin sullivan

The chapel program at St. Mark’s endeavors to foster a sense of belonging that is rooted in the Episcopal liturgical tradition. Gathering for chapel weekly grounds our community in our Christian faith and allows us to center ourselves on God. This sense of belonging is incorporated in the classroom through the respectful treatment of one another. While strongly rooted in Judeo-Christian teaching, we also recognize and celebrate the diversity present in our community. Students of all faiths are invited to participate in chapel in ways that are appropriate to their religion.

Ella Pancamo, ‘23, holding her Paschal Candle after being baptized in elementary chapel

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Rev. Kristin Sullivan, School Chaplain

Left: Amanda McGee, 2nd Grade Teacher, serves communion

ne of the best parts of my job is helping students make deeper connections to their faith, whatever faith that may be.

Recently I began one of my classes by telling the students that we were going to be learning about the Muslim holiday of Ramadan, which would soon be starting.

The first question, and one that I answer often, was “why are we learning about a Muslim holiday if we are an Episcopal school?” To the amazement of the students I told them that we had a lot of Muslim students in our school, as well as Hindu, Sikh, Jewish and students of many other beliefs. Part of what makes an Episcopal school special is that we are not merely tolerant of those who are different than us, but we embrace, encourage and welcome people of all faiths into our communities. The Baptismal Covenant that Episcopalians follow says that we will seek and serve Christ in all people, loving our neighbors as ourselves. We live

in an increasingly diverse, multicultural, and digitally connected world where our students will need to be able to work and connect with different people all over the globe. Our Portrait of a Graduate says that in addition to being active learners, our students will be “ethically and spiritually motivated to make a positive contribution to the community and the world.” This part of our mission is woven into every part of our life from chapel, to the classroom, on the playground, and beyond.

We teach and learn about other religions because it makes us a better community. When we understand the beliefs of our friends and neighbors we have a window into their lives and we learn that there are many more things that tie us together than pull us apart. When we learn about other religions we strengthen our own faith by asking questions and thinking about the way that we connect to God, and that is always a good thing!

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Awards Season

recognizing growth and leadership

A

Opposite: Cici Calhoun, recipient of the Faculty award, James McWhinnie, recipient of the Ambassador Award, and Eliza Thompson, recipient of the St. Mark’s Cup, pose with their award plaques.

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s the year ends, we recognize many students who have shown growth and leadership throughout the year.

In Elementary School, we present certificates to 4th grade students who achieved High Honors by earning all A’s and those who achieved Honors by earning all A’s and one or two B’s. Students in 2nd through 4th grade will stand for recognition for achieving the Paw of Approval certificate for earning 4’s with one or two 3’s in work habits, social skills, and behavior management from both their homeroom and enrichment teachers.

In Middle School, students receive awards for mathematics, performing arts or visual arts. We also recognize students who score well on the National Spanish Exam, who participate in designing our yearbook, creative writing opportunities, Odyssey of the Mind, or the Duke Talent Identification Program. We also recognize the Scholastic Virtue Award, which is given to one boy and one girl in each middle school grade who displayed consistent effort to adopt a growth mindset as evidenced in their attention to addressing challenges, learning from mistakes, accepting feedback, displaying perseverance, asking questions, and taking risks in his or her learning. The recipients of this award are chosen by the grade level advisors. Middle School students are also eligible for the Heart of a Leader Award, which is given to one boy and one girl in each grade who displayed remarkable effort to consistently work effectively with others and, thus, by his or her actions, added value to a group experience. The recipients of this award are chosen by the grade level teams.

the st. mark’s cup

This award is given to the graduating 8th grade student who best represents the spirit of the Middle School. The student strives for personal best in all areas of school life: academics, sports, fine arts, and extracurricular activities.

He or she represents our school with a positive attitude, good sportsmanship, neat appearance, self-discipline, and responsible behavior on campus as well as off campus at school events. This young adult affects the staff’s teaching in positive ways and has enriched the life of our school with a strong spirit of volunteerism and active participation in school events and activities.

the ambassador award

This award goes to the 8th grade student who exemplifies outstanding character and demonstrates what it means to be Respectful, Responsible, and Kind. This student consistently displays ethical leadership and social responsibility in and out of the classroom.

the faculty award

This award is given to an 8th grade student who consistently and independently wants to learn more. The recipient of this award demonstrates not only an intellectual curiosity, but also a passion for learning and creativity. The recipient’s interests are driven not by a grade but by a genuine thirst for knowledge that inspires the student to ask questions, engage in conversation beyond the classroom, and participate in independent research.

