THE MAGAZINE OF THE EPISCOPAL ACADEMY
SPRING 2016
A Legacy of Service to EA The Reverend James R. Squire, Hon. reflects back on his 38 years at Episcopal.
Contents CO N N ECTIO N S S PR ING 2016
News
Features
16 Alumni@EA
1 Message from The Greville Haslam Head of School
2 0 Giving@EA
2 A Legacy of Service to EA
2 2 Athletics@EA 3 0 Arts@EA
8 Inspired to Serve
3 4
OnCampus@EA
12 Community Outreach and Service at EA
4 1
Class Notes
1 3 Horizons at EA
5 0 Milestones 5 2 Memory Lane
1 4 EA Icons: Len and Edna Haley
Stay in Touch with Everything Episcopal… from stories and events to classmates and faculty! Join EA’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube communities! Facebook www.facebook.com/EpiscopalAcademy1785 Twitter twitter.com/Ea1785 Instagram instagram.com/ea1785
Connections, the magazine of The Episcopal Academy, is published three times each year by the Office of Communications. Classnotes, comments, and photographs can be directed to: OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
1785 Bishop White Drive Newtown Square, PA 19073 484-424-1478 t mgodin@episcopalacademy.org The Episcopal Academy is committed to environmental sustainability and is proud to print on paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. On the cover: The Reverend James R. Squire, Hon. in the Class of 1944 Chapel.
OFFICE OF ALUMNI PROGRAMS
1785 Bishop White Drive Newtown Square, PA 19073 484-424-1779 t bkonopka@episcopalacademy.org EDITORS
Michele Godin Courtney Brinkerhoff-Rau P ’16 ’19 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Kate LaBrake Kathy Jacoby P ’13 ’15 ’19 Stephanie Ottone Nancy S. Taylor, Hon. ARCHIVAL RESEARCH
Cassie Keith, Hon. CONNECTIONS
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Michael Leslie Douglas Benedict Courtney Brinkerhoff-Rau P ’16 ’19 Michele Godin Kate LaBrake Nancy S. Taylor, Hon Betty Berry P ’09 ’10 A special thank you to alumni, parents, and teachers who submitted their personal photographs for use in this issue: Len Haley, Hon. Susan Swanson, Hon. Deborah Newnham, Hon. Anne Barr, Hon. Tanuja Murray Jim Erwin Jen Lutz Kathy Jacoby P ’13 ’15 ’19 Vicki Squire P ’90 ’98 ‘07 Jeanie Fischer P ’17 ’18 ’19 James Costalas ’13 ART & PRODUCTION
Karp Graphic Design
Dear EA friends and supporters, This past fall, we learned that a pillar of our school community would soon begin the next chapter of his life: Head Chaplain, Rev. James R. Squire, has announced his plans to retire in June. Though I have only known him for a few years, Jim Squire has been a constant presence at The Episcopal Academy for nearly four decades. He is quick to offer support in good times and bad, from praying with those in mourning to celebrating the many accomplishments of our students. Quite simply, Jim’s legacy is that he is always there for us. During his tenure, Jim has built a Chapel program that welcomes and inspires students, teachers, parents, and faculty of every faith and background. His vision of an inclusive spiritual community is realized in the diversity of speakers, topics, and opportunities that Chapel presents. Chapel is the true hallmark of the Episcopal experience. Jim is one of many in the EA community who dedicate themselves to serving others. From EA’s early years of community service under the guidance of the dedicated Len Haley, to the present-day, globally reaching service initiatives, Episcopal is fortunate to have a longstanding tradition of giving back. It is with this spirit that we dedicate this issue to the subject of service. While these pages will surely only scratch the surface of our school’s many local and international service projects, I hope the stories within this volume will shed light on the breadth of our programs that make a difference, and pay tribute to the people who lead them.
Dr. T.J. Locke The Greville Haslam Head of School
SPRING 2016 // 1
“Being Chaplain here is not a job. It is a calling. It is a vocation.” –The Reverend James R. Squire, Hon.
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A Legacy of Service to EA By Courtney Brinkerhoff-Rau
“One of my goals is to establish my relationship with the community here as quickly as I can and also to have the community establish a relationship with me. I am not someone who believes in instant intimacy. I think this takes a period of time to occur.” That statement was published in an October 1978 edition of the Academy Scholium following The Reverend Jim Squire’s first interview with the school newspaper. He had been on the job for one month. He went on to tell student writer Tim Tompkins ’82, “My goal for Chapel is for it not to be a one man song and dance show but to be a corporate experience, and I hope that through my leadership and the leadership of the Vestry that that can be established.” It is fitting that this year’s Chapel theme, “Work for the Good of All,” will cap off Reverend Squire’s 38 years of service to The Episcopal Academy. During his last year, the “Rev” (as many students fondly refer to him) reflects back on the work he has done throughout his time at EA. “Being the Head Chaplain is a position that is 24/7, 365 days a year,” he explained. “I loved every minute of helping people.” There are many memories, thoughts, and reflections after 38 years of service, so we sat down with Reverend Squire to capture them.
and loved his studies. I remember one day we had a race, and I was the fastest kid in the school I was attending, and he beat me like you wouldn’t believe. I said to myself “I want to be like him.” I asked, “Where do you go to school?” He said, “I go to The Episcopal Academy.” Scholarship aid and that kind of thing in that day and age Q: You have served EA in many ways. were pretty non-existent, so I never had the What are some standout moments for opportunity. you? I started working at EA in September of A: The thing to remember about being 1978. I was working at Trinity Episcopal Chaplain is that a great deal of what I do Church in Swarthmore. One of my parishis not known to others. That is the paraioners was Dr. Linwood Urban, Chair of dox. People come to see me because they Religion at Swarthmore College. His son trust me with their secrets and struggles. David attended EA, and he received the My service to them is important to me, as EA magazine with the Head Chaplain job they are only known to God and me, and description. He met with me and said that the people who come for help. What I have this was a perfect match for me: counseling, done to help others that is public knowlacademic, and worship. edge is obviously just as important to me. I Lin was persistent that this would be operate in two worlds. One world is public ideal for the school and for me so I apand the other is private. plied and later received a call from [Head I have enjoyed everything. [My wife] of School] Jay Crawford that he wanted to Vicki always says that she never saw anymeet with me. One of the people who also one who couldn’t wait to begin the day as interviewed me was Bert Zug ’78, current I do, as Chaplain of our school. You never Middle School Chaplain, as he was on the know what challenge is going to come your Student Vestry at the time. way and no day, not one, turns out even I was also dealing with the recent diagclose to the way that you thought it would. nosis of my daughter, Joanna, at the time. Q: How did you start working at EA? She had a rare form of leukemia. She was diagnosed on Good Friday and died on A: I had first heard about EA as a middle Christmas Eve three months after I started school student. I met this kid at summer camp. He was just the kindest, most bright, at EA.
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Jay [Crawford] was well aware of the challenges I was dealing with in my family, but he offered me the position anyway. “I want you. We will help you get through this.” He took a big risk. That’s an exchange I will never forget. We had the service for Joanna at Christ Chapel on EA’s Merion campus. It was an extraordinarily difficult beginning but somehow we got through that first year. And, you know, I’m still living with it today, so it’s not like it’s something you get over. That’s the hard part that people don’t realize, but you figure out a way to get through it and have it empower you and be more sensitive to other people as a result. Q: One of the first groups you connected with upon arriving at EA was the Vestry. Why do you feel the Vestry is such an important part of the Chapel experience? A: The Vestry was here when I started. I
have worked with 39 Senior Wardens. I have been here 38 years, but one year
we had Co-Senior Wardens. If you are wondering why Chapel is such a great experience at EA, look no further than the Vestry. Over the years, the Vestry has made sure that worship in Chapel is engaging and requires a high level of response from the congregation. I believe that the best leadership skills are learned on the job. My own identity as a leader is as a coach. The Vestry is the team. To complete the analogy, they are players in developing and leading worship. No great team ever won without great players. This comes close to home as my son, Thaddeus ’90, was the Senior Warden and uses those skills as a thought and culture leader in the city and beyond.
my beliefs and resonates with the prayer of St. Francis, seek to console, not be consoled. Being the Head Chaplain here is a position that is 24/7, 365 days a year. I loved every minute of helping people. With the deaths that have occurred in our school, I find myself in communication with God frequently about why do bad things happen to good people. The injustice of it all is staggering to me. It really is true that unless you’ve been through it, you really can’t understand it. When people learn that I have been through that experience, there’s just this unique bond that occurs. The majority of my spiritual nourishment has been at this place. Any growth I have done has been the result of being here. Q: You always seem to know the right thing to say. How do you juggle that?
A FA M I LY A F FA I R The Squires’ three sons graduated from EA: Thaddeus ‘90 Adam ‘98 Spencer ‘07
Q: How has your faith grown, changed, and been tested as Head Chaplain? A: I really believe in the statement, “Oh
miracle, miracle of these empty hands, you only get to keep what you are willing to give away.” That is really at the heart of
History of Head Chaplains at The Episcopal Academy The position of Chaplain (or Head Chaplain) was created in 1921 during the search for a new Headmaster. “As no suitable clergyman seemed to be available as Headmaster, the separate office of Chaplain should be created.” –The Episcopal Academy 1785-1984, by Charles Latham, Jr. Researched and Compiled by Cassie Keith,Hon., Librarian and Archivist
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1921-1922 1922-1932 1932-1933 1933-1942 1942-1944 Rev. Albert Hawley Lucas
Rev. Leicester Crosby Lewis Rev. Alfred C. Arnold
Appointed Assistant Headmaster, 1922-1929
Rev. Charles S. Martin Created Student Vestry in 1934
Rev. William H. Jefferys
A: I am not sure I do juggle it well. Words
from the old Spiritual come to mind, “Nobody knows the trouble I have seen and nobody knows my sorrow.” I look out at the congregation and I know many of the stories people present. I think I deal with it because I’ve really been dealt some tough blows in life. I really just speak from the heart. What you see is what you get, and I can’t do or be anything else. That’s what you learn very quickly from kids and working with kids. They can spot a phony a mile away so you better be authentic. That is very, very important to them.
T H E R E V. J I M & V I C K I S Q U I R E S C H O L A R S H I P F U N D In recognition of his retirement and in honor of his long and committed tenure as Chaplain to thousands of Episcopal students, alumni, and families, and in celebration of Vicki Squire’s ardent dedication to the community, a group of donors has established a scholarship fund. The Rev. Jim & Vicki Squire Scholarship Fund will allow Episcopal to expand its financial aid capacity so that it can admit the most qualified applicants regardless of financial need. For more information about this fund or to make a gift, please contact Ellen Urbanski, Director of Institutional Advancement, at 484-424-1773 or eurbanski@episcopalacademy.org.
Q: You have taught and counseled thousands of students over the years. It sounds like they have taught you a lot as well? A: Much more than I have taught them. Q: What do you hope EA students learn and take away from the Chapel program? A: Our kids here are the toughest audience
you could ever speak in front of. You don’t want to be a one-man experience. You want everyone involved. You want everybody to be engaged and that’s really how I read the success of what’s going on. The more people I have engaged and involved tells me that we’re really getting an important message home. I want our graduates to see the world through a religious and ethical lens. I had a moving experience at the last Alumni Weekend. A former student, who was in my ethics class came up and said, “I have something to show you.” He took
THIS YEAR, STUDENTS HONORED R E V. S Q U I R E D U R I N G S PI R I T W E E K : • Seniors decorated their lounge, “Squired 2016” • Rev. Squire was featured on Spirit Week t-shirts • The soccer team designed special alternate jerseys
1944-1945 1945-1953 1953-1963 1963-1964 1964-1978 1978-2016 Rev. Arthur L. Lyon-Valden
Rev. Elbert K. St. Clair
Rev. James Ralph McDowel Rev. J. Gardner Hodder
Rev. James A. Trimble
Rev. James R. Squire
Introduced the advisor program
SPRING 2016 // 5
out a yellow piece of paper from his wallet. It was an old comment slip on carbon copy paper that we used to send home to parents. It was my comment about him. He said, “I want you to know that every time my father said I wouldn’t amount to anything I would go into a room, take out this comment, and read it.” This was a kid who had been out for of EA for a long time. I almost burst into tears. But that is the kind of thing that happens all the time here. Not just with me but also with the faculty and coaches because of the close working relationships with our students. Q: Moving to the Newtown Square campus and leaving Christ Chapel at the Merion campus was tough for a lot of people. How was the transition for you? A: How often does someone get to be part
of what we created here? It was a lot of work but look at the result. Christ Chapel, at the Merion campus, was the emotional tie that created strong feelings that people wanted to stay there. We have been blessed to have the Class of ’44 support the building of our current Chapel. And, how often do you have the chance in life to work
T H E PAT H T O O R D I N AT I O N During Rev. Squire’s tenure, eight EA graduates have entered into the ministry. “I can’t think of any place that has sent so many people on a path to ordination,” said Rev. Squire.
