Archways 25 – Spring 2018 by St. Andrew's Episcopal School

GAZING THROUGH ARCHWAYS

An arch is a support structure spanning an opening, an element

BYE GEORGE

that lends both beauty and strength. An archway is a passage beneath a series of arches – a path defined and supported by the strength and unity of the arch. This issue of Archways marks a significant passage for St. Andrew’s Episcopal School as Head of School George Penick retires at the end of the 2017-18 school year. Dr. Penick leaves St. Andrew’s strong,

MAKING A STATEMENT

vibrant, and well-positioned to welcome the next generation of Saints under the new leadership of incoming Head of School Tom Sheppard.

Some passages are marked by excitement, yet are bittersweet.

As we say good-bye to a beloved leader and welcome a new head of

ALUMNI AWARDS

school, one thing is certain. We can move ahead with confidence, knowing that every passage is defined by the strength and unity of St. Andrew’s Episcopal School.

STATE CHAMPIONS

ON THE COVER Retiring Head of School George Penick and his wife, Carol, reminisce about his years of service to St. Andrew’s during a stroll around Lake Sherwood Wise.

ALUMNI UPDATES

contents 3

SAPA PRESENTS

GIVING TO THE CHAPEL

RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE

70 REASONS TO GIVE

MOST VALUABLE PLAYERS

Archways Staff

and Contributors HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW?

HOMES AWAY FROM HOME

EXTRA! EXTRA!

SPORTS ROUND UP

58 60

RUMBLE IN THE SOUTH

EYE ON ALUMNI

LOOKING BACK/ LOOKING FORWARD

Editor Emily Gordon ’94 Contributing Editors Elizabeth Buyan ’97 Stephanie Garriga Marlo Kirkpatrick Lauren McMillin ’10 Patrick Taylor ’93 Designer Alecia Porch Photographers Conrad Ebner Robby Followell Patrick Taylor ’93 If you have a story idea or comment for Archways, please contact Emily Gordon, editor, at gordone@gosaints.org. © 2018 St. Andrew’s Episcopal School All rights reserved to copyright notice.

WWW.GOSAINTS.ORG

LEAN ON ME

EW’S PARENTS’ ASSOC R D N IATI .A T S ON E Presents H T

Starry Night

• Live auction and band

APRIL 20, 2018 7:00 P.M. – 10:00 P.M. St. Andrew’s Episcopal School South Campus Jackson

• $50 per person, adults only

• Special Tribute to Retiring Head of School George Penick

Arts on the Green

• Food and specialty cocktails by Starry Night Benefactor Fine & Dandy

APRIL 21, 2018 10:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. St. Andrew’s Episcopal School North Campus Ridgeland

• Regional and cultural treats prepared by St. Andrew’s families

CHILDREN’S GREEN 10:00 A.M. — 4:00 P.M. • $10 per person

PAINT THE TOWN GREEN FASHION SHOW 10:00 A.M.

PRESENTING SPONSOR Trustmark

• VIP Tickets $40 per person (all ages), includes front row seating and VIP gift bag

STARRY NIGHT BENEFACTOR Fine & Dandy

• $20 per person (ages 13 +)

SPECIAL EVENTS MASTER ARTIST The Saints Shop

• $15 per person (ages 12 and under) • Admission tickets will be entered for a chance to win one of two door prizes.

EVENT ARTIST ASAP Printing C Spire Mercedes-Benz of Jackson

Arts on the Green is free with the exception of the special events listed above. All events are open to the public. Tickets may be purchased online. All ticket sales are final with no exceptions or refunds. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit artsonthegreen.info.

Win A Full Year’s Tuition at St. Andrew’s — Main Stage, North Campus Plaza during Arts on the Green

Drawdown for full tuition and other prizes • Last ticket pulled wins • Only 400 tickets will be sold • $100 for first ticket, $75 for each additional ticket • Optional insurance $25 per ticket • If a ticket is among the first 100 pulled, it is put back in for a second chance to win. Winnings are transferable. Grandparents can transfer winnings to grandchildren. Purchase tickets now at artsonthegreen.info.

BYE

George

Retiring Head of School GEORGE PENICK leaves St. Andrewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an even better place.

“DR. PENICK CARED AT AN INDIVIDUAL LEVEL. From the students to the teachers to the boosters to the board to the custodians, he cared about every person and took the time to let them know how much he cared. He wanted everyone, no matter what their position, to have a great experience at St. Andrew’s.” — KYLE JONES ‘11, Graduate of Mississippi State University,

Associate Territory Manager, Boston Scientific

“GEORGE IS BLESSED WITH KEEN INTELLIGENCE AND WISDOM which drive him to seek excellence for the good of the community, whether that be the school community or the larger Jackson community. His love for St. Andrew’s and its students is evident in his tireless effort to lead the school through a visioning process which sought input from every constituency group and resulted in incredible growth in every area, both the quantifiable and the intangible. But what impressed me equally was George’s style of servant leadership. He balanced his intellect and confidence with a sincere commitment to involve and support others in decision making, delegate responsibility, and be mindful that each student find a personal road to success through a St. Andrew’s education. George exemplifies Micah 6:8: ‘To act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.’” — CINDY ADAMS DUNBAR, Parent of Graduates • Former President of the St. Andrew’s Parents’ Association • Former Member of the St. Andrew’s Episcopal School Board of Trustees

IN 2007, THE SEARCH FOR A NEW HEAD OF SCHOOL FOR ST. ANDREW’S WAS WELL UNDERWAY. The search committee had already made its first-round cut of the initial 50 candidates when a member of the committee suggested asking George Penick to apply for the job.

enick was an outside-the-box candidate. While he was a former parent – his daughter, Holladay ’99, and son, Robert ’03, were graduates – and had strong ties to St. Andrew’s, Penick didn’t fit the typical mold of a candidate who had worked his way up through the ranks of independent school administration. Instead, he had built his career leading nonprofits, including the RAND Gulf States Policy Institute, formed to address public policy issues in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, and the Foundation for the Mid-South, a community development organization serving Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. “We discussed looking for a nontraditional, ‘CEO’ type candidate and George’s name came up,” Bill Ray, a member of the search committee and the chair of the St. Andrew’s Board of Trustees at the time of the search, recalls. “We knew that George had personal ties to St. Andrew’s, that he was Episcopalian, and that he came from a strong fundraising background. After we approached him, we learned that George held advanced degrees in education administration from Harvard. That was the icing on the cake. Based on his excellent qualifications and the educational philosophy he shared with us, George quickly emerged as the dark horse candidate.” Penick decided to apply for the position to the delight of the search committee – and to the consternation of his wife, Carol, a former St. Andrew’s teacher and former assistant director of admissions. “My first reaction was, ‘This could be interesting,’” Penick says. “Carol’s first reaction was, ‘You told them what? You know if this doesn’t work, we’ll have to leave town.” “Honestly, I was worried it was going to be a mistake,” Carol Penick says. “Holladay and Robert had the same reaction – Apply for the head of school position? Why? George was at the top of his profession in the foundation world and he hadn’t worked near a school. Our family had so many relationships within the St. Andrew’s community that we didn’t want to see changed. But George was so excited about applying. It was clearly something he really wanted to pursue.”

George Penick receiving his doctorate in Education Administration from Harvard University

Fortunately for the Penick family and for St. Andrew’s, the outside-the-box choice was the right choice. Penick joined the search at the semi-finalist stage, competing with other well-qualified candidates from around the country and quickly emerging, as Ray describes it, as the candidate who was “head and shoulders above the rest.” “This has been one of those times when you can look back and absolutely know you made the right decision,” Ray says. “The last 10 years have certainly borne that out.” Leadership for the Past Decade and the Next Generation When asked how St. Andrew’s has grown under Penick’s leadership, Tommy Williams, former chair of the board of trustees, offers a concise reply. “Just look at a snapshot of every aspect of St. Andrew’s pre-George and today—academics, faculty and staff, athletics, student activities and enrichment, facilities. The comparison answers the question.” Under Penick’s leadership, St. Andrew’s has been ranked among the top 50 private and independent schools in the United States. Niche, one of the world’s largest websites reporting on K-12 schools, has named St. Andrew’s the Best Private School in Mississippi multiple times.

“I AM A BIG ADMIRER OF GEORGE’S STEWARDSHIP OF THE PEOPLE AND RESOURCES ENTRUSTED TO HIM. HE KNOWS HOW PRECIOUS FINANCIAL RESOURCES ARE AND HE HAS USED THEM to make a difference. George is leaving St. Andrew’s in a better position than it was when he came.” — BILL BYNUM, CEO, HOPE Enterprise Corporation • Parent of Graduate • Former Member of the St. Andrew’s Episcopal School Board of Trustees PICTURED LEFT: GEORGE PENICK AND HIS BELOVED LABRADORS, LOUISE AND LILLIAN

NO MORE SNOW DAYS The one thing George Penick will not miss about serving as head of school? “Calling snow days. You know you’re going to inconvenience someone. And you’re making a decision at 5:00 a.m. Who knows what it’s going to be like by 8:00? It was always an anxiety-producing process.”

ST. ANDREW’S HAS CONTINUED TO LEAD MISSISSIPPI IN VIRTUALLY EVERY CATEGORY MEASURING ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT, INCLUDING THE PERCENTAGE OF National Merit Scholars, average ACT scores, AP exam scores, and number of Presidential Scholars. The global studies program has grown to become the largest of its kind at any secondary school in Mississippi.

enick has encouraged the faculty and staff to excel with enhanced professional development programs, strengthened the Episcopal tradition at St. Andrew’s with the hiring of additional clergy, and led the rewriting of the mission statement to include the importance of athletics, arts, and service. During his tenure, the Annual Fund has broken new records and the St. Andrew’s Touchstone Endowment has grown by $2.1 million. The growth of the Malone Scholars and the Arches to Excellence merit scholarship programs has given academically gifted students with need the lifechanging opportunity to attend St. Andrew’s. A tour of either St. Andrew’s campus offers a tangible look at the results of Penick’s leadership. Under

his guidance, the school launched two successful capital campaigns. The Campaign for Science and Art led to the construction of the McRae Science Center and the unveiling of the Faulkner Studios for Art and Music. The Forward Saints campaign has funded the state-of-the-art Early Childhood Center, the Discovery Center, and the Athletics and Recreation Center, with more facilities and enhancements still to come. “The differences in these many programming areas and projects speaks to Dr. Penick’s ability to balance the needs and wants of the many areas of our school with the time and money St. Andrew’s is able to allocate to them,” says Alex Weisser ’14. Of the accomplishments St. Andrew’s realized during his tenure, Penick is perhaps most proud of the school’s

“THE SAME QUALITIES that make George a great person make him a great leader. He makes the right decisions and implements them so successfully because of his innate intelligence, his practicality, his dedication to integrity, his creativity, and his compassion. It’s a pretty rare package. Serving with George has been one of the highlights of my life.” — TOMMY WILLIAMS, General Counsel, Butler Snow, LLP • Parent of a Graduate • Former Chair of the St. Andrew’s Episcopal School Board of Trustees

increased student diversity. In 2007, 17 percent of the student population were students of color. Today, that number has grown to over 35 percent. “I always wanted St. Andrew’s to be a place where every student and every family felt it was their school,” Penick says. “It wasn’t enough for our students and families to feel ‘accepted.’ They needed to feel ‘a part of.’ St. Andrew’s heritage is a place where people feel they belong.” Penick is also proud of the growth of the global studies program, which was in its infancy when Penick was hired. “My concern was that global studies might become a high school travel program without any real institutional impact,” Penick says. “What has happened is the opposite. The number of students who come to St. Andrew’s from other countries has grown, and the program itself has become a part of the St. Andrew’s culture. This is not a school where a few wealthy students go on trips. Instead, this has become a school where every student has the opportunity to experience other places and other cultures, and a school where people are confident and comfortable in different cultures. Our students don’t go as tourists, they go to serve. The global studies program has become one of St. Andrew’s strongest institutional identifiers and one of the ways we live out our mission statement to serve the community and the world.” Penick is also proud of the physical improvements made to both St. Andrew’s campuses. “If we’re going to be the best, we need to offer the best. I’m retiring knowing that St. Andrew’s has spaces in which our programs can continue to grow and that we’re ready to welcome the next generation of Saints.”

SAPA’s 80’s-themed Parent Prom, 2018

we arrived home, we found that some kindergarteners had decorated the house with banners, pictures, hand drawn signs, and get-well cards. We left them up for an entire month. “I’ve watched George grow and change as a result of serving as head of school. He’s shown a softer side,” Carol continues.“The people, and especially the students, are what George loves the most about St. Andrew’s. When he has a day to spend with the students, he comes home happy and energized. St. Andrew’s has also brought out his fun-loving side. Most grown-ups just don’t get that excited about going to a school concert or ball game.” “Dr. Penick was not an ‘ivory tower’ leader,” says Kyle Jones ’11. “He loved interacting with the students. I think I saw him and his wife at every home basketball game. I remember thinking it was really cool that the head of school would make a point of being there.” It’s that time with the students that Penick will miss the most. “I’ve grown accustomed to seeing the students every day, whether it’s talking with them or just seeing them walk past my window,” Penick says. “Seeing these people I care so much about all day, every day, is what inspires me. These great kids, these teachers working so hard – they are the reason I’m here.”

Showing a Softer Side

Penick will take a lot of memories with him into retirement, including the night he and Carol were voted King and Queen of the 80s-themed Parent Prom (“This place has taken me so far beyond my comfort zone,” King Penick noted), playing Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus with Carol at the Lower School, and appearing in several student-produced videos that required him to play roles and wear costumes best described as less than dignified. Some of Penick’s most treasured memories are of the support he received from the St. Andrew’s community when he was fighting cancer. “We drove back into town after a stay at a hospital in Florida and went straight to St. Andrew’s for a pep rally,” Carol recalls. “When George walked in, the kids all stood up and cheered. It was such a moving moment. When

SECOND ACT If George Penick ever decides to pursue a second career, his wife, Carol, knows just the perfect job for him. “George has a bright future as the official St. Andrew’s Episcopal School docent. For the past decade, no matter who has come to town to visit us, George has taken them on a tour of both St. Andrew’s campuses. Whether they wanted to go on the tour or not. Every time they came.”