Student Snapshots st. mark’s lions making our mark

Eva Gei, Catalina Amelio, Caroline Massey, and Ella Pancamo, ‘23, learn to wash laundry by hand at 3rd Grade Pioneer Day, the capstone event of an extended study of life in America in the 1800s.

Top Row: Hailey Honeycutt and Olivia Hebenstreit, ‘28, feed the miniature pony during the Early Childhood Petting Zoo in March.

Catherine Roth, ‘26, strikes a pose at the Kindergarten 100 Day Style Show. To celebrate 100 days of school, Kindergarten students create t-shirts with 100 items, and then strut their stuff on the runway!

Quinn Royer, ‘25, shares her comprehensive research at the 1st grade Insect Exhibit.

Middle Row Left: Ethan Sax, ‘24, and his dad, Ken, perform a science experiment at Labs with Dads.

DJ Skaggs, ‘22, gives high-fives at the Fourth Grade Fly Up Ceremony as he “flies up” from lower school to middle school. Every May, Mrs. Hicks writes a prediction for each of our 4th grade

Our 2nd grade classes host these fun science-themed mornings a few times each year. This experiment was creating space-themed Alka-Seltzer rockets as a part of their space unit.

students as she launches them into life in the middle school at St. Mark’s.

Scarlett Schlacher, Ella Hildreth, and Francesca Kovalik, all ‘27, build beautiful patterns with oversized pattern blocks on a cold day in the courtyard.

Bottom Row:

Right:

Brycen Matthews and Trip Ducey, ‘19,

Felix Anderson, ‘21, runs the fire

build models of DNA in science.

drill while he served as Headmaster for the Day. This fun gala auction item is always a hit!

Luke Jensen-Roman, ‘29, explores a sensory “snow” activity with shaving cream and powdered sugar.

Top Row:

Jack Edwards, Austin Hill,

Girls from the class of 2020 enjoy

Logan Pancheri, Greer Drinnon,

their spring trip, a tour of Texas,

Matt Harkness, and Vincent Lopez,

including a visit to the Natural Bridge

all class of 2018, pose in front of The

Caverns outside of Austin.

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial while on their trip to Washington DC.

Middle Row: Nora Lemke, ‘23, at the Houston Texans Kids Triathlon, representing St. Mark’s.

Aatira Shah, ‘23, at the Houston Texans Kids Triathlon, representing St. Mark’s.

Bottom Row: Brooke Crabtree, ‘21, receives her high honors certificate at Middle School’s Trimester 2 Awards Assembly, while Coulsen Batchelor and Kai Olivarez, both ’19 look on.

Student Work

make and share fair | student writing

Savannah Murphy, ‘24, shares her melted crayon art at the Make and Share Fair

ILaurie n 2015, Librarians Kristin Uptmor and Mitchell attended the Innovation

Institute at the Pine Crest School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Through this professional development experience (supported by the St. Mark’s Annual Fund), Mrs. Uptmor and Mrs. Mitchell learned about the concept of “makerspaces,” a concept that they were thrilled to bring back to St. Mark’s. We now have two design labs on campus, where students can tinker, explore, and test theories.

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Inspired by the excitement of our St. Mark’s students for tinkering, Mrs. Mitchell and Mrs. Uptmor hosted the first Make and Share Fair at St. Mark’s in the fall of 2016.

The Make and Share Fair celebrates a “Do-ItYourself” mindset and encourages tinkering and exploring new concepts.

The first fair was a huge success! In the 2017-2018 school year, the Make and Share Fair was moved under the umbrella of the IDEA Program at St. Mark’s. Students in 1st through 8th grade were invited to participate

in our Make and Share Fair and worked on creating something of their own by learning a new skill, working to solve a problem, or exploring a new technology. This year, we had over 125 students participate in the Make and Share Fair, and their work was incredible! We can’t wait to see what next year holds!

Top Row: Catalina Amelio, Syon Doshi, and Aatira Shah, ‘23, explore their creation at the Make and Share Fair; Abby Golub, ‘19, shares homemade challah bread at the Make and Share Fair; Bottom: Avery Kelling, Lulu Gibellini, and Mia Tribble, all ‘21, share their homemade slime

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Student Work, continued

Lauren McGinnis, ’18, reading her piece, Love Letter from the Chandelier to the Sidewalk Chalk; Paris Riconte, ’18, reading her piece, Ode to Apples; both shown below

ODE TO APPLES By: Paris Riconte, ‘18

LOVE LETTER FROM THE CHANDELIER TO THE SIDEWALK CHALK By: Lauren McGinnis, ‘18

Paris Riconte, ’18, Curriculum and Learning Coordinator, Cortney Richa-Hebert, Lauren McGinnis, ’18, and 8th Grade Language Arts teacher, Jessica Evans pose for a photo during the WITS reading events held at the Menil Collection

W e are proud to celebrate two students whose accomplishments in writing earned

them city-wide recognition by Writers in Schools (WITS), a group who partners with schools across Houston to encourage students to find a passion for reading and writing.