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with geniuses like architectural team Robert Venturi ’44 and Denise Scott Brown? When we first met, Denise and Bob asked me what I wanted. I replied, “I want something that generates awe, intimacy, and that no one can say that they saw something just like it down the street.” It was hard in the beginning. The kids were so used to the other space. It took them a year or two to really own this place. But what makes it the center is when real experiences of joy and tragedy meet and that’s what happens here in our Chapel. If these walls could talk, they would talk a lot about great joy. They would also talk about crushing, put-you-on-your-knees kind of pain and tragedy. I never looked back. I can count the number of times I have been back to the Merion campus on a few fingers of one hand. Q: You connect with people from all faiths in your position. How do you manage that? A: Managing the religious diversity of our
school means a great deal to me. Our religious diversity is one of our great strengths. We are an Episcopal school where one of
our guidelines of our denomination is the via media, the middle way, which gives us the moral mandate to embrace all that is around us. We are clear about our Christian identity, which is necessary to do this. My theology is that our worship life in Chapel is a journey in faith. My faith is deepened by experiencing the faith of another person, and hopefully their faith is deepened by experiencing mine. Some theologians refer to it as “the miracle of dialogue.” One of my favorite stories is we had a student who was a lifer, and I remember meeting with his parents when they were considering Lower School. The family was Jewish and they were worried. I encouraged them because I really believe in diversity. Many years later that student gave his senior address. This was at the old campus and that Chapel was unique in that it looked like a spaceship when you think about it. In his address he said, “When I first came to Chapel I thought I was coming into a spaceship. But now that I am leaving, I know I’ve been in God’s living room.” That’s what I am all about right there. At any time of the day I feel that I am a priest, rabbi, or a minister of any other faith. People know that I care deeply for them. You always grow when you’re dealing with somebody who has a different idea or different perspective than you do, and it can be an incredibly invigorating experience. Q: Where do you get your strength? A: Foremost, it’s prayer. It’s God. It’s my
relationship with Jesus. It’s certainly Vicki and everyone that surrounds me—the students, faculty, parents, and our whole community. I look out [during Chapel], and I know what the stories are there, and
A CA N - D O S PI R I T ! Rev. Squire was instrumental in working with the Vestry to grow the annual Can Drive. Today, it is one of the largest in our region! “We went from a few cans around the altar, to several years later, loading an 18-wheeler with food for those in need,” recalls Rev. Squire.
it’s really amazing what our students go through, everything they’re carrying around. Running has been a key as well. For me running is a form of meditation and it is not unusual for me to solve a problem when I am running whose solution wasn’t coming to me before. Some days I run with an iPhone. If I have a lot on my mind to be solved, I won’t run with anything and literally things become clearer for me. If I don’t have much going on, I’ll run to something on my playlist and just relax. I have a lot of conversations with God. Running, as crazy as that sounds, is a big, big help. Q: What music do you run to? Hymns? A: Right now, Adele. It’s all popular music,
no hymns. Q: 50 minutes is a lot of Adele songs, you don’t get tired of her? A: Not right now. I will get back into my
Q: You have presided over many occasions at EA: marriages, baptisms, and memorial services. Do you have any idea how many? A: It would be in the hundreds, I don’t
tend to think in those categories. But I can tell you, I can remember each and every one of them.” Q: Since 1921, when the Head Chaplain position was created, Episcopal Academy has had 11 Chaplains. Your tenure of 38 years has been the longest. What are your thoughts about being such a significant part of the school’s history? A: To be a part of that is really a humbling
experience. Everyone knows that I wanted to come here forever when I was a kid. To come full circle on a dream is really pretty heavy stuff. And I have a rather biased view, but we’re one of the great schools in the nation, so to be part of that and the history is really deeply moving.
other playlists.
Q: Why now?
Q: Do you feel like you have been oncall for 38 years?
A: I tend to frame my life in a different
A: The reality is that I have been on-call
for 38 years. The job is demanding and exhausting. If you are a parent, raising a child can be exhausting and demanding as well, but you don’t stop doing what needs to be done and what assistance needs to be given. It’s full steam ahead. It’s almost like being in a religious emergency room. That is where I am most alive. Being Chaplain here is not a job. It is a calling. It is a vocation. People don’t necessarily need you when it is convenient for you to respond.
way. I prefer in terms of this situation to see things in terms of the next chapter of what I’m going to be doing. I spoke in Chapel recently about “gains and losses,” and you need to embrace them both. I am losing my formal role but gaining a new chapter in my life. We all live in Kairos time, not Chronos time. Kairos is God’s time, so that’s something you learn very quickly here that you better not take today for granted. I feel that I have much more to do and will look for something that will use me in a challenging and invigorating manner. I
am looking forward to spending more intentional time with Vicki and our family. I think one of the gifts of the institution is—you know the song Hotel California? “You can check out …but you can never leave.” I am retiring from my formal position as Chaplain, but I am not retiring from my significant relationships with others. Q: Over your years here, did you ever find the young man you met at summer camp who set you down the path to discovering Episcopal Academy? A: No. We were never able to track him
down. Q: Thank you. You will certainly be missed. A: Thank you. I will miss this place, that’s
for sure. EA
FAVO R I T E H Y M N S Come Labor On Be Not Afraid Amazing Grace Lift Every Voice and Sing
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Inspired TO SERVE By Kate LaBrake, Courtney Brinkerhoff-Rau, and Michele Godin
When we decided to focus this issue on the theme of service, we sat down as an editorial team to begin brainstorming our features line-up. Within five minutes, we had filled an entire whiteboard with an extensive list of community outreach and service programs and the individuals who lead them. The ease with which we crafted that list is a testament to how deeply rooted service is here at Episcopal. It is a part of our history, our identity, our DNA. Detailing all of our school community’s diverse service initiatives would fill volumes, so instead we offer a sampling of the students, teachers, parents, coaches, and alumni who dedicate themselves to giving back. We hope their stories inspire you as much as they inspired us.
450 Hours and Counting There is a poignant Woodrow Wilson quote found at the bottom of every email Chris Stein ’16 sends: “There is no higher religion than human service. To work for the common good is the greatest creed.” Chris credits the Boy Scouts with launching him down the path of volunteerism. Four years ago, as a freshman, Chris’ advisor was Director of Community Outreach Susan Swanson. She encouraged him to get involved with EA’s community service programs. In June, Chris will graduate with over 450 logged community service hours, the largest number of volunteer hours ever recorded by an EA student. Chris was awarded EA’s prestigious Lenard M. Haley Community Service Prize in 2015 and, most recently, received The President’s Volunteer Service Award. While juggling a rigorous course load, Chris also volunteers weekly at ACLAMO, a bilingual tutoring center in Norristown. He prepares meals and collects food for the hungry, and worked with children in South Africa during his JTerm course last year. “I love to do service. It stems from the fact that I have seen first-hand, from Cape Town to West Philly, that there are people in the world that need help. They are less fortunate than I but just as deserving,” explained Chris.
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Service to the Tee For JV Golf Coach Paris Sterrett, the inspiration to serve was sparked at a young age. “My dad was the head of a community center,” he said. “He taught us it’s better to give than to receive, and I’ve always believed that to be true.” It is no wonder, then, that Sterrett is more than a superstar volunteer in his own community. He is also inspiring generations of EA student-athletes to serve as coaches to a special group of golfers: students at Overbrook School for the Blind. At annual fall and summer events coordinated in partnership with the Middle Atlantic Blind Golf Association (MABGA), EA golfers volunteer to coach blind and visually impaired children. At the end of the event, the children receive trophies and prizes. The event is successful because of the children’s enthusiasm and the coaches’ dedication. A longtime MABGA volunteer, Sterrett matches the golfers and children based on interests, personality, and skill level. “I tell our golfers to treat the child like one of their classmates,” he explained. “You can talk about anything, from sports to music, current events, and school. You aren’t only there to analyze their skills and provide support. You are there to build a relationship.” These powerful relationships are probably the reason why Sterrett never needs to scramble for volunteers. Instead, he continues to see interest grow among not only his team, but also varsity golfers and young alumni who continually return for the event.
EA Alumni Connecting Through Service While many EA alumni look forward to reuniting with classmates once a year, a special group of alums reconnect many times through community service. The Alumni Community Service Program coordinates six to seven community outreach projects each year focused on helping the St. James Middle School, a communitybased school committed to educating under-resourced students in Philadelphia. The program was co-founded by Len Haley and David Dugery ‘86, recipient of EA’s 2015 Alumni Community Service Award. Dugery was actively involved in many service projects during his time at EA, which he attributes to helping inspire his lifelong passion for service. “The concept of community service was a seed that Len planted within so many that he came in contact with throughout his decades at EA. His leadership by example has proven to be such a powerful teacher to many like myself,” explained Dugery. “As a result, service has become a big part of my life and that of many close to me. I view the opportunity to be involved in The Episcopal Academy Alumni Community Service Program as simply another way to help build on the foundation that Len created.” From building outdoor benches to fall leaf raking to cataloging library books, EA’s alumni group has made significant contributions to this special place over the years. Contact Len Haley or David Dugery ’86 if you would like to join the group.
Dancing For a Cure We all know that college life can be a busy time, but this hasn’t prevented James Costalas ’13 and Robyn Farrell ’13 from finding time to support a worthy cause. This year, James and Robyn helped organize Penn State University’s annual Dance Marathon (fondly known as THON), the world’s largest student-run philanthropy dedicated to enhancing the lives of children affected by cancer and their families. THON culminates in a 46-hour, no-sleeping, no-sitting dance marathon that raises awareness and celebrates the year’s accomplishments for the kids. This year, THON raised $9.7 million. In total, the partnership has raised more than $120 million for the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital since its launch in 1977. “I have been fortunate to be a captain in the Donor and Alumni Relations Committee, specifically focusing on alumni involvement in the philanthropy,” James explained. “In this position, I have worked to develop and execute two alumni-specific campaigns.” While James was working on alumni-focused campaigns, Robyn was focused on keeping track of donations. She served as captain of the Finance Committee, which processed and recorded monetary donations raised from alternative fundraising efforts.
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Finding Humanity in Ashraya “It didn’t start as a service trip,” said Upper School Math Teacher Tanuja Murray. “I just wanted students to experience India’s culture. It wasn’t until later that I realized that the best way to truly experience a culture is to work closely with its people.” Murray’s revelation led to a life-changing experience for Episcopal Upper School students. Held during JTerm, the Service Trip to India gave 10 students a firsthand look at not only the rich culture of one of the world’s largest developing nations, but also the everyday struggles faced by many of its inhabitants. When not visiting sites like the Agakhan Palace and the Parvati Darshan Temple, the group worked with children at Ashraya Initiative, a school that educates children whose tribes have been classified as criminal. “The children are marginalized and disadvantaged … Many [are] essentially orphans left on the streets to fend for themselves,” wrote co-teacher Michael Letts on the trip’s official blog. During their time at Ashraya, Episcopal students helped the children with art projects, reading and writing, and science experiments. Moreover, they built personal connections and expanded their worldview. “I think the students got as much back as they gave, and I believe they all gained a great deal of empathy,” said Murray. “Whether it’s here in Philadelphia, in Haiti, or in India, if students can come away from a service experience with a greater sense of humanity, that’s the goal.”
A Passion for Service Meghan McCormick ’07 is one of very few people ever awarded EA’s Community Service Award twice. During her time at EA, she coordinated fundraisers, collected prom dresses for those who couldn’t afford their own, hosted Alex’s Lemonade events, and the list goes on and on. So, it was not surprising that her passion for service has led to a career in service. After graduating from Georgetown University with a degree in finance and theater and performance studies, she spent two years in the Republic of Guinea with the Peace Corps. During her time there, she saw first-hand the challenges faced by the young population, including sky-high unemployment rates. Today, three quarters of Guinea’s population is under the age of 35, and 70% of college graduates are unemployed. These staggering statistics inspired Meghan to work on a solution. “I love complex problems and I love trying to solve them and create systems to solve them,” explained Meghan. In 2013, Meghan founded Dare to Innovate, which empowers young West Africans to fight pressing social problems with market-based solutions using creativity and innovation. Meghan and her colleagues help many young entrepreneurs launch their businesses and ventures through seed financing and other support. “Our goal is to end youth unemployment in West Africa,” she explained.
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Parents Providing Warmth In many ways, service is like a quilt: when each individual part joins together, they make something beautiful. Donna Ghaderi P ’17 ’20 and Jill Chambers P’28 discovered this during their second year as co-chairs of The Episcopal Academy Parents’ Associations (EAPA) Community Outreach Committee. While rallying parents around initiatives like volunteering at an urban farm and serving at a local soup kitchen, Ghaderi and Chambers noticed a common theme. “I heard many express an interest in knitting,” said Ghaderi. “Immediately, I thought, ‘How can we make this into a service opportunity?’” She turned to EA Director of Community Outreach Susan Swanson for ideas. As luck would have it, Swanson was in possession of hundreds of brightly colored, hand-knit squares leftover from a large-scale service project in 2008. Today, these squares are crocheted together to create beautiful, warm blankets by dedicated parent volunteers who call themselves the Close Knit Club. Assisted by faculty member Cassie Keith, club members meet monthly to experiment with color combinations, practice techniques, and work for a good cause. The group has crocheted seven blankets to date, and plan on completing three more before the school year ends. Over the summer, Swanson will distribute the blankets to children at a local non-profit. “The fact that the blankets are handmade gives them psychological value,” explained Ghaderi. “Many children who receive these have nothing of their own, so the fact someone cared enough to make them something by hand is invaluable.”
Breathing Life into the Developing World This winter, 8th grade history students, taught by Mr. Will Gibbs, Hon., completed service projects to raise awareness and offer help for impoverished people in the developing world. In its fifth year, the project offers students complete freedom to choose how to spread their message. Some created posters, presentations, or plays. And some went above and beyond. Aarushi Singh’s website raises awareness of women living in poverty. Ellie Baggini, Louisa Baxter, and Noble Brigham raised funds for women’s empowerment in India. Helena Morrison sold candy canes to benefit the hungry in Africa. “The students have helped people in all corners of the developing world, and it brings the curriculum to life, quite literally,” stated Mr. Gibbs. One student, Nicholas Christos, hoped to do just this when he created a fundraising webpage to bring clean water to populations in need. The money Christos has collected – totaling $1,300 to date – will be donated to The Water Project, a non-profit organization that provides access to water by building wells, dams, spring protections, and other water sources. It is estimated that his donation will help 38 people. “When you give clean water to 38 suffering people, it makes you feel unbelievable and it makes you feel purposeful,” said Nicholas. “To live means to give. This is what I live by every day of my life, and I hope others can do the same.” In total, the 8th graders’ service projects have raised over $2,500. EA
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EA facilitates many community outreach and service programs each year!
Music studen ts visit a loca regularly to perform an l retirement commun ity d visit with resident s.
EA students and teachers visit after-care programs a few days each week to share fun lessons and to help tutor.
lp to train d students he EA teachers an y help the blind. da who will one
seeing eyes do
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The annual Vestry-organized Can Drive gets bigger and bigger each fall. This year, students collected a record number of cans.
Middle School students gather before school regularly for “Mornings in the Middle” where they work on various service projects. Students help to organize and promote clothing drives throughout the year.
Through EA’s “Caring Cupboard” and other annual drives, students help collect food for the less fortunate.