“GEORGE PENICK IS A VISIONARY WITH A heart for individuals. Sometimes when a person is a big, bold idea person, they can lose sight of the individual and the impact decisions have on all. Despite his many big ideas, George never lost sight of the issues surrounding individual students. When making decisions, George always referred to ‘what is in the best interest of the student.’ It is not easy to balance all the competing demands of an institution such as St. Andrew’s, but I greatly admire George for being able to balance the big-picture needs of the school with the individual needs of the students.” — KEVIN LEWIS, Associate Head of School

DESCRIBE GEORGE PENICK IN THREE WORDS According to students, alumni, faculty, and board members, George Penick is: “Fatherly, fair, dedicated.” “Easy-going, fair, visionary.” “Committed, kind, trustworthy.” “Brilliant, introverted, intellectual.” “Insightful, compassionate, integrity.” “Wise, caring, sincere.” “A fine man.”

“THE THINGS I MOST ADMIRE ABOUT GEORGE are his strong ethics, his brilliant intellect, and his commitment to the school and the needs of the students. George is truly a thinker who wants to know all the details before making a decision. And I love his leather case that holds his index cards. When George pulls out a card to jot something down, you definitely know you have his attention.” — JULIA CHADWICK, Head of Upper School

enick will also miss working with a board of trustees he describes as “constantly supportive, strong, open-minded, caring, and committed to principled governance,” and meeting alumni “who have been so consistent and positive, not because of anything I’ve done, but because of their love for and pride in the school.” While he will no longer see students and faculty walk past his window every day, St. Andrew’s and the St. Andrew’s community will never be far from Penick’s thoughts. “I am constantly amazed by the deep and genuine affection that so many people hold for St. Andrew’s because of what the school has done for them personally and for those they love,” Penick says. “I’m humbled by the deep, broad support the community has shown me for the past 10 years and even more humbled that so many people who love St. Andrew’s were willing to trust me to lead this school and this community for the past decade. It’s been so special for me, but it’s also been fun. I can’t imagine doing anything else and having more fun than I’ve had for the past 10 years. It’s been the best job in town.”

“I BELIEVE…” While the members of the 2007 search committee charged with hiring a new head of school were impressed with George Penick’s résumé, it was perhaps his educational philosophy that told them without a doubt that George Penick was the right man for the job. In describing that philosophy, Penick wrote:

I believe: •

The purpose of education is to support and develop young people – both for their future as adults as well as for their current lives – to be creative, effective citizens in their society.

•

A school’s primary job is to serve and support the student, rather than only to satisfy its own agendas of faculty convenience, administrative policies, and financial prudence.

• The arts are at the heart of a true education and are not a luxurious, optional appendage. • True love of learning is nurtured more from critical thinking than from consuming information. • Every learner has different strengths and needs, and therefore one teaching style does not serve every student.

SURPRISINGLY ENOUGH… When he took over as head of school, George Penick found two things about St. Andrew’s surprising.

• You learn best what you teach.

“I was surprised by how smart the students are. I’d sit in on classes and think, ‘How did my children get through this?’ The students are remarkably smart and they work really hard. The second thing that surprised me? These teachers really know how to throw a good party.”

• Fear of difference is fear of the future. • Active participation in and responsibility for one’s own learning is preferable to being treated as passive vessels to be filled. • All children can learn – and therefore, when a child does not succeed, the question should be “How did we not effectively serve this child?”

“DR. PENICK IS KIND AND IS ALWAYS THERE WHEN YOU NEED HIM. HE HAS HAD GOOD THINGS TO SAY ABOUT ME and I’ve tried as hard as I could to live up to them. Even when he was not feeling well, Dr. Penick would try to come to school to be with the students because he loved us. That was really a testament to his commitment as the head of school.”— IAN ESPY, St. Andrew’s Class of 2019

•

It is with young children where learning is at its purest, and the product of a school should be to encourage and support that joy of learning for learning’s sake.

•

A school should build on its strengths, but it also must continually seek newer and better ways to serve its students. Asking “Why?” continues to be the greatest tool for improvement.

COMING FULL CIRCLE — George Penick wears a distinctive ring on his right hand. The ring originally belonged to his grandfather, Edwin Anderson Penick, who served as the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina from 1922-59. • “My grandfather was a role model for me,” George Penick says. “Although I was only in fifth grade when he died, I remember him well. People were always telling me stories of sermons he had preached, decisions he had made, and examples of his leadership. A significant thing about my grandfather that influenced me is that he was one of the establishment leaders in the South who promoted and advocated for inter-racial dialogue and cooperation.• “I feel personally honored to wear his ring,” Penick continues. “It was given to him by the diocese when he became bishop. He sealed documents with it using sealing wax. He always wore it, it is prominent in his portraits, and it carries an emotional weight that transcends it being an attractive piece of jewelry. A meaningful part my family’s history and the inspiration I draw from my grandfather’s example reside in it.” 11

“DR. PENICK WAS ALWAYS VERY INVOLVED with the student body. When I saw him around campus, he never failed to say hello and to call me by name. Dr. Penick was always available. No concern was too small for him to discuss with me or my classmates and he would hear us out before giving his counsel. I try to emulate his quality of the ‘listening leader’ in my own daily duties. I wish Dr. Penick the best of luck upon his retirement, and I hope he has many opportunities to see the fruits of his years of labor when he runs into St. Andrew’s graduates.” — ALEX WEISSER ‘14, United States Military Academy at West Point, Class of 2018

“I ADMIRE DR. PENICK’S ABILITY TO BUILD personal relationships with students and St. Andrew’s families. When I came to St. Andrew’s as a sixth grader, Dr. Penick was deeply interested in getting to know me as a person and kept in touch with me throughout my years at St. Andrew’s. Dr. Penick made me feel like I had a place at St. Andrew’s, that I had a voice. He put in the effort to build a relationship with me and my fellow students, which I truly appreciated. By making every student feel important and valued, Dr. Penick created a more connected, united, and inclusive campus.” — KARNESSIA GEORGETOWN ‘15,

“I FEEL FORTUNATE TO BE ONE OF DR. PENICK’S ADVISEES. He listens to our opinions and genuinely wants to know how we are doing, asking us how school is going, how our lives have been recently, and if we have any concerns he can help with. I know I can speak for the rest of his advisory group and the students that have had him as the head of school when I say that to us, a little part of the school won’t be the same when he leaves.” — LINDSAY MORIARITY, St. Andrew’s Class of 2019

Yale University, Class of 2019

“ONE OF GEORGE’S ADMIRABLE QUALITIES IS HIS TEMPERATE NATURE. In the life of a head of school who must constantly balance several constituencies, there are a myriad of challenging times, but my sense of George is that his approach is always measured, respectful, and transparent. I greatly respect George’s true and active commitment to upholding inclusivity, as broadly defined as possible, as an ideal for St. Andrew’s School. As a good leader, George understands that a vision is only as good as its implementation and is always generous in giving credit to his team. To paraphrase Matthew Arnold, George Penick ‘sees life steadily and sees it whole.’” — SEETHA SRINIVASAN, Director Emerita, University Press of Mississippi • Parent of Graduates • St. Andrew’s Episcopal School Board of Trustees

“MANY OF US WHO HAVE BEEN ST. ANDREW’S PARENTS AND SUPPORTERS FOR YEARS WERE thrilled that someone of George’s reputation, background, and stature would take on the position as St. Andrew’s head of school. George knew both the school and the community because he had been a part of it. He has brought an important level of stability and an obvious personal concern for the students – George’s genuine care for the students exudes from him. There is not a parent or supporter who does not feel totally comfortable approaching George about any issue, idea, or problem. He is always gracious and welcoming. It is a hallmark of his personality. The future of the school has been enormously elevated by his years of leadership.”— DONNA BARKSDALE, Grandparent and Parent of Graduates “GEORGE WAS NOT A LIP-SERVICE LEADER. He believed diversity was a critical ingredient to excellence, that it required commitment, and he was dedicated to making it happen. He believed that artistic and athletic pursuits were important to academic success and he made sure that they became part of our mission statement. He did not believe in sacrificing value for popularity, and he didn’t allow it. And he never treated the Episcopal tradition of our school as just part of its name. He mentored us always to uphold the dignity of every human being. George’s legacy at St. Andrew’s will be the reflection of all of the good things he taught by example in the lives of those who were graced to be present during his tenure.”— REBECCA HIATT COLLINS, Parent of Graduates • Former Director of Institutional Advancement

“WE HAVE MIXED FEELINGS ABOUT GEORGE’S UPCOMING RETIREMENT — happy for George and Carol as they enter this next phase of their life together, but sad for St. Andrew’s for the loss of George’s exemplary leadership. George has led our school by compelling us to rise to the occasion, to hold fast to our collective ideals, and to remain focused throughout the noise and confusion that comprise this complex world. George is a compassionate and gracious man, an outstanding leader, and a person of strong moral conviction. He is most certainly one of the good ones.” — JOAN AND H.C. “BUSTER” BAILEY, President, H.C. Bailey Company (Buster Bailey) • Parents of Graduates • Honorary Chairs of the Campaign for Science and Art • Former Member of the St. Andrew’s Board of Trustees (Buster Bailey)

IAN ESPY, CLASS OF 2019

{forward saints}

GIVING TO THE

CHAPEL One of the many projects funded through the Forward Saints capital campaign is the construction of a new Episcopal chapel on the North Campus.

WITH A DISTINCTIVE BELL TOWER THAT WILL be visible from locations around campus, the chapel will serve as a prominent expression of St. Andrew’s Episcopal tradition. “An Episcopal school requires an Episcopal identity,” says Head of School George Penick. “For the soul of the school to be evident and meaningful to all, it is essential that we create a visible and defining Episcopal chapel in the center of the St. Andrew’s North Campus.”

If you wish to honor retiring Head of School George Penick and his decade of service with a donation to the school, he asks that you consider directing your gift to the new Episcopal Chapel fund.

TO FIND OUT MORE OR TO MAKE A GIFT, VISIT GOSAINTS.ORG/HONORGEORGE.

THE DNA IN THE DESIGN — Jack Allin ’96 of Wier Boerner Allin Architecture is handling the design of the North Campus chapel, as well as the expanded dining commons and 5th Grade Loft. • The chapel is more than just another project for Allin; it’s the continuation of a family legacy. Allin’s maternal grandfather, Tom Jones Biggs, was the architect of the St. Andrew’s South Campus. His paternal grandfather, John Maury Allin, Sr., was the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church of the United States. • “I see the influences of both my grandfathers in my work on this chapel,” Allin says. “They both had a deep understanding and appreciation of the role of sacred space in our spiritual life. When I was in college, my grandfathers toured me through a church in Jackson, a space designed by my maternal grandfather. They discussed the symbolic meaning of the significant features in that church. Hearing the dialogue between my grandfather the architect and my grandfather the theologian has shaped me to this day, and has also shaped the design of the chapel at St. Andrew’s.” Jack Allin ’96, of Wier Boerner Allin Architecture, holds a photo of his grandfather, Tom Jones Biggs, who was the architect of the St. Andrew’s South Campus. 15

MAKING A

M E E T N A T T S To nurture a diverse community in the Episcopal tradition, fostering spiritual growth, moral responsibility, academic excellence, and artistic and athletic pursuits, while preparing for a life of service to our community and the world.

IN 2011, UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF HEAD OF SCHOOL GEORGE PENICK, the St. Andrew’s Episcopal School mission statement was expanded to better reflect the purpose of the school and the unique educational experience offered by St. Andrew’s. Even before the new mission statement was written, St. Andrew’s students were living it, not only during their time on campus but also during their pursuits outside of St. Andrew’s. The students featured here are but a few examples of how the St. Andrew’s community exemplifies the school’s mission, day in and day out.

Abby McCaughan and Lauren Brown, both class of 2020, head to their next class.

“ST. ANDREW’S TAUGHT ME TO QUESTION AND TRY TO UNDERSTAND THINGS ON A DEEPER LEVEL, NOT JUST ACCEPT A ‘YES’ OR ‘NO’ ANSWER, EVEN REGARDING MATTERS OF FAITH.”

SPIRITUAL GROWTH

KATIE SEAGE, CLASS OF 2018 GIVEN THAT KATIE SEAGE IS the daughter of the Rt. Rev. Brian Seage, the bishop of the Diocese of Mississippi, and the Rev. Kyle Seage, rector at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, it’s not surprising that her spiritual life is important to her. Seage is a volunteer leader of the Happening Experience, a bi-annual, spiritual retreat for high school students, led by high school students. The weekend-long event is held at various Episcopal churches, but is open to young people of all denominations who wish to explore what it means to believe in Jesus and to be a part of the body of Christ. Seage describes Happening, which includes worship services, music, and small and large group discussions, as “a gateway to spirituality.” As a volunteer leader, Seage handles everything from coordinating the musicians and priests involved to leading small group discussions to gathering snacks and supplies. “Happening gives me an opportunity to serve other people, as well as to learn about myself,” Seage says. “Seeing the changes in people in a mere 48 hours is amazing, and the relationships I form over those two days carry over. Strangers become friends who help each other grow spiritually.” Seage’s commitment to serving others continues during the summer, when she serves as a counselor at Camp Bratton-Green, a summer camp operated by the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi. Seage originally discovered Bratton-Green as a camper. “When I was in Middle School, the high school staff members at Camp Bratton-Green each gave a talk about something personal, a test that had helped grow their faith. It was refreshing to hear these people I idolized sharing that they weren’t perfect. It made me more open to sharing with younger kids as a counselor myself when I got older.” Seage now volunteers as a camp counselor for middle school students and during Special Session, a weeklong camp for physically and mentally disabled adults. “Serving as a counselor during Special Session was very scary at first. I was in a cabin with disabled adults who were depending on me to take care of them. But helping them taught me how to accept help from others. You can’t do everything by yourself. Special Session also taught me that relationships can happen at any level. The campers I counseled at Special Session are truly my friends – they call, write, and text me during the year

until we see each other again at camp. My friends from Special Session are some of the purest, most genuine people God made.” SEAGE’S SPIRITUAL GROWTH THROUGH THE HAPPENING EXPERIENCE, CAMP BRATTON-GREEN, AND HER CHURCH HAS BEEN REINFORCED BY HER EXPERIENCES AT ST. ANDREW’S. SEAGE CONTINUALLY EXPLORES AND ASKS QUESTIONS ABOUT HER FAITH, A QUESTIONING THAT ST. ANDREW’S ENCOURAGES IN KEEPING WITH THE EPISCOPAL TRADITION.