Curriculum and Learning Coordinator, Cortney Richa-Hebert shares, “We are so excited to see two of our eighth graders be selected to be a part of the WITS Watchful Eye series this year. The creative writing work with we do with WITS is such an amazing opportunity for our students and teachers.”

Each year, thousands of students

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across Houston submit writing pieces to be selected for the Young Writers Reading or the Watchful Eye series reading. The reading events, held at the Menil Collection, feature the best students from WITS’ 250 school, community, and hospital classrooms. The young writers’ writing pieces were reviewed and selected through a juried process. Each of the WITS consultants submits several pieces for the reading series, and their panel selects just a fraction of those pieces for the readings. WITS works with over 38,000 students and teachers each year, and only about 150 students are selected from all over the city of Houston. So, each school’s representative(s) at these readings represent

the best of the best of the best. “The St. Mark’s community has a deep commitment to promoting and celebrating literary arts and creativity. WITS is honored to partner with St. Mark’s each year, and our WITS writers love writing with your teachers and students. We were thrilled Lauren and Paris could represent St. Mark’s at our Watchful Eye reading,” states Jack McBride, Associate Director of WITS. We were thrilled that 8th graders Lauren McGinnis and Paris Riconte were selected to read their pieces at the event on Wednesday, May 16, 2018. Congratulations to Lauren and Paris on this incredible honor!

You sit inside on the shelf, for ages I would look at you.

But you never looked back.

My light is nearly out, your colors outshined my one, dull glow.

Every day you get taken outside, used for enjoyment.

Colors fly through the air.

Clothes are covered in you, and here I stay on this ceiling, waiting to be used.

Nobody comes into this room at night, so my light will never shine.

You see true light come from far up above and all I see are your vivid colors, outshining me.

One day you will notice my dull light, but until then I will always see parts of you fly away.

Here, Among the various fruits of the world, this life-saving hydrant, this crunchy deliciousness, breaking off the trees for all to eat.

You, a well-worshipped goddess of the people of Greece, You, the brightest parts of the rainbow, Sweet, Sour, and tangy, sometimes all at once.

When you are plucked, you may grow again from your pit sprouts a new tree, You quench my thirst, and you ride the world of Starvation.

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Faculty News

remembering dorinda howard, beloved st. mark’s teacher from 1984-2018

A Community Touched “To give 34 years of your life to anything demonstrates a special kind of dedication.

Dorinda Howard was a steward of intellectual curiosity and cultivated growth in generations of St. Mark’s students, never thinking of herself, always looking for ways to serve her students’ learning. Christa McAuliffe said, “I touch the future. I teach.” Today, the community of St. Mark’s

Pictured in the Fall of 1984, Dorinda Howard with her first class, including her son, Chris, grasping her elbow; and a more recent portrait

W hen considering the history and life of St. Mark’s, it is nearly impossible to

separate our story from the story of Mrs. Dorinda Howard, who walked our halls and taught our students for thirty-four years.

This spring, on the eve of our last day of school, Mrs. Howard passed away.

Before coming to Houston, Mrs. Howard managed a preschool in Illinois.

Moving to Houston to further herself as an educator, in 1984, she earned her master’s degree from the Creative Writing Program at the University of Houston and was hired as a 4th grade teacher at St. Mark’s Episcopal School. Mrs. Howard’s first classroom at St. Mark’s was a small room off the back of the original Hauser Hall. In her room, Mrs. Howard created a place where students could imagine and create. Each year, Mrs. Howard’s 4th grade room was transformed into a South American rainforest, with floor to ceiling trees, vines, and student-made animals.

Thirty years before we had developed our Characteristics of Professional Excellence, Mrs. Howard was demonstrating an innate ability to create a positive, playful

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is living in a future that Dorinda touched. “

environment for learning.

As the school expanded, adding middle school grades during the mid-to-late 80s, Mrs. Howard was at the center of that growth, creating curriculum, supporting students, and delivering quality language arts lessons. In 1989, we graduated our first class of 8th grade students, and Mrs. Howard began teaching 7th and 8th grade language arts. Over the next 30 years, Mrs. Howard instructed hundreds of our St. Mark’s students as they completed their St. Mark’s education. Our alumni often share how prepared they felt for language arts in high school and beyond, thanks in large part to the writing instruction they received from Mrs. Howard.

Without the legacy of Mrs. Howard, we would not be the school we are today.