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Students, parents, and teachers pack thousands of meals a few times a year to be delivered to Stop Hunger Now, which helps to feed the needy around the world.
s, achers, student en, tended by te oduce last year rd Ga ity un mm EA’s Co unds of pr rvested 400 po and parent s, ha . nk ba od for a local fo
Horizons
at The Episcopal Academy
By Kathy Jacoby, P ’13 ’15 ’19, Executive Director of Horizons at Episcopal
James, a 1st grader at Frederick Douglas Mastery Elementary School in North Philadelphia, carefully filled in his peace dove to read, “Peace is going to Horizons.” James was taking part in Horizons’ December Service Learning Saturday where he listened to EA 1st grade teacher, Jen Lutz, read The Peace Book by Todd Parr and then worked with EA student volunteers to create his own peace dove. Hosted on EA’s campus, Horizons is an academic program to help stop summer learning loss for six weeks each summer. Students also take part in Service Learning Saturdays during the school year. Part of a national network, EA’s Horizons began in 2013 with partner Frederick Douglass. This year, Ardmore Avenue Elementary School in Lansdowne will also be added. Rowena Lesher, Director of Horizons School Year Programs and EA 1st grade teacher, says, “At the Saturday program, we provide meaningful enrichment opportunities for our Horizons’ students and a significant community service experience for Episcopal Middle and Upper School students. Students work together participating in group activities and a community lunch, all while learning valuable lessons from each other.” In addition to academics, swimming is an important component of the Horizons summer program. Students have daily swim lessons, donated by our swim partner, ESF. Increased confidence levels and a “can-do” spirit carry over into the classroom as Horizons kids paddle across the pool for the first time. “Once the Horizons students master jumping into the pool, learning to read and solving math problems become achievable goals too,” states Karen Lentz, Horizons Academic Director and EA Pre-Kindergarten teacher. Kiara, a 4th grader at Frederick Douglass, exclaims, “I can’t wait to get back to Horizons this summer and work on my swimming. Last summer I learned the backstroke and so much more!” The entire community has embraced the program. This past year, 36 Upper School students volunteered for a portion of their summer vacation, and 50+ Middle School students signed up to help on Service Learning Saturdays. Volunteer Ally Marino ’18 remarks, “Not only is the program amazing and helpful, but the kids themselves are wonderful. They are so happy and bring an en-
ergy to the teachers and volunteers that genuinely makes us happier.” Several EA teachers serve as Horizons full-time teachers, and last summer 14 Episcopal faculty members offered volunteer reading support and one week enrichment courses on a range of topics from cooking to art. “Working with the Horizons students has been incredibly rewarding to me as a teacher. To see one of my students make tremendous academic and personal growth over the 6 week summer session reaffirms my commitment to the teaching profession,” remarks Lindsay Kiefer, Horizons Kindergarten lead teacher and Episcopal 5th grade teacher. Assistant Head of School Cathy Hall shares, “We feel incredibly fortunate to host our Horizons program and to have these fantastic students on our campus in the summers. The program not only aligns clearly with our mission as a school, but it is a wonderful way for us to create broader community connections and to find great ways for our faculty and students to learn and grow with the Horizons students.” Horizons Board Chair Ann Semmer P’20 explains, “Research has clearly shown that summer learning loss is a primary cause of the persistent achievement gap for low income students. Horizons provides a way to make learning fun and help close that gap over the summer by providing an engaging academic environment.” This summer, the curriculum will include more leadership training and technology-based learning. “Our program has evolved over time to reflect the values and flavor of Episcopal Academy,” remarks Karen Lentz. A Horizons parent states, “ [Horizons] was a great opportunity for my child. He learned a lot and was eager to come home and share what he learned. I am grateful for him having [had] the privilege to attend Horizons and look forward to future summers.” EA S PRING 20 16 // 13
E A ICON S :
Len and Edna Haley, Hon.
By Courtney Brinkerhoff-Rau
Time has a way of whizzing by, especially if you love
your job. After 73 years of combined service at EA, Len (44 years) and Edna Haley (29 years) have decided it is time to retire.
The first was at the Widener School where students worked with physically handicapped children, and the second was at a residence for physically handicapped adults called Inglis House.
During his tenure at EA, Len has worked in nearly every department including: Facilities and Operations, Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools, and Institutional Advancement.
Community Service at Episcopal took off—evolving into 52 different programs. “No idea was rejected,” recalls Len.
“Forty-four years is a long tour of duty. It is great to retire on a high note,” he explained. Edna, on the other hand, has spent her entire 29 years in the classroom teaching first grade. She still prepares nightly for the next day’s class. She also writes personal notes to her former students when they graduate. “I will miss seeing the students I have taught go through EA,” Edna recalls. “I love watching them grow into amazing, independent, talented young men and women and remembering what they were like as little first graders.” For Len, there have been many highlights. One was starting the school’s community service program in 1983. After much student input, Len helped launch EA’s first two official service programs.
14 // CO N N ECTIO N S
Over the years, Upper School students helped residents on Philadelphia’s Osage Avenue after the MOVE bombing. Middle Schoolers led the charge to recycle in the classroom and helped the elderly through the Adopt-a-Grandparent program. Lower School students assembled bluebird houses for campus, planted bushes throughout the township, and launched an aluminum can recycling program. In 1989, Massachusetts Senator Edward Kennedy cited EA’s program as a “national model.” That same year, EA honored Len by establishing the Lenard M. Haley Community Service Prize. “Our program became famous because we worked with people,” explained Len. We didn’t raise money. We worked face-to-face with people who were in need.”
THE LEN & EDNA HALEY S T U D E N T O PP O R T U N I T I E S F U N D After 73 combined years of service to The Episcopal Academy, Len and Edna Haley are retiring in June. In honor of their enthusiasm for teaching young people, passion for service, and love for Episcopal, a group of donors has established the Len & Edna Haley Student Opportunities Fund. This fund will help students who are receiving financial aid by offsetting additional costs of an Episcopal education that are not covered by tuition. Such costs include educational and athletic trips, textbooks, uniforms, and transportation, which are all important for success at Episcopal. For more information about this fund or to make a gift, please contact Ellen Urbanski, Director of Institutional Advancement, at 484-424-1773 or eurbanski@episcopalacademy.org.
In 2012, Len and Edna began working together on the New Orleans-based “Roots of Music” program. The devastation from Hurricane Katrina left thousands of children homeless. “Many schools in the Ninth Ward were closed,” shared Edna. “The majority of after-school programs were discontinued, leaving children time to wander the streets.”
“Everything I have done, she has always been by my side, I wouldn’t be what I am here without her.” –Len Haley, Hon. Through Crawford Hill professional development grants, the Haley’s have traveled twice to New Orleans to work with young musicians in the after-school tutoring and music program. They have also collected, rehabbed, and donated instruments. During retirement, Len and Edna plan to spend more time volunteering and raising money for the program.
Len credits his parents for his lifetime commitment to service saying, “I grew up with it my whole life. We raised our children doing community service. It makes us feel good. It makes us happy!” Another highlight of Len’s tenure was his involvement on the Master Plan Committee when he served as EA’s Facilities and Operations Director. “The design and construction of the Newtown Square campus was the most challenging endeavor in my EA career,” shared Len. “I still get goose bumps when I walk down the hallways.” All of the Haley children are EA graduates. “My strongest memories are definitely having the privilege, with Len, of handing our three children their diplomas at graduation,” said Edna. “Everything I have done, she has always been by my side,” explained Len. “I wouldn’t be what I am here without her.” So, it is not a surprise that Len and Edna Haley have decided to retire together at the end of this school year. They plan to spend more time with their children and grandchildren and relax at their home on Cape Cod. EA
SPRING 20 16 // 15
Alumni@EA Veterans Day On November 11, 2015, Episcopal honored the veterans in our
community with a special Chapel service in the Class of 1944 Chapel. The featured speaker was Ed Vick ’62, Chair of the Board of Trustees. Mr. Vick served as a Naval officer in Vietnam, and he has been an active advocate for American veterans for many years. In keeping with this year’s Chapel theme, “Work for the Good of All,” he urged Middle and Upper School students to be willing to answer the call to service.
Robert Venturi ’44 & Denise Scott Brown Honored By the AIA The American Institute of Architects (AIA)
awarded its highest annual award, the 2016 Gold Medal, to husband and wife team Robert Venturi ’44 and Denise Scott Brown.
Jointly honored for their lifetimes of accomplishments, Venturi and Scott Brown are credited with helping spark architecture’s postmodern movement through their buildings and theoretical writings. Decades of collaboration and vision have led to the team’s numerous prominent works including The Class of 1944 Chapel.
Front row l to r: Francis Forbes ’37, Ed Vick ’62. Middle row l to r: Bill McArdle, Hon., Al Schaefer ’50, Fred Haab ’55, Hank Albrycht, Hon., Will Forbes, Rick Duffield ’62, Joe Klumpp ’58. Back row l to r: Stu Glasby ’61, Bill Rapp ’56, Andy Hess, Hon., Drew Jackson ’63, Cappy Markle ’61, Tom Zug ’64, Gardiner Pearson ’63, Harry French ’44
Baptismal Font Dedication As part of its 50th reunion gift, the Class of 1965 purchased a new
baptismal font for the Class of 1944 Chapel. On February 16, a few members of the class joined the EA chaplains and the bishop in dedicating the new font. Dr. Topher Row, a member of the Religion Department, helped design the font, and Steve Muir, Hon., a member of the Facilities Department, built the wooden stand.
This is the first time the AIA Gold Medal has been given to more than one recipient, and Denise Scott Brown is the first living woman to receive the honor. Especially meaningful is Scott Brown’s recognition as Venturi’s equal business partner.
Front Row: Steve Muir, Hon., John Gregg ’65, Loyd Pakradooni ’65, Bishop Michael, Jim Squire, Hon., and Topher Row. Back Row: Bert Zug ’78, Tim Gavin, Hon., John Packer ’65, and Bruce Brown ’65.
16 // CONNECTIONS
Awards Dinner Recap From Karen Marston ’86, President of the Alumni Society Board of Managers: On November 14, 2015, Episcopal Academy’s Alumni
Society Board of Managers gathered to celebrate the eighth Alumni Awards and Athletic Hall of Fame dinner. It was a wonderful evening celebrating and honoring many of our distinguished alumni who continue to reflect our motto, Esse Quam Videri, through their many accomplishments in life. As Episcopal marked 40 years of coeducation, it was especially fitting that this year’s Distinguished Alumni Awards were presented to an alumnus and alumna for the first time. Congratulations again to all of our outstanding alumni for their remarkable achievements.
Front Row l to r: Nabi Moghadam ’90, Sonje (Volla) Moore ’95, Cappy Markle ’61, Andrew Brenner ’87, Karen Marston ’86, George Boyd ’54, Caroline Waxler ‘89. Back Row l to r: Michael Jacoby ’83, Chip French ’73, Brett Meyers ’03, David Langfitt ’75, Armena Ballard ’06. Not pictured: Bob Bishop ’58
Parents of Alumni Happy Hour On November 13, 2015, Episcopal Parents of Alumni gathered at Aronimink Golf Club to catch up with each other and celebrate EA/Haverford/AIS weekend.
Carol Kutteh P ’11, Tim Kent, Hon. P ’08, Maude Kent, Hon. P ’08, and Bobby Kutteh P ’11
Linda Kinzig P ’12 ’14, Marlyn Silvera P ’12 ’14 ’16, Nadia Jannetta P ’14, and Sue Odell P ’07 ’12
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Alumni@EA Thomas J. Meehan, Sr. Golf Tournament
EA Alumni Breakfast: February 18, 2016
The Thomas J. Meehan, Sr. Golf Tourna-
The EA Alumni Breakfast was held on February 18, 2016 at the Union
ment, held annually, helps to support the Thomas J. Meehan Scholarship Fund and the Meehan AllStars. This year’s event was held at White Manor Golf Club on September 21, 2015. The tournament is open to all members of the Episcopal community.
League in Philadelphia. Attendees heard remarks from Board Chair Ed Vick ’62 and Assistant Head of School Cathy Hall, Hon. P ’25 ’27 ’29. Guests also had the chance to share their warm wishes with Jim & Vicki Squire and Len & Edna Haley who are retiring at the end of the school year.
Check presentation for the Thomas J. Meehan Scholarship Fund in 2015.
Ed Vick ’62, Carra Cote-Ackah P ’28 ’29, and Michael Tierney ’85
Helen Meehan (center) with members of the Meehan Golf Tournament Committee.
Chris Tinari ’86, Jim Squire, Hon. P ’90 ’98 ’07, and Nick Christos ’86 P ’18 ’20
Len & Edna Haley, Hon. P ’92 ’93 ’97
John Meehan ’86 and Pat Chambers ’89 at the Meehan Golf Tournament. Bruce Konopka, Hon. P ’14 ’16 ’18 ’21 ’22, J.J. Broderick ’73, Steve Imbriglia ’73 P ’05 ’08, Bob Roehr ’73, and Steve Jannetta ’82 P ’14
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San Francisco Regional The San Francisco Alumni Regional,
Alumni Water Polo Game
hosted by John Yoo ’85 and his wife Elsa Arnett, was held on February 23, 2016 at the Villa Taverna Club. Guests had the opportunity to hear about Episcopal from Head of School T.J. Locke.
On Thanksgiving morning, the current boys’ and girls’ water polo
teams joined forces with their alumni in a spirited game of water polo. The alumni held their own against this year’s strong teams. As always, the alumni enjoyed reuniting with old teammates and running plays from when they were on the team. Special thanks to Coach Max Kelly ’06 and Coach Alicia Keating for setting up the event.
New York Regional The New York Alumni Regional was held on November 17, 2015.
Susannah Hursh ’01, Gavin Hursh, and Dave Shaw ’99
Joe Ruggiero ’90 hosted the event in the Bernstein offices, and guests heard remarks from Head of School T.J. Locke.