“St. Andrew’s taught me to question and try to understand things on a deeper level, not just accept a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer, even regarding matters of faith,” says Seage, who transferred to St. Andrew’s in the eighth grade. “At St. Andrew’s, I apply my faith in the classroom, in choir, in service – not just in church. “Attending St. Andrew’s has been one of the most transformative things that’s ever happened to me. If I had not come to St. Andrew’s, I think I’d be very stuck spiritually. I’d be taking things by the book instead of questioning things and looking for answers. St. Andrew’s has reinforced what I’ve learned being raised as an Episcopalian, but has also set me off on different paths and encouraged me to explore. The people you are surrounded by every day have such an influence on you – even as the daughter of a bishop and a priest.” 19

“I WAS PAIRED WITH AN MIT PROFESSOR TO CONDUCT RESEARCH IN THEORETICAL PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY. THE ATMOSPHERE WAS EXCITING AND A LITTLE INTIMIDATING, BUT I WAS PREPARED FOR IT.”

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

CHARLEY HUTCHISON, CLASS OF 2018 CHARLEY HUTCHISON HASN’T YET GRADUATED from high school, but he’s already earned a reputation in the scientific research community. Hutchison spent six weeks during the summer of 2017 at MIT as a participant in the university’s Research Science Institute, a highly competitive program that brings young scientists to MIT to conduct original research. MIT chose 80 participants – 50 students from the United States and 30 international students – for participation in the renowned program in 2017. “I was ecstatic when I was chosen,” Hutchison says. “I was paired with an MIT professor to conduct research in theoretical physical chemistry. The atmosphere was exciting and a little intimidating, but I was prepared for it. I felt very much in my element and it was good to be with people who shared my interests.” Hutchison studied the behavior of super-cooled liquids, research that could have applications in food processing, pharmaceuticals, and other industries. His efforts at MIT earned the institute’s Distinguished Research Paper Award and formed the basis for Hutchison’s entry in the Regeneron Science Talent Search. Formerly known as the Westinghouse Science Talent Search, it is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science competition for high school seniors, attracting some 1,800 entries. As a Top 40 finalist in the Science Talent Search, Hutchison won $25,000; Regeneron also donated $2,000 to the St. Andrew’s science program. The MIT and Regeneron programs aren’t the first times Hutchison’s independent research has been in the national spotlight. A project conducted by Hutchison and fellow St. Andrew’s student Andrew Neely ’16 was ranked the fourth most significant independent student chemistry project in the world at the 2016 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. Hutchison estimates he spends seven hours per week conducting independent research during the school year (compared to 50 hours per week during the summer), but his focus on science hasn’t prevented him from excelling in other academic and extracurricular pursuits. He is a National Merit Finalist, scored a perfect 36 on the ACT, is the captain of the St. Andrew’s Quiz Bowl team, plays in the concert and jazz bands, and is an Eagle Scout. Hutchison ran cross country and track (“I wasn’t good at it, but I enjoyed it,”), makes time for pleasure reading and board games, and volunteers at the Mississippi Children’s Museum. While there is no doubt Hutchison was born with intellectual gifts, he credits St. Andrew’s with helping

him channel those gifts and discover his passion for research. Hutchison was still in Middle School when his teachers began recommending that he skip ahead to more advanced math and science classes. “I WANTED THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK ON MORE CHALLENGING MATERIAL,” HUTCHISON SAYS. “MY TEACHERS ALSO ENCOURAGED ME TO BEGIN CONDUCTING INDEPENDENT RESEARCH. THERE’S A FINE LINE BETWEEN ENCOURAGING AND PUSHING. I’VE ALWAYS FELT ENCOURAGED AT ST. ANDREW’S, BUT I’VE NEVER FELT PUSHED OUTSIDE MY COMFORT ZONE. I’VE DRIVEN EVERYTHING AND I’VE DECIDED HOW MUCH TIME I WANTED TO SPEND ON THE RESEARCH.”

Hutchison has also been encouraged by the attitude of his St. Andrew’s peers. “They’ve been very positive and supportive and they’ve shown a lot more interest in my research than I would have expected,” Hutchison says. “Of course, St. Andrew’s teachers are also encouraging other students with other talents. There’s a huge degree of variation in interests and skills and the teachers recognize where individual people need to be. There are so many students at St. Andrew’s who are amazing at so many different things. I’ve never felt isolated or ‘not normal.’” Hutchison is currently considering college offers with the goal of a career conducting academic research in the classical sciences. “No one does anything in a vacuum,” Hutchison says. “St. Andrew’s has given me so many opportunities. I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome.” 21

“I’VE PERFORMED WITH PEOPLE FROM SOUTH KOREA, JAPAN, FRANCE, AND SAUDI ARABIA. IT’S MORE THAN JUST A THEATER EXPERIENCE OR AN ART EXPERIENCE. IT’S A CULTURAL EXPERIENCE AND A CHANCE TO EXPERIENCE THEATER FROM A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE.”

ARTISTIC PURSUITS

SAFFRON QUINN, CLASS OF 2019 “THEATER IS A WAY TO LEAVE REAL LIFE, but learn about real life at the same time,” Saffron Quinn says. Quinn discovered her passion for musical theater performing in St. Andrew’s Lower and Middle School shows from “Flat Stanley” to “Godspell.” Most recently, she has appeared in Upper School productions of “Rumors” and “Little Shop of Horrors.” For the past four summers, musical theater has led Quinn to the woodlands of northern Michigan, where she has been a student at the prestigious Interlochen Center for the Arts. Founded in 1928, Interlochen offers intense summer camps in music, theater, dance, visual arts, creative writing, and motion picture arts. Notable Interlochen alumni include singer-songwriters Jewel and Norah Jones; actor Felicity Huffman; singer Josh Groban; and Vince Gilligan, producer of the hit TV show Breaking Bad. Admission to Interlochen is by audition; the selection process is stringent, but according to Quinn, more than worth the effort. “The Interlochen experience is amazing,” Quinn says. “It’s an international program, so you’re acting and studying with people from all over the United States and all over the world. I’ve performed with people from South Korea, Japan, France, and Saudi Arabia. It’s more than just a theater experience or an art experience. It’s a cultural experience and a chance to experience theater from a global perspective.” Quinn’s experiences at Interlochen have given her a new appreciation for St. Andrew’s arts programs and for her performing arts teachers, including choir director Scott Sexton and performing arts chair and drama instructor Ray McFarland. “Talking to other students at Interlochen who don’t come from schools with strong arts programs made me realize how much support St. Andrew’s shows for the arts and how much our teachers have to offer,” Quinn says. “Mr. Sexton doesn’t just teach us how to sing. He teaches us that every sound you make is important. And being in Mr. McFarland’s acting class after Interlochen was so cool because it showed me that every teacher, every actor, approaches acting from a different method. I learned so much from Mr. McFarland and from analyzing how his acting method is different from my other teachers’ and from mine.” Quinn’s focus at St. Andrew’s isn’t limited to the arts.

“TO BE GOOD AT ACTING, YOU HAVE TO UNDERSTAND EVERYTHING AROUND YOU. TO UNDERSTAND ACTING, YOU HAVE TO UNDERSTAND THE HUMAN MIND. THAT’S WHY I’M SO SERIOUS ABOUT MY CLASSES. I’M TAKING A LOT OF AP AND HONORS CLASSES TO TRY TO PUSH MYSELF AND UNDERSTAND MORE ABOUT MORE SUBJECTS.”

Quinn is also preparing for the reality that “if you pursue an artistic career, you won’t always have a job. It’s constant rejection and there are very few stars.” Her senior year course selections include a finance class that will help her manage money if she’s ever between performing jobs. Quinn also loves languages. She has studied Arabic, French, Korean, and Japanese, drawn to the subtle nuances that words take on when spoken in Arabic rather than English or Japanese instead of French. Quinn was recently selected for the Sejong Scholars Program, an online course sponsored by Stanford University that offers up to 20 exceptional high school students an intensive study of Korea. It’s not a stretch for Quinn to envision a future life in New York, performing on stage and working as a translator between roles. “St. Andrew’s has given me a great foundation. I can dream big and still know I’ll be able to take care of myself,” Quinn says. “Our teachers push you to be who you want to be, but they don’t tell you what to do. Instead, they nourish you. St. Andrew’s lets you be who you want to be and explore what you want to explore.”

“ST. ANDREW’S TAUGHT ME HOW TO FIND BALANCE, SET PRIORITIES, AND GET EVERYTHING DONE. OUR SWIM COACH REMINDS US CONSTANTLY THAT WE ARE STUDENT-ATHLETES. THE STUDENT COMES FIRST.”

ATHLETIC PURSUITS

JACK SMITHSON, CLASS OF 2018 JACK SMITHSON CAN’T REMEMBER THE FIRST time he plunged into a swimming pool. But according to his mother, Jack was only three years old when he began practicing competitive swim techniques. “She tells me that I was imitating the big kids, trying to put my face down in the water and swim in the baby pool,” Smithson says. “I’ve always had a natural affection for the water.” Smithson also has a natural talent for swimming, honed over years of diligent practice and commitment into a record-setting high school career. The captain of the St. Andrew’s swim team, Smithson holds six Mississippi High School Activities Association Class I individual state records and 10 team state records. Smithson has been a member of four St. Andrew’s State Championship swim teams and was named Best of Mississippi Preps Male Swimmer of the Year when he was still a freshman. Outside of St. Andrew’s, Smithson swims competitively for the Sunkist Swim Team and competes in state, regional, and national swim meets representing Sunkist. He still holds the Mississippi state records in the 13-14-year-old age group for the 200-meter backstroke and 200-meter butterfly. During the high school swimming season, Smithson spends at least eight hours a week in the pool and has spent summers coaching swimming at the River Hills Club. Over the years, he’s become immune to the smell of chlorine, but Smithson’s enthusiasm for his sport has never dampened. “I like the competitive nature of swimming and the fun of the sport,” Smithson says. “My teammates are friends so it’s also a good social environment.” Between practices and meets, swimming involves a significant time commitment. Smithson also competed outside the pool as a member of the St. Andrew’s Quiz Bowl team. He credits St. Andrew’s with helping him learn to manage his time between athletics, academics, and extracurricular activities. “St. Andrew’s taught me how to find balance, set priorities, and get everything done,” Smithson says. “Our swim coach, Thatcher Shepard, reminds us constantly that we are student-athletes. The student comes first.”

Following his graduation from St. Andrew’s, Smithson will join the swim team at Washington University in St. Louis. He chose Washington University for its strong academics and the opportunity to compete as a member of its swim team. When he looks back on his career as a St. Andrew’s student-athlete, Smithson remembers the support he felt from his coaches, teachers, teammates, and friends. “EVERYONE AT ST. ANDREW’S HELPED ME PUSH MYSELF, BOTH IN SWIMMING AND IN SCHOOL,” SMITHSON SAYS. “PEOPLE HERE ENCOURAGE EACH OTHER, WHETHER IT’S IN SPORTS OR IN ACADEMICS. SPORTS ARE COMPETITIVE, BUT THERE’S NOT A CUTTHROAT MENTALITY HERE.

“Instead, it’s a lot more about cooperation and encouraging each other. That’s especially true of the St. Andrew’s swim team. People think of swimming as an individual sport, but we are truly a team. We have the same goals. We’re not just swimming for ourselves, but for the team. At St. Andrew’s, we’re all in it together.”

“IT’S NOT ABOUT EARNING A BADGE OR GETTING COMMUNITY “ST. ANDREW’S TAUGHT

SERVICE HOURS. I ENJOY LISTENING

ME HOW TO FIND BALANCE,

TO THESE VETERANS AND I’VE LEARNED A LOT FROM THEM. PEOPLE

SET PRIORITIES, AND GET

IN AMERICA DON’T LISTEN TO OLDER

EVERYTHING DONE. OUR SWIM COACH REMINDS

PEOPLE AS MUCH OR AS CLOSELY AS WE SHOULD. THEY HAVE A

US CONSTANTLY THAT WE

LOT OF INSIGHTS TO SHARE.”

ARE STUDENT-ATHLETES. THE STUDENT COMES FIRST.”

A LIFE OF SERVICE

HUNTER BRYSON, CLASS OF 2019 IT BEGAN AS AN EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT. Hunter Bryson wanted his project to be something meaningful, something that would last long after he earned the highest badge presented by the Boy Scouts. Inspired by an interview he heard with a veteran, Bryson began conducting his own interviews with veterans of the Korean War, visiting veterans’ homes and private residences to capture the stories many of these former soldiers had never previously shared. The Korean War has been referred to as “the Forgotten War” in the United States, overshadowed by World War II and the Vietnam Conflict. “I WAS INTERESTED IN THE KOREAN WAR BECAUSE IT HASN’T BEEN WRITTEN ABOUT OR DOCUMENTED AS HEAVILY AS WORLD WAR II. MY GRANDFATHER SERVED IN THE KOREAN WAR AND TALKED ABOUT HOW NO ONE REMEMBERED THE KOREAN WAR VETERANS,” BRYSON SAYS. “I WAS ALSO INTERESTED BECAUSE THE KOREAN WAR WAS THE FIRST WAR AFTER THE UNITED STATES MILITARY WAS DESEGREGATED.”

“I interviewed a man who joined the Navy. His brother joined the Army,” Bryson says. “The man was working on a troops ship, where his job was to screen people as they boarded the ship. He received a letter informing him that his brother had been killed, but he couldn’t really believe it. For the rest of the war, he scanned every face that boarded, looking for his brother.” Bryson earned his Eagle Scout badge, but his project didn’t end. He has continued to interview veterans, hoping to give as many men who wish to participate the opportunity to share their stories. To date, Bryson has documented the stories of 12 veterans, with plans to continue the project, “until I have a hard time finding veterans. I will be ‘done’ only when I can’t find anymore veterans to interview.” Bryson has been in discussions with the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and the Mississippi Department of Archives and History about preserving his project in their collections. “It’s not about earning a badge or getting community service hours,” Bryson says. “I enjoy listening to these veterans and I’ve learned a lot from them. People in America don’t listen to older people as much or as closely as we should. They have a lot of insights to share. “These stories about the war and the people who served – I’m doing this project because those people and their stories need to be known.”

African Americans had a long history of military service, including fighting in World War II, but the military was not desegregated until President Harry Truman signed Executive Order 9981 in 1948. The order prohibited discrimination against military personnel on the basis of race, religion, or national origin. Soldiers who returned home to Mississippi from Korea left a desegregated army and came back to a segregated state, a fact many of the veterans touched on in their interviews with Bryson. One of Bryson’s more memorable interviews was with James Meredith, the Korean War veteran who became the first African American to enroll in the University of Mississippi. “James Meredith said that when he came back to Mississippi after his military service, he wanted to change his state for the better. Everything he did was intentional with the goal of bettering Mississippi.” While his project has taught Bryson about United States history and military policy, it’s the simple, human stories that have touched him the most.