Her knowledge of institutional history, her understanding of the needs of learners, and her willingness to engage children and inspire learning are just some of the qualities we will seek to emulate. As a school, we are who we are today because of the life and legacy of Dorinda Howard.

Dorinda Howard’s First Classroom in 1984; Mrs. Howard’s first St. Mark’s class picture, Spring of 1985; enjoying a book at the playground in 1984

Dorinda Howard at her desk in 1987

-Garhett Wagers

Howard with Advisory

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Athletics News sports banquet

Ally Enger, Coach Alexandria Bailey; Alan Currier, Coach Ross Grimes; Girls Junior Varsity Basketball players find their place on the Championship Banner

“

Sallie Wilson designed and founded the athletics program at St. Mark’s during her 24 years as our leader.

Coach Wilson was an asset to our community, and without her none of us would be here celebrating our

T he annual St. Mark’s Sports Banquet was held on Friday, May 12, in the Reeder

Gymnasium. This event allows us to recognize over 150 athletes for their accomplishments on the court, field, and track over the course of the year. A hallmark of the evening is recognizing our winners for the Sallie Wilson Sportsmanship Award, which is presented to the 8th grade athletes

whose actions and attitude most exemplify the ideals of sportsmanship; including fairness, civility, honesty, selflessness, respect and responsibility towards their teammates, coaches, officials, opponents and fans. This year’s Sallie Wilson Sportsmanship Award recipients were Jack Burton and Cici Calhoun, shown opposite.

student athletes today. This year Sallie Wilson was able to present the awards to their recipients in person.

”

-Roma Coleman

Director of Athletics

Left: Sallie Wilson Sportsmanship Award Winners, Jack Burton and Cici Calhoun, with Sallie Wilson who personally presented the awards this year.

Right: Sports Banquet guests admire the new Boys Varsity Basketball Championship Banner

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Athletics Records winter and spring sports

Basketball | 10 Teams | 109 Players | 2 5th Grade Teams: Hybrid UCAL and Private School Competition 3 6th Grade Teams | 2 7th Grade Teams | 3 8th Grade Teams 6th Grade Girls | 6-8 Overall Record | 2-4 Conference Record 3rd Place in the St. Francis Episcopal Basketball Tournament | GHAC Division I Conference Runners Up 6th Grade Boys Red | 8-7 Overall Record | 4-4 Conference Record | GHAC Division I Conference Runners Up 6th Grade Boys Blue | 2-11 Overall Record Junior Varsity Girls | 11-5 Overall Record | 5-1 Conference Record | Conference Champs | Leila Elserag, ‘20, and Ella Marino, ‘19, received all-tournament team awards in the Cats Classic Junior Varsity Boys | 3-8 Overall Record | 1-5 Conference Record Varsity Girls | 7-10 Overall Record | 7-7 Conference Record Varsity Boys Blue | 4-11 Overall Record Varsity Boys Red | 6-11 Overall Record | Conference Record 4-2 | Conference Tri-Champions

5th Grade Girls Basketball; 5th Grade Boys Basketball; 6th Grade Girls Basketball; 6th Grade Boys Red Basketball; 6th Grade Boys Blue Basketball

JV Girls Basketball; JV Boys Basketball; Varsity Girls Basketball; Varsity Boys Red Basketball; Varsity Boys Blue Basketball; Varsity Boys Red Basketball

Tennis | 36 Athletes | Bay Area Tournament: Boys Doubles Consolation Winners, Girls Doubles 3rd Place, Girls Doubles Consolation Winners | The Village School Tournament: Boys Doubles Consolation Winners, Boys Doubles 4th Place, Boys Singles Consolation Winner, Boys Singles 4th Place, Girls Doubles Consolation Winners, Girls Singles Consolation Winner Tennis

Golf | 12 Golfers | SWCA Tournament Team 1st Place | Ethan Bradford, ‘20, 5th Place | Dominic Green, ‘20, 4th Place | CHSA Tournament Team 2nd Place

Golf

Track & Field | 45 Athletes | 8th Grade Girls 4 x 200m Relay placed first in the Westbury Classic | HCHS Meet for 7th Grade Girls 2nd Place | 2nd Place in 7th Grade Girls Small School Division of the Houston Christian Mustang Invitational | GHAC Conference Results: 10th Place in 8th Grade Boys, 6th Place in 7th Grade Boys, 3rd Place in 8th Grade Girls, 7th Place in 7th Grade Girls, 8th Place in 6th Grade Girls | 30 New School Records Set: 8 - 5th Grade, 5 - 6th Grade, 7 - 7th Grade, 10 - 8th Grade

Track & Field Left: Ethan Bradford, ‘20, Matt Harkness, ‘18, Will Gillette, ‘20, Miles Dominey, ‘29, Joel Johnson, ‘18, and Dominic Green, ‘20, pose for a picture after placing 2nd at the SWCA Golf Tournament

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Fine Arts Night

Fine Arts At

On March 1, 2018 we held our first Fine Arts Night, an evening for the whole family that showcased art, music, dance, and theater all around campus. Many talented St. Mark’s students performed and shared The Middle School Choir performs at Fine Arts Night

their artwork, as well as some alumni and outside performers.