T.J. Locke P ’22 ’29 ’29 and Madison Kempf ’09 Abi Kasselakis ’94, Len Haley, Hon. P ’92 ’93 ’97, and Emily West ’93
Madeline Lurio ’05 and Julia McClatchy ’05
Bruce Konopka, Hon. P ’14 ’16 ’18 ’21 ’22, John Yoo ’85, and David Berkey ’85
Peter Tedesco ’01, Nick Brown ’04, and Matt Santini ’00
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Giving@EA
Len Haley, Hon. P ’92 ’93 ’97 with David ’80 & Kathy Reape P ’14 ’16 ’20 and Don P ’77 ’80 & Susan Reape
Sandra Baldino P ’23 ’28 and Monique Groenhuysen P ’24
Advocate Reception The Advocate Reception was held on October 1, 2015 at the Anthony Wayne House in Paoli. Guests heard from Head of School T.J. Locke and mingled amid the swinging sounds of the faculty jazz trio. The Advocate Reception also celebrated our alumni and parent classes who had the highest participation and contribution to The Episcopal Fund in the previous year. The Class of 1980 took home several awards including the highest number of donors, highest contributions for an alumni class, and a participation award. If you would like to be included in this festive party this fall, consider making an Advocate Council gift today. For more information, please contact Carter Learnard, Director of The Episcopal Fund, at 484-424-1760 or clearnard@ episcopalacademy.org. Rob Corrato P ’21 ’22 with Neeru & Sanjay Nayak P ’21 ’23
Class of 1950 Class Agent John Rettew ’50 with the Alumni Participation Trophy for the highest participation among classes with at least 10 members.
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Class of 2006 Class Agent Armena Ballard ’06 with The Episcopal Academy Alumni Plaque for the highest contribution from a Young Alumni Class
Head of Lower School Terry Malone P ’22 ’23 with Bally Sidhu-Schwarz & Eckart Schwarz P ’26
EA Parents Painted The Town at Starfest 2016 On Saturday, March 5, EA parents, faculty, and friends joined together at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts for Starfest 2016. The annual fundraiser is coordinated and hosted by the EA Parents' Association and offers a fun evening with dinner, dancing, and live and silent auctions.
Jon & Debby Hirtle P ’03 ’11 with Chair of the Board of Trustees Ed Vick ’62
This year, attendees were invited to bid on dream vacation packages, a suite package for the upcoming Adele concert, and many other generously donated items. In addition, the event raised a record-breaking donation to the "Wish Upon a Star" fund, which directly supports EA faculty and staff development.
Xiaomei Shao P ’22 ’28, Wei Yang P ’17 ’20, and Xiaoyan Wang P ’19
Kirstin Engelman P ’21 ’25 ’25 with Bryan & Linda Hauptfuhrer P ’26
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Athletic s@E A
EA/Haverford/ Agnes Irwin Weekend Recap At the end of a frigid and hard-fought day,
this year’s competition ended in a tie. Our Churchwomen began and ended the day with incredibly strong performances in tennis and field hockey. They ran hard on our challenging cross country course and then never gave up during the nail-biting soccer game. Our teams displayed great sportsmanship and competitive spirit and will share the Banner with Agnes Irwin this year. TENNIS 6 -1 (E A) SOCCER 2-1 (AIS) CROSS COUNTRY 25 -3 4 (AIS) FIELD HOCKE Y 7-2 (E A)
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While the split Sweater will remain at
Haverford this year, the Churchmen served as formidable opponents to the Fords. For the first time in five years, EA’s water polo team dominated in the pool with a huge win. Our cross country team came within one point of victory, and our golfers were only a few strokes shy of a win. Our soccer and football teams delivered strong defense and fought hard until the last second of each game. GOLF 18 4 -191 (H) SOCCER 2- 0 (H) CROSS COUNTRY 27-2 8 (H) FOOTBALL 21- 0 (H) WATER POLO 14 -5 (E A)
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Athletic s@E A Fall and Winter Season Highlights Signed, Sealed, and Delivered Twenty-nine student athletes signed their
Inter-Ac Champs! Five EA teams have claimed
the Inter-Academic League Championship title so far this year. Congratulations to our Field Hockey, Girls’ Soccer, Boys’ Cross Country, Girls’ Tennis and Girls’ Swim and Dive teams.
letters of intent to play for leading Ivy, Division I, and Division III colleges and universities.
EA’s Golden Football In honor of the Super Bowl’s golden
anniversary this year, the National Football League produced commemorative footballs to honor the high schools of all former Super Bowl players. Kyle Eckel ’00, who played in Super Bowls for New England Patriots and New Orleans Saints, came back to campus to present EA’s golden football to Athletic Director Gina Buggy, Hon. and Head Football Coach Todd Fairlie.
Lapping the Competition EA’s swim and dive teams had a phenomenal season includ-
ing: a historic win against Germantown Academy; girls’ Inter-Ac League Championship title and undefeated season; best in school history performances at the Eastern Interscholastic Swim and Dive Championships; and nine school records, five county records, and one pool record.
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KOS ’17 NICK ALIK A h career 0t ored his 1,00 sc etball. point in bask
3
CHRISTIAN FELIZIANI ’16 became EA’s all-time receiver in with 1,203 yards.
Fall and Winter by the Numbers… Undefeated season records
5
11
Inter-Ac Championships
School Records Broken
36
342
Named to Fall First All Inter-Ac Teams
EMMA SEIB and ALEX SUERLICH ’17 MNER ’18 are heading to
Swim Trials.
the 2016 Olym
pic
Varsity Letter Recipients
MARGAUX PAOLINO ’16 and MADDIE BACSKAI ’16 DEE BARLEE ’16
became the all-time leader in rushing yards with 2,942.
6 Junior were named to Team USA’s 201 ter. Ros hip ons mpi Cha n rica Ame Pan
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Athletic s@E A Fall Season Team Recaps Boys’ Water Polo
The Episcopal Academy Water Polo Excellence Award: Maddie O’Reilly The Mind, Body and Spirit Prize: Anabelle Wondrasch
Football
and willingness to finish the race with nothing left. The team finished the regular season with a 2-4 dual meet record, placed 2nd at the Penncrest Invitational, 4th at Inter-Ac Championships, and 7th at PAISAA Championships. First Team All Inter-Ac: Caitlin Jorgensen; Ariana Feliziani The Team of 1994 Cross Country Award: Madeline Hughes
The 2015 season was a memorable one for the boys’ varsity water polo program. In the past four years, EA has risen from the bottom of the Inter-Ac League to claim 3rd place! The team finished this season with a 4-4 record in league play and had impressive victories over Malvern Prep and Haverford for the first time in five years! Outside of league play, the team placed in the Flight I bracket at the Beast of the East Tournament and took 5th place at the Eastern Prep Championships. Inter-Ac League MVP: George Maltby First Team All Inter-Ac: George Maltby, Jacob Sustersic The Wm. J. Dougherty III Water Polo Excellence: George Maltby The Kristofer B. Dahl Water Polo Award: Will Patterson The Mind, Body and Spirit Prize: Jacob Sustersic
Girls’ Water Polo
The Mind, Body and Spirit Prize: Maura Fay
Boys’ Cross Country
The football team finished the season with a 6-4 record. The underclassmen saw plenty of action, which will prove beneficial for the future of the football program. Although the senior class had only five players, this was a very special class. They finished their career with 29 wins, which are the most wins one class has had in the past 85 years (the Class of 1930 recorded 30 wins). First Team All Inter-Ac: Dee Barlee, Christian Feliziani The Philip Marr Lillie Award: Christian Feliziani The F. Eugene Dixon, Jr. Bowl: Dee Barlee The Mind, Body and Spirit Prize: John Lewis School Record, All-Time Career Rushing Yards: Dee Barlee (2,942 Yds.) School Record, All-Time Career Receiving Yards: Christian Feliziani (1,203 Yds.)
For the first time in 17 years, the team won the Inter-Ac Championship! The year began with EA’s runners earning six medals at the McAlpin Invitational. In addition to winning the Inter-Ac title, the team finished 6th out of 22 teams in the Quad X Invitational, 2nd out of nine teams at the Westtown Invitational, and 3rd in the state championship race. First Team All Inter-Ac: Jakob Jorgensen, Elias Lindgren, Jack O’Connell The EA Cross Country Team Award: Jakob Jorgensen The Mind, Body and Spirit Prize: Matthew Davis
Girls’ Tennis
Girls’ Cross Country
By leveraging their depth and experience from last year, the team finished with a 12-9 overall record and a 2nd place finish at the Eastern Championship Tournament. In this year’s Eastern Championship Tournament, the team rallied to beat Germantown Academy (14-6) and advanced to the championship game. The team’s notable 2015 accomplishments include a 2nd place finish at Easterns, a 7th place A-Bracket finish at the Beast of the East Tournament, and an impressive 9-8 win against Souderton High School.
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Between the McAlpin Invitational in September and EA/AIS Day in November, EA’s runners shaved multiple minutes off of their times, which is a tribute to their consistent hardwork, dedication to the team,
Led by six outstanding seniors, the team took on a real competitive spirit that resonated throughout the season, ultimately leading to an Inter-Ac championship title! The non-league schedule was ultra-competitive and prepared the girls for the most
challenging league schedule in recent memory. The battles that took place at Lawrenceville, Peddie, and Harriton helped prepare the girls for the nail-biting league matches to follow. The team also celebrated an impressive 6-1 win during EA/Agnes Irwin Day this year.
Boys’ Soccer
First Team All Inter-Ac: Jessica Shanahan, Molly O’Brien, Morgan Messner The Catherine M. Hunt Soccer Award: Jessica Shanahan
First Team All Inter-Ac: Nadiyah Browning, Bella Calastri, Emily Beinkampen, Eloise Nimoityn The Team of 1986 Tennis Award: Nadiyah Browning The Mind, Body and Sprint Prize: Bella Echevarria The Singles Champion Award: Nadiyah Browning
Boys’ Golf
The team dominated in non-league play (7-1) scoring impressive victories against Conestoga, Upper Dublin, and St. Joe’s Prep. EA finished 3rd in Inter-Ac competition and 2nd in the PAISAA tournament. Above all else, it was the depth of talent and the high level of sportsmanship that marked this year’s season. Opposing coaches often commented on the maturity and integrity displayed by EA’s players. The future of the program looks bright with the junior varsity team boasting a 24-1 record this season.
The Episcopal Academy Gold Soccer Ball: Julia Hondros The team fought hard this year and celebrated some impressive wins against the Hun School and district champions Lansdale Catholic. During the season, the team had eight shutouts, scored 54 goals, and conceded 30. Finishing the regular season 14-7-4, the team finished 2nd in the Inter-Ac league with a 5-3-2 record. Most importantly, the team demonstrated terrific composure in one of the toughest leagues and represented its school with passion, integrity, and class. The seniors who served so well leave their imprint on a young team that now has the confidence and ability to go to the next level after coming so close to its first title in 20 years. First Team All Inter-Ac: Matthew Freese, Zachary Viscusi, Matthew DePillis The Alumni Memorial Gold Soccer Ball: Zachary Viscusi The Class of 1999 Soccer Award: Matthew DePlillis The EA Defender Award: Matthew McDevitt
Girls’ Soccer
Field Hockey
The team enjoyed another highly successful season, ending the regular season undefeated and winning the Inter-Ac League title and PAISAA championships! Led by a highly talented, hardworking, and enthusiastic senior class, the girls practiced and played games with the highest level of skill. Perhaps the best win was against Agnes Irwin on EA/AIS Day, under the lights and cheered on by a thousand fans. They demonstrated a full team effort with a decisive 7-2 victory over Agnes Irwin. USA Field Hockey Women’s Team: Madeline Bacskai, Margaux Paolino, Corinne Zanolli
Daily Times Field Hockey Player of the Year: Margaux Paolino
The Helen Wilson Trophy: Michael Zeng
The Mind, Body, Spirit Prize: Scott McConnell
The Mind, Body and Spirit Prize: Meghan Manley & Claudia Becer
High School All-American Team: Margaux Paolino
First Team All Inter-Ac: Michael Zeng, Jon Nolan Perry, Cole Kemmerer
The Jacques H. Houdry ‘43 Golf Award: Cole Testaiuti
mitment to play a full game set EA apart from its opponents in the Inter-Ac, thus resulting in the league championship.
First Team All Inter-Ac: Margaux Paolino, Madeleine Bacskai, Corinne Zanolli, Courtnie Williamson The team ended the regular season with a 13-4-2 overall record and a 10-1-1 league record that resulted in an Inter-Ac league championship! The team motto for this season was “Whatever it Takes” and team members lived that slogan through their dedication, hardwork, and integrity. The team consistently worked together to find different routes to earn the victory, with many games featuring much-needed, lategame dramatics. This fortitude and com-
EA’s Bicentennial Class Field Hockey Award: Madeleine Bacskai The Team of 1994 Field Hockey Award: Margaux Paolino The High Scorer Award: Corinne Zanolli The Evie O’Brian ’14 Memorial Prize: Jacqueline Curry
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Athletic s@E A Winter Season Team Recaps Boys’ Basketball
Girls’ Basketball High Scorer Plaque: Elodie Furey
Inter-Ac Individual Diving Champion: Andrew Owsiany
The Mind, Body, Spirit Prize: Dylan Higgins
1969 Swimmers Bowl: Benjamin Baturka
Ice Hockey
Team of 1999 Boys Swimming Award: Benjamin Baturka The Mind, Body, Spirit Prize (Swim): Samuel Hawke The Mind, Body, Spirit Prize (Dive): Andrew Owsiany
The team enjoyed a great season with a 19-6 record and 2nd place finish in the Inter-Ac league. There were many highlights including big wins against Germantown Academy and The Haverford School. The team was also a fixture in both The Philadelphia Inquirer top-25 rankings in Southeastern Pennsylvania and in The Delaware County Daily Times weekly “Super 7” polls. First Team All Inter-Ac: Nick Alikakos, Conner Delaney Class of 1929 Gold Basketball Award: Kyle Sacchetta Daniel J. Dougherty Basketball Alumni Award: Matthew Woods The Mind, Body, Spirit Prize: Conner Delaney
Girls’ Basketball
Pool Record, 100 Fly: Benjamin Baturka School Record, 500 Free: Ivan Puskovitch Early wins in the season over Penncrest, Marple Newtown, and Lansdale Catholic prepared the team to grow and improve throughout a very competitive season schedule. The players stuck together and played their best game in the season finale, ending in a 6-6 tie with eventual league finalist Germantown Academy. This young team is poised for more success moving forward. George Hebard Award: Brandon Kopen
School Record, 100 Fly: Benjamin Baturka School Record, 100 Back: Benjamin Baturka School Record, 100 Free: Samuel Hawke School Record, 400 Free Relay: Samuel Hawke, Ivan Puskovitch, Brian Rodio, Benjamin Baturka
Girls’ Swim/Dive
Roger C. White Award: Benjamin Glidden The Mind, Body, Spirit Prize: Will Hunter
Boys’ Swim/Dive
The team finished the season with a 15-9 record and 7-5 in the league. The team opened the season by winning both games against PAISAA semi-finalists Abington Friends and Shipley and captured key non-league wins over Catholic League semi-finalist Archbishop Carroll and Ches-Mont League Champion Bishop Shanahan. First Team All Inter-Ac: Elodie Furey, Luca Mamula Team of 1983 Girls’ Basketball Plaque: Lillian Kuntz
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The team had a strong finish to the season, finishing with a 4-2 record, an amazing showing at the Inter-Academic Championships, and a 4th place finish at the Eastern Interscholastic Swimming and Diving Championships. The boys concluded the year with a huge win over Germantown Academy, punctuated by an impressive win over Penn Charter. With increased depth and numbers on the team, the team competed at a very high level in and out of the league.