LEAN On ME WHEN STUDENTS FACE CHALLENGES, ST. ANDREW’S COUNSELORS ARE THERE TO HELP.

here are many ways to describe the work of the school counselors at St. Andrew’s, but perhaps counselor Chelsea Taylor Freeman ’02 describes it best when she says, “I am an outlet when a student is having a difficult time or needs a space to let out and process big emotions.” St. Andrew’s students can turn to dedicated, professional school counselors who help them work through social, emotional, and academic challenges, from forming friendships to test anxiety, from the typical trials of adolescence to dealing with traumatic events. Counselors include Chelsea Freeman (Lower School), Cyndi Hogue (Middle School), and Lauren Powell (Upper School). “We’re here to help students with general life skills and also with specific skills based on unique situations they may be facing,” Powell says. “School counselors provide students with an extra layer of positive adult presence on campus in addition to the faculty and staff.” “Students, regardless of their age, are people who want to be heard. They want their emotions and concerns taken seriously,” says Freeman. “Whether you’re coming to me because you’re afraid of the dark, upset because you had an argument with your friend, or sad because your hamster died, I’m going to listen and treat you with respect and dignity. I try to understand, convey acceptance, and validate the emotions you express. Emotional validation lets students know that they matter and what they feel is important.”

“First and foremost, we are advocates for the students,” Hogue says. “In addition to providing one-on-one support, we work with their parents and families, their teachers, and the St. Andrew’s learning facilitators to make sure each student gets the help he or she needs.” School counselors are trained to assess each student’s level of need based on input from the student, parents, faculty, and other student support services staff members. When a student has more serious or urgent needs that require specialized support, the counselors make referrals to outside therapists, psychiatrists, and others who are trained to help at the appropriate level. SUPPORT AT EVERY LEVEL Each counselor uses age appropriate techniques to help students facing different situations. Childhood is often thought of as a carefree, joyous time, but even young children experience challenges that can leave them feeling frustrated or alone. “The Lower School students love games,” says Freeman. “If a student comes to me because he is having trouble regulating his anger, we might play a card game called ‘Mad Dragon’ that explores skills like deep breathing, talking about anger, and knowing your anger signs and triggers. For students struggling with impulse control, we might play ‘Stop, Relax, and Think.’ This game moves through a series of lessons on identifying emotions and practicing calming tools, and ends with applying those skills to real life challenges, like what you would do if your best friend asked to copy your work or if you came in last in a race.

“I BELIEVE THAT LISTENING IS ONE OF THE GREATEST GIFTS WE CAN GIVE ANOTHER. For a child to meet with an adult, without any distraction, in a space where you are accepted and supported regardless of what you express, is a special space of growth and discovery.” — CHELSEA TAYLOR FREEMAN ‘02, LOWER SCHOOL COUNSELOR 29

“PEOPLE OF ALL AGES YEARN FOR RELATIONSHIPS, ESPECIALLY THE UNCONDITIONAL KIND.” LAUREN POWELL, UPPER SCHOOL COUNSELOR

LAUREN POWELL AND BRANDON JOHNSON, CLASS OF 2018

“E

very student is different,” Freeman continues. “Some want to play games, while others prefer to process their emotions through their drawings. Younger students gravitate toward play in the sandbox, while older students may want to relax in a giant beanbag and talk through what they’re experiencing. No matter which approach we take, helping students learn to calm their thoughts and regulate their emotions and actions is a big part of the work.” Just hearing the words “Middle School” can still make adults blanch. Middle School students experience many stressors, including social pressure, academic anxiety,

physical and mental changes, and increasing expectations from adults. Hogue’s focus is on guiding adolescents through this challenging stage. “In Middle School, many students struggle with social skills like navigating friendships and finding their social group. That can make it hard to focus on school,” Hogue says. “I might facilitate problem solving conferences for students having conflicts with friends or help individual students practice social skills. Most of the time, I can listen, chat with them, and help them come up with a plan to move forward.” Hogue also teaches Middle Schoolers calming and self-regulation skills, including mindfulness and relaxation, that help in social situations and with academic challenges like test anxiety.

“MS. HOGUE PROVIDES COMFORT AND UNDERSTANDING WHEN WE NEED IT. She helps us with problems with friends and helps us calm down when we feel anxious.” —

LILY HILLHOUSE, SEVENTH GRADE

“When students are mindful, they notice what’s happening inside and around them,” Hogue says. “That present-moment awareness helps students take control of their thoughts and feelings and return to a place of calm. They become better able to cope with difficult emotions. The result is greater focus, less stress, more self-confidence, and better relationships with others.” “Throughout life, we’re all developing our self-concept or ‘life story,’” Powell says. “During adolescence, learning to differentiate oneself while also creating a sense of belonging can be a difficult story to write. Students struggling with family, academic, or emotional concerns can become caught up in negative thinking. I’m a big advocate of the narrative therapy model, which helps students ‘write’ their life stories with a real and positive understanding of themselves in relations to others.” Powell, Hogue, and Freeman work together to support students throughout their St. Andrew’s experience. “Working with the other counselors provides an understanding of students in their different developmental phases,” Powell says. “That understanding and knowledge makes it possible for us to meet students where they are and help them get where they want to go.” “More often than not, a struggling adult was once a struggling child,” Freeman says. “At St. Andrew’s, we are vigilant of the needs of the students under our care. Working with teachers and families, we have an amazing opportunity to positively alter the trajectory of a young person who might otherwise struggle.” “I’m encouraged when I see Upper School students that I worked with in Middle School and they say they still use the mindfulness techniques they learned in class, or when a parent sees me at graduation and says ‘thank you’ for helping their child navigate Middle School,” Hogue says. “I’m most encouraged when I see former Middle School students taking leadership roles, serving others, and succeeding academically and emotionally.” “Our greatest joy is the process of building relationships with our students and seeing the stages of growth. It’s not when I’ve helped a student that I celebrate, it’s when I see that the students are able to help themselves,” Freeman says. “We counselors care so much. We spend our time thinking about how we can help and what we can do to support our community. We carry our students and their families in our hearts. We love our community and love what we do.” “People of all ages yearn for relationships, especially the unconditional kind,” Powell says. “Recently, I received a few dear thank notes from students I’ve counseled. One student wrote, ‘You have encouraged me to do my best, even in troubling situations.’ There were many other kind expressions of needs met, needs that all human beings have. But the words that keep me coming back to this job I love day after day are words like, ‘You have helped me love myself,’ and ‘You have helped me be my best self.’ There is truly no greater joy than watching our students grow into the people they want to be. We all need help with that from time to time.”

St. Andrew’s counselors include Chelsea Freeman (Lower School), Cyndi Hogue (Middle School), and Lauren Powell (Upper School).

COUNSELING THE COUNSELORS SEEING THE STUDENTS they care for struggle can be difficult for St. Andrew’s counselors, who have learned to lean on each other for support. “I RELY A GREAT DEAL on the department of Student Support Services for the balance and support it takes to not overload,” Lauren Powell says. “I also pray the St. Francis prayer, have a spiritual advisor and outside counselor friends, and of course, my family and friends keep me grounded. Seeing the love and support of St. Andrew’s families for one another is also a sustaining grace.” “I TRY TO REMEMBER what I tell my students and to practice what I preach,” says Cyndi Hogue. “I pray, talk to my friends, exercise, and try to take care of myself mentally and physically. We also have an awesome support system here at St. Andrew’s. I am very thankful that I don’t work in isolation, but instead that I’m able to collaborate with teachers, administrators, and Student Support Services.”

PUT YOUR MIND TO IT Middle School Counselor Cyndi Hogue recommends the following mindfulness techniques for students dealing with anger, stress, or test anxiety, or students who just need a “brain break.”

Take a Brain Break 1. Be silent and still for one minute. 2. Breathe normally. Pay attention to the feeling of your breath in your nose, throat, and lungs. 3. Close your eyes and listen to the sounds around you. 4. Think of five things for which you are grateful. 5. Say something kind to yourself or another person.

JEMARIO RUGLEY ORIGINALLY PLANNED TO “WORK IN COMPUTER SCIENCE AND GET RICH,”

BUT HE DISCOVERED HIS PASSION WASN’T COMPUTERS OR MONEY. “MY HEART WAS ABOUT KIDS AND SPORTS,” RUGLEY SAYS. “IT MAKES ME FEEL GREAT TO BE CALLED ‘COACH.’ A COACH HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE A TEACHER, A FATHER FIGURE, A ROLE MODEL.”

RIG IN 32

GHT THE 33

FRIEND WALKER CLASS OF 2024

ROLE REVERSAL — “We try to make every child on the team understand that he or she is important. On Fridays during Middle School football season, we had the skilled position players – those players who typically handle the ball and have the most opportunities to score – and the linemen switch roles. Every member of the team got to experience first-hand the effort required of their teammates. • “Switching positions gave a lineman the joy of saying, ‘Hey Mom, I played quarterback today!’ A receiver could tell his teammates, ‘Wow, blocking is really hard. Thank you for doing that.’ Playing in the other person’s shoes made them appreciate their teammates even more.” – MIDDLE SCHOOL HEAD FOOTBALL COACH JEMARIO RUGLEY

COACH NICK AGUIRRE

COACH JEMARIO RUGLEY

RUGLEY PUTS HIS HEART INTO HIS JOB AS A ST. ANDREW’S MATH TEACHER AND THE ASSISTANT COACH FOR THE VARSITY BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM, HEAD COACH OF THE NINTH AND TENTH GRADE BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM, AND HEAD COACH OF THE FIFTH AND SIXTH GRADE FOOTBALL TEAM. MIDDLE SCHOOL FOOTBALL PLAYERS LEARN MORE FROM RUGLEY AND ASSISTANT COACH NICK AGUIRRE THAN JUST HOW TO THROW A PASS OR A BLOCK. “WHAT I LIKE THE MOST about coaching Middle School students is that they want someone to coach them,” Rugley says. “When fifth graders first start a sport, they just want to play. Part of my job is to remind them, ‘You’re not a baby anymore. You are responsible for your actions during practice, for your gear in the locker room, for your commitment to your team.’ To watch a child learn, grow, and become more responsible over the course of the season is the best part of my job.” Rugley and Aguirre teach Middle School athletes life lessons, including how to fight back from adversity and losses; appreciation for the opportunity to play; and the value of having teammates they can trust on and off the field.

“Our Middle School athletes also learn about commitment,” Rugley says. “You not only need to give your all, you also need to recognize the commitments others are making for you. It’s not always about ‘me.’ Sometimes it’s about respecting my coaches’ and my teammates’ commitment. Sometimes it’s about my mom and dad and the sacrifices they’re making for me, like the time they invest in coming to my games or the money they invest in my equipment. “Sports also teaches our players that we – St. Andrew’s – are a family. When our teams break their huddles, we say ‘Saints!’ on three and ‘Family!’ on six. And no matter how old my athletes are, I tell them every day that I care about them and that they matter.”

“WE’RE ALL SAINTS.” — “I took ballet for two years and I absolutely hated it,” fifth grader Julia Moore says, pushing her long blond hair out of her eyes. “Football is a much better fit for me.” Moore and her friends, fellow fifth grader Finley Emerson and sixth grader Cate Shrader, took the field last fall as members of the St. Andrew’s 5th and 6th grade football team.

JULIA, FINLEY, AND CATE RAN ONTO THE FIELD FOR THEIR FIRST GAME TO CHEERS FROM ENTHUSIASTIC FANS, MANY WAVING SIGNS THAT PROCLAIMED “GIRL POWER!” “My friends think it’s cool,” Finley says. “They all want to try on my shoulder pads.” “Girls can do anything they want to do,” Cate says. “Even if it’s something that’s always been thought of as only for the guys.” While Cate was eager to take the field from day one of practice, her mother, Carol Shrader, initially wasn’t so sure. “Middle School can be tough. What Julia Moore, class of 2025 if the other kids looked down on this?” Shrader says. “I was surprised by the beautiful reaction of Cate’s classmates and teammates. The kids didn’t think twice about someone trying something new or unexpected. I think that’s a testimony to the culture of St. Andrew’s.” Julia, Finley, and Cate did weather some heckling from members of the opposing teams, but they knew their Saints teammates had their backs. When a player from an opposing team said to a male St. Andrew’s player, “You’ve got a girl on your team,” the St. Andrew’s player’s response was, “We sure do. And she’ll kick your butt.” 35

GEORGE AND CAROL PENICK WERE CHARTER MEMBERS OF THE 1947 SOCIETY, WHICH WAS ESTABLISHED IN 2000. THE 1947 SOCIETY HONORS DONORS WHO CONTRIBUTE $1,000 OR MORE TO THE ANNUAL FUND IN A SINGLE YEAR.

THE ST. ANDREWâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S COMMUNITY IS CELEBRATING ANOTHER IMPORTANT 70TH THIS SPRING. HEAD OF SCHOOL GEORGE PENICK TURNS 70 ON APRIL 17, 2018.

{annual fund}

AS ST. ANDREW’S CELEBRATES ITS 70TH ANNIVERSARY, HERE ARE JUST A FEW OF THE MANY, MANY REASONS TO SUPPORT THE ANNUAL FUND.