St. Mark’s, we seek to inspire

creativity, curiosity, and playfulness in a child-centered environment. Our fine arts classes are filled with joyful experiences, where students can express themselves in various forms. Students are engaged and excited when they walk into art and music as they enter a space where imagination

KK Ownby, ‘24, works with Craig Long, a local artist to complete an interactive piece at Fine Arts Night; James Enger, ‘21, plays his guitar at Fine Arts Night

and innovation are encouraged.

Sebastian Winkelmayer, ‘22, performs during the Talent Show

Maddie Merrill, ‘23, sings during the Talent Show

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2018 Gala

friday, april 20 | st. regis hotel

’ 2018 Rendezvouz Gala Co-Chairs, Cecilia Edwards and Merrily Calhoun, pose at the event with Headmaster Garhett Wagers

In even-numbered years, we enjoy a traditional gala, at an outside venue, with a seated dinner, a dance floor with a band, and formal attire.

In odd-numbered years, we host the UnGala, a two-hour cocktail party on our campus,

Angie and Vik Chadha, Charles and Kelly Beth Hapgood; Brody and Caroline Chapman, Alicia Roman and Corey Jensen, Pamela and Jason Klein

T he 2018 Rendezvous Gala was a fabulous fête! This beautiful, Francophile affair was held at the St. Regis Hotel on Friday, April 20. The evening was one of the most successful Galas in school history, raising over $225,000 in gross proceeds for our school. St. Mark’s is deeply grateful for the many supportive underwriters, volunteers, and auction donors, who made this event possible. More information, and a full list of underwriters and volunteers can be found at www.stmes.org/gala.

Photo Credit: Le Zu Photography

Merci Bien to our talented group of volunteers and chairs who worked tirelessly on this event: Cecilia Edwards and Merrily Calhoun

Aimee Shapiro and Joanie Andrews

Tori Fitzpatrick and Jackie Freeman

Elizabeth Trammell

Gala Chairs

Decor Chairs

Stacia Currier, Hazel McWhinnie, and Angela Lopez Student Socials

Auction Chairs

Parent Socials

Jennifer Ducey

Student Art Chair

with a smaller auction, casual dress, and tasty food. Both the Gala and the UnGala provide a wonderful opportunity for our families to come together to support St. Mark’s!

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Elegant candlelit tables welcomed Rendezvous Gala attendees

The Champagne Diva provided by J & D Entertainment

Gala Underwriters and Sponsors

Development Office

merci to our underwriters and sponsors

annual fund

ANNUAL FUND DOLLARS SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING FOUR CATEGORIES:

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR FACULTY AND STAFF

INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT AND CURRICULUM ENHANCEMENTS

CAMPUS IMPROVEMENTS

A ROBUST TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM

Bryan Blasingame and Kristina Burt, Lauren Valentino and Dean Smith; David and Joanie Andrews; Chad and Bethany Pedley, and Dacia and Robert Gonzales

Teacher Ticket Underwriters

First Infrastructure Capital

Amanda and Richard Makin Donna and Mike McGinnis Enriqueta and John Merrell Janice and Richard Moore Aimee and Dan Shapiro

Bar Underwriters

Je Ne Sais Quoi Sponsors

Cecilia and Jim Edwards

Invitation Underwriters

David Crabtree / Bradley Dodson / Don Ellithorpe /Sean Fitzpatrick / Hank Fuselier / Kevin McGowan / Walter Lynch

Photography Underwriters Kathy and Mark Artlip Kasteena Parikh, Keller Williams Metropolitan

Maintenant ou Jamais Underwriter The Gibellini Family

Repondez S’il Vous Plaît Underwriters Jessica and Gregory Cortez McCathern PLLC

Faire la Fête Avec Moi Sponsors Joanie and David Andrews Dana and Ron Bankston Merrily and Jack Calhoun Allee and Jim Crosby Ali Dodson Edu-Center | Bruce Holzband Cecilia and Jim Edwards Tori and Sean Fitzpatrick Jackie and Scott Freeman Richard Holt and Mark McMasters K. Reneé Salon