The team had another tremendous year, finishing the season with a 7-0 dual meet record, the Inter-Ac championship title, and a 2nd place finish at the Eastern Interscholastic Swimming and Diving Championships! Off the blocks or on the diving board, this team excelled in all areas and competed fiercely against some of the best swimming programs in the country. Female Swimmer of the Meet (Easterns): Alexandra Sumner The A. Moyer Kulp Award: Emma Seiberlich The Grace Cornelius Limaye ’90 Prize: Sarah Baturka, Alexandra Sumner The Mind, Body, Spirit Prize (Swim): Sarah Baturka The Mind, Body, Spirit Prize (Dive): Maia Golub
Girls’ Squash
Girls’ Winter Track
County Record, 400 Free Relay: Emma Sieberlich, Alexandra Sumner, Hadley DeBruyn, Sarah Baturka
The team experienced an extremely successful season, finishing up 2nd place in the Inter-Ac league with only one loss on record. The team also went on to place 2nd at the Mid-Atlantic Squash Association Championships, losing only to Baldwin (6-3) in the final. The biggest highlight of the season was finishing 3rd, for the second consecutive year, at the High School National tournament.
The team had another solid season. There was a great mix of veterans and newcomers. The sprint team is on the rise and could very well be in the league finals next season. There is plenty to be excited about for next year, as the team continues pushing to be one of the best indoor teams in the area.
Boys’ Squash
1989 Girls’ Squash Cup: Julia Thompson
School Record, 200 Individual Medley: Alexandra Sumner School Record, 200 Free: Emma Seiberlich School Record, 100 Back: Alexandra Sumner School Record, 400 Free Relay: Emma Sieberlich, Alexandra Sumner, Hadley DeBruyn, Sarah Baturka County Record, 200 Individual Medley: Alexandra Sumner County Record, 200 Free: Emma Seiberlich County Record, 100 Breast: Sarah Baturka County Record, 100 Back: Alexandra Sumner
The Heckscher Bowl: Elisabeth Ruggiero
The 1994 Team Award: Kathryn Wilson The Mind, Body, Spirit Prize: Abigail Holston
Wrestling
The Mind, Body, Spirit Prize: Madison Soukup
Boys’ Winter Track
The team had a strong season, finishing with a 6-3 record and 3rd place finish in the Mid-Atlantic Squash Association championships. The highlight of the season was beating a higher seeded team at the High School National tournament to secure a 7th place finish in a very strong field of schools. Wayne Astley Award: Giovanni Matarazzo, Scott McConnell Benjamin Brannan Reath Plaque: Erin Kim The Mind, Body, Spirit Prize: Scott McConnell
This season gave the team the opportunity to compete in weekly meets with up to 50 other private and public high schools. There were returning members of the team, but there were also strong new additions to the team. In meets sponsored by the Track Coaches Association of Philadelphia, the team fared well and celebrated a number of medals. The George Greenwood Award: Connor Petrucelli The Mind, Body, Spirit Prize: Jakob Jorgensen
This season was a transition year, during which the team wrestled a challenging schedule, mixing dual meet tournaments in order to gain mat experience for the younger team members. Veteran team members also did well this season, medaling at many invitational events. The young team improved all year and can boast seven wrestlers with double digit wins, including five underclassmen, to build on for next year. Bates Sharp Trophy: Blair Orr Wrestling Career Contribution, Allman Award: Jonathon Lewis The Mind, Body, Spirit Prize: Dallas Taylor
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Ar ts@EA EA Visual Arts Represented at Chelsea Gallery Spring has started on a high note for Middle
School art teacher Naomi Knecht, Hon., who recently announced that she will now be represented by New York’s Agora Gallery. The development came as a surprise to Knecht, who works as a professional artist in addition to her teaching role. “The gallery contacted me out of the blue,” explained Knecht, whose oil paintings typically focus on beach scenes and cityscapes. “A representative from Agora reached out to me after seeing the artwork on my website. It all happened really fast.”
EA Musicians Selected to Perform at District Festivals Some of Episcopal’s finest musicians showcased their talents at The Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District 12 Chorus and Orchestra Festivals. Will Patterson ’16, Greg Smith ’17, Michael Wilkinson ’17, and Darrin Wood ’16 were selected from dozens of students to sing in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District 12 Chorus Festival at Unionville High School this February. The group worked with contemporary composers and Temple University Choral Director Paul Rardin. A highlight for Michael Wilkinson was performing the world premiere of “The Snow Storm” by John Conahan.
Agora Gallery, located in New York’s Chelsea art district, has represented artists from around the world for more than 25 years. As part of her exclusive contract, Knecht’s artwork will be on display for collectors and in one group show per year.
“I felt lucky to be able to work with various contemporary composers on their respective pieces and felt that the festival was enhanced through this collaboration. To be able to work with very talented singers and to be selected to continue on in the process is an honor and a privilege,” said Michael.
This professional visibility is essential for Episcopal’s art teachers, explains David Sigel, Chair of EA’s Visual Arts Department.
In January, violinist James Tang ’18 and cellist Josh Wang ’18 performed with selected high school musicians from Chester, Delaware, and Philadelphia counties in the District 12 Orchestra Festival.
“At EA, we don’t just hire art teachers, we hire artists who teach. Naomi is a perfect example of that,” he said. “She is a practicing artist who continues to develop her craft alongside her curriculum, and her passions spill into her work with students. This benefits everyone.”
After two days of intensive rehearsals, the group performed a spectacular concert on Saturday, January 16 at Springfield High School.
“I am in the best company all day long with my students, but I also have personal dreams of my own,” Knecht agrees. “This is a dream come true. I am at the top of my bucket list.” Knecht has taught at Episcopal for more than 20 years. Her first group show with Agora will be held October 14 through November 3, 2016.
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Josh liked how much time was allotted to work on the musical selections. “It’s a really great opportunity to get the best musicians in the area and play a piece that you don’t normally have the opportunity to play,” he said. Orchestra Director James Finegan says James and Josh had a tremendously beneficial experience. “For them to be able to perform with the best student musicians in the area is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Converse Celebrates Culture, Inspires Dialogue
Jazz Ensemble Participates in Berklee Festival The EA Jazz Ensemble par-
ticipated in the 48th Annual Berklee High School Jazz Festival in February, marking the eighth year the group has made the trip to Boston for the event.
Locally- and nationally-renowned black
artists used their craft as a transformative language of storytelling in the recent Crawford Campus Center Gallery exhibition, Converse: Black Excellence, Pride, and Communication in Art. Converse’s visual art, text, video, and performance invited observers to discuss and celebrate diversity, culture, and identity during Black History Month.
Alumni artists Taj Cannon ’14 and Najah Majors ’13 showed pieces in Converse alongside creative talents like Derrick Adams, Barbara Bullock, Donald Camp, James Dupree, Jeffrey Harris, Celestine Wilson Hughes, Nile Livingston, Tim MacFarlane, Ibven Taqiy, and Andre Woolery. “This was where the birth of my photography began,” said Majors ’13 upon her return to campus for the Converse gallery opening in February. Majors and Cannon reconnected with teachers while students, parents, and exhibiting artists enjoyed live jazz at the event. “Every piece in Converse can be appreciated on its own and also as a part of a group conversation, as the title Converse suggests,” explained Gallery Coordinator Susan Coote P ’08 ’09 ’12 ’17. “The artists’ wide range of age, experience, history and personality is reflected through their work and makes for a rich conversation between art, artists, students, and community.” Converse was more than a gallery show – it was a vibrant, month-long celebration that included poetry readings and jazz, Motown, and classical music performances from EA ensembles. This community effort was coordinated by The Episcopal Academy Black Student Union in partnership with the school’s Curatorial Team.
Students attended a jazz concert at Sculler’s Jazz Club where worldrenowned saxophonist Gerald Albright performed with his quartet. The students performed for a panel of judges comprised of Berklee College of Music faculty. They also observed other high school bands, college bands, and professional musicians. The Berklee Festival is the largest high school jazz festival in the country. This year, 133 schools from 11 states attended along with bands from Denmark and Puerto Rico. The Judges’ Choice award for superior musicianship within the Ensemble was awarded to EA Jazz Ensemble pianist Sam Hawke ’16. Members of the EA Jazz Ensemble include: Becca Archambault ’16, Rick Archambault ’18, Jess Bell-Taylor ’19, Olivia Cipperman ’19, Alex Eringis ’17, Matt Freese ’17, Sam Hawke ’16, Kosta Maritsis ’16, Philip Persaud ’17, Nina Petillo ’19, Ben Pinheiro ’17, Alexis Reape ’16, and Kathryn Wilson ’16. Adam Archambault ’21 also attended the festival along with Middle and Upper School Band Director Ryan Dankanich and Dean of Faculty Doug Parsons.
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Ar ts@EA Singers represent Episcopal at American Choral Directors Conference Ten Episcopal Academy singers were selected to sing
in the American Choral Directors Association Eastern Division Conference in Boston, MA this February. Adam Mauch ’20, Lilly Singer ’20, Ruth Engleman ’21, Jack Franklin ’19, Emma Humann ’19, Chris Smith ’19, Emily Smith ’20, and Alex Oliva ’19 all won positions in the Junior High Honors Chorus. Will Patterson ’16 and Kailey Radcliffe ’16 performed with High School Honors Choir. These fantastic singers were selected from hundreds of auditions from across the Eastern States, and The Episcopal Academy had more singers represented than any other school. These special concerts took place in a sold-out performances at the New England Conservatory’s Jordan Hall.
Fall Productions Dazzle Audiences November was packed with drama as the Upper
School Domino Club and Middle School Harlequin Club lit up the stage with dynamic performances.
The month began with the Domino Club’s performance of You Can’t Take it with You (pictured). This timeless comedy follows the eccentric Sycamore family, who live under one roof while ineptly pursuing passions that range from classical ballet to snake collecting. The Harlequin Drama Club then presented Once On This Island, a musical fable that explores the power of storytelling through following a group of Caribbean Island peasants as they wait out a terrible storm by performing a fairy tale of star-crossed lovers. The musical explores universal issues like anger, forgiveness, death, and the unfailing power of love.
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OnCampus@EA Bioethics Symposium — “Everyone in this room has been affected by cancer.” University of Pennsylvania Neurosurgeon Dr. Don-
ald O’Rourke wasted no time getting to the heart of his discussion at this year’s Bioethics Symposium held on Tuesday, March 1. The title of his presentation: The Bioethics of Treatments to Cure Cancer: Access to Treatment. Dr. O’Rourke opened with a video clip of surgery he performed on a young man with a brain tumor. He explained that he operates with the best available technology, including GPS mapping and a microscope with 600X magnification, at one of the top hospitals in the world. Dr. O’Rourke has performed 200 brain surgeries a year for 20 years, bringing his career total to over 4,000. “How many people do you think I have cured with surgery for brain cancer?” he asked the Upper School students in attendance. “I
Nadiyah Browning ’16, Callan O’Rourke ’16, Dr. Donald O’Rourke P ’14 ’16, Scott McConnell ’16, Rev. Jim Squire, and Upper School Science Teacher Cheryl Mitchell
have done this 4,000 times, and I haven’t cured a single person. That’s pretty sobering. We haven’t cured anyone.” The world’s top researchers, including Dr. O’Rourke, believe immunotherapy is the key. “This is how we are starting to cure cancer already,” said Dr. O’Rourke. He explained his work has extended lives and improved quality of life for his patients, but the question remains, “How are we going to cure cancer?” During his January State of the Union Address, President Barack Obama announced a $1 billion White House initiative to fight cancer called, Cancer Moonshot. Three days after the President’s speech, Vice President Joe Biden met with Dr. O’Rourke and other leaders at Penn to discuss the initiative.
Dr. O’Rourke speaking to US students at the Bioethics Symposium
Dr. O’Rourke showed students a photo from the January 15 meeting, highlighting top physicians who have discovered and developed treatments for various cancers. But, he pointed out there were no bioethicists at the meeting and explained, “The science is way ahead of the ethics.” Ethical dilemmas are a complicating factor when it comes to finding a cure for cancer. The biggest challenges are cost and access. Drug research and development is expensive. Dr. O’Rourke laid out some of the most pressing ethical questions. How many success stories justify a costly treatment? Can we put a value on one human life? In clinical trials, who gets the placebo? How do we justify differential access for patients in third world countries?
Dr. O’Rourke speaking with students in an AP Biology class
be eradicated. Dr. O’Rourke replied, “Ever, like small pox? No. It’s a very complex disease. I don’t think we will get to the point where it is eradicated from the planet.” The goal of Cancer Moonshot is to cure cancer within five to ten years. Dr. O’Rourke encouraged students to play a role in this important mission. “The only way we are going to do it is through experimental research, and I really hope that some of you guys really have an interest in doing research. It’s such an incredible time for doing research. Penn is only 13 miles down the road, and no time is too early.” Dr. O’Rourke is an Associate Professor of Neurosurgery and Director of the Human Brain Tumor Tissue Bank at The University of Pennsylvania. He is the father of Callan ’16 and Caroline ’14.
After more discussion on ethics and impressive questions from students, an inquisitive Upper Schooler asked if cancer will ever
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OnCampus@EA Foreign Policy Expert Willem de Vogel Shares Insight & Strategy with Students
Ben Read ’43 Lecture speaker Willem de Vogel gave students
a detailed primer in foreign policy during his address in October. Chair of the Jamestown Foundation, de Vogel cited examples from history and today, including tensions in the Middle East, Central America, and Europe, to illuminate the strategy behind America’s foreign policy.