SINCE IT BEGAN IN 1991, THE Annual Fund has been a success thanks to the generosity of the St. Andrew’s community and to the 27 families who have stepped up to serve as Annual Fund chairs. George and Carol Penick have been loyal supporters of the Annual Fund since long before George became St. Andrew’s head of school. Frances Jean Neely, former director of annual giving, asked the Penicks to chair the Annual Fund in 1999-2000. “I asked George and Carol to serve as Annual Fund chairs before I even started my own job at St. Andrew’s,” Neely says. “It was one of the first things I did as soon as I was hired. I knew that to be a successful director of annual giving, I would have to have strong leadership behind me.” The Penicks were a logical choice as campaign leaders; Carol had strong ties to St. Andrew’s as a parent, former teacher, and former assistant director of admissions, and George brought a solid background in fundraising as the president of the Foundation for the MidSouth. Together, Neely and the Penicks announced an Annual Fund goal of $300,000. “It was a stretch goal, but George and Frances Jean were confident we could do it,” Carol says. “A lot of the

credit for setting that high goal goes to Frances Jean. She brought vision and a lot of creative ideas to the table.” Setting the ambitious goal paid off. The 1999-2000 Annual Fund raised a then-record-breaking $301,000. A key to reaching the goal was an innovative matching gift program developed by George and Carol and funded by generous individuals who agreed to match gifts from new donors and gift increases by previous donors. “George and Carol weren’t campaign leaders in name only,” Neely says. “They were very active volunteers. Several people who later became active in fundraising for St. Andrew’s told me they learned how to ask – and also learned to enjoy fundraising – from George and Carol. Having them as my first Annual Fund chairs spoiled me and gave all of the future campaign chairs a tough act to follow.” “I admired George and Carol for their success as fundraisers for years before I came to work at St. Andrew’s,” says Elizabeth Alley, director of annual giving. “Their steadfast integrity, unwavering purpose, and thoughtful leadership at St. Andrew’s and beyond are inspiring. I am forever grateful for the trail they blazed for the St. Andrew’s Annual Fund and for all they have taught me.”

$70 FOR THE 70TH In honor of St. Andrew’s 70th anniversary year, please consider adding $70 to your planned Annual Fund pledge. Or, if it’s your first year to support the Annual Fund, you could begin with a gift of $70. It’s a meaningful way to wish St. Andrew’s a happy 70th. TO MAKE A PLEDGE OR A SECURE GIFT ONLINE, VISIT GOSAINTS.ORG/ANNUALFUND.

RIGHT OF WAY SELETA REYNOLDS LIVES IN SILVER LAKE, CALIFORNIA, WITH HER HUSBAND, JESSE WILSON, AND THEIR DAUGHTERS, VIDA AND CLEO. VIDA AND CLEO DO THEIR PART TO MAKE THEIR MOTHERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S JOB EASIER BY WALKING TO SCHOOL.

{alumni awards}

A DRIVING

FORCE

Seleta Reynolds ’94 • St. Andrew’s Distinguished Alumna of the Year WITH 7,500 MILES of streets, 4,500 traffic lights, and first bike parking program and bicycle and pedestrian more than 7 million registered cars, trucks, and motor- master plan. Reynolds spent the next 18 years learning cycles, the city of Los Angeles is home to the largest and the ins and outs of transportation management, earnmost congested municipal street system in America. ing a reputation for developing innovative ways to keep It’s up to Seleta Reynolds to keep people moving and people moving. safe no matter how they travel. “The place that first gave me the opportunity to take Reynolds is the general manager of the Los Angeles risks was St. Andrew’s,” Reynolds says. “St. Andrew’s Department of Transportation (LADOT). Her career taught me that I didn’t have to take anyone else’s ideas supervising engineers and planning for a future that as a given.” might include self-driving vehicles, passenger drones, Today, Reynolds applies lessons learned at St. Andrew’s and flying cars might seem an odd fit for the former to the streets of Los Angeles. St. Andrew’s encourageSt. Andrew’s student who enjoyed ment to challenge the status quo gave theater, chose Brown University in Reynolds the confidence to convert a DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI part “because there was no core math busy street in LA – the car capital of OF THE YEAR AWARD requirement,” and earned a degree in the country – into what’s now a popThe highest honor bestowed American history, but it’s the perfect ular pedestrian area. A favorite teachupon an alumnus or alumna, match for Reynolds’ unique combier’s advice to do her own research the Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes alumni who have nation of creativity, resourcefulness, and find her own answers helped made extraordinary personal and leadership. Reynolds develop a plan that reduced achievements, professional “LA is a huge, confusing place. fatalities at a busy intersection. The accomplishments, and significant High school felt like that sometimes, value St. Andrew’s placed on art contributions to the community, but my teachers and classmates at inspired Reynolds to put out tables in arts, sciences, or business. St. Andrew’s encouraged me to dream,” Recipients are individuals whose what was once a lane of traffic, have Reynolds, a former senior class presimurals painted on storefronts, and disexemplary lives and activities both benefit society and reflect dent and recipient of the Adele Franks play poetry on old theater marquees, honor upon St. Andrew’s Medal recognizing leadership and cretransforming a nondescript area into Episcopal School. One alumnus or ative thinking, says. “As a tenth grader, a cultural focal point. alumna is recognized each year. I shaved the sides of my head, pierced “Transportation can be a launchmy nose, and stomped around the ing pad to work on so many issues – campus in combat boots. I was different, but at St. Andrew’s, healthcare, economic development, the environment,” my differences were respected. St. Andrew’s was a place Reynolds says. “It’s about building infrastructure that where students were encouraged to be individuals and to serves the public good.” march to the beat of our own drummers.” In remarks to St. Andrew’s Middle and Upper School Reynolds’ professional success has been built upon students, Reynolds reminded them, “Your idea of your her willingness to think outside the box. Her career in future is just as valid as anyone else’s.” Whatever the transportation began with an internship for the city of future of transportation holds, Seleta Reynolds has the Oakland, California, that found her designing the city’s creativity and the drive needed to meet it. IT’S NOT EASY BEING GREEN

Bike lanes in municipalities are typically painted the same shade of green from city to city. But in Los Angeles, where streets often double as movie sets, that typical shade of green cast an unhealthy pallor on actors’ faces. Seleta Reynolds spent three years overseeing the mixing and testing of various shades to find a hue that both clearly marked bike lanes and flattered complexions. A Twitter contest is currently underway to name that close-up-friendly color. 39

LITERALLY AND FIGURATIVELY WHEN ALEX PURVIS REFERS TO ST. ANDREW’S AS HIS FAMILY, HE MEANS IT LITERALLY AS WELL AS FIGURATIVELY. Purvis’ sister is Lower School teacher Anna Frame ’99 whose daughter Sybil is in the class of 2032. Purvis’ brother, Spencer Purvis ’97 is also an alumnus. Alex’s parents, John and Gayla Purvis, are proud to be parents of three alumni and grandparents of three current Saints.

{alumni awards}

ALL IN THE

FAMILY Alex Purvis ’94 • St. Andrew’s Loyalty Award

“WHEN YOU GET ME, you are getting St. Andrew’s,” have this experience,” Purvis says. “From day one, St. Alex Purvis says. “Being loyal to the school comes easy to Andrew’s has been the best fit for our family. And I can me because of what the school has given to me. I think honestly say that one of the greatest contributions I’ve of St. Andrew’s as a community and a family.” made to St. Andrew’s has been my wife, Mary.” A graduate of Davidson College and the Mississippi Mary Purvis is a former director of admissions at St. College School of Law, Purvis is a litigation attorney and Andrew’s and the incoming chair of the St. Andrew’s Parpartner with the Jackson, Mississippi, office of Bradley ents’ Association. Together, Alex and Mary have served Arant Boult Cummings. He is an Alpha-Omega gradu- in leadership roles for Forward Saints, the Campaign for ate of St. Andrew’s, where he played tennis and soccer, Science and Art, and the Annual Fund. Alex is also the ran cross country, and developed a passion for literature former president of the Alumni Board of Directors. and creative writing. “When I think about the future of “Cross country taught me to push St. Andrew’s, I see a long, bright horiTHE ST. ANDREW’S LOYALTY AWARD through when things got tough or painzon ahead, not only for the school, ful,” Purvis says. “Literature taught me but also in terms of what we can The St. Andrew’s Loyalty the power of words and how to use my achieve for Mississippi and beyond,” Award honors St. Andrew’s alumni who, in deed or action, voice, which are skills I use every day Purvis says. “The St. Andrew’s comreflect and recognize the as a lawyer.” munity is always asking, ‘How can importance of being an alumnus While he learned valuable life skills we contribute beyond our campus?’ or alumna of St. Andrew’s; who at St. Andrew’s, it’s the relationships But at the same time, we realize demonstrate pride in their alma he formed that have inspired Purvis’ there is a unique culture here that mater; and whose interest and deep bonds with the school. has to be maintained. St. Andrew’s loyalty are evident by their “When I was in high school, I was a great place for me, it’s a great significant, notable, and think there was a perception of St. place for my children, and if they meritorious contributions Andrew’s as ‘freaks and geeks,’” Purchoose to stay in Mississippi, I know toward the advancement vis says. “Looking back now, that’s it would be a great place for my chilof St. Andrew’s Episcopal a source of pride for me. Whatever dren’s children.” School. One alumnus or alumna your gig was – if you were smart, if In an address to Middle and Upper is recognized each year. you were into sports, if you were School students, Purvis encouraged artistic – you were appreciated and encouraged at current students to build their own relationships with St. Andrew’s. My classmates were my freaks and geeks their peers and with the school. and they’ve gone on to achieve great things and make “The 67 people I graduated with still feel like family to a difference in the world.” me. We were a collection of bohemians from different Purvis’ love for his alma mater only grew when his places who brought different things to the table. My hope children, Cate (8th grade) and Jack (5th grade) became is that you are creating those kinds of relationships today. St. Andrew’s students. And I hope that this school influences you as much as it has “I feel so fortunate that Cate and Jack are able to me and that you find a way to give back to St. Andrew’s.”

FUN WITH ZIPPERS — Alex Purvis’ legal colleagues might be surprised to learn that

he once played bass guitar in a rock band called Fun With Zippers. Despite Purvis’ threeword description of the band – “we were terrible” – Fun With Zippers performed to enthusiastic crowds at Rockfest, St. Andrew’s student-organized daylong music festival. 41

{alumni awards}

MOST VALUABLE ST. ANDREWâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CONGRATULATES THREE NEW INDUCTEES TO THE

ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME

{alumni awards} Lost in Translation BRADFORD BLACKMON ’07 “My most memorable moment in St. Andrew’s Bradford Blackmon played running “ONE OF sports came during one particularly terrible back and defensive back for the Saints THE MOST football practice. In ways only he knew how, football team. He scored 104 high school important lessons Coach David Bradberry colorfully let the career touchdowns, ranking fourth allI learned at team know that we were about to pay for how time in Mississippi and first in Madison St. Andrew’s is badly we were practicing. At the end of his County for touchdowns scored, and was that everyone has rant, he asked – rhetorically – if there was the 2006 All-Metro Player of the Year. a role to play when anyone who did not understand what he was Blackmon was a senior on the 2006 Saints working toward saying. A hand went up. It was our Japanese team that competed for the South State a common goal.” exchange student, raising his hand to let 2A Championship. Bradford Blackmon Coach Bradberry know that he literally had “The majority of my teammates no idea what he was saying. The entire team, and I had been playing together since “I LEARNED including Coach Bradberry, started laughing. fifth grade,” Blackmon says. “We were THE BASICS OF It ended up being such a light-hearted moment always a good team, but no one respected leadership at that Coach just told us all to go home and be what we were doing out there because St. Andrew’s, better tomorrow.” – Bradford Blackmon St. Andrew’s was never supposed to be a primarily through ‘football school.’ The ’06 season gained team sports, but us the respect of our opponents and fans also from teachers REM MACNEALY ’74 alike. We went from being picked for and coaches who Rem MacNealy was a star athlete who just about everyone’s homecoming my mentored me.” excelled in football, baseball, basketball, and freshman year to my senior year, when Rem MacNealy soccer. He was named St. Andrew’s Athlete the only homecoming game we played of the Year and was the first St. Andrew’s in was our own. No team wanted to have “AS I’VE SAID player ever nominated for the Mississippi their homecoming ruined by losing to MANY TIMES, All-Star Football Team. St. Andrew’s. We came up short of winI hated to run. MacNealy was equally impressive off ning the State Championship, but we But as a team, we the field. He was elected president of the made people realize that playing a high definitely had student council, president of St. Andrew’s level of football at St. Andrew’s was to be more stamina first senior class, and Mr. St. Andrew’s, and expected and not a pipe dream.” than most other received the Adele Franks Medal recogniz Blackmon graduated from the Univerteams we faced. ing leadership, initiative, and creative thinksity of Pennsylvania, where he played Sometimes we ing. MacNealy’s brother, Brad ’75, is a forfootball all four years and served as a don’t understand mer teammate and a fellow member of team captain, and the University of Miswhy we have to do the St. Andrew’s Hall of Fame. His brother, sissippi School of Law. He is an associate things at the time, Kelly ’77, also attended St. Andrew’s. attorney at Blackmon & Blackmon PLLC but in the end, it MacNealy played varsity football and in Canton, Mississippi. all comes together baseball at Millsaps College, where he also “One of the most important lessons I and makes sense.” played intramural softball and soccer. He learned at St. Andrew’s is that everyone Rita Rollins Redd played rugby with the Jackson Rugby Club has a role to play when working toward and also played with a German rugby club a common goal,” Blackmon says. “We while stationed overseas as an officer in the leaned on each other to make up for our U.S. Army. lack of ability in certain areas. In my law MacNealy credits St. Andrew’s with helpcareer, there are areas where I am not as skilled as some of the other lawyers in the firm, so I go ing him develop the leadership skills that led him to a to them when I need help instead of trying to go it alone. successful career in the military. He served in the Army Playing team sports at St. Andrew’s helped me under- during the Cold War of the 1980s through the war with Iraq in the early 1990s. In 1998, the Army Aviation Assostand that aspect of life.” Today, Blackmon is still on the St. Andrew’s football ciation of America named MacNealy Aviator of the Year. “I learned the basics of leadership at St. Andrew’s, prifield, this time as a Saints running backs coach. “I’ve finally adjusted to watching from the sideline instead marily through team sports, but also from teachers and of being in the game. I tend to get more excited when coaches who mentored me and from my classmates, watching the kids play than when I was actually play- who allowed me to learn leadership fundamentals by ing myself. I’ve learned that I need to apologize to every trusting me enough to follow me,” MacNealy says. coach I’ve ever had because I now know how players can During his 20-year career as an Army officer, MacNealy frustrate their coaches to no end. So, to Coach Bradberry, was stationed throughout the United States, as well as in Europe and Korea. He now lives in Huntsville, Alabama, Coach Ray, Coach Roach, and Coach King – my bad.” 44