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Rista and Hendré Ackermann Dr. Robert and Sarah Amato Emily and Gerardo Amelio Katie Van Immerzeel and Brandon Anderson Jennifer and John Anderson Marie and Charles Anstead ZoeAnn and Jud Bailey Danielle and Josh Batchelor Jessica and Ken Breitbeil Kelly and Damian Burke Larreen and Damian Candelet Amelie and Charles Carlton Angie and Vik Chadha Caroline and Brody Chapman Anne and Shawn Cleary Charlene and Justin Coddington Cathy and David Crabtree Allyson and Mike Cunias Alex and Matt Doan Jennifer and B.J. Ducey Sara and Christopher Elkins Jennifer Finch and Hank Fuselier Maya and Ziad Fleyhan Jennifer and Jason Funderburk Carrie and Tim Gillette Jamie and Greg Grissom Kelly Beth and Charles Hapgood Jamie and Russell Hardin Elizabeth and Michael Hatfield Cathy and David Herr

Lori and David Hess Angela and Alex Holmes Katie and Bradley Honeycutt Alicia Roman and Corey Jensen Rele and Saheed Jimoh Megan and Kevin Kaplan Claire and Patrick Kelly Pamela and Jason Klein Suzanne Lasek-Nesselquist and Albert Klekers Kristin and Greg Koush Elizabeth and Jason Love Rebecca and Lawson Massey Tracy and Scott McKinney Allison and Pablo Mercado Sara Ruppelt and Daniel Metzen Allison and Patrick Miller Elizabeth and Christopher Mooney Stephanie and Andrew Morrison Susan and Ken Murphy Ramona and Dennis Murphy Kasteena and Sam Parikh Jessica and Ethan Phillips Winnie and Ben Powell Jennifer and Vinod Ramani Ilse Rew and Kevin Laudadio Mandy and Jack Robbins Monica Enamorado and Julio Romero Aguero Amy and Peter Scaff Brooke and Ryan Shelton Sabrina and Carlos Siso Dean Smith and Lauren Valentino Sarah Svoboda-Taylor and Chris Taylor Elizabeth Trammell and Brian Miller Julie Kinzelman and Christopher Tribble Stephanie and William Young

What is the Annual Fund?

The Annual Fund is by far the most important fundraising effort at St. Mark’s each year, and gifts at any level demonstrate our community’s commitment to our school’s mission. Each year, we ask you to support our school’s academic and learning environment by making a taxdeductible and discretionary contribution to the St. Mark’s Annual Fund. Donations provide the supplemental resources needed for the full support of our children and their educational development.

Lou Ellen Stansell Director of Development

Why in Addition to Tuition?

Tuition covers our basic operating budget, which includes salaries, benefits, utilities, and campus maintenance. The Annual Fund directly impacts program improvements, and allows us to provide the best environment possible for our children. As a school, we budget for areas like professional development, technology, curriculum, and facilities, but the Annual Fund bolsters these areas. The entirety of the St. Mark’s experience is made possible by this crucial initiative.

Meet this year’s Annual Fund Chairs, Kourtney and Vijay D’Cruz

“

Like many fellow parents, we have grown to appreciate what a truly special and unique environment St. Marks has cultivated for our children to grow, develop and thrive. Likewise, we understand how the Annual Fund provides an important means for the St. Marks community to take an active role in the school’s continued growth and one in which returns on this investment manifest in real time. The incremental resources provided through the Annual Fund sponsor the technology, professional development, and assets that we immediately see in our classrooms, teachers and students. I hope you will all join us to continue the tradition of ‘Every Family, Every Year’ and support the 2018-2019 Annual Fund.

Left: Vijay and Kourtney D’Cruz, pictured here with their children, Ian and Miri

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Save the Date for this Year’s Parent Guild Major Events!

Admission Office

What is the Parent Guild?

(re)introducing

August 21, 2018

amanda grace, director of admission

Boo Hoo Breakfast

A breakfast reception for parents immediately following drop-off on the first day of school.

Opening Day

October 27, 2018 Scarborough Fair

Pictured Above are the 2018-2019 Parent Guild Officers: Yan Gao (Treasurer), Sara Ruppelt (Secretary), Charlene Coddington (President), Amy Scaff (Vice President / President-Elect) The mission of the St. Mark’s Parent Guild is to support community spirit, create meaningful events and programs for our children, and promote the school in the greater surrounding community.

An annual fall fair for St. Mark’s families.

This is the Parent Guild’s primary fundraiser of the school year.

November 16, 2018 Grandparents and Friends Day Grandparents and Friends are invited to share a morning classroom visit and chapel service with students.

all current parents are automatically members of the Parent Guild. Participating in The Parent Guild is an excellent way to engage in the St. Mark’s community.

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Enjoy breakfast and a visit with Santa on a Saturday morning at St. Mark’s.

January 26, 2018 Father Daughter Dance

A dance for fathers or father-figures and their St. Mark’s daughters.