De Vogel wavered between complex analysis and simple, foundational knowledge, remarking that the pillars of foreign policy development include an understanding of geography and a knowledge of history. Another ingredient, he stated, is a delicate power struggle. “You have to decide, as part of your foreign policy, who do we want to stand up to,” remarked de Vogel. “And the irony is, we can ignore standing up to weaklings, but we cannot ignore standing up to strong people. And to stand up to strong people, you have to be strong yourself.” After his lecture, de Vogel fielded questions from students and teachers with topics ranging from the Syrian refugee crisis to the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. He then visited with Upper School students in class and over lunch. The annual lecture honors the memory of Benjamin H. Read ’43. The program supports seminars or lectures by distinguished figures in public affairs.
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EA welcomed 10 Chinese exchange students to campus in February. The exchange is part of a long-standing relationship with Northeast Yucai School (NEYC) in Shenyang, China. Twelve Episcopal students traveled to China last summer. The group included: Colson Andrews ’17, RJ Glaser ’19, Jessica Hao ’19, Aidan McMeekin ’19, Alex Peters ’19, Christopher Smith ’19, Gregory Smith ’17, Schuyler Sices ’19, Glay Yang ’20, Gossen Yang ’17, Sydney Zebrowitz ’19, and Zach Zebrowitz ’19.
EA Hosts Education Symposium — “Opportunity should not be based on a zip code.” It is a fact of life. The location a child lives will most likely determine where he or she will go to school. The unfortunate reality is that many students in the United States have limited educational offerings because of their address. In Philadelphia, 87% of students live in “circumstances of poverty.” That astonishing number allows the entire district to be eligible for the federal free lunch program.
Dr. Hite explained to EA Upper School students, faculty, and area educational leaders that, “The children of Philadelphia have the skills to do practically anything but may not always have access to opportunity.”
Equity and access to education was the focus of a lively panel discussion at EA in October. The Symposium on Education: Equity and Access Panel Discussion was moderated by Horizons National Board Chair Jane S. Williams. Panelists included: Dr. Gregory Anderson, Dean of Temple University’s College of Education; Mr. S. Casey Carter, CEO, Faith in the Future; Mr. Marc Mannella, CEO, KIPP Philadelphia Schools; and Dr. William Hite, Superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia.
Mrs. Williams posed the question, “Would you take two buses and a train to get to your AP class? That’s a lot of work!” This circuitous route is a necessity for many Philadelphia public school students.
For Dr. Hite, equity means “a great school close to where children live, period.”
Temple’s Dr. Anderson poignantly expressed, “Opportunity shouldn’t be based on a zip code.” “When you talk about equity, money by itself isn’t going to solve the problems,” Mannella explained. “If we actually gave the opportunities to all of the children who live in our city, if we committed to that as a society, as a state, if we said everyone’s going to get the same level of opportunity as the children who go to Episcopal, they’d need 20 more Harvards. That is what we are trying to do is to provide that opportunity.” Dr. Hite says he can stomach the criticism thrown at the school district, but it is especially difficult to see children in Philadelphia with abilities who do not have access to opportunities to succeed. Dr. Hite encouraged students to speak up and think of others saying, “We tend to listen to you.” His take away lesson for the day: “Be curious, ask questions; why are things the way they are? Be confident, be a problem solver, lift as you grow.”
Pictured l to r: Dr. William Hite, Dr. Gregory Anderson, Assistant Head of School Dr. Cathy Hall, Mrs. Jane S. Williams, Mr. S. Casey Carter, Mr. Marc Mannella, and Head of School Dr. T.J. Locke
Charlotte Weisman '18 asks the panelists a question.
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OnCampus@EA Maura Murphy ’96 Lecture Highlights Service with The Rev. Monsignor John J. Enzler Rev. Enzler credits his parents with instilling in him and his 12 brothers and sisters, at a young age, to help others. “Service is in my DNA.” He asked students to think about the call we have to service saying, “You will be happy beyond measure. But, if you don’t have the desire to help other people, I’m going to say you might have missed out on the secret of happiness.” For Rev. Enzler, giving is a true gift. “It’s the whole deal. I don’t care how rich you are, how powerful you are, how famous you are. If you don’t learn that lesson, you have missed out on the great gifts of life.” The Reverend Monsignor is the President and CEO of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C.
“What is your potential for your life?” The Reverend Monsignor John J. Enzler began his discussion with a powerful question during the December 11, 2015 Maura Murphy ’96 Lecture.
The annual Maura Murphy ’96 Lecture is made possible by family and friends of Maura Murphy to honor her memory. Speakers focus on questions and moral concerns that young people confront daily, as well as issues they may encounter later in life.
Rev. Enzler acknowledged his question was a tough one, especially for teenagers, saying, “What makes that question so tough is that it is purposely broad. It’s so broad, it’s hard to answer.” He posed the question during the Upper School Chapel address, because it makes “you think about your priorities.” Rev. Enzler asked students another challenging question, to imagine where they will be in their lives in 2050. “What will people say about you then? What will they say you have accomplished? How will they see you? Will they recognize something special about you?” He explained to students, “You can write the story of your potential by how you live your life. As you think about your potential, somewhere in your response if you don’t think about giving back, you don’t think of service to others? I would say your potential would not be fulfilled.”
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The Reverend Monsignor John J. Enzler with the Murphy Family and Rev. Jim Squire, Hon.
Award-Winning Author Kwame Alexander Inspires Middle School Students He told students that various publishers rejected drafts of The Crossover 18 times, but he kept tweaking. He remembers thinking, “I am not going to let the ‘no’s’ define me. I felt like it was the best book I had ever written.” When Alexander received the call from the Newbery Committee, he pondered, “What if I had walked out after rejections 4, 6, 11, 18? “No’s” are a part of life. Once they move out of the way comes a yes. You only need one.” Students peppered Alexander with questions before heading back to class. When asked why he loves poetry so much, his answer was simple: “Because it can capture so much in so few words. Poetry is like the world distilled into a few words. I like to think poetry saved my life.”
The love for writing and poetry developed at a young age for award-winning author Kwame Alexander. “I wrote my first poem at 12 years old, a poem for my mother on Mother’s Day,” he explained during an inspiring discussion with Middle School students in November. “I think poetry has a way of allowing us to process the world.” Alexander recalled growing up with parents who read him poetry, “But in 8th grade, poetry wasn’t cool,” he explained. In his quest to “be cool,” Alexander tried football and basketball only to be benched early in both seasons. The following year, he clung to the bottom rung of the tennis team. Over the years, he slowly moved up the ladder eventually landing in the number one slot. He lost his only match of the season in the state finals. Through time, these experiences, what he calls the “woes and wonders of life,” wove their way into his writings. He also discovered, “If you say ‘yes’ to yourself and determine what’s cool for you, then it’s cool.” Alexander has written 21 books including The Crossover. The novel-in-verse is about twin brothers who are basketball stars. The book was awarded the prestigious 2015 John Newbery Medal and the 2015 Coretta Scott King Honor Award.
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OnCampus@EA
JTerm 3.0 January 2016 marked the third year of JTerm. During the two weeks between the fall and spring semesters, Upper School students take one intensive course of their choosing. There were 32 on-campus courses offered and five travel courses. One of this year’s many highlights was unprecedented access to the presidential candidates on the campaign trail in New Hampshire.
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OnCampus@EA Filmmaker Katrina Browne Shares Her Personal Story About the Slave Trade with 11th Graders Documentary filmmaker Katrina Browne spent two
days on campus in the fall to share her personal journey relating to the centuries-old slave trade. Browne shockingly discovered that her New England ancestors, the prominent DeWolf family from Bristol, Rhode Island, were the largest slave-trading family in United States history.
The disturbing revelation prompted the first-time filmmaker to produce a documentary called Traces of the Trade: A Story From The Deep North. The film focuses on Browne and nine relatives as they retrace the steps of their family’s Triangle Trade and grapple with contemporary legacies of slavery.
“Given the widespread amnesia about the North’s role in slavery, it was important to have the courage to talk about it,” Browne explained to students. Students watched the film with rapt attention as the emotional DeWolf family story unfolded. Students learned that the slavery business was a cornerstone of both southern and northern commercial life. Browne’s family had deep ties to the maritime economy. During her second day at EA, Browne met with students during class to discuss the history covered in the film, the forms of slavery that still exist today, and her personal experience of having her eyes opened in so many ways. “I want to help students think about the present day and where we are in black-white relations and give them a vocabulary that I hope can be more sophisticated and nuanced than they get from the media, and therefore more helpful as they navigate and hopefully lead on issues of race relations and racial equity,” explained Browne. “If we aren’t describing the problem correctly, we can’t solve the problem correctly.” Walidah Justice, Director of Diversity and Inclusion, arranged for Browne’s visit, observing, “In today’s hostile climate, it’s important for students to know that we all play an important role in making society better by knowing our family’s stories and sharing them with others.” After nine years of work, Traces of the Trade debuted at the Sundance Film Festival in 2008, aired on PBS nationally, and was nominated for a 2009 Emmy Award for Research. Katrina Browne is a Philadelphia native and the wife of EA alumnus John Bell ’71.
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Cla s s Notes
Edited by the Alumni Office
Please take a moment to send us information for the
next issue of Connections. We love to hear from you, and we are all interested in what you are doing with your life. Please send information (including photos) to Nancy Taylor, Secretary, Alumni Programs, at taylor@episcopalacademy.org or Bruce Konopka, Director of Alumni Programs, at bkonopka@episcopalacademy.org. To reach the office, please call 484-424-1784.
Honorary Alumni
Former EA math teacher and wrestling coach Gus Compson, Hon. played guitar, mandolin and sang bluegrass with The Dollar Band at the Seven Stones Café in Media, PA on Saturday evening, December 19, 2015. Flanking Gus are two of his former students, Chris Hanson ’83 and Ted Cox ’81.
1937 Class Agent Needed
1933 Episcopal lost its oldest living alumnus, Bart Linvill ’33 on December 25, 2015. Bart was living at Beaumont Retirement Community, having reached the century mark on March 21, 2015. A life-long resident of the Philadelphia area, Bart grew up in Wynnewood with his parents. While attending Episcopal, Bart participated in Junto, Football, and the Forestry Club. After attending the Wharton School, Bart served as a Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy from 1941-45 and saw action in the South Pacific for two years. A life-long certified public accountant, he was a dedicated community leader, serving on the boards of directors of a number of non-profit organizations. He married his wife of 72 years, Sally Sumner Poole, on June 13, 1942, and they had two children, Sally and John.
1934
Francis Forbes, with Ed Vick ’62 and Will Forbes, IT Department at Episcopal Academy. Medal on the left, yellow ribbon, is the “Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Ribbon, with Bronze Service Star – IndiaBurma Theater,” and the one on the right, Rainbow ribbon, is the “World War II Victory Medal”.
Winky Bennett sent in updates for several of his classmates. “Foster Jack tells that he may not go for his annual fall hunt for pheasants. Condolences to the family of Hap Aller, who died a few months ago. I will miss talking to him. I missed seeing Sandy Greer who recently visited his sister-in-law and made a trip to EA. Price Heppe reports that his tennis partners are all female—Tough Duty ! I enjoyed hearing from Don Cooper with his latest adventures at the ranch; he described the dude ranch launcher which is used to catapult the rider (green horn) into the saddle. Sounds hazardous. Ralph Knode said all is well at home in Wyoming and his son Ralph, Jr. is the CEO of Western Uranium Company.”
1941 Class Agent Needed Please send us your news and notes!
75th Reunion Year
1944 Class Agent: Harry French
The 1947-48 Boys’ Squash Team was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame at the Awards Dinner on November 14, 2015.
1948 Class Agent: Dick Schneider Fred Dittmann ’71 and Steve Dittmann ’66 had a great time over lunch with George Shafer, Hon. on September 30, 2015. Hughes Cauffman presents his book, Francis Cauffman: 60 Years of Architecture, to the Director of Libraries Linda Smith, Hon.
1936
George Shafer, Hon. with Rusty Varley ’69, who was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame on November 14, 2015.
The Class of 1944 was the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award at the Alumni Awards Dinner on November 14, 2015.
1946 Class Agent: Winkie Bennett
Class Agent Needed Please send us your news and notes!
80th Reunion Year
70th Reunion Year
David Maxwell wrote: “I received the program for the Alumni Awards on November 14 and noted the mention of my playing in the 85 and over nationals, so I thought it would be of interest to the attendees and other alumni, including my classmates, that my partner, Herb Bascome, Devon, PA, and I won the United States 85 and over grass court doubles championship at Longwood Cricket Club, Chestnut Hill, MA, in August 2015. For me, this was the realization of a quest—to be a national tennis champion—that began at Episcopal more than 70 years ago.”
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Cla s s Notes 1949
1957
Class Agents: Jim Blatchford and Stan Miller
Class Agents: John Clendenning and Howard Morgan
Fellow classmates l to r: Joe Klumpp, Bill Lamb, Jim Zug, Bob Bishop and Morrie Heckscher attended the Alumni Awards Dinner to honor Jim on November 14, 2015.
Charles “Spike” Schellenger was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame at the Awards Dinner on November 14, 2015. Spike was unable to attend the dinner so his brother Mark Schellenger ’50 accepted the award on his behalf.
Ross Watson reports: In August 2015 the Watson brothers got together in Provincetown, MA for lobster rolls and good times. George Watson ’60, Rowley Watson ’59.
1961 Class Agent: Cappy Markle
55th Reunion Year
2015, for Carter Waite, son of the late David Waite.
1968 Class Agent: Robert Mayock
1964 Class Agent: Tom Zug
1951 Class Agent Needed
65th Reunion Year
1952 Class Agent: Craig TenBroeck
Some members of the Class of ’57 got together at 333 Belrose for good food and better conversation. Joe Armstrong joined us at the end. L to R: Ross Watson, Sandy McCurdy, Jay Stetzer, Joe Colen, John Clendenning, and Ray Munder.
1958
Tom Zug with his wife, Susan, and Aunt Phyllis at the Alumni Awards Dinner on November 14, 2015, honoring his uncle, Harry French ’44, and his cousin, Jim Zug ’58.