{alumni awards}

BRADFORD BLACKMON ‘07

REM MACNEALY ‘74

RITA ROLLINS REDD ‘99

where he is the vice president of an engineering and ser- Redd graduated from Duke University, where she vices company supporting NASA and the Department played intramural basketball, and the University of Misof Defense and is also a small business owner. MacNealy sissippi Medical Center School of Medicine. She is a famcontinues to stay active today, water skiing, snow skiing, ily medicine doctor at Rush Hospital in Meridian, Misswimming, and playing with his young granddaughter. sissippi. Redd credits St. Andrew’s athletics with helping her “In the early 1970s, during a tumultuous period in develop the perseverance needed to build a successful career. Mississippi and the South, my parents concluded that “Coach Burney King had us doing pre-season runthe best educational opportunities for my brothers and ning and weightlifting and I hated it,” Redd says. “As I’ve me were at St. Andrew’s,” MacNealy says. “I was fortu- said many times, I hated to run. But as a team, we defnate enough to be in the first class to graduate from St. initely had more stamina than most other teams we Andrew’s, which meant I was involved in a lot of firsts, faced. Sometimes we don’t understand why we have to including St. Andrew’s first high school sports programs. do things at the time, but in the end, it all comes together I will always be grateful to my parents for making the and makes sense.” decision to move us to St. Andrew’s and I appreciate my Sports also helped teach Redd how to deal with adver10 classmates in that first graduating class, as they helped sity. A basketball player (who shall not be named) from shape me in those important years.” an opposing team (which shall not be named) punched Redd in the stomach during not one fiercely competitive Smooth or Crunchy? basketball game, but during two. “In the locker room during halftime of a football game “She was definitely an aggressive player,” Redd says. my senior year, while the coaches were giving us urgent “I believe she was known to play dirty. We were hosting instructions for the second half, I began reciting nurs- them at home and she socked me in the stomach as I ery rhymes. I had suffered a concussion, but at the time, played defense on her. The referees didn’t see it, so no foul I thought I could will myself back to a clear head by recit- was called. The next year, we played them again. And she ing ‘Mary Had a Little Lamb.’ My teammates notified the punched me in the stomach, again. That experience taught coaches and as part of their examination process, they me that you might not have control over a situation, but asked me what I had eaten for breakfast. I told them a you do have control over how you respond to it.” peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I was immediately Redd’s husband, Stephen, is a former St. Andrew’s bassent to the hospital. The funny thing is, I actually did ketball coach; he is currently assistant director of comhave a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for breakfast munity development in Meridian. Redd stays active that morning.” – Rem MacNealy playing city league basketball; cheering on her stepson, Corren, in basketball and soccer games; and playing with her young sons, Maxon and Easten. RITA ROLLINS REDD ’99 Rita Rollins Redd was a standout basketball player and No Shoes to Fill track and field athlete. She was the Mississippi Class 2A “I arrived at the district basketball tournament my sophoHigh Jump State Champion three years in a row (1997-99) more year and realized I’d left my shoes at home. I had to and the 1999 Mississippi Track and Field State Champion, borrow shoes from another player on the team. We lost.” a title she won despite the fact that she “hated to run.” – Rita Rollins Redd 45

THANKS TO OUR SUMMER CAMPERS, THE SPACE WAS DESIGNATED A GARDEN FOR WILDLIFE-CERTIFIED WILDLIFE HABITAT BY THE NATIONAL WILDLIFE FEDERATION.

ELLEN FORD AND JULIANNA WRIGHT, CLASS OF 2032

“OUR YOUNGEST STUDENTS HAVE BECOME QUITE KNOWLEDGEABLE AND FOND OF ALL ASPECTS OF GARDENING. THEY’RE ESPECIALLY INTERESTED IN MEASURING THE SEEDLINGS AS THEY GROW, AND THEY GET SUCH JOY OUT OF HARVESTING THE VEGETABLES AND HERBS AND PICKING THE FLOWERS THEY’VE GROWN.” — ELLEN FORD, PRE-K3 TEACHER 46

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“However many years she lived, Mary always felt that she should never forget that first morning when her garden began to grow.” EXCERPTED FROM The Secret Garden BY FRANCES HODGSON BURNETT

hen that first sprout breaks through including zucchini bread, tomato salsa, and pizzas the soil, it’s a cause for celebration. topped with fresh bell peppers, eggplant, tomatoes, and St. Andrew’s pre-K and kindergarten oregano. The well-tended garden yields enough to share; students discover the joy of sprouting students prepare extra jars of basil pesto to deliver to any seeds and learn about sustainability and student or teacher who’s at home sick, along with a bouhealthy foods by working together in the Early Child- quet of flowers. While the garden is educational, most hood Center garden. budding gardeners focus on the fun. Here, St. Andrew’s youngest students get their hands “I like to dig holes with my tools,” says pre-K3 student dirty planting and harvesting tomatoes, zucchini, bell Lawson Campbell. “I like to water the plants and dig in peppers, beans, and basil. They harvest fruit from fig the dirt and I really like the slimy worms. They look kind and plum trees and blueberry bushes, and they celebrate of cute and they help the plants grow. The worms squigwhen the flowers they plant attract busy bees and col- gle around in the dirt and the plants like that.” orful butterflies. Young gardeners gain practical skills “I loved learning how to garden at school. Now I’m from composting to weed pulling, come to appreciate planting my own garden because it made the food matthe value of a hard-working worm, and learn to be good ter more to me,” says William McCaffery, a St. Andrew’s stewards of the earth. fourth grader who worked in the Early Childhood Cen “Our youngest students have become quite knowl- ter garden as a pre-K student’s buddy. “The food wasn’t edgeable and fond of all aspects of gardening,” says Ellen just put there on the table in front of me to eat. I had to Ford, pre-K3 teacher. “They’re especially interested in make the choices and take care of the plants. Working measuring the seedlings as they grow, and they get such in the garden made me appreciate the food and how it joy out of harvesting the vegetables and herbs and pick- is grown.” ing the flowers they’ve grown.” “What St. Andrew’s is doing for these children will The garden learning experience doesn’t stop when the last a lifetime. The Early Childhood Center garden crops leave the ground. teaches children appreciation and respect for the earth “Our teachers are very intentional about engaging the and what it will provide for us if we learn to take care of children in cooking healthy snacks throughout the school it.” says Leigh Rhodes Campbell ’95, Lawson’s mother. year made from items grown in the garden,” Ford says. “The expectation in life today is that return is immediate. Students use their harvest to prepare healthy foods Thank goodness life slows down in the garden.” SUMMER CAMP IN THE GARDEN — Summer campers make sure the Early Childhood Center garden continues to flourish in the heat of June and July. Open to 3- to 10-year-old students from the metro area, the Saints Summer Experience camps includes gardening lessons, as well as a weekly gardento-table cooking class using fruits, vegetables, and herbs harvested on campus. So many campers’ parents requested the cooking class recipes that St. Andrew’s created a Saints Summer Experience Garden-to-Table Cookbook. f “Pair weekly gardening rotations with a cooking session and you’ve got magic,” says Jay Losset, director of auxiliary programs. “Something as simple and easy to grow as basil turns into basil pesto pasta. Kids are coming home from camp and walking their parents through a classic, easy, and delicious recipe that everyone can enjoy. f “The connections that our young campers make to the earth through their gardening sessions make a lasting impression,” Losset continues. “Our weekly gardening rotations touch on everything from the life cycle of butterflies to the basics of composting. We meet chickens and we set up our own farmer’s market. This is a comprehensive program that connects campers and counselors to the earth. There’s nothing else like it in a day camp program in the Jackson area and this summer’s program is going to be more engaging than ever.” REGISTER FOR THE SAINTS SUMMER EXPERIENCE AT GOSAINTS.ORG/CAMPS. 47

PRZEMEK TOKARSKI AND VISITING STUDENTS FROM PERU

{global studies}

Homes AWAY FROM

ST. ANDREW’S PARENTS KRISTI AND DANNY MCHALE HAVE BECOME ACCUSTOMED TO HOSTING INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS THROUGH THE GLOBAL STUDIES PROGRAM. Since 2015, the McHales have welcomed five exchange students from Peru, Spain, and Japan into their home for stays ranging from two weeks to three months. THE MCHALES AND THEIR CHILDREN, BAILEY ’17, AND BAIN, CLASS OF 2019, have conquered language barriers and laughed over cultural differences related to everything from breakfast foods to bathroom sizes, but the experience that stands out to Kristi as the most entertaining was the laundry schedule proposed by Japanese exchange student Hanano Ando. “I LEARNED THAT THEY WASH CLOTHES EVERY DAY IN JAPAN,” KRISTI SAYS WITH A SMILE. “I laughed and told Hana that we only washed clothes once a week in our home. Every day as a host family brings a new situation or surprising moment. That’s one of the things that makes it so rewarding. And I have to confess – we did end up washing Hana’s clothes twice a week.”

St. Andrew’s

Global Studies Program offers students and their families the opportunity to practice another language and experience another culture, all without applying for passports or leaving the comfort of home. Dozens of families are needed to host international students studying at St. Andrew’s every school year. Students visit from partner schools in China, France, Germany, Ghana, India, Japan, Peru, and Spain and live with St. Andrew’s host families for periods of time varying from a couple of weeks to an entire school year. The McHales are just one of the many St. Andrew’s families that have discovered the adventures, benefits, and pure joy of opening their home to an international student.

Gillian and Jonathan Viola, parents of William ’16 and Mirren, class of 2020, have served as a host family twice, welcoming students from India and Peru, and recently opened their guest room for a third exchange student from France. “Hosting is a wonderful way for your children to learn about other countries and cultures and practice a new language in your own home,” says Gillian Viola. “It makes exploring another culture very real and tangible rather than just visiting a country as a tourist.” Host families also have the opportunity to serve as “citizen diplomats” by giving an international student the opportunity to experience an authentically American way of life and creating a positive impression of the United States for international visitors. 49

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT HOSTING AN INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE STUDENT, CONTACT: Przemek Tokarski at tokarskip@gosaints.org or 601.853.6021.

“HOSTING AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT IS A GREAT WAY TO SHARE AMERICAN AND MISSISSIPPI CULTURE, AS WELL AS TO LEARN ABOUT CULTURES IN OTHER COUNTRIES,” SAYS MARTHA COOKE, who, along with her husband, Jay, and their children, Jack ’14, Campbell ’16, and Collins, class of 2019, has hosted students from Germany and France.

Because

St. Andrew’s is itself a diverse, them,” Gillian Viola says. “Be assured, St. Andrew’s has global community, the school is uniquely positioned to such a full schedule for the students that you will not welcome students from other countries. Yao and Sheba find it an imposition on your daily lives at all. These stuDzathor, natives of Ghana, West Africa, who relocated dents are excited to be in the United States. They have to the United States 10 years ago, have hosted students been incredibly enthusiastic and gracious guests in our from their native Ghana, as well as from France, Peru, home and in our lives.” and India. “You really can’t mess it up,” Kristi McHale says. “The “Being that we are international ourselves and have students are so excited to be in America and eager to traveled around a bit, we love hosting other internation- learn from their host families that anything you do with als,” Sheba Dzathor says. “Our chilthem or for them is appreciated. And dren, Dela ’17, Selase, class of 2021, don’t worry about language barriers DURING THE and Enyonam, class of 2022, have – when all else fails, Google Translate 2017-18 SCHOOL YEAR, made lasting friendships and learned is there to help.” ST. ANDREW’S about other cultures around the “St. Andrew’s does a really good FAMILIES HOSTED: world. For me, the best part of hostjob preparing you to be a host par7 students from India ing is dinner time, when we get to ent,” says Martha Cooke. “I was surprepare the meal together, chat, and prised at what little I had to do other 15 students from Peru share the day’s experiences around than provide a warm bed, breakfast, 1 student from Japan the dining table. For a time, I get to and dinner. I was also surprised at 15 students from Germany be their mum.” how quickly I fell in love with each 12 students from France While the thought of welcoming of our students. There were many a stranger into one’s home can be tears when they left.” intimidating, families are often surprised by how natural Hosting an exchange student can also help an Ameriand easy hosting truly is. Warmth, flexibility, a sense of can host family see their own culture through fresh eyes. humor, and a genuine desire to experience another cul- Jay and Martha Cooke were reminded of the simple joy ture are the primary criteria for serving as a host family. of a bonfire and s’mores through the laughter of a group “We were initially anxious to have the responsibility of German exchange students. An Indian student helped for not just hosting a student, but also of ‘entertaining’ Jonathan and Gillian Viola rediscover the gooey plea50

{global studies}

“This was my first trip to the United States and I stayed with the family of Manal Khawaja of St. Andrew’s.

This family made me feel like I was at home. They have a big space in my heart and they are my second family. I hope to return to Mississippi and I want them to visit my country also. My biggest surprise about my St. Andrew’s host family? Manal’s mum is from Pakistan and I ate the food from that country. It is too spicy, but is still delicious.” SILVANIA DEL CARPIO, PERUVIAN EXCHANGE STUDENT, VISITED ST. ANDREW’S IN 2018

sure of a grilled cheese sandwich. And Danny and Kristi McHale learned that teaching an American teenager to drive is less complicated than it might seem. “When we started teaching Bain to drive, Hana was surprised that we teach driving by simply putting someone behind the wheel,” Kristi McHale says. “In Japan, they go to a special, costly school to learn to drive. No one learns from their parents on public roads. “Watching the students’ reactions when they try new foods or participate in new experiences is one of the best parts of being a host family. It’s exciting to see someone experience something for the first time in their lives,” McHale continues. “Our family witnessed first-hand what a valuable experience international travel and study offer. Hosting made us more open to allowing our own children to study abroad.” The children of the McHales, Violas, Cookes, and Dzathors have all studied internationally and lived with host families. When Jay and Martha Cooke’s daughter, Collins, traveled to Germany, she stayed with the family of Alexander Kohlgraf, the student the Cookes hosted in Mississippi. “Staying with Alex’s family showed me how other people in different countries live their daily lives, which is something that staying in a hotel would not have given me,” Collins says. “If anyone ever has the opportunity to host or be hosted, they should take the chance. It’s awesome.” Most families keep in touch with the students they hosted long after the visit ends, leaving them with the sense they’ve gained a close friend, sibling, or child in another country. St. Andrew’s families who’ve opened their homes to exchange students have formed a close bond that reaches beyond language barriers and cultural differences. Steven and Erin Chevalier were inspired to host Joaquín Cardenas, an exchange student from Peru, by

their son, Ethan, class of 2018, who serves as the prefect for the Global Studies Program and lived with a host family in Germany. “Ethan has had such great opportunities through the Global Studies Program, we thought it only fair that we do our part,” Steven Chevalier says. “We were nervous at first, but that quickly went away. Joaquín became a part of our family. My children didn’t just experience living with someone from another culture, they also made a lifelong friend. They correspond with Joaquín via social media all the time. I would recommend that every St. Andrew’s family host a student at least once. You won’t be disappointed.” SAY CHEESE Hosting an exchange student can give an American family a new appreciation for things they take for granted – for example, cheese. “Jenaaz, our exchange student from India, loved cheese,” says host parent Gillian Viola. “When I made her a grilled cheese sandwich, you would have thought I had served her the finest filet mignon. My husband, Jonathan, was so enthusiastic about this that they went on a field trip to the cheese department at Kroger. Our kitchen became a cheese sampling heaven.” IT WORKS BOTH WAYS St. Andrew’s students who have lived with host families overseas agree that the experience added another layer to their international study. Vivian Pryor, class of 2019, stayed with a host family in Germany. “My favorite moment with my host family was cooking with my host mom. I love to cook and I feel like food is a bonding experience. My family is now hosting a Chinese international student for a year and a half. Staying in someone else’s home taught me how to better accommodate a student staying in my home.”