Join us throughout the year for other events like Dads and Donuts, Muffins with Moms, Spirit Nights, and Tech Talks!

Learn more at www.stmes.org/parents

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Over the past 5 years, St. Mark’s has experienced a steady growth in enrollment. The 2015-2016 opening of the G Building and subsequent expansion of our Middle School program brought the school’s most significant enrollment increase in recent years.

A

fter several years away, former Admission Director Amanda Grace returned to St. Mark’s this summer reassuming her role in admission. While Amanda is familiar with many families from her earlier years at St. Mark’s, she is excited to introduce herself to families and colleagues who joined the school community after her departure. Making Our Mark Magazine interviewed Ms. Grace to get to know her again.

Making Our Mark Magazine (MOMM): How did you first get into admission work?

Amanda Grace (AG): I began my career in higher education enrollment and admission, bringing me to Houston in 2008. I spent five years working for LSU, two of those years here in Houston managing Texas recruitment of students to my alma mater. While I continue to bleed purple and gold, my heart is truly in primary and secondary school work which ultimately led me to St. Mark’s in 2010.

MOMM: What brought you back to Houston?

AG: Houston has always felt like a second home to me, so when I began dating my now fiancé who lives here, the idea of returning surfaced. As the opportunity to return to St. Mark’s began to unfold, my interest in moving back to Houston was unquestionable. What an incredible blessing to be back in a city and a school I love!

Dan and Sophie Shapiro, ‘20, enjoy Dads and Donuts

Admission

Applications

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Admission

December 8, 2018 Breakfast with Santa

The Parent Guild is our version of the PTA, and

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Enrollments

MOMM: What are somethings that have changed since you moved away?

AG: There has been so much growth!

Since I left, St. Mark’s boasts a new Middle School building, a growing enrollment, and many new faces: new students, parents, faculty and staff. And, there are a few new programs and terms to familiarize myself with: the IDEA Program, the Flex Space, Genius Hour, etc. I expect the first few weeks of school will bring lots of personal learning!

Amanda Grace, Director of Admission

MOMM: Is there anything that remained the same?

AG: The warmth of the St. Mark’s community. There is an overwhelming sense of joy and connectedness that permeates throughout this school. I often found it hard to put into words, describing the “feeling” of St. Mark’s during my first four years here. But, it was a feeling that returned immediately when I arrived back on campus in mid-May. MOMM: What is your favorite part of your job?

AG: The people, without a doubt. I am blessed to spend my days interacting with prospective parents and students as they navigate educational options in Houston.

The relationships that bud in those first meetings often grow as prospective students and families become members of our school community. One of the things I missed most in my time away was greeting children with Mrs. Hicks at morning arrival - a post I am excited to take up again in August!

Save the Date and Invite a Friend to Our Fall Admission Open Houses: Wednesday, October 24 Wednesday, November 7

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Board of Trustees

2018-2019 st. mark’s episcopal school board of trustees

The 2017-2018 St. Mark’s Board of Trustees Carrie Gillette Board Chairman

Garhett Wagers Headmaster

Rev. Patrick Miller

2018-19 Board of Trustees; Not pictured: Michael Bollinger, Ali Dodson, Susanne Evans

S t. Mark’s Episcopal School was created in 1960 as an educational outreach ministry

of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. We are governed by a separate Board of Trustees, comprised of current and former parents and community leaders. The Board of Trustees of St. Mark’s Episcopal School is a dynamic group of individuals that focuses on the long-term strategic goals and financial position of the school and the selection and support of its Headmaster, Garhett Wagers. The board entrusts the normal, day-to-day operations of the school to their sole employee, the Headmaster, and uses its position to approve the annual operating budget oversee the financial operations of the school.

We would like to formally welcome the following individuals, newly elected to the St. Mark’s Board of Trustees:

Ashley Anderson

Ashley Anderson attended St. Mark’s School from preschool through 4th grade and feels fortunate to have had that basis as her earliest educational experience and foundation on which all subsequent education was built upon. After graduating St. John’s School with honors, Ashley earned her Bachelor of Science with Distinction in Accounting at Babson College. She has worked in the auditing or accounting profession since then and

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became a Texas CPA in 1993. Currently the VP of Internal Audit at Camden, Ashley oversees the entire internal audit function for US operations, as well as independent reporting to the Company’s Audit Committee. Ashley and her husband (also a CPA) recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary including a renewal of their vows at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church.