Class Agent: Bob Bishop
1966 Class Agent: Steve Dittmann
50th Reunion Year
Henry Warner celebrating his 83rd birthday.
Parker Waite ’62, Hugh Coxe ’77, Phil Gleason, and John Waite ’65 at an engagement party in Falmouth, ME, on July 12,
1956 Class Agent: Bill Rapp
60th Reunion Year
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James W. Zug, Sr. received the Distinguished Alumnus Award at the Alumni Awards Dinner on November 14, 2015.
Jay Branegan reports: “The magnificent Class of 1968 completed another of its annual age-defying adventure feats. This year, we headed to Lake Tahoe, a trip organized by David Fenimore, who teaches at nearby University of Nevada at Reno. Nine EA ’68ers made the trek to South Lake Tahoe, CA, where we established a base camp in a spacious house Dave had found for us. (Two intrepid women joined: my wife, Stefania, and Dave’s SO, Ashley, apparently unaware of what life in a frat house can be like, as did Mark Hofmaier’s son Luke.) Most arrived on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2015 from California, Colorado, Chicago, Philly, New York, and Washington. Our plan was to scale Mt. Tallac, at nearly 10,000 feet, said to be one of the most spectacular hikes on the Sierras. After a warm-up hike on Friday, we prepared for our assault on the summit. (Minus David, who had injured his knee before we all arrived, but was along for the ride.) We hit the trail very early
Saturday morning, by noon we’d made it to Gilmore Lake, a beautiful alpine lake in the Desolation Wilderness. For some that was enough, and they turned back, but others pressed on to the summit and were rewarded with a spectacular panoramic view of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains. Tired but victorious, we returned to base camp. There, in a move that would make our old English teacher (and Domino Club play director) Mr. Muir proud, we had dramatic readings from sections of “Waiting for Godot” and “American Buffalo.” (This is what happens when you have trained actors like Mark, Luke, and Sam White, on your trip.) This was followed by a brief, late-night excursion to the casinos on the Nevada side of town. Attached is a photo of the group on the short hike before the main event. From left, standing, Bob Mayock, Sam White, Mark Hofmaier, David Fenimore, Spike Buckley, and Jay Branegan. Seated, from left, Rick Crecraft, Drew Schmidt, and Tom McKoy.
1969 Class Agent Needed
Alan “Rusty” Varley was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame at the Alumni Awards Dinner on November 14, 2015.
1971 Class Agent Needed
45th Reunion Year
1972 Class Agent Needed
Chris Istrati and his wife, Melody, returned to the US after living overseas for 16 years, most recently in Paraguay, Afghanistan, Russia, Peru, and Kyrgyzstan. Chris works as a diplomat in the Foreign Service of the U.S. State Department while Melody is Missions Director at Fourth Presbyterian Church in Bethesda, MD. They have settled in Silver Spring, MD. Their oldest daughter, Christine Allegra, was married to Joshua Gast from Colorado, on May 30, 2015 in Yardley, PA. They presently live in Honolulu, HI. Their middle daughter, Natalie Blythe, was married to Michael Webster of Brooklyn, NY, on August 1, 2015 in Stony Brook, Long Island, NY. They will live in Pottstown, PA. After attending his 40th high school reunion at the Episcopal Academy campus in 2012, Chris looks forward to reconnecting with classmates.
grandchild, Joseph Alexander Martinez, on December 6, 2015. John has spent the last nine years in his second career as a seminar speaker for the Ayco Company delivering corporate financial education seminars. John still has all his antique radios and televisions, a hobby started while at Episcopal and still grows. Some of you will remember the 1920’s radio with the yellow dial that stood in the faculty lounge. John rescued it before the Upper School was torn down and still enjoys listening to it!
David Pfordt tells us: “this picture was taken Christmas Day 2015 in the Catalina Mountain foothills of Tucson. L to R: son Chaz, wife Casey, and daughter Kat.”
1975
and Brian Tierney, in Monaco for the Princess Grace Foundation Anniversary.
John Holt writes: “My oldest daughter Gemma and I successfully summited Aconcagua on January 18th. It was the hardest one yet, but we both feel a great sense of achievement. At 22,841 feet, Aconcagua is the highest mountain in the world that isn’t in the Himalayas, and it’s the second highest of the seven summits. This photo shows we had a wonderful summit day… what it doesn’t reveal is that this has been the coldest Aconcagua season in the past ten years, perhaps due to El Niño, and no one had summited for three weeks until a small weather window opened up… we were lucky to be on the mountain when it did! Aconcagua is the highest mountain in South America, in Argentina.
1973
Also, the Andes were stunning, breathtaking really, and they run for something like 2,000 miles. And there’s no one there. Now I have to figure out what comes next…..”
Class Agents: Rex Gary and Jerry Holleran
1976
Class Agent: Jim Cooke
John Garrison and his wife, Cathy, continue to reside in Northern NJ. Both daughters are now married and they have one two-year-old granddaughter. They welcomed a second
Class Agent Needed
40th Reunion Year Members of the class of ’75, John Williams, Brit Murdoch, Chris LeVine, Dave Crockett,
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Cla s s Notes David SymSmith is a Venture Partner at Mobility Ventures. David is a 25 year mobile industry veteran and has a solid record of building multimillion dollar operations from scratch along with profitable exits.
1978 Class Agent: Jim Borum
my mom, JoAnne Bagnell’s house and had about 120 folks, players, coaches and families. Len Haley, Hon., Mike Del, JoAnne Bagnell, Former Boys Golf Team Coach.”
Clayton French reports: “Everyone is all smiles after the last 2016 varsity ice hockey game against Germantown Academy 6-6, good game. L to R: Mike D’Alicandro, Nick D’Aicandro ’16, Tyler French ’18, Ryan French ’16, and Clayton French.”
Greg Jannetta and his wife Leslie have had their first child, Hannah Grace Hughes Jannetta, born on January 14, 2016.
1983 Class Agent: Jamie Hole
Peter Hastings received the Alumni Award for Achievement in the Arts at the Awards Dinner on November 14, 2015.
Jim Farrell, Gina Buggy, Hon., John Wynne, Hon., George Shafer, Hon, and John Kulp, Hon. at the Alumni Awards dinner on November 14, 2015.
1981 Class Agent: Ben Thompson
35th Reunion Year
1982 Class Agents: Jim Farrell and Brooke McMullin Bill Bagnell reports: “Held the football team BBQ on Saturday at
“L to R: Bradley French ’21, EA middle school ice hockey, Tyler French ’18, EA varsity ice hockey, Clayton French, and Ryan French ’16, EA varsity ice hockey.”
Dinner with Len Haley, Hon., Lee Allman, and Bill Keffer Merrill Lynch Financial Advisor J. Douglas Moran, and an alumnus of The Episcopal Academy, has been nationally recognized as a top advisor by Barron’s magazine in its annual “America’s Top 1,200 Advisors: State-by-State” list. Moran divides his time between Wayne, Pennsylvania, and Laguna Beach, California. He has been working for Merrill Lynch for 18 years.
1984 Class Agents: Bill Keffer and Karl Mayro
The Class of ’84 had a wonderful evening of reminiscing and conversation at the paella dinner prepared by Len Haley at EA on January 20th. A quote from Lee Allman and Bill Keffer regarding their teachers says it all: “The biggest credit goes to the teachers who have dedicated themselves to make sure we all can be the best we can be!” A good time was had by all! L to R sitting: Rhonda Clinton, Jeannie (Plzak) Haab, Jennifer Conklyn, Bob Gibson. l to r standing: Bill Keffer, Lee Alman, Christianne Kapps, Linda Ricci, Dave Fine, and Hobart Rowland.
1986 Class Agent: Karen Marston
30th Reunion Year
Missed an issue of Connections? Past issues of Connections are available for viewing on the Academy’s Web site at www.episcopalacademy.org.
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Amanda (Lamb) Griffin received the Distinguished Alumna Award at the Awards Dinner on November 14, 2015.
1990
1994
Class Agent: Dave Freemann
Class Agents: Tema (Fallahnejad) Burkey, Anna (Morgan) Cassidy, Coryell (McIlvain) Urban, and Sarah (Glick) Johnson
Thaddeus Squire was married to Meredith in North East, MD on September 19, 2015.
1991 Class Agents: Joe Bongiovanni and Holly (Sando) Rieck
David Dugery was the recipient of the Alumni Community Service Award at the Awards Dinner on November 14, 2015.
Dinner with Len Haley, Hon. and some members of the Classes of ’86, ’88, and ’89. L to R sitting: Tim Janetta, Len Haley, Hon. L to R standing: James Prusky, John McMeekin, Erin (O’Brien) Dugery ’89, David Dugery, Kim (Zinman) Richter ’88, Bill Crockett, Jamie Richter, Bob Mascioli, and Steve Chiles.
1987
25th Reunion Year
addition to the Haines Butler clan, was born September 22, 2014. Attached is a picture of all three girls—Charlotte, age eight; and Annabelle, age five enjoying their EA church mice; and Madeline at nine months old sporting her EA sweater. Also a picture of the kids wearing their EA sunglasses courtesy of grandpa, Rush Haines ’61, that he got at EA/Haverford Day 2015.”
Jerome Allen is the assistant coach with the Boston Celtics.
1993 Class Agent Needed
Tara (Stitchberry) Prakash tells us: “My husband, Bipin and I were married in India in January 2015 and had a local celebration reception, with EA friends, in Wayne on September 5, 2015. Pictured from left are Alison (Gordon) Preisser, Tara Prakash, Becky (Hopkins) Smith, Bipin Prakash, Liz (Cornelius) Bingaman, Susan (Armstrong) Estevez, and Katie (Murphy) Smith.
1995 Class Agents: Brook Horgan and Katie Kurz
Class Agents: Andrew Brenner and Ed Jones
The 1995 Boys’ Lacrosse Team was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame at the Alumni Awards Dinner on November 14, 2015.
All Saints Day October 30, 2015: L to R: Andy Christos ’88, Jim Squire, Hon., Andrew Brenner, Chris Tinari ’86, Sandra Christos (mom of Andy and Nick), and Nick Christos ’86.
1988 Class Agent Needed Jen (Haines) Butler tells us: “Madeline Anne Butler, the latest
Cordell Whitlock and his wife Tahnee Whitlock, have had a second child, Jordan Whitlock, born on July 15, 2013. Heather (Boyd) Greenberg – recently won election to serve on the Tredyffrin Board of Supervisors, which is the township where she was born and raised. Heather has a son in 8th grade at EA and is looking forward to giving back and service to the community.
Rebecca (Blevins) Hyatt and her husband Jeff recently moved to Hawaii. Above is a photo of myself with Tanya Weisheit (the one in the dress) who I ran into when she was out vacationing here for a weekend. A fun mini EA reunion in Honolulu.” Tom Pappas is now a Managing Director at Newmark Grubb Knight Frank, in Denver CO.
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Cla s s Notes Additionally, given my experience at EA and valuing a more holistic educational approach for our daughters, we are applying Olivia to the St. Stephen’s Episcopal Day School here in Miami.”
Demetrios Hadgis was married to Nancy J. Billyer on July 26, 2015, at Wentworth-By-theSea Country Club in Rye, New Hampshire. Demetrios works in New York City, where he is a Managing Director of the Capital Raising Group at Sandler O’Neill + Partners, L.P., the full-service investment banking firm and broker-dealer focused on the financial services sector. Ms. Billyer is a sixth-grade teacher and completed her 18th season, summer of 2015, as a beach life-guard at Sandy Hook, New Jersey. Episcopal alum Will Wister, his wife Cindy and daughter Coralie were among the guests.
Lauren Patrizio was married to Busani Xaba on October 25, 2014. Those in attendance were: Alexis Longinotti ’95, Laura Rooklin ’95, Matt Price, Brendan Devlin, and Sarah West ’98.
1998 Class Agent: Rob Melchionni
Matt Clayton has been director of the Penn Jazz Combos since 2012, and participation has nearly quadrupled in that time. Each fall, he divides roughly 40 students into eight jazz combos. The groups practice under his guidance every week and perform two concerts a year, along with various gigs around campus.
Nero, Kerron McCalla, Kimberly (Lowe) McCalla, Caryn Rivers ’90, Thomas Monson, Matthew Clayton ’98, and Ernest Lowe ’94. Matthew Clayton’s ’98 band provided the music at the reception and Ernest Lowe ’94, brother of the bride was a groomsman.
2000 Class Agents: Kimmy (Gardner) Reinking and Jack Meyers
1996 Class Agent Needed
20th Reunion Year
1997 Class Agent: Julie Manser
Colby Hall was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame at the Awards Dinner on November 14, 2015.
Andrew Walsh and his wife Collen have had a second child, Wesley Scott Walsh, born on January 12, 2015. They live in McLean, VA.
1999 John Matthew “Matt” Bailer was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame on November 14, 2015.
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Class Agents: Andrew Addis and Catherine (Hunt) Ryan Camila Grace Dickey in her big sister’s, Olivia, EA sweater. Second daughter of Emma and Andrew Dickey. Andrew writes: “We love the fact that we are still connected to the EA community, despite our locational challenges.
Kimberly Lowe was married to Kerron McCalla on Sept. 12, 2015 at the Downtown Philadelphia Marriott. In attendance were the following L to R: Ajani McMullen-Williams ’98, Benjamin
Jen (Sharpless) Pimlett writes: “thank you very much for sending an Episcopal sweater for my new son Beckett. It was an adorable surprise, and my older son, Caleb, even wanted to squeeze himself into it to join in on the fun :-) They might not understand the significance of it now, but I’m so happy to have this sweater to show them as they get older and share with them some of my very fond memories of all my years at EA. Beckett is ready to join the cheering section at EA/Haverford Day :-)”
Lousia Hall was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame at the Awards Dinner on November 14, 2015.
2001
Alumni Class Agent Program Update The Alumni & Office of Institutional Advancement is always looking for interested alumni to serve as class agents. Class agents receive “insider information” about programs, sports, clubs, and classes and are responsible for sharing the details with classmates. Additionally, class agents are expected to encourage classmates to make a gift to The Episcopal Fund. Our goal is to strengthen the alumni connection with the life of the school, and we need class agents to help. If you are interested in serving as a class agent for your class, please contact Stephanie Ottone, Associate Director of The Episcopal Fund, at: sottone@episcopalacademy.org or 484-424-1782.