WHY HOST AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT? Hosting gives your family the opportunity to: Practice a new language and explore a new culture – without leaving home Meet an international friend • Introduce an international student to American culture • Promote cultural understanding and global unity • Create lifelong memories and lasting relationships with people from around the world

EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT

IN THE REVELATION

“ST. ANDREW’S IS WELL-KNOWN FOR ITS TOP-TIER ACADEMICS,

but The Revelation, our student newspaper, shows that we’re not only educated in the classroom,” says Julia Farley Collins, one of The Revelation’s three student editors. “As St. Andrew’s students, we’re well-rounded and interested in topics that transcend the school walls. This is evident in The Revelation.”

sarevelation.com BARRETT NEWBURGER, CLASS OF 2020, AND JENNIFER GUNN

ur newspaper covers a wide department and Revelation faculty sponsor, says. “We have range of subjects, including archery team members, football players, dancers, cheersome topics that are contro- leaders, poets, musicians, artists, mock trial members, and versial,” Julia Farley continues. quiz bowl members. In a world with an ever-increasing “When students aren’t happy about rate of divisiveness, the newspaper staff gets an opporsomething, the newspaper voices the students’ opinions tunity to explore differences in our world and each other. and pushes for actual change. The student newspaper This class and the experience it gives students is close to gives the students a voice.” a real-life job because they rely on one another and pres The Revelation has given St. Andrew’s student a voice sure each other to be the best writers and designers in the for decades. In recent months, the newspaper has covered state. And one thing that never gets old is seeing a stuthought-provoking topics from African American history dent’s voice come to life in his or her writing.” at St. Andrew’s to gun control to gender equality issues. “The Revelation allows students to bring up issues in Produced by student editors, journalists, photojour- the community that they care about. For instance, I’ve nalists, and graphic designers, The Revelation is printed been able to write about political and social issues in seven times a year. The newspaper staff – typically 17-24 the realm of sports journalism,” says Parker Grogan, a students – also updates The Revelation website weekly, Revelation editor. “I love working on the editorial staff including podcasts and videos. because it gives me a large voice at St. Andrew’s. I love “The newspaper staff includes students with varied being able to help others cultivate their voices as well, interests and talents,” Jennifer Gunn, chair of the English which is something I can do as an editor.” 54

“IN A WORLD WITH AN ever-increasing rate of divisiveness, the newspaper staff gets an opportunity to explore differences in our world and each other.” JENNIFER GUNN English department chair

IN SOME CASES, STUDENTS WORKING ON THE REVELATION HAVE DISCOVERED A PASSION FOR JOURNALISM THAT HASN’T ENDED WITH GRADUATION. “Over the course of my four years in high school writing for The Revelation and working with Mrs. Gunn, I realized that I had finally found something I was interested in,” says Zaed Yousuf ’17, former editor of The Revelation and now a freshman at Texas Christian University majoring in journalism. “My experience writing for the paper showed me what I was passionate about and what I wanted to pursue in life.” “My experience on The Revelation has had a massive impact on my choice of college and major,” says senior Dae Robinson, a Revelation editor. “In the fall, I will attend Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. I chose this school because of their prestigious journalism and

marketing departments and because Dallas is home to several large magazines and media outlets with available internships. Thanks to Mrs. Gunn and my experience on The Revelation, I discovered the path to my future.” THE FINE PRINT The Revelation has been recognized nationally, capturing second place in the American Scholastic Press Awards for the past three years. The newspaper and its student writers and designers have also captured multiple awards from the Mississippi Scholastic Press Association, including 20 awards in 2017 alone. 55

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STATE CHAMPIONS THE SAINTS BASKETBALL TEAM BRINGS HOME A HISTORIC STATE C HAMPIONSHIP. ON MARCH 10, ST. ANDREW’S DEFEATED HOLLY SPRINGS 48-42 to win the Saints’ first-ever boys basketball state championship. Most Valuable Player and Dandy Dozen Garrison Wade, class of 2018, led the Saints to the 3A victory with 19 game points, assisted by Rashad Bolden (class of 2021) who knocked down seven free throws in the final minute to seal the victory for St. Andrew’s. It all came down to the final minutes after the fourth quarter began with a three-point Holly Springs lead. “I just said, ‘We aren’t losing,’” a jubilant Wade said after the buzzer sounded.“‘We aren’t losing.’ And we didn’t lose. It just feels unreal. I’m going to wake up tomorrow

and say, ‘We really won the state championship!’” “This season has been an incredible ride for all of us,” says Brian Cronin, head varsity boys basketball coach. “From playing our first game in the new Athletics and Recreation Center to hosting the Rumble in the South, from setting a school record for wins to bringing home the first state championship, we have done so many memorable things this year. I am in awe of this team and what they’ve accomplished. Together, they brought the unity, chemistry, and mental toughness that made this happen. The team worked so hard to have this success, and they earned and deserve every bit of it. They have truly made St. Andrew’s proud.”

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER — GARRISON WADE, CLASS OF 2018 SCHOLAR ATHLETE OF THE GAME — WILLIAM HARKLESS, CLASS OF 2019

“ST. ANDREW’S IS THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS AS FAR AS ACADEMICS AND ATHLETICS ARE CONCERNED. We play against the top competition in the public schools, and we have been successful in proving that you can be excellent on the court and off the court. If parents have a child who wants to play against top competition, as well as be challenged academically to prepare for the next level, why would you not consider St. Andrew’s? I want St. Andrew’s to be on every family’s list when they consider the best opportunities for their child.” BRIAN CRONIN, HEAD COACH, VARSITY BOYS BASKETBALL

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SAINTS FALL/WINTER SPORTS RECORDS

FALL BOYS CROSS COUNTRY State Champions GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY 3rd in State FOOTBALL 5 –6 1st Round Playoffs

BOYS SWIMMING State Champions

WINTER BOYS BASKETBALL 26 – 7 State Champions

GIRLS SWIMMING State Runners-Up

GIRLS BASKETBALL 4 – 19

VOLLEYBALL District Champions, State Semifinalist

BOYS SOCCER 13 – 7 Region Champions State Semifinalist GIRLS SOCCER 13 – 8 – 2 North State Champions State Runners-Up

POWERLIFTING 9th in Region

SHOW YOUR SPIRIT — St. Andrew’s outerwear and athletic gear is available from The Saints Shop in the St. Andrew’s Athletics and

Recreation Center (ARC). The shop carries jackets, sweatshirts, t-shirts, gym attire, hats, backpacks, coffee mugs, and more, including major brands like Nike and Under Armour. Beginning with the 2018-19 school year, The Saints Shop will also carry St. Andrew’s school uniforms. Show your St. Andrew’s spirit with a visit to THE SAINTS SHOP. OPEN MONDAY – FRIDAY, 1:00 – 5:00

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CONGRATULATIONS TO THE STATE CHAMPION BOYS BASKETBALL, BOYS CROSS COUNTRY, AND BOYS SWIMMING TEAMS.

DICKSON RAY CLASS OF 2018

U R M IN THE

SOUTH

SEVEN GAMES. FOURTEEN TEAMS. NINE DANDY DOZENS. RUMBLE IN THE SOUTH, MISSISSIPPI’S ANNUAL HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL SHOWCASE, BROUGHT IT ALL TO THE ST. ANDREW’S CAMPUS ON JANUARY 15.

B E ML {sports}

FINAL SCORE

TOP HIGH SCHOOL TEAMS

DANDY DOZENS

IMPRESSED COLLEGE COACHES

2,500

ENTHUSIASTIC FANS

{sports}

THE RUMBLE CELEBRATED ITS 11th YEAR WITH A MOVE FROM MISSISSIPPI COLLEGE TO THE ST. ANDREW’S ATHLETICS AND RECREATION CENTER (ARC). CROWDS FILLED THE BUILDING TO CAPACITY AS FANS, SCOUTS, AND COLLEGE COACHES VIED TO SEE THE STATE’S TOP HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL TALENT AND DISCOVER THE COUNTRY’S FUTURE STARS. MISSISSIPPI BUSINESSMAN Oscar Miskelly founded Rumble in the South, held annually on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, as a way to bringing the best public and private schools together for a day of friendly competition. The Rumble blurs the lines between conferences and promotes unity across racial and cultural divisions. “Sports is a place for togetherness, for unity,” said Jon Wiener, local sports personality and host of the Rumble in the South press conference. “In Mississippi, through all of our troubles and through all of our progress, sports have been at the center of making an impact and making a difference. You look around, you see so much diversity in this room...So much of this event is about people that don’t see each other all the time, from all different parts of the state. We continue to build racial harmony and togetherness in Mississippi through sports, through athletics, and on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, it just makes so much sense.” Traditionally, Mississippi College has served as the location of Rumble, but the opening of St. Andrew’s new, 65,000-square-foot ARC, coupled with the school’s history of supporting public schools and championing cultural diversity, made St. Andrew’s the perfect location for the event. “A special thank you this year to St. Andrew’s,” said Miskelly. “The ARC is one of the finest facilities not just in the South, but also in the country. I want to thank Coach Brian Cronin and Athletic Director DeWayne Cupples. They’ve provided a lot of hospitality in hosting this event in this sparkling, new, state-of-the-art facility.” Brian Cronin, head coach of the St. Andrew’s boys basketball team and a leader in the Forward Saints campaign that funded The ARC’s construction, addressed student-athletes at the event press conference. “I want to do something a little bit more personal here and talk to all of the basketball players,” Cronin said. “So many great names have played in this tournament. I’ve

tried to follow all of those kids for 12 years, because I believe in you guys. You guys are the future. Mississippi needs leaders. That’s what you guys are, and that’s what we’re coming here to celebrate.” “Thanks to the entire crew that helped set the new standard in basketball showcases in Mississippi,” said Marc Rowe, one of the tournament’s organizers. “The ARC shook, college coaches were licking their chops at the talent on the floor, fans were hanging from the rafters, and kids were eating pizza and dreaming of playing in The ARC one day.” WELCOME TO THE ARC

St. Andrew’s welcomed players and coaches from 14 public and private schools and 2,500 fans from cities and towns state-wide.

PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS INCLUDED: Callaway High School Canton High School Cleveland Central High School Columbus High School Florence High School Forest Hill High School Jackson Academy Madison Ridgeland Academy Murrah High School Olive Branch High School Raymond High School Riverside High School St. Andrew’s Episcopal School St. Joseph Catholic School

COLLEGE COACHES WERE ALSO IN ATTENDANCE, INCLUDING COACHES FROM: Dartmouth College Jackson State University Louisiana State University Louisiana Tech University Middle Tennessee State University Millsaps College Mississippi State University Murray State University Prairie View A&M Samford University University of South Alabama Southeast Louisiana University University of Alabama University of Alabama - Birmingham University of Memphis University of Mississippi University of New Orleans University of Southern Mississippi University of Tennessee Western Kentucky University Wichita State University

A FOCUS ON DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION — St. Andrew’s was founded in 1947 with a commitment to diversity and inclusion that is reflected in the school’s mission and also in the athletic program. Since the 1970’s, St. Andrew’s has competed in the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA), an organization composed primarily of public schools. Membership in MHSAA ensures that St. Andrew’s competes at the highest levels of high school sports and introduces student-athletes and fans to diverse fellow athletes and supporters statewide. 63

EYE ON

ALUMNI

IF YOU’RE HOSTING OR WOULD LIKE TO HOST A ST. ANDREW’S ALUMNI GATHERING IN YOUR AREA, THE ALUMNI RELATIONS OFFICE WOULD BE HAPPY TO HELP. CONTACT DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI AND PUBLIC RELATIONS LAUREN MCMILLIN ’10 AT MCMILLINLA@GOSAINTS.ORG.

4 1. St. Andrew’s alums gather to celebrate the marriage of Cristina Salaun and Lucas Harth ‘10. 2. Alumni Holiday Party in the new Athletics and Recreation Center 3. Alumni gathering in Los Angeles 4. 1997 Class Reunion

5. 2017 Alumni Games

ALL ALUMNI WEEKEND 2018

SAVE THE DATE • SEPTEMBER 14 –15

STAY TUNED FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOMECOMING WEEKEND which includes a pre-game family gathering, class reunions for 1978, 1988, 1993, 1998, 2008, and 2013, and more. If you’d like to help plan your class reunion, contact Lauren McMillin ’10 at mcmillinla@gosaints.org.

lass

notes

Please email future Class Notes to Lauren McMillin ’10, director of alumni and public relations at mcmillinla@gosaints.org.

Laithe Adair Roberts

Carson, Caden, and Hailey Bryan

William Lyle Israel

1984 Paul Kapp has been awarded a National Endowment for the Humanities Fellowship for 2018. The fellowship will support the advanced research for his latest book, Heritage and the Great Depression, the first book that tells the story of how Natchez, Mississippi, was transformed from a backwater river town into a cultural tourism destination.

Payton McGuire Journy

1999 Josh Hailey and Brittany Schall were married on October 20, 2017, in New Orleans, Louisiana. 2001 Chase Bryan and Jordan Bryan ’03 welcomed Caden Justice Bryan on September 25, 2017. Caden joins older siblings Carson and Hailey, both in pre-k3 at St. Andrew’s.

1985 Jennifer Patterson Peters is director of library development and networking at the Texas State Library and Archives Commission in Austin, Texas.

Caldwell Collins and her husband, Bill Israel, welcomed a son, William Lyle Israel, in August 2016. Caldwell is a shareholder at Baker Donelson in Nashville, Tennessee, where she practices health care and business litigation.