Ron Bankston

Ron Bankston is a Board-Certified Attorney and Distinguished Credentialed Me d i a t o r with 40 years of first chair trial experience and 20 years of experience as a mediator. Ron is a husband (to wife Dana), father (Tom and Laura), stepfather (Adam and Hannah) and grandfather (Phillip, Natalie, Betsy, and Tommy). Ron and Dana are members of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and proud supporters of St. Mark’s Episcopal School—a community they first joined when Adam (class of 2013) and Hannah (class of 2018) entered the school.

Bob Biehl

Bob Biehl has served as Treasurer of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas since 2007 and previously was

Rector

the Director of Foundations for the Diocese.

Originally from Kansas City, Missouri he graduated from Texas Christian University with a BBA in accounting in 1972. Bob has been a member of the Texas Society of CPA’s for over 40 years and has served there on numerous local and statewide committees. Bob also served on the Board of the Houston Estate and Financial Forum.

Bob and his wife Marilyn are members of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church and have one grown daughter.

Eleanor Cannon

Eleanor Cannon currently teaches 10th and 11th grade history and coaches field hockey at St. John’s School.

Eleanor graduated from an independent school and has taught for over twenty years in independent schools. A Virginia native, Eleanor graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Duke University and received a Master of arts from the University of Houston.

Eleanor is married to E. Philip Cannon Jr. and the proud mother of two sons, Brock and Peter. The Cannon family has attended St. Mark’s Episcopal Church for over ten years, where Eleanor has recently served on the Vestry, and in this capacity has served as the Vestry representative to the St. Mark’s Episcopal School Board of Trustees.

Ashley Anderson Ron Bankston Bob Biehl Departing Trustees On behalf of the entire St. Mark’s community, we extend our deepest thanks to the following trustees who are rolling off of the board this year. We are extremely grateful for their unwavering support, counsel, and service to our school.

Anne Cleary, Robert Durden, Jamie Grissom, Jill Thompson, John Toubassi, and Sara Elkins (Parent Guild Representative)

Gury Doshi

Since joining the St. Mark’s Episcopal School community in 2009, Gury Doshi has volunteered in many areas of school life. Gury co-chaired the school’s Heritage Festival in 2012-13, working with faculty and school leadership to create a program focused on learning and experiencing unique aspects of students’ heritage. This year, Gury and husband Pratik Doshi chaired the St. Mark’s Annual Fund, meeting and exceeding the fundraising goal. Gury’s favorite role however, is as coach of the 3rd grade girls’ basketball team, where she and her daughter exhibit their competitive spirit!

Gury is a physician and oncologist whose clinical research focuses on the treatment of prostate, kidney and bladder cancers.

Gury is Associate Chair of Genitourinary Oncology committee of US Oncology

Michael Bollinger Eleanor Cannon Ryan Cassens David Crabtree Ali Dodson

Research, the largest community-based research group in the country with more than 1000 physicians.

David Herr

David Herr and wife Cathy have two young children at St. Mark’s Episcopal School and one more who will soon be joining. The Herr family is fully engaged and committed to the school and its positive impact on the community. David was Chair of MD Anderson Board and has been the President of the LPG Charity Board since 2014. David also serves on the Houston Livestock and Rodeo Show’s Souvenir Committee and is a Lifetime Member of the organization.

Gury Doshi Susanne Evans David Herr Pablo Mercado Jessica Roberts Jeff Van Gundy Charlene Coddington

Parent Guild Representative

Jean Marie Howard Board Clerk

Kelly Bourgeois

Vestry Representative

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summer 2018 | vol. 3 making our mark magazine team headmaster Garhett Wagers

director of communication and marketing Jean Marie Howard

graphic design Angie Coussirat, Noted Design Company

photography Sharon Bukaty, Meredith Flaherty, Amanda Grace, Jean Marie Howard, Le Zu Photography, Martha Mayfield, Lou Ellen Stansell, Hilary Suzawa

writers and contributors Gauri Arora, Roma Coleman, Caity Dillon, Amanda Grace, Jean Marie Howard, Kathy Howe, Brandon Scott, Lou Ellen Stansell, Rev. Kristin Sullivan, Garhett Wagers

Please note: We understand that multiple copies of Making Our Mark may have been sent to your address. In an ongoing effort to be good stewards of the school’s and the Earth’s resources, we would appreciate your help. Please let us know if: You received a copy of making our mark addressed to someone who no longer maintains a permanent address at your home or you have multiple community members at the same address, but you would prefer to receive only one copy for your household.

Hannah Franks, ‘24, hits the final note of her song for the Talent Show

Making Our Mark is published by the school’s advancement office and is mailed free of charge to current St. Mark’s families, alumni, and friends of St. Mark’s.

For more information or to report an address change, please call 713-667-7030.

st. mark’s episcopal school 3816 bellaire boulevard houston, texas 77025

summer 2018

m ag a z i n e

vol. 3