Class Agents: Evan Coughenour, Drew Crockett, Sarah Baker, and Pete Tedesco
Dugan, Mark Adomanis ’03, Brian Long, Jeff Addis, Brad Reilly, Tim and Liz Mahoney.
15th Reunion Year
2003 Class Agents: Julia Crawford, Ann Imbesi, and Caroline Cuckler Drew Crockett and his wife, Katie, welcomed twins on September 25, 2015. Caroline French Crockett, weighing six pounds and five ounces and Reilly Frances Crockett, weighing five pounds and three ounces.
Susannah Oberdorf was married to Gavin Hursh on July 18, 2015. Casey Degen received her MD degree June 2015.
Mark Kendall was the recipient of the Young Alumni Award at the Awards Dinner on November 14, 2015.
2002 Class Agents: Kevin Dugan and Tim Mahoney
Sarah Baker was the recipient of the Young Alumni Spirit Award at the Awards Dinner on November 14, 2015.
Mark Juliano was married to Nickole Paparone on September 22, 2012.
Tim Mahoney was married to Elizabeth Walley on September 19, 2015 in Philadelphia. In attendance were Bruce, Hon. and Molly Konopka, Hon., Jamie O’Neill, Lauren Owens ’04, Fred Brown, Peter Greenhalgh, Mark Sabat, Meg Sabat, Kevin
Ashley Johnson was the recipient of the Young Alumni Award at the Awards Dinner on November 14, 2015. Ashley was unable to attend the dinner so her parents, Kelvin & Pamela Johnson accepted on her behalf.
The 2003 Girls’ Lacrosse Team was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame on November 14, 2015.
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Cla s s Notes 2004
2005
2008
Class Agents: Nick Brown and Michael Ciccotti
Class Agents: Nick Morris and Packy McCormick
Class Agents: Heather Hayes and Brian Young
The Episcopal Academy Class of 2005 recently had their ten year reunion—yikes!—on Friday, November 27, 2015. Everyone got together at Gaslight, on 2nd and Market Streets in Philadelphia, for appetizers, cocktails, and lively conversation. Nearly half the class attended and spent the night reconnecting and catching up on recent adventures, accomplishments, and job opportunities.
Lateef Cannon was married to Jennifer Ann Vaughn on June 6, 2015. Jamie Stevenson was in attendance along with Lateefs’ mother Susan Cannon, Hon.
Classmates living in Philly and those residing in other cities across the country made the trek down to Old City for a memorable evening. Despite being a decade removed from EA, the strong turnout and great atmosphere evidenced the tightknit bonds and camaraderie fostered during the class’s time in Merion Station.
L toR: James Francis, Halimah Shakura Barnett, Greg, Christina Costantino Snyder, and Hallie Snyder ’09. Standing l to r: Jeff Nansteel, Pete Cohn, Matt Bobbins, Tyler Sacchetta ’10, Kyle Sacchetta ’16, and Tom Sacchetta ’09.
2006 Class Agents: Kelsey Reinhard and Armena Ballard
10th Reunion November 2016
Class Agents: Kirsten Petrocelli, Lauren Berry, and Stephanie Bernabei
Josh McLane reports: “I got married to Caitlin Jones on August 1, 2015 in Lake Placid. Unfortunately, most of my EA friends couldn’t make it, but Sam Daly and Andrew Turner made the trip.”
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Doreen El Roeiy is a Fulbright scholar at Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and International Law in Sweden.
2010
Afterward, most event-goers kept the evening going at a nearby nightclub where a group of EA ’05ers were hosting an annual holiday party benefiting the Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia. The hosts, the venue, and the charity were awestruck by and immensely grateful for the group’s strong support.
Alison Murray was married to Erik Burkett on May 16, 2015. Frances Fox, Ashley Heist, Brint Markle, Jocelyn Hanamirian, Lindsey Johnson, Alison Burkett, Casey Riley, Jen Robinson, Eric Turner, Kelly Sutter. Adam Murray ’02 was a groomsman in the wedding party. Frances Fox and Kelly Sutter were bridesmaids.
Brian Young was married to Laura Stocksdale on October 17, 2015. Photo from left to right: Alejandro Rettig y Martinez, Michael Whalen, Loren Mead, Zander Lee, Brian Young, Piero Russo ’07, and Sarah McGovern ’09.
The Class of 2010 held their five-year reunion in Center City Philadelphia at Tir Na Nog on Saturday, November 28. Over eighty members of their class came together to reconnect. Their form dean, and former Episcopal Academy History Teacher, Justin Brandon, surprised the class and made the reunion even more memorable. Photo by Simeon Pantelidis
Greg Snyder was married to Christina Costantino on November 6, 2015 at the Princeton University Chapel. In attendance were sitting
Rosie Trumbull was married on July 5, 2014 to Chris Smith. The wedding was held in Boston as many of their college friends are from that area. Chris is a graduate of Shipley and also went to Tufts University with Rosie.
Alexa Buckley and her Harvard classmate, Sarah Pierson, co-founders, of Margaux, were named to the Forbes 30 under 30 list for their ballet flat shoe company.
2011
2013
Class Agents: Jimmy McEntee and Haley Habenicht
Class Agents: James Costalas and Megan Kilcullen
5th Reunion November 2016
2012 Class Agent: Brian Metzler
Your Access to the Episcopal Network.
Bill Kacergis competed in a collegiate squash match against two other EA alumni l to r: Noel Swanson captain, John Hopkins Team; Bill Kacergis captain, Navy Squash team; and Patrick Sernyak captain, John Hopkins squash team. Bill Kacergis won the US Squash Collegiate Doubles fall of 2015. There is an article in the US Squash magazine and on the US Squash website about the Navy team’s come-from-behind victory. Bill will be commissioned an ensign in May 2016 and will “ship off” to Charleston, SC to attend the Navy’s nuclear engineering school before becoming a submariner.
Thomas Boynton and Megan Kilcullen in Edinburgh, Scotland. Thomas studies at St. Andrew’s University, and Megan spent a semester abroad at the University of Edinburgh.
2015 Class Agent Needed
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Doug Trimble ’13 and Burk FitzPatrick are ready for 2016 Delaware Blue Hen Baseball season.
Walter Buckley ’55 attended the Lehigh-Princeton softball game in the fall of 2015. Alex Viscusi played third base and hit a home run in the 7- 2 loss for the Tigers. Both enjoyed catching up once again. Alex was a Buckley Scholar during her time at Episcopal.
The more people who join our network, the more powerful the network becomes. Visit episcopalacademy.alumnifire.com to leverage the power of the Episcopal network!
F A L L / W I N T E R 2 0 1 5 / / 49
M ilestones Marriages 1990 Thaddeus Squire to Meredith Rainey September 19, 2015
1994 Ben Bishop to Linden Bierman-Lytle April 24, 2015
1995 Demetrios Hadgis to Nancy Billyer July 26, 2015
1996 Eric Gregg to Kathleen O’Neill December 19, 2014 John Campbell Miller to Emily Yu Man Luk July 6, 2013
1997 Lauren Patrizio to Busani Xaba October 25, 2014
1999 Jordan Glick to Maureen Owsten July 19, 2014 Kimberly Lowe to Kerron McCalla September 12, 2015
2001 Sarah Baker to Scott Adams December 30, 2015 Robert Miller to Laura Juliano ’02 October 5, 2013
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Susannah Oberdorf to Gavin Hursh July 18, 2015 Alex Sun to Liz Robinson June 16, 2013
2002 Tim Mahoney to Elizabeth Walley September 19, 2015
2003 Ann Imbesi to Don Ware August 22, 2015
2004 Lateef Cannon to Jennifer Vaughan June 6, 2015 Alison Murray to Erik Burkett May 16, 2015
2005 Gregory Snyder to Christina Costantino November 6, 2015
2006 Josh McLane to Caitlin Jones August 1, 2015 Rosie Trumbull to Chris Smith July 5, 2014
2007 Annie Spofford to Billy Ripley August 22, 2015
2008 Brian Young to Laura Stocksdale October 17, 2015
Babies 1984
Cam Miller & Emily Miller Cody AnTao Miller April 20, 2014
Greg Jannetta & Leslie Jannetta Hannah Grace Jannetta January 14, 2016
Rebecca (Shooster) Warburton & Joel Warburton Alexander Warburton October 2, 2012
1985
Jack Warburton October 23, 2014
C. George Milner & Ainsley Milner Emma Attix Milner February 13, 2015
1988
1997 Matt Bailer & Katie Bailer Margot Helen Bailer September 12, 2015
Cordell Whitlock & Tahnee Whitlock Jordan Whitlock July 15, 2013
Addison West & Ashley (Eyre) West ’04 Addison Randall West, Jr. January 8, 2016
1992
1998
Courtney (Banks) Spaeth & Jon Spaeth Grant Samuel Spaeth February 15, 2015
Matt Haldeman & Lindsay Haldeman Christian Steinmetz Haldeman February 27, 2015
1993
1999
Jake Hollinger & Beth Hollinger Jason Sieber Hollinger, Jr. October 27, 2015
Mia (Wood) Broomell & Jeb Broomell Isabel Broomell April 10, 2015
1994
William Broomell April 10, 2015
Sarah (Glick) Johnson & Hugh Johnson Edith Jane Johnson May 10, 2014
1995 Brooke (Doherty) Horgan & Hunter Horgan John “Jack” Doherty Horgan December 14, 2015
1996 Jessica (Wojdak) Lord & James Lord Emma Ruth Lord June 30, 2013
Trevor Walker & Natalie Walker Jackson Red Walker September 9, 2015 Amanda (Billmyer) Vos Strache & Kyle Vos Strache Sierra Eve Vos Strache August 26, 2015 Jordan Glick & Maureen Owsten Thomas Abraham Glick September 29, 2015
2001
2005
Drew Crockett & Katie Crockett Caroline French Crockett September 25, 2015
Stephan Connelly & Julie Connelly Cloe Rose Connelly October 11, 2015
Reilly Frances Crockett September 25, 2015
Deaths
Sean Lambert & Sarah Lambert Olivia Lambert August 4, 2013 Zachary Lambert October 13, 2015 Allison (Hathaway) Matthews & Justin Matthews Logan Matthews September 1, 2015
1933
Austin B. Hepburn, Sr. January 6, 2016 William L. van Roden October 11, 2015
1947 Donald P. Bertolett December 31, 2005
1957 Peter Arrison March 2, 2016
1958 George F. Hess, II October 5, 2015
1960
John Barton “Bart” Linvill December 25, 2015
Jon E. Friel October 6, 2015
Daniel W. Dietrich, II September 1, 2015
1937
John F. Patchin December 18, 2015
Charles M. Taylor September 8, 2015
Richard C. Pugh December 5, 2015
1961
Marcellus Heppe July 28, 2015
1939
Alasdair A. K. Stewart June 7, 2015
John E. Heppe November 6, 2015
Kenneth W. Tunnell October 9, 2015
1940
1949
Mark Clifton May 16, 2015
John L. Farmakis February 20, 2016
Sara Samimi & Andrew Budreika Nora Budreika January 6, 2016
1941
Peter Mills Mattoon March 29, 2016
David W. Redpath November 18, 2015
1950
1975
John Spofford & Rose Spofford Margaux Allerton Spofford January 29, 2016
1942
John B. Healy November 15, 2015
William L. McLean, IV October 24, 2015
Robert Morgan March March 15, 2016
2001
Jessica (Uitto) Iverson & Brian Iverson Janie Elizabeth Iverson January 15, 2015
2003 Julie (Burns) Irwin & Aren Irwin Amias Irwin April 5, 2015 Lauren (Yost) Gerk & Andrew Gerk Caroline Anne Gerk July 8, 2015 Andrew Minnick & Caitlin Minnick Hadden Kay Ainslie Minnick September 8, 2015
L. Clifford “Cliff” Lewis, Jr. December 23, 2015
Wallace S. Littlewood October 18, 2015 Joseph K. Gordon October 5, 2015
1943 Arthur E. Copeland November 27, 2014
1945
John D. Kistler, II March 21, 2016
1954 S. Grant Mulholland December 22, 2015
Albert Eastburn, Jr. August 24, 2015
Benjamin Chadwick March 9, 2016
1946
David B. Roak January 27, 2016
John Austin, Jr. March 5, 2015
1962 D. Edward McAllister October 27, 2015
1964
Anthony F. Imbesi ’01 April 3, 2016
2002 Matthew S. Sutter March 13, 2016
Honoraries Stanley Willard, Hon. July 20, 2011 George C. Shafer, Jr., Hon. April 5, 2016
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Memory Lane From helping to clean parks, to visiting with the elderly, to serving the homeless, EA has a rich history of helping those in need locally and globally. Here are some service-oriented photos we uncovered in our archives.
Do you have an idea for a future Memory Lane topic? Send your stories, photos, and suggestions to share@episcopalacademy.org.
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“The Episcopal Fund helps our faculty as they provide students with a practical sense of how their learning in school applies to the real world.” — Kim Piersall, Director of Experiential Learning
“I give to The Episcopal Fund because I am inspired by our community—students, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni. We all work together to accomplish our common goal of inspiring students to lead purposeful lives.” — Tanuja Murray, Upper School Math Teacher
“I contribute to The Episcopal Fund because I believe in the power of a good education, which encompasses the development of the whole child.” — Alicia Keating, Kindergarten Teacher and Varsity Girls Water Polo Coach
“At Episcopal, we are fortunate that we can provide our students with excellent educational opportunities such as field trips, chapel speakers, visiting authors, and innovative classroom experiences that shape the mind, body, and spirit of each child.” — Tim & Joyce Gavin, Lower School Chaplain and Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
“The Episcopal Fund helps faculty to cultivate discovery and learning both in and out of the classroom through professional development offerings.” — Jennifer Tierney ’91, Third Grade Teacher
Your gift helps provide growth opportunities for teachers. Inspired teachers make all the difference. Give today. To make a credit card gift, visit www.episcopalacademy.org/ givenow or call 484-424-1760. You may also mail a check using the envelope enclosed in this magazine. Thank you.
The Episcopal Fund
supporting the episcopal experience
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