1988 2002 Shelly Montgomery Johannessen is preparing for her next Emily McGuire Journy and her husband, Patrick, weloverseas assignment with the U.S. Department of State, comed their first son, Payton McGuire Journy, on Octowhich will mark her seventh overseas posting since becoming ber 8, 2017. a foreign service officer in 1996. Following previous postings in Russia (2 tours), Austria, Belarus, Iraq, and Cuba, Johannessen’s next assignment will be at the U.S. Embassy in Paris, Thomas Watson and his wife, Kendra, welcomed triplets France. She is currently completing an intensive French lan- – Ben, Anna, and Laura – in August 2017. They join older guage program in Washington, D.C., in preparation for her brother, James. move to Paris in the summer of 2018. Jane Neves, her eightAbram Orlansky and his wife, Hannah, welcomed their year-old daughter, will join Johannessen in Paris, while her second child, Adeline Sumner Orlansky, in July 2017. Orlanhusband, Mike, will hold down the fort in Washington, D.C. sky serves as the president of the alumni board of directors. The family resides in Jackson. 1995 Trey Ward and his wife, Heather, welcomed a daughter, 2003 Claire Elizabeth Ward, on October 30, 2017. Big sisters are Adam Griffin is an associate at Adams and Reese LLP in Haley Ward, class of 2028, Sadie Ward, class of 2030, and Ridgeland. Emma Ward. The family resides in Madison. 2006 Erica Ezelle Roberts and her husband, Brandon, welcomed Ashley Wright Gunn has joined Wise Carter Child & Caratheir sixth child, Laithe Adair, on December 1, 2017. She way, P.A. as an attorney in the firm’s Gulfport office. Gunn joins four big sisters and one brother. has a diverse litigation, transactional, and domestic relations practice. She is excited to join a firm that shares strong 1997 ties with St. Andrew’s, as Sherwood W. Wise was a founder Malcolm McLaurin serves as canon for youth and young of both the school and the firm. adult ministry for Saint Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral in Seattle, Washington, and was named a postulant for holy 2007 orders in the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia. He and his Rivers Fike is moving to New Plymouth, New Zealand, for family will attend seminary in the fall, where he is work- a year to drill a deepwater exploration well off the coast of ing on his master of divinity. the South Island.

{class notes}

Khush and Saumya Aujla

Cristina and Lucas Harth

2008 Maxwell James and Chelsea Dunn were married on May 28, 2017 at the Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C. The wedding party included Maurice James ’97 as best man and John Spann ’08 as a groomsman. The couple lives in New York, where James is a medical student at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Kate Lee and Caleb Smith

met at the University of Mississippi School of Medicine and they now reside in Rochester, New York. Saumya’s sister, Ria Goel ’13, served as her maid of honor. Saumya is a fourth-year medical student applying for residency and will be graduating in May 2018. Khush is a secondyear resident in radiation oncology at the University of Rochester Medical Center.

Lt. Nick Powell and Kristen Wilson ’10 were married on 2010 October 14, 2017 in Flora, Mississippi. The wedding party Cristina Salaun and Lucas Harth were married on Novemincluded Martin Powell ’10 as best man and Wells Mor- ber 11, 2017 at Providence Hill Farm in Jackson. The wedtimer ’08 as a groomsman. Kristen is completing her fourth ding party included Will Salaun ’09 and Jack Harth ’16 as year at the University of Mississippi School of Medicine, groomsmen. The couple resides in Trent Woods, North and Nick is stationed in Panama City, Florida, as a lieuten- Carolina. ant in the United States Coast Guard. Caroline Womack and Jared Bond were married on Janu2009 ary 7, 2017 at St. James’ Episcopal Church. The wedding Charles Woods and Ashley Robertson were married on party included Amy Handelman ’10 and Ashlyn Mendrop August 12, 2017 at Galloway Memorial United Methodist ’11 as bridesmaids and Evan Womack ’13 as a groomsman. Church in Jackson, Mississippi. The wedding party included The couple resides in Cleveland, Mississippi. St. Andrew’s alums Charlie Scott ’11, Robinson Crawford ’09, Robbie Leis ’09, Norman French ’09, Maggie 2011 Roberts ’09, and Sidney Anthony ’09. The couple lives in Kate Lee McDonnell married Caleb Smith on May 6, 2017. Washington, D.C. Her bridal party included St. Andrew’s alumnae Savannah McDonald ’11, Mailande Vise ’11, Cristina Leis ’11, Rachel Saumya Goel married Khush Aujla at The Breakers in Lowe ’11, and Susannah Green ’11. The couple lives in Palm Beach, Florida, on November 24, 2017. The couple Raleigh, North Carolina.

A leader in an innovative field, James credits St. Andrew’s as a school that encouraged students to express their creativity – often in unexpected ways. “I remember when Bill ‘Bubba’ Watkins, our amazing art teacher in Middle School, let us paint his car,” James says. “We were in the eighth grade and although we had some talented artists in our class, as a group, we weren’t really that great. The car looked like a crazy disaster, but Mr. Watkins loved it. He not only allowed us to paint his car, he also drove it proudly around town. “Having teachers who celebrated their students’ individuality was something special I’ll always remember and appreciate about St. Andrew’s,” James continues. “Not just realizing who you are, but also being proud of who you are is a very valuable lesson that I’m glad we learned. Being comfortable with who you are can be a lifelong journey, but having a school like St. Andrew’s that supports you really helps make that journey easier.”

A PLATFORM FOR INDIVIDUALITY

MAURICE JAMES ‘97 Maurice James ’97 has built a career on creativity. James is head of development and production for NBCU digital labs, which creates premium digital content for platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, and YouTube. He was previously co-founder and head of content for Soul of the South, a national broadcast television network, and also served as vice president of digital media with This is Just a Test Media, where he led creative and technical approaches in virtual reality and interactive storytelling. James has created award-winning content for TIME, Verizon/Hearst, ComicCon, AOL, and Animal Planet. He has also developed or produced projects for NBC, USA Networks, A&E Networks, BET, TLC, Discovery Channel, and SPEED Channel. He is a graduate of Columbia University in New York City and the Stark Producing Program at the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts. 66

{class notes}

IN MEMORIAM

Liam is survived by his mother, Tanya Newkirk of Jackson; his father Dr. Michael Leslie Galaty (Sylvia); his brother Dardan “Danny” Magnus Galaty, of Ann Arbor, Michigan; his grandmother, Diane Galaty of Green Bay, Wisconsin; his grandmother Grace Newkirk of Claremont, California; his grandfather Ben Newkirk (Pam) of La Mesa, California; his grandfather Larry Havert (Caroline) of Yucaipa, California; his aunt Christine Newkirk (Paul Cannon) of Pasadena, California; his uncle Jess Newkirk of Brooklyn, New York; his aunt Cynthia Galabota (Scott) and cousins Donovan and Corinna of Pagosa Springs, Colorado; and his uncle Christopher Galaty (Gretchen) and cousins Leo and Tomie of Lake Placid, New York. He was preceded in death by his grandfather Rev. William Leslie Galaty of Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Bee Donley Former St. Andrew’s Faculty 3/17/1924 – 1/25/2018 Beatrice Looney Donley came to St. Andrew’s in the fall of 1973 and for the next 25 years inspired a love for the written word in hundreds of St. Andrew’s students. Over the course of her 93 years, she radiated impeccable style, effortless grace, and an appetite for life in a way that only a poet can. Prior to St. Andrew’s, she taught college English and history for Universities Center, then taught high school English at Murrah, Jackson Prep, and Brinkley. She taught English at St. Andrew’s for 25 years and served as director of admissions for 11 years. The Beatrice Donley Award for Excellence in Mississippi Writers is given each year in her honor. In 2012, Mrs. Donley published a book of poetry, Mostly Ghosts in 2012, fol- Liam lit up his world. I see his eyes sparkling in my classroom, lowed by Mostly Mississippi in 2014 and Mostly Today in 2016. his legs carrying him across the field, his voice soaring to hit the Mrs. Donley was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. high notes on stage. I see him as the three-year-old ball of fire and Mrs. Thomas Avent Looney, by her brother, Marine flaming across the room. Capt. Thomas Avent Looney, Jr., and by her husband Robert Vance Donley. She is survived by her four children, Jami Liam, we love you, and we will never forget you. We will carry your light to the ends of the world. (Paul Templet), of Taos, New Mexico; Robert (Sandy), of Philadelphia, Mississippi; Rick (Pat O’Brien), of Weaver– Excerpt provided by Catherine Schmidt Gray ’05 from her eulogy ville, North Carolina; and Deveaux ’78 (Greg Duckworth) for Liam Galaty. of Belmont, Massachusetts; and nine grandchildren, Nicholas Donley, Lauren Donley, Rushton Templet, Sebastian Templet, Avent Donley, Chloe Donley, Madison Donley, Marlane Dove ’65 Greer Duckworth, and Key Duckworth. 3/21/1948 – 6/3/2017 Marlane Dove was an honor graduate of Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Massachusetts, where she acquired Liam Galaty her love of English history and literature. She was also an 11/19/2003 – 12/18/2017 honor graduate of the University of Mississippi School of Liam was born in Jackson and attended St. Andrew’s EpisLaw and served on the law journal. Marlene practiced law copal School from pre-k3 until 8th grade. Liam excelled in in Jackson for almost 40 years, specializing in bankruptcy the classroom, having exhibited a love of learning from an law and estate matters. She was dedicated to her clients and early age, as well as having a gift for writing, visual art, and never much concerned about a fee. Marlane helped many music. He was a leader in the St. Andrew’s choral program, families cope with unexpected financial difficulties and took where he was a regular soloist and played theatrical roles pride in helping clients with matters that were routine to such as the Tin Man in “The Wizard of Oz” and as Mike her but of great importance in their lives, including adopT.V. in “Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.” tions, guardianships, wills, and deeds. Beyond his academic and artistic endeavors, Liam was She also served as president of the Alliance Francaise in perhaps best known for his incredible talent and love of Jackson and the Mississippi Opera Guild. Marlane loved soccer. He had played for the Jackson Futbol Club since he to travel, was a wonderful hostess, and had a wealth of was four years old, and as an 8th grader, he already excelled friends who loved and cherished her. She was always there as a member of the varsity soccer team. He played for the to offer love, support and comfort. With the love, support, Mississippi Rush club soccer team and was honored to play and comfort of these same friends, her final days were for the elite Rush Select Program, which allowed him to remarkably good. Marlane was an elegant and beautiful compete alongside some of the best young soccer players person; a loving wife and mother. She was greatly loved in the country. in return. Liam lived his life with compassion, dedication, joy, and Marlane was predeceased by her parents, Bernard W. N. courage. A kindhearted person with a good sense of humor, Chill, Sr. and Lilyan R. Chill. She is survived by her husband he could bring a smile to anyone’s face. His generous and of 43 years, Luke, and their son, Christopher ’00. She is also vibrant heart sparked joy in all around him, and he has survived by her aunt, Virginia Agnone, her brother, Bernie inspired others to live with deep passion and purpose. Chill, and wife, Ginger, and a legion of devoted friends.

Retiring Head of School George Penick and incoming Head of School Tom Sheppard reflect on the past and future of St. Andrew’s Episcopal School. THERE IS A MAGIC ABOUT St. Andrew’s Episcopal AS ST. ANDREW’S LOOKS FORWARD School that I still don’t fully understand. into a future yet to unfold, we do so with strong When I was named head of school 10 years ago, I knew community bonds that are an essential element that this was not a school or a situation that I was being called for our success. The values that have guided the upon to “turn around.” Instead, it was much more a school for its first 70 years will also serve as the charge of “don’t mess it up.” I wasn’t put in this position of foundation for the next 70 and beyond. trust to micromanage or enact sweeping changes. I was being This notion has been reinforced for me many asked to protect and build upon the St. Andrew’s magic. times over through opportunities to engage Part of what makes St. Andrew’s unique is the values St. Andrew’s constituents in a variety of setthat have guided the school since its beginning in 1947. tings. Not surprisingly, it all began during my St. Andrew’s believes in a lifelong dedication to learning; initial visit to St. Andrew’s early in the head truth, honesty, and integrity; the digof school search process. My time nity of every human being; the pursuit at the school included a campus “I BELIEVE of excellence in all endeavors; the taltour under the guidance of Emily I AM LEAVING ents and strengths of every individual; Kruse, a member of the Class of ST. ANDREW’S stewardship of the resources of our 2018. Over the course of our 45 in a good position school, community, and world; and minutes together, Emily’s abilfor the next generation service to others. We believe that we ity to convey the essence of St. of students, family, are called, with God’s help, to love our Andrew’s mission rivaled that of faculty, and alumni. neighbors as ourselves and to seek jusany student tour guide I had ever I believe I am leaving tice and peace in our world. encountered. She spoke with ease St. Andrew’s in a good Running a values-based organizaand authenticity about the signifposition for our new tion requires leadership that differs icance of the honor code as well Head of School, from ordinary management. Every as the school’s Episcopal heritage, Tom Sheppard, as he organization requires rethinking, reasthe commitment to diversity, the assumes his own place sessment, and redevelopment over role of the arts and athletics, a in the continuum.” time. But just because something needs sense of service to the community, George Penick to be changed doesn’t mean that it’s and an academic experience that broken. When I asked “why?” at St. left her feeling well-prepared for Andrew’s, it was not out of criticism, but as a reflection of the challenges that university life would surely our efforts to ensure that all of our practices or suggestions provide her. This was not a tour of programs, for change aligned with our defining values. statistics, or features. This was a tour of values, St. Andrew’s follows a constant arc of growth, devel- a tour of that which creates the heart and soul opment, and change. My time as head of school was a of a school community. segment of that continuum, which was well-established As we chart our path into the future, there before I arrived and will continue long after I retire. will be countless opportunities to reflect upon, I believe I am leaving St. Andrew’s in a good position debate, and consider that which binds the St. for the next generation of students, family, faculty, and Andrew’s community. As the head of school, alumni. I believe I am leaving St. Andrew’s in a good posi- I bear the responsibility of effectively articulattion for our new Head of School, Tom Sheppard, as he ing these values in a variety of settings, ensurassumes his own place in the continuum. ing that they remain an essential element in a And finally, I believe that I’ve done my job by “not mess- St. Andrew’s education. Through it all, these ing it up,” and by making sure that St. Andrew’s still has values will serve as the common bond among that rare, undefinable magic. all of our Saints, past, present, and future. 68